February 03, 2012

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VOL. 7, NO. 2024 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

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Pension cartel ‘rakes in N3.3b monthly’ T

HE Chairman of the Presidential Task Team on Pension, Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina, yesterday said a pension fraud cartel was swindling the Federal Government of about N3.3billion monthly before the team was put in place.

He said after verification by his team, the pension

•Mr Nta

By Our Reporter

rates being paid by the government reduced from N5billion to N1.7billion.

He said the N28billion police pension fund found in an account will be returned to the Budget Office.

Maina, who spoke at a meeting with the Acting Chairman of the Independ-

ent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Ekpo Nta, said the team has recovered N151billion embezzled funds and assets from corrupt civil servants, especially those in charge of the Pension Office.

He said a civil servant, who was involved in the pension racket, had 555

accounts.

“A figure of 258,000 pensioners was submitted to the Budget Office by the ‘cartel’ in the Pension Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation for which N5 billion was usually released monthly.

“But out of the N5 billion, the task force discovered that the government only

needed N1.7 billion out of N5billion to pay the 70,657 genuine pensioners.

“The government is only paying N1.7billion to pensioners instead of the hitherto N5billion. Obviously, those profiting from the scam were not happy. They have been issuing threats to members of my team.

Continued on page 4

Detectives storm Boko Haram kingpin’s home Suspect is our man, says sect Six killed in Borno From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

S

ECURITY agents are sure they have seized, the man using the pseudonym Abu Qaqa, spokesman of the dreaded Boko Haram sect.

Qaqa’s aunty and a cousin of his, who were flown to Abuja from Kaduna on Wednesday, are being interrogated by the State Security Service (SSS). The sect confirmed yesterday that the suspect is its man.

A security source, who spoke in confidence, said preliminary investigations confirmed that the suspect is “the wanted spokesman of Boko Haram”.

Detectives left Abuja last night for Damaturu, Yobe State to search the suspect’s home.

The source said: “After prolonged interaction with the suspect, he admitted to the SSS team of interrogators.”

“I am Abu Qaqa,” he was quoted as saying.

Security agents are suspecting that he is an Ebira from Kogi State, going by his intonation. “We have been working on a theory that he Continued on page 4

•Dr Fayemi reading the communique ... yesterday. Listening are: from right Aregbesola, Fashola and Amosun

Governors demand more power for states

M

EMORIES of the good, old days of the former Western Region were rekindled yesterday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, where governors called for more powers for states.

Making the demands are governors of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, Osun and Edo states that make up the old Western Region.

The quick devolution of “more powers” to the constituent parts of the country, in their view, will accelerate development.

THE DEMANDS •Quick devolution of power to the states •Revival of derelict Federal roads in Southwest •Review of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway concession From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

The governors said they deliberated on critical developmental and economic issues that would enhance the integration of the former Western Region.

According to them, the Federal

Government has accumulated “many responsibilities and power” that should have come within the purview of the federating states.

The meeting resolved that it had become “expedient” to review the existing power structure that arrogated so many responsibilities to

the government at the centre by devolving power to the federating states.

The meeting held at the Valley View Government House, Isale – Igbein, Abeokuta, was chaired by Lagos State Governor Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN). It was attended by host Governor Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) and Rauf Aregbesola (Osun).

Governors of Edo and Ondo Continued on page 4

•BRAND P13 •AGRIC P17 •SPORTS P23 •SOCIETY P29 •POLITICS P45

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

2

NEWS FUNERAL FOR ANAMBRA INDIGENES SLAIN BY BOKO HARAM NEW YEAR MESSAGES

Tears, prayers as Anambra bu W

OMEN wept. Men sobbed.

Children cried. Tempers rose.

Governor Peter Obi, National Chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) Victor Umeh, the member representing Anaocha, Njikoka, Dunukofia Federal Constituency, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife, could not hold back tears.

Leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Raph Uwazuruike, was pensive.

It was gloomy in Adazi Nnukwu in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State yesterday, when the twelve indigenes of the state killed on January 6 in Mubi, Adamawa State by suspected Boko Haram members were interred. They were killed during a town union’s meeting.

Virtually everybody at the burial wore black, except the widows who wore white.

Moving scenes were created by women who were faced with the grim fact that their husbands, brothers and sons were gone, never to return.

Most of the mourners sobbed when the mass conducted by the Catholic Bishop of Awka, Revd.

Paulinus Ezeokeke at the Saint Andrew’s Catholic Church, Adazi Nnukwu, ended. The sight of pallbearers, who carried the bodies from the church to the gravesite, brought tears Uwazuruike, who stormed the funeral with members of his group, told reporters said Ndigbo has kept quiet for too long.

He said: “I think the people of this area have kept quiet for so long a time but I think we have a name and integrity to protect.”

In his homily, Bishop Ezeokafor described the members of the Boko Haram insurgent group as senseless and reckless. He said it was sad that members of the group killed twelve people in their prime and left their children and relatives helpless.

The cleric urged the people to pray fervently to avert the anger of the Lord, saying it was painful and shocking for a community to bury twelve of their own lost to a senseless group.

He said: “We are living in hard times, we need courage and faith.

We should live without fear but we are saying that enough is enough. We cannot continue like this. It is our responsibility to save life and not to destroy it.

Security agencies should rise up to the challenges and their responsibilities. The forces of darkness are on the prowl.”

In tears, Ekwunife announced that the House of Representatives would give the Terrorism Bill accelerated passage.

She described the deceased as heros and heroines, saying Ndigbo would not go to war because of people she said were without conscience and hope.

Ekwunife said: “We do not want revenge because it is not our style but nobody should force us to lose our temper. This is a monumental loss; we cannot continue losing our loved ones.”

Obi, looking so worn out and in pains, announced a scholarship to all the children of the victims.

He said aside the one million naira already promised by the Adamawa State government for each family of the victims, he would add another one million each to the families.

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka and Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

THE DEAD •Amechi Onwukaike

(42)

•Obinna Akukwe

(16)

•Osita Aforka

(52)

•Ukamaka Aforka

(35)

•Uchenna Okpala

(45)

•Ugochukwu Ezenweke (48) •John Obiakonwa

(62)

•Patrick Aghachi

(49)

•Job Mgbemena

(53)

•Bede Anagbado

(53)

•Simeon Asor

(47)

•Sunday Okoye

(54)

The governor said Southeast governors are liaisoning with the Federal Government on the place of Ndigbo in the nation.

He urged traders, who stormed the arena with placards, not to revenge the killings.

The placards read: “enough is enough; these killings must stop, enough of these provocations, the nation is for all of us” among others.

Anambra State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) described it as madness.

Its chairman, Bishop Ephraim Ndife said:”This is madness and we cannot understand it. Why would sanctity of human life not be respected by people who claim they are worshiping God? Look at how these families have lost their breadwinners and the community its prominent citizens.

What happened to them happened to all of us. I pray the church would not think at all of taking vengeance or the community because it is biblical that vengeance is God’s and not man.”

Umeh said:”It is very unfortunate because every time something like this happens people speak tough language and at the end, nothing happens and it continues. It is time we have a national conference for the future of Nigeria and how Ndigbo should exist and if it is not done, things would continue to happen like this. We need a very strong regional governments and weaker centre, so that the regions would man their area. We can’t be living like this because we want peace when those we are dealing with do not want us.”

National President of Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), Chief Dr Innocent Onwubuya said:” It is a calamity and I have no words to describe what happened to our brothers but to pray for their souls to rest in the bosom of God. I am praying that God will touch the hearts of these faceless killers, so that they will stop maiming human lives that they cannot create.”

Secretary General Alliance for Igbo Youths, Emeka Moneme said it was sad that the Federal Government was not represented at the burial. He said: “How can people killed by Boko Haram sect in Adamawa are being buried today and nobody from the Federal Government is here to condole with Ndigbo? It is not fair and we would no longer take this.”

•Bodies of the victims before they were interred...yesterday

•Agatha Agh

•Perpetual M

•Traders protesting the killing of Igbo in the North at the burial...yesterday

Jonathan’s fortunes fade as attacks deepen disquiet In the beginning, the Goodluck Jonathan administration had a lot of goodwill, which appears to have been frittered away by Boko Harm attacks and other challenges, report Bloomberg’s MARAM MAZEN and CHRIS KAY

G

OODLUCK Jonathan won Nigeria’s presidency in 2011 pledging to transform the economy of Africa’s biggest oil producer by cutting waste and wooing investment. Now, he’s fighting for his political survival.

A week-long general strike last month mobilized millions against his decision to remove fuel subsidies that cost about $8 billion a year, forcing him into a partial climbdown.

That was followed by a series of attacks by Islamist militants that killed as many as 256 people in the northern city of Kano.

Less than a year into his first full term, Jonathan is looking less and less able to deliver what he promised, said Sebastian Spio-Garbrah, managing director of DaMina Advisors LLP in New York. Among those measures: improving regulation of the oil industry and fighting corruption while attracting foreign investment to build power plants, refurbish oil refineries and fix roads, bridges and railways.

• IN THE BEGINNING: Jonathan at his inauguration last May PHOTO: REUTERS

“Jonathan is fighting political battles on all fronts, and at the moment he seems to be losing all of them,” Spio-Garbrah said by phone from Accra, Ghana’s capital.

Jonathan, a 54-year-old southern Christian from the oil- rich Niger River delta, assumed office when his predecessor Umaru Yar’Adua, a northern Muslim, died on May 5, 2010. The following April, he won

an election that international and Nigerian observers said was the fairest since the end of military rule in 1999.

DIFFERENT LEADER “We were all very excited because he was different from leaders in the past, he had a different background, he was younger; this man could do something,” said Fatima Ali, a 33-

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

3

NEWS FUNERAL FOR ANAMBRA INDIGENES SLAIN BY BOKO HARAM

a buries Boko Haram victims WIDOWS AND WIDOWER

•Agatha Aghachi

•Francisca Asor

•Perpetual Mgbemena

•Rosemary Anagbado

year-old owner of a garment factory in Kano. “Things have gone from zero to minus 10.”

The attacks by militants loyal to Boko Haram, whose name means “western education is a sin,” have killed 935 people since the start of the campaign in 2009, more than a quarter of them this year, according to New York-based Human Rights Watch.

Companies are feeling the effects.

PZ Cussons Plc, the Manchester, U.K.-based maker of Imperial Leather soaps, fell 4.8 percent to 296 pence, the lowest close since June 10, 2010, on January 24. The company had expressed concern over the political stability of Nigeria, its largest market.

“Continued social instability in the north together with ongoing fiscal reforms may create further unrest in the balance of the year,” the company said in a statement.

STATE OF EMERGENCY Jonathan has declared a state of emergency in parts of the north and sacked his police chief, Hafiz Ringim, on Jan. 25. He says the militants pose a worse threat to the West African nation than did the 1967-1970 Biafra civil war.

“My administration is taking every measure necessary to speedily tackle this problem,” Jonathan said in a speech to the January 29-30 African Union summit in Addis Ababa.

Security forces arrested Boko Haram’s alleged spokesman, Abu

•Chinyere Okoye

•Christian Aforka

Qaqa, the director of the State Security Service in the northeastern city of Maiduguri, Ahmed Abdullahi, said yesterday by phone.

The violence persuaded a New York-based client of DaMina Advisors to postpone plans to meet senior government officials to discuss investments, Spio-Garbrah said, declining to name the business.

CAPITAL FLOWS STEADY Still, Central Bank Governor Lamido Sanusi said Jan. 31 that there are no signs the security and political concerns have sparked “any massive movement of capital out of the country.”

Yields on Nigeria’s international dollar bonds due 2021 have fallen 33 basis points, or 0.33 percentage point, this year to 5.815 percent as of 9:45 a.m. in London, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The Nigerian Stock Exchange All-Share Index has risen 0.7 percent to 20,879.31.

The naira has gained 0.8 percent this year to 161.06 per dollar on the interbank market, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

The effect of the attacks is visible in Abuja, the capital, where bombings killed 24 people at the United Nations office on Aug. 26, and 43 more at a nearby church on Christmas Day. Cars line up outside offices and hotels as army and police officers search trunks, and pedestrians entering buildings undergo security checks.

Once a little-known movement

•Victoria Ezenweke

•Fidelia Obiakonwa

•Augustina Aforka

•Eugenia Okpala

inspired by Afghanistan’s Taliban, Boko Haram exploded onto the scene in 2009 when then- President Yar’Adua ordered the security forces to disarm the group. That provoked clashes that killed more than 700 people, including its leader, Mohammed Yusuf.

CHRISTIANS SHOULD LEAVE Since then, the group, whose formal name is Jama’atu Ahlus Sunnah Lidda’awati Wal Jihad, or Congregation of Followers of the Prophet for the Call to Islam and Religious Struggle, has attacked police stations, government offices and churches across the north. It has told Christians to leave the region.

So far the violence in the north hasn’t hurt oil production or touched Lagos, the commercial capital.

“In practical terms, it has done little damage to the country’s commercial base,” said Samir Gadio, a London-based emerging markets strategist at Standard Bank Plc. Nigeria pumped about 2.1 million barrels of oil a day in January, unchanged from the previous year, according to data compiled

by Bloomberg. About 90 percent of Nigeria’s crude is produced by Royal Dutch Shell Plc, based in The Hague; Exxon Mobil Corp.; San Ramon, California-based Chevron Corp.; Total SA and Eni SpA in joint ventures with the state-

owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corp.

FUEL SUBSIDIES The most serious danger to crude production came during the Jan. 9-16 strike, when oil workers threatened to shut it down, and thus choke off almost all of Nigeria’s export income.

Jonathan had argued that by cutting the subsidies and letting domestic fuel prices rise, the refineries would attract enough investment so that Nigeria would no longer have to import about 70 percent of its gasoline and diesel.

The decision more than doubled prices at the pump and sparked outrage among Nigeria’s 164 million people, 64 percent of whom live on less than $1.25 a day, according to the UN. While the lower house of the National Assembly voted to demand that he rescind the subsidy, civil-society groups that once supported Jonathan deserted him, especially after he deployed army troops to quell the protests. At least eight people died in the demonstrations.

“The more he loses public support by pursuing unpopular policies or not acting on issues he should be tackling, the more his ability to get the legislature to give him support for his agenda will be weakened,” said Clement Nwankwo, executive director of the Abuja-based Policy and Legal

Advocacy Centre.

JONATHAN BACKS DOWN The strike ended after Jonathan agreed to limit gasoline- price increases to 97 naira (60 cents) a liter (0.26 gallon). It cost sub-Saharan Africa’s second-largest economy more than $1 billion, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

While gross domestic product is expected to expand 6.6 percent this year from an estimated 6.9 percent in 2011, according to the International Monetary Fund, Nigerians believe corruption and waste will sap the benefit of growth, said Ashley Elliot, a Nigeria analyst at Control Risks in London.

“Tensions on the narrow issue of fuel subsidies have unleashed broader popular anger over corruption and inequality,” Elliot said.

“After decades of shattered promises, today’s generation have difficulty believing in the Nigerian state as an agent of development.”

Activists copied the tactics of protesters in the Arab world and on Wall Street, using social media such as Facebook and Twitter to organize an Occupy Nigeria movement.

“Nigeria is never going to be the same again,” factory owner Ali said.

“I grew up with no power, the security challenges in our country, corruption every day. A lot of us have been talking for a while and we’re all really tired with the issues our country is facing.”

-Culled from Bloomberg news

4

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

NEWS YOU, THE REPORTER Dear reader, here is an opportunity for you to join our team of reporters. You can send in stories and photographs, which you consider to be newsworthy. Our telephone number is 08082036515 (sms). The email is info@thenationonline.ng.net – Editor

•L-R President & CEO General Electric (Africa), Jey Ireland, President Arik Air, Dr, Johnson Arumemi-Ikhide, Global Chairman, General Electric, Jeffrey Immelt, Chairman Arik Air, Sir Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide, Managing Director, Arik Air, Chris Ndulue and Africa Executive General Electric, Jay Wileman at the Preliminary discussion on Power and Aviation development in Nigeria at Transcorp Nicon in Abuja .

PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

•Finance Minister Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (left) congratulating UBA Managing Director Phillips Oduoza after the signing of YouWin Small Business Grant and Fund Custody and Disbursement Agreements by Banks and Finance Ministry in Abuja ... yesterday. With them is Bank of Industry Managing Director Evelyn Oputu PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

Pension cartel rakes N3.3b monthly, says Task Force chair “We discovered about 71,133 ghost pensioners within the system, for whom the “cartel” behind the fraud had been collecting government money for years.

“Also, about 44,320 retired persons were discovered never to have been paid their pension since 1968 and 1975. We have brought some of these pensioners on board and they now enjoy their pension.

“During the systems review, we uncovered 66 fake accounts. There was a situa-

tion where about 555 accounts belonging to one person were discovered in a particular bank.

“We felt this could not have been possible without connivance of the bank management. It is really unfortunate and sad.”

Maina said the success was achieved through the system review scheme designed by his team of men from ICPC, EFCC, Customs, Immigration and other relevant security agencies.

He pleaded with the ICPC

for closer ties so that all corrupt cases uncovered could be prosecuted.

He said: “If we can make these shocking discoveries in the Pension Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation alone, you can imagine the extent of fraud in all the 42 pension offices nationwide.

He added that the robust database of pensioners built by the team as well as the epayment system designed by the team really helped a great deal.

He said the Task Team had

also succeeded in reducing the monthly pension of the Police from N1.5 billion to N500 million.

Maina said: “At the Police Pension Office, the team also discovered some fraud that led to the reduction of their monthly delivery from the Budget Office from N1.5 billion, to N500 million.

An idle fund of N28 billion was also discovered and is to be returned to the Budget Office.

“We have designed a smartcard solution that has cut this expenditure and made the

exercise very convenient for the pensioners, who can do the verification without having to travel around the country thereby risking their lives.

“The government should be able to fully fund pension even in the future if the tempo against fraud in pension offices is sustained.

The Acting Chairman of ICPC, Mr Ekpo Nta, praised the Task Team for its achievements.

He said the commission has embarked on System Review of Public Department.

Detectives storm Boko Haram kingpin’s home Continued from page 1

might be an Igala, also from Kogi State.

“We will soon release a fact-sheet on him to the public but we do not want to prejudice the investigation.

“The interrogation is continuing. We are also screening his call logs.”

The source described Qaqa’s arrest as dramatic.

“He said: “The officer who led the team just returned from training in London.

When the team got to Qaqa’s hideout in Kaduna, he was with his aunty and a cousin.

This has confirmed that with training in anti-terrorism by our security agents, we can easily win the war.

“Sensing that the game was up, Qaqa hid under a bed and wrapped himself up with a blanket.

“Upon enquiry, his aunty told the security team that Qaqa had gone to another cousin’s house to pass the night.

“But the security team told the aunty that if they got to the cousin’s house and Qaqa was nowhere to be found, she would be killed along with the cousin.

“When the cousin heard that they might be killed for deceiving the team, he told the aunty: ‘Tell them the truth now, tell them the truth’. At that point, the aunty pointed in the direction where Qaqa was hiding, under the bed.

“The security team dragged Qaqa and another Boko Haram top shot out. They were immediately moved to Abuja.”

Another source added: “We are grilling the aunty who seems to know more about the

Six killed in Borno

S

IX people were killed yesterday in Maiduguri, Borno State’s beleaguered capital city, by people believed to be Boko Haram members as security is being tightened across the North.

Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar has deployed 10 additional units of riot policemen in Kano to secure the city, which is still reeling from the effect of Boko Haram attacks in which 185 people were killed.

Also, the headquarters of the Army’s 3rd Armoured Brigade in Jos has been moved to Gombe where the deadly sect has been operating freely for some time.

The six people were killed in their homes in Maiduguri while they were asleep.

They were found dead in Kawar Mala, Shehuri North, where 11 suspected sect members were killed by soldiers attached to the Joint Task Force (JTF) last Saturday. The families of the 11 have, however, called for a probe, saying they were not Boko Haram members.

operation of Boko Haram. The cousin is also being questioned on what he knows about the operation of Boko Haram.”

Qaqa’s aunty is believed to own the house where he was arrested.

A special team of investigators of the State Security Service (SSS) last night left Abuja for Damaturu to search the home of Abu Qaqa.

Qaqa reportedly cut his terrorism teeth in Yobe State.

A source said: “The preliminary investigation has confirmed that Qaqa lived in Yobe for a long time.

“The area where Qaqa is living in Damaturu is under emergency. So, the investigators do not need any search warrant.

They can barge into the house and conduct a search without

From Joseph Abiodun, Maiduguri

JTF spokesman Lt.-Col. Hassan Mohammed confirmed the killings in a statement.

He said: “Preliminary investigation reveals that the six deceased persons were suspected to have been killed by persons suspected to be their fellow sect members. The killings may have been as a result of division among sect members.”

He said the JTF would continue to be proactive in dealing with members of the sect, and advised the people to be security conscious.

Residents of Maiduguri were woken up early yesterday by deafening explosions which rocked parts of the metropolis.

A resident of Gomari Airport, Mallam Kaomi Bukar, said he was woken up by a loud sound but could not say where it came from.

Lt.-Col. Mohammed confirmed the explosions, but added that no casualty was recorded.

the suspect.”

“The SSS is not making official pronouncement yet because the arrest of Qaqa is a high-risk type and it has to do with a terror syndicate.

“Unless the investigation has reached an appreciable level, the SSS might not talk yet.”

Qaqa is being detained at a secret location.

A Boko Haram chieftain last night spoke on Wednesday’s arrest of the sect’s spokesman.

He confirmed in a telephone interview with reporters in Maiduguri that the spokesman whose real name is Abu Darda, was their top member who was arrested on his way to meeting with a government officials who offered to broker peace between the sect and government.

The Boko Haram chieftain

who identified himself as the real Abu Qaqa, said the arrested spokesman who, until his arrest, had been functioning as the sect’s Head of enlightenment, was using the name Abu Qaqa in “representative capacity”.

The new spokesman explained that though the arrest of Darda was a big loss to the sect, it will not deter them.

He recalled that their founding spiritual leader, the late Muhammed Yusuf was arrested “on a number of times and was even killed, yet the movement has survived” Abu Qaqa said the Federal government has revealed its hidden insincerity about its call for dialogue by the arrest of their spokesman. He said they may not honour any future call for dialogue, until government

frees all their arrested members currently in detention.

He said they were responsible for the killing of the seven persons that were found dead in Maiduguri yesterday. He said they were among 30 persons who revealed the hideouts of the 11 Boko Haram members that were shot dead by the Joint Task Force (JTF) last Saturday. He said the remaining 23 “traitors” will be killed soon.

Qaqa said all windows of dialogue with government will remain permanently sealed until government frees all arrested Boko Haram members. “Then we can send five of our representatives to dialogue with government”.

His words: “I am Abul Qaqa, the spokesman of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunnati Lidda’awati Wal Jihad. The arrested member Abu Dardaa is the head of the Lagina (Dept) of public enlightenment and not the spokesman.

The arrest of Abu Dardaa is an outright deception and betrayal by the Nigerian government and security agents. They proclaimed dialogue and are doing the opposite. His arrest has proven to us that they were waiting for us to avail ourselves so that they can arrest us.

“We purposely sent Abu Dardaa to Kaduna to discuss with some key government functionaries on the dialogue proposal. Indeed, he had started talking to them but unknown to him; they directed some security agents to trail him and he was arrested. This is exactly what happened. He volunteered to present himself for the dialogue but was betrayed. Everybody knows our capability and operating tactics.”

Southwest governors demand more power for states Continued from page 1

states were represented by their Deputies – Dr. Pius Odubu (Edo) and Alh. Ali Olanusi (Ondo).

The governors deplored what they called “imbalance” in the resource allocation to states of the region, despite their contributions to the nation’s Gross Domestic products (GDP).

“The governors reaffirm their determination to ensure that justice is done on the revenue allocation framework in the country,” they said in a communiqué read by Dr Fayemi.

They lamented the worsening state of the federal roads in the old Western region particularly the Lagos – Ibadan and Sagamu – Benin Expressways, saying the daily gridlock often witnessed on the roads leads to job losses, economic wastage and insecurity.

The governors resolved to explore the option of taking over the reconstruction and management of those roads to bring sanity back. They also agreed on the need to create alternative road and rail lines to link Lagos and Asaba in Delta State.

The meeting called for an immediate review of the existing concession agreement on the Lagos – Ibadan Expressway because of its strategic importance as the main artery linking Lagos to other parts of the country.

Other issues resolved at the meeting include the establishment of a full – fledged secretariat for effective co-ordination of the goals to fully integrate the states of the old Western Region with Ibadan as the headquarters. The periodic meeting of the governors is to be rotational.

But Bicourtney spokesman Dipo Kehinde said last night that the company is in a position to fufill its obligations on the LagosIbadan Express way contract, in line with the concession agreement.

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5

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

NEWS WORLD CANCER DAY 2012

Cancer, cancer everywhere… children also suffer Tomorrow, February 4, is World Cancer Day. Contrary to widespread belief that cancer is adult’s disease, children also bear the brunt of all manner of cancer, the treatment of which often drain their families financially and emotionally, reports JOKE KUJENYA

S

HE tells the story, with efforts.

It is one of those stories script writers are fascinated by. But for the victims, it is more than just a story. It is reality!

“It was on Monday, September 10, 2007. I had dropped off our little Joe, a very healthy and athletic 6year old boy, at the private school he was attending with my childhood friend’s daughter in Surulere, central Lagos. Yes, he had been sick a few times and had been admitted where he had spent weeks at the hospital in the past. But never has his temperature risen to the scary level I met him at the time I got to his bedside at our family clinic on this particular day,” narrated Mrs Rolake Edward, a Human Resource Manager with an engineering firm in Lagos.

Edward continues: “What got me shocked was that my son never showed any sign of cancer, not to talk of cancer of the kidney. In fact, we used to tease him as a ‘gentleman’ because he always wanted to be left alone when it comes to rough plays with his friends. Then, after the doctor had run series of tests at the hospital, I was told my son could have cancer of the kidney but that it would be confirmed. Days later, the doctor called me to confirm my worst fear. And do you want to know the nastiest part of it all? My husband, Daniel Edward, had passed on when Joe was barely three years of age. So, I raised him alone with the support of my inlaws. Now to watch him gradually slip off my hands is unthinkable.”

Young Joe is not the only juve-

nile battling for survival from the grips of cancer. At the D1-D3 Children’s Ward, Paediatric Department of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), there are about ten children on admission down with cancer.

The ward is divided into three large rooms with ten beds accommodating ten sick children. Of the thirty children in the three rooms, over ten of them are children with cancer.

There is the three-year-old boy with cancer of the blood known as leukaemia. He was brought to the hospital in October 2011. The young boy, looking very lean and drained, has been placed on very powerful drugs according to the team of doctors that attended to him at the time of The Nation’s visit to the hospital on Monday.

Adebola Akinsulie, associate professor and consultant paediatrician, explained that due to the fact that the children are underaged, certain aspects of their treatment had to be kept secret.

He noted that having been placed on a particular clinical medication, Joe would be discharged on Wednesday and the mother will be asked to bring him back to the hospital in sixteen days for another round of treatment.

The second patient is a two-yearold boy with cancer of the eye. He has a bulgy plaster on his left eye to cover the cancerous eye. He was said to have been admitted about one year ago. His case is so serious; his breathing was aided with an Oxygen equipment.

• A nine-year-old girl with cancer of the cheek on admission at LUTH.

PHOTO: JOKE KUJENYA

Cancer patient begs for help

C

URRENTLY writhing in cancerinflicted pains at the Ward A & E of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), is Miss Desiree Eburaja, 28, a final year Marketing student of the University of Calabar (UNICAL).

Her predicament began in 2010 with what she thought was a toothache.

At some point, Desiree said she was taken to the University Teaching Hospital Calabar, where a test was carried out on her. The doctors told her it was a belign growth.

But as the days turned into weeks, the growth got bigger and bigger. Thereafter, her elder brother, a medical doctor invited her to Kaduna. After running series of tests, the elder brother recommended a surgery.

There is also a little boy brought into the hospital for possible cancer of the brain. The doctor told The Nation that he has to be examined for brain infection.

A nine-year-old girl with cancer of the cheek lay on one of the beds.

The hospital also has a 7-year old boy on admission who is diagnosed with cancer of the kidney. He is said to have been constantly in and out of the hospital on a regular basis.

February 4 of every year is being observed the world over as World Cancer Day. Cancer prevention is said to be the key focus of Year 2012 as the world marks the day. The annual event is being observed to ease the global burden of cancer patients. Part of the reasons is also to raise awareness on how to raise the quality of life for cancer patients,

Later, the extract from the surgery was taken to Ahmadu Bello Teaching Hospital for Histology. That was when the result showed that her problem was cancer.

She was then referred to University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. Since then, she has been receiving treatments, such as radiography and chemotherapy.

Her situation is getting worse by the day because since after the last chemotherapy, she has suffered two crises.

The situation has drained her 61year-old mother, a retired banker, of all she had worked to save. Her father died years ago.

Desiree is begging the Lagos State government and good spirited Ni-

among others.

Among the 12 major types of childhood cancers, blood cell cancers, also called leukaemia, and cancers of the brain and central nervous system account for more than half of the cases regularly reported in hospitals. Reports say about onethird of childhood cancers are leukaemia. Medical experts noted that the most common type of leukaemia in children is acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. They also noted the most common solid tumours to be brain tumours such as gliomas, medulloblastomas, neuroblastomas, Wilms tumours and bone cancer or malignant tumours called sarcomas or rhabdomyosarcoma and osteosarcoma being less common.

According to medical experts,

•Eburaja

gerians to help her with funds to continue her treatment. She also needs money to do grafting surgery to cover the hole on her mouth, among others. childhood cancers arise from noninherited mutations or changes in the genes of growing cells. And because these errors occur randomly and unpredictably, there has been no effective way to prevent them.

Reports also say that all kinds of cancers, including childhood cancer, have a common disease process; that is, the cells grow out of control, develop abnormal sizes and shapes, ignore their typical boundaries inside the body, destroy their neighbour cells, and ultimately spread or metastasise to other organs and tissues.

However, different kinds of cancer have different signs, symptoms, treatments and outcomes, depending on the type of cell involved and the degree of uncontrolled cell growth.

Majority of cancer in children are incurable, says expert Adebola Akinsulie, an associate professor and Consultant Paediatrician at the Paediatric Department of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), speaks with JOKE KUJENYA on cancer in children.

D

O children have cancer and what factors predispose children to the ailment?

Oh yes, children do have cancer, a variety of cancers for that matter.

Some of them tentatively, in cases where they are presented very early curable. Majority of them are incurable- if children, for one reason or the other, are exposed to certain kinds of radiation, either through excessive exposures to X-rays. I don’t mean the normal chest X-rays, because even if they require at least about five of that, there is no danger. But sometimes, little children might need heavy exposure to radiation and that one might be a possible predisposing factor. Now, I am referring to something like nuclear radiation.

Children suffer from all kinds of cancer like I said; blood cancer which we call leukaemia and cancers of different parts of the body.

They have cancers of the kidney, eyes, brain, jaw and several others.

So basically, children do have cancer but the majority of the factors that predispose them to it are still unknown.

What’s the prevalent of children with cancer in the country?

In the past, we have done some tests and we believe that about five percent of admissions are due to children with cancer. And the very frequent ones that we do see are those we call a jaw or abdominal tumour, also called Burkitt Tumour. There is the very common one that pollutes the blood and is called acute leukaemia. There is also that of the kidneys which is Wilms’ tumour.

And there is also that of eye, which is called Retinoblastoma. These four, I mentioned, are the frequent ones we see here.

Now, I wouldn’t specifically be able to give you the figures as per the prevalent rate in the country.

One of the challenges is that we don’t have a dedicated cancer centre or registry for children in the

•Prof. Akinsulie

country. But we are trying to develop one. But based on the past works we have done and are still doing; and based on our admission records, I believe they fall less than 10per cent of all our admissions.

Generally, we have about two to four of them being admitted monthly.

What about death rates?

It is a very bad figure which may be as high as 90per cent. But these things could be much better if we are able to put them one-by-one side-by-side and we are able to see those who present early for treatment. But unfortunately, nearly all our patients don’t present early; that is their parents do not bring the children at the early for treatment.

What’s the admission rate you have here in LUTH and the survival chances?

Well, you will have to be talking about either on an annual or monthly basis. That figure is not readily available now. And I will not like to give you wrong figures.

But if you go into the wards, you will see about six or seven children with cancer. But generally, if we put everything together, sometimes we could have about four or five; and that will give us an estimate of 50 or more cancers in children annually; that is in this hospital. I can’t

speak for others. And this is talking about different kinds of cancers. If you think of cancer of the blood for instance, we could have like two or three patients per month and that would be about thirty-something at the end of the year. But if you talk of more rarer cancers, we may be having about three or four. And if you then add up all that, we could be talking of about 70 to 100 childhood cancers in a year.

Now, what is the cost of treating a child with cancer?

That is very expensive, no doubt.

It is very costly to treat a child with cancer. And averagely, in each child, we are talking of between half-amillion to a million naira. To record good success in treating a child with cancer, we are talking of treatments that could last for over a year to about two years. For some of them, before you can even talk of the child being stable or cure, you would have taken care of them for about two years.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

NEWS Appeal Court dismisses Suswam’s prayers against ACN, ANPP

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HE Court of Appeal, Makurdi Division, yesterday dismissed the appeals by Governor Gabriel Suswam and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the election petitions of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) over time-frame (180 days).

The justices held that the petitions should be heard on merit as the Supreme Court has directed.

Justice Monica Mensen Dongbon ruled that the decision of the Supreme Court to send back the petitions for a re-trial has made the 180-day time frame a nonissue.

She dismissed the appeal, saying it lacked merit.

The Benue State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal had dismissed the motion by Suswam seeking the order of the tribunal to strike out the petition of Prof Steven Torkuma Ugba over time frame.

The motion failed as the tribunal, presided over by Justice Mohammed Halima, struck it out and proceeded to the pre-hearing before the governor

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

challenged the decision of the lower tribunal at the Appeal Court.

The Court of Appeal also yesterday dismissed the appeal by the PDP seeking to set aside the tribunal’s decision to accept the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) inspection report conducted by the ACN. Justice Dongbon held that “the report of the petitioner concerning inspection of INEC materials is proper and the tribunal was right in admitting it so that it can be used as evidence by the petitioner”.

In Gwer State Constituency, ACN candidate, Letta Terungwa, triumphed over PDP’s Emmanuel Ayua, while Bem Ortese (ACN) was victorious against PDP’s Mrs Theresa Ujege, for Konshisha.

Counsel to ACN, Simon Orkuma and Andrew Wombo, described the judgment as sound.

But counsel to the PDP and Suswam, Edward Ashiekaa and Chief John Ochoga, who held brief for Chief Solo Akuma (SAN), said they would study the judgment for an appeal.

Reps query N4.8b school fees for foreign missions From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

HE House of Representatives’ Committee on Foreign Affairs yesterday queried the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olugbenga Ashiru over the N4.8 billion earmarked this year for the school fees of the children of its workers in foreign missions.

At the budget defence of the ministry, members of the Nnena Elendu-Ukeje-led committee decried the huge bill the ministry spends annually on school fees.

They noted that the ministry has a case to answer following its vague presentations to the National Assembly every year.

According to the lawmakers, the ministry brings a long list of beneficiary missions and their countries, but does not give a breakdown to show the names of the workers and the specific amounts their children need as school fees.

The lawmakers grilled the minister over multiple security vote entries in this year’s budget. The money is about N2 billion.

Committee Chairperson Elendu–Ukeje noted that there were templates given to ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) on security votes.

“You have put votes for security in four different places, and that is the issue. You have four different sub-heads showing security votes. That is not acceptable,” she said.

The minister said he would not discuss security matters in the open with the media taking the details.

Members of the committee could not understand the reason the ministry could spend over N2 billion on transport and travels for a course that costs less than N90 million.

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Four crushed to death at Bauchi military checkpoint F

OUR persons, including a soldier, have been crushed to death by an oil tanker at a military checkpoint in Bauchi.

The accident, which occurred at Sabo Ngeri-Nairabi in Toro Local Government Area, involved the tanker and two Opel Vectra salon cars.

The Bauchi State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Zakaria Momoh said six persons were affected in the accident.

According to him, the military man died on the spot while the others were seri-

‘Recruitment by Benue Teaching Service Board futile’ From Uja emmanuel, Makurdi

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HE Federal Character Commission in Benue State has said the recent recruitment and interview conducted by the state Teaching Service Board was an exercise in futility.

The commission alleged that the exercise did not reflect the true representation of the 23 local government areas of the state.

The commissioner representing Benue State on the commission, Mrs. Margaret Icheen, told reporters in Makurdi, the state capital, that the exercise violated the principle of the Federal Character Commission, which stipulates that candidates from all local governments must have equal job opportunities.

According to her, the board failed to advertise the vacancies in two national dailies, such as The Nation in the South and Daily Trust in the North, for six weeks.

ously injured and taken to a hospital.

The Sector Commander said the tanker-trailer had a brake failure and its driver lost control.

He said the tanker rammed into the two vehicles as they were waiting to be passed by the soldiers at the checkpoint.

An eyewitness, Shuaibu Umar, told The Nation that the oil tanker was from the

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

T

From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

South and heading to Bauchi.

He noted that it lost control on a slope at Nairabi and rammed into the two cars.

According to him, the tanker ran over the two vehicles and crushed their four occupants to death.

The soldier, Shuaibu said, was on a routine check of vehicles because of the insecurity in the North.

It was gathered that about 30 people were burnt to death last year in an accident

that involved three trailers, a petrol tanker, five buses and several cars in the area.

The eyewitness urged the authorities to prevent further deaths in the area.

Umar, who lamented regular accidents at the check point, said: “I think it is better the check point is shifted to another place, because many people have recently died at the Nairabi military check point. Just last year, over 30 people and 20 vehicles were burnt to ashes...”

Judge threatens to dismiss terrorism charge against Ndume

PDP committee proposes March for congresses, national convention HE National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday proposed congresses and national convention of the party for the first week of March.

A statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali, said the NWC took the decision yesterday at an emergency meeting in Abuja.

But he said the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party would meet in about two weeks to consider and approve a new time table for the congresses and convention.

• Yobe State Governor Ibrahim Gaidam (right) greeting Acting Inspector-General of Police Muhammad Dahiru Abubakar during the governor’s condolence visit to the police chief on the death of his wife in Kano...yesterday

• Ndume

N Abuja Federal High Court Judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole,

A

yesterday threatened to dismiss the criminal charge against Senator Ali Ndume.

The senator is charged with alleged sponsor of the Boko Haram sect.

Justice Kolawole had, on December 19, last year, given

an order for accelerated hearing and adjourned till February 2, 7 and 14, for the trial.

At the resumed hearing yesterday, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mrs. Olufun, was absent.

Mr. Cliff Osagie, who stood in for her, told the court that she was away on a national assignment.

He said a letter informing the court and the defence had been served. Osagie asked for a short adjournment.

Mr. A. A Vangos, holding brief for the lead defence counsel, Chief Rickey Terfa, expressed reservations but did not object to the request.

Osagie told the court that the DPP wanted a new date in the last week of February, instead of the March 6 and 7, which she reportedly asked for in the letter.

Justice Kolawole threatened to dismiss the charge and discharge the accused, if the prosecution was not prepared.

He wondered why law enforcement agencies arraign accused but develop cold feet after the initial noise in the media.

The judge told Osagie: “Tell the DPP that if she is not ready, I will discharge the suspect and that will be the end of the matter. If the state is not ready to prosecute the accused person,

withdraw the charges and go to another place.

“In view of the background of the last adjourned date, this will be an anti-climax. The national assignment, which she is going to or has gone for, was not even disclosed to our office.

I am still wondering which other national assignment can actually prevent her presence in this court today.

“The case had earlier, with her consent, been adjourned to today and February 7, for trial. I have always expressed my displeasure with regards to applications for adjournment of criminal cases.”

Fed Govt promises to fulfil agreement with ASUU

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HE Minister of Education, Prof Ruquayyatu Rufa’i, yesterday said the Federal Government would henceforth honour its agreements with any union, especially with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

The minister addressed reporters in Abuja following the suspended ASUU strike, which lasted two months over a 2009 agreement with the government.

She said: “The Federal Gov-

•Union warns govt over promise From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja and Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

ernment is ready to dialogue with every union of the higher institutions and pledged to fulfil every agreement entered into with any of the unions, especially the latest with ASUU.” Rufa’i hailed ASUU for understanding Federal Government’s stand and ending the strike.

The minister hailed parents and students, who were the major victims, for their patience and understanding throughout the period.

The Bauchi State chapter of ASUU has urged the Federal Government not to renege on its promise to honour its agreement with the union.

It noted that despite the Federal Government’s failure at fulfilling previous agreements, the union suspended the

strike.

Its Chairman, Dr. Lawan Abubakar said: “The struggle of ASUU at ensuring that the Federal Government meets its demand started in 2004. There was an agreement between the ASUU and the Federal Government to meet the demands of the union. But until now, the government has not really shown any tangible commitment towards the agreement. This is why we are still experiencing persistent strikes in our universities.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

7

NEWS Lagos restates commitment to health care

By Wale Adepoju

WITH the opening of the Gbaja Maternal and Child Centre (MCC), Surulere, Lagos, State Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday restated commitment to healthcare.

According to him, the 110bed hospital, which is the fifth MCC constructed by the state, has been equipped to meet the growing health challenges of women and their children.

Fashola, who spoke at the inauguration, said the facility was comprehensive to treat all mother and child-related diseases.

He promised to complete other centres in Alimosho, Ibeju-Lekki, Epe and Badagry.

“We want to ensure that people are healthy in Lagos.”

Fashola said as he urged beneficiaries to protect public facilities in their domains.

He reminded them that such facilities belong to them as part of the dividends of democracy.

Commissioner for Health Dr Jide Idris said the MCC would aid the attainment of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) four and five.

US denies predicting Nigeria’s break-up in 2015

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NITED States (U.S.) Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Terence McCulley yesterday said his country never predicted that Nigeria would break up by 2015 as earlier reported.

The envoy, who, was in Ibadan, explained that the prediction was done by a private agency that carried out a survey and not the U.S. government as claimed by the report.

He said the US government considered Nigeria as a strategic partner in Africa, adding that the role being played by Nigeria in peace keeping operations in the

•Ambassador says Boko Haram menace will soon be over From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

continent was very vital.

Describing the violent activities of Boko Haram sect as unfortunate, the envoysaid he was optimistic that it would soon be resolved going by the combined efforts being made by government and religious leaders.

To him, the menace of Boko Haram could be attributed to political rivalry between the North and the South, stating that his country was playing a major role

in checking the excesses of the sect. He noted further that with the dispatch of bomb technicians to Nigeria, it was indicative of the robust relationship between the two countries.

He identified corruption as a fundamental problem which had created wide gaps between the governed and government and urged all the tiers of government to tackled the vice.

He advised that the government to strengthen all the relevant anti-corruption agencies with the necessary

backing to enhance performance.

McCulley had expressed earlier in his remarks that Nigerians exercised freedom of speech and expression last month when they spoke against the decision to remove subsidy on petrol.

His words: “They did so peacefully, for the most part, from Lagos and Ibadan to Kaduna and Kano. And the Nigerian government, for the most part, protected its citizens’ right to speak out, and held accountable those

$600,000 stolen in raid of Bureau de Change at airport

By Kelvin Osa- Okunbor

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Mark lifts journalist’s family with N500,000

By Emmanuel Oladesu

SENATE President David Mark yesterday donated N500,000 to the family of the slain Channels Television cameraman, Enenche Akogwu. He also commiserated with the station over his painful death, stressing that he and other senators shared in the grief.

Mark’s media aide Kola Ologbodiyan, who presented the cheque to the General manager, Steve Judo, praised the dedication and diligence of the deceased and prayed for the repose of his soul.

Hailing the station for its support for democracy and good governance, he advised media houses to embrace the life insurance scheme proposed by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Judo thanked the Senate President and his team for the gesture, describing it as wholesome.

He added: “No amount of money would replace the life of the deceased, but we hope that any assistance could relieve the family of stress. His mother is still alive. We are also setting a trust fund in his memory.

“We don’t joke with our staff. All our staff have been insured. The scheme commenced two years ago. The cheque was delivered to the family on the day of his burial.

I urge other media houses to emulate this policy”.

•Mark

who abused authority. This is a sign of democracy: people exercised a fundamental freedom, and the government listened.

“Nigeria is also a country of diverse faiths, and Nigeria also draws its strength from this diversity. In spite of this-perhaps because of it, some people seek to exploit religious differences in Nigeria. But, many Nigerians have refused to let this happen. I am pleased to see ongoing interfaith dialogues among religious leaders. I was especially encouraged by reports of Christians protecting Muslims during Friday prayers during the protests against the removal of fuel subsidy and Muslims guarding Christian churches during Sunday services after the horrendous Christmas Day attacks. Efforts like these to promote a universal freedom of worship will help everyone prosper.”

•Niger State Governor Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu (second right) welcoming the state Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Yahaya Ndako when he visited the Government House, Minna...yesterday. With them are the Minister of State Niger Delta, Hajia Zainab Ibrahim Kutchi (second left) and the state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Abdullrahaman Enegi

Fed Govt delists 2466 from amnesty programme

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HE Federal Government has disclosed that the names of 2466 persons were deleted from its amnesty programme for former agitators in the Niger Delta.

It, however, spoke of a plan to include 6166 ex-agitators in the second batch, the list of which will be made public at the end of the month.

According to the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Kingsley Kuku, some names were canceled following the demobilisation exercise.

A statement issued in Abuja yesterday and signed by Henry Ugbolue, spokesman for the Amnesty Office, said the information was for those who have gone through the demobilisation exercise in either Obubra or Akodo and are yet to be deployed to the various reintegration centres.

•To get 6166 list of second batch trainees in February From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

The statement said their call up efforts are being intensified in order to achieve speedy placements in either formal education or skill acquisition centres within the country.

It said that the 2466 delisted persons were delisted based on their on the demobilisation records from Ondo, Bayelsa, Delta and Cross River that enlisted in them in the second phase of the programme.

It also added that the Identity Card and United Nations (UN) code issued to all the affected persons have been nullified and are no longer valid.

The office said the cancellation of the

demobilisation exercise for the affected persons followed the discovery of fundamental discrepancies in their camp records by forensic experts engaged by the amnesty office.

The statement reads: “Pursuant to the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the execution of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Kingsley Kuku has approved the immediate cancellation of the demobilisation records of 2,466 persons from Ondo, Bayelsa, Delta and Cross River States enlisted in the second phase of the Programme.

USPECTED armed robbers yesterday raided one of the car parks at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos. They shot sporadically as they carted away more than $600,000 (about N96 million) from the Bureau de Change operators.

According to a source, the suspects gained access into the car park of the international wing and opened fire to scare away those doing business .

As the people scampered to safety, a woman was allegely hit by a stray bullet.

She was reportedly taken to a private hospital around the airport.

One of the operators, who confirmed the theft of over $600,000, blamed the incident on the porous security at the airport.

A police source at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command, said detectives have launched investigations into the matter.

Another source claimed that the suspects trailed some passengers, who brought the money to the airport to be changed to local currency.

Sham marriages: Nigerians jailed in UK

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O fewer than 10 foreign nationals, many of them Nigerians have been jailed in the United Kingdom (UK) over alleged involvement in sham marriage scam.

They were found guilty of trying to organize an international sham marriage conspiracy with the church in Nottingham.

The scam first came to light after a UK Border Agency officers stopped a suspected sham marriage between Dutch national Ramsley De Kaster and a Nigerian Folfolashade Ladapo, at St Stephen’s with St Paul’s Church, Bobbersmill Road, Nottingham on October 10, 2010.

The bogus bride and groom pleaded guilty to conspiracy to breach immigration law.

They were jailed for 12 months and 18 months respectively on October 25, 2010.

A specialist UK Border Agency crime team, comprised of immigration and seconded police officers, started an investigation which uncovered 16 sham marriages that had taken place at St Aiden’s Church in Baseford, Nottingham involving Dutch and Nigerian nationals.

On March 2, last year officers swooped on addresses in Nottingham, London and Kent. Dutch police officers also raided addresses in Rotterdam and Tilburg on the same day.

The suspected ringleader, Phillips Onikoyi, a 34-year-old Nigerian was arrested in Nottingham along with suspected bogus brides, and fellow Nigerian nationals, Esther

Abiola Idowu, 31, and Olujamoki Ikoyi, 29.

Isaac Onikoyi, a 22-year-old Nigerian man, was arrested in Ramsgate on March 2, last year while another Nigerian, Olushola Oshingbade, 40, was arrested in Lewisham a few weeks later.

Wensley Quirindongo, a 37year-old Dutch man, was also arrested in the Netherlands on the same day. Four other Dutch nationals were arrested in a follow-up operation in the Netherlands on March 16, last year: Ediselle Barrimond, 26, Ulrich Toppenberg, 41, Charlton Macaay, 29, and Shamazaira Castillo, 26.

All five Dutch nationals were extradited to the UK to stand trial along with the other five suspects.

On September 19, 2011 all

of those charged pleaded guilty except Olujamoki Ikoyi.

Onikoyi (Phillips), of Stanley Road, Nottingham, was sentenced to five years; Idowu, of Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham, Onikoyi (Isaac) and Olushola Oshingbade got 12 months each, while the five Dutch nationals were sentenced to 18 months each.

These details could not be made public at the time, though as the judge imposed reporting restrictions until the trial of Olujamoki Ikoyi had taken place.

Ikoyi has taken part in a sham marriage at St Paul’s Church, Carlton, Nottingham.

Yesterday at Leicester Crown Court, Ikoyi was found guilty of conspiracy to breach immigration law and sentenced to two years.

Pete Copple, from the UK Border Agency’s immigration crime team, said: “We are pleased that this major international investigation has resulted in significant sentences being handed down to all members of this organised crime group who attempted to breach immigration law.

“We will continue to crack down on criminal gangs that try to profit from organising sham marriages. Anyone attempting to benefit illegally from the privileges of life in the UK faces prison and deportation.”

The judge praised the UK Border Agency officers for a very thorough and comprehensive investigation into a wide-ranging international conspiracy.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

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NEWS Fed Govt spends N70b on NYSC

Boko Haram: IGP deploys 10 riot police units in Kano

•Only 10% employed From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

HE Federal Government spends about N70billion annually to run the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, the Minister of Youth Development, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, has said.

The minister spoke yesterday in Abuja when he unveiled the measures for the reform of the scheme.

He said of the 250,000 corps members the scheme produces annually, only 10 per cent are employed.

According to him, there is need for an urgent reform of the scheme to justify the huge funds sunk into it.

The minister, who said he would be the chairman of the implementation committee of the reform, added that corps members would only be posted to four sectors of the economy.

These are Agriculture, Education, Rural Health and Infrastructure.

Abdullahi noted that the policy would take off with the 2012 Batch ‘A’ service year.

He said: “The new posting policy framework is expected to enhance equitable distribution of corps members in a way that will curtail under-utilisation and also re-energise the objectives of the scheme as envisioned by its founding fathers.”

NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Nnamdi Okore Affia, said corps members would not be posted to states with security challenges.

He noted that the NYSC complements the efforts of the Federal Government in securing corps members because it is the sole responsibility of the government to do so.

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HE Acting InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP) Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar has said 10 units of riot policemen from Abuja and other parts of the country have been deployed in Kano to reinforce security, following Boko Haram attacks in the state.

Speaking against the backdrop of the multiple attacks on Kano by the sect a fortnight ago, the police chief noted that the state was not having enough policemen to protect the residents and their property.

He said 8,000 policemen are inadequate for a state with over 10million resi-

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

dents.

Abubakar spoke in Kano during his condolence visit to Governor Musa Kwankwaso on the death of Boko Haram victims.

The police chief said efforts were being made to address the challenge.

He said: “With an estimated 10 million population, 8,000 police strength is inadequate and we are working towards addressing this.

“I am not happy with the security situation in Kano, following the events of January 20 in which about

186 residents and innocent citizens were killed.”

Abubakar observed a minute silence in honour of the victims.

The police chief assured Nigerians that his tenure would fight corruption in the service. “We must have a new and people-oriented police force that will be devoid of corruption and indolence,” he said.

Describing the January 20 incident as a nightmare, Kwankwaso prayed that it should be the last the state would experience.

The governor hailed the police for responding promptly and effectively to

the mayhem.

He said: “The government will continue to partner the police and other security agencies in Kano State to ensure improved security in the commercial city.

“The government is not relenting, despite the distraction caused by that attacks. Let me state that I have had a useful discussion with the Inspector-General of Police on how best to improve security in Kano.”

Kwankwaso said Abubakar was the best choice President Goodluck Jonathan made in replacing the retired police chief Hafiz Ringim.

Court orders service on Wada

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N Abuja Federal High Court yesterday ordered a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Kogi State, Oyebode Makinde, to serve court processes on Governor Idris Wada.

The court declined an ex parte motion by Makinde, seeking to restrain Wada from parading himself as governor and from carrying out all official duties attached to the office.

Justice Donatus Okorowo, who ordered the plaintiff to put the defendants on notice by substituted service, granted an accelerated hearing of the matter.

The defendants are: the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),

PUBLIC NOTICE ANUKAM

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Anukam Jovita, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Jovita Nkechi Inyang. All former documents remains valid.

General public should take note.

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Wada and House of Assembly Speaker Abdullahi Bello, as first to fourth defendants.

Others are: the Commissioner of Police, the Chief Judge, the Grand Khadi and the President of the Customary Court of Appeal.

When the matter came up yesterday, Justice Okorowo, after perusing the application and listening to the oral submission of the applicant’s counsel, Dr. Alex Iziyon, said it was clear that two people were laying claims to the Office of the Governor of Kogi State.

He noted that the applicant is not laying claim to the seat but asking for a fresh primary if the swearing-in of Wada is quashed.

“It is, therefore, on this note I decline prayers three and four, and I order the applicant to put all respondents on notice...”

•Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole (second left) and some women at a luncheon organised for the governor by market women in the state...yesterday

Court refuses suspected gunrunner bail

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FEDERAL High Court, sitting in Kaduna, yesterday refused a bail application brought before it by the former Kaduna State Chairman of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers, Alhaji Nuhu Mohammed Marafa, who was arrested recently for alleged gunrunning.

Justice Lucia Ojukwu said the court could not grant the application because the motion on notice seeking to enforce the fundamental rights of the applicant was yet to be heard.

Marafa and his son, Musa, were arrested by soldiers from the 1 Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna, on January 14, at his Kaduna home.

They were linked with a terror group.

His second son, Yusuf, was declared wanted.

Parading Marafa a few days after his arrest, the mili-

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

tary said various arms and ammunition were recovered from his home.

His family has raised the alarm that it has been denied access to him.

Counsel to the suspect, Bello Ibrahim, had approached the court with a motion seeking his release.

He said Marafa’s continued detention is illegal, adding that it violates his fundamental human rights as enshrined in Order 2, Rules 1 to 5 and Order 4 of the Fundamental Human Rights Rules, 2009.

The defendants in the suit are: the Nigerian Army, the Chief of Army Staff, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna, and the Attorney-General of the Federation. They are the first, second, third and fourth defendants.

The lawyer argued that Sections 34, 35, 37 and 46 of the Constitution, as amended, as well as Articles II, IV, V, VII (1and 2) of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights state the rights that individuals must enjoy. He said Nigeria is a signatory to the conventions.

Ibrahim is seeking an order of court to enforce the suspect’s right to human dignity and personal liberty as well as that of privacy, which he said have been violated “by the third respondent, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna”.

The lawyer added: “They (the defendants) unlawfully marched armed troops and entered the home of the applicant at K15 Matawalle Road, Sabon Garin

Nasarawa, Tirkania, Chikun Local Government Area, and seized him on Saturday, 12:50am, without any just cause, in violation of his constitutional guaranteed fundamental human right.”

He prayed the court to compel them to pay his client N500 million compensation besides other benefits that the court may deem fit.

But counsel to the defendants, Biola Oyebanjo, applied for adjournment to enable him respond to the motion.

He averred that his clients were only served the motion on January 28, while he received the notice on January 30 from his client.

Oyebanjo said the period was too short for him to respond to the motion. He applied for more time to enable him reply adequately.

Justice Lucia Ojukwu granted the application and adjourned the matter till February 8 for further mention.

Reps decry rising 2011 subsidy claims UEL subsidy for last year may hit From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele N3trillion with the discovery of outAnofi, Abuja standing payments to major, inde- has directed the Chairman of Ascon Oil pendent and briefcase importers running to appear before it on Monday. into billions of naira.

The oil firm, which was to make a presThe official figure from the Central entation at yesterday’s sitting, was disBank of Nigeria (CBN), said to have been allowed because of an interview granted paid to the importers as at December, last by its Chairman Aliko Gwadabe in a year, was N1.7trillion. national newspaper (not The Nation).

The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee Chairman Farouk Lawan Committee, probing fuel subsidy regime, dismissed the representatives of the

F

company, saying: “Your chairman granted an interview in a newspaper where he raised a number of issues concerning what we are doing here. He should come on Monday so that we can clear the air on some of the issues he raised.”

Members of the committee expressed concerns over increasing rise in the outstanding payments the Petroleum Product Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) was to make to fuel importers.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

9

NEWS

Court stops EKSIEC from conducting council polls

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HE Ekiti State High Court, sitting in AdoEkiti, the state capital, yesterday restrained the State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC) from conducting the local government elections scheduled for Saturday or any other election.

Justice John Adeyeye said all evidences given in an affidavit deposed to by the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Bola Olu-Ojo, were valid and could be relied upon.

Olu-Ojo had urged the court to restrain EKSIEC from conducting any election, on the grounds that five of the seven members of its board are politicians and as such cannot conduct fair and credible elections.

Justice Adeyeye held that the second to sixth defendants

•Govt: we’ll study ruling •PDP hails judgment From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

were politicians and could, therefore, not conduct credible elections.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Dayo Akinlaja, who represented the defendants, argued that the Curriculum Vitaes (CVs) submitted by the plaintiff were photocopies and not Certified True Copies (CTC) of the documents submitted by EKSIEC members to the House of Assembly during their screening.

Justice Adeyeye faulted this position, explaining that the court relied on the provisions of Sections 89 and 91 of the Evidence Act, which allows the admission of ‘sec-

‘The commission is therefore restrained from conducting any election into any elective office’ ondary evidence’ sought by a party to a case when the ‘primary materials’ are in the possession of the other party to the case.

He averred that since the House of Assembly (the ninth defendant) did not make Certified True Copies of the CVs available to the plaintiff, the court had to rely on the photocopies provided.

Justice Adeyeye noted that the receipt of the letter by the plaintiff’s lawyer, Mr. Olalekan Olatawura, to the Assembly, requesting the release of the CVs was acknowledged and stamped by officials of the Assembly.

Adeyeye said: “The commission is therefore restrained from conducting any election into any elective office.

Reacting to the judgment, the state government said it has accepted the verdict of the High Court in respect of Saturday’s elections.

Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation Funminiyi Afuye said: “Our position as a government that believes in the

principles of the Rule of Law is that the court has a right to pronounce on any matter before it.

“We are not in the business of gagging the Judiciary. We will, however, study the ruling, which we are yet to see, before we take the next step.

“We urge our people to continue to be law-abiding and eschew any action that can lead to the breach of peace.”

Olu-Ojo said: “We congratulate the Judiciary for living up to the expectation of Ekiti people and Nigerians. We hope the state government will obey the judgment by dissolving the EKSIEC board and reconstituting it with non-partisan members. Our participation in the local government polls will be premised on this.”

Osun Assembly okays N150b budget From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

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HE Osun State House of Assembly has approved the N150 billion Budget for this year.

Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation Mr. Kamil Oyedele moved the motion for the budget’s approval.

Speaker Najeem Salaam urged Governor Rauf Aregbesola to stick with the budget, so as to avoid supplementary budgets.

He also urged commissioners, heads of agencies and institutions to execute their budgets with caution.

By Musa Odoshimokhe

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By Miriam Ndikanwu

TRANSPORTERS in Lagos State yesterday agreed to reduce the high cost of transportation.

This followed a directive by the government to stakeholders in the sector to slash fares, which were hiked in the wake of petrol pump price increase.

Speaking to reporters in Alausa, the Chairman, Technical Committee, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Akin James, said a monitoring team would ensure that the new fares are implemented across all parks.

He said the government and stakeholders agreed to reduce the cost of transportation from the current price by N10, N50, N150, N200, N300, depending on the routes.

James said leaders of NURTW, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and head of other transport unions have unanimously agreed on the decision.

Commissioner for Transport Kayode Opeifa said the new fares would not be above 20 per cent increase.

Opeifa appealed to petty traders not to raise the cost of goods by 100 per cent.

Oyo ACN slams minister over deployment of soldiers

Activist cautions Ondo Assembly RIGHTS activist, Morakinyo Ogele, has called on the Ondo State House of Assembly to withdraw its resolution asking the Senate President to declare the seat of the member representing Akure North/ South Federal Constituency, Mr. Ifedayo Abegunde, vacant.

Abegunde recently dumped the Labour Party (LP) for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Ogele said it is undemocratic for the House to make such a pronouncement, as the Supreme Court has stated its position on politicians who defect.

He said: “The Supreme Court, in the Mamora case, has made it clear that nothing is wrong with leaving a party for another. Equally, members of the House should study our constitution before making themselves a laughing stock by passing useless resolutions.

“A seven-day ultimatum is hereby issued to them to withdraw this illegal resolution. Otherwise, I will not hesitate to mobilise people of their constituencies to recall them. They should concentrate on how to make Ondo State a better one, rather than making noise about defectors.”

Lagos transporters agree to reduce fares

.Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (second right); his deputy, Mrs. Joke Orelope-Adefulire (right); Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure Mr. Ganiyu Johnson (left); and Commissioner for Works Obafemi Hamzat (second left)during the inauguration of the upgraded Akerele Road in Surulere, Lagos…yesterday PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

Ondo ACN warns LP over alleged provocation

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State yesterday urged the Labour Party (LP) to stop intimidating its members.

ACN Chairman Mrs. Jumoke Anifowose condemned the alleged breeding of thugs by LP leaders.

She said she has petitioned the Commissioner of Police on the matter.

Mrs. Anifowose spoke at Oba-Ile, Akure North Local Government Area, while presenting an ACN membership card to former Commissioner for Transport Otunba Omoniyi Omodara, who had just dumped LP. She said: “During last Saturday’s maiden convocation at Achievers University,

•Govt: it is not true From Damisi Ojo, Akure

where Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola was honoured, some hoodlums stormed Owo, shooting sporadically in front of the late Adekunle Ajasin’s residence.

They provoked us, tore and defaced Aregbesola’s posters that adorned the ancient town.

“Their actions disrespected the revered first executive governor of the state, who should be allowed to rest peacefully in his grave.

“We have petitioned the CP; if he refuses to take action, we will contact the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), President Good-

luck Jonathan or even approach the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“We were supposed to hold this ceremony at our new party secretariat in ObaIle and inaugurate the building, but the agents of the state government, acting on the directive of Mr. Governor prevented us from using the party secretariat. This is intolerance at the highest level.”

Mrs. Anifowose urged members to work hard to ensure the party’s victory in next year’s governorship election.

The former LP chieftain urged members to pray fervently and seek divine inter-

vention to remove what he called “the wall of Jericho” in the state.

LP Publicity Director Mr. Koye Odogiyan debunked the allegations by Mrs. Anifowoshe.

Odogiyan said: “The allegation is unbecoming. How can Governor Olusegun Mimiko sponsor thugs to fight anybody or group. In spite of persistent media attacks, the governor has been mature and tolerant.

“Mrs. Anifowoshe’s claim is a figment of her imagination. If she has facts and has petitioned the police, she should wait for their response. She will be playing to the gallery if she and her cohorts decide to take the law into their hands.”

Tokyo urges Oyo Police boss to obey court order

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N Ibadan lawyer, Adetunji Bello, who is counsel to the embattled chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Oyo State, Oluwatoki Akinsola, a.k.a. Tokyo, has urged the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Moses Onireti, to abide by the order of the state government, which lifted the ban imposed on

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

the activities of the NURTW. Governor Abiola Ajimobi, on January 20, lifted the ban on the union’s activities.

In his petition dated February 1, the lawyer urged the police boss to stop molesting members of the union as they perform their lawful duties.

The lawyer enjoined the

CP to abide by the judgment of the National Industrial Court (NIC) delivered on July 27, last year, and protect NURTW members from harassment.

Bello quoted a part of the NIC judgment which stipulated that “the state of affairs of the NURTW in Oyo State prior to the dissolution of the executive council and the appointment of the 1st

defendant as the acting chairman shall be reverted to immediately.”

Reminding the CP that the NIC judgment is subsisting and valid, the lawyer urged him to “call his men to order and not to further harass, hunt, threaten and or intimidate members of the Oyo NURTW in their lawful duties in their terminal henceforth.”

THE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Oyo State has condemned a statement credited to the Minister of State for the Federal capital Territory (FCT), Ms Jumoke Akinjide, over the deployment of soldiers in Irepo/Oorelope/Ogo Oluwa Federal Constituency during last Saturday’s rerun.

Mrs. Akinjide had said the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) engineered the deployment of soldiers for the election to prevent rigging.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Dauda Kolawole, ACN described the comment as “reckless and unbecoming of a public official”. It said: “The fact that the minister owned up to this antidemocratic move is an indication that the PDP’s action should be flayed by all lovers of democracy.

“Ms Akinjide is living in the past. It is high time she realised that the era of the politics of dynasty, where fathers bequeathed political clouts on their off-springs, is over in Oyo State.

“PDP and its destructive conservative politics is history in the Southwest.

Latching on to jackboots politics will not win any vote for the PDP and Ms Akinjide’s unbridled governorship ambition.

“It was the same slight or nil provocation which made the PDP-led Federal Government to deploy soldiers to the streets of Lagos during the anti-fuel subsidy protest, which became a subject of denigration by all lovers of democracy.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

10

NEWS Edo council chiefs beg ACN leaders From Osagie Otabor, Benin

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RANSITION committee chairmen in the 18 local governments of Edo State have been begging leaders of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to stop moves to dissolve the councils.

ACN leaders, including the state party executives, had concluded plans to prevail on Governor Adams Oshiomhole to dissolve the council executives for alleged non-financing of party activities.

Sources told The Nation that the council chiefs met with the party executives on Wednesday where they promised to ‘repent’.

But some party leaders were said to have insisted on the dissolution to give room for fresh appointments, pending when elections are conducted.

The party leaders were also said to have told those interested in the local government jobs that they would not be allowed to contest if they were appointed.

It was gathered that only five council executives would be allowed to remain, if the dissolution moves succeed.

Bomb scare at monarch's palace

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HERE was commotion at the palace of the Onogie of Uromi in Esan North East Local Government of Edo State, following the discovery of some items suspected to be bombs.

The items were said to have been connected with wires and planted at the side of the main palace building.

But the Divisional Police Officer in Uromi, A. Mohammed, said the items

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

were not bombs but explosives.

Mohammed said experts from the Bomb Disposal Unit were invited to inspect the objects and confirmed they were not bombs.

The DPO said the items might be unspent fireworks used during the 20th coronation anniversary of the monarch, which was held late last year.

Edo commissioner regains freedom

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DO State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General Osagie Obayuwana was freed yesterday.

Obayuwana was released from prison custody at about 3:30pm on personal recognition.

It was learnt that Obayuwana was hospitalised before his release after his doctors produced a medical certificate.

Confirming his release, the commissioner told The Nation on phone that he was yet to be briefed on the condition of his freedom.

His words: “I have been released. I was told the judge granted me bail on personal recognition.

“It is not accurate for me to say anything now because

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

I don't know the terms and conditions of my bail.

“I am on my way home now and still on medication.”

He said complying with the court order was a state policy the government has to review.

President of Free Speech Richard Akinnola has described the imprisonment of Obayuwana as a “flagrant abuse of judicial processes.”

Akinnola in a statement yesterday said: “The way and manner the judge executed the committal warrant smacks of a premeditated act of judicial recklessness.

“It amounts to the abuse

S

IMEON Kejohu(34) has been paraded by the Cross River State Police Command for allegedly impersonating a doctor.

The suspect who worked with the name, Dr. Collins Okafor, was with the Gen-

Oshiomhole hailed

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

eral Hospital in Calabar, the state capital, until he was nabbed.

Kejohu, who is from Obanliku Local Government, allegedly used the certificate of a medical doctor

K

A

Man killed in Delta From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

home when he was attacked with a machete.

His body has been deposited at an undisclosed hospital in Kwale.

A source said the family was yet to figure out the motive behind the murder.

Police spokesman Charles Muka said the police were yet to determine if the killers were ritualists or assassins.

Amaechi signs two bills

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IVERS State Governor Rotimi Amaechi yesterday signed into law two bills passed by the House of Assembly.

The bills were the State Contributory Pension Scheme for Employees in the Public Service (Amendment) Law, No 1 of 2012 and the State Local Government Law, No 2 of 2012.

He said: “Let me once again thank the leadership and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for the speed with which you passed the law on the state contributory pension scheme for employees in the public service.

“We needed the contributory pension law to be able to access the bond. Now that you have passed this law, we will be going for the N250 billion bond which we promise to pay before we leave office.”

The State Local Government Law, No 2 of 2012 is a law to make provisions for the establishment, structure, positions, finance and functions of local governments of the state and incidental matters.

The State Contributory Pension Scheme for employees in the State public service (Amendment) Law, No 1 of 2012 spells out a minimum 7.5 percent contribution from monthly emoluments by employees in the state public service towards the contributory pension scheme, subject to the approval of the Board established under Section 16 of this Law.

junction which asked it to return Bendel Brewery Limited to Churchgate Industries.

Justice Hobon had last week issued a bench warrant for the commissioner's arrest for continued absence in court, despite repeated orders for Obayuwana to appear in person.

But Obayuwana said he was surprised by the arrest warrant as he was never served any court order.

The case was instituted

by Churchgate Industries Limited against the attorney-general and Osaro Idah, the State Secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria, (ACN) over the government's alleged refusal to obey an injunction given against it in 2003.

Police parade ‘fake doctor’ in Cross River

INSMEN of Prof Oserheimen Osunbor, a governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State have lauded Governor Adams Oshiomhole for solving the water problem in their community.

The people of Iruekpen Community, led by Ernest Okhiria, said during a thank you visit: “In a special way, we would also like to say thank you for extending the services of water supply to our community.

“As a community, we tried to sink a borehole we couldn’t.

But with your wisdom you have surpassed all other efforts to meet the needs of over 20,000 inhabitants of Iruekpen community.”

Also, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) hailed Oshiomhole for the palliative measures announced by the government to cushion the effects of the recent increase in the pump price of petrol.

In a letter by the State NLC Chairman, Emmanuel Ademokun, the union thanked the governor for the palliative measures.

“The State Council is particular proud to note that the comrade governor is again the first to announce and implement the relief package in the country.”

SSAILANTS yesterday beheaded a man, simply identified as Chief Okpor, at Utagbe community in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government of Delta State.

It was learnt that Okpor was coming back from his farm when he was attacked.

The victim, it was gathered, was a top official in the State Civil Service Okpor was said to have gone to his farm after office hours and was coming back

of contempt proceedings and the fact that 72 hours after the judge made the committal order, he had not given the government the certified true copy of the order, shows that the order was made malafide and needs to be deprecated in clear terms.”

Obayuwana was remanded in prison custody on Monday by Justice Adamu Hobon over alleged contempt of court in a case instituted against the government by Churchgate Industries Limited.

Justice Hobon ordered that the commissioner be remanded until the government provides an affidavit that it is willing to respect an earlier court in-

•THE END. Kejohu...yesterday

to secure employment in the Ministry of Health.

The suspect said his friend, Dr. Okafor, gave him the certificate before he died four years ago.

His words: “Before Dr. Okafor died, he called me to his sick bed as his best friend and said he would give me his certificate, which he did in the presence of his family.

“I studied at the School of Health Technology in Benue State.

“I have worked for over one year at the General Hospital in Calabar but never handled anything surgical.”

The Officer-in-Charge of the State Intelligence Bureau, Abu Sani, said: “We got the information that there was a fake medical doctor in the hospital and commenced investigation immediately.

“We went to his office there were no incriminating documents but by the time we searched his house, we discovered some documents which showed how he was able to carry out the assignment.

“We found in his house documents belonging to Dr. Collins Okafor. “ We contacted the Medical Advisory Council in Abuja and they told us that two people had registered using the same name.

“We were advised to hold the person we had picked.”

Sani said Kejohu also claimed he had worked in a

private hospital in Abuja where he established a contact with a doctor who assisted him in securing employment with the Cross River State Ministry of Health.

He said a team from the Medical Advisory Council in Abuja came to Calabar to give useful statement, adding that all other records with regards to the proof of the case have been established.

Sani said: “The other aspect we are still trying to verify is whether or not the real Dr. Collins Okafor is alive.

“We are also going to investigate how government was able to employ someone without the knowledge of how to manage peoples' lives.

“He worked as a doctor from October 1, 2010 to January 2012.

“We have called the team leader of the Residency Committee that interviewed him.

“We are still compiling their records to see who recommended him for employment.

“This issue is serious because it is something that deals with human lives.

“We will go through the investigation and point out where all the lapses are because we do not know how many of such people will be in government's employ.”

Ex-militants issue two-week ultimatum to Fed Govt

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HERE is a fresh security concern in the Niger Delta as aggrieved former militant leaders have given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to address their grievances or face a renewed attack on oil installations and foreign interests in the region.

The warlords also advised the international community to evacuate its nationals in the oil and construction sectors to avoid being caught in the crisis that would be unleashed after the deadline.

Leaders of the Third Phase Amnesty programme, who made the threat, warned that the security of the foreigners would no longer be guaranteed after the expiration of the ultimatum.

The deadline was handed after the ex-militants met yesterday morning at an undisclosed location in Bomadi,

Shola O'Neil, Port Harcourt

headquarters of Bomadi Local Government of Delta State.

The Nation gathered that the decision followed the failure in negotiation between the Amnesty Office and the militants, who want to be included in the amnesty largesse.

Already, the group had in recent months invaded the Abuja-Lokoja Expressway, as well as cordoned off the Mbiama Junction of the EastWest Highway.

Confirming the threat during the meeting, National Chairman of the group 'General' Ramsey Omukoro and Delta State Chairman, 'General' Ekiyes Para, said they would cease to be ex-militants at the expiration of the ultimatum.

Para said: “We will revert

to our role as militants because the Federal Government and the Amnesty Office have taken us for granted.

“We have given the Federal Government two weeks to address our grievances, including non-payment of our benefits and exclusion from the amnesty benefits, or we will return to the creeks.

“After the expiration of the ultimatum, we expect foreign workers in both the oil and construction industry in the region to have evacuated either to their countries or to other parts of the country.

“We would no longer be ex-militants but militants,” he added.

Para, who spoke in a telephone interview, said the action by the ex-militants followed refusal of the Fed-

eral Government and the Amnesty Office to address their complaints since February 2011 when they renounced militancy.

He said the warning was also to avoid unnecessary shedding of foreigners' blood, kidnap and attack on oil installations that would ensue if their threat is not heeded.

Special Assistant to the President on Amnesty Kingsley Kuku, could not be reached for comments.

But the Coordinator of the Joint Media Campaign Centre of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Lt. Col. Timothy Antigha, said he was not aware of any ultimatum by the ex-militants.

On the threat by the group to renounce their acceptance of the official pardon, Antigha said they were never part of the programme.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Nigeria to sign pact on LNG project

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N agreement to build a $8 billion liquefied natural gas project in southeast Nigeria is expected to be signed next quarter, said Austen Oniwon, group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Gas supply agreements are being resolved and a tender process is going on, Oniwon said yesterday in Abuja. “Before the third quarter, we will take the final investment decision on Brass LNG,” he said.

The plant will be built at Brass in Bayelsa state. NNPC has a 30 per cent stake in Brass LNG, while Total SA (FP), Eni SpA (ENI) and ConocoPhillips (COP) Co. each hold 17 per cent. LNG Japan and Itochu Corp. hold 4 per cent and 3 per cent respectively, and a joint venture between Sahara Group and Sempra Energy has 2 per cent.

Nigeria is Africa’s top oil producer and the fifth-biggest source of US oil imports. The West African nation, holder of Africa’s largest gas reserves of more than 187 trillion cubic feet, flares most of the fuel it produces along with oil because it lacks the infrastructure to process it.

Hence forth no MDA is allowed to go to the National Assembly and seek a fresh budgetary estimate outside the one that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) would have carefully sat down to plan and send to the National Assembly.

- Labaran Maku, Minister of Information

Govt loses N37b to import waivers T

HE Federal Govern ment lost N37.2 bil lion to waivers granted to importers of raw materials in 2011, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said yesterday.

Deputy Comptroller-General of NCS in-charge of Human Resources, Garuba Makarfi disclosed this while defending the agency’s 2012 budget before the Senate Committee on Finance.

He said the NSC proposed to spend N1.24 billion to fuel generators and refreshment for its men and officers this year.

Makarfi however, said no

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Asst.

Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

waiver has been granted this year in line with Federal government’s directives.

“We lost seven per cent of our collection to export expansion grant, which is nonnegotiable. This amounted to about N37.2 billion.

“The grant was given to export oriented companies and local manufacturers, to export raw materials, but instead, these local manufacturers sold their certificates to dealers who then used them to import cars into the country,” Makarfi said.

The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Bassey Otu decried the huge loss.

He said that the Senate would ensure that waivers are only granted to critical areas of the economy where it is necessary.

“We frown seriously about waivers. We want waivers to go to where it is extremely necessary,” Otu stated.

Makarfi told the Committee that of the N76.06 billion proposed budget for the NCS this year, N20.2 billion is for overhead and recurrent expenditures out which N500 mil-

lion will be used to fuel generators, N40 million for refreshment and meals, N150 million for sea boat fuel, N400 million for welfare packages, N500 million for motor vehicle fuel and N150 million for aircraft fuel cost.

He added that the Customs would also spend N180 million on water supply, out of N12.8 billion capital budget and N500 million for security votes targeted at stopping smuggling across the nation’s border.

Makarfi said the NCS generated over N900 billion as revenue for the Federal Government last year.

The committee commended the NCS for the huge leap in revenue accruable to the federal government, assuring that they will put in place necessary legal frameworks to enhance the work of the service.

“We commend you for all the good works and to assure you that the Senate will address all structural and legal frameworks to make the Service more efficient.

“We support the reorganisation of the Service, we want you to tackle irregular e-payment and reduce leakages in your payment systems.” Otu stated.

Shippers focus on Nigeria risks

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HIPPERS are on the alert as instability in Nigeria threatens to worsen an already serious problem with piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, a key trade route for commodities such as crude oil and cocoa.

“The risks off Nigeria are increasing because of an increase in militancy in the Delta region,” said Rory Lamrock, a maritime analyst at AKE Group, a risk consultancy told Wall Street Journal.

The company doesn’t have a risk assessment scale for the maritime industry, but Mr. Lamrock added that if it did “we would definitely be pushing it up.”

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

-N6.503 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -10.5% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending-22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $33.01b FOREX CFA 0.2958 EUR 206.9 £ 242.1 $ 156 ¥ 1.9179 SDR 238 RIYAL 40.472

• From left: 2nd Deputy President, Kaduna Chambers of Commerce and Industries (KCCI), Dr Bello Alimi, Deputy President, Alhaji Abdullahi Sani, President, Alhaji Umar Yahaya, DG/CEO KCCI, Mr Usman G. Saulawa and Alhaji Kabir Dangogo member, during the chambers courtesy visit to The Nation’s office in Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO: DAYO ADEWUNMI

National Assembly queries DPR’s recurrent expenditure T

HE National Assem bly yesterday queried the N30 billion set aside by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in the 2012 budget as its recurrent expenditure.

The Committees of Petroleum Upstream and Downstream and the Committee on Gas Development in the two chambers of the National Assembly queried DPR when the management of the agency and other heads of parastatals in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources appeared before the joint committee for 2012 budget defence.

The lawmakers were furious that DPR planned to devote over 80 per cent of its budget to recurrent at the expense of capital budget.

Specifically, the lawmakers noted that DPR earmarked N30.399 billion out of its N35.89 billion budget for recurrent expenditure.

Chairman of Senate Committee on Petroleum Upstream, Senator Emmanuel Paulker, raised issues concerning the huge overhead costs in the petroleum sector.

• Agency to spend N30b on 1,100 staff

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Asst.

Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

He described the trend was “worrisome.”

Paulker insisted that ministries and parastatals should strive to raise capital votes above recurrent expenditure.

He said that they failed to present their expenditure for 2011 and directed the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke to furnish the committee with the details on Monday.

Senator Gbenga Ashafa noted that out of N35.89 billion allocated to the DPR, N30 billion was earmarked for personnel cost.

He lamented that “this year another over bloated personnel cost has been allocated to DPR.” According to him, N21.945 was allocated as personnel cost to DPR in 2010; N24 bil-

lion in 2011 while N30.399 billion was earmarked for the agency in 2012 budget proposal.

The lawmakers also wanted to know why the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB)budget of N17.3 billion in 2011 was depleted by about N9 billion when the Bill was not passed.

On the substantial increase in the 2012 budget of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke attributed it to the budget of Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), which was captured in the 2012 budget unlike previous budgets.

The Executive Secretary of DPR, Austin Olorunsola, agreed that the recurrent estimate of the agency went up by 25 per cent.

The DPR boss also said that the agency’s workforce

is 1,100 though he added that they were expecting additional 250 staff later this year.

He described the increase from N24 billion in 2011 to N30 billion in 2012 as “modest” saying “we cannot offer people placements without paying them salaries.”

He said the DPR has to monitor over 24,000 petrol stations, several trucks, terminals, depots scattered all over the country with its 1,100 staff “That is why my predecessors had looked at this and have decided to take the right decision which is to attack it from two sides.

“One is to actually increase the number of resources to do this job, secondly to also use technology.

“Most of the projects in DPR all require remote type of technology to help us to see where we cannot physically go to. “Indeed, you are absolutely correct; the recurrent budget is up by 25 per cent but so also is the human beings we are expecting.

“We are 1,100 today, we are expecting another 250 in the next couple of weeks,”he said.

Fed Govt targets 2.1m tons of rice From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

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IGERIA will produce over 2.1 million met ric tons of rice before the end year, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina has said.

He disclosed this yesterday when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Rural Development to defend the Ministry’s budget estimates for 2012.

Adesina said that in addition to the assemblage of experts in the field, Nigeria is partnering with a Chinese farming conglomerate to meet the rice target.

According to the Minister, a pilot programme to testrun the exercise had already commenced with the engagement of about 50,000 Nigerian youths from Taraba State using 30,000 hectares of land.

He also said that N2.2billion has been earmarked for the development of rural roads and other infrastructure across the nation.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

12

BUSINESS NEWS

Why 2012 budget figures were inflated, by Budget Office

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N official of the Budget Of fice of the Federation has admitted that the figures in the 2012 budget were inflated to take into consideration possible inflation during the year.

The official, who was part of the team that prepared the budget spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.

According to the official, the figures were inflated because they factored the withdrawal of subsidy and the attendant inflation of prices of goods and services.

From Nduka Chiejina, Abuja

The source said the budget office was aware that subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) would be withdrawn ahead of the decision and as a result factored possible increases in the prices of goods and services into the 2012 budget.

The official also told The Nation why some components of the budget only had items and their prices and not the quantity to be supplied. According to the official, the National Assembly had in the past

years only slashed the prices of budgeted items and not the quantity of such items, thus leaving the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) affected to decide what quantity of goods and services to purchase.

In addition, the MDAs he said were forced to abandon such projects because the yearly appropriations, being laws, could not be implemented half-heartedly. This he explained was why some components of the 2012 budget lacked the quantity of items to be supplied. So that whatever the Na-

T

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

responsible to the people, emphasising that specific designed programmes would be needed to access their respective funds from the excess crude cash.

Gulak, who was represented by the former Deputy Governor of Niger State, Dr. Shem Zagbayi maintained that the SURE document provides specific projects, which the government has promised to execute.

He tasked Nigerians to hold the government on these projects, which will make life easier for the population. He said the concern of the public over the management of free resources expected from the partial removal of subsidy, which would be managed by the special committee to be headed by Dr. Christopher Kolade and supported by the likes of General Mamman Tsohon-Kotongora would not

budget office’s calculation. He however, doubted if the reduction will be much.

Few days ago, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory Senator Bala Mohammed had admitted before the senate committee that the 2012 figures for the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja and the Kubwa road contracts were inflated.

All components of the capital budget the official disclosed were affected by this decision but in varying degrees. However, IT products and services and construction he said, were heavily padded.

Govt to raise petrol refining capacity, says Jonathan

Abuja councils to get N2b annually from subsidy HE six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will be given about N2 billion annually from funds accruable from subsidy savings.

The Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Ahmed Ali Gulak said this yesterday at the North central town Hall Meeting in the Federal Capital Territory on the advocacy for deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil Industry.

He said because the Federal Government was determined to ensure the success of the SURE programme, it has requested the states and local government to develop their own component of the programme.

Gulak said the development was important because in spite of the autonomy of the three tiers of government each must be

tional Assembly appropriates would be used to purchase what the amount can buy instead of abandoning the projects all together.

The official also told the newspaper that the budget office may write the National Assembly for a reduction in the prices of some items in the budget if advised to do so by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The grounds for the possible reduction in what was budgeted he said was based on the fact that the partial removal of subsidy to N97 by the government will inform the

A

•FCT Minister, Sen. Bala Mohammed

disappoint Nigerians.

According to him, when these projects such as the new refineries come on stream and the agricultural sector are expanded under the SURE document, massive employment opportunity will be made available to the people to explore.

The guest speaker, Ahmed

S part of the efforts to boost local refining of petroleum products, President Goodluck Jonathan said that the Government was willing to give licences to those interested in setting up refineries in the country.

The president, who spoke yesterday in Abuja, during an audience with a delegation of investors from Brazil, said it is part of the overall effort by the government to raise the nation’s petroleum refining capacity and reduce the importation of refined products.

He told the Brazillian investors led by Mr. Reuben Voigt, chairman of the Voigt Group, that ‘Nigeria has four refineries, but their combined capacity does not meet the country’s needs, so we are willing to approve applications for refining licences’.

The President said Nigeria is still a green area in terms of investments, and the Government has opened up sectors of the economy,

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

which were previously restricted, to private sector investment.

He directed the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, to hold discussions with the Voigt Group, to explore areas of mutual cooperation.

The Ministers of Housing, Trade and Investment, Power and FCT (State) also attended the discussions.

Earlier, Mr. Voigt had said they were donating 120,000 housing units to Nigeria over three years, adding that the Voigt Group was interested in investing in construction, housing, power plants, petroleum refining and oil spillage clearing.

The delegation was led to State House by Mrs. Ngozi Olajeme, of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund.

Aregbesola launches animal husbandry consultant, Mr Craig Shiel said SUN State Governor initiative Nigeria has what it takes to be Rauf Aregbesola yes

O

terday launched a cattle initiative tagged Osun Beef (OBeef) to enhance the capacity of the state to become the major supplier of cows and rams to some other states across the country.

Under this arrangement, Aregbesola brought a team of livestock experts from Zambia, led by, Mr Craig Shiel as Technical Consultant to Osun on Livestock to train interested cattle hearers, butchers and interested youths on how to engage in the business and make more profit.

Launching the O-Beef initiative at a stakeholders meeting at the state secretariat, Aregbesola said that his administration would construct modern abattoir and cold room where the beef would be prepared and stored for higher profit in strict compliance with the demands of public health.

The trainees, according to the governor, would also use the opportunity of the rail services project of the present administration to transport the cows and beef to Lagos where kiosks would have been provided for the sale of “Osun Beef”.

Describing it as an initiative designed to assist and empower youths, butchers and cow rearers, the governor hinted that his administration has entered into talks with some banks through which participants involved in the business would have access to loan facilities to enhance profitability.

Volunteers of the Osun Youths Empowerment Scheme (OYES), he added, have been encouraged to get involved in the initiative so as to improve their earnings and make them self-sustainable.

Speaking at the occasion, the

the pride of the whole Africa in livestock, cattle rearing and production of food.

According to Shiel, the intention of the Zambian consultants was to bring the initiative to the country, particularly Osun State in line with the determination shown by Governor Aregbesola to see the project become a reality.

Explaining the module of the business adopted in his country, the Zambian stated that after the cattle might have been bred, the meat would be in three categories, under which everybody, no matter the income would be able to afford it.

With the introduction of new genetics in Nigeria and Osun in particular, Shiel assured that there would be enough meat from cattle, which would assist farmers to make more profit and in return, boost the state’s economy.

Kaduna Chamber assures security On the removal of fuel HE Kaduna Cham at fair subsidy, Yahaya said the bers of Commerce, In

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dustry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) has assured exhibitors coming to the 33rd Kaduna Int’l Trade Fair of maximum security during and after the fair.

President of the chamber Alhaji Umar Yahaya disclosed this yesterday during a courtesy visit to The Nation newspaper.

He said the chamber has been working with the security agencies such as the Nigerian Police, State Security Service (SSSS) and the military in order to ensure tight security at the venue.

By Toba Agboola

Yahaya said this was necessary because of the killing that has been going on nationwide by the Boko Haram.

He said the chamber has spent more than N30 million on the resuscitation of the moribund infrastructures at the complex.

“Last year, about 411,000 people visit the fair on a daily basis, we expect that it will be higher this year and that is the reason why we have improved on security,” Yahaya said.

average Nigerians will not mind the removal provided the income from it will be used to address infrastructural problems.

The Second Vice President, Hon Abdullahi Muhammadu Sani said about 10 countries have signified their intention to be part of the trade fair.

Earlier, the General Manager, Training and Development, The Nation newspaper, Mr Soji Omotunde, thanked the chamber for the visit. He assured the chamber of maximum support during and after the fair.

13 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

Vol 3 No. 160

In 2007, when it appeared on Nigeria’s telecoms scene, very few people gave it a chance to survive, not to talk of it becoming a market leader in the CDMA segment. But five years on, Visafone has proved cynics wrong by re-writing the history of CDMA telcos in the country. Today, Visafone is not only the fastest growing CDMA brand in Nigeria. The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) attested to the high quality of service Visafone offers its subscribers. It recently adjudged Visafone the best CDMA brand in terms of quality of service. What makes the Visafone brand stand out among its peers? What are the challenges facing Visafone and other CDMA operators in the country? Sailesh Iyer, Chief Executive Officer, Visafone provides answers to these posers and more. Excerpts:

How Visafone beats competition

vices and services are pocket friendly and affordable. However, as we move forward in 2012, our focus is the broadband. Our ambition is to be the most dominant player in the mobile broadband sector in Nigeria. Easily, we will make all the services on broadband available to the common man on the street at affordable cost.

NCC and SIM registration

The challenges

The Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) has done a great deal to develop telecoms in Nigeria. The NCC took a great deal of courage; a bold step to register all phone subscribers in this country. At Visafone, more than 89 per cent of our subscribers have been registered so far.

To us, number portability, which will soon take off in the country, is a game changer which we are eagerly awaiting.

Because it will ensure that we take the Visafone brand to the next level.

I

N countries like China, Indonesia and India, the CDMA operators are making waves with their millions of subscribers than the GSM telcos. And reasons for these are not farfetched. First, one has to understand that the ecosystem in those countries is more favourable and conducive for CDMA operations than Nigeria. Also, in Nigeria, at the national level, the CDMA telcos were late starters.

The early CDMA operators like Multilinks and Intercellular were given only regional licenses. This limits their scope of operations and expansion drive. But when the GSM came, they were awarded national licences. This enabled them to expand rapidly and play big on the national level while the CDMA operators are merely playing catch up.

Cashless Lagos, mobile money

Aside from the fact that we want to be a leading player in the Internet broadband segment, we are also going to be a key player in the mobile money segment that is taking off this year in Lagos and throughout the country. To do this, we are going to deploy a lot of Point of Sales terminals (PoS). We are also going to partner with Zenith Bank on cashless Lagos. Besides, we are going to work with other banking brands to cater for the un-banked and the underbanked in Nigeria.

Above the line, below the line advertising Agreed, we are not doing enough in advertising, either above the line or below the line advertising. But then you have to realise that while the cost of living and operations in the country have been rising, the cost of tariff by telecoms brands has been going down. Yet, we have to take care of our staff and other stakeholders properly. We have to maintain and service our operational equipment.

And you must also realise that our subscribers are mainly in the low and middle class strata of the economy. However, we will strive to do more in the areas of advertising and other marketing activities this year.

Broadband offering to consumers For the GSM operators what is most important to them

Empowerment platform •Iyer

is the SIM but to the CDMA, the most important thing is the device (the phone). Before we launch any device, we first get customer feedback and analyse it before rolling out in the market. In the country, we are the only operator that offers consumer one year money back guarantee on our devices. We also make sure that every customer or subscriber is able to buy a handset irrespective of his class or status in the society. And that is why our various de-

Visafone has a product called Commercial Telephone Operations (CTO). Under it, we give prospective CTO a table, chair, umbrella and a handset given to them at subsidised rate. Through it they can start a phone centre on their own, and earn a decent living. We also empower Nigerians for their voices to be heard by selling handsets to subscribers at affordable rates. It was in 2008, when we came to the market that a handset was sold at an affordable rate of N1,500. We offer the best tariff for international calls at the flat rate of N6 in Nigeria. We also offer the cheapest SMS tariff of N3 per SMS to any network in Nigeria.

Mambila, Abuja railway among 100 global infrastructure projects

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ROM February 22-24, this year, over 500 executives from the public and private sector will gather at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London, for the Fifth Annual Global Infrastructure Leadership Forum designed to promote the top 100 Global Infrastructure Projects.

The theme of this year’s forum is: Winners in the global infrastructure marketplace: High value projects, high level alliances, world class expertise.

Each year, top 100 projects around the world are selected for recognition, presentation and high-level discussion, more than 500 executives from key industries, including contractors, engineers, equipment and technology providers, financiers, and policy experts would be hosted.

Mr Daniel Omonze, the President, Initiative for Infrastructure and Modern City Development (IIMCD) and the Country Coordinator of Fifth Annual Global Infrastructure Leadership in Nigeria, said the forum will showcase countries with the most innovative and competitive infrastructure projects.

Listed among the top 100 global infrastructure projects is the Mambila Hydroelectric

Power project. This is described as the crown project for Nigeria to address power.

It is one of the major programmes of the Federal Government to improve energy security in the country.

Also listed is the Abuja-Kaduna Railway Project, a modernisation programme of the government to implement an efficient transport system. The estimated value of the projects identified in 2011 is US$784 billion. This is nearly double the total enterprise value of projects in 2010, and represents both pent-up demand and a clear recognition that re-starting global growth depends on significant new investment.

The assessment focuses on ‘clusters’ of infrastructure pipeline zones - countries, or regions - that efficiently produce projects that are expected to go forward in the next three-12 months. This year’s critical sectors reflect key trends in global infrastructure, the rise of megaprojects, shale gas as a demand driver, and continuing pent-up demand in the transport sector - nearly 28 per cent of the Top 100 list is made up of either highway or Urban Mass Transit projects. The Top 100 List is released prior to the Fifth Annual Global Infrastructure Forum.

•From left: Ngozi Nnwoka, Manager, Etisalat Experience Centre, Port Harcourt; Enekwachi Aja, Head, Regional Sales, Southsouth/Southeast, Etisalat Nigeria, presenting N1.5million cheque to Uchenna Nwosu, winner in the Etisalat 9ja Free Promo. With them are Nkechi Amadi, Retail Manager, Southsouth and Idiareno Atimomo, Youth Segment Manager, Etisalat Nigeria, at the prize presentation in Port Harcourt.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

14

Branded entertainment as marketing tool Elimihe Osezuah, Chief Executive Officer, Elose Plus Media Limited, a branded entertainment outfit, enumerates the intrinsic values of branded entertainment for marketing product brands and services, and as a means of social integration

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HE marketing convergence of the movie and the corporate world has been described as necessary, which has to be developed if the fledging Nigerian movie industry, popularly known Nollywood, should move forward with its attendant benefits for nation branding.

Elimihe Osezuah, Chief Executive Officer, Elose Plus Media Limited, made this observation in a recent chat with The Nation. He says: “Good movie cannot be successfully done in present day Nigeria without informed and selfless co-operation between the corporate world, which constantly stands in need of the best and cost friendly ways to mobilise its top marketing millions, and the idea driven, highly credible world of entertainment. This has to happen by way of supporting great works of entertainment through the phenomenon of branded entertainment whose return on Investment (ROI) to the brand can hardly be rivalled elsewhere”.

According to him, the business of movie making and television is founded on realism, which is a veritable environment for brand growth though realism does not mean life cannot be edited. For him, real life can be very boring between take-off and landing points. However, in movie, there must not be a dull moment, but every director worth the title, must ensure that the connections are realistic. “There are two things crucial to marketing in movie making before you start talking of technology: story and theme. Every story must have a socially relevant message, flow on a universally logical plot and be delivered within a technological tradition that resonates with human nature.

For brands to fully explore this opportunity, marketers and agencies must understand the nitty gritty of branded entertainment. For now, it has been confirmed that over 40 per cent of traditional advertising spend is wasted worldwide because of the phenomenon of selective attention of the targets. Marketers can successfully gauge the media habits of their targets, but that is just the beginning, what will make them listen attentively to your pitch when you meet them when watching a Champions League game, for instance? With an expertly orchestrated branded entertainment campaign, the story is always different, because you take your message to your targets through their gods and idols on the screens, he explains.

Advertisement has been seen as a message from a paid sponsor about an identified product to a specific target, with the intention of getting favourable response from that target in favour of that product. So, believability is negatively affected!

He explained that the concept of branded entertainment is a public relations-styled third party endorsement. It does not sing the praises of brands in a movie. Rather, it plays on the qualities and essence of the brand. The assignment of the branded entertainment practitioner is to place the brand in its natural habitat (expected environment) to breathe and live in a movie. A deep knowledge in branding and production surely sets the real placement Agency practitioner apart. “Branded entertainment plays on the product in use and this has to do with the person using it, his social status, the place it is used, the time and mode of use. It can also be used to teach people other ways it can be used. Above all, deploying the concept in support of a brand is more cost effective compared to the huge financial outlay on traditional advertising. However, branded entertainment is not an alternative to traditional advertising, but a support to it”.

All these are possible because resentment in branded entertainment is extremely low. According to him, the audience has made up its mind to watch the movie and the characters in the movie are doing things that are credible within a credible medium. Research has also confirmed that when theatre goers go to the theatre the guard against advertisement is lowered, while the viewer’s attention is drawn to

•Osezuah

the brand in a systematic way and usually by a third party who helps to build emotion around the brand. Branded entertainment needs a thorough application of the branding theory, Osezuah added.

To execute a branded entertainment campaign, a legal agreement between the marketer and agency is necessary in stipulating the agreed deliverables.Talking about deliverables, he submits that while in traditional advertising TV and Radio spots are harshly marred by limitations occasioned time constraints, in branded entertainment the advertiser is on a platform on which he or she can credibly explore. This is because more time span is possibly allotted to the brand without necessarily having to spend much. He adds that branded entertainment could be used as agents of political socialisation, to feel pulse of the populace on some knotty policy issues and ideas of government. Governments all over the world, except you-know-where, use the business of TV and cinema to sell their ideals, inspire their peoples to achieve and attain and so instigate national development and social cohesion.

How much do Nigerians know about the heroism of Nigerian soldiers at ECOMOG from the days of IBB to OBJ? Whereas everyone in the world is aware of the heroism of American soldiers in Vietnam and Iraq!

Despite these advantages enumerated by Osezuah, the lack of understanding of the concept has perhaps alienated the corporate world from getting into branded entertainment via the movies. “This explains why movies could not attract this enormous support as it is popularly done elsewhere in Europe, the America and some parts of media conscious Africa. We must all understand that television and cinema are primarily cultural platforms, and the producers, directors, actors and all the minds that orchestrate contents for them are cultural agents who must be given wings to soar if the society will ever gain relevance in this world.

On the issue that some Nollywood stars cannot sell their brands, he says: ”There is no argument more uninformed that this. The medium is not personal. It is communal and within it is the magic of trust. When the story and all elements of the production are wellconstrued and executed, the individuals in it are lost to the world of realism it evokes. I tell Broad Street, put your money into Surulere (Nollywood) and Nigeria will grow faster and stronger economically. However, a thorough understanding of the subject and its business, and aligning with a professional branded entertainment agency is bound to deliver the goods and move the brand idea forward, because a truly branded entertainment agency goes as far as doctoring the script to meet with world class standards, planting the brand message into the script in a very credible and logical way so that it does not appear like an annoying tacking which is what we often see on our screens and ensuring that legal documentation is done properly.

Occupy ATMs

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T has a domino effect. A scenario that kicked off in one country and spread to other parts of the world with severe consequences started as a protest. Now rechristened the Arab Spring, this revolutionary wave of demonstrations and protests occurred in the Arab world. According to reports, it began on December 18, 2010. That singular protest that sprung from Egypt gave birth to other protests and demonstrations in Tunisia, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Bahrain, Algeria and Nigeria, among others.

In Libya, the protest led to a civil war and total collapse of its government and the demise of its president. In Yemen, the protest led to the resignation of the Yemeni prime minister. There were also major protests in Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco and Oman while minor clashes were reported at the borders of Israel in May 2011 and the Palestine 194 movement was also inspired by the Arab Spring.

However, aside the domino effect of the protests, the various unrest shared similar techniques of civil resistance in sustained campaigns involving strikes, demonstrations, marches and rallies and the use of social media such as Facebook, MySpace, Google+, Linkdln etc to mobilise, organise, communicate and raise awareness in the face of state attempts at repression and Internet censorship.

News reports had it that many demonstrators met with violent responses from authorities and pro-government militias and counter-demonstrators. A major slogan of the demonstrators in the Arab world is “the people want to bring down the regime”. They actually did in Libya, in Egypt and in Tunisia.

In Syria, the uprising is an ongoing internal conflict and a part of the wider Arab Spring.

The demonstrations in this country kicked off on January 26, 2011, but were only a sporadic occurrence until mass protests erupted in Daraa on March 15. The situation quickly developed into a full-scale nationwide uprising with protesters demanding the resignation of President Bashar al-Assad and the overthrow of the government.

The wave of social upheaval throughout the Arab world, calling for greater political freedom and an end to autocracy, was inspired by the successful revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt.

As such, the Syrian protesters employed the use of tactics such as rioting and vandalism in a sustained campaign of civil resistance aimed at ending nearly five decades of Ba’athist rule. The uprising was described as “unprecedented” by several political commentators.

As protests continued, the Syrian government deployed tanks and snipers as a means to quell the uprising. Water and electricity have been cut off in particularly restive areas, and security forces have resorted to confiscating flour and food. The Syrian Army has besieged the cities of Daraa, Duma, Baniyas, Hama, Homs, Aleppo, Talkalakh, Idlib, Rastan, Jisr ashShughur, Deir ez-Zor, Zabadani and Latakia, among other towns.

Reports said the Syrian Army summarily executed soldiers who refused to open fire against civilians. The Syrian government denied the reports of defections and blamed “armed gangs” for causing trouble.

However, the UN said since the beginning of the uprising, over 5,000 people, primarily protesters were killed and thousands of protesters have been imprisoned. Security forces have killed over 300 children while over 600 detainees and political prisoners died under torture.

While the protesters and demonstrators in those countries were agitating for greater political freedom, in Nigeria, the scenario was very different, as what led to the eight days of protests, demonstrations, strikes, marches, rallies and violent attacks was not about political freedom. No, what brought out Nigerians in their thousands, in Kano, Kaduna, Lagos, Abuja, and Oyo etc was not lack of political freedom.

It was more of corruption, corruption and corruption in government circle. No, it was not the removal of fuel subsidy. The protesters were, among other things, demonstrating against the blatant rape of the country by a privileged few.

As a result, while the Arabs were determined in their resolve to bring down “the regime”, Nigerians were not saying they want an end to the government of President Goodluck Jonathan. What they were saying is deeper and more fundamental than that. If President Goodluck quits office, so what happens? The music plays on. The party continues. It would be business as usual. The rats would continue to drink from the sea of petrol-dollar until they drown in it.

On the other hand, if the President stays, does the needful, panders to the voice of the people, fishes out the rats that are bathing in the sea of petrol-dollar, and cleans the sea, Nigeria might just be a bit better. Perhaps yes.

Perhaps ... So, bros, what were the people saying?

From news reports and commentaries in the media, the people would desire an end to corruption and corrupt practices in the oil sector and total clamp down on corrupt government officials in ministries, agencies and departments (MDAs) in the country. That is it.

Okay, you are right. However, add this. The people also want President Jonathan to remove fuel subsidy. Good. Your message is delivered.

Anyway, with the spate of demonstrations and protests, and the vital part social media played in mobilising, organising and informing the protesters, Nigeria and Nigerians would not be the same again.

However, this column is not about the removal of fuel subsidy. It is about the protest and its impact on the Cashlite regime announced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The protest and its attendant confusion had shifted the country’s attention away from the CBN’s Cashlite policy. However, during the two days before the protest, Nigerians in their millions, in readiness for the protest, had besieged the locations of the ubiquitous Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and made cash withdrawals. A particular bank reported millions of transactions on its ATM network.

However, within the windows of respite (January 14 and 15) declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the civil society organisations, majority of Nigerians who were bored and barely able to wait to enjoy their temporary freedom, hit the road and were seen occupying ATM locations in Ikeja, Agege, Surulere and Mushin and other places. Their aim was not to protest, demonstrate, and hold rallies or march at these ATM locations.

The occupiers had one objective in mind: to make cash withdrawal.

The only snag, though, was that the ATMs were not spewing cash, and no matter how long the occupiers stayed at the locations, the cash machines would not produce cash. The ATMs were cashless. Replenishment would not come for the machines until Monday, January 16. Even then, that was not certain.

Therefore, while these Nigerians at the ATMs would be lamenting of not having cash on a Monday morning; another set, the Occupying Nigeria group, would be mobilising and organising for fresh rounds of protest and demonstrations.

That presents two sides of an issue: one country, two set of groups. One is against the removal of fuel subsidy.The other shared the same stand, but needed to feed in order to sustain the tempo of the protest. Otherwise, hungry men do not lead demonstrations. They need food. To get food, they need cash. To get cash, they need the ATMs to perform.

Didn’t the bankers say the ATM is a convenient cash machine? Why did the machines not make life convenient for some Nigerians during the strike? Why did the machines not dole out cash in times of needs?

Aha, it dawned that as convenient as the ATM is, it is also a heartless machine. Occupying ATM locations from dawn to dusk would not compel the ATM to produce cash, but making another deposit into your account would command it to release cash. However, you would not be able to make deposit if you occupy ATM locations or occupy Nigeria!

*Editor - Wale Alabi *Consulting Editors - Rarzack Olaegbe, Sola Fanawopo * Correspondent-Jimi David * Human Relations Executive - Owolabi Afolabi *Operations Executive - Isiaka Hassan *Creative - Oluwaseyi Sulaimon*Front Office Executive - Blessing Nkeanya * Business Development - Kenny Hussain * Legal Adviser - Olasupo Osewa & Co Brandweek is powered by Drumbeat Media and published every Friday in THE NATION newspaper. Corporate Suite: 20 Akinremi Street, off Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos.

All correspondence to the editor - 0808.247.7806, 0805.618.0040, , e-mail: korede2000@gmail.com © All rights reserved.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

AGRO-BUSINESS

Farmers urge Jonathan, ministers to fulfil promise

Scientists decry poor food packaging T

O prevent waste, agricultural scientists are canvassing the use of modern postharvest processing technology to store and transform raw food into usable products.

Speaking at a forum in Abuja, the Country Co-ordinator, Research Into Use (RIU), a British government-funded programme, Dr Utiang Ugbe, said farmers are incuring losses, from poor packaging.

Farmers get the highest value for a commodity, when it has been processed.

Ugbe said packaging helps to prolong the shelf life of perishable foods, describing it as an important step towards sustainable food supply.

He said the biggest problem in the sector are in the supply chain: poor storage facilities, poor infrastructure and transportation, lack of refrigeration as well as inadequate market facilities, which make food go bad.

Packaging of cowpeas in polythene bags, Ugbe said, does not protect the produce, guarantee safety and flavour, and keep out oxygen and microbes. He suggested that putting cowpeas in jute bags will reduce damages and mitigate the risk of lost value before

T

By Daniel Essiet, Agric Correspondent

arriving at the market.

Food packaging, he said should reflect changing consumption habits and other social changes, adding that Nigerians are becoming more urban, while single households are more common.

The aging population, Ugbe said, has influenced the shape, size and the design of packaged food.

The commodity needs packaging which do more than simply protect, store and transport food, Ugbe said.

He said cowpeas are resistant to drought, has a short growth cycle.

Other advantages include the plant’s economic use of water and its ability to enrich soils by fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere.

Ugbe said there is a good market for its seeds and off cuts can be used as animal feed.

Looking into the agricultural production and postproduction scenario, he said the most appropriate action for employment generation is primary processing and value addition in production catchments. He called for action to build fair partnership into the food chain, and to enable farmers to achieve remunerative farm-gate prices.

•Ugbe An expert ,Dr Grace Jokthan said a major effort should also go into encouragement of added-value activity at local and regional level, through small and medium-sized enterprises, including those run by farmers themselves.

She said food processing will increase value of raw materials decreased post-harvest losses and increased income for farmers. She said there was a need to support rural based food processing activities through the provision of the required equipment for preservation and processing. The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) has planned ways of improving cashew quality and regulation of its trade to provide enabling environment for all stakeholders.

Its President, Mr. Tola Faseru, said the association is going to get jute bags for cashew farmers at very moderate rate to enhance their packaging.

HE President-General, Agbekoya Farmers Association (AFA), Chief Kamorudeen Aremu Okikiola, has urged President Goodluck Jonathan and ministers of Agriculture and Finance to fulfil their pledge of giving financial support and modern machinery to farmers. This, he said, is to enable its members to contribute to economic growth.

In a statement, he said since 2010, the association’s population had grown to about 25,000 in 13 states with 275 co-operative farmers’ association.

“We, in Agbekoya Farmers Association, intend to stand as a body corporate to meet and put up a single request front for our varying interests in provision of farm input and loans.

“The association is poised with a new mindset of not just a pressure group but a productive entity and upgraded group that has the consciousness of its role in the scheme of national affairs. This is why we want the federal government to see us as a partner in progress in our quest to feed the nation,” the farmers” president said.

By Dada Aladelokun

Explaining that Agbekoya had initiated certain steps to rectify the dwindling fortunes of the economy, including ensuring due representation for farmers; implementing a technological farming operation; productive orientation among the communities and efficient strategy for its members, he said the group’s objectives included: Restoring the position of Nigeria as an agricultural state and contribute to the national income; championing mechanised and commercial arable farming; improving the living standard of farmers and increased productivity and developing a systematic strategic plan for commercial farming to conform with the universal 3Ps (Profit, People and Planet) for sustainability.

The association, he further claimed, had its 25,000 members in Ekiti, Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Lagos, Osun, Edo, Kwara, Kogi, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Imo states have started cultivating and preparing 45,000 hectares of land for the production of cassava, rice maize, yams, oilpalm soghium, vegetables and pepper in commercial quality.

Expert seeks quality seal for food

T

HE Federal Government has been urged to adopt a National Quality Seal (NQS) for products for local and foreign markets.This is to ensure they pass safety and quality standards.

Speaking with The Nation, a food safety expert, Prof Dele Fapohunda said putting seals on fruits, vegetables, cereals, grains and nuts, livestock, poultry and animal byproducts will guarantee their quality.

Commending the efforts of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other agencies, Fapohunda, who is of the Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, said applying internationally-recognised codes of food and agricultural practices in crafting product safety standards will boost the integrity of safety system.

He also urged the government to ensure food products manufacturers apply stricter tests on raw materials and implement tighter controls on the manufacturing process.

Fapohunda implored food producers, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, to verify

food standards to create consumer confidence. Other factors that food manufacturers must strictly follow are to maintain food quality and price competitiveness.

According to him, the government has established a number of qualified food inspection and testing institutions. With the improvement of their testing capability and level, he said the institutions can satisfy the demands for quality and safety tests throughout the entire process — from the environment of place of origin, input materials, production and processing, storage and circulation to consumption, and can basically meet the requirements of national, industrial and relevant international standards for food safety parameters.

He said food safety standards should cover the place of origin of food products, pollutants and spoilage organisms allowed in food, standards for food additives and their use, hygiene standards for food packaging materials, standards for special dietary food, standards for signs or labels on food packages, standards for the management and control of the safe production of food and standards for testing methods concerning food.

IITA to support national cocoa transformation •Drying fresh tomatoes at Chunku Market, Katsina State

Don warns against use of pesticides

A

DON , Prof Jelili Akinlade, has warned against the use of high toxicity pesticides because they are harmful to health.

Akinlade, who is of the Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State, said the broad use of pesticides in agriculture is not good.

Such broad application will have consequences on the environment from the toxins released to air, surface and groundwater and exposure to people, he said.

Akinlade, who is a specialist on

organic livestock production, called for measures to mitigate the health and economic costs of agro pesticides and in favour of agricultural techniques that protect their families’ health.

He supports an agricultural production model based on “agroecology, biodiversity, family agriculture and the production of healthy food.

Akinlade said organic farming promotes eco-friendly agriculture through the modification of the present systems of farming in the area of soil nutrient restoration to encourage the use of organic materials.

According to him, organic farming is a response to the emerging awareness of environmental conservation issues.

Though the activities at the moment focus on organic crop production, he said interest in organic livestock production is also increasing.

He said the potential that organic farming bears in the developing countries include sustainable land use that works entirely without synthetic fertiliser and chemical pesticides and systematically enhances the agro-ecological system.

I

NTERNATIONAL Institute For Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan is set to provide vital support for cocoa transformation as the country strives to double production of the crop in the next few years.

Specifically, the institute plans to develop high quality and clean planting materials using improved breeding techniques.

In the plan presented to the members of the Cocoa Transformation Agenda in Ibadan, IITA intends to deploy advanced micro propagation techniques for rapid and high ratio propagation of improved cocoa. The objective is to produce clean and disease-free cocoa trees with high yield that will improve the incomes of cocoa farmers and ensure environmental and social

sustainability of cocoa-based production systems.

The technology, which is being applied in Cote d’Ivoire, has helped that country in rehabilitating its cocoa farms, making it the world’s largest producer.

Although Nigeria accounts for about five per cent of the world’s cocoa production, the government’s efforts to increase production are being hampered by old and unproductive cocoa trees, poor infrastructure, pests, diseases, low farmer education, and inadequate supply of farm inputs, among others.

IITA Virologist, Lava Kumar, said the clean planting materials technology would help Nigeria to rapidly propagate improved cocoa trees that could be used by farmers to replace old and unproductive trees.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

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AGRO-BUSINESS

How to boost food production,

by CBN chief W HY is Nigeria lagging behind developed nations? It is because of the country’s failure to explore its vast agriculture resources, says Deputy Governor (Operations) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Tunde Lemo.

Delivering a lecture at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Lemo said a pragmatic transformation agenda for agricultural development will boost food production.

Lemo faulted the approach deployed by past governments saying despite efforts by successive administrations to jump-start the economy using agriculture as the lynchpin, not much has been achieved.

Delivering the lecture entitled: Agriculture: An effective tool for accelerated economic growth, Lemo contended that the pervading stunted growth in agriculture and food production was caused by a faulty approach to development, which he noted had been segmental rather than strategic, at reforming the agricultural sector.

Unlike in the past, he said the current economic tem-

By Daniel Essiet, Agric Correspondent

plate being adopted by the government was capable of reclaiming lost grounds because it evolves a holistic approach to the agricultural business in comparative advantage across the range of activities; input supplies, farming processing, storage, distribution and marketing, agro processing, industrial manufacturing and trade exports.

According to him, the country has suffered many setbacks from its wavering and lip-service focus on agriculture, saying the boom in petro-dollar earnings into the nation’s coffers had made Nigerians complacent about agriculture and its capacity for economic rejuvenation.

He noted further that, notwithstanding attempts at mechanised agriculture, the performance of the sector has continued to decline in terms of growth, export revenue and contribution to Gross Domestic Product

(GDP).

Lemo also said the introduction of the controversial Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), during the military era, led Nigerians to the consciousness that the neglect of agriculture had weakened the ability to absorb the oil price decline of the 1980s, thereby promoting diversification that gave agriculture an edge, eliminating issues of price control and commodity boards.

However, Lemo said SAP was not much of a success as it failed to address vital issues of coordination, public good peculiarities and the information asymmetry of commodity pricing, thereby, subjecting farmers’ income to market vagaries and discouraging farming activities and businesses.

As a way out of the economic doldrums, Lemo canvassed thus: “Agriculture is the golden bullet to effectively diversify the economy, address inflation, unemployment, food insecurity while equally

strengthening our reserve position. It is therefore time we commenced concerted discourse aimed at reinforcing government’s new agenda for effective implementation.”

He stated that the new strategy to transform the country’s economy should place agriculture in the front burner of opportunities for creating jobs as it had a multiplier effect on other sectors by fostering linkages with markets and industries.

He said the impact of a boost in agricultural productivity, profitability and food security, would help to fast-track growth in other sectors of the economy and would have far-reaching impact on enhanced education, improved healthcare system, adequate security, development of infrastructure and conducive business environment.

Earlier, Vice-Chancellor, FUNAAB, Prof Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun disclosed that the award event symbolises the celebration of courage, hardwork, diligence, initiative and industry among all segments of the university community.

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (second right), his deputy, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori (second left); Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Wale Adedoyin (left); Special Adviser on Rural Development, Kunle Ige (in black cap) and Alhaji Oseni Abiose, a beneficiary at the official distribution of farm input to farmers in Osogbo

Capital base of co-operatives in Lagos above N40b T

HE capital base of cooperatives in Lagos is above N40 billion.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, announced this in Lagos at the inauguration of the technical committee on the establishment of a cooperative college in the state.

Lawal said there are about 12,000 registered cooperative societies with over 21million members.

He said the government sees cooperatives as an important means of achieving development goals.

He said the cooperative movement could work more fundamental change in the way Nigerians do business and promote food produc-

•Why we are registering co-operatives

tion.

As part of the programme to reduce poverty, Lawal said the government was encouraging people to form cooperatives to improve their economic prospect.

The government, he noted, would like to see the expansion of cooperatives into sectors other than agriculture, such as finance, housing, industry, minerals, livestock, fishing, bee keeping and transport.

He said the government has a vision for cooperatives which are business-oriented and can compete effectively in a free market economy.

Lawal said providing a systematic and progressive cooperative education to employees at every level of has become necessary because of complaints of mismanagement reported among the leadership of the cooperatives.

According to him, many cooperative societies were badly managed because leaders were allowed to stay in their positions for too long.

He said there were so many petitions on records and performance reports not being kept and leaders making decisions without involving members.

To improve this situation, the commissioner said the government would make sure members of staff hired to work in cooperatives are competent, skilled and trustworthy.

He noted that it was important to educate people in cooperative values. This, Lawal said, would not be possible without substantial development in capacities in the management of the societies.

According to him, the proposed cooperative college will provide specialised higher training and education.

The mandate, he noted, is for the school to make positive impact on the cooperative movement in the country and beyond.

Boosting food production in Bauchi

By Daniel Essiet, Agric Correspondent

AUCHI is an agricultural state. Its vast fertile land is an added advantage. Agriculture is the fastest growing sector. The sector employs a large number of indigenes. Rapid expansion of cultivated area and increased output stimulate the economy. The primary crops are potatoes, rice, soybeans, cotton, maize, rice, millet, groundnut and guinea corn. Since the 1990s, agricultural production has increased tremendously.There has been a steady increase in the production of wheat and other cereals to feed the nation’s growing population. Crops accounted for a higher percent of value added, followed by livestock.

The state has improved in terms of percentage of cropland irrigated, fertilizer use, labour and land productivity.

Moreover, there is a substantial expanse of land for farming. The variation in rainfall and timing cause substantial shifts in areas planted, yields, and production.

The government has established realistic goals for expansion of irrigation and recognises the need to increase productivity through improvements in land quality, as well as water and drought management.

The renewed commitment to expanding cultivation and extending irrigation, promises brighter prospect for agriculture in the state. The state is good for yearround crop growth in irrigated areas. However, climate change has significant impact on the sector . Changes in water availability, vegetation cover, and frequency of flooding, drought, or frost impact on crop and forage production.

There are numerous dams. The agro-service system for the supply of farm inputs and services provide suitable incentives for further investments in the agricultural sector. The government has acquired irrigation equipment and various farm machinery. The farm equipment include tractors earmarked for smallscale and commercial farmers.

On the balance, the government has responded to long-standing demands of farmers for greater support.

It hopes that with fund- • Bauchi Governor Yuguda ing for mechanisation, it can raise the proportion of mechanised farmers.

Bauchi’s main livestock products are cattle, goats, sheep, donkeys and pigs. Poultry is also significant.

In 1988, the state had an estimated 1.25 million of the nation’s total of 4.73 million cattle; 2.1 million out of 12.7 million sheep; 20,000 of 730,000 donkeys and 67,000 out of 923,000 pigs. The Integrated Rural Development Agency has provided packaged plans on poultry production, sheep and cattle fattening for meat production or simple meat processing plants.

The state has a lot of potential for agricultural investment and development. These include direct agricultural production (arable or animal), agro-based industries and other forms of light, medium and heavy industries. Supply of fertilizer is a milestone to government’s massive support to the sector.

The decision to make high-quality seeds and fertilizers affordable to small farmers has been the key to the state’s success in agric.

The environment has been created for farmers to practise intensive agriculture and take risks with new crop varieties.

Cotton cultivation has increased as a result of improved varieties of seed and increasing amounts of fertilizer. The government’s goal of expanding and diversifying food production created intense competition for irrigated land and encouraged the practice of double cropping. Urbanisation and rising incomes spurred cultivation of certain produce.

The state government has re-enforced its commitment to modernising the agricultural sector by announcing plans to introduce modern technology and incentives to achieve bumper harvests.

In line with this, government is focussing on accelerating the mechanisation of the agric sector.

The state hopes to attract investors from within and outside the country to boost production of basic food items. Since food production has been made a top priority, the government wants investors to increase production of basic food items, such as sugar, rice, cereals and oilseeds, livestock as well as cotton. The expanded role of the state in agriculture has improved social conditions in rural areas.

As part of its agrarian reform, the government placed emphasis on organising farmers into cooperatives for agricultural development.

B

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LANDS

Making it worse in Europe

Justice for Kudirat • It is commendable that legal justice came at last

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ITHOUT prejudice to the final outcome of the case after appeal, the January 30 death sentence a Lagos High Court passed on Major Hamza al-Mustapha, chief security officer (CSO) to late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, and Alhaji Lateef Shofolahan, a former aide of the slain Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, should be hailed at least on two fronts.

One: Anyone who commits heinous crime, even purportedly on behalf of the state, will eventually pay for his crime.

And two: It is fatal folly for a criminal to attempt to wear out the court, hoping in the end to escape justice.

This twin-folly, of course, emanates from impunity. It was impunity that made the killers of Alhaja Abiola to think they could murder her in cold blood and nothing would happen. It was also impunity that made al-Mustapha put up his circus show, which made the trial to drag for some 13 years, in the fond hope that the state would get tired of the case and set the criminals free.

For resisting this evil ploy, which, had it succeeded, would have come back to haunt the polity, the judiciary in Lagos State deserves special praise. The prosecuting agencies must hold their heads high to have stayed the course of justice, despite the many distractions to muddy the waters and introduce alien dimensions to the case. Yet in saner climes, the Kudirat Abiola assassination case would have been regarded as an open and shut case of crime-and-punishment, in which the accused would have their day in court, while justice would take its course.

So, those ethnic champions who tried to scuttle the case on the sentimentally asi-

nine reason that it had dragged on for too long, though they knew it was the defence that wilfully stonewalled proceedings; and those now trying to tar the verdict on sheer base sentiments should beware.

Justice exults all. But injustice destroys all. So, those who try to beatify the crime of the Abacha killing machine, simply because the convicts are their kiths and kin only dig avoidable graves for themselves sooner than later.

Also, congratulations to the Abiola family, particularly the children of Alhaja Kudirat, the youngest among whom was seven, when their mother was so brutally felled. Nigeria as a corporate entity owes the Abiolas fulsome atonement, for they committed no crime to justify losing both of their parents, just because their father won a free election. It is welcome relief, therefore, that the Nigerian state, by the conviction of al-Mustapha and Shofolahan, has started right by giving the family justice. But it would take much more than that to bring to a closure the grave injustice that has befallen that family.

Having said that, however, the convicts have appealed their sentences. It is their right under the legal system to so do. Even with their current state as condemned felons, they have full rights under the law to argue their cases to its logical conclusion. In other words, justice under the law is their right and nobody can deny them that. It is also good that with the grim situation of things, the defence circus show of the past 13 years would be dispensed with, and the case can be brought to a final judicial stop.

But after all is said and done, let no one forget that this unfortunate state was

brought about by the impunity of military rule. Under military camouflage, a bunch of reckless and irresponsible officers, under General Ibrahim Babangida, cancelled a valid election. It was the attempt to sustain that illegality that led to the despotic Abacha regime, which produced the killer squad that alMustapha euphemistically dubbed Strike Force, which led to the Kudirat Abiola murder and which has led to a 13-year trial – which is still counting, given the notorious fact of the appeal.

The only way to put this collective trauma behind is for Nigerians to collectively say never again to military rule. Nigeria must do everything to sustain democracy and build a better, more prosperous and more equitable nation from the ashes of military misrule.

‘Nigeria as a corporate entity owes the Abiolas fulsome atonement, for they committed no crime to justify losing both of their parents, just because their father won a free election. It is welcome relief, therefore, that the Nigerian state, by the conviction of alMustapha and Shofolahan, has started right by giving the family justice. But it would take much more than that to bring to a closure the grave injustice that has befallen that family’

Sale of Africa

• We find it disgusting that the new AU headquarters was donated by the Chinese govt

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HAT should ordinarily be a true celebration of a befitting contemporary edifice for the African Union (AU) was smudged by the fact that China, a foreign country, wholly built the place gratis for the continent.

The edifice covers an area of 50,000 square meters, with a 2,550-seat big conference hall, 650-seat medium conference hall, five press conference rooms and two VIP rooms, among other luxurious facilities. The project is reputed to be China’s biggest aid project for Africa since her construction of the TanzaniaZambia Railway. The newly built 20storey African Union Conference and Office Complex in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was estimated to have cost the Chinese government a whopping $200 million.

‘The building of the AU headquarters by the Chinese government is a shame to Africa. The unnecessary gesture underscores the myopic way leaders on the continent reason without thinking of the medium or long-term implications of their actions. Surprisingly, they are out of ignorance today celebrating this new foreign built ultra-modern complex which tomorrow might turn out to undermine the security of the continent’

We recollect that at the 2006 Beijing Summit forum on China-Africa Co-operation, President Hu Jintao of China promised, among other seven items, to build the edifice. When the AU seemed to have accepted the offer, the project was commenced in February 2009 and completed in December, 2011. It was expectedly built wholly by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) that employed not less than 1,200 largely Chinese and few Ethiopian workers.

The 18th AU ordinary session of Assembly of Heads of State and Government comprising leaders of the 54-nation body witnessed the formal presentation of the golden key of the complex to the immediate past AU Chairman, President Teodoro Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, who later handed it over to Dr Jean Ping, the AU Commission Chairman and administrative head.

We would have lapped onto the euphoria that greeted the inauguration of the edifice but for its largely detrimental implication for the image of the continent.

We consider it sad that several decades after the establishment of AU, it still relies on China, an ambitious foreign power, reputed for her vociferous proclivity to capture all parts of the world with its domineering presence, to build its secretariat.

The AU ought to have turned down the 2006 offer by China to build a befitting headquarters for it. The acceptance of that offer, culminating into the building and eventual hand over of the edifice

surprisingly marked the ultimate sale of Africa to China that is seriously competing for global leadership role with the United States of America. Why should a building where serious issues concerning African affairs would be discussed by its leaders be built by China?

This is unfathomable!

Regrettably too, virtually all materials, used for the construction of the edifice and even the furniture came from China, thereby arousing intense suspicion that the building might have been bugged under the pretence of China’s generosity towards Africa.

We ask: are there no African companies with the requisite technology and expertise to build such an edifice?

Something as symbolic as the AU headquarters should under no circumstances have been left for foreigners to build.

Even if funding was the problem, we can count quite a number of wealthy Africans that can individually or collectively, if contacted, fund the building of such an important African heritage.

The building of the AU headquarters by the Chinese government is a shame to Africa. The unnecessary gesture underscores the myopic way leaders on the continent reason without thinking of the medium or long-term implications of their actions. Surprisingly, they are out of ignorance today celebrating this new foreign built ultra-modern complex which tomorrow might turn out to undermine the security of the continent.

E

UROPEAN Union leaders failed on Monday to move forward on their most urgent task: increasing the bailout fund to protect Europe’s ailing economies from defaulting on their bonds.

Instead, leaders of 25 of 27 European countries agreed to sign a new fiscal compact that will legally restrict them from fighting recessions with robust fiscal stimulus. Most economists outside the euro zone consider this approach a dangerous one. Those countries account for more than 20 percent of the world’s economy. Condemning them to longer and deeper recessions will drag down economies elsewhere that depend on trade, from the United States to China.

Without a bigger bailout fund, investors will likely keep betting against weakened economies like Italy and Spain, pushing up their interest costs and, consequently, adding to their deficits. Nevertheless, Europe’s leaders deferred action on more money until March.

Market speculators may not agree to wait.

The world has gotten used to failed European summit meetings. What is particularly disheartening about this one is that some European leaders seem to believe they succeeded. “Considering the time frame, this was a real masterpiece,” Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany said of the new fiscal pact.

It was only in December that she made clear to other European leaders that adopting a fiscal pact to balance their budgets and reduce debt was an essential precondition for Germany to continuing to pay its fair share of European debt-relief costs.

The fiscal pact imposes substantial fines on any signatory nation whose deficit averages more than 0.5 percent of gross domestic product over a full economic cycle, a condition the United States would have had great trouble meeting over the past three decades. The summiteers also made ritual nods in the direction of more jobs and higher growth, without providing any new money to achieve this.

As the European Union’s biggest economy, and biggest contributor to the bailout fund, Germany continues to determine the approach in managing the Continent’s economic crisis.

Others, particularly those needing help paying their bills, have little choice but to go along, whether or not they really believe that German-dictated austerity will help their ailing economies. Many leaders — Prime Minister Mario Monti of Italy, for example — have made clear that they do not.

A leader wiser than Mrs. Merkel would build a stronger European Union by helping her neighbors grow their way out of debt, not squeeze them to the breaking point. A wise leader would also remind German voters that the prosperity of their own export-dependent economy requires sustained demand in neighboring countries.

Poor German leadership in this crisis has exacted an increasing economic and social price from Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Belgium and France. The longer Germany insists on putting fiscal austerity ahead of growth, the more likely it becomes that Germany, too, will suffer economic pain.

– New York Times

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

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THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION

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IR: The socio-economic effects of the recent controversial removal of subsidy on petrol by the Federal Government have begun to manifest negatively, particularly in the observed lull in the day-to-day activities of many Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The government, through the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) had announced a new pump price of N141 per litre of petrol on January 1. However, sequel to a week-long shutdown of the nation’s economy via an industrial action-cum-mass protests called by the Labour unions and civil society organisations, President Goodluck Jonathan later in a nationwide broadcast announced a downward review of petrol per litre to N97.

In spite of the announcement, high prices of goods and services earlier triggered by the N141 per litre have remained unchanged in several places across the country.

SMEs in their thousands, apart from individual Nigerians who are equally feeling the heat, are currently finding it difficult coping with the stifling inflationary trend in the system. The disquieting business climate, no doubt, brings to the fore certain experts’ assertion, that of the several key factors influencing the failure of SMEs in developing economies like ours, a combination of inflationary trend, unstable power supply and supporting infrastructure constitute the biggest headache to the survival of this class of businesses.

It is disturbing to note, therefore, that because of persistent poor electricity supply to homes and offices, inability of many to fuel their alternative power generators efficiently and increasing operating cost, most SMEs, including business centre and cybercafé operators, cottage industries, professional service firms, and artisans, including welders, panel beaters, motor mechanics, tailors, hairdressers, frozen foods sellers are all complaining loudly about the possibility of their continued stay in business.

EconomicWatch’s latest economic statistics and indicators on Nigeria showed her Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as $369.8billion, while the real growth rate in the economy was 6.8% in 2010. Incidentally, aside from crude oil earnings said to be constituting about 90 per cent of the total revenue accruable to the economy, the SMEs, despite operating fundamentally, in an inclement business environment in-

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SMEs’ fortune in zero-subsidy regime duced by a number of discouraging factors over time, have struggled to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s GDP growth and overall socio-economic development.

Thus, in assisting the nation’s SMEs, most of which currently struggle to survive and thrive in the choking economic climate, the government in partnership with

the Organised Private Sector (OPS) can bail these businessmen and women out through the provision of supporting infrastructure such as good road and rail networks, stable electricity supply, SME-friendly regulations to enable them access needed funds to enhance business growth and provide more sustainable opportunities for wealth creation.

The promised palliative programmes and projects outlined in the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment (SURE) plan should be implemented to the letter, at least for SMEs to boost their all-important contributions to the nation’s economic growth and development.

The SMEs remain the plank and strategy upon which robust economic development that can en-

hance employment generation, food security, poverty alleviation, rapid industrialisation, and discouragement of rural-urban migration can be accomplished. Failure by all stakeholders to assist scores of these SMEs through an enabling environment to overcome some of these limiting factors and flourish, aside from making the society lose a veritable means of production and distribution of goods and services, the government also will lose revenues it will have earned from tax, just as the standards of living of many will remain abysmally low.

• Gbenga Kayode, Lagos.

Boko Haram, passion and Nigerians

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IR: Nigerians are a complex and curious lot. So vocal, so vociferous and passionate about issues they sometimes little understand, if only to be seen saying something! The punching bag of any and every baby that can blab is the government.

The recent menace of Boko Haram brings this to the fore.

Most associates of mine severely castigate the president, Goodluck Jonathan, as being weak, lame and unprepared for leadership of this country. Their assumption is that he is doing less than required since we still hear of bomb explosions every now and then. He is inept, they surmise. They posit that former President Olusegun Obasanjo would have crushed the menace of Boko Haram by now!

I never knew Nigerians could be this nostalgic for ‘Baba Iyabo’!

What they fail to see however, is that Nigeria is not alone in this experience and that the government is doing her very best in these situations.

The IRA held North Ireland hostage for generations, detonating bombs at will, even killing the much revered Lord Mountbatten, the patriarch of British monarchs, on British soil. Not even MI5 and MI6 were able to foresee this.

Equally, the Spaniards were held hostage by ETA for decades with indiscriminate killings of citizens.

There is a catalogue of terror related incidences globally, including September 9/11, 2001 of new York, 1996 Timothy McVeigh bombing in Arkansas, the 32 Virginia Tech massacre, Fort bragg soldier/psychiatrist shootings, the

Norwegian 92, the July 7 London train bombings in which a Nigerian died, Madrid train bombing and the catalogue goes on.

Clearly, none of these were preempted because, how do you get into the mind of anyone intent on destruction, particularly the suicidal type?

American soldiers were severely decimated in Iraq from IEDs (Improvised explosive device), with very little they could do about it for a long time.

The success of these terrorists lies in their guerrilla tactic. They are not uniformed, they wear no badges, there is no face to them, and they operate surreptitiously and in covert. How do you intercept this?

Over the years, because of corruption, nepotism and lack of profes-

sionalism, our security infrastructure have gone decrepit, bust and bankrupt, ill-prepared to meet the challenges of the day. Unfortunately, the ills and decay of yesteryears cannot be repaired fast enough and Boko Haram thus appears to be having a field day.

Understandably, the cries of Nigerians are borne of the novelty of bombing to our soil, the fear, the grief and devastation left on their trails.

We nevertheless must endeavour not to give in to panic and fear which is the principal objective of Boko Haram. It wages a psychological warfare and aims to portray the government of the day as weak and lame; incapable of protecting her citizens.

“What we need to fear, is fear it-

self….” Winston Churchill in admonishing his people during the World War 2 bombing of London said.

Unfortunately, the media seem to be at the forefront of misinformation, whipping up popular sentiments and fear.

What Nigerians must do is to brace up in unison, not against the government, but against the enemy, Boko Haram. We must determine to work hand in hand with security agencies by remaining alert, possibly constituting vigilante and watch groups.

We must also be willing to understand the issues and provide valuable information of suspicious activities wherever they are noticed.

• Timi Babatunde Calabar, Cross River State

... Northern governors insincere

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IR: The 19 northern governors who are said to have promised to help President Goodluck Jonathan to solve his Boko Haram challenges are deceptive. If they could do it, what have they been waiting for till now? And is that the first time they are making such a promise since the emergence of Boko Haram?

The governors and President Jonathan are playing deceptive games for which the PDP is ardent.

Jonathan was insincere when he said: “If anybody invited Osama bin Laden (to talks), he wouldn’t have appeared ... Boko Haram, if you invite them, they will not come. They operate without a face; they operate without a clear identity, so it is dif-

ficult to interface with such a group.

That is the greatest difference between Boko Haram ... and the Niger Delta issue.”

Is Madam Sarah Jubril who was dialoguing with the Boko Haram not one of Jonathan’s advisers? His refusal to dialogue with the Boko Haram is not because he cannot reach them, but because that may be the end of opportunism. If he does not want to use ‘Mama’ Jubril, he could empower eminent persons, such as the Sultan of Sokoto, Archbishop John Onaiyekan, Prof.

Wole Soyinka, Prof. Tam DavidWest, etc. to be the mediators. I have no doubt that Boko Haram would respond to invitation from such persons.

Unfortunately, the President would not do that because his military godfathers are indisposed to an orderly and peaceful Nigeria. It is for the same reason General Ibrahim Babangida annulled the presidential election of June 12, 1993, and General Olusegun Obasanjo declared operation totality for the presidential candidacy of Jonathan, in flagrant disregard for the rotational policy of the PDP. It is for the same reason Jonathan has refused to implement the recommendations of the Sheik Lemu panel into the post-election crises.

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

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012 16

21

EDITORIAL/OPINION

Reality Bites T

Olatunji Ololade

HIS is the moment in which we turn deaf ear to their drum beats of war. This is the moment in which we forsake their “heartfelt” squeals for separation.

This is the moment in which we leave our ruling class to enjoy their rights to everlasting madness. And death…for who would die a shameful death will first of all go mad.

Their system destroys itself to rejuvenate; hence the ruling class’ naked dances in our public space. Let us not be part of their madness and devastation. A few of us would, no doubt, but let them be the flies that had always followed the faeces into the cesspit. Let us not be part of their wantonness and fated end.

Our grievances were of fuel subsidy, presidential gluttony et al; and over these, we almost screamed ourselves hoarse for the barest results: fuel price has since soared to N97 from its initial price of N65. Some claim that, “That was the government’s initial game plan.

They increased it to N141 knowing they would eventually muscle us to accept N97"; and I concur.

It has been our lot to be consigned to the receiving end. The entrepreneurs amongst us have always started far behind, in debt; unlike the children of the ruling class whose indolent, vulgar lifestyles are scripted from birth and financed by their parents’ pillaging of our collective till. The graduates amongst us are considered half-baked and thus unemployable even as the ruling class doggedly refuses to improve our ailing education sector.

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They couldn’t give a hoot even if it collapses beyond redemption; as long as they could afford to give their wards the best of Ivy League education. The best they have always done is to apply half-witted measures on the sector, like balm on a gangrenous wound.

More worrisome are the persistent state of insecurity and labyrinths of death we strive to pass off as hospitals. In the face of all these and an economy about to keel over, we are treated as expendable indices by the Nigerian ruling class: remember the poor protesters who were felled by the bullets of state sponsored “law enforcers.”

Amid such austere and gruesomely wrought climes, Nigerian taxpayers will spend a fortune feeding the Mr. President and his deputy this year as the federal government plans to spend approximately N1 billion in feeding Nigeria’s first and second citizens. Together, they will enjoy N992.57 million worth of food and general catering services this year. According to a detailed analysis of the N4.749trillion budget the president presented to lawmakers, the cost of purchasing food stuffs, catering supplies, kitchen equipments for the president and his vice, and their offices, will cost the nation N992.57 million, about N7 million short of a billion naira.

Further breakdown reveals that taxpayers will pay approximately N477million for foodstuff and “catering materials supplies” for the president’s office. An additional N293 million is earmarked to pro-

LL religious persuasions tend to suggest that they have the monopoly of leading their followers to God. And for all humans they often have or experience the longing and being thirsty for a supremebeing or supernatural force or power that can only quench this thirst. Every human being tends to have the inner feelings of emptiness without this experience of supreme-being or supernatural force.

In their pursuit of tenaciously holding their followers captive or in submission, those in privileged positions and authority in all religions often arrogate to themselves the only interpretations of the creeds of the particular religion involved. Even in situations where followers can have information at their finger tips, they will rather leave the interpretation to the spiritual leaders or authorities even when there was nothing to interpret.

The traditional religions amongst the Yorubas of Nigeria have the authority and interpretation vested in priests and diviners.

Before westernization caught up with them, these priests and diviners had the last say on all forms of sacrifices to the gods. It was generally believed then, that without such sacrifices, believers after death would miss heaven or ‘eternity’ with their god. As Western civilization took its toll, these diviners and interpreters modified the appeasement of the gods by using animals, fowls and chickens. As at now, they have succeeded in eliminating the contradictions in their religion as their adherents and new converts do not have problems relating to people of other religion.

There was a time when Catholicism was the universal religion. The Popes, cardinals, bishops, and priests were making final decisions on all issues such as politics, economics, commerce, even knowledge/ research development, generation, and transmission including education and science. At the time, how people would miss hell and make eternity with God was part of the decision they were making for individuals. Decision on how people would relate to their God was no longer a personal or private one but at the behest of these religious leaders. The catholic churches through their priests were the only authorised sellers of indulgencies, and could be

The casualty (2) vide “refreshment and meals” for the president’s comfort at his home and office. Yet, an additional N45.4 million would be needed to buy canteen and “kitchen equipment” for the president’s household, although similar purchases were reportedly made last year.

For the vice president’s office, the foodstuff, catering and materials supplies are to cost N104 million, while cooking gas and cooking fuel will consume N6.2 million. Refreshments and meals at the V.P’s office and home are estimated at N20.8million. At N70, 000 a month, the amount budgeted for presidential feeding would pay the wages of 1, 200 Nigerians for a year.

Thus is the temperament of our ruling class. They force us to accept the most severe living conditions while they luxuriate in lavish and vulgar lifestyles. This calls for the most sensible deployment of tact in our protests against the ruling class.

Let us now begin to protest with a gust of clever rage. I advocate neither apathy nor that cowardly resignation to defeat which we have learnt to couch as “fate.” Neither do I suggest that abominable tameness that’s responsible for our predicament till date; I only wish that we tread a non-delinquent path to the future of our dreams. I only advise that we do not yield to desperation and our best kept demons in our spirited march for freedom. It is my fervent wish that we do not keel over, like fallen angels, to the promised bliss of ill-gotten wealth by which the ruling class smothers the best amongst us.

Lest I am mistaken, I ascribe no fraudulence to the horde of Nigeria’s angry youth; I only deem it pertinent to warn us off the familiar crater in which many a revolutionary movement has crashed. Let us not forget in a hurry that throughout the

struggle against President Goodluck Jonathan’s removal of fuel subsidy, a great deal of attention was paid to the citizenry’s protest and strike action.

Many columnists and self-styled activists excitedly labeled the mass action as part of the global struggles for fairer systems of governance, yet everybody seemed unwary of the fact that the mass outcry and action may eventually pass as just another flash of hope in Nigeria’s catalogue of revolutionary false starts.

In spite of the citizenry’s impressive and passionate struggle against the incumbent leadership’s utter insensitivity and cluelessness, the eventual result is basically, an opportunistic contract between the exploiters (the government) and a part of the exploited (labour leadership), at the expense of the rest of the exploited (you, me and everyone) – something Noel Ignatin would call “the original sweetheart agreement.”

Does this mean that the current Nigerian youth has no revolutionary potential? Does it mean that we should be written off as a pathetic mass of revolutionary impostors?

Does it mean that we are essentially hopeless and misdirected? Does it mean that rather than irk the monstrosity that subsists in the ruling class, we ought to wait timidly and inert, until the ruling class by its discretion and sheer necessity, move to amend its frivolousness and guile to patronize our dreams?

We aren’t any of these, are we?

Really does seem like a soupçon.

Despite the fervor and force of the Occupy Nigeria movement, you and I remain exploited proletarians, victims of what George Bernard Shaw, terms “the stupid system of violence and robbery which we call Law and Industry”; we are still subservient and somewhat beholden to the bi-

Boko Haram: Time for a new approach

By Oluropo Ayodele purchased in denominations – akin to recharge cards of various denominations depending on the amount one could afford.

Extremely wealthy individuals could buy large amount of indulgencies to wipe away their transgressions against God and man; thus having easy passage to the kingdom of God. With this scenario only the affluent, the royalties and the nobles would enter heaven; the majority of the earth’s residents were sure candidates of hell fire.

This manipulation of man’s innate desire to please God went on for centuries unchallenged because the interpreters were the only authorised set of people who could read the Bible. Lay people could not gain access to the Bible, even if they did, only the interpreters could tell the lay people what the Bible really meant, or what it was saying.

Around 1517, one of the interpreters broke rank with his colleagues, by challenging the sale of indulgencies openly, that it was a ploy by the interpreters to keep on amassing wealth and maintaining the monopoly of the biblical knowledge. This man named Martin Luther challenged the authority of the Pope openly over the sale of indulgencies. Luther pasted his 95 thesis on the main door of All Saints Church at Wittenburg in Germany. He insisted that one would miss hell and be assured of making heaven by exercising simple faith in God through the Lord Jesus Christ. Martin Luther was excommunicated and a price placed on his head. It is gratifying to note that Luther could not be apprehended but died peacefully at a ripe age. He set free many that could have been slaughtered by the authorities for preaching heresies; before Martin Luther’s challenge it was not uncommon for people who confronted the Pope to be burnt alive, families were usually destroyed and eliminated. Martin Luther succeeded in installing a fundamental

reformation which changed Christianity to its superstructure.

The catholic having lost out, went back to their closet to revisit their interpretation, saying that Martin Luther was not wrong after all, that it was the fault of the universal religion who placed too much emphasis on the wrong aspects of their doctrine. In attempt to hold on to their members they embarked on something similar to community enlightenment of the laity using catechisms small pamphlets to sell their new ideas which they called Counter Reformation. Those responsible for the sale of indulgencies were re-oriented and their activities were stopped. The leader of the monks who championed the discontinuation of the sale of indulgencies and counterreformation in the universal church was Ignatius Loyola. This was how one of the greatest religious contradictions in human history was laid to rest.

Even though it is the common position amongst Islamic scholars that only Muslim can quote from the Koran; my position is that the Koran is a public book not an occult just like the Bible, more so that the Koran is published in English and other local languages.

There is no basis for engaging in comparative religion in this write up, very far from that. My honest position is that most of the verses or suras in the Koran that motivate people into violence nowadays were only relevant to Islam during her embryonic stage of development.

Application of these verses nowadays will only promote bad relationships between Muslims and their neighbours at individual, community, state and international levels.

I saw the most beautiful verse in the Koran Sura 2:256 “Let there be no compulsion in religion”.

zarre benevolence of the Nigerian ruling class.

They think they know what gibberish to speak to confuse us and ultimately break our ranks. When we clamour for an end to their profligacy and sleaze, all they see is a mob of hungry, desperate youths whose fervor could be extinguished as soon as they dangle outrageous sums of money, as our vanities permit.

When we demand better accountability, they reduce our struggle for immediate reforms to aan inordinate taste for perquisites that elevates them above us; they go on to entice the infinitely dubious amongst us with a smidgen of such benefits thus causing a material base for the split in the ranks of the youth and the Nigerian working class. It is about time that we showed them their arrant folly in reducing our struggle to a mere…

To be continued

‘Let us now begin to protest with a gust of clever rage. I advocate neither apathy nor that cowardly resignation to defeat which we have learnt to couch as “fate.” Neither do I suggest that abominable tameness that’s responsible for our predicament till date; I only wish that we tread a non-delinquent path to the future of our dreams. I only advise that we do not yield to desperation and our best kept demons in our spirited march for freedom’ For SMS only 08038551123

All the suras or verses promoting hatred represent immanent contradictions in Islam which can only be addressed only by the believers in Islam. The animalistic, violent, competitive, and wicked instinct in man often want to lord it over God’s gentle spirit in man; this is very true of human nature, how come the golden sura 2: 256 never get practised.

Nigerian Muslims can join forces together to address these contradictions. Muslims from the northern parts of Nigeria should with the assistance governments at all levels implement Community based Approach, CBA, to enlighten and re-orient local Islamic teachers, clerics and mullahs, the positive verses of the Koran by deliberately deemphasizing those that encourage killing of other innocent people. The community based enlightenment should be implemented using local languages; venues for the meetings should be in the communities. The Jumat services in the rural settings will be very appropriate for what I am suggesting here.

The use of economic empowerment, social re-engineering, employment and poverty alleviation programmes to address the menace of Boko Haram are in order, but should be heavily complemented by the CBA. I am of the strong opinion that the solution to Boko Haram problems in Nigeria lies in the Quoran. It is going to be a long and difficult journey, but once the first step is taken the subsequent steps will be easy.

Although, the peace lovers or peace makers will certainly be targeted for elimination, that will be the expected price that needs to be paid, just like some people paid during the retooling of Christianity. Fortunately, for Islam, the diehards and extremists are usually fewer in all communities, so majority that want to live in peace and serve Allah can easily overpower the extremists at the community levels with aggressive community based enlightenment programme.

In conclusion, Nigeria Muslims can become the light in this crooked world, bringing hope to billions of Muslims in Islamic world that have been perpetually killing themselves.

• Dr. Ayodele is of Dept of Sociology, University of Lagos

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

22

EDITORIAL/OPINION

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ANY Nigerians are fixated on the fact that once the problem of power is solved in the country, then, all other things will fall in place. But it is necessary to point out that electricity is only useful in an atmosphere where peace and stability reign.

The institution that is required to guarantee peace and security is the Nigeria Police Force, which unfortunately is witnessing a flurry of vices that it ought to combat in the larger society.

Quite sadly, successive administrations have contributed to the rot ravaging the police thereby making it difficult to be put in proper shape. Moreover, the leadership of the police overtime have compromised themselves giving the public the impression that nothing good can come out of the police. This point of view is reinforced by the fact that four successive past Inspectors General of Police in the country left the exalted post in situation that is everything but honourable. They include Musiliu Smith, Tafa Balogun, Ogbonaiya Onovo and very recently too, Afiz Ringim. This perhaps might have informed why yours sincerely last week in this column ask rhetorically whether there is a curse on the Inspector General of Police seat. And to further ask if the new Acting IGP, Mohammed Dikko Abubakar, would be the rescuer of the police from the avoidable rot that is ravaging it.

However, even before Abubakar settled down in office, information have started flying in the social media that one Justice Niki Tobi led Commission of Inquiry on the Jos, Plateau state crisis indicted him on his role in managing the crisis while working there as a commissioner of police. The most quoted excerpt of the panel report to wit: “Religious fanatics should not be posted to head state police commands. The commission recommends that for his ignoble role during the September 2001 crisis which resulted in the loss of lives, the former Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, Alhaji M.D. Abubakar, be advised to retire from the Nigeria Police Force and in the event of his refusal to do so, he should be dismissed from the service. The Government should forward this recommendation to the Police Service Commission for consideration and necessary action.” Sadly, no one has come out to verbally accused Abubakar of being a religious fanatic

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N Igbo proverb says that he who is surrounded by enemies is always on the look out; always. But Ndigbo, especially her leaders, have not learnt anything from this wisdom of our fathers. If indeed they have learnt, they have not exhibited much of it more than 40 years after a pernicious pogrom and her boorish Biafra.

Have you noticed how Igbo leaders have been flip-flapping and running helter-skelter even more than their hapless people scattered across the North of Nigeria since the Boko Haram Kano mayhem of Friday, January 27, 2012? Yes the Kano bombing was a notch above the norm but have we not noticed the build up to this moment? Are Igbo leaders surprised or caught unawares about what is happening today in the North? Is this the first time Igbo lives and limbs and properties have been turned overboard in the North? Have other zones and ethnic groups not been preparing for this unfolding scenario for the past decade?

The events of the past two weeks have shown that if perchance Nigeria decides to split tomorrow, Ndigbo would be caught tragically napping… again. How many times shall we be afflicted before we wake up? The Christmas Day bombing of the Catholic Church at Madallah, Niger State was the foretaste of what might come. Following that incident, this column had advised the governors of the Southeast to brace up and begin to do the basic. I had asked that they set up machineries in their various states to start keeping records of Igbo casualties in this welter of bombings in the North. The simple idea is to keep verifiable records of deaths, the orphaned, widows, widowers, damaged properties, ruined businesses, etc.

With a document like this it will be easy to

‘After the experience of Biafra one would have thought the leaders of the Igbo nation would be wise to tap the huge potentials of Ndigbo. But I tell you, nobody is articulating any grand vision’

Let’s give acting IG Abubakar a chance that exists only in the fantasy of Justice Tobi.

The commission was inaugurated on October 18, 2001 shortly after the 2001 Jos crisis and concluded sitting in May 2002, but no White Paper was issued on its recommendations by the government that set it up. It was Jonah Jang, the current governor of that crisis ridden state that curiously in 2009 issued a White Paper on the Report. Why did it take the state seven years before acting on the Report it spent public funds to prepare? If Abubakar was complicit in the management of the crisis, what about commissioners of police who are Christians that came after him like Samson Wuda and Greg Ayatin? Were there no burning and killings during their own tenures as commissioners of police in Plateau state? Why didn’t the state government accuse them of complicity in the mayhem in the state? The complex and complicated issue of Jos crisis has been further politicised and as such, the handling of the problem can not stand the test of rigorous scrutiny with which to judge anybody.

In addition, most Nigerians of repute that have encountered the new IGP have attested to his competence and proclivity for hard work. Barrister Mike Igini, my friend, who is the Federal Electoral Commissioner in Cross River state, attested to Abubakar’s dispassionate and fair approach in the discharge of police duties. He said that but for the new IGP who protected him as the

henchman of Cross River security during last year’s April general elections, the political hawks in the state would have devoured him for his insistence that the right thing must be done. Igini was of the view that if Abubakar can still sustain the good conduct that won him integrity in the minds of most Nigerians that encountered him, then the sky will be his limit as IGP. The exploits of Abubakar as an efficient and knowledgeable operations person in the discharge of police duties have been lauded by many. So, it is believed that now that he is in charge of the force as a whole, he should summon the courage and will power to embark on programmes and reforms that will set the police free from its current bondage.

Let me bring it to the notice of the new IGP that police stations across the country are like hell to those that have had the misfortune of visiting or being detained in the place. Apart from the highly unhygienic state of all of the stations, the attitude of most policemen to visitors to the stations is bad. Suspects in police custody are treated without conviction as slaves/common criminal. Police keep suspects in cells without making provisions for their feeding. Those that have food to eat are those whose relations give money for police to feed them. Mr Abubakar must quickly address this crass violation of human rights by the police.

May l humbly request to know from the IGP who is responsible for providing for the

EXPRESSO STEVE OSUJI

SMS O8055001684 email:steve_osuji@yahoo.com

Boko Haram: Again, leadership fails Ndigbo get help to their people who are in critical need; it will be easy to get the various state governments in the North and the Federal Government to offer some restitution and mitigate the sufferings of the victims in this mindless crisis that is no fault of theirs. It is estimated that Ndigbo are about one quarter and in some cases, one thirds of the population of towns and cities across Nigeria. They probably own half of the small and mediumsized businesses in these places. In many of these places, there are second and even third generation families schooling, working, paying their taxes and contributing to the growth and development of their communities.

Now after the meeting of Southeast governors and key Igbo leaders, they noted how angry they were about the situation but had no courage to take an action. On the other hand, Chief Ralph Uwazurike, leader of MASSOB after his meeting with Igbo Elders Forum, had asked Ndigbo in the north to return home. Ohazurike has taken this atrocious knee-jack decision because those who are supposed to lead had balked.

How could anyone wake up one day and ask millions of people to head hundreds of kilometres south with neither plan nor preparations. Not even a contingency plan.

There are bound to be more dangers and casualties on the road to Onitsha, Aba and Abakaliki than we already have in Kano, Kaduna and Jos. Recall oso Abiola – the period during the June 12 crisis of 1993 when Ndigbo

had to flee from the Southwest. More people were consumed by the roads than whatever it was they were fleeing from.

Yes, Ndigbo are seriously and adversely affected by the bombs of the North ( though Imo Governor, Rochas Okorocha thoughtlessly dashed to Kano three days after the Kano mayhem to declare that all was well), it is clear that Ndigbo are not specific targets of the Boko Haram. Now that they are leaving in droves, what becomes of their properties and businesses? Transport fares have jumped; would Ohazurike, any governor or Igbo elder help them through? What about jobs in the Southeast and resettlement of the returnees so that they don’t become refugees in their land?

However, the Important question Igbo governors and leaders must answer is, what shall we do so our people do not remain perpetual economic migrants? After the experience of Biafra one would have thought the leaders of the Igbo nation would be wise to tap the huge potentials of Ndigbo. But I tell you, nobody is articulating any grand vision.

With a favourably condition in the homeland, half of our people scattered all over the country will return home. Onitsha, Nnewi, Ariaria and Naze markets can be carefully upgraded to serve the west coast region and beyond.

Centres of specialized commerce can be created in all the states of the Southeast.

Eminent journalist, Dimgba Igwe once propounded in his column in Nigeria’s Daily

administrative, maintenance and logistic needs of the police? Are there no budgetary provisions for these things by government?

This is because at the moment, it is the innocent members of the public that have issues to sort out at the stations that forcibly pay for everything. The police operational vehicles are not well maintained while the little maintenance and daily fuelling of those police trucks that were done are financed through bribes collected on the roads/highways or from people who need protection of the police in their homes or areas.

As a lawyer, one must state that visiting a police station at the behest of a client or encountering the rank and file of the police on the road is not always a palatable experience.

If a lawyer could feel the discourtesies of policemen, what then is the fate of ordinary people in the hands of these men and women paid through our taxes to protect us? The police needs a new re-orientation and this should be urgently pursued by Abubakar.

My view is that Abubakar should have his eyes set on posterity. He has seen the ignoble way his seniors that occupied that post ended.

The ball is now in his court to prove that the police as an institution can work- and that he would endeavour to end his tenure after confirmation on a good note. This IGP should not disappoint those that have so much confidence in him. To all other Nigerians still doubting his sincerity of purpose, I say, let us give Abubakar a chance by being patient with him.

‘If a lawyer could feel the discourtesies of policemen, what then is the fate of ordinary people in the hands of these men and women paid through our taxes to protect us?

The police needs a new reorientation and this should be urgently pursued by Abubakar’ Sun about opening a sea route flank with Sao Tome and Cameroun to harness Igbo trade and commerce; who cares? While Southwest leaders are hard at work strategizing and building scenarios in the bid to reinvent the Yoruba nation, the Southeast leaders and governors seem content to just disburse monthly allocation. No big vision, not a plan for a highly energetic, industrious and mobile race. So sad.

LAST MUG: moving soldiers from Lagos, one up for the President: when the FG moved soldiers to Lagos State (January 6th) in apparent panic over the fuel subsidy cut protests, we were all united in condemning the action. We asked for their immediate withdrawal as soldiers on the streets of Lagos represented a new low in the FG’s undemocratic tendencies.

Gov Fashola of Lagos wrote the Presidency; elders like Prof. Nwabueze marched against it. On the night January 24, the soldiers vanished as they had come. We commend the President and the army chiefs for listening to the voice of reason. We state again that listening and acceding to the wishes of the people is never an act of cowardice on the part of any leader; in fact, it is an act of immense courage and honour for a leader to reverse itself when it finds it has acted in error. I urge the President to consider other states not in turmoil and pull soldiers there from. For the heavy presence of soldiers on the streets does not betoken security but is indeed, the most visible sign of leadership failure.

To Reginald Ihejiahi, a worthy honour: there are not many more deserving of an honorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from UNN than Mr Reginald Ihejiahi, md/ceo of Fidelity Bank. A perfect gentleman if there were such a person and a thoroughbred banker who has proved over the years that banking is still about trust, honour and cool headedness. Wear it proudly my brother, it is well deserved.

To Bankole and Nafada, the people are watching: Our leaders who really care about the feelings of the people they lead should go to popular newspaper stands incognito and listen to the debates, raw debates on major issues as they unfold. I happened to listen to one such debate on the day the courts threw out the Bankole/Nafada N40 billion case. All I can add to what I heard is that the people are awake. We say in my place that what you cut and pile up are palm bunches and not human heads. A word is enough.

DEVELOPMENT N15b for industrialisation Akwa Ibom 28

CRIME

PARTNERSHIP

‘I do not participate in robbery operation’

Okorocha seeks American support in agric, education

Lagos

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 3, 2012

Owerri

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Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

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PARTNERSHIP between Kwara State government and a Spanish firm, Vasolar Consortium, is billed to raise rice production in the state and provide jobs for the youths.

The state governor, AbdulFatah Ahmed is determined to boost commercial agriculture in the state. His predecessor, Senator Bukola Saraki brought the Shonga commercial farmers operated by Zimbabweans. They concentrated on commercial production of cereals as well as animal husbandry.

The Ahmed administration and Vasolar Consortium have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Ilorin, the state capital. The consortium will engage in large-scale production, processing and packaging of rice in the state.

In the next four years, the Spanish firm is expected to invest the sum of 280million Euros (N70billion) in the project.

Under the agreement, an estimated sum of 70m Euros would be expended yearly for the next four years.

Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) Plc will provide the funds on behalf of the government in the joint venture, it was gathered.

Group Managing Director, GTB, Segun Agbaje spoke highly of the pact, saying that working with Kwara is a rewarding experience.

Director, Vasolar Consortium, Reuben Paraje said the topography of the proposed site could produce 40,000 tons of rice annually.

He said: “The surface area of Kwara is similar to a particular state in Spain where we plant rice in large-scale quantity. About 40 years ago we carried out an agrarian revolution in that state in Spain.

“What is amazing in the whole event is that before the revolution of rice plantation, people were migrating from the state.

But few years later, when the boom started, they rushed back.”

The director spoke further: “In Kwara, the land is good and agric practices in it are not toxic to the environment. These practices will unite the people and provide employment as well. It is worrisome that the potentials have not

•Governor Ahmed exchanging documents with Mr. Ruben Paraje, following the signing

Kwara steps up rice production Ahmed partners Spanish firm Targets 40,000 tons of rice annually From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

been fully tapped.

“But one other thing we are going to do is to eliminate interme-

diaries. They are not good in modern agriculture.”

Governor Ahmed said the state in line with the modules of the MOU would provide 500,000 hectares of arable land along the set-

tlements of River Niger. The catchment local government areas are: Pategi, Edu and parts of Ifelodun.

The governor said his administration will not deviate from the path of the commercial agricultural

drive of his predecessor, noting that the benefits accruing from such large-scale projects will, among other factors, greatly assist in reducing unemployment in the country.

Ahmed said the project was aimed at imparting in the local farmers “modern farming skills” that could turn them into com•Continued on Page 26

Fed Govt to complete women’s skill centres

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•Hajia Zainab Maina

ith the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in mind, the Federal Government has said it is doing everything possible to ensure the completion of about 70 skills acquisition centres for women across the country before the end of the year.

In order to successfully tackle poverty, the MDGs aim at raising the productive capacity of women through skills.

The centres, which are constituency projects, are expected

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

to provide skills for women in various trades and crafts that would boost their economic ventures, equip them to be self-reliant and promote economic empowerment.

In her keynote address during the 14th regular meeting of the National Council of Women Affairs and Social Development held in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development,

Hajiya Zainab Maina said the National Assembly has been briefed on the importance of the centres to women at the grassroots.

“Women economic empowerment to reduce unemployment, social vices and increase income generation through job and wealth creation for women occupies a priority position in the transformation agenda of Mr. President and in the plans of my ministry,” she said.

“This explains why we con-

tinue to emphasise economic empowerment programmes and skill development to enhance women’s standard of living.”

The Minister said that in a bid to reposition the Women Fund for Economic Empowerment (WOFEE) and the Business and Development Fund for Women (BUDFOW), her ministry has held series of consultations with relevant part•Continued on Page 27

THE NATION

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

Kwara steps up rice production •Continued from page 25 mercial farmers.

The governor fears, however, that the only hinderance to the project may be youth restiveness and insecurity.

He solicited the “full support” of traditional rulers in the state to maintain peace in their domains, saying that peace is crucial to the attainment of the goals of the largescale rice production.

His words: “It is our vision under this administration to key ourselves to the programmes of our predecessor especially in area of commercial agriculture.

Seventy per cent of our people live in rural areas and mainly practice subsistence farming. We therefore seek the support of the consortium to assist us in moving the sector forward beyond the point we met it.

“It is equally becoming clear that the potentials of Africa are ready to be fully tapped now. In line with this we want to move agriculture from subsistence level to large-scale level. That is why we are investing large sums of money in it. It is something worthwhile, considering the sum of $2.6 billion we use as a country in importing rice into the country. Our land can conveniently produce the staple food and we will not shy away from it.”

He spoke further: “Our move will provide employment opportunities for our teeming youths who are 70 per cent of our total popula-

•A rice field tion. Besides, it will become a support project for the youth just as it will serve as wealth creation channel for the entire state and its people.

“Our choice of rice is not by mistake, it is a staple food eaten everywhere in the world, so the market is huge. Our step is in line with

the value change concept of the Federal Government with a belief that agric could be the kernel of our economy in Nigeria.”

Ahmed said the project is a Public-Public Partnership (PPP) to which the state government will contribute 30 per cent equity.

In his opening remark at the cer-

emony, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Investment, Mr. Yomi Ogunsola, said that the consortium would also be responsible for sponsoring farmers in the state for overseas training on rice production and processing.

The SSA said that farms when

fully operational, with about 5,000 hectares of land, are expected to produce 40,000 tons of rice per annum.

Ogunsola added that the project would go along way in providing job opportunities to a sizeable number of Kwarans and nonKwarans alike.

‘Ag. IG Abubakar will curb violent crimes’

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security expert, Chief Ezebunwa Achinulo has expressed satisfaction with the appointment of Alhaji Mohammed Dikko Abubakar as the Inspector General of Police (IGP). He described his selection as a “masterstroke” by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Achinulo, who heads a Lagosbased security outfit, Magnum International Limited, said security experts in the country and West Africa have considered Abubakar’s antecedents and concluded that he was fit for the job.

Achinulo spoke to Newsextra at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on his way back from North America where he had attended a security conference on critical global security strategies.

He said: “Though I do not know Abubakar in person, I am well acquainted with his performance on the job, being a security expert.

The man was once Commissioner

By Jude Isiguzo

of Police in Lagos State.

“During that time, policemen and officers of Lagos State Police Command were kept on their toes round the clock. Nobody begged anybody to go to work because Abubakar was a thoroughbred operations person, who understands what it means to secure lives and property.

“He replicated the sterling performance as an Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2, comprising Lagos State and Ogun States. Crime rate was reduced to zero in both states.

“In fact, when some Lebanese people were kidnapped in Lekki, Abubakar personally led the rescue operation with then Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Yobe State, and apprehended the kidnappers,” he said.

The security experts also cited Abubakar’s exploits as AIG in zone 5, Benin and Zone 6, Calabar, dur-

ing which, he said, criminal activities were reduced considerably in the areas.

He pointed out since Nigerians can live together despite their ethnic differences, then religious fanaticism must become a thing of the past. He argued that President Goodluck Jonathan must have thought deeply and consulted widely before appointing Abubakar as the IGP On the issue of Boko Haram, Achinulo said Abubakar is capable of dealing with the dreaded sect and every other security problems like militancy.

He observed the activities of Niger Delta militants were rampant during former President Olusegun Obasanjo s regime, including problems of kidnapping and oil pipeline vandalism.

“The problems of militancy and kidnapping also defied the late President Umaru Yardadua’s solutions despite the amnesty he

•Cross section of journalists at a workshop on accountability and effective use of freedom on information act in Abuja

granted them. It even escalated and extended to other parts of the southsouth and the south-east zones.

“Nigeria only got respite with the coming of Jonathan. The problem disappeared overnight. He was able to handle the militants because he understood the language and they believed God appointed the person they wanted.”

“The Boko Haram has been giving Nigeria sleepless nights, destroying lives and property in Abuja and other places. It even bombed the Police Force headquarters and other police stations in the North.

“That is an indication that they may not have been pleased with the former IGP, Hafiz Ringim. This is because police stations are not the only security outfits in the country.

“I believe that with the appointment of Abubakar as the new IGP, there will be no more explosions of bombs here and there in the country because he has created policing strategies which he has applied in so many places he had worked.

“He has also promised to deal with security problems in the country outside the Boko Haram issue.

These include kidnapping, militancy and armed robbery, because he knows the value of lives and properties,” he explained.

•Abubakar The security expert, who appealed for more public support for President Jonathan, stressed the need for unity of purpose among the people.

“Our nation is one. We must remove religious sentiments and allow people to work for the growth of our nation anytime they are given appointed to serve. So please Nigerians, let us support the new IGP Abubakar in his new appointment and give him a chance to prove his worth,” Achinulo said.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2011

Tinubu Foundation feeds widows

Community leader prioritises development

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HE chairman of Umuobise Community in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, Imo State, Nze Promise Ogueri has said his priority is to develop the community so that the citizens will feel the impact of his administration.

He disclosed this while presenting an address at the General Assembly of the Council.

According to him, the people have, in the past, suffered deprivation, stating that his priority is to make life bearable for them.

From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

He said: “For me, moving the community forward is topmost in my agenda. No amount of distraction will stop Umuobise as a people for moving forward. The interest of the people will always be of prime importance to my administration.”

Nze Ogueri advised the people to shun all forms of bickering, acrimony and divisive acts that could impede the development of the

For me, moving the community forward is topmost in my agenda. No amount of distraction will stop Umuobise as a people for moving forward. The interest of the people will always be of prime importance to my administration •Continued from page 25

ners to ensure that such funds are tied to programmes which could provide trainings for women entrepreneurs to assess competitive markets.

She further stated that the ministry, in conjunction with the Bank of Industry, has concluded plans to organise a capacity building workshop for BUDFOW beneficiaries from the six geo-political zones of the country.

On efforts at ensuring women political empowerment, Hajiya Maina noted that, “the launch of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund 2011 following its endorsement by the Federal Executive Council Resolution of March2011 marks an icing on the cake in our journey towards achieving a minimum 35per cent representation of women in public life.”

She explained that the fund, which seeks to generate resources, provide financial and technical assistance to female politicians and women in leadership positions, was established and registered as a company limited by guarantee.

According to the minister, her

area. He further disclosed that the community’s problems would be solved collectively in spite of all odds.

Nze Ogueri enumerated the achievements of his administration to include energising of transformer, construction of an ultramodern water scheme, development of human resources and the proposed industrial area.

He appealed to the people to sink their individual differences and embrace peace for the progress and development of the area.

Speaking also at the occasion, the coordinator of the Umuobise Scholarship of Scheme, Dr. Iyke Ekejiuba revealed that the scheme was established to enable the sons and daughters of the community to benefit from tertiary education.

He disclosed that over 200 students had benefited from the scheme.

Dr. Ekejiuba stressed that the scheme would be sustained so as to enable the community attain enviable socio-economic and political development.

•Adekunle HE collaborative effort of the Bola Tinubu Foundation and Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos, has lifted the spirits of widows in the council.

They distributed various food items to the women at the council secretariat in Akowonjo.

The widows took home bags of rice, cooking oil, among other food items.

The wife of the council chairman, Mrs Helen Oluwayemisi Adekunle distributed the items to the women at a colourful event graced by dignitaries from the council and be-

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yond. Leaders of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) were there, as were chairmen and members of Community Development Commission (CDC).

The widows beamed with a smile as they received their gifts. They thanked both the foundation and the leadership of the council, headed by Hon Israel Olusola Adekunle.

The Bola Tinubu Foundation has brought succour to the needy across the state, distributing food items to the widows.

The foundation’s gesture chimed with the disposition of the Adekunle-led council, which has continued to implement its people-friendly programmes. It has mounted a vigorous immunisation campaign in the council, and given out free drugs to out-patients in health facilities across the council.

Staff of the council also benefit from the free drugs programme.

The foundation has boosted the efforts of the council and brought cheer to the faces of widows.

Fed Govt to complete women’s skill centres recent advocacy to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture has started yielding positive results in favour of women farmers, with the setting up of an inter-ministerial committee on women in agriculture so as to raise the access bar of women and make them benefit from the Nigeria Inventive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) programme.

Speaking on the theme of the 14th regular meeting which is: “Promoting Peace and Enhancing Security to Address the Special Needs of Vulnerable Groups,

Especially Women, Children, the Elderly, Persons with Disabilities and the Displaced,” the minister said that in view of recent developments, collaboration and networking have become imperative in order to share information on the efforts of government at all levels to stem the tides of security threats to the peace and stability of the country.

“In this wise, as bridge builders and peace makers, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has continued to provide a platform for constructive engagements

We will sustain these platforms as an information-sharing process to enlighten our constituency from time to time. I urge our state counterparts to adopt similar strategies, so as to reduce the threats to our security occasioned by half-baked information from unreliable sources aimed at heating up the polity

•Company Secretary and Vice President, First Bank Nigeria Plc Alhaji Tijjani Borodo (second right) presenting Embroidery machine to Mr. Ibrahim Towolawi (second left), one of the beneficiaries of the N30 million Zakat presentation organised by Zakat and Sadakat Foundation (ZSF) at Multipurpose Hall, Lagos State Secretariat Central Mosque, Alausa, Lagos. With them are Executive Director ZSF Imam Abdullahi Shuaib (right) and ZSF Admin Secretary Mr Ahmed Ma’aruf (left) PHOTO: TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

with women and children to air their views as stakeholders in national development discourse.

“We will sustain these platforms as an information-sharing process to enlighten our constituency from time to time. I urge our state counterparts to adopt similar strategies, so as to reduce the threats to our security occasioned by half-baked information from unreliable sources aimed at heating up the polity,” she stated.

In his opening remarks, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State stated that it was in recognition of the fact that gender equality and empowerment is a formidable strategy for sustainable development that informed his administration’s inclusion of women empowerment as one of the key components of its 8-Point Agenda.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka, the governor said: “In my pact with Ekiti women and during my inauguration in October 2010, I pledged the commitment of this administration to improving the quality of life of our people through sustainable social development programmes. This is being actualised through various schemes, policies, programmes and legislations which were put in place within a short space of time of this administration.”

These, according to him, include social security scheme for senior citizens through which a monthly stipend of N5, 000 is paid to each indigent citizen in the state to provide a safety net for them.

Others are the domestication of the National Gender Policy in Ekiti State in June 2011, the pass-

ing into law of the Bill Prohibiting Gender-Based Violence in Ekiti State in November 2011, establishment of the Juvenile Welfare Home and the Family Court, and the provision of Micro-Credit facility to women cooperative societies, among others.

“Our developmental agenda did not leave out our brothers and sisters with disabilities.

Apart from free boarding provided for those in the special schools and the conventional secondary schools, those who are above school age are being empowered for self-reliance,” he added.

In a goodwill message, the United Nations Women Country Representative, Dr. Grace Ongile said it was disheartening that, notwithstanding expressed commitment to gender equality women empowerment (GEWE) by successive governments, gender inequality was still widespread in Nigeria due to interplay of patriarchy, socio-economic factors and inadequate legal frameworks to support GEWE. Ongile further said: “Despite the development of some key policies that address women’s empowerment and equality issues, implementation remains a key challenge in Nigeria.”

She however, re-affirmed the commitment and support of UN Women to national priorities, even as she commends the ministry and development partners for a job well done. She called on all relevant stakeholders to step up efforts towards promoting peace and enhancing security to address the specific needs of women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities in the society.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

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Akwa Ibom votes N15b for industrialisation A

•Governor Akpabio

KWA IBOM State government says it has set aside N15 billion in this year’s budget for its industrialisation policy to create employment opportunities for its teeming youths.

The Deputy Governor of the state, Mr Nsima Ekere, disclosed this in Uyo on at the opening of an investment sensitisation workshop for chairpersons and principal officers of Local Government Areas (LGAs).

The workshop has as its theme, “Promoting Small and Medium Enterprises in the 31 LGAs of Akwa Ibom State”.

Ekere said the N15 billion would serve “as seed fund for indigenes of the state who

Edo inaugurates security fund committee

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OVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has inaugurated the state security appeal fund committee, as part of measures to ensure that security agencies are adequately equipped to fight crime in the state.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at the Government House,Benin, Oshiomhole disclosed that the state is determined to look inward to find means to provide the modern gadgets needed by the security agencies to make them more effective in crime control.

According to him, “We have complemented the Federal Government which has the responsibility to fund the security agencies in the past in the area of providing vehicles and gadgets, but there is a limit to which the state can go because the gadgets require huge resources”.

While appreciating President Goodluck Jonathan for allowing the Armed Forces to complement the police in the Operation Thunderstorm, Comrade Oshiomhole said the level of crime in the country is unacceptable.

“We cannot have development without peace and security and to attract foreign investors there must be peace. All of us, in government

Edo and out of government and those of means should complement what the Edo State Government has been doing by acquiring more equipment for the police,” he noted.

The governor disclosed that the terms of reference of the committee is to mobilise the general public, especially corporate bodies and affluent individuals; fix a date for the launch and reach out to indigenes and non-indigenes in and outside the state; to advise government on the best approach to curb crime and any other matter that will be useful in the area of securing the society.

He assured the committee of government’s total commitment and thanked the Oba of Benin for his concern to ensure that the state is not overrun by miscreants.

Chairman of the Edo State Security Appeal Fund Committee, Hon. Justice Samson Uwaifo (rtd), a former Supreme Court judge, thanked the governor for considering the members worthy. He praised the governor for the initiative.

Ebonyi begins house-to-house sanitary inspection

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Akwa Ibom

have serious business projects through public private partnership (PPP).

“This is a seed capital to help investors to obtain loan from the bank.’’

Ekere said the industrialisation policy of the state would be anchored on supporting the establishment of one cottage industry in each local government area.

The deputy governor said the government would also provide land and infrastructure in the industrial estate to facilitate investment in the state.

He charged the local government transition chairpersons to make good use of the opportunities by harnessing the natural resources and endowments in their areas.

Earlier, Mr Senas Ukpanah, Special Adviser, Investment and Industrialisation to the government, said the workshop was to brief the chairpersons on the details of the programme and solicit for their support.

He said the workshop would also review available investment opportunities in the state and recommend the establishment of small and medium enterprises on the basis of comparative advantage.

The participants were drawn from all the 31 councils and private investors across the state.

•Anambra State Governor Peter Obi flanked by Obi Benneth Okafor, the Obi of Nnewichi (left) and Igwe Kenneth Orizu 111 of Nnewi who led Nnewi people to thank the governor for the care extended to Late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu

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Delta to spend N400m on bursary

HE Delta State government says it has released N400 million for the payment of the 2012 bursary for students of the state in various institutions of higher learning across the country.

The Commissioner for Higher Education,Prof.Hope Eghagha, revealed this in

Lagos begins replacement of old vehicle HE Lagos State Motor Vehicle number plates Administration Agency (MVAA) has begun the replacement of old national

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vehicle number plates with new ones. This was disclosed Wednesday in Lagos by the Head of Corporate Affairs of the agency, Mr. A. O. Kasali, in a press statement.

According to the statement, owners of registered vehicles can replace the old number plates and also renew their vehicle licences at the MVAA’s 46 licensing offices across the state upon completion of necessary renewal forms and payment of prescribed fees.

“Vehicle owners applying for number plates’ replacement should visit any of the 46 licensing offices of the MVAA for a one-stop registration and completion of the replacement/issuance process. Alternatively, applicants can visit the website of Courteville Group (MVAA partners) at www.courtevillegroup.com for online completion of Form MVA001 before proceeding to the nearest licensing office with relevant documents to complete the issuance procedure.

“The required documents include expired/ existing vehicle licences, certificate of proof of ownership, sworn affidavit and Police Report, owner or representative’s passport photograph as well as valid means of identification such as

international passport, Driver’s Licence or National Identity Card”, the statement said.

The statement added that applications and enquiries regarding confirmed fake registration numbers should be forwarded to the MVAA headquarters for consideration.

The exercise is coming nine weeks after the state Commissioner for Transportation, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, flagged off the issuance of the new national vehicle number plates on November 16, 2011 with the issuance of the new plates to only owners of unregistered new or newly-imported used vehicles.

The agency said that the huge backlog of registration application arising from the nonavailability of number plates nationwide between September and October last year had been cleared, hence the commencement of the old number plates replacement phase.

The agency said that special desks have been created at the licensing offices to enhance seamless simultaneous processing of applications by both the owners of new unregistered vehicle as well as registered vehicles with old number plates.

• Chairman, Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area Hon Hakeem Bamgbola commissioning of a brand new 30KVA generating set for Anjorin Primary Health Centre

Briefly

CAN prays for peace FOR peace to continue to reign in the state and arrest the growing insecurity of lives and property in the country, the Christian Association of Nigeria {CAN}, Lagos State chapter, will on February 11, hold a prayer session it has tagged: ‘Interdenominational Divine Service 2012.’

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola is being expected to join other political and religious leaders from across the state and the country at the session billed to hold at The Christ Apostolic Church, International Convention Grounds, Olorunda/Ketu, Lagos State.

Addressing a media parley Wednesday, CAN chairman in the state, Rev, Monsignor B.A Okodua said that the recent bombings by the Boko Haram sect, that claimed many lives of Christians especially in the northern part of the country, had made it expedient for the body to seek God’s face on the awry development.

“The prayer progamme is for all Christians

By Musa Odoshimokhe

of all denominations in the state and beyond.

We expect all pastors to mobilise their congregation to be part of the worthy sacrifice.

To ensure adequate security there, the police and other security agencies have been fully briefed; so, there is no cause for fear”.

In the same vein, the organisation’s state secretary, Archbishop George Amu, who lauded the police for being loyal friends of the body on such issues of security, praised the acting Inspector-General of Police, M.D Abubakar, whom he recalled, always supported the cause of both Christians and Muslims while he served as commissioner in Lagos State. “It is the prerogative of the Federal Government to appoint who to be the IG. But I can say that we had a cordial relationship while he was here as commissioner,” Amu responding to the question about the stance of CAN on his appointment.

Lawmaker fulfils electoral promise

•From right: Chairman Oshodi Isolo Local Government, Hon Bolaji Ariyoh, Oba Of Ewuland, Oba Shakirudeen Kuti and the Council Manager, Mrs Olufunke Longe, during the council’s official visit to the Elewu’s palace.

THE lawmaker representing the Ikorodu Consistuency 11 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola,has fulfilled one of her electioneering promises to the people of Igbogbo metropolis.

The commissioning of the Kaniyi Night light market brought succour to the traders as they have long craved for such feat. The Iyaloja of Igbogbo expressed her gratitude to the lawmaker,saying: “I am happy with Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola. She has kept to her words by providing the light for us. She

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is indeed the daughter of this community; I pray God will always be with her’ Also, the representative of the king, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Oba J.O Fatola, Chief Jelili Oduntan, reiterated the mmonarch ’s support for her and urges her to keep up with the good work.Reacting to the issue , Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorunan,an ACN leader in Ikorodu, praised the politician for her competence and initiative. He gave the history and importance of the market.

N intensive house-to-house sanitary inspection in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State Capital is to begin soon, the state government has announced.

Chief Paul Okorie, the Commissioner for Environment, made this known in Abakaliki , while monitoring this month’s sanitation exercise in the city.

He said that the inspection would be undertaken by a combined team of health officers drawn from the ministries of health and environment, as well as other relevant agencies.

“During the inspection, emphasis will be placed on household cleanliness and blockages which impede the free flow of water in the neighbourhood’s drains.

“Residents, who constitute a menace to our environment, no matter how highly placed, would be prosecuted by the state sanitation court,’’ he warned.

Okorie said that efforts were underway to expand the sanitary inspection programme

Ebonyi to cover all the local government areas of the state.

He advised residents of Abakaliki to clear the refuse dumped in the drains around their houses.

“Residents should make use of wastedisposal bins situated at strategic locations around the town for disposing their refuse,’’ he said.

Okorie stressed that more waste bins would be procured and stationed across Abakaliki, in view of the challenges facing the government in clearing refuse heaps across the city.

“The permanent waste-disposal site in Abakaliki will soon be ready for use, as government is presently settling issues of compensation to land owners, among others,’’ he said.

Funeral for ex-council chief HE remains of former ViceChairman, Badagary Local Government Area , Late Apostle Phillip Nunayon Podonu (JP) will be interred today.

The late Podonu was also a member of the Board of Trustees, Cherubim and Seraphim Society, World Wide and a political leader.

He was also a founding member of the Elite Club of Ajido, a formidable social club which handles all matters relating to the town. He was the president till his death.

He is survived by wife,Mrs M a r i a Kehinde Podonu and children among whom is Mrs Ige Onala wife of the Council Manager, Imota Local Council Development Area, Lagos. •Late Podonu

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However, the commissioner noted that in spite of government’s efforts to sensitise the citizens to the need to observe the days set aside for environmental sanitation, many residents still flout the regulation.

“This unfortunate development will, however, not deter the ministry from executing its preventive sanitary measures, aimed at enhancing the sanitary wellbeing of the citizens,’’ he said.

NDDC assures on rapid development

Delta an interview with journalists in Asaba.

He said the beneficiaries, who had been cleared by their schools, would start receiving the allowances in the next few days, adding that approval was given for 28,000 beneficiaries for 2012.

Eghagha said the same number of students benefitted from the scheme in 2011, adding that the government also had a scholarship scheme for undergraduates, master’s and doctoral degree students.

He said the aim of the government was to develop the human capital needed in the state “Government’s belief in education as a vehicle for developing the human minds made it to establish four more polytechnics, bringing the number in the state to seven.’’

Eghagha explained that the new polytechnics were yet to take off because government did not want them to operate on temporary sites.

“Our new polytechnics have not taken off because we want to do away with temporary sites by building educational centres of excellence.

“We want to build 21st century institutions that can attract anybody in the world to come and study in them.”

Eghagha said the projection of the ministry in the next three years was to breed and train manpower that could compete with their contemporaries outside the country.

He said the ministry would encourage graduates to develop personal skills, disclosing that a proposal on it was in the process of being sent to the House of Assembly for consideration.

•Governor Elechi

Delta

T

•Wife of Chairman, Ojokoro Local Development Area, Mrs Omolabake Olabinjo presenting some items to one of the beneficiaries of the Bola Tinubu Foundation relief programme .

With them is the Council Information Officer, Miss Kemi Oyebiyi

Group to tackle poverty, illiteracy in Anambra communities

T

HE Civil Awareness and EconomicEmpowerment Initiatives (CAEI) has decried the growing level of poverty and illiteracy among rural dwellers in Anambra State. The group disclosed plans to systematically tackle the growing menace through Co-operative Society Services and enlightenment.

Speaking during the official inauguration of CAEI in the state, the state chairman, Dr Chukwumah Ignatius Nwabueze, hinted that the operations of the group is a clear departure from ways non governmental organisations were operating in the past, assuring that with its articulated programme, which included micro and macro credit scheme, CAEI will surely deliver on its core mandate of poverty alleviation.

Nwabueze, who decried the level of poverty in most communities in Anambra State, hinted that the growing membership of the group is a pointer to the fact that the people are desperate to put an end to poverty, which he said, is largely responsible for the growing insecurity in the country.

He maintained that since the introduction of the CAEI in the state at the tail end of last year, there has been aggressive awareness campaign which he said, was targeted at entrenching the group in the local government areas of the state pending its full take-off.

The medical doctor turned activist, disclosed that CAEI is a non governmental organisation, founded to partner with all levels of government and non-governmental institutions to counter the socio-political and cultural vices occasioned by abject poverty and illiteracy.

He assured that whatever grant allocated to the state will be judiciously utilised to sustain the fight against poverty and illiteracy, adding

Anambra From Okodili Ndidi, Onitsha

that the era of non accountability in the management of public funds is gone, assuring that he will operate an open policy that will allow effective supervision by all the members.

HE Executive Director in charge of projects in Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr Edikan Eshiet, has assured Akwa Ibom people of the commission’s readiness to bring rapid development to the state.

Eshiet, who gave the assurance in an interview with journalists in Uyo, sued for patience and understanding from the people to enable the commission articulate its programmes for them.

He said that mechanism was being put in place to ensure that any project or programme executed by the commission was durable.

“We will do all we can to eliminate wastage and leakages of funds meant to develop and positively touch the lives of our people.

“The commission is also determined to help in complementing the efforts of the state government in its bid to eliminate social vices among the youths of the region.

“We will strive to inject some checks in the system to ensure that whatever we do by way of project will be quite beneficial to the people and will stand the test of time.”

Eshiet, the commission’s coordinator in Akwa Ibom between 2003 and 2005, attributed his re-appointment to “divine arrangement” and promised to deliver the best to the people.

“For this second opportunity I have to serve the state and nation, I will work in concert with the state government for the progress of our people.”

• From left: Mr Ojikutu O. Zacheus, Council Manager, Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area; Hon. Kemi S. Surakat, Chairman; Hon Dapo Salami, Vice Chairman and Mr Akintola W. Oladipo, Human Resources Officer during the end of year /new year party by Ibeju Lekki Local Govt at council secretriat.

PHOTO: ABIDOUN WILLIAMS

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

29

PEOPLE THE NATION

A SEVEN-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

In line with its tradition, the Abeokuta Club has installed Governor Ibikunle Amosun as Honorary Vice Patron, a position reserved for all chief executives of Ogun State. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO was at the ceremony.

•Governor Amosun being congratulated by Oba Tejuoso. With them are: Oba Gbadebo (second left) and Prof Soyode (left)

PHOTO: TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

Honour for the ‘home boy’ T

HE club binds all Egba indigenes, no matter their status. To belong to the club is proof of an indigene's commitment to the cause of the ancient town.

Abeokuta Club, according to one of its longest serving members, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, the Osile of Oke-Ona, is patterned after the popular Yoruba Tennis Club in Lagos.

As a mark of the club's importance in the life of the Egba, all monarchs of the five major Egba towns are its patrons. They are the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; Oba Tejuoso, the Osile Oke-Ona; Agura of Gbagura, Oba Halidu Laloko, Olowu of Owu; Oba Adegboyega Dosumu and Olubara of Ibara, Oba Jacob Omolade.

These monarchs and elders of the club gathered last Saturday to honour the governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, in whose domain they operate. The governor was installed Honorary Vice Patron of the club. It was at the club’s 38th Presidential Party.

The arrival of the governor and his entourage set the ball rolling.

In Amosun’s entourage were: Deputy Chief of Staff, Alhaji Shuaib Salith; Commissioner for Information and Strategy,

Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu; his Special Duties, Culture and Tourism counterparts, Prince Lanre Tejuoso and Olu Odeyemi. Special Adviser on Research and Documentation, Mr Leke Adewolu and Mr Tunde Sanni.

On the club’s side were: former Minister of Finance, Chief Oluwole Adeosun; Member, House of Representatives, Hon Moruf Akinderu-Fatai; Chief Joju Fadairo; Navy Capt Rasheed Raji; Asiwaju of Egbaland, Chief Maxwell Ayinla; Dr Taiwo Sogunle; and Prof Tunde Ogunsanwo, among others.

Welcoming the guests, President of the club Prof Afolabi Soyode said it was a pleasure seeing members gathered with their families to celebrate.

Soyode said the occasion afforded the club an opportunity of praying for mercy and blessing in the current and succeeding years.

"This is a time for merriment as well as sober reflection over the events of the recent past. A time to count our blessings and show appreciation to God for His kindness towards mankind. May we live to celebrate many more years of useful service to the nation," he prayed.

He thanked the monarchs and elders of the club for their support. Soyode praised members for their efforts towards the rehabilita-

tion of some of the club's old facilities. He congratulated Amosun on the honour.

“Constitutionally, every Governor of Ogun State from wherever is ipso facto a honourary Vice-Patron of Abeokuta Club,” he noted.

The investiture of Governor Amosun was conducted by Prof Soyode. He was assisted by Chief Niyi Fasakin and Chief Oluwole.

Amosun received a congratulatory handshake from Oba Gbadebo and Oba Tejuoso.

Oba Tejuoso recalled how the club was founded.

“The club,” he said, “started in 1972, but there had been several underground works before then. It was formed after a similar club in Lagos - Yoruba Tennis Club.”

If not that democracy thrives in the club, the monarch said, there could have been only one life president. He called on the present executive to review the constitution.

“I feel embarrassed being called a Patron, though a nomenclature well deserved not as Adedapo Tejuoso, but as Osile Oke-Ona Egba.

If I'm a Patron and my Governor is being called Honorary Vice Patron, something is definitely wrong. I urge the executive to consider changing the nomenclature given to our Governors from Honorary Vice Patron to whatever no-

menclature the club deems fit. I hope and pray it goes down well with all of us. The least you can give a serving Governor is honorary patron of the club. I share the blame too being a member of the club,” he said.

Oba Tejuoso appealed to Amosun to overlook the club’s shortcomings.

Oba Gbadebo described Abeokuta Club as the ‘think tank’ of Egbaland.

“If you are not a member of the club,” the paramount ruler of Egbaland said, “you cannot be a reputable Egba man. You are missing a lot not being a member.”

Oba Gbadebo, who joined the club during the reign of the fifth president, Chief Femi Sofenwa, congratulated all for being part of the event.

Governor Amosun expressed happiness at being present on the occasion.

He said the club is significant to all sons of Egbaland.

The club, he said, is uniquely positioned to unite the people of Egbaland.

Senator Amosun appealed to the club to help government enlighten the populace that development comes with some challenges which they need to bear.

•More pictures on page 30

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

30

SOCIETY •Continued from page 29

•Chief Akanni Dokunmu

•Oba Dosumu

•Chief Niyi Fasakin (left) and Chief Lamidi Sofenwa

•Alhaji Olaniyonu

•Alhaji Salisu

•Oloris of Oba Tejuoso

•Alhaji Olayiwola Salami (left) and Prof Dapo George

•Chief Adeosun (right) and Chief Olatunde Abudu

•Mrs Soyode

•Ex-Vice Chancellor Tai Solarin University of Education Prof Kayode Oyesiku

•Prince Tejuoso (right) and Mr Adewolu

•Hon Akinderu-Fatai (right) and Mr Tokunbo Odebunmi

•From left: Anglican Bishop of Egba West, St Paul Cathedrals Rev Ogundeji; Chief Imam of Owu Alhaji Noah Shodeinde and Oba Olatunji Hamzat PHOTOS:TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

31

SOCIETY

He reigns in Oyo but his powers transcend his immediate domain. Last Saturday, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, marked 41st anniversary on the throne. Dignitaries came from across the world to rejoice with him. JOSEPH OKWUOFU reports.

41 years on, Alaafin waxes stronger F

OR indigenes of Oyo, last Saturday was a special day. It was the day the Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, celebrated his 41st year on the throne. The palace was a beehive as guests came from far and wide to celebrate with the revered monarch. The Yoruba from every corner of the world were also there. They came from other Yoruba speaking states of the South West, extending to Kogi, Edo, Delta, and Kwara.

The Yoruba people of Ghana, Benin Republic,Togo,Brazil, among others were there.

They filled the palace ground, which is spacious enough to accommodate the entire people of the town, in colorful traditional attires.

From the home-front, were attendants, workers, Oyo high chiefs, local government caretaker committee chairmen, and the Alaafin’s wives. Within three hours, the Aganju Forecourt in the palace, venue of the celebration, was filled throwing up a security challenge Encomiums were poured on the Alaafin, who many described as intelligent, charismatic, and astute in modern and traditional administration.

The amiable royal father ascended the throne on January 11, 1971 at 32, and since then, he has maintained unity, peace and progress of the Oyo dynasty.

Guests were entertained by traditional dancers, local hunters , cultural artistes. The Alaafin’s wives recited his cognomen; the Oyo anthem was also song under the direction of the retired Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, a prince of Oyo. At the epochal event were governor, Abiola Ajimobi; Speaker of the House of Assembly and Oyo indigene, Mrs Monsurat Sunmonu; the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland; Alhaji AbdulAzeez ArisekolaAlao; former Military administrator in the state, Colonel Ahmed Usman; the Iyalaje of Oyo Chief Mrs Alaba Lawson, Chief Titi Orija Adesoye; Chief Adegboyega; the Aare Latoosa; Mrs Maduakor Jeanne-Francis; ChiefFrancis Adedayo Taiwo; the Ekarun of Oyo, among others.

Others are the Olugbon of Orile Igbon Oba Samuel Adegboyega Odunbade, the Eleruwa of Eruwa Oba Samuel Adegbola Akindele, the Aseyin of Iseyin; Oba Abdul Ganiyu Adekunle Ologunebi; Senator Ayo Adeseun, Hon Kamil Akinlabi; Caretaker Chairman of Atiba local government Hon Akeem Adeyemi (a.k.a. Skime); Chairman of Oyo West local government Hon. Soji Richard Ojoawo; Chief Akinade Fijabi, and Alhaji Dauda Makanjuola; an Ibadan businessman.

Ajimobi, Arisekola-Alao and the Usman eulogised the Alaafin for his humane disposition and sagacity.

Arisekola-Alao said the Alaafin is not only a Yoruba oba but had his reign up to Dahomey before they were cut away.”

•From left: Senator Ajimobi; Hon Fijabi, the celebrator Oba Adeyemi, Oba Osunbade; Col. Usman and Hon Sumonu

•Alhaji Arisekola-Alao

•Oba Adeyemi’s wives (Oloris)

•From left: Oba Adekunle; Oba Adegboyega and Oba Osunbade

“The Alaafin is not an oba that anybody will just call without reverence. When the Alaafin was reigning over all other obas of Yorubaland, if he stood up, all other obas must face down. If any oba or chief would greet the Alaafin, he must prostrate, just as the Oyomesi members have just done, and sprinkle sand on their body. That was the height of reverence for the Iku Baba Yeye then.”

Ajimobi said the Alaafin commands his respect because of the monarch’s innate qualities.

Oba Adeyemi thanked the guests for gracing the occasion, and called on leaders to always live by their promise to better the lot of the people.

The highlights of the anniversary was the cutting of the cake by the Alaafin assisted by Ajimobi, Mrs Sunmonu, Arisekola-Alao, Col. Usman and Akinlabi.

•From left: Chief Lawson; Olori Fadipe and Chief Adesanoye

‘The Alaafin is not an oba that anybody will just call without reverence. When the Alaafin was reigning over all other obas of Yorubaland, if he stood up, all other obas must face down’

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

32

Last Sunday, eminent personalities gathered in Lagos for the Fidau for the mother of former Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu, Alhaja Mutiat Gbemisola Ashabi Adeoba, writes AMIDU ARIJE.

Ojikutu buries mum in style I

T was a gathering of former governors and political giants. Friends, associates, family members, Islamic clerics and dignitaries rallied round former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu Asabi Adeoba. The event was held at the Adeoba family house.

With their Islamic rosary and Quran, the prayed for the deceased, beseeching Allah to give her rest. Nobody was in a hurry to leave the arena as people streamed in endlessly to pay their respects. Their countenance and appearances were not mournful; everything about them indicated a gathering in celebration of Alhaja Adeoba’s transition, having spent a meaningful 97 years on earth.

To conduct the fidau were members of the Nasirullahi-Li-Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), led by its Deputy National Missioner, Alhaji Abdul Azeez Onike, assisted by other clerics.

They came in their numbers for the prayers that lasted about three hours. They could have spent more hours if allowed. To them, the late Alhaja was a pillar of faith whose fidau must not treated ordinarily. They recited different parts of the Holy Quran to seek Allah’s forgiveness and mercy for the deceased.

In his exhortation, Alhaji Onike described the late Alhaja as a committed member of NASFAT who “always played the role of a good mother not only to her biological children, but also to all other children whose lives needed to be transformed positively.”

Former governors of Lagos and Ogun states, Alhaji Lateef Jakande and Aremo Olusegun Osoba led other dignitaries to the event. Also in attendance was the FirstBank Plc. Chairman, Mr Obafoluke Otudeko.

The guest lecturer, a former Ambassador to Morocco, Alhaji M.S. Abdul Wahab, reminded everyone that death is inevitable and urged all to emulate the life of Alhaja Adeoba and her good character.

In a lecture entitled: “Life after Life,” Abdul Wahab stated that the best life people should long for is the one hereafter, stating that life on earth is temporary and terrestrial.

He noted that going by the natural resources endowed on Nigeria, no one should be poor. “With our resources, no Nigerian has any business to be poor, hungry and be jobless,” he said.

He tasked political leaders to emulate the life of Prophet Muhamad in the running of the country.

“Let’s emulate the Prophet in the administration of our country, no nation emulates the Prophet and does not succeed,” he said.

The Ambassador described Alhaja Adeoba as a very humble and devoted Muslim.

In a tribute by her society, NASFAT, she was described as somebody who showed her devotion to Allah.

“Alhaja until her death at about 100years was able to move around unaided; she performed her salat (prayers) and other religious ob-

•From left: Mrs Fadipe; Alhaja Daisi; Alhaja Ojikutu and Alhaja Adeoba-Kotun

•Alhaji Jakande and his wife Abimbola

•Former IGP Alhaji Musiliu Smith (left) and Justice Ibrahim Olorunnimbe

•Bashorun of Lagos Alhaji Sikiru Mac-Foy and Alhaja Arogundade

ligations regularly and punctually. She read the Quran and NASFAT prayer book daily as a way of communing with her creator,” the tribute read.

It went further: “Mama was of a humble character. She was very much alert and her sense of humour remained unparalleled.

She used to chant Alihamdullilahi (praise be to Allah) countless times daily. She was always thankful to her children and relations for supporting her at old age, just as she was equally prayerful that her children should excel in life and surpass her in humility, selflessness,

faith and nearness to Allah. She attended regularly and punctually to most religious functions.”

For Alhaja Ojikutu the fidau was to thank God for life of her mother. She was the toast of the day as she was busy attending to everyone. Her other siblings such as: Alhaja Lateefat Oyindamola Kotun; Mr Adewuyi Adeoba and Mrs Adetoro Oye-Somefun were all happy for the life of their mother who they described as loving, caring and good.

Other dignitaries on the occasion included the Baba Adini of Lagos

•Oba Otudeko

•Aremo Osoba and his wife Derin

•Mrs Mohammed

•Ambassador Obanikoro

•Wives of Lagos Monarch Olori Titilola (left) and Olori Kudirat Akiolu PHOTOS:DAYO ADEWUNMI

State, Sheikh Abdul Hafeez Abou; Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Ibrahim Garuba Akionla, who was represented by the Chief Tafsir of the Central Mosque, Alhaji Tijani Gbajabiamila; Alhaja Ojikutu’s mother-in-law, Alhaja Mulikat Ojikutu; wife of former Head of State, Gen. Muritala Muhammed, Mrs Ajoke Muhammed; Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; Alhaja Seriki Daisi; NASFAT’s National President, Alhaji Sherif Yusuf; its Secretary, Alhaji Abdul Raheem Dodo; the Oloris of Oba of Lagos, Kudirat and Titilola Akiolu; Alhaji

Tunde Jinadu; Alhaja Deroju Smith and Alhaja Nofisat Arogundade among other.

The late Alhaja Mutiat Gbemisola Adeoba was born into a Christian family of the late Evangelist Samuel Solotan and Mrs Juliana Solotan 97 years ago at Meiran Ojokoro Lagos.

She became a Muslim upon her marriage in 1936, to the late Alhaji Shittu Adewuyi Adeoba.

She was a pillar of her group, the Alasalatu, of the NASFAT, until she died on January 22. She was nicknamed Eyombo Anobi (Praise the Prophet Muhammad).

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

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SOCIETY

Farewell to a quintessential mother Awka, the rustic community in Anambra State, came alive last Friday when the remains of Mrs Catherine Ughamadu, mother of Mr Ndu Ughamadu, former Editor of the Daily Times, were interred. NWANOSIKE ONU reports.

T

HE women of Awka, Anambra, rose as one to honour her. Many of them are like children to the late Mrs Catherine (Oduku) Ughamadu, who in her lifetime took them under her wings. Mrs Ughamadu’s funeral was an occasion for them to repay her kindness. They showered encomiums on her to the admiration of guests who came from far and wide.

Fondly called mama, Mrs Ughamadu lived a fulfilled life. She died at 81.

At the funeral held at the family compound, in Umuanum Village Nibo in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, her children, particularly, Ndu a former Editor of the Daily Times and Group General Manager, Public Affairs, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), ensured that everything went smoothly.

The presence of the former Group Managing Director, NNPC, Dr Gaius Obaseki, enlivened the ceremony.

The church service was shifted from Saint Matthew’s Anglican Church, Nibo to the expansive Ughamadus family compound.

It was led by the Archbishop of Niger Province, Most Rev Dr Christian Efobi.

There were many women and men groups in attendance, including the women general assembly known as Ogbu-Obodobo (Nne Mulu Obodo) of Nibo, which the late Mama Ughamadu belonged to. They wore various uniforms.

The clement weather, it was agreed, signified the peaceful nature of mama while alive.

In his sermon, Rev Efobi reminded Christians of the need to love one another by living in peace.

He said everything that has a beginning must have an end, including the dreaded Boko Haram, which he said has held part of northern states hostage for some time.

Rev Efobi asked: “Who are they? Are they stronger than God? Any day God’s anger rises against them, that will be the end of Boko Haram in Nigeria. What I am telling everybody in this country is that they should not panic, Boko Haram’s end is near,” he said.

He said people should have hope and faith in God, adding that with Him, all things are possible.

The cleric described the late Mama also referred to as Oduko as a hardworking, caring and God fearing woman, who gave her all to make sure her children got good education.

He, therefore, urged the family to live in peace by emulating the virtues of their mother. The Anglican Bishop of Awka, Rt. Rev Dr Alex Ibezim, also spoke in the same vein.

Ughamadu, described his late mother as a “priceless, rare and true gem who shone like a candle in the wind.”

He said: “She was a courageous woman leader, quintessential orator, charismatic humanist, consummate social-cum political strategist, unwavering Christian, a mother so reliable, a daughter so illustrious, a companion so faithful and a person so amiable.”

He added: “Mama’s sobriquet “Oduko na mba” seemingly overshadowed her real names in community relations and polity; we will miss her.”

The late Mama Ughamadu was born on April 20, 1930 in Umuezeafugo, Ezeawulu, Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

She died about four months ago.

She led various women groups in Maiduguri, Kaduna, Kano, Jos and Nibo among others, where she lived with her late husband, Mr Clement Peterson Nwankwo Ughamadu, after their marriage in 1944.

•Archbishop Efobi flanked by Bishop Ibezim and Prof Okoye

BIRTHDAY

•From right: Ndu Ughammadu and sisters Mrs Sussanah Ofole; Mrs Gladys Obiefoka, and another.

•Ozo Ughammadu

•Obaseki

•Robinson Ughamadu with sisters.

CONJUGAL BLISS

The celebrator Mrs Ayisatu Ajike King and her husband Akinwande King cutting the 50th birthday cake in Lagos

•Ayodele Ajayi andhis lovebird former Miss Peace Olaogun during their wedding in Lagos

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

34

SOCIETY ALHAJI UMARU SHINKAFI’S MOTHER-IN-LAW’S FUNERAL ON VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS

•Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi and his wife Rakiyat

•Former Governor of Zamfara State Muhmuda Shinkafi and the deceased’s granddaughter, Aisha

•From left: Prince Afonja; Oba Otudeko; Alahji AbdulAzeez Arisekola-Alao and Asiwaju Onafowokan

•Senator Atiku Bagudu and his wife Zainab

•Dr Abba Ibrahim and his wife Fatima

•Alhaja Kuburat Okoya (left) and Mrs Kusamotu

WEDDING

•Former Miss Titilayo Amolegbe and his husband Adedeji Ademigbayi during their wedding at CAC, Isale-Ake, Abeokuta, Ogun State

UNION OF LOVEBIRDS

•Fomer Miss Christianah Ola Robert and Mr Olatigbe Abimbola during their wedding in Owo, Ondo State

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

35

SOCIETY

•From left: Chief Jas Oyekan; Olori Oyekan; Otunba Ayinde Ibikunle; Chief Odunaro and wife Susan

•Dr Adedayo

50 cheers for Baroyin The former Special Adviser to former Speaker of House of Representatives, Chief Kayode Odunaro, was last weekend joined by friends, professional colleagues and politicians across the land to mark his 50th birthday anniversary in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital. ERNEST NWOKOLO was there.

F

OR Chief Kayode Odunaro, former Special Adviser to the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Dimeji Bankole, and three-time Chief Press Secretary to three successive administrations in Ogun State, last weekend was a day of honour as friends, professional colleagues and politicians together with a coterie of Chiefs took time out to identify with him on his 50th birthday.

His over two decades in the media is no doubt an asset for him. This had made him to court lasting friendship and goodwill from virtually all spheres of life. It was not surprising that the large expanse of OGBC premises in Ajebo area of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, venue of the event, came alive for a man whose sobriquet is Baroyin.

Men and women of affluence, in their expensive dresses had converged at the place by noon for a lavish reception and to felicitate with him on attaining the golden jubilee age. To them Odunaro’s attainment of the age was with style and panache, little wonder he exuded hopes for greater joy in life and years ahead of him.

The excitement that pervaded the arena heightened when the Director–General, Goodluck Jonathan/Sambo Campaign Organisation, in Ogun State, Mr. Segun Sowunmi, proposed the toast for good health and longevity for Odunaro, while the United Nigeria Peoples Party (UNPP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Mr Adeogun Olurin recited a 10-minute”Ewi (poetry) rendition in honour of Odunaro.

Earlier, a thanksgiving service held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God

(RCCG), Adigbe area of the state capital, where clerics, friends and family members thanked God for taking care of Odunaro, just as they committed him unto God for more of blessings, protection and promotions.

At social reception were: former Speaker Dimeji Bankole; pioneer Chairman, Ogun Sports Council and former Chairman of Council, Tai Solarin College of Education and Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ogun State, Otunba Ayinde Ibikunle; Regent of Olu of Ilaro, Chief Jas Oyekan; Mr Frank Omolayole and Alhaji OBM Ashiru.

Others included Hon Abiodun Akinlade; Hon Olumide Osoba; Hon Victor Fasanya from Abeokuta South State Constituency; Hon Hadijat Adeleye; Hon Femi AllenTaylor; pioneer Zonal Secretary, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Zone G, Mr Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji and Mrs Doyin Ogunbiyi.

Also in attendance were Chairman, Ogun State Council of NUJ, Mr Tunde Sodeke; NUJ State Secretary, Mr Wole Shokunbi; Kehinde Osifade, former NUJ Chairman, Lagos Council, Mrs Funke Fadugba; General Manager, Ogun State Television Corporation (OGBC) Mr Ayinde Soaga, former Director-General, Goodluck/Sambo Campaign Organisation, Chief Yinka Sosinde.

There were state government officials such as Special Adviser to Ogun Governor on ICT Mr Bayo Adeyemi; his counterpart on General Duties, Mr Opeji Adebayo and Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Oyo State Governor Dr Festus Adedayo.

SUMMIT

•From left: Former Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Lagos State chapter, Mrs Nkechi Ali-Balogun; Founder, Awesome Treasures Foundation, Olajumoke Adenowo and Nollywood Actress Ufuoma Ejenobor, at the Awesome Treasure Foundation Summit, at Muson Centre, Lagos.

•Chairman, Science and Technology Committee, House of Reps, Hon Abiodun Akinlade (left) and Tokunbo Akinremi of City People

Commenting on Odunaro, Next Newspaper correspondent in Ogun State, Dimeji Kayode–Adedeji said: “He is reliable person committed to journalism profession.

I have worked with a good a number of Chief Press Secretaries (CPS) in Ogun State in the

last 15 years. I can confidently say that he remains the most sincere and straightforward CPS, particularly in his relationship with his colleagues. He operated open door policy and would not discriminate.”

FUNERAL FOR TEJU BABYFACE’S FATHER The remains of the father of the popular stand-up comedian, Teju ‘Babyface’ Oyelakin, Prince Jacob Gbadegesin Oyelakin, will be interred tomorrow.

The commemoration service will hold at the First Baptist Church, Ajaawa, Ogbomosho, Oyo State.

The Late Oyelakin, aged 73, was until his death, a transport consultant, tyre merchant and an investment analyst.

He was the Patron of Citizens for Ajaawa Development, Chief Trustee, Christian Youths Fellowship of Union Baptist Church, Agege and member, Ogbomoso Pivotal Club.

•The late Oyelakin

36

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

With ekpoita :funtreatsvilla@yahoo.com / 08022664898

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ACROSS

WORD BOX PUZZLE

Form as many words as you can with the letters in the grid below. Every word must use the letter at the heart of the grid.Above 50 words formed scores excellent.

HUMOUR ShowbitZ Toni Braxton explains sons’ names

Odd & Funnies “Miracle on the Hudson” plane departs for The U.S. Airways airplane that made a splash-landing dubbed the “Miracle on the Hudson” more than two years ago began a road trip on Saturday to Charlotte, North Carolina, its original, and final, destination.

The Airbus A320 airplane, which had sat in a New Jersey warehouse since it was salvaged from the icy Hudson River after the January 2009 water landing, was loaded onto a trailer earlier this week.

All 155 passengers and crew survived the incident that made pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger an American hero for his quick-thinking decision to land in the river when the airplane struck a flock of birds just after take-off from New York’s LaGuardia airport and lost power in both engines.

The plane will make its way over several days to Charlotte, where it will become a permanent exhibit at the Carolinas Aviation Museum.

The museum was tracking the journey, originally announced to begin on Monday, through the streets of New Jersey and beyond, on Twitter at @CarolinAirMusem.

“Today (Saturday) we will stop in New Brunswick,” a midday posting said.

Museum president Shawn Dorsch, who called the plane “a major international aviation icon,” said it would take several months to reassemble the aircraft.

Singer and reality star Toni Braxton has revealed how her sons Denim and Diesel got their names.

The 44-year-old Braxton Family Values star explained why she decided to give Denim, nine, and Diesel, eight, the unique names.

She told OK! Magazine: “My son Denim, it was supposed to be spelled D-e-n-h-a-m, like Oldham. But when we were in the hospital, in Atlanta, the nurse said, ‘How’s little baby Den-ham?’

“So we started spelling it like the jean. I changed it to the jean. Some people say it’s French, and some people say it’s English.”

She added: “Diesel – my husband is half-German, so Diesel is after, what is it? Rudolph Diesel, who did [sic] the Diesel engine? Diesel is a German name.”

Did you know that... * Stephen Baldwin worked in a pizza parlor, * Jean-Claude Van Damme delivered pizzas, * Bill Murray was a pizza maker, * Madonna worked at Dunkin’ Donuts. * Julia Roberts worked in an ice cream parlor, * Queen Latifah worked at Burger King, * Andie McDowell worked at McDonalds, as did Quintin Tarentino, * Jennifer Aniston worked as a waitress in a burger cafe.

There’s hope for all of us! * Arctic ice is rapidly disappearing, and the region may have its first completely ice-free summer by 2040 or earlier. Polar bears and indigenous cultures are already suffering from the sea-ice loss.

Taking his seat in his chambers, the judge faced the opposing lawyers. “So,” he said, “I have been presented, by both of you, with a bribe.” Both lawyers squirmed uncomfortably. “You, attorney Leon, gave me $15,000. And you, attorney Campos, gave me $10,000.”

The judge reached into his pocket and pulled out a check.

He handed it to Leon ... “Now then, I’m returning $5,000, and we’re going to decide this case solely on its merits.”

Two attorneys went into a diner and ordered two drinks.

Then they produced sandwiches from their briefcases and started to eat. The waiter became quite concerned and marched over and told them, “You can’t eat your own sandwiches in here!” The attorneys looked at each other, shrugged their shoulders and then exchanged sandwiches.

An artist had been working on a nude portrait for a long time. Every day, he was up early and worked late bringing perfection with every stroke of his paint brush.

As each day passed, he gained a better understanding of the female body and was able to really make his paintings shine.

After a month, the artist had become very weary from this non-stop effort and decided to take it easy for the day.

Since his model had already shown up, he suggested they merely have a glass of wine and talk - since normally he preferred to do his painting in silence.

They talked for a few hours, getting to know each other better. Then as they were sipping their claret, the artist heard a car arriving outside. He jumped up and said, “Oh no! It’s my wife! Quick, take off your clothes!”

RIDDLES What would be the next number in this series?

2 ... 3 ... 5 ... 8 ... 12 ... 17 ... ??

There is a house with four walls. Each wall faces south.

There is a window in each wall. A bear walks by one of the windows. What color is the bear?

Let’s say that the following arguments are true: a.Some criminals are millionaires. b.All tycoons are millionaires.

Therefore, we can conclude that some criminals must be tycoons.

True or False?

THE NATION

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F

ORMER chairman, Nigeria Police Service Commission, Chief Dr Simon Nsobundu Okeke has said that unless the Federal Government allows Nigerians to distil their own oil, worst days are yet to come in the oil sector..

Speaking to Newsextra on the solution to the fuel subsidy upheaval, Chief Okeke said: “Liberalisation and establishment of new refineries are the answer to the problem of fuel subsidy removal.

Government policy against small refineries is wrong.

“The government needs to review the guidelines and conditions to be fulfilled for the grant of license to operate a refinery in the country.

For government to expect that refineries in the country have to be mega refinery without room for smaller ones and distilleries ap-

‘How to solve subsidy problem’ From Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

pears to me a wrong policy.

“Considering the high cost of standard refineries today, it is ex-

pected that every refinery in the country should have the capacity to refine 100, 000 to 500,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

“Biafra experience is there as a

With proper quality control by supervising authorities, the country is assured of cheap petroleum products. The moment there is competition between the imported product and locally produced ones, prices of the products will crash. These micro-refineries or distilleries exist in countries like US and Canada, why not here in Nigeria

Delta gives grant to physically challenged

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HE Delta State Government, in furtherance of its human capital development programme, has given out grants to some physically challenged persons in the state to improve their socio-economic status.

Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN), the State Deputy Governor, in his speech at the occasion, explained that the grants where part of the State Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s Kitchen/ Cottage Industries scheme.

This is coming on the heels of the presentation of similar grants to 200 participants of the 3rd Award Ceremony of the Shell/Delta State Government Livewire programme geared to-

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MO State Government has released the sum of N1b to each of the 27 local government areas to execute 15km road projects and other capital projects which it had earlier approved.

Out of this amount, the sum of N200m will first be released for the first phase of the projects.

According to a communiqué issued after a joint meeting among Governor Rochas Okorocha and Commissioners, Special Advisers, members of Imo State House of Assembly, Chairmen of Local Government Transition Committee and Traditional Rulers, a contractor is expected to do a minimum of 5km of the 15km road projects approved for each of the local government areas in the state.

The chairmen were equally requested to acquire 100 hectares of land for other projects like general hospitals, guest house, mini-

The communiqué also highlighted the establishment of a fourth-tier of government in Imo State known as Community Government Council (CGC) which will be headed by the traditional rulers while the presidentgenerals, community speakers, woman and youth leaders will serve as members

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

wards producing self-reliant youths in the state.

Utuama informed during the Wednesday’s programme, “ this is part of the state government’s commitment to skill acquisition under our human capital development agenda.

“This scheme is relevant to our dedication to encourage and empower our people who are physically challenged to acquire and practice their skills. This exercise will no doubt go a long way in enhancing their economic well being and that of society.”

He observed that the grants were a testimony of the “commitment of the Governor to economic empowerment and human capital development, which

are necessary as part of the state government’s march towards an economy that is not dependent on oil.

“This scheme is a step in the right direction as it is specifically tailored to jump-start the entrepreneurial spirit in our physically challenged brothers and sisters...The state government is committed to further deepening the programme to ensure that more Deltans benefit from it.”

Utuama, however, urged the beneficiaries of the scheme to develop the right attitude towards it and make the best use of the opportunity offered by the state government, noting that such a disposition “will no doubt further encourage the state government.”

reference point. When access to Port Harcourt was closed, Biafran engineers under Research and Production (RAP) found alternative cheap refining process which made petroleum products readily available. Nearly all palm oil mills were converted into mini-refineries at very little cost and petrol, kerosene, diesel, and even aviation fuel became readily available.”

Chief Okeke wondered why DPR or NNPC or Ministry of Petroleum could not come up with flexible standard refineries or distilleries, and then liberalise local production of petroleum products. Allow the people to produce petroleum products for our domestic consumption. If this is done, the price of petrol will crash.

“In doing so, owners of these mini-refineries ought to have unhindered access to crude oil which they will buy at the current commercial rate. This, if done, will reduce importation of petroleum products. If this is allowed, the issue of subsidy will be a thing of the past.

“Such locally produced PMS will go a long way in satisfying a substantial per cent of local fuel requirement, reducing importation to a negligible per cent.’’

He opined that if all who have the knowhow on local refining or distilling are given the licence to produce from their kitchen, importation of the product will no longer be desirable.

Instead of engaging in warfare and demolition of kitchen refinery in Bayelsa, Rivers and other states,

they should be encouraged to be in business. If this is legalised, uncountable number of unemployed youths will immediately be either self employed or employed by operators of the mini-refineries.

This does not, in any way, stop the mega refineries from operating.’’

“With proper quality control by supervising authorities, the country is assured of cheap petroleum products. The moment there is competition between the imported product and locally produced ones, prices of the products will crash.

These micro-refineries or distilleries exist in countries like US and Canada, why not here in Nigeria?’’ he queried.

The elder statesman reminded President Jonathan that he should declare a total war against youth unemployment.

“It is bad enough for anyone who is fit and able to work to be unemployed. It is even worse for this to happen to our youths –graduates and non-graduates. The current insecurity situation in our country today is traceable to this unpleasant state of affairs.

“No wonder 90 per cent of kidnappers and violent armed robbers today are mostly youths between the ages of 20 and 30 years. Unfortunately, this issue of youth unemployment is not given the attention that it deserves.”

Chief Okeke therefore urged the Southeast governors to team up and make strong representation to the Federal Government on the issue of youth unemployment.

Imo councils get N27b for capital projects From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

stadium and housing scheme.

A joint government project committee comprising commissioners, special advisers, chairmen of transition committee, members of the State Assembly and senior special assistants in each LGA was constituted while the Speaker, Imo State House of

Assembly, Hon. Benjamin Uwajimogu is to chair the Rural Road Inspection Committee.

The communiqué also highlighted the establishment of a fourth-tier of government in Imo State known as Community Government Council (CGC) which will be headed by the traditional rulers while the president-generals, community speakers, woman and youth leaders will serve as members.

It further stated that election into the community government council will hold on April 2012, while the state Attorney-General works out the logistics for the polls.

The Community Government Councils are however directed to take over the management of health centres while those that don’t have are directed to apply to the Commissioner for Health.

Under the arrangement, all

qualified communities will be entitled to monthly subventions as those that don’t qualify may be merged for administrative convenience.

While former development area headquarters are to be used as Community Government Council headquarters for those communities where they are located, other public buildings will be converted for same purpose where they are located.

From left: Front row, Hon Adeniyi Abayomi, Ejigbo LCDA legislative leader, Hon. AbdulLateef AbdulHakeem, Chairman Lagos State Pilgrim Board, Kehinde Bamigbetan, Chairman Ejigbo LCDA, Mudashiru Olugbile, Director of Accounts, LAGBUS, Babatunde Mesawaku, Ejigbo council manager and other participants at a one day induction workshop organised by Ejigbo LCDA for new political appointees

THE NATION

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

•Akinderu-Fatai (fifth left) and members of the Community Development Committee

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member of the House of Representatives, Hon Moruf Akinderu-Fatai has held a meeting with members of the Community Development Associations (CDA) and the newly inaugurated Community Development Committee (CDC) at Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Lagos.

Akinderu-Fatai seized the opportunity of the occasion to render account of stewardship to the representatives of the people within and outside his constituency.

Afterwards, the lawmaker representing Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency 1 in Lagos fielded questions from the community leaders on various national issues.

The lawmaker and his constituents deliberated on how to develop the area.

Akinderu-Fatai did not shy away from admitting that more efforts are required to bridge the gap of poverty at the grassroots.

He also enlightened the community leaders on his limitations in providing jobs for the youths.

He said: “Our first major task was to return those bills that we presented before the last House which were not passed back to the House. Two of those bills are in their second reading stages, while the third is awaiting the

Lawmaker renders account

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

first reading.”

His appointment as Chairman, House Committee on Legislative Compliance, a committee mandated to ensure enforcement of the House resolutions, gave him the opportunity to track how ministries, departments and agencies comply with the motions and bills of the house.

He cited the example of the deplorable condition of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) and the Oshodi Expressway which links the airport.

“I am also using my good offices to liaise with the federal government to look into the deplorable condition of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) and the Oshodi Expressway which links the airport.

Though, they have not fulfilled their promises, I do not get tired of reminding them at any available opportunity. This I will not stop until the expressway is rehabilitated and expanded to meet the need of the commuters,” he said.

He enumerated some of the people-oriented projects he had car-

ried out to assist the residents.

“It is my desire to ensure the people enjoy the dividends of democracy. This I strive to achieve everyday by embarking on several life-touching programmes in the constituency. Nobody will forget in a hurry the Widow and Widower Empowerment programme that took place last October. We made available non-refundable money for them to establish themselves. Through this, they will be able to cater for their immediate needs,” he stated.

Touched by the plight of the less privileged, Hon Akinderu-Fatai deemed it fit to come to their aids by giving appreciable number of

them substantial fund to make good living.

He said: “It is impressive to know, however, that many of the beneficiaries are making good use of the opportunity.

“This gesture was also extended to our agile youths in the constituency. Realising that they are the future of the constituency, we need to prepare them for the challenges ahead. I have made it a point of duty to develop to meet modern challenges. This informed our decision to set up a Computer and Information Technology Training Centre. This centre, well-furnished and equipped with needed facilities and

It is my desire to ensure the people enjoy the dividends of democracy.

This I strive to achieve everyday by embarking on several life-touching programmes in the constituency

internet connectivity has trained hundreds of youths for free. Many of them are computer and IT literate today while many are still passing through the training.

Some have establishing business centres to start a living as a result of the skill acquired in the computer centre. This also aided education of many students in higher institutions particularly now when admission processes have been digitalised. Those seeking admission to higher institutions bring their computer and IT skill to bear and come out in flying colours in their exams. The testimonies from every nooks and corners of the constituency as a result of this scheme have been very impressive.”

The CDC Chairman Alhaji Rasheed Alamutu thanked the lawmaker for his efforts.

Alamutu described the lawmaker as a good example of people’s representatives.

“If we have the likes of him at the National Assembly, our people would be in the dark with the happenings over there. This is how a good representative of people should behave. He has been with us here for many hours without showing any remorseful sign despite his tight schedules for today. We thank him and appreciate the quality time he spent with us,” the CDC Chairman said.

Cancer centre to be established in Port Harcout

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HE National Cancer Prevention Programme (NCPP) of Mass Medical Mission (MMM), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), in partnership with the Lulu-Briggs Foundation, is to establish a complete cancer centre in Port Harcourt, the

By Bola Kougbe

Rivers State capital.

According to NCPP National Coordinator, Rev. Dr. Kin Egwuonwu, establishing the centre became necessary due to the rising trend of the disease in Nigeria.

Cancer has no respecter of anyone as it has, over the years, claimed the lives of some notable journalists, entrepreneurs and politicians •Rev. Egwuonwu

Egwuonwu, who spoke on the World Cancer Day, said cancer has no respecter of anyone as it has, over the years, claimed the lives of some notable journalists, entrepreneurs and politicians.

He said: “The Port Harcourt Comprehensive Cancer Centre (PHCC) project, which is expected to cost about N10b, is to be launched on March 31, 2012 in Port Harcourt while it plans to admit the first set of cancer patients in February 2013.”

Egwuonwu further said that the centre, when completed, would be the first of its kind in the country, even as he added that it would provide opportunities for cancer patients to receive treatment within their locality from oncologists. It

will also provide adequate facilities for proper treatment, thereby sparing them the stress of having to travel abroad for expensive medical treatments.

Explaining why the cancer centres are located in Port Harcourt, the clergy said the South-South/Southeast axis of Nigeria has no facilities for full cancer care and it is the area with the greatest need.

He said social networks such as Twitter, facebook, my space, youtube, among others would help to facilitate public participation of the project.

“Fund drive will hold on Saturday March 31 at the Alfred DieteSpiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt,” he added.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

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Imo has huge potential that can be of great interest to the American government, adding that the state has the largest deposit of gas in Nigeria and which is capable of boosting development of the state

Okorocha seeks American support on agric, education

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MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha has expressed willingness to partner with the American government in its bid to revamp and reposition some critical sectors of the economy like agriculture, education and tourism.

Speaking when he received the American Consular-General, Mr. Joseph Stafford in Nigeria at Government House, the governor said that Imo has huge potentials that can be of great interest to American government.

He added that the state has the largest deposit of gas in Nigeria, which is capable of boosting development of the state.

Okorocha lamented that though oil was first discovered in Imo State, the state is yet to receive the attention it deserves by the oil companies operating in Nigeria especially the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

He further urged the American government to strengthen its relationship with Imo State and the entire Southeastern states of Nigeria by establishing its office in Owerri to enable it to partner effectively in the ongoing transformation of Imo State.

Restating that Nigeria is not a terrorist country as being por-

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N interesting development took place in Anambra State in the run-up to the hosting of the standing committee of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion this month.

The Bishop of Awka diocese, Rt Reverend Dr Alex Ibezim will preside over the event.

At one of the worship sessions before the big event, Moslem police officers and their Christain counterparts were seen worshipping together.

They also did more than that: they spoke out against the extreme Islamic sect, Boko Haram and the violence it perpetrates.

At the Church of the Holy Spirit Awka, the Vicar, Venerable Obiorah Alokwu invited the chairman of security team for the standing committee, Sir Felix Kigigha for prayers with his team.

Both Moslems and Christians willingly showed up for the prayers in the church in their full police uniforms.

From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

trayed due to recent security challenges, Governor Okorocha enjoined American government to assist the country in strengthening its democratic institutions to address some temporary setbacks that have continued to cause failure in the system.

Earlier, the Consular-General said his mission was to familiarise with the state government and further identify the possible areas of partnership.

Mr. Stafford lauded the developmental programmes of Governor Okorocha and his free education policy, disclosing that American government ranks Imo as one of the outstanding states that have contributed largely in the development of Nigeria.

He assured that the Embassy will not hesitate to assist the state government in areas that will continue to promote the relationship between Nigeria and America as other areas that will boost infrastructural development in Imo State.

•Okorocha and Mr Stafford

Moslem, Christian policemen flay Boko Haram From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

They prayed for God’s grace in their duties during and after their job in the committee.

One of the officers who pleaded anonymity because he was not competent to comment on the issue, said: “We all worship God, whether as Christians or Moslems. So, sincerely I don’t know why all the bombing. I am from Kogi State and this guy (pointing at one of his colleagues) is from Niger State, but all of us are working together peacefully. We go to churches and we go to mosques to secure the worshippers and nobody has ever asked them why they are on duty. Are you a Christian or a Moslem? Are we not working for the same

purpose? True Christians and true Moslems cannot destroy... These are terrorists and nothing less. They should be declared enemies of the people of Nigeria.”

On how he was able to convince them to show up for prayers in the church Sir Kigigha said: “These are true Moslems who truly worship the living God. If you are for God, why would you maim life? Is it not the same God that we worship?’’

Kigigha who is also the officer in charge of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Anambra State further said: “We have an orientation here that we worship the same God and we are serving Nigeria, not religion. So, Christians go to mosques to protect them during their festivities and Moslems do same without grudges. They see me worship with every religious

•Participants at a seminar on fighting terrorism in Nigeria organised by the National Defence College in Abuja

group for one reason or the other in the course of the job. Why would they start segregating? We are one Nigeria and have sworn an oath to protect Nigeria, not religion or creed.

“I did not force anyone to be here.

They came willingly for the prayers and there was a time I was honoured by the Anaku community as Ambassador of Christ. My Moslem police friend went with me and worshipped with us, even spoke inside the church.

“It is only those who don’t know what they are doing that will be destroying lives and property in the name of their faith. It is not supposed to be so. We must show love to one another and assist in moving the nation forward.”

On what arrangements the committee has made as regards security, Kigigha assured hitch-free deliberations, even as he warned trouble makers to leave the state or face the consequences. He reminded them that since the state has been calm during and after the Yuletide as a result of the activities of the Nigeria police led by Commissioner of Police, Muhtari Ibrahim and other sister organisations.

He noted that arrangements had been concluded for a hitch-free traffic and stay for the over 250 top visitors across Nigeria to the state. He said anti-robbery and anti-bomb patrol teams would be in place and at strategic places to ensure that the delegates have a wonderful stay in Awka, Anambra State. He also disclosed that he would equally use the services of sports women for specific purposes.

He advised all who have no business in and around the venues of the committee to steer clear of the area, even as he encouraged all delegates; whether they are local or service providing teams to always put their tags on to avoid embarrassment. He also said that vehicles would be given tags for easy identification.

Admitting them before the church prayed for them, a Judge in Anambra State who is one of the elders of the church, Justice N. Anagbogu insisted that “because you entered the church for prayers, you will have unexpected promotion in the police because you have shown what it is to be a police man. One of you one day will be the Inspector-General.”

Justice Anagbogu hinted that policeman remained the greatest enemy of the policemen because of the ranking which made those superior to demand funny things from their subordinates. He, however, urged them to ensure they live above board at all times and solicited the public to respect and encourage policemen do their job. He lamented the lack of promotion in the force which made many graduates to be at a position for so many years.

Chancellor of the diocese, Justice Olike (rtd) had explained what the standing committee meant while Reverend James Aruma led the congregation in prayers.

Earlier, in his sermon, Postulant Ejike Egwuagu reminded them that the problems bedevilling mankind can only be solved when one is in the presence of God.

We have an orientation here that we worship the same God and we are serving Nigeria not religion. So, Christians go to Mosque to protect them during their festivities and Moslems do same without grudges

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

COMMENTARY

FEMI ABBAS ON

D

IALOGUE among humans is a twoway conversational track that can be oral or written. A one way communication is no communication at all.

As a participatory column the only way of confirming that ‘The Message’ is globally read and gets reactions from its readers is to randomly publish such reactions.

For each weekly outing of ‘The Message’ there are scores of reactions from various sectors of the society. Such reactions are a proof that preaching is like mud bitten with a stick. It splashes to all directions without sparing even the preacher. Below is a cluster of examples. Please, read on:

Femabbas@yahoo.com 08051101861

Femi, your write up on ‘WHY MARRIAGES CRUMBLE’ is a master piece and a good work. More grease to your elbow and more ink to your pen.

Prince Bola Ajibola, Abeokuta.

Your last Friday article: ‘Beyond Boko Haram’ was a great one, containing a great enlightenment. You and Rev Father Mathew Kukah are two of a kind when it comes to intellectualism, thoroughness and frankness. I have been reading both of you since the 1980s. You may be different in faith and in style but you are surely alike in thought and in candour. As a Muslim I have tremendous respect for the gentleman who is now the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto. Another similarity I notice in both of you is humility despite the public acknowledgment of your seeming exemplariness.

I am therefore not surprised that you culled his great speech in your column. It is my opinion that the two of you can make a great difference about religion in Nigeria if you cooperate to establish an interfaith association or a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) consisting of professionals in all fields of learning who have the fear of God at heart. Such an NGO will surely go a long way to unite Nigerians and educate them about our two dominant religions, Islam and Christianity.

Alhaji Abbas, I doff my hat for you just as I do for Rev. Mathew Kukah. God bless you both.

Lateef Adebola Bunyamin, Germany.

Assalam aleikum. I have been a keen reader of your column. But today I am a bit upset that you could not present anything except a paper wrote (sic) by Father Kukah which we have read since last week (sic) You are doing a disservice to Islam if you remain intellectually lazy to sit down and articulate the various comments/sermons presented by many Islamic clerics (sic) All what was said by Father Kukah (whom I have tremendous respect for), were shared by so many Muslim brothers /clerics and since your column is to bring out the moral values of Islam, why not surmarised (sic) the opinions of our clerics on condemnation of Boko Haram.

08036464999 Alhaji Abbas, good evening sir, though, I don’t know you but your articles I read every Friday show that you are a humanist who fears God and wants the best for humanity, particularly the wretched of the earth. May Allah reward you here on earth and the hereafter.

Adewuyi Adegbite, Ogbomoso.

I read your article titled ‘When Tomorrow Comes’. Will tomorrow come to meet the entity called Nigeria with the myriad of problems facing us when our leaders continue with their greed and mismanagement that have put over 70% of the populace in poverty?

Art I like your article of January 20, 2012 in The Nation. It is now we are talking as one people facing one common problem-POVERTY. Jethrin, Jos. Sir, I always look forward for ‘The Message’ every Friday. It is a tonic needed for ameliorating Nigeria’s peculiar ‘malaria’.

I pray Allah to continue to give you the strength, the wisdom, and the knowledge with which to deliver ‘The Message’. Man! I beg to agree with your write-ups. Kudos!

Sesan Adegbuyi, Omuo Ekiti.

Your insinuation in your article titled ‘When Tomorrow Comes’ that ‘TODAY’S WORLD IS NO LONGER FOR SLAVERY’ is baffling. Who is a slave? As a man of

May your pen never run dry. We shall all fulfil God’s purpose in our lives. I just read online your article on Boko Haram.

I used the opportunity to read others on marriages and burials though a Christian I am refreshed.

08062323923.

Readers’ voices God, you should try to be reasonable with your comments. Otherwise, you will expose stupidity as the case may be (sic). It should not be because a Niger Deltan is the President of Nigeria today then people would just come out to vomit in the public. Always think before you write.

Brown N.S. Your article titled ‘When Tomorrow Comes’ was well digested. I pray that the concerned people may read it though a dog that is destined to go astray will not listen to the whistle of the hunter. Keep up the good work. It is a struggle for liberation.

May Allah count the effort as an act of worship.

Rotimi A. Wasiu, Lagos I read your article titled ‘Dreaming The Past’. Yar’Adua was not just a true servant leader, he was also the hope we had waited for but we never knew his worth while he was there. May God grant him a place among the Saints.

Elawure Osamagbe.

Abbas, I am a Christian and I have been reading your write-ups. Your last article on fuel subsidy titled ‘DREAMING THE PAST’ was precise and to the point. The most interesting aspect in it is the question that was put to Mu’azu and his admonition. Please, find a way to send this piece to Jonathan. I am sure he will have a change of mind. That is if they will let him see it.

Please, keep up the good work.

08054514616 Hello Femi, each time I read your articles you open my eyes more to Islam. And you explain issues affecting our country especially ‘DREAMING THE PAST’. You are so inspiring.

Mrs. Anyasor Your article in The Nation of January 13 is so clear and factual. Is there the possibility to continuously bring these facts Nigerians as ignorance is to perish so says the Bible?

Joe, Abuja.

Femi, I just finished reading ‘The Message’. You did not mention another ‘FIRST’ for the late Pesident Yar’Adua. He was the first Nigerian President to give directive for the return of unspent government money before commencing a new budget year. The directive once saw the Ministry of Health quivering over a N30 billion squandered within one week. In that episode, newspaper reports revealed that cheques in billions were paid by the Central Bank even on Sundays and public holi-

days. For the first time ever, Nigerians were able to know how annual budgets were sat on and the amount shared at the tail end of the budget year.

Chief I.C. Adim.

When I read your article entitled TIME TO DIALOGUE published in your column on June 18, 2010, I knew you had a mission for Nigeria. Your subsequent articles pertaining to interfaith showed that you are truly a man of peace. You do not only preach Islam as a religion but demonstrate practically that the religion is truly that of peace. Your language, your body language and the thoroughness with which you marshal your point are indicative of fair mind about religion. Though a Christian, I have learnt a lot through your column even about life generally. I have never been privileged to meet you in person but some of my friends who have met you confirmed that you live what you preach. Your article titled ‘Boko Haram: Time for Fatwah’ published recently was another confirmation of your person.

Please, do not relent on this laudable mission and God Almighty will continue to bless you.

Chike Ndu Obasi.

I just read your publication of 16th December 2011 ‘Why Marriages Crumble’. I very much appreciate your opinion. Perhaps, if I had stumbled on it before the 2nd of January my story would have been different. We weren’t in court yet but she has been out from home since January 2.

If she had apologised and shown remorse I would have simply forgiven her. But she refused. Her two year old daughter is in my custody. I want you to bear in mind that people do not willingly marry to break it up especially where a child is involved. Thank you.

Anonymous Abbas, you have done what Napoleon couldn’t do through your piece titled ‘Boko Haram: Time for Fatwah’ I know that in every religion there are counterfeits exist. Boko Haram is an example.

Fisayo Ayita Sir, thank you for your piece titled ‘Boko Haram: Time for Fatwah’ in The Nation. May God Almighty who honours those speak the truth bless your forthrightness in discussing the sect. Had more ELITE Muslims put it so ingenuously to stress the historical brotherhood of Muslims and Christians, the group itself would have long suffered the fate that befalls a haramised body. God bless you.

Banji Ojewale, Ogun State.

‘

Sir, I strongly believe that the issue of Boko Haram is neither religious nor political. As we have Boko Haram in the North killing innocent Nigerians so do we have them aplenty in the western and eastern parts of our country killing innocent souls too. Our Boko Haram down south are armed robbers, kidnapper, hired assassins and conmen and women. With this senselessness displayed by the government we have not seen anything yet

‘

Your reflections today in ‘The Message’ acted as an elixir to my faith and a Nigeria free of religious prejudice dictated by warped politics. Nigerians of all faiths accept each other in 2005 during my re-election bid as national labour leader. But a rival Muslim brother failed to galvanise support among Muslims even as he referred to me as a non-Muslim. Also, I carried though many reforms which thrived in the faces of religious and ethnic purports. In retrospect, thanks to comrades who had untwisted tongues and honest minds from both faiths, the palpable state of resentment and animosity in Nigeria derive from institutional injustice and exploitation. Sadly, the blowouts are resulting to collective worst outcomes. Boko Haram after Yusuf, acts as sub-human and deranged yet of less evil than those who created the system that make their satanic acts seemingly allowable, I mean heartless politicians of whom Holy Books condemned.

Thanks, your message is part of the truth needed for healing our insanity and distorted perception about our oneness despite our individuality.

Comrade Edeh, Executive Director, Services Accord Initiative.

Salam! I just read through your informed and objective write up of today. I hope that the biased and confused CAN President will avail himself of regular Friday column to become educated about Islam. His combustible syndicated interview with The Nation, Tribune and The Sun this last Sunday was nothing but a desperate and futile act of a man who wants to use his position to cause more problem in the country with ignorance view of Islam. His militant approach to a volatile issue of religion confirms that the man relishes in reliving his alleged horrific and dangerous past. He should direct his energy towards resolving the religious problem in the land by ventilating a peaceful atmosphere for harmonious co-existence of Muslims and Christians in Nigeria. God bless you.

Kola Okunlola, Ikirun, Osun State.

I am a Christian but your message today has cleared many cobwebs I had about Islamic faith. May God bless you.

08023395818 Good afternoon Mr. Femi Abbas, you are a genuine Muslim. I just read your article in The Nation of January 6. I wish to sincerely thank you for the thorough job done in that article. I have always had misconception about Islam. But with your write up today, I am fully enlightened.

Keep up the good work.

Jude Thadeus Obaze You called for State Police in your article. Why not create it yourself since you are so eager and so wicked not to think of the implications of doing so.

08032858243 Sir, I have always aligned with your religious thoughts even though I see myself as non-religious. Sir, I strongly believe that the issue of Boko Haram is neither religious nor political. As we have Boko Haram in the North killing innocent Nigerians so do we have them aplenty in the western and eastern parts of our country killing innocent souls too.

Our Boko Haram down south are armed robbers, kidnapper, hired assassins and conmen and women. With this senselessness displayed by the government we have not seen anything yet.

Falaye Oreoluwa.

Many thanks to you for enriching me with what I call a clarion call for those who have ears. Your piece today on the relation between man and the earth is richly explained. May Allah bless you.

Thanks for today’s write up. I am always happy and sober after reading your piece. Because of earthly daily enjoyments, man always forgets his duties to God. Thank you once again.

Victor Eweka

45

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

How the parties stand in Bayelsa Isaac Ombe, in Yenagoa, takes a look at the chances of the political parties contesting the February 11 governorship election in Bayelsa State.

A

T first, the opposition parties kicked against the next Saturday date fixed for Bayelsa’s governorship candidate in the wake of the controversy over who is the candidate of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and last week’s decision of the Supreme Court that ended the tenure of former Governor Timipre Sylva.

However, al the parties seem to have accepted the poll date as a fate accompli. All the towns and villages are being covered by candidates and parties working towards victory.

Although, before the Supreme Court judgment that abruptly terminated the tenancy of Governor Timipre Sylva the political parties had started their grassroots campaigns, the confusion in the state overshadowed all activities.

Parties making the waves as a result of the split in the ranks of the PDP include Change Advocacy Party (CAP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Contention over February 11 While the parties have taken to the campaign trail, a new twist has been added to the doubt over the February 11 date. Following the death of the candidate of the Mega Progressive Peoples’ Party (MPPP), Chief Oduduogwu Ebakumotuebi, his party has applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a shift of the election to

•Sylva

•Dickson

•Okara

‘Following the death of the candidate of the Mega Progressive Peoples’ Party (MPPP), Chief Oduduogwu Ebakumotuebi, his party has applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a shift of the election to allow it pick a replacement and still campaign’ allow the party pick a replacement and still campaign. Anything contrary is deemed unfair to the party and a contravention of the Electoral Act. The law provides in section 36 (1) that: If after the time for the delivery of nomination paper and before the commencement of the poll, a nominated candidate dies, the Chief National Electoral Commissioner or the Resident Electoral Commissioner shall, being satisfied of the fact of the death, countermand the poll in which the deceased candidate was to participate and the Commission shall appoint some other convenient date for the election within 14 days.The commission is yet to respond to the MPPP application about one week to the election.

Dickson swings into action The PDP candidate, Hon. Seriake Dickson has fully swung into action.

Today, the President and national

leadership of the party are expected to storm Yenagoa to officially flag off the party’s campaign. Being an indigene of the state and a former governor, President Goodluck Jonathan who is regarded as Dickson’s godfather is believed to be doing everything to ensure success for the party. A loss would be seen more as more of the President’s failure than Dickson’s.

Men who have been drafted to proclaim the Jonathan/Dickson gospel include Chief George Amalatei Turner, a traditional ruler who has been Dickson’s mentor since Jonathan was Governor of the state, former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and stormy petrel Timi Alaibe and party strong man Fred Agbedi.

However, the Sylva group remained strong until the latest turn of events when he was dethroned by the Supreme Court and has to fight from outside like all others.

Until then, those in the former

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (second right), Deputy Governor Titi Laoye-Tomori (right) and Mrs Waleola Okunrinboye (extreme left) at a reception to mark the conferment of an honorary doctorate degree on the governor at Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State.

governor’s camp included all the three Senators from the State, four of the five House of Representatives’ members, majority of members of the state executive committee, members of the dissolved state executive council and local council chairmen. How many of them remain with the former governor after Sylva has been pushed out of the power sanctuary?

The Sylva game plan, The Nation was told, is now to throw his weight behind the candidate of Change Advocacy Party (CAP), Dr. Imoro Kubor. The former governor has reportedly told his supporters especially those left in the executive council, Local Government, House of Assembly and other structures in the state to await further directives.

The fear of the Sylva plan is said to have spurred the Seriake faction of the PDP to reinforce the party’s campaign.

Parties and their support bases While Seriake is expected to have some sympathy from his Sagbama, Ekeremo area, an area that has long been itching for the governorship slot, his running mate, Rear Admiral John Jonah (retd), though regarded as new on the political scene, who hails from Nembe area of the state, thus Sylva’s kinsman, he is expected to use his influence to douse any move against the party in the mainly riverine areas of Nembe, Brass areas of the state. However, the CAP and ACN running mates are also from the area.

Dr. Kubor, as CAP flag bearer, is said to be making serious waves after the PDP and ready to make some impact in the political calculations of the state in the next polls.

Kubor hails from Southern Ijaw LGA which is the largest Council area in the state and thus has more influence as a result of its voting strength. However, the support he would have drawn from the area

could be countered by the fact that Alamieyeseigha hails from Amassoma in the area.

Another advantage CAP may have over other parties in the February election is the choice of Rev. Obegha Oworibo, himself a retired Head of Service in the state as Kubor’s running mate. Oworibo hails from Okpoama Community in Brass LGA, the same country home with Sylva.

CAP also has as its Campaign Director, Chief Koku Gariga, a former Chairman of Sagbama LGA, who hails from same council area with Dickson, and he’s said to be a force to reckon with in politics, and he is expected to rally support for CAP even though it is a strong base of the PDP. The CPC flag bearer, Mr. Famous Daunemugha, is another force in the race. Famous has campaigned vigorously throughout the state to sail to victory.

As a onetime IYC leader, Daunemugha who was once the Special Adviser on Youth Mobilisation to Sylva is endeared to the youths and they have been canvassing support for him.

Daunmugha who hails from the Ekeremo area of the state told his teeming supporters and Bayelsans in general not to vote for the party but the individuals.

“People should vote for the person and not the party, and should investigate the past. The time to vote for party is over”, said the flag bearer who is fondly called ‘man of the people’.

Mr. Alaowei Opukeme, his running mate, who hails from the Yenagoa axis of the state, is believed to be one who can spring surprise to ensure the party’s victory at the polls, especially against big wigs from other parties.

“No politician surpasses me in the area of youth empowerment in the state,”, Famous was quoted to have said recently.

Lagos-based lawyer, Kemela Okara of the ACN, who hails from Bomadi in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state is relying mostly on the household name of the Okaras that has made waves both in poetry and in other areas of human endeavour over the years.

Besides, the ACN is also is also expecting serious support from its national leaders led by Chief Bola Tinubu whom sources say have pumped in money to facilitate the victory of the party.

Okara is also expected to slug it out with CPC’s Opukeme who hails from the same area with him.

While Mr. Chris Alagoa, running mate to Okara who hails from Nembe area said to be a respected opinion leader in that Kingdom is expected to slug it out with the running mates of Jonah of the PDP, and Rev. Oworibo of the CAP, Timi Alaibe’s image looms very large in the area and could be a trump card for the PDP. There are other political parties in the race as INEC has registered candidates for 36, however, many do not have what it takes to make any impact in the race. At the moment, despite the internal crisis of confidence, the PDP has the upper hand. There are suggestions that the crisis could even be resolved in the next few days.

As the days get closer, more realignment is expected across party lines.

46

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

POLITICS

‘Sovereign National Conference is the answer’ Coordinator of Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reform (CODER) Mr. Ayo Opadokun spoke with reporters on the state of the nation. Deputy Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU was there.

H

OW do you see the recent face-off between the Federal Government and the organised labour over the removal of petrol subsidy?

Primarily, I am convinced that the organised labour and civil society groups have legitimate and constitutional means to protest against unjust policies as they found it. For me, it was a significant departure from the opportunistic collaboration of our people with their tormentors in power. The fact that they found sudden increase in the price of petrol been raised from N65 to N141 and they went out to express their anger and protest in a democratic constitutional means is justified. That was a significant departure and I believe that the Arab Spring has had some positive effects on our people that no one will give you your right on a platter of gold.

You must fight for it and you must take all necessary legitimate and constitutional means to prevail. Particularly, in a so called civilian “democratic” regime the citizens are the boss. Those in temporary sojourn of office are not supposed to be masters while the voters or the civilians remain as either slaves or spent forces.

What lessons do you think we should learn from the protests?

When the nationwide strike and protests started, I saw a beautiful newly found conduct by the Nigerian Police. I watched live proceedings at various spots all over the country; the Nigerian Police stood some distance from where the protests were going on and nobody was harming anybody.

The protests were mostly civil, they were very decent without any uproar and no violence. But again, I became suspicious when labour and civil society organisations decided that they were going to call off the strike for two days so that people could refill. I was suspicious as to whether or not it would be possible for them to restore the protest to the stage that it had reached by Friday evening. So, I was shocked when organised labour decided not to continue the protest and put the civil society in a quandary. It was a moment of rejection, a case of betrayal of the joint action by the organised labour. In any case, I was not too surprised. That was not the first time that such had happened. Some of these labour leaders have utilised populist reaction in situation like this, to pump up themselves and their image as if they were decent activists who were willing to provide leadership for the civil populace to reject unpopular measures but that was not going to be.

So, you think they betrayed the people ...

I felt betrayed as some other people have talked about the situation and I thought that with what they have done, it will be

difficult for them to convince members of the civil society again to collaborate with them to take joint action to protect their civil liberties in the nearest future. I was in a way briefly excited at the prospect of Nigerians being ready to fight their battle for themselves. While we were fighting under the platform of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a number of significant times, some members have asked us as to what was going to be the thing that the Nigerian government would do that could push the people unto the streets to protest against such things. We find it really difficult to say because most of the things that were done here if ten per cent of them were to be done in other climes such government must have been toppled by civil democratic anger. But for our people, they always resort to whatever means- I don’t want to die, I want to buy another house, I want to marry the second wife.

The Federal Government later deployed soldiers in Lagos to stop the protest against the removal of fuel subsidy. What is your reaction to this development?

I felt betrayed and from that day onward.I say this without any atom of inhibition that President Jonathan has lost legitimacy to govern. He has lost the moral right to continue in office as a civilian ruler for deploying Nigerian army in full battle gear to take over spots where civil protests had been going on peacefully and effectively occupying them by his military officers. He cannot be heard again to talk about any credibility for the remaining part he will spend in that office and he will be doing so on borrowed terms. The civilians who have now been denied in a very violent manner the legitimate constitutional rights to protest against unjust policies, have a duty to themselves henceforth to resort to constitutional and legitimate means to reject unpopular measures. They should take the protest to Aso Rock to tell President Jonathan to resign from office. Quite frankly, he cannot govern legitimately as a civilian president unless and until he is aided by full blown military. That was what he has done and whenever a civilian regime starts inviting the military unto the streets, they do themselves too much harm. If you cannot govern with-

out the military battle ready on the streets, how can you now deny the military the right to fully take over the system and run it. You will be speaking from two sides of your mouth and you will never be credible. It’s a shame that the so-called Minister of Defence was quoted as saying that some people were trying to use the protest to attack political opponents. Where is the evidence?

But the federal government feared that the protest could degenerate into breakdown of law and order. What is your view?

For the five days that Nigerians were protesting, there was no violence anywhere.

The snapshots of violence were not even close to where the big protesters were. But the real protesters all over the country, in Kano, Kaduna, Awka, Port Harcourt, Delta.

The demonstrations were devoid of any violence of any kind. That a ruler who called himself a civilian ruler had to resort to deploying troops to prevent Nigerians from openly opposing his unpopular policy is too reactionary. It does not make for a civilian regime profile that can command respects in any part of the world. I say it again, the rights of Mr. President as the Commander-in-Chief to deploy troops is sanctioned by law and guided by law. Under emergency, Mr. President is allowed if the parliament is not in session to deploy the troops but within seven days the parliament must sit down to discuss whether to approve or to disapprove. President Jonathan deployed Nigerian soldiers on Nigerian streets without any legitimacy. There was no state of emergency, he has not declared any and he deployed troops to take over where civilians were democratically opposing his dubious policy. So, he has acted illegally.

But why has the country not moved forward since the restoration of civil rule?

I will like to say it again that Nigerians have been under a negative jinx for too long. What am I talking about? Those who really aspire to make Nigeria great, fighting for its development; they are never allowed to get to the seat of power. Characters who never aspired along with the power drivers have always succeeded in manipulating the system in their favour.

Under the NADECO platform, we thought with the advent of civilian populace the living condition of our people will greatly

‘I will like to say it again that Nigerians have been under a negative jinx for too long. What am I talking about? Those who really aspire to make Nigeria great, fighting for its development; they are never allowed to get to the seat of power’

•Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole flanked by Deputy Governor Dr Pius Odubu (left) and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Chairman, Edo State Rt Hon Thomas Okosun, at a luncheon organised by the party ... yesterday.

•Opadokun

improve. What we are witnessing today is beyond what is tolerable. The misery, the wanton economic deprivation in our land today, is unjustified in any circumstances.

There is no reason, there is no basis for which Nigerians are going through this wicked economic situation.

Here is a country that is exporting averagely 1.7 million barrels of crude oil everyday at an average of 75 to 80 dollars per day and yet the living condition of our people is getting poorer and poorer everyday. It’s an ungodly situation. Very ungodly situation and that is why for some people like us, this so called fuel subsidy thing is just one aspect of the evils of the lopsided, warped disrupted national structure conferred on a nation. It’s the system in Nigeria that has permitted the various negative conducts of public officers while they were in office. Any system that a small clique of people can rubbish and thwart the wishes of the Nigerian people as declared in an election. So, the situation is very bad.

What is your reaction to attempts to read ethnic meaning to the protest?

I believe that President Jonathan has shot himself in his feet totally. His act was totally condemnable. There can be no justification for what he has done. So when I read the statements of a number of people, those statements were in the right direction. Those who are prompting President Jonathan to misbehave, to misrule, they are faceless. He is the one that will carry the can.

There is this negative tendency to ethnicise, regionalise the events in very despicable situation. There was no basis for our brothers and sisters from the Niger Delta areas, Ijaws and the likes, to imagine that of all the very negative publications that they are making, trying to put ethnic sentiment in the advertisements that were published in some national papers. Making such innuendos that there is a programme to remove President Jonathan from office, those things are very opportunistic.

•Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State (left), chatting with Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during the PDP Governors' meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan ... Wednesday.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

47

48

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

SHOPPING

49

THE NATION

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

e-mail: janicenkoli@yahoo.com 08033349992 sms only

email:- shopping@thenationonlineng.net

Fit for the tropics What kind of dresses are suitable for tropical climates? They are fabrics made from natural materials, reports JANICE NKOLI IFEME.

O

NE of the elements of grooming is to look good every day. Care must be taken about one’s clothes as they affect one’s appearance.

Besides looking for good attires, you should also try garments that are fit and comfortable as tight clothing or those which fit oddly can be embarrasing in hot weather.

The best fabrics for tropical climates are made from natural materials, such as rayon, cotton, linen and silk. These materials tend to breathe more than synthetics, and they come in a variety of colours and thicknesses. Cotton, especially, is an ideal material for a tropical climate because it can be washed and dried. As you sweat in a hot climate, the ability to wash your clothing quickly and easily in a machine is an advantage.

Silk and linen can both be made in washable variations as well, and it is worth seeking out machine washable fabrics for tropical climates. All wellsuited fabrics for tropical climates are capable of whisking moisture away from the skin, rather than allowing it to gather. Pools of sweat can be uncomfortable and potentially unhealthy. Lightweight fabrics for tropical climates also protect the skin from harsh sunlight, savage plants, and other perils which you may encounter. Excessive exposure to sunlight can be hard on the skin, which is why it is an excellent idea to wear long sleeves and pants or skirts in a lightweight fabric, to provide a layer of protection. In addition, you should use sunscreen to protect your skin.

As a rule, light coloured fabrics are a better choice for a tropical climate, because they reflect light and heat. This is why clothing and fashion in hot climates tend to use natural fibres, because they are better suited for the manufacture of fabrics for tropical climates.

White, beige, and pastels are common choices. They can be embroidered with thread to create colourful designs. Fabrics for tropical climates do not have to be dull white or shockingly patterned; options are varied when it comes to decoration.

Clothing for tropical climates should also be loose and comfortable. Many cultures have traditions of flowing garments which allow air circulation close to the body. In addition to being cooling, this also helps to keep the body dry, preventing potential skin infections and fungus infestations. People who are overweight may also want to consider the use of a cream or powder on areas of the skin which are subject to chafing, to prevent painful sores at the end of a day of activity.

Cute outfits made from rayon, cotton, linen and silk could be found in stores, boutiques and markets across the country. The basic rule here is to have an eye for quality and finesse. If you are buying ready made, look out for clothes with perfect finishing and if you are buying the fabric, be sure to give it to a tailor who will sew it right.

• Clothes for the tropics

Rayon Rayon is one of the most peculiar fabrics in commercial use today. Strictly speaking, it is not an artificial fiber, because it is derived from naturally occurring • Continued on Page 50

‘Shop and have fun’ Page 50

• Linen shirt and trousers

• Silk tie

Fares are killing, say traders Page 51

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

50

SHOPPING MY SHOPPING

H

OW do you assess the shopping environment?

First of all, most of the retail shopping are informal retail shopping - the stores are not well planned, not well managed. What we seek to create is formal retail shopping such as the Ikeja City mall, where you have a well-planned retail centre with a good mix of tenants and shoppers; every thing is formalised.

You want to make a change in the nation’s shopping industry?

Yes. What kind of change?

Just the kind of thing we have done at the Ikeja City Mall and The Palms, trying to push a retail revolution; create a fun place where people can come in with their families to shop and have fun. It comprises the cinema, the textile shops, restaurants and a lot of other relaxation and shopping centres. That is what my company, Actis, is trying to create-

‘Shop and have fun’ • Chudi Ejekam, Shopping developer

By Janice Nkoli Ifeme

a destination centre where you have to come in the morning and don’t have to leave till evening; something different that we are proud of.

What should the ideal shopping centre look like?

Let me give you some statistics from an investor’s perspective when building a shopping centre.

We can always interpret the make up of the ideal shopping centre from what we have seen in your efforts at The Palms and City mall. Expatiate from the shopper’s standpoint.

Okay, the whole family can go shopping together. Take the children along. They can spend like two

hours at the cinema watching a good movie. You can go to the jewellery store, there are clothing stores, shoes stores, super market, computer electronics and other items you need.

When you are done shopping, go pick your children and visit the restaurant or eatery. It is all encompassing.

Give me a personal experience What I like to do is go to a one stop shop. I go to The Palms. I take my trolley, buy everything I want without the need to go round the snarling traffic, relax, watch a movie, visit the restaurant; do all that I want to do in one location.

Would you say you are prudent?

Yes. How? I am an investor who invests hundreds of millions of dollars. I want to make money properly. And I want to be a family man, save money and not waste it.

But how would you be saving your money while creating an environment that lures people to shop until they drop? How do we reconcile that?

We are creating an environment to meet the needs of people. They are able to buy things at our malls that they may not find elsewhere and even at cheaper prices than they cannot find elsewhere.

• Ejekam

Fit for the tropics • Continued from Page 49

cellulose. It is not, however, a natural fabric, because cellulose requires extensive processing to become rayon. It is usually classified as a manufactured fiber. It is the oldest manufactured fiber, having been in production since the 1880s in France, where it was originally developed as a cheap alternative to silk.

It drapes well and is highly absorbent and easy to dye although it tends to age poorly if heavily worn.

It is used in a variety of textile applications, including shirts and skirts and appears in both woven and knitted forms.

Cotton Cotton is a natural fibre harvested from the cotton plant. It is one of the oldest fibers under human cultivation, over 7,000 years old recovered from archaeological sites. It is one of the most used natural fibres in existence today, with consumers from all classes and nations using it in a variety of applications. Thousands of acres globally are devoted to the production of cotton, whether it be new world cotton, with longer, smoother fibers or the shorter and coarser old world varieties.

Cotton is in the mallow family and produces delicate, lovely flowers. The cotton fiber forms around the seeds of the cotton plant and is designed to help carry the seeds long distances on the wind so that the plant can distribute itself. Early humans realised that the soft, fluffy fibers might be suitable for textile use and began to breed the plant.

Cotton is somewhat flammable,

• Black cotton dress for your little girl.

especially lighter ones that hold a lot of air. Some are chemically treated to reduce flammability.

Many are also blended with other natural fibers, such as linen, for particular properties, or to add texture and strength to the fiber.

It can be woven or knitted. It can also be turned into flannel, corduroy, muslin, and a variety of other fabrics used so universally that the American Cotton Council uses “the fabric of our lives” as a tag line for it.

Linen Linen is one of the oldest woven fabrics in human history. Made of fibres from the flax plant, this material was once considered suitable only for royalty. Purple linen was the material for a king’s robe. The Bible mentions linen coverings used in the Tabernacle and the Temple, and references to ‘fine linen’ are found throughout.

Linen is an expensive fabric to manufacture. Flax is a temperamental plant to grow and the quality of the finished linen depends largely on the quality of the plant itself. Good quality linen is soft and moth-resistant and repels dirt as well. It can absorb and lose water quickly.

Modern garments made from linen are expensive because of its expensive manufacturing and weaving process. However, the fabric readily accepts dye, so it can be manufactured in many colours.

Linen is a lightweight fabric, which makes it suitable for spring and summer wear. It looks crisp, cool and neat, even on the warmest days. Most linen can also be washed in a home machine.

However, it has the tendency to wrinkle and ironing it is a great deal of work. The iron must be very hot and should have a steam setting. It can be ironed damp from the washer. A light spray starch could be used on it. It should be ironed on the wrong side of the fabric, or using a pressing cloth, to prevent shiny spots.

They should be hung in a closet, rather than folded away in a drawer. Linen fibers can break if folded in the same place too often.

It also tends to soften with wear and washing, so any roughness in the fabric will usually smooth out in time.

Slacks, dresses, suits, sport coats and blazers are all common clothing items made from linen. However, linen was used for sheets many years ago and is still used for items such as tablecloth. It even has industrial uses for luggage and upholstery. With its versatility and beauty, linen will certainly continue to be a widely-used fabric for the foreseeable future.

Silk fabric Silk is a filament fibre formed from proteins secreted by silkworms. Silkworms are not actually worms, but caterpillars, despite their common name. Humans have practiced silk production, which originated in China, for thousands of years. Highly prized for its softness, insulating properties, and strength, silk is a natural animal product and therefore quite expensive.

Once raw silk has been wound onto wheels, it can be spun into a variety of different types of thread, depending upon the intended use.

Crepe is made by twisting multiple strands of silk together in different directions, while tram is made by twisting one to two threads in the same direction.

Most wearers are familiar with all forms of silk thread, with single threads being used for fine and sheer garments and crepe being used to create textured and wrinkly silks. Organzine is used for warp threads in weaving and tram creates the weft or filling. Silk can also be used in knit fabrics.

Silk can be treated to remove roughness or left raw, depending on the demand. Silk takes dye well and is available in a dazzling array of colours from subtle to bright. The textile appears in scarves, sweaters, underwear, shirts, and everything in between.

Despite its low yields, production of the sought after textile is rising globally. Many consumers prefer silk for its comfort, insulating qualities, look and feel.

Polyester Polyester is a manufactured product, usually a textile that is made from synthesised polymers.

It tends to be very resilient, quick drying, resistant to biological damage such as mold and mildew, easy to wash and able to hold forms well. Although polyester is often maligned as a textile, it has many useful applications. It is, however, highly flammable, so care should be taken when wearing it. Many synthetic fabrics are subject to flammability because they are made from polymers.

This substance is made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the same material that is used to make plastic drink bottles. Many drink bottles are recycled by being reheated and turned into polyester fibers, which, in addition to being an efficient use, also helps keep polymers out of landfills. Polyester is a plastic that was invented in Britain in the early 1940s. In the 1950s, it became popular as a textile because of its easy care, drape and versatility.

• Linen shirt

• Rayon printed top.

• Cotton set for your little boy.

51

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

SHOPPING

Fares are killing, say traders Distributors of rice at Daleko Market, Mushin, Lagos are warming up to fix new prices because of what they tag “high transport fares,” write TONIA ‘DIYAN.

D

ALEKO Market, one of the 42 markets in Mushin Local Government Area of Lagos State, is large and it attracts shoppers from neighbouring countries. They come to buy rice, beans, salt, sugar and other grains in bulk.

Rice importers come to this market for easy and swift patronage by companies, wholesalers and retailers.

Mr Biodun Amuwa is the Managing Director, Biofem Nigeria Limited, a major rice distributor at the market. He buys directly from the importers.

He told The Nation Shopping that transportation is the major challenge facing distributors at the market right now.

He said: “The fares are killing. We pay triple the amount we used to pay just to get our goods here for distribution and this extra cost incurred is included in the prices of our goods too. Subsidy removal from petroleum product is not a bad policy, but it becomes bad when the government refuses to channel the money derived from it to things that would benefit the poor people of Nigeria.”

He also said the situation has resulted in the market not being as full as it used to be, thereby creating little or no work for the newly-introduced taskforce in charge of controlling prices and reducing congestion within and around the market environment.

They have been able to offload vehicles, which have been staying outside the market premises for days without finding space to offload goods.

Distributors will also make sure that the

• Inside Daleko market.

• Food seasoning.

profit they make favours both the consumers and themselves thereby, creating a customer friendly market.

Another factor that would push up prices is the additional cost incurred on shop rents. A shop which used to be N2,000 is now N4,000.

A shop owner, who would not disclose his name, said he has no other means of livelihood and that things are more expensive now.

“Abi I no go chop? Things don cost, no bi my fault” Prices of items bought directly by the distributors from the importers are as follows; Dana Rice, which used to be N7,450 is now N7,700. Peacock is also N7,700 from N7,450.

Milan is now N7,600 instead of N7,450. Stallion is N7,600, no longer N7,500. Americana is M7,600. Mama Gold is N8,800, against the old N8,000. Royal Umbrella is N9,000. Caprice is N7,800. Unity Rice is N7,000. Oba Rice is N4,000. Super Eagle is N7,000.

Other items are Dangote Salt, N2,700 and Dangote Sugar, N9,300. Honeywell Flour is N6,000. Golden Flour is also N6,000. Beans, which used to sell for N14,500 is now sold by the importers for N18,000. According to Mr Amuwa, consumers should be ready to buy a bag of beans for over N20,000, adding: “If the prices are this high at the wharf, you can imagine how much they will be when we merge these factors. Prices here will definitely shoot up and our stocks will stay longer in our warehouses.

“And if some consumers refuse to buy at the new prices, they won’t get spoilt, so we are not forced to sell at cost prices like perishable goods. Though this is one negative effect of the new prices,” he explained.

Shopping Right with FROM MY MAIL BOX Dear readers, Thanks for your comment and response to The Nation Shopping. Welcome to the month of February. January began in a very unstable manner. If we were to judge the New Year with the merry mood of Christmas and the spending jamboree that went with it, no one would have imagined that the beginning of the year was going to be so turbulent but thank God it is over.

Some are mourning loved ones, many are lamenting soaring prices of goods and services while the nation has threatening challenges of poverty, security and other pressing issues to tackle. The good thing is, things have returned to normalcy and we are free to move about our lawful businesses.

One month is already gone, leaving us with 11 to go. If you are still sleeping, it is

JANICE NKOLI IFEME

time to wake up. What are those dreams and aspirations you have been nursing? Table them down and start moving at once because time waits for no one.

A few people commented on one of the cakes we featured last week with the theme of a sleeping baby. It was one of the crafts from The Abuja Cake Convention. Interestingly, the cake wrapped in straddling clothe was a baby. “Janice, do you mean I should cut my baby and eat in the name of cake?” A woman had asked in a text message. Another, a Ms Faith wrote from PortHarcourt saying: “Janice please that baby cake is sacrilege. Tufiakwa! The baker should use other concepts and not such satanic idea as this, which is cannibalistic”. We appreciate the fact that you are reading and responding to our presentations. The baby cake is just one of the concepts exhibited at the fair. I understand it from where you are looking at it but we should always look at things from the positive angle. Obviously, no woman would love any insinuation about eating up her own baby or even imagine it. I am sure the baker was only trying to display her skills at sugar crafts. It is just one of the many skills that sugar craft artists possess. And one can infer that they are taking their acts to another level or don’t you think so?

Many have also written to express their feelings on the fuel subsidy issue and the attendant rise in the prices of goods and services. Never mind, there is always a way out. The Nation Shopping will continue to give you useful tips to enable you shop right.

As we do first Friday of every month, here are some of your comments as space would enable us. Please bear with us if yours is not published in this edition.

Thanks for being there, Janice Janice, Thanks for that article titled Facing the storm. The hike in the prices of goods is an indicator of the dissatisfaction and fear among our people. Even commuter vehicles that have been using diesel before the increment of petrol price also increased their prices. Is it fair? That is why I am saying that people are looking for any means to show that they are not happy with the economic situation of the country.

That is also why Boko Haram is doing what they are doing. Let’s just pray that Gosd will see us through. Thank you, Nduka Amobi, Awka.

Re: Facing the storm: Let it storm, let it rage. Before this spring, violent gale must blow! The withdrawal of subsidy is necessary to strengthen Nigerian economy. Pump price of petrol will crash only when refineries are put into good repair. Pump price will continue to crash as new refineries are built across the states and put into production. Till then let social agitators rant along. For all I know, Goodluck is okay, Nigeria is on the right track. Anonymous Re January 27, I think corrupt nation is being ruled by corrupt people. All Nigerians should change their character, especially on money laundering. Then there can be a chance of all things being corrected. No name.

Hi, you are doing a great job in Shopping Right. Dr Ebenezer Withdrawal of subsidy and the prevailing malignant hyper galloping inflation in Nigeria are two different things. If there is no provision for fuel subsidy in 2012 national budget, is that why fuel purchased with fuel subsidy should escalate in pump price? Is it Dr Goodluck Jonathan that jacked up pump price of petrol from N65 to N140 or the cult of fuel subsidy thieves who Dr Goodlick Jonathan says he is combating to free the masses from enslavement to the cabal of oil money rogues? It is desirable for the masses to rise against inflation, which increase in pump price of fuel means. The masses however, should identify the thieves and combat them and stop throwing stones at the wheel of government! Dr Sunday Kesh, PG School, University of Ibadan.

Janice, Nigerians are suffering because of a few individuals who are squandering the nation and squandering our money. All I know is that one day monkey go go market, e no go return. No matter how long it takes, they will never go free. I don’t know how it is going to happen. Shebi, Al Mustapher has been sentenced to death? For me, his sentence is not just about Kudirat Abiola but for all the atrocities he committed while he wielded the big stick for his late boss, Sani Abacha. I’m sure Mustapher did not see the handwriting on the wall; otherwise he would have fled on time not to be caught. So, Janice, I assure you, nemesis will catch on all of them when they do not expect it. Thanks, Julius, Abuja.

Write to us, express your views, observations and experiences. Let’s have your comments about shopping. Your comments, questions and answers will be published first Friday of every month. With your full name and occupation, send e-mail to: janicenkoli@yahoo.com SMS - 08033349992

52

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

53

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 2-2-12

Market records marginal recovery

T

HE Nigerian stock market yesterday pulled back from the negative with a marginal gain of 0.15 per cent, but the overall market situation remained cautious and uncertain.

Both the benchmark index and aggregate market capitalisation of all equities trended upward as highly capitalised banking and manufacturing stocks rallied the bulls against the equally active downers.

While 22 stocks appreciated, 25 others depreciated but the overall market situation was impacted positively by the gains by leading stocks such as Nestle Nigeria, Unilever Nigeria, Zenith Bank and Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB).

Aggregate market value of all equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) inched up to N6.562 trillion compared with its opening value of N6.552 trillion, representing an increase of 0.16 per cent.

The main benchmark index, the All Share Index (ASI), which gauges all quoted equities on the NSE, rose from 20,790.87 points to 20,822.00 points. Financial services stocks provided major boost to the positive overall market situation. The NSE Banking Index appreciated to 278.60 points as against 275.93 points posted as opening index. The NSE Insurance

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

Index improved from 120.95 points to 121.28 points. The NSE 30 Index also firmed up to 938.12 as against its opening index of 935.36 points.

With Oando in free fall, the NSE Oil and Gas Index depreciated further to 210.63 points compared with index on board of 212.70 points.

The NSE Consumer Goods Index, formerly known as Food and Beverage Index, slipped from 1,686.82 points to 1,683.32 points.

NSE’s highest-priced stock- Nestle Nigeria, led the bullish rally with a gain of N10 to close at N440 per share. Unilever Nigeria placed second with a gain of 49 kobo to close at N30.

Berger Paints added 42 kobo to close at N8.87. UAC of Nigeria gathered 27 kobo to close at N29.48 while International Breweries rose by 26 kobo to close at N5.86 per share.

Other top gainers included Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, which chalked up 25 kobo to close at N10.50; First City Monument Bank that gained 20 kobo to close at N4.20; Access Bank added 17 kobo to close at N5.42; Zenith Bank gained 16 kobo to close at N12.17 while GTB rallied 14 kobo to close at N14.10 per share.

However, NewGold

topped the losers’ list with a drop of N8 to close at N2,730.

Guinness Nigeria followed with a loss of N5 to close at N220. Julius Berger Nigeria dropped by N1.50 to close at N30. Oando lost 78 kobo to close at N16.30 while Nigerian Breweries fell by 67 kobo to close at N94.33 per share.

Also, Cadbury Nigeria lost 38 kobo to close at N9.62.

Cement Company of Northern Nigeria was down by 25 kobo to close at N4.75.

Ashaka Cement declined from 20 kobo to N10.50.

Vitafoam Nigeria lost 17 kobo to close at N3.31 while Stanbic IBTC Bank dropped 15 kobo to close at N7.15 per share.

Meanwhile, there was marked increase in turnover at the NSE as turnover value shot up by 149 per cent to N3.77 billion as against N1.52 billion recorded in the previous day. Investors traded 320.14 million shares valued at N3.77 billion in 3,715 deals.

Banking subsector topped activity chart with a turnover of 189.67 million shares valued at N1.01 billion in 1,920 deals. The insurance subgroup staged a distant second with a turnover of 39.45 million shares worth N26.95 million in 164 deals.

United Bank for Africa Plc was the most active stock with a turnover of 47.1 million shares worth N90.75 million in 189 deals. Access Bank placed second with a turnover of 38.78 million shares valued at N204.1 million in 138 deals. First Bank of Nigeria pooled a total of 30.03 million shares for N316.13 million in 723 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 2-2-12

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

55

MONEY LINK

PenCom: 40,794 retirees collect monthly pension

T

HE National Pension Com mission (PenCom) has said that 40,794 retirees receive monthly pension from the commission.

The PenCom statistics show that the beneficiaries are retirees from both public and private sectors of the economy.

The pensions are paid either by programmed withdrawal or annuity.

A report by Head, Investment, Supervision Department at PenCom, Ehimeme Ohioma stated that the Commission was consultative, prudent and conservative when it comes to investment. “The major objectives of Pension Fund Investments are to ensure Safety and maintenance of Fair Returns on Investment,” he said.

The body reiterated its commitment at ensuring the safety and high returns on investment (ROI) on the N2.4 trillion pension contributions in its custody.

By Collins Nweze

The funds, contributed by 4.92 million Nigerians are to be invested with highest level of safety.

Part of the rules is that regulated instruments be approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) while all transactions involving pension funds are to be conducted on registered trading platforms. The law also stipulates that 20 per cent of the Pension Portfolio can be in ‘BBB’ rated instruments.

For equities, a track record of profitability and payment of dividends/ issuance of bonuses are considered.

To further promote pension fund investments in the real sector of the economy, generate employment, support infrastructure development and enhance real returns on investment, the Commission revised the Regulation on Investment of Pension Fund Assets in December 2010 and expanded the allowable asset

mitigate potential losses to contributors. Pension Operators are appropriately sanctioned for willful infractions/violations of the regulations and guidelines.

The PenCom investment rule stipulates that as safety measure, the PFAs are not allowed to deal (buy or sell) on pension assets with related parties such as directors, shareholders, employees as well as related persons to these named persons. PFA are required to develop a framework and establish a Committee to review Conflict of Interest Issues and render quarterly reports to the Commission.

classes to include infrastructure financing through bonds and fund structure, private equity fund, Global Depository Receipts (GDR), Euro bonds issued by Nigerian companies for their operations in Nigeria among others. It also increased portfolio limits for corporate Bonds from 30 per cent to 35 per cent of PFAs total portfolio to ensure increased investments in the real sector of the economy.

Besides, there is daily valuation and unit pricing of the various Retirement Savings Account (RSA) funds under management with the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs). This is to facilitate easy valuation of unit holdings of contributors during entrance into or exit from the RSA funds. Daily Valuation Reports are electronically forwarded and reviewed by the Commission, providing an effective surveillance mechanism to ensure compliance with Regulations and

ICAN seeks support for cash-less policy

T

HE Institute of Chartered Ac countants of Nigeria (ICAN) yesterday urged Nigerians to support the drive by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to make Nigeria a cash-less economy.

According to the institute, such move by the CBN would help to reduce corruption in the country.

ICAN President, Prof. Francis Ojaide, stated this during his visit to Uyo office of the institute, in Akwa Ibom State.

Ojaide explained that apart from helping to reduce corruption, the cash-less policy would also help to build confidence among traders in the international market.

He added that Nigeria cannot shy away from the cash-less policy of the CBN on its road to becoming one the best 20 economies in the world.

According to him, the cash-less policy will help to reduce corruption to lowest level. Robbery activities will also reduce as robbers are known to attack people in possession of physical cash. Where there are no such physical cash in

Bank inspectors train members

T

participants had very good understanding of cash-less payments, regulatory perspectives, fraud and internal control requirements, among other issues.

Speaking on the initiative, Chidi Umeano of Shared Services Office, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), said Cash-less banking will enable the apex bank achieve about 30 per cent reduction in the cost of funds being passed by banks to customers. “The cashless economy initiative has tremendous benefits for the people and the economy. It would reduce the cost of cash handling and cost of funds, with available statistics showing that the Central Bank and the banks would have spent over N200 billion on cash management by 2012. This cost can be ploughed into infrastructure development. It would also mean that majority of Nigerians would stop

O support the cashless economy initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Committee of Chief Inspectors of Banks in Nigeria (CCIBN), recently organised a three-day training programme for banks, discount houses, external auditors and law enforcement agencies in Lagos. The training was meant to adequately acquaint participants with the dynamics of the cash-less banking, ahead of the pilot phase in Lagos State by January 2012.

Abas Alhasssan, Vice Chairman, CCIBN, said the initiative makes it imperative for Chief Inspectors of banks to equip themselves as well as other stakeholders for the challenges ahead of the pilot scheme in Lagos.

He said that with the training,

He said the Nigerian financial market is in its developmental stage, as the capital market is still considered shallow - relatively low number of quoted companies and limited corporate bond issuances. He listed challenges facing the investment of pension funds to include macroeconomic stability in terms of inflation and interest rates, limited investment outlets/windows to match the rapid build-up and liability profile of pension funds and demand by investors for quick returns, when pension funds are long term in nature.

subsidising the cash handling cost of heavy cash users,” he said.

Umeano added that 10 per cent of branch transactions in Nigeria are above N150,000, but they make up about 77 per cent of the value of cash transactions in the country’s financial system. “The initiative will also usher in an era of convenient and secure payment systems,” he added.

The CBN in a circular released early this year to all banks, said Cash-in-Transit (CIT) operating firms, payments system service providers, as well as money card acquirers, issuers and processors increased penalties for cash transactions by individual and corporate bank account holders to help reduce the high usage of cash as well as moderate the cost of cash management among operators in the country’s financial system.

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

circulation for them to snatch, then the robbers themselves will have to look for jobs.

“The policy will also help in international trade as it tends to build confidence among traders.

You can stay in your own home in your country and order goods without the actual cash payment.

Upon delivery, a code will be requested and upon production, the goods will be delivered to you,” Ojaide said.

He said members of the institute were in the state to liaise with government, relevant agencies and companies to create awareness on the usefulness of the institute’s membership to their organizations.

He said the body has a disciplinary committee that does not take the issue of corruption lightly, adding the institute is doing all within its power to make ICAN members stay off unethical conduct in the discharge of their duties.

DATA BANK Tenor

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES OBB Rate Call Rate

7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

GAINERS AS AT 2-2-12 SYMBOL

O/PRICE

FCMB 4.00 GTASSURE 1.20 BERGER 8.45 GOLDINSURE 0.61 PRESTIGE 0.84 INTBREW 5.60 DIAMONDBNK 2.52 ACCESS 5.25 REDSTAREX 2.42 ETI 10.25 NESTLE 430.00

C/PRICE

CHANGE

4.20 1.26 8.87 0.64 0.88 5.86 2.61 5.42 2.49 10.50 440.00

0.20 0.06 0.42 0.03 0.04 0.26 0.09 0.17 0.07 0.25 10.00

LOSER AS AT 2-2-12 SYMBOL

ACADEMY RTBRISCOE CCNN AGLEVENT VITAFOAM JBERGER AIRSERVICE OANDO MULTITREX CUSTODYINS ABCTRANS

O/PRICE

2.20 1.20 5.00 1.40 3.48 31.50 2.17 17.08 1.15 1.90 0.52

Amount

Exchange

Sold ($)

Rate (N)

Date

450m

452.7m

450m

150.8

08-8-11

250m

313.5m

250m

150.8

03-8-11

400m

443m

400m

150.7

01-8-11

EXHANGE RATE 26-08-11 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD

147.6000

149.7100

150.7100

-2.11

NGN GBP

239.4810

244.0123

245.6422

-2.57

NGN EUR

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

Bureau de Change 152.0000 (S/N)

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

Parallel Market

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NSE CAP Index

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N)

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

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

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

(S/N)

153.0000

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Aug ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

8.75%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 9.4%

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 121.47 98.43 0.76 1.04 0.88 1,642.73 8.24 1.39 1.87 7,329.39 193.00

9.08 1.00 121.33 97.65 0.73 1.04 0.87 1,635.25 7.84 1.33 1.80 7,142.17 191.08

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

C/PRICE CHANGE

2.09 1.14 4.75 1.33 3.31 30.00 2.07 16.30 1.10 1.82 0.50

Amount

Offered ($) Demanded ($)

0.11 0.06 0.25 0.07 0.17 1.50 0.10 0.78 0.05 0.08 0.02

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

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

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

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

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous

Current

04 July, 2011

07, Aug, 2011

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

56

NEWS ‘Let’s rebuild our values’ From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

T

HE Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Edem Duke, has said most of the challenges confronting the country is a result of the breakdown of cultural values.

He spoke yesterday at the second National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) management retreat Duke said a lot still needs to be done to change the mental attitude of the people, especially the youths, as there is need to re-strategise the nation’s reorientation programmes.

The minister who was represented by his Special Assistant, Dr. Paul Adamiku, urged the institute to fashion an orientation programme for youths.

He said the task is on the society to instill in youths, the value of work and good behaviour.

Fleeing Igbo arrive in Enugu

S

OME Igbo indigenes have started arriving home, following the recent call on easterners living in the North to return home.

Over 1,500 of them arrived in Enugu from Maiduguri, Bornu State, yesterday.

The returnees arrived at the 9th Mile Corner, Enugu, early yesterday aboard free luxury buses provided by Igboville, an Igbo social-cultural network.

Igboville, a group made up of Igbo professionals in Nigeria and Diaspora, arranged the free buses to transport Igbo stranded in Maiduguri and other northern states.

Many of the returnees claimed they relocated to the bush for many days, until they got hint of the free buses.

From Chris Oji, Enugu

“We came back because of Boko Haram, I and my family were hiding in the bush until we heard that free buses had been provided for us and we quickly came out and returned home.

“As you can see, I'm a happy woman now because, I'm out of the Boko Haram area", one of the returnees, Mrs. Patricia Agballakwe, a native of Nnewi in Anambra State said.

Addressing the returnees through a member of Igboville, Nelo Fina, the group's founder, Barr Emeka Maduewesi, implored them to quickly resettle in the East while the government sorts out the security situation.

He called on politicians and well meaning Nigerians to assist in evacuating Igbo from danger areas.

PUBLIC NOTICE Owners of abandoned vehicles at the premises of Mushin Magistrate Court behind Area “D” Police Command are called upon to immediately claim them without any further delay.

Anybody that fails to claim his/her vehicle within the next 21 days should consider it forfeited to Mushin Local Government because they are constituting a nuisance.

For futher enquiries, please contact:

The Council Manager Mushin Local Government Area, 82/84 Palm Avenue, Mushin Secretariat, Mushin.

Signed: MANAGEMENT

•President Goodluck Jonathan (second left); Bayelsa State Acting Governor Nestor Binabo (left); Jonathan’s wife, Patience (second right) and Binabo’s wife, Martha…when the President arrived in the state for a three-day visit...yesterday

Nine killed in renewed Ebonyi communal clash N INE persons were killed yesterday in a renewed communal clash between Ekpe-Omaka and Inyimagu communities in Ikwo South East Development Centre of Ebonyi State.

Sources saidboth communities have been fighting for more than 10 years.

“The crisis erupts each time the two communities meet at the disputed land and fish pond.

“At the end of any farming season and fish cultivation, the crisis comes to an end.

“Regrettably, there is a specific boundary but allegation of encroachment has always triggered off the clash.

“Since yesterday when the crisis erupted, at least six persons have been reportedly killed but we know that the number may be more.

“It is always disastrous

From Ogbonnaya Obinna, Abakaliki

each time the two communities clash.”

A community leader, who pleaded for anonymity, said the two communities have clashed in the late 1980s over boundaries that stretched up to several kilometres.

He said in 2008, EkpeOmaka and Echara Community fought another war making the area volatile.

The community leader said because of the sour relationship between Echara and Ekpa-Omeka, during the clash, people could not escape through Echera prompting them to fall victims to their attackers.

“Most of those killed are from Ekpa-Omeka because there is no way of escape

‘We cannot really ascertain the number of people killed in Akataka but at least nine persons are missing now.’

and the people were taken unawares.

"We cannot really ascertain the number of people killed in Akataka but at least nine persons are missing now.”

But the National President of Ndiagu-Echara Development Association, Sunday Nwonu, denied the allegation that Echara Com-

munity refused to allow the people to take refuge in the community.

He said the community mobilised resources to stop the crisis from escalating.

Nwonu said some people from Ekpa-Omeka, who took refuge in the community, are still there.

He said the leaders of the community have joined other leaders from Ikwo to broker peace in the disputed area.

The Chairman of Ikwo Local Government, Celestine Nweme confirmed the incident.

He said it could not be confirmed if nine people were killed since their bodies have not been seen.

The chairman said the police have deployed mobile policemen in the area.

Police spokesman John Eluu could not be reached for comments.

Appeal Court stops Anambra South rerun

T

HE Anambra South Senatorial rerun slated for February 15 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been stopped by the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division.

The court said INEC being a party to an appeal filed

by Andy Uba of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seeking a review of its earlier judgment, nullifying his election, it was expected that the commission would not do anything to jeopardise the matter.

Uba is asking the Court of Appeal to set aside the judgment in favour of Chuma Nzeribe of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), on the grounds that it constituted a nullity.

Nzeribe, however, filed a counter-affidavit and preliminary objection through his lawyer, saying the court cannot entertain the matter.

When the matter came up for hearing yesterday, Nzeribe's and APGA's counsel Obiora Obianwu (SAN) prayed the court to allow the respondents to reduce their arguments in writing since Uba, through his counsel, has reduced his argu-

•NANS writes Jega, IG Judiciary not compromised, says Uba From Eric Ikhilae

S

ENATOR Andy Uba has denied media reports in which he was alleged to have accused the Judiciary of compromise.

Uba said he holds the Judiciary in high esteem, being a law-abiding citizen, who believe in the ability of the Judiciary to dispense justice always.

Coordinator, Andy Uba Campaign Organisation, Bright Nebedum said in a statement that Uba "vehemently denied making any such insinuation" and insisted that the Judiciary remains the bastion of hope for justice, equity, fairness and the enthronement of genuine democracy.

Uba, who said his attention was drawn to a report alleging that the court of appeal was compromised, said: “At no point did I ever make such a statement. This is an attempt to pitch me against the distinguished members of the bench.

“As a law-abiding citizen, I have always sought for justice because I believe the Judiciary is the last hope of every law-abiding citizen. The impression created by that report is not only premeditated, it is in bad light, politically motivated and meant to pitch me against the Judiciary.”

From Chris Oji, Enugu

ment in writing.

Uba's counsel Arthur Obi-Okafor (SAN) did not raise any objection to the prayer of the respondent's counsel.

Ruling on the application, Justice S. DentonWest, who led four other justices, ordered all the parties to file their addresses within three days and adjourned till February 16 for adoption of addresses.

Other justices are Chidi Nwaoma Uwa, Tine Tur, Philomena M. Ekpe and U. Onyemenam.

In its earlier judgment on December 22, the Court of Appeal ordered that Uba's Certificate of Return be withdrawn by INEC while a fresh election should be conducted within 90 days.

Uba said Nzeribe, in his appeal, did not seek any relief, but the court proceeded to nullify his election and order fresh election in Anambra South.

Uba said the court lacked jurisdiction to nullify an election when the person did not seek any relief.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has petitioned the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof.

Attahiru Jega and the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, to provide security during the rerun on February 15.

NANS Vice-President Frank Nwandu said electoral vices should be tackled.

Nwandu warned politicians to desist from using youths as thugs to disrupt elections.

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NEWS Court joins Sylva in Dickson’s suit From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

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HE Federal High Court, Abuja yesterday joined former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva as the second respondent in the suit filed by Hon Seriake Dickson.

Dickson is praying the court to declare him the lawful candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming Bayelsa State governorship election.

The Presiding Judge, Justice Gladys Olotu had granted an ex-parte order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to accept Dickson as the party’s governorship candidate.

This led Sylva to approach the court through his counsel,Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) seeking to be joined as an interested party in the suit.

Ruling on the application yesterday, Justice Olotu held that the party seeking to be joined has shown in his affidavit that he has interest in contesting the governorship on the platform of PDP. She added that the applicant has shown that he would be affected by the judgment of the court.

“On that basis,the motion for joinder is hereby granted as prayed and the applicant is hereby joined as the second respondent.

“The case is thereby adjourned till February 6 for hearing”.

•Sympathisers on the scene of the accident...yesterday

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

Conductor crushed to death in Lagos

A

BUS conductor was yesterday afternoon crushed to death at the Lagos end of the LagosIbadan Expressway.

He was reportedly attempting to evade arrest by officials of the Lagos State Traffic Managment Authority (LASTMA) when the incident occurred.

The incident resulted in traffic jam, as youths protested the death.

By Miriam Ndikanwu

The deceased simply identified as Ilorin, was attached to a commercial bus with registration number XZ 76 AGL. An artisan, Mutiu Alfred, who said he witnessed the incident, narrated that the LASTMA officers pursued the commercial bus that was coming from Oworonsoki heading towards the toll gate.

“The LASTMA officers eventually caught up with the bus and one of them dragged the conductor down and in the process he hit his head on the ground. Unfortunately an oncoming vehicle crushed him to death, “the eyewitness said.

He said irate youths and motorists immediately besieged the area and apprehended the LASTMA official.

He said the motorists would have lynched the official, but for the quick response of the police who restored the peace.

“This is the second time LASTMA officers would kill people in this area. The first incident was when a commercial motorcyclist killed their colleague and two BRT buses were set ablaze. Today again they have killed another person over the collection of

Why Britain is supporting EFCC, by DFID

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HE British Department for International Development (DFID) yesterday said the British Government is supporting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to fight corruption to enhance the nation’s growth and development.

The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Mark Lowucock, made the clarification when he visited the Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde.

According to a statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, Lowucock expressed the agency’s desire to continue to work with the EFCC in its task of fighting graft.

ACN not ready for governorship polls, says secretary

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HE National Secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Senator Lawal Shuaibu, yesterday said that the party is not prepared for the governorship elections in four states this month.

Shuaibu spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He said the party alongside others would not be able to participate in all the four elections in one month because the time-table released by INEC was “too-tight”.

The timetable for the governorship elections in the four states released by INEC recently, indicated that the Adamawa election will hold tomorrow, Bayelsa on February11, Sokoto on February 18, while that of Cross River will hold on February 25.

The ACN Secretary said the tightness of the timetable would not give the parties enough time to file-in data and submit to INEC in time.

Shuaibu complained that INEC wanted to achieve within a month what used to take five months to complete.

He said that going by INEC’s timetable, there would not be enough time for candidates to hold far-reaching campaigns.

According to him, the party has been able to prepare for only the Adamawa election.

He said that INEC should have consulted all the stakeholders before taking a decision on the timing for the elections.

bribe. It is sad,” the eyewitness alleged.

Samson, another conductor, was seen weeping profusely. He said the deceased’s wife was delivered of a baby a few days ago.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, said he has been briefed on the matter, adding that investigation would be conducted before government would make a pronouncement.

•House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal welcoming Permanent Secretary, Department for International Developmen,t Mark Lowcock to the National Assembly Abuja... yesterday. With them is British High Commissioner AndrewLloyd PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

Minister: states accessed N50b UBEC cash in 2011 HE Minister of State for Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, yesterday disclosed that most states were able to access the over N50billion funds with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) last year.

He also said the Federal Government retrained 22,000 teachers last year.

Wike, who spoke in Abuja at a Leadership Forum organised by DOM Communications, said the government is transforming the education sector to make graduates more employable anywhere in the world.

He said the government has addressed the challenge of the un-accessed N50billion meant for the UBE scheme.

He said the interactive session the ministry had with governors last year yielded positive results as they were enlightened on how best to

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•Govt retrains 22,000 teachers From Yusuf Alli and Yomi Odunuga, Abuja

access the funds.

Wike said: “Essentially, we must understand that UBEC was primarily established to take care of basic education. Through UBEC, the government provides some intervention funds to the 36 states and FCT. “The Act establishing UBEC mandates the states to provide counterpart funding. But, over the years, most states had not been able to access these funds. Maybe because they were not wellinformed on how to access the funds.

“At a time, UBEC had over N50bilion that could not be accessed. But after our meeting with the governors on how to access the funds,, things have changed. Today,

most states have accessed the funds up to the end of 2011.

Before now, some of them did not access the funds since 2009.

The Minister also disclosed that the government released over N5billion to the states last year for the training and re-training of teachers as part of its determination to improve the standard of education in the country.

He added: “We also released over N5billion to all the states for training and retraining of teachers.” Last year September, we flagged off training and retraining of teachers. Over 22,000 teachers were retrained last year through the National Teachers Institute(NTI).

“By March, we have not less than 50 teachers that will go for training in South Korea in core subjects like Math-

ematics, Sciences and others.”

Although he admitted that all stakeholders in the sector, including the government must be blamed for the poor standard of education, the Minister said President Goodluck Jonathan administration is committed to transforming the sector.

He said the transformation is starting with the upgrading of basic education which is the foundation of all learning.

Wike added: “All of us are aware of the state of our Education System, we should not pretend. When the President came in, he said we must carry out transformation agenda. What the President mean was that we can no longer allow the present Education system to be in place.”

Robbers kill expectant mum, six others in Delta From Shola O’Neil, Port Harcourt

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EVEN persons, including an expectant woman, an accountant and driver of a new generation bank, were yesterday killed in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government of Delta State.

At least 10 others were injured during the midday operation.

It was gathered that the robbers, who were dressed in military uniforms and fragmented jacket (bullet proof vest), attacked a van suspected to be carrying cash in front of the bank.

They shot indiscriminately at passersby and security operatives around the Effurun/Sapele Road by Refinery Junction at about 1:15pm.

Three workers of the bank were also shot inside their official vehicle.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012

WHO SAID WHAT

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 7,

RIPPLES BOKO HARAM SPOKESMAN ARRESTEDNews

...and lets just pray, this one doesn’t VAMOOSE!

NO. 2023

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

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HE re-emergence of the pre-eminent pro-democracy organisation, whose fierce struggle against military dictatorship in Nigeria contributed in no small way to forcing that institution back to the barracks and ushered in a new era of civil rule, is a significant development in the current battle for the soul of the country.The intervention of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) in the dark days of the nation was remarkable, not only for its dogged and stubborn deviance even in the face of death, but also for the diversity of its membership, which cut across the national landscape. Its clarity of focus and the gravitas that backed it up soon earned it the “agbako” alias.

Agbako is how one describes an undesirable and dangerous person or thing; and is that which one must make a serious effort to eliminate or avoid. It’s understandable why this appellation made sense to the one who coined it. Threat of jail didn’t deter NADECO members. Physical abuse didn’t slow them down. And to confound the authorities, even trained snipers missed them as targets. Recall the episode of “apamaku.”

When the military was finally subdued in 1998, it was to NADECO that the Abubakar transition administration turned to for cooperation and collaboration towards civil rule.

General Abubakar desperately needed NADECO. The decision of the organisation to accept the terms of the transition without insisting on the resolution of the national question as a condition has been identified as its most serious blunder. This is why, 14 years later, its reappearance must be of interest to all.

With the advantage of hindsight, it is easy to assume the role of a Monday quarterback and blame NADECO now for the strategic blunder in its acceptance of the Abubakar transition programme back in 1998. We know, however, that the decision was not taken lightly and several factors came into play, including war-weariness, political calculation and, of course, the usual external pressure.

After five years of existence on the fringes of society and being constantly assailed and brutalised by a government that monopolised not only the means of violence, but also the sources of economic wellbeing, and which was bent on snuffing out life and all ingredients of decent living from its assumed enemies, it was clear that a good number of the warriors were battle fatigued. However, even with the ominous cloud of certain deprivation hanging over their heads, we also know that a few of the members refused to tag along. This was especially true of those in exile, who stayed put despite enormous pressure. In the circumstance, the decision to suspend the struggle and allow members to make their choices with regard to the transition was the only viable one.

The political calculation that informed the decision to go along with the transition was also not lightly taken. It was clear that elec-

‘No one knows the real nature of the disbursement chain neither is anyone sure of who got what and for what purpose.’

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

NADECO and the national question

•Abubakar

tions would be held. The military was in no mood to continue with the apparent self-destruction of the previous years. Hanging on to a transition programme that would include a national conference was therefore not an option. The question then for members of NADECO became one of prudential calculation: would boycotting elections and staying outside of the new political process mean that military collaborators had a free ride? And would that not be suicidal? If they could participate, wouldn’t it be better to do so and hope to resolve the pending issues of restructuring through the process? It turned out that the calculation didn’t work out; the process was manipulated by the military and NADECO’s goal of political restructuring remains an unfinished business.

The same external forces that refused mean-

ingful intervention in the face of military assault on democracy from 1984 to 1998 came out in full force in support of a meaningless transition agenda, and ensured the abortion of the pro-democracy insistence on political restructuring. In the face of all these hurdles, it seems to me unfair to heap all the blame on NADECO for the outcome of the 1998 transition, including its failure to address the fundamental issues confronting the nation.

Instead of the blame game, I would rather play the strategy game. Now that NADECO is back, the question is “what should be its focus and how might it effectively contribute to the resolution of the challenges facing the nation?”

The major challenge, the source of all the other challenges that Nigeria has to meet headon and resolve urgently is its flawed structure.

It was the same challenge that NADECO had to contend with from 1993 to 1998; it is the womb that birthed militancy in all its variants.

To successfully deal with it is to place the country on a path of harmonious progress and just development. How might NADECO help?

It bears emphasising that NADECO cannot assume that the strategy that worked for its struggle against the military is going to work in a civil dispensation. Since times and institutions have changed, the strategy must also change. With the military, NADECO had to work outside the system, not being a part of the institution of the military. It was able to assume the role of the victim and project the military as anti-democracy. It could seek the support of friendly governments with democratic traditions seeking to spread freedom across the globe. With even a semblance of democratic accommodation, this strategy is no longer an effective option.

NADECO must now engage fully in the political process and there are several mutually inclusive approaches to doing these. First, there is strength in numbers, and the experi-

HARDBALL

YOMI ODUNUGA

ence of successful movements demonstrates to us this important truth. So NADECO cannot be an exclusive Lagos affair and expect to have a significant impact on the political process.

Indeed, it cannot be a predominantly city organisation and hope to make an impact. If all politics is local, so must be NADECO. Secondly, in view of the fact that we now have political institutions as products of the electoral process, no matter our misgivings about the flaws of the process from which they emerge, these institutions cannot be justifiably set aside. Those citizens who emerge from the processes have a claim as representatives of their constituencies. The irony is that while a majority of Nigerians want political restructuring, in view of the clamouring for such from the various ethnic nationalities, this has not been advanced and promoted by their representatives.

If we operate a system that prioritises responsiveness and accountability to the expressed interests of constituents, we would have restructuring without any hassle. What our unique representative democracy lacks in representative accountability must be made up for by an effective mobilisation movement that sensitises the electorate about their interests and their rights to demand true representation from their elected officials. That is what movements such as Move On and Tea Party from opposite sides of the ideological spectrum exemplify. NADECO has its work cut out for it.

Thirdly, NADECO cannot shy away from actively sponsoring candidates for elective positions at all levels. Therefore, it must identify and partner political parties with platforms and manifestoes that address and accept the fundamental issues of political restructuring, true, including fiscal federalism, state police, etc. Needless to add, the more representatives and senators there are with expressed support for the restructuring of the country, the higher the probability of its becoming the law of the land.

What the last paragraph suggests is that what we are trying to achieve with the call for a Sovereign National Conference may be ultimately accomplished through the institutions currently in place if we have the right people in those institutions. Once we have the right people, they may begin the process of giving the nation a new constitution that takes care of the demand for restructuring. Conversely, the effort to get current elected officials in those institutions to sign on to the demand for a Sovereign National Conference where the issue of restructuring can be resolved is unlikely to be taken seriously in view of the obvious fact that the cards are fatally stacked against the idea.

•For comments, send SMS to 08057634061

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Crises spawn experts on Nigeria (2)

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HERE are many controversial issues waiting for indigenous experts to address.

Indeed, the time has come for Nigerian experts and intellectuals to rid themselves of timidity and become more assertive in propounding solutions to our problems. The country yearns for their contributions on the economics of fuel subsidy, comparison with subsidy regimes in other countries and the adverse impact subsidy removal would have on the well-being of Nigerians when viewed against the background of minimum wages in various countries and how many comparative baskets of goods such wages could buy. The plain fact is that while there are a few fantasists in government, there are no practical people of ideas in or close to government. We have a dangerous situation in our hands of a country with an expanding population, unequal distribution of income, schismatic class structure and extremely low wages. This is the time to have our own Maynard Keynes and Thomas Malthus, theorists to shake us out of our complacency and intellectual stupor.

We also need our own home-grown experts, particularly historians, to postulate urgently on the Boko Haram phenomenon. For more than a year the President Goodluck Jonathan government had dithered on the problem,

afraid to fight, reluctant to run and too weakened to negotiate. Our historians, unlike foreign historians and analysts, should be able to tell us, using their analytic tools, the pitfalls in negotiation, what impact it would have on our people’s psyche and culture, and what the consequences of negotiating with terror are, drawing upon contemporary examples from other nations. Since the eclipse of the Ibadan and ABU schools of history, we seemed to have gone to deep slumber. Our theorists and experts must come out of their shell, write and speak on controversial issues, stir debates, for the country has become a closed and constricted enclave of intolerance and illiberal discourse, and arm the boisterous class of Nigerian activists with the tools for revolt.

But it is not only fuel subsidy and Boko Haram that are the germane issues of the moment. There are many more hot button issues, which theorists will find as excellent fodder for their intellectual mills. Now, too, is the time for the ivory towers to re-examine their syllabi. Whether they like to admit it or not, Nigeria has become increasingly less educated.

Whether in literature, history or the behavioural sciences, there are fewer works from Nigerian academics to lighten the domestic or international intellectual atmospheres. Where

some have struggled to publish, the works have not been as inspiring as to be noticed. And when they teach, as their uneducable pupils show, the world should be forgiven if they ponder quizzically over the principles of our pedagogy.

Poor funding is often to blame, as the recently suspended ASUU strike demonstrated, but perhaps there are some other factors at work. All we know, however, is that we have a vicious circle in our educational system. Who is that bright mind in leadership to break the mould?

Ah, here we are begging the question again. If the schools were producing bright minds and they got into high office, would we not know it and be the better for it?

But the Gordian knot must be cut, so that we can have a truly bright mind in power, someone who knows the value of education and is willing to put his money where his mouth is, someone who does not need true democracy to be preached to him before he establishes the country on a sound and indestructible foundation of democracy, someone who knows where we should go and how to get us there, someone in whose heart burns the passion to restore the greatness of the black man and make him nonpareil.

•Concluded

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