February 03, 2015 by The Nation

NIGERIA DECIDES

Newspaper of the Year

•How Jonathan govt ran economy aground, by APC •NLC opposes polls shift •Sultan seeks credible elections •Schools won’t close for elections, says Federal Govt MORE ON •ACF flays ex-militants’ attack on Danjuma •AND PAGES 2-7,10&60 •www.thenationonlineng.net

•Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 10, NO. 3115 TUESDAY, FRBRUARY 3, 2015

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

•SET FOR B ATTLE: Three armoured vehicles of the Chadian army are pointed in the direction of Gamboru, Nigeria, from a position in Fotokol, Cameroon…at the weekend. Chadian aircraft struck Boko BA Haram positions in the Nigerian border town for a second straight day on February 1. PHOTO: AFP

Borno residents hail action against Boko Haram

STORY ON PAGE 59

•INSIDE: NIGERIA LOSES $40.9B TO ILLEGAL TRANSFERS YEARLY, SAYS AU REPORT P57

Pressure mounts on Jega to postpone elections SEE ALSO PAGE 6

44.7m cards collected From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

DVOCATES of postponement seem to be getting more desperate, with the presidential election just 11 days away. Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega is under pressure to shift the elections from February 14 and 28. He remains firm, insisting that the commission is prepared for the allimportant exercise. The pro-shift agitators have: •instituted four suits in the courts, pleading that INEC should be told to pull the brakes on the elections; •said that the insecurity in the Northeast makes a shift WILL THE imperative; and CHIBOK GIRLS •marched on the INEC KIDNAPPED ON headquarters yesterday to APRIL 15 EVER

Okoya-Thomas dies at 79 •His last moments, by son NDUSTRIALIST, sports enthusiast, philanthropist and Lagos socialite Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas has died ‘after a brief illness’. He was 79. Okoya-Thomas, holder of multiple chieftaincy titles – the most prominent being the Asoju Oba of Lagos— was a long standing chairman of the French company CFAO in Nigeria. The Chancellor of the Lagos State University died at about

By Precious Igbonwelundu

9.18 pm on Sunday, according to his children. President Goodluck Jonathan led the tributes to the man of many parts. •SEE ALSO PAGES 24&42

Governor Babatunde Fashola, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, among others also eulogized the late businessman. Fashola visited the family. Continued on page 10

RETURN?

Continued on page 2

•The late Okoya-Thomas

•AVIATION P16 •POLITICS P17 •SPORTS P23 •PROPERTY P49 •ENERGY P50 •FOREIGN P63

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

NEWS Nigerians await forensic audit report on missing $20b, says Buhari

Pressure mounts on Jega to shift Feb. 14 election Continued from page 1

LL Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari yesterday described corruption and insecurity as obstacles to economic growth, stressing that his administration will tackle the vices, if elected on February 14. Gen. Buhari challenged the Jonathan administration to account for the missing $20 billion, adding that Nigerians are waiting for the report of the forensic audit ordered by the government. He said, if the cash cannot be accounted for, it is the greatest form of corruption. The former military leader, who also promised to provide jobs through massive investments in agriculture and mining, said the key to economic recovery and poverty eradication is regular power supply and abolition of corruption. Gen. Buhari said: Corruption affects our ability to secure ourselves and it also undermines the performance of the economy.” He added: “Twenty billion dollars at N210 to one dollar is equal to N4.2 trillion, which is nearly a year’s federal budget. If it is true that this sum cannot be accounted for, this is the greatest form of corruption. Just think at N5 million per vehicle, this money would have bought 840,000 patrol vehicles. This will improved security in every town and village in this country. “At N13.5 nillion for a high capacity bus, this money would have bought 311,000 buses. This would have revolutionalised the transport and production side of the economy. From the information at my disposal, Lekki Bridge in Lagos cost N29 billion to con-

Jonathan gets forensic report on NNPC From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday received the report of the forensic investigation carried out on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The investigation was carried out by the Price Waterhouse of Nigeria. It was prompted last year by the allegation by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi that $20 billion was not remitted to the Federation Account by the NNPC. Another former CBN Governor, Charles Soludo, has also alleged that N30 trillion have not been accounted for under the watch of Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. President Jonathan said the voluminous report will be handed over to the Auditor-General of the Federation to highlight the key areas in it. He promised to act promptly. Jonathan said: "There has been so much controversy over this NNPC and leakages or no leakages. “I remember the senate has also looked into it, it is also good that you professionals have also looked into it." "What appears in the newspapers and the speculations are also very high, the figures that I cannot even imagine the country will make is being bandied in the newspapers." "So I am quite pleased that you have taken the forensic audit. Though it is voluminous, I will give it to the professionals. Continued on page 60 By Emmanuel Oladesu, Group Political Editor

•Gen. Buhari

struct. N4.2 trillion would have built 145 Lekki bridges. This would have revolutionalised transport, infrastructure, construction, and employment in the economy. “If the average cost of generating one mega-watt of power is about US 1.5 million dollar, excluding gas and distribution costs, 20 billion dollars would have bought us over 13,333 mega watts of power. What a difference that would make up and down the country.”

Gen. Buhari flayed the Federal Government for borrowing money to fight Boko Haram in a country that successfully fought a civil war without incurring debts. He said: “When Chief Obafemi Awolowo was the Vice Chairman of the Federal Executive Council and Federal Commissioner for Finance, we did not borrow money to fight the civil war. But, they are now borrowing to fight Boko Haram.” The APC standard bearer unfolded his economic blue-print at a meeting with the organised

private sector hosted by Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola. The theme of the meeting was: “GMB means Business.” Gen. Buhari was accompanied by party leaders, including the National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the Chairman of the APC Presidential Campaign Committee, Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, the Chairman of the Directorate of Policy and Programmes, former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, Mr. Audu Ogbeh, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, and Director of Media Mallam Garba Shehu. Fayemi, who welcomed the businessmen to the parley, reflected on the yearning for economic revival for the progressive transformation of the country. He said through creative interventionist initiatives by the government, countries in distress have always risen to economic progress in the period of grave crisis and adversity. Fashola highlighted the difference between the APC and the PDP, saying that the APC manifesto is people and researchbased. He added: “APC manifesto is designed to address 2015Continued on page 60

push their case. Besides, security agencies have asked INEC to explain four issues which, they said, will assist them in taking a stand. National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki was hit by a hail of criticism when he suggested in London that the elections could be shifted for would-be voters to get the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). To INEC, however, the cards will be no excuse for shifting the elections. INEC has so far distributed 44, 741,759 cards. The figure represents about 65 per cent of 68,833, 476 registered voters for the general election. Jega is expected to speak tomorrow on whether or not the polls will go ahead as scheduled. INEC arrived at the new figure after an evaluation session in Abuja, according to sources. A top source in INEC said: “As at Monday, 44, 741,759 Permanent Voters Cards have been received by their owners. We are hopeful that by February 8, the figure would have become higher than this because the response of eligible voters has been encouraging. “I also want to place on record that all the PVCs for the 68,833, 476 registered voters have been received by INEC and distributed to all the 36 states and the FCT. “It is important for the pub-

lic to know that 65 per cent of eligible voters for 2015 poll have collected their PVCs. This implies that we can go ahead with the election.” Responding to a question, the source added: “There is no cause for alarm at all because we have extended the period for the collection of PVCs to February 8. “If you look at the 2011 poll, during the presidential election, 40, 728, 990 voted but only 39,469, 484 votes were valid and 1,259,506 votes invalid. “While in 2007 about 35,288, 984 voted during the presidential election, the figure for 2003 was 42, 018,735, including 2,538, 246 invalid votes. “Even in 1999 when the stake was higher following anxiety over the return to democracy, the voters’ turnout was 30, 282, 052. The acclaimed June 12, 1993 presidential election recorded 14, 293, 396 votes.” To the source, who pleaded not to be named, Nigerians voting history has shown that less than 50million usually votes. “All the noise about PVCs is the handiwork of some elements who are looking for an excuse to shift the poll at all cost,: he stressed, adding: “So, we are convinced that we are still within the projection of the average voters turnout during our past general elections.” Jega will on Wednesday lay all the cards on the table before Nigerians on INEC’s preContinued on page 60

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

NEWS

NIGERIA DECIDES

Presidency: Why They have been threatening fire and brimstone if President Goodluck Jonathan loses the February 14 election. But a peep into the lifestyles of those behind the war threats show there is more to the support for their kinsman than meets the eye, reports SHOLA O’NEIL •Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga inaugurating the the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Registration Portal in Abuja...yesterday. With him are: Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson and Chairmam, Board of the Commission, Otunba Funsho Lawal.

•Director, Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria, Ayo Otaigbe (left), receiving a cheque and Indomie food from the Public Relations Manager, Dufill Prima Foods, Tope Ashiwaju when Dufill donated a cheque and products to the foundation in Lagos.. With them is the Chairman of the Foundation, Prof Olu Akinyanju. PHOTO BOLA OMILABU

•From left: Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mike Omeri; Chief Executive Officer, NEO2 Limited, Fola Akinmolayan; General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Richard Iweanoge and Director, Voter Education, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Oluwole Osaze Uzzi at the unveiling of the MTN BetterMe app for the 2015 election, in Abuja,

•From left: Head, Investment Banking, Afrinvest, Mrs. Onoise Onaghinon; Managing Director, Afrinvest Securities Limited, Mr. Charles Egbunonwo; Group Managing Director, Afrinvest West Africa Limited, Mr. Ike Chioke; and Head, Investment Research, Mr. Ayodeji Ebo, at the presentation of Afrinvest 2014 Review & 2015 Economic Outlook in Lagos...at the weekend.

HE polity has been heated to boiling point in the past one week. Interestingly, not only politicians are involved in it. Individuals, particularly the kinsmen of President Goodluck Jonathan from the Ijaw community are neck-deep in it. The president’s men ratcheted the tension recently when they threatened war if the President loses the February 14 election. Candidates of 14 political parties have been cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to participate at the presidential election. One of the most flagrant threat was issued by former leaders of the outlawed Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) Chief Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), Boyloaf, Asari Dokubo and other ex-warlords. At a meeting hosted by Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson at the Government House, Yenagoa, the state capital and in the presence of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, the ex-militants warned that there would be war unless Jonathan retains his seat for another four-year term. The declaration drew widespread condemnation by the opposition (APC), civil society organisations and prominent Nigerians, including former Defence Minister, Gen Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), who called for the arrest of Tompolo and all those beating the war drums. However, rather show remorse, the ex-militants, the Ijaw Youth Council and several Ijaw leaders, including Chief Edwin Clark, stoutly condemned Danjuma and other eminent Nigerians who have denounced the call to arm. Gbaramatu-born Ekpemupolo, who was recently locked in warship importation controversy, reaffirmed the declaration in Warri, Delta State. Pouring vituperations on not only Gen Danjuma, but on former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Lagos Governor and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and all real and perceived enemies of the President, he said there would not only be war, but the nation would disintegrate. He said: “Gen. Danjuma and his cohorts should know that I remain resolute on my position in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, that President Goodluck Jonathan must win this election for Nigeria to continue to stay together.” Ijaw leader and former Federal Information Commissioner, Chief Edwin Clark, justified the statement, stressing that it was not much different from statements made by the Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, a chieftain of the APC, that the party would form a parallel government if the presidential elections are rigged. Ironically, while the Amaechi’s statement attracted an instant riposte from security agencies, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Directorate of State Security (DSS) and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the ex-militant’s declaration of

•Jonathan

war went ‘unnoticed’ by the the security agencies, a development which has reinforced the perception that Tompolo and other Ijaw militant leaders are above the law. Investigation by The Nation shwoed that beyond support of ‘their kinsman,” all the ex-militants who gathered at the Creek Haven Lodge of the Bayelsa State Government are men who have used the militancy to feather their nests and who may be desperate to protect their wealth and their high positions.

Tompolo Interestingly, prior to the emergence of President Jonathan Presidency in 2010, the ex-militants were men who had just escaped the full wrath of the law after a wide-scale military clampdown on their activities in May 2009. The all-out operation became inevitable following the daring attacks and killing of 11 soldiers, including an officer, by militants commanded by Tompolo in Warri, Delta State. The incident led to the largest military operation in the region since the end of the civil war. It was only halted when the former President, the late Alhaji Umar Musa Yar’Adua offered amnesty to militants in the oil-rich region. The former warlord and his colleagues - all of the Ijaw ethnic stock have steadily grown from men running from the law to men above the law with the emergence of Jonathan as President on May 6, 2010. But there is none as powerful and influential in government circle as Tompolo, who is said to be strongly fetish and diabolical to the extent that he doesn’t leave his home without first consulting several deities, which he serves as chief priests. It was gathered that ministers and top government functionaries pay homage to him in order to remain in their posts. Reports that cannot be independently confirmed say he owns at least one private jet, with which he shuttles between Warri, Abuja and other parts of the country. The influence Tompolo has in the Jonathan administration was first noticed in 2010 when he successfully armtwisted the Ministry of Transport and top members of the ruling party into dropping the then Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr.

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

NIGERIA DECIDES

y Jonathan’s ‘men’ are beating war drums mous damage, both to the weaker ethnic groups and oil facilities in the creeks and waterways. It would be recalled that he led the Ijaw onslaught against the Itsekiri during the Warri crisis, which led to wanton killings and maiming of the smaller ethnic group. A number of oil installations destroyed during that carnage and oil production from the facilities in Delta State fell by over 70 per cent. Most of the facilities are yet to be repaired and was one of the reasons AngloDutch oil giant – Shell – left the area. His military might is not only deployed against neighbours, but also visited on his Ijaw kinsmen, who dared to cross his path. Last year, Chief Michael Johnny from Okerenkoko community in the same Gbaramatu Kingdom was detained for several months following a disagreement he had with Tompolo over a government project in the area. “Tompolo is not the leader of the Gbaramatu people; those who do not speak only keep quiet due to fear, not respect. He is a selfish man and doesn’t see beyond his immediate family and community,” one of the aggrieved leaders of the Warri Ijaw said on the condition of anonymity. Continuing, our source said: “If you look at the recent election, the man he made chairman (of Warri South West Local Government Area) is his younger brother; then in the entire Burutu it was only Julius Pondi, who is his sister’s son that he could make PDP candidate and the PDP deputy governorship candidate is his cousin. Are we now born to serve Tompolo and his family forever? “Now they are beating another drum of war but in the last crisis, though everybody suffered losses as a result of the military invasion, how many people are benefiting? Ask Chief Michael Johnny when he was fighting Tompolo, ask the others, they will tell you that he has cornered everything as his private estate. Where today is Chief George Timinimi and Oboko Bello who started the agitation? The NIMASA University his sited in Okerenkoko and the other in his father’s hometown (Kurutie); what is the stake of other Ijaw people? “ It is not only among the Ijaws that the ex-militants are viewed with suspicion. Their influence is creating anxiety among other ethnic nationalities in the region. It was learnt that the Itsekiri ethnic group is more favourably disposed to the opposition than the return of Jonathan. Their fears are hinged on how their Gbaramatu neighbours have used closeness to the President to their detriment on several occasions. The various groups have condemned the President’s decision to abort the inauguration of the $16 billion Delta Gas Project in Ogidigben, an Itsekiri community, following threat by Tompolo. It is on record that the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, Warri Study Group and Itsekiri Consolidated Movement, have all expressed concerns that the President’s re-election would lead to more oppression for them. President Jonathan was forced to scamper to the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II in Warri to assuage the fears of the Itsekiri. Despite his assurances, doubts remains amidst concern that the monster that is Tompolo would grow bigger if the President wins on February 14. ers who attended the January 23 infamous meeting where drumbeat of war was beaten against the state in the presence of Governor Dickson, Kuku and other government officials. Boyloaf, who travelled abroad severally as a presidential envoy said: “They want to use insecurity to push out our own. I am retired but not tired. I can go back to the creeks. Whether they like it or not, we will win. We own the oil. We own the resources, but they say we don’t have the right to rule. They want to take the seat but we must collect our oil if they take the power back from us.” Taking a cue from Tompolo, Boyloaf also reacted to Gen Danjuma’s call for their arrest. He said: “Any attempt to cause any inconvenience by way of arrest or intimidation of any Niger Delta leader will be met with stiff resistance and the consequences will be grave and disproportional. This is a promise and not a threat.” Like his colleagues, who gathered at the Government House in Yenagoa, Boyloaf has been on the sideline since he abandoned the creeks and militancy after accepting the amnesty of the Federal Government. From a notorious, dreaded and boisterous militant, Boyloaf has morphed into a quiet wealthy gentleman courtesy of the amnesty largesse. He now lives in elegant opulence, feeding fat from the amnesty funds. In fact, the status of Boyloaf does not portray someone capable of living up to his threat of returning to the creeks. First, he no longer commands the respect he once wielded back in the creeks. There is a disconnect between the ex-militant leaders, including Boyloaf, and their former foot soldiers. This is because the likes of Boyloaf abandoned the army of youths who fought to give them recognition. Most of the boys whom they deployed to prosecute their agitations live in abject poverty while their erstwhile masters live in opulence, ride expensive vehicles, pop champagne regularly and travel abroad frequently. Undoubtedly, Boyloaf’s former fighters are angry with him and may not hesitate to take their pound of flesh. Little wonder he is hardly seen in public. It is unlikely that Boyloaf, who seems to have lost his voice, will effectively prosecute a war against the government. Apart from that, Boyloaf and his colleagues have seen the difference between life in the creeks and in the real world. He loathes the thought of relocating to the creeks. The only known sources of funds for Boyloaf are the Federal Government and the Amnesty Office. Sources said the ex-militant leaders including Boyloaf have been specially mobilised to work for Jonathan’s reelection and are using the threat to justice their handsome pay. mansions in Port Harcourt, Warri and other parts of the country and he is said to have substantial investment in West African countries, particularly the Republic of Benin, where he is said to own school. His former allies and those who know the creeks very well have often described him as a noisemaker and attention-seeker, who has lost the potency and the clout he wielded in the creek during his hay days. Like the others, except for Tompolo, most of his ‘boys’ have deserted him owing to disagreement over the amnesty largess and benefits. “The Asari you see today, does he look like a man who can fire a rifle? He has grown so used to the goodies of life; he has made so much money and is too comfortable to return to the creeks. As a politician, he has never won any elective office, except during the IYC (Ijaw Youth Council).”

•Clark

• Asari-Dokubo

Edwin Kiagbodo Clark Chief Edwin Clark, a former Federal Information Commissioner is no doubt the leader of the Ijaw ethnic group and has never shied away from holding the forte for both the militants and other Ijaw interests on national discourses. It is no surprise that he rose strongly in condemnation of General Danjuma in the wake of the latter’s call for the arrest of Tompolo and others. He said: “I read with amazement and indignation, the statement made by Gen. Danjuma, a man I have so much respect for. I always believed that he is very straightforward and courageous and that he can speak to anybody on any issue.” He flayed Danjuma for not speaking out against similar threats by pro-Buhari groups in the North. “Jonathan comes from somewhere and perhaps that is why these people made that statement and you remember (Governor Sule) Lamido of Jigawa said if anyone goes against Buhari, the northerners would regard him as an enemy.” The position of the controversial octogenarian is not much different from his stance since the late 1990s when ethnic war broke out between the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups over the location of the headquarters of Warri South West Local Government Arar. His uncompromising defence of militants, even in the era of kidnapping of expatriate oil workers, had led to insinuations that he benefits from their activities. But the former Senator has remained resolute and unyielding that his position stems from the unfair deal meted to the Niger Delta people. In speaking out, Chief Clark has made more enemies than friends for the President, particularly from outside the region. Former President Obasanjo on more than one occasion, urged the President to rise above ethnicity because of the utterances of Clark. “There are many people both within and outside the region whose perception of Jonathan as a tribal President stems from the action and arrogance displayed by Clark and other Ijaw people. The President’s inability to call these tribal armies to order has reinforced that negative image,” a PDP leader from Akwa-Ibom said. Except for being a rallying point, many people see the Ijaw leader as lacking the ability to mobilise vote even in his Burutu council area. In the past three governorship elections, all the candidates that he openly backed either in the ruling PDP or the various opposition parties have failed, even in his area. Chief Clark alienated some of his supporters from the other ethnic groups in the state as his power and influence in the Jonathan-led government have grown. A section of the Urhobo people in Delta State is unhappy with his perceived silence for over three years when they did not have a member in the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

•Tompolo

•Boyloaf

Temisan Omatseye and replaced him with Dr. Patrick Akpobolokaemi. Akpobolokaemi, a former lecturer at the Niger Delta University, is widely seen as Tompolo’s lackey. The move not only gave the former warlord control of strategic agency but also of the coastline of the Niger Delta region. One of the first major contracts awarded by the director-general was the N15 billion ($103m) contract for the supply of vessels and security platforms. The deal scuttled previous plan by the late President Yar’Adua to establish a coast guard to protect the nation’s territorial water and assets in the region. There were concerns that Tompolo might be using his unfettered access to the NIMASA’s vessels to amass arms and ammunition, which other tribes in the region feared could be turned against them and the Federal Government. For instance, there were recent revelations that Global West Vessel Service Limited (GWVSL), a company allegedly owned by Tompolo and beneficiary of the N15 billion deals, purchased six decommissioned Norwegian warship and rearmed them. Apart from the GWVSL deal, Tompolo and his fellow ex-militants shared the windfall of multi-billion Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) contract for the protection of oil facilities in their areas of jurisdiction. Tompolo, as the ringleader, allegedly got N5.1 billion, while Asari Dokubo (N1.44 billion), Ebikabowe Victor Ben (aka Boyloaf) (N608 million) and Ateke Tom (N608 million).

The deal, which was meant to secure the oil facilities, was believed to be mostly pocketed by the warlords, which probably explained why rather than abate, crude oil theft spiral out of control. Over the years, Tompolo has become very rich and powerful to the extent that he challenged and successfully upstaged Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan in the December governorship primaries of the PDP in the state. Using his closeness with the President and control of security apparatus, he ensured that Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa won the primary and then single-handedly picked his cousin and former colleague, Chief Kingsley Otuaro as the running mate of the PDP candidate. Despite his influence and stupendous wealth, Ekpemepulo is a man mostly feared but not respected by his kinsmen. Checks by our reporter revealed that beyond the threat of war, he cannot sway votes, outsides the wards in his Gbaramatu Kingdom for the President. But a lot of people believe that he has the propensity to mobilise and cause violence and enor-

Dokubo-Asari Among the crew of ex-militants that were hosted by Governor Dickson in Yenagoa, there is none that is as loquacious or as visible as 50-year-old Mujahid Asari Dokubo. Christened Melford Dokubo Goodhead Jr, at birth in 1964, he switched his faith and took the name Mujahid Asari in the 1990s. He is famous for blowing hot and cold, his critics say the only interest permanent for the professed Muslim is his personal interest. Others explained that he criticised the President when his patronage stops and keeps quiet when he is ‘recharged’. He is one of the first known oil thieves in the region when he bunkered and refined stolen crude (Asari oil), to run his outboard engines, power equipment and sell to local consumer. A beneficiary of the pipeline surveillance and other juicy deals from the Federal Government, the founder of the militant group, Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF) has bourgeoned both in size and fortune in the past decade. He owns palatial

Boyloaf Ebikabowei Victor Ben, a.k.a. Boyloaf, was one of the ex-militant lead-

Except for being a rallying point, many people see the Ijaw leader as lacking the ability to mobilise vote even in his Burutu council area

‘

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

NEWS

How Jonathan administration ran Nigeria’s economy aground, by APC

Feb polls: No closure of schools, says minister From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

HE President Goodluck Jonathan administration has succeeded in running the country’s economy aground with incompetence, massive corruption and unparalleled profligacy, the All Progressives Congress (APC) said yesterday. Its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who said this in a statement, added that Nigerians could not afford to reward the president with another four years. “The only reason the Jonathan administration and the PDP have been engaging in a campaign of mudslinging, rather than of issues, is to distract the attention of Nigerians from the very serious state of the nation’s economy. But we have decided to redirect the ongoing electioneering campaign to issues,” the statement said. It said whereas Jonathan had been promising that he would create two million jobs yearly if re-elected, the reality on the ground did not support that promise, especially because his administration failed to create meaningful jobs when oil prices were higher than $100 per barrel. The party noted that instead of employing, the president was “extorting hapless job seekers and giving them deaths instead”. “The Jonathan administration has been lying to Nigerians on the issue of employment. The Works minister said Nigeria is like one huge construction site, with many peo-

ple employed in this sector. But the truth of the matter is that the biggest construction firms in Nigeria have been retrenching, rather than employing. “Last year, Julius Berger retrenched 6,000 people while Dantata Sawoe laid off 2,800. If indeed Nigeria was one huge construction site, will these big construction firms be sacking workers?” APC queried. The party also said the Federal Government had pauperised most states and made it impossible for them to pay the salaries by refusing to refund the huge funds they spent on federal projects, adding: ‘’For example, Jigawa State is owed N13 billion by the Federal Government.” It said more than anything else, unprecedented corruption under the Jonathan administration had dealt a death blow to the economy. APC said, for example, crude oil stealing had become so legalised that there was now what is known as “Bayelsa diesel” in the market, “a fall-out of the 400,000 barrels per day of crude oil that is stolen in Nigeria, under the very nose of the Jonathan administration”. “To put things in perspective, apart from the fact that the 400,000bpd amounts to US$60 billion stolen in just four years, the 400,000bpd is the equivalent of the daily crude oil production of Equatorial Guinea,” the party said. It also said the government had not been able to account for huge sums of money, including the $20 billion miss-

ing oil funds and the funds that should have accrued to the Excess Crude Account (ECA). “At the crude oil benchmark of $77.5 for the 2014 budget, Nigeria made $33 per every barrel of oil, which amounts to about $24 billion in a year. However, there is less than $6 billion in the ECA. What happened to the remainder? “Also, over N1 trillion was budgeted for defence in 2014. What has the Jonathan administration done with the funds, with soldiers deployed to battle the terrorist group, Boko Haram, complaining of inadequate or ineffective equipment that are inferior to what is being used by the terrorists? What has happened to the huge funds since soldiers are being made to pay for their kits? Why has the huge allocation translated to more territories seized by the insurgents? These are some of the questions that the Jonathan administration should be answering, not asking Nigerians for another mandate,’’ APC said. The party also reminded Nigerians that Ifeanyi Uba, who is the face of the so-called Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) that has spent over N25 billion campaigning for the president, is one of those accused of kerosene subsidy fraud. “But instead of prosecuting him diligently, the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has settled the matter out of court and returned all his seized assets to him. How else can a govern-

ment encourage corruption and impunity?” it queried. APC accused the Jonathan administration of engaging in mind-boggling profligacy at a time of harsh economic realities, adding: ‘’This administration has just built a new banquet hall at the presidential villa to the tune of $100 million and it is now shopping for a brand new private jet to add to the presidential fleet that is bigger than those of more endowed nations as well as most airlines across Africa.” “We have provided these facts and figures so that Nigerians will know how and why their nation’s economy has arrived at this sorry pass under the most incompetent, most corrupt and most profligate administration ever in the history of the country. “When they promise millions of jobs if re-elected, Nigerians should ask them how many jobs they have created in six years. When they promise to tackle corruption, Nigerians should ask them what has happened to the $20 billion missing oil funds and the $24 billion that accrued to the Excess Crude Account in 2014 alone. They should ask where TAN got the N25 billion it has frittered away on a campaign that is heading nowhere. They should ask why the like of Ifeanyi Uba are now part of the president’s men, when he should be answering questions on the kerosene subsidy fraud. They should ask why there is no money in the Pension Fund,” the party said.

DUCATION Minister Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau has directed that no It is our believe that school should be closed because of this month’s elections. we have had elections Shekarau also said all in the past and there schools on mid-term break should immediately resume was no crisis. We for academic session, calling have suffered a seton those that are planning to back in the school calgo on mid-term break to cancel it and continue with stud- endar during the Eboies. la crisis. We have also He spoke in Abuja at an emergency meeting with decided that all midcommissioners for Education term breaks in all and other stakeholders in the schools should be sector. The elections, he said, were suspended. scheduled for weekend, adding that there was no need to close schools. He warned private schools to comply with the directives, warning that state commissioners for education should monitor private schools. The minister said the Federal Government would sanction any private or public schools that fail to comply. His words: “We have decided that in schools where we have polling stations, we have decided to call on state governments to provide security. We pray that the elections will come and go peacefully. We advised parents to avoid rumours and that no school should release children to parents. “It is our believe that we have had elections in the past and there was no crisis. We have suffered a setback in the school calendar during the Ebola crisis. We have also decided that all mid-term breaks in all schools should be suspended. “Any private school that violates this directive will be sanctioned. We should not work on any unfounded rumour that will create security threat. This body is a body that approves the private schools. We want to urge all state Ministries of Education to enforce this directive. “We should all be working towards positivity of this election and not otherwise. I can assure you that there will be no crisis.” Chairman of Commissioners Forum and Cross River State Commissioner of Education, Prof. Efiong Efiong, assured the minister that his counterparts would comply with the directives, adding that government at the state level would do everything possible to avoid crisis in schools during the election.

‘

Mbeki wins Awo leadership award By Leke Salaudeen Emir of Gombe Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar (III) welcoming President Goodluck Jonathan when the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation visited the Emir in Gombe... yesterday

ORMER South African President Mr. Thabo Mbeki is the winner of the 2014 Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership. Chairman, Selection Committee, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, who said this to reporters in Lagos, added that the committee came to the unanimous conclusion that of all the nominees presented before it, Mbeki was adjudged most qualified for the award. Anyaoku, former Commonwealth secretary-general, stressed that in addition to being a renowned champion of Africa’s renaissance, Mbeki had in his distinguished career to date, demonstrated many of the core leadership qualities associated with Chief Awolowo, and which the prize is meant to encourage and serve. He said: “The prize consists of a medal, a certificate and a plaque. The emphasis is on the intrinsic value of the award, which, in itself, not only confers considerable honour and recognition on the recipient, but also serves as a strong incentive to Nigerians for the pursuit of excellence in leadership and good governance.” According to him, the appropriate citation for Mbeki will be given at the actual award ceremony scheduled to hold on March 6, 2015, Chief Awolowo’s birth anniversary. The maiden edition of the Leadership Prize was won by Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka in 2012.

ACF: ex-militants’ attack on TY Danjuma irresponsible

NORTHERN sociocultural group, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has described the statement credited to exNiger Delta militants, Mujahideen Asari-Dokubo, Government Tompolo and others as irresponsible and a threat to national security. The ACF, in a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim, said: “The attention of ACF has been drawn to the statement credited to the Niger Delta exmilitants in the persons of Alhaji Mujahideen DokuboAsari, Mr. Victor Ben Ebikabowei (aka. Boy Loaf), and Government Ekpemupolo

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna and Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

(aka. Tompolo) that President Jonathan’s victory in the 2015 presidential elections is not negotiable and should Jonathan lose, it would be seen as direct attack on the Ijaw nation. “They also threatened to unleash violence on the country and take back the Niger Delta oil. “”In reaction to this irresponsible statement by the ex-militants, notable Nigerians, including Gen. TY Danjuma, a patriot and one of the most respected Northern leaders, who cherish the uni-

ty and peaceful coexistence of Nigeria as a united entity, condemned in strong terms this reckless and unwarranted threat to the sovereignty of Nigeria by the ex-militants. “In fact, Gen. Danjuma called for the arrest of the exmilitants for making such provocative and inflammatory statements and maintained that the unity of Nigeria cannot be negotiated. This statement is what is expected of an elder statesman and government officials who have sworn to protect and defend the unity of Nigeria. “Most unfortunately, the threat was made by the Ijaw ex-militants in the presence of a democratically elected gov-

ernor of Bayelsa State, Rt. Hon. Seriake Dickson and the Special Adviser to the President on Amnesty, Mr. Kingsley Kuku. “Sadly too, there has been a deafening silence on the part of the Federal Government and the security agencies. This has encouraged the militants to further issue a direct threat to Gen. Danjuma by giving him a seven-day ultimatum to withdraw his statement or face their wrath. “The threat to attack the business outfits of Gen. Danjuma in the Niger Delta by another group of militants for rightful condemnation of their polity reeks of lawlessness and therefore not accept-

able.” The Northern group said it would, therefore, not accept any threat to Danjuma’s person or business assets or to any law abiding citizen by any group or individuals in the name of militancy. The statement added: “ACF wishes to remind the Niger Delta militants that President Jonathan did not ascend to his present position through threats and intimidation, but rather through democratic means of canvassing for votes without any form of molestation throughout the length and breadth of Nigeria in 2011. “The same process the president and other candi-

dates vying for the office shall go through to emerge as Nigeria’s President in 2015 and not through intimidation, threats and ultimatum. “ACF, therefore, views such threats and intimidation by the ex-militants as an affront not only to Gen. Danjuma, but an attack on a democratically elected Federal Government, which President Jonathan presides.” It called on the Federal Government and the security agancies to take necessary steps and contain the emerging threat to national security by Niger Delta ex- militants to avert any consequences.

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

NEWS

Buhari’s disqualification suit: Court fixes Feb. 9 for hearing

FEDERAL High Court in Abuja yesterday ordered the service of court documents on the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen Muhammadu Buhari, in relation to a suit seeking to, among others, restrain him from participating in the February 14 election. Justice Adeniyi Ademola ordered a substituted service of the court documents on Buhari and INEC yesterday after hearing the plaintiff’s application to that effect.

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

•Judge orders APC, INEC served INEC FORM CF 001 that the APC candidate submitted to the electoral body was incomplete because he allegedly failed to accompany the form with all relevant academic credentials. He also faulted some information contained in other documents he possessed, including Buhari’s voter’s card. The plaintiff wants the court to restrain INEC from permitting Buhari to participate “in the presidential election fixed for February 14, 2015 or any other date the 2nd defendant (INEC) may fix.” He also urged the court to declare “that the said INEC FORM CF 001 submitted by the 1st defendant to the 2nd defendant for the 2015 presidential election” as incompetent, inchoate and not in conformity with the form prescribed under the Electoral Act.

Hearing in the case has been fixed for February 9. In the suit filed by Max Ozoaka, the plaintiff raised eight questions for the court’s determination and prayed for among others, an order disqualifying Buhari from contesting or participating in the election. The suit has Buhari and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants. The plaintiff contends that

The plaintiff equally urged the court to declare that information contained in INEC voter’s card attached to INEC Form CF 001 submitted to INEC by Buhari “is false on the ground that as at when the voter’s card was issued, the 1st defendant was not a public servant. Ozoaka, in a supporting affidavit to the originating summons, stated that the INEC Form submitted by Buhari did not meet the requirements under sections 31(1)(2) & (3), and 31(8) of the Elector-

al Act 2010 (as amended). He stated that the failure of Buhari to accompany the INEC Form with evidence of his educational qualification and evidence of his birth certificate or affidavit of declaration of age have combined to render the form inchoate. The plaintiff queried the authenticity of the statement of result or result sheet presented by Buhari on the ground that they bear ‘Mohamed’ Buhari as against ‘Mohammadu.’

Explosion in Gombe after Jonathan’s campaign

•Members of the Organised Private Sector at their meeting with the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari hosted by the Lagos State Government at the State House, Marina, Lagos...yesterday. PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

APC presidential candidate begins town hall meetings

suicide bomber detonated a bomb in Gombe, the Gombe State capital yesterday. The police confirmed the death of a suspected female suicide bomber and another woman in a blast. Police spokesman, Fwaje Atajiri, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the suspected bomber and a woman, who was at the scene, died in the blast. He said six other persons were injured. He said contrary to reports on social media and other media that the incident occurred at the venue of the PDP campaign rally, the blast occurred near a carpenter’s shop in Kashere Street at the Water Board area in Gombe city The President campaigned in the town also yesterday. He addressed a rally at the Pantami Township Stadium where he highlighted his achievements and urged his supporters to return him for the second term. Dr. Jonathan promised, among others, that the administration will also provide opportunities for the youth, especially in education by giving them the best so that “they can take us to the moon”. He said the establishment of 12 universities by the administration and support through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) was a clear indication that the administration is determined to give the youth the best to succeed. The President cancelled his campaign trip to Damaturu, the Gombe State capital, also billed for yesterday because of weekend’s explosion at Potiskum, the state’s commercial capital.

RESIDENTIAL candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Gen. Muhammadu Buhari has commenced another phase of his engagement with the people with town hall meetings. This started in Lagos yesterday with a meeting between the candidate and the Organised Private Sector (OPS). The APC Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO) said yesterday that meetings have been rescheduled with other critical groups nation’s geo-political zones. It ruled out his participa-

•Won’t participate in debate From Tony Akowe, Abuja

tion in any debate. In a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the organisation said the party was compelled to chart this course because of the need to have a person-to-person interactive sessions during which pertinent questions will be posed to the candidate and responses provided. He said: “Our campaign decided to chart this path be-

cause we cannot afford to shy away from the more pressing urgency to have one-on-one interactions with Nigerians through town hall meetings. “The town hall meetings kicked off today (yesterday) in Lagos with a public interaction between the General Buhari, his running mate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, and representatives of Organised Private Sector. “On Tuesday, the town hall meeting will hold in Kano with traders and market associations. Thereafter, the meet-

ing will hold in Benin with labour and civil society leaders. “The focus of the town hall meeting will then shift to Ibadan, where students and youth groups will be engaging General Buhari and Prof. Osinbajo, while Enugu and Port Harcourt will follow suit. “The direction the that the campaign will be moving in the countdown to the election day is to have as many as possible person-to-person interactive sessions for Nigerians to hear directly from the presidential candidate and his running mate”.

‘What Lamido discussed with Amaechi’ From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

Protesters storm INEC, demand elections’ postponement OME protesting youth stormed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Headquarters yesterday, demanding the postponement of this month’s general elections. The inability of the commission to complete the distribution of the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) was put forward by the protesting youth as reason. The group, which first met at the Unity Fountain in Abuja, marched to the INEC headquarters, holding banners and placards that advocate for the election postponement. Some of the placards had inscriptions such as: “An injustice to one is an injustice to all”; “INEC do the right thing”; “We demand for the extension of election to allow Nigerians exercise their franchise”; “Election is for general participation, not for selective few”; “Don’t disenfranchise Nigerians”. INEC had insisted that the elections will be conducted

NLC opposes shift in polls From Tony Akowe, Abuja

THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said that postponing the general elections is not a solution to address the country’s insecurity situation. It urged government to immediately put in place a conducive environment for the conduct of the elections. In a statement by its General Secretary, Dr. Peter OzoEson, in Abuja, the umbrella body of Nigerian workers said it was not in support of those calling for the postponement of the elections. He said they appreciate the security situation in the country, there was no guarantee that the security situation will improve in the next few months, adding that postponing the election has the potential of confirming the allegations of manipulation by government. The statement entitled: “Do not postpone elections,” said: “Recently, the National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, citing security concerns, urged the government to postpone the general elections. “While we at the congress appreciate the security situation in the country, especially in the Northeast, we stand to be counted on the side of those who argue for holding of elections on their prescribed dates.” From Vincent Kuomola, Abuja

using the PVCs as the only way to check rigging.

The group, under the aegis of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and led by its National Coordinator, Solomon Chuks, said with the rate

of distribution of PVCs, many will be disenfranchised should the elections go ahead as scheduled. Chucks, who presented the group’s protest letter to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, insisted that going ahead with the polls would deny many Nigerians their constitutional rights to choose their preferred leaders through ballot. “The PVC, which is supposed to be one of the instruments of votes, has not been fully distributed around Nigeria. “Those people, who actually remain under scorching sun to sign their names for these PVCs, have not gotten these things; yet elections are fast approaching, “he said. Chuks said the action of the group was aimed at demonstrating its anger against the commission to effectively and successfully distribute the items to their legitimate owners before the beginning of the polls.

RESH facts emerged last night that the secret talks between Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi centered on “strategic alliance for the general election”. But, Lamido has ruled out last minute defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he has what he described as “political soul mates.”

•Governor Lamido

He, however, kept his game plan under wraps on whether or not he will swing votes in favour of the presidential candidate of the APC, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari. A reliable source, who spoke in confidence on what transpired between the two leaders from Saturday to Sunday morning, said “a compromise” was struck after about five hours. The source said: “They had meaningful and frank discussions on the elections. At a point, they reached a compromise on how to move the nation forward. “The deal may see Lamido leaving the PDP and APC to their fate in Jigawa State during the presidential poll, instead of direct intervention. A kind of ‘siddon look’ when the presidential poll is held. “If you have been following his campaign train in Jigawa, Lamido has not been forceful in campaigning for President Goodluck Jonathan. But as a party man, he has always stressed the need for PDP to retain its hold on Jigawa. “Even Lamido was at the PDP rally in Kaduna on Saturday, but in a non-committal manner.” Asked if Lamido would defect to APC, the highly-placed source added: “Technically, Lamido said it was too late in the day for him to defect to APC. He also said he does not believe in defection as a political weapon. “I can tell you that Lamido’s meeting with Amaechi was on ‘strategic alliance’ or strategic partnership during the elections, especially presidential poll. “Lamido is keeping his game plan to his chest on what he would do. As an experienced politician, he has something up his sleeves.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

NEWS

GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has said the concession of the state’s property by former Governor Gbenga Daniel’s administration is “criminal and sheer stealing”. Some of the government’s assets and property concessioned by the Daniel administration include Oduduwa House (Victoria Island); Apoje Farms (Ijebu - Igbo); Gateway Holdings; Gateway

Amosun: Daniel’s concession of assets criminal From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

Hotels and Gateway Trailers Parks, among others. The governor said nothing depicted the ill-advised frittering away of collective wealth better than the concessioning of the Oduduwa House, Victoria Island, Lagos, at a give-away price for a period of 65 years to a 35year-old daughter of the exgovernor’s friend.

Amosun said this while answering questions from the two-man panel at the political debate organised by the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). At the debate was the former Group Managing Director of the Gateway Holdings, Gboyega Isiaka, who initiated, coordinated and supervised the processes leading to the concessioning.

The governor said sales and concession as a measure to rejuvenate the state’s moribund or less viable property were not new and bad in themselves. He said the manner and terms of the concession under the Daniel administration was reprehensible, callous and wasteful, hence his administration’s resolve to reverse such decisions in its first year in office.

Isiaka, who is the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said he had no regret regarding the concessioning, adding that given the same scenario today, he would go for concessioning. He said the concession option was a bail out for the state’s non-functioning assets that were becoming liabilities to the government.

‘Ekiti Afenifere didn’t endorse Jonathan’ From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

2,000 Ondo LP, PDP members join APC

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

T was a carnival like-event at the weekend in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State as over 2,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). The ceremony was witnessed by the APC Southwest National Deputy Chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure, Deputy State Chairman Ade Adetimehim and the Central Senatorial candidate, Tayo Alasoadura. The defectors’ spokesman, Ojo Akinwalire, said they joined the APC to add value to the party structure. Akinyelure said with the new members, APC would deliver the town for Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and other candidates. “The APC’s chances in Idanre are bright. The wind of change is blowing and the people are moving with it. The people are yearning for a change.”

•Oba Adeyemi and his wives on the motorcycles

Alaafin gives 20 motorcycles to APC

HE Ekiti State chapter of Afenifere , the pan–Yoruba sociopolitical association, has dissociated itself from the reported endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid by the parent body, led by Chief Reuben Fasoranti. In a statement by its chairman, Chief Ibidapo Awojolu, in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, the Ekiti Afenifere said it was not part of the decision to endorse the President for the February 14 election. It added that the purported endorsement was hastily done and was the reflection of the mindset of a few leaders who attended the Akure meeting with the President. Awojolu said though the chapter respected Fasoranti’s leadership, it however differed with him on the issue of endorsement of the President. He insisted that Afenifere was yet to take a decision on the presidential election. The Ekiti chairman said it was wrong for Afenifere leaders to admit that the Jonathan administration is committed to restructuring the polity simply because it convoked a national conference.

T T

‘Ambode has what it takes’

GROUP, Lagos Heritage Front, has condemned the statement by former Minister of Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, that the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, Akinwunmi Ambode, does not have the requisite experience to govern Lagos. Their spokesperson, Yusuf Akinlaja, described the former minister as a man who lacked principle and should be ignored. He said: “It is surprising that a man like Obanikoro whose tenure as the commissioner of Home Affairs was without candour and any major impact to the people of Lagos. “A man who was the chairman of Lagos Island Local Government under whose watch the City Hall went up in flames. “His only achievement as minister was the massive deployment of soldiers to harass civilians during elections. “The question is if Obanikoro has the opportunity to govern Lagos, what experience would he use that can be compared to that of Ambode, who has over 27 years experience as a career civil servant? “Lagosians must vote for integrity and competence, we cannot be cajoled by sweet talks and verbosity. Talk is cheap but it takes grit to deliver result.”

HE Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, has said any politician who is interested in evolving an orderly and free polity must extol the right of dissent. The monarch spoke yesterday in his palace while donating 20 motorcycles fixed with public address systems to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

At a colourful event attended by hundreds of party members and residents, Oba Adeyemi said there are two pillars upon which the modern nation-state is built- authority and freedom. He said the motorcycles would assist the party in reaching out to rural areas for canvassing and mobilisation.

Oba Adeyemi warned against any violence even in the face of provocation, noting that under no circumstances should the party canvassers and mobilisers engage in mudslinging, derogatory and abusive songs. An APC leader, Chief Samuel Akindele, described the Alaafin as a “real royal democrat”.

Lagos courts fail to sit By Adebisi Onanuga

ESPITE resuming for work after a 25-day

APC faults Fayose’s claim on Ekiti treasury HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has picked holes in the state’s debt profile being used as a campaign tool by Governor Ayo Fayose. The party said the “bogus debt figures being reeled out by Fayose to local government workers in his campaign tour to council areas were fabrications to create an alibi for failure to pay their salaries and entitlements”. The state Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatubosun, in a statement yesterday, urged workers in the local councils to demand their salaries and entitlements from Fayose, who the party accused of lying on the state’s financial position. The APC spokesman alleged that Fayose was bandying what he called “over-inflated debt” owed by the Fayemi administration noting that the governor has not accounted for the allocations and reimbursements received from the Federal Government and its agencies. Olatunbosun argued that if the figures reeled out were true, where did his predecessor, Kayode Fayemi, get the money to From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

pay workers for four years without owing salaries. He said: “The man going about deceiving workers about the imaginary debt profile of Ekiti State knows what he is doing. He is going on his last leg attempt in the misapplication of Ekiti money just like he did in 2005 when N1.3billion for a poultry project disappeared between Ibadan and Afao-Ekiti. “In the last three months, Fayose’s message remains the same. He said to the shock of everybody that he did not believe in setting any agenda for development. For us in APC, a government that doesn’t have an agenda is doomed to fail.”

The APC spokesman said Ekiti people and workers should ask Fayose what he did with the N22billion that was refunded to Ekiti State after he was sworn in, including the N2billion Ecological Fund released to the state on December 30. “We must insist that Fayose should account for all these funds instead of creating the impression that the state is permanently broke. He cannot sacrifice Ekiti people because he wants to pay the debts he owed those who financed his election. “We are aware of the presence of two of his financiers, one from Anambra and the other from Ogun, who are insisting on recouping their money after helping him in the June 21

poll.” Olatubosun said the governor had not also responded to the report that each of the local governments had been mandated to deposit N750,000 monthly into a secret bank account. He added: “APC is aware of the marble supply contract worth N100million to upgrade the new Government House the governor had earlier declared as too costly. “The governor has not responded to the allegation that he sold 20 of President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign buses in his care to Ekiti State and donated 19 of them to the police which he listed as one of his achievements in 100 days.”

Fayemi condoles with ex-commissioner ORMER Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has condoled with the former Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr Tayo Ekundayo, on the death of his wife, Funke. Mrs. Ekundayo died in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday after a brief illness. Fayemi, who visited the Ekundayos’ Lagos home yesterday, lamented the sudden death of Mrs. Ekundayo, who he described as a pillar of support to the family.

The former governor urged the family to take solace in God at this difficult time, stressing that no amount of counselling by friends, relations and well wishers could heal the pains. “This is no doubt a difficult time. The loss of a dutiful wife and loving mother is a great one. It creates a void that is difficult to fill or ignore. But as Christians we should give thanks in all situations and trust God to heal the wound,” Fayemi said.

strike, judiciary workers in Lagos yesterday failed to begin adjudication of cases. The court rooms which have been locked since the strike began January 5 were re-opened for litigations. The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) called the strike to press for the autonomy of the judiciary in accordance with the judgment of Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, which also declared illegal, the piece meal release of budgetary allocation to the judiciary. Activities in the courts took off on a skeletal note as most workers were not aware that the 25-day old strike had been called off. Although judges were in court in all the state’s five divisions, they could not sit in adjudication over any matter yesterday because of skeletal activities. Sources said the judges could not sit because new dates would have to be fixed for cases that have been pending prior to the strike. Court registrars failed to turn up as the news of suspension of the strike late Saturday night did not circulate well. The situation was, however, different in the Litigation and Record Room where lawyers have started filing fresh cases; deponents were also seen deposing to affidavits in front of Oath Commissioners.

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

NEWS MOLADE OKOYA-THOMAS (1935-2015) Continued from page 1

Among the early callers at his Victoria Island home yesterday was the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and his wife, Senator Remi. They were received by family members, including billionaire business mogul Chief Akanni Razak Okoya. His children said their dad died after a brief illness at Reddington Hospital, Victoria Island. He was taken there a few hours earlier. It was learnt that the socialite and philanthropist was watching football at about 5pm on Sunday when one of his daughters, Tosin, visited him. Chief Okoya-Thomas’s son Deji, said: "My father took ill briefly. He caught an infection from cold while in England but he was treated. It was nothing serious. But yesterday (Sunday) he took ill briefly and was taken to the hospital to see a doctor but he passed

on. "All I can say is that my dad was a good man. He was a great man. He laid fantastic and good examples which we are proud of and will never depart from. "As a Christian, I know it is not proper to mourn the demise of a good man but as my father, I feel his death. "My mother is not finding it easy because they have been together for 53 years. But I pray God will give her and the rest of us the grace to bear the loss. "I also pray God will give me the grace to fit in his shoes." Another daughter, Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, a member of the House of Representatives, said her father went to the hospital because they felt he needed to see a doctor for check up. She said: "It wasn't like he was sick. He was taken to the

Okoya-Thomas dies at 79 hospital on Sunday evening because we felt he needed a medical examination. He died around 9:15pm. The entire family has been in shock since Sunday night and we have been speechless. "But we know our father was a great man. He was a charitable man and a lover of all." Senators Ita Giwa, Musiliu Obanikoro; Princess Yewande Onilenre; former Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs. Kofoworola Bucknor -Akerele and Justice George Oguntade visited the family. Others are Prof. John Obafunwa; Chief Samuel Adedoyin; Chief Ajayi Bembe; Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila; Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Mr.Jimi Agbaje; Tunji Olaniyi; Olachipo Okpeseyi (SAN); Bala Yesufu; Chief Demola Seriki; Dame Marie Fatai Williams and Anthony Idigbe (SAN). Tinubu said his death was a great loss to the Yoruba land, adding that he was a leader and father indeed. "A great loss to Yoruba land. A leader and father indeed. May God grant the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. Ita-Giwa said the nation has lost a great man, total and complete gentleman and a very committed and dependable friend to both the old and the young. One of his daughter's friends, Sweet Giwa-Osagie, recalled how he saved her from falling some 12 years ago. "He was a peaceful and nice man. He was kind. I cannot forget how he saved me from falling along Marina. "He did not even know me. I was about falling because of the unevenness of the pave-

ment but someone gripped me by my right hand and saved me that day. "Little did he realise that the young lady he saved from falling is his daughter's friend. I just turned and said thank you sir. The late Okoya-Thomas sponsored the annual Asoju Oba Table Tennis Championship in Lagos for more than 40 years. He was born in Lagos on June 8, 1935 to the late Hussam Okoya-Thomas (the first Baba Adinni of Furabay Mosque, Olowogbowo, Lagos. He was the first local employee of the CFAO, who served the company for 52 years) and the Late Alhaja Suwebat Okoya-Thomas (née Gbajabiamila, Otun Iya Adinni of Idita Mosque) Okoya-Thomas had his elementary education at Princess

School, Lagos, between 1942 and 1946. He proceeded to Baptist Academy for his high school education and left Baptist Academic in 1956 as the best graduating student. He studied Accountancy at Balham and Tooting College of Commerce between 1956 and 1959 and a further training in Accountancy at Columbia University, New York, in 1981. He returned to Nigeria and was instantly employed as an accountant by CFAO. This was the beginning of a meritorious service to CFAO. Until his death, he was chairman of many organisations including CICA (Nigeria) Ltd., Transcap Nigeria Ltd., Oktom Investment Ltd., Itochu Nigeria Ltd., Chiyoda Nigeria Ltd. and Anchoria Investment & Securities Ltd. He also served as Director of NFI Insurance Company Plc and GatewayBank Plc.

•Senator Tinubu signing the condolence register...yesterday.

•Tinubu (right) talking to Chief Okoya...yesterday. With them is Hon. Okoya-Thomas.

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday expressed sadness over the passing away of one of Nigeria’s leading entrepreneurs, Chief Molade OkoyaThomas. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, President Jonathan condoled with the family, friends, associates, business partners and the people of Lagos, where he held the traditional title of Asoju-Oba. It reads: “The President shares their pain and sorrow as they mourn the late Chief Okoya-Thomas who was also

Jonathan, Fashola, Atiku, Ashafa mourn From Augustine Ehikioya, and Tony Akowe, Abuja

honoured in his lifetime with the traditional titles of Odofin of Ile- Ife and Bobasuwa of Ijebu-Remo. “President Jonathan urges members of the Okoya-Thomas family and all others who mourn the very successful businessman to be comforted by the knowledge that he lived a very worthy and fulfilled life, and left a legacy of great entrepreneurial

achievements for his successors to build on.” Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar said his death was a huge blow to the community of businessmen. In a statement from his media Office in Abuja, Atiku said that the late Okoya-Thomas was a visionary and astute businessman whose contribution to Nigeria’s private sector economy will remain indelible. He said: “Although the late Molade Okoya-Thomas left

the stage at a prime age of 79, his death nonetheless is a huge blow. “His legacies will remain indelible in corporate Nigeria and I pray God will grant his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.” Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola described the deceased as an epitome of humaneness and dedication to service. In a letter to the widow, Mrs. Olivia Abosede Okoya-Tho-

mas, the governor said he and the people had been the beneficiaries of the deceased's great wisdom and philanthropy over the years. Fashola said: "It is with great sorrow that my family and I heard of the passing of your husband. "Lagos State was indeed lucky to be the home of the Late Chief Okoya-Thomas because the state felt his impact in various sectors, especially in education, where he was Chancellor of the State

University. "He was always blunt when dishing out his sage advice but I knew it was because he genuinely cared about the welfare and progress of the state and its people." In his condolence message, Senator Gbenga Ashafa described the business mogul as a rare gem that left us when we needed him most. “Chief Okoya was an essential of benevolence, notable business man, sports lover and a philanthropist of great repute.”

Don’t bow to PDP’s deceit, Tinubu urges Lagosians By Musa Odoshimokhe

HE national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, yesterday urged Lagosians to guide against the manipulation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Addressing the crowd at the party rally at Volkswagen, Ojo, he said the desperation of the PDP was amplified during its Lagos governorship primaries which produced Jimi Agbaje. He said in a free contest Agbaje could not defeat Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, noting that the shadow election was rigged in favour of Agbaje to achieve the PDP’s dubious agenda. Tinubu urged the electorate to be watchful, adding that all the promises made by the PDP were empty. He said: “A vote for Jimi Agbaje is a vote for Bode George in Lagos State. Jimi Agbaje could not beat Obani-

koro in that contest; it was rigged in favour of Agbaje so that they can annex Lagos. If Lagos comes under PDP, it will get Lagos State off the track of progress.” The APC chieftain said Lagos had made remarkable progress under the APC, urging them to vote the party to continue the good work started under his administration. He said the APC governorship candidate Akinwunmi Ambode is a financial wizard, who is in a better position to manage the state’s resources. Tinubu said: “I gave Lagosians Governor Babatunde Fashola, if he had not performed Lagosians will blame me, but the man has excelled in his duties. Therefore, I am a silent seeker, a silent finder and a human resource expert. I therefore urge you this time around to vote Ambode. “The candidature of Am-

bode will take Lagos to the next level of development. He is tested, trusted, reliable and forthright. He is one of the most brilliant minds in financial accounting, one of the most intelligent in financial management, one of the most reliable and responsible gurus.” The APC leader recalled that when the 57 local governments were created, it took the genius of Ambode to put Lagos on course, to overcome the challenges created by the PDP government. “Through his expertise on financial creativity, Lagos State survived, succeeded, performed better and made progress in the hands of this young man. “At the moment, Nigeria needs great visionary leaders, who are capable and intelligent to turn the economy around, a disciplined Muhammadu Buhari and a vi-

sionary Ambode will work to create a better economy for Nigeria.” He said the PDP government in the past 16 years has made life difficult for the people, stressing that the economy is now in shamble. Tinubu added that the government of President Goodluck Jonathan was not smart enough to take advantage of the boundary between Nigeria and Benin Republic to open up the economy. He said a government that is creative will construct good roads linking Badagry and Republic of Benin to take charge of the West African economy. “I must say thanks to Fashola, Federal Government or no Federal Government; we are presently working on the project to open up the economy. “I am proud to say today that I, Bola Tinubu, started the journey to break the monop-

oly of electricity generation in this country. If they had listened to what we proposed, what the country is facing in term of electricity would have been addressed. “Our coal in Enugu, Nasarawa, Niger Delta would have been used to generate electricity for the country and we will have industrial revolution. But they cannot think, they cannot do it,” he said. Tinubu urged Lagosians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to enable them carry out the common sense revolution which will take place this month. “You are the only one who can do that common sense revolution. The revolution is to rescue the country from poverty; the second is for corporation and individuals to do well, the third is the reform of our institutions to work for the people. “Are you ready for the common sense revolution?

Therefore the revolution is about reform, release and rescue. We will create jobs, we will use your resources for the benefit of your future,” he said. Governor Fashola said Lagosians should disregard the campaign of calumny embarked upon by the PDP, whipping religious sentiment in order to secure votes. He said: “The issue here is not about religion, it not about ethnicity, it not about the language you speak. It is about prosperity and poverty. Poverty has no religion; bad roads do not discriminate against faith. “The purpose of government is to check poverty and promote prosperity. For 16 years at the federal level has PDP made life better for the people? The answer is no. We should vote APC to make our country better.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

11 The government should also support us as much as they can in infrastructure, it will help. Every month, I spend N25 million providing power and in one year, that is over N300 million, this is money that could have gone as profit to my shareholders. -Managing Director, May & Baker Nigeria Plc, Nnamdi Okafor

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

BUSINESS THE NATION

On-line registration platform opens

• From left: Chairman, Milan Group Mr. Ramesh Valechha; Group Managing Director, Skye Bank Plc Mr. Timothy Oguntayo; Chairman, Honeywell Group Mr. Oba Otudeko; Group Managing Director, Milan Group Mr. Rajesh Valechha and Group Managing Director, Mainstreet Bank Limited Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu at the corporate partners forum organised by Skye Bank in Lagos.

Five firms get N18.261b electricity stabilisation fund T HE Central Bank of Ni geria (CBN) has dis bursed N18.261 billion to five electricity companies under the Nigerian Electricity Stabilisation Facility (NESF). During the exercise it advised companies benefiting from the N213 billion NESF to use the money for what it is meant. The CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, gave the advice yesterday in Abuja at the Nigerian Electricity Market Stabilisation (NEMS) Signing Ceremony where the N18.261 billion was disbursed. The five firms, are Eko Electricity Distribution Company Plc, which received N5.164billion; Ibadan Electricity Distribution Plc, N11.367billion; Jebba Hydroelectric Plc, N816.831million; Kainji Hydroelectric Plc, N234.815million and Shiroro Hydroelectric Plc, N678.650 million. These companies are expected to pay 10 per cent interest on From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor)

the facility. Two per cent is for administrative cost, another two per cent will go to the banks and the six per cent balance goes to CBN. Emefiele said the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), “will not allow electricity distributors to go home with obscene profits, but with time and the introduction of right assets, electricity tariff will come down and since they have ten years repayment period, consumers will not feel the impact.” He appealed to the power firms to use the money they are getting from the Federal Government “for what they are meant for, to clear hurdles and purchase MD metres to improve on distribution and also improve your revenues for

Gencos, for spare parts and maintenance so that things can begin to run better than they are right now.” He explained that the CBN “sees this N213 billion Nigerian Electricity Stabilisation Facility as a way to kick-start the electricity market in a way that ensures that the sector can deliver tangible improvement in power supply for all Nigerians. We see this facility as a major initiative to reset the economics of the power sector.” Emefiele said the CBN is working in partnership with the banks to provide this facility to address recent shortfalls in power sector revenues caused by needed adjustments in the electricity tariff and legacy gas debts,” adding that the facility will be paid back over the lifetime of a reset electricity tariff that is within the next ten years. In exchange for this interven-

tion, Emefiele said the government, “fully expect parties that are collecting these funds today to ensure that the funds are repaid as when due; ensure that all inputs into the generation of power are ramped up in a consistent manner; invest the funds in the necessary improvements in generation plant maintenance, transmission upgrades and distribution networks including transformers and better metering for end consumers. Explaining the structure of the facility, he said: “This has been structured as a ten year facility so that the burden of the repayment will not be too much on you (electricity companies) so that it does not affect your cash flow even though the assets are yours this is a national assignment and all energy should be geared towards achieving stable power supply for our people.”

HE Minister of Indus try, Trade and Invest ment, Olusegun Aganga has urged Nigerians to take advantage of the Corporate Affairs Commission’s (CAC) online registration platform to register their businesses in the cheapest, simple and easy way. Aganga, who spoke at the official launching of the company registration portal, CAC online registration platform in Abuja, said the new software is robust enough to accommodate all e-payment platforms, such as e-transact, visa card, master card, verve card, American express and other forms of electronic payment. He explained that the initiative experienced delays which necessitated the invitation to the Ministry of Communications and Technology with clear implementation time lines. “Vendors to the GSP were engaged to develop the application. This effort has culminated into a new CAC online registration platform. The new software is robust enough to accommodate all e-payment platform such as inter switch, etc. The software will enable customers to file their documents online without having to physically visit the commission. “With this new application, customers can access and pay for the Commission’s service online. Also, customers, other than accredited agents and professionals can carry out their own transactions directly with the commission. This will significantly reduce the cost of doing business, ” he said. The Registrar-General, CAC, Bello Mahmud said ten years ago the commission suc-

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

cessfully got its registration processses automated. That he said was a radical departure from the manual registration that was in use. The on-line registration reform is a part of reforming the investment climate in Nigeria. The application is developed in conjunction with the Ministry of Communication Technology under the auspices of the federal government. The Board, staff and management of the Commission are committed to deploying more positive initiative towards a friendly business environment climate in Nigeria

HE local content initia tive in the training of helicopter pilots is aimed at boosting indigenous capacity and discourage capital flight, Executive Secretary of Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Femi Ajayi said yesterday. Ajayi, who spoke at the presentation of appointment letters to 15 cadet helicopter pilots, amongst them four women, trained by the PTDF, said the Federal Government is also encouraging Nigerian companies to be part of the local content development drive. He said by employing the pilots, Caverton Helicopters is helping to ensure that the local content undertaken by PTDF is perfected and completed, stressing that the local content initiative is visible in all aspects of the economy. Ajayi said Caverton has become an agency in the vanguard of mainstreaming the government’s private sector initiative as the PTDF is part of youth empowerment. He said the pilots were now role models indicating that

‘Pilots’ training’ll boost indigenous capacity’ By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

every family can aspire to produce a pilot. “This is a story of transformation that tourches the lives of young men and ladies from different parts of the country, which is also a collaboration between the government and the private sector. The training of the pilots is in line with the transformation agenda of President which can be seen and felt”. Ajayi said with this initiative, more people will be trained in line with Goodluck Jonathan’s vision 2020-20 aimed at expanding more capacities for the country, stressing that the industry needs more pilots and fixed wings helicopter pilots. He applauded Caverton Helicopters for the local content drive which is also helping to reverse the issue of capital flight. There is no limit to which the young pilots can contribute to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy, go-

ing forward, he said. In his remarks, the Managing Director, Caverton Helicopters, Captain Josiah Choms, noted that PTDF is doing its outmost as an intervention agency striving for excellence. He said the industry needs a strong public sector to collaborate with the private sector like Caverton, adding that the company is a real indigenous one that has changed the face of oil and gas industry in Nigeria. Mr. Choms advised the young pilots to exploit the opportunities with clear sense, openness and to learn more about the oil and gas industry, maintaining that with more trainings, the young pilots will rise to the level of captains, and probably becoming future managing directors of Caverton. He thanked PTDF for given Caverton the unique opportunity to be part of the public sector and private sector collaboration , explaining that this how the public sector and private can work together.

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

BUSINESS MARITIME e-mail: maritime@thenationonlineng.net

THE NATION

Workers jittery as NPA retires seven GMs T HE Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) has retired seven of its 11 general managers, raising fear of an impending mass retirement. Those affected are General Manager (GM), Servicom Abdullahi Bashir; Marine and Operation, Mallam Mohammed Bulangu; Human Resources, Abba Rufai; Eastern Operation, Sunny Nwobi; Western Port Adenike Sonaiki; Finance Mr Okonji and Stonye Etomi. It was gathered that they were retired last week having attained the mandatory retirement age or served for over 30 years. Many workers are said to be afraid that their names may appear on the next list because of their long years of service. Sources at the Federal Ministry of Transport said the Assistant General Managers (AGMs) may be asked to act as GMs pending their confirmation. Mr Buhari Shawaki, the Special Assistant to the Managing Director, Mallam Habib Abdullahi, it Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda MaritimeCorrespondent

was gathered, has been posted to NPA’s London Office as GM. A source said the officers retirement followed an assessment by NPA’s Executive Management Board (EMB). An affected officer who craved anonymity, thanked God for helping him to end his career successfully. “I thank God that I’ve done my time and my best and I am still alive after over 30 years in service. I’m gone,” he said, adding that he was happy leaving. “When I joined the agency, I knew it would be difficult for me to become its managing director because of the internal and external politics affecting promotion. It has been a long haul; it is time to go. I may not be ready but my age keeps telling me that I have to leave. I don’t feel I still have something left. But I can tell you that NPA’s job is one of the greatest jobs in this country be-

cause it exposes you to some of the things you need to know and you will not know if you belong to another agency.” He said he felt satisfied working in NPA, adding that he would take time to decide work to do next. “I’ll probably take a rest for about three months and figure out something good to do,” he said. The retiree said: “I have been working since I left the university. Not working for me is going to be a challenge. So, I must find something good to do.” Meanwhile, the Apapa Port Manager, Nasir Mohammed, has said the provision of more wagons and locomotives would boost the movement of cargoes. He said the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has a major task of providing more wagons and locomotives to evacuate cargoes from the ports. “The issue of intermodal has been of concern to the NPA management as a whole, but particu-

larly Lagos Port Complex, because we already have a rail track which the Nigerian Ports Authority rehabilitated and started operating through the Nigerian Railways. “Sincerely, it has not been encouraging because the inland container depot that is responsible for moving these containers has continued to draw our attention, saying they have a lot of cargo that they want to take to the hinterlands; as far as Kaduna and Kano but they have always been challenged about the availability of wagons and locomotives. “Of course, that’s an area for the Nigerian Railways and we want to believe that the railway is looking into how they can improve their services from the ports, including the provision of more wagons or locomotives so that a lot more containers can be moved out.” Mohammed said the rehabilitated rail track in the port would improve the movement of cargo to the hinterlands, if there are enough wagons and locomotives

to work with. He said key stakeholders using the port had expressed their willingness to diversify the movement of cargo and not to continue to rely on the already overstretched roads. “We have earlier contacted some terminal operators who equally expressed interest that if the railway can be available and effective, they want to believe many of the importers will not mind moving the bulk cargo through the rails. “We have also gone a little further and we want to put it in the front burner to discuss with some of these terminals to look at the possibility of moving some cargoes, especially containers, through the waterways. “We have already agreed that the volumes far outweigh the physical facilities leading into and out of the port. The roads cannot continue to cope, no matter how good they are. The capacity of the road has been over stretched. So, we must continue to encourage our partners to explore these other options,” he he added.

Operator acquires N2.2b cranes

•Shonekan cutting the tape to open the terminal. With him are Dawes (right) and Financial Officer Bansal Sunil. PHOTO: OLUWAKEMI DAUDA

Firm spends N75m on pollution, waste management A FRICAN Circle Pollution Management Limited (ACPML) has spent about N75million ($400,000) on the clearing and management of maritime pollution and waste. The cash was used to procure special flowting hose reels for the loading and evacuation of sladge from ships, and six specialised trucks to reduce waster on the waters. The Federal Government hired ACPML to provide waste facilities at the seaports in line with the guidelines of global maritime watchdog, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), (MARPOL) 72, 73, and 78, particularly marine pollution. The prodcurement of the trucks, experts said, would enable the firm to fulfil its mandate in the 25-year agreement it signed with the government. ACPML Regional manager, West, Mrs Nike Shobowale, told The Nation that the firm uses the specialised vessels to take liquid waste, including sludge and bilge, from ships calling in the seaports to protect the waters. She said more trucks specially built and customised in Germany for ACPML would soon be delivered to the country. NPA Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Mr. David Omonibeke, expressed delight over the acquisition of the new vehicles, saying this was in line with the Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government. He said NPA is supporting ACPML to ensure that Nigeria under President Goodluck Jonathan fulfills her obligations as a key member of IMO, assuring that

NPA will not relent in ensuring that ACPML fulfills the provisions of the agreement. ACPM, it was gathered, has also installed two high-burn incinerators to handle solid waste. The incinerators are equipped with scrubbers to minimise air pollution.A drum crushing machine with a special cleaning system is also in place to treat hazardous waste. There are 10 specially adapted garbage trucks , three others in Port Harcourt, Rivers State; Calabar, Cross River State; and Warri, Delta State. A 1,000 tonne-capacity tank farm at the company’s waste management facility at Snake Island holds hazardous waste for processing. Already, the firm has spent over five million Euros to procure four new vessels, namely MV Maizube 1, MV Maizube II, MV Bics and MV Etypou.

HAIRMAN of APM Terminals Chief Ernest Shonekan has hailed its management for acquiring three new mobile harbour cranes worth 10 million Euros (about N2.2 billion). Inaugurating the administrative building at the terminal, Shonekan praised the management and staff for maintaining high standards and efficient service delivery. He said: “I am quite impressed with what I have seen here today. I believe this will enhance service delivery at the terminal. “I must commend all of you for making the dream of building a modern world-class container terminal in Nigeria come true. It is not only about money, you may have all the money but if you do not have the right people in place, it would be difficult to achieve any meaningful progress,” he said, adding that the operations of APM Terminals Apapa was important to the economy. The firm’s Managing Director, Andrew Dawes, said the cranes were acquired to boost the terminal’s fleet and offer better service as its business expands. “We invested 10 million Euros in purchasing these new cranes. The amount includes spares and training. The aim is to make our terminal more efficient and of-

fer better service to Nigerian importers, ” he said. He explained that one of the noteworthy features of the new cranes is the “soft touch” function that allows drivers to load and offload containers “softly” to prevent damage to equipment, vehicles and make the working environment safer for staff. “APM Terminals Apapa also takes pride in developing its employees to operate all equipment types. We deploy APM Terminals’ globally defined and internationally accredited training course ‘ReQuip’ in training equipment operators.This course creates a standard consistent approach to train staff. Our terminal employs four Re-Quip certified trainers who are multiskilled on different equipment types, including Mobile Harbour Cranes,” he said. Some of the operators expressed appreciation to the company for buying the cranes. One of the operators, Victor Enegide, said: “As an improvement on the previous versions of the cranes, this set of new cranes have better lighting system that makes it convenient to work at night.” Another operator, Sule Olanrewaju, said container handling has been made easier as the new cranes has better flipper controls and push buttons.

ANLCA, others get Customs award

HE Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has received this year’s World Customs Day Award for its increased efficiency in port operations and boosting revenue. Others honoured include Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), SON, FRSC, MAN, NAFDAC, NAQS, PTML, Procter and Gamble, Zenith Bank, West Blue Consulting Ltd, SAHCOL, Nigeria Army School and Military Police, Zaria. The award was given during the celebration of this year’s International Customs Day.

Customs Comptroller-General Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi said the increase in revenue collection over the past year, was due largely to the implementation of the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR), prevention of cross border movement of illegal goods and enforcement, the fiscal policies of the Federal Government by a well-motivated workforce and cooperating stakeholders. Last year, Customs collected N977,099,172,939.61 as against N833,396,975,947.20 in 2013.

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

BUSINESS AVIATION The global shift now is trade liberalisation. Experts say the liberalisation of aviation in Africa holds the key to the development of its economies. They are, however, worried that the non-implementation of continental initiatives, such as the Yamoussoukro Decision, remains a stumbling block,writes Correspondent KELVIN OSA OKUNBOR

THE NATION

How liberalisation can boost African aviation, by experts

IR transport in Africa is facing alot of challenges . Efforts by some countries to salvage the industry have not yielded the desired results. Global bodies such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA), African Union (AU) Commission, Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), as well as African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) are worried that until African governments liberalise the air transport sector, the much-desired development would continue to be wishful thinking. Their worries are not baseless because the absence of an air transport policy that would define how the industry would be positioned is not in place. There has to be policy that would assist the industry to chart the way forward for Africa's economic development. Towards this end, experts on the continent will meet next month in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital to examine how to fast-track an air transport policy for the continent. The meeting, under the aegis of the AU Commission, would consider further liberalisation of the air transport sector. In particular, experts from 53 African countries will examine the impact of many continental initiatives, including the Safe Skies for Africa and Yamoussoukro Decision and how they could accelerate the development of aviation on the continent. The Yamoussoukro Decision, was signed by 44 African countries in 1999 as a key enabler for air liberalisation. It was designed to support economic growth by countries committed to aviation deregulation and the promotion of trans-national competition in regional markets. But its implementation has been a huge challenge for many African countries due to market protection policies. Last year, the AU Commission called for a single African air transport market, saying it is critical to Agenda 2063. Chairperson of the Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Zuma, stated this in a meeting with a delegation of AFRAA to discuss the importance of the sector in the socio-economic transformation of the continent. She noted that a single continental air transport was vital. Dr. Zuma said: “Connecting Africa through aviation and other transport infrastructure is critical to integration, intra-Africa trade, as well as to tourism, economic growth and development more generally. “The sector is also an important creator of jobs and critical skills on the continent. The aviation sector is strategic for the implementation of Agenda 2063.” According to the AU, the discussions

•Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

on African open skies have been ongoing in the last two decades, resulting in the adoption of the Yamoussoukro Decision by African Heads of State and Government in 2000. Over the last one decade, with sustained economic growth on the continent, the Commission observed that a growing middle class, more tourists and businesses were coming to Africa, adding that the delays have been at Africa's peril, with loss of market share by the continent’s airlines, from 60 per cent in the early 90s to fewer than 20 per cent at present. “The meeting considered what needed to be done to remove the blockages towards the full implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision on the Liberalisation of Air Transport Markets in Africa and to move towards the creation of a single African aviation market,” she was quoted to have said in a statement. AFRAA Secretary-General, Dr. Elija Chingosho, highlighted the importance of the liberalisation of the continent's air market to its economic prosperity. He said: “Air transport should be affordable for everyone, not just be monopolised for the rich and the wealthy. As a continent, we are subsidising the industry for international carriers.” Chingosho also commended the timeliness and importance of convening the meeting at a time when African aviation occupied just 20 per cent of market share in Africa. Member-states could see their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grow by the millions, yearly, and thousands of jobs created with the adaptation of open skies, a liberal market between signatory states allowing airlines unlimited rights to fly. The report released last year by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), in partnership with regional associations, AFCAC and AFRAA, outlined the benefits African nations would gain by implementing a

liberalised policy. The report backed its position up with the use of 12 key markets as examples. These are Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia and Uganda. Air transport plays a crucial role in driving economic and social developments in Africa through enhanced connectivity. However, regulations have made it difficult to provide inter-connectivity in the region. “Governments should support the growth of the industry by fully liberalising African skies as intended by the Yamoussoukro Decision, and providing other facilitator assistance, such as implementing global standards in safety, security and regulations, reducing high charges, taxes and fees and removing visa requirements for ease of movement across the continent," said Chingosho. According to the report, if the 12 countries were to adopt an open skies policy, they would create 155,000 extra jobs in the market and grow the combined GDP of $1.3 billion. Five million additional passengers yearly would also fly, the report added. Africa agreed to an open skies policy 26 years ago with the signing of the Yamoussoukro Declaration. The lack of implementation saw member-states, under the AU umbrella, come up with the Yamoussoukro Decision, which looked at what its implementation would mean for African economies. It called for the deregulating of air services and opening regional air markets. The Secretary-General, African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), Iyabo Sosina, said by not adopting the Yamoussoukro Decision, African countries were not only stunting growth in the sector but their economies. “Liberalisation leads to increased air services, which in turn, facilitates growth in the sectors of the economy by supporting increased trade, attract-

ing new businesses to the region, encouraging investment and enhancing productivity,” she said. Director-General, International Air Transport Association ( IATA), Mr Tony Tyler, said it is essential for African governments to use aviation as a catalyst for economic development. He said for such development to be achieved, there is need to promote air liberalisation and enhanced air connectivity. Tyler said: "Liberalisation can lead to increased air service levels and lower fares, which in turn stimulates additional traffic volumes, facilitate tourism, trade, investment to other sectors of the economy and bring about enhanced productivity, economic growth and increased employment. “Inter-connectivity in Africa is said to be more expensive than travelling to Europe or the Middle East in some instances. This has been attributed to the lack of competition and the cost of operations in the region mainly hampered by price of fuel and taxes. “Liberalisation offers efficient, competitive carriers an opportunity to enhance profitability by expanding into new markets, accessing a wider pool of investment and through consolidation." In its July report, IATA said Nigeria and 11 other countries in Africa stood to earn at least $1.3billion as GDP yearly if they implement the Yamoussoukro Decision. It also said the additional services generated by liberalisation between the 12 key markets would provide an extra 155,000 jobs. In the report, IATA indicated that Nigeria would have additional 17,400 jobs with $128.2 million GDP while Algeria is expected to generate about 15,300 jobs with revenue potential netting $123.6 million. Angola would generate about 15, 300 jobs with over $137.1 million contribution to its GDP while Egypt is expected to generate over 11,300 jobs and $114.2 million contribution to its GDP.

‘Liberalisation leads to increased air services, which in turn, facilitates growth in the sectors of the economy by supporting increased trade, attracting new businesses to the region, encouraging investment and enhancing productivity’

Ethiopia, according to IATA, is expected to generate over 14,800 jobs and $59.8 million contribution to its GDP; Ghana is expected to generate over 9,500 jobs and $46.8million to its GDP, whereas Kenya is expected to generate about 15,900 jobs and $76.9million GDP. Others are Namibia with 10,600 jobs and $94.2million contribution to its GDP yearly; Senegal, 8,000 jobs and $40.5 million GDP; South Africa, 14,500 jobs and $283.9 million to its GDP; Tunisia, 8,100 and $113.7m contribution to its GDP and Uganda, 18,600 jobs and $77.6 million GDP. The Yamoussoukro Decision committed 44 countries to deregulating air services and opening regional air markets to transnational competition. The implementation of this agreement, however, has been slow, and the benefits have not been realised, thereby causing disquiet among the stakeholders in the industry. The Managing Director Overland Airways Capt. Edward Boyo said the Yamoussoukro Declaration’s implementation had been on the drawing board for some time, but it was being frustrated by two factors: lack of cooperation and suspicion by some countries. He pointed out that when the document was prepared, African countries were divided among themselves. Such division, he said has given rise to mutual suspicion. He said the original document did not address the issue of ownership and control. He said: "Because people were afraid of themselves, they refused to integrate. Some countries were dominant and had larger industries; some countries did not have an industry; they had foreign entities that infiltrated their markets and controlled their markets. “Take for instance, we open our skies; the foreign entities begin operations on the approval of government. As they begin to consume the market in Nigeria, that will begin to complicate matters," he added. Capt. Boyo said the accord had been largely politicised. According to him, the politicians had refused to implement the document for some inexplicable reasons. A report on the implementation of the air transport policy by ECA said: “More than any reason, the declarations of intent that African airlines have made regarding cooperation and integration have not been effectively carried out because of their lack of initiative, trust and the financial difficulties most of them are going through. While the studies which have been undertaken could have led to positive results, the cultural and political commitments have not been forthcoming. “For lack of convincing studies, the airlines have not been able to take several initiatives to enter into alliances that would have helped them to achieve the objectives of the Declaration.” It also attributed it to the economic and political situation of African countries. According to the report: "Since the early 1990s, African states have been experiencing political, economic and social turmoil. Their governments have not had the time they need to concentrate on developing the air transport sector, more specifically, airline cooperation and integration.’’ ECA said: "Airline directors are still distrustful of each other and hesitate to commit themselves to cooperation and integration arrangements. “Furthermore, African airlines continue to operate individually their air services to Europe and Asia while there remains one area of great potential for cooperation and integration that has yet to be exploited.”

MONDAY TUESDAY FEBRUARY 3, 2 015

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

POLITICS THE NATION ‘EDO POLITICS’

Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman Chief Tony Anenih has a mission in Edo Central Senatorial District. The PDP chieftain, fondly called ‘Mr. Fix it,’ wants the PDP to re-capture parliamentary seats in the zone at the general elections. His new strategy, according to the All Progressives Congress (APC), is whipping up sentiments against the party’s presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, by encouraging the daughter of the former governor of Bendel State, the late Prof. Ambrose Ali, to remind constituents about how his father was jailed by the former Head of State, following the December 31, 1983 coup. But, Governor Adams Oshiomhole appears to be smarter. He has reminded the district that Anenih was the Chairman of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN), which ‘rigged’ Ali out of power in the Second Republic. The comrade-governor has also asked Anenih to stop using Ali’s name to score cheap political capital and concentrate on wooing voters by listing his achievements in Edo Central as a PDP chief in the last 16 years. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the battle of wits.

Ali, Anenih resume hostilities in Edo Central T WENTY-six years after his demise, the Professor of Morbid Anatomy and Second Republic governor of the old Bendel State, Ambrose Folorunso Ali, has become the main issue in Edo politics. His soul resurrected last week at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) parliamentary campaigns in the Central Senatorial District. At Uromi, Anenih’s home town, Ali’s daughter, Mrs. Rosemary Ali-Subaru, was on the podium beside the Iyasele, her father’s political foe during the 1983 governorship election. In a voice tinged with emotion, she urged the people to reject the APC at the polls, claiming that its presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, jailed his father. She said the late Ali’s imprisonment heralded his death adding that the pains of the loss have not faded from the mind of the family. Ali was a great politician. He was an Awoist. He was also a performer. He shunned avarice and cravings for ill-gotten wealth. His achievements have remained indelible. At the APC rally in Ekpoma, Ali’s home town, Governor Adams Oshiomhole returned the missiles, which he believed were instigated by Anenih, the PDP leader. Paying tribute to Ali, he recalled that the former governor was held in high esteem by the people of old Bendel State, which now comprises of Edo and Delta states. The governor recalled that the people voted massively for the former university don on the platform of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), led by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, because of his sound pedigree. In Oshiomhole’s view, Ali left behind worthy legacies, including Edo State University, Ekpoma, which was named after him when he died. Besides, he implemented the four cardinal programmes of the UPN-free education at all levels, free health, rural development and housing and rural development. The governor said the university opened up Ekpoma and its environs, adding that commercial activities sprung up in the area. Oshiomhole was a leader of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at that time. But, he was not cut off from his roots. He told the crowd of party supporters that Anenih should not be taken seriously because he worked against Ali by conniving with forces in Lagos, the former Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to deny Ali his deserved second term. The governor said that Ali was not happy that he was rigged out by the NPN. In his opinion, Anenih would not have worked for the political downfall of Ali, if he is a patriot. He wondered why Uromi chief, who connived with others to remove the crown and gubernatorial robes of Ali, has turned around to twist history. “Which disgrace and humiliation of Edo Central is more than that?,” he queried. Oshiomhole also raised other posers: As the Minister of Works, what did Anenih do for Edo Central? Which project did he attract to the district? Ali built a university. What has Anenih brought to the area? “Since 1999, he has been a powerful and influential man. He is labeled as the leader, he has nothing to show for it in Edo Central,” the governor stressed. It is not the first time Oshiomhole and Anenih will lock horns. The acclaimed PDP leader, consummate politician and schemer,was the main pillar of support for the defeated governorship candidate, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (rtd), who challenged Oshiomole at the July 14, 2013 elections. During the exercise, the old political warhorse, strategist and schemer could not spring a surprise in favour of the PDP. Oshiomhole said that the ‘Mr Fix It’ of Nigerian politics was in a fix. Since then, PDP has been struggling to bounce back in Edo. Will the frontline politician from Uromi, sway the votes from the APC to his party during the parliamentary elections? Will APC •Oshiomole •Anenih

candidates kiss the dust before the maverick politician? Is pre-1999 Anenih the same as Anenih of today? The gladiator, who had earned a reputation of a cat with nine lives, is fighting a titanic battle in the twilight of his political career. It is another season of ego war. Many believe that the old warhorse and comrade-governor will resume hostility in this month’s elections. In the last governorship election, Anenih and Airhiavbere were deserted by the likes of Brig-Gen. Sam Ogbemudia (rid), Prof. Oserhieme Osunbor, making the PDP to struggle from a position of disadvantage. The odds favoured Oshiomhole, who tendered his achievements before the people, unlike Airhiavbere, who could not convince them that PDP had good plans for them. Unlike Oshiomole who has the luxury of pointing to an array of achievements, especially on-going projects, on campaign campaign grounds, the PDP challenger is not a tested politician. However, hope is always the elixir for Anenih. Since he has been on the firing line in the Second Republic, he has never deserted the battle field. He relies on old glory as one of the conquerors of the political space. If naive actors underrate his arsenal, they do to their peril. In 1981, Anenih came to limelight. His first political battle was fought with vigour and zeal. As a retired Commissioner of Police, he surprisingly displaced the late Chief Tony Enahoro as the Bendel State Chairman of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). He confronted the UPN governor, Ali, who was facing serious internal crisis in his party by rallying forces to install Dr. Ogbemudia as governor for three months. That marked the beginning of his meteoric rise to fame. In the Third Republic, the conservative politician bounced back. However, he found himself among a mixture of leftist and rightist politicians being tossed around by former military President Ibrahim Babangida. The uneasy cohabitation later shaped the diverse response to the critical “June 12” question within the shaky

As the Minister of Works, what did Anenih do for Edo Central? Which project did he attract to the district? Ali built a university. What has Anenih brought to the area? “Since 1999, he has been a powerful and influential man. He is labeled as the leader, he has nothing to show for it in Edo Central

platform. When Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe vacated the SDP national chairmanship, Alhaji Sheu Yar’Adua’s group, the Peoples Front, which later became to be known as Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), installed Anenih as chairman. He was on that exalted seat when Chief Moshood Abiola and Kingibe defeated Alhaji Bashir Tofa and Dr. Sylvester Ugoh of the National Republican Convention (NRC) at the June 12 election. However, when the historic poll was criminally annulled, the national chairman failed to defend the mandate. While political leaders and rights activists were agitating for de-annulment, Anenih and Kingibe looked the other way. Anenih’s aloofness enraged many politicians in the land. But those close to him said that it was his unique style. For him, the 1995 Constitutional Conference, where he was a delegate, was also an interlude of a sort. When civil rule was restored in 1999, Anenih emerged as a founding father of the PDP. He was among the politicians the late Bola Ige saw in the PDP at the formative stage and picked race. When anxious reporters sought to know why the Cicero of Esa-Oke distanced himself from the eminent politician, and indeed, Chief Arthur Nzeribe, he explained that he feared being contaminated by the Abacha virus. Both Anenih and Ige later served as ministers under the PDP administration. Anenih was Gen. Yar’Adua’s campaign manager during the botched presidential primaries. He did more than that for General Olusegun Obasanjo (rtd), who made him Works Minister and member of his kitchen cabinet. In fact, Obasanjo, who held him in awe, called him “My Leader”, to the amusement of other chieftains who nodded affirmatively. But it is on record that the former Minister of Works combined his ministerial responsibilities with grand politicking. Many have insisted that his passion for high wire politics may have diverted Anenih’s attention from fighting the infrastructure battle. Under his ministry, federal roads became death traps and critics alleged that huge money voted for construction and rehabilitation went down the drain. Anenih objected to the claim. He fired back, saying that he did not steal a penny. A dependable ally of Obasanjo, he had declared in 2002 that there was no vacancy in Aso Rock. Other PDP presidential aspirants developed cold feet. He and the late Chief Sunday Afolabi prepared the ground again for the General’s return bid. Obasanjo had always relied on Anenih’s foresight and intelligence in fighting intra-party battles in the PDP. He was powerful; and so also was his wife, Josephine, former Women Leader and Women Affairs Minister. A proof of Anenih’s influence also came in 2007 at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, during the governorship rerun between Mrs. Hilda Williams and Senator Musiliu Obanikoro. The Electoral Officer, Real Admiral Ogundele, de•Continued on page 18

THE NATION TUESDAY FEBRUARY 3, 2015

INEC has reiterated its commitment ‘Since to February, Dasuki and members of his postponement orchestra are just busy-bodies that should be watched and warned not to truncate our hard win civil rule

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Group: Don’t postpone polls cial and security costs of his action may be too grave to bear. He added: “The security adviser is supposed to be seen and not to be heard commenting on sensitive issues that can threaten security in the country, more so when such suggestion was not based on any validated inferences. Since INEC has reiterated its commitment to February, Dasuki and members of his postponement orchestra are just busy-bodies that should be watched and warned not to truncate our hard win civil rule.” The rights activist also said that the controversy over the certificates of President Jonathan and the APC presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, is unnecessary because their alma maters have come to their defense. He said while those still in doubt can go to court for final arbitration, he warned that any “jankara court injunction” could cause social disorder and tension. Soetan urged politicians to focus on issues during campaigns, instead of fueling ethno-religious sentiments. He also appealed to prospective voters to ask critical questions from candidates so that their responses can assist them in casting their votes. The pro-democracy activist enjoined political parties, civil society groups and media to mobilise and enlighten prospective voters on the importance of Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs). Noting that the electoral agency has decentralised the distribution of the cards, he advised voters to make sacrifice for democracy by collecting the cards. Soetan warned against the militarisation of elections by overzealous security agencies used as pawns by government officials, adding that their partisan intervention could mar the polls. He said the over-militarisation and posting of masked police, soldiers and other security operatives to Osun State during the last governorship elections led to the harassment of harmless voters and other citizens.

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikorodu Division have dissociated themselves from a media report linking them with the endorsement of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the February 28 election. Rising from a meeting in Ikorodu, the leaders, led by Prince Abiodun Ogunleye and Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, reiterated their support for the APC governorship candidate, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode.

•Prof Jega

GROUP, the Democracy Vanguard (DV) yesterday said the call for the postponement of the general elections is worrisome, adding that it underscores a hidden agenda on the part of the agitators for poll shift. The group noted that those making the call are friends and supporters of President Goodluck Jonathan, who is the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the proposal for the poll shift, stressing that it is in bad faith. The PDP has kept a sealed lip on the matter. The group’s leader, Mr. Adeola Soetan, told reporters in Lagos that the postponement of elections is a recipe for crisis, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ignore the agitation. He chided the National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) for what he described as an “unintelligent outburst”, pointing out that his statement has lent credence to the suspicion that there are plans to instigate crisis that will make the polls unfeasible to justify postponement. Soetan, who called for the removal of the NSA from office, said the so-

•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) (third right), Deputy Governor Joke Orelope-Adefulire (second right), Ambode (third left), Dr. Oluranti Adebule (first left) Mrs. Abimbola Fashola and Cardinal James Odumbaku at a rally in Lagos

‘Ambode is candidate of Ikorodu Division’

Battle for Edo Central •Continued from page 17

clared Mrs. Williams winner. But on getting to Abuja, Anenih reported to the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) that Obanikoro won. His report was upheld and the party announced in Abuja that the senator was its flag bearer in Lagos State. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the battle of wits. But the tide begun to change for the powerful man in 2007. It was certain that Edo was slipping from his firm grip. Although PDP had ruled the state for eight years, 2007 poll was a different ball game. The former NLC President, Oshiomole, had returned home to challenge the political establishment in Edo to a duel. He appealed to the people to halt the dangerous trend of godfatherism in the state. The people pondered on the special request. The veteran labour leader faced the PDP candidate, Osunbor, in the ring. While the PDP relied on the strength of his party, the police and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Oshiomole, who ran on the platform of the defunct Action Congress (AC), ran to the masses for help. Although he won the election, INEC, then a parastatal of the PDP, allotted victory to the loser. When Oshiomole picked up the gauntlet, the battle shifted from the ballot box to the courtroom. Following the restoration of the stolen mandate, it was evident that PDP merely relied on rigging to survive in the state. Anenih and his co-travelers were still facing the post-election heat at home when Obasanjo cleverly edged him out as chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT). Out of power, many PDP chieftains in the Edo State were left in the cold. Anenih, it was said, decided who got what, where and how. Soon, crisis broke out in the fold. Ogbemudia, former two-time governor and former minister, rejected Anenih’s leadership. At a time, the party paraded two parallel executive committees. Osunbor was even in solidarity with Oshiomole to spite the Leader. In droves, many PDP chieftains, including former state chairman and women leader, dumped the sinking ship for ACN. However, Anenih was unperturbed by the decimation of the party in crisis. He is not a warrior that will easily give up a fight. His goal is that PDP, even in its distress, should not fade away in Edo. He is not known to surrender in battle. Suddenly, cracks appeared in the ACN. Some defectors from the PDP, including Eze Iyamu, a priest, ran back. It was evident that Anenih was gathering his forces for battle. The battle shifted to the House of Assembly. Orbih fired salvos at the governor, saying that his party is no more popular. The governor described the vituperation as the ranting of an ant. Now, the parliamentary elections is another opportunity for a supremacy battle. Between Oshiomhole and Anenih, who blinks first?

UR attention has been drawn to information making the rounds in Ikorodu and, indeed, the whole of Lagos State, that the Ikorodu people under the aegis of a body called ‘Eminent Persons of Ikorodu Division’ (EPID) have decided to vote for Mr. Jimi Agbaje of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as Governor of Lagos State in the February 28, 2015 Gubernatorial Election because he is an indigene of Ikorodu. This position is faulted and rejected on many grounds. First, to the best of our knowledge, Jimi Agbaje is not an indigene of Ikorodu Division: he had in 2007 publicly declared himself as a family member of the Onilegbale Family of Lagos and therefore an indigene of Lagos Division. Jimi Agbaje has never been part of any cultural activities (e.g. Ikorodu Oga Day, Igbogbo Day, Ajede Luwasa Day, Imota Ayayo Day), social or local organisation in Ikorodu Division. Even when Conference of Leaders of Ikorodu Division (COLID) invited indigenes in 2007 to make a choice among the contestants for Lagos State governorship, Jimi Agbaje did not identify himself with the Division. Mr. Owolabi Salis, an indigene of Ikorodu Division, was picked for the support; and Jimi Agbaje contested the governorship election under the DPA. Thirdly, and most importantly, the EPID, being a socio-cultural organisation, does not have the locus to make such a wild and far-reaching declaration on behalf of the good people of Ikorodu Division. We, leaders and members of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikorodu Division, totally condemn and dissociate ourselves from the declaration. The Ikorodu people have since the 1950s under the able leadership of late Elder Ladipo Amos, Alhaji R. A.

The governorship candidate, which the Ikorodu delegates voted for overwhelmingly at the APC primary on December 4, 2014 and who won, is Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode. He is the candidate all our leaders and members are working tirelessly to get elected as the next governor of Lagos State to succeed our indefatigable Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN Allison, Chief S. O. Gbadamosi, Chief Femi Alokolaro, Justice M. A. O. Abiru, to mention just a few, been voting for progressive parties, viz the Action Group (AG), the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the Alliance for Democracy AD), the Action Congress (AC) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). The latest progressive party is All Progressives Congress (APC) which our people have embraced and for which they would vote in the coming General Elections. It is on record that in the 2011 Governorship election Ikorodu Division returned 88,311 votes for ACN while PDP had only 18,373 votes. For avoidance of doubt, the

governorship candidate, which the Ikorodu delegates voted for overwhelmingly at the APC primary on December 4, 2014 and who won, is Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode. He is the candidate all our leaders and members are working tirelessly to get elected as the next governor of Lagos State to succeed our indefatigable Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN. We hereby call on the people of Ikorodu Division to vote massively for APC Governorship candidate, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on February 28, 2015 as the next Governor of Lagos State, and reject Mr. Jimi Agbaje who is alien to both the position of governor and our Division. We also charge our people to turn out in large number to vote for our Presidential candidate, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR; Senatorial candidate, Senator Gbenga Ashafa; House of Representatives candidate, Barrister Jimi Benson; Lagos State House of Assembly candidates for Constituencies I and II, Hon. S. O. B. Agunbiade and Alhaji Nurudeen Saka Solaja, respectively during the February 2015 General Elections. This is the payback period for Ikorodu people: to show appreciation for a Government that has done so much to impact on the lives of its people in terms of projects in all sectors – Education, Health, Judiciary, Roads (urban and rural),and social services. A new ultra-modern High/ Magistrate Court complex, new block for maternal/child care at the General Hospital, Ipakodo Mega Jetty, two skill acquisition centres, Imota Asphalt Plant, Mile 12 to Ikorodu round-about six-lane expressway, gigantic Housing Estate at Igbogbo and Imota Rice Mill are highlights of massive developmental projects that have been extended to Ikorodu Division. A comprehensive list detailing both rural and urban projects attached to this address leaves no one in doubt that it pays to belong to and vote always for a PROGRESSIVE PARTY. Ikorodu should vote for APC in the February 2015 General Elections and continue to vote for the party in all future elections.

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS •President Jonathan runs the risk of being a co-conspirator if he does not arrest the Niger Delta militants who threatened the country T is frightful enough that a coterie of ragtag individual gangsters who enjoyed state pardon could shout their ingratitude by threats of treasonable violence. What is frightful still is that they have the capacity to foment turbulence with the knowledge of the same state. What is more frightful though is that the president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces is the excuse and platform for that subversive, hectoring voice from the nation’s wilderness of mayhem. And when the president’s name resounds with those threats, the president himself keeps a treacherous silence. This is the disgraceful story unfolding before the dazed eyes of Nigerians. The saga began in a meeting in the state house of Bayelsa State in Yenagoa barely two weeks ago, presided over by the state’s chief executive, Seriake Dickson. According to reports, three forgiven militants and subversives uttered incendiary statements. They included MujahidDokubo-Asari, leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force; Victor Ben Ebikabowei, a.k.a. Boy Loaf; Government Ekpodomenowei, a.k.a. Tompolo. Also present was UdengsEradiri, presidentgeneral of the Ijaw Youth Council. As part of the meeting, the militants threatened that if President Goodluck Jonathan does not win the upcoming presidential election, they would foment trouble. They boasted that they would shut down the oil rigs, and make the nation at large pay for not voting in their son as the president and commander-inchief of the armed forces. The statement generated shock among peace-loving Nigerians because of its audacious inanity and subversive content. In •Jonathan outraged response, former chief of army staff and defence minister, retired General TheophilusDanjuma, urged the president to arrest the insurgents for their treasonable effusions. The president said nothing, and the impression lingered that President Jonathan would probably sooner or later dissociate himself from them and condemn them. No such thing happened. Rather, Tompolo waxed even more defiant, and he insisted that if President Jonathan did not win the February 14 poll, he would unleash turbulence in the land. He added to that insistence a seven-day ultimatum to General Danjuma to apologise over his call for their arrests, failing that the militants would destroy his investments in the Niger Delta. Two clear things are wrong with what these dedicated outlaws did. One, they confessed contempt for democracy. They did not say that they would foment trouble if Jonathan won and was denied his mandate. They say if Nigerians did not vote for Jonathan, they would reject the democratic verdict and cause trouble. What can be more irresponsible and subversive as that! Two, they invoked the name of the Presi-

LETTER

Arrest the subversives dent for legitimacy. They are invoking the name of the ultimate legitimacy to solemnise an ultimate illegitimacy. They are dipping in blood the name of the hallowed office of the land. Yet, the president and commander-inchief of the armed forces has said nothing. The paradox is that the president presides over a legitimate army, while his supporters lead illegal forces. They are pledging their outlaw brigandage to the service of a legitimate president and head of the army. It is also ironic that Danjuma, who once led the legitimate army and asked the legitimate president and commander-in-chief to sanction the miscreants, is being ignored by President Jonathan. Meanwhile, Tompolo and fellow acolytes in violence are snorting arrogantly about their power.

Why we must fight corruption

Governor Dickson tried with little success to dissociate himself from the rhetoric banditry of the militants. At least he tried, if unconvincingly. But what about the president? He has done nothing. Was it not the same president who could not rein in Tompolo over the conflict in Ogidigben? Is that not why he could not unveil the Export Processing Zone, a project that has revived the rivalry and suspicions between the Itsekiris and Ijaws in Delta State? Did he not show his lack of gumption as a nation’s leader? What is most outrageous is that these militants have committed what everyone understands as treason and, therefore, by all accounts a crime against the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. They calling for the collapse of the

institution, and the implication of their threats is the shedding of blood of the innocents. It is also an invocation of war in a nation already harried by the sanguinary episodes in the northeast where territory after territory has fallen to the insensate advances of another set of militants known as Boko Haram. The militants cast the president as an Ijaw president foisting his Ijaw will on over 200 other ethnicities, and the president has not helped matters by not showing himself as above parochial affections. The right thing for the president to do is to arrest the miscreants. That is what the law demands. That is what his office as commander-in-chief dictates. That is what honour demands since he signed the peace pact with his All Progressives Congress (APC) opponent, General Muhammadu Buhari. But the president has not done anything. The Department of State Security, which is often quick to move against the opposition, has not uttered him a whisper of condemnation, no less act on this great act of treason. If the president and commander-in-chief does not move against these men, it shows that Dr. Jonathan has abdicated his role as the chief guarantor of the people’s security and subordinated himself to the capricious tyrannies of gangsters. Everyone who follows the affairs of the militants understands that the Jonathan presidency has legitimised, by way of contracts and symbolic public activities, the lifestyles and impunities of these men. They have played roles not only in government in dispensing the largesse of office as well as offices, they have also acted prominent parts as PDP apparatchiks. We cannot accept as a nation when a group of militants is allowed to walk the streets free and the president acts as though impotent. President Jonathan knows his powers, and if he does not, his attorney-general does and he can seek advice from him on this matter. If President Jonathan does not arrest them, then he has taken part, however tacitly, in a subversion plot against the government in which he is the head; and in the contempt of the constitution of which he is the first citizen. The nation belongs to Nigerians, and not even the president has the right to maintain silence when our corporate peace is under threat.

IR: It is common knowledge that corruption is prevalent in all sectors of our society, affecting virtually all public and private institutions. The growing cases of corruption in Nigeria can also be traced to people holding one post or the other in the private sector. It is no longer news that Nigeria ranked 136th in the 2014 Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, which measured the perceived levels of public sector corruption in 175 countries and territories. The position placed Nigeria as the third most corrupt country in West Africa after Guinea and Guinea Bissau. Corruption in our country will continue to strive in spite of anti-corruption laws, because those who perpetrate the corrupt practices get away with the crime, such that there’s no fear for any consequences. A man in power is confident that no action will be taken against him and he will get away with the crime. We have seen how anti-graft laws are being applied especially in the Economic and Financial Crimes commission, EFCC. The Commission is limited in prosecuting corrupt leaders due to the so-called immunity clause which makes our leaders free of scrutiny and investigation. For the war against corruption to be won, law enforcement agencies should be given teeth to bite. Nigeria is currently in an election period, which will either see to the end of an era, or the birth of another. It behoves on us to ask ourselves: “will the new regime tighten the noose around corrupt individuals in the country or will it pay lip-service to the war on corruption?” Nigerians are fed up with the failed promises by our leaders. It has dawned on us that the current system doesn’t encourage honesty and hardwork. The greed amongst our leaders to acquire wealth despite the plight faced by our people is appalling. Politics has become big business; whatever is spent to attain a political post is seen as an investment to be recovered once the politician gets into power. These rogues are glorified and celebrated to the extent that uniforms (asoebi) are worn to celebrate them. The time has come to strictly enforce anti-corruption laws without fear, by making examples of a select few to deter others from committing economic and financial crimes. To effectively battle corruption, we must begin from the grassroots. The mass media has an important role to play in the war against corruption. In this election year, there is a need to educate the public of their rights as citizens of this great nation. If our rights are respected, we will have a secured nation. The media should also report the truth and not report diluted news to the public. If Nigeria is to be rid of corruption, there should be a thirst for contentment among us all. It is pertinent that we open our eyes and see the damages of corruption to our nation. It has and will continue to bring misery to our countrymen if we do not rise as one and destroy this scourge called corruption. We pray and hope that this year will bring a new dawn in Nigeria. • Ngozi Alexander Maraba, Nasarawa State

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Adekunle Ade-Adeleye •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile •Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon •Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina • Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu • Gen. Manager (Training and Development) Soji Omotunde •General Manager (Abuja Press) Kehinde Olowu •AGM (PH Press) Tunde Olasogba •Advert Manager Robinson Osirike •IT Manager Bolarinwa Meekness

‘President Jonathan knows his powers, and if he does not, his attorney-general does and he can seek advice from him on this matter. If President Jonathan does not arrest them, then he has taken part, however tacitly, in a subversion plot against the government in which he is the head; and in the contempt of the constitution of which he is the first citizen’

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

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: It has been four years since the last election was conducted. Four years after, another opportunity has presented itself for elections to be conducted, where leaders who will steer the ship called Nigeria for another four years will be (s) elected. Everywhere one goes to he sees, feels and experiences the frenzy of elections. This situation is present both at the federal and state levels. At the federal level, the candidates have been engaged in serious politicking, to the extent that governance has been at a stand still because the incumbent president is seeking to be reelected for a second time. One common phenomenon is the way and manner we conduct our elections. Virtually all elections we have conducted save the last one have been characterised by violence and massive rigging. In fact, our elections in this part of the world are a mockery of elections and democratic practices. We witness a situation where candidates are imposed on the people and where certain candidates emerge through popular votes, they are not announced. One must however admit that INEC under Professor Attahiru Jega conducted what some people are describe as a near perfect

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Nigeria must survive February polls election; compared with what used to obtain in the past, one can give him credit for that feat. We have always recorded violence at our elections. The 2011 election was no exception. Supporters of the candidates thronged the streets in protest and engaged in reckless and wanton killings of individuals. Young Nigerians who were serving their fatherland were killed like chickens, putting their families in endless sorrows. The sad thing is that four years after, no body has been prosecuted for tried for that crime. So, we go into another round of elections with little or nothing being said about the prosecution of those who orchestrated violence during the last election. The wound is still fresh in the hearts of the bereaved. They are painfully reminded of lost loved ones every time they hear issues pertaining to elections. To escape another situation where people will be caught unawares, majority of Nigerians have decided to vacate their current place of domicile to the various home states or states of origin. People have left where they were registered to vote. This is a sad reminder of what transpired during the pre-civil war period of Nigeria. Politicians are already inciting their supporters against their opponents. Nigerians are divided along the line of the candidates and the few who chose to be neutral are called cowards and enemies of Nigeria. Politicians must guard and watch what they say while soliciting from votes from the people. They must stick to issues and tell us what they will do different if given the mandate to lead. A so-called peace pact was recently signed. While it is a commendable move, we must not forget that politicians are hardly seen at the scene of violence. They hide at comfort of their homes to push job-

less and aimless youths to the streets to wreck havoc on innocent people. This month, Nigeria must not be killed. The elections should provide us the opportunity to redeem our country from the clutches of those who have held us to ransom. Candidates and their supporters must be civil during campaigns and at elections. We must not destroy Nigeria on order to govern Nigerians. The elections should be conducted. Postponing the elections may overheat the polity and bring Nigeria to an end. God forbid! • Frank Ijege, frankijege@yahoo.com

Still on Imo PDP and internal democracy

Kudos to Ajimobi on workers’ welfare IR: From inception, the Ajimobi administration in Oyo State gave priority attention to workers’ welfare in the realization that the engine room of any government is its civil service. Without a competent civil service which is a necessary condition for effective and efficient administration, nothing meaningful can be achieved because an inept civil service would not only frustrate the implementation of laudable policies and initiatives, it would render the government dead on arrival. This must have informed government’s decision to lay great emphasis on training and retraining of civil servants. It is to the credit of the Ajimobi government that over 40,000 civil servants across the state have been subjected to various training programmes both locally and internationally.

For the first time in the history of the state, government did not only provide free transport service for its workers, but also considerably improved the environment in which they work. This great gesture by government has significantly reduced workers’ transportation burden. Other areas of comfort zone for workers include among others: Payment of the arrears of 142 percent increase to pensioners; Payment of 13th month salary to workers in the state since 2011; 100% upward review of Housing Loans for Civil and Public Servants from N1m to 2m.; 150% upward review of car loans to civil and public servants from N200,000 to N500,000. Others include raising the bar of graduate primary school teachers from GL 14 to 15; Gazetting of the employment of public primary and secondary school teachers; Lifting of

stagnation bar for typists in the Civil Service that had stagnated for over 10 years on GL 09 to GL 12, with redesignation to Secretarial Assistants, etc. Senator Ajimobi who the civil servants through their chairman, Joint Negotiating Council, Nurudeen Arowolo once described as neverseen-before worker-friendly governor has also revealed that part of his continuity agenda would be to continue to explore all possible avenues to make life more worth living for the workers in general who he said deserved even more, given their unflinching cooperation and support for his administration. The workers therefore must give unwavering and total support for the second term aspiration for Governor Ajimobi. • TolaAdeoya, Opoyeosa, Ibadan, Oyo State.

IR: The conspiracy to deny Senator Ifeanyi Araraume of his hard-earned victory in the Imo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election, if not reversed, will serve as a major case study in the practice of democracy in this dispensation and beyond. It is unfathomable how the leadership of the PDP can allow interests other that of the people, to override the general and acceptable standard of best practice. As the largest party in Africa, the onus is on the party to live by example so as not to incur the wrath of the electorate. The mathematical abracadabra conceived and unleashed on the psyche of Imo people by dispossessing Araraume of victory is an expensive caricature taken too far and a slap on modern day democracy. However, this goes to show the utter need for an independent and impartial judiciary. The pre-conceived plan to award victory to an undeserving contender has certainly put a question mark on the criteria for the conduct of primaries in the PDP where Emeka Ihedioha’s votes were counted last to achieve the aim of allocating victory to him against a preferred candidate. Araraume’s constituency diverted the legend’s victory despite the ruling of a competent court of jurisdiction. The same misdemeanor is about to be repeated but we can only be confident in justiceability of this

particular case where figures and pattern of election do not tally. How can anybody explain to the people of Nigeria that total number of votes declared are at variance with the number of accredited voters? Nigerian democracy has certainly out grown tutelage stage were misappropriation could have been excusable as a learning process; this time such assumptions can not be sustained because Nigeria has become a leading light in African polity and by extension politics of the world. To say that the party has been alienated from the electorate in Imo is stating the obvious. The only way to curb impunity and illegality in our polity is to disallow such anomaly as a corrective measure to future ocurencies. The silence of the party leadership presupposes that might is rigtht. For how long can we continue to toy with the sensibility of the Nigerian electorate? Can somebody ponder for a while to assess the damage that can emanate from such injustice if allowed to thrive in our clime? How can anybody justify the imposition of delegates list as a substitute for a constitutional mode of such practice? As a former aspirant, I was a victim of such circumstance which I had never expected could be allowed not to talk perpetrating injustice of such magnitude in Imo governorship election. • Ben Onyechere, Owerri, Imo State

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

COMMENTS

IKE Shakespeare’s King Macbeth, charmed and ruined by the three witches, three apparitions continue to haunt Goodluck Jonathan, president of the Federal Republic. But these apparitions belong to three different categories: tragic, comic and tragi-comic. Tragic: the Chibok girls, whose capture, some nine months ago, continues to define the Jonathan Presidency: its incompetence in citizens’ basic security and safety — the most fundamental duty of any state. Comic: the Transmogrification — sorry Transformation — Ambassadors

the administration donned its most toxic toga so far: the president as perceived but unfazed champion of corruption and allied sleaze. When the president made that ill-fated comment about “ordinary” stealing not being anything near corruption, the notorious canonisation stuck Olakunle — this government does not lordbeek1@gmail.com, 08054504169 (Sms only, please) Abimbola give a damn about probity and accountability! Meanwhile, a meltdown was on. Boko Haram was killing and bombing at will; and demystifying the Nigerian of Nigeria (TAN) that, like Macbeth’s subversive witches, make Macbeth to usurp his king and later unravel, Obasanjo — for military. The president’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of Jonathan inordinate and bizarre likenesses — the outrageous no altruistic reasons, by the way — goaded Jonathan to higher seethed with rebellion, culminating in a split. In blind panic, comparisons to Barrack Obama, Nelson Mandela, Lee Kuan state responsibilities, that would later prove beyond his ken; the Jonathan Presidency was also turning key security agencies Yew and Martin Luther King, trusting Nigerians were dimwits and from which he would eventually unravel. of state into partisan political tools — perhaps more than any to swallow the nonsense. What is more? The Obasanjo power game and Jonathan’s other government in this country’s history. Tragi-comic: the pair of Pa Edwin Clark and Asari Dokubo receptive opportunism, came with a cruel repudiation of the But even with all of these, TAN — that stole illicit campaign — the one old and wise, yet makes statements that continue to zoning agreement that vaulted Obasanjo himself to power. time ahead of others, because the sitting government thinks distance angry voters from the president; the other young and That created a poisoned chalice. A baleful North felt cheated nothing of bending the law to its own brazen advantage — brash, that continues to yak and yak — nonsensical threats and openly grumbled. The result was mutual distrust and came out with its infamous comparison that Jonathan was the that impress no one but his deluded self. blame-trading that allowed Boko Haram, the crazed killers in best thing that ever happened to Nigeria! That was well and This duo, that ironically hurt the Jonathan cause more than the name of pseudo-Islam, to fester. That thoroughly truly comic! any other, epitomise the quality of presidential counselling, demystified the president as effete; his presidency as prostrate And with more than ample evidence of acute presidential on the virtual eve of a crucial election. and the Nigerian state as simply pathetic. failure, the president on the stumps making ridiculous promises Apparitions, therefore, virtually threw up President Jonathan But even as the North chaffed, President Jonathan, virtually it clearly cannot keep, given its parlous performance record; — and apparitions appear set to consume him. It would appear first thing in 2012, launched the start of a series of campaigns and the grand collapse of a campaign structured on religious the rise and fall of a voodoo presidency! that would eventually wipe out his goodwill — the January and ethnic divisiveness, Pa Clark and ex-militants still delude The tragic Macbeth, hardy soldier flush with yet another 2012 hike in the pump price of petroleum products, sparking themselves with levying war, should their “son” lose? That is victory, appeared quite content with his raise from Thane of the Occupy Nigeria citizen protests in Lagos, Abuja and other well and truly tragi-comic! Glamis to Thane of Cawdor; and quite appreciative of his illmajor cities nationwide. But the real tragedy is the fate of the Chibok 276. How can a fated King, Duncan — until the three witches put, in his head, Now, was this some spiritual comeuppance, or the accidental government that could not protect these innocent school girls regicide, en route to himself becoming illicit king. starting of a journey with the ominous left foot, that would from Boko Haram, yet dilly-dallied until their rescue became Jonathan too was quite content — and overly appreciative, it snowball into never-ending bad luck? almost a mission-impossible, in all good conscience, seek rewould appear — playing second fiddle to Dieprieye This is because the Occupy Nigeria protests, and its handling, election? Alamieseigha, the then wave-cresting, self-named Governorset the tone for the Jonathan Presidency — unsavoury tones on Chibok is the painful metaphor of a state, under the agency of General of the Ijaw nation, though only officially Bayelsa most counts. President Jonathan, that has failed in its basic and most important governor — until President Olusegun Obasanjo entered the For starters, impunity. That President Jonathan literarily duty. Pray, where has it found the guts to pitch the same people fray. smashed the Lagos protests with military tanks established, for re-election? Jonathan committed no regicide. Indeed, it was early enough, the administration’s penchant for the military But even if the rest of Nigeria decides to “move on” as the Alamieseigha, no thanks to stupendous sleaze, that committed fist of mail, when it could not reason its way out of trouble. It president and his party clearly hope they would, the ghost of power suicide. Though Jonathan was, even at the nadir of the won the protest war, all right. But it tragically lost the peace. the kidnapped girls, the deep hurt of their parents and even the crisis, still loyal to his boss, Obasanjo would not rest until he Then, the profile of the president as simplistic. In rather self-rebuke of the president’s own prickling conscience, continue planted, in Jonathan’s mind, the idea of higher responsibilities childish reaction to the Occupy Nigeria protests in Lagos, the to haunt — and will eventually smash — this re-election gambit. — governor, vice-president and eventually, president. president thoroughly insulted Lagos and its denizens, claiming It is well and truly tragic! That, to be sure, was no crime. But as the witches goaded that the so-called subsidy only favoured Lagos fat cats and From an irate and insulted electorate, to the president and his their rotten offspring, and never, for instance, the hardy souls party: from February 14 looms a crushing and comprehensive “Chibok is the painful metaphor of a of this own Otuoke village. defeat, other things being equal! And when, somewhat it came out that the so-called subsidy Well, no tear for Goodluck Jonathan on his well earned fate. state, under the agency of President could well be taking back, from the majority, what a But let those who will take over from him beware. After the Jonathan, that has failed in its basic and removal few hustlers — voodoo fuel independent marketers had stolen Jonathan meltdown, it is unlikely the Nigerian electorate would most important duty” from the state, possibly to help fund the president’s election — tolerate, from anybody, the pre- and Jonathan era humbug.

epublican ipples

Macbeth Jonathan

ITH the hustings at the feverish pitch, it is expected that politicians would exploit all the tricks in the book to tilt everything to their advantage. Perhaps, nowhere is the battle so fierce as the contest over our minds and souls. To describe the media space in the last few months as oversaturated would therefore be an understatement. Whether it is in the traditional media of print and broadcast or the virtual jungle of the World Wide Web (www) where rules are not known let alone respected, it is the season for Nigerians to say something about just anything under the sun. Boom time no doubt for those in advertising business. But then, so also is creeping anomie into what is ordinarily a regulated and highly creative sector. Although, the symptoms have been with us for a long time, we have ignored the tell-tale signs of the budding malaise to the extent that the metastasis now threatens collective health. Whereas in the PDP’s war manual, the end is supposed to justify the meanness, the free-for-environment of public communication would seem one of the more stark derivatives of the current anomie. For while it would seem ordinarily troubling enough that an Ayo Fayose, a certified political delinquent who currently runs the administration in the enlightened state of Ekiti, would dare to put out an advertisement wishing the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress party, General Muhammadu Buhari dead, it would have been utterly unimaginable that the mediums would have carried an advertisement that is not only insensitive but clearly affront public morality as the piece in question in years past. Talk of the signs of the troubling times. As if also in the same spirit, there is currently an on-going tango in the outdoor advertising sector between the Lagos State government and the PDP-federal government, described as “poster wars”. The particulars are as one might expect in a politicallycharged season. Lagos PDP had accused the Lagos State Signage & Advertisement Agency (LASAA) of orchestrating the removal of its campaign posters from public places. Ever so assured of the federal might behind it, the party would dare to issue a dire warning: “Henceforth, anywhere our posters and outdoor campaign materials are removed by LASAA, we will do the same to materials belonging to the ruling APC government in Lagos State in a bigger magnitude. We will no longer condone this reckless abuse of public institutions for the selfish interests of those who want to perpetuate themselves in power at all costs.” Days after, Kayode Aderanti, the Lagos State top cop would threaten a clampdown on officials of LASAA. His office, he told Lagosians, was inundated with series of complaints from candidates of other political parties alleging mass pulling down of their posters and billboards by officials of

Policy Sanya Oni sanyaoni@yahoo.co.uk 08051101841

LASAA/FG tango: When might is right LASAA. Taking cover under Section 100(2) of the 2010 Electoral Act as amended which states that “State apparatus including the media shall not be employed to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidates at any election”, he threatened to arrest anybody or group – excluding staff of the regulatory agency, LASAA – caught in the act! With the battle so joined, last week, the Federal Government went for broke; the Federal Ministry of Works wrote to the President of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) terminating the existing approvals for outdoor sites previously given to members of the body in Lagos State specifically for locations on federal government roads/setbacks. Earlier, the PDP had reportedly mounted its adverts on street poles in violation of existing contracts with Globacom and Huawei leading to an alleged loss of N350 million. It seems aeons ago that outdoor advertising in Greater Lagos city space was defined by the rule of disorder – with every manner of advertisers with just about anything to sell –contesting for space to grab the attention of their patrons. Today, were Lagosians to be asked about one area where their city has truly lived to its billings as centre of excellence, it must be in the area of sanitising the outdoor advertising arena through effective regulation. Gone – and it seems forever already – are the days when public buildings were defaced with all manners of materials purporting to sell their messages. The same goes for the ubiquitous billboards once indiscriminately mounted in the city landscape; a new discernable order is in place as one would expect in a modern, 21st Century city –a tribute to the efforts of LASAA.

The problem isn’t just that the structure carefully put in place is being threatened by the noxious politics being promoted by the state PDP, if we expected that the law – and not the police – would be the arbiter in cases where such disputes arise, the reality on ground must be deeply troubling indeed. To begin with, yours truly is of the view that CP Aderanti’s statement threatening to clamp down on LASAA officials though unfortunate underlies a more sinister script. Shouldn’t the police commissioner have known that the agency is creation of statute, hence its operations are governed by strict provisions of its statute? How about simply directing the aggrieved Lagos PDP members to seek redress in court rather their naked resort to issuing threats? That apparently would not have played to the script – the same way that his invocation of the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) to justify his threat to clamp down on an agency created by law while feigning ignorance about the provisions of the fourth schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) which vests the authority over outdoor advertsing in local governments! Still wondering where the narow alley that the PDP recourse to self-help leads? Let’s go back little. Sometime in July last year, the federal government reportedly granted approval to the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) and Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to set up a task force ostensibly to maintain traffic on the federal roads in Lagos State. National Coordinator of the agency, Alhaji Abdulrazak Rafiu Otto would later warn that “any attempt by the Lagos State government or its officials to interfere in the management of traffic on the federal roads would be resisted” as according to him, “the Act setting up SURE-P/FERMA empowers it to carry out such civic responsibility on federal roads”. See the catch: the SURE-P Task Force schedule of duties as outlined on their billboard on the old toll-gate along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway says something about the management of traffic on federal highways, control of setbacks and other nonsense stuff that a gung-ho federal behemoth would dare to dream! And that regulation is supposed to override the one validly made by the Lagos House of Assembly! Still wondering about the confidence of Lagos PDP? With a trained SURE-P militia already trained to administer their jungle municipal services in Lagos State, the lawless Jonathan administration would seem one step away from capturing their dream prize – Lagos. LASAA and the Lagos State government should sue the hell out of them.

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

COMMENTS

LEVEN days from today, the destiny of Nigeria would be decided at the ballot box when approximately 69million Nigerians, registered to vote in the upcoming general elections, are expected to troop out to the 120,000 or so polling units scattered across the country to elect a new president and commander-in-chief for the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The contest, apologies to the other contestants, is mainly between the incumbent and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), President Goodluck Jonathan and the main opposition leader and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari. The outcome of the election would, to a large extent, determine which party controls the next National Assembly and most of the government houses and houses of assembly across the 36 states of the federation. In the previous four general elections since the advent of this democracy in 1999, the political atmosphere was never this charged, as the PDP, having won handsomely in 1999 has found a way of crushing all the other political parties in the subsequent general elections by hook or by crook. But the party in the last four years has squandered the goodwill extended to it by Nigerians and for the first time in 16 years it is facing real election, the outcome of which it is not in a position to influence. And for that the drum-beat of war is sounding loud especially from supporters of President Goodluck Jonathan who believe no other person except their man must win, or else… Ex Niger Delta militants’ leaders, Asari Dokubo, Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) and Victor Ebikabowei (Boyloaf), all Ijaw like Jonathan have threatened to unleash war on Nigeria if their kinsman was not re-elected on February 14. They have been joined by Jonathan’s Special Adviser on Niger Delta Amnesty, Kinsley Kuku in this war

As Tompolo, Dokubo, Boyloaf and Kuku prepare for war… threat. Surprisingly, the man on whose behalf they are threatening no peace for Nigeria should he lose the election, Goodluck Jonathan has kept quiet in what could only be interpreted to mean a tacit support. No problem. While prominent Nigerians have called for the arrest of the ex warlords for threatening the peace in Nigeria, I am of the opinion that they be left alone to carry out their threat since it is increasingly becoming clearer that Jonathan could indeed lose the presidential election. I am not speaking tongue in cheek. If they want to levy war on Nigeria, they should go ahead, but they should be prepared to face the consequences. My concern if they should go that far is the collective punishment that war inflicts on residents/indigenes of the theatre of war. Nigeria is technically at war in the north east with terrorists who want to bring down the country and enthrone their warped ideology, but they do not have the capacity to do this and as such the war is being fought largely in their backyard with innocent people in that region suffering. When the old southeast went to war with the rest of Nigeria in the late 60s, the region bore the brunt of the fighting and the scar is still there today for all to see; the much talked about reconciliation, rehabilitation and reintegration programme of the then federal government after the war for the region notwithstanding. I am not trying to ridicule anybody, especially our compatriots across the Niger; the point being made is that wherever war was fought, the people in that area would suffer more than the people in other areas indirectly affected by the fighting. So if Tompolo, Dokubo, Boyloaf, Kuku and their likes plan to plunge Nigeria into war in the event of Jonathan losing the election, they should remember the Niger Delta people and what such a conflict could do to them. As stated earlier, nobody should beg them not to do it. They should only be reminded that such a course of action attracts severe consequences. But I am sure they don’t have the capacity to do it. They are just threatening war in order to appear to Jonathan that they are fighting his cause so that he can open the nation’s purse for them. I am sure they are not speaking for the entire Ijaw nation some of whom might not even vote for Jonathan on February 14. They are just heating up the polity and the person I blame for it is Jonathan, who, as usual is not acting as president and commander-inchief on whose shoulders rest the responsibility to ensure peace and secure the

territorial integrity of the nation. One word from him and all this nonsense would stop. I guess he is enjoying it hoping that the swelling opposition to his misrule would be cowed in the face of threat of war by his kinsmen; but he is wrong. The stage at which Nigerians are today, no threat, not even from militants, former or still could deter them from excising their right to vote for a president of their choice come February14. If that choice happened to be Jonathan, so be it, but if they chose somebody else, nobody should tamper with their choice. Jonathan owes it to us to ensure free and fair elections on February 14 and 28, 2015. Anything to the contrary is an invitation to chaos. If the elections were free, fair and credible, everybody including Tompolo et al would accept the result.

Buhari and Jonathan in Lagos The two leading candidates in the February 14 presidential election have been moving round the country to convince the electorate why they deserve their votes. While I do not intend to rate the performance of each of them, one can safely say that if the turnout at the rallies was an indication of how the people intend to vote, then the result, barring any ‘mago-mago’ would be very clear on election day. While so far their campaigns have been relatively devoid of violence, my worry is the deliberate attempt being made by some desperate politicians to introduce violence in the run up to the election. Shortly after the Buhari rally in Lagos, a chieftain of PDP in the state Musiliu Obanikoro, you know him, tweeted that the APC presidential candidate was stoned in Lagos, a claim immediately denied by the opposition party. But Koro, as he is better known, insisted that it happened. Except I missed anything, I neither heard nor read about this purported stoning of Buhari in Lagos, but if Koro is still insisting it took place, then he must have organized, funded and taken part in the stoning, and as such must be arrested by the police for sponsoring and introducing violence into the campaign and attempting to cause public disorder. The police need not look elsewhere as he has confessed freely. So AIG Zone 2, Mbu Joseph Mbu over to you. Welcome to Lagos or rather, this is Lagos. by force of arm or the ballot box. Jonathan is not the president of Niger Delta, but Nigeria and so must show as well as convince every Nigerian that he is deserved of their votes. With a sustained campaign of calumny against the army General, no one, either PDP or AsariDokubo, had expected he would still be standing tall. Like a stubborn stain on Jonathan's white garment, his handling of the Nigerian Governors Forum controversy (NGF) was at best partisan. Or, how would anyone imagine that 16 is greater than 19? How about the $20 billion NNPC scandal or Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison -Madueke's N10 billion private jet scandal? Or, even the president's inability to rescue the Chibok Girls, yet was in Kano to dance hours after an Abuja Motor Park was bombed, killing thousands of people? It's still fresh, too, the memories of applicants who died at the stadium after paying to enlist into the Nigerian Immigration Service, yet not an official or the minister was fired. One could guess correctly that had it gone without casualties, government would have added it to its lists of 'ghost' achievements though money was made off the job seekers. Today, poverty is in geometric proportions in a country ranked sixth in oil production. Manufacturing firms are leaving the country with those still around struggling to pay bills due to very high cost of production. In all of these, the beneficiaries of the poor state of basic infrastructure in Nigeria are our neighbours, Ghana, Niger Republic, Camerounn and Mali, some of which we describe as poor countries! These should bother Asari-Dokubo, Tompolo, Boyloaf and Clark, because they are the true threat to Jonathan's re-election. But again, we must remind ourselves that when we seek peace out of any bad situation, it should not be taken for weakness. For, though, even if the man who chose to make war has all it takes to win a war, he will never sleep with two eyes closed until it is over. Until the coming of Boko Haram, the Niger Delta Militants stole the nation's oil and killed military guards in their large numbers. Today, though they are hated with passion, Boko Haram is proving to everyone, including Niger Delta militants, that they do not hold the patent to violence. So, really, who is afraid of war? Any one who witnessed the wrath of god of thunder (Sango) with never talk evil of it. • Oba is Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor.

‘Except I missed anything, I neither heard nor read about this purported stoning of Buhari in Lagos, but if Koro is still insisting it took place, then he must have organized, funded and taken part in the stoning, and as such must be arrested by the police for sponsoring and introducing violence into the campaign and attempting to cause public disorder’ OR the umpteenth time, Nigerians were treated to yet another threat of war, fire, thunder and brimstone; something that has become part of our daily menu list served from the oil-rich Bayelsa State, since General Muhammadu Buhari emerged the presidential standard bearer of the All Progressives Congress Party (APC), and a strong contender for presidency against their kinsman, the Otuoke-Bayelsa State-born incumbent, President Goodluck Jonathan, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). As always, the 'war apostles' have neither learnt a new trade nor allowed the creeks to leave their thinking along with the changing times, having benefitted from what today, is regarded as government's handshake across the Niger. For the lack of another word, at least, they are still the region's 'distinguished' former militants turned millionaires. What, however, has changed is that they are not promising Nigerians war from the swirling waterways of the creeks, (though not unlikely they would relocate to the creeks when they begin to make their war), but right inside Government House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. How time changes and men forget the past too soon. Here, we have men who were granted 'pardon' or 'amnesty' after a lucrative and gainful sabotage of the nation's oil revenues through the force of arms in the region's water expressways – a serious offence in most countries – returning to poke the nation in the face. Interestingly, these same men, including one of the region's typical turn-coats, Chief Edwin Clark, had put their sabotage skills to work when former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, presented President Jonathan to his kinsmen as Vice Presidential candidate to run with the late President Musa Yar' Adua. One of the reasons they adduced for standing in the way of Jonathan was that while he was governor of Bayelsa State for two years, he did not add value to the state. Instead, they told the world, he pursued personal interests, including enriching himself. They had sworn possibly with the same thunder, fire and brimstone that they are currently promising Nigerians today should Jonathan lose the February 14 election. But Obasanjo had his way. The hatred did not end there. It reared up again rather ravenously when the late Yar'Adua appointed Jonathan to handle the amnesty negotiations. The militants had kicked until they were left

Ex-militants and threats of war ByAbdulwahaab Oba without a choice. Today, curiously, it is this trio of Asari-Dokubo, Tompolo and Boyloaf that are swearing by Otuoke and creeks gods and goddesses to make Nigeria ungovernable should Nigerians reject Jonathan at the polls. Only a few weeks ago, Asari-Dokubo also boasted that he would raze down the entire South-west and went on to warn that the region has acquired war ships that could help them prosecute large scale war against any region of the country. One might have been accustomed to Asari-Dokubo's often excessive and reckless manner of speaking, but more threatening is the uncommon silence of the presidency. With the manner Asari-Dokubo and his kinsmen are carrying on since the campaigns, it has become expedient to draw a line between drunkenness and madness, comedy and sarcacism or, crudity and ignorance. This month’s election is really not about war and even where it is about war, such wars are fought with the Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs). I dare say, the election is more of a contest between President Jonathan and Nigerians; not even about Buhari or APC, the party that has since the return of democracy, for once, posed real threat to PDP's oligarchical dominance. Interestingly, President Jonathan as incumbent, is in pole position to cruise to victory if he is able to render to Nigerians a convincing stewardship of his six years in office. Nothing can be more patronizing than that. No cache of arms can win anyone the presidency as cheaply as evidences of performance. Except Asari-Dokubo, himself, is not convinced the president has done enough to sleep with eyes shut and so, readying for war just in case his fears come to pass. Even taken for granted that thePresident is under some sort of spell and can hardly remember anything he did that has impacted positively on the lives of the citizens, AsariDokubo rather than further blur and blot out his records by threatening fire and brimstone, should assist in looking up the performance evidences anywhere they are hidden. Bitter as it may sound, one thing is to want to rule, the other is to know what the challenges are and how to go about tackling them as president. Asari-Dokubo, it could safely be said, knows that every Nigerian desires steady power supply and an end to the pervading insecurity in the land, as well as a government that can fix the economy, create jobs eyes can see and above all, fight corruption which like a malignant fever has left the economy and every Nigerian with a red eye. How President Jonathan has fared in these regards, perhaps, is the difference between him and the evidently increasing popularity of the Katsina-born retired army General, who ruled the country more than 40 years ago, yet has clear chances in the elections as exemplified by the hurriedly shut down AIT opinion poll. One expected Asari-Dokubo and his kinsmen to look beyond Buhari or APC; and Southwest or North, to locate concrete reasons Jonathan deserves re-election since unlike the 2011 election tainted by the 'no shoes' sympathy, Nigerians would decide the election based on performance. The opposition APC points the president to the festering corruption under his watch. For instance, they say that never in the history of Nigeria has any leader given government officials unhindered access to state funds or fraternized with men who stole the nation blind as President Jonathan. Taken for granted that stealing is not corruption as the President said, they say where he decides to keep a blind eye, it should not be on people already convicted or being tried of corrupt practices. But to even the blind, the President's body language is crystal clear. He seems to enjoy the company of foxes who steal with 10 fingers by either granting them state pardon or rewarding them with National Honours. While freedom of speech is one of the benefits of democracy, Asari-Dokubo and his ilk need be reminded of the implication of his threat, particularly as Niger Delta region alone cannot make Jonathan president either

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

’ E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

Although there are adequate and elaborate provisions in the Electoral Act, 2010 as amended and the penal statutes to deal with political violence and electoral malfeasance, the managers of the neo-colonial state lack the political will to bring electoral offenders to book

’

See page 27

On January 14, the two leading presidential candidates, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Gen. Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and others signed the Abuja peace accord. Under the pact, they promised to ensure peaceful elections. But in violation of the treaty, former Niger Delta militants have threatened to unleash terror on the nation if President Jonathan loses the February 14 election. To the dismay of Nigerians, the authorities are not calling them to order. Is this right? No, say lawyers, who are asking security agents to arrest and prosecute the former militants, reports ADEBISI ONANUGA.

•Dokubo

•Tompolo

•Boyloaf

Lawyers: try ex-militants for treason S OME lawyers have backed the call by a former Minis ter of Defence, Lt.-Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, for the arrest and prosecution of former Niger Delta militants, who are threatening to cause trouble, if President Goodluck Jonathan loses the February 14 election. Gen. Danjuma, who spoke in Kaduna last Wednesday, urged the Federal Government to arrest the militants before the nation is plunged into chaos. He described the threat as “reckless”, stressing that it is against national unity and capable of plunging the country into war. The former militants made the threat at a meeting in the Government House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. At the meeting were Mujahid Asari Dokubo, Victor Ben Ebikabowei (alias Boyloaf) and Government Ekpudomenowei (alias Tompolo). Also there were the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman of Amnesty Implementation Committee, Kingsley Kuku; Governor Seriake Dickson and President-General, Ijaw Youth Council, Udengs Eradiri, among others. Dokubo-Asari deplored alleged intimidation of the Ijaw, saying the people cannot take it any longer. He said: “For every Goliath, God created a David. For every Pharoah, there is a Moses. We are going to war. Everyone of you should go and fortify yourself.” Boyloaf condemned the attack on President Jonathan’s convoy in the North, saying nobody has the monopoly of violence. He said there is nothing like one Nigeria, pointing out that oil is the only thing that binds the country. Last Thursday, Tompolo restated the threat. He said: “Gen. Danjuma and his cohorts should know that I remain resolute on my position in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, that President Goodluck Jonathan must win this election for Nigeria to continue to stay together. “Is it the interest of Nigeria Gen. Danjuma is protecting or his oil bloc in the Niger Delta? Is it the interest of Nigeria Danjuma is protecting or his 50 million dollars donation to Gen. Buhari for his campaign? Let Gen. Danjuma and his cohorts know that they will not see any Ijaw man, the Igbos and others to fight on their side if the war that they are planning broke up,” he added. Observers see the threats as being against the spirit of the January 14 peace accord signed in Abuja by all the presidential candidates. When on January 14, the peace accord was signed, Nigerians believed that the agreement would engender a peaceful conduct of the elections. Many heaved a sigh of relief watching President Jonathan and the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Gen. Buhari, in warm embrace. The ‘Abuja Accord,’ commits the presidential gladiators and their political parties to peaceful electioneering campaigns and polls. They were also expected to ensure that the elections are devoid of violence. However, the inflammatory statements coming from the militants, who fear that President Jonathan might not have a chance at second term, have been massively condemned. Although the police and the Department State Security (DSS) threatened to move against anyone who makes inciting statements in the run up to the elections, no arrests have been made. Lawyers have condemned the threats, calling for the arrest of the former militants. Among those who spoke are Mallam Yusuf Ali (SAN); Chief Godwin Obla (SAN); a former Ikeja Branch Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Monday Ubani; a member of the Ogun State Judicial Service Commission, Abayomi Omoyinmi; Adesina Adegbite; Lagos lawyer, Theophilus Akawana; constitutional lawyer and author, Frank Agbedo, and Olukayode Enitan. •Continued on page 26

INSIDE:

Falana seeks establishment of electoral offences tribunal -Page 27

Law teachers to present directory -Page 28

Calls for postponement of elections mischievous, says Lawyers4Change -Page 39

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

LAW COVER CONT’D •Continued from page 25 Ali said: “The threat should not be taken lightly. And I want to think that it may be deeper than we thought. I believe that desperate politicians may be behind the whole orchestrated threat of violence. These are people, who were rewarded for their militancy. They were adequately rewarded both officially and unofficially for the reason of the terror they unleashed on Nigerians. I think they should not stretch their luck. The people should remember that violence begets violence. And no group of persons anywhere in the world has a monopoly of violence. “But more than that, they’re bringing down the very high office of the President. In spite of their denials, they are portraying the President as an ethnic jingoist or tribal warlord.” Obla described the threats as unacceptable, saying: “The election will be determined in accordance with democratic process. This threat is actually treasonable and cannot be condoned. People should campaign and sell their candidates rather than threaten thunder and brimstone. The PDP must distance itself from these characters.” Ubani said any threat against Nigeria from any quarter is condemnable. He added: “By the way, the choice of who will lead Nigeria from May 2015 is clearly in the hands of the majority of Nigerians whose singular prayer this time is for INEC to organise free, fair and credible election this year. “The government of Nigeria should show that they are in charge of the entire country, they ought to issue a condemnation note of warning through appropriate security agencies against any treasonable threat against the country. In short, a strong warning ought to have been issued against persons, bodies threatening to wage war against the country if they do not have their way. “Nigeria is clearly at the crossroads with these threats against the state coming from all the corners of the country. What will save Nigeria apart from God is for us to be sincere to ourselves and admit the fact that there is structural imbalance with the way the country is structured. We need to restructure Nigeria to run a true federalism due to our heterogeneous nature. True federalism is what is proper for this multi ethnic and religious country. “Power at the centre must as of necessity be cut down and allowance given to the federating units to be autonomous enough to run a competitive governance. Nigeria will remain under war and threats of war if we continue to run the country the way it is presently structured,” said Ubani. Omoyinmi described the statement by the duo of Dokubo and Tompolo as “totally reckless and out of place” and one which must not be taken likely, especially that same was made during the preparation for election that is already heating up the country through various campaign by political parties. Omoyinmi said the government must strongly condemn the attitude of both men vehemently and sanction them so that such statement would not further instigate the politics with violence or reckless statements in response from other quarters. He said the threat to blow up oil installation should President Jonathan lose election is treasonable if it eventually occurs and it is criminal. Akanwa said the threat is totally uncalled for and should be condemned by all well meaning Nigerians. “The security agents should investigate and bring to book all those making such utterances. I do not think it was the so called Niger Delta militants that brought President Jonathan to power ab initio. It was the Nigerian masses. The power to return him or not rests squarely on the masses,” he said. Another Lawyer, Enitan, lamented a situation whereby the presidency is being made to look like a family inheritance. “The fault is not theirs; it’s ours for allowing to become our President an individual, who as the days of his presidency draws to an end, is descending from being President of Nigeria to being President of the Ijaws.” In apparent reference to the threats of the militants, Enitan regretted that they (militants) have obviously “reduced the presidency to the status of the stool of an Amanayanbo or Oba of their village”. “They should be informed that when Nigerians voted for Jonathan in 2011, it was not because he was an Ijaw man, but as a Nigerian and as a statement to everyone that the office of the President is not the right of any particular individual nor section but for whosoever Nigerians decide to give it to by their votes. If Nigerians choose not to re-elect him, it’s also because they have decided that they want another person as thinking citizens irrespective of ethno-religious and political persuations as it constitutes grave danger to national unity. “Although the freedom of expression is a right guaranteed by Section 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution, this right, like other equally guaranteed rights, is not absolute, but has been watered down by the provisions of Section 45(1) of the same Constitution, which makes provision for derogations from rights preserved under Sections 37, 38, 39, 40 & 41 hereof in the overriding interest of national security, public safety, public order or for the purpose of protecting the rights of other people in the country. “There is, therefore, no hiding place or sanctuary under the law for these purveyors of violence, who must be made to face the wrath of the law for their incendiary and egregious threat to the peace and unity of this country. “The government must take appropriate and concrete action beyond merely condemning the actions of these groups. In taking such actions the approach must be holistic and not selective to ensure equal treatment to all those implicated in the dastardly and thoroughly ill advised conducts. There should be no sacred cows,” he said. Adegbite said it is so sad that Nigeria has degenerated to the level that everybody now makes all manners of careless, reckless and provocative statements. “Unfortunately, the reckless statements have often been treated most inappropriately by the government and the Nigerian security agencies. What we are witnessing in recent times particularly the most irresponsible outburst by the so called Ex Niger Delta militants, who I will rather call power drunk war mongers is very disturbing. “For the militants to issue threat that if Jonathan is not re-elected, they will enthroned violence on the land is a direct threat against the state and the peace of the country. This certainly is contrary to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and it is an act punishable under the Criminal Code. Section 37 (2) of the Criminal Code provides thus: “Any person conspiring with any person, either within or without Nigeria, to levy war against the state with intent to cause such levying of war as would be treason if committed by a citizen of Nigeria, is guilty of treason and is liable to the punishment of death.’ “It is very clear that the actors involved in this threat against the state of Nigeria are no better than Boko Haram terrorists and the law on Treason would have to be activated against the enemies of the unity of Nigeria. “Therefore, I totally agree with the call by Gen. T. Y Danjuma that they should be arrested and I must add, prosecuted. The security agencies must impartially rise up to their responsibilities and be unbiased in the discharge of their duties. Mr. President must also prove to us that he is not a President for the Ijaws, but the the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “All well meaning Nigerians must rise against all manners of irresponsible call for violence and threat to the unity and peace of the country,” Adegbite added. Omoyinmi suggested that the federal government should, however, not standby idly and allow the country to be plunged into unnecessary crisis by the unguarded statements emanating from the militants. Enitan asserted that the militants and their leaders have committed several offences for which they should be charged for incitement to violence; threat to the citizenry with a view to predetermine the outcome of an election; threat to the country by threatening the source of revenue of the federation; treasonable felony by threat to ceceed and unlawfully threatening to appropriate national resource. “They can also be charged under the terrorism act,” he said. For now, Enitan said what should be done is to keep the militants under very close watch with a view to preventing them from actualising their dastardly acts. “After the elections if the President is not re-elected, their monitoring should be heightened and once they are found tending towards actualisation, they would then be arrested and dealt with according to law,” he said. He added: “Suggesting to the government how to deal with the duo and others of their ilk would serve no purpose as the government would not look at any suggestions and a clear pointer to this is the fact that it took the government about seven days to dissociate itself from the statements and only after Gen. Danjuma had spoken.”

•Ali

•Obla

•Enitan

•Ubani

•Omoyinmi

•Adeshina

‘Try them for treason’ President,” he said. He described the militants’ threat as reckless. “That their statement is reckless is an understatement, a stronger word fails me, else I would have used it! Unfortunately for them, it is true that the President’s victory is not negotiable, as the time to negotiate the victory has passed. They all had the opportunity to negotiate it in the past six years when they had unfettered access to the resources of the nation and were receiving juicy ‘security’ and procurement contracts, but rather than use that access to better the lot of Nigerians and the people in their states, they were busying themselves with the purchase of jets and investing in countries other than Nigeria with obvious belief that they will have many more years to engage in such recklessness without let or hindrance from Nigerians. Now that they see that the people are about to take a decision, they’ve decided to issue silly and infantile threats,” he said. Agbedo said the threat is “totally unlawful and unconstitutional.” He added: “It must therefore, be condemned by all right

‘

They should be informed that when Nigerians voted for Jonathan in 2011, it was not because he was an Ijaw man, but as a Nigerian and as a statement to everyone that the office of the President is not the right of any particular individual nor section, but for whosoever Nigerians decide to give it to by their votes. If Nigerians choose not to re-elect him, it’s also because they have decided that they want another person as President

‘

THE NATION TUESDAY,FEBRUARY 3, 2015

LAW & SOCIETY

Osinbajo among ‘Nigeria’s Top 100 Lawyers’ HE All Progressives Con gress (APC) vice presidential candidate, Prof Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), has been listed among the Top 100 Lawyers. In the first-ever industry-wide ranking, Osinbajo was adjudged by the City Lawyer magazine as “having received some of the highest nominations” from peers. Prof Osinbajo received a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in 1978 and was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 1979. He received a Master of Law degree from the London School of Economics in 1980. Osinbajo is renown for his game-changing reforms and landmark achievements as Lagos State AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice. Osinbajo was Head of Public Law at the Faculty of Law, UNILAG and Special Adviser to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice between 1988 and 1992. He has over 31 years of litigation experience including significant trial and appellate work. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Osinbajo is the Senior Partner at Simmons Cooper Partners, a lead-

By Adebisi Onanuga

ing commercial litigation and corporate commercial firm with multijurisdictional competence spanning Nigeria, the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK). He has conducted crucial constitutional and precedent-setting cases before the Nigerian Supreme Court. Some of these include fiscal disputes between the federating units and the federal government; disputes regarding the ownership and control of oil and gas resources; town and physical planning disputes between the federating units and the federal government; an international territorial jurisdictional dispute in the West African sub-regional court; shareholder disputes involving a multinational company, private investors and state-owned investment corporations, and energy disputes arising from multinational participation in power projects in Nigeria. A member of the International Bar Association and the British Institute of International and Comparative Law, Osinbajo has served in Nigeria’s Body of Benchers and Council for Legal Education. He is currently an independent Director

of Citi Bank Nigeria and an Ethics Adviser to the board of the Africa Development Bank. He has also served in various capacities within the United Nations organization including serving as a staff member and Member of the UN Secretary General’s Committee of Experts on Conduct and Discipline of UN peacekeeping personnel. Osinbajo is Co-founder & Board Member of the Convention on Business Integrity and the Justice Research Institute Ltd. In 2007, he co-founded with his wife Oludolapo, “The Orderly Society Trust”, a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting good governance among other objects. He is a lucid author and much sought after speaker both locally and internationally. He is actively involved in the pursuit of legal education and justice sector reform in Nigeria, and is Pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Olive Tree Parish, Banana Island. In honour of his contributions to legal reform and development, a compendium of essays on Nigerian constitutional law was compiled.

•Prof Osinbajo

Falana seeks establishment of electoral offences tribunal set up the Ahmed Lemu Panel to investigate the crisis. “From the detailed report of the Panel, 943 people were killed while 838 others were injured. While the Federal Government has paid over N10 billion as reparation to the victims of the riots, the 626 suspects, who were arrested in connection with arson, culpable homicide and other grave offences perpetrated during the civil disturbances have been left off the hook on account of official impunity that has become the order of the day under the current political dispensation,” he recalled. He argued that since Nigeria claims to operate under the Rule of Law, there is no justification that suspects involved in sabotaging the electoral process have not been charged to any criminal court. According to him, “the crisis of impunity in the land has been compounded by the partisan involvement of the authorities of the police, the armed forces and other security agencies in the political process. “Although there are adequate and elaborate provisions in the Electoral Act, 2010 as amended and the penal statutes to deal with political violence and electoral malfeasance, the managers of the neocolonial state lack the political will to bring electoral offenders to book,” he said. Falana recalled that a few weeks ago, former Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Mr. Kofi Anan and the former SecretaryGeneral of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, jointly presided over the signing of a Non-Violence Accord by the presidential candidates of political parties that are taking part in this month’s Election. “At the well celebrated ceremony which held in Abuja the candidates of the two leading political parties embraced each other. While the media and several people were excited with the development. I expressed the view that the so called peace accord would not stem the tide of political violence in the country due to the violent nature of the electoral system coupled with official impunity. “In a number of decided cases, the courts have held that candidates sponsored by political parties cannot be held vicariously liable for politically motivated violence and electoral malpractice carried out on their behalf unless they can be directly linked with instigating or directing their supporters to engage in such criminality. Indeed, political leaders usually dissociate themselves from acts of violence by condemning the perpetrators. “However, if the suspects are charged to court the leaders turn round to engage the services of lawyers to defend them. In many cases, attorneys-general are directed to file nolle prosequi to stop the prosecution of suspects, who belong to the ruling parties. Hence, the cases of the hundreds of suspects charged to court by the Police for electoral offences committed during the 2003, 2007 and 2011 general elections were abruptly terminated in all the states of the federation,” he argued. Falana said Nigerians have witnessed a reign of terror by armed thugs, who have engaged in the bombing or burning of party secretariats; destruction of vehicles belonging to political parties; harassment of political opponents; wearing of masks by “security personnel” at campaign rallies; the extrajudicial killing and brutal attacks of innocent people at party congresses and primary elections; the unprovoked assault on judges; the throwing of stones at leaders among other vices in the last few months. He noted that in spite of the warning by the electoral officials, the illegal use of official vehicles by public officers for political campaigns has continued adding: “top political leaders have continued to make inciting statements. A governor published a death wish advert, which could have provoked ethnoreligious riots. Another governor attended a meeting where ex-militants threatened to declare war on the Republic if the President is “dethroned” in the forthcoming general election. “ It is hoped that those who are beating the drum of war will be called to order by President Jonathan. After all, they never took part in the streets protests held in Lagos and Abuja, which compelled the National Assembly to recognise Dr. Jonathan as the Acting President in May 2010. Neither did they blackmail Nigerians from all parts of the country to vote for the President in 2011. “With respect to the stoning of President Jonathan during a political rally in Bauchi, last week, Governor Isa Yaguda has pointed accusing fingers at some unnamed members of the ruling party. This is a serious allegation, which should be investigated by the Police with a view to bringing the culprits to book,” he said. He said the bulk of the infractions of the Law highlighted above took place after the signing of the peace accord. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has said “signing a peace pact is easy, the more difficult part is to ensure that the political office seekers and their supporters work within the rules of engagement”. Falana pointed out the fact that office seekers and their supporters cannot operate within ‘the rules of engagement” if they are treated like sacred cows. He posited that there is need to let political office seekers realise the fact that executive immunity does not cover election petitions and electoral offences. Citing Turaki v. Dalhaltu (2003) 38 WRN 54 at 168 he said: “Oguntade JCA (as he then was) held that “If a governor were to be considered immuned from court proceedings, that would create the position where a sitting governor would be able to flout election laws and regulations to the detriment of other persons contesting with him. This will make a nonsense of the election process and be against the spirit of our national Constitution, which in its tenor provides for a free and fair election.”

•Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Mahmud Mohammed

•Falana By Adebisi Onanuga

AGOS lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has urged the Federal Government to set up an Electoral Offences Tribunal to successfully tackle violence and irregularities during elections. The tribunal, he said, would be “an autonomous and ad hoc body, as it may not have much to do in between election period”. Falana’s advice is in consonance with Ahmed Lemu Panel’s recommendation in 2011, which said electoral offenders ought to be prosecuted in order to stop electoral violence. In a statement in Lagos titled: “How to stop political violence”, Falana said: “It is high time an end was put to the official endorsement of politically motivated violence in the country.” According to him, President Goodluck Jonathan should set up the tribunal having signed the nonviolence accord with the presidential candidates of other political parties. Falana said should the federal government declined to do so, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should prosecute electoral offenders in accordance with Section 150 of the Electoral Act. “But since the INEC lacks the capacity to discharge the onerous statutory duty, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) should take up the task of prosecuting electoral

offenders throughout the country. To ensure the success of his proposal, the lawyer said the NBA should be prepared to collaborate with the Body of Attorneys-General and the Nigeria Police, emphasising that “unless electoral offenders are punished as envisaged by the Electoral Act and the Constitution, the subversion of the democratic process would continue unabated”. Ahmed Lemu Panel had in 2011, made a strong case for the setting up of “an autonomous and constitutionally recognised Electoral Offences Tribunal, but which may be an ad hoc body as it may not have much to do in between election period”. Falana recalled that in 2007, President Umaru Yar’adua admitted that the election which brought him to power was flawed and that in a bid to sanitise the electoral system, he set up the Muhammadu Uwais’ Electoral Committee . “Among other recommendations the Committee called for the establishment of an Electoral Offences Tribunal. The Yaradua Administration rejected the recommendation without any justification. However, following the political violence, which greeted the announcement of the results of the presidential election in some states in the North and Akwa Ibom in April 2011, President Goodluck Jonathan

THE NATION TUESDAY,FEBRUARY 3, 2015

LAW & SOCIETY

CJN to inaugurate election tribunal members today

Law teachers to present directory By John Austin Unachukwu

HE Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Jus tice Mahmud Mohammed has ap pointed 242 judges as Chairmen and members of the Election Petition Tribunal nationwide. The tribunals will handle disputes that may arise from the forthcoming elections. The tribunal members will be inaugurated today at the Supreme Court in Abuja by 10 am. Justice Mohammed has blamed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the delay in the determination of corruption cases in courts. The CJN said EFCC’s failure to conduct thorough investigation and draft charges with specific and fewer counts is why courts find it difficult to conclude such cases on time. It was learnt that the need to meet the legal requirement for election tribunals to be constituted within a certain period before the elections contributed to the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) agreeing to a partial suspension of its strike. According to a statement by the Media Aide to the CJN, Ahuraka Isah, Justice Mohammed spoke in Abuja during a visit by some officials of the EFCC led by the Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde. The CJN said it was unfortunate that the

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

judiciary was at the receiving end of public critics I view of the impression that the courts deliberately frustrate the hearing and prompt conclusion of such cases. “If for any reason the prosecution is not ready to proceed with its case, then the matter should not be brought to court at all rather than leaving the public with the impression that the Judiciary is not performing its role in curbing corrupt practices in Nigeria. “To give credence to the judiciary’s commitment to playing its role, most jurisdictions have designated some courts and judges to handle corruption cases to ensure that such cases, particularly those being prosecuted by the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) are expeditiously dispose of. It is my intention to ensure that every state will have such designated judges/courts in line with sections 254, 259 and 279 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended)’’. “The judiciary is required to adjudicate in matters involving corruption where it is moved to do so. The courts are not intended to descend into the arena. We are not meant to seek out the scourge with a view to stamping it out no matter how much we would like to do so” the CJN said.

•EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde

Lamorde said their visit was to seek the cooperation of the Judiciary on the trial of corruption cases in the courts.

•From left: Nnadozie Ohanyere; Ndidi Anike, Eke Onyeforo, Juliet Nwaiwu and Chikezie Uba during the Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Owerri Branch.

ARRING last minute hitches, the Nigerian Association of Law Teachers (NALT) will present the maiden edition of its membership directory during its forthcoming conference. The directory will serve as a historical document and help to eliminate the incidence of impostors among members. A statement by the President of the Association, Prof E. Smaranda Olarinde, who is the Provost of the College of Law, Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), AdoEkiti, said: “Beginning from this year, 2015, the NALT will be producing a directory of institutions where Law is taught or researched in Nigeria. This directory will also profile Law Lecturers and Researchers in Nigeria to serve not only historical purposes but also reference purposes. “The non availability of such data has made it easier for persons not connected to law teaching or research, to impersonate and or derive benefits, which otherwise was for law teachers and researchers. For example, in the past some non academic got SAN-ship under academic group, while a few persons have held themselves out as possessing chairs in law which they did not have. “To enable this to be done within the shortest possible time, and ensure the availability of the directory at the forthcoming NALT Conference this year, you are requested to: “Provide a Comprehensive list of members of Academic Staff on your Staff list in Alphabetical Order (Surname, other names); Academic status, nature of employment(Full time or Contract); This list should include those on sabbatical, Study leave/leave of absence (if it is certain they will return to their posts). “This list should be sent in Microsoft Word to nalt2015@abuad.edu.ng, not later than the 15th of April 2015. Your Institutional Listing will only be completed when your payment for institutional membership is received. Therefore, please ensure that your institutional membership fee of N25,000 is received before the cutoff date. “Also send one page information on your institution/programme where applicable. This page should include a photo of your faculty or institution, its brief history and the current administration. “Only institutions in good financial standing as at April 15, 2015 will be included in the directory which will be distributed at the NALT Conference in May/June.”

Lawyers endorse Buhari/Osinbajo By John Austin Unachukwu

HE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikorodu branch has endorsed the All Progressive Congress (APC) presidential candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and his running mate Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN). In a statement by its chairman Mr. Dotun Adetunji and Secretary Blessing Ene the lawyers’ body said by virtue of their training and professional calling, lawyers are better equipped to advance the course of societies. They urged lawyers support Prof. Osinbajo who is a senior and leading member of the Bar. The statement reads: “In the words of the first Nigerian lawyer, Christopher Alexander Sapara-Williams (called to the English Bar in 1879 and the Nigerian Bar in 1898), ‘The legal practitioner lives for the direction of his country’. “Similarly, Article 14 of the Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers adopted in Havana in 1990 loudly and unmistakably proclaims that ‘… Lawyers, in protecting the rights of their clients and in promoting the cause of justice, shall seek to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms recognised by national and international law and shall at all times act freely and diligently in accordance with the law and recognised standards and ethics of the legal profession.’ ”It is against this background that the NBA

Ikorodu Branch deemed it pertinent to unanimously endorse, and has unanimously endorsed, the candidature of General Muhammadu Buhari and professor Yemi Oluleke Osinbajo (SAN) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming presidential elections fixed for February 14, 2015. “The NBA Ikorodu Branch in taking this monumental, historic and unanimous decision took cognisance of the elephantine deterioration, unprecedented decay, immeasurable irresponsibility, unjustifiable insensitivities, illegal actions and inactions coupled with limitless unconstitutional activities of the incumbent administration which have attained frightening dimensions and require urgent national massive electoral rejection and replacement with committed patriots and selfless nationalists such as the duo of General Muhammadu Buhari and Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) with known unassailable track records of achievements, transparency, honesty, integrity, vision, selflessness, human capital development, institutions building and multiple-legacies development capacity. “The NBA Ikorodu Branch recall, with nostalgia and gratitude, that Prof. Osinbajo

•Prof Osinbajo

•Adetunji

between 1999 and 2007 when he served as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice under the able and amiable leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, almost single-handedly transformed the judicial landscape, not only in Lagos State, but in the Federation at large, commencing from bold outstanding conditions of service to all judges through reform of procedural rules (both civil and criminal), sustainable access to justice initiatives to qualitative, substantive and physical reconstruction of the justice sector. “Lagos State kick-started this uncommon

pro-people and development-based phenomenon, the Federal Government and the other 35 States including the FCT had no option than to follow. “As a Legal Practitioner, well-schooled in the sociological perspective and believing that law is an instrument for positive social engineering, Prof. Osinbajo did not only permanently and positively effected changes in both the substantive and procedural laws, he had equally engendered enormous personnel re-orientation and positive attitudinal transformation in a very deep and wide systemic way...”

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON NORTHERN STATES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

PAGE 29

Skills transform Kaduna youths •PAGE 30

Sardauna nostalgia in Kwara

•PAGE 31

•The IDPs at the medical outreach

Help for IDPs in Jos Hope is fading among internally displaced persons (IDPs). They are homeless, poorly clothed, barely feeding and in woeful health. Thankfully, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) is providing free medical treatment for those in Jos, the Plateau State capital. YUSUFU AMINU IDEGU reports

Expect better health sector this year, says minister

•PAGE 32

T is not hard to imagine what would have become of internally displaced persons (IDPs) without non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Thousands count themselves lucky to escape from their communities in the Northeast as Boko Haram insurgents invaded. Many more were killed, some kidnapped. Those who fled have been grappling with a wide range of challenges at relief camps: bad weather, terrible accommodation, insufficient food, even diseases. Fate hurts. But the deepest cut may be that government has essentially turned its back on those who were violently pushed out of their comfort zones. Thank goodness, the NGOs have been providing the little that the IDPs have, from camps to clothing items to meal rations. Now, in Jos, the Plateau State capital, one interventionist group has also treated thousands of IDPs for various health conditions. Boys who fled with their parents before they could be circumcised went through the surgery at the camps. Eye patients’ vision improved. There was even talk of a school for IDP kids. The IDPs once thought the gov-

‘More than 20 communities were sacked by Boko Haram in Yobe, Adamawa and Borno states. Most of the inhabitants of those communities were so lucky to escape. We were able to rescue some of them and brought them to this camp. There are more than 2,000 of them in Jos camps; there are 3,000 of them in Taraba State and another 3,000 in Abuja; they are all under the care of the Stefanos Foundation’ ernment would promptly come to their aid. They have since known better. The Stefanos Foundation provided the camp for the IDPs in Jos but the NGO is also losing hope as no government agency ever made attempt to show sympathy for the displaced persons. “I offered this camp to the IDPs since four months ago,” said the coordinator of the NGO, Mr. Mark Lipdo. “The camp is supposed to be a temporary one; we intended to move them out of danger zone and bring them here for safety, after which we expected relevant government agencies like National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA ) to come and take over from us and provide relief for these innocent Nigerians by providing them permanent homes and rehabilitate them, but up till now no government has come up in spite of our appeals.”

•Rev. Tina Bawa Continuing, Lipdo said, “More than 20 communities were sacked by Boko Haram in Yobe, Adamawa and Borno states. Most of the inhabitants of those communities were so lucky to escape. We were able to rescue some of them and brought them to this camp. There are more than 2,000 of them in Jos camps; there are 3,000 of them in Taraba State and another 3,000 in Abuja; they are all under the care of the Stefanos Foundation. “My most worry now is those IDPs that are still in Cameroon, there about 28,000 of them in Cameroon and they are in a very deplorable condition there. Recently there was an outbreak of cholera in the Cameroon camp and over 300 of them died of cholera due to the deplorable condition •Continued on page 30

Left to rot

•PAGE 33

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

THE NORTH REPORT

Help for IDPs in Jos •Continued from page 29 they are living in there. We are making frantic efforts to bring them down to Nigeria. “But while we are making efforts to reach out to those in Cameroon camps, we are facing serious medical challenges at the Jos camp which we have to address, especially with the harsh cold weather of Jos, these people are coming from warm zone and they are finding the Jos weather a challenge, many of the especially the kids are already victims of pneumonia due to the effect of the cold, so many of them are down with malaria, Hepatitis etc. So, since I am not a medical expert, we have to reach out to another charity organisation to come to their aid by offering free medical assistance. That was when we got the consent of Tina Bawa Ministry International to help out. The NGO organised a three-day medical outreach in the IDPs camp to attend to various medical challenges. The medical team comprising nurses, doctors and community health workers, set up clinics to handle specific cases. There was an eye clinic, sections for children and women, and there was a dental clinic as well as surgery theater, a laboratory and dispensary. There was a section for consulting medical doctors. The team treated such cases as pneumonia, malaria, hepatitis, among but they also found that most of the male children in the camp were not circumcised at infancy. Now between the age of 5 and 12 most were made to face the medical procedure at the camp. More than 50 of them underwent the surgery of circumcision during the free medical outreach. Most of the adults at the camp were tested fro eye problems like cataract and glaucoma. Some were given lenses to enhance their sight while some were given eye drop to correct their conditions. The drug dispensary unit attended to all the victims based on prescription the medical doctors. As many as the IDPs that are in the camp had their health challenges were attended to within the three day allocated for

•Some of the IDPs during medical outreach

‘My most worry now is those IDPs that are still in Cameroon, there about 28,000 of them in Cameroon and they are in a very deplorable condition there. Recently there was an outbreak of cholera in the Cameroon camp and over 300 of them died of cholera due to the deplorable condition they are living in there. We are making frantic efforts to bring them down to Nigeria’ the medical outreach. The consultant medical doctor and head of the team Dr. Daniel Odom said the major challenge at the camp was malarial infection. Almost all the IDPs at the camp had cases of malaria, some diagnosed for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, pneumonia, eye problems among others. The coordinator of Tina Bawa Ministry International, Rev Mrs. Tina Bawa, who sponsored the free medical outreach said, “The ministry is a church run by me and my husband. But like a non-governmental organisation, we have programme for the welfare of the less privileged especially children and women. I was moved when I was told of the plight of the women and children in this camp. We help vulnerable women and children of this nature, and we have done it in

so many places across the country. It is a pity that in all crisis situations, women and children suffer the consequences. This is what is going on in this camp; these innocent children have been driven out of their homes for no fault of theirs. Now a Good Samaritan assembled the IDPs in camps for government to take over their responsibility. But as you can see, government has turned their attention away from these people. “So my ministry had to contact our volunteer medical personal across the country to come for another humanitarian work in this camp about 8 of them headed to the call, some are to busy to come, but those volunteer we have here are good enough to offer the best medical assistance to these IDPs. We know government have refused to cater for these innocent Nigerians, but we want to move from the level

of lamentation into the level of action. If all other Nigerians will come to the aid of these people, they will not need government for anything. So, let us stop lamenting government inadequacy of carelessness, let us help them the little way we can. “Like I said, over 8 volunteer doctors were engaged in the four-day free medical program, with the aim of bringing soccure to these women and children. We need to make them feel that despite their challenges there are people who care for them. That is what is expected of us as fellow Nigerians” The joy of the IDPs over the free medical program knows no bound, in spite of their deplorable condition, they could still put on some smiles to demonstrate their appreciation. One of them, Dauda Buba said, “I don’t know the last time I went to hospital for medical treatment, that should be over six months now. Since we were drove out of our homes by Boko Haram five months ago, I thought of only what to eat with my family, but today these angels of God decided to bring the hospital so close to us for free treatment. I ve been down with malaria since this new year, now I have been treated and given free drugs” Hamisu Dogo, 20, “I was treated for malaria, I was also screened for Hepatitis, but they said I did not have Hepatitis symptoms so I was given the prevention vaccine by the medical team” Founder of the Stefanos Foundation, Mr. Mark Lipdo said, “I will not be discouraged by government’s refusal to cater for these people, I will continued to do my best to assist them, we are even making efforts to bring other IDPs trapped in Cameroon back to Jos. Mr. Lipdo also revealed the school plans for the IDPs, “It is obvious that government is not ready to come to the aid of these people, but the children of the IDPs deserved to be in school. So we have concluded arrangements to organize classes for them. We have so far identified about 405 children in the camp. We have purchased some exercise books and other instructional materials and very soon, the lessons will commence.

•The medical personnel and the medications at the event

EFORE she enrolled into the Youth Empowerment and Skills Acquisition Programme (YESAP) sponsored by the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) 20year-old Marry Adams had lost the hope of furthering her education. Why? Her parents could not afford it. Mother Luck smiled on her. She was selected for a six-month skill acquisition programme run by YESAP in Kaduna. She was among the 150 unemployed youths who graduated from the exercise. Mary told The Nation that while on the training, she was getting contracts, even employing two of her neighbours as casual staff. She was among the 20 who participated in the Catering and Event Management. Beaming with smiles, she said that with the training, her hope of going to the university has come alive again. She said: “I am a secondary school leaver and I must say that, even though, we are just graduating today, I have benefited a lot from this YESAP programme. Initially, I lost the hope of going to the university because my parents are not financially buoyant; today, my hope has been renewed. While, we were still undergoing training,

Skills transform Kaduna youths B

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

I had already started making cakes for my friends and family members at cheaper rates. When somebody has a birthday celebration, I use my already acquired knowledge to organise the event, plan for them and do little decoration. Before I knew it, other people started consulting me in my neighborhood for occasions. “So, as it is presently, I have two of my friends from the neighbourhood who beg to follow me whenever I have one event to manage or the other. In fact, they go telling people that, Mary is good in decoration and all that, because for each contract I get, they help me and they get their own percentage.” She commended the management of KRPC for the programme and urged the company to involve more youths, particularly young widows and orphans, adding that her first target after settling down is to sponsor herself to the university, since she now has a means of making money. Another beneficiary of the training, Manassehý Markus, who •Continued on page 31

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

THE NORTH REPORT

HE name of the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, resonated in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, when Gamji Members’ Association, inspired by his sterling qualities, looked back at his legacy. Gamji is a name given to the late Premier of the North for his political greatness and sagacity. President of the Kwara branch of the club, Dr Abubakar Ibrahim, in a lecture entitled “Wither The Sardauna Leadership Legacies?” said Nigeria is suffering from lack of capable and effective leadership. Dr Ibrahim promised to establish a GAMJI centre to mould good leaders. “Nigeria is now in dire need of good legacies for it to overcome its current social, political and economic crises,” he said. “Such leader must possess moral authority and esteemed values of integrity, honesty and must be ready to undergo hardship and suffer deprivation on behalf of the poor masses. “Such leader must be competent and sound in the art of managing diverse people and abundant resources and must properly understand his mandate as father of the nation, not a as a son or daughter of Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Ijaw, Nupe or Ebira. “Such leader must clearly know that Nigeria is a pluralistic society. He must be capable of bringing out a vision of what he wishes to achieve and have the requisite knowledge and experience about how to solve the mirage of problems currently bedeviling our nation. Such leader must be ready to be fair to all and must be capable of managing crises as they arise. “In fact, Nigeria requires a leader that will end insurgency in sixty days… a leader that will lead the

•Justice Mamman Nasir presenting the GAMJI souvenir to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari (second left) during the 2015 GAMJI Day in Ilorin. With them are representative of Kwara State governor, Alhaji Saka Onimago (right) and chairman of the occasion, Justice Abdulkadir Orire (left)

Sardauna nostalgia in Kwara From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

•Sir Ahmadu Bello

war against insurgency, a leader that will recover our daughters from insurgents, leader that will diversify our economy. Leader that will end power problem, create industries in all state capitals to provide employment for teeming youths, leader that will restore security to all nooks and cranny of our nation, leader that will declare his personal properties and forfeit same, leader that will lead by example, leader that will be incorruptible, honest, trustworthy and accountable. This is our search in GAMJI.” The GAMJI president expressed delight that the late Sardauna “in spite of wielding enormous powers in the First Republic, was simple, upright and incorruptible whose guiding principles in public services was honesty, public probity, accountability, efficiency, dedication and hard work and in the pursuit of these principles, he did not care whose ox was gored. “In fact, after several years as Premier of Northern Nigeria, with a land size of about 56 per cent of the present day Nigeria and undoubtedly the most powerful man in Nigeria during his time, when he died exactly 49 years ago, he left virtually nothing, except the two local mud houses in Sokoto town and Rabbah which he had built before becoming premier.”

‘Nigeria requires a leader that will end insurgency in sixty days… a leader that will lead the war against insurgency, a leader that will recover our daughters from insurgents, leader that will diversify our economy. Leader that will end power problem, create industries in all state capitals to provide employment for teeming youths, leader that will restore security to all nooks and cranny of our nation, leader that will declare his personal properties and forfeit same, leader that will lead by example, leader that will be incorruptible, honest, trustworthy and accountable. This is our search in GAMJI’ In his remarks, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara state, represented by the state Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Alhaji Saka Onmimago, expressed the hope that the lecture will “explore the Sardauna’s leadership legacies especially in the context of the country ‘s current search for transformative leadership. He said that “it is on record that the foundation for much of the development and unification of Northern Nigeria was laid by the late Sir Ahmadu Bello.” Ahmed advocated for a “combined leadership and entrepreneur skills in the school curriculum to catch the children young and prepare them for leadership.” The guest lecturer of the day, Prof Hassan Saliu of the University of Ilorin said the late premier’s integrity was clearly lacking in “our present political system.” The professor of political science added that the Sardauna was honest and not materialistic, saying that “unlike our current politicians whose desire is to conquer the material world with acquisitive tendencies, Sardauna was a highly contented leader who at a great cost to his personal comfort sought for public good for the greater major-

ity of his people.” His words: “Some key issues that had agitated the mind of Sardauna of Sokoto during his reign as the premier of the North would form the basis of drawing lessons from his Spartan life for our politicians who have shown a discomfiting level of importance to the core values of honesty, tolerance, religious accommodation making politics to serve the cause of development, promotion of national unity and integration. “To be more specific, it is a statement on the contemporary politicians that almost five decades after the demise of Sardauna, Northerners and indeed, Nigerians are still eulogizing him and praying quietly that may another Sir Ahmadu Bello be raised among the country’s contemporary politicians. What this simply means is that our politicians need to search their souls and adjust themselves in terms of the value they subscribe to and legacies they want to bequeath to the nation. “Sardauna was a highly sensitive leader who had his eyes and ears all over the Northern region. He formed the habit of consulting with party members all over the region, including Ilorin. As the leader of the north he was closer to the people and had firsthand knowledge of their needs. Throughout his life he worked for his people and the elitist politics of today had no place in the governance architecture of the late Sardauna.

Skills transform Kaduna youths •Continued from page 30 trained in auto-mechatronics, said he was lucky to be trained to detect faults in vehicles using a gas box. “I am happy that I have this knowledge today, and there is an already-made market,” he said. “The course has to do with using gas box to diagnose fault in cars, to know what is wrong with the car before taking it to the appropriate expert like rewire. This has become a lucrative business in Nigeria today, because all the cars sold in the market today are computerised”. Markus, who holds a National Diploma in Computer Science said, he intends to transform the knowledge he has gotten into economic fortune and improve on his life and that of his family. He also expressed appreciation to the management of KRPC, saying; “My message to KRPC is to appreciate them for this opportunity given to us, the youth. It is one way to take the youth off the street and drug. This is because when you have something doing that is putting food on your table, you will not bother to look for government’s jobs or mingling with bad friends. So, I want to encourage them to do more in this direction to reduce unemployment.ý” On her part, Ruth Amana said: “I have been under intensive training by consultants hired by KRPC and it has been worthwhile experience for me. I’m going to use what I have been taught to establish myself. I will start my own catering outfit. I want to thank the KRPC manage•Continued on page 32 •Trainees in Plaster of Paris demonstrating their skills

•Continued fr

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

THE NORTH REPORT By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

•Dr. Khaliru Alhassan HE Supervising Minister of Health, Dr Khaliru Alhassan has said Nigerians will access better healthcare this year because the committee set up to investigate conflicts in the sector has completed its work and things were looking good. Dr Alhassan at a briefing in Abuja: “We are happy to announce that the [Yayale] committee has already submitted its white paper, a report we are confident will resolve most of the tensions in the sector and hopefully we will not experience any strike this year. The Health Bill, which is now a Law will fly due to the various policies that were launched during the tenure of President Goodluck Jonathan to improve health services in the country.” He said, “ We know we still have a lot to do to ensure that our health sector is recognised as one of the best in the world, but we are on track and are putting in place the right mechanism to move the sector forward.

“With team work we eradicated Ebola which is still ravaging other African countries; we worked together with all health stakeholders at all levels of government to eliminate this from our shores. This is the kind of team spirit we are working to restore in the sector, one that is patient-based. Presently we have sent medical personnel to other countries to assist them battle Ebola, which is a plus to Jonathan’s intervention”. He added that a lot of good things have happened in the sector under this dispensation. Alhassan said, “look at the way the country has drastically reduced polio from 56 cases in 2013 to only 6 cases in 2014. We are on the way to becoming polio-free and getting our certification from the WHO because we have not recorded any new polio cases for almost a year, but we are not sitting on our oars; we have introduced various new vaccines to reduce infant diseases and deaths.” He said with the passage of the Health Bill, the sector also received a boost. “The passage of the Health Bill is quite timely because it will help in providing additional funds to the sector,” he said. “This is even as oil prices have taken a dip.” The minister was optimistic that the health bill would help cushion the effects of the hard times that the country will be experiencing due to the fall in oil prices. He said, “we know that various financial experts have predicted that hard times are ahead for the country, we are already working with all our stakeholders to see how we can adjust our projections to aid us in planning better. “when you talk of the reduction of maternal and infant deaths, the country has

Expect better health sector this year, says minister ‘We worked together with all health stakeholders at all levels of government to eliminate Ebola from our shores. This is the kind of team spirit we are working to restore in the sector, one that is patient-based. Presently, we have sent medical personnel to other countries to assist them battle the virus’ made a lot of improvements, we have introduced a lot of interventions both at the federal, state and local government areas to safe guard the lives of women and children”. Speaking on the intervention in the fight against HIV/AIDS, the health minister said that in 2014, the federal government launched the elimination of the mother to child transmission. “ the government has already declared a zero tolerance policy to new positive babies, and this is a big commitment but we are determined to see it through. We also intend to test more Nigerians and also put much more persons on drugs, these are all plans that are in top gear, a distortion in the plan might not augur well for the country.” He called on Nigerians to cast their votes towards continuity and retain the Jonathan led government so as to reap the benefits of policies and strategies already on ground. On Malaria, Alhassan said that because of the huge funds lost to malaria, the government is investing heavily on preventive measures to curb the spread of the diseases. He said, “more people will receive mosquito nets, massive distributions of the nets will be done nationwide as well as introducing other preventive measures like spraying of the environment to kill the lavas among others. We have gone quite far in our plans to reposition the health sector, and I believe having a government that already understands the policies will go a long way in helping us achieve our goals. “We need continuity to sustain these policies, especially now, if you recall the government also launched the universal health coverage which is targeted at reducing out of pocket spending to the minimum. This has already started in ernest and the idea is to get a big pool that can cater for the health needs of women, children, elderly and the vulnerable persons. A lot of improvement and transformative changes are happening under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). We are not there yet but we are getting there.” On the issues of rehabilitating dilapidated hospitals and equipping them, R Alhassan said that so far most tertiary hospitals and Primary health care centers have been refurbished to provide better health care. He said, “we are working with the peril times we find ourselves, this government recently commissioned the trauma center to handle cases of bomb blast and traumatic emergencies. Now most of our secondary and tertiary facilities are doing transplants, which in the past, was not possible, we are tackling the issues of medical tourism headon. Most of the surgeries sought for by patients abroad can now be done conveniently here in Nigeria, and all these are due to the commitment of President, Goodluck Jonathan. Nigerians need to exercise their votes judiciously’. On the issue of strikes and disharmony among health professionals, the minister lamented that it was quite unfortunate.

Skills transform Kaduna youths •Continued from page 31 ment so much. They have really turned my life and situation around because this is an opportunity that is very hard for many to get. I was chosen out of many people who were equally qualified. All I want to say is thank you KRPC,” she simply said. Addressing beneficiaries of the training at a elaborate ceremony at Umaru Musa Yar’adua Hall of Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna, the KRPC Managing Director, Engr Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, said the YESAP VI, was part of the company’s social responsibility to its immediate host communities. He disclosed that the company had in six years trained 675 unemployed youths and equipped them to manage their lives and support their family members. Mohammed said it has been the goal of the YESAP programme launched by KRPC in 2008, adding that, “the company has been working with reputable consultants to ensure that young people in Kaduna State and through Northern Nigeria have the skills and economic opportunity to build productive lives and contribute to nation building. Similarly, arrangements are being concluded for KRPC to partner with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to assist graduands in business set up, monitoring and performance tracking and to assist those that are progressing in their

•Mary Adams respective trades to access credit facilities and other form of assistance”. He however called on the communities to help protect the NNPC property in their locality in order to both enjoy the good relationship that exist between them. The 15 vocational courses include autowelding and fabrication, Plaster of Paris, carpentry and woodwork, auto-mechatronic, auto-mechanic, auto-spray painting, fashion and

•Some of the trainees at the event textile design, screen printing, poultry and fishing among others. The Nation also gathered that, all the 150 beneficiaries were given starter packs and cash of N100,000 as capital to start the business. However, joy were written all over the faces of the graduates, ýas special guests and parents present at the occasion commended the presentations made by the youths during the exhibition of their work and products.

‘They have really turned my life and situation around because this is an opportunity that is very hard for many to get. I was chosen out of many people who were equally qualified. All I want to say is thank you KRPC’

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

Website: http://www.thenationonlineng.com

Page 33

•Shadadi, forgotten

Residents of Shadadi community in the heart of Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory lack almost every infrastructure they need. Worse, they cannot understand why it seems the authorities do not care. GBENGA OMOKHUNU reports O not judge Abuja by the glitzy high-rise buildings, nor the paved roads and the flood of streetlights on its upscale districts. Not that far away, lie communities which look abandoned, if not totally forgotten. Shadadi is one such community. It is located near the Kuje Area Council headquarters, in fact, only about 2km away, but that has brought it no dividends of any kind. The residents

have no paved roads, nor do they have water fit for drinking. When they fall ill, there is no health facility to get treatment. Two questions Shadadi residents have been asking are: why does Kuje council leadership not want to help us? Why are we abandoned? The chairman of the council Hon. Shaban Tete has been in office for more than a year but has not responded to any of the requests made by the community residents. The people said they felt neglected by the leadership of the council. Can they get anything good from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership? Past leaderships of the council also neglected the community. The people said they want potable water, access roads, primary health care, among others. As for electricity, the residents of the community were left in darkness for over 10 years, despite endless complaints and appeals to past administrations of the council. After waiting in vain, the residents, through community effort, paid what was necessary before they their power nightmare ended. Sine the only transformer installed in the community broke down in 2002, the council has not repaired it nor replaced it. Mallam Yakubu Dan, a native of the community, said it has been

Left to rot ‘Two questions Shadadi residents have been asking are: why does Kuje council leadership not want to help us? Why are we abandoned? The people said they felt neglected by the leadership of the council’ abandoned by every council chairman. He said there were so many things that are supposed to be put in place by the government, but are absent in the community. Dan said since Mr. Samuel Estu Lanto, a former chairman of the council from 1991 to 1993 left office as the council chairman, development has ceased in the community. According to him, Lanto executed some tangible projects, but were not completed, thinking that governance was continuous. “He was wrong. He expected that successive administrations would continue with the projects and complete them, but the reverse was the case, because, up until today, they still remained the same way Lanto left them, mostly in Shadadi. “Some of the projects are road construction, rural electrification and bridging of the river that separates Shadadi and Lanto people. The bridge was started and got to an extent that Lanto’s administration could not complete. Other administrations would have completed it, but since then, nothing has been done. “Also, the issue of electrification, if you look at the entire Kuje, other nearby communities have been

given electricity, but this community was denied electricity for over 10years. We called on the government to come to our aide, but they denied us our desire, until we made community effort to do it ourselves. We drew electricity line from Pasalli community and mounted one transformer through the community effort since last year, until PHCN gave us the electricity this year.” Another native of Shadadi community, Mrs. Joy Shema attributed the neglect of the community to the fact that the only council chairman that emerged from that community belonged to an opposition party, saying that probably that was reason why subsequent chairmen of the council who were members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have refused to anything positive in the community to improve the lives of the people. “It may be political, because, the party which many people support in this community is the All Progressive Congress (APC) and also, probably because of the presence of the former chairman of Kuje, who also belonged to an opposition party, that is why they have taken the decision not to consider this community for anything, thereby punishing the people for no just course,” she said. “We pray that the present chairman, Hon. Shaban Tete will be different because democracy is not •Continued on page 34

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

THE NORTH REPORT

Left to rot •Continued from page 33 supposed to be practised way most political leaders are doing it, that because certain people are not in your party, you tend to punish them as a leader. A good leader is supposed to work more for those who refused to vote for him, so that he could prove them wrong and show them reasons why they should have supported him, so that he could win their trust in future,” she said. Bakare Ahmed a resident of the community who also spoke with Abuja Review said that, on different occasions, when they went to visit previous chairmen of the councils to let them know about their plights in Shadadi, they will get such response that the people did not vote for the government in power, why then did they desire his assistance in developing their community. “The way some political leaders see politics, is wrong. They believe that if you are not in the same party with them or you did not give them your vote, they have nothing to do with you. But that is the wrong way to practice politics. When Lanto was chairman, it was not everybody that voted for him in this council. In fact, out of the 10 councillors, his party produced only three councillors and the opposition produced the rest and but he did his best to work in all the communities. “To a large extent this community has been neglected totally since after his administration. But to my notice, since we have made a request to the present administration, we hope that things will change for the better in this community, may be this time, it will be our turn. I want to appeal to the present chairman to critically look into our matter and come to our aide, because people in this community have been neglected for too long. “This community needs health

•Shadadi, bare and forgotten care centre, portable water supply and access roads. I am appealing to. Hon. Shaban Tete to come and rescue us from this prolonged neglect by his predecessors and not judge his performance on party sentiments, but his desire to impact positively on the lives of the people of Kuje, irrespective of their political or religious affiliation,” he said. According to findings, only few spirited Nigerians have been visiting the community to support them and also left their spirit through various means.

HE Transcorp Hilton Hall, venue of the discourse on how to end the Boko Haram insurgency was filled, and the event started on time. More than 20 repentant former leaders of the sect were in the hall. The opening remarks by Egbeme Eniwoareke set the tone of the discourse. He said, “The Northeast region used to be one of the economically promising regions of the country. It was the bastion of commerce and trade with prominent local enterprises. The region drew in entrepreneurs, technocrats and bureaucrats from other regions in Nigeria. Its growing natural resource base increased its investment and industrial potential. In those days, the region enjoyed religious, cultural and ethnic harmony. “In recent times, this has not been the case, as vicious economic hardship has become the most pertinent public policy challenge in presentday Nigeria. The activities of this terror organisation, Boko Haram, have paralysed the economy of Northeast Nigeria. An estimated 2.5 million Nigerians are internally displaced as a result. Prior to the scourge of Boko Haram, Northeastern Nigeria had 68 percent poverty and about 28.5 percent unemployment (according to the 2011 report by the National Bureau of Statistics). With the current decimation of the region, it will not be a surprise if the next set of economic statistics places the region lower down the economic ladder. “But this is not a Northeastern problem. It is a Nigeria problem. We are a family and whatever happens to the least of us, happens to us all. The innocents who have suffered the scourge of Boko Haram in the North are ordinary Nigerians who wish to be left alone to face the opportunities and challenges of life on earth”. According to Eniwoareke between 2011 to date, the Federal Government has squandered about N3.6 trillion on security, funds that could have been spent on other human development indicators. He said what is more scary at this time is that with declining oil prices and the expected decline in foreign exchange revenue, Nigeria may not be in a position to spend as much on security given competing demands for resources. What will then become of the security situation in the North and across other parts of the country?, he asked. However, in his speech, Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and chairman, Presi-

‘Force can’t win Boko Haram war’

•Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Kingsley Kuku flanked by Chief Executive Officer, NEXTZON, Dr Patrick Okigbo (left) and Chief Operating Officer, NEXTZON, Segun Olukoya at the event in PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE Abuja

•The insurgents From Dele Anofi dential Amnesty Programme, Kingsley Kuku said solution to the Boko Haram challenge must be the responsibility of northern leaders. According to him, the Boko Haram experience was not totally different from the Niger Delta militancy, which later culminated in widespread kidnapping and bombing of oil and gas infrastructures. He said further that moving around the Niger Delta became an issue at the peak of the insurgency as parents

were continuously warning their wards on where and when to move. Kuku got the audience laughing with a story in which he was involved in negotiating for the release of a kidnapped Urhobo man. “The captors of the Urhobo man refused to listen to him, that he wasn’t an expatriate, that he was an albino. He was eventfully released after days in captivity when nobody came for him. He nonetheless got the beating of his life for eating all the food given to him. That’s how bad it was.

“The result was that many things were lost as Niger Delta region became deserted. Nobody wants to come to the region again, even technicians working for oil companies were flown in jets from Lagos and back. It however got to a peak when we had to decide on how to end it all. We had to talk to ourselves, the youths of the region. Events leading to the beginning of the end of the militancy could be traced to the night of my wedding with everybody in attendance only for one person, who drove into the venue

on a power bike asking to see me. “The story he told me that night changed the whole process. He said some hoodlums (pirates) killed a one-year-old baby on Benin River while forcing the mother to laugh at the killing of her baby. That was the height of it because it was a pointer that our struggle has become self-destructive, especially with the event on Benin River. That is what is happening to Boko Haram today. It has become selfdestructive. That Benin River event forced us to decide how to clean up the struggle because we lost control. Today John Togo is no more”. Kuku said the solution to the Boko Haram insurgency can be solved taking some lessons from the Niger Delta experience where community and religious leaders, youths and women groups were all involved in the intervention with the militant groups. He asserted that huge use of force cannot win the war with Boko Haram. According to him, for the insurgency in the Northeast to end, same groups of people from the region must be involved. “We needed somebody, one of our own at the top in government to tell the militants that government’s intention to negotiate is genuine. As a result we went everywhere, to all the camps, with our political and community leaders like Diepreye Alamieiyeseigha, Timipre Sylva, Papa Edwin Clark all playing key roles and at the end, we are where we are today. What it means is that peace can win a war while the use of force can’t work ultimately. “You will need people to talk to the agitators to have the needed truce. You have to look for someone who was a key actor in the Boko Haram activities, whose trust and confidence is widely accepted, genuine activists to drive the solution like the Amnesty programme. In the Northeast that is what is lacking because we have seen that Boko Haram has become self-destructive with foreigners taking centrestage. At the beginning of Boko a Haram, it was designed to dislodge President Jonathan but what do we see now, the entire region is threatened while the whole country is not spared as well. Boko Haram is a threat to the entire country; they refused to properly interpret what they want, unlike the Niger Delta militants. Militant actors of Niger Delta we all knew but Boko Haram we don’t know. Offers were made for peace for them to •Continued on page 36

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

ABUJA REVIEW

•From left: Divisional Director, Large-Scale Enterprises, Joseph Olatunde; Director-General, National Office For Technology Acquisition And Promotion, Mr. Umar Bindir; Managing Director, Bank of Industry, Rasheed Olaoluwa and Executive Director, Large-Scale Enterprises, Alhaji Mohammed Alkali during the bank’s working visit to the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion in Abuja.

•Chairperson, Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, Hon. Dee Dawkins-Haigler (middle) presenting an Award to the Founder, Branzuk Ikuli for Social Rehabilitation, Dr. Merit Obua (right) in Abuja. With them is Senator, Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, Senator PHOTOS: AKIN OLADOKUN Donzella James.

•Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Anastasia Nwaobia (left), Minister of State for Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda and Accountant General of the Federation, Jonas Otunla during the opening ceremony of three-day National Treasury Workshop for the Directors of Finance and Account, Internal Audit and Heads of Accounts in Abuja.

•From left: President, Guardian of the Nation Internationl (GOTNI), Mr. Linus Okorie; Founder, Wellness Business School (WBS), Karu Abuja, Mr. Nwankwo Prince Ozioma, and Team Leader, Corporate Communications, GOTNI, Jenniffer Chisom Opara during a leadPHOTOS: ABAYOMI FAYESE ership forum in Abuja

HE Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has said it is hopeful it will work with the state governments to resolve the controversies surrounding the issue of joint accounts by both tiers of government. The newly elected national chairman of ALGON Interim Management Committee (IMC) and chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Micah Jiba, disclosed this in Abuja when he assumed office at the headquarters of the association. Jiba who expressed optimism that resolving the logjam facing the association was not beyond control, said that the association has not foreclosed amicable resolution of the issue, noting that the

association has a lot of responsibility ahead of the next month’s general election and called for peaceful poll. According to him, the ALGON remains strong and united and its members have buried any form of bitterness within their ranks and resolved to rebuild the association. He said that his focus would be to ensure collective participation of all members in decision making. He also maintained that the new Interim Management Committee (IMC) leadership would run broad-based administration that would be pragmatic within

ALGON firm on resolving Joint Account controversies the period it would be in power. He further stated that ALGON was working to see how it can sensitise the electorates at the grassroots, to ensure that they come out enmass to vote during the election, as the association has a lot to play in working towards the success of the general election. It will be recall that Hon. Micah Jiba emerged as the national chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON)’s Interim Management Committee (IMC), while Hon. Wilson Chubby has been elected to be his deputy. In a communique issued at the end of an emergency meeting in Abuja at the weekend and endorsed by its former factional leaders, Hon. Emmanuel Loman and Hon. Sahabo Aliyu respectively, it stressed that the decision became necessary to restore sanity and progress of the association and to also move the country forward. According to a press release signed by the two factional chairmen, Hon. Emmanuel Loman and Hon. Sahabo Aliyu respectively, the association agreed that it would be run by an Interim

Monarch cautions politicians HE Ona of Abaji and chairman of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Adamu Yunusa, had urged politicians to avoid acrimony. Yunusa, who spoke when the FCT All Progressive Congress (APC) senatorial candidate, Senator Sidi Ali, the party House of Representatives candidate, Alhaji Zakari Angulu Dobi, and their supporters visited the monarch at his palace to seek for his blessings towards the general election. The monarch said any child

Stories from Gbenga Omokhunu

‘ALGON remains strong and united and its members have buried any form of bitterness within their ranks and resolved to rebuild the association. He said that his focus would be to ensure collective participation of all members in decision making’ Management Committee (IMC) chaired by the incumbent Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Micah Jiba while Hon. Wilson Chubby deputizes him. Other members include, Hon. Shittu Bamaiyi Yakmut who retained the post of General Secretary, while Hon. Emmanuel Loman and Hon. Sahabo Aliyu will serve as Vice Chairman (North – Central) and National Treasurer respectively. Also, in the communique, the rest are Hon. Cornelius Nnaji, Vice Chairman, South East, Hon Maina Gana (North East) and Hon. Idris Gobir as its National Vice- Chairman, North-West, Hon. Rotimi Ramon is the new Publicity Secretary, Hon. (Mrs.) Itohan Osahe Ogbeide is now the new National Legal Adviser, while Hon. Amodu Okandeji was named Financial Secretary, Hon. Adebusyi I.P.,Vice Chairman South-West and Hon. Bello Dankande Gamji, now the association’s new Organizing Secretary.

who is going out to look something good either for himself or for the entire society, must surely go to seek for his father’s blessing irrespective of any background he or she comes from. “So I want to appeal to all of you here to advise all your supporters to avoid any abusive or provocative comments that may ignite any violent reaction from opponent, as God gives power to who he wishes and take it anytime right from the day such person was born, “ he said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

ABUJA REVIEW LL has not been well with the nation’s football. Whenever Nigerians put their hopes in the teams, they are rewarded with the greatest disappointment. The teams have not been able to reach and maintain their rightful places on both continental and global stages. The senior national team, the Super Eagles, are not defending the trophy they won two years ago in South Africa because they could not qualify for the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Equatorial Guinea. This was a rude shock to many Nigerians. The team, last year, also performed woefully at the 2014 FIFA World Cup championship in Brazil. While many sports analysts believed that the crisis that engulfed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) played a great role in the lackluster performances of the national teams in recent times, others felt that the problem has to do with the lack of talented youths to take over from the tiring old legs. To this latter group, the solution to the poor outings by the national teams is in age-grade football competitions that will discover strong youthful talents to feed the national teams. Even though there are some existing age-grade football competitions in the country, analysts observed that they have not achieved the desired impact over the years due to their poor packaging. Also some of the young talents that have been discovered in the existing age-grade competitions have not been allowed to grow. According to the sports analysts, most of the past national football coaches have not helped matters as they have, during their tenures, largely relied on the big names among the Nigeria’s foreign based players to prosecute their matches. So, the opportunity to discover new talents to take over from the tiring legs in the national teams was not really exploited fully. Despite failing to go far in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and unable to qualify for 2015 African Cup of Nations, credit, however, must be given to the Super Eagles coach, Stephen, for giving more young home-based players the opportunity to prove themselves. Going back to the drawing board and to chart a new course, President Goodluck Jonathan before the commencement of the last Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in the State House, Abuja, unveiled

Finding feeders for national football teams the President Cup to be competed for by teenagers in the country towards discovering talents. President Jonathan was decorated at the brief ceremony as the Grand Patron of the Cup by ex-international and football stakeholders, who initiated the football competition. Among the former players and officials in the delegation were Kanu Nwankwo, Peter Rufai, Taribo West, Emmanuel Babayaro, Garba Lawal, Austin Eguaveon, Shuabu Amodu, James Peters, Kadiri Ikhana, Manu Garba, Patrick Pascal, Anthony Chinasa and Kashimawo Laloko. Others include Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Gbenga Elegbeleye; President of Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick; Darlington Anyanwau; Musa Uja; Auwalu Shekarau, Ike Neliaku; Ambassador Richard Ubohekong, and the Directors-General of Nigeria Television Authority, Shola Omole; and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Ladan Salihu. President Jonathan said: “We remember how you put Nigeria’s name on [the map of] footballing

From the Villa By Augustine Ehikioya nations…you brought glory and pride to our nation. We are happy with you and of course these efforts to come up with a template, a platform that you will use to build the younger ones so that you can groom them, you serving as their role model so that they would take after you and also take our country to a higher level, is quite commendable.” “So on behalf of the government of the country, we thank you for your sincere commitment to continue to drive soccer to project football in our country, so that we will continue to be on top.” He went on: “One thing that all Nigerians know that brought unity to this country is the game of soccer. Whenever you people are playing, those of us who watch do not know the difference between a Moslem and a Christian, we don’t know the difference between a northerner and a southerner or an easterner or a westerner.” “We also see ourselves as Nigerians and that is the story; you have done very well for this country, we

believe the younger ones will emulate you and also do what you have done,” he said On his part, Sports Minister, Tammy Danagogo, who accompanied the ex-internationals, described the President Cup as a private sector contribution to football development which will hunt for teenage football talents through tournaments and nurture them for the use of national teams and other clubs. “You will recall that one of the cardinal highlights of our roadmap for the transformation of our sports is grassroots sports and some of the strategies for achieving grassroot sports development are the national schools sports festival, the President’s cup etc.” he said It is expected that this effort will not only turn around the roundleather game in Nigeria, but ensure that Nigeria maintain its top position at continental and global levels of the game. With this, it is also hoped that never again would Nigeria as a defending champion be eliminated at the qualifying stages and prevented from featuring at the next competition of any championship.

‘Force can’t win Boko Haram war’ •Continued from page 34 come out, even comrades in prison were met but nothing came out of it. It appears like the determination of the northern leaders to see the end of the insurgency is being compromised. For instance, many of the insurgents caught weren’t looking like Nigerians. Our porous borders is a major problem.” The robust question and answer session that followed drew emotions from the audience when a speaker described how the government of Borno State is now left with only four Local Government Areas out of 27, the rest having been taken over by Boko Haram. He said 32 of his relations have relocated to Niger Republic as internally displaced persons (IDPs) with six missing or unaccounted for. Another speaker wanted to know how intervention of the youths and the political leaders can be effective with a group that is waging a jihadist war with no difference between Christians and Muslims. The highlight of the discourse was the pledge by the ex-militants to donate part of their monthly allowance amounting to N30m to the victims of Boko Haram onslaught in the Northeast, while Kuku assured that the PAP would offer useful and effective advice to government on how to overcome the challenge. He however warned that it is up to the people of the region and their resolve to end the insurgency because they are the ones that know their terrain and the history of their region. He said no individuals would leave their own region to come over to defend the Northeast but that they would have to take it as a personal effort to defend their own land. He commended the the courage of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and implored the people to further encourage them.

•All Progressives Congress youths at a sensitisation rally on votes, permanent voter cards and non-violent election, in Abuja PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

NATIONAL BAR

Lawyers urged to stand for free, fair elections ARTICIPANTS in the just concluded 2015 annual law week of the Nigerian Bar As sociation (NBA) Owerri Branch, have urged lawyers to ensure free, fair and credible elections. The theme of the law week was “ 2015 general elections in Nigeria: the task before the legal profession.” Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha urged lawyers to help proffer solution to the country’s problems. He said: “When God chooses a man, there is nothing anybody can do about it, I respect lawyers because they make and unmake the Nigerian state. So, the fear of legal profession is the beginning of political wisdom.” He expressed concern that the campaigns are moving away from issues, rather, the focus is now on ethnicity and religion. Okorochas said the Police, the Army, the Department of State Security (DSS) and money would play crucial roles in determining who wins elections. To the governor, whoever has control over them usually wins. The branch Chairman, Mr. Stanley Chidozie Imo said lawyers owe a duty not only to their clients, but to the country to uphold the rule of law and deepen democratic ideals and norms. Justice Mary Peter–Odili of the Supreme Court, who chaired the event, urged lawyers as ministers in the temple of Justice to always assist the court to arrive at the ‘justice of the matter.’ Justice Odili said: “Firstly the role of the legal practitioner when faced with the disputes that would naturally occur at the end of the political battles in the fields of play precisely at the polling booths, the ward level, the local government and the state level collation centres as the case may be. The election proper cannot be complete without taking into consideration the pre-election dissatisfactions, which may or may not be possible disputes warranting a recourse to the law court “Therefore, a responsibility is placed on him not to take on a brief that would only lead to an irritation of the courts as the perceived dispute, when looked at properly, may not be more than a whimsical fancy of a politician seeking notice. When such a presentation occurs, it behoves the legal counsel to render the required advice and urge the client to seek mediation outside of the court or to forget the perceived wrong, which would take the party nowhere. “For the umpire, judicial officers presiding in the various courts to which these disputes would be presented, there is a duty to ensure that the courts are not made an arena for frivolous petitions or processes that merely pander to the vanity of a particular legal practitioner seeking to display his legal prowess or knowledge of the law or allow a politician to create unnecessary tension with a pending legal process, which is dead on arrival. In this case, the Judge is enjoined to terminate the process firmly and without temporising. “On the other hand would be a political dispute properly before court and one for which a decision would be made either way. There is no gainsaying the fact that justice must not only be done, but would be manifestly seen to have been done as the old adage goes. “There must be the fact within the sight of the judge at all times, that justice and peace go together none going alone because when justice is compromised, peace can never be and no one including the judge, ‘ is safe in the environment that no longer knows peace and tranquility.” Examining whether there is conflict between the provisions of Sections 285 (6) (7) and 36 of the Nigeria Constitution, former Deputy Director, Nigerian Law School, Enugu Campus, Prof Ernest Ojukwu (SAN) said: “If two ideas, beliefs, stories, etc. conflict, it is not possible for them to exist together or for them both to be true.” Can Sections 285(6)/(7) of the Nigerian Constitution exist side by side with Section 36? Prof. Ojukwu said: “International Human Rights norms accept that the right of access to the courts is not absolute and that the right could be limited by matters related to issues of court procedure and limitation rules and have set some guidelines on which to base a review of national laws and practices on this derogation “Examples or the criteria for validating such laws and rules against access to justice

By John Austin Unachukwu

have been provided by the United Nations ( UN) Human Rights Committee and European court of Human Rights as stated above. Using such criteria, one can conclude that Section 2R5 (6) and (7) of the Nigerian Constitution does not conflict with Section 16 of the Nigerian Constitution, but are permissible limitations under International Law on the right to access to justice. “Section 285(6) and (7) as stated earlier were inserted in the Constitution as an amendment to legal regime to cure a mischief brought about by a gap that tended to foist all Nigerians political leaders that were not chosen through the will of the people, the stolen mandate as it has been described. The trial and appeal limitations provided by the law give equal opportunities to both parties in an election petition. The period provided is reasonable and practicable; it does not “restrict the access left to the individual in such a way or to such an extent that the very essence or the right is impaired.” The provisions are also appropriate between the means employed and the aim sought to be achieved. Speaking on the legal profession and the task before it in the 2015 elections, the Keynote speaker, Justice P. C. Onumajulu, who is a former Chief Judge of Imo State, identified general task for all legal practitioners, lawyers at the Bar, the Bench and the general counsel. He said: “The term legal profession refers to the profession of persons, who are lawyers which in turn refers to persons who have had courses of training in law and have been inducted into the profession by being ‘called’ to Bar and therefore, entitled to practice the profession of law in and outside the courts. The lawyer is a versatile professional for he may be a judge, a private, official legal practitioner, a teacher of law in an institution a director or secretary of any, corporation or other public or private body or institution, a civil servant, an office holder in any capacity etc.” He continued: “The lawyer at the bar in his duty to the court, must show absolute and total respect to the courts and tribunals before which he appears and assist such tribunals to discover the truth of the matter in litigation by frank, truthful and honest statements. correct procedural steps and justifiable actions. He should not hide facts to mislead the courts of tribunal.” “The duty to his client is to strive for honesty, and to the best of his ability and learning, to put across the case of his client to the court to give sound legal opinion and be courageous. He must know that election matters have limited tenure and span, and interest of justice demands that a complaint against an election by way of an election petition should be expeditiously heard and disposed of by the judge to enable the parties to such a petition know, in good time their relative positions. Time, therefore, is of strict essence in election matters. Thus, election petitions should be devoid of procedural clogs incessant and protracted adjournments that cause delay in the disposition of substantive issues and disputes therein “This is where the judge has a great task to face and in performing this task he must eschew all forms of bribery and corruption. He must be prepared and able, in spite of all odds, to dispense justice timeously, judiciously and judicially, avoiding in the process, all manner of technicalities that affect the merits of the petition before him because his role requires a high degree of honesty, integrity, transparency, courage and above all the fear and faith in God,” Onumajulu said. Former Director-General of Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN) said there was the need to examine the role of the Bar and Bench at this critical period of the national history. “It cannot be denied that many lawyers are already looking forward to the flurry of actives that will characterise the forthcoming elections in the nature of election petitions. For many, the prayer is that the harvest should be plenty and bountiful. Some are eager to invoke the jurisdiction of tribunals for minute and insignificant reasons all because they want to partake in the sharing or redistribution of the nations cake, for others their claim to fame is the posturing of

•From left: Gov. Okorocha, Justice Raph Agbo and Justice Nwosu Iheme both of the Court of Appeal-

•From left: Chairman NBA Owerri branch, Stanley C. Imo; Chairman Law Week Committee, Dr. Amechi Nwaiwu ( SAN), Justice Odili (JSC) Chief Judge Imo State, Justice Justice Paschal Obinna Nnadi; Vice Chairman NBA Owerri branch, I. F. Akpuonye and Oby Onyeuno

•Alternate Chairman Law Week Committee, Jude Ogamba, Gerald Ezeuko (SAN) and Fidelis

being close to one or two judges in an election tribunal.” Azinge continued: “There is no denying the fact that lawyers and judges have not fared well as far as public perception of their role in election petitions is concerned. This image must change. In some instances, post election violence have occurred because lawyers rightly or wrongly have advised that an election was not free and fair. We must be conscious of our responsibility to the wider society and not to ourselves, our advice and actions should be such that we can defend whenever called upon to do so.” Allegations of judicial corruption, he said, resonates more in election petitions. “Judges must be careful not to be compromised by politicians. Politicians are naturally loquacious and therefore, cannot keep a bargain that transactions between parties are confidential. Win or loose at tribunals, politicians normally quote chapters, verses and footnots of their dealings with interested parties. So, it is not in the interest of counsel or judges to have dealings with politicians. I hope that 2015 will mark the beginning of judicial rebirth and that lawyers and judges will stand up to be counted as contributing positively not only to the integrity of the electoral process, but also ensuring that judgments of election petitions are unimpeachable,” he said. General Mohammadu Buhari, he said, at the Abuja Accord for non-violence on January 14, delivered a scathing indictment on the judiciary in handling of election matters, saying they must strive to do their job to the best of their ability. “Even at that, our judiciary remains one of the best in the world. It is my considered opinion that politicians should be careful on how they tarnish the image of the judiciary before the global community,” he said.

Azinge said it is the responsibility of counsel to explain judgment of courts to their clients to avoid reckless and sentimental imputations by disputants. “As at the time of preparing this address, the judicial workers were still on strike on. The timing of the strike is not too good for the nation. Firstly, it may not allow the impaneling of election tribunals and secondly most of pre-election matters in court many not be concluded before the election. I want to appeal to all well-meaning Nigerians to see to the immediate resolution of the issues the judicial workers are agitating for,” he said. Financial autonomy for the judiciary, he said, is not a matter for debate. “Indeed, states that are yet to buy into that policy should rethink and act immediately,” Azinge said. Tangentially related to this, in the words of Azinge, is the crisis rocking the judiciary in Rivers State. “This is not the time to reflect on arguments on both sides of the divide, but to clearly indicate that the image of the Nigerian judiciary has been badly dented by this episode. How can we sell the message that the judiciary is the last hope of the masses when the judiciary cannot resolve its own problem. I think the proper message to the judiciary is “physician heal thyself,” he said. He appealed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria to ensure that the matter is speedily resolved. “May I also invite all well-meaning members of the bar and bench to intervene and bring this matter to an end before the election starts on February 14. Everybody is invited to assist to ensure that we do not end up becoming a failed state. As always, lawyers have a role to play in ensuring that the right things are done by the appropriate authorities,” Azinge said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

LAW & SOCIETY

Encomiums as UNN honours Azinge, others

HE University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) has conferred the honourary doctorate degree on Dr Valerie Azinge. She was secretary of the National Conference held last year. Dr Azinge obtained an LL.M from the London School of Economics and Political Science and received her Ph.D in Law from the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma in 1990. She followed in the footsteps of her father, the late father Dr. John Nwodo who was also conferred with an honourary doctorate degree. Dr Azinge was honoured along with the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and the Tetufund Chairman, D. Musa Babayo. After the event, the honouree entertained her guests at the Ukehe residence of her brother, the former Minister of Information, Chief John Nnia Nwodo. Nwodo, while breaking the traditional Kola nut, recalled that her father moved the motion for the establishment of the University and was subsequently conferred with an honourary Doctorate Degree. Former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) Prof Epiphany Azinge (SAN) said of his wife: “I feel elated, excited and exceedingly grateful to God for the honour done to my wife, Dr. Valerie Azinge and through her to my family. This honour coming years after her late father was conferred with the same honorary degree, by the same university, is truly a cause for celebration by the Nwodo’s and Azinge’s respectively “She feels highly fulfilled and has a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment that she could walk on the footprints of her father. But more significantly, it is gratifying to note that her contributions to humanity and her country are well recognised and appreciated “Few months ago, she was conferred with the national honor of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR).This recognition, undoubtedly, will motivate and propel her to continue to serve her country selflessly and with patriotic zeal and enthusiasm.” A former Presidential Candidate of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) Dr. Joe Nwodo said people could not fully understand and appreciate Dr. Azinge without recourse to her role in the just concluded National Conference. “The conference at every level paraded some of the best brains available in our country. The success of the conference is the result of a collective intellectual endeavor by all the participants which makes it difficult to compartmentalise the general success into individual achievements “At the level of the Secretariat of the conference, we had exceptionally well qualified and non- partisan political leadership. This leadership had no secret agenda to manipulate the explosive proposals that arose on the floor of the conference to achieve prior determined objectives. The conference secretariat was in fact, formidable. It consisted of Justice I. L. Kutigi as chairman, erudite Professor Bolaji Akinyemi as vicechairman and the amazon, Dr. Valerie Janette Azinge as Secretary “The secretariat will go down in history as the most successful one that organised a politically explosive conference which eventually emerged with positive conclusions for our future. Even though in the development of the work of the conference, there were elements of the traditional North South division, but in the end those elements did not percolate into its major conclusions,” Dr. Nwodo said. On what made the conference unique, and the peculiar contributions of Dr Azinge, Dr. Nwodo said: “The conference achieved two results hitherto thought impossible in Nigeria. To begin with, it was the first conference in our history to emerge with one unanimously agreed document with no dissenting opinions or report on its conclusions. This looks unbelievable and sounds like a Nigerian political miracle. For a Nigerian conference to emerge with an unanimously agreed document on inflammatory and explosive issues that had hitherto divided our nation, is an achievement which cannot be easily quantified. And by this success we have moved our national struggle to another level.”

By John Austin Unachukwu

He continued: “Before, it was difficult to agree, the problem now however, is no longer that we cannot reach agreement. Our present problem is now the political will to implement the decisions which our leaders freely arrived at during the conference. The conclusions of the conference have presented us with a comprehensive political manifesto on the future Nigeria of our dream, it is now for our leaders to create the political will to implement it “Perhaps the most interesting contribution of the conference lay in its deliberate drive to create a finally Federal Republic of Nigeria consisting of 54 States made up of nine equal states in the six geopolitical zones. The drive for a true Federal Republic of Nigeria has for a longtime been obstructed by the primordial and perennial tripartite struggle for ethnic hegemony “In coming to this bold and novel decision, the conference came to a landmark decision of great historic proportions. They rejected the existing 36 military created, haphazard and unequal states, they equally rejected the division of Nigeria into equal geopolitical zones “In creating nine equal states in the each geopolitical zones, the conference disregarded the usual division of Nigeria into major and minor ethnic groups and by so doing, the conference laid the proper foundation for the building of a truly Federal Republic of Nigeria that liberated all the groups clamouring for political emancipation and self determination irrespective of whether or not they belonged to a major or minor ethnic group “If the is realized, there will only be two tiers of government under the Federal constitution, the states will be allowed to make their own constitutions and to create their own local governments which will no longer come under the Federal constitution. In this way, each of the fifty-four states will be forced to pursue earnestly their political and economic self interest as opposed to the amorphous and nebulous self interest of major or minor ethnic groups. Equally the dangerous and destructive struggle for tripartite ethnic hegemony will be reduced into manageable proportions. The unity of Nigeria will be enhanced and there will be a great natural leap forward Asked how Dr. Valerie Azinge came into all these discourse, Dr. Nwodo said: “ She organized and effectively managed the secretariat which was the engine room of the conference, She designed an operational template for the management and direction of the work of the conference consisting of 20 Committees which delved into the areas of our acute national problems and challenges. Her close interaction with the daily work of these committees created the ensuing operational framework for the deliberation of these committees which provided for the gigantic success recorded Giving insight into the background of Dr. Azinge which enabled her to achieve this monumental feat, Dr. Nwodo said: “ Dr. Azinge comes from a renowned political family in the south East. Secondly she is married to a brilliant intellectual, Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN), who as Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) master minded far-reaching reforms in Nigerian law, little wonder he has been described as a Five Star legal scholar. Above all, she studied in the famous London School of Economics and Political Science which is well known for producing products who are undertaking far reaching social and political engineering reforms in several countries of the world” Dr. Joe Nwodo concluded Former Governor of Enugu State, Okwsilieze Nwodo commended Dr. Azinge for this great feat. He said: “ This is a great honour and recognition by the first indigenous University in Nigeria which is also my Alma Mater Dr. Valerie Azinge is fully deserving of the award, She is an erudite lawyer with a Ph. D, She is a very brilliant lady and a sagacious politician “All these qualities she used recently in the discharge of her duty as Secretary to the just concluded National Conference. Valerie is a dutiful wife and a consummate mother, she is a bundle of talents waiting to explode. I thank the University of Nigeria for discovering her and showcasing her to Nigerian womanhood for emulation” Okwesilieze said.

•Prof. Azinge and his wife Dr Azinge.

•Dr. Ekweremadu and his wife Nwanneka.

•From left: Justice Ifeoma Ofoh, her husband Jombo Ofoh and Mr Nwodo (jnr).

•Dr. Ndiwe Ekweremadu (left) and Enugu State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Ifani Ugwuanyi.

• The Oshimili 1 of Asaba, Chief Onyeogali N. Chizea; Adolo of Asaba, Dr. Victor Ijeh; Jerry Azinge and his wife Pamela.

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

LEGAL OPINION LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

with gabriel AMALU email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com For comments: 08033054939 (sms only)

The 2015 presidential campaigns •Sitting: Lagos Chief Judge,(CJ) Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade(middle) flanked on the right by Justice Opeyemi Oke and on the left by Justice Kazeem Alogba. Standing behind them are from left Justice Abisoye Bashua; Justice Olabisi Ogungbesan; Justice Adedayo Akintoye; Justice Abdulfattah Lawal; Justice Olamide Akinkugbe: Justice Serifat Sonaike and Justice Obafemi Adamson at the induction course for new judges in the state

Calls for postponement of elections mischievous, says Lawyers4Change GROUP, Lawyers for Change (Lawyers4Change) has urged Nigerians to stop the mudslinging of the Presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari. The group also described as mischievous, the call for a shift in the dates for elections. National Coordinator of Lawyers4Change, Adesina Ogunlana, at a press conference, urged the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) not to postpone the elections. On General Buhari’s qualifications, he said there was enough evidence which attest to the fact that the APC presidential candidate attended and graduated from various military institutions abroad before and after becoming a commissioned officer. He stressed that Constitutional lawyer Prof. Itsay Sagay(SAN) had further clarified that a diploma from the US War College is the equivalent of Masters Degree.

By Adebisi Onanuga

“Buhari’s regime remainz the most credible government in Nigeria today. So, all mudslinging about Buhari can’t take away the fact that he is in the class of Aminu Kano of this world”, he stated. Ogunlana acknowledged that the country has been gripped with election fever and that there is a lot of tension in the air because of the February 14, 2015 Presidential elections. He urged all political leaders to do their utmost best to curtail violence and uncivilized modes of electioneering adding that people who are genuinely interested in serving any community should not engage in dislocating, disrupting and distroying same community. He further advised all security agencies to eschew partisanship in the discharge of their duties. “Violence is an ill wind that blows no one any good. Let all security heads and officials know that they are agencies set up for the pro-

tection of the state and not to serve the interests of any political party or group”, he stated

•Ogunlana

•Special Assistant to Gov.Liyel Imoke on Youth Affairs, Dr. Dorn cKlaimz Enamhe ( left) and Senator Ayade

Role of legislature, judiciary in environmental governance •Continued from last week HIS is the implication of the provisions of section 4 (7a) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. A comparative study of the National and State Legislatures, in the discharge of the enormous powers bestowed upon them by the constitution since the inception of the current democratic experiment, clearly shows that whereas the National Assembly has been very assertive and proactive, most State Legislatures, regrettably, have allowed themselves to be completely emasculated and castrated by the state governors who, in several instances, have been very over-bear-

ing in the way they conduct the affairs of their various states, (Odey, 2013:2). In simple terms, the legislature performs three basic Roles namely: Law Making, Representation and Oversight. The Legislature oversight the executive arm of government which include the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), to ensure that government is held accountable to the people from where it derives its sovereignty. However, the differences is that environmental governance requires that policy makers, decision - makers and practitioners (Le NESREA & NOSDRA) have full knowledge of the environ-

mental factors within and around their municipalities. In environmental management and governance, knowledge of the international regional, national and local environmental priorities is critical. Coupled with an in-depth understanding of the legislative requirements (Le the constitution, National Environmental Management Act, Disaster Management Act, National Health Act; Municipal System Act etc); municipalities should be able to translate national policy tools at a local level; and put them into practice by designing environmental sector plans, bylaws and management system for implementation, compliance monitoring and enforcement.

HE front runners for the 2015 presidential election, no doubt, are President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and General Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressive Congress (APC). While President Jonathan is running on his record of performance in office, since 2009; General Buhari is running on the promise of change,for the better. For me, the presidential campaigns, have been very disappointing; since neither the incumbent president, who has had the chance, nor the major aspirant, who is asking for a chance, is promising Nigerians, the fundamental changes, necessary for the much sought after national rebirth. As many national and international commentators have correctly argued, Nigeria will only make little progress, if at all, unless there is a fundamental restructuring of the country, its systems and institutions. Knowing that we are a diverse people, it is also commonly agreed that Nigeria would be must effective, if it operates a true federal system of government. Interestingly, there is a groundswell of opinion that Nigeria currently operates more of a unitary system of government, than a federal system, and there is an urgent need for a change. So, I had wagered that the presidential debate, support and choices will be driven by demand for those fundamental changes, towards proper federalism for the much sought after national rebirth. This, regrettably, has not been the case. Rather, what we have is a presidential debate and campaign, without any fundamental promises to restructure the enablers for true federalism. In essence, what is driving the presidential debate, support and choices, is nothing more than mere parochial self and group interests. Strangely, even the chief proponentsfor a true federalism have been overtaken by the election fever, without their asking any of the candidates, to make commitment in this regard. Until recently, I recall that many of the state governors and foremost political actors across the parties, have been in the forefront for a statutory provision for state police. Indeed, many of the governors who had suffered various kinds of humiliation, owing to the federal government monopoly of the instrument of coercion, had openly canvased for state police, as the way out of that quagmire. Now that the presidential candidates are stumping around, canvassing for support, nobody is stringently demanding a commitment from the candidates, before extending the much sought after support. Indeed, nothing is heard again of that major fundamental of a federal system of government. Again, before the military intervention in politics, particularly its infamous Minerals Act of 1969, Nigeria ran a federal system of government, with strong regional economies; which paid tax to the federal government. Since that military misadventure in politics, Nigeria has ran a very dangerous mono-economy, such that currently, with global oil prices plummeting, Nigeria whose economy is dependent on oil resources, is despite the pretences, at the threshold of an economic collapse. Yet, in all the debate and campaign, none of the candidates has promised thatinevitable return to status quo, necessary for our national rebirth. I had also erroneously thought that the current fiscalchallenge, facing the state governors, following the dwindled resources from the so called federation account, would compel a rethink, and the galvanizing of national consensus, to amend that act, so that state governments can begin to exploit the natural resources that is in abundant in their states. Such untapped resources include coal, bitumen, zinc, iron ore, gold, and several other minerals across the country. For me, it is strange that state governors are excitedly campaigning for their preferred presidential candidates, without extracting from them, the promise to return ownership of these minerals to the states, or in the least, the regions. Another forgotten consensus for national rebirth, as far as the presidential campaign and debate is concerned, is the near general agreement that Nigeria should be restructured into a six-region federation, for greater efficiency. Strangely, some of the major proponents of that important move, have openly supported one of the presidential candidates, without asking their preferred candidate what is his position, with regards to this fundamental. So, while there is a general consensus that the cost of governance across the thirty-six states is unsustainable, none of the presidential candidates in their campaigns have told their enthusiastic supporters, where they stand in the debate. With the expanding war by the Boko Haram elements in the North-East, and the threat of war in the Niger Delta, should Jonathan loose, there is the possibility that the promises of jobs for the youths, will be mainly in the military and quasi militias.Let nobody be fooled, there is little or no economic activities across many states and regions, and that is the sub-set for the several crises that is threatening to consume our country. The result is the abundant human resources, wasting away, and easily converted to agents of nationalinstability. As the presidential candidates campaign across the country, nobody is seriously asking the candidates, how they would realistically spread economic activities, across the geo-political zones of the country. While nobody should take away from the campaigners their well-founded interest in theunbearable corruption, grave insecurity, poverty and mass unemployment, it is important to realise that without addressing the fundamental structures of the socio-political economy of the country, the promises cannot be fulfilled. For instance,how do you fight corruption undera criminal justice system that is afflicted by institutionally induced sabotage?Again, how do you fight insecurity and insurgency in a system fraught with systemic injustice, structurally unfair appropriation and/or redistribution of the common resources?Indeed, how will the officials, whether elected or appointed, of a fundamentally unjust state, suddenly become purveyors of a fair economic activities that will eradicate poverty and create national wealth, across the country?

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

LAW REPORT

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

•Continued from last week No person shall be qualified for appointment as a member of any of the bodies aforesaid if (a) he is not qualified or if he is disqualified for election as a member of a House of Assembly… Item 21of the First Alteration Act No 1 of 2010 provides: “Section 200(1) (a), line 2 of the Principal Act is altered, by inserting immediately after the word Assembly” the words, “provided that a member of any of the said bodies shall not be required to belong to a political party and in the case of the State Independent Electoral Commission, he shall not be a member of a political party” With effect from the commencement of the amendment to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (First Alteration) Act No 1 2010, section 200(1) now reads:

“No person shall be qualified for appointment as a member of any of the bodies aforesaid if (a) he is not qualified or if he is disqualified for election as a member of a House of Assembly provided that a member of any of the said bodies shall not be required to belong to a political party and in the case of the State Independent Electoral Commission, he shall not be a member of a political party (Underlining mine for emphasis) The question that arises here is what is the true meaning of this provision? 60. In PDP V. INEC, (1999) 11NWLRP (Pt 626) 200, the Supreme Court dealt with the approach to be adopted in the interpretation of statutory provisions which is the same as interpretation of constitutional provisions. It gave its approval to an approach which seeks to ascertain the legislative intent of the law makers. The apex court declared: “The current approach in construing statutory provisions requires judges to ascertain the legislative intent of the law makers, a task somewhat akin to pinpointing the intent of a testator or disputing parties to a contract. It is the modern view that proper judicial construction of statutory provisions requires recognition and implementation of the underlying legislative purpose” (Wali J.SC at pp 248 - 249) The essence of this approach is obviously, to maintain and sustain the fabrics of constitutionalism and constitutionality (see INEC v. BalarabeMusa (2003) 3 NWLR (Pt. 806) 72. 61. But then, how does court discover the intention of the law makers? Again, the Supreme Court gave a guide in Ishola v. Ajiboye (1994) 6NWLR (Pt 352) 506 where the court statedthat in construing a Constitution some meaning or effect should be given to all the words or language used therein if it is possible to do so in conformity with the intention of the framers. If the language used is clear and unambiguous, its meaning and intent are to be ascertained from the instrument itself by construing the language as it is written. Unless the context suggests otherwise, words are to be given their

natural, obvious or ordinary meaning. 62. It is also recognised that one of the most useful guides to interpretation is the application of mischief rule which considers the State of law before enactment, the defect which the legislation sets out to remedy or/and prevent, the remedy adopted by the legislature to cure the mischief and the true reasons of the remedy. The duty of the court therefore is to adopt such interpretation that will enable the suppression of the mischief and promote the remedy within the true intent in the legislation (See Ifezue v. Mbadugha&Anor (1984) 5SC 79. 63. In attempting to interpret the provisions of the Section 200(1) of the constitution (as amended), I am being properly guided by the principles of interpretation enunciated above. 64. The provision of section 200(1) of the Constitution (as amended) quoted above clearly bars or excludes a member of a political party from membership of a State Independent Electoral Commission. The amendment changed the old order where it was possible for members of a political party to populate or constitute a State Independent Electoral Commission. The amendment of section 200(1) of the Constitution, in my view, reveals a determination on the part of the Legislature to ensure that membership of a State Independent Electoral Commission consists of persons that are politically neutral who will discharge the responsibilities of organizing, undertaking , and supervising all elections to local government councils within the state with transparency, thereby securing the confidence of not just the political parties involved in such elections but also that of the general public. To construe the provision of Section 200(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) otherwise would be contrary to the letter and spirit of the constitution. Issue No 2. Are the 4th – 8th Defendant Members of the 9th Defendant? 65. The evidence of the claimant’s witness on this relates issues to the 4th and 5th defendants. Facts were pleaded in paragraphs 17, 18, 19 and

20, specifically alleging that the 6th and 7th defendants. However, in his oral evidence before the court, nothing was mentioned about the said defendants membership of the 3rd defendants. It is trite that pleadings, however strong they may appear to be, without evidence or proof thereof, go to issue. Evidence must be led to prove facts relied upon by a party or sustain the allegations raised in the pleadings. (see UBN Plc v. Astra Builders (WA) Ltd (2010) 2SCNJ 84. A mere averment in pleadings without evidence proves nothing unless admitted. (See George v. Dominion Flour Mills Ltd (1963) 1SCNLR 117. The averments paragraphs 17, 18, 19 and 20 of the claimant’s amended statement of claim, in so far as they relate to the allegation of the 6th and 7th defendants’ membership of the 3rd defendant are hereby discountenanced for want of proof. 66. In respect of the 4th defendant, Barrister Abraham A. Olaniran, Chairman KOGSIEC, CWI testified to the fact that he is a member of the 9th defendant who contested the primaries of Kabba/Bunu constituency of Kogi State House of Assembly under the platform of the 9th defendant on 4/1/2011 for the April 2011 general election but lost. CW1, indeed, described him as “a stalwart of People’s Democratic Party”. He tendered a certified true copy of INEC Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area Report on PDP primaries for the Kogi State House of Assembly. The document shows that seven aspirants contested the primaries. The name, Barr. Abraham A. Olaniran, the 4th defendant, is No 3 on the list. It is indicated therein that he scored 10 votes. The highest number of votes in the said. Primaries went to TaiwoOjo Nathaniel, who scored 203 votes. 67. It is significant to mention here that, although, the 4th defendant against whom such formidable and strenuous allegations were made never came up to give evidence. And DWI, Hon. AmokaSuberu, the 1st – 8th defendants’ sole witness never did as little as alluding to any fact in defence of the allegations. It is elementary that a statement on oath that is not adopted at trial is moribund as it is deemed abandoned.

•To be continued next week

•Oyetibo

The Token newsletter debut in Lagos THE Token, a quarterly newsletter published by the law firm of Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) has been launched in Lagos. It will serve as a source of useful information on legal practice. Oyetibo said such information would be of a general nature and not intended as a substitute for professional or legal consultation or advice in a particular matter. He said the contents have been produced by the five practice groups in the law firm including the Dispute Resolution Practice Group; the Commercial Law Practice Group, the Energy, Technology and Infrastructure (ETI) Practice Group; the Legislative and Media Practice Group and the Regulatory Compliance and Business Advisory (RCBA) Practice Group. Because February 14 is very important to Nigeria, being the date the Presidential election would hold, the maiden edition of the newsletter examined much debated topic of the educational qualifications required by law for those seeking to be elected as President of Nigeria. It also examined the 2015 budget proposals, which is yet to be passed into law while highlighting some key issues arising from the budget and the possible effects of those issues on daily economic activities.

•Vice-Chancellor University of Nigeria Nsuka, Prof. Benjamin Chukwuma Ozumba presenting a certificate of the Doctoral Degree to the Chairman of Tetufund, D. Musa Babayo after Babayo was honoured with honorary Doctorate Degree (Honoris Causa) of the University last week.

Lawyer seeks end to violence against females HILD Rights activist, Taiwo Akinlami has urged the male youths to change their perception about the girl-child and women. Akinlami gave the advise in an address delivered as guest speaker at the inauguration of a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), HeforShe committed to ending violence against the girl child and women in the country. The occasion was at the gender equality programme organised by L.E.A.R.N in collaboration with United Nations Information Center (UNIC) held last week at Birch Freeman Secondary School, Mushin. Akinlami who spoke extensively on gen-

der equality, urged them to honour women who brought them to life and not o see the girl child as an inferior human being. He urged them to make a commitment on changing themselves and their perceptions about women and to be part of the change going on around the world on the wrong perception people initially harbor about women. Former Speaker of Lagos State Children’s Parliament, Emmanuel Awobona, also enjoined the students to see women as mothers and to always see them as such. Awobona urged the youths to stop regarding the girl child as the weaker vessel stressing that the fact that she was created out of a

man’s rib does not necessarily make her a subordinate. He urged them to regard and treat women as equals. The Project Manager L.E.A.R.N Mrs. Bisi Awoyomi in an opening remarks stressed the need for the boys to put an end to violence against women and girls and see them as partners in all that they do. The students drawn from junior and senior schools presented two different drama that portrayed end to “violence against women”. The students along with that of Yaba College of Technology, the L.E.A.R.N team and facilitators did a walk chanting ‘STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN’

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

SHOWBIZ

Selma star David Oyelowo blasts Oscars •As church premieres movie in Nigeria

IGERIAN-British actor, David Oyelowo, who played Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma, one of the films predicted for the cinema circuit this year, has accused management of Oscars of favouring only ‘subservient’ black roles. Oyelowo’s grouse stemmed from his non-inclusion in this year’s nomination in the acting category of Selma , despite the high prospects for his leading role in the revolutionary film. The actor, who was snubbed by the Academy awards, for his portrayal of Martin Luther King, said: “We, as black people, have been celebrated more for when we are subservient, when we are not being leaders or kings or being at the center of our own narrative.” As evidence, Oyelowo argued that “Denzel Washington should have won for playing Malcolm X” and that Sidney Poitier should have won his Oscar for In the Heat of the Night rather than Lilies of the Field. “So this bears out what I’m saying,” the actor continued, “which is we have just got to come to the point whereby there isn’t a self-fulfilling prophecy — a notion of who black people are — that feeds into what we are celebrated as, not just

By Victor Akande

in the Academy, but in life generally. We have been slaves, we have been domestic servants, we have been criminals, we have been all of those things. But we also have been leaders, we have been kings, we have been those who changed the world.” The actor, who was speaking, Sunday, during an appearance at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, directed his criticism at both the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the larger film industry for, often, telling stories about black people only through the eyes of white protagonists, saying, “So you have a very nice white person who holds black people’s hands through their own narrative.” It will be recalled that another black film, 12 Years a Slave, shone at the Oscars last year. Gene Seymour, a film critic, is among those who believe that the Selma’s Oscar snub is about race. According to Seymour, while the 12 Years a Slave is about blacks as victims, Selma is about strong blacks as agents of their own salvation. Although Selma was nominated for Best Picture, the fact

• David Oyelowo and Carmen Ejogo in Selma

that Oyelowo and the film’s director, Ava DuVernay were not nominated, triggered a torrent of criticism, especially since, for the first time since 2011, all 20 acting nominees are white. This prompted the viral Twitter hashtag #OscarsSoWhite. According to Oyelowo, films about black revolution are so hard to get made. “People have often said to me, ‘Why has it taken so long?’ I mean, he [King] was assassinated almost 50 years ago. There has been no film where Dr. King has been the center of his own narrative up until now. That’s because up until 12 Years a Slave and The Butler did so well, both critically and at the box-office, films like these were told through the eyes of white protagonists because there is a fear of white guilt,” he said. Explaining how 12 Years a

Slave and The Butler changed the narrative, he said: “I know for a fact that Selma got green light after both of those films made almost $200 million each. I know that because Paramount said to us, ‘Well, that means that Selma will probably make around $98 million, so let’s make it! (The film has grossed nearly $44 million so far). And God bless them for doing it — I love you Paramount, I love you, I love you. But that’s just the truth of the matter, is that up until now it’s been so hard to get these films made, but now they’re doing well internationally and critically and otherwise.” Meanwhile, a popular Lagos-based church, House on The Rock, has decided to use Selma, as tool to promote peace and tolerance in Nigeria. The church, noted for its

annual gospel concert, The Experience, will be pioneering the premiere of Selma in Nigeria. The screening of the film is in partnership with the Embassy of the United States of America as an answer to Nigeria’s current socio-political and particularly election crisis. In a statement, the senior pastor of the church, Paul Adefarasin said “Peace and harmony is important to us all. Regardless of our ethnicity, religion or political persuasion, our country Nigeria must remain united and peaceful. This is why House on The Rock Church, positioned as a centre for Social Justice and Equity, has decided to bring people from various classes in the Nigerian society together for a remarkable event where we can all stand united for peace at a time like this. We also seek to remind individuals

with the Selma movie premiere event that regardless of any differences or grievances we may have, violence is not the answer, thus nonviolence must continually be our stance.” The Selma movie premiere event is expected to feature high profile personalities from corporate Nigeria, various cadres of the government, the media, the diplomatic corps, politicians including governorship and presidential candidates of various political parties amongst other eminent personalities. Selma had four Golden Globe Award nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director, and Best Actor, and won for Best Original Song. It has also garnered nominations for Best Picture and Best Original Song at the 87th Academy Awards.

‘Bobbi Kristina’s situation still bleak,’ say doctors

Bespoke unveils record label, signs Project Fame act OPULAR event center, Bespoke, last Friday, launched a record label, signing Project Fame’s Season 7’s 2 nd runner-up, Christian Kwabena, as its first artiste. Known as Bespoke Entertainment, the unveiling of the new outfit, was attended by Vahyala Kwaga, Legal Officer, Ultima Limited, producers of MTN Project Fame reality show. Addressing the press at the event, Mr. Tunde Praise, Managing Director, Bespoke Entertainment, said the reason the company delved into music business is to add value to the entertainment industry. “For the past two years or so, we have had a lot of

By Mercy Michael

H I T N E Y Houston’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina, has “significantly diminished” brain function and doctors have told her family it does not look good, a family source revealed to TMZ. As previously reported, the 21-year-old daughter of late singer, Whitney Houston, was found face down in her bathtub, Saturday, and not breathing. She was revived, taken to the hospital where she was placed in a medically-induced coma. She is currently on a ventilator, where tests have determined her brain function is alarmingly low. Reports say her father, Bobby Brown, is still at her

• Bobbi and her late mum, Whitney By Victor Akande

bedside. Doctors have told the family they should continue hoping and praying, but the signs are not good. Bobbi’s trauma is less than two weeks to the death anniversary of her mother

who died in the same circumstance on February 11, 2012. It is still unclear why she fell unconscious, but the police was reportedly prompt with life-saving measures, after her husband, Nick Gordon and a friend made a call to 911 from Bobbi’s house.

Toyin Aimakhu, Niyi Johnson show off in new photos HE storm seems to be over for Nollywood couple, Toyin Aimakhu and Niyi Johnson, whose brief marital crisis hit the media last week. True to the statement released by the couple early last week, the storm seems to have brought new sparks to their marriage of two

By Mercy Michael

years, as husband and wife look ravishing in a set of photos recently published by the latter on the social media. Spotting turquoise blue attires, Toyin and Niyi were dressed up for a wedding ceremony.

• Toyin and Niyi

people come to us with proposals to run record label business. But the thing about life is you don’t do something because people want you to do it; you do it because you feel it is the right time to do it. The music industry has changed. I actually waited to get it right. Now I am floating a company in which I have six partners and two out of those partners are international partners. 960 Music, Ultima Limited and MTN Nigeria, as well as international • Christian partners- House of Kwame Ghana and G and G ing for?” he asked. South Africa,” he said. He revealed that the fourPraise said the choice of year contract signed with the Kwabena, also known as artiste is worth millions of Krissy O, was right, because naira, adding that “Christian the artiste can stand the test is the only Project Fame of time. alumnus who has gotten a “I have an artiste who is proper music contract after already loved. Most of you leaving the Project Fame don’t know Christian is Ghahouse and is not a winner. naian. He came from Ghana His contract comes with a and struck us down in Nigebeautiful house in Lekki. He ria with exceptional perforalso has something to cruise mances. He entered the Hall around town. His contract of Fame as the most outcomes with a monthly allowstanding performer in the ance, wardrobe, food and all history of Project Fame for that.” seven years. Christian can Apparently elated, Krissy sing in Yoruba, Igbo, Ghana, O who already has two pidgin English and English singles; Bum Short and Jogodo, language, so what else are said, “I’m overwhelmed. I’m you looking for in an artiste. really thankful to God for He’s handsome. He’s good making this possible. I want looking. He’s tall. The ladies to thank Bespoke for giving love him, the guys raise their me this opportunity to be to eyebrow. What are you lookexplore and tour the world.”

THE NATION TUESDAY FEBRUARY 3, 2015

NEWS

Osundare: No event threatens Nigeria’s peaceful co-existence like general election In a matter of days, the general elections are due and Nigeria is in the eye of the world. The future of the country depends on the conduct and outcome of the polls. Renowned poet Prof. Niyi Osundare feels President Goodluck Jonathan has a duty to ensure free, fair, peaceful elections for the results to be acceptable. His advice to Mr. President is documented in concluding part of the memo as published below. The first part was published on page 16 of The Nation on Sunday.. OW, the impending election. As I once said in an open letter of this nature to one of your predecessors in the presidential office, in my reading of Nigeria’s history, no event has so constantly, so serially threatened the peace and very existence of Nigeria as the conduct of general elections: the botched federal elections of 1964, the Western regional elections of 1965 whose blatant rigging led to the ‘Weti e’ insurrection, then the January 1966 military coup, then the pogrom on the Igbo people, then the secession of Biafra, then the (un)civil war; the ‘landslide fraud’ by the NPN in 1983, then another ‘Weti e’ episode, then the military coup of January 1984; the June 12, 1993 election widely considered as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history, annulled all the same (or for that reason) by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and his cohorts, then the long period of civil strife and the eventuation of Gen. Abacha’s murderous despotism. Once beaten... The election of 2003 and 2007 did not go without the usual rigging, while the one of 2011 that brought you to a full presidency ended up with violent protests in certain parts of the country. And 2015, here we come. The year

of Nostradamus. The year of the make-or-break election. Mr. President, from its every indication, from its verbal language and body gesture the world has been telling you how crucial the coming election is and why every step must be taken to make sure it ends up as fair and free and credible. Non-violence deal as watchword Kofi Anan and Emeka Anyaoku, two international potentates, have come to Abuja to supervise a peace accord between you and your opponent, Gen Muhammadu Buhari. John Kerry, the American Secretary of State, has also called, telling you and your fellow political warriors that his country will offer no safe haven to Nigeria’s election riggers. I deeply appreciate the counsel of these honourable men even as I add my own humble entreaty: Mr. President, make sure the coming election does not land Nigeria in the usual post-election crises. Do not handle it with the impunity that has characterised many of your actions and those of your party’s functionaries. Non-partisan umpire You are the Commander-inChief of the Armed Forces and Chief Security Officer of the Nation: use these powers justly and fairly by allowing the security

There surely must be a wide discernible difference between a national leader and a tribal jingoist. Say something, Mr. President. Say something. Your silence in this instance is anything but golden •Prof Osundare

‘

‘ till the elections are over. This is why the ruling party has always ‘won’ elections in Nigeria. This is why every major election in Nigeria is trailed by all manner of rancor and mayhem. Power belongs to Nigerians Mr. President, your party, the PDP, has ruled Nigeria for over 15 years now; it has established an unconscionable control over all the levers of power. You will scatter this country if you allow them to use that power to disadvantage the other parties. The major cause of Nigeria’s electoral fiasco is the refusal of the ruling party (at national and state levels) to allow a peaceful change of power. That kind of civilised democratic transition is often seen as a sign of weakness. And when the ruling party makes peaceful change impossible that way, it invariably makes violent change inevitable. Please don’t make a mockery of the ‘I’ (standing for ‘Independent’) in INEC. Let victory go to whichever party the Nigerian people choose to embrace. Again, as I told one of your predecessors at this kind of electoral juncture a couple of years ago, please remember there is life after power. Let us do everything to circumvent the 2015 apocalypse. Make sure History does not write you down as the last President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. •Osundare is a professor of Literature.

agents to supervise the elections in a non-partial manner. I say this because experience has shown that election rigging in Nigeria is invariably carried out with the full and blatant ‘cooperation’ of security agents. Many of them do not even pretend about it as they often ask ‘who you think I go side? No be de person who pay my salary, the person who give me kola chop?’. Our police and other security operatives have always looked the other way when illegal ballot thumb-printing is going on, when ballot-box stuffing is in progress, and when ballot snatchers are at work. They have perfected the act of kidnapping and ‘disappearing’ leaders of the opposing party and holding them down

Sultan to Nigerians: don’t vote on sentiments HE Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III has advised Nigerians against voting in the forthcoming general elections on the basis of religion. The Sultan, who said Nigerians should rather pray for just leaders, however, blamed rising insecurity and economic downturn on injustice. Also yesterday, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, warned that the inability of a section of the electorates to vote might affect the credibility of the polls. The two religious leaders spoke in Abuja at a press conference organised by Interfaith Initiative for Peace (IIP). According to them, the IIP they co-founded was neither partisan nor governemntsponsored. At the conference were the

•As Onaiyekan seeks credible election From: Dele Anofi and Bukola Amusan, Abuja Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Hassan Mathew Kukah.

Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar and the Catholic Bishop of

Speaking on the sensitivity of the February 14 and 28 polls, the Sultan said the unfolding events have made it imperative for political leaders to come together and appraise where the country is headed. He said it was the responsibility of politicians to ensure that Nigerians live their lives without forceful engagement. His words: “Islam respects all religions, we need to respect all, don’t let religion divide us”. The Sultan said justice should rather be the basis of governance, irrespective of whoever is in goverment. He said: “If anyone believe that what will make them prosperous and move forward is

to use injustice, corruption, impunity, and all sorts of vices, we can’t go anywhere. “We must change our life style and the turn the ship of this country because we have all claimed to be very religious. “But to all our politicians of all parties, lets determine where we should take the ship of this country. “That ship must be taken to the Promise Land where all Nigerians will believe they have the right to also contribute to live their lives and react on issues and not forceful engagement. “Leaders must reach out to followers, feel their pulse not only when you are seeking for their votes “Political leaders must also control their followers to obey the rules of the game; there must be no violence af-

•From right: Cardinal Onaiyekan (right), Sultan Abubakar III, Alhaji Abubakar and Bishop PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE. Mathew Kukah at the conference...yesterday

ter the announcement of the results. We must pray for just leaders.” In his contribution, Cardinal Onaiyekan said drastic measures must be immediately put in place to ensure the credibility of the election. “There are hundreds of thousands of Nigerians that have been affected by insurgency, thousands have also

been displaced, some don’t even have PVC (Permanent Voter Cards) to vote, it may create a big problem on the election day if urgent steps are not taken. “Every human life is sacred and must be respected and protected, it is our religious duty to refrain from all forms of violence that could destroy or damage human life and

property, let our elections be free of all violence from whatever quarters. “We call on all contestants to respect both in letter and spirit the ‘Abuja Accord’ which they have signed in the presence of God and men, they should play according to the rule. Let the people decide in free and fair elections who will rule them,” he said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

HEALTH THE NATION diabetes in Nigeria varies from one area to another. Lagos, he said, has seven per cent of the country’s total figure because diabetes is a disease of urbanisation. “The lesser percentage came from a village in Plateau State,” he said. He identified lifestyle cause, such as what people eat and drink as the major cause of Type 2 diabetes. Exercise, smoking and alcohol are some factor triggering the disease. Diabetes, he said, is a risk factor for heart attack and myocardial infarction, kidney disease and blindness.There are issues related to poorly treated and untreated diabetes cases. Head of Medical Regulatory Sanofi Nigeria/Ghana Dr Inoussa Fifem said the company was doing a lot on the disease, adding that it believes in public-private partnership (PPP). “More importantly, we are calling for decentralisation of management of the disease as experts managing it are too low,” he said. Fifem said some people had been trained in rural areas and small cities. Therefore, people in local communities have the same level of care like those in the cities. There are plans to train experts, such as General Practitioners (GP) across the country. The company’s policy,Fifem said, is to ensure that quality drugs are available to the people. “We want insulin continuity in terms of supply in Nigeria,” Fifem noted.

GG heads in the health sector are seeking ways to effectively manage diabetes in patients as the disease keeps increasing in Nigeria. The forum was the inauguration of a new insulin drug by Sanofi Nigeria in Lagos. President, Union of National African Paediatric Societies and Associations (UNAPSA), Dr Dorothy Esangbedo, said 308 million people across the world are living with the diabetes miletus. Unfortunately, this figure could rise further by 2035 because of lifestyle and urbanisation, she added. Dr Esangbedo, who spoke on the management of diabetes miletus in children, said the signs and symptoms of diabetes in children are the same in adults. The difference, she said, is that the child cannot complain. “But he will be passing urine and he will have urgent need for drinking water due to thirst. There will be infections and skin lesion. Also, there can be pigmentation of the skin, lack of growth and weight loss,” she said. The expert spoke of gestational diabetes as something that can affect the baby in the future. “So, mother and child should be monitored for the disease in the future. If the babies are delivered where there is no doctor, they may die.” Diabetes in children, Mrs Esangbedo said, is lower in Africa than Europe and United States but the trend is now on the rise in Nigeria and in a few years to come it is going to be a big problem. She called for advocacy on the

How to manage diabetes, by experts

•From left Oke, Dr Esangbedo and Fiffen at the event Stories by Wale Adepoju

disease, adding that awareness should be raised in communities. “Drugs should be made available. Educating people at community level is necessary,” she said. Lifestyle changes, she said, are necessary to bring down the disease burden. Recounting the hospital experience, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Prof Wale Oke, said the prevalent rate

of diabetes mellitus in Nigeria is 4.6 per cent. Besides, it is the most common endocrine disease managed by doctors in the country. Most diabetics, Oke said, come to the hospital when they have complications, especially when it involves the vessel and heart. Diabetes, he said, is the major cause of heart attack, adding that the disease also affects the muscles as well as causing renal failure. There is a diabetic clinic in LASUTH donated by the Lions

Club. The state government Free Health Policy takes care of paediatrics cases, that is, children diabetes. Oke said adding: “The state is planning a health insurance policy. Cost would not matter if an enrollee has diabetes as it would be taken care of by the programme, Oke said, adding: “However, it is moving slowly but it is moving.” Consultant physician/endocrinologist at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Prof Babatope Kolawole said the prevalence of

Health sector chiefs tackle wrong diagnosis

EY players in the health sector are seeking ways to stop wrong medical diagno-

sis. They spoke at this year’s diagnosis awareness forum, organised by the Initiative for Medical Diagnostic Awareness (IMDA) in Lagos. The theme of the event, tagged Diagnostic Business Forum, was “Partnership for medical diagnostic development in Nigeria.” Guest lecturer Dr Olusola Akinniyi called for collective response to tackle the problem. According to him, medical diagnostics have the potential to save many lives through detection of diseases at early stages. “But rather than save lives, it takes lives when it is wrongly carried out,” he said. The effect of an unreliable result, he said, can be dangerous, adding that it is better not to have a diagnostic result than having a false and misleading one. Akinniyi, represented by a Director at Union Diagnostic and Clinical Services Plc, Dr Abiodun Oyeneyin, said early diagnosis ensures that patients get right treatment quickly, and as such can curb the over-use of inappropriate drugs, which is critical in the fight against drug resistance. “To get the best medical outcome, advanced diagnostic examinations must be applied to diagnose the patient’s underlying health problems,” he said. Akinniyi identified lack of basic

tools, poor allocation of fund to diagnostics in public and private hospitals and manpower as bane of diagnosis in the country. Quoting the Registrar of Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Prof Anthony Emeribe, he said there are 10,000 medical laboratories but majority of them operate below global standards. “Even worse, only 3,000 are in the council data base,” he said. He said diagnostic results are at the centre of putting science into healthcare practice, stressing that only accurate and reliable result can justify healthcare practice. Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Public Health Dr Yewande Adeshina said medical diagnosis, which is the identification of nature and cause of an illness may jeopardise effective healthcare and delivery if not properly handled. She said the programme was coming at a time precise and apposite diagnosis is at low ebb in clinical management amd practice. Adeshina, represented by Dr

•President, National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria Prof Rasheed Arogundade flanked by Oyeneyin (left) and Oyedeji. PHOTO: WALE ADEPOJU

Kolawole Oyedeji, noted that lack of public and private sector coordination and commercial pressures in the latter leads to poor quality result. Aside, work environment contributes to low motivation, less than optimal productivity and high attrition. “These challenges are further compounded by health practitioners’ survival of the fittest dictum. The absence of a common forum to discuss the issue, she said, has been the bane to correct the anomaly, hence the lack coordina-

tion in information gathering.and sharing. Nigeria, she said, has developed strategy to ensure continual availability of human resources for health. She therefore effective implementation of the strategies need the active engagement and involvement of stakeholders, especially the private sector. She said something should be done to provide Nigerians the kind of healthcare system that is betting for any self-respecting people.

‘Early diagnosis ensures that patients get right treatment quickly, and as such can curb the over-use of inappropriate drugs, which is critical in the fight against drug resistance.To get the best medical outcome, advanced diagnostic examinations must be applied to diagnose the patient’s underlying health problems’

Adeshina said it was time the country adopt, a public-private partnership (PPP). “Rising levels of chronic diseases and multi-morbidity, concerns about the quality and safety of patient care, the need to measure and assure value for money for investment in health and the need to allocate health system resources wisely are too important to leave without good information for decision making,” she said. IMDA Executive Director, Dr Abimbola Adekoya, identified poor funding, inadequate infrastructure and limited access to new technology and poor link with development partners as bane of medical diagnosis He said this was responsible for why foreigners have taken over the sector in the name of partnership. Adekoya said many people have passed a vote of no confidence on the sector because it promoted medical tourism.

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

HEALTH NATIONAL CANCER PREVENTION MONTH

Cancer not a death sentence, says oncologist •Increasing cases worrisome IGERIANS have been advised not to be scared of cancer because it is not a death sentence. It can be overcome, according to a professor of Radiotherapy and Oncology at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Aderemi Ajekigbe. Ajekigbe spoke at the21st inaugural lecture of the University of Lagos (UNILAG). Speaking on Cancer: The unwanted guest that may visit, the expert described the disease as a terrorist of the highest order, adding that two million Nigerians are living with it. Besides, over 100,000 new cases are recorded yearly as everyone risks having the disease. Ajekigbe said cancer is not new because it has always been with man. He said diagnosis of cancer makes people jittery, adding that people should not be afraid. The disease, in his view, causes patients unimaginable pains, adding that it is rising because of the ageing populations across the world. “By 2020s there would be 20 million new cancer cases,”he said. The oncologist said 75 per cent of them would live in countries that would have less than five per cent of the resources to control the disease. Ajekigbe said infection, which By Wale Adepoju and Dorcas Imah

was previously a major cause of suffering and death, had given way to new epidemics of non-communicable disorder, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer. The cause, he said, is “unhealthy” lifestyles, adding that people need to change the way they live. He said cancer has known and unknown causes, describing furniture makers, commercial sex workers and vulcanisers as those with high risk. Others are smokers and those who had intercourse before 17 years. “Also, genetically modified foods, radiation and tight underwear (pants) in men can cause the disease. “Similarly, cancer can affect those who started menses before the age of 12 and women who never breastfed. In fact, if you are poor, you have your own type cancer, if you are rich, you also have your own type. However, early circumcision is important to avert cancer of the penis,” he said. The oncologist said: “10 percent or about 200,000 have access to hospitals with radiotherapy facilities. “About five per cent of this number, that is 10,000, have resources to go abroad where they pay between 10,000 to 15,000 dollars per patient for a three to five week course of radiotherapy, which translates to about 100,000,000 dollars(one hundred million dollars) per annum of foreign ex-

•Ajekigbe

change drain. The cost of Chemotherapy is about five to 10 times more than the cost of radiotherapy. “About 27 per cent of the two million cases are breast cancer while about 25 percent are cancer of the cervix.” Ajekigbe said cancer from molecular biology perspectives is now recognised as a genetic disease where there are mutations in genes, inherited or acquired, result in the transition from a normal to a malignant growth pattern. He identified cancer symptoms as any persistent lump or thickening in tissue especially the breast or lip or tongue. Others are any irregular bleeding of blood-tinged discharged from anybody orifice (opening), such as vagina, anus, nostrils,

mouth and nipples. Others are any sore that does not heal, especially if located in the mouth, tongue or lip; persistent indigestion or loss of appetite especially in people over 40 years of age; sudden or rapid change in the form, appearance of rate of growth of a mole or a wart; getting bigger, painful or bleeding; persistent change from normal in-bowel habit and continuous hoarseness, cough, soreness of throat or difficulty in swallowing. Ajekigbe said there is a painless dark patch on the sole of the foot or in any other part of the body. “Urinating at night especially in men above 50 years severally at night or difficulty in passing urine and unintentional weight loss are among the symptoms. Specifically, he said some symptoms were peculiar to breast and he enumerated them as: painless lump in the breast; discharge from the nipple (bloody or not); lump in the arm pit; skin changes in the breast; changes in the contour of the breast; nipple retraction and history of eczematous changes in the nipple, with itching, burning sensation, oozing of blood. He said cancer can spread to almost every part of the body except their ear and teeth. The spread of cancer, he noted, often causes cough, chest pain, blood in sputum, breathlessness, severe bone pain, inability to walk. It could also result to headache, confusion, slurred speech, loss memory, dizziness, vomiting and

the ultimate price - death. Cancer, he said, is managed by a team which consists of oncologists, radiotherapist and chemotherapists, among others. “Experts in surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, immunotherapy, thermal ablation therapy, anti-angiogenic therapy, gene therapy, pain control and hospice-care are all involved in the treatment and management of the disease,” To Ajekigbe, Nigeria is not prepared to fight the war against cancer. He stressed that said early detection is the key to saving patients’ lives. The oncologist said the disease dehumanises and impoverishes its sufferers. “It makes a mockery of the bold, the brave, the rich, the powerful, the beautiful, the adored, the mighty, the highly placed and the lowly placed. It has absolute contempt for position, gender or age. It is a terrorist of the highest order.” However, he recommended to the Federal Government to make allocation of oil block to cancer for early detection and management. “Allocate to cancer five per cent of the Gross income of all members of the executive and legislature at federal, state and local government levels and you will see the wonder these deductions will do in early detection of cancer and its management,” Ajekigbe suggested.”

Oncologist dispels breast cancer fears

CONSULTANT, clinical and radiation oncologist at the Sebeccly Cancer Care and Support Centre (SCCSC), Dr Omolola Salako, has dispelled the fear that breast cancer is a death sentence, saying people can survive it. According to her, with the scientific and social progress in breast cancer care, many women are surviving the disease across the world. Many of them after treatment, she noted, are able to resume their work and do normal activities. “They get pregnant, have children and live a happy life,” she said. She said there is a worldwide difference in breast cancer survivorship as breast cancer incidence is higher in developed countries. “But sadly we share similar mortality rates. Mortality rate in Nigeria is high because of the late stage at presentation, survivorship barriers (affordability, accessibility and availability of cancer care) and the aggressive biology of breast cancer. “If more patients present with early stage disease, receive prompt and effective treatment, there would be more cancer survivors and less deaths. When breast cancer is detected early, the chance of surviving the disease is high.” The founder of SCCSC said the disease is not contagious; it doesn’t spread from one person to person. “So, people can hold hands, hug, sit and talk together with someone living with breast cancer,” she said. Salako said every woman has some risk of developing breast cancer. Moreover, about 80 per cent of women who have breast cancer do not have a known family history or an identifiable risk factor. She enjoined those women whose families have ever been diagnosed with the disease to ensure they have a yearly mammogram.

By Wale Adepoju

She said it is important for women over 40 years be screened for breast cancer. “Women with a family history have increased risks of breast cancer and they should visit their doctors to discuss risk reduction and intervention,” the oncologist said. Salako said there is a lot that people can do at individual, community and policy levels to help women awareness about the disease and support access to adequate care. “They should avoid tobacco and maintain a healthy body weight. Also, they should eat right; get enough exercise, and appropriate cancer screening tests, these can make a significant difference. Everybody, she said, has the right to access proven and effective cancer treatments and services on equal terms, and without suffering hardship as a consequence. “Before starting treatment, do your research, ensure your hospital is equipped and you have the right health care professionals (breast surgeon, surgical and radiation oncologists). She said several research studies exposed to magnetic fields from power lines in the home and work environment can cause breast cancer but no link has been established. The founder of Sebeccly said women can wear bras that fit and support them because they do not cause cancer. But they should be washed regularly before wearing. She said men sucking a woman’s breast do not prevent breast cancer. Moreover, there is no logical or scientific explanation to this myth. Breast cancer surgery, she said, does not cause death and makes the cancer to spread. Patients whose cases are at advanced stages die shortly after operation. Breast surgeons/surgical oncologists are doctors highly

trained in the workings of cancer surgery and anatomy. She said patients and their loved ones should not delay or refuse surgery, which is an effective treatment. In reality, breast surgeons/ surgical oncologist know how to safely take biopsy samples and remove tumours without causing the cancer to spread. Extra precautions are taken to prevent any chance of the cancer spreading. Breast cancer, she said, can occur in women and men as both have breast tissue. She said government hospitals are among the best places for patients to receive care because of the specialists and facilities available there. “But they have their challenges,”she noted. She said breast cancer treatment is tailored to each individual patient as treatment depends on the type, location(s), stage of the can-

cer and treatment preference. “That is why people should confirm the capacity of the continuum of care in the hospital and the ability of doctors to treat before starting treatment. The best way to treat breast cancer is when doctors customize cancer treatment plans and recommendations in a multidisciplinary approach. Salako said a mammogram, which is an X ray, can show the picture of the breast. “It can pick up a lump two years before a doctor can feel it in her hand,”she said. She added that breast cancer lumps are painless, adding that pain alone cannot rule out cancer. “Some women also believe that a painless lump must not be cancer. This is not true. There’s no correlation between whether the lump is painful and whether it’s cancerous.

“There is a saying among cancerspecialists that: ”All lumps are guilty, until proven otherwise.” Therefore it doesn’t matter if the lump is painful or not or that you are in your 20’s; if you notice a breast lump, visit your doctor immediately. A breast lump is the most common breast cancer symptom; other symptoms are breast pain, thickening of the skin of the breast, nipple discharge, or a change in breast size or shape.” She said chemicals, such as deodorants, antiperspirants; hair dyes and hair relaxers as well as pesticides have been suggested as potential causes of breast cancer. Several studies have not confirmed a causative link between these chemical products and breast cancer, she added. Chemicals,Dr Salako said, should be used with caution, stressing that they should be kept out of the reach of children.

•Regional Brand Director Unilever Mr Kosala Hewamaddoma (left) Brand Building Director Mr David Arome Okeme, and Senior Dental Officer Lagos State Dr Olubunmi Okunnu right during the Pepsodent Scientific PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES conference held at Protea Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos

THE NATION TUESDAY FEBRUARY 3, 2015

PDP is jittery because of the elec‘ The tions. They are asking for postponement. Don’t play into their hands. We know their antics. They know that they will fail at the polls. That is why they don’t want elections now. They have four years to prepare for the elections

‘Don’t underrate SDP in Ogun ’ Ogun State Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate Senator Akin Odunsi spoke with Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN on how he intends to transform the Gateway State, if elected as governor

HAT prompted you into the governorship race? I am a party man to the core. The party, in its wisdom, after considering all factors, decided that I should be the flag bearer. For me, the party’s decision is supreme. Secondly, the desire to serve my people at a higher level made me to accept the offer. I believe I can do it. What are your plans for Ogun State? If elected as the governor of Ogun State, I will restore the confidence of the people in governance. People are disenchanted with the situation of things at the moment. Those who are supposed to serve them are serving parochial interests. My mission in government is to re-order our priority, restore our values, such as respect for elders and institutions like civil service, religious bodies, trade unions, students and civil societies so that people can eventually find self fulfillment. Ogun State is known as the cradle of Western education. Today, our schools are in a state of disrepair. Rather than rebuild and refurbish the schools, we are engaged in grandiose projects of building model schools. The education sector needs to be re-energised. Rural integration and agriculture, which is the main stay of the state economy, would be given priority by our administration. We need to re-connect with rural communities. We will re-order our priority to restore our traditional values. When we get into office, some of the ongoing projects may have to be reviewed to save funds for the provision of basic needs for the people. We will ensure financial control and re-negotiate some of the loans taken by the present administration. Ogun has the capacity to generate enough revenue internally. If properly managed, it will bring succour to our people. Can the SDP dislodge the APC, given Governor Amosun’s achievements? The masses of the people are groaning and complaining. The

activities of the state government are concentrated in the urban centres. The urban renewal programme covers less than 50 per cent of all local government council headquarters in the state. The rural areas are neglected. Attempts by some of us in the National Assembly to cite projects in the rural areas are considered an affront by the state government. In fact, people are tired. All hope is not lost. When we get to power, we shall come up with developmental projects that will boost the economy and empower the people. What’s your reaction to the allegation that the SDP is an assembly of aggrieved politicians? Members of the SDP in Ogun State are people of sound mind. They are serious-minded people that want to effect a change in the administration of the state through ballot next month. We are not party breakers. We don’t hijack parties. Aren’t you joining the race rather late? We are not just starting mobilising for support. The SDP has visited more than 150 towns and villages creating

• Odunsi

awareness about our party. We have spoken to the people and they are ready to fly with us. We are in the minds of the people. What we are doing now is mopping up followership. There is massive influx into our party on a daily basis. We have 50,000 card carrying members. Is it true that the SDP is being

sponsored by the PDP? That is a very cheap propaganda devised by the opposition. The opposition is jittery over the popularity of the SDP in Ogun State and the rate people are embracing our party. Those present at the flag-off our campaign in Abeokuta were not rented crowd. They are registered members. The SDP is a party registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) just as the PDP was registered. Do you have the resources to undertake electioneering campaign? We enjoy the goodwill of the people. Our party is a mass movement. The contributions of our members and well wishers will see us through. Has the SDP adopted any presidential candidate since the party is not fielding any? At the appropriate time, the party will give directive on the presidential candidate to vote for. But, for now, no decision has been taken. Do you support the call for the postponement of the elections? We are not considering election shift. Any elongation without an act of the National Assembly will be null and void and unconstitutional. Are you satisfied with the INEC’s preparation for the elections? A lot still need to be done by INEC. We are not satisfied with the distribution of Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC). A lot of eligible voters may be disenfranchised the way INEC is handling the PVC distribution. It is a source of great concern to my party. We appeal to INEC not to stop distribution of PVC until every eligible voter gets their cards.

Shun violence, Fashola urges Lagosians By Emmanuel Oladesu

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• Delta State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Chief Otega Emerhor (middle) at a meeting with youths in Asaba, the state capital.

AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) yesterday urged Lagosians to shun violence before, during and after the general elections. He described political violence as an ill-wind that blows nobody any good, adding that there is no alternative to an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. The governor who addressed a large crowd of supporters at the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Mushin, called for political tolerance among members of the political class in the interest of democracy. He appealed to the APC supporters to avoid violence, despite the provocation by the opposition, which he said, is jittery ahead of the elections. Fashola said the opposition is looking for opportunities to cause violence and use it as an excuse to postpone the elections. Decrying the agitation for poll postponement, the governor said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is trying to avoid the election because defeat is imminent. At the rally, where flags were presented to the House of Assembly and Representatives flag bearersMrs. Funmilayo Tejuoso and Yusuf Ayinla-by the party leaders, the governorship candidate, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, and a former governorship aspirant, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, embraced one another. They received applause by the broom waving, jubilating supporters, who were drumming, singing and dancing. Describing the APC as a big family, Fashola urged party supporters to embrace the courage to promote peace, instead of fanning the embers of disunity and violence. The governor said: “The PDP is jittery because of the elections. They are asking for postponement. Don’t play into their hands. We know their antics. They know that they will fail at the polls. That is why they don’t want elections now. They have four years to prepare for the elections. Shun violence so that you will not give them the excuse to postpone the elections.” Party followers from Mushin, Somolu, Bariga, Mainland, Kosofe, Mainland and Surulere stormed the rally, which held at the Amu Market Junction, Mushin.

The electioneering campaigns in Lagos State have been intense between the two major parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In this interview with MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE, the Lagos East (PDP) senatorial candidate, Mrs. Olabisi Salis, explains why she believes the PDP will have the upper hand in the zone.

HAT are your chances at the polls, considering that your party has never won the seat in the last 16 years? The best way to turn a negative situation to a positive one is to do something about it. The people of Lagos East Senatorial District deserve so many good things, but are being deprived of dividends of democracy at the moment. The challenges facing the district today require a new approach and drastic change. The people of Lagos deserves change; a change that will bring about an enduring legacy and prosperity. My chances of winning the election are very bright. Mark my word, there is going to be surprises at the polls this time around. What would you do for the people, if elected into office? My mission and vision for the

‘Lagos East ‘ll vote PDP’ district is to build a visible social, political and economic environment that would enhance the welfare of the masses. Through regular consultative and interactive forum, the people will be carried along as to what is going on at the Senate. I will also sponsor a bill on emancipation of the youths on education as part of the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals (MDG). This will make it mandatory for all children to have easy access to qualitative education and comprehensive healthcare services. I believe this will leave an enduring legacy that will remain the benchmark for future aspirants. Politician make promises they hardly fulfill. What is the guarantee that you will keep your word? The thrust of my programme would be to reduce the indices of poverty and alleviate the suffering of the people. Therefore, I don’t intend to venture into projects that will not impact on the lives of the people positively and directly. As a woman, don’t you feel intimidated by your male co-contestants? First and foremost, let me express my profound gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan, who is encouraging women to seek elective positions. If you must know, it is the women that are in the right position to know the basic needs of the

people far more than the men. And don’t forget that my husband, Barrister Owolabi Salis, is an astute politician and a staunch member of the PDP, having aspired to be governor of Lagos State on two good occasions. He gives me a lot encouragement. I also enjoy the goodwill and support from the party leadership, at the district and the state in general. So, I am not bothered by any form of intimidation from any quarters. Do you see the PDP winning elective positions in Lagos this time around? Going by the structures on ground, the PDP is going to win all the elections in Lagos, including the governorship. What determines the party that wins an election is the programmes and the principles of that party. The PDP today is no longer like the disunited one in the

• Salis

past; more so now that we have a tested and well-experienced politician as our governorship flag bearer. I believe that with the leadership and discipline we now enjoy in Lagos PDP, we would go places during the forthcoming general elections.

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

BUSINESS PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com 08062722507

THE NATION

* The Environment * Mortgage * Apartments * Security * Homes * Real Estate property@thenationonlineng.net muyiwalucas2002@yahoo.com

Nigerite finds magic cure for building collapse R OOFING giant, Nigerite Plc may have found the magic cure for building collapse. It has unveiled a N2 billion dry construction technology known as Kalsi to address the problem. Speaking at the event, Nigerite Managing Director Nigerite Plc, Mr. Franks Le Bris, said with the solution, the chances of building collapses were nil because it is an engineered process, adding that with its deployment, there is no way standards can be changed. This he said, is premised on the deployment of a better construction technology, which does not give room for cheating. Kalsi, Le Bris said, is a major component of the Dry Construction System (Dryco). “Kalsi gives a lot of mileage in Stories by Muyiwa Lucas

that regard because you cannot cut corners with it,” Lebris said. Besides, with this technology, he believes that durable and affordable housing for all may soon be achieved if the federal, state and private property developers embrace the new building and construction technology. He said the firm had in the last two years been working on the development of an entirely novel and friendly solution in the built industry, by showingcasing the Kalsi technology to building professionals and contractors as a viable alternative to the traditional wet construction method with blocks, bricks and concrete. Nigerite has spent about N2 billion on dry construction facilities, and also held over 200 trainings for

‘How to grow viable property market’

artisans and industry professionals, he added. Nigerite’s Head, Dry Construction Business Unit, Mr. Wale Ogungbe, explained that Dryco has the least construction challenges because it has a software that considered the wind load, water load, among other factors. Ogungbe said the facility has been tested and trusted in other parts of the world, such as Indonesia, Europe, Asia and South America. Besides, testing of the product has proved that it leaves little or no casualty in the event of natural disasters, he said. “Nigerite has put all measures in place, from raw materials, machinery, personnel and training to introduce this avante garde building solution to the market in the second quarter of 2015. To say the least, we have all it takes to take the built industry to the next level, Ogungbe added. Nigerite’s Dryco solution uses Kalsi boards, which are high performance autoclaved cement boards,

Siniat plasterboards, that is, high quality Gypsum boards, galvanised steel framings and other component finishing accessories. Kalsi boards are manufactured from cement, quartz sand, cellulose, natural calcium silicate and water. The boards are processed by autoclave- a drying process under high pressure and temperature for durability and dimensional stability. The board comes in 1.22m x 2.44m and 1.22m x 3.00m and thickness from 6mm to 20mm. Explaining the comparative advantages of dry over wet construction, Head, Department of Estate Management, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof Timothy Nubi, said the method will lead to reduction in wastes, offer design freedom with comprehensive technological and infrastructure costs, adding that in construction, building products and processed materials are transferred to the building site, which means less technical, logistical and infrastructure

costs. Le Bris explained that the company is not shifting from a roofing solution company for which it has been known, but rather expanding into a new area called “complementary building solution or dry construction”, adding that it is a move from manufacturing roofing solution to building solution. He said with the capital expenditure put at 24 per cent of recurrent expenditure, and the falling crude oil prices, the industry is under pressure to come up with a cost efficient system of construction. Laudable as this product may be, experts, however, said the cost of using it for construction is still high.This is because dry construction is about five per cent more affordable than the traditional brick and mortar for housing; but on the long run, it is cheaper. However, in mass housing (estate projects), dry construction is a huge money saver.

OW can an efficient, viable and sustainable real estate market be developed to galvanise investments in the sector? This was the thrust of a seminar by stakeholders in Lagos. The seminar titled: Creating investment grade real estate assets in Nigeria, attracted domestic and international investors, developers, pension fund administrators, real estate consultants and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), and National Pension Commission (PENCOM) officials. It was organised by Stanbic IBTC. Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited, Yewande Sadiku; Head, Real Estate Finance (West Africa), Stanbic IBTC, Adeniyi Adeleye; Director, Real Estate, Actis, Funke Okubadejo; Asset Manager, Stanlib Africa Direct Property Development Fund, Nnema Byrd; and Director, Java Capital, Andrew Brooking; who facilitated the sessions, took participants through several topics on asset valuation, land acquisition and zoning considerations, structures and characteristics, regime in Nigeria, among others. Sadiku said: “The forum is part of Stanbic IBTC’s overall strategy to facilitate the establishment of an efficient and viable real estate investment trust (REIT) regime in Nigeria.” Adeleye, who gave the keynote presentation, highlighted the apparent illiquidity of the REITs, explaining that the predictable and sustainable rental cash flow is one of the most important elements of the vehicle which is primarily designed to pool rental assets. “Well-structured rental obligation with regular collection cycles from credible tenants creates sustainable rental cashflow, which is the most important driver of the underlying property value as well as the quality of REITs - which is a portfolio of such properties. This is counter intuitive to the market norms that tend to have an overweighted attention on indicators such as contractor, high construction cost, property appearance, and perceived building quality,” she said.

Other speakers identified some key areas that must be given priority attention to incorporating investment grade real estate assets into REITs in Nigeria to include: the review and alignment of securities regulations, resolution of tax regulations for equitable administration of value in the real estate sector, amongst others. Also identified was the requirement for intervention inland transfers and urban planning processes to create an improved enabling environment, which will continue to support the creation of new real estate assets, as well as instituting an efficient and speedy judicial process. Participants pointed out that a strong demand for real estate assets makes the country an attractive prospect for investible funds in real estate. They, however, called for a structured REIT market, one that is efficient and liquid, as a way to attract another classification of local and foreign investors. Other participants at the forum were Actis, Persianas Group, and Resilient Africa, which organised a roundtable for key industry stakeholders and regulators in Lagos.

•NorthPointe Estate on Chevron Drive, Lekki, Lagos ... one of Gran Imperio ‘s projects.

Firm plans 1,000 housing units yearly

N estate firm, Gran Imperio Group (GIG), plans to deliver about 1,000 upscale housing units yearly. The developer has delivered Jacob Mews, NorthPointe I, II III and SouthPointe Phase I, consisting of 299 housing units. This does not include units located on the developer’s Inagbe Grand Resort, a unique tourist centre, it is developing with the Esinmikan family in Lagos. Also, construction has reached advanced stages in its sites, at Lakeview Park 1, II, Mid-land Court, SouthPointe II, Golden Leaf Estate, Y’hello Estate, promoted under the ‘EssentialHomes’ brand name. The development of the Lake View Park 1, a site and service scheme strategically located on the Lekki-Epe Expressway adjacent Victoria Garden City (VGC) with 194 residential plots and over 30,000sqms commercial plots, has been completed. Phase two, a resi-

dential community on the Lafiaji Road, Lekki, with a lake, has 160 residential plots of various sizes and an area earmarked for commercial activities. At the moment, 20 buildings are being constructed in this place. Still, under construction are 24 units of terraced town houses in Midland Court on Northern Foreshore road, off Chevron Drive, Lekki Peninsula, Lagos, a premium residential community which offers spectacular ambience, detailed finishing, security and recreational facilities in an appealing environment. This, according to the Managing Director of Gran Imperio Group, Mr. Adeyeye Ogunwusi, would be delivered by April 30, 2015. The SouthPointe II and Lakeview Park II, which comprises 79 units including 32, 30 and 17 units of three, four bedrooms and town houses, and is billed to be delivered in April 2015.

GIG has also entered into a joint venture with the BritishAmerica Tobacco (BAT) to develop the Golden Leaf Estate on Lafiaji Road, Lekki. Upon completion, the 1.9 hectares estate will provide 380 units of various types, including detached houses, terraced bungalows and detached duplexes. For ease of execution, the project has been divided into different zones. Y’hello Estate in the same area is a residential community offering 800 units of exquisitely finished terraced bungalows, town houses and flats with air conditioning, good quality finishes - kitchen, recreational facilities and a commercial area. Like the Golden Leave Estate, this project is a joint-venture between GIG and MTN. According to GIG’s Managing Director, Mr. Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the economy cannot grow without opening up the

cities. “The economy needs diversification and the only thing that can sustain it is housing,” he said. At present, three mortgage institutions are partnering GIG on the project to deliver housing units at friendly prices. The representative of Imperial Homes, one of the mortgage banks working with GIG, Mrs. Ronke Akinyele, expressed delight at the feat achieved so far. “We started together. We are taking mortgage to the next level and that is why we are cooperating with others to ensure that we improve the country’s housing stock,” she said. The Company Secretary, Trust Bond Mortgage Bank, Mr. Mark Okoye, said his company had faith in GIG and because it is a people- centred project, they would be supported all the way. A house in the GIG housing scheme costs between N7.95 million and N30 million.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

BUSINESS ENERGY E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

THE NATION

To stem gas pipeline vandalism, the Federal Government, according to Minister of Power Prof Chinedu Nebo, is working on an energy efficiency policy to diversify sources of power supply. Nebo, who spoke during a visit to The Nation, said the government was, looking at power sector challenges, such as pipeline vandalism, estimation billing and energy insecurity. To improve power supply, the government is considering diversification to solar, wind and biomass. EMEKA UGWUANYI was there.

N view of gas pipeline vandalism, why don’t we concentrate on solar and wind energy, which are sources that cannot be vandalised, for power supply? We cannot continue to do business as usual but do it unusual and that is why we are going solar. The wind energy is critical and important but once you measure the wind velocity and you get five metres per second, you will be able to drive many of the turbines but some of them are designed in such a way that you wouldn’t get much power if the velocity of the wind is not so high. For instance, if you have 10 metres per second you can get 10 megawatts (MW), but if that drops to five metres per second, you will not be able to get up to 3MW from the same turbine. So, it is calculation of the wind, integrating the velocity of the wind into the design. Some of these ones that come with helical wind turbines, among others, are more efficient than the regular ones and there is no reason why some parts of Nigeria will not benefit from wind energy. Jos in Plateau State and Katsina in Katsina State hasve a lot of wind velocity. We have a wind plant in Katsina, the problem there is the kidnapping of the French national who was in charge of the project and it is over 97 per cent completed, which I hope will be commissioned very soon. But I think that even more important than wind for Nigeria is solar because every part of Nigeria is amenable to solar power and even biomass considering the kind of waste generated in Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kaduna and Ibadan, among others. We can aggregate these and put more power plants here and there, and feed them directly to the distribution network of the country and that is embedded generation and distributed power. The National Integrated Power Project (NIPP), among others, is supposed to supply substantial power to the grid, up to 15,000MW. What is happening to the project? When all the 10 plants under NIPP are done, it will add about 4,700MW to the national grid and not 15000MW. But the problem we have in Nigeria is, I’m sorry to say it, military rule took us back so much, because training as the art of governance is not in the military, otherwise, Nigeria’s infrastructure could have been developed much faster and better than it is today. Nigeria today is number one economy in Africa but South Africa has a population of 43 million and they generate 40,000MW while Nigeria has a population of 170 million and we have 4,500MW. So where do you start? You cannot do it overnight. If we were to generate per capita as South Africa is generating today, we should be generating 160,000MW. But I assure you, get all the General Electric (GE), Siemens and Chinese Power in this world together, put them at work and charge them for maximum delivery; they cannot deliver 160,000MW in five years. All the power companies in the world cannot give you 160,000MW in five years but embedded generation can give reasonable generation, though not up to that level but at least the level that will give most Nigerians power. That is why we must think outside the box. NIPP project can only give us 4,700MW in total, so we need a lot more and that is why all the new independent power plants (IPPs) that are being licensed, eventually by the grace of God, will take off. Also when the NIPP was conceived, there was no concomitant development and deployment of gas infrastructure to supply gas to the plants to power the turbines and they are all gas-fired turbines. But working with this administration’s gas master

•Nebo

PHOTO:BIODUN WILLIAMS

‘New policy on renewable energy coming’ plan, we can comfortably say that essentially all the NIPP plants now have gas infrastructure. In other words, once gas is available, we can power all of them and that wasn’t the case a few years ago. In the past, there was no mention of connecting those plants to gas.

look at another person and say, he may not be eating a triangular meal let alone a square one, and they give him a smaller bill. At the end of the day, they come up with just amorphous averaging that has nothing to do with technical and scientific reality and that is why we must meter everybody. The meters we have are not smart meters. It is only recently we started getting smart meters. So it was possible for them to override those meters and that is why we are moving to smart meters. That way, you can only consume as much as you can afford, if you are consuming so much, you learn to shut down your air conditioner when you go to work as well as lightings that are not being used, among others. We are moving to solve all these problems. But between November 1, 2013 and now, we found out that the commercial losses are huge. Power sector cannot guard against these losses without metering. Less than 60 per cent of Nigerians are metered, how do you collect your money? So commercial losses are huge and unfortunately, somebody has to pay for it. And unfortunately again, it is those who are paying that are penalised to pay for those who are not paying. That is why the government said we must push the regulator – the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), to make sure that these companies, which made promises to provide meters and other things, to start doing them. But government has decided not to wait for them to start and has given them one million meters to continue from there to spread meters to the people. It is this commercial losses, which made DISCOs not to be able to collect enough that made the Central Bank came up with a package working with the Ministers of Power and Petroleum Resources, Chairman of NERC, synergising together to provide facilities to them to smoothen the situation, stabilise the market, infuse a little more capital and allow these DISCOs to pay over a 10-year period to make sure that the market is solvent.

Energy insecurity Energy security and food security are critical security system that every country must have but we have a peculiar situation. These oil and gas pipelines pass through very unfriendly terrain, so the deployment of soldiers, naval men and the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, among others to take care of them will not solve the problem and that is all we have been doing all along. How do you secure over 100 km of pipeline in an unfriendly terrain, under water with these men, it is not possible. What we are doing which the president has bought into, is getting companies do a digital mechanism that will connect every centimetre of the pipeline and give you the latitude of having sensors that will immediately indicate the particular part of the pipeline that they are poaching. And some of those sensors can activate a shrieking noise that will make the vandals know that somebody is watching them but these things are very expensive, but the government is working on that. The length of this pipeline and the terrains they pass through, are not amenable to physical protection. Another complex area is the stealing and vandalisation of transformers by young men. They cannibalise the transformer, sell them as scraps at a pittance, while the replacement of such equipment costs tens of millions of naira, besides the darkness they throw electricity consumers into. We are working on all these to make sure that Nigerians have light.

On solar energy Nigeria didn’t have renewable energy policy but we have now finished our draft and have consulted inter-ministerially. We have held inter-ministerial workshops on the panel working on the renewable energy because we felt it is not just enough to set up renewable energy but also ensure energy efficiency. So the policy coming out is renewable energy and energy efficiency policy for the country. We have perfected it, and defended it before the economic management implementation team, and now it is to take it to the National Executive Council (NEC) for approval. But I noticed that when the memo was brought, we hadn’t sought for the concurrence of the Attorney-General of the Federation. So, I told them, package this to the Attorney-General of the Federation, get their concurrence and input, so that we will use their input to amend what we have, and it will be taken to the NEC, otherwise, it will be shut down the very first day you bring it to the council because they will ask where is the opinion of the Ministry of Justice and we don’t want that problem. So that policy is coming but the media can help us popularise it. I try to live by example. I don’t have a generator in

my house. If you come to my house, you will see a few solar panels, just to show that these things are workable. In the day time when there is no light, the solar panels will give you light, at least for lighting points in the entire house. If you have enough room, you can make it to power refrigerators and air conditioners. We use a lot of air conditioner in Nigeria and we need a lot of power to do that. So in solar, you need a lot of area to power your house to the point of utilising solar for air conditioning and refrigeration. So, we want to make it mandatory that every new house coming up will have solar panels at least for the lighting because about 35 per cent of all of Nigeria’s consumption of electricity is lighting. If we power every home with solar and cause them to use LED (light emitting diode) bulbs, it save s 20 per cent of the energy consumption. The implication is that by not using 1000MW, you are producing 1000MW for the country and industries can use them, so that is part of the reasons we need this policy. It is being perfected and it will soon be approved but we will also expect that and I plead with you the press to help us popularise this. If you can use solar to power your house for lighting and charge your telephones at the cost of less than “I better pas my neighbour” (the smallest generator set), why do you put petrol or diesel and you inhale the fumes, poison your lungs and that of your children, and you are paying to poison yourself whereas in solar and wind, you don’t do that. We are also thinking of picko-hydro that can be powered by the smallest stream to generate power at least for a little community of people.

These are some of the things we are working on so that we don’t depend on gas because with gas if vandals decide they can throw Nigeria into darkness, they can do it, especially with 70 per cent of all our generation coming from gas. That is why we must do coal, solar and wind where amenable and we must continue to increase hydro wherever possible and also biomass for areas we can do wasteto-power like in Lagos. Metering inadequacy and estimation billing One thing about that situation is that none of these companies inherited debt, government gave them a clean slate. The debts were moved to NELMCO (Nigerian Electricity Liability Management Company). But when the tariffs were designed, they were not actually effectively cost-reflective, so there is no way the system under private governance will be able to raise enough funds to continue to stay afloat. That is part of the problem but the reason for this is losses. There are technical losses from generation to transmission, to distribution, and to supply. Some of the losses are due to faulty equipment and ageing equipment and infrastructure, and some because of nonoptimisation of the route for delivery of electricity. But the most serious losses are commercial losses but we have reduced technical losses substantially. So technically, we are not losing a lot but commercially much. Many Nigerians get power and they don’t pay for it. The distribution companies (DISCOs) are not collecting enough money. They (DISCOs) may look at you, and say you look well fed, you can pay more and they slam a big bill on you. They may

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

ENERGY

Consumers bemoan high price of kerosene C ONSUMERS have expressed disappointment over the inability of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to sell kerosene at its filling stations at the regulated price of N50 per litre, two years after it launched the Kero Correct Scheme (KCS), aimed at selling the product to consumers at a cheaper price. A market survey conducted in Lagos and its environs reveals the harrowing experience consumers go through even before they can buy kerosene at higher price. In the NNPC-owned retail outlet in Idimu and Ikotun visited by The Nation, consumers were buying kerosene at N95 per litre. Also, retail outlets owned by the major and independent oil marketers especially in Ikeja, Mushin, Egbeda, Idimu, Iyana-Ipaja areas of Lagos, kerosene sells for between N130 and N150 per litre. The independents also charge extra N5 per litre if they power the pumps with generators. A manager in one of the retail outlets of Mobil Oil, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said NNPC does not have direct control over major oil marketers, adding that there is a limit to which the National Oil Company can impose the prices of petroleum products on them. The source said his outlet sells kerosene at a much higher price, adding that consumers have been buying the product. Also a staff member of Owena Motels, Akure, Ondo State, who simply identified himself as By Akinola Ajibade

‘Implementation of oil theft law crucial’

Samuel Olowokere, said the price of kerosene goes for between N120 and N130 per litre in various petrol stations in the state. He said the petrol station owned by independent petroleum marketers, major oil marketers and NNPC sell kerosene at higher prices. The President, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association of Nigeria (LPGAN), Dapo Adesina, said the scheme was not laudable, in view of the problems in the industry. He said consumers are used to buying kerosene at a rate far above regulated prices because they use the product for domestic purposes. He said awareness on the usage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas otherwise known as cooking gas has just started, noting that consumers use kerosene often. He said the issue of subsidies paid on petroleum products has generated controversy such that the government is trying to stop it. He said: “There is nothing concrete to say about the scheme because there are flaws in it. The government is complaining about the subsidies it is paying importers on petroleum products, and at the same time, wants to sell kerosene at N50 per litre. There is no way NNPC can sell the product at that amount without subsidising it. The scheme is not something Nigeri-

ans should be talking about now. It amounts to a misplaced priority for the NNPC to be talking on the issue of selling kerosene at N50 per litre. Why can’t the government discuss the issue of gas, which Nigeria has in abundance and is not paying subsidies on.” In his reactions, the General Manager, Group Public Affairs, NNPC, Ohi Alegbe, said it was wrong to say that consumers are not buying kerosene at a much cheaper price at the filling stations owned by NNPC. He said NNPC is monitoring developments in its mega stations, affiliate stations and floating stations across the country in order to ensure that consumers buy the product at N50 per litre. Alegbe said the corporation is using its staff and volunteers from NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs) to coordinate activities in its stations to enable the scheme achieve its goals of making consumers buy kerosene at N50. He said volunteers were being brought into the project to help monitor discharge and sales of kerosene as an independent feedback system, adding that they help in promoting transparency and ensuring that the product gets to the desired end users. He said: “NNPC is using its retail outlets for the implementation of the scheme. The Corporation has 37 mega stations, 524 affiliate stations, and 12 floating stations. The floating stations are in the riverine states such as Ondo, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom and

HE plans by the Federal Government to make laws preventing people from stealing crude oil, can only be effective when there is a strong commitment on the part of the government and the relevant agencies like the judiciary and legislature, stakeholders have said. The Federal Government through, the Office of AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, is scrutinising a bill that would provide a legal framework for companies to operate in the oil and gas sector and collect their revenues without hindrance. The bill, when passed into law by the National Assembly, would help check crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other unwholesome practices in the industry. The President, Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Emeka Ene and the President, International Association of Energy Economists(IAEE), Nigerian Chapter, Prof Adeola Akinnisiju said implementation is key to the success of any law. He said it does not make sense to make laws that would not be implemented, adding that laws made in the past were not well implemented, thus fueling criminal activities in the industry. He said: “The issue of providing new law against oil theft among other incidences is a good one. It is one thing for the government to enact a law that would help both local and International Oil Companies (IOCs) operate well; it is another thing to implement the law. I hope the law

By Akinola Ajibade

would not be one of those that are not executed in Nigeria. “If the law is implemented, it would curb crimes in the industry. It would send signals to the perpetrators of evil. They would know that it is not business as usual. They would weigh the cost of committing crime, and once they know that the consequences are grave, they would stop.” Akinnisiju said stiffer regulation is required to make the sector more vibrant and rewarding to operators irrespective of the areas they operate. Ene said the industry has lost heavily to oil theft, urging the government to fully implement laws to encourage industry’s growth. He said Nigeria has no choice than to block the loopholes through which people steal oil and ship it abroad, in view of the falling prices of crude oil globally. He said the country has lost a fortune to the declining prices of crude oil, arguing that the country’s problems are going to be compounded if the government fails to check the activities of people involved in such practices. He urged government to make laws effective to check the incident, and foster the industry’s growth. “It would amount to double tragedy for Nigeria if the prices of crude oil continue to fall and people stealing oil escape the long arm of justice. That shows that the government will lose more revenue,” he added.

‘Discussions on Seplat’s takeover of Afren ongoing’

From left: Business Development Manager - Africa, Clariant Oil Services, Mr. Justin Gray; Marketing Communications Manager, Eunisell, Mr. Kunmi Balogun and Country Manager - Nigeria, Clariant Oil Services, Mr. Solomon Otakoro at the 19th Offshore West Africa Conference and Exhibition in Lagos.

Fuel price reduction, no respite yet

ISCUSSIONS on acquisition of Afren Plc by Nigeria’s leading indigenous independent, Seplat Petroleum Plc, is ongoing and no substantial agreement has been reached on the deal as talks are still in the preliminary stage, it was learnt. The Managing Director of Seplat Plc, Austin Avuru, told The Nation that the discussions have not gone beyond what have been said and written in the media about the transaction. He said: “We cannot talk about Afren beyond what has been talked now by both Seplat and Afren. What we have said earlier, which are true, is that we have

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

T is over two weeks since the Federal Government cut the price of premium motor spirit (PMS) commonly called petrol by N10 from N97 to N87 per litre, yet nothing has changed except for vehicle owners. The Nation's investigation shows that transport fares for long distance commuters and those of local shuttles (township buses) have remained unchanged. Cost of goods in big shopping malls such as Shoprite, Stop & Shop, and price of consumables in open markets including the common condiments such as tomatoes and pepper still retained their prices. Products from manufacturing concerns have changed also because most of the manufacturing firms don't depend on petrol for fuel to power their machineries. Manufacturing companies use natural gas, low pour fuel oil (LPFO) and rarely diesel. Therefore, the fuel price reduction doesn't seem to have benefitted the low income owners (the masses). This development appears to confirm the opinion of many Nigerians that the reduction didn't substantially reflect the falling price of crude. Crude oil price has fallen by over 50 per cent since December last year and the fuel price reduction was mere 11 per cent.

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

The government, The Nation learnt, didn't contact other stakeholders when taking decision on the reduction. Some of the stakeholders including the major oil marketers, said in previous fuel price changes over the years, the government usually discussed with them to determine the price before announcing it. But in the case of the current reduction, they were not contacted. They said the law gives the Minister of Petroleum Resources the power to increase or reduce the price of fuel without consulting anyone or group but the practice in the past has been that the stakeholders sit to discuss it. Also the reason the government didn't want an inclusive discussion on determining the recent price reduction, was to avoid huge subsidy payment because the lower the pump price, the higher the subsidy it pays. Over the years, the refineries have not been working, making the government depend on importation to meet national demand for fuel. As a result of the development, the cost advantage that could have been derived from refining in-country is lacking. Coincidentally, the Naira was devalued, so when fuel is bought overseas

in dollar, the cost of freight and some charges factored into it, the price per litre of petrol soars when converted into Naira. The addition of the distribution margins which constitute part of the subsidy also pushes up the cost of fuel. At the price of N87 per litre, the government still pays subsidy, it was learnt. The distribution margins include the fixed overhead and other running costs from the landing of the product to the point of sale to consumers (retail outlets). The distribution margins include retailers (N4.60 per litre), transporters margins (N2.99 per litre), dealers margin (N1.75 per litre), bridging fund (plus marine transport average) (N6.00 per litre) and administrative charge (N0.15 per litre), giving a total N15.49 per litre. This component of the pricing template took effect from February 2009. Therefore, these odds certainly will make it impossible for the government to appropriately reduce the pump price of fuel to reflect the percentage fall in price of crude as done by some countries including the United States and South Africa. It is no longer news that Nigeria is the only oil producing country in the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting

Countries (OPEC) that imports petroleum products to meet its energy needs, and until it reverses this trend, it will be difficult for Nigerians to enjoy the benefits of crude oil price crash in the future. Analysts, including Dr Austin Nweze of the Pan Atlantic University, Lagos believed that the reduction was politically motivated because according to him, crude price started falling since mid last year and the reduction was only announced two weeks ago. They were of the view that the reduction may be a step toward total removal of subsidy. They said that if the price of crude rebounds to $90 and above per barrel, government may decide to hike the price substantially because it is questionable to reduce fuel price by 11 per cent when crude price fell by over 50 per cent. If the refineries are working efficiently, the downstream sector could be liberalised, and this will enable anyone who wants to import to do so, and this will also encourage the private sector to build refineries. This will create competition and the price of fuel will naturally crash, and filling stations will sell at different prices, he added.

made preliminary approaches between the two parties and there is nothing. There is no guarantee that anything will happen and seeking an extension simply means that those approaches are still on. Reuters had reported that Seplat Petroleum Plc had won an extension to a deadline for announcing whether it intends to make a firm offer for oil producer Afren. The report stated that Seplat confirmed that it had made a preliminary approach to take over Afren and that it faced a January 19 deadline to firm up the deal. “The board of the company has received the consent of the UK Takeover Panel for an extension to the deadline until 13 February 2015 to enable the parties to continue their ongoing discussions,” Afren said in a statement. Seplat, which lost out on the assets that Shell divested in October last year, according to the report, has been on the hunt for acquisitions in Nigeria, encouraged by falling oil prices. Afren has been plagued by highlevel corruption in a deal with Oriental Energy that resulted in the dismissal of its founder and Chief Executive Officer, Osman Shahenshah and Chief Operating Officer, Shahid Ullah, but who were fired after receiving payments without board’s approval. The United Kingdom’s oil and gas explorer, which is currently on the trail of a Nigerian firm’s takeover talks, had secured $17.1 million from former CEO, Osman Shahenshah and $3 million from the COO, Shahid Ullah, in legal costs, before agreeing not to pursue the matter in court further. Already, Afren’s stock climbed as much as 9.9 per cent, the biggest gain since December 22, 2014, when it received an approach for a possible takeover by Nigeria’s Seplat Petroleum Development Company.

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 02-02-15

Nigerian equities open February with N106b gains

HE Nigerian stock market opened yesterday on the upbeat as investors gained N106 billion. Aggregate market value of all quoted equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) recovered to N9.953 trillion in a tight trade that saw nearly as many gainers as losers. Market value of quoted companies had closed January at N9.847 trillion. The benchmark index at the NSE, the All Share Index (ASI), trended upward to 29,882.28 points from its opening index of 29,562.07 points. With 21 gainers to 22 losers, the overall market situation was boosted by gains by several large-cap stocks. Turnover was also above average as investors staked N3.25 billion on 254.84 million shares in 5,505 deals. Banking stocks dominated the activity chart with FBN Holdings leading the table with 24.04 million shares worth N170 million in 535 deals. Access Bank was the second most active stock with a turnover of 23.08 million shares worth N118.9 million in 139 deals. FCMB Group placed third with 22.71 million shares worth N45.59 million in 129 deals. Seplat Petroleum Development Company recorded the highest gain of N12.77 to close at N318. Nigerian Breweries

• SEC alerts on illegal fund By Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

followed with a gain of N6.98 to close at N149. Nestle Nigeria gathered N3.75 to close at N804. GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria added N2 to close at N42. Dangote Cement chalked up N1.70 to close at N157.70. Lafarge Africa rose by N1.44 to close at N83.99. Dangote Sugar Refinery added 69 kobo to close at N7.51. Guaranty Trust Bank garnered 46 kobo to close at N20.49. Oando rose by 21 kobo to close at N15.60 while Honeywell Flour Mills rose by 15 kobo to close at N3.15 per share. On the other hand, Forte Oil recorded the highest loss of N6.95 to close at N223.05. Seven-Up Bottling Company declined by N5.30 to close at N150.70. Presco dropped by N1.62 to close at N31.04. UAC of Nigeria slipped by 20 kobo to close at N37. Ecobank Transnational Incorporated dropped by 18 kobo to close at N16. Nigeria Aviation Handling Company lost 14 kobo to close at N4.66. Evans Medical dwindled by 11 kobo to N2.16 while Unilever Nigeria, Diamond Bank and Vitafoam Nigeria lost 10 kobo each to close at N34.40, N3.48 and N3.49

respectively. Meanwhile, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has alerted the investing public about the activity of an illegal fund known as “Energy Sector Credit Enhancement Fund” being promoted by MichelleVault Partners Limited. SEC yesterday stated that in order to convince unsuspecting investors of the authenticity of the purported fund, the promoters have misrepresented to the general public that the said fund is managed by major players in the Nigerian capital market. “The said “Energy Sector Credit Enhancement Fund” is not registered by the Commission and the promoter, Michelle-Vault Partners Limited is also not registered to perform any function in the capital market. The purported fund therefore appears to be an outright fraud,” SEC stated. The apex capital market regulator warned the general investing public not to participate in the purported fund noting that any person subscribing to the purported fund or dealing with Michelle-Vault Partners Limited in any capital market related business is doing so at his own risk.

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 02-02-15

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

MONEYLINK

Emefiele: Nigerians to pay transport fares electronically

Gunners promo winners praise Sterling Bank

IGERIANS will going forward, pay for both inter-city and intra-city transportation electronically, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has said. Emefiele, who made this known at the inauguration of the Payment System Vision 2020 (PSV2020) in Lagos, said the new shift is in line with his determination resolve to reduce the use of cash not only in transportation but across other segments of the economy including salaries payment in government agencies. He said a pilot implementation will soon be organised with various transportation companies. "I am aware that a lot of traction has been gained on this initiative, on air transportation, but a lot still remains to be done on such other means as land, water and rail," he said. Emefiele also restructured the Payment Systems Strategy Board (PSSB) to replace the National Payment Sys-

Stories by Collins Nweze

tems Council (NPSC). The PSSB will be the pinnacle organisation for the governance, management and operation of the Nigerian Payment Systems and will in line with global best practices, provide strategic direction for the National Payments System in the country. Aside transportation, he said the CBN is also developing electronic payment methods that would support the agriculture value chain and develop a cashless model for Smart Cities. The focus, he said, will be on both existing cities and "greenfield cities", to ensure that less cash is used as a means of payment (retail outlets, and food). The CBN boss also hinted that going forward, end-to-end electronic channels will be adopted for all forms of salaries, pensions, suppliers, individual & business taxes payment and collection of revenues by private and public sector organisations. "There will also be a collaboration

with key pilot hotels and other key entertainment venues such as restaurants, cinemas, sports centres to promote the 'cashless initiative'," he said. Emefiele said plans are ongoing to design and develop an electronic fund transfer system which utilizes multiple channels in processing electronic payments that supports the educational ecosystem with components such as grants, scholarships, consultancy services, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), tuition and administrative fees. On the health sector, the CBN boss said the regulator will provide solutions that support the provision of personal and medical information and payments for health and medical services. He called for increased usage of bill payments programmes across suitable industry segments such as insurance, pensions, telecommunications, Cable TV and utilities. The CBN boss also instituted Working Groups and Governance Scheme Boards to help the new initiatives

T •Emefiele

work. He said the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) Special Interest Working Group, has been engaged to ensure consistency between domestic and WAMZ payment initiatives; the Legal Special Interest Working Group meant to promote the appropriate legal framework for payment systems; Information Security and Risk Management Special Interest Working Group which will develop and implement Information Security & Risk Management Framework for the payments system.

FirstBank named best banking brand Bank moves to number 388 from 453 in 2014, Guaranty Trust Bank moves to 417 from 422 while Access Bank made first entry into the ranking. Brand value of First Bank increases to $300 million in 2015 from $228 in 2014 and according to the Economics editor of the magazine, Silvia Pavoni, the brand value is “the licensing rate that a third-party would need to pay to use that company’s brand.” Pavoni said Brand Finance obtained brand-specific financial and revenue data; modeled the market to identify market demand and the position of individual banks in the context of all other market competitors; established the royalty rate for each bank; calculated the discount rate specific to each bank, taking account of its size, geographical presence, reputation, gearing and brand rating and discounted future royalty stream (explicit forecast and perpetuity periods) to a net present value which is the brand value. This approach, the Economics editor noted “is used for two reasons: it is favoured by tax authorities and the courts because it calculates brand values by reference to documented third-party transactions and it can be done based on publicly available financial information.” Globally, Wells Fargo of the United States of America retains the number one banking brand in the world for the third consecutive year and was followed by banks in China, United Kingdom and Spain in the first ten. Wells Fargo’s brand value for 2015 is $34.9 billion as against $30.2 billion in 2014, an increase of $4.7 billion. The first ten banks in the world are Well Fargo (USA); ICBC (China); HSBC (UK); China Construction Bank; Citibank, Bank of America, Chase (USA); Agricultural Bank of China; Bank of China; and Santander (Spain).

OR the fourth consecutive year, First Bank of Nigeria has been ranked number one banking brand in Nigeria by The Banker magazine of Financial Times and Brand Finance, London, United Kingdom in their annual 2015 The Top 500 Banking Brands. The Country Representative of The Banker magazine - Nigeria, Mr. Kunle Ogedengbe said First Bank moves from being number 382 in 2014 to 336 this year. Other Nigerian banks that made the ranking moved up. They are Zenith Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank and Access Bank. Zenith

HE winners of the Sterling Bank Gunners promo, Messrs Oseni Tajudeen Adekunle and Segun Oghe John who travelled to London last weekend to watch the match between Arsenal and Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium, courtesy of Sterling Bank Plc have commended the Bank for its role in the development of sports in Nigeria. The two winners also described their experience in the UK as a unique experience. The two winners who spoke to our correspondents from the Emirates Stadium before the match on Sunday stated that this initiative from the Bank is capable of attracting foreign clubs and other sports related businesses to take more interest in the development of sports in Nigeria through strategic partnership with Sterling Bank. The two lucky winners are among the five winners picked at the promo draw held at the Sterling Towers, the Bank's corporate head office in Lagos to watch the Arsenal versus Aston Villa match. The three who could not make the trip due to personal reasons are Oduntan Femi Abimbola, Tamunokubie Tamunobarao and Obi Blessing Uwachukwu. They will be compensated by the Bank in the like sum. In all, 30 winners will emerge from five draws making it 6 winners per draw. An excited Oseni, who spoke with journalists at the Emirates Stadium said: "The experience is wonderful. Setting my eyes on the players as they arrived the stadium and seeing the best manager in the world, Arsene Wenger is wonderful". Mr. Oseni who noted that he did not open the account just for the purpose of been selected for the draws also commended the Bank for a flawless arrangement of the trip.

AFRINVEST W. A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGE FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FIDELITY NIG FUND • UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

126.59 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.63 1.39 1,740.37 1,105.75 112.48 121.16 1.67 1.29 1.32 0.95 1.17

126.46 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.62 1.33 1,740.37 1,104.98 111.88 120.30 1.62 1.28 1.32 0.93 1.17

Transaction Dates 13/01/2015 3/12/2014 1/12/2014 ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Amount Offered in ($) 500m 400m 350m

Amount Sold in ($) 499.93m 399.97m 349.96m

CBN EXCHANGE RATES January 14, 2015

Inflation: December Monetary Policy Rate

8% 13.0% $35b $45 N16.42 trillion. N17.2 trillion 16.5%

Currency US Dollar Pounds Sterling Euro Swiss Franc Yen CFA

Buying (N) 167 261.9395 206.2617 171.546 1.3838 0.2944 242.3484 27.1505 44.4906 243.2856 Jan. 13, 2015

Selling (N) 168 263.508 207.4968 172.5732 1.3921 0.3144 243.7996 27.314 44.757 244.7424 Rates 13.65 13.88 13.65 13.81 13.85 13.83

GAINERS AS AT 02-02-15

SYMBOL O/PRICE DANGSUGAR 6.82 GLAXOSMITH 40.00 HONYFLOUR 3.00 IKEJAHOTEL 3.04 RTBRISCOE 0.61 NB 142.02 SEPLAT 305.23 COSTAIN 0.72 NEM 0.53 STERLNBANK 2.32 TRANSCORP 2.82 GUARANTY 20.03 CUTIX 1.55

C/PRICE 7.51 42.00 3.15 3.19 0.64 149.00 318.00 0.75 0.55 2.40 2.90 20.49 1.58

CHANGE 10.12 5.00 5.00 4.93 4.92 4.91 4.18 4.17 3.77 3.45 2.84 2.30 1.94

Foreign Reserves Oil Price (Bonny Light/b) Money Supply (M2) Credit to private Sector (CPS) Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

WAUA Tenor Overnight (O/N) 13-01-15 Rate (%) Rate (%) 14-01-15 10.54 11.94 13.08 14.03 11.17 12.18 13.33 14.17

Yuan/Renminbi Riyal SDR Tenor T-bills - 91 T-bills - 182

LOSERS AS AT 02-02-15

1M CHANGE -5.00 -4.96 -4.85 -3.40 -3.02 -2.92 -2.79 -2.79 -2.15 -1.96 -1.11 -1.00 -0.97 3M 6M

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE 0.76 31.04 2.61 150.70 223.05 4.66 3.48 3.49 0.91 0.50 16.00 2.97 5.13

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

AIICO 0.80 PRESCO 32.66 EVANSMED 2.27 7UP 156.00 FO 230.00 NAHCO 4.80 DIAMONDBNK 3.58 VITAFOAM 3.59 WEMABANK 0.93 WAPIC 0.51 ETI 16.18 MANSARD 3.00 ACCESS 5.18

FOREX RATES

T-bills - 364 165.29 162.75 185.50

R-DAS ($/N) Interbank ($/N) Parallel ($/N)

165.29 162.75 185.50

Bond - 3yrs Bond - 5yrs Bond - 7yrs

Save on Mac 27 Alhaja folder Monylink 03-02-2015

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015 CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

LUTH washes hands of patient’s death S the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) culpable in the death of a nursing mother, Mrs Folake Oduyoye? No, says the hospital, which is contesting her family’s claim that it has a hand in her death. Mrs Oduyoye died in LUTH last December 19 following her family’s inability to settle her medical bill. Her death sparked a protest by two rights groups, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) and Women House for Change Initiative (WACI). They staged a walk against maternal death and demanded that LUTH pay N50 million compensation to the bereaved family. Denying LUTH’s culpability in Mrs Oduyoye’s death in a chat with The Nation yesterday, its Public Relations Officer, Mrs Hope Nwawolo, said the institution is not running a free service, hence patients should pay for services rendered. Mrs Nwalolo wondered why people were portraying the institution in bad light over the incident. “In the first place,” she explained, “the woman did not give birth here (LUTH); she did not get the complications here; she was only transferred here when the former clinic could not handle her case. We took her at the emergency ward without demanding a penny for down payment whereas it is not same in other hospitals whereby you make heavy deposit before the patient can even be admitted at the emergency ward. “We took care of her, gave her injections, drugs and all other things necessary to make her survive. After the whole exercise and she was back on her feet hale and hearty, the family could not meet up with the bill, do we allow her to go? The Pharmacy where we procured the drugs, injections and other instruments used to revive her are demanding for payments, what do we tell them? Are we going to run this place aground because we need to pity the indigent patients? And if its run down, where else would patients run to? And if there are, won’t they pay for services over there. In most cases, some of the patients must have paid millions of naira at various private hospitals before being transferred here. We do all necessary thing to treat them only for them to say they cannot pay the bills. We even asked some of them to pay something at times.”

CITYBEATS

Lagos unveils measures against bird flu AGOS State Government has urged the public to maintain adequate personal and environmental hygiene to curb the spread of the avian influenza virus popularly called bird flu. It gave the advice following the flu’s outbreak in some poultries in Lagos. In a statement yesterday, Commissioner for Health Dr Jide Idris advised the public to avoid contact with chickens, ducks or other birds; their feathers, faeces and other waste in areas with the disease. Idris listed other measures that could help halt the spread of the disease to include; washing hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly, particularly after touching any poultry, eggs or bird meat and keeping children away from sick or dead poultry and birds. “Please, avoid slaughtering and cooking of sick or already dead poultry or birds, ensure that poultry products and eggs are thoroughly cooked before eating, ensure rearing of poul-

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

•The late Mrs Oduyoye By Tajudeen Adebanjo

•Okei-Odumakin (left) and Akiyode-Afolabi with the deceased’s baby

The PRO said the hospital runs some schemes to offset the medical bills of indigent patients. “We opened special accounts where well meaning Nigerians pay into to cater for the indigent patients. Recently, a man gave us a cheque of N1.5 million for the medical bill of five patients, the money was not enough to offset their bills but we have to write off the balance and allow them go home. For how long do we continue to do that bearing in mind that this place is not a free health institution? “Sometimes it is you guys (pressmen) that we called upon to help publish cases of indigent patients so that good Samaritans may decide to offset the bills. Despite these efforts, some of the patients will even tell us that they do not want their cases on the pages of newspapers, yet they do not have money for the treatment,” she explained. Mrs Nwawolo chided the advocacy groups for disturbing public peace instead of looking for ways to assist the indigent patients. “There are non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that solicited and contributed funds to cater for the less-privileged; they do come here to pay the bills of indigent patients. Why don’t they (WARDC and WACI) emulate such organisations? Let them organise rally to raise funds for hundreds of indigent patients and stop creating problem where there is none,” she said. On Mrs Oduyoye’s death, the PRO said surgeries, specialised tests; interventions, dialysis, drugs and other consumables were committed in treating her. According to her, the family of the woman still owes LUTH over N1 million. During their protest last Thursday, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, the WARDC

There are non-governmental ‘organisations (NGOs) that solicited and contributed funds to cater for the less-privileged; they do come here to pay the bills of indigent patients. Why don’t they (WARDC and WACI) emulate such organisations? Let them organise rally to raise funds for hundreds of indigent patients and stop creating problem where there is none Executive Director, described Mrs Oduyoye’s death unnecessary and preventable. Dr Akiyode-Afolabi said 144 women died daily of maternal complications. “It is very unfortunate that Folake died in LUTH after she was detained for 43 days because she could not pay her hospital bills of about N1.5 million. This is contrary to Sections 32 and 35 of the Nigerian Constitution. (Section 32 is about power to make regulations while Section 35 is on right to personal liberty),” she said. According to her, over 100 women are being detained in LUTH and some other hospitals across the country, because they cannot pay their hospital bills. “Today, we are burying Folake; we don’t know who is next. That is why we are saying `NO’ to maternal death in Nigeria,” she said. WACI’s Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin urged the three-tiers of government to pay attention to the health of women and children. According to her, Nigeria ranks second in the list of countries with high rate of maternal mortality. “Our walk today is to prove that we are tired of losing our women to maternal death and hospital negligence. In 2013, Nigeria recorded 239, 000 maternal

try far from dwellings and sleeping areas and make sure cooking surfaces are well clean before and after preparation of poultry products,” he said. The commissioner explained that the H5N1 strain of the avian influenza virus presently circulating among chicken and other birds in the state is “highly infectious,” adding that it has caused death of millions of chicken and other birds. The strain, he said, killed 166 humans in 11 countries during the 2007 outbreak. “Avian influenza is spread by direct and indirect contact with sick or dead chicken, eggs, and also through handling and slaughtering of live infected poultry. For now, there is no case of human infection in the state, only loss of chickens and other birds has been reported; human death has however been recorded with this present outbreak in some African countries,” Idris said.

’

Two ‘dead’ in intra-party fracas WO persons were feared killed on Sunday, while five others sustained gunshot injuries during a clash in Lagos. The incident, which occurred around Amukoko in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state, was said to have been orchestrated by a supremacy battle between two politicians. It was learnt that the fight was in two stages with the first one starting around 4.30pm. Three persons were injured in the other battle that happened between 11.30pm and 1am, four persons were shot. A source told The Nation that the group loyal to one of the politicians came from Ile Film, Apata, Iya Taiwo, Itire, Alaba Road; the other group came from Oba Amukoko and Campus streets. He said: “Yes, there were serious fights in the area. It was between thugs loyal to two politicians in the same party. One of the politicians had gone to the other’s stronghold to campaign accompanied by thugs and that was how a fight broke out.

By Precious Igbonwelundu

•Mr Oduyoye

deaths,’’ she said. She canvassed a review of the National Health Insurance Scheme to care better for women’s health. “We are also saying that all those women that are being detained in LUTH because they cannot pay their hospital bills should be released,” she said. Mrs Oduyoye is survived by her husband and four children. The widower, Mr Adeyemi Oduyoye, a printer, had claimed that the hospital detained and abandoned his wife without adequate medical care for 43 days.

“They are not contesting for the same office, but are rather struggling on superiority. Three persons were shot in the first fight and we later heard that one of them died. Hours later, around 11:30pm, the fight continued at the other politician’s area and four persons were shot. “The ring leader of one of the camps is known as Miliku. The victims were rushed to a clinic bleeding. We have also heard that two of them died but I cannot confirm it since the area is still very tense at the moment.” Police spokesman Ken Nwosu, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), said: “There was a skirmish involving supporters of the same party around Apata area of Amukoko during a houseto-house campaign in the neighbourhood. “Unconfirmed reports have it that two persons were killed in the skirmish but we have no report of such at the station. Normalcy has been restored in the area as visibility patrol and discreet surveillance have been activated.”

‘Steer clear of violence’ “As the Chief Security Officer of this local government, I am more than ready to lead the battle against political thuggery and other forms of violence in the coming elections and after. Here, we want to retain the tradition of peace that we are known for.” With these words, the Executive Secretary of Agege Local Government Area of Lagos state, Omofunmilewa Adejombo, warned residents to be law-abiding, eschew violence and resist provocation. He spoke yesterday while briefing reporters on his administration’s efforts at preventing trouble in his do-

Gunmen kidnap The Nation marketer WO gunmen abducted yesterday, a marketer with The Nation, Mrs Joke Ajayi. She was said to have been abducted in the Latoogun area of Ijebu Ode in Ijebu Ode Local Government area of the Ogun State. The woman was said to be on her way to where newspaper agents converge to collect papers around 5.30am when she was

“

From Jeremiah Oke, Abeokuta

abducted. A colleague, who was with her, said she was asked to lie face-down when they were taking her away. She said the gunmen came in an Opel Astra car. The witness said she could not identify the car’s colour because it was still dark.

Mrs Ajayi’s colleague, Abdul-Rasaq Oyeneyin, who spoke with the abductors, said they initially demanded N50 million, but when he called back, it was reduced to N20 million. He said the woman’s abduction paralysed activities yesterday as most of the marketers were running around to ensure her release. The incident has been reported at Igbeba Police

Station. “We have been praying since morning and we could not even eat. We are helpless. We are going through hell. We are sad. We need help. She is a single mother who is struggling to survive. Where do you think she can get such amount of money?” he queried. Police spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi could not be reached for comment.

main before, during and after the elections. Adejombo, a lawyer, said he would do everything to prevent a repeat of the event that led to the killing of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Eyitayo Peters, at OrileAgege. The council chief warned trouble makers to steer clear of the council in their own interest, saying: He admonished all those warming up to cause violence in the area to desist, saying: “I will make sure that if anyone is caught, the law of the land will take its full course irrespective of the party concerned.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

NEWS

Nigeria loses $40.9b to illegal transfers annually, says AU report IGERIA, the world’s seventh largest producer of hydrocarbon, accounts for about 68.1 per cent of the total revenue Africa is losing annually as a result of illegal transfer of revenues abroad, according to a report by Premium Times. The report of the Thabo Mbeki High Level Panel on Illicit Financial Flows from Africa adopted on Sunday by African Union Heads of State and Government at their summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia said about $40.9billion (about N6.87trillion) of an estimated $60billion (about N10.08trillion) lost through such transfers from Africa are traced to Nigeria. The funds are stolen through corruption, tax evasion and illegal transfer of profits by multinationals, the AU said. Nigeria, which produces an average of 2.3million barrels of oil daily as the leading hydrocarbon producer in Africa, is being ravaged by poverty and underdevelopment. The report also identified Egypt and Morocco as the oth-

Jonathan gets backing From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

er countries with the largest estimates of illicit financial flows statistics of $28.2billion and $20.3billion respectively. Cumulatively, Nigeria and Egypt topped the list of 10 African countries by illicit financial transfers between 1970 and 2008, with $217.7billion (about N36.57trillion), or 30.5 per cent, and $105.2billion (about N17.67trillion), or 14.7 per cent respectively, while South Africa had $81.8billion (about N13.74trillion), or 11.4 per cent. Concerned by the high losses through these illegal transfers, which was identified in 2011 as one of the threats to the inability of most resource-rich countries in Africa to meet their millennium development goals (MDGs), the AU at its 4th Joint African Union Commission/United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, AUC/ECA, Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development constituted the Mbeki Panel to review the underlying issues stalling Africa’s accelerated and sustained development

objective. At the presentation of the report on Saturday, the panel gave a set of recommendations that would guide African leaders in checking the growing threats of the menace to the continent’s economy, including the activities of extremist groups, instability and poverty. Part of the recommendations included a system that would allow automatic exchange of tax information among African countries and globally to check illegal profits shifting by multinational corporations to subsidiaries in tax haven or secrecy jurisdictions. In its 15-point findings, the panel noted that ending illicit financial flows is a political decision by the various governments as it involved issues of abusive transfer pricing, trade mis-invoicing, tax evasion, aggressive tax avoidance, double taxation, tax incentives, unfair contracts, financial secrecy, money laundering, smuggling, trafficking and abuse of entrusted power.

The interrelationships of these issues, it stated, conferred a technical character requiring transparency across all aspects to ensure access to information and the right to obtain such information. The panel, which noted illegal profits shifting by multinational corporations as one of the biggest single source of illicit outflows on the continent, advised countries to ensure that the automatic exchange of tax information be subject to national capacity, to maintain the confidentiality of price-sensitive business information. The dependence on natural resource extraction, it noted, makes African countries vulnerable to illicit financial flows, pointing out that there was need to pay attention to activities in the sector in an effort to check illicit financial flows in Africa. “African countries need to acquire the capacities and technology to monitor extraction of their natural resources better and to negotiate contracts more effectively,” the report said.

•Dr. Jonathan

POLITICAL pressure group in the Southeast, the Global Campaign Group, has urged Nigerians to re-elect President Goodluck Jonathan. It spoke yesterday in Awka, the Anambra State capital, at the meeting of its coordinators, led by Mr. Maduka Atuenyi. The body described Jonathan and his deputy, Namadi Sambo, as true democrats and great achiev-

ers. The coordinators said the duo would take the country to greater heights if given another opportunity, citing Federal Government’s projects in the zone as examples. The Global Campaign Group Anambra State Coordinator, Dr. Ben Obidigbo, said people supported President Jonathan’s re-election bid for many reasons, adding that his interest in the nation’s unity and development was a motivating factor. The body’s Ebonyi State Coordinator, Uche Ajali, restated the determination of members to work for Jonathan’s success, despite people’s criticisms. Abia State Coordinator Prof. Godson Adindu enjoined Ndigbo to vote for the President. Enugu State Coordinator Brig.- Gen. Ojukwu (retd) said Jonathan had managed the country’s affairs by ensuring fairness.

Ngige: I’ll return to Senate

•From left: Aare Alaasa Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oloye Lekan Alabi; Ekerin of Ibadanland, High Chief Eddie Oyewole Foko (representative of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade) and Zonal Business Director, Globacom, West Territory, Mr Dare Oyewale at a news conference in Ibadan to kick off this year's Oke 'Badan Festival sponsored by Globacom... yesterday

AGF, others denied access to ministry HE Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke (SAN) and other senior officials of the Ministry of Justice were yesterday denied access to their offices by protesting lawyers, who barricaded the entrance to the Ministry of Justice building located on Shehu Shagari Way, Central Area District, Abuja. Lawyers employed in the ministry, who are seeking improved condition of service, shut down the ministry, including chambers of the Attorney-General of the Federation, preventing anyone from accessing the building. Other officials, who reported for work, were prevented from accessing the building. At 7am, the National President, Law Officers Association of Nigeria (LOAN), Solomon Ibhadon, led other members of the association to

HE lawmaker representing Anambra Central and exAnambra State governor, Senator Chris Ngige, has dismissed the threats of Chief Victor Umeh and Uche Ekwunife to stop him from returning to the Senate. He spoke in a statement by his media assistant, Igboeli Arinze. The doctor-turned- politician said he would only be afraid of other contestants if he had not performed. His words: “I have 12 bills to my name. Two are now laws and the others are being legislated upon. I have touched my constituency well, attracting over 213 transformer substations (fully constructed and connected to the national grid), a number of classroom blocks, health centres, boreholes and other urban development projects to uplift the masses. “I have secured jobs for unemployed youths, based on merit. Prior to my emergence as a senator, Anambra Central had four senators. I do not mean to boast, but compared to others, I have done well.” Ngige responded to the allegation by Umeh that he used the money for constituency projects for personal use. He said: “The statement by Umeh, or should I say accusation, shows that he has no knowledge of the workings of the National Assembly. If he did, he would know that Senator Ngige does not handle constituency funds, no senator does! What happens is that the money is released to the ministries of choice, which also pick and fund contractors of their choice. “All I can do is to ask for these projects, perhaps give oversight on them. But for Umeh to say I took the money and kept it for my personal use, shows he has nothing to offer Anambra Central people in the Senate, since they want tested lawmakers.”

•Lawyers protest poor work condition From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja the ministry in a peaceful protest, which they said was meant to launch a three-day warning strike over the nonimplementation of the circular on harmonisation and payment of peculiar allowances to law officers in the Federal Ministry of Justice. The protesting lawyers, who later marched towards the Federal Secretariat on Shehu Shagari Way, bore placards. Some of them read: “Law officers are full of duties, but dry in recompense”, “FGN implement the 1994 circular on harmonisation”, “We handle volatile, high profile and complex cases at the risk of our lives, give us hazard allowance”, “Do unto us what you have done to university lecturers, doctors, judicial officers, magistrates, etc,” and “ We demand harmonisation and peculiar allowances, FGN implement the 1994 circular on harmonisation” Ibhadon expressed solidarity with the striking workers, vowing that lawyers would press for a uniform salary structure for law officers in the public service. He said the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Augustine Alegeh (SAN), had intervened in the dispute, adding that credit should be given to the NBA boss if the strike was called off. The Chairman, LOAN, Abuja branch, Yusuf Abdulkadir, said the lawyers embarked on the protest after the expiration of the association’s 21-day industrial action notice, which ended on Monday. Abdulkadir, who is also the national vice president of

the association, said members held meetings with the AGF, Head of Service, Danladi Kifasi and others, but nothing came out of it. He noted that although the discussions were a welcome development, “they turned out to be promises and did not translate into concrete agreements or approval of all or any of our demands.” LOAN wants the Federal Government to address grievances dating back more than 20 years, which include the implementation of a circular issued by the Body of Attorneys-General in 1994 calling for enhanced salaries for law officers. The circular has already been implemented by some state governments. The lawyers also seek the payment of outstanding robe allowances and promotion arrears, peculiar allowances for purchase of books, law reports, hazard allowance, court appearance and car loans.

Lagosians urged to collect PVCs By Tokunbo Ogunsami

GROUP, Akinwunmi Ambode Kommittee of Friends (AA’KOF), has urged Lagosians to use the extension of the deadline for the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to obtain theirs. It said although it was obvious that the majority of Lagos residents supported the All Progressives Congress’ (APC’s) candidates, “they cannot actualise their support without having PVCs.” AA’KOF said if Lagosians wanted the APC governorship candidate, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and the legislative candidates to win the elections, they should collect their PVCs. The body’s spokesman, Elder Cornelius Olopade, who spoke yesterday at the APC rally in Ojo, Lagos, said: “We were at the APC presidential rally last Friday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. No doubt, Lagosians gave the party massive support. “If what we saw last weekend is to be used to predict the outcome of the elections, APC will win by a landslide. But to realise this, eligible voters need to get their PVCs so that they will not be disenfranchised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)”. Ambode told the residents of Ojo and its environs that if they vote for him and other APC candidates, they are assured of the good things of life, such as good roads, potable water, decent houses, security, education, health care services and others. INEC has extended the collection of PVCs from January 31 to February 8.

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

NEWS Explosions in Rivers courts

ARELY 72 hours after the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) in Rivers State called off its eight -month old strike, multiple explosions rocked the premises of the Port Harcourt High court complex and two others outside the state capital. It was gathered that about five explosions were heard around the Port Harcourt High Court premises yesterday which is a few meters away from the Rivers State Government House. Similar explosions were heard same yesterday morning at Degema and Isiokpo courts which are outside the state capital. Due to these explosions, the JUSUN could not resume work yesterday. The Police said that coordinated attacks were launched on judiciary court premises at Degema, Isiokpo and Port Harcourt with explosive devices suspected to be dynamite by unidentified and “unpatriotic assailants” in the early hours of Monday. The statement by police spokesman Ahmad Mo-

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

hammad explained that minimal damage was recorded at Port Harcourt and Isiokpo scenes. He said the court buildings and documents were not affected. But the explosion razed down Degema court building and burnt documents. Mohammad also said no life was lost in the three incidents adding that the “areas are now under Police control while Police Bomb Disposal Unit had commenced discreet investigation.” “The Commissioner of Police is deeply saddened by the tragic and senseless attacks on the temples of justice. We must realize that violence is never and will never be a solution to problem(s). “The Command has already put in place efforts that will lead to the arrest of the actors and sponsors of the attacks while soliciting for the usual cooperation from members of the public to assist the police in this regard”, the statement added.

•Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr. Dakuku Peterside (right), presenting his Road Map To Prosperity to Political Counsellor, Bristish High Commission, Ben Llewellyn Jones in Port Harcourt ...yesterday

Police kill five suspected kidnappers in Edo

Warri NBA: rigging, others cause election violence From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

EN of the Edo State Police Command have killed five suspected kidnappers in two separate incidents. Four of the suspects were killed on Kojo Road at Ikpoba-Hill on their way to the residents of their targets. A statement by the police spokesman, Joseph Edogiawerie, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said four of

•Rescue victim From Osagie Otabor, Benin

the suspects were fatally injured while the others escaped. The police spokesman said the suspects died on the way to the hospital. He said items recovered from them included two automatic pump action guns,

34 live cartridges, one AK47 rifle magazine and 96 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition. Edogiawerie said the fifth suspect was killed on the Benin/Auchi by-pass during a shootout with the police. The spokesman said the suspected kidnappers robbed some people in a vehicle and took one of the passengers into the bush.

He said the police combed the bush and killed one of the abductors. Edogiawerie said items recovered from the fifth suspect were one pump action gun and nine live cartridges. He said the victim was rescued unhurt. The spokesman urged the public to alert the police once they foind anybody with bullet wounds.

HE Warri branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) has said Nigeria’s electoral violence is caused by politicians and other participants who desire victory at all cost. The association spoke in Warri at the weekend during its road show to educate the electorate on the need to have their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs). Its Chairman Martins Aikpokpo said there would be no violence, if elections were free and fair. He said: “If the electoral process is free and fair, there will be no electoral violence. What usually causes violence is when the system is being manipulated by any of the parties. But when the process is free and fair or seen to be free and fair, there will be no violence. “As far as we are concerned, the buck stops at Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC’s) table. When it is free and fair, there would be no electoral violence and people would take the results in good faith.” On the rumour that the electoral body was planning to postpone this month’s elections, Aikpokpo said: “INEC should not postpone the elections. Its chairman has said it is not even its major problem. “He has also said that INEC cannot force people to collect their PVCs. The national NBA, in a statement, said INEC must not postpone the elections. I stand by my president on this. “Elections must hold on February 14, in accordance with the law. I will advise that politicians should maintain decorum in their language and not create unnecessary tension by using issues on religion and state of origin.”

Ex-militant leaders meant no war, say Ijaw youths

JAW youths yesterday insisted that the controversial meeting among former militant leaders at the Bayelsa State Government House in Yenagoa was for peace and not war. Youths, under the aegis of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, said the ex-militant leaders reviewed the electioneering campaigns and condemned the attacks on President Goodluck Jonathan and his supporters in the North. In a statement by its spokesperson, Mr. Eric Omare, the group said it was mischievous of the All Progressives Con-

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

gress (APC) to use the alleged threat of war by the former militants as a premise to accuse security agencies of bias. Omare said major stakeholders at the meeting, including the Presidential Adviser on Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, had corrected the wrong impression that emanated from the meeting. The ITC spokesman noted that APC’s insistence on the war threat, despite efforts to explain the outcome of the gathering, showed that the party was playing politics

with the alleged threat. He said: “We wish to state, for the umpteenth time, that ex-militants never issued a war threat at the Yenagoa meeting. The ex-agitators, just like other Nigerians, were right to condemn the attack on the convoy of Mr. President in Katsina and Bauchi states and called for level-playing field for all the presidential candidates. “The initiators of the Yenagoa meeting should be commended for their peace initiative, which nipped in the bud a potential security breach in the Niger Delta. “It amounts to double stan-

dard for the APC to justify Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s ‘treasonable statement’ on the ground that it was based on a condition while, at the same time, calling on security agencies to arrest the ex-agitators, when all they did was a patriotic call to ensure a level -playing field for all candidates. “We call on Nigerians to disregard the unnecessary accusation of bias against security agencies by the APC and advise the party to toe the path of truth rather than promote falsehood for political gains. Political parties are built on strong ideologies and not on the promotion of falsehood.”

Oshiomhole to build dam at Agbede

Edo NULGE begins indefinite strike

EMBERS of the Edo State chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employee (NULGE) have begun an indefinite strike over the non-payment of salaries and continued use of casual labour by local government authorities. The action, which began yesterday, paralysed activities in the 18 local governments as workers did not report for work. NULGE’s State Secretary Chukuemeka Aguonye told reporters in Benin, the state capital, that the local governments owed workers up to four months’ salaries. Chukuemeka said the action was taken because the local government chairmen refused to listen to series of pleas to pay the workers. The NULGE scribe said workers in 14 local govern-

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

ments were affected by the non-payment of salaries. He said: “They should stop casaulisation and pay those outstanding salaries they are owing our members. “Owan East has 122 casual workers; Esan Central has 180. They are not Subsidy Reinvestment Empowerment Programme (SUREP) workers at all.” Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Commissioner Lucky James said the government was not aware of any casual workers engaged by the local governments. He said only four local governments were in default in salary payment. The commissioner said a meeting had been scheduled with the local government chairmen to end the strike.

HE Edo State Government has promised to build a dam on Aviele River to provide water for Agbede community and its environs. Governor Adams Oshiomhole made the promise at the weekend at a rally at Agbede in Estako West Local Government Area. The governor said the construction of boreholes had not provided the quality of water that should serve the communities’ need. According to him, the dam is the best way to get water for Agbede and its environs.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Oshiomhole said: “We tried to dig boreholes here and discovered they would not bring the kind of water we want. We have now decided to work on a dam. That is the best way to get water for Agbede Area. “We want to dam the Aviele River so that we can pipe the water to the city. We believe that a dam will be the best answer. With that, you will have water 24 hours a day. Even during the dry season, the water gathered during the rainy season will last up to the following year because it is a

river that it flows from. We will make sure that is done. “At the time I assumed office, there was no road in Afemai. But now, we have worked on many roads and we still have two years under my tenure. We will do the remaining ones. Those we can’t finish, once we start them, the next person will complete them. That is why we need a government that must continue.” The governor presented APC candidates, including Francis Alimikhena (Edo North), for Senate; Philip Shaibu, for House of Representatives; Gani Audu (Etsako West

I), for House of Assembly; Dr. Gowon Yakubu (Etsako West II), for House of Assembly and Damian Lawani (Etsako Central), House of Assembly, to the people.

Vehicle owners get ultimatum

Don’t fight other parties, Buhari tells supporters

LL Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate General Muhammadu Buhari has urged Akwa Ibom and other Southsouth residents not to fight the supporters of other parties because of this month’s general elections. The APC candidate spoke yesterday through the Southsouth chapter of Buhari’s Friends Organisation Network (BFON). The occasion was Buhari’s Peace Rally at the Ibibio Unity Park in Uyo, the state capital. The peace rally was attended by APC National Patron and Board of Trustees (BoT) member, Group Captain Sam Ewang (retd); BFON leaders from the United Kingdom (UK), the Southwest and the Southeast.

From Uyoatta Eshiet, Uyo

BFON’s National Coordinator Saint Athanasius Okon said the group was in Uyo, its Southsouth headquarters, to pass General Buhari’s message of peace before, during and after the elections to the people. Okon said Gen. Buhari ordered the peace rally because he is a man of peace who wants peace in Nigeria. The national coordinator urged APC followers to avoid fighting their brothers and sisters in other parties, adding that the people in the other parties worship God in the same churches and mosques and live and work in the same communities.

HE Lagos State Police Command, Ijanikin, Ejigbo and Abatoir divisions have advised owners of abandoned vehicles in those stations to remove them or lose them to members of the public through auction 21 days after this publication. The vehicles are: unregistered scrapped volkswagen bus; unregistered Volkswagen Golf 3; Volkswagen Jetta with registered number KSF 344 AT; Navy blue Mercedes Benz 230 E with registered number LF 253 KJA; Volkswagen bus (yellow) with registered number XM 756 KSF; black Infinity Jeep QX 56 with registered number TN 603 AAA. Also at Akinpelu police division, Nissan Almeira with registered number SU 34KJA; burnt Honda Accord with registered number BL 993 LSD and 10 motorcycles.

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

NEWS

Thousands receive Buhari in Yola

Scores dump PDP for APC in Niger

HOUSANDS of residents receiced yesterday All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate General Muhammadu Buhari in Adamawa State. The former Head of State was all smiles on seeing the sea of headsat the Yola International Airport and the Muhammadu Ribadu Square, a distance of five kilometres. The crowd trekked the eight-kilometre dtretch from Jimeta to Yola, escorting the APC candidate to the palace of the Lamido of Adamawa, Dr. Mohammed Aliyu Mustapha. The APC presidential campaign train toured Adamawa State. Thousands of party faithful converged on Ribadu Square after walking through major streets. Gen. Buhari assured the people of a better future, if he is elected President on February 14. The APC candidate flag

From Barnabas Manyam, Yola

bearer of the party and former military president General Muhammadu Buhari told the mammoth crowd that the country is in dare need of change PDP have disappoint Nigerians with nothing to show for it. “Our tour is to mainly canvass votes from you and to remind you 16 years of PDP rule is nothing to show, rather its characterized with all form of impunity, security imbalance and economy backwardness. We are suffering because of the kind of bad leaders we have “Buhari said. The hoping president promised the people of Adamawa for a better Nigeria under his leadership where everybody will feel the impact of his administration “My first assignment is to make sure our security is intact. My government will boost the agricultural sector. I will give soft loan and will work on the issues of elec-

tricity “He added Also at the rally, many party stalwarts spoke to the crowd of protecting their votes, which it will never go unaccounted Abdulrahaman Abba Jimeta who is the gubernatorial campaign director of Bindow in Adamawa state plea with the party supporters to get their PVCs cast their votes, protects their votes and defend their votes for a dead pit has already dogged for anybody that will rig APC votes in Adamawa state. “We are ready to die for the sake of our votes, we’ve dogged a dead pit waiting for anybody that will rig our votes” Jimeta threatened The out spoken and fearless Solomon Dalop was at the rally where he berated PDP by calling them deceivers and destroyers of democracy that is why PDP is being mocked everywhere they go, people reject them and but APC is accepted because of the integrity of Buhari. It has shown from the

36 state visited Buhari has already win the election with a very big margin. “We are generally accepted as a party anywhere we go, we’ve not been stoned for whatever reasons but others always took to their heels wherever on their campaigns”. He said Thes Turakin Adamawa and the former vice president assured Buhari to deliver Adamawa state come February 2015 with a landslide victory, saying that the state is an APC state from first to the end. “Come February 14, we are going to prove that this government is a transition one. No party will win election as far as I am concerned. In this state is going to be APC all through the various elections. Just cast your votes for APC all through”.Turaki charged the multitudes. While receiving the flag of victory from the national chairman, Senator Muhammadu Umaru Jibrila Bindow thanked the people.

HE ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Niger State, on Sunday, lost scores of its members in Niger South Senatorial District to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The defectors joined the progressives at a mega rally in Mokwa to round off the campaign by APC governorship candidate, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello. In a statement yesterday in Mokwa, APC State Publicity Secretary Jonathan Vatsa said the party was overwhelmed by the number of defectors from the ruling

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

PDP to APC. This came on the heels of last month’s defection of Deputy Governor Ahmed Musa Ibeto with over 300 serving and former elected and appointed officers of the ruling PDP to APC. Vatsa said in all the local governments visited in the zone, the APC standard bearer was told of tales of neglect by successive PDP administrations. He added: “The people said they were tired of 16 years of deceit by the PDP.”

Mark to Nigerians: reject opposition

ENATE President David Mark yesterday urged Nigerians to be wary of the opposition. He spoke during his re-election campaign at Oju and Obi local government areas of Benue State. He said: “These angels that are coming to you, you don’t even know whether they are devils or angels. You don’t have to take chances with what you don’t know.” Mark thanked the people for bestowing on him the Omaga 1 of Igede land title. The Senate President urged them to vote for President Goodluck Jonathan, himself, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Terhemen Tarzoor and other PDP candidates. He said they have not betrayed the confidence reposed in them. Mark also assured the people that he would ensure the reopening of the College of Education at Oju, which has been on strike for over six months. He promised quality education for youths.

‘Benue will vote for Jonathan’ •Pupils of Ansar-UdDeen College on Baga Road, Maiduguri, on resumption ...yesterday PHOTO: DUKU JOEL

Boko Haram: Maiduguri residents hail Civilian JTF

ESIDENTS of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, have hailed members of the Youth Volunteer Group, popularly called Civilian JTF, for backing up the military in two consecutive attacks by the Boko Haram insurgents on the city. A resident of Polo in Maiduguri, Abubakar Balube, told our correspondent about the gallantry of the Civilian JTF. He said: “The commitment of Civilian JTF to keep away the insurgents from Maiduguri for the second time is worth commending. “The boys should keep up the spirit.” A house wife in the GRA, Hajia Kaltume Shehu, noted that the Civilian JTF had displayed a lot of commitment in fighting Boko Haram insurgents. She said: “Boko Haram can never take over Maiduguri. I have always believed that the energy that Civilian JTF members are giving to this fight has given a lot of confidence to our security agents. They may not have the sophisticated weapons to fight Boko Haram but their fearless attitude in challenging Boko Haram is a serious morale booster to the fight at the moment.” She dismissed fears that

•Normalcy returns to capital city From Duku Joel, Maiduguri

Boko Haram may soon overrun Maiduguri. Hajia Shehu said: “Seriously, it is not possible for Boko Haram to take over Maiduguri. They can only try, but they can’t succeed. It is not possible because Maiduguri is too big for them. “I am also sure that the state and the Federal governments will not fold their arms and allow that to happen. In a state capital? It can’t happen!” Some residents of Gomari Airport Road narrated how the Civilian JTF crawled behind a Boko Haram fighter who mounted an Armoured

Personnel Carrier (APC) tank during the January 26 attack and killed him with a knife when the insurgent was shooting soldiers at Njimtilo. “Most of these boys are ready to die with the Boko Haram fighters. There is one that went behind a Boko Haram fighter on an APC tank and killed him with a knife,” said the resident, who spoke in confidence for security reasons. Governor Kashim Shettima has also praised the Civilian JFT members for their boldness. A statement by the governor yesterday singled out the sacrifices of youths in what he

called an “uncommon courage”. Shettima said: “I received with gratitude, information on how youths from different parts of Borno State, comprising those under the Borno Youths Empowerment Scheme, otherwise called ‘Civilian JTF’, vigilantes and other residents of Maiduguri, came out of their homes, abandon their families and, with very uncommon courage, sacrificed their lives and moved to the front lines to support our gallant Armed Frces in a patriotic battle to defend the soul of Borno State and its people from being seized by determined insurgents …in the early hours of Sunday.”

NTERIOR Minister Comrade Abba Morro has said Benue State will vote for President Gooodluck Jonathan for another term because he has delivered democracy dividends and promised do more, if reelected. Addressing over 1,000 youths who marched for Gooodluck/Sambo in Makurdi, the state capital, Morro, an indigene of Benue State, noted that the state had benefitted from the Jonathan administration. The minister hoped the President would do more, if he is re-elected. According to him, under the Jonathan administration,

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

a multi-purpose dam is being built at Akpegede, Otukpo Local Government Area and the contract for the Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi-Otukpo dual carriage way had been awarded. Moro said the design of a bridge across River Buruku, a seaport in Makurdi and the dredging of River Benue, were on course. The minister said Benue would be better positioned to benefit from Jonathan when they vote for the re-election of the President. He urged youths to vote for Jonathan.

Tor Tiv for book launch tomorrow

HE Tiv paramount ruler, Dr. Alfred Akawe Torkula, Tor Tiv IV, will be the royal father of the day at the public presentation of Long Shadows, a historical novel, on February 4. Authored by Prof. Mnguember Vicky Sylvester, a professor of Literature and Gender Studies at the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), the book launch will hold at the Ladi Kwali Hall of Sheraton Hotel and Towers in Abuja. It will be chaired by Prof. David Ker, a former Vice Chancellor of Benue State University, Makurdi. The chief launcher is Dr. Virgy Anohu, president of Mortgage Guarantee Savings and Loans Plc, Abuja, and the book reviewer is Terhember Shija. According to Prof. Tanure Ojaide, the pre-launch reviewer, Long Shadows, partly fiction and partly historical, is based on the Tiv riots in the early years of Nigeria’s independence and the eventual general political crisis that led to the Nigerian Civil War. The novel, he added, offers a peep into past tragedies to enable the people avoid repeating such in the future.

Osinbajo: my appointment as Buhari’s running mate God-ordained

LL Progressives Congress (APC) vice presidential candidate, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, has said his position as Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s running mate was ordained by God. The Professor of Law addressed church leaders and Christians in Benue North Central zone yesterday in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. He told the congregation that he graduated at 21 and

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

built his house at 51, despite holding position to make million. On why he got into politics, the eminent lawyer said the country was being mismanaged, adding that if nothing was done to reclaim the nation from mismanagement, Nigeria might run into worse crises. Osinbajo said: “The country is being mismanaged due to

corruption as can be seen in massive stolen oil wealth.” The APC vice presidential candidate cited Ghana, which produced 120,000 barrels of oil daily and is comfortable compared to Nigeria, where 400,000 barrels of oil are stolen daily. He said the theft was denying the nation huge revenue with corruption at the highest level. Osinbajo said while the Osun State Government spent

N2.7 billion to feed children of the poor in its schools a year, a minister spent N10 billion a year to service his aircraft. The latter, he stressed, showed high-level corruption. He dispelled the rumour that Gen. Buhari would Islamise Nigeria, if elected President. Osinbajo reminded the people that President Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian, led a large delegation of govern-

ment officials to attend the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) for the first in the nation’s history. The APC vice presidential candiate urged Christians to vote massively for gen. Buhari and go to sleep. He said: “As a Professor of Law, I knew it would take two-thirds voting for the President to Islamise Nigeria, after passing through the National Assembly. That won’t be possible.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

NEWS ‘Nigerians await forensic audit report on missing $20b’ Continued from page 2

2019 problems. PDP has 1999 manifesto. The naira has weakened. Interest rate has skyrocketed. We need to choose whether we should change Jonathan or we need continuity. The necessity now is to halt the downturn. If they couldn’t do much at 100 dollars per barrel, they cannot do better when the resources are decreasing.” Gen. Buhari, who promised to encourage periodic and regular meetings with the business community, said his administration would be committed to economic growth, job creation and restoration of the dignity of labour among Nigerians. He said: “Our policies for implementing our commitments will be governed by the highest consideration of how they create jobs. Equipping and resourcing our security personnel, for example, will not be limited to the provision of arms alone, but uniforms, boots and accoutrements, are enormous opportunities for textile production, garment making and shoe making. Buhari explained why power generation and transmission have been erratic, despite the privatisation of power utilities. He said: “Power supply is the minimum that we can seriously commit to in order to quickly galvanise the economy back to productivity. We agree with the privatisation of the power utilities, but we believe it must go further to transmission. After the signing and handing over ceremonies of the power assets, the real work of producing, transmitting and distributing power is really just beginning. “The reason why the success seems elusive is that, apart from the signing ceremony and handing over of the power assets, the hard work to connect the various parts of the power chain, supply gas, install transformers, complete substations has not been done. Our studies show that we will require no less than 200,000 trained personnel to support the initiative to provide power and light up Nigeria.” Gen. Buhari said apart from

the inherent direct employment that the revival of the sector will create, the reduction in the cost of production, the savings from self-generation by Nigerians, who currently spend their income on purchase of diesel and petrol to generate their own electricity, will reduce the burden on their disposable income. He said these savings will be spent by Nigerians on other basic necessities of life, thereby reducing poverty. Gen. Buhari said his administration would support the initiative to build a refinery in Lagos, adding that the move will lead to job creation, local fuel supply and national security as well as reduce importation, lessen demand for foreign exchange and strengthen the naira. The former Head of State, who promised to fight the infrastructure battle, emphasised that road construction will be a major priority of his administration. He stressed: “Road construction alone will unlock a value chain of opportunities in the built industry for construction companies, builders, engineers, architects, quarry operators, cement and iron rod production and supply. “The successful opening up of Nigeria by the construction of new roads and highways will revive road transportation, truck manufacture, tyre manufacture, engine oil, and brake pad production. It will also create a demand for jobs for mechanics, drivers, and those engaged in transport support business. We expect a revival of inter-state economies that used to thrive across Nigeria, providing support to travellers by way of canteens, restaurants and farm produce.” Gen. Buhari promised to promote discussions between the business community and his economic team to explore options of reducing taxes and Customs duties without too much disruption to government finances and private sector business plans. He also spoke on the APC manifesto and campaign message. In his view, they reflect the

yearnings of Nigerians for change. Nigerians, said Gen. Buhari, should expect positive change, if he is elected. According to him, during the survey that took place in 36 states, Nigerians indicated that insecurity, corruption and the economy were their biggest worries. He added: “That is why I have been talking about insecurity and corruption on one hand and minning, agriculture, infrastructure and jobs on the economic side.” Noting that corruption has almost become a culture in Nigeria, Gen. Buhari said: “They are so inter-connected and the Nigerian people are right in their identification of these problems. We cannot build an economy in an insecure environment. We cannot build an economy when the playing field is not level. We cannot build an economy where corruption is the working capital. Corruption affects our ability to secure ourselves and it also undermines the performance of the economy.” Gen. Buhari spoke on the importation of fuel, saying that the country should be ashamed because it is an oil-producing country. He said: “If you also factor the N2.2 trillion spent on subsidising fuel import, which became a huge scandal, you may then understand why our manifesto focuses on the issues of security, corruption and the economy. We are too vulnerable as a nation at this moment, if we have to import fuel to move our planes, our tanks and our men. We are too vulnerable as you can see that we also have to import arms. We are vulnerable because our troops also depend on imported food.” Gen. Buhari, who served as the Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), recounted his achievements, saying he upgraded refineries in Port-Harcourt and Kaduna. He added: “We got tankers off the road and saved lives. When

I became the Head of State, we fought bunkering. We increased the exportation of refined products. But, Nigeria is now importing fuel.” Gen. Buhari gave an ultimatum to corrupt officials and other Nigerians, saying that he would confront them, if he becomes the president. He said: “The courts will continue to fight corruption. The legislature, executive and judiciary will fight corruption. But, from the day an APC Federal Government is in place, those corupt people will have to behave themselves.” At the meeting, Mr. Funso Phillips of the Nigeria Economic Council (NEC) wanted to know what Gen. Buhari would do differently, if elected as the President. The former Head of State said that, while he will not discontinue any policy that is good, he will change what is not good. Another informal operator, who emphasised the importance of land in economic development, wanted to know Buhari's position on land accessibility for industrial growth. He promised to promote an atmosphere that is conducive to investment promotion and development. Another participant wanted to know who the General will fight corruption differently. Buhari replied that the three organs of government will be involved in the fight against fraud in high places. The APC candidate urged members of the business community who have questions to ask from the campaign team to forward their enquiries to Chief Odigie-Oyegun and Dr. Fayemi, promising to respond to them.

Pressure mounts on Jega to shift Feb. 14 election Continued from page 2

paredness and the sanctity of the timelines. “Our indices are ready, we will present these for all the stakeholders to assess us. There are so many vested interests who do not see anything good in what INEC has done,” the source said, adding: “We woke up today to hear rumours of the resignation of Prof. Jega as INEC chairman when he was busy holding series of meetings in the office.” Security agencies are likely to meet with INEC “before the end of this week.” They are likely to, according to a source, discuss: •likely disenfranchisement of voters; •effect of litigations on PVCs on the outcome of the elections; •on relocation of many polling units; and •confusing Business Rule of removing four million registered voters from register without informing them. “The relocation of polling booths from private school, churches and mosque is a welcome development. Has INEC informed woul-be voters? Can’t this development lead to confusion on voting day?” a source said, adding: “The confusing Business Rule has ensured the removal of at least over 4 million registered voters, who are yet to be aware of the removal of their names; if they may require re-registration or recapturing as INEC promised the Sultan of Sokoto over his

plight.” One of the sources in INEC said: “We are awaiting a session with all stakeholders to clear the air on many issues. But we are yet to be invited by security agencies.” As at the time of filing this report, Jega was in a crucial meeting with top INEC management staff. It was not immediately clear what informed the emergency session. Contacted, a National Commissioner of INEC said: "Jega met with all directors to checklist all preparations for the elections coming up in the next few days. "It was more of a procedural thing, we wanted to ensure that all hands are on deck and things are working as planned. "In fact, I can tell you that three meetings were held on Monday between Jega and his team. He held strategic session with National Commissioners, members of the management and those in technical units and all directors. "The meetings had nothing to do with any resignation or frustration." Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman said: "The meeting with directors and management staff was a routine one. "In preparation for the elections, INEC chairman, National Commissioners and directors had been working late to make sure that all plans work accordingly."

Jonathan gets forensic report on NNPC Continued from page 2

"So the auditor General will look at it and within the week, let us get key highlights because the media will want to knows the key findings vis a vis the senate findings and figured being bandied around in the newspapers.

Continuing, he said: "Indeed you mentioned the issue of reform in the sector, everybody knows that the sector needs to be reformed, by the time we go through the petroleum industry bill and pass it into a law, most of this lapses will be corrected and the misconception

will be properly addressed." Submiting the report, the country Senior Partner of Price Waterhouse of Nigeria, Uyi Akpata said: "It is a privilege for us to have carried this exercise out on behalf of the government and I hope that you will find this report useful."

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

FOREIGN NEWS

Egypt sentences 183 Muslim Brotherhood supporters to death

N Egyptian court sentenced 183 supporters of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood to death yesterday on charges of killing police officers, part of a sustained crackdown by authorities on Islamists. The men were convicted of playing a role in the killings of 16 policemen in the town of Kardasa in August, 2013 during the upheaval that followed the army’s ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Mursi. Thirty-four were sentenced in absentia. Egypt has mounted one of the biggest crackdowns in its modern history on the Brotherhood since the political demise of Mursi, the country’s first democraticallyelected president. Thousands of Brotherhood supporters have been arrested and put on mass trials in a campaign which human rights groups say shows the

government is systematically repressing opponents. “Today’s death sentences are yet another example of the bias of the Egyptian criminal justice system,” said Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Deputy Middle East and North Africa Programme Director at Amnesty International. “These verdicts and sentences must be quashed and all of those convicted should be given a trial that meets international standards of fairness and excludes the death penalty.” Monday’s sentences came a day after Al Jazeera journalist Peter Greste was freed after serving 400 days in Egyptian jail on charges that included aiding a terrorist group - a reference to the Brotherhood. Two of his Al Jazeera colleagues are still detained. President Abdel Fattah alSisi, who as army chief toppled Mursi, describes the

Brotherhood as a major security threat. The movement says it is committed to peaceful activism. The death sentences followed one of the bloodiest attacks on Egyptian security forces in years. Islamic State’s Egypt wing claimed responsibility for a series of coordinated operations that killed at least 27 people last week. Sisi blamed the Brotherhood for the violence and told Egyptians in a televised address that the war against militancy will be a long and tough. Egyptian authorities make no distinction between the Brotherhood, Islamic State and al Qaeda, arguing that they have a shared ideology and are equally dangerous. Security forces killed hundreds of Brotherhood supporters and arrested thousands of others after Mursi’s ouster.

Tunisian PM-designate proposes new cabinet UNISIAN prime minister-designate Habib Essid proposed a new coalition cabinet yesterday including secularists, Islamists and smaller parties, after politicians rejected a line-up announced last week as unrepresentative. The new ministers included members of secularist party Nidaa Tounes and its main rival, the Islamist Ennahda, which did not have any posts in the earlier proposed cabinet. Essid’s new government will have to push through tough economic reforms demanded by Tunisia’s international lenders and continue a campaign against Islamist militants. Lawmakers will vote this

week on whether to ratify the new government. Nidaa Tounes member Slim Chaker was named finance minister, and Taib Baccouche, also from Nidaa Tounes, will be foreign minister. Ennahda was given employment ministry and several other junior minister posts. “We are going to vote for this government. It’s a representative one,” said Ennahda lawmaker Walid Bannani. “Its not about how many posts one has, its about how diverse the government is to represent all Tunisians.” In the 217-seat parliament, Nidaa Tounes holds 86 seats and its ally, the liberal, secular UPL party has 16 seats. Ennahda holds 69 seats, the Popular Front 15 and Afek

•Essid

Tounes eight. Essid needs the support of 109 members to ratify his government. With its political transition complete, Tunisia’s new government must tackle high public spending and political sensitive reforms to subsidies. Jobs, high living costs and economic opportunities are the main worry for most Tunisians.

Ukraine rebel leader ‘wants 100,000 men’

RO-Russian separatist leader Alexander Zakharchenko says rebels aim to boost their forces to 100,000, as fighting with Ukraine’s military intensifies. The rebels want to push government forces out of the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk and are trying to capture the key town of Debaltseve. Dozens of people including civilians were killed in clashes and artillery fire at the weekend. Attempts to agree a truce

failed when rebel negotiators did not turn up. A fragile ceasefire agreed in early September in the Belarusian capital, Minsk, collapsed last month when rebels stepped up their offensive on several Ukrainian positions and seized Donetsk airport. Rebels were accused of carrying out an artillery attack on the south-eastern Ukrainian port city of Mariupol which left 30 civilians dead. Ukrainian government forces have also been blamed for deadly attacks on Donet-

sk city and other rebel-held areas last month in which dozens of civilians were killed. Armoured vehicles were seen heading for Debaltseve on Sunday to bolster Ukrainian forces Conflict in Ukraine has killed more than 5,000 people. Here, a funeral in Kiev on Monday Mr Zakharchenko, the head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, said mobilisation was “urgent” and would begin in 11 days.

Liberia’s Ebola vaccine trial begins

HE first large-scale trials of two experimental vaccines against Ebola have begun in Liberia. The potentially preventative medicines were taken under strict security to a secret location in the West African country. Scientists aim to immunise 30,000 volunteers, including front-line health workers. More than 8,500 people have died in the Ebola outbreak, the vast majority in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The total number of re-

ported cases is more than 22,000. In Liberia alone, more than 3,600 people have died from the disease. But the number of Ebola cases in Liberia has been steadily decreasing, with only four confirmed cases in the week leading up to 25 January. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the epidemic has entered a “second phase” with the focus shifting to ending the epidemic. Putin linked to organised crime Alexander Litvinenko, a

former Russian agent killed with polonium in London, believed Vladimir Putin lacked the mettle to stamp out corruption inside Russia’s security agency and that he had links to organised crime, his widow said on Monday. Giving evidence to a public inquiry at London’s High Court into the former spy’s death, Marina Litvinenko said her husband had taken his concerns in 1998 to Putin, who then headed the Federal Security Service (FSB), the main successor to the Soviet-era KGB.

TODAY IN THE NATION

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

’Chibok is the painful metaphor of a state, under the agency of President Jonathan, that has failed in its basic and most important duty’ VOL.10 NO. 3115

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

OLAKUNLE ABIMBOLA

OMPARISONS, it has been said, are odious. No two situations are ever exactly alike. Even where that improbable symmetry obtains, symmetrical outcomes are far from guaranteed. Still, the parallels between the build-up to June 12, 1993 presidential election and the build-up to presidential election scheduled for February 14 are troubling. In the weeks leading up to June 12, 1993, orchestrated demands for the scrubbing of the projected poll filled the air, promoted for the most part by proxies of Military President Ibrahim Babangida. The country was not ready, they said; the political class had learned no lessons. Babangida was the only person who could keep the system going, and if he was allowed to vacate power, it would end in violent dissolution. He must be persuaded to hold on to power. Days to the election, Arthur Nzeribe – he who has never embraced a cause without bringing it into disrepute – secured a court ruling in the dead of night restraining Humphrey Nwosu’s National Electoral Commission from conducting the poll. Demonstrations were staged in many cities to demand the continuation of military rule. Nor was the military spared. Ballots were circulated in the barracks, urging enlisted men and women to demand that Babangida continue in office. Advertisements to the same effect, placed by unidentified sponsors, filled the newspapers. The culmination of the transition to democratic rule, eight years in the making, became in the hands of the regime and its propagandists, aided by the coercive power of the state, a subject of fear and loathing Now, fast forward to the presidential election scheduled for February 14, 2015. An aggrieved lawyer, doing a variation on the Nzeribe gambit, has gone to court to seek to disqualify the main challenger, General Muhammadu Buhari, on the grounds that he lacks the basic educational qualification specified in the Constitution. The challenger has since shown beyond all reasonable doubt that he meets and even exceeds the required West African School Certificate. Disdaining the rules of evidence and lacking the confidence to pivot on the incumbent’s vaunted record of “transformation,” his opponents have now framed that academic requirement as the central issue in the contest. Their chief spokesperson Femi Fani-Kayode, who is fast gaining Nzeribe’s reputation for bringing into disrepute every cause he has ever embraced, thinks he has found a chink in Buhari’s amour and he is tearing away furiously. A suborned national army now sits as the final authority on academic certification in general and the West African School Certificate in particular.

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

Like June 12, 1993, like February 14, 2015 Rented crowds are poised to stage protests all over the country calling for a postponement of the presidential election, or for the setting up of an “interim government, to be headed no doubt by the incumbent, because the Independent National Electoral Commission is not ready, or because it would be imprudent to deflect the country from its present glorious course of prosperity and transformation. The similarities between June 12, 1993 and February 13, 2015, it is necessary to insist, are sobering, troubling even. But there has also been some innovation. The leading opposition party says it will form a parallel government if it is persuaded that it was cheated out of victory. Armed militants beholden to the incumbent and warn darkly that it would be the end of Nigeria as we know it if their candidate is not re-elected. Unlike 1993, what is shaping up now as Election Day draws closer and closer is the prospect of a grand collision of an immovable object and an irresistible force.

New girl on the block stinct for self preservation. Others may take the view that the chronicle is necessarily a work in progress, and that they will be accorded their proper due in the fullness of time. Yet others may have chosen out of modesty to keep in the background; they had done what duty and circumstance required, which was what really counted. To this latter group belongs Dr Hamidat Doyinsola Abiola, who turned 70 last Sunday. In the Abiola household, Kudirat, of revered memory, was the NADECO face of the struggle. Doyin Abiola, operating on a different but complementary plane, was the strategic thinker and discreet mobiliser. She saw beyond the crowds and the bombast of the earlier phase and realised, as few did, that the struggle was going to be long and bitter, and that it could not be won on the streets. Appeasement was of course out of the question, and surrender was unthinkable. A way had to be found to keep the struggle alive, not merely on the streets, but in the hearts and minds of influential actors spanning the po-

•Dr. Abiola

N the vast literature on “June 12”, the epic struggle of Nigerians to reclaim their sovereign right to determine who will govern them, it was perhaps inevitable that some individuals and groups who played pivotal roles have passed largely unacknowledged. Some of those key figures may well have chosen to remain unsung out of a sound in-

litical spectrum in Nigeria, well as in the international community. That was the task Doyin Abiola set herself. To its pursuit she deployed many formidable assets: a sharp, analytic mind emblematized by a doctorate in communication research – the first Nigerian woman to acquire that distinction; three decades in journalism from the rank of reporter to managing director, a voracious appetite for reading, versatility in using new communication technology, courage, tenacity, and a considerable portion of her endowment from her husband’s fortune. She also applied to it a quality so sadly lacking in public life in Nigeria: judgment, a capacity for comparing and deciding, which was enhanced by her instinctive sense of right and wrong, of what is possible, merely probable, or outright impossible. And so, while Kudirat kept alive the support and loyalty of the “June 12” faithful, on the home front, Doyin Abiola reached out discreetly to those who had abandoned the camp, those who were sitting on the fence, and those who were viscerally opposed to the project. I can bear witness because I accompanied her on some of the missions. To reach the attentive and influential audience abroad, Doyin Abiola hit upon the idea of a monthly newsletter that would provide analysis and perspective on the struggle for democracy in Nigeria, and a status report on the central figure in that struggle, her husband Bashorun Abiola. It had to be scrupulously factual, from cover to cover. It had to reflect accurately and in proportion the acts and utterances of the major factions, their motivations as well as their fears. It must contain no hint of self-pity or bitterness. It must foist no judgments or conclusions on the recipients. I was privileged to assist her in preparing the newsletter until I left Nigeria late in 1996. Its recipients included key leaders of the Commonwealth, the Organisation of African Unity, the United Nations, the European Community, senior officials of the Clinton White House, and leaders of influential NGOs. If the effort did not produce dramatic results, the feedback indicated that it certainly provided a sober and credible counterpoint to Sani Abacha’s lying propaganda. And it helped generate empathy for the struggle, and for Bashorun Abiola. Nothing, not even serious illness, could move Doyin Abiola to seek rest and respite abroad. She learned to live with danger and continued quietly and tirelessly to mobilise support for “June 12”. In the fullness of time, Dr Hamidat Doyin Abiola will get her proper due as a pivotal figure in the struggle for democracy in Nigeria. For now, I am sure she will be content to be celebrated as the new girl on the block. Welcome to the Club, and to the neighbourhood, HDA. •For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

GUNNERS CAN CATCH CHELSEA AND WIN LEAGUE -Wenger

RIPPLES

HARDBALL

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Ha… He… He… Ladies and Gentlemen, this is ‘WENGER IN DREAMLAND’

OMEONE dismissed them as lunatic voices. Another claimed it was empty din from empty persons. But the putdown that took the cake was gunboat logic from the creeks. No bouquet for guessing right: it is all about the threat of war should our son lose the February 14 election, from Tompolo (who by the way is a government , his name being Government Ekpemukpolo), Asari Dokubo and colony. After the latest reactions, particularly the intervention from Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, calling for the arrests of the threat howlers, Asari has sort of chickened out — or hasn’t he? In his reaction to the Danjuma demand, he denied ever threatening anybody — at least by the latest misadventure at Bayelsa Government (in-between bouts of antiDanjuma expletives, The Nation reported). But not Tompolo, the Government himself! He reportedly insisted that should Goodluck Jonathan lose, Nigeria would break up. The way he spoke, that was no threat, but a cold and sinister promise! The Government has spoken! Tompolo lectured that since the alleged 100year agreement on which Nigeria was founded expired in 2014 (1914-2014), Jonathan’s loss would be Nigeria’s final unravelling point. Again, the Government has spoken — cold and

From the creeks: gunboat logic dire! But even as these militants bawl and holler themselves hoarse, is anybody telling them they howl nothing but inanities? First: can anyone, in his right senses, quarrel with what numbers a die -- an unloaded die — throws up? Statistics 101 teaches you diethrowing is somewhat a random capture of logical occurrences. So, how can someone then howl and scream that he or she would commit suicide, if the die does not throw up his own preferences — except of course, he wants to load the die and he has the capacity to do so? Put in another form, the hollowness of the we-would-war-if-Jonathan-loses threat becomes manifest, using the die symbolism. In Nigeria, as constituted today, the Niger Delta is a minority. Related directly to Nigeria, the Ijaw (the ethnic group where these loud mouths come from) are even a smaller minority, taken from other Niger Deltans; though the Ijaw fancy themselves as only next, in population, after the Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa-Fulani. So, if democratic elections are a game of numbers, and the minority cannot persuade the majority to vote for their candidate, how can the minority skew that natural die, and make their threats produce the number for them to win? But that is not even the Tompolo gunboat logic. After making the usual empty noise, Tompolo declared that because Danjuma called for his arrest and that of his colony of threat-howlers, for making subversive noises, the general was responsible for some northern miscreants pelting, with stone and sachet water, the president’s campaign convoy! Haba! What is the nexus between calling for some ex-militants’ arrest, and misguided elements in the northern streets stoning a campaign convoy? That, of course, shows the level of logical thinking that went into the threats, in the first instance. But logic or illogic, a bit of history. At the approach of the unfortunate Civil War (19671970), rumble from the Biafra enclave boomed: no power in Black Africa can vanquish us! That was a tragic boast that led to a tragedy of victory (to borrow the title of Brig. Godwin Alabi-Isama’s Civil War memoirs) — even from the Federal side. Threat is cheap! Let these ex-militants get serious. Enough of this ridiculous gunboat logic!

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