The Nation February 09, 2012

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VOL. 7, NO. 2030 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

Why I accepted task force job, by Ribadu •He’s on his own, says ACN N

•Mallam Ribadu

UHU Ribadu, the former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chair, yesterday said his appointment as Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force chief is “a national call bigger than personal ego”.

In a statement entitled:

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

“When the nation calls”, which he personally signed, Ribadu explained why he took the job.

But the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the party on

whose platform Ribadu ran for president last year, said he took the job in his personal capacity without the support of the party.

Ribadu said: “I was greeted to numerous calls

and mail yesterday when the administration announced my name as Chairman of the 21-man Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force.

“Given my recent political pedigree, many inquirers

naturally wanted to understand what was happening, and whether it was true that I was consulted and whether I would accept the offer.

“The history of my life is a history of public service, Continued on page 4

How bombers are chosen,

by Boko Haram suspect Army arrests soldiers over Kaduna bombing Task Force relives Kano operation From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

D

ETAINED Boko Haram spokesman Abu Qaqa has told State Security Service (SSS) officials how suicide bombers are chosen among members of the sect.

He also listed those being used for suicide bombing as Chadians, Nigeriens, Camerounians, Hausa, Fulani and others, The Nation learnt yesterday.

According to a source, Qaqa told a team of investigators that once a member is chosen for a suicide mission, he has no option but to carry out the assignment.

The source added that any member who refuses to go on a suicide mission will instead face the death penalty.

The source said: “Based on the SEE revelations of Qaqa, we have been able to invite more people ALSO for interaction for more clues.

PAGES “Our findings so far are appre2&3 ciable because the suspect has been cooperative. At the appropriate time, the public will be briefed.”

The source quoted Qaqa as saying: “No suicide bomber of the group volunteers. They are usually handpicked. Once you are handpicked, it is death either way; if you refused, you would be killed on the orders of the leadership. So, many prefer the suicide bomb option, far away from their wives and children.

“At a point, some of us thought suicide bombing was ‘cowardice’, but confronting the leadership with such a position would’ve come with a price: death.

“What was bad about those handpicked for the suicide mission was that all of them were non-Kanuri. They were always Chadians, Nigeriens, Camerounians, Hausa, Fulani and others.

Continued on page 4

•TOP AND BOTTOM: Some of the arms and ammunition recovered in the Kano raid on Boko Haram. •RIGHT: Part of the house with bullet holes

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

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NEWS BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY NEW YEAR MESSAGES

Boko Haram is killing North’s economy, says Fed Govt

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HE Federal Government yesterday said the activities of the Boko Haram insurgent group are killing the economy of the northern geo-political zone.

Information Minister Labaran Maku said the region was further being impoverished.

He spoke after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Maku said: “Terrorism in places like Kano is destroying the North as it hits at the heart of the development of the region.”

He said the North was in need of peace.

The minister said the region is behind in infrastructure, in literacy level, in industraliation and other development indices.

This, he said, has made it imperative for northern leaders, elders and other stakeholders to rally round the government and get involved in bringing insurgency to an end.

He said: “The attack on Kano is so significant because Kano has always been the commercial centre of western Sudan for the past 500 years. Ever before the evolution of Nigeria, Kano is the economy of the North and the economy of Niger Republic and it is the economy of Chad; it is the economy of northern Cameroun. So, when you destabilise Kano, you threaten the foundation of economic and social well being of all northerners. So what has happened is violence and this is what we want all those involved in it to understand and all stakeholders in the North and Nigeria to understand that if any part of this country is in need of peace today, it is northern Nigeria.

“From all the statistics, we are still behind in infrastructure, in literacy level, in industraliation; so, we need peace and this peace will only be made possible when all stakeholders are involved and I have seen a gradual process. You saw last week that the Vice-President had a meeting with all northern governors and they agreed on certain things. We also saw the conference of the Arewa Consultative Forum with all traditional rulers and they also agreed on certain things and what we expect to evolve in the months ahead is for those decisions to be concretised in terms of structures of surveillance of community cooperation and integration in the search of peace in the North.”

He added: “If you go and attack Sokoto for example, Sokoto is the spiritual headquarters of all Muslims in the country. The Sultan of Sokoto is officially recognised as the leader of Muslims in Nigeria. He is the prime leader and authority of Islam. So, if, for example, anybody threatens to attack Sokoto, what is the benefit? And that is why we continue to say that we do not see much of religion in what is happening, because if Sokoto is virtually an Islamic centre and the headquarters of the Caliphate that spreads Islam to most parts of Nigeria and even Southwest, so if you go and attack Sokoto, in what way does it affect the cause of Islam if it is Islam they are fighting for?”

He said the Federal Government’s approach to the crisis has been consistent.

Maku said: “The first approach that government has taken is to develop the capacity to contain it, to defeat it, to fight it as it unfolds until we are able to overcome it. You have

•Sovndal (left), displaying a souvenir presented to him at the end of the meeting. With him are from left: Chigozie ObiNnadozie, Ashiru, and Mr Lars Morgenavisen.

•Labaran Maku From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

seen this in the last one year, particularly the government has consistently invested in security and the results are paying off. If you look at what has gone on in the last few months, you have seen that gradually our intelligence services, particularly, have improved significantly in their capacity and reach and a lot of arrests are being made, almost routinely.

“The whole issue about terror is intelligence really. The physical deployment of troops is important but because we are not fighting a standing army, what is required is intelligence and the Federal Government has invested on it.

“In spite of all these, it is the understanding of the Federal Government that those involved in terror attacks are our children. Yes foreigners are involved but they do so in partnership or in collaboration with some Nigerians and because they are our citizens, we have continued to call on them to lay down their arms; whatever grievances they have can be better realised by bringing those grievances in an orderly way to the government at all levels.

“Some of those grievances are not even with the Federal Government, but whatever grievances that they have, the mere fact that they have grievances and they have taken to violence pre-supposes that we should listen to them, in spite of the fact that as a government we must defend innocent citizens, some of whom have lost their lives in the course of these terror attacks.

“But the President said we must know who we are dialoguing with because members of this terror groups operate underground and because they operate underground, talking to them is a more difficult process.

“But the President has turned in the olive branch. It is not a happy thing for Nigeria to deploy its military forces against some of its citizens, therefore it is not something we are doing out of choice.”

On the Boko Haram tape aired by the NTA, Maku said: “It could be true, it could be false. It takes more than having names published or broadcast by a group to establish the veracity of the claims. We don’t just take it on the pages of newspapers because you report a story; whether it is NTA, radio or video, it takes more than that to establish the veracity of a claim. So, our doors are open to every formal channel of communication for the evolution of a process that should lead to a dialogue. So, the government is clear; we are ready to dialogue.”

•Sovndal and Ashiru, signing a communique at the end of meeting in Abuja... yesterday

•Inside of the hideout of Bo members where fake uniforms, explosive material were seized in Kano...yester

•Jonathan and the EU team

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

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NEWS

de of the hideout of Boko Haram bers where fake military rms, explosive materials and arms seized in Kano...yesterday

BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY

EU, Nigeria sign pact to tackle terrorism

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HE European Union (EU) and the Federal Government yesterday agreed to engage experts to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency.

The sect has claimed responsibility for bomb blasts and shootings in which about 1,000 people have been killed.

The union and the Federal Government yesterday in Abuja signed a joint communique at the end of the two-day Third Nigeria-EU Ministerial meeting organised by the Foreign Affairs Minister, Olugbenga Ashiru and Denmark’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Villy Soevndal, on behalf of the EU. The experts, they agreed, would be saddled with the responsibility of identifying the action plan to tackle the security challenges in the North.

To also ensure peace in the Niger Delta, they agreed that the Federal Government should fully implement its amnesty programme for the region.

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

Ashiru said: “The parties shared the same analysis on peace, security and development challenges in the North, and in particular the threat of the extremist group known as Boko Haram.

“They agreed to engage experts to identify a possible action plan and to enhance their cooperation in counterterrorism, while strengthening their efforts in addressing the causes of the security challenges in the North.

“The parties agreed that the core values, which Nigeria and the EU share, are keys to overcoming terrorism. These values include an open society, adherence to the rule of law and respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights.

“The EU expressed its strong support for efforts to address the causes of the current security threat, including socio-economic, governance and security issues. Both parties agreed on the paramount importance of upholding the rule of law in the fight against terrorism.

“The parties agreed to maintain their

dialogue and cooperation with a view to consolidating peace and stability in the Niger Delta region.

“They underlined the need to continue efforts to fully implement the amnesty programme initiated by the Nigerian authorities.”

According to the minister, both parties agreed on the need to increase efforts to tackle the poverty and environmental degradation the region currently faces, with regard to the corporate social responsibility of the operating companies.

He said the two sides shared concerns about maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea and applauded the setting up of a Gulf of Guinea Commission and the ECOWAS draft integrated maritime security strategy.

The meeting, Ashiru added, also dwelt on trade, investment, energy, mining, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), democracy, good governance, human rights, migration and other international matters.

Corps members seek redeployment

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CORES of corps members yesterday stormed the headquarters of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Abuja to seek redeployment from parts of the country that are prone to violence.

Many of the corps members told reporters that their desire was in line with the directive given to them.

They were asked to seek redeployment in the event of any security breach in their state of primary assignment.

The corps members, who were barred from entering the headquarters, said the threat to their lives was becoming unbearable, and urged the

NYSC management to be sensitive to their plight.

A batch ‘C’ corps member, Owoniyi Bosede, said: “The way they are treating us is not fair; we are serving in the North and the problem is happening here and there. We are appealing that they should allow us to go to our various states to continue our service there.”

Another member, Rita Okereke, said since most of her colleagues had received their letters of redeployment, NYSC should live up to its promise by listening to other corps members.

A Batch ‘C’ Corps member serving in Katsina State, Chineye

Nnamdi, decried the treatment meted out to them by the NYSC management.

But an official of the scheme, who preferred anonymity, said the management would address the complaints of the corps members, saying the scheme is not unaware of the security challenges.

The offical urged the corps members to channel their complaints through their state coordinators.

The official said the management of NYSC was out to serve the country while at the same time would not jeopardise the life of any corps member.

We never justified sect’s actions, says ACF

T •From left: Assistant Director (ECOWAS), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Safiu Olaniyan, the Ministry’s spokesman, Mr Ameh Ode, the Deputy Director (Western Europe), Mr Habu Gwani, and Deputy Director (Global Investment), Mr Alus Tyoden, at the meeting... yesterday

HE northern socio-political organisation, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) yesterday said it never justified the actions of the Boko Haram insurgent group.

ACF accused the media of sensationalising its last statement on the Boko Haram.

Its National Publicity Secretary, Anthony Sani, said the ACF condemned the quit order issued by the insurgent group to southerners living in the North.

In a text message to The Nation, Sani said: “Yes, I read some of the reports on the last press conference.

Some say Boko Haram crisis may break Nigeria, while others say ACF justifies quit order on southerners. I am upset about how some of our media men prefer to sacrifice the country on the altar of sensationalism that is not even well coordinated.

“I thought the media is a responsible occupation expected to unite and build the nation, and not the one trained to generate more heat than

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

light. I am however to note that some papers had to rewrite their reports all over again. Some went as far as to advise me on how to avoid a situation where the media would make a press conference achieve the opposite of what it sets out to achieve.

“Please go through the previous communiqué from an emergency meeting of ACF during the strike and see how ACF asked Nigerians to disregard the orders given by some elements of Niger Delta as well as Boko Haram to people to go back to their roots.ACF said this because neither Boko Haram nor Niger Delta militants can speak for the North and Niger Delta. More so, the orders are unconstitutional.

“What the Chairman emphasised was that the militants in Niger Delta were the first to give such order, yet the media, instead of condemning the two groups the way ACF did sometime ago, only Boko Haram has been chosen for condemnation. Such selec-

tive condemnation by the media is divisive.

“Does that remark justify the quit order on Southerners? Why would the chairman wish to contradict a communique he had signed just a few weeks ago? Even if someone else had flip-flopped such remarks, would any responsible editor report it, considering ACF’s condemnation of such irresponsible order is just about three weeks old?

“We should note that ACF has insisted that our interdependence is so deep and wide that a divorce is impossible. Boko Haram is a problem deserving of serious attention. Yes, but it cannot break Nigeria, precisely terrorism cuts across national, regional, ethnic and religious boundaries.

“ACF has always maintained that the situation is not beyond redemption, given the will. The media should have a sense of responsibility and history to recall past statements by ACF that are inspiring and not fissiparous.”

‘We’ll retaliate if Soyinka is attacked’

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WO groups, the Oodua Republic Front (ORF) and the Apapo Oodua Koya (AOKOYA) have warned the Boko Haram insurgent group againat any attack on Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka.

ORF said it would retaliate any attack on him, any other Yoruba man or woman or territory.

It described Soyinka as a great source of pride to the Yoruba race and world civilisation, adding that in case of any attempted or manifest attack on him or any Youruba son and daughter, “we will carry out retailiatory attacks on all sympathisers of Boko Haram”.

In a statement by its spokesman, Jubril Ogundimu, the group said: “We view the threat against Soyinka as an assault on the Yoruba people. This fatwa passed on Soyinka is a declaration of war on the Yoruba people.

“We shall retaliate with equal measure of response if any Yoruba person or territory is attacked by Boko Haram. We see Boko Haram as a front for the Hausa-Fulani caliphate.

We shall hold the Hausa-Fulani caliphate responsible for any attack on Soyinka.”

AOKOYA, in a statement by its deputy spokesperson, Alhaja (Mrs) Medinat Oluwaseyi, said: “We warn today that any attack on Professor

Wole Soyinka will lead to spontaneous reactions from the Yoruba nation. We shall respond with a double measure of rage. We will not tolerate a deliberate attempt at eliminating Yoruba scholars and icons by a brutal gang of murderers that takes delight in spilling human blood for game. We caution that an attack on Soyinka will lead to violent reprisals targeting Hausa-Fulani, from the Yoruba nation.”

The group added:“We are concerned that Boko Haram has not denied this threat to kill one of mankind’s most consistent advocates for justice. ”

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THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

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

‘How bombers are chosen’ Continued from page 1

•Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka (right), Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, Chief Olu Akinkugbe and Mr Adekunle Olumide, at a lecture marking the World Cancer Week at Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos…yesterday. Story on page 5.

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

“No Kanuri. That was why some of us had divided opinion on it.”

Security chiefs are expected to meet with National Security Adviser (NSA) Owoye Azazi today to take stock of the fight against Boko Haram and plan how to address the resurgence of the group, which has been condemned by leading lights of Islam.

“One thing is clear, security agencies are on top of the situation,” a source said.

Also yesterday, the army launched a probe into how a suicide bomber, in military uniform, beat the heavy security at the two gates leading to its Dalet Barracks 1 Division in Kaduna.

It was also learnt that some

Why I accepted task force job, by Ribadu Continued from page 1

and if we cast an honest look to the recent protests in the wake of the oil subsidy removal, it will be clear to all that the biggest single victory Nigerians scored was to put the question of corruption squarely back on the top of our national policy agenda.

“Regardless of our affiliations, our differences and our engagements, it is at least safe to say that we have a national consensus on the deadly impact of corruption on our march to greatness, and on the capacity of our people, particularly the youth, to earn a decent, promising, life.

“If we would effectively isolate and defeat this scourge, therefore, we must all see it as a preeminent national security threat.

“We must see it as a war within our borders, a war that has assumed a systemic and endemic character, but to which all must now urgently enlist with our different capacities, or accept to all go down with the ship.

“At this point in my life, it is also easy to answer the honest question if it is inappropriate to invest my modest talents and capabilities to my country

what I have readily offered many foreign communities, from sister nations in Africa to far flung places like Afghanistan.

“This, if nothing, makes my decision very personal, freeing all affiliations [social and political] of complicity, but investing the decision also with the unique character that when people reach evaluations in favor of their larger communities, it doesn’t necessarily blemish their moral identity.

“This, therefore, is a national call. In answering it, I go back to the template of my own parents who taught me that honest public service is the greatest asset a person can offer his community.

“It was the same lesson I learnt from his biographical example when my own father returned home as a federal legislator in Lagos to take job as a local council official in Yola — it is all about the community, and it is sometimes bigger than our personal egos.”

The ACN reiterated its longstanding position barring members of the party from accepting appointments from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led Federal Government.

In a statement in Abuja yes-

terday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the decision to re-state that position followed the appointment offered to Ribadu.

“As a political party, we wish to reiterate our position barring any member of our party from taking any appointment whatsoever from the PDP-led Federal Government.

Any member of our party who takes such an appointment does so in his personal capacity,” it said.

ACN said, however, that as a leading opposition party, “it will continue to play its role in ensuring good governance and contributing to nation building through its regular constructive criticisms which, hitherto and unfortunately so, have fallen on deaf ears”.

The party said despite its efforts, as well as those of other parties, individuals and organisations, in offering wellmeaning suggestions to the inept Jonathan Administration, the Administration has not demonstrated good faith in this respect.

“For instance, on the vexed issue of removal of petroleum subsidy, it is on record that our party responded with patriotic and constructive suggestions

during a meeting with the President in Abuja. At the end of that meeting, President Jonathan promised to further consult with us before taking any further step in respect of the matter.

“To our amazement, and true to the deceptive nature of this Administration, we all woke up on January 1st, 2012, to learn that the government has unilaterally removed subsidy from petrol. How then can we, in good conscience, work with such an Administration?

“How can we be sure that these slew of appointments are not being used by the Administration to shore up its sagging - or totally sagged - credibility?

“We believe that when a party as clueless and inept as the PDP finds itself incapable of solving the myriad of problems facing it, as it is currently the situation, the party should be humble and honest enough to accept its failure and cluelessness and openly seek help from the opposition parties.

“However, rushing to poach credible personalities from the opposition without first accepting that it is overwhelmed by the problems facing it smacks of underhand tactics aimed at decimating the oppo-

Reps to probe amnesty as ex-militant threatens

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HE House of Representatives yesterday resolved to investigate the amnesty programme, which began in 2008.

The resolution of the House came against the background of the renewed threats by some ex-militants to attack oil facilities.

The House mandated its standing committees on Niger/Delta Ministry, NDDC, Public Safety and National Security, to investigate the performance of all bodies connected with the management of the programme.

The committees are to report back to the House within two weeks.

A member, Arowosoge Ifeoluwa Abiose (ACN, Ekiti), who sponsored the motion, spoke of apprehension in the Southsouth, following the threat to attack installations of the MTN, a

From Shola O’Neil, (Port Harcourt), Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi (Abuja)

leading GSM service provider and SAC Oil. Said Abiose: “MEND has concluded plans to attack South African companies having investments in Nigeria, particularly MTN and Sac Oil, due to the interference of the South African President, Jacob Zuma, in what they called legitimate fight for justice in the Niger Delta.”

The lawmaker noted that MEND had already attacked in installation at Ogbobagbene in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, followed by another attack on a crude oil trunk line belonging to AGIP in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on February 4.

He said any attack on MTN investments based on Henry

Okah’s trial will strain the diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa.

Abiose said with the wave of attacks from Boko Haram in the North, any insurgence

by MEND will have unmitigated ripple effect on the economy.

According to him, there is need to urgently prevent the ex-militants from carrying out attacks on the oil installations and bring production to zero level.

Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, who presided over plenary session, said the decision to investigate the amnesty programme became necessary to craft a comprehensive and integrated solution to the Niger Delta problem.

An ex-militant leader has warned government and oil multinationals operating in the Niger Delta to brace for

more attacks, in the wake of last Friday’s bombing of the Brass Creek trunk line of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company in Bayelsa State.

‘General’ Ekiyes Para, a former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), who was invited by the Joint Task Force for questioning over the incident, told reporters yesterday that the attack on NAOC is a tip of the iceberg.

He said: “The Federal Government has not seen anything yet; this is just the beginning. Unless they come down to us for discussion, they will see more deadly attacks in the days ahead.”

Para, who is also a leader of the aggrieved 3rd Phase Amnesty ex-militants, scoffed at the invitation by the JTF, describing it as a vain threat, adding that his arrest would not change anything.

sition and also tarnishing the well-earned credibility of such personalities.

“After all, one can never be sure - going by the deceptive nature of the PDP - that the kind of appointment now being offered to Malam Ribadu is being made in good faith or just to get credible people to launder the government’s badly damaged image and credibility.

“There is also the possibility that booby-traps will be deliberately set for such credible personalities to guarantee their failure in their stated assignment, after which they will be ridiculed and dumped like an ordinary chump!” the ACN said.

soldiers on sentry duty at the two fortified gates have been arrested.

The Army is said to be working on a probable complicity of the sentry guards at the two gates for allegedly not checking the vehicle used by the bomber.

What was not in doubt yesterday was that the suicide bomber wore an army uniform to deceive the guards.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “A full-scale internal investigation has started into the aborted suicide bombing at the 1 Mechanised Division. Top officers of the Military Police and other intelligence units were on Tuesday night drafted to Kaduna from Abuja.”

The investigators are said to have started forensic examination and investigation of the other legs of the incident. The core area of investigation is how the suicide bomber passed through the two gates without detection, despite the gadgets installed there.

“The bomber, who was in uniform, was also allowed to pass without due security checks.

This was contrary to the laid down guidelines by the Army.

Even if you are in uniform, the standing rule is that you must be frisked or screened like anyone else.”

Responding to a question, the source added: “Certainly, those on sentry duties have been arrested for questioning.”

But the probe will not be open, said the source, who added: “This is a purely military probe; it is not something we will throw open. That was why we were secretive in handling the incident on Tuesday.”

Task Force relives Kano operation

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ECURITY operatives have released details of their Monday raid on a home in Kano to flush out suspected Boko Haram members.

The Joint Task Force issued a statement, signed by Lt. Ikedichi Onyenonachi Iweha said: “On January 6, 2012, “officers of the newly formed Kano State Joint Security Task Force conducted a security enforcement operation at Mariri area in Warawa Local Government Area of the Kano metropolis.

“The suspects, on sighting the first elements of the Joint Services team, without provocation, opened gun fire on the team, using AK47 riffles. The security personnel restrained themselves. However, within minutes, it became clear that the suspects had improvised explosives devices on them as they were freely throwing them at the joint service team.

“Based on this observation, the Joint Services assault team had to effectively cordon the area and engaged the men in sustained gunfire, which lasted till 0340 hours of 7 January, 2012. It was observed that the occupants of the compound had substantial fire power and continued firing and throwing IEDs indiscriminately. However, the reinforcement brought finally resulted in the target area being dominated.

“At the end of the stand-off, four casualties were recorded on the side of the suspected terrorists while none on the side

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

of the security agencies. Thereafter, a search of the premises revealed that suspects facility, which was attacked, is a bomb manufacturing facility as well as an operational warehouse with IEDs (unexploded), ten AK 47 riffles with 27 loaded magazines of ammunition, one pump action gun, 223 live ammunition in packets, several mobile police uniforms and assorted identity cards to facilitate suspects’ terrorist operations, several bags of Urea fertilisers as well as assorted connection cables for detonating IEDs. “The success of the operation is hinged on the fact that these materials would have been unleashed not only on the Joint Security Forces, but innocent members of the public, as was witnessed sadly on 20th January, 2012. The Joint Task Forces sincerely appreciate the overwhelming support it has been receiving from the good people of Kano who have since been providing valuable information that has so far been helping to make the citizens safe.”

Also in Kano, the State Security Service (SSS) yesterday reiterated President Goodluck Jonathan’s willingness to hold tallks with members and sponsors of the Boko Haram Islamic sect, if they make themselves known to established authorities.

Continued on page 6

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THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

NEWS Apo six murder: Court orders arrest of witness

Nigerian, others face trial in UK over girl’s shooting

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

A 19-year-old Nigerian, Kazeem Kolawole, and two others are facing trial in London over the shooting of a girl, who is now paralysed waist down

O

NE moment, five-year-old Thusha Kamaleswaran was “happily playing” in a south London shop.

The next, she was shot in the chest and went into cardiac arrest twice saved only by the medics who performed “invasive surgery” on her as she lay bleeding on the shop floor.

But Thusha was left permanently paralysed after the shooting at Stockwell Food and Wine in south London last March, a court heard.

A jury was on Tuesday shown CCTV footage of the attack for which a 19-year-old Nigerian, Kazeem Kolawole, Anthony McCalla, 19, and Nathaniel Grant, 21, from south London are being tried.

Prosecutor Edward Brown QC warned the jury that they might find the CCTV footage from inside Stockwell Food and Wine disturbing.

The jury was also shown a photograph of the cardigan that Thusha was wearing that day, bloodstained and with bullet damage.

She was hit by the second shot that was fired, the court heard. Mr Roshan Selvakumar, a shopper, was hit by the first shot, fired seven seconds earlier.

Mr Brown told the court: “He remembers trying to shut the door on the gunman and then felt a blow to his face, and a crunching sensation inside his head.

“He didn’t know he had been hit by a bullet. He thought perhaps it

was a bottle.”

The scene inside the shop was “frantic”, with Mr Selvakumar’s blood dripping on the floor as he retreated and Thusha being picked up and taken to the back, Mr Brown said.

Her heart stopped in the shop and surgery had to be performed at the scene to save her. She went into cardiac arrest again in hospital, and once more emergency surgery saved her life.

The bullet had passed through her chest and through the seventh vertebra of her spine, leaving her permanently in a wheelchair.

Grant, of Camberwell New Road, Camberwell, Kolawole, of Black Prince Road, Lambeth, and McCalla, of Oakdale Road, Streatham, are accused of acting together in staging the attack.

They also face charges of the attempted murder of another man, Roshaun Bryan, whom the prosecution say was the intended victim that day, and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Mr Bryan had run into the shop in a bid to escape the trio, the court heard.

“She remains paralysed throughout much of her body. This is a permanent condition. She will never walk again,” prosecutor Edward Brown, QC, told London’s Central Criminal Court, the Old Bailey.

They were allegedly chasing

•Kamaleswaran

someone they thought was a rival gang member into the store, The Guardian reported.

They fired two shots through the shop’s open door, first hitting Selvakumar, 35, in the face and then Thusha in her chest.

Mr Selvakumar was seriously injured and the bullet remains in his head. If the wound was centimetres to one side he would have died, jurors were told.

Thusha went into cardiac arrest within minutes of the bullet hitting her, Mr Brown said.

Paramedics performed surgery on her, restarting her heart.

She was taken her to Kings College Hospital, where she went into cardiac arrest again. She was revived during emergency surgery, Mr Brown said.

“Both victims were remarkably lucky,” Mr Brown told the court.

“The intention of the gunman and his accomplices, to kill, was plain, however. They very nearly succeeded. Equally plain is that they

were acting as a team of three, together.”

The trio denied causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Mr Selvakumar and Thusha, The Guardian reported.

They also denied attempting to murder Bryan, who ran into the shop, and of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Mr Brown told the court the men were alleged members of the OC or GAS gang and were “involved in an ongoing and violent rivalry with an opposing gang known as ABM”, London’s Daily Telegraph reported.

There was a “tit-for-tat escalating in degrees of violence”, Brown said.

“The reality of this shooting may be that, whilst there was an intention to kill the suspected rival gang member, the gunman and his accomplices couldn’t have cared less if someone else was shot too,” Mr Brown told the court, The Guardian reported.

The trial continues.

•Culled from the Sydney Morning Herald

Education can help resolve security challenges, says Wike

M

INISTER of State for Education Ezenwo Wike has said the security challenges facing the country will be resolved through a functional educational system.

He spoke in Abuja while receiving the deputy head of mission of the Israeli Embassy in Nigeria, Mr George Deek.

Wike said President Goodluck Jonathan was committed to ensuring that all Nigerian children have access to quality education.

He said children and youths will benefit from the numerous programmes that the administration is executing.

He said: “The administration will work hard to ensure that all Nigerians access quality and functional education to help them contribute meaningfully in solving the challenges facing our nation.”

The minister said the country will cooperate with Israel to improve education in Nigeria.

Deek urged the Federal Government to participate in an international symposium on education for the purpose of sharing ideas.

He said the Israeli government would support Nigeria’s efforts at developing the education sector.

He added that Nigeria has the potentials to enhance development through human resources built using a functional education system.

Wike also yesterday urged old students of Unity Colleges to support the Federal Government's programme to revive the schools.

He spoke during when he received the executive members of Unity Schools Old Students Asso-

•Wike (left) and Derek. With them are: Special Assistant to the minister on media, Simeon Nwakaudu (in native wear) and another aide

ciation (USOSA).

He said the government has started the process of removing non-performing principals in Unity Colleges to effectively re-position the schools.

He urged the old students not to take up arms against the Federal Ministry of Education when disciplinary actions are taken against principals not working in tandem with government's objectives.

According to him:"We are working towards total transformation

of Federal Unity Colleges and any principal who fails to meet target set will be sanctioned. We appeal to influential members of USOSA to support government's efforts and not to be swayed by sentiments to fight disciplinary actions taken".

He said the Federal Government would soon commence the recruitment of teachers for Unity Colleges in core subjects.

"We have changed our budgeting system as regards Unity Colleges.

The infrastructural development would be taken in phases such that by 2015 all Unity Colleges would be transformed", Wike said.

President of USOSA, Kabiru Nuhu-Koko, said the group was impressed by the transformation that has taken place due to the Minister of State for Education's supervision of officials.

He presented an award of excellence on behalf of USOSA members to Wike for reviving development process in Unity Colleges.

AN Abuja High Court yesterday ordered the arrest of a prosecution witness, Mr. Chukwudi Chukwu who failed to appear before it to testify in the murder trial of Apo six traders.

Justice Ishaq Bello issued the order following an application by the prosecutor counsel, Mamman Usman (SAN).

The judge said: “I have no difficulties in acceding to the request made by the prosecution. There is no doubt that he has receipt of the court process which he has flagrantly violated.

“Bench warrant is hereby issued to have the said witness Mr Chukkudi Chukwu arrested and brought to court tomorrow for the continuation of trial.”

In the application for the bench warrant, Usman had notified the court that although Chukwu acknowledged receipt of a subpoena issued on him on February 2, he still refused to appear.

He said: “Relying on section56 of the Criminal Procedure Code, I apply my lord to issue a bench warrant on the said Chukwudi Chukwu to compel him to testify in this matter.”

A Prosecution witness, Cpl Haruna Saleh, who said he was one of the officers that investigated the killings, testified that on June 8, 2005, he saw corpses in front of the station. He said the Divisional Police Officer Uthman Abdulsalam ordered him to bring a photographer, popularly called Chidi Best to take shots of the bodies together with two locally made pistols, two knives and one cutlass taken from the armoury.

Those standing trial are Deputy Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Danjuma, Nicholas zacharia, Emmanuel Baba, Sadiq Salami and Emmanuel Acehenje.

Fashola, Soyinka bemoan high rate of cancer in Nigeria

By Miriam Ndikanwu and Wale Adepoju

LAGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola and Nobel Laureate Prof.

Wole Soyinka yesterday lamented the increasing cases of cancer in the country.

They spoke at the first annual lecture of the African Cancer Centre held at the Muson Centre, Onikan Lagos.

Fashola said the state government plans a medical village in Eti-Osa, where cancer and other related ailments would be treated comprehensively.

Soyinka blamed past leaders in the country for the high rate of cancer in Nigeria.

He said: “Cancer is very much with us today. One feels it, reads it and almost touches it. This has been infused into the blood stream of the country.

“When a nation is under attack, it is the easiest choice in the world to diminish the right of the innocent, the victims and concentrate on the vaccine approach that is the appeasement of the killers.

“Fear can become a habit and the nation, as vital entity, needs to understand this is it wants to survive.

Under cancer, the body is like a war zone and the body politics of the country is not an exception of this. It is not terror that is the cancer but fear.

“We have long bypassed intolerance as a cancer and we are left with the consequences. The consequences have more ability to paralyse the people’s will.

Minister of Health Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu said the Federal Government will establish cancer care centres in the six geopolitical zones.

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

6

NEWS

INEC’s performance deteriorating, says Tinubu

Supreme CourtMESSAGES NEW YEAR affirms Yakowa’s ORMER Lagos State election From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

THE Supreme Court yesterday dismissed the appeal filed by the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) governorship candidate, Haruna Saeed Kajuru, challenging the election of Kaduna State Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa. It upheld the election of the governor.

In the judgment read by Justice Francis Tabai, the apex court affirmed the verdict of the Governorship Elections Petition Tribunal, which validated the election of the governor. It also upheld the Court of Appeal’s verdict.

The lower tribunal had, in September, last year, dismissed Kajuru’s petition for lack of merit and failure to prove allegations of rigging and multiple voting.

Yakowa promised to work harder for peaceful coexistence of residents and deliver the dividends of democracy to them.

The governor also promised a speedy and comprehensive implementation of this year’s budget immediately it is passed by the House of Assembly.

He thanked the residents for trusting and standing by him throughout the period of the elections and the litigations.

F

governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday said the performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been going down, instead of improving, since last year’s elections.

He noted that the commission’s leadership, under Prof Attahiru Jega, is still infested with old and corrupt officers, who have mastered the art of electoral manipulation.

Tinubu spoke in Abuja at the National Political Summit. He was represented by ACN National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

The frontline politician said it would be difficult for a biased umpire, such as INEC, to monitor and regulate the political parties in Nigeria.

The ACN National Leader accused INEC of doing the wishes of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying the commission

•‘Composition should be based on Uwais Report’ From Augustine Ehikioya and Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

needs to put its house in order before it can effectively monitor and regulate parties.

Tinubu said: “It is a fact today that the INEC we have is still infested with old and corrupt officers; remnants of the Maurice Iwu era, who remain adept at electoral manipulation. We need to ask the extent to which the influences of Iwu still determine the direction of things at INEC. Or, better still, demand to know what happened to the ballot papers rejected under Jega?

Were they ever burnt or destroyed?

“How did the capture machines that were rejected during Iwu’s time find their way back to INEC? How did some of the machines find their way back to INEC? INEC is still bloated with

internal saboteurs who still perpetrate acts that violate the electoral acts. Can a leopard even change its skin?

“How can INEC be an acceptable primary vehicle to oversee political parties when all political parties, except the PDP, view INEC with suspicion and as biased? In fact, most Nigerians see INEC as an annex or extension of the ruling party at whose behest it often acts.”

The former governor faulted the pronouncement of INEC on the Supreme Court ruling, which sacked five governors of Kogi, Bayelsa, Sokoto, Adamawa and Cross River.

He said: “Distinguished participants, we are all witnesses to the unpleasant frustration which resulted from the nominations of candidates mostly in Katsina, by the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in

Sokoto, Kogi, and Sayelsa states, by the PDP. Again, under the Nigerian law, it is not the business of INEC to proclaim who should take over governance in Kogi State and in any other place with similar crises.

The best that INEC should have done in the circumstance was to return to the Supreme Court for clarity instead of resulting to selfhelp.”

Pushing for implementation of the Uwais report, Tinubu said: “It is a necessity that the appointment and composition of INEC should henceforth be truly independent to reflect the recommendations of the Justice Uwais Electoral Panel report. A situation whereby openly partisan politicians are being appointed as Resident Electoral Commissioners is unjust and unacceptable.

“Perhaps of all of INEC’s

Baba Suwe: NDLEA seeks stay of action on compensation

By Adebisi Onanuga

T

Capello quits FABIO CAPELLO has resigned as England manager with immediate effect.

The FA tonight confirmed the news that the Italian is stepping down just four months before the start of Euro 2012.

Capello was furious with the FA over their handling of John Terry’s removal as Three Lions skipper.

Task Force relives Kano operation •Continued from page 4 The Director of SSS in charge of Kano State, Bassey Eteng, told reporters.

“From the security angle, we are not just looking at this thing as a one track approach. You remember Mr. President made it very clear that he is open to dialogue but people who are interested in dialogue should make themselves available.

“In other words, they should make themselves public and known so that somebody will know that he is dialoguing with some people. So, even in Kano, I know that the state government and security agencies have started making overtures to see if it is possible.

“So, we are not ruling out dialogue at all because dialogue will be the final analysis of what will resolve the problem we are facing now.”

Eteng also explained why Boko Haram targets security men, saying the group’s strategy remains to neutralise security operatives so as to continue their attacks on other organisations who would have been vulnerable to their antics.

functions, the core function of ensuring there is a levelplaying field for all parties towards conducting free and fair elections remains the most questionable.

Though the 2011 elections were flawed, but better than 2007, we are still saddled with thousands of election tribunal cases in which the fairness and competence of INEC are being questioned.

In fact, since the 2011 election, the performance of INEC has gone down...”

President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Inter- and IntraParty Affairs, Senator Ben Obi, said the PDP was ready to collaborate with other political parties for the advancement of the democracy.

Noting that though Nigeria practices a multiparty system, the President said the nation might resort to two-party system in the future.

•Anambra State Governor Peter Obi with the visiting Foreign Affairs Minister of Denmark, Villy Sovndal (right) and the Head of the European Union delegation to Nigeria, Dr. David MacRae during the EU-Nigeria Ministerial Dialogue at Abuja...yesterday.

T

Senate confirms Maduekwe, Wali, 83 others as ambassadors

HE Senate yesterday confirmed the nomination of former Foreign of Affairs Minister, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, Senator Abdalah Wali and 83 others as ambassadors.

Two others, Mrs. Sifawu Inu-Umoru Momoh JP (Edo) and Mathias Okafor (Ebonyi), whose nominations were rejected by the screening committee due to poor performance, were asked to reappear before the committee.

The wife of the late Chief Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, Bianca, who did not appear before the Senator Mathew Nwagwu-led Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, was asked to appear for screening anytime she can because of her husband’s demise.

The Senate confirmed the nomination of another nominee, Abubakar Shehu Bunu (Zamfara), whose nomination was earlier rejected by the committee.

The screening committee dropped him for poor performance during the screening session.

But the lawmakers agreed that since Bunu was a former member of the House of Representatives, “the tradition of take a bow and go” that applies to former members of the National Assembly should have been

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

adopted in his case.

The confirmation was not without twist and turns as some Senators commended the committee for a job well done while others criticized the unfavourable recommendations for some of the nominees.

Senator Zainab Kure (Niger South) noted that of the 84 nominees recommended for confirmation, only eight were women. She said more women should have been considered for the non-career slots in line with the 35 per cent affirmative action.

The lawmaker said at least 20 women should have been in the list.

Senate President David Mark said the case of Bunu, a former member of the House of Representatives, was more straightforward since the tradition of “take a bow and go” should have applied to him.

He added that if the two nominees remained nervous “then they are not fit and proper to serve as ambassadors.”

Apart from Madueke (Abia) and Wali (Sokoto), others confirmed are: Mrs Fidelia Njeze (Enugu), Hon.

James Shuaibu Barke (Adamawa), Chief Assam Assam (SAN) (Akwa Ibom), Okwudili Odi Nwosu and Dr. Francis Chukwuemeka Okeke (Anambra), Mr. Eric Aworabhi (Bayelsa), Barrister Chive Kaave (Benue), Dauda Danladi mni (Borno), Mrs. Katharine Okon (Cross River), Hon. Barrister Nwofe Alexander, Princess Victoria J.B. Onipede (Ekiti), Sen. Haruna Garba, (Gombe), Nonye B.RajisOkpara and Chief Eddy Onuoha (Imo), Adamu Babangida Ibrahim and Alhaji Tukur Mani (Katsina), Mr. Biodun Natheniel Olorunfemi (Kogi), Engr.

Olatokunboh Kamson (Lagos), Dr. Sam Jimba (Nasarawa), Cornelius O.Oluwateru and Col. Roland Omowa (rtd) Ondo), Akinyemi Farounbi (Osun), H/E Taofik Aragaja (Oyo), Mrs. Matilda Kwashi (Plateau), Sen. Abdalah Wali (Sokoto), Senator Lawan Gana Guba (Yobe), and Mrs. Esther John Audu (FCT), all non-career ambassadors.

The career ambassadors confirmed are: Mr. G.O. Ehiobuche (Abia); Mr. T. Hamman Joda and Mrs. M.S. Gerenge-Sen (Adamawa); Mr. S.B. Bassey (Akwa Ibom);

Mr. C.N. Okafor (Anambra); Mr. D. G. Bala and Mr. M.S. Yunusa (Bauchi); P.O. OgidiOke (Bayelsa); Mr. M. Adoli and I.V. Ogah (Benue); Mr. E. Asuquo and Mr. B. E. Achibong (Cross River); Mr. F.N. Isoh and N.C. Onianwa (Delta); Mr. F. Awanbor and O.I. Iyamabo (Edo); Mr. L.A. Ayodele (Ekiti); C.N. Iroala (Enugu); Mr. D.L. Madugu and Mr. B. T Tekune (Gombe); Mrs. C.E. Obi-Nnadozie (Imo); Mr. H. Ginsau and I.B. Rabiu (Jigawa); as well as Mr. I. A. D. Nuhu and Mr. M. L. Suleiman (Kaduna).

Also confirmed are: Mr. I. Anwalu and A. Umar (Kano), Mr. A. A. Tijjani and Mr. S. S. Bala (Katsina); Mr. H.S. Shuaibu (Kebbi); Mr. F.A. Rotimi and Mr. B. A Musa (Kogi) Mr. A. R. Sallahdeen and A.A. Adepoju (Kwara); Mr. O.A. Lawal and O. A. Onafowokan (Lagos); Mr. A.M. Adams (Nasarawa); Mr. Z.I. Gana (Niger) A.O. Fayomi and S.O. Onadipe (Ogun); Mr. A.A. Ayoko (Ondo); Mr. A. O. Obisakin and Mr. A.J. Adefidipe (Osun); Mr. S. A. K. Oyateru (Oyo); Mr. Y.D. Gukas and C.K. Jackden (Plateau); Mr. H.O. Koko and Mr. G.T. Tenelaibe (Rivers); Mr. Aliyu Sokoto (Sokoto); Mr. A.A. Sulaiman (Taraba); Mr. M.L. Gana and Mr. Rabiu Dagari (Yobe), and Mr. M.M. Hassan (Zamfara).

HE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has asked a Lagos High Court judge, Justice Yetunde Idowu, to stay execution on the judgment to pay N25million compensation to popular comedian, Babatunde Omidina, aka Baba Suwe.

The money is for the violation of the actor’s right to personal liberty under the Constitution.

The agency is seeking the court’s stay of action pending the determination of an appeal it filed on the matter.

Moving the application yesterday, NDLEA Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, Femi Oloruntoba, said the agency has an appeal pending before the court, following the lower court’s verdict.

The other grounds on which NDLEA based its application include the fact that it has shown “impecuniosities or lack of fund”, which it added would prevent it from prosecuting the appeal and carry out its statutory duties, if the judgment amount is paid.

According to the agency, Baba Suwe will not refund the judgment sum, if NDLEA’s appeal succeeds.

But Bamidele Aturu, counsel to Baba Suwe, opposed the application on the grounds of jurisdiction. He noted that the application “does not hold water”.

Aturu added: “It is our position that the submission of NDLEA’s counsel, relating to stay of execution, can hardly be faulted. But the overriding principle is that the successful party in any litigation should not be refused the fruit of the litigation.”

Justice Idowu adjourned the matter till March 2 for ruling.

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

7

NEWS

•Senator Oluremi Tinubu (middle); House of Representatives member Yakub Balogun (fourth left) with the councillors/legislators of Lagos Island East Local Council Development Administration (LCDA) during their visit to observe proceedings at the National Assembly in Abuja...yesterday PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

Jonathan condoles with Dantata family

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday commiserated with the Dantata family of Kano on the death of business mogul, Alhaji Abdulkadir Sanusi Dantata.

Dantata died on Tuesday in Germany.

According to a statement

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

by presidential spokesman Dr. Reuben Abati, Dr Jonathan said he joined the family, Kano residents and other Nigerians in mourning the late chairman and co-founder of Nigeria’s

leading construction and engineering companies Dantata & Sawoe Limited.

The President prayed God Almighty to grant Dantata eternal rest.

He hailed the deceased who, with his siblings, successfully expanded and diversified the business em-

pire founded by the late Dantata.

He prayed God to comfort the deceased’s family and give its members the wisdom and fortitude to maintain and build on his worthy legacy and contributions to the economic development of the country.

Tinubu eulogises Aluko, Mbu, other

A

CTION Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to emulate the virtues of the late Dr Matthew Mbu, Prof Samuel Aluko and Alhaji Abdulkadir Dantata.

He appealed to Nigerians to rededicate their lives to serve the nation.

Tinubu, a former governor in Lagos State, was reacting to the deaths of Dr. Mbu, a frontline nationalist and former Minister of Foreign Affairs; Alhaji Dantata, the famous Kano industrialist and Chairman of construction giant, Dantata & Sawoe Limited; and Prof.

Aluko, the famed economist, intellectual and political Awoist.

In a message by his medi-

al office, Tinubu said: “My condolences go to the families of the three patriots and elder citizens. Their families should be comforted that the deceased did not only serve their fatherland to the best of their abilities. We, their compatriots, readily testify that they did so. We will eternally cherish their golden memories.”

The former governor said the troika, who all lived to old age, worked in their own different fields for the development of Nigeria. He therefore urged the younger generation to emulate three patriots so that at the end of their own lives, people would say they tried their best for their country.

He praised the late foremost economist, who intervened on the national scale

whenever his services were needed.

The statement reads: “Prof.

Aluko must have died a fulfilled man, for he reached the pinnacle of his profession and earned the respect of fellow Nigerians.

“But I’m saddened that he died a sad man, because our country has not measured up to his vision, his dreams and life exertions.”

On the late Mbu, the frontline politician noted that the former diplomat was among the titans of the First Republic who tried to put a new independent Nigeria on a sound footing.

He, however, said that unlike many of his colleaguenationalists, Mbu had the grace to live for long in his beloved country.

“If Mbu had died feeling

the way Aluko did, then there is urgent need for serious soul-searching for the rest of us still living. It shows selffulfillment is incomplete without the transformation of our nation.

“We therefore owe it a duty to the dead,” he insisted, “by working extra hard to realise the Nigeria of their unfulfilled dreams.”

He hailed Dantata for leaving his imprints in the sands of national time, saying the late business mogul was a hard-working and honourable private businessman, whose construction company proved its worth across Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

But Tinubu expressed sadness that all the three died while seeking medical attention outside the country.

Edo group hails royal endorsement of Oshiomhole

A

PAN-Edo group, Edo Peoples Cultural Association (EPCA), yesterdayhailed the endorsement of Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole by traditional rulers from Esanland and the Association of Enigies of South Edo. The monarchs from the Edo Central and Edo South had, last weekend, supported the governor’s second-term bid.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed July 14 for the governorship election in the state.

In a statement by its Chairman, Chief Odigie Obasogie, the Edo cultural group described the support for Oshiomhole as “a consolidation of unity between the Binis, Esan, Etsako and Afemai peoples”.

“Never in the history of Edo State have we seen this kind of closing of ranks. With this new unity, our state is certainly destined for greatness. We are very excited at this historic development,” EPCA said.

The Onogie of Opoji, Zaiki Godfrey Ehidiamen, af-

firmed the group’s support for the governor to seek a second term to “sustain ongoing massive infrastructural development of our dear state”.

He said: “He (Oshiomhole) had our support and prayers, even before he asked for it.”

Announcing their endorsement at a meeting with the governor in Benin, the leader of the Enigies of Benin Kingdom, Dr. Omoregie Akenzua said: “We want to

say that we have gone round the state and we quite appreciate the massive development he (Oshiomhole) is carrying out in all the local governments. We want to appreciate you for that and thank you for it.

‘The Enigies in Benin Kingdom are very happy with your administration and we will like to place on record that all you need from us is telling us that you want our support and prayers. Even before you ask for these

things, we will give them to you.

“We do know that this year is a busy year because it is an election year. We want to assure you that day and night we are with you one hundred percent and we will like to reassure you that on your next swearingin day, we would like to be adequately represented.”

Oshiomhole promised to continue the development of the state with renewed vigour.

Kogi Assembly endorses Wada

M

EMBERS of the Kogi State House of Assembly yesterday endorsed Governor Idris Wada.

It was during their visit to the Government House in Lokoja, the state capital.

They promised to cooperate with the governor and the executive to develop the state.

Wada and Speaker Abdullahi Bello were last week locked in a battle over who should take over the governorship, following the Supreme Court judgment, which sacked five governors,

From Mohammed Bashir, Lokoja

including former Governor Ibrahim Idris.

Bello, who led other lawmakers to the Lugard House, urged both arms to put behind them the recent rift.

He noted that the matter should be treated as a family affairs.

According to him, what the state needs most is development.

The Speaker assured the governor of the support of the 25-member Assembly, say-

ing they would always support him to develop the state.

Bello said the residents expect good governance, development and quality leadership.

He added that Kogi has all it takes to lead other states.

Wada thanked the Speaker and other lawmakers for their solidarity.

Saying the Executive cannot succeed without the cooperation of the Legislature, the governor promised to work harmoniously with the House of Assembly.

Army, others desert offices in Kaduna

O

FFICERS and men of military and para-military formations, police stations and other security outfits in Kaduna metropolis yesterday deserted their offices.

This followed Tuesday’s suicide attack on a military base in the state capital.

Security has been tightened in and around military formations in the state for fear of fresh attacks by the Boko Haram sect.

The Nation learnt that the suicide bomber, who was killed at the headquarters of the 1 Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army’s Dalet Barracks in Kaduna, wore a military camouflage with the rank of a Colonel.

During a visit yesterday, our correspondent noted that the entrances to Dalet Barracks, the Ribadu Cantonment, the Nigerian Air Force base and other military formations were locked. Only some residents of the barracks and officers were allowed into

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

the barracks after a thorough screening.

The headquarters of the police command, which also houses the State Security Service (SSS), was quiet.

There were intensified security checks in the metropolis.

Sources at the 1 Mechanised Division headquarters told The Nation that the suicide bomber entered the premises posing as an Army officer.

It was learnt that the soldiers on guard did not suspect any foul play initially.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “When the man came, because he was dressed in a military uniform with a red neck, the soldiers on guard saluted him and allowed him to pass. But they suspected something was amiss when it became apparent that the man did not know his way.

PUBLIC NOTICE DISABILITY RIGHTS FOUNDATION 3, Ondo Avenue, Ijapo Estate, Akure, Ondo State.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for the registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1 Mr. Ogungbola Michael Omotoye Chairman 2 Mr. Akinrosotu Erastus Dele Vice-Chairman 3 Ms. Ann-Marie Parker Member 4 Mr. Adeniyi A. Martins Member THE AIMS/OBJECTIVES: 1. Bringing positive changes in the life of the disabled 2. Empower the disabled to be self reliant 3. Mapping disability for accurate assessing needs.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja within 28 days of this application.

Signed: Mr. Ogungbola Michael Omotoye (Chairman)

PUBLIC NOTICE LAGOS ISLAND BUTCHERS PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION The General Public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for the registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

The Trustees are: 1 Alh. Ganiyu Olorire 2 Alh. Fasasi Adeyemo 3 Alh Muhydeen Ojikutu 4 Alh Usman Opeloyeru 5 Alh Omotosho Ganiyu 6 Alh Yisa Alamoyo 7 Alh Lasisi Opo-owu 8 Aih Ayuba Azeez 9 Alh Muhydeen Daramola 10 Alh Fatimoh Ajala The aims/objectives: 1. To protect the interest of all members 2. To demand from time to time the upliftment of the welfare and or working condition of all members.

3. To help the needy, widow, victims of natural disaster amongst their members.

4. To promote unity and peaceful co-existence amongst their members.

5. To promote and ensure high level of discipline amongst their members.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja within 28 days of this application.

Signed: Ismail Bolaji Muhammed Solicitor

8

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

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THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

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NEWS Hunter mistakes mate for antelope From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

A

HUNTER, Ajani Moshood (57), at the weekend shot dead his colleague, Amusan Hammed (46), in Mokore Farm Settlement, near Orile-Owu in Ayedade Local Government Area of Osun State.

Moshood, who reported himself to the police, said he mistook the deceased for an antelope.

It was gathered that the remains of the deceased was deposited at the mortuary of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital in Ile-Ife. Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Solomon Olusegun, said the matter is being investigated.

The suspect was initially detained at the Gbongan Police Division, but has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Osogbo, the state capital.

Ajimobi swears in commissioner

O

YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday swore in Dr. Olumuyiwa Gbadegesin as the Commissioner for Health.

Gbadegesin, formerly Special Adviser to the Governor on Projects, swapped positions with the erstwhile Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdul-Lateef Olopoenia, who is now in charge of projects.

Ajimobi said the swapping of portfolios among political appointees would bring out the best in them.

He said: “There is no ministry that is permanent to any

commissioner. We will review their performances quarterly, bi-annually and annually and make necessary changes as we see the need.

“This is a modern management strategy that will speed up the development of our dear state.

“Health is one of our cardinal programmes and we want somebody who can give it the push and the drive that we require. I think Dr. Gbadegesin has the prerequisite knowledge to drive the ministry.

Gbadegesin thanked the governor for the opportunity given to him and promised to strengthen the sector.

Army pulls out of LASG’s ‘Operation Mesa’

S

OLDIERS have been withdrawn from the Lagos State security outfit, Operation Mesa.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah spoke yesterday while hosting 118 participants of the National Defence College (NDC) Course 20, Abuja, who were on a working visit to the division.

He was quoted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as saying: “The 81 Division withdrew its officers from the Joint Task Force, Operation Mesa, following the expiration of the time specified for its operations. The six months allotted for its operation expired on January 24.”

Maj.-Gen. Minimah did not say if the terms would be renewed, but he said the army would continue to live up to its responsibility of ensuring security.

S

Ilaro chiefs disown Olu-elect

OME members of the Ilaro Regency Council in Ogun State have disowned Monday’s announcement by the Adele Olu of Ilaro, Chief Jas Oyekan, that Prince Adedeji Adegbenle has emerged the Olu-elect.

They are the Onosokun of Ilaro, Chief Kamoru Musa; the Asipa of Ilaro, Chief Fagbenro Shittu; the Osi-Agoro of Ilaro, Chief Gabriel Ajayi; and the Bashorun of Ilaro, Chief Gabriel Adeleye.

The chiefs said Prince Kehinde Adegbenle is the Olu-elect and not Adedeji.

They warned Oyekan to stop parading himself as the council’s chairman, noting that his tenure expired nine months ago.

Explaining that it is the responsibility of the state government to announce the name of the Olu-elect and not that of the Adele Olu, the chiefs said Oyekan should be prosecuted for precipitating crisis in the town.

•Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan (middle) surrounded by students and staff of the Baptist Girls’ High School, Agbor, during the governor’s inspection of the new Girls Hostel built by the state government...yesterday.

Ogun scraps Tai Solarin Varsity

T

HE Ogun State Government yesterday scrapped the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, and renamed it Institute of Education.

The government said it would be affiliated to the Faculty of Education, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago–Iwoye.

The seven-year-old TASUED, which began in 1987/88 as a College of Education, was transformed into a university in January, 2005, by former Governor Gbenga Daniel.

The government also merged the four Information Communications Technology (ICT) polytechnics into one and renamed it Ogun State Institute of Technology (OSITECH), Igbesa.

The merged schools are Abraham Adesanya ICT Polytechnic, Ijebu–Igbo; D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori; Kensington Adebutu ICT Polytechnic, Saapade;

•Students kick From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

and Ayo Otegbola ICT Polytechnic, Igbesa. The Ijebu– Igbo, Itori and Saapade locations will now serve as satellite campuses.

Speaking with reporters at the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta, the state capital, the Commissioner for Education, Mr. Segun Odubela, and his Information and Strategy counterpart, Alh. Yusuph Olaniyonu, said the changes were recommended by the committee set up by the government to look into the report of the Visitation Panel set up to examine the condition of state–owned tertiary institutions.

Odubela said: “TASUED has lost focus. Presently, it has more students on courses that are unrelated to education and gulps a lot of money from the govern-

ment. We want to restructure our schools to be of first-class standard.”

Olaniyonu said: “Ogun State has the highest number of higher institutions in the country. Why do we need to replicate so many of them?

“It will be better to have a very good OOU with a good Faculty of Education, than have to two universities that are poorly funded or equipped?

“The changes are to enable us have qualitative and affordable education. We do not have to play politics with education. The government will take tough decisions when it is just and necessary.

“We made these changes to improve tertiary education, not because the government is broke. The Institute of Education, OOU and OSITECH would still be funded, but it is better to have one than so many.”

The announcement sparked a peaceful protest by the Students Union Government (SUG) of TASUED. About 30 of them stormed the Oke–Ilewo Secretariat of the Ogun State Council of the Nigerian Union Journalists (NUJ), led by the National Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Mr. Clement Olusegun; TASUED SUG President, Mr. Oyekanmi Abdulahi, and NANS State Chairman Mr. Mustapha Adewale.

Urging Governor Ibikunle Amosun to reverse the decision, Olusegun, a 300-level student of TASUED, said: “TASUED is the first specialised University of Education in Nigeria, the second in Africa and eight in the world.

Merging TASUED with OOU would destroy the glory it has given to the state and Nigeria.”

Osun ex-commissioner detained over ‘loan fraud’

F

ORMER Osun State Commissioner for Finance Elder Adetoyese Ojo was on Tuesday night arrested and detained by the police for alleged N60 million loan fraud.

Ojo, who served in the administration of former Gov-

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

ernor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, allegedly executed the deal with Strong Passion Concept Nigeria Ltd on behalf of the state government.

It was gathered that the company sold the idea of the production of Vehicle Licence to the Oyinlola government with the promise that the deal would generate N2.5 billion annually as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

It was learnt that in 2008, the company approached the United Bank for Africa (UBA) for a N60 million loan, which was guaranteed by

the s’tate government.

When the project failed to generate the expected revenue, it was gathered that Oyinlola instituted a panel to investigate the matter.

The panel was said to have indicted Ojo of securing the loan with the state government standing surety, without the consent of the former governor.

It was learnt that the panel recommended that Ojo should refund the principal and the interest attracted by the loan.

Before the Oyinlola administration was ousted in November, 2010, by the Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the prin-

cipal and interest of the loan had risen to N85 million and is now at N120 million.

Investigation revealed that the Aregbesola administration has paid N100 million of the N120 million. It was learnt that the money was paid in three installments.

Commissioner of Police Solomon Olusegun confirmed Ojo’s arrest. Olusegun said Ojo would be arraigned when their investigations have been completed.

A source said the former commissioner failed to honour several invitations by the police and attempted to escape when he was arrested at his Erin-Osun country home.

Adefarati left ‘indelible marks’, says Aregbesola

O

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has praised the leadership values of former Ondo State Governor Adebayo Adefarati.

He said the late Adefarati left indelible marks in the state.

Aregbesola spoke at the weekend when he visited Adefarati’s mausoleum in Akoko.

He was accompanied by the former governor’s son, Otunba Gboyega Adefarati; the State Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mrs. Jumoke Anifowose; former Minister of Education Dr. Olaiya Oni; Mr. Ade Adetimehin; Mr. Saka Lawal and others.

Aregbesola was in the state for the Golden anniversary of his alma mater, Akoko Anglican Gram-

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

mar School, Arigidi-Akoko.

He donated an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) centre to the school.

Aregbesola was later hosted by a former Minister of Power and Steel and ACN governorship aspirant, Dr. Olu Agunloye, in ErusuAkoko.

The governor said Ondo State cannot remain isolated in the progressive wind of transformation blowing round the Southwest.

Aregbesola urged the people to vote for ACN next year to enjoy its “meaningful programmes.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Budget 2012: Reps committee chairmen get tomorrow deadline • As House again suspends sitting From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

T

HE leadership of the House of Representa tives has given standing committees till tomorrow to round off budget defence sessions and pass their reports to the Appropriation committee.

The House has suspended sitting till next Tuesday to allow committee chairs end their sessions with the Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) oversee as well as perfect their reports on the 2012 budget.

Speaking at plenary yesterday, the Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, while responding to the request of the chairmen for an extension of the timeline for submission of budget reports, which was passed through the Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Albert Sam-Tsokwa, said the leadership was granting the extension in the interest of the nation.

He said: ”Leadership is conceding to the request to ensure that all committees be given till Friday to consult with their MDAs so they can submit to the Appropriation Committee.

Then, the Appropriation Committee will submit to the House next week.

“We have February to conclude the 2012 budget and we do not intend to delay the national budget. So, we will suspend plenary only for tomorrow (today) to enable them to conclude budget deliberations.”

Just as plenary came to an end yesterday, Sam-Tsokwa had brought the request of the committee chairmen before the House, saying they had told him to ask for more time.

This is more than Nigeria losing money from lost production, costly repairs and clean up and facility down-time. it is a sad story of consistent pollution of farmlands and rivers by people, whoare not bothered by the effects of their actions on the environment.

- Mutiu Sunmonu, MD, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC)

Naira advances after CBN sells dollars

Govt shops for N150b from bond market for PHCN liabilities T T

HE Nigeria Electricity Liability Management Company Limited (NELMCO) may source for over N150 billion from the bond market to settle some of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) liabilities, it was learnt yesterday.

NELMCO is expected to design the process of going to the bond market with the Debt Management Office (DMO) and Federal Ministry of Finance.

NELMCO Managing Director, Mr Samuel Aigbogun, disclosed these to our correspondent in Abuja.

The PHCN core asset liabilities are about N340 billion owed different companies, government organisations, banks, international financial organisations such as World Bank, the Africa Development Bank, and others.

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

Aigbogun said arrangement have been concluded for the organisation to raise funds through the sale of bond to pay for the shortfall in the budgetary allocation.

He, however, explained that approaching the bond market depends on what the Federal Government is able to release for the settlement of the liabilities, adding that NELMCO is expecting N240 billion from the government. He said the bond could later be transferred to the Debt Office.

Aigbogun said: “Well, it all depends on what the government is able to bring and what the shortfalls are.

We are expecting that the government should bring about N250 billion. The remaining amount we will be sourced from proceeds from assets sale. We may need

about N240 billion and may go to the bond market to raise it because as soon as we negotiate with a creditor, we want to pay him off.

“We don’t want to keep him and will want payment in not more than six months after agreement.

We need nothing less than N150 billion but we will work out the arrangement with the Ministry of Finance and the DMO.” Aigbogun said NELMCO has the financial capacity to settle the over N340billion debt and has the Federal Government’s might to take over the liabilities. He noted that PHCN had been a Federal Government institution but following the reform of the power sector, his firm was given a clean bill to take over the liabilities.

On his list of creditors,

however, are mostly power producers, international banks and countries that gave the Federal Government credit facilities to build power plants.

Specifically, he stated that PHCN owes Agip $632million but did not disclose the credit profile of Federal Inland Revenue and others.

He said: “I can give you an idea of who they are. The major creditors are the power producers; Shell, Agip and EAS. We also have some foreign creditors; they are some companies that supplied PHCN or NEPA in those days some materials or did construction. We also have some financial institutions like the World Bank, the AfDB, then a few countries like Japan and Germany that gave Nigerian government some loans to build power plants, which have not been paid.”

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

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

• From left: Mr Toye Ariyo, Chairman, Global Apex Logistics; Dr. Raja Mohan Rao, Managing Director, United Telecom Ltd. India; Mr Yemi Adeola, Group Managing Director, Sterling Bank Plc and Dr. Felix Olumogba, Chairman, GTE Telecoms, during a courtesy visit to Sterling Bank ... on Tuesday.

HE naira appreciated to the strongest in more than two months after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sold dollars to lenders.

The naira appreciated 0.4 per cent to N159.45 per dollar in Lagos, the strongest since November 22, according to data compiled

by Bloomberg.

The CBN sold $450 million at a foreign-currency auction yesterday, the highest since October 12 sales.The marginal rate, which is also used as the prevailing exchange rate, strengthened 0.1 per cent to N156.50, from N156.70 at the previous sale on February 1, the CBN said in an e-mailed statement.

The Central Bank’s intervention has reduced the pressure on dollar demand, helping the naira to appreciate further, Babatunde Obaniyi, head of market risk at Lagos-based Greenwich Trust Group Ltd., said by phone yesterday.

“We have seen a moderation in the demand for foreign exchange perhaps, especially from the petroleum sector,” CBN Deputy Governor Tunde Lemo told a public hearing of a House of Representatives Committee investigating fuel subsidy discrepancies on Tuesday in Abuja.

Nigeria’s foreignexchange reserves increased by 5.5 per cent this year to $34.7 billion as of February 2, according to the CBN. The apex bank offers foreign currency to lenders at twiceweekly auctions and also sells dollars directly to banks through the interbank market by dipping into reserves, as it tries to keep the exchange rate around a midpoint of N155 per dollar and stabilise prices.

“We expect to see appreciation of the naira as the Central Bank continues its intervention on the back of the boost in foreignexchange reserves,” analysts at Lagos-based Cowry Asset Management Ltd., said in an e-mailed note to clients.

Reps flay subsidy claims by international, local oil importers

H

OUSE of Representa tives have con demned international oil trading companies and local oil importers that manipulated import regulations to claim undue subsidy to the detriment of the Petroleum Support Fund (PSF).

The importers also claimed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been encouraging importation of oil from Cotonou and Lome through its regulations and criticised Nigerian commercial banks for lacking the capacity to provide about $360 million for a vessel capable of importing oil directly into the country.

Besides, claims of the Indigenous Shipowners Association of Nigeria (ISAN) that none of their 250 vessels were involved in the importation

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi (Abuja)

of oil were disputed while the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), which also condemned the invitation of its members by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for questioning and declaration of asset.

These were revealed yesterday at the Farouk-Lawanled House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee probing subsidy regime management.

Ali Ahmed, a member of the committee, alleged that Vitol evaded payment of levies on mother vessels and failed to adhere to international best practice on exportation of petroleum products.

To ascertain the claims of various importers and marketers, the Committee asked Vitol to produce relevant documents including the list of companies that brought petroleum products into Nigeria, especially the Mobil importation documents worth N1.3billion.

In his response, Rodney Gavshon, Managing Dircetor of Vitol Oil, said his company has never issued any bill of laden to Mobil and that the company ceded collaboration with NNPC as a business decision.

According to him, the company paid three major levies, namely security, inspection and STS operation to the coffers of government of Benin Re-

public.

He said the company was not aware of any other duties and that there was no payment on mother vessel to the Federal Government, though he alluded to the existence of illicit loading in offshore regulations.

One of the companies that were found with contradictory documents, ASCON, explained that financial regulations concerning importation of oil were such that, to be eligible for subsidy claims, vessels must come from outside of Nigerian waters.

The Group General Manager of the firm, Ikem Ovia, who represented the Chairman, Aliko Gwadabe, said: “Way back in the early 2000, most times we could put in an LC for delivery X-

Lagos, but somewhere along the line and rightly so, the CBN insisted that there has to be a demarcation between importing a cargo, that you cannot import a cargo and say XLagos.

His assertion was buttressed by the representatives of Brila Energy that said for importers to benefit from subsidy claims, vessels must not be from offshore Nigeria because offshore Lagos does not amount to import.

According to a member of the committee, Ali Ahmad, while the company’s documents indicated importation of fuel, Nigerian Port Authority’s (NPA’s) log book had no record of such imports.

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

12

BUSINESS NEWS Petroleum taskforce illegal, says group

Flight Schedule

By Olamilekan Andu

LAGOS – ABUJA Departure Arrival 1. Aero 06.50 08.10 2. Associated 07.00 09.30 3. Air Nigeria 07.00 08.20 4. IRS 07.00 08.20 5. Dana 07.02 08.22 6. Arik 07.15 08.15 7. Chanchangi 07.15 8. Air Nigeria 08.15 09.35 9. Dana 08.10 09.20 10. Aero 08.45 10.05 11. Arik 09.15 10.15 12. Chanchangi 10.00 11.00 13. IRS 11.15 12.35 14. Dana 12.06 12.26 15. Aero 12.20 13.30 16. Air Nigeria 13.25 14.45 17. Chanchangi 13.30 14.30 18. Arik 13.45 14.45 19. IRS 14.00 15.20 20. Aero 14.10 15.30 21. Air Nigeria 14.50 16.10 22. Dana 15.30 16.50 23. Chanchangi 15.30 16.30 24. Arik 15.50 16.50 25. Aero 16.00 17.20 26. IRS 16.30 17.50 27. Arik 16.50 17.50 28. Dana 17.10 18.30 29. Chanchangi 17.30 18.30 30. Air Nigeria 17.35 18.55 31. Air Nigeria (T/TH) 18.30 19.50 32. Arik 18.45 19.45 33. Aero 19.20 20.40

MONDAY - FRIDAY

T

HE Human Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has said the Nuhu Ribadu-led Petroleum Task Force, set up by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources on the directive of President Goodluck Jonathan, is unconstitutional and illegal.

It described the formation of the task force as “a total affront to the principle of the rule of law, which ought to be the operational guiding principle of the current administration”.

In a statement by its National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko and the National Media Affairs Officer, Miss Zainab Yusuf, the group described the formation of the Ribadu-led panel as “a surreptitious attempt by the Federal Government to usurp the constitutional functions of the widely respected Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI)”.

It noted that the functions the task force would perform are enshrined in the NEITI Act of 2007.

HURIWA accused officials of the ministry and those of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) of “attempting to use subterfuge and insidious mechanism of setting up a panel that suffers from high legal deficit to seek to conceal the groundswell of corruption, bribery and professional incompetence and collusion that characterised the operation of the crude oil industry in the past five decades”.

The organisation noted that the Federal Government may have been motivated to set up the task force to cover up the tracks of some shady/ shabby and suspected criminal activities of some powerful members of the notorious oil cabal.

It added that the cabal has been blamed for the “unprecedented regime of corruption, total lack of accountability and transparency in the running of the crude oil industry by government officials and their foreign collaborators in the multinational firms, which is the subject matter of the ongoing probe at the House of Representatives ...”

According to the organisation, the probe has revealed “monumental body of evidence of crass opportunism, corruption and shady deals that surround the operations of the NNPC and the Petroleum Resources Ministry in the last decades”.

HURIWA accused the Federal Government of attempting to use the overwhelming good credentials of respectable Nigerians, including Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), Chief Tony Idigbe, a respected capital market lawyer and and Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to deceive the public that it is waging a war against corruption.

According to the organisation, nothing has changed about the government.

It warned the Federal House of Representatives not to turn the ongoing probe into the administration of the petroleum subsidy funds into a circus show and a charade so that the legislature can regain the lost public image.

Citing Section 3 of the NEITI ACT of 2007, HURIWA reminded President Jonathan that the terms of reference of the task force are clear duplications of the core mandate of NEITI.

From right: Deputy Managing Director, Fleet Technologies Ltd., Mr Mike Aigbe; Chief Executive Officer, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, Mr Bolaji Oyesiku; a representative of GOC, 2 Div., Col. Abubakar Ibrahim, and Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Mr Bosun Oladele, at the launch of the scratch card payment scheme for credit meter for customers in Ibadan ... yesterday.

US firm to build 10,000mw power plant T HE Power Minister, Prof.

Barth Nnaji, has said the Gen eral Electric (GE) of the United States has indicated interest to construct a 10,000MW power plant in the country.

Nnaji, in a statement issued by the Ministry of Power, yesterday advised that other investors could key into the GE project on the condition that it would use GE components for the project.

The minister said the power sector would become a veritable brand ambassador for Nigeria in the next three years given the attention the government is paying to restore sanity to the sector.

Nnaji spoke when the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Ali Rifat Koksal, led a high powered delegation that comprised captains of Turkish industrial giants on a courtesy call to the Ministry of

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

Power.

Accompanying the delegation was the Nigerian Ambassador to Turkey, Ahmed Mallammadori, who was a one time Minister of State for Power.

According to the statement, Nnaji told the delegation that the Ministry has established rules for the sector, which he urged the Turkish team to understudy and decide, which area they have comparative advantage and start breaking ground immediately.

“Identify what you want to do.

You can begin a new project of your own or get involved in an ongoing one,” Nnaji urged the delegation.

Nnaji added that the administra-

tion would want investors to identify what they intend to do and begin work without delay, pointing out that existing templates in the sector make things simpler and easier for prospective investors.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nata Group of Companies, Mr Namik Tanik and Mr Cuneyt Kandenir, had told the Minister that Turkey is a world known authority in infrastructure provision, large mall construction, wind power, petrochemicals, refineries and railway construction and that they came because their attention had been drawn to the emerging market in the electric power sector.

They drew attention to the impact Turkish technology had made in places such as the Middle East, Russia and China and promised to do same in Nigeria.

Court orders Diamond Bank to defray MTN’s The judgment was upon an apAVING defaulted in settling N45.5m debt plication

by Procomtel, for an ora judgment debt of about

H

N45.5 million, a Lagos High Court has ordered banker to MTN Nigeria Limited - Diamond Bank - to pay the debt from the fund held in the telecoms company’s account with the bank.

Justice K. A. Jose, sitting in the Lagos division of the court, made the order on Tuesday upon granting an application of the judgment creditor - Procomtel Limited - that an earlier garnishee nisi made in its favour be made absolute.

By the court’s order, Diamond Bank is required to deduct the judgment sum from the balance in MTN’s account and hand same to Procomtel in execution of the judgment.

Before making the order, the court dismissed, with N10,000 cost, an application by MTN for a stay of execution of the judgment pending the determination of its application, before the Court of Appeal, for leave to appeal.

MTN’s lawyer, Muiz Banire, had stressed the need for the court to stay execution of the judgment

By Eric Ikhilae

given on May 31, last year. He contended that the granting of his client’s prayer would help preserve the res (subject of dispute) in the suit pending the appeal.

Olusina Sofola (SAN), for Procomtel, countered and urged the court to direct the judgment debtor to pay the judgment sum to his client in the interest of equity and fairness. He argued that it was unjust for MTN to deny his client the benefit of the judgment.

Justice Jose, in dismissing MTN’s application, held that though Order 54 Rule 1 of the court’s Rules allows the court the discretion to either accede or refuse a request for stay, such request must be predicated on special circumstances before it could be granted.

The court held that MTN failed to exhibit the financial state of the judgment creditor to support its claim that Procomtel may not be able to refund the money should its appeal succeed.

der entering judgment against MTN. Procomtel had argued that MTN admitted in its pleadings filed in a suit it (MTN) instituted against Procomtel, that it owed the company (Procomtel) N85,463,577.64.

MTN had sued Procomtel, alleging among others, breach of contract, a suit against, which Procomtel counter-claimed and prayed the court to enter judgment in its favour.

At the pre-trial conference stage, Procomtel, relying on Order 19 Rule 4 of the court’s rules, applied that judgment be entered against MTN on the ground that it (MTN) admitted in paragraphs 12 and 13 of its statement of claim that its owed the contractor (Procomtel) N85,463,577.64.

MTN opposed the application, arguing that Procomtel owed it N48, 486,953.73, which, if set-off against the N45, 592,425.20 it owed Procomtel, the company would still need to pay it a balance of N2, 849,528.53.

Nigerian crude up as Angolan sells out

N

IGERIAN crude oil differentials rose a little yesterday, supported by signs of improving Asian demand despite improving supplies of similarquality light, sweet crude.

Cargoes of Nigeria’s largest stream for March lifting were assessed around dated Brent plus $2.70 to $2.90 a barrel, up around 15 cents per barrel from Monday’s

levels.

Around 20 of the 65 Nigerian crude cargoes due to load in March were still reported to be unplaced.

Demand for the best quality West African low sulphur crude grades according to Reuters News, is however, shifting from refiners on the Atlantic coast of the United States towards end-consumers in Europe and Asia, where desulphurisation

processing capacity is at a premium.

Indian refiner IOC has a buying tender open for light, sweet cargoes loading in April and is likely to buy four million barrels, traders said, most of which is likely to be Nigerian.

Chinese demand for Angolan barrels is also increasing, traders said, with some state-owned Chi-

nese companies reported to be building stocks after the addition of new storage facilities in northwest China.

The spot market for Angolan crude was exceptionally quiet with all but a handful of cargoes for March loading reported placed with end-users. The Angolan loading schedule for April is expected to emerge next week.

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LAGOS – BENIN Arik 07.30 Associated 08.30 Aero 10.50 Arik 11.45 Associated 13.00 Aero 14.25 Arik 15.30 Associated 16.00

1.

2.

3.

4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

1. Arik 2. Aero 1.

2.

3.

4.

LAGOS – CALABAR 07.30 11.20 12.50 16.00 LAGOS – JOS 10.55 11.15

LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

08.30 09.10 11.50 12.45 13.40 15.20 16.30 16.40 08.50 12.40 14.10 17.20 12.15 12.45 09.10 11.00 11.10 16.20

LAGOS – PORT HARCOURT (CIVIL) 1. Aero 07.15 08.35 2. Arik 07.15 08.35 3. Arik 09.00 10.20 4. Dana 09.27 10.40 5. Aero 10.50 12.30 6. Arik 11.40 13.00 7. Air Nigeria 12.00 13.10 8. IRS 13.30 15.00 9. Arik 14.00 15.20 10. Dana 15.03 16.20 11. Air Nigeria 16.00 17.10 12. Arik 16.10 17.30 13. Aero 16.15 17.30 14. Arik 17.10 18.30 1.

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LAGOS – OWERRI Aero 07.30 07.30 Arik Air Nigeria 13.40 Arik 14.00 Arik 16.30

08.40 08.40 14.55 15.10 17.40

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LAGOS – WARRI 08.15 11.50 11.55 14.55

09.1 12.50 12.55 15.55

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LAGOS – KANO Air Nigeria 07.10 IRS 08.00 Dana 08.10 Arik 12.20 IRS 14.00 IRS 18.15

08.50 09.45 09.40 14.00 15.45 19.55

LAGOS – OWERRI 07.20 14.00 16.30

08.30 15.10 17.40

LAGOS – UYO 10.35

11.35

1. Arik 2. Arik 3. Arik 1. Dana

LAGOS – MAIDUGURI 1. IRS 11.15 13.15 2. Arik 15.50 18.00 LAGOS – ILORIN 1. Overland 07.15 2. Arik (M/T/TH/F) 17.30

08.00 18.00

LAGOS – ABUJA SAT/SUN Arik 7.15; 10.20; 2.20; 5.20pm – 7.30; 9.15; 10.20; 2.20; 4.50; 6.45 Aero 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 – 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 Air Nigeria 08.15; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30 – 08.15; 13.30; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

•Liyel Imoke and his supporters on the campaign trail.

‘We’ve accepted Supreme Court verdict in good faith’ Former governor of Cross River State Senator Liyel Imoke was one of the five governors asked to vacate their seats following the Supreme Court ruling that their tenures ought to have ended on May 29, last year.

In a session with newsmen in Abuja, Imoke spoke of the disruptions to governance even while admitting that the ruling had put to rest the issues of tenure and oath-taking. He spoke on other issues. Managing Editor, Northern Operations, YUSUF ALLI and Abuja Bureau Chief, YOMI ODUNUGA, were there.

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HAT are your thoughts on the Supreme Court judgment that sacked five state governors from office?

The Supreme Court judgment, though appearing to be a setback, has been taken by my family and I as the will of God and indeed something for which we should always give thanks. That is the way we have approached it and we are glad that we are here today to talk about it. We have enjoyed tremendous support from people of Cross River, from various constituencies in the state. I will say not many people are blessed in this manner that we can appreciate the love of others especially in periods like this.

What would you say were your achievements in office that could guarantee your return to the office after the election?

I don’t like to talk about myself; I think it is immodest to speak about what you are doing. Over the last 12 years, Cross River State has had the benefit of having a very holistic approach to governance and has enjoyed tremendous support. We focused in the last few years on people. The people are beginning to feel government in the sense that it is one thing to see government in the papers and other thing to touch government. The people of are beginning to touch government in many ways – women are getting free healthcare.

We recorded, in one or two of our local governments, zero maternal mortality. We have taken government to those who need government; we are able to touch their lives and affect them positively.

The same goes for education. Enrolment in public school will continue to decline because of poor standard. But, in Cross River State, enrolment has gone up over the last three years by nearly 20% because of our programmes in those

areas and they are mostly in rural areas. So everybody is affected by this programme. Our percentage pass in the school certificate exams has gone up from 5 per cent to 33 per cent. There are number of things that are affecting our people’s lives positively; people are getting more values for their goods and services and the reason is the access to infrastructure like roads to communities that don’t have access. For example, muddy and foot paths are being tarred. So that is what government should be about in my own view.

On problem area nationally is the neglect of rural areas. How did you tackled that?

Rural areas that never believed they would have electricity supply have been electrified (about 167 communities) over the last two to three years. We have done a number of things in the social sector, too. We have a cash transfer programme that allows the poorest to benefit in every community; we have 15 beneficiaries in every ward— people that are blind, people that have HIV/AIDS and for people that are so poor in a monthly basis.

We teach a member of the family the skill so that they will be given the cash to start the business.

There are things you do that affect the lives of the majority of the people and I tell people I have no

apologies to make about that. Of course, we are also sustaining the effort in our urban renewal programme and Calabar still remains the place to visit in Nigeria in terms of the environment, the cleanliness and the orderliness of the society and the hospitality of its people. At the same time, it is the safest place you can go to in terms of security; we host major international events without incidences and people just feel comfortable to be in Calabar.

And roads to open up rural areas?

We have continued with our other initiatives as our key programmes particularly our urban roads. We continue to expand our street lighting programme. In short, the people are beginning to feel the impact of government so that, at the end of the day, there is no community that doesn’t have health facility that is delivering services. We have thousand kilometres of roads either constructed or ongoing, all in rural communities. So I think that our people have had the tendency to be appreciative of government. If I tell them I don’t want to commission project, everybody is upset with me and if I don’t commission, they would say I am not working.

If you commission a project, people will come out as if you have done them a favour whereas what the

government has done is to fulfill its responsibility to the people. I am hoping that, with time, governance will change. We have also taken a lot of steps in terms of due process, physical responsibility and good governance in the states.

We are the leading state in the country by the World Bank/EU standard. So these are things we have managed to achieve and at the same time struggling with a number of obligation including liabilities the state government carries. I think all in all, we have been able to have continuity in government programmes and policies. If there is one government that has never abandoned one project, it is our administration.

You described the Supreme Court verdict as a setback, could you expatiate on that?

From a personal point of view, I think anybody should not do more than two terms of four years. Having said that, I still query the annulment of my first election. That judgment is perplexing; I think that at the end of the day, what is most important is the will of the people.

So, the annulment of the first election and the next election, which came a couple of months later, saw people still responding in exactly the same manner. So, I don’t know what we achieved with the first annulment, especially when the judgment was based on irregularity in

‘There are things I will like to see happen. I will like to see those in the public sector become much more responsive to the needs of the people. We have really been able to do quite a bit for our people. There was a time we needed a small bridge in Cross River and it was commissioned. Now, a lot of bridges are being constructed’

three to six polling unts.

While I believe in the four-year tenure, even though I am affected by it, if you look at the list of the party, my name is not there. I did my primaries in January of 2011, but we are bound by what the court said. So, I think it is imperative now that this judgment has come in this manner, I think in the interest of public policy, the timing of the judgment is important. Like I said, I believe in four-year tenure and I don’t think anybody should be in office for more than two terms of four years. I look forward to ending my tenure in 2015, if by the grace of God, I win the election.

But for me, it is important that Cross River State should be in sync with the rest of the federation. Now that the elections in Cross River have fallen out of sync with that of federation, it means we cannot participate in the selection of the leadership of the Senate for example at a particular time. So it is better if you are in sync. I think the constitution itself is a good constitution and I think it evolves like every other constitution. It is dynamic and that is what we are saying. It is being interpreted, amended but all in all, it is a good constitution. The judgment itself made a lot of the people worry about the failure of the judges to give consequential orders. But I think the judgment clarifies issues about things like oath of office and tenure. This is quite critical and that was brought before the court and I think that those have helped to strengthen the democracy and our constitution.

Still the issue of constitutionalism, don’t you think the Constitution can be amended in order to made states independent instead of being tied to the apron strings of the Federal might?

•Continued on page 18

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THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

POLITICS

‘We’ve accepted Supreme Court verdict in good faith’

Okara: Bayelsa’s candidate for real change

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N Saturday, February 11, 2012, the people of Bayelsa will be going to the polls to cast their votes for their new governor. It’s a high stakes elections whose result seems predetermined considering that the President Goodluck Jonathan, an ex-governor of the state has a personal interest in who takes over from ex-governor Timipre Sylva a man with whom he was, literally, at daggers drawn.

That said, however, there is a man, in my opinion, who stands out in the pack of contestants. He has not been known to be a politician; he has not even made a name as a public affairs commentator or an activist, all generally seen as requisite springboards for elective office. What he has been is a lawyer (by training and practice), a preacher, and an author. He is however a man of his convictions who would rather do than merely preach.

It’s in pursuit of the demonstrable that Kemela Okara has thrown his hat into the ring as ACN candidate, ready to engage other contestants for the governorship, and to hear him say it, for the soul of Bayelsa State.

And being the optimist and believer that he is, he has no doubt that the seeming impossible is possible.

Strictly for background, let’s try recall a bit of Bayelsa’s history as far as leadership is concerned; something that will not be complete without a mention of the epochal standoff between DSP Diepreye Alamieseigha, the first governor under this democratic dispensation and then President Olusegun Obasanjo.

It was a chaotic turn of events that eventually drove DSP into exile and a humiliating incarceration. Whereupon the mantle fell on Goodluck Jonathan to steer the state. He was governor for eighteen months before moving to Abuja as Vice President under Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and then eventually President.

Commentators will agree that the state’s most decadent period was witnessed under the immediate past leadership of Timipre Sylva, a man, who, like Nero fiddled while his state was weighed down by poverty, mass failure, nonexistent or bad roads, lack of hospitals, joblessness, etc. In the midst of all these, Sylva found time to give the world a guided tour of his repugnantly gilded governor’s lodge via CNN. For many Bayelsans, of whom Kemela is eminently one, having been born to the late Justice (Chief) Robert Gbaingbain of Boumondi in Ekpetiama Clan, this crass display of Sylva’s was the critical turning point especially viewed against economic misfortunes of the state. It is incongruous that Bayelsa, which earns at least N13billion monthly as its share of national revenue has nothing of significance to show for this huge earnings. To visit the state is to be amazed by the lack of infrastructure and sense of direction.

For some unfathomable reason, the leadership of PDP has managed to hang on to power despite the monumental failure of its people who have occupied the governor’s lodge. And that’s why Kemela believes that what Bayelsa requires is a radical paradigm shift in leadership which replaces ‘planlessness’ with vision, vigour and stamina of execution.

Let’s face it. Bayelsa does indeed need that shift. And Kemela’s Bayelsa Integrated Development Strategy (BIDS) is a visionary yet practical

•Continued from page 17

•Okara

By Ebitimi Tamunoemi

blueprint for changing the Bayelsa story from being one perennially consigned to the backwaters to one that’s objectively adjudged in the forefront of development nationally.

BIDS is planted on the 5 Pillars of Education; Primary Healthcare; Jobs and Wealth Creation; Infrastructure, especially Water and Rural Electrification; and Environmental Protection of the water and farmlands from oil pollution.

Do people of Bayelsa believe him, seeing as our politics is glutted with seemingly earnest people who get into office only to show off their true colours of greed? Kemela is cognizant of this but insists that we the people cannot allow ourselves become cynical except we are resigned to having the undeserving recycled in governance.

His campaign, as may be expected of a man who has refused to buy into the pervasive political culture of wheeling and dealing has been hobbled by the lack of extravagant financing available to others. He has however courageously soldiered on, raising an army of loyalists and believers in the cause of turning Bayelsa around. It is from this core group which has by the way steadily widened that he has managed to raise the limited funds with which he has prosecuted his campaign so far. Being the preacher that he is, his rallying cry to the cause comes from Proverbs 13:24: “Much food is in the fallow ground of the poor, for lack of justice there is waste”.

This nephew of Gabriel Okara, the famous poet, has found himself traversing the length and breadth and the many creeks of Bayelsa State to create a grassroots movement that can turn the table against the overwhelming and overconfident machinery of the PDP. Sometimes though it’s a little comical how people appraise this effort of his. The feeling among the masses that ‘this guy is different’ may well not play eventually to his advantage as people are accustomed to seeing their politicians being a certain way: Loud, throwing money at issues and at people, not given to reflection, strutting their connections, and contemptuous of the ordinary people.

But this ‘different guy’, Kemela that is, is genuinely engaging, seems to know exactly what to do, runs a campaign not bedevilled with rancour and breaking of ranks, and rather than give money to expectant Bayelsans promises the people that “your money will come after I am elected. And you will not need to thank me because it is your money, not mine”. While his campaigns cannot be described as blockbuster events, people leave reflecting on what might be if a man like this had the good fortune of being in government house. As it turns out however, politics is more than good fortune.

It’s the culmination of sustained willpower. That’s how Obama forced his way from being a rank outsider into the inner sanctums of Washington and eventually to the White House.

For the change-seeking people of Bayelsa, Yes, We Can is the rallying cry. If Kemela can, Bayelsa can.

•Ebitimi Tamunoemi is a Yenagoabased surveyor

I think that, based on the constitutional amendment which is something we need to pay more attention to, we can actually restructure the federation as it is now without amending the constitution. So let us not use the constitution as a barrier to restructuring the federation. There are some things that are extremely unpopular but which are true. For example, I used to tell people that in 1966 or 1967, there were four ministers of education running education in this country. In 2011, there were 36 commissioners doing the work that four people were doing and the four people did it better than the 36, why? Those who had Standard 6 then could write Queens English articulately while the same Standard 6 of 2011 can barely write a correct sentence. There is no society that I know where education gets worse 40 to 50 years later. It is not necessary that you must amend the constitution to address this.

You are one of the oldest members of the National Economic Council, why do governors always keep mum on national issues except when they want to hold elections or when they want to hold the President to ransom? When it comes to economic issues that have underdeveloped us, the governors always keep quiet only for commissioners to rush to Abuja for FAAC meeting, why?

I will remind you of something that has never happened in the history of this country; I think it was in either September or October, if you recall, FAAC was not distributed for two months. So when you say that governors don’t respond, that is not correct. Why did we reject it? We said you cannot account for the increase in the deduction to pay the subsidy, so since you cant account for it, let us stop the distribution until you can account for it and stop deducting state government’s allocation to pay for subsidy, so that was what happened.

And for that to happen, it means we debated the matter, considered at various levels long before the strike. So, for us, it has always been an issue which we can discuss and we can actually reach agreement on. That was why FAAC was unshared for two months because we took a position against the continued huge deductions from the account to pay for subsidy. It became more and more difficult for us to understand, as governors, the details of the operation of the sector.

Some of us made a strong case for the subsidy to be based on consumption. For instance, I can’t understand why in Cross River State— between the state and the local government— contributed N13 billion. Cross River is a very small state. Now if local governments in the state contributed to the subsidy, it means that the poor woman who doesn’t even go on motorcycle to her farm in Bakassi Local Government and whose husband uses canoe to go fishing is contributing to subsidy.

Do the people consume N13bn worth of petrol in Cross River State in a year?

Why is the subsidy not on consumption? Why is it deducted from FAAC and local government funds on the basis of the revenue sharing formula? Very odd and strange subsidy! When we met for the first time, the 36 governors took a position that the deductions were unprecedented and as such the solution was to remove the subsidy and that the state governments will now use this fund meaningfully for the development of their states.

There was no governor that will say he was not part of that unanimous decision. Some governors from other parties were even more vocal about the deduction. How we reacted to the protest was different but there was a unanimous decision and I think it is something we need to debate. For me, in Cross River, if I want to have a subsidy, let the subsidy be on consumption.

Why is this product the same everywhere in the country when I know that it might cost more to land it in Calabar than in Lagos?

Why do the people of my state need to subsidise consumption in other states? Those are the things we still need to put on the table as our democracy grows and if we are committed to developing our economy. So it’s not just a question of subsidy or no subsidy, there are much more relevant and important issues that we need to discuss at that level.

After four years as governor, what are your principal regrets and if you were to address a rally in the state today, what would you say to convince the people to vote for you?

I will just show them all the projects and all the programmes that have been delivered in the last four years in the communities and what is on the cards for them. The people, like I said, are beginning to touch the government; they don’t just see it on the television.

So that is what I will tell them. I will be very sincere and honest to

them like I have been in the past. I think the whole thing is about trust and that is what we are really driving at. On the question of regrets, I have regrets of the fact that we lost our oil wells, we lost our revenues, we had to redesign some of our programmes, we had to slow down on some of the things we had set out to achieve and also the consequences of the loss of Bakassi was such a heavy burden. So there are things like that that occurred. Like I said, I wish my elections were not annulled not because of me personally but because of the interruption we create in government in terms of our policies and programme because we spent a lot of time planning. So, there are things I will like to see happen. I will like to see those in the public sector become much more responsive to the needs of the people. We have really been able to do quite a bit for our people. There was a time we needed a small bridge in Cross River and it was commissioned. Now, a lot of bridges are being constructed. So in terms of regrets, those are the key things.

But we have much more to be grateful and thankful for than to regret. I believe that we must have ambition; ambition on its own is good. For us, our future has to be better than our past. We have had a situation where, our future, when compared to past didn’t look so good. Today in Cross River, we are beginning to see a brighter future and that is because of the deliberateness of the policy of planning of our programmes. We are striving to create in Cross River a service-driven economy, not an oil based economy. And that economy would be driven by key sectors like tourism and hospitality; it would be driven by technology, processing and manufacturing, enhancing agricultural value chain. It would create an economy that would not be totally dependent on FAAC. Today, the only economy that I know that stands like that in Nigeria is Lagos for obvious reason.

Going forward, we will fast track our programmes and our initiatives to make sure that that the mission of creating a service-driven economy is achieved. So the future is bright, we are going to do the basic things and they are the things people can see like infrastructure, healthcare and education which we are oblige to do as government but beyond that, we need to key into the future and initiate programmes that would truly see the development of economies that are not oil dependent though not necessarily in my tenure.

•Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State discussing with the Minister of State for Works, Alhaji Bashir Yuguda, shortly after flagging off the Enugu-Abakaliki road rehabilitation project.

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

Good recommendations •Uwais panel’s ideas can transform the Judiciary

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HE nation definitely needs to pay serious attention to the image of its judiciary that recent events have been diminishing. This reality must have prompted Dahiru Musdapher, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), to set up, on October 14, 2011, a 29-member Stakeholders Judicial Reform Committee of eminent Nigerian lawyers and jurists to work out ways of improving the image of the judiciary. The committee, headed by Justice Muhammadu Uwais, former CJN, has submitted its report to Musdapher, who in turn reportedly forwarded it to President Goodluck Jonathan for necessary action.

One of the depressing acts causing crisis of integrity to the judiciary was the unfair manner in which Justice Ayo Salami, President, Court of Appeal (PCA) was suspended on August 18, 2011, dur-

‘The President should have . courage to issue a White Paper and forthwith implement the recommendations of the Uwais Panel. There should be no politicking with the long over-due reforms of the judiciary. Now is the time to do the needful by re-instating Justice Salami as the starting point of the implementation of the recommendations of the Uwais committee’

ing last year’s 7th Emergency Meeting of the National Judicial Council (NJC). To correct this monumental judicial mischief, a sub-committee of the Uwais Panel, including Justice Mamman Nasir, Justice U. Kalgo and Justice Bola Ajibola recommended that the CJN and the NJC should immediately reinstate Salami to his position as PCA. The other thought-provoking recommendations of the committee include public scrutiny of persons being considered for appointment as judges; the consideration by Federal Judicial Service Commission, of persons outside the rank of Justice of Supreme Court for appointment as CJN; the need to give preference to courtroom experience and involvement in legal practice in the appointment of judges. Others include the need to increase minimum years of experience required of a legal practitioner to qualify for appointment as a High Court judge from 10 years to 15 post-call years of experience; Court of Appeal - 20 years postcall experience and Supreme Court -25 years post-call experience: The committee also wants the NJC to show effectiveness in sanctioning, including removal of judges that are found wanting. It equally calls for reformation of the NJC - in its composition and functions - so that it would be better positioned to maintain and regulate, with credibility, the integrity of the judiciary.

Furthermore, the panel calls for the appointment of reputable retired judges and senior members of the Bar to be ap-

pointed for a limited period of time to act as recorders (adhoc judges) to adjudicate on criminal cases, so as to reduce the backlog of criminal cases, and the modernisation, through amendment of the outdated criminal procedure laws in Nigeria, among others.

These recommendations are quite illuminating but the onus of making them a reality lies solely with President Goodluck Jonathan who is expected to see to their quick ratification and implementation. Even if the President has any reservation, it seems too late for him to say that now since the committee stage was the level best suited to intervene or make his feelings known, if any. The President should not listen to side talk or allow himself to be goaded to give precedent to inimical partisan considerations in matters that affect the nation’s judicial integrity.

We are aware of the former CJN, Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu’s reported alleged comment that Justice Salami should not be re-instated but we consider that to be his personal opinion that is not important in this instance. Rather, the President should have courage to issue a White Paper and forthwith implement the recommendations of the Uwais Panel. There should be no politicking with the long over-due reforms of the judiciary. Now is the time to do the needful by re-instating Justice Salami as the starting point of the implementation of the recommendations of the Uwais committee.

Beyond denial •The need for Sovereign National Conference is getting more obvious

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VEN if some persist in an illusory state of denial pretending that all is well and it can continue to be business as usual in Nigeria, current grim realities are making it increasingly obvious by the day that fundamental restructuring of the country has become a categorical imperative. The longer we postpone the far-reaching constitutional, institutional and structural changes that have become an urgent necessity, the more the country’s problems will be compounded and her continued stability, indeed very existence, threatened.

It is obviously against the background of this stark reality that clamours for a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) as well as drastic institutional reengineering have, in recent times, come from the most unexpected quarters.

‘The longer we postpone the farreaching constitutional, institutional and structural changes that have become an urgent necessity, the more the country’s problems will be compounded and her continued stability, indeed very existence, threatened. It is obviously against the background of this stark reality that clamours for a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) as well as drastic institutional re-engineering have, in recent times, come from the most unexpected quarters’

For example, respected lawyer and philanthropist, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), who was hitherto not known for advocating radical constitutional change, recently made a vigorous case for a SNC in a newspaper interview. Describing the convening of such a SNC as an urgent necessity, Chief Babalola expressed scepticism about the 24-member constitution review committee set up by President Goodluck Joanthan saying: “I do not think it is going to work. You do not amend what is not good ab initio.

There is nothing to amend in this constitution. We have to sit down and consider what is good for this country; how each corporate entity can develop at its own rate.”

In a similar vein, General Ibrahim Babangida, who was the country’s military President for eight years between 1985 and 1993 has become a ‘born-again’ believer in the need to speedily overhaul the country’s current unitary structure that hypocritically mimics true federal practice. Even if some would aver that General Babangida has seen the light too late in the day, having flunked the ample opportunity he had to do for the country what he is now preaching, it is still noteworthy that he now sees the substantial decentralisation of powers, responsibilities and resources from the centre as an inescapable condition for Nigeria’s rapid transformation.

It is also in this light that we welcome the recent call by the former DirectorGeneral of the defunct National Security Organisation (NSO) and one of the country’s most prominent conservative

politicians, Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi, for the creation of state police in Nigeria.

In a statement titled ‘State Police, a Policy Option for Current Insecurity’, Alhaji Shinkafi said worsening insecurity in parts of the country could only be tackled through the creation of state police, stressing that Nigeria could not afford to continue shying away from this option.

Surely, no one can say that Alhaji Shinkafi does not know what he is saying. Here is a man who rose to the top of the current centralised, unitary police hierarchy and could well have chosen to remain sentimentally attached to the organisation remaining the way it is. We admire his courage in embracing the inevitability of change, especially within the context of the grave threat posed to the country by the Boko Haram insurgency.

More than ever before, it has become clear that a unitary police structure is inappropriate for a complex, federal society like Nigeria. It is unlikely that Boko Haram would have penetrated the grassroots in parts of the North as it has apparently successfully done if we had effective community-based policing in place.

Alhaji Shinkafi struck the nail on the head when he noted that fears of the possible political abuse of state police are exaggerated and misplaced. A virile judiciary, vigorous press as well as conscious and vigilant civil society will help deter the abuse of police powers at all levels. The inevitability of fundamental change in Nigeria is surely now beyond denial.

Killing in Syria

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WO days after Russia and China vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a peaceful transfer of power in Syria, President Bashar al-Assad continued his killing spree.

On Monday, government forces using tanks and machine guns shelled a makeshift medical clinic and residential areas in Homs, a major center of protests. Since Friday, an estimated 240 people have been killed in perhaps the bloodiest episode in the 11-month-old uprising.

Moscow and Beijing now have the blood of Syria’s valiant people on their hands as well.

Both argued that the resolution, endorsing an Arab League initiative, would expand the conflict. That is nonsense. The real explanation is that these two authoritarian governments fear any popular movement and, after the ouster of Muammar el-Qaddafi of Libya, are determined to deny the West another perceived victory.

While the resolution failed, the support at the Council was strong: 13 nations — including India and South Africa, which had abstained on an earlier vote in October — voted in favor. It is a sign of Syria’s increasing isolation and the repugnance that all responsible governments should feel toward Mr. Assad’s murderous ways.

If Russia and China are determined to obstruct the Security Council, the United States is right to look for a way to press for new sanctions and greater isolation of Syria. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has proposed a “friends of democratic Syria” group to support the opposition and work for a democratic political transition.

Mr. Assad has made clear that there is no compromise or deal to be had. But he is not immune to pressure. The “friends” group should use all the diplomatic and economic levers they can muster to encourage his ouster. That includes strictly adopting and implementing sanctions on Syria like those imposed by the European Union, the United States and the Arab League.

Washington on Monday withdrew its ambassador from Damascus, and other countries should do the same. In time, the business and military elite will come to realize that sticking by the Assad government is a losing proposition. There is growing talk in Washington and elsewhere of arming the Free Syrian Army, a coalition of military defectors and opposition members. It is understandable that many Syrians want to fight back against the brutal regime, which is believed to have already killed as many as 6,000 people since pro-democracy protests began. But we fear that that will make things worse.

An all-out civil war would be even more damaging to civilians — Assad’s army has 200,000 troops — and increase the chances that the fight will spill over into the broader region or become a proxy war.

Russia unconscionably refuses to halt its arms sales to the Assad government. The United States and its allies should publicly expose every shipment. Russians are growing tired of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and frequent public reminders of his responsibility for the killings in Syria will only further tarnish his image.

On Tuesday, the Russian foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, is supposed to visit Damascus.

The message he should be carrying is clear: It is time for Mr. Assad to go. If Russia chooses, instead, to enable more killing, it will find itself increasingly isolated. The world is watching, finally.

– New York Times

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THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

20

EDITORIAL/OPINION

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IR: Even as the nation is confronted with new vicious challenges to its survival as a united multi-ethnic and multi-religious country, older demons still lurk around like a second line of offensive. One of such is what is notoriously called the “Nigerian Factor”, a deplorable combination of negative attitudes and malicious actions of some Nigerians aimed at promoting petty primordial sentiments at the expense of the much needed patriotism and brotherhood for progress and development of the country.

The NHIS established by Decree 35 of 1999, became operational in 2005 but in 2006 was already bogged down by managerial as well as institutional and statutory problems culminating in the bold intervention of President Obasanjo who summarily swept away the beleaguered head of the NHIS and decisively set the stage for a new beginning, which today has proved fortuitous and corrective.

From the 2006 scenario of stalemated interaction with major partners like health maintenance organizations and health care facilities, disillusioned enrollees, unsatisfactory services as well as in-house crises, among others, the NHIS is today not only being increasingly appreciated by more Nigerians but is the recipient of favourable assessment from reputable international organizations such as USAID, the International Social Security Association (ISSA) and even a privileged place on President Goodluck Jonathan’s Facebook page listing achievements of his administration!

This remarkable transformation of the NHIS from moribund to marvelous took place under the supervision

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

Re; the forgotten Senate probe of NHIS of a certain Dr Waziri DogoMohammed who was the human element in President Obasanjo’s epochal intervention in 2006 as National Coordinator and in 2007 earning appointment as substantive Executive Secretary. But he has been the target of numerous Nigerian Factor intrigues, including one that took judicial intervention to stave off, as the hatchet job in The Nation edition of January 23 where a writer sought to resurrect what he erroneously called “the forgotten Senate probe of NHIS”forgetting that it was the lower chamber that was being prodded to probe NHIS, not the Senate!

The writer saw nothing but “rot, in-

eptitude and stagnation” in the NHIS. His article was wholly devoted to showing absurdly that NHIS had its best outing prior to Dr Dogo’s appointment as its Executive Secretary which is contrary to the facts in the history of the NHIS. The same issues of coverage of federal workers, NHIS efforts to widen the scope of its coverage to the poor, the NHIS/MDG project and even the recent launchof the community health insurance scheme in Isanlu, Kogi State were rehashed and laced with wild allegations of mismanagement.

The NHIS has in fact been making steady progress in resolving challenges to the successful adoption and

S

• Godspower Douglas Calabar, Cross River State

Jeffrey Sachs and Nigeria

S

IR: Professor Jeffrey Sachs is a well known and widely respected American economist who remains the youngest economics professor in the history of Harvard University. His success in prescribing solutions to developing countries problems is at best mixed. His best and most influential work was in Bolivia where his economic prescription helped reduced that country’s hyper inflation and stabilized the polity. He spent

considerable time in studying Bolivia’s peculiar problem and at the end, his plan which included ending government subsidies, eliminating import quotas, helped reduced Bolivia’s hyperinflation from 11,750% to 15% per year from 1985 to 1987.

It is hard to argue against his success in Bolivia until you examine the results of the same prescription in Boris Yeltsin’s Russia.

It is against this background that

Ondo House of Assembly has derailed

IR: Shortly after the 2011 general election, I sat down with some of my colleagues to assess the personalities of elected members of Ondo State House of Assembly from their academic qualifications to their previous performances.

Everyone in that gathering was optimistic about the potentials of the House given the calibre of individuals constituting the House. We believed that when strong individuals like those come together, they will build strong institutions in regards to their legislative functions coupled with the fact that the House is basically without opposition.

We expected that it would bring solace to the good people of Ondo State with sound legislations. We expected them to carry out their duties alongside with the executive so that we may say of them at the end that,

implementation of the scheme. Its Formal Sector Programme launched in 2005 for federal employees and their families now has almost five million participants and this figure reflects the lukewarm response of states and local governments and private sector employers. Only two states have joined after advocacy and diplomacy by NHIS which has also netted 500,000 private sector participants.

The NHIS programme targeting the mass of students in tertiary institutions is also making in-roads with about 250,000 students so far while arrangements with PENCOM will soon ensure NHIS coverage for our beleaguered retirees.

The NHIS has also been addressing the task of instituting and maintaining standards and basic quality in the service delivery aspect and has accredited 61 Health Maintenance Organizations, 2711 primary health care facilities and 7839 secondary health care facilities with new guidelines on national, zonal and state based health maintenance organizations. A series of internal initiatives have also been resolving manpower and structural challenges in the operations of NHIS on a gradual basis in order to optimize efficiency of management, administration and logistics functions in accordance with best practice.

To crown it all NHIS has been active in collaborating and exchanging experience with similar health insurance institutions and programmes across the world with a view to enriching its operation in Nigeria. These are more deserving of mention than the spurious attacks on NHIS management just to bring one man down.

they did their best.

However, I observed lately that the glory of this House has departed. Mediocrity crept in to replace brilliance.

They are no more what we used to know, having migrated from known to unknown in recent time .They have abandoned lawmaking to embrace noise making. This house has abandoned its legislative functions many times to chase shadow.

Just of recent, a Senator representing Ondo North senatorial district in the Senate decamped from Labour Party to Action Congress of Nigeria which I don’t personally support as it represents a capital loss of value.

However the state House of Assembly lack constitutional power to ask for his recall as the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria has a well defined method for recall. I initially thought that the honourable

lawmakers made a mistake hence my believe that they will correct themselves; unfortunately, they went ahead to repeat the same when another member of House of Representatives decamped of recent.

How can a House that has certified legal practitioners as members continue to commit such constitutional blunders? This House is not fit anymore as I can see them convert the parliament to their party secretariat where they only defend their party interest.

When will they pass the year budget as presented by the governor if they continue this way? History and posterity is waiting for you as we the good people of the state are already taking note of your performances.

• Monehin Fanegan, Igbotako, Ondo State.

one can better understand his support for Nigeria’s government sudden removal of petroleum subsidy on January 2. Professor Sachs went further than any Nigerian government official to argue in his Op-ed in the New York Times that “when Nigeria won relief on its external debt in the mid-2000s, the savings on debt service were actually redirected to meaningful social investments in states and local governments...”

I seriously doubt any Nigerian government official can make this claim with any modicum of seriousness. In actual fact, at the government sponsored debate held in Lagos before the withdrawal of subsidy, virtually all the government official in attendance attest to the fact that Nigerian people are right to be skeptical about any promised dividends from the subsidy removal given previous results.

What we know from the National Assembly probe is that the surplus gained during the mid-2000s was largely expended on an ill fated attempt by the Obasanjo’s regime to amend the constitution to gain an additional third term.

The problem with Sachs’ prescriptions for Nigeria is a fundamental lack of understanding of Nigeria situation. In Bolivia, Professor Sachs spent considerable time studying the problem of Bolivia and even lived in that coun-

try. At most, Sachs barely knows the fundamentals of the Nigerian economy. It is apparent that he thinks Nigeria has a centralized economy when in actual fact Nigeria economy is oligarchy driven.

Majority of the national corporations are owned by the few oligarchs who used them as tools to further their nest, inflating contracts and influencing policies as they go. This indeed also explains the failure of Sachs’ prescription for Russia. Sachs advised Russia (under the Yeltsin administration) for two years from December 1991 to January 1994.

As Nancy Holmstrom and Richard Smith pointed out the drastic decreases in industrial output over the ensuing years, a near halving of the country’s GDP and of personal incomes, a doubling of the suicide rate, and a skyrocketing unemployment rate is indirectly traceable to Sachs’ prescription for Russia.

One can only hope that on Professor Sachs’ next trip to Nigeria he will ask his Nigerian host to show him where the “meaningful social investments in states and local governments” in the mid-2000s really are. If they are honest they will probably point him to the Swiss and Cayman Island bank accounts where they stashed the funds, but I will not bet on it!

• Francis Adewale Spokane, WA USA

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

21

EDITORIAL/OPINION

Survey of Nigeria’s foreign policy -3

D

URING the civil war the Soviet Union supported the Federal Government right from the onset of the conflict. Russia’s ally, Egypt for reasons arising from being an Islamic country and a surrogate of the Soviet Union sent pilots to fly Soviet supplied MIG fighters on the federal side. With Soviet Russia on the side of Nigeria, the United States under President Richard Milhous Nixon (1913-1994) 37th President of the United State reacted in cold war reflex action by opposing the federal side covertly.

But for British pressure, the cold war would have drawn America into the conflict. For their strategic reasons, South Africa, Rhodesia, Portugal, France, Israel were on the side of Biafra rebellion. Israel for example perceived Islamic influence as dominant factor in Nigeria with the northern political elite being opposed to its very existence. France had always seen Nigeria as a competitor for influence in West Africa.

France also did not forget the diplomatic slight of Nigeria’s expulsion of her ambassador over the French testing of atomic bombs in the Sahara. General Charles Andre Joseph Maria de Gaulle (1890-1970), the President of the French Republic, for some curious reasons had a phobia for the English-speaking world and was not averse to cutting to size the influence of the Anglophone Commonwealth. South Africa obviously saw an opportunity to harm Nigeria, which since 1960 had championed the anti-apartheid cause in the United Nations and in Africa.

Rhodesia and Portugal were fighting for their political lives because removing Nigeria from the liberation movement’s supporters would ease the tension in their territories. Harold Wilson (1916-1994) the British Prime Minister, in spite of anti-Nigerian public opinion in England, was able to bring the British government behind Nigeria.

These were distant countries, although their long technological arm could reach Nigeria at this time, but Nigeria was also concerned about the action of her neighbours, namely Equatorial Guinea in the south, Benin in the west, and Niger in the north. Chad and the Cameroons were the only ones that were steadfast in their support for Nigeria.

This was because Chad and Niger were economically dependent on Nigeria and were also, culturally related to Nigeria while the political leadership in the Cameroons shared a community of interest with the political leadership in Nigeria. The French were able to manipulate Benin and Equatorial Guinea ostensibly for humanitarian reasons, but apparently in logistic and offensive support for Biafra.

Outside Nigeria’s immediate neighbourhood, Ivory Coast, Zambia, Tanzania and the historic republic of Haiti recognized the independence of Biafra. The case of Ivory Coast is significant. It is the country that is totally in the French orbit and which up till today has never deferred to Nigeria’s

M

ANY in the executive arm of government may today be cursing the day they ever voted in support of fuel subsidy removal. With what we are hearing from the ongoing probe of the House Ad hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy Management all is not well with the oil sector. The reason for this is not farfetched: those charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the sector works are the ones killing it. These people abound in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA).

They saw an opportunity to make fast bucks in the payment of fuel subsidy and seized it with both hands, without any care in the world for its collateral damage on the economy. Before we knew what was happening the damage had been done, with the country losing billions of dollars in revenue. Subsidy payment was their pot of soup and they guarded it jealously until it was discovered to be a huge fraud.

The discovery of the fraud was the beginning of their headache, an ailment they may not recover from until they are imprisoned.

interest in international affairs. In fact, the Ivory Coast has always found it convenient to be antagonistic to every Nigerian move in this region. It is obvious to one that the hand may be that of Esau but the voice is that of Jacob.

Zambia and Tanzania were no doubt carried away by sympathy for the victims of the pogrom that had occurred in Northern Nigeria and respect for Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (1904-1996), the former Nigerian President who was then the roving envoy for Biafra.

The civil war was a period of baptism of sorts for Nigeria.

Following it, the country moved swiftly from over-dependence on the West to a balanced relationship with the Soviet Union and the Eastern bloc. It is significant that the end of the war saw Soviet Russia’s involvement in the economy of Nigeria particularly in the building of the never ending Ajaokuta Steel complex. The relative prosperity which marked the end of the civil war in Nigeria, due largely to the high sale’s price of crude petroleum, provided the resources with which Nigeria embarked upon forward looking even if adventurous foreign policy. Nigeria instigated the founding of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) in the hope of promoting intra-regional cooperation thereby reducing the divisive impact of the French inspired economic union of French speaking West African states. Nigeria also began to actively support the various liberation movements in Southern Africa and in Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde Island. Nigeria also started to show interest in the black Diaspora especially in the Caribbean.

General Yakubu Gowon, then Head of State, in fact visited the Caribbean countries in 1973 as the second African leader after Emperor Haile Selasie (1891-1975) of Ethiopia to ever visit the area. From all these, Nigeria’s national interest was becoming more evident. Integration of West Africa as a strong economic union would not only provide market for Nigerian goods, it would also reduce division within the region based on official language.

Support for the liberation movements made sense, since the derogation of any African or black man on the account of his or her colour reduced the humanity of the Nigerian.

This has been a recurring theme in Nigeria’s foreign policy since 1960 when Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa addressed the United Nations General Assembly to declare that Nigeria would be interested in the fate of all black men everywhere.

Nigeria can justifiably be proud of her achievement in the area of decolonization in Africa and the liquidation of the policy of apartheid. Nigerian leaders must always be conscious of their responsibility not only to Nigerians but to the wider black world. We need to make a success of this republic so that blacks all over the world can have a shining example of what is possible and positive. The current situation of a state of political flux and economic underdevel-

opment is not something attractive to black people who are looking for a model country to provide them a psychological boost in a racially divided world.

Nigeria’s foreign policy has over the years demonstrated more continuity than change. We have, however, been able to identify certain actions with certain regimes since 1960.

This is only natural, because foreign policy to some ex-

Jide Osuntokun

tent, reflects the personality of individual leaders. In the case of Nigeria, Sir Abubakar’s regime was characterized by caution and conservatism but not inaction.

His government was respected as an important member of the Commonwealth and whenever Nigeria spoke it was listened to with respect. Sir Abubakar’s opposition to apartheid was a contributory factor to the expulsion of South Africa from the Commonwealth in 1961.

He single-handedly defended Africa against French atomic explosion in the Sahara in the 1960s. His government was also involved in founding the Organisation of African Unity, which in spite of its limited and conservative agenda provided a forum for Africa to get together in the defense of the peoples’ interests.

The Nigerian government of the First Republic convened the first Commonwealth Heads of government conference outside London in Lagos in January 1966 to deal with the Ian Smith’s Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) in Rhodesia. Perhaps, it was the preoccupation with this international problem that made the government to neglect its internal security problems to its own undoing. A day after the successful conference, the government was overthrown in a coup d’état by soldiers.

The success of this regime in its foreign policy is not generally known but with the privilege of hindsight we can now see that the country made considerable progress in achieving its carefully designed goals.

Ability to keep Nigeria together during the Gowon years needed the diplomatic ingenuity of foreign policy managers at the time.

A can of worms This is not a curse. It is just a natural sequence of events.

The ongoing probe by the House will only have a meaning if all those indicted are made to face the full wrath of the law at the end of the exercise. Anything short of this will amount to an exercise in futility. Since powerful men are behind this subsidy fraud they will do everything within their means to ensure that the report does not see the light of day. But it is left to us as a people to rise as we did against subsidy removal to see that they pay the price for their inhuman act. After stealing the nation blind, some of them still had the temerity to publicly speak in support of subsidy removal.

Subsidy removal was good in a way. If not for the removal and the people's rejection of it, this probe and other measures now being taken to reform the oil sector may not have risen. What this implies is that only the people can save themselves from government's policies which they consider inimical to their interests. If the people had not risen agaist subsidy removal, the she-

‘The subsidy matter is no longer an issue to be toyed with. It has developed a life of its own and whether the AlisonMaduekes of this world like it or not, the nation shall get to the bottom of this fraud one way or the other’

nanigan would have continued, with a few smiling to the bank, while majority of their compatriots are suffering. Were there no measures in place to prevent foul play in the payment of subsidy when it was intoduced years ago?

If there are, why were they not complied with? Who are those entitled to subsidy payment?

What makes them to be so entitled? These are some of the questions once raised here which are being asked again because of their relevance to this subject matter. The House probe has dwelt on some of these issues but no cogent answers have been provided by those in a position to do so. In most cases, they were cagey and not forthcoming in their responses.There is a lot going on in the oil sector which we don't know about because the government itself is not truthful with the people.

Rather, it is more interested in protecting the 'fat cats' milking the country.

Ever before contemplating the removal of subsidy, the government was in possession of an audit report on NNPC, detailing all the financial atrocities in the corporation. The government kept quiet about the report. If the government knew it was not going to implement the report why did it commission KPMG to audit NNPC? Was it the firm that recommended the removal of subsidy, which to all intents and purposes, is not only a lie but a

big fraud? If it was the firm's recommendation, why implement an aspect and leave the rest?

Thank God for activist lawyer Olisa Agbakoba's revelation at the House probe. If Agbakoba had not spoken about the KPMG report, I bet you, the Petroleum Minister, Mrs Diezani AlisonMadueke, would not have said anything about it.

Yet, here is a report that touches on the affairs of a company whose board she chairs.

Can Mrs Alison-Madueke say she is not aware of such a damning report on NNPC? If she is aware and did nothing, how are we sure she will act on other reports that may soon emerge on the mess going on at NNPC? How sincere is she in asking the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the subsidy fund payment? Was that not an action taken on the spur of the moment? The subsidy matter is no longer an issue to be toyed with. It has developed a life of its own and whether the Alison-Maduekes of this world like it or not, the nation shall get to the bottom of this fraud one way or the other.

OR now, Mrs AlisonMadueke is the custodian of our oil fortune, so it behoves of her to play straight with us and refrain from hiding anything that may assist the Farouk Lawan-led House panel in untying the subsidy Gordian knot. If we consume 35 million litres of petrol a day, how come

F

Lawal Ogienagbon

lawal.ogienagbon@thenationonlineng.net

subsidy is paid on 59 million litres? Is she not aware of this sharp difference which apparently jacked up the subsidy payment? Something is definitely wrong somewhere. This is what the probe should help us unearth because by doing so we may be on the way to ensuring sanity in the weird world of the oil sector.

The probe panel needs not bother over threats and blackmails which will surely come from various quarters. But the panellists should remember that this is an assignment thrust on them by circumstance and the whole world is waiting to see how they will acquit themselves.

If they do it well they will write their names in gold, but if they fall into temptations, they will soil their names and the institution they represent. They dare not fail the people.

SMS ONLY: 08056504763

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

22

EDITORIAL/OPINION

B

UT for the postponement of its National Convention scheduled for last Saturday, PDP would have had its ninth Chairman in 13 years. The zero-sum struggle for its chairmanship depicts a party conceived, not as an answer to the apathy of the masses that need guidance as argued by Robert Mitchels, but that motivated by greed with little interest in providing service.

PDP which has been in power since 1999 is an offspring of the military political class and it’s created ‘new breed politicians’. Suffused in corruption and deficit in internal democracy, the party’s ‘new breed’ shares a common affliction with its military owners - the notion that a conquered territory is free for pillaging. Most of the party’s intra-party feuds are therefore viciously settled through violence. Wole Soyinka once described the party as ‘a nest of killers’ on account of many unresolved high profile killings of its members.

As a party of buccaneers, with a leadership whose vision hardly goes beyond self and family, PDP has remained the greatest threat to democracy in Nigeria.

But the inauguration of the seventh Assembly mid-last year seems to have brought a glimmer of hope. The usual war of attrition among members has taken a new turn. From the revelations coming from the various committees of the two chambers of the National Assembly, it appears there is a consensus among newly elected PDP legislators that the time for internal cleansing of the party is now.

Scandalised by mindless looting of our resources by their party’s stalwarts, their children and friends, it appears these newly elected young legislators are no more enamoured about PDP ruling for the next 60 years as boasted by the depraved older members of the party. It will seem they have made a choice to be on the side of the people even if that means pulling down the corrupt edifice called PDP. With what is unfolding, PDP may not even be able to rationalise rigging in 2015.

The war against PDP buccaneers after 13 years of mindless looting and sharing of our national patrimony is being led, not by the opposition or the civil society but by PDP elected young men trying to distance themselves from PDP sordid past. For instance, it was Senator Bukola Saraki that became the whistle blower for the fuel subsidy scandal.

He had during his motion of September 13, 2011, urged the ‘Senate to review the standard of legislative oversight to enforce compliance and enforcement of the Appropriation Act to make government agencies abide with enabling laws passed by the National

F

OR some, public service is a license to lord things over others. To some, it is a call to serve – an opportunity to contribute to nation building through carefully thought out developmental programmes. To that latter class belong the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who upon assuming office some 16 months ago, is re-engineering the state and putting it on a totally new developmental footing. His major focus is how to make poverty history in the state.

With a background in journalism, academics, social justice crusade and politics, the Ekiti State governor has demonstrated within a short frame of time that Ekiti can be peaceful and prosperous. All it takes is a leader that can bring compelling imagination and courage to the centre stage of transformative governance. Undaunted by some sharp arrows of prejudice shot from little minds inhabiting some dark corners, “Eyiyato” as he is fondly called, has taken some bold steps to bring about change in the state.

As Fayemi marks his 47th birthday today, there is a lot we can point at in terms of development in the state that laid prostrate a few years back. For instance, peace, which had taken flight from the state, has since landed safely with its refreshing effect on all and sundry. Fayemi, with a doctoral degree in War Studies, apparently understands the importance of peace. He believes no development can take place in the absence of peace, hence he pursues the path of peace with the diligence with which Michelangelo painted and the relish with which Shakespeare handled poetry. Part of the gains is the return of international developmental agencies to the state, showing more interest in its development and the renewed partnership between federal institutions /MDAs and the state.

With Fayemi on the saddle, it has become crystal clear that there are no people too difficult to govern, but difficult leaders, unprepared and unwilling to show consideration for the collective wish of the governed.

The creativity he has brought to governance is unprecedented. With a paltry N109 million monthly Internally Generated Revenue, IGR he met in October 2010, Fayemi has, through the introduction of a few innovations, suc-

Has PDP’s internal cleansing begun?

Assembly’; He insisted: “the motion is not targeted at an individual but about the level of wastage, corruption, lack of transparency that has brought us here”.

He had then gone ahead to demand that “those who are charged with the revenues of this country must be called to account for every monies they receive on behalf of the country”. “This chamber”, he said “owes it to Nigerians to unravel and explain how in one accounting year, we are expending N1.2 trillion on petroleum subsidy, which is 14 times the value of capital budget for the power sector in 2011”. This was long before contradictory figures ranging from N1.2 trillion to N2 trillion emerged from government bodies.

It was also through the House we now know that the federal government lost N37 billion to indiscriminate granting of waivers to importers of raw materials. The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) disclosed this through its Deputy Comptroller General of Customs (Human Resources) Garuba Makarfi, who informed the House while defending the body’s request for N24 billion “for the purchase of generator fuel and refreshment for its men and officers in the2012 budget”. In the past, such request would have been granted after due settlement of the committee members just the way it was done during the budget defense by Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education during Obasanjo presidency. It was also through the House we got to know that N7 billion was missing from the Immigration account according to Rose Uzorma, the Immigrations Comptroller-General.

It was also Smart Adeyemi’s Senate Committee on FCT that unearthed the N38 billion fraud in the ongoing Airport/Kubwa road construction. The Minister for FCT Senator Bala Mohammed has since admitted that the Airport/Kubwa road contract was in fact inflated by N38billion. Senator Smart Adeyemi has also disclosed that President Jonathan had set up a review committee on the project following his committee’s “discovery of shady deals in the award of the contract”.

The House Committee on Power is not left out in the new crusade to liberate Nigerians from the strangle hold of PDP political office holders and their agents. In spite of the derailed $16 billion power contract by PDP greedy contractors, Nigerian electricity consumers have for about five years paid for what they never consumed. PDP contractors that handled the supply of meters to Nigerian homes has been fleecing Nigerians through illegal imposition of N1, 300 monthly service charges. This stopped only in November last year through the efforts of the House Committee on Power. Last week, the Chairman of the Nigerian Electrify Regulatory Commission, Dr. Sam Amadi, told members of the House committee that the body is “set to enforce its order on collection of Meter Maintenance Fee (MMF)”.

From the Senate, we have now also learnt that the federal government loses on annual basis, the equivalent of N700 billion as a result of the comatose nature of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemicals Company (KRPC). This revelation came from Magnus

Toast to Fayemi at 47

By Olayinka Oyebode ceeded in increasing it to N600million monthly, by October 2011. This, he did simply by plugging some leakages in the system. His target is to hit N1billion by June. Is this achievable? Yes, he said in a recent interview, adding that the various relevant laws being put in place by the state House of Assembly would help protect investments in the state; the job creation and youth empowerment schemes will also boost the income of the people, stimulate prosperity and position the people in a way that payment of relevant taxes - needed for greater development- will not be by cohesion.

Even while seeking to bake a bigger cake, the Fayemi-led administration has not lost sight of the plight of the indigent elderly citizens, which has been worsened by the downturn in the economy. It has established a social security scheme for the elderly citizens of the state above 65 years. The monthly payment of N5,000 stipends commenced last October with a little over 10,000 beneficiaries.

The figure has since doubled after more citizens got enlisted following their conviction that it was not a one-off thing.

The social security support for the elderly was preceded by a similar gesture to the youth. The state’s youth empowerment scheme has taken 5,000 unemployed youths off the streets, and placed them in some sectors after undertaking some training. The 5,000 are the first set of beneficiaries of the 20,000 new jobs planned for the youth before 2014.

In the area of education, there have been quite a number of innovations which are product of courage and careful analysis of the inherent flaws in the sector. For instance, aside its free education policy and the Computerper-desk initiative for secondary school students, the governor had to put sentiments aside in effecting the merger of three state owned universities. He had wondered the

rationale behind having several mushroom universities instead of having one wellfunded university that would be a pride to the state. The free medical health of the administration is with a difference. It focuses on the vulnerable members of the societychildren under five years, pregnant women, physically challenged and the elderly citizens.

Added to this is the free medical mission that takes medical care to the various communities. Over 400,000 citizens have benefitted from this scheme as at last quarter of 2011.

The much anticipated physical development has taken off with the flag-off of 13 road projects last November. Today, the state is one huge construction site, with road construction and beautification projects going on in different locations.

Prior to his active involvement in politics, Dr Fayemi was the pioneer Director of the Centre for Democracy and Development, a research and training institution dedicated to the study and promotion of democratic development, peace-building and human security in Africa.

He received his first degree in History and Politics from the University of Lagos in 1985, a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), in 1987 and his doctorate in War Studies from the King’s College, University of London, England in 1993, specializing in civilian-military relations and defence planning.

Amongst his numerous academic and public policy engagements, Dr Fayemi was a Georgetown University Leadership Fellow in 2000 and a Senior Visiting Fellow in African Studies, Northwestern University, Evanston, USA in 2004. He is also an Associate Fellow of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Ibadan and was on the Adjunct Faculty of the African Centre for Strategic Studies, National Defence University, USA,

Abe, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream). He it was, who told us that the government in addition also spends a whopping N12 billion annually on staff salaries on a company that has almost been converted to a container making firm.

It was also Magnus Abe that told Nigerians that “KRPC collects crude oil from the pipeline, Product and Marketing Company (PPMC) without proper costing”.

Everywhere, it is the same story of mindless looting perpetrated by or supervised by PDP elected or appointed political office-holders. Last week, we were told that N151 billion of the pension fund fraud perpetrated from the Head of Service office had been recovered. A task force set up by the President discovered that out of a figure of 258,000 pensioners receiving an allocation of N5 billion monthly, 71,133 were ghost pensioners. Instead of N1.7 billion needed to pay genuine pensioners, the federal government was throwing away over N3 billion in a situation where 44,320 genuinely retired pensioners were not paid their pensions since 1975.

The chairman of the task force Abdulrasheed Maina was reported to have said “If such monumental fraud could be going on in the Head of Service office alone, then the overall amount of fraud that would be taking place in other 42 pension offices nationwide can only be imagined”.

It is yet to be seen how far the young elected PDP men can go in their crusade against the sordid activities of their depraved PDP forebears. But it is in their interest to finish the task they have set upon themselves, because as the ongoing Boko Haram’s misplaced aggression has shown, those who have impoverished the people by taking more than their disproportionate share of our resources, are only sowing the wind. Seventy-five percent of Bornu State youths who never went to school will ensure that children of the rich that receive the best education money can buy has no home they can return to.

‘A task force set up by the President discovered that out of a figure of 258,000 pensioners receiving an allocation of N5 billion monthly, 71,133 were ghost pensioners’ between 2001 and 2005.

He was a member of the Governing Board of the Open Society Justice Institute, New York and African Security Sector Network and also served on the Advisory Board of the Global Network on Security Sector Reform and on the Management Review Board of the ECOWAS Secretariat.

Dr Fayemi was the technical adviser to Nigeria’s Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission (known as the Oputa Panel) and also served on three Presidential advisory Committees on Conflict Management and Security Sector Reform; NEPAD and the Millennium Development Goals under the Olusegun Obasanjo administration. He was also an Adviser to the President on the ECOWAS Commission, NEPAD Secretariat, African Union and United Nations Economic Commission of Africa on Governance and Security Issues. He was also a member of the Strategic Group of the African Union Secretariat, the Management Culture Change Committee of ECOWAS and Africa Policy Advisory Group of the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth office.

Fayemi has written and lectured extensively on governance and democratization. His recent publication include: Mercenaries: The African Security Dilemma; Deepening the Culture of Constitutionalism: The Role of Regional Institutions in Constitutional Development in Africa; Security Sector Governance in Africa: A Handbook, edited with Nicole Ball; Out of the Shadows: Exile and the Struggle for Democracy and Freedom in Nigeria; and Towards an Integrated development of the Niger-Delta.

He is also a recipient of several awards, fellowships and grants including the Ford Foundation grant on the Special Initiative on Africa and the Macarthur Foundation research grant. He was named Governor of the Year, 2011, by the Leadership Newspaper.

Ekitis (home and abroad) and indeed all lovers of democracy and good governance surely have more than 47 reasons to chorus 47 gbosas in celebration of this man of honour who is transforming the Land of Honour“Ilufemiloye”.

• Oyebode is Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekiti State.

25

THE NATION

EDUCATION

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

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Seven-year-old Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, has set an unenviable record as the first private-owned university to be shut following students' unrest. KOFOWOROLA BELO-OSAGIE, BODE DUROJAIYE and OSEHEYE OKWUOFU report on the immediate and remote causes of the crisis.

• Entrance to the university. Inset: The vandalised security post

A private varsity’s unenviable record • Ajaiyi Crowther is first to be hit by strike

O

NE thing private universities have going for them is their smooth academic calendar. Once a student is admitted, he knows that he has a definite period to complete his course, depending on what he is studying. Strikes are unheard of in these universities. That was until Sunday when the Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo created the record of being the first private university in the country to record a strike and, consequently, a disruption in academic activities.

The university has been shut to calm frayed nerves. What happened? It all began on Sunday when a student, Elvis Paul Abu, 300-level Computer Science, took ill and was rushed to the health centre, which students had for long complained is not well-equipped.

They, among others, alleged that the facility lacks drugs to treat basic ailments, such as malaria. Several times, some claimed the Chief Medical Director (CMD) would send them to buy drugs outside the campus, which they did not expect to happen since they pay N15,000 as medical fees every semester.

A student, who spoke anonymously, said: "The health centre was not operat-

• EKITI

ing well. You could go there when you are almost dying and they would be asking for your card. If you cannot provide it, you will be made to pay before they attend to you."

Twenty-two-year-old Elvis was rushed to the health centre on Sunday following an outing where he was said to have taken ill.

His mates told The Nation that his death could have been averted if the health centre was well equipped.

Some of the students with him said his condition deteriorated so fast that he was placed on oxygen. But, a power outage disrupted his treatment and he could not be rushed to a hospital before he died - a situation that angered the students.

"When the sickness was severe, he was placed on oxygen. But after some time, the light went off and we requested that the generator be put on, which was turned down on the excuse that the generator could only be put on when the Vice Chancellor is around. We later ran to the security at the gate to allow us take the patient to a more reliable hospital, after we have told the health centre personnel our intention to take our colleague to the hos-

BOOSTS TECHNICAL EDUCATION WITH

•Elvis

pital. At this point, the patient was gasping for breath. The security people turned down our request, asking us to go and collect a pass before leaving the campus."

Their anger got worse when they learnt of the covert transfer of the body from the health centre to the mortuary in a public-owned hospital in town.

"Even we were caught unawares because we were not informed let alone the parents of the deceased before he was taken to the mortuary," they said.

To douse tension, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Kolawole Jayeoba, addressed the students but he was unable to calm them down. What followed was a rage and when things became calm, a building housing three departments, Accounting, Economics and Finance had been razed the health centre, perimeter fence and many other

N31M - Page 27 • COMMUNITY

structures were vandalised.

The students also set fire to a store called Charis, said to belong to the ViceChancellor's personal assistant's wife.

Research materials, books, and other property including a Mercedes Benz 200 car belonging to a lecturer, and another belonging to the CMD were also destroyed.

One of the badly hit lecturers, Olajide Ogunsola, of Management Information System ((MIS), who was weeping like a baby when narrating his loss to our reporter, said he lost books and research materials.

The Public Relations Officer, Mr Wale Ademowo, told The Nation that the institution had been closed down, indefinitely, following the incident.

On Monday, the main gate was barricaded by a detachment of policemen from the Oyo Division of the Police Command and everyone entering the campus was search. The police were invited by the institution to restore order.

However, the students accused the police of brutality.

According to them, "these police men came right into our hostels and started firing tear gas at us. Some of us were beaten up to the point of unconsciousness.

In fact, some are yet to recover from the tear gas. This is arbitrary and unfair. The police brutalised us and treated us like criminals."

Though the Area Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner Umar, was not available for comments, but an officer refuted the allegations, describing them as "calculated attempts to ridicule the po•Continued on Page 26

LAMENTS SCHOOL'S NEGLECT

- Page 40

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

26

EDUCATION UNILORIN FILE

ASUU elects officers THE UNILORIN branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has elected a new set of executives who will oversee the affairs of the union for the next two years.

Dr Wahab Egbewole of the Department of Jurisprudence and International Law is the new Chairman while Dr L.T. Ajibade of the Department of Geography and Environmental Management is the Vice-Chairman.

Others are: Dr P. O. Balogun of the Department of English (General Secretary) and Dr B. F. Ibrahim (Assistant Secretary).

The keenly contested office of the Treasurer was won by Dr. A. S. Kasum of the Department of Accounting and Finance while Mrs. M. A. Y. Lewu of the Department of History and International Studies was elected the Financial Secretary. Dr. U. A. Raheem of the Department of Geography and Environmental Management emerged as the Auditor of the Union.

99th inaugural lecture today THE 99th inaugural lecture of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) holds today at the university auditorium.

The lecture entitled: "Adolescents in Africa: The Role of Context and Process in Developmental Trajectories" will be delivered

by Prof Alfred Akinbo Adegoke of the Department of Counsellor Education.

WAUG Confab seeks papers AS UNILORIN prepares to host the 13th WAUG, the organisers of the games are also planning an international conference with the theme: "Sports, Culture, and Science" to be attended by scholars, researchers, sports scientists and practitioners.

To this end, the organisers are calling for papers from all disciplines in the academia, sports scientists, specialists in Human Kinetics and Health Education, social scientists, sports administrators, ministries of sports among others.

The Conference which will hold between March 29 and 31 will discuss such sub-themes as: "Sports: A Blend of Culture and Sciences", "Sports as a Unifying Factor", "Cultural Influences on Sports, Tourism and Recreation."

Kwara principals to answer for pupils' performance

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RINCIPALS and vice-principals in public schools in Kwara State will now be held accountable for their pupils' performance.

Vice-Principals in charge of academics will, henceforth, be reprimanded or rewarded for their pupils’ dismal or scintillating performance, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Mallam Raji Mohammed has said.

Mohammed, who spoke to reporters in Ilorin, added that the Education ministry will reward the best performing teachers and principals this year.

He said: "The principals of schools have been empowered to see themselves as the general managers in

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

charge of all the resources allocated to them by the government.

The VP is now equally being seen as responsible for students' performance.

"The question is: what is the rate of the students' performance put under the VP's care? The VP will either be rewarded or reprimanded depending on students' performance. We also want to ensure that teachers are regularly trained and retrained, especially on core subjects. The criteria for assessing teachers and principals will be out soon."

To encourage more qualified professionals to take to teaching,

the government would offer scholarships to would-be teachers at the university level.

"This will make them come back and impart what they have acquired on students," he said.

The commissioner added that the government would soon rehabilitate three of the five moribund technical colleges in the state.

He pointed out that the resuscitation of the colleges is to boost entrepreneurial education to make Kwarans self-reliant.

On the recent abolition of fees in secondary schools, Mohammed said "the N970 being paid by each pupil is now being underwritten by government. Government will in turn pay the money to the schools

according to their pupil's population. Principals of these schools are now charged with the responsibility of managing the funds. The school-based management committee, the ministry and auditors are to monitor the usage of the funds."

The commissioner disclosed that the state would spend N35 million on the procurement of exercise books to be distributed free to pupils.

He noted that every pupil in senior secondary schools would receive five notebooks of 80 leaves, adding that Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed-led administration would continue to strengthen its policy on quality education.

A private varsity’s unenviable record • Continued from page 25

lice."

He said: "We did not maltreat any student let alone enter their hostel. We were invited to maintain peace and restore order by the management and that was what we went there for. In fact, our intervention saved all the institution's facilities from being destroyed and burnt by the rampaging students."

Apart from the poor services of the health centre, recent school fees increment and poor hostel facilities may have been the remote causes of the crisis.

At the end of last session in August, the school announced a new fee of almost N200,000. A parent said last session, he paid about N320,000 as tuition and accommodation fees for his daughter. However, as they vacated, she was told the next fees would be N514,000.

"The increment was effected at the beginning of the new session in October. My daughter called me to inform me that she would be paying N514,000 instead of N320,000.

But I took solace in the fact that she is in her final year and I will not have to pay such again. She said there was a lot of grumbling about the fees but the management did not bulge.

"We were told to pay a minimum of N300,000 in the first semester, then pay the balance at the beginning of the second semester," he said.

Some of the students lamented the "outrageous school fees" when there are no facilities to justify the huge payment.

"Believe it or not, we were paying over N500,000 per semester and we are benefiting nothing from the authority. ACU is more of a glorified secondary school because we see nothing special about the

• •Burnt department and vandalised ambulance

They charge the students N102,000 per session for a bedspace in rooms that accommodate 10 students. That is about N1 million per room.

That is outrageous charges. Lecturers are inadequate, while the hostels are not fit for human habitation. We are really suffering," a student said.

The hostel accommodation provided by the school is also a sore point. "We are jam-packed inside the hostels. You have about 10 students in a room."

Another parent, who didn’t wish to be named, complained about the high charges for hostel accommodation, which he de-

scribed as robbery.

"They charge the students N105,000 per session for a bedspace in rooms that accommodate 10 students. That is about N1 million per room. That is outrageous," he said.

The students also complained about inadequate power and water supply, with some claiming that they have been forced to go to class without taking their bath because of water shortage. When ap-

• Prof. Jayeoba

proached, the Vice-Chancellor declined comments. He seemed overwhelmed by the crisis, especially as the father of the deceased threatened to beat him up.

Oko Poly trains new workers •Warns against corruption, indolence

T

HE management of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, at the weekend concluded a two-day programme for newly recruited workers. During the exercise, the Rector, Prof Godwin Onu, warned them against engaging in corrupt practices and indolence.

Onu, who chaired the orientation, told the new employees that the polytechnic would not hesitate to send them home if they were caught taking bribes or engaging in other forms of corruption and indolence.

He said the polytechnic has changed for good and urged the new employees not to see their new jobs as an avenue for extortion.

"Reduce your appetite and realise now that the Federal Polytechnic, Oko is not an oil well. Be contented

with your salary. You can make money without extorting students.

When you give in to temptation, one day the devil will dig you out. Mark your scripts and give your service unconditionally. By giving students what they are not worth, you are only destroying them," he warned.

He disclosed that more than 20,000 qualified applicants applied for the less-than-300 vacant positions that have just been filled and charged the new workers to be part of the institution's success story.

The Registrar, Mr Tony Nwaokolobia, said the orientation was to get the new employees to key into the vision and drive of the polytechnic, and get them familiar with their roles.

The Director of Workshops, Seminars/Conference, Mr Edwin

Chukwuma, said the management has cleansed the system of corruption and laziness, and the new workers should take note of that as they start work.

He disclosed that in the past 22 years, he has been with the institution, no management team has organised such orientation for new employees, urging the new staff acquaint themselves with what is obtainable in the institution.

He said: "On assumption of office of this adm inistration, the management led by Onu commenced a lot of infrastructural development and beautification of the campuses. This is in line with management's vision to make the polytechnic world-class".

“Sounds familiar? ... It’s temporary solution for a permanent problem!”

27

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

EDUCATION

Ekiti boosts technical education with N31m

T

HE Ekiti State Government has spent N3 million on science and technical education in the state.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Dr Eniola Ajayi said this at the inauguration of 420 sets of classroom furniture at the Government Technical College, Ado-Ekiti.

Dr Ajayi disclosed that N3.8 million was spent on the furniture which was produced by students of the colleges, which is a proof of Governor Kayode Fayemi's commitment to enhancing Technical/ Vocational Education (TVE) in the state.

She said the state's commitment is further demonstrated in its decision to merge six under-equipped technical colleges into four position them to produce graduates who can use their hands and minds in the dynamic world of technology.

The Commissioner said N5 million was released for the accreditation of courses in the GTCs in AdoEkiti and Ikole-Ekiti, while N22 million was been approved for the procurement of modern tools and equipment for all the technical colleges last year.

Charging the principals and

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

members of staff of the colleges to be more alive to their duties, Dr Ajayi announced the government's preparedness to make computers available to every student by year 2014 and to establish an institute of science and technology to enhance science and technical education.

She appealed to the private sector to partner with the state to enhance TVE service delivery.

Given that the furniture were built by students, the Chairman, Ekiti State Board for Technical and Vocational Education (BTVE), Mr Paul Olatoye, sought patronage on behalf of the technical colleges from ministries, departments and agencies of government, as well as corporate bodies and individuals.

He stressed that the production units of the colleges are capable of producing several items such as chalk, asbestos, burnt bricks, construction of iron gates, doors and burglary proofs, painting and decorating.

He urged parents and guardians to stop thinking that TVE is for drop-outs or dullards as no nation can advance technologically without sound technical institutions.

NUT settles with Peter Obi

T

HE Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has resolved issues with Anambra State on to the transfer of governmentowned schools by Governor Peter Obi to missionaries.

National President of the NUT, Comrade Michael Olukoya Alogba, at a briefing in Abuja during the union's annual Solemn Assembly said both parties have agreed that the welfare of teachers will be the responsibility of the state government.

When asked why the change of heart after the union had kicked against the decision late last year, he argued that the policy left teachers stranded and open to abuse by the management of the new schools.

Alogba said: "Our position on the government of Anambra State in December was never a threat.

It was the reality of that moment but like we are all aware, there is no rigidity in life. Between December and today, we have met with the Governor. We have met with the people in government in Anambra.

"So, the area of differences which bordered on the return of

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

schools especially in the area where lives and the welfare of teachers would be so affected has been resolved. Hence, as labour leaders we are not just armchair critics. This was policy. These areas that were affected, the moment there is moderation, life continues," he said.

Alogba said since the government has declared its commitment to pay teacher’s salaries including retirement gratuities as well as effect their promotion, the union is satisfied with its offer.

The NUT boss said the Solemn Assembly is a yearly spiritual exercise of the union where Moslem and Christian clerics are invited to join the leadership of the union from all 36 states to pray for the growth of education in the country and as well for the general well being of Nigeria.

Clerics at the event included Uztaz Abdulsalam Muhammed, Rev. Friday Odi, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Argungu, Reverend T. N. Gbarato and Aminu Kabir Asmai.

• From Left: (Front Row) VC ABUAD, Prof Sidi Osho; Mr Oloketuyi; Chief Babalola, the Bursar, Pastor Modupe Babalola and Prof Tunji Orubuloye, with representatives of the bank and the university after the signing.

Covenant, East Carolina Varsities sign MoU

C

OVENANT University (CU), Ota, and East Carolina University, United State have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to partner in the Global Academic Initiative Project.

The project is a world culture course taught in a shared virtual classroom with students and faculty in countries in Africa, Asia, North and South America and Europe.

The representatives of East Carolina University, Prof Elmer Poe and Dr Rosina Chia, both Assistant Vice-Presidents, explained that the project, among other things, is expected to help provide culturally diverse direct international experience for its staff and students.

Both universities also agreed to establish future collaborative educational opportunities in the areas of conferences, international students and faculty exchange, as well as the sharing of courses, research projects and information.

Poe also explained that the goals of the project, which began in 2004, were to teach knowledge

D

W

By Musa Odoshimokhe

person of Association of Private Educators in Nigeria (APEN), stressed that the government, private sector and the mission have complementary role to play in advancing the education of the country.

"Everybody has a role to play, like what obtains all over the world; you have state schools, missionaries and private schools," she said.

Explaining the transformation which the college had passed through, she said though when the school was returned to the mission in 2001, the structures were dilapidated. Since then, she said the school has worked so hard to get the college back on course again.

To be admitted, Dr Ogunsanya said candidates must score over 6o per cent in the entrance examination. This is part of the effort to return to standards which can guar-

Both universities also agreed to establish future collaborative educational opportunities in the areas of conferences, international students and faculty exchange, as well as the sharing of courses, research projects and information

Wema Bank, ABUAD sign pact on accommodation

'Education standard has been compromised’ R Olufemi Ogunsanya, Chairperson of the Anglican School Management Board, has restated the need to improve the standard of education in Nigeria in order to equip the youth for the challenges ahead.

She made the remarks while addressing reporters during the 80th anniversary of Igbobi College, Lagos.

She noted that the youth, who constitute over 60 per cent of Nigeria's population, need good education to make their impact in the country.

She lamented fallen standards, saying: "The standard has taken a bit of bashing today; it is not the same as it was in the past. And with reference to what was obtained in my own time, it has really fallen.

That is because the standard has been compromised."

Ogunsanya, who is also the chair-

and attitude to make students open minded and provide real work experience for the students.

CU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Aize Obayan, described the project as timely and fascinating. "This is a classroom without borders," she said.

The Vice-Chancellor said CU has emphasised cultural understanding right from its inception in

2002.

Prof. Obayan also appreciated the University's Board of Regents, led by the Chancellor, for providing the enabling environment to make the project possible.

She said the University was open to other possible collaborations with the other 42 universities on the project.

Covenant University also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Moscow Technical University of Communication and Informatics in the Russian Federation.

Dr Aaron Atayero of the Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, CU, who is also an alumnus of Moscow Technical University of Communication and Informatics, facilitated the pact.

The MOU would, among other things, enable the two institutions organise joint research projects in info-communication technologies application. There would also be student and faculty exchange as well as the sharing of publications, documentation and scholar information.

• Dr Ogunsanya

antee best quality for the school.

"The criteria for admission are that pupils pass entrance examination and must have the cut off point, an average of 65 per cent. We are now moving into admitting more students in the boarding house. The admission proportion is 70 per cent into the boarding and 30 per cent day students," she said.

During the anniversary, the pupils visited the orphanages and old people home where they donated to the needy in their tradition of assisting those who lack in basic necessities.

EMA Bank has agreed to fund the construction of students and staff accommodation at the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD).

Last Friday, the university management signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the bank for the building of affordable residences.

Although many structures, including a central cafeteria, are still under construction on the campus, the proprietor, Chief Afe Babalola, said the student population growth informed the decision to approach the bank for collaboration.

The authorities want the accommodation facilities to be delivered before the start of the next academic session.

The ABUAD authorities also requested for a branch of the bank to be established on the campus to save students and workers the stress of going to town banking services.

Assuring the bankers of security of their investment, Babalola said besides the availability of

market, protection of life and property is being treated with utmost care.

Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Wema Bank, Mr Segun Oloketuyi, who led the team, assured the university authorities of his interest in investing in areas considered necessary by the institution.

He explained that the conditionality that would be laid down by his bank would be informed by the kind of services the university requests for.

Speaking on the establishment of a branch of the bank on the campus, Oloketuyi explained that it would be done as soon as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which now controls expansion of banks, approves it.

If the deal is properly sealed, members of ABUAD staff may become proud home owners with convenient mortgage facilities.

This is the first time ABUAD would invite private investors to join in infrastructure facilities building since inception in 2010.

28

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

EDUCATION AUN FILE

Curfew for safety THE American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola has ordered the restriction movement of students in and out of campus as a safety measure.

Its President, Margee Ensign, who announced the restriction in a letter welcoming new and returning students, said the new policy will apply to every student, given the prevailing security challenges in the country.

During curfew, which lasts from 9:30pm to 5am Sunday - Thursday, and 10:30pm5am on weekends, Mrs Ensign said the main gates to the campus will be shut to "all vehicles and foot traffic."

However, students will be able to move between the main campus and North campus, by bus only.

Irish envoy for lecture THE recent peace deal in Northern Ireland will come under sharp focus at AUN on February 21, when the Irish Ambassador in Nigeria, Dr. Patrick Fay, features at the university's quarterly Diplomats Lecture series.

President Ensign, who announced the event said Ambassador Fay would also speak to students at the AUN Career Talk series, a fresh initiative to guide students through the hard choices they have to make for the future.

Before his tour of duty in Nigeria, Dr. Fay had been envoy in Maseru, Lesotho, as from May 2006, rising from the position of ConsulGeneral, also in Maseru.

Born in 1949, Dr. Fay has three master's from University of Leicester, University of Dublin and University College, Dublin. He obtained a doctorate in Governance from Queen's University, Belfast.

Fashola urges varsities to review curricula

AAUA FILE

VC insists on ID cards

L

AGOS State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola has challenged universities to be involved in cutting edge research to remain relevant to society.

Speaking on the topic: "Education, Research and National Development" when he delivered the Eighth annual lecture of the School of Postgraduate Studies, University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Tuesday last week, Fashola said education, research and innovation are the secrets behind the success of developed countries.

But this is not the case in Nigeria, where universities have not provided the needed research to support development, he lamented.

He said: "In Nigeria the education and research field still have not attained that place of expectation despite the fact that universities emanated with the belief that they will be beneficial to the society.

"With the responsibilities bestowed on universities and other research institutions, one would expect them to be at the fore-front of efforts to solve our perennial prob-

• Fashola displaying a plaque presented to him by UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adetokunbo Sofoluwe

By Jane Chijioke human development index place."

lems. But from what I see in Nigeria, we have allowed too much gap between our educational institutions and the demands of the society at large. We take education, research and awards of degree almost as an end and not a means to an end. While the students and scholars who are the end product are well noticeable in the society, their thoughts, concepts and influence of their ideas are not, thus placing education and the society as two separate balls that barely touch.

Some curricula are outdated and it is the duty of the management to retrain and reorientate new lecturers to suit the demands of the work-

Having established the Faculty of Transportation at the Lagos State University (LASU), he urged UNILAG to introduce the course to produce transport experts and planners to aid organisation of a fast growing country like Nigeria. He also compelled universities to tailor their curricula to the demands of the economy.

"This generation should be business owners and not managers, storekeepers for outside countries in our own country; therefore we need curricula that prepare them to be entrepreneurs, builders of capital and not managers of capital. It is disheartening that Nigeria is rated low in

by the United Nations."

"Our universities owe us the debt of a functional template for a sustainable national development and whatever it takes we must collect that debt as soon as possible,” he concluded.

Prof Obinna Chukwu, Dean of Postgraduate Studies, said the institution has made its postgraduate programme suited to the needs of the economy.

"Postg r a d u a t e s t u d i e s hold the key to a developed, vibrant economy and community. It is in appreciation of this fact that the university is gradually transforming into a postgraduate institution investing hard work, commitment and resources.

Pre-Degree screening postponed THE AAUA has postponed the entrance examination into the Pre-Degree programme of the university indefinitely.

In a statement last week, the Registrar, Mr Olotu, said the postponement of the screening, which was earlier scheduled to hold last Thursday and Friday, was as a result of the nationwide strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The Registrar, who regretted any inconvenience that the postponement might have caused the applicants, said a new date for the examination would be announced later.

Staff School moves

New students get orientation NEW students have begun their journey to becoming successful in their academics after a broad tutoring and mentoring on academic planning, course selection and available resources by the AUN Advising team.

Ms Meagan McKee, Messrs Bart Lockwood and Daniel Schwartz of the Advising Unit gave students an insight into some of the support and guidance services accessible to them during the new students advising seminar.

Ms McKee explained the idea of choosing a minor and major during course selection. Though "taking a minor is optional," she said the choice could help develop the interest of a student toward a particular area or discipline.

THE Vice Chancellor, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Prof Femi Mimiko, has said the rules making the wearing of identity cards mandatory for all staff and students are still in force.

Mimiko, who said the display of ID cards "is not just for aesthetics", warned that offenders would be sanctioned.

He also said: "Students who don't put on their ID cards will not be admitted to lecture halls, exam halls and other facilities on campus, while workers will be sanctioned in accordance with the university's extant rules."

The policy was introduced as part of the devices to deal with the ongoing security challenge in the country and communicated to the university community in a circular by the Registrar, Mr Bamidele Olotu.

• Mrs Lawrence-Nemi (Second right) taking notes while discussing with Mr Yves Robert Lefebure (third left) and other delegates

Rivers model schools open in April

T

HE Rivers State new model secondary schools will open in April, the government has said.

This follows the arrival of a foreign firm, Educomp Solutions, which will manage the schools for the state.

The Commissioner for

Education, Alice LawrenceNemi, who received representatives of the firm, said the new schools are well equipped with modern ICT, sporting facilities, farms and others.

She said the state would be proud of the Governor, Rotimi Amaechi for his vision in reviving the education sector.

The model schools, which are built in each of the 23 local government areas of the state can accommodate 1,000 pupils each.

The Chief Executive Officer of Educomp Solutions Shantaram Hedgekatte, said

the company is pleased with the facilities in the schools he described as the best in Africa.

He noted that the firm, which boasts of 14,000 professionals in educational administration, will apply the latest educational technology in managing them and assured the commissioner that they would make a positive impact on education in the state.

Mrs Lawrence-Nemi also met with the management of Total Plc, which is undertaking the construction of a new model school in Isiokpo, Ikwerre Local Government of Rivers State.

She thanked the General Manager, Corporate Strategic Projects, Mr Yves Robert Lefebure, for taking up such a huge project. She added that the ministry will supervise

them to ensure the project is done in line with the specifications of the state government.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Ministry of Education has won the maiden edition of Babs Fafunwa Education Prize for Service Delivery.

The award is in recognition of the unprecedented massive deployment of infrastructure, effective management of human resources and productive educational policies and programmes that have made a huge difference in the overall development of education in the state.

The Commissioner while reacting to the award said the award was possible because of the huge investment Governor Amaechi has made in the education sector.

THE Staff School of AAU has moved to its new building.

At a ceremony, the Head Teacher, Staff School, AAUA, Mrs Motilola Akinduro, praised the university management for building a new facility for the school.

Mrs. Akinduro said: "I want to use this medium to appreciate the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Femi Mimiko, and the university management for giving us this edifice. All our classrooms are spacious with white boards, unlike the old one."

She also thanked Prof Mimiko for releasing one of the university's shuttle buses as a stop-gap measure to address the transportation challenge facing the school on account of the relocation.

She explained that, while the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of the school continues to intensify efforts at buying a bus for the school, the one on the ground would be available to convey pupils to and from school.

Mrs. Akinduro urged parents who were considering withdrawing their wards from the school because of the transportation challenge not to do so, saying such challenge will soon be a thing of the past.

29

Rage over suspended elections

‘We believe in Nigeria’

*CAMPUSES *NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

Page 31

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THE NATION

CAMPUS LIFE 0805-450-3104 email: ladycampus@yahoo.com THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

No more strikes, students beg ASUU Students are back in school following the suspension of the strike of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

FAITH OLANIRAN (recently graduated from Federal University of Technology, FUT, Minna), VICTOR NWOKEDI (200-Level Polymer and Textile Engineering, FUT, Owerri) and ADEYEMI ONIKORO (100-Level Law, Lagos State University, LASU) report on students’ reactions.

M

ANY students and their parents were relieved when the striking university teachers suspended the action last Wednesday. Before the suspension of the strike, the students had been wondering what their fate would be.

Will they lose another year as it happened in the past?

This and other questions were some of those agitating their minds when the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) suspended the strike on February 1. With the strike over, returning students are praying that academic activities will now go on smoothly without further distruptions.

Peter Obi, a final year student of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), recalled that since he got into the university, he had encountered four strikes by lecturers.

“It has now become so common in our universities and the government is not trying

•Striking members of ASUU, Southeast Zone, during one of their protests.

to remedy the situation, because lecturers seem to be going on strike for the same reasons,” he said.

Blessing Ekenze, a 200-Level student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), said: “We had just returned from holidays when the strike was announced by ASUU. I was so disturbed because I was just settling down for the new session.”

Aniete Etuk, another student of UNIBEN, is happy. He said: “Thank God the strike has finally been called off because I am tired of staying at home, doing nothing. I am going back to school immediately.

‘This has been a major prayer point in my family. I am so happy that God has finally answered,” said Haruna Moses, Aniete’s classmate.

Ifenna Unigwe, a final year student of FUTO, said: “I still don’t understand what they mean by suspension. It means that the strike has not been permanently called off.

We are not even sure if the Federal Govern-

ment will still honour their agreements.

Right now, we just need to keep our fingers crossed because for all we know, ASUU may announce again that they are going on another indefinite strike.”

Puis Perfect studies at the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA). He said: “Many of our lecturers will want to be very hard on students which will tell on our performance this period and our parents back at home will never know what we are passing through.”

At the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), it was like school resumed before the suspension of the strike. Ayodele Oluwadamilola, in 400-Level Mining Engineering, explained: “The strike started at a time we were to write our continuous assessment. So, the very best for me is to resume and get myself acquainted with the notes and refresh my memory.”

Olusheye Zachariah is in 500-Level Estate Management at the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna. He said: “Concern-

ing the strike, we expect that all issues have been settled between the two parties. I urge ASUU to find an alternative means other than strike as it has become too many.”

Isa Suleiman is a Chemistry student at the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, Niger State. According to him, the strike was not “worth it and should not have lasted for that long. All the same, the period gave me time to stay closer to my parents and I was in safer hands with all the happenings around the country at this particular time.”

Jide Omotosho, 400-Level Biochemistry, FUTMINNA, said the action was “worth it, because it will help us rejuvenate our educational sector to meet world standards; we thank ASUU for calling off the action in time.”

At the Lagos State University (LASU), students anxious to resume did not wait for the usual internal bulletin announcing a modi•Continued on page 31

•Student dies after surgery - P32 • Rev Sister emerges best graduating student - P33

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

30

CAMPUS LIFE

Simply sad news

I

N journalism, it is often said that bad news is good news. Even at that, the bad news ought to be once in a while. Here, the plethora of bad news that has besieged the education sector in the last 10 days alone is overwhelming. And something tells me that the ones I know about are those that are reported. What about the others – usually more – that no one hears about?

I am one of those who see the erosion of values in the land today as a direct indictment on the family as a failure. Next to the family is the church (and other religious groups), followed by the school – starting from the pre and primary education systems.

In elementary social studies, these are the main agents of socialisation. Their collective role is to prepare and equip the individual with acceptable patterns of behaviour that will enable him/her to live his/her dreams as well as co-exist peacefully with others.

As I pondered on three of the events that unfolded in the last two weeks, I became convinced that the family, the church and the education systems have fared woefully in this country.

I’ll start with the beating up of a teacher in Ibadan, Oyo State, by a student and his father’s thugs. Mr. Gbenga Ogunleye is a teacher at United Senior Secondary School, Ijokodo and had “dared” to punish a group of students “who are fond of dressing indecently to school and assembling in an uncompleted building during odd hours”.

Among these students was Allison Chukwuebuka, in SSS III and son of an unnamed senior Customs officer.

While others took the punishment of jumping up and down or what we called doing

Pushing Out with

Ngozi Agbo 08054503104 (SMS only)

•campuslife@thenationonlineng.net •ladycampus@yahoo.com the frog jump, Allison simply refused.

Ogunleye flogged him to compel him to do the punishment, but the boy simply walked off to go call his daddy. Pronto, the big man drove into the school and asked his son to identify the teacher. Here’s what happened next as reported by the bemused teacher: “”His father asked him to identify me and instructed him to beat me in his presence. The boy reached for a wheel spanner and aimed at my head but I used my hand to protect my head. The father then called some uniformed men who drove into the premises with high speed. They dragged me on the ground, beat me to a pulp and tore my shirt. When the teachers and pupils wanted to rescue me, the Customs men fired some shots into the air”.

The school’s Principal, Mrs. Titi Aponmode, petitioned the House of Assembly which summoned the four men, attached to the Oyo/ Osun Command, to appear before it last week Tuesday. Allison was promptly expelled by the Oyo State Ministry of Education.

The Customs Service, through the command’s Deputy Comptroller of Customs (Admin.), Mr. Usman Bumba, said the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Diko Abdullahi, “supports that the school should punish erring pupils within the confines of the law and the modern trends of teaching/

learning irrespective of who the parents are. He has instructed that the Area Comptroller of the command should commence a thorough investigation into the matter…. As soon as the ongoing investigations are concluded, any officer found culpable will be so disciplined”.

I was still trying to take the incident in when news came, last Sunday, of what is easily the first violent demonstration in a private university in Nigeria. It led authorities of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, to, on Monday, order an indefinite closure of the institution.

The students were protesting the

death of Elvis Abu Paul, in 300-Level Computer Science, who had died while receiving treatment at the school’s health centre on Sunday. They said Paul’s death could have been averted, if the centre had been well equipped.

One of them narrated: “Paul was put on oxygen. But when the electricity supply went off, we begged them to put on the generating set, but they said they can only do so when the Vice-Chancellor is around. We attempted to take him to a reliable hospital, but the security men asked us to go and get a pass before leaving the campus. At that point, Paul started gasping for breath.”

Meanwhile, I learnt that the deceased reportedly appeared before the university’s disciplinary committee with other students last week Thursday over allegations of misconduct. Even at that, he was said to have again sneaked out to attend a night party on Saturday and had complained of severe headache on coming back on that Sunday.

In the violence that followed, the students torched the Management Science, Department of Economics, Health Centre and the security portal at the main gate. A portion of the university’s fence was also pulled down.

The Nation’s report of the incident added that when the father of the deceased arrived the campus in a Honda Accord CRV marked Abuja

‘We believe in Nigeria’

‘My parents do not know what I do’ Jesuseyitan Ige, in 400-Level Law at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, is a fast-rising rap artiste on campus. OPEOLUWA SONUGA (300-Level Law) had a chat with him.

•Jesuseyitan

T

ELL us about your background.

I am from a family of four boys. I attended the OAU Staff School, International School and now OAU. My father is a professor while my mom is a Chief Nursing Officer at the OAU Teaching Hospital.

When did you start music?

I started from the children choir in my church. While I was there, when other children will hold sheets to recite memory verses, I would do mine by rote. Later, my elder brother started buying Ja Rule songs, I listened and got interested. But what really brought about the interest was when in SS1, a new student from the United States joined my class. He was a rapper, so we became friends, started to beat the tables, form songs, write lyrics, and that was the turning point.

When did you do your first album?

That was in 2005 when I was in secondary school. It was titled:“Don’t Cry” and my re-

cording label was Wazbeat Don’t Cry? Why did you not want to cry?

Not that. The title came up as a consolation for me because it was at that point I had my first relationship break up. After then I put the career on hold in SS2 till I finished secondary school. When school was over, my friends started making up beats and we set up a small studio in quarters, at that period, I did another song along with quarters act.

What led to your stage name, Q’Black?

Q’Black came from my favourite character in the movie Jurice starring Tupac Shakur.

That character’s name was Q. I added black because I’m a black man. But I discovered that my reason for having a Q was not sufficient. Then I remembered people telling me I ask questions a lot, so I said because I’m black and I ask questions, I am Q’Black meaning Questioning Black man.

How do you get inspiration?

Different things inspire me but most of my inspiration come from personal experiences, then, sometimes, what the future will look like.

Considering your background, did you encounter any opposition?

This is a shocker; my parents do not know this part of my life. From 300-Level when I got serious, they are not yet aware. I believe it’s wise to hide it till it’s time. But my brothers know about it and they like it.

Has it been financially rewarding?

I’m not focusing on that. Sometimes, we get remuneration, sometimes, we don’t, but I’m not bothered as I feel I’m rehearsing for the big stage. I’m not going to jump on any record because I have a relationship with God who orders my steps.

Who will Q’Black be in the next 10 years?

What God says he will be. In the next 10 years, I will be out with six albums.

Your name is Jesuseyitan, you talk much about God. Are you into gospel rap?

In most of my songs I mention God but I’m not into gospel rap. If you listen to my songs, you’ll know I am a Christian. I record songs about love, and almost everything from the Christian perspective. A good tree cannot bring forth bad fruit. I’m just being me.

HP 494 ABC, he attacked the Vice-Chancellor, but people held him back.

For starters, the ACU authorities failed woefully when they could not provide Paul the medicare he needed at such a critical time.

How else can they justify the huge sum parents are made to cough out – especially considering that students paid over N500,000 this current session? It is especially maddening to learn that the generating set could only be put on “when the VC is around”!

Where is the Christian respect for human life irrespective of social standing as well as injunction to “do unto others as you would want done unto you?”

In a sane society, the university would pay dearly in compensation. I perfectly understand the father’s ire. The students’ too; but I cannot justify the level of destruction.

Having said that, an incident I witnessed while at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in the late 90s makes me wonder if “senior officer” Allison of the Customs Service would not prefer that his beloved Chukwuebuka was punished now by the likes of Ogunleye than be allowed to run riot and bring him grief with his ways some years down the line?

Many times on this platform, I have confessed to being “an unrepentant old-fashioned prude” when it comes to values in parenting, relationships and dressing. Thus, there is no explanation or justification for the commando-style occupation of United School by the thugs called Customs men.

None whatsoever. It negates everything I stand for and sends all the wrong signals to young Allison’s mind. The father may not know it, but he might just have set himself up for later heartache. Even if he gets off now, knowing the corrupt Nigerian system, I do not envy him. The only thing that can help him and his son is true repentance.

I’ll continue with these and the third development next week, by God’s grace.

Ciao

Rejoice and Favour Iwueze are lead singers and vocalists in a singing family, Destined Kids.

With nine albums to their credit, they recently gained admission into the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka to study Mass Communication and Pharmacy. EMEKA ATTAH spoke with them.

•Rejoice and Favour

W

HY did you decide to do your first degree in Nigeria when you could have done it abroad?

Rejoice: Nigeria is a blessed country and we believe in developing our country. We want to lay our foundation here, first, then our postgraduate courses will be overseas.

How did you feel when you received the news of your admission in to UNIZIK? Rejoice: The joy was so overwhelming that, at a point, we lost appetite for food considering that over 65,000 applied for admission into the school. Thus, we consider ourselves privileged to be among the 4,800 selected.

What was the experience like the first day you stepped into the campus?

Rejoice:It was a new experience all together. We realised that we have now come out to face the world; it is not just our family and us. It is now a mixture of various kinds of people from different backgrounds, but the most important thing is to know that you’ve come to the university to study; then decide to choose good friends. Don’t allow your friends to choose you. We are like ambassadors and we’ve taken a stand that we must carry the image of the family well despite pressures.

As people already in the public eye, how did other students react when they saw you?

Favour: In as much as we tried to hide ourselves, they really recognised us. We kept

them guessing but it was still like are you the Destined Kids? Are you the girl that sang Joy, Joy, Joy and things like that; they would want you to take photos with them and all other kinds of crazy funny things people do when they see a “star”. We knew all those things will come like that and that’s why we said we should drop the celebrity tag and face our studies. The Bible says:“let your light shine that people may see.”

What was the experience like on your matriculation day?

It was a bit stressful but it was also another memorable experience. We were given the necessary orientation lectures on how to make the best of our stay in school.

What are your expectations now and how will you cope with stardom?

Favour:The moment one discovers how to manage fame, it won’t be difficult. We told ourselves that we are coming to school to study, so the celebrity aspect will not bring any conflict. In school there will be all kinds of events and they will like you to be there to grace the occasion and things like that but you politely tell them, no, that this is what I’ve come to school to do. When you make up your mind and do not allow people to decide for you what to do, you can achieve good results.

What was the attraction that made you choose Pharmacy?

Favour: The fact that I like helping people was a motivation. I’m a science student and I want to contribute to research for quality drugs in Nigeria. Fake and substandard drugs have killed many people here and I want to pioneer a particular brand of drug that will go a long way in bringing succour to millions.

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

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CAMPUS LIFE

Rage over suspended elections Students at the NTA TV College, Jos, Plateau State, were supposed to have held their departmental elections last semester.

The exercise was postponed. Another suspension last week has drawn their ire, reports JOHNPAUL NNAMDI (400-Level).

•Some students in the College

T

HE departmental elections to usher in new leaders for the Television Journalism and Television Production departments of the NTA TV College, Jos, Plateau State, have been suspended indefinitely by the school management. The suspension has further delayed the elections which were to be held last semester.

Plans had been concluded for the elections billed for February 2, at the school auditorium before the suspension. Students were also ready to choose their representatives after the campaigns.

That morning, a memo suspending the elections was released. It was signed by the Dean of Studies, Mr Odumu Aliechenu, on behalf of the Rector, Dr Ayo Fasan.

It urged students to concentrate on their forthcoming examinations.

Part of the memo reads: “This is to bring to the notice of all students that the proposed (TEPSA) and (TEJOSA) elections scheduled for today, the 2nd of February 2012, have been suspended by the management until further notice. Students are advised to face their studies seriously as the first semester exam is fast approaching.”

These action did not go down was not well with the students

•TV College gate

who recalled that the same management had earlier promised to allow for the emergence of departmental officials before that weekend.

Following pressure by students, the two electoral committees consulted the Dean of Studies who reiterated the stand of the authorities but failed to give an actual date for the elections to

hold.

He simply said: “When the atmosphere is calm, the elections will take place.”

The suspension was received with mixed feelings by students.

While some believe it is in the best interest of the college, others claim there is something fishy about the decision. Students in the latter category recalled that the existing

departmental leaders were dissolved last semester and no election has been held since then.

A presidential aspirant, Lengshak Gotodok, in 400-Level, said the suspension was ill-timed because students needed a body to speak for them.

He said: “I feel that the suspension is ill-timed because a lot of students have worked hard to en-

sure that the elections held so that their yearnings and aspirations could be heard through the elected officials”.

The suspension has thrown offbalance contestants who bought forms for the election. Others who were eagerly waiting for the outcome are in the same situation. “It didn’t come to our notice early, and we are contestants.

They said till further notice; that is when?” wailed Godfrey Onuah, a Diploma II student vying for the office of Director of Socials.

Blessed Emmanuel is in 400Level. He said: “I was eager to see the outcome of the polls; but right now I don’t know how long I will have to wait to see that.”

Another student who urged for caution is Jonah Musa, in 100Level. He said: “I think it is a nice idea since students are asked to concentrate on their studies considering the fact that exams are fast approaching”.

However, some other students do not agree with this. One of them who preferred anonymity claimed that there was “a conspiracy”. He said: “Maybe there are some candidates who are the school’s puppets and having seen that if the election holds, they will lose, thus the last minute option for a suspension. But notwithstanding, they are giving more time to people to campaign and gain popularity. The election will hold someday because the offices cannot remain vacant”.

Another presidential who spoke is Grace Akwe, also in 400-Level.

She said the suspension has not affected her negatively. She stressed that she is always ready and optimistic of victory. Her words: “They said the election is for our own good. I agree. It has not affected me in anyway because I am always ready and anytime it is conducted, I will still win”.

Terry Uzoukwu is in 400-Level TV Production, vying for the office of the president. He expressed disappointment in the suspension. According to him, it was “interference in students’ affairs” and “unwarranted”. He added: “What I see is a total interference from the administration in students’ affairs. As a student aspiring for greater things in the future, I am very disappointed.”

In a chat with CAMPUSLIFE, the officer in charge of Students Affairs, Mr. Justin Jacob, submitted that though the decision was impromptu, it was taken in the best interest of the college. He added: “The election will still hold because the college knows the importance of such associations and is interested in having them”.

No more strikes, students beg ASUU

•Students rushing at the bus stop in FUT MINNA last Friday •Continued from page 29

fied calendar. They simply started trooping in almost immediately after the announcement of the suspension.

Yusuf Oketola, of the Faculty of Management, said: “I am very happy to be back on campus. I can’t wait to start receiving lectures.”

Rofiat Akinyemi, 400-Level Law, said:“I am not really happy because the strike is being sus-

pended as against being called off. I fear that this means the strike may resume at any time if the government fails again to fulfil its promises. This is not good enough for students and we cannot continue like this.”

Another student who could not hide her feeling is Damilola Lawal, in 100-Level Mass Communication. She advised the Federal Government and ASUU “to find other ways to resolve their disputes henceforth.”

Tunde Adeniyi is in 200-Level Zoology at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. He lamented that he found it difficult to read his books during the strike.

“I am very angry with the government and ASUU for the harm they have caused students. Where should we start from now, with many of us returning to school to face the stress cooked up by our lecturers?” he queried.

CAMPUSLIFE approached two students at the Imo State University (IMSU). One of them, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, blamed ASUU for the strike.

He said: “They are not considering the welfare of the students” But his colleague, Tony Obiora, did not agree with him. Tony said:

“It is not the fault of the lecturers.

It is the Federal Government that has neglected the education sector.”

Lazarus Iroh is a 200-Level student of Environmental Technology at FUTO. He described the education system as “messed up”. He added: “Return to where? Do you call what we have here in Nigeria, schools? Poor learning facilities and inadequate accommodation for students! The whole thing is messed up and I’m tired.”

In Ekene Ugwu’s view, students are always at the receiving end whenever there is disagreement between the Federal Government and ASUU. The 200-Level student of FUTO said: “We are always the ones suffering the strike. Even as we resume now, the school will rush through the semester. We won’t receive adequate lectures. We will be made to write examinations without adequate preparations.It’s all so sad.

32

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

CAMPUS LIFE

UNICAL resumes at last

T

•Brai’s classmates mourning, last week.

S

TUDENTS of the Department of Hospitality Management at the Federal Polytechnic Auchi (AUCHI POLY) are mourning.

HND II students have lost a colleague, Miss Faith Brai, who died as a result of intestine illness.

The students, who wore mournful looks, last Friday, sang dirges as they walked round the department carrying the deceased’s photograph. They were clad in black shirts. Some wept uncontrollably.

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the late Faith died as a result of gastrointestinal organ malfunction after a medical operation in a hospital outside the campus.

The news of Faith’s death, our correspondent gathered, was broken to her colleagues by family members after the students inquired why she had not resumed for the semester.

Student dies after surgery •Mum follows two days after From Tosin Ajuwon AUCHI POLY

Some of the late Faith’s classmates described her as a “brilliant and easygoing student”.

Her close friend, Endurance Onaghise, was shocked.

She said: “I am totally confused because this was a gentle girl who never behaved arrogantly towards her classmates.

The loss is sad and I pray this never happens again in the department.”

Courage Otaigbe, another course mate, described the late

Faith as “one of the best students in the class”. She was extraordinary, Courage said.

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that when Faith’s mother heard the news of her daughter’s death, she went into a shock and died two days after. Family members said the mother could neither eat nor sleep as a result of Faith’s death until she gave up the ghost.

Although the woman was said to have shown no sign of illness before then, family sources added that Faith was “the eyeballs of her mother.”

Education critical to national development, says Provost E DUCATIONISTS and regulators in the sector have been urged to take collective responsibility to improve learning in tertiary institutions. This remark was made by the Acting Provost of the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo, Mr. G.O. Oyewobi. He said this at the matriculation ceremony for new students of the institution.

The matriculating students, who were admitted into National Certificate for Education (NCE) in regular, part-time and Diploma in teaching of Arabic and Islamic Studies, were charged to contribute their quota towards improving the standard of teachers produced in the country by being alert to their primary assignment in and outside the college.

Oyewobi reiterated the college’s commitment to improve learning, adding that the institution would deliver distance education programmes, which was consid-

From Sikiru Akinola OYO

ered viable to reach more people and to extend the reach of the college.

He, however, commended the leadership of Dr T.A. Adedigba, Director of Degree Programmes, and his assistant directors, for “working tirelessly for the success of the degree programmes.”

Warning the students against anti-social vices, Oyewobi said: “Some students forget the primary purpose of their coming into the college. They get involved in examination malpractices and use fake results for admission. Those in these categories should desist from such acts because the college will not hesitate to take stern disciplinary measure against them.”

He continued: “The matriculation

oath to which you have subscribed ties you to obey the rules and regulations of the school and must guide your behaviour as students of this college. It is in the light of the foregoing that I want to remind us that education remains a critical determinant of development in any society.

“To achieve the desired goal of education, government alone cannot provide it, public and private sectors, as well as affluent ones in the society must play their role,” he concluded.

He used the occasion to commend the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, for supporting the college to meet its growing needs. He also said the Governing Council has completed arrangements aimed at ensuring implementation of e-library while the construction of I,600 and another 500-seater lecture theatres sponsored by the Tertiary Education Tax Fund (TETF) were underway.

VC hosts chartered accountants’ body

T

HE Vice-Chancellor of the Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), Prof Effiom Ene-Obong, has called for a closer relationship between the Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN) and the university in developing the institutions’ Accounting department.

Prof Ene-Obong made the call while receiving an ICAN team led by the national president of the body, Prof Francis Ojaide. The VC, who was represented by his Deputy on Academics, Dr Giddlings Arikpo, informed the team that the institution was committed to human excellence and capacity building.

He said part of the achievements of the institution in recent time was the approval by the National

•Seeks closer relationship From Victor Gbonegun CRUTECH

Universities Commission (NUC) to commence the award of Masters, Doctorate and Post-graduate Degrees in some approved disciplines. He thanked ICAN for granting full accreditation to the Accountancy department.

In his remarks, Prof Ojaide disclosed that the aim of the visit was to seek for ways of establishing symbiotic relationship between the body and the university. He said the institute was saddled with the responsibilities of advising policy makers on human and capacity development, regulating

the standard of Accountancy profession.

He further stated that the Accountants’ body was in the vanguard of bodies campaigning for zero tolerance on corruption in the country, adding that the body was in partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other anti-corruption agencies.

Prof Ojaide solicited for the exposure of Accountancy students to international training.

Highpoints of the visit was the presentation of journals and souvenirs to the CRUTECH vicechancellor.

HE campus of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has been reopened for academic activities. The management announced the resumption date last Friday and students are expected to be back on campus to complete the session, which was truncated last August, following a violent protest by the students.

The resumption date was made known to the students in a text message after a meeting of the school senate last Friday. Also, in a statement signed by the Registrar, Dr Julia Omang, the students were called upon to resume back to campus.

The protest had left many property of the school damaged. The “mid-semester” break which officially ended on January 6, 2012, was extended due to the strike action embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

The message sent to the students reads: “UNICAL reopens on Friday February 3, 2012. Students

•Prof Epoke From Emmanuel Shebbs UNICAL

return on Monday 6 th February 2012. Re-integration process as follows: verification at the gates, clearance at the departments, readmission into the halls of residence; re-dedication service scheduled to hold on Thursday 9th February, 2012 (today) at the Faculty of Arts Auditorium by 10am. Hostel admission ends by 7pm daily.”

In a chat, the UNICAL Public Relations Officer, Mr Bassey Effiong-Eyo, confirmed to our correspondent that the SMS was sent by the management.

Corps holds handover ceremony

T

HE Institute of Cadet of Nigeria, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO) chapter, has changed its leadership. It held in a colourful ceremony.

The event was attended by the Rector, Prof Igekele Ajibefun, the Acting Registrar, Alhaji T.M. Ibrahim, Dean of Students’ Affairs and Dean of Faculty of Information and General Studies, Mr Foluso Alabi and cadets from University of Lagos (UNILAG), Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) and Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA).

Speaking at the occasion, Prof Ajibefun, who said he canceled the management meeting because of the cadets’ inauguration, commended the outgoing officers. He said: “I have to give you the honour because of your effort to maintaining peace on the campus”.

He added that the management would be responsible for the cost of the ceremony.

The Rector charged students of the institution to join paramilitary groups as that would do them much good, rather than joining cults.

In his speech, the outgoing commanding officer, Emmanuel Adeyemi, thanked God for a successful tenure. He also thanked the Rector and the entire management for their support, saying the support should also be extended to the incoming officers.

•Olugbenga From Richard Ilesanmi RUGIPO

He charged the new officers to keep the objective of the corps cadets alive and above board because “whatever you do today will speak for or against you in future.”

Olugbenga Ajiroba, the new commanding officer, promised to put God first in the course of his administration.

The highlight of the ceremony was the cutting of cake and launching of the cadet’s calendar by the Rector who launched it with the sum of N100,000.

‘I give you honour for maintaining peace on campus.’

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

33

CAMPUS LIFE

College prays for Nigeria

A

•A section of the affected building.

L

AST week, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), community woke up to discover that a building they left in good condition had been affected by fire. The building that was made up of five rooms is located within the staff quarters.

The inferno, which was said to have resulted from a spark in an electric circuit, razed the building located at Block 38, behind Imukankwa Street, opposite Akanu Ibiam Stadium in UNN. The fire was said to have started at about 1:20am. An eyewitness told CAMPUSLIFE that the incident lasted for about one and half hours before the intervention of the men of fire service from the town.

Commenting, the UNN Chief Se-

Fire at staff quarters •Churches strengthen security From Oladele Oge UNN

curity Officer, Mr. Syracus Uzoma, expressed shock but said the officers were at alert to rise up to the occasion. He urged the people living in the community to be cautious with electricity, saying any malfunctioning appliances should be replaced.

In another development, churches on the campus have appealed to their members not to panic over the activities of the Boko Haram sect. This

came following a rumour that the members of the sect have migrated to the Southeast to carry out their activities.

Reverend B.N. Eze of Christ Church Chapel in the university told members to report suspicious movement around the church to the authority.

Also, the St. Peter’s Catholic Church has been making efforts to mount barbed wire round its fence in a bid to increase the security at the church.

N interdenominational prayer for peace and unity in Nigeria has been held by the NTA Television College Ray Field, Jos, Plateau State.

The prayer was the first of its kind since the establishment of the college.

The Christian prayer was led by Pastor Anthony Oko of the Redeemed Christian Church in Jos and he urged Nigerians to put God first in all that they do for peace to reign in the society.

In his sermon entitled “Partnering with God”, Oko stressed the need for Nigerians to obey the words of God by emphasising on things that will unite rather than divide the nation. He said: “Power belongs to God and therefore the people must abide by His word to achieve success, understanding, love, peace and unity in Nigeria.”

Sheik Mukhtar Adam, an Islamic cleric, called on Nigerians to submit everything they do to the will of Allah and the teachings of Prophet

Mohammed. He said Christians and Muslims call on the same God. The cleric admonished the faithful of the two religions to live peacefully, adding that God will bring judgment on all based on their deeds, and reward each person accordingly.

He admonished students to be of good behaviour, shun examination malpractice and other forms of evil.

The Rector, Dr. Ayo Fasan, in his remarks, said this year was a year of peace and development in Plateau State, urging all to continue to pray for the nation. He praised the students for their conduct in the past year even as he frowned at the poor academic performance of about 44 students in the Diploma course, whom he said have been withdrawn.

He urged other students to study hard to justify the money their parents are spending to train them.

Reverend Sister emerges best student

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CATHOLIC nun has emerged the best student during the convocation ceremonies held by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

The week-long event witnessed many activities, including a public lecture delivered by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The lecture was delivered on January 26 at Princess Alexandra Auditorium, and was attended by many dignitaries including Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the former Commonwealth Secretary-General.

The lecture was followed by the award night for best graduating students in the faculties and departments. Rev. Sister Maria Onyido was the overall best graduating student, having scored the highest Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). She thus graduated with First Class honours from the de-

•The freshers during the orientation.

From Musliudeen Adebayo TV COLLEGE

•Rev. Sister Maria From Kingsley Amatanweze UNN

partment of Mathematics.

The event reached a climax on January 27, at the Margret Ekpo Convocation Hall, where the conferment of first degrees and certificates took place. The graduating students were all smiles. After the conferment of the degrees and certificates, Rev. Sister Maria gave the valedictory speech.

Students urged to be of good conduct

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EWLY admitted students of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi (AUCHI POLY), have been enjoined to do away with any act that can truncate their future.

The Rector, Dr Philipha Idogho, gave the charge while speaking at the orientation ceremony organised for the students, who were admitted into Higher National Diploma (HND) and the National Diploma (ND) programmes.

Addressing them at the 3000-capacity main auditorium, Dr Idogho congratulated all the students on their placement, while describing the

T

From Tosin Ajuwon AUCHI POLY

school as a friendly environment where students could learn various skills to upgrade themselves and acquire knowledge.

She advised the students to shun examination malpractices, indecent dressing and cultism, saying the management would not condone such acts from any student.

The Chief Liberian, Mr. Oluseun Ekuoye, enjoined the students to adhere strictly to the library rules, saying students who go against the li-

brary regulations would be punished.

Earlier in his remark, the Deputy Rector, Engr. Emmanuel Onochie, spoke to the students briefly on misconduct in examination. He advised them to shun the act, saying the penalty was expulsion.

Some of the students who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE described the orientation programme as necessary in order not to be on the wrong side of the school’s rules.

The programme was attended by executive members of the students’ union.

Varsity holds seminar on diabetes

HE management of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has organised the second edition of health education seminar, entitled “Diabetes mellitus: A growing epidemic”. It held on February 2. The first edition was held last year and it was on hypertension.

The Vice-Chancellor and chairman of the seminar, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, who was represented by his Deputy on Management Service, Prof K.F. Ayorinde, said diabetes mellitus is a life-long chronic disease with high sugar in the blood. “Although, everybody needs glucose as the fuel of the body, the malfunctioning of pancreas, which produces a hormone called in-

From Jamiu Isiaka UNILORIN

sulin as a result the level of glucose rise up in the blood, is responsible for the ailment,” Oloyede said.

A medical doctor, Dr T.O. Olanrewaju, classified the chronic disease into type 1, type 2, other specific types and gestational diabetes mellitus. He said the type 2 diabetes mellitus affects adult while the type 1 is common in children usually below the age of two.

Dr O.O. Adesiyan, a consultant paediatrician, elucidated more on the topic specifically in children.

She said: “Type 1 diabetes mellitus in children may be caused by late secretion of insulin in baby which con-

sequently results in a rise in the infant’s blood sugar level, rendering the baby diabetic. The symptoms might result into frequent bed wetting, fatigue, persistent fungal infection, drastic loss in weight in spite of increased appetite and eventually rendering the child sick. It can be treated using balanced diet, exercising body parts, taking prescribed dose of insulin, monitoring blood sugar and psychological support for the child and family.”

One of the students who attended, Lukman Yahaya, in 300-Level Biology Education, said: “As youths, we should take proper care of our diet and body system to prevent diabetes mellitus damaging our lives.”

•Some Engineering students of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, listening to an instructor during a practical session.

PHOTO: ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

34

CAMPUS LIFE Could service be the major motive driving students into politics?

In this report, HANNAH OJO (400Level, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife) writes that greed may be a more propelling factor.

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HOUGH many would refer to them dismissively as “children”, but students in higher institutions do not see themselves as such. They also do not consider running for political office on campus as child’s play.

To print 1,000 copies of election posters cost between N20,000 and N30,000, depending on the size and design. This does not include the amount for handbills, flyers, thumbtacks, gum, starch, lapel pins, flexi banners, nomination forms, café charges and other souvenirs used for publicity.

As if these are not enough, there is another expense whose value is worth more than money. Lobbying powerful campus interest groups.

Night reading to catch up with school work, preparation for manifestos and press encounters are also part of the “must do.” There is also the need to fete supporters who come out for rally and also “settling” band boys. With all these, it is not difficult to believe the claim of Oluwaloseyi Babaeko that he spent close to N150, 000 when he ran for the office of president of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Students Union (before the union was proscribed) mid last year. Babaeko, who recently graduated from the Department of Local Government Studies, told CAMPUSLIFE , “contesting for election in a school like OAU was an enormous task. I would not have

•Students at a campaign rally at the University of Benin.

PHOTO: GILBERT ALASA

Politics of privilege survived but for the support of my family, friends and fellow students in my department”.

Competition is said to be a performance stimulant. So also for political campaign on campus.

Grammatical verbosity, corporate dressing, ability to articulately pour out quotes of philosophers and great people in history, plus a buoyancy that outlasts gibes and jeers are part of the skills needed to present a manifesto that will promise to build bridges even where there is no water.

If necessity is the mother of invention, then resourcefulness is the father: students often prove this to an impressive height. A guy who once contested for the post of Social Director popularly known as

Wale Applause placed a full size mirrors in the four female halls of residence in OAU. On it were written the words: “You deserve an applause”. The publicity stunt was an attention grabber. A handful of students would pose in front of the mirror when going out no matter the time they might have spent making up in their room. As expected, he etched his name in the minds of the ladies. At the end of the day, he won with a considerable margin beating a strong opposition.

With these aforementioned tests of faith and balance, the reason why many students still contest for election especially at the SUG level cannot be easily conjectured. Sometimes it goes as much as five or six

persons joining the fray for the office of president. It is only posts which are usually reserved – though unofficially - for female students like that of vice-president that attract the lowest interest.

Investigations carried out by CAMPUSLIFE show that for most students, it is a case of much ado about something.

Christy Nwauzor is the 13th democratically and first electronically elected vice president of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) in her school, the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo State. In her words to CAMPUSLIFE, she said: “During my campaign, I had to go out early each morning before the start of my lectures to campaign to students of vari-

ous levels in classes while they are awaiting lectures. I would repeat the routine after my lectures and still visit the hostels in the evenings. I also spent money for publication and on my manifesto night. Presently I can say the privilege I enjoy is worth the rigours of the campaign. As the VP, people look up to me. I represent my school anywhere in the country. These are enjoyment and I look forward to more!”

It may not be out of place to say that the privilege for the spoils of office is what drives most students to seek elective positions just like their contemporaries in the outside world. A source from the Ibrahim Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai Niger State, told CAMPUSLIFE that in the north generally, most of those who contested for positions, especially the Presidents are always in it for the money and fame. “Government officials find them very useful especially during elections,” the source added.

At the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA), SUG leaders wield authority as students’ representatives and they also have access to funds. “The executive officers have their own offices and the president is entitled to an official car and personal officers (advisers). I believe the aforementioned makes the office attractive,” an anonymous student said.

Esther Mark is a student at the University of Jos (UNIJOS). She quipped in: “While the SUG president at the University of Jos has an official car in addition, others are entitled to comfortable accommodation in the hostel which is different from the ordinary hostel room. They are also entitled to some form of allowance”.

At the OAU where the president does not have an official car, union officers have access to the union bus which they can use for official and unofficial purposes such as owanbe parties. Also, union officers in a particular administration collected I.O.U (money) running into thousands of Naira which they failed to remit at the end of the day.

As the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) gets set to host the 13th edition of the West Africa University Games (WAUG), WALE BAKARE (200-Level Zoology) reports on the school’s preparation.

UNILORIN set for WAUG

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IMED at promoting unity among students in universities in the sub-region, the West Africa University Games (WAUG) could be said to have come of age. The 13th edition of the games will come up between March 27 and April 7 at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).

The event which comes up every four years was first hosted by University of Ibadan (UI) in 1965. Then, nine institutions across the sub-region competed in less than 10 sporting activities. Next month, UNILORIN will be playing host to 88 universities, 6,000 athletes and over 1,000 officials. The sportsmen and women will be vying for medals in 16 activities.

The sports fiesta is coming to Nigeria from Ghana. University of Legon hosted the games in 2008.

CAMPUSLIFE learnt that UNILORIN is not sparing any expenses to ensure a standard and hitch-free event. Apart from restructuring its calendar to ensure that students are on holiday during the close to two weeks the games will last, the university has renovated some facilities and constructed new ones. Anyone who saw the university’s stadium a couple of months ago will be surprised at its new look.

The Old Pavilion has been renovated and a new one built with

modern facilities; the grass on the field has been uprooted and another planted. The basketball, volleyball and tennis courts have all been renovated with latest facilities.

Last September, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, told reporters that the institution expects to spend over N1.2billion in hosting the games. He equally added that the expected gains will be well worth it.

According to the Deputy ViceChancellor, Prof Albert Olayemi, who also doubles as Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) during his committee’s inauguration: “the University of Ilorin is prepared to bring Africa as a whole and West Africa in particular to Ilorin. The level of preparation of UNILORIN to host WAUG is not in doubt”.

He added:“we bid for hosting WAUG because we have what it takes: standard hostels, stable power supply on campus and a lot of other facilities. Nigeria should be able to live up to our image as centre of excellence to host the best ever WAUG”.

With what is already on ground, more than a month to the opening ceremony, one can safely vouch that the institution seems good for a memorable games.

The university does not seem to

•Some students posing before the newly built pavillon

‘We bid for hosting WAUG because we have what it takes: standard hostels, stable power supply on campus and a lot of other facilities Nigeria should be able to live up to our image as centre of excellence to host the best ever WAUG’ focus on meeting only standard structures; it is also investing in ensuring that its representatives retain a considerable number of the

medals for keeps. The athletes who are training day-to-day are going to be participating in all 16 games.

The Student Union Government

(SUG) is also set to do its part to ensure an impressive outing. The Sports Secretary, Michael Are, told CAMPUSLIFE that it is an honour which his government is not taking lightly. “As the university is ready to provide a most comfortable and conducive environment and make our guests feel at home, we as the union are also ready to support the management by promoting unity among the participants at the event.

It a pride and an honour to host this kind of game by all of us at the ‘Better by far” university”.

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

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CAMPUS LIFE

Education is must for every child

By Habeeb Whyte whyte287@gmail.com

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DUCATION is the root of great achievements in life. In the immortal words of Tai Solarin, “an uneducated mind is like a living corpse”. Education is a process of teaching, training and learning especially in schools and colleges

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N our world today, it is not strange to find a man or woman who prefers one of his or her children over the other based on reasons, such as “my first born or last born”. Sometimes, the circumstances surrounding the birth of a child or even the character and attitude of a child determine the kind of attention he or she receives from the parents. However, it is common knowledge that a good child will always be cherished over the bad ones.

It was on this premise that I found myself watching the proceedings of the 2011 Presidential Honours Award for corps members in Abuja a few weeks ago. Apparently, an event like this inspires hope and confidence among the youths. But then, I was not done yet when I listened to the president’s

and also to improve knowledge and develop the skills of the learner.

The United Nations through its Millennium Development Goals (MDGS) programme, which is geared towards achieving Universal Basic Primary Education by 2015, has been urging governments to educate children to make them productive beings. Also, Article 28 on the Convention on the Rights of a child makes it compulsory for every government to offer primary education to all children free of charge. It also emphasises the development of different forms of education including general and vocational education, which the government must make available and accessible to every child. It also charges the government to introduce financial assistance to the indigent where needed.

Education goes a long way in the

proper development and upbringing of a child. It is also an effective tool in the hands of the seriousminded. Once a man is educated, he becomes a policy maker in the community. Such person will be initiated to the top offices in the land.

Illiterates will naturally leave the stage for the learned people to discuss on issues affecting the society.

According to Aristotle, when a child is born, it is in a state of tabula rasa, that is, a state of no conception. If the mind of a toddler is allowed to grow in this respect, the child will not be productive. But the stream of education, being the food of the soul, must be allowed to flow into his mind and develop him. This way, generations will learn from his experiences and the society develops and advances.

Whatever thing a child would achieve is the length of what such

tion and it shall be the duty of the government, individuals, parents and guardian to provide such education.”

Educating a child is like giving a child the password to unlock success in life. It is now left for the child to make judicious use of the opportunity given to him. Such learning would help him live a responsible life.

It is incumbent upon our government officials to revive the education sector and make it affordable for all children at all levels. It is bad seeing Nigerian children receiving classes under the tree or in open spaces. It is demeaning just as it is unprogressive.

I humbly urge the government of today to please save our future from destruction by educating us well. Education is compulsory for all.

Habeeb, 400-Level Law, UNILORIN

The president’s ‘good children’ speech. I got the shocker when our president in the course of commending the youths for their efforts which culminated into this recognition and award mentioned that he was happy that the youth did not join or participate in the recent fuel subsidy removal protests that swept across the country. This statement forced me to switch off the television.

This sentence succeeded in reminding me about Ademola Aderinto, the very young man that was shot dead for expressing his right as a citizen of Nigeria by a Divisional Police Officer attached to Pen Cinema Police Station. A lot of questions cropped up in my mind.

Who was Ademola to Jonathan?

Did those corps members that got presidential awards patriotic than Ademola? Were those that participated in the subsidy protest bad Nigerians? The questions kept coming.

However, its normal for human beings to have different opinion which accurately underscores the fact that one man food is another man’s poison. This is suffice to add that one’s hero can equally turns out to be another’s villain but then, our diversity in thoughts is always guided by our conscience, hence our ability to differentiate good from evil.

I will conclude by paying tribute

For peace to reign W

HEN in 1914, Sir Lord Luggard amalgamated the Northern and Southern protectorates, little did he know that he was creating a nation of many nationalities that would be torn apart by ethnic and religious bigotry. It is evident from the religious unrest, ethnic acrimony and a struggle for the control of the centre that all is not well with to nation Luggard’s wife christened Nigeria.

The spate of bombings in the country especially the Christmas day bombings of a church in Madalla Niger State, and similar occurrences in Jos and Damaturu

by Boko Haram seem to suggest that those who want our beloved country to break are working assiduously to achieve their objective. The killing of worshippers in Madalla on Christmas day by Boko Haram was designed to break the nation apart. When did it become a crime to go to church to give glory to God for the mercies He showered on all His creatures? This is a country occupies

by Christians, Muslims, traditional worshipers and other minority religions. No religion can lay claim to this entity called Nigeria as we are all bounded by common humanity.

However, it is a common occurrence nowadays to wake up to the news that some bigoted sect members have thrown bombs on defenseless civilians because they want their religious code of conduct to be foisted on the nation.

These attacks have become worrisome as the activities of the socalled fundamentalists have put Nigeria on edge of precipice. One wonders what the sponsors of this deadly sect seek to gain from spilling the blood of their fellow countrymen.

As I write this, Christians and

child embodied through learning.

A child’s brain works along with the capacity of aspiration if educated. The education of a child must be made compulsory and must start at the toddling stage because this is a sensitive phase for humans.

The UN’s target, the way I see it, is a plan for the future. With the dynamic nature of life, it seems all the countries of the world have now seen the reason education should be made compulsory for the citizens.

If truly the UN plans to achieve the set goals for education by 2015, more classrooms must be built in learning-enabling environment to aid unfettered transmission of sound education. Writing and reading materials should be given to students free of charge.

Section 15 of the Child’s Right Law states that: “Every child has right to free and universal primary educa-

Muslims in the North are continually threatened to return to their place or face the consequences of their continued stay in the sect catchment area. Many of the affected people have been living in the North for many decades and most of their children know only a place as home: North. How can someone, in a supposed united country, tell his fellow countrymen to leave a place they have spent their whole live? This is not country our founding fathers bequeathed to us.

The fear being expressed by the displaced people in the North is understandable owing to the fact that many have lost confidence in the government of President Goodluck Jonathan. The confidence was not just lost overnight, but Jonathan’s crass inability to secure lives and property has made many to run even at a slight provocation in the North.

However, the aim of this discourse is not to apportion blames to individuals or groups. Suffice it to say that the response of some Nigerians to sectarian violence is commendable. Particularly, the visit of a group of Muslims to Christians in Kano, after the massacre that claimed the life a promising Channels TV reporter, is a step forward. It shows that a vast majority of Nigerians are good people who are interested in the continuous existence of Nigeria as a single indivisible entity.

During the civil war, our continuous existence as an entity was threatened, but together we fought side by side, not as people with different religious backgrounds, but as people with the same goal – to keep Nigeria as one. Our peaceful co-existence is once again being threatened and I enjoin us all to join hands to ensure that the seeds of disunity

to the heroes of fuel subsidy protest - Ademola Aderinto and 10 others that were mowed down by the police. l pray for the repose of their souls and may God grant their parents and family the fortitude to bear irreparable loss. They must take solace in the fact that these youths died for a noble course: to fight for many us.

For us that are alive, we will continue to be the “bad children of our president” in order to build a great country where peace, justice, equity and freedom (economic freedom that Ademola et al died for) shall reign. God bless Nigeria.

Daniel, 400-Level Applied Biology, EBSU

By Daniel Lawrence larryoung4real@yahoo.com

Nigeria: The sun may not rise tomorrow

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By Philip Okorodudu profphilip2004@yahoo.com

being planted to destroy our country are not allowed to germinate, sprout and bear fruits.

The Boko Haram members are religious bigots who are brainwashed and believed to be fighting a just cause. All Christians and Muslims alike must join hands to tackle this enemy that are killing humanity created by the common God we worship. Let us Nigerians pray for our leaders and particularly our president, who have been criticised for his inactions.

We must therefore brace up for the challenges ahead. This is the time to re-affirm our pledge to Nigeria; this is the time to obey her call for the labours of our hero’s past which must not be in vain. Let us sheath our sword and protect the sovereignty of this country. Let us pray for our dearest country in our different dialects and religion so that peace might reign supreme.

Philip, 400-Level Elect/Elect and Computer Engineering, DELSU

HERE are Nigerians that witnessed the progress of our country in the preindependence era. There are also those who witnessed the oil boom in the 70’s and who were sponsored abroad to further their education through the fortunes garnered from oil sales. These people can say that the generations born after these periods have not enjoyed one-third of what they are expected to enjoy being citizens of this country.

From the now dead groundnut pyramids of Kano in the North to the abandoned coal pits of Enugu in East of Nigeria, the neglected tin mines of Jos in central Nigeria to the untapped cocoa plantations of western Nigeria, the citizens once had hope but the hope seems to be dim.

Aspirations we effused as pupils in primary schools, the resplendent white of our school uniforms and the lush green of the environment where we learned and recite Nigeria’s anthem, we grow up to be exposed to the condition of unemployment which now takes toll on our country like a hurricane.

There once was optimism.

Today, bulk of Nigerian youths is either ignorant or disillusioned.

They have been pushed to the wall by our rulers, I mean the looters, who have equally looted the future of the country as they plunder the resources of this nation. Our politicians stole our collective wealth and handed out N65,000 to unemployed youths during electioneering to purchase Chinese motorcycles to get busy after obtaining university degrees.

Go to Lagos highways, there are many skilled men who ride the big bicycle to feed families. Is this a country?

They even created monsters out of these able men. Some of them that have lost hope took to drugs

By Joy Idowu talk2kolayemi@yahoo.com

and marijuana.

Nigerian Politicians seek the services of these evil one to foment chaos and rigged election in their favour. In the course of their bloody political rallies, defenseless citizens would be attacked and killed. Nobody prosecutes these thugs because their godfathers know people in the temple of justice. What a country.

Women who are supposed to be the moral fiber of the nation have been turned to sex objects. Some, due to hardship, are forced to take to prostitution. Underage girlchild hawks worthless ware on highways in a country blessed with oil and cocoa!

Everyone’s one brain has been inundated with how to make money to escape the ravaging poverty designed by the political class. No jobs to make the youth productive. Many of our able youths have been employed online: they do scam businesses and fraud on the internet. Countries, whose citizens were scammed, visited the sin of these scammers on innocent Nigerians that travel abroad to do legitimate businesses. They frisk our fellow countrymen in the open because they carry green passport.

We have Nigerians in diaspora who are making waves. Phillip Emeagwali invented internet with other white guys. Aliyu Jelani built Chevrolet Volt in the US. Akeem “The Dream” Olajuwon dazzled even his white fans with his superb dexterity in basketball game.

Agbani Darego launched Nigeria into the consciousness of the world with her beauty and intelligence.

Alas, there are many Nigerians •Continued on page 36

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

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CAMPUS LIFE As the 2011 Batch A corps members prepare to pass out next week, they wonder what awaits them after the year-long exercise. BUSAYO DADA (one of them in Onitsha, Anambra State) spoke to some of his colleagues.

What next after NYSC?

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URRENT realities have forced serving members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to declare that their future lies in their hand. While a good number of them still look out for what they call “lucrative” jobs, not many still consider it a birthright for the government and the multinationals to employ them.

Tajudeen Yusuf is a Batch A corps member serving with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Microfinance Bank at Onitsha. He said:“After service I wish to be employed in a company where I will be able to practice my profession as an accountant. I believe in God that He will do it for me”.

Michael Alemogho is with the Government Technical College, Onitsha: “There are many challenges after service, so I do not expect things to be very easy. That is why I’m willing to grab any opportunity I get”.

For Ehikioya Okotie, there are two options. “I have to go to the world to exploit what I have read as an accountant; I would love to get job in an accounting firm. But while working and waiting for that to come through, I will go into production of snail rearing and other things we learn whilst on camp. I need finance though; I expect to get it through a government loan”.

Godday Agbagbuo has similar plans but for financing, he expects to use his personal savings as well as “turn back to my family for extra financial backing”.

Audu Ochefiye has saved something from his NYSC allowance so “while my desire is to go straight for a Masters degree, I’ll need money to support myself; thus where I am unable to get a job, I will use the money raised from NYSC allowance to start something”.

Another person, Fridays Obot, has an entirely different desire: it is to protect and uphold the integrity of the nation. “My vision after NYSC is to enlist into the Nigeria Army via the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA). My aim is to serves my father land, to protect the

•Hannah

•Hammed

•Happiness

sovereignty of my country against internal and external aggression and to tackle the internal insecurity in my country”.

Victoria Jinadu is out to hold the government to one of the major thrusts of its Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment (SURE) programme, creation of employment opportunities. She says: “I am optimistic that government will create jobs for us because Dr (Ngozi) Okonjo-Iweala and President Goodluck Jonathan have sworn to do that with the money from partial removal of fuel subsidy. Therefore, I am very expectant”.

She has a supporter in Happiness Joseph, who says: “Having removed fuel subsidy, government should ensure that there is constant electricity as well as other basic infrastructure. This way, liquidated companies and new ones will come up; these will be able to absorb graduating corps members like us”.

However, Rashid Yahaya sounds a note of caution. Describing the period after NYSC as “a critical stage,” he explained: “I advise my colleagues not to rely on the government to

provide jobs for them. The best is for each of us to apply the skills we acquired from school and NYSC to start our own businesses. I say so because there are many people out there looking for what I call non-available jobs”.

Hannah Etim, who studied Crop Science in the university, is comfortable with Rashid’s advice. “My vision after my serving year is to practice my profession which is to get a farm with the little saving I made from NYSC allowance. All the same, considering that not all of us have what it takes to go into business, government should endeavour to establish industries in each state to enable them to eliminate the high unemployment rate.

Another step is to ensure that those due for retirement are sent home; this way, there will be space to absorb some new hands”.

In his contribution to the discourse, Amos Iseghohimhan seems to capture most of the thoughts expressed by his colleagues. “Government cannot fold its arms because creating more employment opportunities is thought to be a gargantuan task considering

the number of those passing out from NYSC every year. No; that is irresponsible. While at the task of creating these jobs, care should be taken to find out the graduates’ areas of specialisation. This will help the government to know what is needed most and put a round peg in a round hole. For instance those who studied Education should be placed in the classrooms and be well motivated. Similar placements should be made for those who studied Engineering, Mass Communication, Business and Administration, Arts, etc. Each should be well placed. This way everybody will have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development of the nation.

“In addition, opportunity should be created for those who want to be self-employed to be able to do so. The best way to do this is to make loans available as well as provide training and regulatory services for the new businesses. This way, more employment will be created for others,” he concluded.

The sun might not rise tomorrow •Continued from page 35

with equal and untapped gift to achieve unachievable in the world, but with the present setting, the Nazareth seems to be dry.

Many readers would have concluded that I am too pessimistic to see something good in Nigeria. The truth is that I see my country as a potential giant. But what is now the essence of having a potential without exploiting to the good of all.

Nigeria reeks of injustice just as the way it has unfulfilled dreams. We don’t have any

On and Off Campus

invention that come from within the country but guns, which Physics students of other countries put together, are sold to us to kill ourselves. I am impatient that though we look forward to the future but the future has slowed down to meet us. I am impatient that we are on the brink of coming face to face with an unusual future. I am impatient that: “Nigeria – the sun might not rise (again) tomorrow”.

Joy, 400-Level Mass Comm., BUK

By Solomon Izekor 08061522600 •The students with Dr Olotu (middle) at the rally

Medical students campaign against cancer

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HE Nigerian Medical Students’ Association (NiMSA) in conjunction with the Obafemi Awolowo University Students Medical Students’ Association (IFUMSA) and the National Cancer Control Programme held a rally on February 4, to mark the World Cancer Day. Venues were the market places in Ile-Ife. Isaiah Eilojie, the NiMSA president, told our correspondent that the rally was not to create fear or scare anyone in the market. He said: “Today, we are joining the rest of the world to campaign against cancer. We want these market men and women to realise that two-third of cases of cancer reported early in the hospital can be cured. Early detection is very important.”

The NiMSA Media Relations Officer, Anuri Emeh, told CAMPUSLIFE that the awareness programme was necessary because “cancer has killed many people in Nigeria, yet many of these market men and women are ignorant of its risk factors.”

She added: “We need to inform them that smoking, having multiple sexual partners, eating habits among other risk factors can be the cause of cancer in the body.”

Elijah Ogunkoya, Deputy Speaker, Stu-

From Samson Ademola OAU

dents’ Representative Board of IFUMSA, said: “Cancer is an abnormal fast growing cell in the body. This growth also spreads fast to other parts of the body, which also become affected.” He said breast cancer is prevalent in Nigeria.

The procession of the students moved to strategic places at the market, singing “Se wo mo pe cancer ti pa opo ni Nigeria?” meaning “do you know that many people have died of cancer in Nigeria?”

Pamphlets were distributed in English and in the three major Nigerian languages to the traders. The pamphlets were also gender sensitive, such that men’s pamphlet addressed solely cancer common with men while women’s were designed for women. The rally also featured one-on-one interaction with the market women.

“The responses we got from the marketers were encouraging,” one of the students said.

Dr. Elijah displayed how women can palpate their breast for pea-sized lumps while standing before the mirror. The marketers prayed for the students after the event.

37

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

EDUCATION

Scholar seeks research on Boko Haram

FUNAAB FILE VC okays projects

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O prevent the Boko Haram threat from spreading to the academia, there is need for more research into the sect’s ideological, sociological and religious thinkings, a scholar has said.

Prof. Francis Egbokhare, a linguistics scholar at the University of Ibadan (UI) said by so doing, the academia will be helping to solve the Boko Haram problem.

At a colloquium, "Emeka Ojukwu: The end of an era," organised to commemorate the 51st birthday of the Dean, College of Humanities and Culture, Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Prof Siyan Oyeweso, Egbokhare said there was an urgent need for such research because of the sect’s directive to Southerners to leave the North.

The event held at the Ikire campus of UNIOSUN saw participants analysing the life Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, an Oxford graduate who led the defunct Eastern Region to a civil war in 1967.

The discourse, which centred on as his death is a challenge to the causes of the war vis-a-vis Ojukwu as a hero or a villain also examined the growing threats of insurgent groups and ethnic militias like Boko Haram, and what challenge they create for the academia.

Egbokhare said: "In terms of movement of academia into the north, people are now afraid to go to the north because you are not quite sure exactly how much of Book Haram is even within the academia itself. This is because there appears to be some ideological basis for them in terms of sup-

Ogun to standardise part-time programmes

• Adeshina, Oyeweso, Egbokhare, Dr Ademola Onifade, former Commissioner of Education in Osun State and Hon. Sola Oladepo at the event

By Adegunle Olugbamila

port. For us in the academia, there will be very little flow of ideas now to northern Nigeria in terms of international relationships, university exchanges, and visits by international scholars, among others.

"There are some programmes and collaborations that are already collapsing because of declaration of Nigeria as one of the unsafe environments by some countries. Even the whole idea of webometric ranking which is sometimes hinged on

internalisation, is already being affected adversely."

"We need to look at issues from research perspective; we should do sociological analysis. We need to analyse Boko Haram culturally, institutionally and situate it within the context of the Nigerian nation."

Prof Charles Olutayo Adesina of the Department of History, UI, said Ojukwu’s death is a challenge to the academia on how to address ethnic grievances. Ojukwu’s death last November 26, he said, signaled no end to the era of ethnic and religious

We need to look at issues from research perspective; we should do sociological analysis. We need to analyse Boko Haram culturally, institutionally and situate it within the context of the Nigerian nation

lopsidedness in the country.

Adeshina also harped on five virtues of Ojukwu: his principled vision, a fighter of his people, his ingenuity, oratorical skills and the 'never say-die-spirit, noting that tertiary institutions can be better off if they can only re-invent those qualities.

"The Biafra Research and Production (RAP) group is a pointer to how creative Okukwu was. He recognised and tapped into the creative ingenuity of Igbo people. Nigerian leaders have not been able to replicate this feat. We have therefore become consumers of all manners of goods from different parts of the world," he said.

The convener Prof Oyeweso submitted that the civil war transcended the alleged political ambition of Ojukwu, and therefore should be a reference point especially in the academia on how the current challenges facing the nation could be addressed.

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HE Ogun State government has directed tertiary institution in the state to ensure that their part-time study centres comply with laid down rules.

The Director, Academic Planning and Evaluation of the Bureau of Tertiary Institutions, Dr Funlayo Sodipo, made this known during an inspection of Tai Solarin College of Education Part-Time study centres at Moslem Comprehensive High School, Ijebu-Ode, Wesley School College Iperu Remo and Batoro High School, Sagamu.

According to her, the inspection of the study centres were established in line with the policy of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).

She noted that the visitation was necessary to ensure quality assurance so that the standard of graduates being turned out by tertiary institutions is not compromised.

The Co-ordinator of centre, Mr Wale Adekoya, assured that all the programmes run by the institution have full accreditation from the; NCCE, adding that the admission, review of academic curriculum as well as conduct of examinations are properly moderated by the main campus.

The co-ordinator also pointed out that ICT and library facilities would be made available for the use of students, while first degree holders among the lecturers are being encouraged to obtain their Masters within the next two years.

THE Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun, is satisfied with the work done on virtually all the on-going projects in the university.

Balogun spoke while inspecting the projects, billed for inauguration before the expiration of his tenure, in May. The Vice-Chancellor, who was conducted round by the Director of Physical Planning Unit, Mr Babatunde Ayodele, inspected the Zoological Garden, FUNAAB Staff School, Chancellor's Lodge, Vice-Chancellor's Lodge, International Scholars' Complex, 24room guest house, 500-capacity computer laboratory and four female hostels.

He commended most of the contractors for a job well done, while chastising a few for delays and poor quality. Consequently, he directed Ayodele to give letters of warning and notices of deadline to all such contractors.

Sports Directorate relocates THE FUNAAB Sports' Directorate has relocated to an ultra-modern office complex, at the university's sports' centre.

The nine-office and conference room facility is tastefully furnished; the equipment store is fitted with cabinet and trolleys.

Director of Sports Mr Bayo Oluwatoki thanked the ViceChancellor, Prof Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun for his visionary leadership.

"In the history of FUNAAB, it has never happened this way for sports. For 23 years, the Directorate of Sports has never had a befitting office until now, courtesy of our sports loving ViceChancellor", he said.

The Directorate moved to a befitting permanent office complex, on January 3, prompting the new Director of Sports, Mr. Bayo Oluwatoki to declare biblically that: "when God returns the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream".

With the movement, the Directorate has joined other units that recently relocated to their permanent edifices, including the Postgraduate School, College of Food and Human Ecology (COLFHEC), and College of Management Sciences (COLMAS).

Don, others bag NSE award

• A cross section of the sudents swearing the matriculation oath.

VC advises matriculating students

V

ICE-CHANCELLOR of the Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Prof Hassan Okeleye, has urged students to their studies seriously.

Speaking at the matriculation of 242 new students, Okeleye urged them to walk in the right direction as their journey of four years begins with a step.

He added that "class tests, course attendance, tutorial grading as well as laboratory scoring" would contribute to their final marks for each course.

Congratulating the students for their admission, the Vice-Chancellor noted that the university was equipped for their training.

"The advantages of studying here include a high teacher-student ratio which, in virtually all our programmes is below the National Universities Commission (NUC) recommended ratio, wellequipped laboratories and studios, NUC accredited programmes, stable academic calendar and serene learning environment," he said.

Okeleye disclosed that the university was about starting the fifth college, College of Law (COLAW) which has been visited for resource verification by the NUC. Observing that in line with the institution's philosophy of encouraging girl child education, 49 per

cent of the new intakes are females, Okeleye thanked the Zamfara State government for sponsoring some students on scholarship to study degree and sub-degree programmes in the university. He added that this is a way of fostering unity between the north and southern parts of the country.

The Director, Higher and Technical Education, Zamfara State, Mallam Ahmadu Abdullah, admonished students from the state to be good ambassadors, stressing that any of them caught with examination malpractices would not only be expelled by the university but be further prosecuted by the state.

FIVE members of the FUNAAB were honoured at a ceremony by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Abeokuta branch. It was during the invertiture of the branch new chairman, induction of new members, award ceremony and quarterly lecture.

A Professor of Food Engineering, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Babatunde Adewumi, led the team of honorees.

Adewumi, accompanied by his wife, bagged the NSE Award of Excellence. Two students, Seun Ajibade of the Department of Agricultural Engineering and Ifeanyi Okpala of the Department of Civil Engineering emerged first and second runners on the essay competition.

Two others Miss Olusola Olufunke Nuga and Mr Benedict Uche Anyanwu were inducted as new members of NSE. In his acceptance speech, the new NSE Chairman, Rev Awotunde Awolana promised to sustain the confidence reposed in him by taking the Society to greater heights.

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

38

EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP

ADOPOLY FILE Medical college reviews curriculum THE College of Medicine, Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti will be a pride to the country when the review of its medical curriculum is completed, its ViceChancellor Prof. Patrick Aina, has said.

Speaking at a curriculum workshop organised by the college, Aina said the aim of reviewing the curriculum was to update it to fulfil accreditation requirements of the regulatory bodies the National Universities Commission, (NUC) and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and to take care of the international recognition.

Aina, who said a curriculum must be relevant to the milieu in which the institution is situated, expressed confidence that the leadership of the college would utilise the available resources to turn it around.

Earlier, in a welcome address, the Provost of the college, Prof G.J. Esan said the review was in line with NUC and MDCN recommendations and urged the participants to put in their best at the workshop. At the workshop which lasted for two days, issues on Basic Medical Science, Basic Clinical Sciences and Clinical Sciences were discussed.

Resource persons were drawn from the academia, medicine, as well as professionals grounded in curriculum development.

Monarchs give support THE Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, has promised to support the EKSU management in re-positioning the institution. The Alaworoko of Iworoko, Oba Michael Aladejana, pledged to fight cultism, on the campus.

The two traditional rulers spoke during separate visits by the university management to their palaces in Ado-Ekiti and IworokoEkiti. The Ewi noted that Aina's appointment as Vice-Chancellor would bring about the rapid development of the institution. He recounted the support of his people to EKSU, particularly in the construction of buildings in the Faculty of Law and promised to do more.

At Iworoko-Ekiti, Oba Aladejana told the Vice-Chancellor that with a large population of the students residing in his domain, he had no option than to be a partner in progress, particularly in the crusade to eradicate cultism.

He, however, pleaded that the institution should use its influence to attract the establishment of a Commercial Bank in his domain saying "this will be one of the benefits of being a university immediate community."

Committee meets landlords THE off-campus hostel accommodation committee has met with owners of off-campus hostels to enhance their symbiotic relationship.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Aina, who inaugurated the committee shortly before the meeting, said there was the need for the university to meet regularly with hostel accommodation providers to enhance the well-being of students who are their tenants and also to safeguard the interests of the hostel providers.

The Vice-Chancellor, represented by Prof. J. A. Adegun, pointed out that the committee would reveal the true status of those accommodated.

APPROACHING DEADLINES United Nationals Fellowships for African Descendants - Call for Application: Fellowship in the field of Human rights for the applicants of Africa, Switzerland

guage skills, both written and spoken (proficiency in other languages is an advantage)

Study Subject(s):Human rights Course Level:Fellowship Scholarship Provider: United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Scholarship can be taken at: Switzerland

Scholarship Description: This position will require significant initiative, problem solving skills and the ability to work independently. The principal responsibility of the Post Doc will be to develop mathematical models of CBPP for the purposes of analyzing CBPP transmission dynamics and the performance of biotechnological interventions intended as tools to mitigate the impact of CBPP. The Post doc will also contribute to data analysis of the results of CBPP experiments especially where the results may contribute to more reliable estimates of modelling parameters.

Eligibility: The candidate must be an African descendant living in the Diaspora.

The candidate must have a minimum of four years of experience related to the human rights of People of African Descent.

The candidate must be fluent in the English language to be able to participate fully in the programme.

The candidate is nominated by an organisation working on issues related to People of African Descent or minority rights Scholarship Open for International Students: Yes (Africa) Scholarship Description: The Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent provides participants with an intensive learning opportunity to deepen their understanding of the United Nations human rights system, instruments and mechanisms, with a focus on issues of particular relevance to people of African descent. The Programme will allow the participants to better contribute to the protection and promotion of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of Afro-descendants in their respective countries. The first Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent was launched by the AntiDiscrimination Section of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in 2011 in the context of the International Year for People of African Descent.

How to Apply: By Email

How to Apply: By electronically Scholarship Application Deadline: January 23, 2012 Read more: http://scholarship-positions.com Postgraduate Scholarships in Energy Research at University of Cape Town, South Africa Study Subject(s):Energy Research Course Level:Postgraduate Scholarship Provider: The Dutkiewicz Family Trust Scholarship can be taken at: South Africa Eligibility: Applicants must have achieved a weighted average of at least 60% in the final year of the previous qualification. Suitable candidates must have demonstrated a passion for the study of energy There is no restriction on nationality, race or gender.

Scholarship Open for International Students: Yes

Scholarship Application Deadline: January 15, 2012 Read more: http://scholarship-positions.com The International Livestock Research Institute offers Postdoctoral Position in the field of life sciences, 2012 Africa Study Subject(s):Life Sciences Course Level:Postdoctoral Scholarship Provider: The International Livestock Research Institute Scholarship can be taken at: Africa Eligibility: A Ph.D. in the life sciences; A proven record reflecting experience in research design, quantitative and qualitative analytic methods and producing peerreviewed outputs; Experience in multi-disciplinary and multi-national team of researchers and development practitioners; A track record that reflect strong problem solving skills and initiative; Computer literacy including knowledge of word processing and data analysis software packages; Strong English lan-

U

Scholarship Open for International Students: No

Scholarship Description: The successful candidate will be required to: - Provide a mid-year progress report, reflecting grades achieved for mid-year examinations as well as comment by the Course Convenor/Supervisor on progress of the research project. -Provide a full report on the year's study including final results and a copy of the research project (if applicable) - Provide an account of expenditure of the scholarship -Submit a letter of acknowledgement to the Dutkiewicz Family Trust - Present the work and interim or final findings of the research project to the Trustees of the Dutkiewicz Family Trust - Repay all or part of the scholarship to the University of Cape Town should she/he withdraw from the course for which the scholarship has been awarded; deregister or fail to achieve the degree in the agreed timeframe. - Undertake to comply with the University's approved policies, procedures and practices on postgraduate funding.

How to Apply: By Post Scholarship Application Deadline: January 20, 2012 Read more: http://scholarship-positions.com

Varsities get tips on global recognition

NIVERSITIES have been given tips on how to gain international recognition.

According to Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, Chairman, Executive Trainers Ltd.(ETL), they can attain that height by maintaining regular academic calendar, keeping facilities in order, effectively managing crisis, generating revenue creatively and establishing foreign linkages among others.

But he said putting all these in place requires high level training for universities’ managers.

In an interview with The Nation, Ogunsan said by learning from administrators and academics running world class universities, vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, registrars, deans and other officers can reposition their institutions to be more competitive.

His firm is helping the country’s tertiary institutions to achieve this goal by facilitating training for their chief executives and other top cadre officers in renowned universities and business schools around the world.

Ogunsan said the firm since 2008 has focused on addressing areas of deficiencies that seem peculiar to institutions.

"We are experts in solving tertiary institutions' problems.

Our area of interest is leadership because we believe that to change a system, you should change the leaders. We train vice-chancellors, rectors, governing council members, provosts. We look at areas of deficiencies where they are not doing well; areas that make other institutions better than Nigeria's," he said.

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

Apart from learning from the cream of facilitators from the institutions they visit, Ogunsan said such training provides platform for principal officers to establish linkages that would benefit their institutions in many ways.

"We establish linkages and collaborations between the universities and foreign institutions.

We help with exchange programmes, establishing business schools and the like," he said.

For every month of this year, ETL is taking CEOs of tertiary institutions to locations around the world for grooming on various themes. Some of the venues are Etisalat Academy, Dubai, where they will be learning about "Crisis and Emergency Management in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions"; Richard Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario, Canada, where facilitators will tackle "Developing Result-0riented Strategies for World Class Business and Public Institutions";Georgetown University McDonough Business School, Washington DC, U.S. where the focus will be on "Creating and Leading High Performing Human and Financial Resources for Maximum Results"; and Imoversotu pf Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa, where the academics and administrators will learn about "Building High Performance and Successful

Leadership Skills in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions."

Given their roles in ensuring peace among the student populace on campus, Ogunsan said students' union leaders cannot be left out of these training. He explained that ETL has plans to involve these leaders in crisis management training for this year so they can learn how students unions in foreign universities communicate their grievances without situations degenerating to a free for all.

"The next edition of crisis management programme we will have will not only be for VCs, but for students union leaders so they can learn to tell the school authorities about problems in a more dignifying manner," he said.

However, despite the fact that many tertiary institutions are interested in these trainings, Ogunsan lamented that the bureaucracy of getting approval from appropriate quarters robs many executives of the chance to participate. This challenge, which he noted is peculiar to publicowned tertiary institutions, negatively affects ETL's dealings with the foreign institutions, especially when programmes have to be rescheduled. The delay s in obtaining visas also poses its own problems.

He said: "Bureaucracy in the Nigerian system affects us. When we deal with private institutions, a private university vicechancellor will respond faster.

Most times, we talk to the proprietors.

But for public institutions, they need to get approval and it does not always happen on time. When they don't register on time, it affects getting

• Ogunsan visas and making arrangements.

This affects our relationship with facilitators and clients abroad.

They think we are not serious.

When we have to postpone programmes, they get upset.

Sometimes, vice-chancellors apply to the Education Trust Fund (ETF) for funds in February and get such approval in April by which time the programme they want to attend has come and gone."

This notwithstanding, Ogunsan said those executives that attend ETL programmes usually get value for their investment as the firm ensures that they are taught by the best facilitators in the business.

"We are very choosy about the calibre of facilitators that train our people. I cannot carry 10 to 15 vicechancellors from here to listen to just anybody.

I go to the universities and inspect their facilities to be sure they are in order. Our facilitators are always the best," he said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

39

EDUCATION Debate, football keep Lagos pupils busy

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HE prizes are few, but the competitors are many, 640 pupils from 64 public senior secondary schools in Lagos State are chasing eight prizes.

At stake is an ICT laboratory equpped with HP laptop computers that will go to the last eight schools standing.

The pupils began grooming for the yearly Lagos State Schools Debate competition at the Lagos State Education Resource Centre, Ojodu, where the draws also took place.

The speakers of each school's team were counselled by consultants partnering with Lagos State on the competition to be confident, focused, good listeners, do thorough research, focused, and use facts well during the grooming that lasted two days.

Mr Ivor Ekpe, who spoke on the Debating Process, warned the debaters against using words they are not sure about. He also told supporting speakers they are as important as the lead speakers in any team as they must finish the work their lead speakers start. Also, they have the important role of listening while their opponents speak so they can counter the points intelligently.

"Support speakers, understand one thing that you are as important as your lead speaker. You're slightly even more important. If they do all that work and you don't support well or you mess it up, you lose. The only difference between you two is that the chief speaker has more time to speak," he said.

In researching their topics, moderator of the competition, Mr Babs Fatunbi advised the students to take current affairs into account

Debating is very critical. It gives certain skills for the outside world including analytical and research skills.

You will find that you will come to situations where you have to analyse and defend certain procedures

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

and employ them as examples as it could give them the edge over their opponents.

"Any topic you are given, try and speak on it very well and be confident in yourself. Look at each of your points very well. Pay attention to your carriage and dressing," he said.

On his part, Mr Bisi Osuneye, whose firm, New Africa secured the HP sponsorship for the competition, told the pupils that participating in the debate would imbue them with life skills they can utilise in the world of work.

"Debating is very critical. It gives certain skills for the outside world including analytical and research skills. You will find that you will come to situations where you have to analyse and defend certain procedures," he said.

Osuneye added that a website has been created to showcase the event, which will also be on Facebook and Twitter. Similarly, 24 male and female secondary school football teams are trading tackles in the group stage of the 2012 Princpal's Cup this week.

Draws for the competition being sponsored by GTBank Plc held last Thursday at the Lagos State Education Resource Centre, Ojodu.

The teams began playing their matches at Government Technical College, Agidingbi; Lagos State Model College, Igbogbo; Dairy Farm Secondary School, Agege; and Egan Girls' High School from Monday.

Semi-finals for the competition will hold February 14 and 15 while the final, which will be watched by Governor Babatunde Fashola, will be played on a yet to be determined date. As she opened the draws, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, Education Commissioner, urged the teams to embrace fair play.

"I declare this open and charge the boys and girls to have a good spirit of competition. This is not a do-ordie affair. The best team will surely win. Last year, we had to disqualify some schools because they imported players.

This is unacceptable," she said.

Mrs Lola Odedina of GTBank said beyond sponsoring the tournament, the bank would once again invite the best players to camp (Camp GTBank) where a foreign coach would be employed to identify those among them that could become high flying professional footballers in future.

She urged them to use the competition as a platform to develop academically and in sports to guarantee a successful future.

• Adelakun (right) watching the ACN chairman in Afijio LG Area presenting a cheque of N1.35million to a representative of NUT

Lawmaker sponsors prep classes

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MEMBER of Oyo State House of Assembly, Femi Adelakun, is paying teachers in the area N500 for after school classes.

The classes, which hold between 2.45 pm and 4.15pm from Monday to Thursday for JSS1 - SS2 pupils were instituted in 20 public secondary schools in the area following meetings Adelakun, held with principals and teachers on how to improve education.

Also, under the programme tagged: "Ajimobi Remedial Studies", it is compulsory for all SS3 pupils to attend classes on Saturdays and Sundays between 9am and 6pm.

Presenting a cheque of N1.35

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

million to the prep committee at Jobele, for the services rendered during the first term of the 2011/ 2012 academic session, Adelakun said work has begun on the construction of three blocks of classrooms each in schools at Awe and Jobele.

He said efforts were also being intensified to open up rural feeder roads to reduce hardships encountered by teachers transferred to the villages.

While urging the teachers to remain committed to improving standard of education, the ACN Lawmaker assured them of more incentives as they discharge of their

duties.

Chairman, Reps Committee, Mr Sina Adesina, said the programme has really impacted positively on the reading culture of the pupils.

"In fact, we discovered that these pupils lack reading culture, because they don't read at home.

But since the commencement of the programme, there has been appreciable improvement such that they can read conveniently and assimilate the contents in the books. This is a positive signal for better performance of the pupils in the nearest future. We are indeed glad to be part of this educational development programme.”

British Council holds fair

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EPRESENTATIVES of 60 tertiary institutions in the United Kingdom are expected to set up shop at the Nineth British Council 2012 UK Education Fair in Lagos billed to hold on Thursday and Friday next week at the Expo Center of the Eko Hotel, Victoria Island.

Addressing reporters at a press briefing to announce the event, Mrs Adetomi Soyinka, Project Manager, British Council, said the exhibition provides students an opportunity to talk face to face with representatives from the institutions.

She said they would also get to learn of scholarship opportunities and the UK visa application process.

"They would get a proper understanding of what the UK visa

By Medinat Kanabe

application process is like. It is going to be a good shopping ground for people because there is no information that you want that won't be provided, no question won't be answered. If you bring your credentials with you and you are lucky enough some students are offered admission on the spot," she said.

Speaking on the advantage of studying in the UK, the Project Manager, Education, British Council, Mr Akin Alamu said you get value for your money as most UK courses are intensive but not as long as those in the United States.

"If you study in the UK, you have the opportunity to study in a fulfilling environment and get to meet people from other parts of the

world.

UK educational qualifications are respected all over the world and employers of labour always prefer to employ them," he said.

He also listed programmes popular with the over 17, 000 Nigerian students studying in the UK, including: engineering and technology, law, business and administrative study, physical science, biological science, medicine, architecture, building among others.

Akin said 3,000 prospective students are expected at the exhibition.

Hinting that over 17, 000 Nigerians are studying in the UK, Mr Akin said they charge a premium of N1,500 to admit prospective students to the exhibition centre.

Council to drum support for education through theatre

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ALL it teaching by drama and you may not be wrong.

Soon, theatre troupes will hit Agege, a Lagos suburb, with dramas whose messages will centre on parental commitment to children education and community support for schools.

Representatives of the Education Sector Support Programme in Nigeria (ESSPIN), who visited the Agege Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), to learn of developments that have improved quality education delivery, said the area’s peculiar challenges would be developed into scripts. The scripts will be acted with the hope of bringing about positive changes, they said.

Education Secretary, Olalekan Majiyagbe, who received the visitors, among whom were Prof Tor Lorapuu, Theatre, Knowledge and Drama (TKD) Consultant for ESSPIN, and Mr Tolase Olatinwo, Knowledge Management

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

Specialist for Kwara and Lagos States, at the LGEA headquarters within the Dairy Farm Primary School complex, took time to highlight his achievements before taking them on tour of some primary schools.

Representatives of the SchoolBased Management Committees (SBMC) of schools, nongovernmental orgnisations that work with public schools within Agege, head teachers, Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), parents, workers of the LGEA, among others, told the visitors of areas where appropriate intervention would help improve school attendance and enhance learning.

Speaking on interventions he introduced that have changed public primary and junior schools in Agege, Majiyagbe said since assuming office, he has been able to address the problems of

dilapidation of school facilities, indiscipline among workers, lack of training for teachers and administrators, among others.

As a result, he said schools in the LGEA have improved as learning is taking place.

"When I came, I met dilapidated facilities and a high level of indiscipline. I had to go back to the drawing board.

I have enforced strategies to ensure compliance to civil service rules.

Some people used to come to work only thrice weekly. All these have stopped. Agege LGEA is the first to train members of staff from its own funds without the support of ESSPIN or SUBEB. We trained 350 teaching staff, clerical staff and food vendors. The school system has improved a lot. Teachers' attitude to work has changed," he said.

However, Majiyagbe urged ESSPIN, which is partnering with the Lagos State government to

improve quality of teaching and learning in schools through provision of basic facilities, and training of teachers and school managers, to support the LGEA with more funds.

Challenges other stakeholders who spoke seek to be addressed include dropout rate among teenage girls, lack of support from community, poor parents forcing their wards to private schools even when they cannot afford it, lack of commitment of parents to the education of their wards, continuity for physically and intellectually challenged pupils, among others.

Responding, Prof Tor said the feedback he got from Agege would be developed into a script that would be acted around Agege.

"We will be coming back for a one-week scriptwriting workshop.

We have got information on parents' involvement, inclusiveness, security, which

• Majiyagbe

would serve as materials for the script.

Tor, who donated 20 copies of his book, 'Had I Known', a play that addresses issues of sexuality education, praised the Education Secretary for knowing the community he serves very well.

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

40

EDUCATION EDUTALK

with

Fanning flames of students’ unrest Kofoworola AST Sunday’s students’ unrest at the Ajayi Belo-Osagie Crowther University, Oyo was the first of its kind in a priKofosagie@yahoo.com vate institution, and a faith08054503077 (SMS only) based one for that matter.

Such institutions are known for strict rules and regulations about what is allowed and what is not.

However, how well they take care of their students is another matter. In many of these universities, fee increment is a yearly affair. While we may argue that parents that send their wards to private institutions where fees start from N300,000 must have the wherewithal to do so, the fact that many universities allow payment to be made in two instalments shows that they still struggle to pay the huge fees.

I know of some parents who cannot afford to cater for more than one child in a private university. They do all to ensure that other siblings attend public universities where fees are cheaper.

Just last year, ACU increased fees from about N320,000 to N500,000 and above. The students grumbled about it, especially as they were not enjoying learning in the kind of conducive environment they expect would be in place. In addition to the poor services rendered by the health centre, uncomfortable hostel accommodations, and poor electricity and water supply, an alumnus told me that students are made to pay for ICT services they do not enjoy as well as cope with untarred roads on campus.

All these issues had already festered into discontent before Elvis met his unfortunate end at the medical centre.

This is a warning to authorities of other private universities where huge sums paid are not justified by the quality of the education services rendered to the students. If students could go on rampage at ACU because of a poor system, then it can happen elsewhere.

However, we do not want a repeat of such incidents, so, university managements should put their houses in order.

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• Pupils sit on the floor to learn

Community laments school's neglect

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HERE is only one evidence of government’s presence in Obuozu community in Ukwa East Local Government of Abia State, the Community Primary School, Obuozu (CPSO).

However, with the dilapidated state of the school, the only one within a six-kilometre radius of the community, the government may have forgotten it exists, a reality that Chief Chidi Ogbonna finds painful to admit.

"We have nothing else in this community to show that there is government's presence in the community, only this primary school. Pupils from this community and other neighbouring communities come here to study.

This is one of the oldest schools in this community. The next school from this place is about six kilometres from here. All our children are here because this is the closest school to us.

"The pupils have lost the sense of a school. They only come here, maybe, to get out of their parents' hands. Not that they are going to school because there is nothing in this place that makes this place look like a primary school. When we are talking about bringing up children, nothing is happening here. The moral aspect is gone. That is the situation we are having here," he said.

The school of 240 pupils boasts of a football field that has been overtaken by weed; dilapidated classroom blocks with fallen roofs and crumbling walls; and abandoned structures.

There are no offices for members of staff. The Head Teacher's table is located on the corridor. From her position, she can sight anybody entering or leaving the school compound.

A teacher, Mrs Brown Okuchi Nwanyinnaya, who has been in the school since 2008, said attending school daily has become a nightmare.

She said: "The school is underdeveloping every day. Because of that, the pupils are afraid of coming to school. They may be thinking that the building may collapse on them one day. Most times, the parents withdraw their children because of the neglected building we use as classrooms. It is usually terrible whenever it rains. I will have to teach under the rain. Many times, especially during the rainy season, I will be teaching and snake will crawl into my class. Some other times, I will be in the class and centipede will fall from the roof into the class and the pupils will run away. I will have to look for something to kill it."

But that is not all. She continued about the learning conditions the

From Emmanuel Shebbs, Abia

The school is under-developing every day.

Because of that, the pupils are afraid of coming to school. They may be thinking that the building may collapse on them one day pupils are subjected to: "In the class, the children sit on the floor. There are no desks for them. The floor is not good at all. Normally, while teaching, a teacher is supposed to walk around the class. But in this case, you cannot move around because, you may fall in the process due to the pot holes. I sit on window sill while marking my children's exercise books which I normally keep on my lap. There is no table.

There is no chair for the teacher.

There is not text book. We need the government to come to our aid. It is very annoying. Sometimes seems as if we are playing here."

An uncompleted classroom block that houses some Primary Six pupils has since been abandoned. The Elders and teachers told the reporter that the project was being constructed by the state government before it was abandoned. Its roof has been blown off, while grass had taken over the whole building.

Inside one of its rooms is a fullgrown Melina tree.

Obgonna said the structure was started around 11 years ago.

The Head Teacher of the school, Mrs. Jane Wabara, said she has been waiting for redemption since 2007.

She said: "When I was posted down to the school as the Head Teacher in 2007, all these buildings were like this. I invited the Education Secretary of the Local Government Education Authority, Mr. Roland Ajere. I took him to the abandoned classroom blocks. He said I should put it in writing and take photographs. That I did. I photographed the worst buildings and attached to the letter. I did not relent. I followed up the whole thing. Before I submitted the letter, I called all the teachers that were with me and we prayed over it. But since 2007 we have not heard anything from the council.

"When that did not work, I went to the NDDC to seek for support.

This is because I have seen NDDC doing projects in primary schools around here. They gave me

requirements. They said I should bring a recommendation letter from the traditional ruler. That was where a problem came up. The chief of the community refused to give me a letter. He said I should come with one of the 'big men' in the community. I met them and they refused to follow me. I gave up.

Since then, I decided to fold my arms and watch to see what the governments will do. They seem to have forgotten us. Up till now, nothing has been done. We are managing the condition."

When asked about the school, Ajere debunked the claims that the Ukwa East LGA has forgotten CPSO. He said: "The school belongs to the government. It is unthinkable that the government can forget what belongs to it. The people that say the government is not doing any thing, probably were posted newly into that school. It is obvious that the government cannot do everything all the time. We are going from school to school. All other schools in the community have felt the touch of the government."

Ajere said the education authority has provided the school with instructional materials. ''Reccently, we distributed education materials to the schools in the LGA. We gave the school not less than 1500 exercise books, text books both in English Language, Mathematics and Sciences. We have equally given them other materials along with other schools as much as our finance can carry. The teachers won't tell you all these," he said.

On infrastructure, the Education Secretary said, ''we are coming to that. You know that recently, the Governor appointed a new Transition Committee Chairman for the LGA. We need a little time to work. We are not sleeping. We are trying our best to transmit the good plans of Governor T. A. Orji down to the grass root, especially to the primary schools. Very soon, we will go into full rehabilitation of the school, he concluded.

Meanwhile, as at the time of filling this report, the Head Teacher and other teacher in the school said they are yet to receive the items Ajere claimed to have given the school.

Also speaking, Mr Sampson Nwohu, the Chairman of the PTA, called on the government to come to their aid.

"We, the parents, are aware of the problems these children are passing through. If we could help, we would have contributed to solve it. But, you see, the decay is so much. We call on the government and other concerned agencies to help us because if nothing is done, the school will go into extinction," he said.

This is a warning to authorities of other private universities where huge sums paid are not justified by the quality of the education services rendered to the students. If students could go on rampage at ACU because of a poor system, then it can happen elsewhere. However, we do not want a repeat of such incidents, so, university managements should put their houses in order

From My Inbox Re: Illiteracy woes in public schools (February 02, 2012) I really enjoyed your article the value of time its quite interesting.

Keep it up. From 08162439399.

Kofo, please use your Edutalk to suggest that there should be compulsory exams for all current primary school teachers in Nigeria on fail and go basis. It should help check absenteeism. NP, Uyo. I am Mrs Lucas Sheri in one of the public schools in Lagos Island.

Thanks for Edutalk. In fact I was impressed with what I read in The Nation on Thursday paper on “Illiteracy woes in public schools”.

Thank you for the observations. Teachers in service need to be brushed up. Let them know that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. And that as you do unto other children so also they will do unto their own too.

I just finished reading your article on “Illiteracy woes in public schools” in The Nation of February 2. I only hope that officials of the inspectorate divisions of all the states’ ministries of education would read it. Yes, government directs tons of resources to education every year but are these resources the ones that will enhance knowledge delivery? Instead of donating exercise books to schools, relevant textbooks should be given to each student. Reading should be made compulsory for every student from the primary school level; the teaching of English language, the pivot on which knowledge delivery stands, should be intensified. I was once a teacher and I know that the observation that teacher made that their JSS1 intakes are barely literate is true and had been true decades back. I think every arm of government should give more attention to primary education than they had, hitherto. Pitan Aina, Ado-Ekiti.

Each time I buy The Nation, especially on Thursdays, your column, Edutalk is what I read first – very educative and well researched. Please keep it up. From Bayo, Abuja.

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

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THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

NATURAL HEALTH

Dangote unveils pasta

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N line with the United Nations Children Educational Fund (UNICEF) requirement for children’s daily nutrients, Dangote Pasta has fortified its products with 10 minerals and vitamins.

This, it believes, would ensure proper development of children and adults at large.

According to its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dehinde Brown, through the fortification the products have become a complete meal for the family.

Brown, who spoke at the premiere of Dangote Pasta television commercial and radio jingle in Lagos, said the products would provide adequate support for

children and parents in addition to providing adequate support for them.

Dangote Pasta has been fortified with minerals and vitamins such as nicotinamide, zinc, iron, folic acid, vitamin A, biotin and pantothetic acid.

Others are vitamin B1, B2 and B6 and calorie, protein, carbonhydrate and fat. The products are Dangote standard, slim cucchini and gancillini all under pasta line, while the macaroni line are cut, twist, curl, elbow, shell, spiral, roll and alphabets.

Brown said it was only the company that included minerals and vitamins in products, adding that they help to sustain body structure.

Its General Manager Sales and Marketing, Mr Yahaya Fufore said the company was dully accredited by the national Agency for Food and drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organ isation of Nigeria (SON) in line with the requirement of the United Nations Children’s Educational Fund (UNICEF) that some food be fortified to meet the required daily nutrients.

UNICEF is concerned about minerals and vitamins delivery to children, he added.

He said the products are food that could be eaten everywhere by all categories of people in the society.

•From left:Fufore, Brown and General Manager, Corporate Communications Dangote Group, Tony Chiejina at the event.

A natural approach to managing ulcers

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BVIOUSLY, a more rational and effective approach is necessary is necessary in the management and treatment of ulcers. The natural approach to healing ulcers is to first identify and then eliminate or reduce all factors contribute to their development: food allergies, a low-fiber diet, cigarette smoking, stress, and drugs such as aspirin and other nonsteroidal analgesics.

Once these factors have been controlled or eliminated, the focus is directed at healing the ulcers and promoting tissue resistance. This includes drinking cabbage juice, eating a healthful diet high in fibre and low in allergenic

foods, and incorporating an effective stress reduction plan.

The natural approach may also involve herbs, especially a unique licorice extract–deglycyrrhisinated licorice.

Like cabbage, the licorice extract helps to re-establish a healthy intestinal lining. All the important approaches are discussed in this article.

• Eliminate food allergies. Strange as it may seem, clinical and experimental evidence points to food allergy as a primary cause of ulcers. The link between allergy and ulcers has been investigated in several studies. In one study, 98 percent of patients with radiographic

evidence of ulcers had coexisting lower and upper respiratory tract allergic disease. In another, 25 of 43 allergic children had Xray-diagnosed ulcers. A diet that eliminates food allergies has been used with great success in treating and preventing recurrent ulcers.

Food allergy is also consistent with the high recurrence rate of ulcers. If food allergy is the cause, the ulcers will continue to recur until the offending food or foods are eliminated from the diet. Ironically, many people with ulcers soothe themselves by drinking a lot of milk, a highly allergenic food. (See the Allergies section of the NaturoDoc Library for in-

formation on how to control or even eliminate allergies.)

• Increase fibre intake. A high-fiber diet is associated with a reduced rate of duodenal ulcers. The therapeutic use of a high-fiber diet in patients with recently healed duodenal ulcers can reduce the recurrence rate by half. This is probably a result of fiber's ability to promote a healthy protective layer of mucin in the stomach and intestines.

• Stop smoking. Another factor strongly linked to ulcers is smoking. Increased frequency of ulcers, decreased response to therapy, and an increased mortality due to ulcers are all related to smoking.

• Avoid aspirin. Aspirin is a gastric irritant that damages the lining of the stomach and predisposes individuals to ulcer development when taken regularly. The combination of aspirin and smoking is particularly harmful to the ulcer patient.

• Reduce stress and emotional factors. Many people consider stress an important factor in ulcer development. However, this belief is based on uncontrolled observations.

In medical literature, the role of stress is controversial. Men and women with ulcers seem to have distinctly different psychological profiles. In addition, several studies show the number of stress-

ful, life events is not significantly different between ulcer patients and ulcer-free controls. This data suggests the individual's response to stress, rather than the amount of stress, is the significant factor.

• Emphasise specific nutrients. Vitamins A and E have been shown to inhibit the development of stress ulcers in animals and are recognized as important factors in maintaining the integrity of the digestive tract lining. According to clinical studies in humans, zinc also has a protective effect against ulcers.

Culled from www.naturodoc.com

, 2012

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THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

NATURAL HEALTH

A 2012 Resolution ‌ Healthy Digestive System (5)

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ANY people know next to nothing about their intestines. And that's why they give little or no thought to what goes in or comes out of them. Even when the tongue is grayish, sometimes with heavy patches or dark or black spots here and there, they do not relate this occurrence to what may be going on in the bowels. Pain in the intestines warning about discomfitures in them are mistaken for stomach pains. One woman telephoned me on Sunday afternoon, as I was about to start to write this column, to say that her two daughters aged seven and four were not eating well and getting leaner. The younger girl was vomiting almost anything she took, food or drink. When I asked her to check the tongues of both girls, she reported heavy grayish growth and patches in the midline from the tip to the throat end. Her own tongue was coated as well. That's oral thrush, of course, for which the doctor would give suppressive medication that, one day, would only worsen matters. Haven't we heard, for example, that now, in the United States, parents are up in arms against Acetaminophen, the chemical name of Panadol, after the news broke that it concentrates in the liver and may damage the brains of some young ones who consequently become autistic, unable to properly function mentally?

A few months ago, this column reported the case of a Jewish hospital patient in the United States whose stubborn headache a CT scan suggested may be caused by a strange matter in the brain. Surgery discovered it to be a growing baby tapeworm!

How did it get there except through sick intestinal tissue which allowed seepage of a large molecle into the bloodstream, and a weakened immune system which failed to stop the intruder. In that series, based on the warning of the Royal British Society of Surgeons that death begins slowly in the intestines, this column featured a young doctor who had substantial portions of his small intestine surgically removed and the remnants joined to the big intestine. As a medical student, he suffered a seemingly unabating intestinal crisis which he gave inadequate attention, perhaps because of the pressure of medical school studies.

Then, there was the case of a young woman tormented by alternating constipation and diarrhea. A medical review of her case suggested that her doctors prescribed medicines to arrest the diarrhea each time, unknown to them it was a device of Nature to decongest the intestine. She died. And the autopsy revealed that, from the stomach down to the anus, stool had hardened like rock that needed a chisel to break up, and the intestines had enlarged several fold.

MANY AILMENTS In Nigeria, many people are aware of about only three ailment of the intestines‌ duodenal ulcer, colon cancer and heronorrhoids or piles. I will start with piles. I do not know how piles got its name, maybe from the fact that pressure was piled from above on the site where it occurs, the rectum.

PILES What we call piles are veins in the rectum which enlarge if the digestive system is pressured by indigestion, gas and constipation. Piles may be internal or external, internal when it doesn't protrude outside, external when it does. A pile may bleed and it may not. Bleeding piles may be dangerous. For the vein is broken and may be infected. Bleeding piles may also cause critical blood loss, especially if internal and unnoticed.

External bleeding piles may be helped by such first aid actions as urapping ice cube in an handkerchief or lent and placing it on the pile.

The cold causes nerve shrinkage which may pull in the extruded tissue, and tighten blood vessel pores like an astringent, thereby stopping the bleeding. Among food astringents for this purpose are Apple Cider Vinegar, Shepherd's purse and Chanka piedra. A lasting solution to this problem should be found in freeing the digestive system from the pressure of indigestion and constipation, and in strengthening the tone of the blood vessels, especially the veins. This will lead us back to the health of the LIVER (Milk thistle, Amazon Liver Support, Maria Treben Bitters, Dandelion, and Carqueja etc); PANCREAS (Pancreatic enzymes, Amazon Pancreas Support etc). STOMACH Silica, Betaine HCL Stomach-EZ, Papaya enzyme, Apple Cider Vinegar, Maria Bitters, Excessive Acidic Stomach and Alkaline Balance, and Reflux Acid and Indigestion tea, Amazon Stomach Support, Calamus root e.t.c), VEINS (Bioflavonoids, Alkaline, Vitamin C, Healthy VEINS etc); Intestines (Forti flax, Psyllum seed husk, Superior Greens, Amazon Bowel Support, Amazon Digestion Support, Cats' Claw etc. They improve digestion, soften the stool and promote intestinal motion, and abosorb, all of which reduce pressure on the rectal veins, prevent their engorgement, protrusion, bursting and bleeding.

DUODENAL ULCER ULCER occurs in the duodenum sometimes when the pancreas does not produce enough alkaline pancreatic enzymes to rentralise acidic food from the stomach reaching it. Duodenal ulcer may give rise to the proliferation of Helicobacter pylori bacterium which feeds on the injury. Where Candida or other yeast joins the wagon, a cancer may develop, going by the conclusions of many doctors. Licorice DGL and Golden seal root, like Colloidal silver or Sangre-de Grado, may help to kill Helicobacter pylori while Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Amino Balance, Zine, Cat's Claw and Vitamin A help out with healing and formation of new tissue.

COLON CANCER The colon or large intestine is fed by the small intestine just a little above the appendix at the right portion of the abdomen. It is classified as rising, transverse or descending, with further subdivisions of each in terms of location and function. The descending colon empties into the rectum which guides fecal matter to the anus for evacuation.

Many problems occur along this tract, but the well known one is cancer, and the commonest colorectal cancer (Colon and Rectum). This region is most easily assailed because faeces piles

up there for too long before it is evacuated. In many cases, old fecal matter stick to the wall of the colon and rectum for years, poisoning and irritating it. Many people delude themselves that their defecation is fine simply because they empty their bowels at least once a day. There are people who make one motion in 48 or 72 hours. This contradicts widespread belief in healing circles demonstrated by the charcoal test that food shouldn't take longer than 18 hours in the system before the debris is eliminated or voided. Thus, three bowel motions would appear normal for anyone who follows a daily three square meal regimen. And the bigger the bulk consumed the bigger should be the stool.

Constipation is an enemy of the colon. It is helpful to drink one or two glasses of water about 30 minutes before a meal, none with the meal so as not to dilute and weaken digestive enzymes, and another one or two glasses between two and three hours after a meal. Fibre is a friend of the colon. It helps to stimulate the cilia. There are hair-like projections from the internal surface of the colon. When fibre touches one, it flagellates against the next, and the motion goes on, producing that snake-like peristaltic motion which sweeps food along. This motion is stressful to them. So they need a large stock of B vitamins, as do the nerves which control the soft muscles that move them. These muscles themselves require Calcium to contract and Magnesium to relax in their endless contraction and relaxation activity. As they contract and relax, lactic acid is produced which may make them sore unless the acid is neutralised by alkaline agents such as, again, Calcium and Magnesium and Potassium. Many people's diet is deficient in these nutrients. So, it should be better to improve on a constipating diet than using laxative to force the bowels to function. Force never achieves long-lasting goals. Once the pressure is removed everything returns to status quo ante.Nature produces greens, especially vegetables, to give us fibre, potassium and magnesium, in particular. But how much of them do we consume? I challenge you to try this formula which has worked for me to see if it won't for you. When you have to take white rice, for example, boil no more than threequarters of average glass cup. When it is half boiled, add about N50 worth of crayfish. This will provide protein and calcium and some fiber. Add some dry fish. Avoid beef. It congests the system. You may season with curry. That's anti-inflammatory.

You know, inflammation troubles the bowels a lot. Then, slice in one medium onion. By this time, the rice is almost boiled.

Add another medium onion well-sliced. The onions will provide sulphur and methionine, among other nutrients. Methionine helps the liver to make Glutathione, an enzyme crucial for Phase 1 detoxification of the liver. The sulphur provides materials for sulfation, an aspect of Phase II detoxification. As the last drops of the water begins to evaporate, add N100 worth of vegetable. Mix well. Add oil, some cayenne pepper and two tomatoes. Parboiled tomatoes, eaten in place of meat, alkalises and yields more lycopene, and antioxidant carotenoid good for the prostate gland especially. Parboiling the fresh tomatoes softens the cell wall for more lycopene to be released.

Top the meal with two tablespoons of coconut oil. But for gluttony which makes me have another meal in the evening, I've found this meal can sustain me for 24 hours! All I need do is fill up with water and snacks, if I so wish. This diet of rice or plantain or yam suffused with vegetable is filling and energising. It causes no bloating, gas, pain, abnormal distention or constipation. The poop is free like a baby's, and much.

The contrary is a constipating diet: Milk, bread , sugar, fried foods, beef etc. You can easily tell a constipated person in the crowd. He is a "pregnant" man and a woman who, biologically, isn't pregnant but is nonetheless 'pregnant'. They pant and gasp for breadth when they do as little as walk. Their steps are heavy.

Some actually drag their feet and you can hear the irritating sound of their dragging shoes. Women appear to be in more trouble than men. Not only have their abdomens grown bigger, the pubic region, too, has bulged. It would appear there is no more room in the abdomen for the body to store the waste and it has gone for the pubis. When the pubis fills, the buttocks, thighs, arms and breasts will become the new storages. The breast may cave in and become cancerous, being fatty.

Constipation of the colon and the rectum over a long period of time irritates them. Their mucus lining respond by becoming inflamed. Inflamation leads to pain and production of excessive amount of mucus as in catarrh, which shows in the stool. The alarm is being sounded. If nothing is done, the inflamed tissue may become ulcerated after losing its integrity and cohesiveness

e-mail: femi.kusa@yahoo.com or olufemikusa@yahoo.com

of its cells. Blood from the ulcers, fresh or dark, depending on the site, appear in the stool. Bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeast and mold may settle into the ulcer.The tissue fights back, but cannot hold them back. The environment is toxic, deoxygenerated. To survive, the tissue changes from oxidative (oxygen using) existence to fermentative lifestyle. A cancer of the colon or of the rectum or colorectal cancer is knocking at the door.

Among problems of the bowels not too well known are Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Divertcilitis, Leaky Gut Syndrome, Crohn's, disease, Colitis, Celiac disease and Ulcerated Culitis, to mention a few. In IBS, constipation often alternates with diarrhea.

In one case I witnessed, the sufferer rushed to the toilet at least five times in one hour, maybe to eject only one or two teaspoonfuls of foamy substance. Chronic anxiety and depression, which weaken nerve co-ordination in the bowels, like food allergy, especially reaction to dairy products (milk, egg, chicken, etc.) are said to be causes of IBS. If sufferer has full-blown diarrhea, it is important to dehydrate and remineralise to maintain electrolyte balance.

Coconut water is good. So is the homeopathic biochemical cell salts Ferrum Phosphate. If the preference is for cell salt, Natru mur, (sodium chloride). Natru phos. (Sodium phosphate).and Natru sulph. (sodium sulphate) may be tried in intermittent constipation. Were the stool is foul and smelly kali phos.

(Potassium phosphate) and mag phos. (Magnesium phosphate) may help. In diverticulitis the intestinal muscle lining becomes so weak (those bulges are similar to those of the children's inflated balloons) that pouches grow out from them, causing inflamentation, pain and disease. This has been attributed to fibre deficient diet which makes bowel motion sluggish, and keeps undigested or rotten food longer than safe. These bulges are called diverticular, or diversions. Food trapped in them can unleash havoc when it begins to rot, creating havens for germs. If prolonged and untreated, abscesses may form in the colon and lead to perforations, which may cause death. All too often, the sufferer complains of stomach pains and takes cheap pain killers without addressing root causes of the problems. In Leaky Gut Syndrome, the mechanism which, like a sieve, allows only the finest food moderate to pass from the intestine to the blood has failed, and larger motedes are passing. The causes range from inflammation, which widens the "sieve," overload of parasites such as bacteria, fungi, yeast, mold, and viruses, chemical poison and stress which increases adrenaline load which reduces oxygen supply to the bowels.

MYCO EXCO AND ENDO POISONING Increasingly, HIV, cancer and other terrible diseases are being linked to myco poisoning. As long ago as 1998, Dr R. Sharma mentioned this in his book,THE ELEMENT FAMILY ENCYCLOPEDIA OF HEALTH. Myco means Candida, Exco, bacteria. Endo or endogenous poisons form the body's pown waste products. Dr Andrew Young paints vividly the havoc they cause.

In his pH MIRACLE he hypothesises that the body is impregnable to germs or the diseases they cause if it is alkaline. He refers to the 1-14 Acid/Alkaline meter in which seven is median or neutral, every reading below seven is acid and above it, alkaline Body functions prefer 7.365 alkalinity. A microform named microzyma resides in the cell of every living entity: man, beast and plant.

Acidity brings it out. Its job is to devour acidic tissue. Corpses are acidic which is why microzyma causes their decay. Living people whose bodies are acidic are partially dead ... Microtozyma will cause decay of those cells! It can devolve (change) into yeast, fungi, bacteria or virus, depending on the level of acidity. From any of these forms, it can evolve into microzyma as conditions become alkaline. Dr Young says the body struggles every moment to maintain a slightly alkaline pH every minute. So, if food and drink and lifestyle make the blood acidic, the body borrows alkalinsing minerals from the cells and dumps them in the blood to neutralise the acid. Thus, the muscles donate magnesium and potassium; the bones, calcium and magnesium; the blood, iron, the immure system, manganese, zinc etc. "That's just the tip of the iceberg", says Dr Young. "If the acid overload gets too great for the blood to balance, excess acid is dumped into the tissues for storage.

Then the lymphatic (immune) system must neutralise what it can and try to get rid of everything else. Unfortunately, getting rid of acid from the tissue turns out to be dumping it right back in the blood, creating a vicious cycle of drawing out still more basic minerals from their ordinary functions and stressing the liver and kidney besides. Furthermore, if the lymphatic system is overloaded, or it is not functioning properly, acid builds up in the tissue" Dr. Young says signs of early stages of acidosis may include "skin eruptions, headaches, allergies, cold and flu, and sinus problems". In more serious situation, "weakened organs and systems start to give way resulting in dysfunctional thyroid gland adrenals, liver and so on". In extreme cases, deoxygenating will occur and death may follow. Acid overload brings an overload of micro-organisms to the intestines. They live there normally, taking from us and giving back something beneficial. The good ones check the growth and menace of the bad ones. Antibiotics and even natural garlic, but not Kyolic garlic, destroy the good and the bad. In this environment are yeast, fungi (a variety of yeast) mold, bacteria and viruses. We cannot run away from them. For there are about half a million types of them everywhere. We must protect ourselves against them. Their excretions known as mycotoxin, exotoxin, and those from the body metabolic processes may cross, along with these microforms, from the leaking intestine into the blood, and from there to the plasma (white of the blood) where they are known as myceplasma.

Anyone who has athlete's foot has fungal infections. Gray tongue indicates candida growth from the throat. Candida afflicts the virginal vault, the blood and the organs including the eyes and the brain. Dr Young says candida may cause anything from diabetes, cancer, atherosclerosis (clogged arteries, osteoporosis, chronic fatigue, adrenal/thyroid failure, indigestion, diarrhea, food cravings, intestinal pain, depression, hyperactinty, antisocial behaviour, asthma/ hemorrhoids, esophageal reflux, respiratory problems and endometriosis".

Tel: 08034004247, 07025077303

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THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

e-Business The increase in smartphone usage may worsen quality of telecommunications operations as data-based services further encumber the limited capacity of operators. Network operators are responding to this challenge by making huge investments to improve capacity, ADLINE ATILI reports

Operators increase investments to avert capacity crunch P

ROLIFERATION of tablets and smartphones has changed the way people exhaust telecommunications services today. Data-based services are now easier to use and attractive to consumers.

Smartphones have vastly improved the Web surfing experience and improved consumption of media and content-based services. This has resulted in significant increase in data usage, as well as explosive growth in bandwidth consumption.

Almost every user of the smartphone utilises data services on their devices. The inability to balance high volumes of data with limited network resources has created major hassle for service providers.

Operators have to grapple daily with poor quality of service. Analysts believe that the low quality being witnessed now might be just a tip of the iceberg.

Data traffic surge Telecommunications equipment vendor, Ericsson, expects the amount of mobile data traffic to increase by 60 per cent every year until 2016, mainly driven by demand for video content.

The company says the arrival of new smartphones, greater availability of mobile broadband and increased use of mobile applications will also drive data consumption, adding that traffic from ‘advanced smartphones’ will increase 12-fold during the period.

With operators in Nigeria set to begin deployment of 4G technologies such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) and WiMAX, experts foresee that, this data-related problem will increase exponentially.

An industry estimate indicates that by 2020, there will be more than 60 billion connected devices that will connect every facet of human existence. This will impact and improve quality of life, streamline the way people do business and enrich societies.

Implications on network capacity All of these will come at a cost for operators, as these will obviously result in more transactions, more data usage and more network events, which operators will have to handle efficiently and cost effectively.

As smartphone usage continues to grow, analysts have warned of possible consequences on network capacity.

A report from a UK-based research firm, Arieso, stated that the capacity issues plaguing mobile operators around the

•Smartphone usage has increased demand for data services

world could worsen in 2012.

Chief Technical Officer of Arieso and author of the study, Dr Michael Flanagan, said: “The introduction of increasingly sophisticated devices, coupled with growing consumer demand, is creating unrelenting pressure on mobile networks.

“The capacity crunch is still a very real threat for mobile operators, and it looks set to only get harder in 2012.”

Need for increased investment According to Flanagan, the mobile industry would require more investment in capacity and new approaches to boost network performance and manage the customer experience.

“While the report provides general trends, the studies on which they’re based demonstrate the importance to operators of understanding the increased consumption each type of smartphone brings.

“Despite stark industry warnings, mobile operators are still playing ‘Guess who?’ with their subscribers.

“Without adequately preparing networks to support the new generation of smart devices, operators risk spiralling and misplaced operational expenditure and delivering a sub-par quality of experience to customers.

“It’s critical that operators redouble their efforts to limit the impact of this inevitable squeeze,” Flanagan said.

Operators’ response and strategy Mobile network operators have been employing a wide variety of strategies to tackle the demands of subscribers.

One of the most popular ways is data throttling wherein the data transfer rate is dropped once a threshold data transfer limit has been reached.

A BlackBerry user, Segun Ajayi, said whenever he attempts to browse the Internet on his mobile phone, connection is impossible after a certain period of the month.

To him, his network operator should devise a means of facilitating round-the-clock access to the Internet, even if subscribers are billed more, rather than throttling the connection.

Another strategy that operators have adopted is to price data rates in such a way that the extreme users take a note before downloading.

Sometimes, the mobile operators place a restriction on certain applications and websites that they claimed to be consuming a large amount of data.

Network operators are responding to this imminent capacity crunch by upping investment on network infrastructure to meet customers’ growing data needs, in the absence of additional spectrum to carry data and more efficient technologies such as next-generation LTE. Like other mobile operators, Visafone, is taking steps to manage exploding demand for mobile data.

“We’re responding on many levels, in-

cluding heavy investment in our network this year and working to acquire more capacity. We are putting in place 4G infrastructure to enhance this.

“Data services are going to be a differentiator as the number of Internet users grows from 35 million to 70 million by 2015,” Chief Executive Officer of the company, Sailesh Iyer, said.

To this end, the company said it was spending billions of naira to upgrade its network in order to cope with increase in data transmission.

Iyer stated that Visafone would begin the expansion with a $20million capacity boost of its broadband network in Lagos.

He said: “The future of the telecommunications industry is data as against voice. Visafone plans to expand its services, with the cost of expansion running into billions of naira.”

Recently, Etisalat announced it will spend $400million (N6billion) to expand its network coverage to cope with subscribers’ network demand while enhancing quality of service delivery.

MTN Group, also assured it will spend more than $1billion this year to improve its network in Nigeria. Corporate Services Executive of the company, Wale Goodluck, said the investment will relieve congestion and improve the quality of its network.

The company spent $1billion to improve capacity on its network in 2011.

Determined to boost network quality, Airtel has said it has increased its investment profile in Nigeria to over $1billion this year to expand capacity and enhance quality of service (QoS) on its network.

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e-Business

Fed Govt to revive fixed wireless operations T

HE government plans to give out more fixed wireless telephone licences to operators to stimulate expansion of broadband Internet, as well as revive fixed-line telecommunications services.

Fixed wireless refers to the operation of wireless devices or systems in fixed locations, such as homes and offices.

Since the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) issued fixed wireless access licences to some telecoms operators, majority of them have not been able to roll out services, while those that managed are having difficulty selling their services to consumers.

This, according to findings, is as a result of the high level of flexibility and mobility in service delivery provided by Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technologies, which fixed wireless access technology, does not have.

Over the years, the subscriber base on the network of fixed line operators has been declining. Experts attribute this to limited mobility, which characterise fixed line operations, saying this has had negative impact on the bottom line of some of the fixed wireless op-

Stories by Adline Atili

erators that manage to provide services to subscribers.

NCC, has, however, put plans in place to revive comatose fixed wireless operations and enhance deployment of broadband infrastructure.

According to the commission, this would be achieved through creation of an infrastructure sector within the nation’s telecoms industry that will be able to create the opportunity for it to issue fixed wireless licences.

NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Eugene Juwah, at a media briefing in Lagos, noted that one of the vital areas the country is lacking is deployment of broadband.

He said as part of measures to enable Nigerians have access to broadband, the commission will empower private investors, through provision of incentives, to create broadband centres in Nigeria, as well as restore fixed telephony operations to complement the mobile networks.

“Modern fixed telephony is deployed through broadband and it is part of our broadband project to

ensure that we empower the private sector through provision of incentives to create broadband centres in Nigeria.This will go hand-in-hand with the restoration of fixed telephony to complement the mobile networks.

“A number of operators have tried but the deployment of broadband as you would agree with me should not be left only to profit-making organisations because of the time it takes and the delay on Return On Investment.

“NCC, in conjunction with the ministry, is mapping out a broadband policy that would involve the private sector. We are on the verge of appointing consultants that will work with the commission in realising this.

“Basically, we will create an infrastructure sector within the telecommunications sector, in order to ensure universal access. We cannot start giving out fixed line licences when we have not deployed our broadband project.

“So, we are about to start deploying and creating an infrastructure sector in the Nigerian telecoms industry, that will be able to create the opportunity for us to issue fixed wireless licences to revive the fixed line telephony that has been comatose,” Juwah said.

Zinox leads in global PC rating

Z

INOX Computers has been rated market leader in the fourth quarter of 2011, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC), US, with a market share of 27.1 per cent in a dwindling Personal Computers (PC) market. HP followed closely with 26.1 per cent; DELL, 20.2 per cent and Samsung 12.7 per cent. Other brands mentioned in the report include ACER, Toshiba, LG Electronics and Lenovo.

IDC report shows Zinox and HP have consistently shared market leadership in the last five years.

Managing Director of Zinox, Mr Sunday Mukoro, said major supplies to various companies

in Nigeria, in addition to new products launch have contributed to the company clinching top spot in the PC market.

He said: “We are in a tough market where global demand for PCs went down as much as seven per cent last year due to global challenges as many corporate persons were struggling to survive. However, most of our local partners such as Total Plc, NCC, USPF, have remained loyal.

He said the launch of Zinox Whizkid for primary and secondary school kids and the Zinox Legacy has helped to uplift the company’s figures. Also, the successful launch of the Zinox Flagship that runs on Intel Core i7 positively drove its figures high.

West Africa convergence forum holds March

T

HE fifth edition of the West Africa Information Technology Convergence Forum has been scheduled for March, this year.

In a statement, the organisers, Intelligence Unit of Know-How Media, publishers of IT Edge News.Com said the forum is a platform for networking on technology and regulatory convergence in West Africa, offering a window for articulating on the way forward in one of the sector’s most inspiring trends.

According to the organisers, the annual interactive forum, to be sponsored by telecoms giant, MTN, will focus on convergence trends in West Africa in conjunction with regulatory authorities and policy makers from across West Africa. “The forum

will also hold jointly with the West Africa Top 50 Technology Business Companies recognition ceremony; the annual ranking of the ECOWAS sub-region’s leading technology business enterprises,” the statement said.

Chief Executive Officer of KnowHow Media, Mr Segun Oruame, said this year’s theme is: Closing the Media Ranks: Media Windows and New Media Contents. He said the theme will address the enhanced opportunities for the convergence of media, regulation, content and digitisation under the framework of how to appreciate unfolding trends in contents interpretation and content delivery on converged infrastructure, including mobile applications and mobile pipes.

Samsung introduces new notebook

S

• From left: Canice Anyanwu of the Consumer Protection Council; Digital Marketing and Content Manager, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Godswill Nnaji; Head, Client Services, CMC Connect Ltd, Segun McMedal and Emeka Nkwocha of the Advertising Practitioners’ Council of Nigeria (APCON), during the grand draw of Samsung dual-SIM promo in Lagos.

Varsity, software firm tackle unemployment

C

OVENANT University (CU), Otta, Ogun State, has partnered German software manufacturing firm, SAP, to equip graduates of the institution with technological skills necessary to compete in the economy.

According to the partners, the affiliation, which is in two levels, Corporate Master’s Programme and SAP University Alliances, will enable graduates of Covenant University possess essential business and technological skills, to enjoy significant advantage over their peers.

Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Aize Obayan, speaking at the partnership ceremony, said the Corporate Master’s Programme would form part of the optional courses of the Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) programme of study of the department of Mechanical Engineering.

She said the collaboration with SAP will further improve the global employability of Covenant University graduates. She said provision of in-depth knowl-

edge and world-class skills through collaboration with organisations such as SAP is crucial in tackling graduate unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria, especially among professional engineers.

She said the Corporate Master’s Programme prepares students for challenges in the real world. “Along with academic studies, students benefit from on-the-job learning in projects at their own companies or at customer sites, thus allowing students to put their learning into practice,” she stated.

Upon successful completion of the programme, according to her, graduates would be awarded an academic degree from the university and an internationally-recognised SAP consultant certificate from SAP Education. She stressed that while CU is responsible for teaching and examining the academic components of the programmes, the SAP Education organisation provides the SAP-certified training compo-

nents and administers related examinations.”

She said the institution would be making connections to SAP software systems at the University Competent Centre in Magdeburg, Germany for technical infrastructure and operational staffing.

Director of SAP Education, Mr Johann Pretorius, said: “In today’s competitive market, individuals who demonstrate that they possess essential business and technological skills enjoy a significant advantage over others. This is particularly true if your expertise includes SAP software. Your proven knowledge of SAP applications and technology is your passport to a wide range of opportunities.”

He explained that the SAP University Alliances programme is a global endeavour that provides university faculty members with the tools and resources necessary to teach students how technology can enable integrated business processes and strategic thinking, as well as gives students the skills to add immediate value to the marketplace.

AMSUNG Electronics West Africa (SEWA), has introduced the Samsung notebook Series 9 in Nigeria. According to the company, the notebook computer, which premiered in 2011, represents Samsung’s advanced innovative craftsmanship in the premium notebook sector.

Director of Information Technology at SEWA, Mrs Chioma Iwuchukwu-Nweke, said: “The notebook’s unique design and innovative engineering breaks all common perceptions of premium notebooks. It is designed for the user that wants outstanding design and performance.”

According to Mrs IwuchukwuNweke, the computer’s Intel Core i7 processor and six gigabytes memory as well as 256G Solid State Drive ensures it performs optimally.

“Thanks to Samsung Fast Solutions the Series 9 boots in 15 seconds, while the Fast Start feature ensures it ‘wakes up’ in three seconds. Additionally, it has a Wi-Fi auto connection and its battery lasts for 7.7hours. The auto-sensing screen and backlit keyboard adjusts itself to match the surrounding lighting conditions, providing optimum brightness for maximum ease of use, even in particular dark or bright environments,” she said.

The new notebook weighs only 1.31kg, with a 13.3 inches High Definition screen and comes with a backlit keyboard that ensures users can use it in the dark.

Channel Manager, IT, SEWA, Mrs Folasade Oyelayo, added that to celebrate the Valentine season, buyers of the Series 9 will get a bottle of the finest champagne flutes from now until the end of February.

Cyber attacks on mobile devices on the rise, says report

A

S the security threat landscape evolves, cybercriminals have begun shifting their focus away from computers to other operating systems and platforms, including smartphones, tablet computers, and mobile platforms in general.

In a global study from technology firm, Cisco, 2012 will witness continued theme of targeted attacks, especially at mobile devices by cybercriminals, to replace mass attacks through unsolicited emails.

The study stated that the volume of unsolicited email dropped dramatically from 379 billion messages daily in August 2010 to 124 billion during the period under review, according to Cisco’s 2011 Annual Security Report. According to the

study, one reason for the change, is that mass mailing campaigns are simply not as lucrative as targeted malware efforts.

The report adds that the overall drop could also be attributable to law enforcement and security firms’ increasing take down of some of the most prolific spamsending botnets, including Rustock, once dubbed the largest source of global spam, Bredolab and Mega-D. These dismantlings have put a dent in cybercriminal returns, the report said.

Cisco estimated that gains from traditional mass email-based attacks declined more than 50 per cent – from $1.1 billion to $500 million – from June 2010 to June 2011.

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

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INDUSTRY

Real sector still in dire straits, says OPS T

HE capacity utilisation of the manufacturing sector may fall “drastically” this year, the Organised Private Sector (OPS) has warned.

According to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and National Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), which are affiliates of OPS, the real sector cannot witness significant growth because nothing has changed.

Stories by Toba Agboola

The OPS expressed disappointment on the parlous state of infrastructure, submitting that growth and development remain the missing links. The Chairman, Infrastructure Committee of MAN, Mr Reginlad Odiah, said the manufacturing sector remains in dire straits..

According to statistics released

by MAN, capacity utilisation stood

at 42.5 per cent, a figure described by stakeholders as grossly abysmal to move the manufacturing sector forward. The Chairman of NASSI, Lagos Chapter, Mr Tayo Kuti George said the withdrawal of fuel subsidy further dealt a blow on the real sector because of increased cost of production, which, cannot be passed to customers. This, he added,

is capable of affecting capacity utilisation because of low production occasioned by less demand.

Besides, he said, the government has not provided the enabling environment for manufacturers to produce and employ more because of the prevailing insecurity, many firms have been forced to scale down production, he said.

Kuti -George said the proceeds from subsidy withdrawal, which the government has promised to invest in power and other areas of infrastructure is a medium to long term expected result, adding that, what manufacturers need from governments at the moment is urgent intervention to save the sector from imminent collapse.

Nigeria partners Sweden •Imports N109b fish from Norway

T

HE Federal Government has concluded plans to partner with Swidish companies to utilise their technological expertise.

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mohammed Musa Sada made this known during a workshop on Investment Opportunities in the Nigerian mining Sector.

He said this decision was premised against the background that Swedish companies are the leading manufacturers of mining equipment in the world and also have the technology that Nigeria requires to fast track the exploration of the country’s vast mineral deposits.

“We started looking out for partners to bring the type of technology that we require to work in this sector. We are very pleased with the Swedish companies, they are the leading manufacturers of some of the major mining equipment such as drilling rigs, which is what we require in our next activities,” Sada said.

He said Atlas Copco, one of the Swedish companies, is the leading manufacturer of drilling rigs in the world.

The Ambassador of Sweden, Per Lindgarde, said mining is a traditional industry in his country, with an extended history and therefore, a foundation has been laid for development of the sector in Nigeria. Because “today, Sweden is the leading underground mining country in Europe and a global leader in underground technology.

“Sweden’s largest and most successful companies have provided the world’s mining industry with machinery, equipment and power supply solutions and they mutually benefit from each other.”

Meanwhile, the Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Kjell Lillerud has said, Nigeria imports fish worth about N109.2 billion ($700 million) annually from Norway, He disclosed this in Abuja when he visited the Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr Samuel Ortom.

Lillerud said though he does not have the tonnage of fish that gets to Nigeria, there are three categories with stock fish taking the lead.

He said the statistics of the export figure from Nigeria to his country is not so good, adding that there are few Norwegian oil companies that are doing business in Nigeria.

NEPAD, French agency sign grant

T

HE New Partnership for Af-rica Development (NEPAD) has signed a Grant Facility Agreement (GFA) with French Development Agency (AFD) to develop an Information, Communication Technology (ICT) back bone.

The AFD, a specialised development financial institution, funds sustainable projects by government, local authorities, public companies, and the private and associative sectors on five continents - with primacy given to Africa.

According to NEPAD, the grant of 1,350,000 euros is made available by the European Union Infrastructure Trust

Fund (EU-ITF), a donor coordinated fund, through the AFD, towards the financing of the NEPAD ICT broadband infrastructure network for West, Central and North Africa project.

The project is part of Umojanet, a terrestrial network that will link every African country to its neighbours and will connect to Uhurunet to realise the dream of the cross-border continental NEPAD Network.

The grant completes the initial funds of 850,000 euros granted by the AFD to NEPAD to support the initiative.

The signing took place at the NEPAD Agency office, Midrand, in South Africa.

Fed Govt, Ondo collaborate

T

HE Federal Government is plans to partner the Ondo State government to boost the value-chain on cassava production.

The partnership aims to realise the agricultural transformation agenda of the Federal Government.

While the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, signed for the Federal Government, Ondo Governor Olusegun Mimiko signed on behalf of his state.

At the signing of the agreement in Abuja, Adesina disclosed that with 34 million metric tonnes of produced annually, Nigeria is the largest producer of cassava in the world.

He said the Federal Government would be partnering states on a particular value-chain to turn cassava into a money-making crop for farmers, noting that Ondo State has a comparative advantage in its production.

'Trade Fair to liberate SME sector'

T

HE President of Premier In dustrial Estate Co-opera tive Multi-Purpose Society Limited, Alhaji Olayiwola Jaji, has said the forthcoming trade fair and exhibition is to liberate and reform the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector to deliver on its potential of providing jobs.

The co-operative society is managed

by Yaba Industrial Estate Association.

Jaji said the fair, to be held at the estate, will provide an avenue for outsiders to see what is being produced within the estate. He said with proper financing of the sector, more jobs could be created for all.

The fair will hold between April 11

By Ajose Sehindemi

and 12. It will end with an award ceremony to honour past governors of the state who contributed to the development of the sector and industrialists who spent more than 30 years in the estate.

Jaji said for the country to progress, the Federal Government should build industrial estates in all the local governments to reduce unemployment to the barest minimum, calling on the government to pay SME operators annuity to encourage them as they are employers of labour as statistics show that 70 per cent of Nigerians are in the SME sector.

•From left: Director-General, KADCCIMA, Usman Garba Saulawa, Abdullahi , 2nd Deputy President, Dr Abdulalimi Bello at the briefing.

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLAIMS

Ashaka Cement to boost local production by 1.3mmt

A

SHAKA Cement Plc, a subsidiary of Lafarge, is to boost local cement production by 1.3 million metric tonnes this year, its Chairman, Umaru Kwairanga, has said.

The company is also targeting an increase in its market share beyond the current five per cent.

Kwairanga said with efforts by cement manufacturing companies towards capacity improvement, the industry’s target of attaining self-sufficiency in cement production this year is achievable.

“It is possible for Nigeria to attain self-sufficiency status in cement production in 2012,”he said.

He said AshakaCem is committed to complementing government’s contribution to improved local ce-

ment production towards achieving self-sufficiency.

He said the company, the only producer of cement in the North, is unique in many ways. Aside effectively covering the market over there, the company is connected to the railroads and also produces coal which it uses as a source of energy for production; a ‘novelty’ in the sector, Kwairanga added.

Kwairanga also stressed that the company would not relent in promoting competitiveness in the cement sector in order to establish a win-win situation for both producers and consumers.

Also speaking at the media briefing, Lafarge’s Country Chief Executive Officer for Nigeria and Benin Republic, Mr. Jean-Christophe Barbant,

said self-sufficiency by Nigeria would be achieved this year because cement importation neither guarantees regular quality nor provides jobs, noting that local production however has succeeded in addressing these two challenges.

He said AshakaCem can be described as a star of the North, but he noted that the company is not concentrating its presence only in the North of the country but all over the South as well as Abuja.

Another notable feature of AshakaCem, Christophe added, is the operation of its own coal mine and utilisation of coal in the production of cement, which speaks of the spirit of innovation in the company and an improvement in the traditional reliance on the oil and gas sector for energy.

Fed Govt to support women entrepreneurs

T

HE Federal Government has pledged to support for programmes aimed at boosting the entrepreneurial spirit of women to improve their economic fortunes.

The Minister of National Planning, Dr Shamsuddeen Usman, said this in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Ikechukwu Eze, while hosting a delegation of New Faces New Vision, a Pan-African Women in Business and Finance group.

He said although women constitute a significant percentage of Nigeria’s population, they are yet to assert that size in economic representation.

Shamsudden praised NFNV’s decision to hold its 2012 African Women’s Economic Summit in Nigeria, adding that such initiative would encourage more women to strive to ascend the corporate ladder.

The county coordinator of the women group, Mrs Aishatu Debola Aminu said the objective of this year’s summit with the theme The Rise of the Female Economy: A $20 Billion Market Opportunity, was to serve as a market place of ideas to showcase financial innovations that can accelerate the empowerment of women.

•To improve investment climate Meanwhile, the Minister of Trade and In vestment, Olusegun Aganga has said his Ministry will continue to engage the support of stakeholders to ensure that plans with its appropriate timeline are fully implemented.

He made this known during the second day of Doing Business 2012 workshop held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja in collaboration with the World Bank/DFID on a framework for reform of business environment in Nigeria.

In his address read by the Minister of State, Dr. Samuel Ortom, Aganga said proper implementation of action plans will go a long way in improving the investment climate and send the right signal to investors at home and abroad.

According to him, an improved investment climate will lead to companies being more productive and expanding their operations, improvement in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflow and creation of more jobs.

NACCIMA leads OPS

T

HE Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, In

dustry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) is to pilot the affairs of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) for the next one year.

NACCIMA President Dr Herbert Ademola Ajayi took over from the President of MAN Chief Kola Jamodu.

Consequently, the OPS Secretariat

has moved from MAN to NACCIMA. The OPS comprises Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA); Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA); Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) and Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME).

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EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 8-2-12 2ND-TIER SECURITIES Company Name LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 34 16 13 63

Quotation(N) 0.85 24.25 9.00

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 11,100,667 9,274,652.87 52,846 1,217,952.48 1,430,646 12,201,241.00 12,584,159 22,693,846.35

Quotation(N) 1.97 7.23

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 48,000 93,780.00 2,223,967 16,106,435.82 2,271,967 16,200,215.82

Quotation(N) 0.50 1.17

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 14,000 7,000.00 658,101 777,463.53 672,101 784,463.53

Quotation(N) 5.85 2.57 4.15 1.48 10.05 13.95 7.07 3.20 0.83 1.99 8.65 0.50 0.51 12.17

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 12,830,410 74,657,555.71 15,750,350 42,130,909.95 3,908,392 16,088,887.80 3,015,975 4,490,385.40 33,401,886 346,437,075.43 10,782,672 152,014,133.78 1,246,538 8,844,036.58 21,667,344 69,786,963.21 3,112,350 2,643,697.00 325,429,120 644,153,448.73 4,000 32,880.00 1,386,508 693,254.00 1,829,372 943,634.72 5,693,841 69,359,545.45 440,058,758 1,432,276,407.76

Quotation(N) 220.00 5.79 94.09

Quantity Traded Value 128,438 106,080 389,718 624,236

AIR SERVICES Company Name AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 3 88 91

AUTOMOBILE & TYRE Company Name DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC R. T. BRISCOE (NIGERIA) PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 27 28 BANKING

Company Name ACCESS BANK PLC DIAMOND BANK PLC FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC FIDELITY BANK PLC FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA PLC GTBANK PLC STANBIC IBTC BANK PLC SKYE BANK PLC. STERLING BANK PLC UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC. UNION BANK OF NIGERIA PLC UNITYBANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC ZENITH BANK PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 201 25 29 37 621 410 62 126 38 367 1 16 27 250 2,210 BREWERIES

Company Name GUINNESS NIGERIA PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC NIGERIAN BREWERIES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 70 9 119 198

of Shares (N) 28,283,155.95 586,481.70 36,528,220.05 65,397,857.70

BUILDING MATERIALS Company Name ASHAKA CEMENT PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTHERN NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 42 19 11 24 96

Quotation(N) 10.50 4.80 116.00 45.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 557,903 5,865,756.85 643,200 3,049,488.65 28,686 3,169,803.00 1,584,068 71,324,208.55 2,813,857 83,409,257.05

Quotation(N) 9.30 14.50 0.91

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 11,150 98,641.00 57,804 839,674.03 19,017 17,305.47 87,971 955,620.50

CHEMICAL & PAINTS Company Name BERGER PAINTS NIGERIA PLC CHEMICAL AND ALLIED PRODUCTS PLC I. P. W. A. PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 8 19 3 30

COMMERCIAL/SERVICES Company Name RED STAR EXPRESS PLC TRANS NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 17 1 18

Quotation(N) 2.28 3.45

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 625,000 1,431,760.00 500 1,640.00 625,500 1,433,400.00

COMPUTER & OFFICE EQUIPMENT Company Name OMATEK VENTURES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

Quotation(N) 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 18,500 9,250.00 18,500 9,250.00

Quotation(N) 1.39 5.60 28.00 0.54 29.49 29.80

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 286 414.70 10,000 53,200.00 136,340 3,713,135.28 2,076,749 1,094,070.54 311,494 9,123,679.25 2,220,236 66,140,167.78 4,755,105 80,124,667.55

Quotation(N) 28.00 0.50 8.69

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 356,132 10,147,074.08 18,000 9,000.00 25,000 217,250.00 399,132 10,373,324.08

CONGLOMERATES Company Name A. G. LEVENTIS (NIGERIA) PLC JOHN HOLT PLC PZ CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC UAC OF NIGERIA PLC UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1 43 41 49 50 185 CONSTRUCTION

Company Name JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC MULTIVERSE PLC ROADS NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 24 1 3 28

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Company Name CUTIX PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

Quotation(N) 1.40

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,000 1,330.00 1,000 1,330.00

FOOD/BEVERAGES & TOBACCO Company Name 7-UP BOTTLING CO. PLC CADBURY NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIGERIA PLC HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT COMPANY NIGERIA PLC NESTLE NIGERIA PLC TANTALIZERS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 24 50 76 59 40 5 21 51 1 327

Quotation(N) 46.00 9.15 4.64 4.79 61.00 3.00 3.90 442.00 0.50

Quantity Traded Value 45,056 367,944 1,060,795 2,937,128 99,559 30,000 169,600 146,898 20,000 4,876,980

of Shares (N) 1,987,539.71 3,390,959.98 4,947,596.26 13,676,597.43 6,011,288.87 85,630.00 667,394.93 65,119,812.59 10,000.00 95,896,819.77

Quotation(N) 0.73 22.70 2.75 1.03

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 264,000 195,390.00 38,000 833,524.00 216,871 590,440.81 23,000 22,540.00 541,871 1,641,894.81

Quotation(N) 1.35

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 10,250 13,222.50 10,250 13,222.50

HEALTHCARE Company Name FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXOSMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 9 8 13 2 32

HOTEL & TOURISM Company Name IKEJA HOTEL PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 2

Union Bank’s N10b rights issue closes as prospects brighten

A

PPLICATION list for the N10 billion rights issue

by Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN) Plc closes tomorrow as the first generation bank consolidates its restructuring and recapitalisation programme into a new period of stable growth.

UBN is offering about 1.41 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N6.81 per share in the ratio of five new ordinary shares for every nine ordinary shares held as at the October 21, 2011.

The application list had opened on December 14 and was initially scheduled to close on Friday January 20, 2012.

However, with a third of the offer period taken over by yuletide holidays and nationwide protests and strike over removal of fuel subsidy, the bank applied and secured extension of the offer period to Friday February 10, 2012 from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The extension of the offer period was part of efforts by the bank to ensuring that all shareholders have opportunity to pick their Rights.

Even as the formal application is expected to end by the close of business tomorrow, shareholders may however, still explore the two-week grace period for stockbrokers to file returns with the issuing houses to further increase their shareholdings in the bank.

The Executive Director Corporate, International and Investment Banking and Treasury, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Mr. Philip Ikeazor, said that updates from registrars, issuing houses, stockbrokers and other parties to the Rights Issue indicated strong subscriptions with hundreds of thousands of shareholders that had already filed in their applications.

He said that the Board would ensure that all shareholders received their Rights in full while those that applied for additional shares would be given adequate consideration if there were any renouncement.

“We are desirous and eager to redeem our earlier pledge of giving opportunities to the existing shareholders to take up their

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

Rights in line with their clamour to do so during the recapitalisation process,” Ikeazor said.

Managing director, Union Registrars Limited, the registrars to the issue, Mr. Tunde Ayeni, said shareholders who have not submitted their application forms can still do so at any of the branches of the bank or Union Registrars nationwide.

According to him, the extensive networks of the bank and the Registrars provide access to the 500,000 shareholders of the bank. He urged shareholders to take advantage of these avenues to resolve any issue concerning the Rights issue.

He added that the bank has also provided extensive communication channels for shareholders to interact with the officials of the bank and parties to the issue in resolving any complaint.

Speaking on the values inherent in the Rights, managing director, Union Capital Markets Limited, Mr. Tunde Yamah, said Union Bank’s Rights Issue was the most attractive offer in the financial markets now with inherent value to yield above money market instruments and other equities.

According to him, the Rights Issue gives not less than 30 per cent discount to shareholders to lock into their shareholdings by picking up their Rghts.

“It’s the biggest discount you can get in the market, the over 30 per cent is the minimum you can get, and this is better than other instruments including money market instruments,” Yamah said.

While urging shareholders to pick up their Rights, he said shareholders should not allow the opportunity to pass them by not doing anything with their Rights document.

With the success of the Rights issue, UBN is expected to steadily build up its profitability. The bank is expected to pool some N66 billion in pretax profit in the course of three

INDUSTRIAL/DOMESTIC PRODUCTS Company Name ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION INDUSTRIES PLC B. O. C. GASES NIGERIA PLC VITAFOAM NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 4 35 40

Quotation(N) 11.15 6.83 3.15

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 3,000 31,800.00 8,044 55,597.00 1,124,725 3,432,973.90 1,135,769 3,520,370.90

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY Company Name IHS NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

Quotation(N) 2.59

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 25,000 62,250.00 25,000 62,250.00

Quotation(N) 0.52 0.65 1.69 0.50 0.58 1.20 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.84 0.50 0.50 0.52

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 3,316,345 1,688,372.79 3,173,500 2,000,305.00 739,250 1,215,892.50 147 73.50 4,653,620 2,699,099.60 902,973 1,084,067.60 28,100 14,050.00 38,000 19,000.00 27,000 13,600.00 30,000 15,000.00 43,000 21,500.00 11,111,809 5,556,324.10 17,600 8,800.00 38,142 31,993.60 1,970 985.00 74,500 37,250.00 2,852,052 1,481,795.30 27,048,008 15,888,108.99

Quotation(N) 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 68,000 34,000.00 68,000 34,000.00

INSURANCE Company Name No of Deals AIICO INSURANCE PLC. 25 CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC 12 CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INSURANCE PLC 27 GREAT NIGERIA INSURANCE COMPANY PLC 1 GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC 7 GUARANTY TRUST ASSURANCE PLC 9 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC 2 LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. 1 LAW UNION AND ROCK INSURANCE PLC. 3 LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC 1 MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC 1 N.E.M. INSURANCE CO. (NIG.) PLC. 24 NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. 2 PRESTIGE ASSURANCE PLC. 3 STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC 2 UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC 2 INTERCONTINENTAL WAPIC INSURANCE PLC 12 Sector Totals 134 LEASING Company Name C&I LEASING PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 2 MARITIME

Company Name JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 35 35

Quotation(N) 0.75

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 2,149,859 1,638,644.25 2,149,859 1,638,644.25

MEDIA Company Name AFROMEDIA PLC DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 5 4 9

Quotation(N) 0.50 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,031,000 515,500.00 17,700 8,850.00 1,048,700 524,350.00

MORTGAGE COMPANIES Company Name ASO SAVINGS AND LOAND PLC RESORT SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1 2

Quotation(N) 0.50 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 115,000 57,500.00 50,000 25,000.00 165,000 82,500.00

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Company Name CRUSADER NIGERIA PLC. Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

Quotation(N) 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 23,100 11,550.00 23,100 11,550.00

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N)

PACKAGING Company Name

No of Deals

business years.

In a three-year forecasts made available to shareholders, the board of the bank said it expected that shareholders would have as much as N47 billion in net earnings, which the board and shareholders could decide on at general meetings.

Profit after tax, otherwise known as net earnings after tax or post-tax earnings, exclusively belongs to shareholders who may decide to wholly or partly distribute the sum in cash payouts or bonus shares or plough back such into the business.

According to the forecasts included in Rights Issue document, profit before tax is expected to be about N66 billion for the three-year period between 2012 and 2014.

Meanwhile, the bearishness at the Nigerian stock market continued as aggregate market capitalisation of all equities dropped from N6.553 trillion to N6.522 trillion, a decrease of 0.47 per cent. The All Share Index (ASI), the benchmark index at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), slipped from 20,792.75 points to 20,693.84 points.

With 27 losers to 11 gainers, Julius Berger Nigeria led the decliners with a loss of N1.11 to close at N28. Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (Nahco) dropped by 38 kobo to close at N7.23. Ecobank Transnational Incorporated lost 28 kobo to close at N10.01. First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) Plc dropped by 27 kobo to close at N10.05. Dangote Flour Mills lost 24 kobo to close at N4.64 while Zenith Bank lost 23 kobo to close at N12.17 per share.

Meanwhile, Nestle Nigeria topped the gainers with a gain of N2 to close at N442. Oando followed with a gain of 45 kobo to close at N18.40. Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria added 33 kobo to close at N45.50.

Vitafoam Nigeria and Access Bank gained 15 kobo each to close at N3.15 and N5.85 respectively while Presco added 10 kobo to close at N9.

Total turnover stood at 506.95 million shares valued at N1.89 billion in 3,987 deals. Banking subsector accounted for 440.49 million shares valued at N1.44 billion in 2,247 deals. United Bank for Africa (UBA) was the most active stock with a turnover of 325.43 million shares worth N644.15 million in 367 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 8-2-12 NIGERIAN BAG MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

28 28

1.62

1,388,528 1,388,528

2,265,207.40 2,265,207.40

PETROLEUM(MARKETING) Company Name BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC CONOIL PLC ETERNA OIL & GAS PLC. FORTE OIL PLC MOBIL OIL NIGERIA PLC. OANDO PLC TOTAL NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 4 17 7 2 19 308 1 359

Quotation(N) 0.50 48.07 28.00 2.83 12.18 133.00 18.40 190.00

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 7,500 3,750.00 946 44,368.82 47,269 1,261,685.80 32,999 93,744.23 4,820 55,815.60 11,108 1,444,196.56 2,566,419 46,824,288.73 135 24,408.00 2,671,196 49,752,257.74

PRINTING & PUBLISHING Company Name ACADEMY PRESS PLC. UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 3 12 15

Quotation(N) 2.09 3.09

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 5,200 10,368.00 140,818 436,602.62 146,018 446,970.62

Quotation(N) 12.60

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 3,750 44,887.50 3,750 44,887.50

REAL ESTATE Company Name UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 3 3

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST Company Name SKYE SHELTER FUND Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

Quotation(N) 100.00

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 5,940 594,000.00 5,940 594,000.00

ROAD TRANSPORTATION Company Name ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 7 7

Quotation(N) 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 295,020 147,510.00 295,020 147,510.00

THE FOREIGN LISTINGS Company Name ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Sector Totals Overall Totals

No of Deals 37 37

Quotation(N) 10.01

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 436,162 4,438,930.92 436,162 4,438,930.92

3,984

506,951,437

1,890,663,115.74

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

55

MONEY LINK

T

‘CIBN’s committed to stable banking sector’

HE Chartered Institute of Banks of Nigeria (CIBN) has expressed its readiness to ensuring the emergence of a new era Nigerian banking sector that is not only strong in terms of capital base and balance sheet but largely enjoys public confidence.

The Institute also said that deploying more capital to the banking sector without proper adherence to prudential guidelines cannot create the desired stability in the sector.

A statement by the CIBN said there is need to guide against possible reoccurrence of the present crisis, by building a sustainable banking sector, focused on delivering value to the economy. It said the challenges of rebuilding trust in the banking sector are becoming more pronounced than ever.

“The event, which is part of the Institute’s public enlightenment programme is meant to constantly keep the captains of the industry and stakeholders abreast of the developments in the economy.

“It is also one of the various ways the Institute complements Federal Government’s socio-economic programmes with a view to fast tracking the socio-economic development of our country, Nigeria and by exten-

By Collins Nweze

sion attract foreign investments and improved national earnings to the benefit of all stakeholders,” it said.

The CIBN President, Laoye Jaiyeola, said there is need to work out plans that would encourage specialisation in the Nigerian banking sector.

He said the institute has set up five work groups that would draw specialties where bankers can deploy effectively, their competencies. He said that banking industry is not a one cap fits all. He called calling for the need to set up faculty boards to look at diverse areas of banking.

He said it was obvious that there is dearth of skilled manpower in the sector, making it needful for practitioners and regulators to enhance skills and knowhow of bank workers.

“Our own job is to see that we get the right people in terms of skills to manage the banking sector,” he said adding that one way of doing that is through training.

He said there is renewed emphasis on risk management and the banking sector is getting to a point where International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) will be fully implemented to enhance quality financial reporting in the industry.

Unity Bank tops in agric financing

U

NITY Bank’s consistent agricfinancing and support to small scale entrepreneurs has been recognised by the financial industry.

The bank was adjudged second best by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in an evaluation done on the 24 Banks.

The award according to a statement, was announced at the opening session of the 6th Annual Microfinance Conference and Entrepreneurship Awards at the Ladi Kwali Conference Hall of Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja.

According to CBN, the awardees were subjected to the rigorous of veri-

fication in the areas of calendar period, size and institutional eligibility to ensure that they conformed to the stated guidelines for the awards.

The entrepreneurship awards were instituted by the CBN in 2006 after the launching of the Microfinance Policy, Regulatory and Supervisory Framework for Nigeria in 2005.

Unity Bank was judged very good in Corporate Governance in 2010. The bank has over the years been supporting small scale industries and entrepreneurs to develop the informal sector as catalyst to Nigeria’s economic growth.

Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation and the 24 deposit money banks for their input before final copy is endorsed by all the relevant bodies.

To enhance its professional efficiency, the CIBN recently, reviewed professional code of conduct for bankers practicing in the country. The draft Code of Conduct has been sent to the

The disciplinary organs of the Institute, the Investigating Panel and Tribunal have also been activated to ensure the enforcement of the subsisting Code.

UBA forecasts N12b Q1 net profit

S

HAREHOLDERS of United Bank for Africa Plc could net more than N12 billion in net distributable earnings in the first quarter of 2012, even as the lender issued a profit warning for the full year 2011.

“The Bank expects to announce a loss driven principally by one-off writes against earnings including those arising from the transfer of loans to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), UBA said in a statement yesterday.

But in its performance preview for the first quarter ending March 31, 2012, the board of UBA estimated that profit before tax could be N15.1 billion while net earnings after taxes would be N12.1 billion.

Gross earnings are expected at N59 billion within the three-month period. This indicated a pre-tax profit margin of 25.6 per cent, implying that the bank could make a profit of about N26 from every N100

By Taofik Salako

transaction.

The forecasts made available to the investing public through the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) indicated a good prospects for the bank with probable double digit dividend yield at current market consideration.

With net profit at N12.1 billion, earnings per share is expected at 37 kobo, representing earnings yield of 18.6 per cent at current market price. Earnings yield measures the actual return on investment for the investors, although the dividend payment policy of the company may determine the proportion of the earnings to be distributed, subject to the approval of shareholders.

Compared with UBA’s performance in first quarter 2010, the 2011 forecasts imply top-line growth of about 46 per cent and a triple in pre-

•Phillips Oduoza, GMD UBA

tax profit.

The first quarter forecasts would reassure shareholders about the prospects of the first generation bank, which had used the previous year to reassess its balance sheet and deal with hanging non-performing assets.

Citi unveils 2012 Journlists awards

C

ITIBANK Nigeria Limited has launched the Citi Jour nalistic Excellence Awards for the third consecutive year. The Citi Journalistic Excellence Awards began in 1982 as a way of recognising journalists for excellent financial and business reporting.

Citibank in a statement said this year’s winner(s) will have the opportunity to attend this prestigious training and retreat in New York

City later this year.

The programme is open to only business and financial reporters in print media and electronic services including television and radio. Each journalist is allowed one qualifying entry from the eligibility period of January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011.

Deadline for submission is Tuesday, February 14, 2012.

Citi is offering winners the opportunity to spend 10-days at a business and financial seminar in New York

City, which is administered by Columbia Graduate School of Journalism.

The winners are selected by nominations that are screened by an independent panel Citi assembles, with final selection made by Columbia Graduate School of Journalism.

Winners will also have a chance to interact with other financial journalists from around the world as well as leading members of the United States business community.

DATA BANK Tenor

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES OBB Rate Call Rate

7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 5-02-2012 “ 6-02-2012

GAINERS AS AT 8-2-12 SYMBOL VITAFOAM LIVESTOCK WAPIC ACCESS OANDO CUSTODYINS AIICO STERLNBANK PRESCO WAPCO

O/PRICE 3.00 0.81 0.50 5.70 17.95 1.65 0.51 0.82 8.90 45.17

C/PRI CE 3.15 0.85 0.52 5.85 18.40 1.69 0.52 0.83 9.00 45.50

CHANGE 0.15 0.04 0.02 0.15 0.45 0.04 0.01 0.01 0.10 0.33

LOSER AS AT 8-2-12 SYMBOL NAHCO GOLDINSURE DANGFLOUR DIAMONDBNK GTASSURE SKYEBANK BAGCO REDSTAREX FIDSON UNITYBNK

O/PRICE 7.61 0.61 4.88 2.70 1.26 3.36 1.70 2.39 0.76 0.52

C/PRICE 7.23 0.58 4.64 2.57 1.20 3.20 1.62 2.28 0.73 0.50

Amount

Offered ($) Demanded ($)

Amount

Exchange

Sold ($)

Rate (N)

Date

450m

452.7m

450m

156.8

08-2-12

250m

313.5m

250m

156.8

03-2-12

250m

250m

245m

156.7

01-2-12

EXHANGE RATE 26-08-11 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD

147.6000

149.7100

150.7100

-2.11

NGN GBP

239.4810

244.0123

245.6422

-2.57

NGN EUR

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

Bureau de Change 152.0000 (S/N)

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

Parallel Market

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NSE CAP Index

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N)

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

(S/N)

153.0000

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Dec ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 10.3%

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 121.47 98.43 0.76 1.04 0.88 1,642.73 8.24 1.39 1.87 7,329.39 193.00

9.08 1.00 121.33 97.65 0.73 1.04 0.87 1,635.25 7.84 1.33 1.80 7,142.17 191.08

ARM AGGRESSIVE KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND THE LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY THE DISCOVERY FUND • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED

CHANGE 0.38 0.03 0.24 0.13 0.06 0.16 0.08 0.11 0.03 0.02

• STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 23 Dec 2011 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 24, Dec, 2011 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous

Current

04 July, 2011

07, Dec, 2011

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

56

NEWS Man arraigned for alleged forgery

Court rules against Rivers traffic agency

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

A THIRTY-FIVE year old man, Austin Yaduma, has been arraigned at the Oredo Magistrate’s Court for allegedly forging the official file jacket of the Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu.

The accused was arraigned on a three-count charge for conspiring with others, now at large, to commit forgery, an offence punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code.

The charge sheet also alleged that Yaduma forged the official file jacket of the office of the Deputy Governor, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 467 of the Criminal Code, Cap 48, Laws of the defunct former Bendel State (1976) now applicable in Edo State.

In the suit, the accused was said to have also conspired with another to forge a request letter purportedly signed by the Deputy Governor, an offence also punishable under Section 467 of the Criminal Code.

But the accused pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate Peter Asemota fixed his bail at N100,000 and one surety in like sum, who must depose to an affidavit that he owns a building (house) and is resident within the magisterial district.

The case was adjourned till next Wednesday.

Acting Bursar for UNIBEN From Osagie Otabor, Benin

BENJAMIN Ojanero has been appointed as the Acting Bursar of the University of Benin.

A statement by the university’s spokesman, Harris Osarenren, said the appointment would subsist until the appointment of a substantive Bursar.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Osayuki Oshodin has promised to sustain on-going development in the institution.

Oshodin spoke against the backdrop of the institution’s achievement as the first among Nigerian universities in the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities.

From Shola O’Neil, Port Harcourt

A

Oshiomhole (left) greeting the the Iyare of Weppa Wanno Kingdom , A.O Ethuakhor...yesterday. With them is Egabor.

Oshiomhole gets second term support

T

HE people of Weppa Wanno Kingdom in Etsako East Local Government of Edo State have endorsed Governor Adams Oshiomhole for a second term.

They gave their endorsement when they visited the governor in Benin yesterday.

The delegation, led by the Okumagbe of Weppa Wanno, George Oshiapi Egabor, said its decision was informed by the governor’s performance in all areas of development.

Egabor told Oshiomhole: “the people of Weppa Wanno have decided to give you every support to sail easily to your second tenure in the 2012 election.

“The people have asked me to openly inform you that your Excellency has been wholeheartedly en-

‘No crack in Edo ACN’

E

DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has dispelled rumours of infighting in the state Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Oshiomhole made the clarification yesterday when he addressed women leaders from the three senatorial districts in Benin.

He said: “In every family, there are occasions when they quarrel among themselves.

“But when the fighting ends, they remain together. ACN is one and a united family. All of us are committed to working together. Whatever argument you may have heard, those are evidence that this party is open and transparent.”

The Governor said members of the party have a right to express themselves. “We have a right to argue, we have a right to debate, to context, to disagree or agree. That is why we are a democratic party.”

He urged the women to work for the unity of the party.

dorsed by Weppa Wanno.

“It is our fervent prayer that you return to Edo State Government House so that our hopes and aspirations can be realised.”

The monarch thanked the governor for the projects sited in his kingdom, including the construction of a road network.

"The road network which you have carefully and dutifully chosen to construct in Edo State and which you extended to Weppa Wanno Kingdom on the IviogheIgiode-Uzanu axis is highly commendable.

Oshiomhole said: "I pray your community will evolve into an industrial community.

“Between now and April, I intend to invite Dangote to locate the site for the setting up of a fertiliser plant at Agenebode.

"Also, right there in your kingdom, Leventis farm has shown there is so much we can do with fertiliser, because the proposed fertiliser factory of Dangote is something that can create 10,000 jobs directly, so I assure you that we will not relent on that."

MAGISTRATE’S Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has ruled that the State Road Traffic Management Road (TIMA-RIV) lacked the power to impound vehicles parked on walkways.

The Magistrate, E. E Ogeh, while ruling on a case brought by the traffic agency against Franklin George, also declared as illegal the towing of broken down vehicles left on the highway for less than six hours.

The ruling has been described as a landmark judgment by lawyers and other embattled motorists who constantly face the harassment by officials of the TIMA-RIV. The agency sued George for allegedly refusing to a N47,000 fine after leaving his car, marked DR 446 PHC, on the road.

The authority said the act contravened Section 27 of the state’s Road Traffic Law of 2009.

However, after hearing the argument between the agency’s counsel and defence counsel Olarenwaju Buoro, Ogeh ruled that Section 27 does not forbid parking on the walkway, but rather driving on it.

He said the location where the car was parked was a walkway and not a road.

The magistrate also stated that the time as claimed by the TIMA-RIV Patrol Commander, Sainyo Soberekon, that the car remained on the walkway (from 8:15am – 2pm) was within the limit allowed by law.

Ex-Obong sued for contempt From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

Tribunal to hear Amaechi’s, E T INEC’s suit HE Rivers State Election Petition Tribunal yesterday ruled that the applications by Governor Rotimi Amaechi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Independent

•Adjourns till tomorrow From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

National Electoral Commission (INEC) would be taken before the commencement of a trial.

It adjourned the case till tomorrow.

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Celestine Omehia, filed a petition challenging the declaration of Amaechi and his running mate, Tele Ikuru, as winner in last April’s governorship election.

PDP and INEC are also joined in the suit.

The three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Abdullahi Liman, commenced sitting yesterday at 10:28 am at the State High Court Complex, Port Harcourt.

But Amaechi’s lead counsel, Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), who held brief for Lafeef Fagbemi (SAN), called the tribunal’s attention to his fresh application.

INEC’s lead counsel Emmanuel Ukala also filed a similar application.

Omehia and APGA‘s counsel James Ezike, however, objected to the applications, which he described as an at-

tempt to delay justice.

He said he was served with Amaechi’s and Ikuru’s application on Tuesday, while he got INEC’s application in the courtroom yesterday.

After the brief arguments by the counsel and with no objection from PDP’s lead counsel Ighodalo Imapegbelo (SAN) , the tribunal rose at 11:10 am.

The three judges returned to their seats at 12:15 pm and declared that the respondents’ applications would be taken before the commencement of trial.

On the fresh applications, it was gathered that Amaechi and Ikuru wanted some paragraphs in Omehia’s and APGA’s petition struck out .

INEC prayed the tribunal to strike out the “offending” paragraphs.

Bayelsa Acting governor lauds Dickson

B

AYELSA State Acting Governor Nestor Binabo has declared support for the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Seriake Dickson.

Binabor’s support came as a big relief to members of Dickson’s campaign team as he was hitherto seen as a supporter of former Governor Timipre Sylva.

From Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa

But at a campaign rally in Oporoma, the Acting Governor proved skeptics wrong as he solicited support for Dickson.

Binabo appealed to the people to vote for the PDP on Saturday.

“You should come out in your numbers to vote for the PDP. We re the party to beat on that day,” he said.

DIDEM Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, who was re-elected Obong of Calabar last Saturday by the Etubom’s Traditional Council (ETC) and four others, have been sued for contempt.

Etubom Anthony Ani, yesterday through his counsel, Joe Agi (SAN), filed “Form 48, Notice of Consequences of Disobedience to Order of Court”.

The contempt notice dated February 8 and signed by the Registrar of the Court, Paulinus Ekawu, reads: “Unless you obey the order of Justice Obojor Ogar made on January 30, attached hereto, you shall be guilty of contempt of court and shall be liable to be committed to prison”.

Justice Ogar had in a judgment on January 30, 2012 declared the process that brought the Obong to the throne as null and void and restrained Otu from participating in any selection for that purpose.

He restrained Otu from parading himself as the Obong of Calabar until a proper election has been conducted and also restrained the Etubom Traditional Council from excluding Etubom Anthony Ani and Mbiabo Ikoneto from any election or selection of an Obong.

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NEWS Flood destroys goods in Onitsha

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OODS worth N3million were destroyed yesterday by flood at Ochanja market in Onitsha, Anambra State, following a heavy downpour.

The heavy downpour, which started at about 9am, caused flooding in the town, but the market was the worse hit due to lack of drainages.

A victim lamented that his goods were carried away by the flood.

“The rain did not give us any sign, it just started and for most of us who sell clothes there was little or

From Okodili Ndidi, Onitsha

nothing we could do to save our bales as we helplessly watched the flood destroy them,” he said.

The flood also destroyed four vehicles.

An official of the State Environmental Protection Agency (ANSEPA) blamed the incident on the blockage of the water channels by traders.

“The traders are the architects of their problems. They are the people who block the water channels and whenever it rains, they are always the worse hit.”

Enugu to renovate schools

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•United Nations (UN) Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migoro flanked by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Precious Gbeneol (left) and member, House of Representatives Committee on MDGs, Adeyinka Ajayi at a news conference on the millennium campaign and progress on MDGs in Nigeria at the UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday.

Police rescue kidnapped toddler

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HE police in Edo State have rescued a two-year old baby girl, who was abducted by armed robbers at the Government Reservation Area, Ugbor.

The baby was rescued at an uncompleted building on Dumez Road in another part of Benin.

Commissioner of Police Umar Manko said this yesterday when he paraded 13 robbery suspects arrested at various locations in the state.

He said a suspect, Okungbowa Unuoma, has been arrested in connection with the abduction.

The suspect said the baby was abducted by members of his gang after he was caught during an operation by the victims.

He said attempts to use the baby to negotiate his freedom failed.

Manko gave the names of other suspects as Ohiorenuanb Ogedegbe, Akhaome Agbedokhai, Osakpolo Ire-

Woman attacked From Okodili Ndidi, Onitsha

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HERE was tension yesterday in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government of Anambra State when protesting villagers set bonfires on the major roads.

Sources said the villagers, mostly youths, were protesting the manhandling of a market woman by policemen at a checkpoint in the town.

It was gathered that mobile policemen on stop-andsearch duty at the Ekwulobia roundabout stopped the motorcycle carrying the woman and demanded for N20.

An argument ensued, leading to a physical brawl.

A policeman, according to the source, “used the butt of his AK 47 rifle to hit her on the head, which made her unconscious.”

“Passersby mobilised and attacked the policemen, who dispersed the mob with gunshots before they escaped.”

Police spokesman Emeka Chukwuemeka said the incident was a minor misunderstanding that had been resolved.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

dia, Osazee Sunday, Monday Osabuohen, Abayomi Friday, Ayewa Kehide Segun Dele, Saturday Igabor and Ogbewe Airende.

Items recovered from them include nine locally

made pistols, one English double barrel gun, one Dane gun, one cut-to-size barrel, 18 live cartridges and 20 rounds of ammunition.

The police chief said four other suspects were arrested during a stop-and-search at Iguobazuwa in Ovia South

Kidnap suspects arrested in Anambra

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WO of the four kidnap suspects, who allegedly abducted Louis Azubogu, father of the lawmaker representing Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo federal constituency, Chris Azubogu, have been arrested by the

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

police in Anambra State.

They were nabbed yesterday at Mogambo, Onitsha after a 30-minute gun battle with the police.

The suspects are Emeka Okoli of Umunzu in Nnewi

We’ve spent N20b on roads, says Obi

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NAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi has said the administration has spent N20billion to rehabilitate roads in Nnewi.

Obi spoke during the flagoff of the Afor Nnobi, Nkwo Nnewi roundabout. The 5.4-kilometre road, awarded to IDC Construction Company, will be completed within six months.

The governor said the road, when completed, would join Agulu-Nnewi road.

The member representing Nnewi South, North and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chris Azubogu, said the people would remain grateful to the governor for his care, respect and honour for the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

The Commissioner for Works, Callistus Ilozumba, said the administration had awarded 226.869 kilometres of roads in Nnewi of which 142 kilometres had been completed and asphalted.

He said the governor has released funds to fast-track the completion of Orizu road.

and Chukwuma Onyeagha of Amaduno in Ebenesi, Idemili South Local Government.

Police spokesman Emeka Chukwuemeka confirmed the incident yesterday in Awka.

Azubogu was kidnapped in his Umudim, Nnewi compound on October 2, last year.

He was released after two weeks. The kidnappers allegedly collected N2.5 million from his family.

It was gathered that the suspects relocated to Asaba in Delta State after collecting the ransom.

The Nation gathered that they returned to Mogambo in Onitsha last weekend.

When the police got the information, they moved in and engaged them in a shootout where they were injured and arrested.

One of the suspects, Okoli, confessed that they kidnapped Agubogu.

West Local Government.

The suspects, who gave their names as Tommy Obanor, James Osagie, Obanor Festus and Henry Victor, said they were cult members.

They said they went to recover weapons taken to Igbinedion University from Port Harcourt.

A 59 year-old-man, who was recently granted bail by an Oredo Magistrate’s Court for attempted robbery, was also paraded for another robbery attempt.

The suspect, Goodluck Ibobo, confessed to the crime.

HE Enugu State Government has approved N195 million for the construction and renovation of some public schools, including the Government School for Deaf and Dumb, Coal Camp, Enugu.

The approval was given by the State Executive Council at its meeting chaired by Governor Sullivan Chime in Enugu.

The Commissioner for Information, Chuks Ugwoke, said other benefiting schools are O’Connor Asata Council, Igbariam and Airport primary school, Emene.

Others are Community Primary School Nkpolog-

From Chris Oji, Enugu

wu, Emene, Community Primary School Ibagwa Nike, Community Primary School Ugbo Odogwu Phase 6 and Independent Layout Primary School I and II among others.

The commissioner, who was accompanied by his Finance and Works counterparts, Godson Nnadi and Goddy Madueke, said the project would be executed through direct labour.

Ugwoke said the government will build two hostels, a sick bay, ICT centre, two lavatories, renovate two buildings and provide a perimeter fence around the premises of the School for Deaf and Dumb,.

Uduaghan swears in council chief From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

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ELTA State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan said disagreement among leaders is responsible for the delay in constituting caretaker committees for the local governments.

He spoke at the swearing in of a new chairman for Ughelli South Local Government, Vincent Otide, yesterday in Asaba.

The governor said due to these disagreements, the committees may be constituted in batches.

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NEWS Boko Haram: Lack of teachers hits Yobe schools

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HE education sector in Yobe State is hit by shortage of manpower following the Boko Haram crisis in the North, Chairman of the Teaching Service Board, Maijawa Dawayo, has said.

He spoke at the budget defence holding in the House of Assembly.

Dawayo, an educationist, told the House Committee on Education that the recent circular by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) that corps members, who constitute 50 per cent of the board’s manpower, should no longer be posted to senior secondary schools in the state would have an adverse effect on the education sector. He added that most of the youth corps members are no longer interested in serving in northern states because of insecurity.

“We are in a difficult situation and something needs to be done urgently to solve the problem. The corps members constitute 50 per

From Duku JOEL, Damaturu

cent of the manpower in our schools and the head of the scheme has issued a circular that corps members would no longer be posted to senior secondary schools. Most of the corps members are not interested in coming here again because of insecurity in the North.

“I wish to also inform this committee that 80 per cent of our contract teachers, who are from other states, have left Yobe because of the same problem.

Consequently, there is the need for an urgent action to salvage the situation,” Dawayo said.

An employee of the Library Board, Modu Yerima, said the board should be equipped with the latest technological facilities such as e-booking, adding that the library is still operating the analogue system.

He said donor agencies, such as Book Aid, etc have stopped donating books to libraries all over the world.

He called on the state government to assist the board.

Other institutions at the event are the College of Education, Gashua, Gaidam Polytechnic, Bukar Abba Ibrahim University, College of Advanced and Professional Studies (CAPS), Potiskum and College of Islamic and Legal Studies, Nguru.

The Commissioner for Education, Mala Musti, had said his ministry was able to access N2 billion of the N2.9 billion approved for the ministry last year. This represents an average performance of 63 per cent.

Zambia, Ivory Coast through to final

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AMBIA caused a major upset when they beat Ghana 1-0 in Bata yesterday . Ivory Coast also defeated Mali 10 to advance to the final of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Chipolopolo will be appearing in their first continental final since they lost the 1994 decider

to Nigeria and few will argue that they do not deserve it for their thrilling play right through this tournament.

For the Ivory Coast, it is their first Nations Cup final since lifting the trophy 20 years ago.

The Zambians rode their luck against Ghana, who missed an early pen-

alty through Asamoah Gyan, but a lone goal from substitute Emmanuel Mayuka late in the second half proved decisive for the Southern Africans.

Ivory Coast on the other hand matched experience with determination to book a final spot in the Africa’s most prestigeous soccer event.

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RGANISERS of the planned Southwest and Edo State Legislative Summit have been commended for the initiative aimed at reinventing the economic and socio-infrastructural developments achieved in the days of the old Western Region.

Professor Moses Akin Makinde of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, who gave the commendation in a statement, however, queried the exclusion of Delta State from the summit.

He wondered why Ondo State, ruled by a Labour Party governor, would be included, while Delta, which was part of the old Western Region, would be excluded despite being ruled by a PDP governor.

Prof Makinde said the fact that some states carved out of the old Western Region are ruled by governors who belong to other parties should not form the basis of their exclusion from a summit aimed at regional integration and cooperation.

He said the summit tagged: “The legislative summit for collaborative development agenda for Southwest and Edo State,” scheduled for between February 13 and 15 at the Premier Hotel, Ibadan, Oyo State, is to integrate states of the old Western Region including Lagos for cooperation in most aspects of governance.

Makinde of the Department of Philosophy, OAU said the summit was coming after the idea of regional cooperation among the old Western states was canvassed by Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State in company with his Osun State counterpart, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, while delivering a lecture at OAU last year.

“In reality, the coming summit is to integrate the old Western Region consisting now of Lagos (although then a federal territory), Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo and Delta states for the purpose of economic, educational, social, political, scientific

Don hails organisers of Southwest, Edo summit

By Eric Ikhilae

and technological cooperation.

“The landmark achievements and developments of these states under the old Western Region remain a source of reference for good governance – these states being the most educated and sophisticated in Nigeria today.

They are forces to be reckoned with in sports, economic and industrial developments, and control of the print and electronic media.

“The old Western Region as a regional government drew its inspiration from the progressive ideology of its leader, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who practically demonstrated a shrewd management of human and natural resources, the most important of which was the region’s emphasis on man as the centre of development.

“In all of this, the training of the mind and body through education was central, because the late sage saw man as an instrument of economic, social, political, scientific and technological changes. By this means, the region was able to develop at its own pace and became the most advanced region in Nigeria.

“The organisers of this summit are probably full of nostalgia about good times in the past and have now decided to re-enact the status quo that has almost been battered and bastardised by the advent of the military.

“However, I am surprised that Delta State, which, like Edo State, was a part of the old Western Region, was not included in the regional integration and cooperation agenda. If Ondo State, which is ruled by the Labour Party (LP) was included, why not Delta State, although ruled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)?

Jonathan, others visit Sokoto today From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan and Vice-President Namadi Sambo will today visit Sokoto State for the campaign of the PDP governorship candidate, Aliyu Wamakko. The election holds next week.

Also expected are the Senate President David Mark, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambawal, governors from the North-west geopolitical zone and others from PDP-controlled states as well as stakeholders in the party.

Over 5,000 personnel have been deployed by the Sokoto Command of the Nigeria Police to strengthen security.

Trade Fair Complex, venue of the event, is wearing a new look as roads leading to the place have been given a facelift.

The command has in the last few days intensified patrol and checking on busy roads in the metropolis, especially those leading to the venue.

Spokesman of the police ASP Almustapha Sani told reporters that the command has concluded security arrangement for the success of the event.

According to him, “we have deployed more personnel from the neighbouring states of Zamfara and Kebbi to ensure maximum security.”

Saraki knows fate March 27

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N Abuja Federal High Court will, on March 27, decide if former Kwara governor, Bukola Saraki, was duly nominated by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a candidate for Kwara Central Senatorial District.

Justice Ibrahim Auta fixed the date after parties adopted their written address yesterday.

The court has also deemed PDP’s motion seeking an extension of time within which

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

to file the necessary court papers as properly filed and served.

An aggrieved member of the PDP, Alhaji L’aziz Jimoh, is praying the court to declare him as the winner of the election by nullifying Saraki’s candidature.

He wants the court to set aside the purported primary rerun conducted on January 29, 2011 by PDP and won by Saraki.

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FOREIGN NEWS US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Bomb attack kills eight in Somalia

Obama ahead of Romney in Virginia poll

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N the latest upbeat sign for President Barack Obama’s re-election prospects, the results of a Quinnipiac University poll released yesterday showed that Obama now leads Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney in the key state of Virginia.

The poll showed that 47 percent of registered Virginia voters would vote for Obama, while 43 percent would vote for Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts.

Obama’s modest lead in the latest poll represents a stark contrast to the results

of a December survey that showed Romney with a 44 percent to 42 percent lead.

The turnaround for Obama reflects notable increases in support among independent voters and women. On the other hand, Romney saw stronger support among men in the latest poll.

Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, said, “For the first time since Quinnipiac University began polling Virginia voters on the race, President Barack Obama holds a razor-thin lead over

Gov. Mitt Romney.”

“The Obama bump could be driven by the perception that the economy is improving,” Brown added.

“And, the nasty GOP primary fight is not helping Romney, exposing swing voters to lots of negative attacks on him from within his own party.”

While former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum’s surprise sweep of Tuesday’s Republican nominating contests in Missouri, Minnesota, and Colorado has raised some questions about Romney’s status as the front-runner, the

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FFICIALS in Somalia’s capital say a car bomb attack has killed eight people and wounded two members of parliament.

Police commander Ahmed Hassan Maalin said an explosives-laden car parked near a hotel in Mogadishu exploded yesterday evening. Mohamud Abdullahi Wehelie, a Somalia parliamentarian said eight people were killed and 11 were seriously injured. Parliamentary member Dahir Iro said two parliamentary members were among those wounded.

Wehelie called the explosion a “cowardly and heartless attack.” He blamed the blast on the Somali militant group al-Shabab.

Violent clashes continue in Maldives

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•Obama

Quinnipiac poll also showed Obama leading the other GOP candidates in Virginia.

Santorum's triple win throws Republican race open

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ICK Santorum's triple whammy of victories in Missouri, Minnesota and Colorado provides yet another twist in the race to be the Republican candidate to contest November's general election against Barack Obama.

With Newt Gingrich's second coming in South Carolina now a distant memory, Mr Santorum, a fiercely evangelical Christian, is suddenly positioning himself as the only conservative alternative to Mitt Romney, the moderate-liberal front-runner.

But when the euphoria dies down, Tuesday's results will probably say far more about the weaknesses of Mr Romney as a Republican candidate than they do about the chances of Mr Santorum ever becoming

president.

This was a terrible night for Mr Romney; confirming once again that the tepid, antiseptic former management consultant has far too little appeal to the Conservative Republican base that he needs to energise if he is to beat Mr Obama.

Even before these results, polls this week showed that Mr Romney still only appealed to 29 per cent of Republican voters, despite his big wins in Florida and Nevada. The Romney vote is flatlining, a fact reflected in a series of weak turnouts by Republican voters in the primaries.

By contrast, the down-athome Mr Santorum - who believes in creationism, reviles gay marriage, thinks global warming is a myth and wants

to bomb Iran - enthuses hardcore Conservatives in a way that Mr Romney, with his corporate gloss, never will.

Most embarrassing for Mr Romney was to lose in Colorado - a state he romped in his failed 2008 nomination bid with 60 per cent of the vote - but on Tuesday fell to a five point defeat as evangelical Christians piled in behind Mr Santorum.

Even more worrying is that defeat in Missouri and Minnesota means that Mr Romney has failed to win a single contest in the allimportant Midwest, the strip of eight states whose voters have decided all recent US elections, particularly the close ones.

Add in Mr Santorum's narrow win in Iowa and, to use the American parlance, Mr

Romney is 'oh and three' in the eight Midwest states that carry 95 electoral college votes and the key to what is shaping up to be a very close general election.

Mr Romney still remains odds-on favourite to win the Republican nomination. His massively superior finances and organisation will be telling factors in March's tenstate Super Tuesday contest where candidates will need the muscle to mount national campaigns.

The smart (Super-PAC) money still says that the Bain man will win the first race of this electoral season and become the Republican candidate; but on this showing it is more doubtful that he will win the second race, in November, against Mr Obama.

A L D I V E S remained gripped by political turmoil yesterday, with violent clashes between police and protesters in the capital of Male, as well as claims by the island nation’s former president that he was forced to resign this week at gunpoint.

Maldives, an archipelago of more than 1,200 islands in the Indian Ocean, is a fledgling

democracy now reeling after weeks of demonstrations that culminated with Tuesday’s unexpected resignation of former president Mohamed Nasheed. He had been elected in 2008 in the country’s first democratic presidential election.

His resignation has prompted claims and counterclaims about whether he was actually deposed in a coup.

Gays in Uganda may face death sentence

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BILL that would make the death sentence mandatory for gays who are “repeat offenders” was reintroduced in Uganda’s parliament on Tuesday, a move likely to draw fresh condemnation from Western aid donors, Reuters reported.

The bill was originally proposed as a private member’s bill in 2009 by David Bahati, a legislator with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, provoking an international outcry.

United States President Barack Obama denounced the bill as “odious”, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called on Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to reject it and some international donors threatened to cut aid if it became law.

The bill was shelved last May. The cabinet took it over and, after widespread international condemnation, said in August it had decided to drop the bill because existing laws were sufficient to deal with homosexual crimes.

A small but vocal anti-gay movement, led by several MPs and a group of bishops, said it was determined to reintroduce the proposed legislation.

GOVERNMENT OF THE CROSS RIVER STATE OF NIGERIA RURAL WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION AGENCY (RUWATSSA) WATER BOARD PREMISES, 147 NDIDEM USANG ISO ROAD, CALABAR PROCUREMENT NOTICE RE:CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC LAVATORIES IN SELF SELECTED PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND FENCIING OF MOTORIZE BOREHOLES SOLAR INSTALLATIONS IN ODUKPANI LGA UNDER EU SRIP II Cross River State RUWATSSA intends to award contracts for construction of Lavatories in self selected schools of Odukpani LGA and Fencing of MBHs Solar installations with financial assistance from UNICEF under EU SRIP II Social Responsibility Investment Projects. The tender dossiers are available for collection in the Office of the Programme Manager, CRS RUWATSSA, 147 Marian Road, Water Board Premises, Calabar. The deadline for submission of tenders is 24th February, 2012.

Tenders must be submitted using the double envelope system, i.e., in an outer parcel or envelope containing two separate sealed envelopes, one bearing the words “Envelope A-Technical offer” and the other “Envelope B- Financial offer”. All parts of the tender other than the financial offer must be submitted in Envelope ‘A’ (ie, including all elements of the Company profile listed to prequalify).

Nothing whatsoever with respect to price should be mentioned in any document placed in envelope ‘A’.

Completed BOQs should be placed in envelope ‘B’ along with all evidence of payment of bids fees for the respective lots and sealed.

NOTE: Any infringement of these rules (eg, unsealed envelopes or references to price in the technical offer) is to be considered a breach of the rules, and will lead to rejection of the tender. All BOQs must be marked with the bid title, the company name and signed.

In the light of the above, suitably experienced Contractors in Construction and Installation of Public Lavatories are requested to obtain, complete and submit within the deadline the tender dossier.

Interested Companies are advised to submit along for the purpose of prequalification, copies of their Company profile including the following documents; • Certificate of Incorporation • Up to date Certificate of Registration with Cross River State Government • Tax clearance for the past three years including VAT • Payee tax of the employees • List of similar jobs executed within the past five years including verifiable evidence of offer, completion and payment • Statement of audited account for the last three years • Curriculum Vitae of Key Staff The sealed profiles must be addressed to The Programme Manager, CRS RUWATSSA, NO. 147 Ndidem Usang Iso Road, Water Board Premises, Calabar. Envelopes must be marked” tender for the construction of schools lavatories or fencing of MBH Solar installation” and dropped into the tender box after signing the tender submission register in the Programme Manager’s office on or before 24th February, 2012 by 12:00 noon prompt.

In evaluating the tenders, only Contractors who prequalify shall have their financial bids opened and evaluated. Prequalification and bid opening shall take place on the 27th - 29th of February at the CRS RUWATSSA Conference Hall from 2:00 pm.

Patrick E Emori Programme Manager

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TOMORROW IN THE NATION

www.thenationonlineng.net

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

‘Let us now begin to protest with a gust of clever rage. I advocate neither apathy nor that cowardly resignation to defeat which we have learnt to couch as “fate.”’

VOL. 7, NO. 2030

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

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WAS sick of it all.

Figures that mean so much in raw cash reeled off by officials in sharp Oxford Street suits and ties. Lawmakers playing the jury in a matter that should have been tried in a competent court and a distraught public watching in utter consternation. But the little window offered by the weekend to sneak away from the sordid fuel subsidy probe couldn’t do the magic; not because the circus went on without a break. No. A flood of events kept the reporter breathless.

An earthquake hit the land. The Supreme Court sent five governors packing, ruling that they had overspent their time. They all accepted their fate and quit. All was peaceful, except in Kogi where two helmsmen emerged to struggle for the governor’s seat. An attempt by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to rein in its excited men collapsed. Speaker Abdullahi Bello remained adamant, saying he would not step down for Captain Idris Wada, who had been elected to take office in March.

Ibrahim Idris, the former governor, threw the state into a crisis when, as an ordinary citizen – so he was after the court’s verdict -, he carpentered Wada’s swearing- in. Bello kicked. Enter INEC Chairman Attahiru Jega.

Apparently forgetting that the commission’s job is to organise elections, he became a court of law, pronouncing who should be governor. Wada, he hollered. And many were alleging that the PDP may have suborned INEC into taking such an impetuous decision.

Not long after, Bello surrendered. With the withdrawal of the platoon of policemen and other security agents thrown around him as the new man of power, the game was up.

Nevertheless, Kogi remains a laughing stock.

In Cross River, there was no succession battle. The interim governor himself, Larry Odey, confirmed that he was holding the office in trust, not for the people, but for ousted Liyel Imoke whose return he was anxious to see, so that his good work could continue. He was not alone. Outside the Government House, many were wondering what will become of the Calabar Carnival, arguably one of the former governor’s most ingenious projects.

Talking about the struggle for seats, President Goodluck Jonathan was widely rumoured to have contested the African Union (AU) chairman in Ethiopia, beaten by Benin Republic’s Boni Yayi. That was as scandalous as it was bewildering. Many were asking: What happened? Where was Chief Tony “the fixer” Anenih? Wasn’t former President Olusegun Obasanjo there? What happened to the PDP’s do-or-die formula? Dead? Shouldn’t we just shut the border for just a week and watch Yayi rushing down to Abuja to surrender his prize?

Thankfully, the Presidency came out to say our man never ran for the office. What a relief!

After about 14 years of rigmarole, the Hamza al-Mustapha court drama came to a screeching end. The late Gen. Sani Abacha’s enforcer-in-chief bagged a death sentence. His accomplice, Lateef Sofolahan, an Abiola family aide who turned a Judas Iscariot, is also to

RIPPLES NEW ELECTRICITY TARIFF TAKES OFF IN APRIL-News

MINIMUM WAGE... MAXIMUM HEADACHE

GOVERNOR BABATUNDE FASHOLA

GBENGA OMOTOSO

EDITORIAL NOTEBOOK

gbenga.omotoso@thenationonlineng.net

Two governors and other stories

•Wada

•al-Mustapha

die by hanging. Even after Justice Mojisola Dada had pronounced her verdict, alMustapha remained as theatrical as ever, smiling and waving like an exuberant politician.

Instead of facing the trial, al-Mustapha staged a most reprehensible show of extraneous sub-plots that turned an otherwise sober task into a circuitous dance of absurdities.

Now that the show has closed, the lesson is clear: no abuse of power and trust will go unpunished – no matter how long it takes.

If al-Mustapha and Sofolahan were unlucky, not so former House Speaker Dimeji Bankole and his deputy, Usman Nafada, who faced a 17-count charge of conspiracy and criminal breach of trust over a N40 billion loan taken by the House. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) failed to establish a prima facie case against them. “The two accused persons did not move any money with the intention of dishonestly taking it. How can a borrowed money now somersault to a property that was dishonestly taken for personal use,” Justice Suleiman Belgore ruled.

The EFCC alleged that the duo did not seek approval from the Revenue Mobilisation , Allocation and Fiscal Commission ( RMAFC) before spending the cash. Justice Belgore disagreed. He said: “Is the RMAFC the owner of the money as to make their consent rel-

evant?” Besides, he said Bankole and Nafada should not have been in the dock. If any wrong had been committed, it was moral; not criminal, His Lordship ruled. But he castigated lawmakers for being insensitive to the plight of the electorate by living it up, like kings and Hollywood stars, even as the citizenry wallow in penury. That, in my view, is the message of the verdict. Our leaders should have some compulsion to show that they understand that times are hard.

If you thought the subsidy probe revelations were sickening, you got it all wrong.

An unnamed government official is alleged to have creamed N2 billion off the pension cash. Huge piles of dollar bills were discovered in the home of another, according to Pension Reform Task Team chair Abdulrasheed Maina. In all, N151 billion has been recovered from officials, Maina said.

Who are these heartless officials stealing the cash that represents so many years of sweating and toiling by others? When will they be hauled before the court? Why are we so bad at keeping cash? If pension funds have proven too hot to handle, requiring a task force to halt the looting, can Dr Christopher Kolade, a decent man of advanced age, police the petrol subsidy cash?

Central Bank Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was reported to have told Financial Times that derivation is at the root of the Boko Haram madness. Before we could hail this as a result of another unique intellectual exertion of a boisterous banker, the knives were out for Sanusi. Many were screaming: “This is banking haram!” Why not talk more on cash-less Lagos, the massive job cuts in banks and the troubled naira, they grumbled.

Thankfully, Sanusi denied it all, saying he was misquoted. Sharp dude.

There was good news for parents and students when varsity teachers suspended their two-month old strike. But many were not exhilarated as they asked: when is the next strike?

It was not all about politicians and cash. Victims of the Xmas Day bombing at St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State, were

HARDBALL

T

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has an innate ability to defy gravity.

Much more than this, the party has perfected the unnatural art of making water flow uphill by uniquely applying unexceptional and third-rate methods to Nigerian politics. This conclusion is not because the PDP is hated or because anyone wishes it to implode. It is simply because the harder the party tries to break the law, ruin the constitution and implement counterproductive policies, the more it wins elections, makes huge impressions on the people and cuts a dashing figure globally. How the party’s irrepressible talisman works and why it has not been fully studied, at least not since 1999, is hard to say. But maybe, someday, its methods would be dissected and our ignorance dispelled.

Once again, the party has managed to score against the run of play. In Saturday’s Adamawa State governorship election, the PDP candidate, Admiral Murtala Nyako, won with a plurality that was less than overwhelming or even convincing. The votes of PDP’s two leading opponents were more than those of Nyako. The margin is, however, not as important as the stupendous act of winning itself. What is sur-

buried. Women were crying. Men sobbed like babies and kids, gripped by fear, were wondering why it happened. The homilies were moving. Amid the grief, a girl described as a member of the Boys’ Scout “caught a man in possession of condoms”. He was handed over to a soldier who asked him to chew the condoms. There has been no news about the man ever since. Is he one of the about 100 Boko Haram suspects who are being detained? What was he doing with condoms right in the church?

Have condoms become Improvised Explosive Devices (IED)? Wasn’t the soldier being unnecessarily imperious by asking the man to chew the condoms? Where are our rights activists?

The President rounded off the week with a blistering attack on former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva. He told PDP candidate Seriake Dickson: “I was here some months ago.

Bayelsans stoned the governor… If you do not work hard and they stone you, I will join them to stone you.” Haba Dr Goodluck Jonathan! Did your audience understand that this was a mere metaphorical expression and not a call to violence? But Sylva refused to turn the other cheek. He accused the President of being the mastermind of the stoning over which he was gloating and asked if stoning had become a barometer for measuring performance. Sylva also wanted to know why the governor’s residence was bombed when Jonathan was governor? Jonathan (remember?) fled the Government House and was ferried to safety in a speed boat. “If stoning is a yardstick for non-performance, are we also right to say that the burning down of Mr. President’s house in 2007, in the run-up to that year’s general election, was also a act of rejection by the people of the state?” Sylva asked the President. An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.

So much for a season of guffs, galls and gulls!

…And Ribadu returns

F

ORMER Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chair Nuhu Ribadu has been named chairman of the Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force – a new body that will go after tax defaulters in the oil sector, among other functions.

Ribadu is on his own, going by the reaction of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) of which he was presidential candidate. I suspect that the idea of a task force, a military legacy, is an acceptance that the trouble with the oil sector is truly deep. I hope some smart officials are not shifting the burden of their offices to these eminent Nigerians, including the rights activist Olisa Agbakoba and Lagos preacher Ituah Ighodalo, who are staking their greatest asset –integrity?

Good luck Mallam, but no handcuffs, please.

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•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Water flows uphill in Nigeria prising is that the party won in Adamawa at a time when, at the national level, it had just enacted fuel subsidy removal, probably the most unpopular economic measure in our history. The victory says a lot about Nigerians and their hidden masochism, and the brutal indifference of their leaders. It is either we are truly inured to punishment, given the way we embrace our tormentors, or the government is more perceptive than we give it credit.

The next three governorship elections in Bayelsa, Sokoto and Cross River are likely to be won by the PDP in spite of the revulsion the country feels for the ruling party’s economic management style, just like the party won the presidential election last year, notwithstanding its appalling record in tackling the country’s energy crisis, infrastructural decay and educational decline. It is looking increasingly like the PDP would always emerge smelling of lavender, whether it wallowed in cesspit or not. Sometimes, it is argued that this unusualness is because the party’s candidates are individually popular locally, and that no matter

the waywardness in Abuja, they would retain their local attraction and luxuriate in the sort of endearments only abused and despised electorates are capable of offering their tormentors. But such an argument runs into difficulty in the face of policies that increase rather than ameliorate the people’s poverty.

Can water flow uphill? Thanks to the PDP, it is possible in Nigeria, where voters appear to endorse unpopular policies and programmes.

Indeed, the challenge the country faces is how to ensure votes reflect enlightened choices in order to limit the contrariness of Nigerian politics. We failed the challenge at the national level in 2003, 2007 and 2011 with dire consequences, and we are failing wholesale again at the state level, as we continue to re-elect and endorse politicians who represent unpopular and shortsighted policies in a country that is less federal than unitary. Until we begin to punish political parties by voting even their popular candidates out of office, the country is unlikely to enjoy the inspiring experiences and development we have longed for since independence.

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