The Nation February 10, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

News Salami seeks Appeal Court’s intervention over suspension P9 Sport Eagles defender Taiwo eyes permanent deal with QPR P16 Business Reps panel uncovers N220b subsidy overpayment P11 www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 7, NO. 2031 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

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Boko Haram: Police take custody of Biu, others Detectives step up hunt for Xmas Day bomb suspect

ANGER OF THE MATRIACHS

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

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ETAINED Assistant Commissioner of Police Zakari Biu and five others who are facing trial over the escape of a Boko Haram suspect, Kabiru Sokoto, have been returned to police custody.

The Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC) is trying the suspects for the escape of the suspected mastermind of the Christmas Day bombing at Madalla, Niger State, Kabiru Sokoto.

It was also learnt yesterday that security agencies have intensified the hunt for Sokoto, who security sources believe may still be in the country.

Biu and other suspects have been transferred from detention in a military cell to a police facility in Abuja it was learnt yesterday.

Although the list of panel members was kept secret as at press time, it was learnt that five most Senior Assistant Inspectors-General of Police are running the trial.

•Women protesting against rape and violence at Ogbozara Community of Opi, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State ... yesterday PHOTO: NAN

Continued on page 4

Court summons INEC over Bayelsa election

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FEDERAL High Court, Abuja, has summoned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to explain today why it should not stop tomorrow’s governorship election in Bayelsa State.

Justice Donatus Okorowo granted the order, following an exparte application argued by African Renaissance Party (ARP) counsel Kayode Ajulo.

Granting another exparte motion in a separate suit, the Judge ordered INEC to include Hon. Dumbo Hink of the African Liberation Party (ALP) on its list of candidates for the election.

The application was argued by Henry Akunebu on behalf of the ALP, Hink and his running mate, Mr. Adigio Inangaebite.

Chief Kenneth Gbaliga Gbalikuma of the ARP urged the

From Kamarudeen Ogundele and Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

Judge to stop the election, on the allegation that INEC violated some provisions of the Electoral Act 2010.

He claimed that INEC gave 12 days notice to political parties for the election, instead of the mandatory 90 days as contained in Section 30 of the Electoral Act. He said conducting the election will amount to a breach of the Electoral Act. Ruling, Justice Okorowo asked INEC to appear before him today to show why the election should not be stopped.

In the case of the ALP, the court held that it would be unfair for the commission to exclude its candidates. He ordered INEC to allow the Plaintiffs to participate in the poll.

In an affidavit, the ALP National Continued on page 4

•President Goodluck Jonathan cutting the tape to open the six million metric tonnes Dangote Ibeshe Cement Plant in Ogun State ... yesterday. Watching are Governor of Ogun State Senator Ibikunle Amosun (right) and Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote.

•AGRIC P13 •SPORTS P15 •POLITICS P17 •SOCIETY P29 •MONEY LINK P55

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

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NEWS BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY NEW YEAR MESSAGES

Embassies, High Commissions tighten security THE fear of the insurgent group, Boko Haram, has become the beginning of wisdom for many, including foreign missions, which have been forced to review their security measures, reports AUGUSTINE EHIKIOYA

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OR over a decade, the Public Affairs Section of the Consulate-General of the American Embassy in Lagos operated from Broad Street, Lagos Island. It shared a compound with a construction giant. It daily welcomed members of the public to use its library facility, aside playing host to programmes which attracted people from all walks of life.

But late last year, the office was relocated to the Walter Carrington Crescent facilities of the American Consulate-General.

The relocation coincided with a major bomb attack by the dreaded Boko Haram insurgent group, whose activities have led to the death of over 500 people.

It is not only the Americans that have been made to review their security measures by the group, others have taken a cue too. Getting into the embassies and high commissions are like trying to access a desert on water!

The immediate past Inspector General of Police (IGP), Hafiz Ringim, last year narrowly escaped death when a suicide bomber from the sect drove right behind him into the Force Headquarter in Abuja and detonated a bomb, which claimed some lives and destroyed many cars and property.

He was retired last month when a Boko Haram suspect, who was said to have masterminded the Christmas day bomb blast at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Madalla, Suleja, Niger State dramatically escaped from custody.

The United Nations (UN) was not left out of the evil attacks of the sect as the UN Headquarters in Abuja was attacked on August 26, 2011. 25 persons died. The massive explosion also destroyed a substantial part of the building.

While no day goes by without an attack by the sect in Borno State, other northern states that have experienced the havoc of Boko Haram include Yobe, Bauchi, Adamawa, Niger, Plateau, Gombe, Kano and Kaduna.

For the attacks in Yobe in November 2011 and in Kano State last month, it was feared that over 250 persons in each state died from the sect’s bomb blasts and shootings.

Attempt by the sect’s suicide bomber in military uniform to cause massive devastation in the highly fortified Army’s 1st Division’s Dalek Barrack in Kaduna on February 7 was halted as the military personnel succeeded in blowing up the suicide bomber before reaching his target.

Its leader, Abubakar Shekau, in a audio recording posted on YouTube last month, had warned that the radical group would continue the attacks until the country becomes an Islamic state.

This development has made virtually all the embassies and high commissions in Nigeria to fortify their security outfits.

To safe guide the lives of their citizens in Nigeria, some of the foreign missions have also issued series of travel warnings to their nationals.

‘

U.S. citizens should remain particularly vigilant around churches and other places of worship, large gatherings, eating or drinking establishments, celebratory locations where large crowds may gather

‘

The United States Embassy in Nigeria in November last year in the wake of the sect’s attacks in Damaturu, Yobe State and Maiduguri, Borno State warned that it had uncovered a plot by the sect to attack three luxury hotels frequented by foreigners in Abuja, including Transcorp Hilton, Sheraton and NICON Luxury hotels.

Despite the authority’s claims that it is on top of the situation, the US Embassy urged its citizens to stay away from the three hotels, even as the embassy’s Spokeswoman, Deb MacLean did not disclose the source of the information.

Also on December 30, 2011, another security warning was issued by the US Embassy asking its citizens to be wary of visiting churches, bars, hotels in eight states in the North.

The warning reads: “The U.S. Embassy and Consulate General remind U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Nigeria to take extra precautions during the New Year holiday season to ensure your safety and security.”

“Violent extremist attacks have continued in various locations, including the states of Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Niger, Plateau, and Yobe, resulting in numerous casualties. The most recent attacks took place on Christmas Day. “U.S. citizens should remain particularly vigilant around churches and other places of worship, large gatherings, eating or drinking establishments, celebratory locations where large crowds may gather, and areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers during the upcoming holiday season, including hotels, markets, and malls.”

“You should review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, monitor local news stations for updates, and report specific incidents of targeted violence to the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos.”

The British High Commission, in its own warning, said: “If you are a resident British national, you should

• Terence McCulley follow your employer’s local security guidelines. In addition: You must be vigilant at all times and make sure that your local host and family know your travel plans and timings.”

“You should register with the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos on arrival (see the General (Registration) section of this Travel Advice). Limit your movements to only essential journeys. Vary your routines. If travelling by road you should only travel in fully protected transport and aim to complete your journey well before nightfall.”

“Keep your car doors locked and windows closed and maintain tele-

• Andrew Lloyd phone or radio communications to report your movements. You should consider permanent armed protection, but be aware that even this cannot guarantee your safety.”

Other foreign missions which issued similar warnings to their citizens include Canadian High Commission and Ireland.

To end the act of terrorism in Nigeria, many countries and the United Nations have pledged their support and assistance to the government.

Last month, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Mr. William Fitzgerald at the end of a two day Regional Security Cooperation Working Group meeting under

the US-Nigeria Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Abuja pledged the support of US to boost operational capabilities of Nigeria’s security services.

The key areas of collaboration, he said, include training, intelligence sharing, modernisation of the security services and logistics.

The European Union (EU) on Wednesday agreed with the authorities to engage experts towards tackling the Boko Hram insurgency in the Northern part of Nigeria.

Nigerians and foreigners can obviously not wait to see teh end of Boko Haram. It has been a hell living with the insurgency.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

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NEWS BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY

Jonathan advocates for peace •Sultan says justice ‘ll resolve security challenges

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said his administration would work for the pace of the country.

Jonathan spoke at the palace of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar 111.

The president was in Sokoto to flag-off the campaign for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the governorship election, Aliyu Wamakko.

He urged the people to co-operate with the government to tackle

From Vincent Ikuomola, Sokoto

the security challenges in the country.

Sultan Abubakar advocated good welfare package and good governance as means of resolving security challenges facing the country.

He said the use of force might not be able to deliver the required result.

The Sultan said what the people needed is justice.

‘Abba-Ibrahim weighing Boko Haram options’ ENATOR Bukar Abba Ibrahim may be ready to negotiate with the Federal Government on behalf of the Boko Haram sect, it was learnt yesterday.

A source close to the former Yobe State governor quoted him to have said that “if the negotiations would bring lasting peace in the country, stop the shooting, bombing and killing, I will be prepared to participate.”

Abba-Ibrahim who is Chairman Senate Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development, is one of the five Northern elders named by Boko Haram to negotiate with the Federal Government on their behalf.

The Federal Government, however, doubts the veracity of the video message of the violent sect aired on the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) on Tuesday.

Besides Abba-Ibrahim, others also named by the sect are: Sheik Abubakar Gemuno, Dr. Shettima Ali Monguno, Alhaji Junadu Idris and Aisha AlWakil.

But a source close to AbbaIbrahim quoted the former gov-

S

•A group of women and men from Northwest protesting against killings at the entrance of the National Assembly, Abuja... yesterday PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

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Nigerians flee to Cameroun over Boko Haram

IGERIANS have fled in droves to neighbouring Cameroon to escape violence claimed by the insurgent group, Boko Haram, AFP has reported.

“Everybody is insecure in Nigeria. The fear is all-pervading,” said a Nigerian Christian priest, speaking on condition of anonymity, in Fotokol, a Cameroonian border town where dozens have taken shelter in the last few weeks.

It is located about 100km from the Nigerian city of Maiduguri, the bastion of the shadowy Boko Haram sect which has been blamed for a slew of terror attacks that have sowed panic in Africa’s most populous nation.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and largest oil producer, is roughly divided between a mainly Muslim north and predominantly Christian south.

Boko Haram has claimed to be fighting for an Islamic state in Nigeria’s north, but its demands have varied.

“Many Nigerians like myself have fled their villages in the south. We feel secure in Cameroon,” the priest said in Fotokol.

“That is why I am sheltered here,” he added.

He has rented a house which is about 10 minutes by motorcycle to the nearest town in Nigeria, Gamboru Ngala, where he heads the local Catholic church.

It is difficult to gauge the exact number of Nigerians who have fled to Cameroon as they cross the border illegally, but there are easily dozens sheltered here since the attacks and tit-for-tat ripostes by Christians.

Mahamat Tujani, a Muslim trader from Maiduguri, fled to Kousseri near Fotokol.

“I abandoned my business and my

‘Keep away from Soyinka‘

By Emmanuel Oladesu

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SOCIO-cultural organisation, Coalition of Yoruba Self Determination Group (COSEG), has warned the dreaded sect, boko haram to steer clear of Prof. Wole Soyinka and the entire south west reminding that “nobody or group has monopoly of violence.”

COSEG was reacting to a reported boko haram threat on the Nobel Laurette, Prof. Soyinka and Niger Delta in a statement jointly signed by Dayo Ogunlana and Razaq Oloko-Oba, Chairman and Secretary respectively.

The statement, which was issued after a meeting of all groups that form the coalition and leadership of COSEG War Council resolved that it would react accordingly if anything happens to Wole Soyinka because violence, they say, begets violence.

It further emphasised that “we will retaliate majorly on all northern interests in the south west should anything happened to Soyinka and/or other Yoruba nationals.

The group also made it abundantly clear that “we are not ready to concede an inch of our territory in any Yoruba state or area including the Itsekiri border to any usurper from any quarter.”

While expressing support for all agitations of various groups, COSEG however condemned the method of killing innocent people across the country describing it as unacceptable. family to seek refuge at the home of my cousin,” a Cameroonian, he said.

“I escaped out of fear.”

He hoped to return home soon, he said, “but if the killings continue, I will bring over my family members here”.

Boko Haram has been blamed for scores of bomb attacks in Nigeria’s Muslim-dominated north. It claimed responsibility for January 20 coordinated bombings and shootings in Nigeria’s second-largest city of Kano that left at least 185 people dead - Boko Haram’s deadliest attack yet.

The August suicide bombing of UN headquarters in the capital Abuja which killed at least 25 people was also attributed to the group.

“When you scent danger, you must escape,” the priest said.

“Even in the Gospel, the Lord says the moment you sense danger, you must escape. If you don’t it’s suicide,”

he said.

The priest said two Christians from the mainly Christian Igbo ethnic group were killed in Mobi in Adamawa state about three weeks ago.

“When the other Igbos went to reclaim their bodies the Boko Haram struck and killed 29 others,” he said.

Sectarian violence has been rising since elections in July last year. He urged both Christians and Muslims to “return to God”.

The priest said Muslims were also targeted by Boko Haram. Between January 28 and 30, three people - including a Muslim - were killed in Gamboru Ngala, Nigerian and Cameroonian police and medical sources said.

The priest was following an Africa Cup of Nations match on television at a bar, along with six other compatriots. In another room, eight other Nigerians sat, drinking.

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

ernor as saying “I wish I knew those who are said to have named me to get involved in the negotiation.”

The source also quoted the senator as saying “if the sect members want me to get involved in the negotiation with the government, they needed to contact me before going on air to name me and others.”

The source added that AbbaIbrahim said that he has not been contacted by anybody for negotiation with the Federal Government and that he saw the story on NTA the way others saw it.

“If they say they respect and like me, they should be free to come because Nigerians know that I ran open door policy in my days as a governor. You didn’t need any protocol to see me,” he was quoted to have said.

The source also quoted AbbaIbrahim as saying “Nigerians know me as a bridge builder, peace loving, a peace maker and a detribalized Nigerian who will go to any length to ensure unity and peace in Nigeria .”

Boko Haram: Jonathan incapable, says ACN

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IRED of the incessant bombings and attacks in the country, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday described President Goodluck Jonathan as incapable of tackling the Boko Haram menace.

Its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, spoke at a two-day National Political Summit held in Abuja, saying the President has failed to demonstrate genuity in addressing the insecurity challenges in the country.

He said: “As for insecurity, the president has not demonstrated the capacity and the genuity to solve the problem as of today. The major approach by the government is not working. The government needs to engage.

“Our party has advised him to convoke a National Security Stakeholders Meeting. We also encourage him to engage protagonist of this Boko Haram phenomenon.

The National Publicity Secretary explained that there is need for the President to listen to advise provided by the ACN. He said Jonathan should give room for dialogue because Boko Haram members are citizens of the country .

“They are Nigerians. Let’s lis-

From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

ten to their grievances. Those of the grievances that can be addressed, we should address them while those that can’t be addressed, we let them know but this issue is getting worse by the day.

“And everyday the government says they have arrested the major players but the next day we have various attacks. That means somebody somewhere is lying,” he added.

On internal democracy in a political party, he said: “For INEC to legislate on what internal democracy my party should adopt, I think it is obviously inferior.

“Parties should be allowed to formulate their constitution. Their constitution should be binding on all members. Any members of the party who feels aggrieved under the constitution should seek redress in the court of law.

“The fact that people line up before the media conducting primaries does not really make it free and fair. The pain of political parties is that they are not allowed to grow.

I’m ready to admit that political parties in this country are a bit young. A political party must be allowed to build his tradition and internal democracy.”

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THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 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

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola with former Ghanaian President John Kufuor at the British Parliament during the All Parliamentary Group (APG) Meeting on Agriculture and Food Security in London ... on Wednesday.

•President Goodluck Jonathan presenting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, at the flag-off of the governorship campaign in Sokoto ... yesterday. Applauding are (from left) Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Vice President Namadi Sambo.

North not out to make Nigeria ungovernable, says Arewa

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HE North is prepared to partner with the Federal Government to halt the activities of violent sect Boko Haram, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) said yesterday.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary Anthony Sani in Kaduna, the ACF noted with regrets the negative commentaries against the ACF, regarding its efforts in ensuring that sanity prevails under the prevailing situation of insecurity in the country.

It insisted that the group would continue to work for peace and tranquility in the region and other parts of the country.

According to Sani, there was no time the “ACF and northern leaders ever entertained any fear that a group can dismember Nigeria. The ACF never said Nigeria would disintegrate. It only said if not arrested by consciously directed efforts, such crisis could lead the country to a failed state by 2015.”

The ACF said it was not true that that the North wants to make the country ungovernable for President Jonathan, saying that “As for the ACF, the position has been that the interdependence among constituent sections of Nigeria is such that divorce is not feasible.

“And that what is required,

Chairman, Osita Okereke, accused INEC of refusing to accept its new candidate after the withdrawal of Hon. Stephen Adika from the race.

He said: “The Plaintiffs will suffer more hardship than the Defendant, if the application is not granted and the substantive claim turns out to be successful as the Plaintiffs’ right to be voted in the February 11, 2012 will be permanently deprived and their teeming supporters will be disenfranchised from voting for their preferred candidate to their prejudice.

“That the second and third plaintiffs have incurred incalculable electioneering expense and their candidacy is for public service which if deprived cannot be compensated in monetary terms.

The ARP candidate, in his motion, urged the court to order that the status-quo be maintained, pending when INEC would comply with all laws and guidelines on the election.

The plaintiff claimed that INEC would engage in illegality, if allowed to go ahead with the election without giving the mandatory 90 days notice.

He told the court that the planned February 11 election is null and void because it is inconsistent with Section 30

of the Electoral Act, which stipulates the mandatory 90 days notice.

He is asking for an Order of Interim injunction restraining the Defendants their officers, servants and/ or privies whomsoever and howsoever from conducting election into the vacant office of the governor of Bayelsa State slated for 11 th day of February, 2012 pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice dated 7 th of the February, 2012.

•AN ORDER of the court directing all parties to this suit to maintain status quo on any matter arising from the conduct of the election into the vacant office of the Governor of Bayelsa State slated for 11th day of February, 2012 pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice dated 7th of the February, 2012.

•AND for such other orders as the Honourable Court may deem fit to make in furtherance of the above prayers and in the urgent circumstances of this case.

National Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, yesterday requested the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone tomorrow’s governorship election in Bayelsa State.

While commending the

Continued from page 1

to move the nation forward is national grandeur, purposeful leadership and the best in every one.”

The statement added: “The position of the ACF and Northern leaders on the suspicion that the current level of insecurity and national malaise across the country, especially those caused by Boko Haram, are inspired by the North for the purpose of making the country ungovernable for President Jonathan on account of his mismanagement of politics of zoning, on account of his faith and ethnicity, is that those with such views are ignorant of democratic tenets.”

Court summons INEC over Bayelsa poll Continued from page 1

Boko Haram: Police take custody of Biu, others

court for ordering INEC to include the name of ANPP candidate Ebiliot Alamene in the ballot, Onu said the postponement is necessary to enable the party and the candidate prepare for the election.

Onu spoke in Abuja at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

He said: “We commend the court for ordering INEC to include the name of our candidate in the Bayelsa governorship race. But I will appreciate it if INEC can shift the election to enable us prepare to avoid rushing in to the election.

“Things should be done right and at the appropriate time. The party wants peace and only with peace can the country move forward. Election for ANPP is not a do or die affair.”

Ahead of the elections, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Mr. Mike Omeri, has urged voters to embrace peace and orderliness.

Speaking in a message to the people of Bayelsa State through the State Directorate of the NOA, Omeri said sufficient voter education has been carried out by the NOA to enable the electorate vote right and shun violence.

Calling on youth to use the opportunity to vote for their future, Omeri urged them to reject thuggery and money for vote.

•Biu Continued from page 1

There are 18 AIGs. Of the lot, five were picked for the job.

Some of those being touted as members of the FDC, as at press time, are Johnson UzuEgbunam, Mohammed H. Zarewa, Suleiman Fakai, Bukar Maina and Christopher Ola. A source in the Police, who spoke in confidence, said: “Biu and other suspects have been moved from military detention to police custody at

the Force Headquarters for the trial. They are being watched over under tight security.

“They have appeared before the FDC and we hope to conduct the trial expeditiously. We will also be fair to all the suspects.

“It is a pity that the conduct of the FDC is not an open affair. But they are basically to explain how Kabiru Sokoto escaped from custody. They have to show cause why disciplinary action should not be taken against them.”

Responding to a question, the source added: “The report of the Military investigation into the incident has also been given to the FDC.” A Police Service Commission source said: “The panel is already sitting; we are not likely to get the report of the FDC till next week.

“I won’t be able to give you the list of members of the panel but five Senior AIGs are in the team.”

The panel is expected to forward its recommendations to the Police Service Commission for appropriate sanctions, if necessary.

Section 30 of Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution says “the Police Service Commission shall have power to (a) appoint persons to offices (other than

the Office of the InspectorGeneral of Police) in the Nigeria Police Force; and (b) dismiss and exercise disciplinary control over persons holding any office referred to in sub-paragraph (a) of this paragraph.”

The Christmas Day bombings at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church killed 43, including parishioners.

Barely 48 hours in custody, Sokoto escaped in Abaji, in the custody of policemen who went to search his home.

Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Hafiz Ringim was queried and retired over the incident..

National Security Adviser (NSA) Gen. Owoye Azazi also set up a panel, comprising senior officials from various arms of the security agencies as well as officials of the Ministry of Police Affairs.

The search for Sokoto by security agencies continued yesterday, following fresh clues.

A top security source, who pleaded not to be named, said: “The State Security Service and Military Intelligence are still hunting for Kabiru Sokoto. Fresh clues confirmed that he is still in the country and that is the major task before the search team.

“We are hopeful that the suspect will be arrested very soon.”

Nigeria passing through trying times, says President

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday assured all that elections under his administration will be free and fair.

“All elections between now and 2015 will be free and fair,” he said.

The President spoke at the Trade Fair Complex in Sokoto during a campaign for the re-election of Governor Aliyu Wamakko.

He noted that despite the challenges confronting the nation, Nigeria would soon experience a boost in infrastructural development.

He said: “With the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government, we will get to where we want to reach.”

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

Dr Jonathan was positive about holding credible elections, saying: “The PDPled government is determined to ensure that from the states to the federal level, elections are free and fair.

“Our slogan is ‘one man, one vote; one woman, one vote; one youth, one vote’, which we are determined to maintain.”

The President thanked the party’s stakeholders for supporting Wamakko, adding: “I thank you for the support you are giving him in Sokoto.”

He said the PDP is determined to offer focused lead-

ership to ensure that Nigerians enjoy dividends of democracy and good governance.

Dr Jonathan solicited the support of Nigerians to make the nation prosperous with opportunities for development, saying his administration would not disappoint Nigerians.

He acknowledged the challenges the nation is facing, adding: “It is not easy now, especially during these trying moments.”

The President also visited the Sultan, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, in his Kan Wuri palace. He was leading the campaign for the re-election of Wamakko on February 18.

ADVERT HOTLINES: 01-280668, 08070591302, 08052592524 NEWSROOM: LAGOS – 01-8962807, ABUJA – 07028105302 COMPLAINTS: 01-8930678

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THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

NEWS

Corrupt judges harmful, says Musdapher

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HE Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, yesterday said corrupt judges are harmful to the country.

Justice Musdapher spoke at a roundtable on promoting ethics and integrity at the magistrates’ courts held at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja.

It was organised by the SocioEconomic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Royal Netherlands Embassy.

He said there was need for a new judicial code of ethics that would reflect current realities and challenges to tackle judicial corruption in the country, in order to ensure that “judges and the judicial system remain politically neutral and rise up to safeguard our fledgling democracy”.

Justice Musdapher said: “Metaphorically, a corrupt judge has been described as more harmful to the society than a man who runs amok with a dagger in a crowded street.

The latter as you know can be restrained physically. But the former deliberately destroys the moral foundation of society and causes incalculable distress to individuals while still answering honourable.”

Justice Musdapher, who was represented by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Mr Sunday Olorundahunsi, added:”Reducing corruption in the justice sector would make it more likely that corrupt individuals in other sectors would be prosecuted and punished. This would raise the cost of corruption and discount the rewards derivable there from. Thus, taking steps against corruption in the justice system should be a first step in dealing with corruption in the society as a whole.

“As it stands today, it appears that the society we serve is not entirely satisfied with our performance.

Hard as it may be to accept, we feel

UNILAG wins Martin Luther King Jnr competition

By Wale Adepoju

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•From left: Mr. Ezeh Anaba, Annemieke Van Soelem, Executive Director of SERAP Tokunbo Mumuni, Sunday Olorundahunsi and Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) at the aroundtable...yesterday PHOTO: DAVID ADEJO

By Wale Ajetunmobi

it is less important to focus on whether this assessment is fair or not. The important thing is for us to transparently come to terms with the prevailing realities, accept the gap in expectations and do our utmost to bridge it.”

“Therefore, restoring public confidence in the judicial system is our number one priority. We have therefore taken a number of initiatives to make this a reality. We established a Judicial Reform Committee, headed by former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais, to explore how best to fortify the independence of the judiciary, curb judicial corruption and especially insulate judges from political manipulations and control. The committee has since submitted its report and has made very useful recommendations. The aim is to set out the Judiciary on a path of renewal so as to restore the integrity and dignity of

the Judiciary.

“Corruption in the Justice sector is a keystone to corruption throughout society. Without an honest criminal justice system, the wealthy, especially the corrupt, can escape the consequences of their crimes. Such impunity reduces the perceived cost of corruption. The risk that corrupt activity will result in imprisonment and accompanying public humiliation is minimal. The gains from corruption are therefore not discounted and there is thus little reason beyond personal integrity not to engage in corrupt acts.”

“For a better understanding of the role and limitations of the judiciary as the bastion of constitutional democracy, it is important to take stock of the challenges that it grapple with. These include the lack of independence of the judiciary, especially at the state level, in terms of funding, political manipulation of the processes of appointment and removal of judges by some state

chief executives and their respective Houses of Assembly, delays in the administration of justice occasioned in part by institutional limitations, incapacities and corruption.”

“It is regrettable that some state chief executives treat the judiciary as an appendage of the executive arm. While it is true that in some cases, this is self-inflicted (because of the way some judges conduct themselves), it does not invariably follow that a distinct arm of government should, because of the actions of a few, be treated in a manner that compromises its independence and its integrity.

“Sadly, the judiciary in several states still goes cap in hand to the executive begging for funds that should naturally come to it. By section 162(9) of the constitution, any amount standing to the credit of the judiciary in the Federation Account is paid directly to the NJC for disbursement to the heads of courts, including those at the state level.”

HE University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos (UNILAG) has won the winner of the 2012 Martin Luther King Jnr Quiz Competition.

It was organised by the Public Affairs Section of the United States (US) Consulate-General in Lagos, to mark the Martin Luther King’s Day. UNILAG scored 320 points in a keenly contested competition, which also included the Lagos State University (LASU) and the Covenant University (CU). LASU scored 310 and CU scored 280 to place second and third.

Four students represented each school. They went through three rounds of questioning. They are: rapid fire round, picture round and organisation and famous meeting.

Head, Public Affairs Section, Tina Onufer said Dr King Jnr was known for his non-violence method of civil disobedience.

She said the competition would allow students to know more about the life of the iconic African-American who preached equality to make the US and indeed the world a better place.

The students said the competition provided them opportunities to learn about the life, time and ideals of King Jnr, who used the non-violent method of civil disobedience to get justice for African-Americans.

Wike urges delivery of quality education

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INISTER of State for Education Ezenwo Wike has urged directors and heads of parastatals of the Federal Ministry of Education to work towards the successful implementation of the ministry’s four-year strategic plan to revive education.

He spoke during a meeting with the officials in Abuja.

He noted that the four-year strategic plan for the education sector was carefully thought-out with contributions by critical stakeholders in the sector.

Wike said: “This plan was well considered by critical stakeholders with the aim of taking education to the next level.

“I therefore urge all of you to step up your performance level to drive the success of this plan. We must ensure that we deliver to Nigerians the quality of education, they yearn for in the interest of overall development of the nation”.

•Wike, Minister of Education, Professor Ruquyyatu Ahmed Rufa’I and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Professor Nicholas Damachi at a meeting with heads of parastatals and directors of the ministry in Abuja

He noted that President Goodluck Jonathan is committed to the transformation of education, hence the support the ministry is

getting from the president.

The minister said critical sub-sectors would be tackled in the course of the implementation of the four-

year strategic plan.

Executive Secretary of National Educational Research Development Council Prof Godswill

Obioma noted that the heads of parastatals are committed to ensuring the success of the ministry’s four-year strategic plan.

‘Sickness stopped Dantata from making Forbes’ list of richest Africans’

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REPORT by Forbes yesterday said the late Alhaji Abdulkadir Dantata, one of Nigeria’s wealthiest businessmen, was “a suspect of interest for our inaugural list of Africa’s Richest 40 List- but we were unable to gain access to him because of his poor health.”

Dantata died on Tuesday evening in a German hospital after a brief illness. While the cause of his ill health is unknown, he was said to have died battling a severe health problem which affected his leg. He was also diabetic.

Abdulkadir, 66, was an heir

and prominent member of the Dantata dynasty- Nigeria’s most famous family of wealthy entrepreneurs. Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote is also a member of the Dantata family. It was Abdulkadir’s father, Sanusi Dantata, who gave Dangote his first business loan over 30 years ago.

Abdulkadir Dantata was a cofounder and chairman of Dantata & Sawoe Company, one of Nigeria’s largest privately-owned construction companies. He was also one of the most dominant players in the exportation of Nigerian commodities.

•Dantata

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

6

NEWS Lagos to residents: avoid deadly behaviour

By Emmanuel Oladesu

LAGOS State Government has urged the residents to shun behaviour that could cause their death.

It warned that ignorance and violation of laws could lead to tragedy.

Addressing reporters in Lagos, Information and Strategy Commissioner Lateef Ibirogba warned of the consequence of ignoring lifesaving measures, including environmental precautions against flooding during the rainy season.

The commissioner said the ministry has begun an enlightenment programme to save lives and protect the environment.

He said the ministry has printed handbills to educate the residents about safety measures in English and local languages.

According to him, the measures will prevent avoidable deaths and destruction of property through ignorance and disobedience to laws.

Over 10 assorted handbills educating the residents on safety measures are being distributed. Among them are those with the warning: “Don’t cross the express road; and “Use pedestrian bridge”.

Onu accuses ANPP members of anti-party activities •Party holds NEC meeting, gets National Secretary From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

THE National Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, yesterday accused many top members of the party of holding membership of some other parties.

The ANPP chairman noted that the activities of such members threaten the party’s progress, adding that those found wanting would be sanctioned.

Addressing the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja, Onu said it is disturbing for “some people, who believe that the only way their political party can be in power, is for them to weaken, if not destroy the opposition”.

Through a motion, the party appointed a new National Secretary, Alhaji Tijani Musa Tumsan, to replace Lawan Shettima Ali, who has taken a political appointment in Yobe State.

Present at the NEC meeting were Yobe State Governor Ibrahim Geidam; Senator Buka Ibrahim, Senator Kabiru Gaya, Senator Mohammed Muhammed, Senator Ahamed Lawan, National Vice-Chairmen and state chairmen of the party, among others.

Onu said: “It has been so disheartening that many of our leaders do not behave in such a way that they love our great party. They have difficulty seeing that our party has a bright future. While they are in the party, it appears that their mind is somewhere else.”

•From left: Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal; Governors Usman Dakingari (Kebbi), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara); Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) and others, waiting at Sultan Abubakar Airport, Sokoto, for President Goodluck Jonathan...yesterday

Alleged N2.5b fraud: Osun to report Oyinlola, ex-Perm Sec to EFCC

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HE Osun State Government is to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on the alleged N2.5 billion fraud discovered in the Bureau of Computer Service and Information Technology in the state.

The alleged fraud was perpetuated during the Olgunsoye Oyinlola administration. Mr Abiodun Oladapo was the Permanent Secretary of the bureau at the time.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy Sunday Akere addressed reporters yesterday after the Executive Council (Exco) meeting.

Akere said: “In the report of the investigating team, of which a White Paper has been presented to the council, it was discovered that the Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure, which should have been in

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

place, as stated in the contract, was nowhere to be found.”

The commissioner said Oyinlola and Oladapo need to explain their roles in the alleged fraud, which he said was perpetrate between 2005 and March, last year.

He said: “Records show that a single project, which cost N558 million and was supposed to have been awarded to a single contractor, was split into 76 uncoordinated transactions, while N441 million has been paid on the project with 76 vouchers, despite the fact that there was nothing on ground to justify the payment.

“Also in the report are series of overpayment for inflated prices given to a contracting firm, named MMS. Instead of making internet bandwidth directly to the company that handled the project, which is Sky Vi-

sion, based on the advertised rate of the company’s website, Mr. Oladapo paid inflated prices, resulting in over-payment of N16.8 million to MMS acting as an agent for Sky Vision. The same company was also credited with N5,296,725 overpayment for two years on the Panda Antivirus Project.

“It was also discovered that unauthorised borrowing of N3,334,000 was found in the report. It was a fund borrowed for unauthorised project. In line with the findings on the over-payment, Oladapo has been compelled to make a refund of N30,727,450 to government’s coffers.

“Besides, for the period under review, it was discovered that N853,243,185.70 was said to have been expended on direct labour jobs executed under the former Permanent Secretary without indices for

monitoring. This shows that most of the jobs were neither receipted for nor recorded as being received.”

The commissioner said the procurement of Blade Server, handled by the same bureau, was contracted to a company named Options Technology Nigeria Limited for N20,877,048 in January 2006.

According to him, the same project was re-awarded to another company, Messrs AFOBAD International Company Limited, in March 2007, for N39,183,133.62.

Akere said on the duplicity of the contract, on which double execution was not found, Oladapo has been compelled to refund N20,877,048 to the government’s coffers.

He said Oyinlola and Oladapo would be held responsible for the failure of the local government’s e-port ICT project, one of the contracts reportedly handled by the bureau.

Jonathan to launch public works programme

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IGERIA’s unemployed skilled and unskilled youths may soon get jobs under the Federal Government’s massive public works programme.

The programme, which is to be launched by President Goodluck Jonathan, would be executed under the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Scheme (SURE).

Addressing reporters yesterday in Abuja at an interactive session organised by D.O.M. Communications, Works Minister Mike Onolememen said the government is planning additional lanes to the OshodiApapa Expreessway in Lagos to address specific demands and reduce traffic gridlock.

Onolememen said a new governance structure is being developed for Nigerian roads, adding that it would attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and ensure the injection of private sector funding in construction and maintenance.

The minister said a Federal Government delegation, which would be led by the

•Apapa-Oshodi Expressway to get more lanes From Yusuf Alli and Yomi Odunuga, Abuja

Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala, would soon visit China to hold talks with some investors.

The SURE programme on roads, he said, would involve the construction, completion and rehabilitation of key federal highways, rails, refineries, hydro stations, information technology and water.

According to him, 370,000 Nigerians will benefit from the programme.

The minister noted that the skilled workers would be recruited and deployed to the critical sectors, saying there would be training in artisanship for unskilled youths.

On those to be deployed to the Ministry of Works’ projects, the minister said they would be engaged in “maintenance of roads, fill-

ing of potholes, vegetation control and other related tasks so that they would be given the opportunity to earn a living and contribute their quota to national development”.

Four major federal highways and two bridges have been chosen for rehabilitation under the programme.

They include the ShagamuOre-Benin; the OnitshaEnugu-Port Harcourt; KanoMaiduguri and the AbujaLokoja roads. The bridges are: Second Niger Bridge, at Onitsha, and the Owote Bridge, in Benue State.

Onolememen said: “The new governance structure of the roads must attract FDIs and private sector funding.

We are continuing multi-lateral cooperation for contracting roads. Last year, we awarded the EnuguAbakaliki and the OgojaIkom roads. They are part of the Trans-Africa Highway and are being funded by the

World Bank and the Nigerian government at a ratio of 90 per cent to 10.

“The Public Private Partnership (PPP) road governance structure is in the process of delivering the expansion and modernisation of the Murtala Mohammed International Road in Lagos and the Second Niger Bridge. The bridge is expected to cost about N100 billion with the private sector contributing N70 billion and the Federal Government N30 billion. The Federal Government counterpart funding payment is spread over three years and will come through the SURE programme. The PPP projects will be well delivered as the ministry now has enough capacity to cope with its implementation.

“Judging by the calibre of new concessionaires, they are major construction companies and major finance companies in the world and Nigeria. If the new governance structure comes into stream, there is no way most of the federal roads will not be self-sustaining.”

Borno Speaker impeached From Joseph Abiodun, Maiduguri

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HE Borno State House of Assembly yesterday impeached its Speaker, Goni Ali Modu.

He was sacked through a “no confidence” vote for allegedly being “too subservient” to the executive arm of government.

Goni, who represents Abadam Constituency, was immediately replaced by the member representing Guzamala Constituency, Abdulkareem Lawan Adam.

The new Speaker was unanimously adopted by the 21 members in attendance following his nomination by Audu Mustapha of Magumeri Constituency.

Modu’s impeachment began with a motion by Ayamu Lawan Gwasha, representing Damboa Constituency, calling for the dissolution of the offices of the Speaker and his deputy.

Ribadu took govt job on his own, says Falana

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AGOS lawyer Femi Falana has said former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman Mallam Nuhu Ribadu accepted to serve the Goodluck Jonathan administration as the head of a task force on his own.

In a statement in Lagos, Falana said: “During the recent general strike and public protests against the removal of fuel subsidy, Nigerians were united in demanding accountability and transparency in the oil and gas industry. Although the battle for reversal of fuel price to N65 per litre was not fully won, the Jonathan administration has been compelled to set the engine in motion for the investigation of the monumental fuel importation scam by the EFCC. “Before the protests, the government had shielded the cartel of pampered economic saboteurs smiling to the bank at the nation’s expense! The recommendations in the KPMG report, submitted to government in November 2010 and thrown to the shelves, are now to be implemented.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

7

NEWS

Ex-NEITI chief criticises Transformation Agenda implementation A

FORMER Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Prof. Asisi Asobie, yesterday criticised the Transformation Agenda of the President Goodluck Jonathan administration.

He noted that in contemporary Nigeria, the gap between rhetoric and practice in the Transformation Agenda is too wide.

Asobie said: “If you are a transformed leader and believes in transformation, you cannot possibly say the government cannot run refineries.

All you need to do is to change the principles that government used for running things.

If you run things on the basis of politics, rather than commerce, you are definitely going to have problems.

“The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) philosophy finds echo in the Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government. In the final report on the Transformation Agenda, good governance is defined to be participatory, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive of processes which, above all, adhere to the rule of law. However, transparency is not what you say but what you do. So, is transformation.”

Asobie, who spoke at the

•‘Transparency is not about setting up committees’ ‘If you are a transformed leader and believes in transformation, you cannot possibly say the government cannot run refineries’

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

NEITI National Conference in Abuja, urged the transformers to first transform themselves before attempting to transform others.

The former NEITI chief flayed the Federal Government for raising a series of committees in the petroleum and gas industry.

He said: “I want to say this in the light of what is happening now. Transparency is not setting up a committee or committees to verify payments and receipts.”

Asobie urged the government to implement the KPMG 2007 to 2011 reports which has explicitly reported the conduct

of the industry.

The Federal Government had, on Tuesday and Wednesday, raised two task forces chaired by the 2011 presidential candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the former Minister of Finance, Dr Kalu Ndika Kalu.

Asobie said: “Transparency is an action that produces results, not the intention to act.

It is not setting up committees to verify receipts and payments. It is the actual disclosure of receipts (by government) and payments (by companies) based on data from accounts audited to international standards. It is the wide and prompt dissemination and publication of such disclosures for all and sundry to see and examine and utilise to hold government and companies to account.

“National economic transformation is a quantitative and quantum leap of an economy from its current global placement to a higher hierarchy. A national economy is transformed when it moves up from a rank of middle income economy or from the status of a low income status to a middle income economy.

Upward movement of an economy within the bank of the same global ranking is not transformation. Underlying such a phenomenal growth is always the readiness to see things differently, to do things differently and to achieve results.”

The former NEITI chief noted that the growth rate at eight per cent is still low, adding that the country has not transformed.

He called for training for Nigeria’s leaders.

According to him, irrespective of educational background, nobody can enter into the legislative or the executive arm of government and do well without leadership training.

Asobie noted that advanced economies always make provisions for a period apprenticeship for their leaders.

Dr Jonathan, represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke (SAN), said it is to the credit of the Federal Government that the legal and institutional framework for the monitoring of the revenue generated from the nation’s extractive industries has been put in place.

Govt opts for out-of-court settlement in NUC-Lead Varsity suit From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

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HE Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Mohammed Adoke (SAN), has urged the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Lead City University, Ibadan, to settle out of court their dispute on the varsity’s Law degree programme.

Counsel to the NUC Peter Erivwode, yesterday applied to the court to allow the minister intervene in the matter. It was at the hearing at the Court of Appeal, Ibadan.

The lawyer told the court that Adoke had written Lead with a request to settle the matter out of court.

According to him, the minister wants the case file forwarded to his office to mediate and settle the matter amicably in the public interest.

The NUC had appealed the judgment of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, which ordered the commission to recognise the Law programme of the university. Counsel to the university Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN) and the first respondent, Rev. Segun Alli, did not object to the application.

The court adjourned the matter till April 16, to give the Attorney-General time to mediate on the matter and report to the court.

The Federal High Court had, on July 26, last year, declared the Faculty of Law of the university as approved, legal, recognised and accredited with effect from April 15, 2008.

It ordered the law graduates of the faculty to proceed to the Nigerian Law School last year.

Alli, a graduate of the faculty, instituted the case.

NDLEA arrests 10 suspected drug traffickers

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PERATIVES of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, in January arrested 10 suspected drug traffickers.

It seized illicit drugs weighing 15.730 kilogrammes worth N150 million.

The drugs comprised 8.900kilogrammes of cocaine and 6.830kilogrammes of methamphetamine.

The suspects were nine men and a woman.

NDLEA Airport Commander Hamza Umar warned drug traffickers to prepare for arrest and prosecution.

“We have put in place measures to checkmate the activities of drug traffickers at the airport. Those planning to smuggle drugs through the airport should prepare for arrests and prosecution because we shall get them,” he said Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA Ahmadu Giade described the arrests and seizures as a good start.

By Kelvin Osa- Okunbor

He urged the agency’s officers to remain vigilant and prevent drug traffickers from using the airport.

Giade said: “The 10 arrests made in January with the seizure of 15.730kilogrammes of drugs is a positive development. Remain vigilant at all times and ensure that drug traffickers are apprehended and prosecuted.”

The NDLEA chief appealed to stakeholders to collaborate with the agency in the campaign against drug trafficking and abuse.

“Collaboration in the drug war is important because illicit drugs are expensive and destructive. The more money available to drug criminals through illicit drug transactions, the more insecure the society becomes. Therefore, every seizure is a right step towards incapacitating drug barons,” he said.

The NDLEA chairman urged the public to report the activities of drug dealers in their neighbourhood to the agency.

Emodi canvasses legislature-executive partnership for electoral reforms •Prof. Aderanti Adepoju (left) author; Chief Arthur Mbanefo; Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Prof. Jide Osuntokun and Chief Joop Berkhout at the presentation of the book: Migration in Service of Africa Development: Essays in Honour of Prof. Aderanti, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos…yesterday PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLAIMS

‘House probe into Amnesty programme is welcome’

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HE Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Kingsley Kuku, yesterday in Abuja said he welcomed the plan by the House of Representatives to probe the programme. He said the Amnesty Office has nothing to hide.

According to him, the mandate of the office does not include security duties in the Niger Delta or anywhere else in the country.

Kuku was reacting to Wednesday’s resolution of the House of Representatives to investigate the Presidential Amnesty Programme following the recent attacks on Agip facilities by a group claiming to be the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND).

Addressing reporters, the special adviser noted that the

From Yomi Odunuga, Abuja Bureau Chief

Amnesty Office has been discharging its assigned duties to the best of its abilities.

He said though most of the former militants had embraced the Amnesty programmes, it does not preclude the fact that some other aggrieved persons would not foment trouble.

Restating his preparedness to hold talks with any aggrieved youth from the Niger Delta, Kuku urged those causing trouble to embrace non-violent and peaceful means of expressing their grievances.

He said: “Let all aggrieved persons anywhere in Nigeria seek and embrace nonviolent and peaceful ways to express themselves. This government, under Goodluck Jonathan, has

shown that it has the capacity to listen and act in the greater good of the citizenry.

“I have called this conference to assure Nigerians that the Amnesty Office has been discharging, to the best of its abilities, the responsibilities and mandate assigned to it and as enshrined in the Amnesty Proclamation.

“Indeed, if we were charged with security duties, perhaps we would have pursued same doggedly and I can assure you that profound results would have been achieved by now.

“Beyond the fact that we do not have security duties, it must be made clear that aspects of the Amnesty Proclamation, which deals with the development of critical infrastructural in the Niger Delta, is domiciled in the Ministry of the Niger Delta, while the Petroleum

equity component is domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Petroleum.

“For example, I am aware that a number of the ex-agitators have secured pipeline protection and surveillance jobs from the Ministry of Petroleum. Details of this can only be sourced from the Ministry of Petroleum, since this office is not involved at all.

“As the Special Adviser to the Prersident on Niger Delta, I am, on a daily basis, in touch with leaders and stakeholders in the Niger Delta. They are clearly of the view that the Amnesty Programme is making the desired impact in the zone.

“I am also very proud of the fact that our humble efforts at the Amnesty Office have helped to save the economy of our dear country from imminent collapse...”

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

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HE Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Joy Emodi, yesterday canvassed continuous collaboration between the executive and the legislature to achieve the desired electoral reforms.

Such collaboration, she noted, would not only facilitate further electoral reforms but also deepen the nation’s democracy.

Mrs Emodi spoke as a guest of honour at a National Political Summit, organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Inter- and Intra-Party Affairs, in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with the support of the International Republican Institute (IRI) Nigeria Office.

The adviser, who said Nigeria would celebrate 13 years of uninterrupted democracy in May, hailed President Goodluck Jonathan for fulfilling his promise to ensure free and fair elections last year.

According to her, by last year’s election records, Dr Jonathan has shown that he has the capacity to deliver on his promises.

She urged the National Assembly and other stakeholders to partner the President more closely to ensure that Nigeria’s electoral processes become better.

Mrs Emodi said: “If we want to see improvement in the 2015 elections, there must be sincere commitment by all stakeholders, especially the executive and the legislature, to reform our electoral process.

“I am very pleased with the ongoing partnership between INEC and the National Assembly to recommend and legislate on electoral reforms.”

The former senator noted that the country’s democracy is still work in process, saying there is no perfect democratic system anywhere in the world.

She emphasised that Nigeria’s democracy has progressed, despite the various challenges confronting the nation.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

8

NEWS Lagos shuts factory

By Yinka Aderibigbe

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HE Lagos State Government yesterday shut a plastic manufacturing company, Industrial Metalizing & Packaging Company Limited, on Fatai Atere Way, Matori,

Lagos.

The action followed the death of one of the company’s machine operators, Miss Happiness Okoh (21), who was allegedly killed by the firm’s moulding machine.

Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC) Mrs. Odebunmi Dominga, who led a team of safety experts to the factory, said the firm did not adhere to the safety standards and safety laws of the state.

Mrs. Dominga said if these had been adhered to, Miss Okoh’s death might have been averted.

She said the company has no viable safety policy, noting that the factory was not properly ventilated and protective equipment, such as masks and boots, were inadequate.

Mrs. Dominga said Miss Okoh’s death could have been avoided if the moulding machine was guarded and the factory workers were well-trained.

Decrying the spate of avoidable industrial accidents in the country, she said the state government is determined to reduce fatalities and punish offenders.

The team went unannounced to Bolous Enterprises on Acme Road, off Lateef Jakande Road, Ogba, to inspect the equipment and safety measures in place.

Led round the premises by the company’s General Manager, Mr. Imadi Risk, Mrs. Dominga praised the firm for creating jobs.

She urged the management to improve on its safety practices.

Mrs. Dominga advised health and environmental safety management departments of all organisations operating in the state to register with the commission in order to reduce accidents in the workplace.

Assault: Oyo Assembly orders arrest of Customs Comptroller HE Oyo State House of Assembly yesterday directed the Commissioner of Police to arrest the Area Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Richard Oteri; a Customs officer, Mr. Chukwu Ebuka; and his son, Allison Chukwu Ebuka, for failing to appear before it.

They were summoned by the Assembly, following a petition by the headteacher of United Secondary School, Ijokodo, Ibadan, that a teacher, Mr. Gbenga Ogunleye, was allegedly assaulted by men of the Customs Service.

It was gathered that on January 27, on Chukwu Ebuka’s orders, men of the Customs Service beat up Ogunleye for punishing Allison.

A Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) from Sango Di-

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From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

Tai Solarin Varsity students protest merger S

TUDENTS of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) yesterday peacefully protested the merger of the school with the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) by the Ogun State Government.

On Wednesday, the government announced that TASUED will now be OOU’s Faculty of Education and would be regarded as its Institute of Education.

The students urged the government to rescind its decision. They threatened to “occupy TASUED campus”, if the government does not do so.

Commissioner for Education Segun Odubela and his Information and Strategy counterpart, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, told reporters on Wednesday that the merger was recommended by the Visitation Panel set up by the government to assess the conditions of state-owned institutions.

Odubela said TASUED has lost focus, explaining that 60 per cent of its students are studying courses that are not related to education.

•Urge govt to rescind decision

By Wale Ajetunmobi

Olaniyanu said: “It will be better to have a very good OOU with a good faculty of Education, than have 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 necessary.

We made these changes to improve tertiary education, not because the government is broke.”

TASUED Student Affairs Officer Mr. Dapo Oke, who said he was not speaking for the school, said: “Why would the government ask over 20,000 students to be under a faculty that cannot handle more than 4,000 students?

“About 50,000 Ogun indigenes seek admission into tertiary institutions yearly.

‘The admission capacity for all schools in Ogun State is 14,000 students and if this figure is subtracted from 50,000 applicants, it leaves you with a very large number of students without admission’ This means the state has the second highest number of applicants after Anambra.

The quota given to universities by the National Universities’ Commission (NUC) is 3,500 and the combined quota for OOU and TASUED is 7,000 students.

“The admission capacity for all schools in Ogun State is 14,000 students and if this figure is subtracted from 50,000 applicants, it

leaves you with a very large number of students without admission. If OOU and TASUED are merged, the admission quota will still be 3,500 or 4,000 students and many would have been left out.”

On Odubela’s claim that the university has lost focus, Oke said: “The government is the proprietor of the school and it can do whatever it likes with it, but the recent ranking by NUC shows that TASUED is doing well. The school was ranked 30, above OOU that ranked 56, and was named the best University of Education in Nigeria. So, how can anyone claim that the school has lost focus?”

Students’ Union President Adbullahi Oyekanmi said: “TASUED has been named the best education university in Nigeria, why should the government want to do away with it. It is illogical.”

Oyekanmi said the students would remain at the main entrance of the school until the government rescinds its decision.

Other students that spoke to The Nation urged the government to have a rethink.

visional Police Station, Mrs. Sybil Akinfenwa, testified that the matter was reported at the station by Ogunleye.

Mrs. Akinfenwa said since investigation began on the matter two weeks ago, Ebuka and his son have not honoured several invitations by the police.

Commissioner for Education Mrs. Funke Fayokun also told the House that the matter was reported to the ministry.

She said Ebuka’s failure to honour the ministry’s invitation led to his son’s suspension by the school.

The Speaker, Mrs. Monsurat Sunmonu, adjourned hearing on the matter till the next sitting.

Ekiti ALGON gets leadership From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

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HE Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Ekiti State chapter, has got a new leadership, following the swearing-in of caretaker committees in the 16 local government areas.

The Caretaker Chairman of Ekiti East Local Government, Mr. Samuel Rotimi Ajidara, is the Chairman, while the Caretaker Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Major Tajudeen Awe (rtd.) is the Treasurer and the Caretaker Chairman of Ido/Osi Local Government, Mr. Gbenga Agbeyo, is the Secretary.

At a meeting with the caretaker chairmen in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Deputy Governor Mrs. Funmi Olayinka, urged them to be prudent, accountable and productive.

Ilaje communities decry ‘imposition’ of leader

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HE people of Awoye and Molutilehin in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have decried the alleged imposition of Mr. Adekunle Omomowo as Chairman of the Ilaje Regional Development Council (IRDC).

The said the alleged imposition is against the principle of rotation of offices between Awoye and Motulehin communities.

The traditional rulers of Awoye and Molutehin, Chief Oyekanmi Omomowo and Chief Elisary Aghorunse, spoke with reporters.

They urged the Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Frederick

Akinruntan, and the Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Mr. Adebowale Ajimuda, to avoid actions that would threaten the peace in the area.

They urged Governor Olusegun Mimiko to reverse the appointment of Omowomo on the grounds that he is from Awoye and many principal actors in the council are from the community.

They said Prince Jackson Nawoye should be appointed chairman and threatened to shut down the Chevron platform, if their demands are not met.

•Fashola cutting the tape. With him are Justice Akande (second right); representative of the beneficiaries Justice Opeyemi Oke (left); Chief Omolade Okoya Thomas (right) and others...yesterday.

PHOTO:OMOSEHIN MOSES

Lagos judges get new quarters AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday inaugurated five state of the art duplexes for judges.

They are situated at Glover Road, Ikoyi.

Reiterating his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, Fashola said the gesture is to ensure effective and efficient administration of justice.

He said: “Given the nature of judges’

L

By Miriam Ndikanwu

assignment and their need for privacy, we decided that a befitting accommodation should be part of the remuneration attached to the High Court bench, and we have already implemented this policy for majority of our judges.

“Efforts are ongoing to enhance the working condition of judges and magistrates with the provision of condu-

cive courtrooms with modern equipment.

“The continuous reforms in the welfare and administration needs of judges will speed up justice delivery.”

Fashola warned the beneficiaries against leasing the buildings out.

The State Chief Judge, Justice Inumidun Akande, pledged the unwavering commitment of judges to the discharge of justice.

She said the quarters would house two retired judges and three serving judges.

‘Nigeria needs N14trn to fix housing’ IGERIA needs N14 trillion to effectively address housing challenges, Chairman of the Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme Committee, Mr. Olasupo Shasore (SAN) has said.

Shasore spoke yesterday in Alausa, Ikeja, at a seminar on Tenancy Laws, Arbitration Rules and Mortgage Bill.

He said approximately 14 million houses are needed across the country and each unit would cost N3.5 million.

Shasore said: “In spite of the adverse effect of hous-

N

By Miriam Ndikanwu

ing deficit on the nation’s economy, it is not receiving the required assistance from the mortgage finance sector.

“Mortgage finance contributes just 0.5 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This is relatively low when compared to other developing countries. It contributes 10 per cent in Mexico, 25 per cent in Malaysia and 29 per cent in South Africa.”

Assessing the mortgage

scheme of the Chief Lateef Jakande administration, Shasore said it was affordable for residents, but was not sustainable due to the huge debt incurred by the government.

Commissioner for Housing Bosun Jeje said: “Stakeholders are now more willing to invest in housing in Lagos, but the activities of some charlatans in the sector can be exploitative if left unchecked.

“We shall continue to enforce all laws guiding mortgage and tenancy. The hous-

ing sector is at the threshold of repositioning, both in terms of mortgage administration and the tenant-landlord relationship.

“Government is working towards institutional and legal frameworks to strengthen the sector.

“These reforms will ensure fairness among tenants and landlords, between the mortgagee and mortgagor, and allow for quick resolution of conflicts that may arise from transactions through the arbitration rules.”

9

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

NEWS

T

Health workers plead with govt on recommendation

Suspension: Salami seeks Appeal Court’s intervention

HE suspended Appeal Court President, Justice Isa Ayo Salami has asked an Abuja Federal High Court to stay hearing in his suit against the National Judicial Council (NJC) and others.

Other respondents are former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Aloysius Katsina-Alu, the incumbent CJN and Chairman of NJC, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, as well as members of the NJC’s fact-finding committee.

They include: Justices Umaru Abdullahi, Emmanuel Ayoola, Dominic Edozie, Michael Akpiroroh, Ibrahim Ndahi Auta, Kate Abiri and Peter Umeadi and Mrs. Rakia Sarki Ibrahim, all members of the NJC review committee.

At the resumed hearing yesterday, Salami’s counsel and former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Akin Olujinmi (SAN), called the attention of the court to a new application.

In the motion brought pursuant to Section 295(2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, Salami, who is challenging his suspension by the NJC, urged Justice Donatus Okorowo to refer some questions arising from the suit to the Court of Appeal for decision.

The application followed

Court frees ‘Apo Six’ lawyer of corruption charge

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja a preliminary objection by the NJC, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the suit.

Counsel to the NJC, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) argued that only the National Industrial Court (NIC) has the jurisdiction to entertain the matter and urged the court to give priority to his objection.

According to him, Salami’s contention is “relating to or is connected with labour, employment, trade unions, industrial relations and matters arising from work place, the conditions of service including health, safety and welfare of labour employees, workers and matters incidental thereto or connected therewith, over which only the National Industrial Court has exclusive jurisdiction by virtue of Section 254 c(1) of the constitution. ”The claims of the plaintiff are caught by the exclusivity of the jurisdiction of the National Industrial Court conferred by Section 254 c(1)(a), (j), (vii) and ii of the constitution as amended”, he stated.

But Salami is asking the court to refer the new dispute raised by the defendant to the Court of Appeal for de-

termination.

According to him, the questions for reference which arise in the proceeding, relate to the interpretation and/or application of various sections which “are novel and there are no precedents of the higher courts on them”.

He wants the court to determine among others: * Whether having regard to the provisions of Sections 6(6)(b), 36, 251(q) and (r) and 254(c)(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it is the Federal High Court or the National Industrial Court that has jurisdiction to entertain this suit in which the plaintiff is seeking a determination of issues questioning the constitutionality and vires of the investigation committee chaired by the 4th defendant and the administrative panel, chaired by the 9th defendant, both set up by the NJC in respect of petitions written against the plaintiff concerning the exercise of his judicial powers. * Whether having regard to Section 238, 318 and paragraphs 13 and 21 of Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, the plaintiff, who was appointed to a judicial office as President of the Court of Appeal under extant constitutional arrangements designed to se-

cure the independence of the holder of a judicial office is subject of employer-employee relationship with the first defendant.

In an affidavit, Fasanmi Ibukun averred that Salami’s appointment “enjoys security of tenure under the constitution and his appointment is devoid of the usual incidents of employer-employee relationship.

“The salary paid to him and to other judicial officers is governed by an Act of the National Assembly.

“The constitutional arrangements governing appointment of judicial officers is to secure the independence of the judiciary which is the third arm of government.

“I further verily believe that a decision on the questions by the Court of Appeal will remove any confusion of thoughts on the questions and promote an early determination of this case as this court will have to dispose of the case according to the decisions of the Court of Appeal.”

Before adjourning till March 14, Justice Okorowo directed parties to file and exchange their written addresses.

He said the court will take a direction on that day.

In the main suit brought

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

•Justice Salami

under Order 56 Rule 1 of the Federal High Court (civil procedure) Rules, 2009 and the inherent jurisdiction of the court, Salami is asking the court to nullify his suspension and subsequent appointment of Justice Dalhatu Adamu in acting capacity.

The plaintiff wants the court to nullify or set aside any action or steps taken or being taken in implementation or further implementation of the said decision.

He is also asking the court to restore the status quo ante as at the date the said decision was taken by the NJC. In the writs filed by his lawyers, Salami is asking for 15 reliefs, including a perpetual injunction restraining the NJC from acting on the reports of the Justice Umaru Abdullahi fact-finding committee and the Justice Ibrahim Auta review panel.

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

A

N Abuja Federal High Court has freed a lawyer, Amobi Nzelu of allegations of corruption slammed against him by the Economic and financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Gabriel Kolawole discharged without any pre-condition, the three count-charge of impersonation and criminal misappropriation of N6. 8 million.

He also ordered the release of his international passport deposited with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court on January 28, 2011, when the ruling on bail application was granted.

Nzelu came to national prominence for his handling of the Apo Six case.

The Apo Six case culminated in a landmark situation where the Federal Government apologised to the families of the slain traders and paid N3 million each.

The criminal trial of the policemen that allegedly killed the Apo traders is still pending at an Abuja High Court.

Nzelu was accused by the anti-graft agency of involvement in a N6 million fraud. He was detained for 13 months by the commission.

His ordeal followed a two- page petition by the Managing Director of Range Multi Universal Limited, Omulu Charles Chimweuba, dated June 14, 2010 and addressed to the former EFCC chief.

•Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi (right) congratulating the Caretaker Chairman, Efon Alaaye Local Government Area, Dr Adio Folayan, during the inauguration of local government caretaker chairmen in Ado-Ekiti... on Tuesday

THE Nigerian Union of Pharmacists, Medical Technologists and Professionals Allied to Medicine (NUPMTPAM) has urged the Federal Government and National Assembly to resolve the discrimination between its members and Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

NUPMTPAM added that the implementation of the recommendations of the 2010 presidential committee on harmony in the health sector would go a long way in guaranteeing industrial peace in the sector.

Union President Felix Faniran told reporters yesterday in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital, that “there is real neo-colonialism in the health sector by the NMA. The discriminatory salary structure between the NMA and other unions in the sector is causing a lot of ill-feeling.

“We call on NASS and the President to take serious interest in the sector in general to know the reasons behind our agitations. As long as the agitations persist, we might not be able to guarantee industrial peace in 2012.

His words: “The federal ministry of health is structured in favour of members of the NMA. Federal government should as a matter of urgency restructure the ministry to carry other practitioners along. Also the appointment of ministers has always tilted towards NMA. “So long as this continues, there cannot be any transformation. In a democracy where other health workers cannot rise to the position of directors due to regimentation of the NMA is too dangerous for the sector.

“We are assessing the state of the nation and we can categorically say that the Boko Haram menace is over stretching the few health facilities in the country.

“The manpower that is illmotivated is under pressure.

We want government to carry out intelligent research to uncover the perpetrators of the spate of bombings in parts of the country.

“The health services in this country are in serious crisis.

The number of experts in the sector is seriously under produced, while many are checking out of the country.

The human resource available is being impoverished by one group.”

David-West urges Ribadu, Kolade, others to protect integrity

F

ORMER Minister of Petroleum Resources Prof. Tam David-West, has urged Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Justice Alfa Belgore (rtd), Dr Chistopher Kolade and Chief Kalu Idika Kalu to resign their appointments as chairmen of the various panels set up by President Goodluck Jonathan on fuel subsidy as a way of protecting their integrity.

David-West, who spoke to The Nation reporter on the telephone in Ibadan yesterday, observed that aside the assignment being an administrative flaw, Jonathan was

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

using them to boost his integrity and respectability.

He urged them to read between the lines and learn to say no to such appointments.

Ribadu has explained his acceptance of the job, saying it is in the national interest and an opportunity to tackle corruption.

The former minister faulted the panel to be headed

by Ribadu, describing it as “redundant and an insult to the collective intelligence of Nigerians.”

According to the professor of virology, the emergency panels raised by the Federal Government after the nationwide strike called organised Labour and the civil society organisations are “panic measures.”

His words: “The belated establishment of a task force to look into accountability, transparency and revenue of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is most redundant and an insult to our collective intelligence.

“I am surprised that Rib-

adu and Agbakoba accepted this nonsense. Eminent Nigerians should have the courage to say ‘No’ to government’s nonsense appointment.

“I am also surprised that somebody of the status and experience of Kalu would accept this nonsense. I know him personally.

“We both served in the cabinet of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd). He was the minister of Finance and I was the minister of Petroleum and we interacted very deeply together.

“For instance, when IBB

moved him from Finance to National Planning, he complained to me that he was a finance man, not a planning man. He was even about to resign.

“Now, how does Kalu Idika Kalu find himself fit to be the chairman of a bogus panel to go and look into reviving refineries?

What does he know about refineries?”

David-West counseled the Federal Government to await the outcome of ongoing probe by the National Assembly and work on report.

10

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

NEWS 15,000 security agents for Bayelsa election

Supreme Court strikes out DPP’s appeal

•573 observers too

From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

THE Supreme Court yesterday struck out the appeal of the candidate of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), Eme Mukoro, in the May 6, last year, rerun election in Ughelli South Local Government, Delta State.

Mukoro is challenging the victory of the member representing Ughelli South Constituency in the House of Assembly, Taleb Tebite.

He had appealed the December 19 judgment of the Court of Appeal, Benin, which declared Tebite winner of the rerun.

The court said the DPP had no candidate in the said election.

Justice A. A Tabai said the Supreme Court does not have the jurisdiction to entertain the matter, describing the appeal as a mere academic exercise.

According to Tabai, all election matters emanating from House of Assembly elections end at the Court of Appeal.

He awarded N50,000 against Mukoro in favour of Tebite and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Navy hands over four to EFCC From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

THE Commanding Officer of the NNS Pathfinder, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Commodore Oyetunji Fadeyi, has handed over four crew members, a barge and a tug boat with 80,000 litres of diesel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Fadeyi said they were arrested in their barge, IHINOSEN, with the tug boat named ALK. The suspects are: Alex Ozoegbe (barge owner), Ogwara Ufuoma (tug boat worker), Madu Damian (tug boat engineer) and Tayo Akinsoye (hired by Ozoegbe).

The commanding officer said: “At the point of arrest, the crew claimed that the product (petroleum) belonged to the Commander, Joint Task Force (JTF).

“In the course of interrogation, the suspects admitted that the barge and the product belonged to them and not the JTF commander.”

First Lady for peace summit From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

FIRST Lady Mrs. Patience Jonathan will next Wednesday open a retreat on Peace and Women Development in Akwa Ibom State.

The Minister of Women’s Affairs, Hajia Zainab Maina, who spoke with reporters yesterday in Abuja, said the retreat would serve as an alternative mechanism for strengthening the nation’s socio-cultural bond.

She said the theme of the retreat is “Galvanising, empowerment and emerging women as change agents for national transformation, peace and development: A win-win option.

The retreat is scheduled to hold from next Wednesday till February 18 at the Le Meriden Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Akwa Ibom State.

From Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa and Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

HE Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, Christian Olakpe, has said 15,000 security agents would monitor tomorrow’s governorship election in the state.

Ten thousand are members of the Force while others will come from other security outfits.

Olakpe said security agents would arrive in the state today.

“Deployment of police to all areas will commence today,” he said.

The Project Swift Count (PSC) has deployed 573 observers in the state.

The first Co-Chair of PSC, Dafe Akpedeye (SAN), said this at a briefing in Abuja yesterday.

According to him, the group is going to use the swift count methodology it adopted for last year’s general election, the December governorship election in Kogi State and last week’s election in Adamawa State.

He said: “PSC will deploy 573 observers to observe the election. Of this figure, 550 will be deployed to randomly preselected polling units spread across the eight local government areas of the state while the remaining 23 will be roving observers.

“The observers have been duly accredited by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for this exercise having met the commission’s conditions. “

T

• A bonfire in Onitsha...yesterday

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HE fragile peace in the commercial city of Onitsha, Anambra State, was yesterday disrupted as residents took to the streets to protest the killing of a bus driver by policemen at an illegal checkpoint.

The driver was said to be a member of the Movement of the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) .

According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred when the victim, who drives a coaster bus, AA 768AHD, failed to stop at a police checkpoint at ABS junction.

They said the policemen caught up with him and shot him in the neck. He died instantly.

The conductor, Samuel Ekwueme, who was weeping profusely, said the driver, gave the policemen N20 which they refused and insisted that he should give them N50.

“My oga said he had paid on a former trip and drove away but we did not know that one of them was following us on a motorbike and he intercepted us and shot my oga in the neck and immediately escaped.”

It was gathered that a passenger sustained bullet injuries.

Sources said protesting drivers and okada riders carried the body of the driver, and started looting shops.

The bus, said to be fully loaded with passengers, took off from Nkpor junction.

One of the passengers, Ifeoma Obi, told The Nation that the deceased did not do anything to warrant his killing.

“It’s just sheer wickedness by the policeman who because of N20 wasted this young man’s life.”

She said the policeman first shot at the tyres of the vehicle.

It was learnt that most of the victims of the protest were Hausa, as the policeman was said to be Hausa.

The mob attacked the police team sent by the Commissioner of Police, Muhtari Ibrahim, to plead with them.

It was gathered that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Central Police Station, Abdul Yusuf, was almost killed when the mob descended on him when he led his men to the scene.

The mob also went on rampage in various parts of the commercial city, hunting Hausa people, many of who took refuge at the Central Police Station, CPS and other police stations within the city.

Many others around the Bridgehead crossed over to Asaba, the Delta State capital.

Reacting to the Development, the new Igbo leader,

Ex-militants protest in Delta

• The bus...yesterday

Tension as policeman shoots driver in Onitsha O

From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

No sectarian violence in Asaba

T

HE Delta State Commissioner for Information, Chike Ogeah, has said there is no sectarian violence in the state.

He said there were reports of altercations between traders in Onitsha, which is being misinterpreted as sectarian violence.

In a statement today, Ogeah said: “Reports have suggested that a dispute between traders from the North and their hosts had turned violent.

“Some of the traders are believed to have crossed the Niger Bridge into Asaba to seek refuge.

“However, this situation is being misrepresented by sections of the media to the effect that northern traders are being attacked in Asaba and Onitsha.

“While we may not be able to account for the precise nature of the disturbance in Onitsha, the traders who crossed to Asaba did so in search of refuge from the disturbance.

“The Government of Delta State hereby states unequivocally that there is no disturbance or violence of any nature in Asaba, the state capital.

“No trader or any person of any ethnic or religious group was attacked in Asaba or, indeed, any part of the state today.

“We hereby assure all Nigerians that Delta State remains peaceful and a safe haven for all residents.”

•MASSOB: don’t attack Hausa •Six injured in Delta From Okodili Ndidi, Onitsha and Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

Ralph Uwazurike, advised MASSOB members not to touch any Hausa.

He said they should rather dismantle police check points.

According to Uwazuirike, who spoke through his second-in-command, Rommy Ezeonwuka, the dismantling

of police checkpoints became imperative when Ndigbo are no longer safe, even in their land.

“For a Hausa policeman to shoot an Igbo driver here because of mere N20 shows that the policeman is a Boko Haram member.

“But we have urged MASSOB members to leave the Hausa alone because they are

not our problem.

“They should concentrate on dismantling all police checkpoints within the zone,” he said.

Ibrahim said the policeman has been arrested and would undergo orderly room trial.

He pleaded for calm, saying efforts to settle the matter had begun.

Hundreds of displaced people, including women and children, took shelter at the ‘B’ Divisional Police Station, Asaba, after the protest in Onitsha.

Six persons, who were injured, were taken to the police clinic nearby.

There was tension in Abraka, a district where most northerners in Asaba reside and carry out economic activities.

One of those injured claimed he was attacked by hoodlums who dispossessed him of his motorcycle, handset and Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card.

Over six truck loads of policemen patrolled the area to prevent the crisis from spreading.

The Divisional Police Officer, Usman Yusuf, assured that the situation was under control.

He said the police would protect life and property in the area and ensure that nobody was attacked.

VER 15,000 ex-militants yesterday in Warri, Delta State, protested non payment of their allowances by the Amnesty Committee.

The ex-militants promised to storm Abuja soon, if the issues raised were not addressed by the Federal Government.

Their spokesman, Meshach Bebenimibo, said they were tired of excuses from the Federal Government and the Managers of the Amnesty Programme.

He said over 15,000 ex-militants accepted the amnesty, under went training at the Obrubra Amnesty Camp in Cross River State and were discharged over two years ago with identity cards.

Bebenimibo said: “Our allowances have not been paid by the Amnesty Committee. We protested in Abuja last year after series of letters to the Presidency and the Amnesty Committee without any positive response.

“At a stage our leaders were assured that the money would be paid.

“Up till this moment, the majority of our people have not collected their monthly stipends and we have families to take care of. Is it a sin to embrace the Amnesty Programme? They are not saying we did not embrace the programme so why are they treating us like this?

“We are calling for the immediate sack or removal of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Kingsley Kuku.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

It is our desire to ensure that Nigeria does not only move away from export of certain commodities, of which cement is one, but to strengthen the local production capacity to make Nigeria an exporting nation.

- Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group

Naira advances on oil firm dollar sales

Olam acquires Nigerian biscuit maker for $167m

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HE naira strengthened for a third day as oil producers sold dollars to fund their operations in the country and after the government sold bills.

The currency advanced as much as 0.9 per cent to N158.60 per dollar, the strongest level in more than a week, before trading 0.5 per cent higher at N159.15 on the interbank market at 12:30 p.m. in Lagos, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

The naira has gained 0.7 per cent this week, set for its second weekly advance, after the government sold N149.3 billion ($938 million) of three-, six- and 12-month bills. Lower demand for dollars by importers after cutbacks in fuel subsidies also buoyed the currency, according to the central bank.

“The stronger naira reflects a combination of factors, including foreign-exchange sales from oil companies as well as some inflows from offshore accounts to fund their T-bill purchases,” Samir Gadio, an emerging markets strategist at Standard Bank Group Ltd. in London, said in an emailed reply to questions yesterday.

President Goodluck Jonathan backtracked on an earlier decision to scrap a fuel subsidy in after gasoline costs more than doubled, prompting protests and strikes. He has not reinstated the subsidy to levels that existed prior to the withdrawal, agreeing only to a partial reduction. Fuel prices in Nigeria surged by almost 50 per cent last month, stoking inflation, which touched 10.3 per cent in December.

“We have seen a moderation in the demand for foreign exchange perhaps especially from the petroleum sector,” central bank Deputy Governor Tunde Lemo told a public hearing of a House of Representatives committee investigating fuel subsidy discrepancies February 7 in Abuja.

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

O

•From left: Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr Yusuf Ageni, Marketing Manager, Lager, Mr Tony Agenmonmen and Executive Director, Love Lintas, Mr Ottah Kalu at a press conference on 2012 edition of Star Quest held yesterday at the company’s corporate office Iganmu, Lagos.

PHOTO: ISAAC AYODELE

LAM International Ltd. (O32.SG) yester day said it has acquired Nigerian biscuit and candy maker Titanium Holding Company SA for US$167 million, expanding the Singapore-listed agricultural commodities supplier’s packaged foods business.

Titanium Holding owns Nigeria’s second largest biscuit and candy business with sales of about US$162 million in 2011. Started in 1995, the company currently has an 18per cent and 28per cent share of the Nigerian market in biscuits and sugar candy, respectively, Olam said in a statement to the Singapore Exchange.

The company owns three biscuit and candy factories and logistics infrastructure, which includes a fleet of trucks and other warehousing and distribution assets in Nigeria, it added.

Reps uncover N220b subsidy overpayment H OUSE of Representatives ad hoc committee on fuel subsidy management yesterday uncovered another subsidy overpayment totaling N220 billion.

The first set of overpayment was brought to light when the Farouk Lawan-headed committee examined the payments made to some oil marketing companies during the Wednesday session.

The ad hoc committee said the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) and Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) presented overpayment of N30.43 billion to Ramalia Oil and Gas Limited; N15.147 billion to Tipex Energy and N22.548 billion to Emax Oil and Gas, among others.

While the AGF computed payment of N27.50 billion, N5.953 billion and N4.452 billion to Ramalia Oil and Gas, Tripex Energy and Emax Oil

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

and Gas in 2011, the representatives of the companies according to PPPRA records, confirmed receipt of N58 billion, N21.1 billion and N27 billion respectively.

Another surprising revelation was the discrepancies between N1.75 trillion subsidy presented by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to the committee, against the N1.9 trillion quoted by the Accountant General of the Federation within three weeks of the subsidy probe.

The Chairman of the committee expressed shock at the contradictory figures presented by the AGF, CBN the PPPRA. He described the huge gap in financial figures as unacceptable.

However, Accountant General of the federation, John Otunla in a swift reaction noted that PPPRA prior to the current PPPRA leadership

under Reginald Stanley, former PPPRA Executive Director paid directly to oil marketers. He said there was no difference in the figures presented by the CBN and his office.

The committee also accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) of over supplying the Liberian Government oil export by one million barrels under the government-to-government initiative of the Federal Government.

The Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPC, Austen Oniwon claimed ignorance of the deal but was presented with a document by the committee stating all the facts of the deal. The Liberian Government was said to have accused the NNPC of conniving with an oil company, Addax, to shoot up the supply of 10,000 barrels by one million barrels.

The lawmakers also expressed shock at the lack

of capacity by an audit firm, Olusola Adekanola & Co engaged by the Federal Ministry of Finance to confirm actual volume of imported petroleum products discharged into shore tanks. The lawmakers questioned the Managing Director, Kehinde Oyeleke for lacking capacity to conduct professional verifications of the volumes of petroleum products discharged into shore tanks by the importers.

He was also criticised for taking decision based on the verbal reports and documents presented by the oil importers and other government agencies. In his response, Oyeleke said 101 vessels were verified and cleared for subsidy worth N141.071 billion between 10th June 2011 and November 2011.

While answering questions from the lawmakers, the heads of NNPC, PPPRA, PPMC and the DPR could not provide reasons to why

kerosene is sold at N130 against the subsidised price of N50. The lawmakers were surprised that none of the agencies could ascertain the price the product is sold to the end users around the country. All the agencies had different prices for kerosene at retail price.

NNPC chief said its mega stations sell at 50k per litre nationwide. The Managing Director of Pipeline Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Mr. Haruna Momoh said the retail price of kerosene was between N75 in Lagos and N90 up north.

On his part, the Executive Secretary of PPPRA, Stanley Reginald offered a figure of N130 per litre for kerosene in most filling stations across the country while the Director, Department of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Osten Olorunsola said the retail price is between N75 and N130. He said nonsubsidized price of kerosene is N151.

Fed Govt to review Bi-courtney contract

T

HE Federal Govern ment may review the Lagos-Ibadan Express way Road contract awarded to Bi-Courtney, President Goodluck Jonathan has said.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Dangote Ibese plant in Ogun State yesterday, the President said the government would soon review its stand on the project. He said this is necessary because the road is vital for the industrialisation and the economic growth of the country.

President Jonathan dropped hints on the contract review while responding to comments from the Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, that there was a need for the

• Ogun Govt has been disturbing us, says firm

By Toba Agboola and Dupe Olaoye-Osikolu

government to pay attention to the Lagos-Ibadan Express Road.

But in a shift reaction, Head of Communication, Bi-courtney, Dipo Kehinde, said the Ogun State Government “has been the cog in the wheel of progress on the highway.”

The President also said the security challenge across the country would not deter the government from encouraging investors to come and invest in the country. He pointed out that the government would soon stop importation of some products such as fertiliser, rice and ce-

ment, among others.

The President commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote for his efforts in creating jobs and developing the country, adding that the government would continue to encourage him and the Organised Private Sector (OPS).

The Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, said one of the cardinal programmes of his government is to promote industrialisation. He thanked Dangote for creating jobs for the people of Ogun State.

The President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote said the achievement recorded by his company is the

fruit of the Federal Government’s 2002 backward integration policy for the cement sector, which was designed to transform Nigeria from a net importer to self sufficient and exporter of cement.

Bi-courtney said Governor Amosun had tried severally but failed to stall the reconstruction and modernisation of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, “By September 30, 2011, BiCourtney Highways Services Limited (BCHSL) had completed the patching and overlaying of bad portions of the highway, preparatory to the commencement of full construction work, even though the $6.5 million asphalt plant bought for that purpose was seized by the Ogun State gov-

ernment and it is still with them.

“The state government also took steps to prevent BCHSL from securing the right of way, which is a major step that must be taken before commencing the task of expanding and reconstructing the road, and that is why the concessionaire had to start the road project from Kilometre 32, before the Oyo State government invited the firm to come and start the project from the Ibadan end of the expressway because of the problems with the other state governors,” he said.

Besides, he said the Federal Government, in a letter dated January 24, 2012, warned the Ogun State government to stop its illegal activities on the road.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

12

BUSINESS NEWS

T

Fed Govt seeks N93bn IDB loan

HE federal government has applied for $600 million (N93 billion) loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB).

The minister of state for finance, Alhaji Yerima Lawan Ngama, who disclosed this in Abuja yesterday, said Nigeria’s application for the facility has passed the IDB scrutiny and received positive approval from the Board.

According to the minister, disbursement of the facility will soon begin and it will be given out in tranches over a three-year period. The loan he said will be used to finance developmental projects in the country.

Addressing journalists during a

From Nduka Chiejina, Asst. Editor

meeting with delegates from the IDB the minister said the new loan application from the government will exclude the $370 million private sector loan already extended to the country by the IDB for other developmental project.

IDB’s investment under this private sector lending window in Nigeria is estimated at $370 million, which includes the $50 million food security fund for food production in three Nigerian States including Anambra; Gombe and Yobe.

A breakdown of the $370 million

loan structure indicates that education got the largest amount $173 million or 47 per cent, health $74 million or 20 per cent while the agricultural sector got $85.1 million or 23 per cent. Another component of the $370 million loan will be spent on the financial industry for trade financing and on – lending fund for banks.

The meeting was convened to discuss how Nigeria would benefit from various windows of opportunity the bank is willing to open to the country.

With regards to the $600 million loan that Nigeria is expecting, the minister noted: “The facility is be-

ing intended for investment in social infrastructure and power like the provision of turbines for the Zungeru power station; the construction of health centres; urban and rural water works; housing and rehabilitation of some state universities.

“The facility will attract no interest and has a long repayment plan long enough for the recovery of the investment before repayment.’’

Nigeria became a member of the Islamic Development Bank in 2005 and of the bank’s $30 billion authorised share capital, Nigeria currently holds an of equity stake of $2.28 billion representing 7.6 per cent.

Flight Schedule MONDAY - FRIDAY 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 1.

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From left: General Manager, Chivita, Mr Ashok Gajwani; General Manager, Mr Ita Epenyong and Managing Director, Mr Vipul-Beri, during the launch of the new Chivita 750ml pack by Chivita Company Limited at the Sheraton and Towers Ikeja, Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

Panel dismisses N3.76b appeal against BA, Virgin Atlantic

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

T

HE Justice George Oguntade led-appeal panel has dismissed an appeal urging the British Airways (BA) and Virgin Atlantic (VAA) to pay $235 million (N3.76 billion) fines.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had set up a panel last November to look into the legality and fairness of the $235 million fines slammed on the airlines for price-fixing and the Passengers Fuel Surcharge (PFS). BA was fined S150 million while Virgin Atlantic was asked to pay S85million dollars by the NCAA. The five-man panel comprising Oguntade, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Dr Folarin Gbadebo-Smith, Mr. K.G.B. Oguakwa, Alhaji Bala Ibn NaAllah and Callistus E. Uwakwe, a senior lawyer and the secretary of the panel was unanimous in dismissing the appeal.

Briefing journalists after the panel’s decision, Uwakwe said that the factual allegations against the airlines (BA) and Virgin Atlantic) were established by the panel.

“But the panel could not uphold the fines and sanctions because the violations by the airlines occurred between August 2004 and March 2006 whilst the provisions of the NCAA Act of 2009 at that time prescribed cease and desist order. The decision of the panel to dismiss the appeal was unanimous,” he said.

The BA country manager Mr. Kola Olayinka, in his remarks expressed appreciation to the judicial panel for the speed with which it dispensed the appeal and for upholding the rule of law.

NDLEA, SON, NAFDAC ignore Reps directive

T

HREE days after the House of Representatives passed a reso lution ordering the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to return to the ports, the agencies have ignored the directive.

Investigations by The Nation revealed that these agencies are yet to return to the ports.

When the newspaper visited the Lagos ports yesterday, the status quo remained as none of the officials of these agencies were on ground.

By Oluwakemi Dauda

When their offices were contacted, they claimed that they were yet to receive a presidential directive to return to the ports.

A senior official of one of the affected agencies, who craved anonymity, told The Nation that Presidency has directed the affected supervising ministries to warn all their affected parastatals not to return to the ports.

But all efforts to speak on phone to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Maritime Service, Mr Oyewole

Olugbenga Leke proved abortive. He neither picked his phone nor replied the text message sent to him.

But the General Manager, Public Affairs, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Chief Michael Ajayi confirmed that the status quo has remained the same.

He said the agencies that operated at the ports as at the close of work yesterday were NPA, Customs, Police, Port Health, State Security Services (SSS), Immigration and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Fed Govt to boost production of Nigerian fabrics

T

HE Federal Government has begun moves aimed at boosting local production of made in Nigeria fabrics for domestic and export markets.

The Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr.Olusegun Aganga, disclosed this during a meeting with representatives of Fashion and Textile Industry stakeholders, in Abuja.

He said: “The Ministry was working on the development of a local patronage policy that will enhance the production of made in Nigeria goods including fabrics as part its strategic plans to grow the textile sector, create jobs and generate wealth for Nigerians.

“Our industrial revolution strategy is to concentrate on areas where we have comparative and competitive

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

advantage so that we can create more jobs and generate wealth for our people. The textile sector used to be a big employer of labour before some of the textile companies went down.

“We are working with the stakeholders and major players in the sector to address the challenges in the sector. We also are working on the development of a local patronage policy that will enhance the production of made in Nigeria goods, including textiles and fabrics as part of our strategic plans to rapidly develop the sector because it has the potentials to create jobs and generate employment for our people.

“The Ministry of Trade and

Investment had identified major problems militating against the attainment of capacity utilisation in the textile sector, which included poor quality and quantity of cotton production, smuggling and importation of sub-standard textile products into the country, among others,” he stressed.

Aganga noted that the ministry was partnering stakeholders in the sector to remove the barriers by increasing productivity in the sector.

He said that his ministry has identified major problems militating against increased productivity in the sector. These include low quality and quantity of cotton, smuggling and importation of sub-standard products, access to cheap funding, among others.

Minister orders Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport blackout probe

T

HE Minister of Power, Prof.

Barth Nnaji has ordered an in vestigation into the blackout, which occurred yesterday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

A statement issued by the minister’s aide Mr. Ogbuagu

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

Anikwe, said in the early hours of yesterday, the minister was informed that an electric power failure had just occurred at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, when a British Airways

flight from London was about to land.

He said: “Nnaji being fully conscious of the implications of the incident for our national security and Nigeria’s international image quickly ordered an investigation into the incident.”

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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 – 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

13

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

AGRO-BUSINESS Dr Larry Boms is the Head/Resident Representative, United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). He spoke to CLARICE AZUATALAM in Port Harcourt.

‘Nigeria, others may not attain MDGs’ goals’ H

OW do you get people to train? Do you go lobbying for them or do they come to lobby you?

We work through our partners.

For instance, in Rivers State, they will obviously have people for us to train. We give them the criteria, If it is in the civil service, we will come out with a work-plan, not just a one-off training. We have a workplan for a period of one to two years with our partnering state or our partnering company. We do not impose the choice of training areas. We define according to their needs.

Must they go abroad for the training or can you train some in Nigeria?

Of course, we have some onshore, off-shore trainings. It is not necessary that they go abroad. But there are certain technical areas that we think that they need to have exposure when it comes to managing and operating those equipment.

There are some areas like computer numerical; control areas that you really need to have direct advanced technology to do them. So we give them that preference of going abroad to do it, since we do not have those equipment on ground.

How did you select the people you trained? How do you know those that require re-training?

For instance, in the civil service, we believe that most of them have served for a long time in a department; we assume that they are professionals and that they are professionals for professional seats. One, we recognise that the capacity exists but they still need to strengthen the hands of that capacity. So we still give the benefit of doubt also that government is working towards promotion of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and so the people that they are focusing on are those that will take part in promoting the agendas and not ditch that agenda.We did technical training for Rivers State Sustainable Development where we sponsored 20 participants and they gave us free hand in the selection.

Is it only boys you train?

No, we are gender sensitive. We are a United Nations (UN) organisation. Sometimes, it is unfortunate that you see less and less of girls applying when it is technical. But the few that were selected did well.

So far, how many youths have you trained?

I think over all it should be close to 500 across the Niger Delta states since we opened the office in Nigeria.

Do you assist them with employment when they complete the training?

That is the second challenge because for us the aim is that when you have dispensed money to train, they should not come back and stay idle. We are a UN agency; you know we have a limit to which we can intervene in what is happening at the country level. But we still believe that when it comes to the technical training and all that, which is also the role of the government because as you are aware, you have the local content law, that these boys and girls are really well qualified and we see no reason why they should not be integrated in

meaningful jobs and so on.

You are also involved in research?

Yes, we are involved in research to the extent that we serve also in training methodologies. We also research on how we can improve training to begin to have a little bit of innovation in the work we do, to the extent that we partner with a lot of institutions worldwide in research and so on.

Do you inform the National Universities Commission, since it is institutions that you deal with mainly, of the outcome of your research, as per curricula of schools?

No. We have not had direct interaction with most institutions in Nigeria and that’s basically what we do with most of the institutions that we work with in Europe, in US and all over. But Nigeria, through the Nigerian Mission to the UN is participating in UNITAR processes all over the world, even in Geneva and New York. And we also believe that if you have a desk at the mission that is responsible for UNITAR activities and so on, such information also should be sourced directly through the Nigerian authorities that are participating in UNITAR and shared with the Federal Government.

Now let’s talk of the challenges that you have had since 2006 when you came in.

I think that like any other organisation or even private-public sector organisations, everybody must have one challenge or the other. Most of the challenges is timely remittance of counterpart funding and discussing the programmes. The new challenge for everybody is security. But from the scope of our activities and the geography of our activities we can’t say that this has been a big challenge. Even when the Niger Delta was in crisis, we were still on ground. We did not relocate, even though there were attempts for us to relocate, we said no. It is not just by running away that you solve the problem.

What do you think Rivers State House of Assembly stands to gain from thetraining you are going to give them?

They stand to gain a lot. And one of the areas, I think if you look at one of their mandates, is appropriation. Another mandate is to confirm nominations. When we talk of development, you see it is very, very important. It is not something that you leave to people who

Lagos to open up roads TO boost food production, the Lagos State Government will inaugurate 10 rural access worth millions of naira this year. Contracts for the rehabilitation of the roads were awarded in January last year, by the Commercial Agriculture Development Project following the World Bank competitive bidding in 10 locations across the state.

The State Project Coordinator (CADP), Mr Bolaji Balogun, said the rehabilitated roads in ten locations are due for opening this first quarter of the year.

The locations are Ebute-Afuye in Epe; Araga Farm settlement, Epe; Oke-osho Farm settlement, Epe; Igbe farm access road,Ikorodu; Ewu-owa farm access road,Ikorodu; Fish farm Estate, Ikorodu; Tee Ess farms road, Igando; Ayedoto Farm Settlement,

Ojo; Ajara Farm Settlement, Badagry; Itoga farm access road, Badagry.

Balogun stated rural access roads will bring down transportation cost of farm produce ,making foodstuff more affordable to Lagos residents.

He said preliminary work has started on 10 other roads across the state. He said CADP is funding a project to provide rural energy to 10 farming communities.

The co-ordinator said the report of the Beneficiary Assessment conducted in the State revealed that the provision of rural energy have had positive impact on processing, increased farmers’ income, reduced post harvest losses and increased job creation in the state.

Soyabean output may hit 510,000mt

• Boms

are not experienced in development, especially in the developing world. It takes a lot of political will to effect development. If we, as we have agreed to the training and I think that they will be able to begin to act independently as an arm of the government, independent to make laws that are in line with the development objectives of the government. I think also as individuals, you add value into what you think you know and what you have. Because I think that today we know, tomorrow we are not quite certain. You do not know where you are transiting to and what you gain today in terms of experience, in terms of learning objectives is never wasted.

Do you intend to go round the state Houses of Assembly in the nine Niger Delta states?

I think that going by that partnership that we have right now, we are in partnership with Abia State, we are going to sit down with them and come up with a work programme for the next two years.

We will suggest that this is a very important area that they need to look into.The example I gave to the House that very day was that if you look at development agenda, you have the Vision 20:2020 today, we had NEEDS. I don’t know where we are with the NEEDS. We had the SEEDS. The only thing we know as UN is the MDGs and this is very serious and we don’t know if Nigeria and other African countries will be able to attain the goals of MDGs by 2015. So I think the policy should also look at advancing the objectives of MDGs. If you look at the eight areas of MDGs, if you are able to attain five, I think you have gone a long way.

only thing we know as UN ‘isThe the MDGs and we don’t know if Nigeria and other African countries will be able to attain the goals of MDGs by 2015. So I think the policy should also look at advancing the objectives of MDGs

’

NIGERIA’S soyabean output may rise to 510,000 metric tonnes this year from 480,000 last year.

The United States Department of Agriculture's Global Agriculture Information Network (GAIN), which provides timely information on agricultural economy, products and issues in foreign countries stated this in its 2011 report.

The USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) maintains the GAIN reports.

The report said domestic production of soyabeans improved tremendously. According to the report, market opportunities exist for exporters

of soyabeans, soyabean meal, crude vegetable oil and value added soybased food products. The report attributed increase in output to favourable weather in soyabeans production belt. Compared to the erratic pattern in 2010, the report said rainfall was favourable in terms of volume and distribution last year, while acreage increased because of the prevailing attractive prices. Despite this steady increase, the report said domestic output continues to lag behind rising demand from the poultry industry for soya meal and vegetable oil processors.

‘Green revolution is possible in Africa’ AFRICA needs to build more capacities to achieve food security, Director-General, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr Nteranya Sanginga, has said.

Sanginga spoke on Africa’s agriculture, making a case for the imperativeness of a green revolution, and the way forward.

He said:“One of the key things we need to do is to build capacities in Africa. The second priority is to fill in the yield gap.

“The yield gap is very wide. For example, while Asians are having between six and seven tons of maize per hectare, many African countries are still having between one and 1.5 tons per hectare. So, we need to fill that gap and this can be filled only through innovations that would combat diseases/pests, and create new markets and incen-

tives for farmers. Again, we have to deal with the issue of delivery.

“How do we reach farmers? How do we tackle extension issues and have friendly markets with good policies favouring farmers? These are the questions begging for answers.”

He reiterated that green revolution can be achieved in Africa. “ I support what the government is doing at the moment. I support the agricultural transformation of Nigeria led by Dr. Akin Adesina. It is a must that we have a Green Revolution. It is happening in Malawi.

Malawi turned from a famine country to an exporter in just four years.

Here in Nigeria it will happen ... it is happening in Kenya. All that we need is to have improved technologies in place, improved seeds, input and the right policies.”

Govt urged to set up centres THE Federal Government has been urged to set up centres of excellence to boost food production.

Speaking with The Nation, the President, Lagos State Co-operative Federation, Mr Sahhed Oki, urged the government to initiate a paradigm shift in agriculture to meet environmental and social challenges and a rural renaissance.

To promote sustainable food production, Oki said centres of excellence are necessary where a state is identified with a particular produce. Promoting this, he noted, will boost industrial farming and help the government to

honour its commitment to social, economic and territorial cohesion by launching an economic renaissance of rural areas.

Each state, he explained, has a different category of output and so needs centres dedicated to the production of produce which they have comparative advantage.

Such centres will be expansion centres, where farmers will be taught advanced technologies and will be connected to the agriculture ministry, agricultural universities and research centres. He advocated a radical review of policies for agriculture and rural development.

Group advocates farming rules AS the move to urban farming grows, a group has called for measures to regulate agricultural practices within urban communities.

The Executive Director, Gender and Environmental Rights Initiative (GERI), Dr Vide Adedayo,said though increasing access to food can provide economic and public health benefits to cities, farmers must consider the ecological consequences to the environment, and pursue a more sustainable way of producing

food in the urban areas.

On the study by the group on pesticide management in two communities,in Lagos, Dr Adedayo said the result revealed poor application of esticides among farmers which could increase climate change.

According to her, the survey established that there were strong heat waves in dry seasons and longer dry months which affected food production.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

14

AGRO-BUSINESS Boosting agric production in Bayelsa

B

•A tomato farm in Kastina State

Expert raises the alarm on bird flu T HE Federal Government has been advised to take measures to contain the spread of avian influenza (bird Flu) to the country from India.

An animal expert, Prof Abiodun Adeloye, said the Flu could get to Nigeria because the country shares the same climate condition with India, where the disease is ravaging poultry birds He was reacting to the report that nearly 20,000 poultry birds have been killed in India to limit the spread of bird flu .

Adeloye, of the Department of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, (UNILORIN), said India shares the same climate

By Daniel Essiet, Agric Correspondent

condition with Nigeria, urging the government to increase attempts to prevent an outbreak.

According to him, the incident in india is a warning for the possible spread of bird flu, and called for `enhance community awareness, rousing people to actively implement preventive measures.

Nearly 20,000 poultry birds have been killed in India to limit the spread of bird flu, which was identified at a farm belonging to the Central

Poultry Development Organisation (CPDO), a central government agency, in Bhubaneswar city, Odisha, India.

The farm has about 29,000 birds, including some rare varieties that are used for breeding.

About 48,000 birds are expected to be culled over the next few days, including 9,000 fowls at Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) and 9,000 birds in Salia Sahi, as these areas fall within the alert zone.

In 2006, there was an incidence sof bird flu in farm in Jaji, Kaduna State.

All 46,000 chicken, geese and ostriches on the farm were killed. The Federal Government banned the movement of birds and people off the farm.

A year later, a woman was among three people who reported died of flu like symptoms in Lagos. She tested positive for the H5N1 strain of Avian influenza.

It was first bird flu in the country since the strain arrived in Nigeria in 2006.

H5N1 was confirmed in blood samples tested in Rome and London from the three deaths.

Avian influenzaBird flu is spread by wild birds for whom the virus is a stomach disease and, generally, not fatal.

‘GMOs not ideal for agro-environmental land’

G

ENETICALLY modified organisations (GMOS) seeds and products are not ideal for agroenvironmental grounds, experts have said.

Executive Director Olusegun Obasanjo Centre for Organic Agriculture Research and Development (OOCORD), Ibadan, Oyo State, Prof Jonathan Babalola and Programme Co-ordinator, Farmers Development Union (FADU) Victor Olowe said some agricultural and environmental effects were linked to contamination from GMO cultivation.

Canvassing the restriction of the use of GMOs, Babalola said they present a threat as scientists can transplant a gene from one species to another but are not able to predict or contain the results.

For instance, a gene from a

drought-resistant plant can be transferred to a corn planted in a drought area to make it resistant. Though the goal of making the corn resistant has been achieved, but its health implication at the time of consumption cannmot be determined.

He said current scientific research is inadequate to demonstrate the safety of GMOs for human or animal health.

He said crossing them with neighbouring plants, contaminate other farmers’ crops.

Supporting mandatory labelling of GMOs, Babatola said consumers are often left in the dark when it comes to understanding which food contain GMOs. He said obligatory labelling of all products containing genetically engineered ingredients, give consumers

the freedom to make an educated choice about what they eat.

Babatola said Nigerians have a right to know whether they’re eating genetically modified food.

He said food products need to be honestly and informatively labelled.

Genetic modification, he said, has impacted on crops, adding that the nation must implement biosafety regulations to protect consumers.

Babatola said United States produces more than half of the GM foods grown worldwide today; adding that the US is a global straggler when it comes to labeling transgenic foods.

Olowe supported the campaign to keep agriculture and food production free of GMSs and to encourage sustainable agricultural methods

throughout the country.

He said people need to know what they are putting in their mouths. He said any labelling would at least provide them with information so they can make their own decisions about what they eat.

Opponents of labeling said the industry faces huge losses if mandatory labelling is implemented. The fear is that consumers will see the labels as a warning and avoid these foods, and that food processors will reformulate their products to avoid GM foods rather than place labels. Some have taken the position that GM foods are just as safe as conventional foods.. About 60 per cent of processed foods contain some genetic modifications, but consumers would be hard pressed to find out what is and isn't altered or not.

How to boost food production

T

HE challenge of agricultural sector is , improving the soil and producing a crops which farmers can smarket atop plant breeder, Prof Benjamin Ogunmodede, has said.

Speaking in Ibadan, the Executive Director, Institute for Agricultural Research and

Training , said the government need to use the tools of modern biotechnology to address these problems to tackle hunger.

He said local farmers yield per hectare is low because of poor quality of seeds used, low fertilizer use and low level of education among rural farm-

ers.

He said a lot of breakthrough have been recording in breeding tolerant varieties to help feed the nation have been achieved by scientists at the institute.

The Executive Director, the institute needs funding to enable scientists and breeders ac-

celerate crop breeding programmes.

He said the scientists are working with various plants to identify trait which can be cross-bred and then grown in the field.

He said the institute has gone to local varieties and introduce new traits and that has had a dramatic impact on yield.

AYELSA State has a key role to play in developing agriculture in the nation.Since agriculture is the most viable industry, the state wants to tap into it and reap substantially because it is endowed with soil and abundant water.

Bayelsa can grow a diverse range of food and cash crops such as corn, rice,cassava, yams, black-eyed peas,oil palm, rubber, coconut, ginger, rice, sugar cane, pineapples, bananas, plantain, Cocoyam, sweet Potatoes, maize and pawpaw. The state has a vast agricultural potential begging to be tapped.

Tremendous opportunities exist in fisheries and livestock production, along with production of crops of ecological advantage. The sector is highly promising for employment generation. At present, Bayelsa State is pursuing the employment generation initiative through its existing partnerships with foreign investors to build the capacity of Bayelsans in rice production, mechanised fisheries (aquaculture) and oil palm production. The agricultural policy of Bayelsa State is that, at least, 50 per cent of the working population should be employed in the sector. The government is determined to invest in agriculture. The involvement of local and international partners in the agriculture sector would attract robust foreign direct Investment. took a strategic push for building a diversified economy. This policy thrust was pursued on two fronts. The government is partnering with experts in reviving the Bayelsa Oil Palm Limited for commercial production. The government has entered into partnership with Vietnamese expatriates to develop the Isampou rice farm, when the capacity of Bayelsans are built, the Peremabiri and Burma rice farms would be revived, using indigenous technology and expertise.

The programme would also include the cultivation of vegetables. To facilitate the implementation of this programme, agricultural cooperatives would be formed and adequately funded.

Bayelsa State shall strive to break the oil-dependency jinx by investing massively in agriculture. The government has also showed strong determination to support rural farmers and fishermen through the provision of agricultural implements and financing.

Accordingly, the government has put the machinery in motion to establish and reinvigorate micro-credit schemes. Through the Stimulus Package, government has created access to capital to facilitate the growth of Small and Micro-Enterprises (SMEs).

Credit facilities will be provided for the SMEs operators to generating income for families. The ultimate aim is to empower low income earners who have no access to bank loans, the rural folks and physically challenged persons. An integral part of the state’s agricultural programme is promotion of aquaculture, especially the farming of shrimps and other

aspects of fisheries.

The state Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources has a mandate to generate sustainable wealth and employment of indigenes of the state through the development of agriculture and natural resources. The government wants the state converted into the fish basket of the nation as a means of generating income, including foreign earnings.

Bayelsa State has a 180km coastline that holds a lot of potential for investors in fisheries. Current production is estimated at 70, 000 tonnes annually but the industry needs further investment in order to reach the target of 200 000 tonnes yearly.In an effort to diversify its oilbased economy, the Bayelsa state government in 2009 set up the Niger Delta Sea Foods Limited to jumpstart the development of the fishing industry. The company this year acquired two fishing trawlers, with a further three to follow, to help make the state a major supplier of table fish for the country. The state government has since established a fishing academy to develop the needed skills.

Some common fish available include saltwater species like bonga, sardines, shed, mackerel, jacks, and long neck croaker. Others are freshwater species such as cat fish, tilapia and zilli.There are investment opportunities in commercial fishing, Canning and processing and development of fisheries. Besides the generous incentives offered by the federal government that includes pioneer status for certain sectors (tax holidays up to 10 year and capital and reinvestment allowances), Bayelsa state also offers special incentives to qualifying investors. These include provision of infrastructure support, security, advisory services, waivers of fees and fasttracking the issuance of certificates of occupancy in order to get businesses up and running quickly.

Development of the agribusiness sector is very high on the agenda of the government. It plans to attract further foreign investment in areas such as large-scale farming,production and processing of fruits,bio-fertilisers for export, crops such as potato, onion, tomato, fruits, maize animal feed production and high value added food processing for export.

•Bayelsa Acting Governor, Hon Nestor Binabo

Pg. 16

Pg 49

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NATIONSPORT FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

48 HOURS TO AFCON FINAL...48 HOURS TO AFCON FINAL...48 HOURS TO AFCON FINAL...48 HOURS TO AFCON FINAL

Kalaba We’re sorry Mayuka G eyes AFCON top gamble player prize

Renard thrilled

paid off

Z

AMBIA coach Herve Renard has admitted his delight that his tactical gamble not to start Emmanuel Mayuka did not backfire in a 1-0 Africa Nations Cup semi-final win over Ghana in Bata Wednesday.

Renard made a surprise change to his starting line-up in the game by leaving Mayuka on the bench who has played in all of Zambia’s last four games before the semifinal by starting James Chamanga.

"I called Emmanuel Mayuka in my room before the match and I told him, you have played four very good games but I want you to rest a bit to be ready for the last 30 minutes and you will have to come on and score," the Frenchman said.

Mayuka came on at the start of

•Mayuka

the second half for Chamanga and it took until the 78th minute for the 21-year-old striker from Young Boys in Switzerland to score the decider in a game Zambia were outclassed by 10man Ghana.

"When you are coach sometimes you are right and sometimes you are wrong," Renard said.

"I was right because he scored but I was wrong because he played 45 minutes and not 30 minutes. It is good he got some rest and scored a fantastic goal."

Mayuka is currently the 2012 Nations Cup joint top scorer on three goals together with teammate Christopher Katongo and Cote d’Ivoire striker Didier Drogba heading into this weekend’s final.

AHEAD WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS

Falconets' coaches drill players •Reiterates football fundamentals

N

IGERIA's U-20 women national team, popularly known as the Falconets, have been going through drilling sessions from the technical crew ahead of their World Cup Qualifiers slated for next month.

The over two hours training session led by head coach, Edwin Okon consisted of the fundamentals of the round leather game. According to Okon, the essence is to take the girls through the basics to enable them have a firm grip of their respective positions.

Emphasis was placed on the principles of defence and attack which was held after breakfast.

Among the principles taught in defence were that of delay, balance, depth, concentration and control.

While mobility, width, penetration, creativity vision and accuracy were some of the principles of attack explained to the players by the tactician.

The session also consisted an intermitent question and answer periods, when the coach asked questions just to k n o w i f h e w a s

By Innocent Amomoh communicating.

Okon explained that there was a need for the players to be reminded of these basics.

"I know that most of you in camp play for big clubs in the country, however there is still that need to

understand the nitty gritty of the game.

"I believe that as a team we must have a system of play that should stick in our memories," he said in conclusion.

Since the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup began in Canada in 2002, Nigeria have qualified to represent

Africa in every edition, making it to the quarter finals in Thailand 2004, Russia 2006 and Chile 2008.

Okon is being assisted by former Super Falcons’ captain, Florence Omagbemi and Chris Nwaehi, with Taiwo Ajobiewe as goalkeepers’ trainer.

Taiwo eyes QPR permanent deal

T

AYE TAIWO is eager to turn his loan stay at Queens Park Rangers into a

Taiwo

permanent deal, and has claimed that the Premier League outfit is keen to acquire his services on a long-term basis.

The defender joined Mark Hughes' side on loan for the rest of the season from AC Milan during the January transfer window, and despite having been at Loftus Road for little more than two weeks is already talking about remaining beyond the end of the agreed deal.

"The fans didn't believe in me in Italy but I'm happy here and QPR want to sign me on a permanent basis," said Taiwo, who did admit that any chance of a

permanent move would depend on what plans R o s s o n e r i b o s s Massimiliano Allegri had in mind.

"I'd like to stay at QPR because I'm happy.

However, it depends on what my coach in Italy wants to do. My family and my friends think this could be the best solution for my future."

Nigeria international Taiwo joined Milan from Marseille last summer but struggled to break into the starting XI, making just eight appearances for the club prior to his switch to QPR.

Stevanovic's future under scrutiny

MENSAH TO GHANAIANS

HANA captain John Mensah has apologised for the Black Stars' failure to reach the final of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Black Stars were defeated 1-0 by Zambia in the semifinal of the tournament in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea at the Estadio de Bata.

The result denied the Black Stars the chance of reaching the final which prompted Mensah to offer an apology to the people of his country.

“We are sorry for the whole of Ghana for what happened today,” captain John Mensah said. “ W e g a v e everything that we could.

“It’s unlucky that we lost this g a m e . W e promise them we will come back strongly next year.”

Ghana will play Mali in the thirdp l a c e playoff on •Mensah Saturday.

R

A I N F O R D Kalaba has said he is dreaming of making the 2012 African player award shortlist when the Africa Cup of Nations ends in Libreville on Sunday.

Kalaba of TP Mazembe in DR Congo has been Zambia’s engine room on their 2012 Africa Cup odyssey as they hurtle towards a rendezvous with giant favourites Cote d'Ivoire in Gabon on February 12.

"One of my targets is to be recognised in Africa because in football, one has to leave a good impression and memories that people should remember you by," said Kalaba, who at just 27 is now a veteran

f o u r •Kalaba successive Nations Cup tournaments.

And Kalaba admitted that Ghana were by far Zambia’s toughest opponents they had met so far heading into the final with Cote d'Ivoire.

"It was a tough match, it was not an easy game, it was very tactical, aggressive and one must endure to win such a match. But I think we have done a great job," Kalaba said.

"I think it is great moment for me for the team and for the people of Zambia it is still not done and we have one more game to go before we can be on top of Africa.”

KESHI LAMENTS

I’ve no

team

S

UPER Eagles ’ head coach, Stephen Keshi has revealed exclusively to NationSport that he has no team in the senior national team for now.

According to the former Togolese National Team coach, what the Super Eagles have currently are bunch of individual talents that he had struggling to put together as a team “I want to be frank with you, there is no Super Eagles team on ground now. What we have is a bunch of talented players that we are trying to put together, to ensure that they play like a team. We has started having that with the home-based players, because we have been training together for sometime now, but I would say the same with the foreign based players, because I have never had the opportunity to interract with them closely.

Not until when we have done that, that we will have those players that we would be able to blend with the ones at home here, and then, a new Super Eagles team would

From Patrick Ngwaogu, Abuja

emerge”. He reiterated that gone are the days that players would be refunded their tickets to the national team, •Keshi without doing anything.

He said that foreign players invitation to the national team justify their inclusion, and would work would be based on needs, and for every invitation” he concluded. not mere jamboree “players invited to the team should

Oduamadi drums support for Big Boss

A

C TORINO of Italy attacking midfielder, Nnamdi Oduamadi has emphasised that the chief coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen keshi holds the magical wand with which to make the senior national team the envy of other countries again.

Oduamadi who just returned to competitive football owing to his troubled ankle injury said he was happy to be free from of the niggling pain he witnessed of late highlighting that playing a pivotal role in a bid to make the Eagles great

T

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri again is very dear to him if only he would be given a chance.

He described Eagles under Keshi as a team making steady progress and thumped up the Eagles’ gaffer for his effort on the Home based players. He sees the Eagles’ coach gesture as one which is aimed at revitalizing the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) and ensured that those based at home are also given preference unlike the total concentration on foreign based stars.

HE future of Ghana coach Goran Stevanovic will be the major talking point after the Black Stars' failure to win the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Serbian boldly declared it was time "to be champions", but the side he took to Gabon and Equatorial Guinea have fallen short of the final place that Ghana earned two years ago.

Stevanovic promised to resign if Ghana failed to reach the finals of the Nations Cup. The Serbian was not on hand at the post-match press conference to answer questions on his immediate future, but that will not stop what is bound to be a nationwide discussion for the rest of the week.

Ghana Football Association president Kwesi Nyantekyie said before the tournament that, while winning the Nations Cup will was the main target for Stevanovic, failure would not trigger an automatic sacking.

"It's not a clear-cut situation,

but we are all hoping to win so it does not become an issue at all," he told KickOffGhana back in November 2011.

"It is very clear that the Nations Cup is our objective. But at the end of the day if you are appraising a staff member and the person has not met the targets, and the reason for not achieving the objective are not his, then you could compromise. But if the blame can be layed at his doorstep then there is no compromise. " Now it has become an issue, and one G F A president K w e s i Nyantekyie will have to deal with over the next few weeks.

Aiyegbeni returns from suspension

AHEAD UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Leno: Leverkusen need Ballack against Barca

B

T

HE club's top scorer has missed the last three matches through suspension so makes a welcome return for the Ewood Park clash.

"It is great to have the Yak back," said the Rovers boss Steve Kean. "It has been tough for him watching on from the sidelines.

"He's now back and it is great to have our top scorer available once again."

Another player who could be available for selection on Saturday is Jason Lowe. The England under 21 international limped out of last weekend's match with an ankle injury, but the manager has revealed that Lowe has responded well to treatment.

"Jason Lowe has been a concern after coming off against Arsenal, but he has responded well to treatment so we'll leave it as late as we can for Saturday. We had Chris Samba train very well with us on Monday and he was pencilled in to play in a practice match against Carlisle but unfortunately on Monday evening he reported that his back was tight and it was giving his hamstring problems.

"So he didn't play in that game and that is disappointing as we wanted him to get an hour of football and push him on, but because of that little injury he hasn't trained and is only getting treatment.

"Chris has an osteopath's appointment this Thursday evening and if we can work on that then there's a Reserve match on Monday he could feature in.

If we can get him in over the weekend and get him in that game then great, if not then we'll just have to look to the next game.

"We'll select a squad that we know can get a result, up until last week we were doing that."

Following his sending off in the game at the Emirates, Gael Givet serves the first of a three-match suspension.

•Stevanovic

•Aiyegbeni

AYER Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno has spoken of Michael Ballack's importance to the team, especially when the German club meet Barcelona in the Champions League round of 16 later this month.

The veteran midfielder has come under criticism recently, with Leverkusen CEO Wolfgang Holzhauser making the former Chelsea man a scapegoat for the side's average performances of late.

However, Leno, who recently joined the club on a permanent deal after enjoying a highly successful loan spell, has defended his teammate.

"Ballack has tremendous experience. Especially in games like against Barcelona, he is important.

Of all of us, he has played the most games in the Champions League.

•Leno

Italian opposition for London duo

T

HE Last 16 round of the Champions League kicks off next week with only two teams from the English Premier League still in contention – London teams Arsenal and Chelsea.

Chelsea play Napoli in the first leg in Italy on Tuesday and Arsenal face Milan at the San Siro on Wednesday.

Four of the Last 16 ties will be played next week with the

remaining quartet set for the week after.

After winning their group, Arsenal and Chelsea have the advantage of playing the second leg at home in this round.

Last season, four English clubs reached the knock-out stage of the Champions League. Manchester United eventually advanced to the final but lost 3-1 to Barcelona at Wembley.

17

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

BAYELSA GOVERNORSHIP POLL 2012

Parties, candidates set for showdown Tomorrow, the electorate in Bayelsa will file out to pick the governor.

Correspondent ISAAC OMBE previews the race.

•Picture shows Famous being presented to the audience by the National Chairman Southsouth of CPC , Chief Alex Hart

T

HE Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) rally in Yenagoa last week was meant to stir the soul of the oil-rich state.

It was tagged a take-off rally, but in the context of the run-up to tomorrow’s election, it was more of a grand finale. On the podium was President Goodluck Jonathan, a “son of the soil” who had come to present his beloved political son, Seriake Dickson, to the people. He made commitments and warned.

Many of his pronouncements have continued to generate ripples, one week after the rally.

But, the other political parties have not left the field for the troubled ruling party. The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has embarked on massive mobilisation across the state. The party is giving the PDP sleepless nights as its flag bearer, Mr. Kemela Okala, has kept hope alive among his supporters.

The Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) contender in the race, Famous Daunemugha, has also embarked on last minute campaigns.

Presidential show of power The President’s stunning and stinging speech suggested that nothing can stop Dickson’s victory on February 11. He spoke as if it was a swearing-in ceremony for Dickson.

“You are already there and nobody can stop us”, hollered Dr. Jonathan despite the case still pending at the Supreme Court, and even as there are other political parties.

He further said: “You have brought everyone here today; everyone is here because of you. But the only thing I want to tell you is that I was here some months ago and Bayelsans stoned the governor.

You must work hard to ensure that they don’t stone you, because if you do not work hard and they stone you, I will join to stone you.”

“I have canvassed the nooks and crannies of the state in the last few weeks where we came face to face with the problems of the state. I will work with Mr. President hand in hand to restore the lost glory of the state .The three Senatorial roads, the novel works you started in the state, will be continued”, Dickson told President Jonathan and the mammoth crowd at the rally.

Director General of the Dickson/ Jonah Campaign Organisation,

•Dickson

•Okara

‘I have canvassed the nooks and crannies of the state in the last few weeks where we came face to face with the problems of the state. I will work with Mr. President hand in hand to restore the lost glory of the state .The three Senatorial roads, the novel works you started in the state, will be continued’

•Kubor

‘But, the other political parties have not left the field for the troubled ruling party. The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has embarked on massive mobilisation across the state. The party is giving the PDP sleepless nights as its flag bearer, Mr. Kemela Okala, has kept hope alive among his supporters’

– Dickson Keme-to-Keme, Dr. Stella Dorgu, who spoke on reasons behind the massive support being garnered by the party’s candidate since he came into the race, said the people desired change and development in the state.

Dorgu said, “most of us supporting the candidature of Seriake Dickson and Jonah are staking our integrity for development. Because we know they can deliver, we are ready to ensure they are elected. We are all tired of the existing status of the state as a huge ghetto.”

Politics of ACN, CPC, CAP Okara has been busy receiving party supporters on solidarity visits.

The visits were informed by the defection of five of its members to the Change Advocacy Party (CAP) in the state. To assure him that the defection of a few cannot affect the fortunes of the party, the ACN members led by the National Youth Leader, Mr. Miriki Ebikibina, in-

cluded supporters from all the nooks and crannies of the state who stormed the Campaign Office in Yenagoa with songs and speeches from various groups.

Responding to the assurances from his supporters, Okara told Bayelsans to respect their conscience and vote for the ACN which he described as the only party with a clean, stainless flag bearer in his person.

He said ACN has been a strong party with track record of providing good governance for the country.

“We will not be distracted by those who have defected’, said Okara who noted that since he became a member of the ACN he had not thought of leaving the party for another, saying he will continue to be a member of the ACN. Okara, who reaffirmed his commitment to the politics of change, said he had traversed the state in the course of the campaign and could better appreciate the yearning of the people.

– Okara Speaking in the same vein, Mikiri who is also the campaign director, said blackmails against the party by a few would not deter its victory.

“ACN is a moving train, we are behind you, the state is behind you”, he assured Okara .

Others who spoke in the same vein included Mrs. Diri Ekiyor, Mr. Odusi Sam Ernest, Mike Onisuru of the Movement for Good Governance and Mr.Ebipeledei Enereseimokumo, the South -South Youth Leader who noted that “the defection will not in any way affect our victory, the youths have been mobilised to ensure victory, we will guard our votes”, he assured.

Daunemugha of the CPC and his running mate, Mr. Alaowei Opukeme, chose to adopt a different strategy. They stormed the secretariat of the Correspondents Federated Chapel, where they were grilled by a battery of reporters.

Answering reporters’ questions, Daunemugha reiterated his vision to concentrate on the primary areas of education, health care, power

supply, infrastructural development and other areas that will positively affect the well being of Bayelsans if elected governor.

In answer to a question, the CPC flag bearer said: “The development programmes we have thoughtfully engineered to refocus the direction of the state are intended to combat the numerous, but surmountable challenges facing our dear Bayelsa state and these include massive construction of roads and bridges, ensuring qualitative education, provision of sustainable health services, combating unemployment, agriculture and tackling environmental degradation amongst others”.

He added that, “Bayelsa can be a tourist destination if our resources are well tapped and managed. I have been the only candidate who has empowered youths even though I’m not in government; my track records would tell Bayelsans what I can do for them in Creek Haven .

Buoyed by the euphoria of those who just enlisted in its rank, CAP, led by its flag bearer, Dr. Imoro Kubor, a retired Federal Permanent Secretary and his running mate, Rev. Obegha Oworibo, had in the last few weeks taken its campaigns to the Creek settlements in the state, including Akassa, Brass and Okpoama, the country home of Oworibo and former Governor Sylva.

In all the communities where the CAP campaign boat berthed, a large crowd of supporters turned out to give their nod to the bid of the duo.

Flaunting their rich experiences in the civil service and pledging to use it to transform the state, the candidates said their style would be different considering their backgrounds, saying that of all the candidates, CAP’s are the most experienced.

At Okpoama, the CAP flag bearers told supporters that areas of concentration if given the ticket to rule the state would include provision of health services and access to education, agricultural revolution and development of physical infrastructure and industrialization. The party also pledged to ensure security of lives and property ; employment generation and youth empowerment.

Everywhere he visited in the course of the campaigns, Kubor, the aeronautics engineer never hesitated to warn his teeming supporters against selling their votes, saying “when you sell your votes, you have sold your future”.

He told the people of sea side communities of Akassa, Brass and Okpoama that: “All Bayelsans, irrespective of political affiliation, religion, senatorial zone or social background should support and vote for the Kubor/Oworibo ticket not on the basis of political party or financial inducement because Bayelsa needs urgent change, and I and Reverend Oworibo have gained much experience and demonstrated that long awaited transformational leadership qualities because of our previous positions of trust in governance in the past 30 years.”

In 24 hours, the case of the contestants will be heard in the court of the electorate. The verdict may take another day before it is declared. Who wins: Dickson, Kemela, Kubor or Daunemugha?

Only the jury is empowered to deliver the judgment.

18

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

POLITICS

IBB, casino capitalism and national security N

IGERIA is pregnant with change and the only way purposeless and unproductive violence will not be the midwife of that change is if something drastic is done and quickly too. It is to this extent that we must take note of the national security implications of General Babangida’s idea that capitalism is a settled issue as Nigeria’s model of development. He said so while speaking as Chairman of the 9th Media Trust Dialogue on January 26, 2012 in Abuja.

Before doing so, we must, however, commend General Babangida’s indication of a personal readiness to get in to army uniform again to fight a war to preserve the nation at the same occasion. The statement was timely. It has a great psychological import and all others in his category are supposed to do same. By that statement, the General has effectively taken himself out of the list of those that may find themselves at the Hague should any tragedy in the form of ethnocide befall Nigeria or any part thereof, particularly those applying possessive, exclusionary pronouns to the president. It ought to be clear to all by now that the British did not assemble Nigeria as an afterthought.

They considered so many options before opting for amalgamation.

Something could happen profoundly challenging the amalgamation but nothing like that has happened yet. So far, there are only headaches which panadol extra can still cure.

Focusing on the pronouncement in respect of capitalism is warranted by the fact that anyone doubting that IBB is the most conscious right wing intellectual to come out of the Nigerian military to date does so at his or her own risk. Notwithstanding my limited interaction with that establishment, I can hardly be challenged on this to the extent that the other formidable and conscious intellectuals therefrom are of different flavours of conservatism. Their leader must be General T. Y. Danjuma whom I chanced upon recently reading Nail Ferguson’s monumental “Empire: How Britain Made the Modern World”. The author of the equally monumental “The Cash Nexus: Money and Power in the Modern World” remains the reference authority on the modern world being one of the few Historians who survived selfreversal in that area of specialisation. General Danjuma was not only reading the text, he also has a critique of a portion of it. I am not ignorant of the intellectual robustness of the training and orientation in the military but I certainly wasn’t expecting that level from anyone of them. May I be forgiven!

It is the right wing nature of IBB’s own intellectualism that differentiates him and makes him and his utterances the gauge of the ideological warfare in this country today. In saying so, I take note of his well advertised advocacy for the MIC, (Military-Industrial-Complex) approach to social transformation in Nigeria many years before he barged into power. I do not know of now but the typical African military during the Cold War saw itself as a bulwark against Communism, thereby ending up essentially as conveyor belt or transmission lines for foreign

By Adagbo Onoja

interests. That MIC advocacy fitted perfectly in to that even though the Nigerian military has got this lovely anti-imperialist strain in them as demonstrated by Murtala/OBJ, Buhari, (whose regime said that IMF/World Bank conditionalities “aroused the indignation of all-self respecting and patriotic Nigerians”) and, to a great extent, Abacha. Only IBB continues to profess right wing consciousness, for whatever reasons. So, when he says that the capitalist path of development is a settled issue, it cannot just be understood as his personal opinion or a question of right of opinion but a decisive intervention from an interested party in the make or mar debate on the direction and survival of this country.

Before IBB’s arrival in power in 1985, the question of a model that can bring about rapid social change and the re-birth of the Nigerian state was the debate on the ground. IBB commendably wasted no time in intervening. But in the two national debates he organised within his first year in power, i.e. the IMF/World Bank loan debate and the debate on the report of the Politburo, Nigerians voted for state led development strategy. The believers in free wheeling capitalism were roundly and comprehensively defeated.

In fact, it was discovered that “workers, market women, students, religious leaders and associations, youth organisations, professional groups including university lecturers as well as roadsides mechanics, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and even elements of the armed forces such as the men of the 82 Airborne Battalion openly voiced their opposition to the Fund and its conditionality clauses.”

Even before these debates, all previous ones that took place particularly at the level of informed societies like the Nigerian Economic Society, the bureaucracy and the Constitution Drafting Committee all decided for state interventionism and these are all on records. Above all, the leading politicians at Independence such as Zik, Awo and Aminu Kano were socialists of one variant or another or, in the case of Ahmadu Bello, a bourgeois nationalist.

That is the first problem with IBB’s strange wisdom that capitalism is a settled issue in Nigerian politics. Who settled it, where and when?

The compromise had been the Mixed Economy model which is more in tandem with comparative global experience since neither Capitalism nor Socialism has ever been a one-size-for-everyone kind of theory or practice. That is why capitalism in the United States of America can be vastly different from capitalism in Germany or Switzerland or France or in the

Scandinavian countries, Japan, Brazil, India, Malaysia, Egypt or post Apartheid South Africa.

While some like the Americans tolerate vast income inequality, German capitalism is sensitive to high unemployment statistics while the Scandinavian countries privilege social safety nets along which ‘our great party’, (the PDP) was modeled but decapitated before anybody could even mention safety net.

Tragically, the capitalism re-enforced by Structural Adjustment Programme, (SAP), in 1986 and which subsequent governments in Nigeria have wrong headedly implemented is out and out of place in the context of the history and cultural realities of Nigeria. While it is true that Nigerians are enterprising, it is even truer that Nigeria, as Professor Akin Mabogunje said, is but a society trying to emerge from being a collection of kinsmen and/ or subjects of some potentates to becoming citizens of a liberal and modernising nation-state. In all societies like this, the most pervasive actor across the society is the state.

Hence the fallacy of ‘government has no business in business’ mouthed by spoilt Nigerian ‘capitalists’.

To make matters worse, liberalisation/deregulation in Nigeria has been deliberately misconstrued to mean auctioning State Owned Enterprises, (SOEs) whereas it simply means allowing other operators to invest, to set up enterprises and make profit thereby breaking state monopoly of the business space. It is the competition therefrom that would have even made the government companies to sit up. But, instead of doing that, all we have done since 1986 is to sell off government companies, not only at give away prices but to the least competent cronies, people who are no investors at all, foreign or domestic as most of them are foreign only to the extent of the color of their skin, (white, brown, yellow and rarely blacks) having generated the money from Nigerian banks to strip existing companies of their assets and either disappear or dig in. What was foreign investment there?

The reduction of liberalisation or capitalism in Nigeria to a matter of auctioning government businesses on the basis of no clear criteria beyond the whims of privatisers is what has given capitalism in Nigeria a casino character, particularly from the late 1990s. It must be the extra wonder of the modern world that the power elite in Nigeria was not deterred from its auctioning spree by the economic foolishness of selling one’s assets at a time of world economic recession when prices are down.

Why did our own experience of privatisation exclude national security in its politics? For, how could a country develop power generating stations at Kainji,

•Babangida

Egbin, Shiroro, Mambilla, Sapele and then wake up one day and decide to sell them? For what reasons? What about the national unity arising from common ownership of power stations, oil pipelines, railways, roads, telecommunication transmission lines and cables? What do we then own in common that makes breaking the country difficult?

If the concept of commanding heights of the economy is now inoperative, have the nation states whose bulk of electricity supply comes from nuclear energy privatized them? Is it not the case that an American President cancelled a bidding in recent years because it was won by some Arabs, pleading national security?

And, seen from the point of view of public and popular interests, how do you create demand if you accept advice to cut public spending/public works? How is Nigeria supposed to resolve crisis of low quality education and youth unemployment if there are to be no state run mega plants, state farms or cooperatives?

Courtesy of a thoughtless privatisation racketeering, Nigeria is today the only one out of the African giants such as Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, South Africa which does not have a national airline. A national airline has been reduced to a cash and carry issue.

Yet, apart from funny financial NGOs of the western world rating and applauding growth which did not reflect jobs or infrastructure standards, the economy remains hopeless. And this is after nearly three decades of privatisation.

The truth we are confronted with is that Nigeria is not working and democracy has largely been a show here. All manner of rescue formula are being suggested, ranging from a theocratic

‘Only IBB continues to profess right wing consciousness, for whatever reasons. So, when he says that the capitalist path of development is a settled issue, it cannot just be understood as his personal opinion or a question of right of opinion but a decisive intervention from an interested party in the make or mar debate on the direction and survival of this country’

state, a confederation, restructuring, (whatever that means), the SNC, capitalism, etc. I have not the wisdom to endorse or condemn any one of the above. All I know is that a fundamental answer lies in ending the current economic regime. State capitalism is not dead and all those who have eyes would have seen creative state capitalism at work from the first to the last word of Obama’s last ‘State of the Union’ address.

That address accords very well with Professor Sam Aluko ‘s unique concept of “Guided Deregulation” within which he rightly argued for state intervention in the major sectors of the economy in order to promote a self-reliant and dynamic economy in agriculture, industry and commerce, in monetary and fiscal policies, in education, sciences, and technology, at home and abroad.

It has nothing to do with whether we like his face or name or tribe or religion. It is about saving Nigeria before something begins to give sooner or later.

In this, the presidency and the President must give leadership.

The president in particular needs to be more forceful in doing so. It is not difficult and it is not dictatorship. It is still within the ambit of the rule of law. The current reality whereby investible funds earned within the country are transferred and kept outside the country is contradictory. Those who do so should face the first law of economic nationalism, whether local or foreign investor. The Nigerian state is not about protecting one bourgeoisie but about guaranteeing the security of the bourgeois democratic order.

People must be tied to the country. People who have difficulty in believing in Nigeria should find it difficult in breaking the country with their sentiments or acts of economic sabotage via cruel repatriation, for example. In all cases, it is our local investment and investors that would work better and faster for us. We are in an emergency and we need to get out of it if only to avert 70-year-old generals wearing Khaki and returning to war to preserve Nigeria. War is a dangerous thing.

•Mr. Onoja is of the University of Ibadan (UI).

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

19

EDITORIAL/OPINION Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

Samuel Adepoju Aluko, 1929-2012 • An era ends as a renowned economist, patriot and statesman passes on

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ANY would remember him as a foremost economist of the orthodox school, but he was quintessentially a patriot who was passionate about his country and made his voice loud and eloquent in the pursuit of the economic wellbeing of the people and the development of the state. It was indeed his quest for alternatives and better conditions that put him on the trajectory of public life when, as a young student in London in the 1950s, he criticised relentlessly, the budget of the then Western Nigeria Government.

Professor Sam Aluko, as he was commonly known, passed on February 7, aged 82. Among the last of Nigeria’s preindependence political elite and scholars, he chose not to restrict himself to the confines of the university campuses where he already excelled as a scholar; he knew that the fledgling republic needed his rich academic resume even more in public life and he gave of himself generously. For instance, while he was still a graduate student at the prestigious London School of Economics, LSE (now London School of African and Oriental Studies) in 1957, he was already a consort of Chief Obafemi Awolowo during the Constitutional Conference held in London at the time.

Born in Ode-Ekiti in Ekiti State, west of Nigeria, Aluko was among the more highly educated people of his age. He attended Christ School, Ado-Ekiti (194245), Yaba Technical Institute, Lagos, before he proceeded to LSE, England, where he studied up to doctorate degree, making a distinction at the Master’s level.

Aluko was a lecturer and later, Head of the Department of Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 1964-66; he later became a professor and Head of the Department of Economics, University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), 1967-1979.

Professor Aluko was one of the trusted confidants of Chief Awolowo and was said to have served as a sounding board of the late sage, influencing some of those enduring programmes that era is remembered for till today. It cannot be determined now which of the twain influenced the other in the art of acerbic dissection of economic policies and programmes. Even in his old age, he never mellowed when he discussed Nigeria’s economy. Here is his latest take on the on-going banking reforms being carried out by the Central Bank governor, Lamido Sanusi: “Our economy is bad and this is because we have corrupt leadership. The CBN reform agenda has worsened our economy. The Federal Government’s free market, exchange rate, private sector-led economy and free trade have killed our economy. Nigeria’s economy is in a shambles. CBN has added more to the injuries.”

He was appointed Economic Adviser to Governor Adekunle Ajasin of Ondo State during the Second Republic, 198083. Under the late maximum ruler, General Sani Abacha, Aluko served as chairman of the National Economic Intelligence Committee (NEIC). Roundly criticised for accepting to serve under a military dictatorship, he said that he served Nigeria and not Abacha. “My ap-

pointment was a call to duty and I made my positive impact and contribution to the growth of our economy,” he explained. Even as Abacha’s adviser, he was credited as part of the team that helped to stabilise the economy amid the political turmoil of the era. For instance, the banking reform, the stable naira and the initiative to set up the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), which managed the proceeds from the petrol subsidy removal of the time were said to have his imprint.

Though his serving under Abacha was roundly criticised as the dark spot in an otherwise exemplary life as a scholar, public servant and politician, Aluko will earn his place in the hearts of Nigerians as a true patriot and a worthy statesman. We join Ekiti State and the entire people of Nigeria in mourning the passage of an economist’s economist.

‘Though his serving under Abacha was roundly criticised as the dark spot in an otherwise exemplary life as a scholar, public servant and politician, Aluko will earn his place in the hearts of Nigerians as a true patriot and a worthy statesman. We join Ekiti State and the entire people of Nigeria in mourning the passage of an economist’s economist’

Matthew Mbu (1929-2012) • Nigeria loses yet another nationalist and trail-blazer

OR Mathew Tawo Mbu, lawyer, politician and diplomat, the sun finally set on February 6 at Royal Free Hospital, Hampstead, London, after prolonged old age-related ailment. He was 82.

A trail-blazer of sorts, the late Mbu started his public service when he entered the Nigerian parliament in 1952, enjoying the singular distinction of being the youngest Nigerian ever to serve in the federal cabinet when at 23, he was appointed minister in the then Prime Minister’s office. Despite his relatively young age, he was said to have wielded considerable influence in the political arena of the First Republic.

A year after appointment into the federal cabinet, he would also make a foray

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‘In addition to his several ambassadorial postings, most notable of which was his stint in Germany, he had served as ProChancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. A committed nationalist, he never lost touch with his roots. He was President, South-South Peoples Assembly (SSPA), the political pressure group which emerged out of the quest by the Niger Delta region for fair-play and justice in the Nigerian federation’

into diplomacy when he was named into the Court of St. James as Ambassador to the United Kingdom in 1955 – a position he held until 1959. A restless spirit and true embodiment of the Nigerian spirit of industry and resilience, he took advantage of his tour of duty as ambassador in the United Kingdom to pursue his first love: law. With two degrees – LL.B and LL.M from Middle Temple and the University College, London, he was called into the Middle Temple Bar in 1959. An object of opposition media jibe for being a “student ambassador”, he lived like one in a hurry to serve.

He returned to Nigeria in 1960, with the parliament again as his destination. This time, he doubled as Federal Minister of Defence and Naval Affairs. He was in this position until 1966. His modest – if not entirely Spartan life, his honesty, integrity and humility was said to have endeared him to the late Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa under whom he served between 1960 and 1966. In 1966, he also served as Nigeria’s Representative in Washington D.C. He was appointed Chairman, Eastern Nigeria Public Service Commission in 1967.

A quintessential politician, he was a major force in the politics of the Second Republic, starting from his membership of the Constituent Assembly in 1977-78.

A known protégé of late Nnamdi Azikiwe, he joined the Nigeria Peoples Party, NPP serving as the first national vice chairman of the party from 1979 to 1981– although he would later defect to

the National Party of Nigeria, NPN, the party of President Shehu Shagari in 1981.

In addition to his several ambassadorial postings, most notable of which was his stint in Germany, he had served as Pro-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. A committed nationalist, he never lost touch with his roots. He was President, South-South Peoples Assembly (SSPA), the political pressure group which emerged out of the quest by the Niger Delta region for fair-play and justice in the Nigerian federation. He was one of the leading campaigners for the emergence of the President from the SouthSouth zone – a dream which came into fruition in his life-time with the emergence of Goodluck Jonathan as President in the April 2011 polls.

Like he was in government, the late Mbu was equally active in the private sector, with interests traversing shipping, banking and real estate.

Born on November 20, 1929, in Okundi, Cross River State, he had his early education at Okundi Primary School from 1937 to 1940. He also attended Kakwagon Seminary School between 1941 and 1943 before his legal education in the United Kingdom. Married to Katherine Anigbo and blessed with six children, Nigeria deservedly mourns a man described as a permanent fixture in Nigeria’s public service in the last 50 years.

Another campaign for sale

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WO years ago, while delivering his State of the Union address, President Obama looked the Supreme Court justices in the face and told them they were wrong to have allowed special interests to spend without limits on campaigns. “I don’t think American elections should be bankrolled

by America’s most powerful interests,” he said. “They should be decided by the American people.”

On Monday, the president abandoned that fundamental principle and gave in to the culture of the Citizens United decision that he once denounced as a “threat to our democracy.”

His aides announced that the Obama campaign would begin to assist the “super PAC” that can raise and spend unlimited sums to support the president’s re-election effort. Even White House and cabinet officials are expected to appear at fund-raising events for Priorities USA Action.

The announcement fully implicates the president, his campaign and his administration in the pollution of the political system unleashed by Citizens United and related court decisions. Corporations, unions and wealthy individuals are already writing huge checks — with no restrictions — to political action committees supporting individual candidates, which have become bag men for campaigns that still nominally operate under federal limits.

As misguided as it was, the Citizens United decision naïvely believed that the super PACs would remain separate from individual campaigns. The White House’s decision to allow insiders like Kathleen Sebelius, the health and human services secretary, and Jim Messina, the Obama campaign manager, to speak at Priorities USA Action events shows how ludicrous that notion has become, raising questions about whether the law is being violated.

Up to now, Republicans have been the main defenders of this corrupt system, and the main beneficiaries of it. Two of Karl Rove’s political groups raised $51 million last year to use against Mr. Obama and other Democrats, and the Republican presidential candidates’ PACs have raised $40 million.

Priorities USA Action and other Democratic groups have raised only $19 million. And, as Mr. Messina wrote on the Obama campaign’s blog, “with so much at stake” Democrats decided that they would not “unilaterally disarm.”

But if President Obama had refused to join in this downward spiral — and if he had proudly campaigned on that refusal — he and his campaign might have made up for that deficit in other ways: with more small contributions, and more support, from a public disgusted by the outsize influence of big money.

A president has a megaphone bigger even than Mr. Rove’s bloated bank account, and Mr. Obama could have impressed many wavering voters if he had chosen to use it against campaign corruption.

He could have pointed out that it was Republicans who blocked the Disclose Act, which would have ended secret corporate donations, and that it was Republicans who used unlimited corporate funds to win back the House in 2010, pressing a corporate agenda that has severely hurt the middle class.

He could have ridiculed Mitt Romney’s super PAC for accepting $18 million from just 200 donors in the second half of last year, including million-dollar checks from hedge-fund operators, industrialists and bankers.

But now Mr. Obama has given up that higher ground. He had already undermined the public financing system for presidential campaigns by refusing to use it in 2008, but this is much worse. In that campaign, he at least forswore money from independent groups and lobbyists. Now he is relying on a super PAC that can accept money from anyone.

He is also telling the country that simply getting re-elected is bigger than standing on principle.

– New York Times

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THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

20

EDITORIAL/OPINION

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IR: “If Nigeria must disintegrate, then in the name of God, let the operation be short and painless. It is better that we disintegrate in peace and not in pieces.”

Late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, fondly known as “Zik of Africa”, Nigeria’s first indigenous President and Commander-in-Chief, was reported to have made this landmark assertion in the thick of mounting socio-economic and political upheavals plaguing the nation’s landscape way back in December 1964.

While it is true that the country has been contending with all manner of ethnic uprisings from across the length and breadth of Nigeria, the latest unmitigated attacks being unleashed on the country by the Boko Haram Islamic fundamentalist sect in Northern Nigeria, have exacerbated the already dicey situ-

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Averting imminent disintegration ation and pervading eerie peace being enjoyed by Nigerians.

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, in a recent presentation in Lagos, titled: “The quest for justice, tolerance and non-violent change”, submitted that “despite the fact that there is no formal breakup of the country, the nation was already disintegrating due to the refusal of the government to embrace national dialogue.”

As regards the increasing, out-

right propagation of ethnic consciousness as against national consciousness being exuded by scores of Nigerians these days, which Soyinka tacitly coded as “Monologues” in the said presentation, the ethnic nationalities’ tendency to get their fair share of the proverbial “National Cake” baked via crude oil earnings in billions of Dollars at all costs has been attributed to several factors. Such reasons include widespread corruption in governance,

maladministration, outright injustice, festering poverty, unhealthy ethnic rivalries, and collapsed societal value system to mention a few.

Sadly, amid the growing social tensions and continual dislocations instigated by the Boko Haram’s shattering bombings, thousands of surviving non-indigenes resident in the North are feeling compelled to take flight and return home in the South en masse. Apparently concerned about further loss of pre-

Traffic and Abuja’s population upsurge

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IR: Abuja, the Federal Capital City is the fastest growing city in Africa. With a steady rise in population in the last 10 years, it has recorded renewed growth in the last two years. The overgrowth stems from some socio-political developments in the country. Among these are the recurring incidents of Boko Haram uprising in parts of the North, notably in Borno, Bauchi, Yobe and Kano. Secondly, there are rising cases of kidnapping and hostage taking in some parts of the South-South and South-east, the spate of armed robbery in other parts of the country and other social unrests across the country.

All these factors have impacted on the migration of people in their thousands into Abuja.

The implication of the migration is the quadrupling of government responsibility in the areas of transportation, housing, health, education security, and the environment.

The effect of the increase in population has been particularly telling in the transportation sector.

The congestion on the roads and the highways within and leading to the city has rendered commuting a harrowing experience to most road users. The flashpoints are the entry and exit roads to the FCT, namely the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX), the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) and of course the Nyanya/Mararaba/ AYA road. All these places are congested because even residents in far-away places like Jos, Lafia, Akwanga, Keffi, Lokoja, Suleija and even Minna access the Abuja

city centre from these places for contracts, jobs and various business interests. They come into the city in droves very early in the morning and exit late evening, adding a lot of pressure and congestion.

Based on the harrowing experience of commuting in the Abuja, the FCT Minister has found a solution by formulating a policy that encompasses not only the construction of roads in the city centre but also in the Satellite Towns and Area Councils; the plans are to rapidly decongest the City Centre thus spreading the population of residents across the 8,000 sq.

Kms of the territory. The road that is now being constructed by the FCT Minister and which is expected to be commissioned before the next rainy season, starts at Dutsen Alhaji and passes through the Kubwa-Zuba City Centre 10

Lane Expressway cutting across Lower Usuma Dam, Bwari and passing through Jere and then busting out on the Keffi-Nyanya Expressway.

It is expected to decongest traffic in the North-East Axis for vehicles coming from Nassarawa, Plateau, Borno, Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba and Benue. The traffic will have a choice to divert and veer off the City Centre if they are going to Kaduna, Niger, Southern States, etc. Another diversion is simultaneously being constructed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration. It will start in Karshi and cut behind Asokoro then link Kuje Area Council before stretching of towards Gwagwalada thus bypassing the city, Airport Road and even Gwagwalada town for travellers going to the South-east, South-west and some North-central states thus avoiding the traffic grid that the

residents of the FCT are currently experiencing.

This is just the beginning with regards to road construction, as more roads will be constructed in the FCT by Senator Bala Mohammed. Regrettably, the budget of FCT has not appreciably increased or doubled over the years to address these challenges. Conceivably, now that the 2012 budget is being defended, it could be a period for the government to put in some measures to ensure that enough resources is made obtainable to tackle this new pestilence.

This will clearly afford the FCT administration the opportunity to accelerate the process of opening up of the satellite towns, ensuring the outward drift by excess population to the satellite towns.

• Tonye Sagbama Garki, Abuja.

cious lives of their affected kinsmen hitherto residing up North, the MASSOB leadership’s recent arrangement to dispatch 20 luxury buses to each of the 19 Northern states and Abuja respectively, to convey the Igbo back to the South East clearly speaks volumes of the enormity of the scary security situation in the region as of now.

For fear of reprisal attacks on them in the South, scores of Northerners are said to be leaving for the North for “safety” as it were. To exacerbate the social apprehension in the country at the moment, most prospective members of NYSC slated for participation in the mandatory one-year National Youth Service programme in Northern states for the Batch A, 2012 Service Year are purportedly rejecting such postings to the areas.

It is definite there are real crises in the country today. And, there are equally fears that these could threaten the future of Nigeria if not tackled decisively. One believes with unity of purpose and visionary leadership, despite all manner of disconcerting predictions about the continued survival of Nigeria as a sovereign state by 2015, Nigerians themselves irrespective of ethnic backgrounds, religious and political leanings must come together, and devise proactive measures to save their country straight away.

It is high time the country convoked a (Sovereign) National Conference, so that under a peaceful atmosphere, burning issues of national importance could be thrashed out in order to make sustainable progress. After all, who says there cannot be unity in our diversity?

• Gbenga Kayode, Lagos.

Footprints of ex-governor Liyel Imoke

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IR: When Governor Liyel Imoke took over the mantle of leadership of Cross River State on May 29, 2007, and made a commitment to the good people of Cross River that he would create access to health services through a well thought-out, realistic and robust development agenda for his four year tenure, I was very sceptical. Permit me to add also that I was not the only one. My reasons were not farfetched seeing that before his ascension to office, the health sector of the state was in dire straits.

Today my disposition has changed; I have witnessed in the last four years, the various free health programmes and renovations the exGovernor has made in both urban and rural areas, including my Local government area, Akamkpa. The transformation is worthy of applause, and I believe should also be loudly recognized, hence this letter.

By upgrading 130 primary healthcare centres, and building 66 new ones, ensuring that every ward in the state has at least one decent health facility, and renovating 16 General Hospitals, providing drugs

and equipment, Imoke has laid a foundation for quality living for the good people of cross river state.

I cannot overemphasise how the Imoke administration’s Social Security programmes Project Hope and Project Comfort free health care, have helped to save many lives of pregnant women and children under the age of five especially in the rural areas. The Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) to the acutely poor persons in the society has also benefitted over 2000 households.

Indeed the Imoke administration has institutionalized basic health

care by providing a primary health care delivery system that meets the needs of both urban and rural communities as promised in the exGovernor’s seven-point agenda for the state.

I pray the ex-Governor is given more time to expand on his good work to more areas as he has realised that a healthy nation produces a healthy economy knowing that only a healthy citizenry can be positioned to take full advantage of the government’s wealth engineering initiatives.

• Atim Asuquo Akamkpa, Cross River State

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012 16

21

EDITORIAL/OPINION

Reality Bites S

Olatunji Ololade

OME would level to their dullest perception always and praise it as common sense.

Even as it becomes clearer by each passing second that the dullest perception is only ever common; it hardly gets to make sense. But sense too, like the gospel truth is always relative, according to the temperament of the individual that is trying to make sense.

Brings to mind an argument I had with some Nigerian youths recently; the passionate soccer lovers that they are see nothing fascinating about the Nigerian Premier League (NPL). In an exclusive section of a popular elite bar, the youths comprising a doctor, two lawyers, an accountant, a PR consultant and four journalists – excluding me – derided Nigeria’s soccer league.

Their derision was heartfelt and yet devoid of the barest pang of lamentation. And there in, subsists their tragedy. Had they, despite their acerbic wit and mockery, betrayed even the slightest twinge of regret about the deplorable state of the country’s soccer league, they could be excused for their unapologetic disdain for Nigerian soccer.

They didn’t and according to them, they cannot for the love of Nigeria, subject themselves to the agony of supporting the Nigerian league. “The coverage is poor, the pitches are the worst and it parades no stars. I would rather watch the English Premiership than waste my time,” noted a journalist. Few days earlier, colleagues in a Lagos newsroom had espoused vitriol about the Nigerian league.

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Their disdain was predicated predictably on very bad pitches, poor coverage and absence of world class stars.

When a colleague stated that he would rather support Enyimba FC of Abia state, he was smothered by die-hard groupies and fans of European soccer teams. They dared him to mention five players of Enyimba FC but they did not wait to see if he could; then they went on to tell him that they would rather invest their time, passion and money in supporting star-studded teams across Europe.

They do not care that the coverage of the Nigerian league is poor because journalists and soccer lovers like them will never endeavour to see and report a match at the nearest stadium. They do not care that issues of bad pitches, corrupt sports administrators, insecurity and fans’ apathy among others are aggravated by such disposition as theirs’ to Nigeria’s ailing soccer sector.

They conveniently forget that there was a time Nigerians were truly crazy about the Nigerian league. With remarkable enthusiasm, they understate the potentials of the local league that paraded Kanu Nwankwo, Celestine Babayaro, Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, Daniel Amokachi among others, for their beloved Arsenal FC, Chelsea FC to mention a few, to exploit.

Indeed, no amount of persuasion or ideological protestation could convince such characters to cultivate a smidgen of the love they profess for Chelsea FC, Arsenal FC, Real Madrid et al for local teams like Enyimba FC,

FTER reading Mohammed Haruna’s Boko Haram, Azazi, America, and the rest of us, (The Nation February 1) I came to the conclusion that the elite in Nigeria will have to purge themselves of their pride and prejudice if Nigeria is to realise the yearnings of its founding fathers for “one nation bound in freedom, peace, and unity,” as captured in the National Anthem.

When journalists of the stature of Haruna fan the ember of ethnic distrust and religious bigotry then you can be sure that it will surely be a long walk to freedom (apologies to Nelson Mandela). It is worse when they do so by twisting facts and logic. You would think that in the face of the enormous security challenges that the country is facing right now that Haruna would use his column as a pedestal for elevated discourses on issues of national importance, especially when such issues concern the peace, unity, and progress of the country.

But time and time again, he has come off short; showing himself off as a rabid ethnic champion and an advocate of Islamic supremacy. In his latest article, Haruna appears to be standing truth on its head when he argued that the Boko Haram threat can only be eliminated if the media and the National Security Adviser rid themselves of bias against Muslims. But reading through his case for bias against the media and the NSA, General Andrew Owoye Azazi, Haruna once again fails to rise above parochial sentiments and cheap blackmail. To buttress his point about “the general anti-Muslim bias of Nigeria’s media” he quoted Barrister Abdullaziz Ogbui, an Igbo Muslim who sometime in 2000 griped about how the media do not report cases of marginalisation and discrimination of Muslims by the “supreme Igbo Cultural Association.”

“When the Igbo cultural Association organised events”, he said, “it often called for church services, but never talked about prayers in mosques. They contemptuously ignore the minority Muslims or pretend they do not exist.” How ridiculous can a person get? By its very name, the Igbo Cultural Association is simply an association, and not an arm of the government. In law, membership of any association is voluntary, and the constitution that guarantees freedom of association also gives the individual the freedom not to associate with anybody and everybody. Haruna will have a point if Arewa Consultative Forum holds

Metaphor of the round leather (4) (Portrait of a journalist in his youth) Nassarawa United, Gateway FC and Ocean Boys.

The Nigerian journalist, apparently, is not left out in the mad scramble for escape from his societal insanities, however temporal. Thus he devotes quality time on and off work to European soccer while he scoffs at his severely underreported local league.

Like other fanatics of European soccer, he seeks to forget infinitely, that he is no different from the proverbial wretch who rejects his penis because his Caucasian neighbours’ seem bigger; with whose shall his wife scion his kids?

Thus is the tragedy of the Nigerian soccer fanatic. It gets more interesting when he is a journalist. Then, his mystifying love for European teams as his barbed vitriol against the NPL attains a perplexity of sort; oftentimes he attempts to intellectualize the unintelligible.

He desperately engages in the pursuit of happiness like a bliss-bandit seeking joy where he has not sown.

Thoreau would equate this to seeking safety in stupidity whereas Lord Byron would dismiss such passionate disdain for one’s heritage as the petrifaction of a plodding brain.

This is the predicament of the Nigerian journalist cum European soccer groupie. Perhaps it’s because he is only human. Were it that he would dedicate a similar amount of time and effort as he commits to the coverage of the English Premiership, a “reality TV” show or shenanigans of Lagos and Abuja’s “high societies” for instance, on one NPL soccer match at a time, the fortunes of Nassarawa United, Dolphins FC, Wikki Tourists to mention a few, may eventually improve.

It’s not a shame to seek entertainment by the sportsmanship and for-

tunes of a European champion like FC Barcelona or popular English club side like Manchester City; it is, when a Nigerian, particularly a journalist, does so believing that his nation is incapable of elevating soccer to such fantastic height.

Such journalist, without doubt, seeks to be less than. Measured with and without his vanities, he presents no exception to the Nigerian human social anomaly; he is essentially a perpetuation of it. Thus if you are a Nigerian journalist in your youth and you are reading this, chances are that you epitomize a similar state of mind. You are probably contemptuous to everything Nigerian. Chances are that you do not believe in the possibility of a star-studded Nigerian soccer league. Chances are that you do not believe that Nigeria could eventually become a Mecca of sort for international soccer players and pundits seeking to make a fortune and a name.

Chances are that your inferiority complex cuts deeper than that. You probably consider Nigeria incapable of greatness of any kind. Chances are that you do not believe in the evolution of a truly conscientious Nigerian leadership and citizenship.

Chances are that you do not wish to be judged by the same standards by which you judge others. You probably don’t believe in the continuity of the Nigerian project. You are probably reading this with undisguised contempt and you definitely wouldn’t admit that you personify all these and much more.

Such is the temperament of a Nigerian journalist. He represents an abject negation of the vision, fortitude and sincerity he ought to embody.

He hardly seeks to set an agenda or elicit positivity thus contradicting the agenda-setter cum social responsibil-

Mohammed Haruna’s naked dance

By Jackson Ekwugum church services as part of its programmes.

Continuing the age-worn accusation against the so-called Lagos-Ibadan press axis, Haruna castigated The Punch and Tribune for giving sensational headlines to the story of the Igbo beer seller who was whipped by some Kano residents for violation of Sharia law. He wondered why the same media did not give the same prominence to the story of some Muslims who led a delegation to the then Edo State Governor Lucky Igbinedion to complain about “the deliberate omission of Islamic Religious Knowledge in the curriculum of public schools in the state.”

First of all, the media were right to highlight the ordeal of the Igbo beer seller who was subjected to inhuman treatment against his fundamental human rights as guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution. One would have thought that Haruna would be more interested in getting justice for the hapless man instead of moaning about the media coverage given the story.

Haruna is clearly dancing naked in the market square with his charge of discrimination against Muslims in the south particularly in the South –west where, according to him, Muslims “are almost head to head with the Christian population”. As someone who once lived in the north, I find it ironical that Haruna should be talking of discrimination against Muslims in the south and ignoring the terrible deprivation and persecution that Christians in the north have endured for decades. The sufferings of Christians in the north are best captured in these words by Archbishop Peter Jatau and Elder Saidu Dogo at a press conference on June 1, 2004.

“Today we are not only being denied freedom of worship, but also freedom of association. We were told at the early stage of the Sharia introduction that it will not affect nonMuslims. We can tell you without fear of contradiction that this is far from the truth. For example, while churches have been demolished in some of the Sharia states, a number of others have also been marked out for demolition in Zamfara state. The case in Kano has

been worst.” The Christian leaders also listed among their grievances “refusal to grant C of Os for the building of churches, refusal to allow the teaching of Christian Religious Knowledge in government institutions, and use of government funds to promote Islam and Islamic institutions against those of Christians.”

In a deliberate attempt to whip up sentiments against the NSA, Haruna wrote that “Azazi has never bothered to hide his anti-Muslim bias. One clear evidence of this was his assertion in July, last year that “terrorism is a new phenomenon in Nigeria.” Then in a desperate attempt to twist facts and rewrite history, Haruna traced the history of terrorism in Nigeria to Adaka Boro’s attempt to carve out a Niger Delta republic. I am hard put to see how that statement by the NSA, mischievously rephrased and taken out of context, translates into bias against Muslims. Gen. Azazi spoke extempore after the National Council of State meeting in August, last year. Excerpts: “…We have reviewed what we believe was the true situation. There are security issues all over: problems in the Niger Delta, crisis in Jos, kidnappings in parts of the country, but I think the focus was on what was considered topical – explosions everywhere, especially at the police headquarters and UN building. Although there are claims as to who was responsible, the important thing is that we as a nation should realise that we are facing challenges that are relatively new to us. It has happened in different parts of the world but today it is happening in Nigeria….These problems of religious sect and all that could have started may be over 15 years ago and have escalated up to this point. The problem is that we were not as a nation prepared for this new level of terrorism.”

Clearly, any unbiased reader could see that the NSA was putting our current security challenges in proper perspective and did not exempt any group or make excuses for them. In talking about the “new level of terrorism,” Azazi was simply stating a fact that was obvious to all. The bombing of the police head-

ity theories of the press.

“No government or nuclear weapon is as powerful as the press,” it is said. This saw is definitely not about the Nigerian press; not because it’s bereft of such formidable power but because it has programmed itself to seldom exploit it.

Recently, I asked that if the Nigerian journalist in his youth is assessed by the same standards by which he judges others, would he be adjudged as excellent, conscientious and honorable? Not a few colleagues bellowed an unconvincing “Yes!” When I suggested otherwise, someone claimed that I had made a sweeping statement. Another queried – albeit mischievously – that what is the yardstick for determining a distinguished journalist; he said: “Is it by winning a CNN or Nigerian Media Merit Award?”

A good newspaper, supposes Arthur Miller, is a nation talking to itself; a good journalist, I suppose, is a patriot, pricking his nation’s conscience. Funny how convenient it is to loathe the proverbial looking glass by which we screen others and decry their faults. Guess we dread the reflection we might see.

•To be continued…

‘Like other fanatics of European soccer, he seeks to forget infinitely, that he is no different from the proverbial wretch who rejects his penis because his Caucasian neighbours’ seem bigger; with whose shall his wife scion his kids?’

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quarters was the first case of suicide bombing in Nigeria, and signalled a new twist to the problem of terrorism in the country. And as for Azazi inviting Americans “to solve the BH problem,” Haruna is simply crying wolf where there is none. All that the NSA has said is that “we would benefit greatly from American know-how and other forms of support as we develop our new counterterrorism strategy.”

It is common knowledge that in today’s global village, countries maintain security assistance programmes with one another, and Nigeria is no exception. Many countries have intelligence officers here as we have in several other countries. So what is Haruna paranoid about? Or better still, what is he afraid of?

It is hardly surprising that Haruna fingered Adaka Boro as the progenitor of terrorism in Nigeria. It is part of an insidious plot to muddy the waters and deceive Nigerians, and more importantly, the international community. He is following in the footsteps of his co-traveller, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who has come up with a strange logic concerning the Boko Haram insurgency. According to the CBN governor, Boko Haram is the result of the uneven distribution of the nation’s resources in favour of the Niger Delta. “There is clearly a direct link between the very uneven nature of distribution of resources and the rising level of violence,” Sanusi told the Financial Times in an interview arguing that it was now necessary to focus funds on regenerating other regions if Nigeria wants to secure long-term stability.”

After the Kano all-out war, which more by default than by design made no discrimination between Muslims and Christians, we are suddenly being told by Haruna and the ACF that more Muslims have died from Boko Haram attacks than Christians, without them telling us how they arrived at that conclusion.

As for Sanusi, the Islamic scholar, it would seem that being a Boko Haram insider, he is now helping them to articulate an economic rationale for the mindless violence unleashed on people and structures of state by a headless group that claims its goal is to enthrone Islam in Nigeria.The times we live in call for real statesmen, not ethnic champions and religious bigots; we need men and women who will rise above primordial sentiments and selfish ambition to fight a common enemy and preserve our collective destiny.

• Ekwugum is publisher of LifeWay magazine in Lagos.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION ‘We have modified our environment so radically that we must now modify ourselves to exist in this new environment.’

———Norbert Wiener HE rains are here and we can not but recollect the havoc wrecked on the city of Lagos by the rains of July 10, 2011 that destroyed lives and property.

Though there were meteorological admonitions, the rains of that dreadful day sneaked, like an unwanted guest, into several homes. The most affected were houses built in flood prone areas or those that were built in flagrant violations of Physical Planning and Environmental laws on canals and other illegal terrains across the state. The consequences of such reckless affront on the laws damaged a lot of things including the roads and others.

That gory incident attracted national and global attention to Lagos and other affected states. More vividly, it would be recollected that Mr. Abayomi Akinkunmi Oyegoke, the Chief Meteorologist at the Nigerian Meteorological Agency warned on the consequence of that rain and aftermath flood before it occurred. He observed: “What happened in Lagos and some parts of southwestern states is as a result of increase in water level. This had been predicted, and, from experience, we may not be 100 per cent accurate, but we have been 80% accurate in our predictions.”

He continued: “There are many aspects of global warming. It is basically the melting of the ice caps in Europe which has increased the water level globally. That is why there is flooding anytime it rains because the water level is already high. Global warming is equally responsible for what is called weather variability.”

Following from this expert admonition, the Lagos state government through the Ministry of the Environment Commissioner, Tunji Bello, tried to sensitise the people of the state on that impending rains and the grave impact that followed suit. Even on July 10 of last year when the rains bombarded the city of Lagos, the commissioner and his team were prompt in response, assuring inhabitants of the state not to panic because government was on top of the situation.

The rain that happened on July 10th was

T

S

INCE November 2011, I have been trying to write about this tribe of Nigerians living precariously at the threshold of death; Nigerians who are afflicted by a terrible disease which they cannot manage; who beg for help day and night and who know that they are bound to die because their governments do not care whether they lived and their fellow compatriots can only do so much. Each time I was poised to take on this issue, other matters cropped up. If it wasn’t Boko Haram releasing a confetti of explosives, it was the Federal Government forcefully weaning us of our so-called fuel subsidy. It goes to show that there is too much politics in our polity; politics without purpose.

Today, I will turn my back to the continuing haram of those bunkum people for once; I will ignore the march to the gallows of Hamza Mustapha and the traitorous Gbolahan Shofolahan; I will pretend that the court gave no bizarre judgement on the impetuous former Speaker, Dimeji Bankole and his come-raid deputy, Bayero Nafada. Away with these opportunistic parasites; I will not honour them with this space today.

Let’s go back to about 10 years ago.

Chukwuemeka my cousin was hit. He was admitted to the hospital for a while before he was eventually diagnose to be suffering from end stage renal disease (ESRD), also known as kidney failure in the layman’s parlance. Tall, lanky and strong as a bull, for the first time, I saw Chukwuemeka subdued, swollen and hollow. The doctor summoned the family and sang us a nice nunc dimitis: “There is only one place that can manage his case now; that is St. Nicholas in Lagos Island but it is very expensive. Very few people can afford the weekly ‘flushing ‘ that he needs and the transplant that will be required. Alternatively, I will suggest you move him to the village so they can try the native way, he just might be lucky.” The message was clear to most of us present.

As we bade Chukwuemeka goodbye that night as he was being taken home, tears welled up my eyes. I had never felt so helpless and supine. I never saw him again; he died a few days later in the village. Chukwuemeka’s story is the tale of thousands of Nigerians in the last one decade who are daily worsted by rampaging chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney failure, a condition which can be prevented, managed or even treated with a

July 10 and the Lagos environment-1

• Tunji Bello last witnessed over 14 years ago. For Lagos state that is 3,000 square metres under the water and two metres below the sea level, the effects were quite devastating. As pointed out by Oyegoke, as global temperatures rise, oceans get warmer and when water heats up, it expands and sea levels rise as we have been witnessing in several countries in recent times. It is therefore no surprise that in several coastal cities across the world today, climate change is creating a situ-

ation where too much water comes at an unexpected time, or in unexpected places causing serious problem. The situation as at this year has not changed just as the rains are roaring to go.

What should concern us today ought to be the kind of intervention needed to address the challenge posed by the July 10 flooding in Lagos. Is the state ready for the consequences of more heavy rains this year? Has the government of the state shown serious commitment to management of drainages and of the canals? Is the Lagos government doing enough to clear the available drainages and construct more channels for water in order to lessen flooding effect on the people and the environment this year? In as much as these questions will be honestly answered in this column, it will be wrong not to ask what the Federal government is doing to prevent flood during the approaching rains on its roads in the state? This is necessary a question to ask because of the havoc usually caused by poor drainages especially on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway and Lagos-Abeokuta Express road owned by the Federal government. The centre government has shirked its responsibility in ensuring proper drainage network that could protect motorists/people plying or living around the places against flooding during the coming raining season. The incumbent

EXPRESSO STEVE OSUJI

SMS O8055001684 email:steve_osuji@yahoo.com

Helpless Nigerians, waiting to die… bit of support and good sense from our governments. No day passes without a patient or two appearing in the media crying for help to do dialysis and the eventual kidney transplant.

Between late November when the idea of this topic struck me and now, I have clipped numerous cases from newspapers but only four will suffice: On Friday, January 27, 2012, Daily Sun reported the case of pretty Mrs Chioma Nwokolo, a 33-year old mother of two who worked in a bank and lived happily with her family. One day, from out of the blue, she was diagnosed of chronic renal failure. Chioma was experiencing constant headache and vomiting. She was tingled, hoping it was pregnancy, but upon diagnosis and eleven months after, she must feel like she is on the death row. Her husband, a businessman has been run ragged trying to find help for her.

After having spent over a million naira so far without any headway, he can only afford twoweekly dialysis at N45,000.00 instead of thrice a week.

The case of Ndidiamaka Anuforo reported in Daily Independent (January 24, 2012) is a protracted one having started since 2002. An undergraduate, 28, Ndidi’s case is being managed at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). She needs N3 million for kidney transplant, cries her 60-year old mother who seems to be her only helper.

Oyemakinde Isaac is a 12-year old boy. His case is reported in Daily sun of Tuesday,

January 10, 2012. He was diagnosed of acute renal failure at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital since March 2011. Son of an unemployed father and a teacher mother, the family seeks about N4.5 million to carry out a kidney transplant operation in India. They have only been able to manage 15 dialysis sessions for the boy and have also piled up a debt of N370,000. Their pain knows no measure as they run from pillar to post trying to safe the life of their 12-year old boy.

It is the same story with Samuel Edeyokun, a 21-year old student of History and International Studies at the Ekiti State University. Reported in The Nation of November 21, 2011, his case is described as sickle cell nephropathy. In other words, his renal failure has complicated his sickle cells anaemia. Samuel needs N6.8 million to go Medicity in India for a kidney transplant. His father, Lawrence who had been logging the burden of his son’s special condition since he was four, now has his woes compounded.

Unless help comes quickly from gentle-hearted Nigerians, he may have to bury Samuel soon.

The number of Nigerians suffering in these situations are scarily numerous. It is estimated that 45,000 Nigerians suffer renal failure yearly and over 90 per cent of them pass on without getting help. Renal disease is a particularly tough case because the causes are hazy, the condition is painful and the treatment is painfully expensive. It has since donned the garb of a terminal disease, especially so in

Governor Babatunde Fashola’s administration is trying everything within its means to rid the state of flood. Its Ministry of the Environment has made sustained effort by creating proper drains and enforcing compliance with Physical Planning and Environmental laws. Notwithstanding this, it should be acknowledged that there are some people in the state that are out to circumvent the efforts of government either through ignorance, sheer contempt or outright display of bad environmental habits.

The problem now is that the people generate their own environment and the result simply is that we get exactly what we deserve. But the Lagos state government is saying no to bad environmental generation and they are following this with action. The Lagos government especially now that the rains are around the corner is saying that there won’t be a society if we destroy the environment. Mr Tunji Bello, the Commissioner for the Environment, and a czar of the terrain is championing the crusade geared towards attainment of zero tolerance against bad environmental habits. The Ministry has not hidden its aversion to among others, indiscriminate dumping of refuse in unauthorised places, open defecations and urination, illegal building of structures on drainage alignments, road setbacks and verges, indiscriminate erection of signage, vegetal nuisances and overgrown weeds around premises and all forms of environmental pollution including air, noise or industrial. The operation Green Lagos Project is equally part of official efforts to make Lagos state environmentally friendly.

The people are the enemy because we have only ourselves as retrogressive allies. The Lagos government through its efficient Environment Ministry has ensured that environmental concerns are now firmly embedded in the public/educational life of the state.

As would be shown later, the efforts so far take by the Lagos government through the Ministry to forestall the kind of negative consequences of the July 10,2011 heavy rains is something that would bring joy to Lagosians and equally convince them that a responsive government is in place as the rain approaches.

• To be continued.

Nigeria today where government is utterly insensitive. CKD is a ravager. Apart from MTN Foundation and the Dangote Foundation which recently built a few dialysis centres across the country, there are only about half a dozen other hospitals in Nigeria that can effectively manage renal cases. Most transplants are done in India where it isS cheaper.

As you read this, about 40,000 Nigerians suffering from CKD lay prostrate and helpless, in the throes of death. Our governments, as in all else, remain insensitive. Methinks the FG should device a structure to manage all CKD cases in Nigeria free of charge. The Federal Ministry of Health must also embark on a nation wide media campaign to continuously educate Nigerians about this scourge. This will go a long way in preventing the incidence of CKD. LAST MUG: Talent hunt; Fashola in trouble: this matter reminds me of my friend and colleague, Ade Ojeikere, Sports Editor of The Nation. For over decade, Ade has written and spoken about his heart bleeding for Nigerian sports that I am beginning to wonder if there is a drop left therein. But who would not be saddened by the situation in our sports today; especially if you realize the huge potentials inherent in getting our sports right? Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola has done some with his boxing hall of fame, sports facilities and training for games masters of schools. But the current initiative he calls Adopt- a -Talent is rather ambitious if you ask me. He wants to isolate and train all the budding sports talents in Nigeria. I say he is in trouble because he is going to have such a deluge of talents. Nigeria is literally brimming with talents. For a test run, let the talent hunters call for the best all-round athletes in all the primary and secondary schools in Lagos. That will be quite a sample to start with. Great idea but can we implement?

‘The Federal Ministry of Health must also embark on a nation wide media campaign to continuously educate Nigerians about this scourge. This will go a long way in preventing the incidence of CKD’

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

BENEVOLENCE Free education gets a boost Imo

CRIME

PROJECT

Three arrested for alleged forgery

Beauty Queen promises better future for children

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Lagos

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 10, 2012

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Rivers

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Page 25

Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

Monarchs deny religious crisis in Edo

R

•Oshiomhole

ELIGIOUS leaders and royal fathers in Edo State have said that the recent incident that led to the partial torching of a school near a Mosque in Benin-City, the state capital, was merely instigated by hoodlums with political intention to undermine the peaceful coexistence which adherents of different faith have enjoyed over the years.

Rising from a meeting called at the instance of Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole recently to X-ray the remote and immediate causes of the violent erup-

tion in order to forestall further occurrence, both religious leaders and royal fathers unanimously agreed that the pockets of violence recorded in the state during the protests which removal of subsidy on petrol elicited had no religious undertone as being alleged in some quarters.

Alhaji Isa, the Serikin Hausawa of Benin Kingdom said religious intolerance is strange in Edo State where he has lived for upward of 40 years, even as he blamed political intolerance for the unfortunate incident. ‘‘Hausa Community has been protected by the host community as

though we were indigenous to the state without any fear of molestation. It is unfortunate that the industrial action declared by Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) was hijacked by street urchins,” he said.

President of Benin Catholic Archdiocesan Laity Council, Rev. Father Humphrey Best Iriabe, His Royal Highness, Prof. Gregory Iduorobo Akenzua, the Enogie of Evbuobanosa/Abudu and Chief Nosakhare Isekhure, the Isekhure of Benin Kingdom all advocated that the teaching of all faith should be included in the country’s academic

curriculum in accordance with the secular nature of Nigeria in order to thoroughly educate our children on morality.

Responding, Governor Adams Oshiomhole said: “The desired peace in our communities is achievable with the co-operation of royal fathers and religious leaders in the country. ‘‘Nigeria can achieve the desired peace with the collaboration of our royal fathers and religious leaders who live among their subjects in our neighbourhood on a daily bases,” he added.

N7.6m for project Students get 500 JAMB forms

M

INDFUL of the importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the overall development of the individual and enhancement of a country’s economy, the Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State has perfected plans on the training of 50 youths of the area in ICT in a bid to make them be selfreliant and players in the growth of the economy.

Chairman of the council, Comrade Ayodele Adewale disclosed that the project would cost the council N7.6m.

Comrade Adewale made the pronouncement recently while distributing 500 free Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms to students in the area.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the living condition of the people through evolving policies and programmes that would impact positively on their lives. He also pledged that the council would continue the rehabilitation of schools, provision of notebooks and uniform for pupils, build some schools in the coastal communities, and invest in information communication technology in order to help position the youth towards enabling the youth to face the competition of the jet age, among others.

“Currently, a team of experts is in Ghana to get details of a high selling ICT programmeMobile Communication Engineering, in order to train 50 youths for a start on how to

•Comrade Adewale (middle) with members of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), presents a free JAMB form to a student at the flag-off ceremony of 500 free JAMB forms at the secretariat

Council to train 50 youths in ICT

By Miriam Ndikanwu

build GSM and laptops and the course is expected to gulp $1,000 per youth,” he said.

Speaking at the short ceremony held at the Amuwo Odofin Local Government Council office where the forms were distrib-

uted, Comrade Adewale said the gesture was geared towards creating opportunities for teeming youths to be properly situated in the contemporary and competitive world.

So far, more than 1,500 JAMB forms have been distributed to students of the area in the last three years by the Adewale ad-

ministration which also set up free tutorial classes for the students to prepare them for the examinations.

The council chief said: “Education is the currency of the information age, no longer just a pathway to opportunity and success but a pre-requisite. There simply aren’t as many jobs today

that can support a family where only a secondary school certificate is required,” he added.

He attributed the falling standard of education in the country to the unserious disposition of the Federal Govern•Continued on Page 26

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THE NATION

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

GCE forms every year in the last three years,” he said.

He added that the council would be introducing the road user

charge scheme, which would help generate the needed funds to maintain “our roads and create about 6,000 jobs, among other projects.

Council to train 50 youths in ICT •Continued from page 25

ment to education, coupled with ambiguous curricula and defective educational structure.

“To revamp this ailing sector, we must begin to take pragmatic steps and give the sector the seriousness it requires. We don’t have to accept a Nigeria where we do nothing about over six million students who are unable to attain higher education,” he stated.

Comrade Adewale urged the beneficiaries of the free JAMB forms to maximise the opportunity, given their important roles in the development of the country, since the fate of a country was dependent on the education of its people.

He urged the Education Department of the council to ensure effective monitoring of the beneficiaries in terms of their performance in JAMB examinations through the period they would gain admission into higher institutions of higher learning. This, he said, would enable the council to draw a value assessment and evaluation in the project.

On his achievement, Comrade Adewale said that in the last three years, his administration had renovated 17 secondary schools out of the 20 in the council, adding that15 modern toilets with boreholes and 6KVA generators to power the boreholes were provided for upland and coastal com-

•Cross section of students/beneficiaries

munities in the area.

“Other educational projects embarked upon included distribution of free 220,000 notebooks; 13,300

mathematical sets and 6,600 school uniforms. It is also important to note that apart from the free JAMB forms, we have also been distributing free

Tokyo: Group urges Ajimobi to beware of sycophants SOCIO-CULTURAL group – the Human Rights Global Mission – on Wednesday in Ibadan called on Oyo State Governor, Senator Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi to be wary of political sycophants who have been masquerading as patriots of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) saying “these people are only out for ulterior motives.”

The Human Rights Global Mission stated in a press release signed by its Coordinator, Sunday Adedeji that “the signatories of a recent media publication have been identified to be proxies of a renowned opposition party leader in the state.”

According to the group, “the action of the so-called NURTW Patriotic Association is only motivated

A

•Tokyo

by the parochial interest of their paymaster to install his own stoogies, through the back door, on the affairs of the transport workers union in Oyo State.”

The group then advised Governor Ajimobi to avoid a state of anarchy by acceding to the Rule of Law and Social Justice by implementing, without further delay, the

landmark judgment of the National Industrial Court (NIC) in the Suit No. NIC/LA/IM/2009 as regards the Oyo NURTW. “Only this,” the group said, “would clearly clarify the muchtalked-about neutrality of the State Government in the affairs of the transport workers union, as the NURTW is not a parastatal of the

state government.”

The group reminded the Governor that Item 34, Part I of the Second Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria had placed Labour, including trade unions, etc., in the Exclusive Legislative List and therefore takes union matters outside the Executive powers of a state.

‘Agric offers viable alternative to petroleum’

F

OUNDER of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Are Afe Babalola has said agriculture offers Nigeria viable route to meaningful foreign exchange earning apart from petroleum.

Are Babalola said Nigeria would begin to make desirable turn in her

•From left: Chairman, Plateau ALGON, Mr Nicholas Nshe, representative of Plateau Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Elisha Baleri and Programme Manager, Plateau Agricultural Development programme, Mr Samuel Dung at a forum in Jos

By Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

foreign trade transactions when she gives priority to mechanised farming.

The foremost philanthropist said this yesterday during an interaction with journalists on the University campus where some construction works were in progress.

Advising governments at all levels to create separate schemes to enhance mechanised agriculture, Babalola noted that this would save the nation from the economic woes it has sunk lately.

He said: “Private individuals and governments at all levels could embark on serious farming schemes that would see more Nigerians engage in mechanised farming.

“Concentrating only on proceeds from petroleum products will lead us nowhere. Petroleum itself may soon be a thing of the past.

“There is no reason for the na-

tion to be importing rice, maize and other farm products judging by the clemency of our tropical climate.”, Afe said.

He explained that even crops that are known to grow only in temperate region could be cultivated in some parts of the country like Jos. “Aside creating more jobs and assuring food security, there are other positive developments that encouraging mechanised agriculture could have on the economy of the nation The legal luminary disclosed that the construction of the 18metre double spans slab bridge that would gulp nearly N59million was erected ahead of the time the produce would be ripe for harvest on the university farms.

After the interaction, he conducted newsmen round a 12,000 mango stand plantation planted about one and a half years ago, saying the varsity was expecting bumper harvest in a few months time.

THE NATION

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

Imo free education gets a boost

A

N industrialist based in the United Kingdom, Aloysius Ihezie, has donated one million text and other educational books to the Imo State Government to boost its free education programme.

Aloysius Ihezie, who is the Managing Director of Choice Textile Limited in London, said the gesture was to underscore the importance and value he attaches to education.

While presenting the bill of lading to Governor Okorocha in Government House recently, Victor Ihezie, the book Project Director, referred to comments made by Per Engebak, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa in which he stated that “no other investment has such a lasting effect as the education of children. Children who go to school are healthier, more self-assured and have far better prospects of employment. And of course, education has a major role to play in the fight against HIV.”

From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

Another report by the United Nations Educational, Social and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) stated that “.....Nigeria is home to the largest number of children out of school (8.6 million in 2007) and is forecast to have as many as 8.3million children still not in school by 2015.”

In the South Eastern states the increasing boy–child dropout rate is a serious concern and one which will have a detrimental impact on the future growth of the region.

Such disturbing figures lead Aloysius Ihezie to explain his decision to donate between two to three million textbooks in total over a five year period and to present these books to the children and students of Eastern Nigeria as one of the ways to confront the problems facing child education.

Aloysius Ihezie added that Choice’s Project Director from Mgbidi in Oru West Local Government Area would work closely with the state government to ensure the efficient management of the operation on the ground from the safe collection and movement of the

No other investment has such a lasting effect as the education of children. Children who go to school are healthier, more self-assured and have far better prospects of employment. And of course, education has a major role to play in the fight against HIV

books from Onne, Port Harcourt Seaport, to the warehousing, sorting and eventual distribution of the books to schools and communities throughout the state. It was confirmed that nine containers having approximately 350,000 books had already arrived at Onne Port.

Aloysius Ihezie further stressed that his over-riding interest is to support a programme that will help lift children out of poverty and ignorance and be of lasting benefit to future generations.

Responding, Governor Rochas Okorocha expressed his gratitude to Mr. Ihezie and his company for the generous donation to the free education programme of Imo Rescue Mission.

The governor urged other wellmeaning Imo people to follow the example of Ihezie by contributing to the free education and other people-oriented programmes initiated by his government.

At the official launch in London Ambassador Dozie Nwanna, Deputy Nigerian High Commissioner, Dr Eric Uzoalor represent-

•Okorocha

ing Ambassador Ralph Uwechue, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mr Ngozi Njoku, DirectorGeneral, Imo Foundation and Hon. Donatus Ozoemena, Deputy Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, were present to accept the books on behalf of the state government.

Rivers community warns against looming clash From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

•Governor Amaechi

I

N order to avoid communal clashes, the people of Elelenwo Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State have called on the Rotimi Amaechi administration for quick intervention.

Elelenwo leaders said the manner government and private projects and institutions sited on their land were being named after neighbouring communities had become a source of concern to them.

The elders said they had been prevailing on the youth to sheathe their swords and not to take the law into their own hands, stressing that there is limit to human endurance, especially when there is clear case of injustice.

Elelenwo leaders, at a news conference in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, condemned the way the community’s contributions to nation-building were being undermined.

The aggrieved Elelenwo people spoke through the chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Mr. Francis Nyebuchi Amadi.

He disclosed that many youths from neighbouring Iriebe community attacked all Elelenwo tenants living around the Federal Toll Gate, asking them to leave the area in a bid to claim ownership of the land.

The attack led to serious tension in the area, which Elelenwo elders said could cause total breakdown of law and order, if not immediately addressed.

Rivers State Government was therefore urged to call Iriebe people to order in order to avoid crisis. The Elelenwo people declared that they would not lose any part of their land

to other communities or individuals, no matter how highly placed.

The community said: “For long, the peaceful disposition of Elelenwo people has become another way people use to visit them with injustice and deny them things that rightly belong to them.

“Nobody, except God, chose where Elelenwo is located. No community can allow its land to be given away, without corresponding privileges attached to it. We are being deprived of all our rights, as host of the projects on our land.

“Government and individual projects located on Elelenwo land, but which bear names of adjoining communities include the Power Holding Company of Nigeria substation, the adolescent project (TAP), trailer park and federal toll gate.

“We wonder why the PHCN’s substation, located a few metres from the popular Eleme Junction in Port Harcourt, could be named after Oyigbo, headquarters of Oyigbo Local Government Area, instead of Elelenwo.

“Elelenwo is gradually losing its identity to its neighbours. Our peaceful nature has been misconstrued as weakness. We are never weak when it comes to taking back what rightly belongs to us.”

The people also expressed concern over the recent pronouncement of a

top official of Rivers State Government to relocate the popular Ikokwu Spare Parts Market at Mile 3, Diobu, Port Harcourt to a new place acquired in Elelenwo, but named after Iriebe community.

They viewed the deliberate naming of projects in Elelenwo after their neighbours as the handiwork of mischief makers, who were bent on putting the people at loggerheads with their neighbours.

Lawmaker harps on occupational safety bill From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

•Anyanwu

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HE lawmaker representing Owerri zone in the Senate, Ms Chris Anyanwu has said that the bill on occupational safety if passed into law by the National Assembly would revolutionise the working environment in the country.

Senator Anyanwu stated this while briefing leaders of the zone in the town hall meeting held at the City Global Hotel, Owerri the Imo State capital.

She maintained that the goal of the bill is to make the work place safe and healthy so that workers can work hard and be alive to enjoy the

•Commissioner for Works, Dr Obafemi Hamzat presenting trophy to Miss Aminat AbdulKareem, winner of the Quran competition at the Maulud Nabiyy celebration in Lagos

The CDC chairman said he had, on many occasions, made representations to the management of the affected parastatals, especially the PHCN’s sub-station, without any action taken yet.

Elelenwo leaders equally admonished the governments, people, individuals or companies wishing to site projects on their land, to always consult widely, before naming the projects.

fruits of their labour.

The chairman Senate Committee on Navy and member Defense and Army, Youth Development and Gas revealed that the bill has gotten tremendous backing from so many members of the Senate.

She disclosed that the bill on regulation of rock blasting, explosive, demolition, and use of other explosives also sponsored by her have passed second reading and are now at the committee stage.

She hinted that the bill, if passed into law, would address the lingering environmental challenges posed by indiscriminate blasting of rocks by construction firms.

While revealing that 880 constituents were given loans to start some income- generating businesses, she noted that reports show that most of the beneficiaries are meaningfully engaged in various trades.

She further revealed that within six months, she has been able to secure employment for 22 graduates from her constituency.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

28

Oshiomhole to tackle child mortality

Chime seeks completion of federal roads E

•Chime

NUGU State Governor Sullivan Chime has called on the Federal Government to complete the Enugu-Onitsha and Enugu-Port Harcourt roads to reduce transportation problems in the South East zone.

Chime, who made the call in Enugu during a courtesy visit by the Minister of State for Works, Amb. Bashir Yuguda, noted that the completion of the roads would also reduce rate of accident in the zone.

He expressed dismay at the slow pace of work on the Enugu-Onitsha road, saying that the ministry should expedite action towards its completion.

“We have been disappointed because Enugu-Onitsha express road has been a sorry

Anambra empowers 700 widows

A

NAMBRA State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Cordelia Ego Uzoezie has raised alarm over the increasing number of women and girls being trafficked in the state.

Dr. Uzoezie spoke at a one-day Capacity Building/Sensitisation workshop on Trafficking in Persons and Preventive Measures through Anambra State Women leaders.

She further said the workshop was sequel to the several cases of human trafficking/child labour being handled by the ministry in recent times. She urged all women leaders to work harder toward the elimination of child trafficking in the country.

Dr. Uzoezie further disclosed that over 700 widows have been empowered by the state government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. She added that the workshop was aimed at creating awareness on what borders the nation as women are closer to their children.

Delivering a paper entitled: “Trafficking In Person, What Is It All About”, the Coordinator NAPTIP, Enugu Zonal Office, Mrs. Nkiruka

Anambra From Odowgu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

Michael, attributed the high rate of human trafficking to greed among parents.

Mrs. Michael represented by, Mrs. Ann Nwabugwu, urged women to always monitor the people they give their children to as house helps. She encouraged women to bear the limited number of children they can cater for.

In another paper, “Unemployment, a Basic Factor Fueling Trafficking in persons in our Society” , the Coordinator of Integrated Anti Human Trafficking and Community Development, INTACOM Africa , Hope Okoye, recalled how in September 2011, NAPTIP saved over 7000 youths that were to be trafficked to Canada for an alleged job.

For this reason, she appealed to the government to open up industries where the jobless graduates can be employed so as to discourage human trafficking.

Enugu story. It is a horrible road, the same thing applies to the Enugu-Port Harcourt road and these are two major roads that serve not just the southeast but also the southsouth and in fact, the whole Nigeria.

“So I am happy that this time round, the federal ministry of works has shown some seriousness because I believe something has to be done and done urgently, so many people have lost their lives on that road.

“So these are major roads, I am sure if they are done, of course in addition to the railways that are coming back, we will not be having problems about transportation.’’

Speaking earlier, Yuguda assured the people that the ministry was working in collaboration with the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Works to ensure the speedy completion of roads in the southeast.

Yuguda, who also flagged off the EnuguAbakaliki road rehabilitation, said the ministry was also working with the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to ensure safety of the roads.

“We are working in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment to make sure our roads are maintained.

“In a situation where by we spend a lot of money as a government and the environment is neglected, the erosion definitely will eat up all the good roads we have started.’’

E

•From left: Rivers State Deputy Governor Mr Tele Ikuru, Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Rev. Father Steve Deedua and consultants from Arcus Gibb checking the route of the new M12 beltway, a multi-billion naira highway to connect Port Harcourt City to the Airport

Govt urges community leaders to embrace dialogue HE Delta Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Mr Mofe Pira, has stressed the essence of peace in achieving sustainable development in Umusetie community of Ndokwa West Local Government Area of the state.

According to him, the people of the

T

Council inaugurates classrooms

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HE Chairman of Ifelodun Local Council Development Area, Hon. Fatai Ajidagba, has promised residents of the area more dividends of democracy.

Speaking at the commissioning of projects to mark his 100 days in office, Ajidagba explained that his administration would provide social amenities to uplift lives of the people.

“It has been blissful since I came on board as council chairman.Our administration in the last 100 days has carved a niche in the area of infrastructural development and our people should expect more in the days ahead. We have distributed 500 of Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms to prospective admission seekers among other projects that we are commissioning today. A public library is under construction at Oyedeji Street, off Ojo Road, to promote academic excellence and encourage reading culture.

“We have rehabilitated Ojo Road, Otua and Dispensary Roads among others. The road rehabilitation project was in line with our “operation no pot holes” and more important tly “operation let there be light” has taken an improved course. We have installed new transformers to Iludun/Mayegun in Amukoko, Ezeagwu/Imgbidi areas, Ojo Road, Jubilee Market and Alaba.

By Kunle Akinrinade

Some of the projects commissioned on the occasion included a block of classroom at the L.A Primary School, Amukoko equipped with 500 desks and benches for effective learning, while, 30 sets of computers were presented to 30 schools to promote computer literacy.”

Ajidagba also announced the change of names of some schools in the council area.

He said: “As part of our transformation agenda, I have the pleasure to announce at this gathering that we have today changed the names of some of our schools. As from now, L.A Primary School 11 will now be known as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Primary School while Amukoko L.A Primary School 11 will now be called Mumuni Adio Badmus Memorial Primary School, Amukoko.”

In his speech, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain and National Legal Adviser of the party, Dr. Muiz Banire, who is also the special guest of honour on the occasion, said the ACN remains the party to beat in Nigeria because of its welfarist programmes.

“I congratulate the leadership of this council area for this wonderful outing in the last 100 days.”

•From left: Dr. Banire, Hon. Ajidagba at the event

• Ijaw women dancers at the annual Christian Feast of Tabernacle of God’s Kingdom Society (GKS), Warri, Delta State PHOTO: CHARITY WILLIAMS

Abejoye (Director). Members of Complaints and Job Creation Committee are Rauf Ayodeji (Chairman), Seun Aremu (Secretary), Toba Fanusi (Director) and Rasheed Jinadu (Director).

The ceremony which was held at the Oluremi Tinubu Hall, inside the council secretariat, was witnessed by Yaba community leaders, including Mainland Chief Imam Sodiq Lawal, former chairmen of Mainland Council Otunba Tayo Oyemade and Chief Babatunde Okunsanya; Chairman of Community Development Association (CDC) Apostle John Ojo, Iyaloja of Yaba Alhaja Monsurat Owolabi, Baale of Iwaya, Alhaji Muri Oloko, Baale of Makoko, Chief Raymond Olaiya, Council Manager Alhaji Babatunde Ojikutu and Secretary to Council Doyin Durojaye.

Welcoming guests, Durojaye congratulated the new aides, saying that the works of the LCDA would now proceed, following the inauguration.

The chairman described the ceremony as a momentous occasion, explaining that those assigned to duties as members of the executive are men and women of proven integrity carefully selected by the ruling party. He said that, as servants of the people, they are expected to demonstrate commitment, dedication and selflessness so that they can earn public respect, adding that they can only succeed in an atmosphere of team work.

Noting that his administration had increased the Internally Generated Revenue from N24 million in 2008 to N200 million, he assured the people that the sky is the limit. Jimoh added: “It is for this reason that we have decided to expand our revenue base.

DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has promised to provide modern facilities in hospitals across the state to halt the increase in child-related deaths.

The governor gave the promise while speaking at the election of executive members for the state‘s chapter of the National Council for Women Societies of Nigeria (NCWSN) in Benin City.

He said the state government was determined to assist women to take advantage of modern facilities in hospitals.

Oshiomhole disclosed that his administration presently provides free maternal child-care for pregnant mothers, as part of efforts to assist the womenfolk.

“We are determined to ensure and assist women take advantage of modern facilities in our hospitals and we have a balanced gender policy, because empowering the women is the smartest thing to do, in the interest of the nation,’’ he said.

The governor said this was why the Head

Edo of Service, as well as the Commissioners for Health, Culture, Youths and Sports, and Women Affairs in Edo State were all women.

He further said there were more vacancies to be filled by women in his administration, just as 45 per cent of the Permanent Secretaries and 50 per cent of judges in the state were women.

Oshiomhole then praised women for being able to conduct a free and fair election and advised them that as mothers they should always keep to the rules of ensuring that the votes count.

The NCWSN National President, Mrs Nkechi Mba, commended Oshiomhole for his developmental programmes in the state.

Mba said the NCWSN, in spite of being a non-partisan association, was always willing to work and partner with any

Funeral for community leader HE remains of the eldest man in Amachalla Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, Chief Emmanuel Onoja Ugwu of the Umu Udagha Onu family of Umu Ossai will be interred today at his compound.

The late Chief Ugwu passed on at Summit Hospital Obollo Afor after a brief illness.

He was aged 94.

The deceased worked with SCOA, a French company in 1938 and rose to an enviable height in 1949.

Agu, as he was later nicknamed when he became the eldest man in Amachalla, was the Secretary of Nsukka District Union, and Federal Auditor, Federated Nsukka District Union between 1942 and 1957 before he stepped down to contest election into the Eastern House of Assembly.

An advocate of peace, equity and fair play, late Chief Ugwu was a humanist and abhorred injustice.

He was a devout Christian of the Anglican faith, and chaired many Christian committees in his life time.

T h e deceased w a s survived by two wives Roseline and Mercy, 15 children including Mr Larry Okey Ugwu (Poland), C h i d i Ugwu of Champion Newspapers, and 25 g r a n d •The Late Chief Ugwu children.

• government in power.

The NCWSN is the umbrella body of all women groups in the country.

Bayelsa monarchs get chairman

K

ING Godwin Igodo, the Ebenibe of Atissa in Yenagoa Local Government Area, has emerged as the new Chairman of the Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council.

Delta community need to embrace dialogue in resolving their differences to chart a new course for the return of peace and development in the area.

Pira made the appeal on Tuesday in Asaba at a reconciliation meeting with some elders of the community.

He noted that the community had been in crisis in the last one year over inadequate representation in oil companies and jobs for the youth and other benefits to the people.

Pira said that the community had complained that some of them were being sidelined in some of the benefits that were due to them.

According to him, some groups have always complained that their youths do not get job offers by oil companies operating in the area.

The Commissioner, however, stressed the need for the community to unite and work out modalities in resolving the crisis.

Pira appealed to the leaders of the community to always hold peace meetings in the interest of their people.

Council chief urges diligence, loyalty T T HE Chairman of Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Jide jimoh, has inaugurated the executive council, charging the new supervisors and advisers to serve the people with diligence, loyalty and respect.

The team comprises of the Vice Chairman, Mrs. Bola Lawal Olumegbon (Education), former Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chairman Alhaji Alade Grillo (Works and Housing), Bola Aileru (Environmental Services), Bisi Thomas (Health), Abel Enikanologbon (Poverty Alleviation and Women Development), Sheu Isola (Agriculture, Rural and Social Development), J. Ojo (Legislative and Political Bureau), Michael Joe (Budget and Statistics), James Asogba (Chieftaincy and Boundary Adjustment) and Francis Ituwa (Market and Revenue). Jimoh directed them to proceed to the Code of Conduct Bureau to obtain forms for the declaration of their assets after the ceremony.

The chairman also unfolded the programmes of his administration, stressing that the improvement of environmental infrastructural facilities, primary education, health facilities, empowerment and poverty alleviation and security of lives and property are the main focus in the next three years. He said, as from this month, 100 aged people would receive N10,000 monthly as social security.

The Yaba Investment Venture Commitee and Complaint and Job Creation Committees were also set up by Jimoh for the actualisation of some of his programmes. Members of the Investment Venture Committee are Kunle Banjo (Chairman), Bosun Agoro (DirectorGeneral), Ayo Faleye (Director ) and Ajose

37

Bayelsa A statement issued by the Secretary to the Bayelsa Government, Prof.

Millionaire Abowei, in Yenagoa , directed the former chairman of the Council, King Joshua Igbagara, to hand over all government property in his possession to the new chairman.

It would be recalled that Igodo was kidnapped last year at about 9.30 p.m. on Sept. 1, 2011, at his palace at Ogbogoro community in Yenagoa Local Government Area, but later regained his freedom.

The statement added that King George Lawson, the Obenabhan of Emeyal in Ogbia Local Government Area, is the new Vice Chairman of the council.

Vehicle owners warned

•Winner of Nokia 25 promo Miss Onymye Achigbu displaying her two car keys. With her are: General Manager Nokia, Chris Brown (right) and Assistant Director, National Lottery Regulators Commission, Abuja, Mr Henry Uwadike, at the Nokia Promo presentation PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN IGERIAN Institute of Management is in partnership with the Command and Staff College,Jaji, to develop the selected officers of Armed Forces and prepare them for their increasing responsibilities.

NIM President, Dr Michael Olawale-Cole, said participants that successfully complete the programme become Associate Members of the insitute “We are aware that yours is a joint- service institution established to offer increased capacity for academic and professional training of military officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces and have, therefore, carefully designed a programme that will equip the beneficiaries with the right professional management skills.

“The contents of the programme are based on nationally and internationally recognised occupational standards that describe the expectations from managers and leaders, with

N

THE Lagos State Police Command has warned owners of vehicles parked at Ishagamu Road Ikorodu Division to remove them or forfeit same through auction.

They are: 1.

Honda CRV Jeep - DV4 74 FST 2.

Scrap Volkswagen bus - no number

NIM signs pact with Armed Forces

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

cognisance to the military operating environment in Nigeria. The modules are structured with clear outcomes of competent performance in the role, behaviours and the underpinning knowledge and understanding that are necessary for those outcomes to be produced,” he said.

Olawale-Cole expressed optimism that the beneficiaries will get the best out of the programme if they apply themselves to it and

give it the seriousness it deserves.

“Just like in the case of the strategic partnership which we entered with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 2005 through which we have trained over 200, 000 corps members in the area of skill acquisition for self-reliance, I trust that the impact of this collaboration will soon be felt in the management processes of the College, the professional life of the beneficiaries and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in general,” he added.

Contractors flay govt

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HE Association of Ibom Contractors has berated the Akwa Ibom State Government over the non involvement o f state’s indigenous contractors in the construction of the on-going state stadium complex in Uyo, the state capital.

The body warned the state government not to make the stadium project a sole contractual venture of one company.

In a statement signed by the National Chairman of the association, Lawrence Bassey, the body advised the state government to involve more reputable construction firms in the project.

According to Bassey, by splitting the major construction of the project, the state’s indigenous contractors would have a piece of the pie through sub-contracts in supplies and ancillary construction jobs from communityfriendly companies involved in the direct execution of the project.

•From left: The Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies, Command and Staff College, Jaji, Rear Admiral Gabriel Okoi, the president and chairman of council, Nigerian Institute of Management, Chief Dr Michael Olawale-Cole and the immediate past president of the institute, Dr Sally Nkem Adukwu-Bolujoko at the signing of the pact

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

29

PEOPLE THE NATION

A SEVEN-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

•From left: The celebrator Okocha, his wife Michelle and Mrs Atiku

When businessman-politician Peter Okocha turned 60 last Sunday, the business and political worlds turned out to celebrate with one of their own. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

60 hearty cheers for Okocha

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HEN Peter Olisaemeka Okocha, former Chairman of African Petroleum Plc, turned 60 last Sunday, he did so in style. He marked the Diamond jubilee with pomp and ceremony.

The Ball Room of the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, was the place to be that day.

Elders, those who are above 60, initiated him into the sexagenarian club as he drank from the same cup with them.

As he took the drink, prayers of goodwill and long life were said for him.

This marked the beginning of a lavish ceremony in Okocha's honour.

The celebrator, an astute businessman and a former governorship candidate, was full of smiles as his guests sang birthday songs for him.

Earlier, many of his friends and associates attended the thanksgiving mass held at the Church of Assumption Catholic Church, Falomo, Ikoyi.

Among the guests were former Presidential candidate and the Turaki of Adamawa, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, his wife Titi; Prof Pat Utomi; former Ekiti State Governor Niyi Adebayo; Peter Nwoboshi; Prof Kofi Duncan; Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Chief Innocent Okoye; Rear Admiral Dele Ezeobi; Chief Ndudi Elumelu; Prof Nwanze Okidegbe; Chief Martin Ikediashi and Chief Mike Inegbese.

The expansive hall was decorated in gold.

The chair overlays and the table decoration were of the same colours.

A large-sized square cake in gold stood at the centre of the hall.

Atiku who chaired the occasion, described Okocha as his brother and friend.

“Today is exactly 30 years since I met him and, since then, our friendship has grown from friendship to brotherhood. Over the years, I have found him a trustworthy and loyal friend; and the gathering today is a testimony to his character. So sit, celebrate, enjoy, pray for this confidant, uncle, businessman and partner who has brought great politicians and captains of industry together," he said.

Mr Sadiq Johnson read Okocha’s citation.

The event also featured couple's dance, cutting of the cake and a photographic session. Okocha looked cute in his black suit and his wife, Michelle, was also stunning in her black flowing gown. Her elegant dress was the talk of the event.

The duo danced romantically to the music supplied by the Shuga band which included Lionel Richie's Endless Love and others.

American-born Mrs Okocha, who said she met her husband 30 years ago when she was 10, couldn't hide her joy.

She described him as a fantastic husband, father and soul mate, oga and friend.

"I love 'Pok', as she fondly calls him, because he gives me freedom to be me," she

said, smiling.

She attributed her youthful look to her husband.

"I look this good because I have a man like Peter for a husband. No worries, no hassles, no baby mama drama. I want him to know he's mine forever and I thank him for picking me up on that lovely summer day in Illinois in 1978," she said.

Their first of four sons, PJ, who has always dreamed of buying his father a Bentley-Rolls, reminded him that he still owed him one.

"My parents have given my brothers and I the world and all that's in it. I love them both," he said.

"My dad is the most detribalised man. I've ever known. There is nothing that is impossible when a young man from Ibusa can endure the loss of his father and still have the power and will to attain such greatness.

My brothers and I have the best and we can only repay him by refusing to settle for anything less than the best," he added.

The clebrator was full of appreciation to his guests.

Okocha attributed his success to his wife, Michelle.

"She takes care of the home front while my battle is always out there. And as the second stanza of the National Anthem says: though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand.”

•More pictures on page 34

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

30

SOCIETY Lagos virtually rose for the Nelson and Popoola families when their children got married last Saturday.

From the church service to the reception, there was no dull moment, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

‘A union made in heaven’ E

VERYTHING about the wedding was classy. It was an Aevent apparently because of the special position of the couple in their families. The bride is the only daughter of her parents and the groom, the only son of his parents.

Adetoun Ibilola is the daughter of Mrs Kemi Nelson, former Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, her husband, Oluwole Olawumi is the son of the late Dr Kolawole Popoola.

The consumation of their marriage, which took place at Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja, Lagos, attracted the elite.

Guests shone in bright lace material and red Aso-Oke caps and butterfly headgears. Others dressed in other expensive attires still used the red Aso-Oke as headgears.

Time stood still for the adorable lovebirds.

On the roll of guests were Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, his wife, Abimbola and parents Alhaji and Mrs Ademola Fashola; Deputy Governor Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; her Osun state counterpart Otunba Titi LaoyeTomori; former governors of Lagos, Ogun and Ekiti states, Alhaji Lateef Jakande and wife Abimbola; Aremo Olusegun Osoba, his wife Derin and Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Secretary to the Lagos State Government Mrs Oluranti Adebule; Elegushi of Ikateland Oba Saheed Elegushi; Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) presidential running mate Fola Adeola; former Inspector- General of Police Alhaji Musiliu Smith; Senators Oluremi Tinubu; Femi Lanlehin and Olorunnimbe Mamora.

Others were: Justice Ishola Olorunnimbe; Hon Olawale Oshun; Mrs Titi Atiku Abubakar; former Minister of State for Defence Ademola Seriki; Head of Service Adesegun Ogunlewe; first Nigerian female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chief Folake Solanke; Chief Jubril Martins-Kuye; Prof Kayode Odusote; former Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture Alhaji Ibrahim Balogun; Commissioner for Special Duties Dr Wale Ahmed; Representatives of Lagos monarch Oba Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu; former Lagos State Deputy Governor Princess Sarah Sosan; ACN National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Mohammed and wife of the former Commissioner for the Environment, Mrs Funmilayo Banire.

They also included a frontline politician and business tycoon, Mrs Remi Agbowu; Hons Abike DabirErewa and Hon Jumoke OkoyaThomas of House of the Reps; Television Continental chief Mr Dele Alake; wife of the late Justice Muri Okunola, Alhaja Ramdat; Hon Lola Akande; renowned essayist Prof Adebayo Williams; Hajia Abbah Folawiyo; Alhaja Sekinat YemisiCoker and wife of Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana Alhaja Monsurat Obanikoro.

The wedding train moved from the church to the Haven Event Centre, Sky Power, GRA Ikeja, Lagos for the reception.

The lavish reception featured the cutting of the wedding cake, dance,

•The couple Oluwole and Adetoun flanked by Governor Fashola and his wife Abimbola

•Bride’s parents, Mr Adeyemi and Mrs Kemi Nelson

•Groom’s mother Reverend Popoola and representative of groom’s dad

•Alhaji Jakande and wife Abimbola

•Aremo Osoba and wife Derin

toast, prayers for the couple, presentation of gifts, and a performance by Davido with his hit song Omobaba Olowo that sent the couple and their friends to the dance floor.

Chairman on the occasion Admiral Jubril Ayinla called for a minute silence for the groom's father Dr Popoola whom he described as a disciplinarian.

Ayinla, who sat beside his wife of 39 years Jemeelat, thanked God for making the day a reality.

He congratulated the couple.

“It is your day; we thank God for

you and pray He blesses your union,” he said.

Admiral Ayinla, the Aare Gbadeniyi of Egbaland told the couple that there is no magic in a successful marriage, urging them to be prayerful and patient with each other.

“Be kind to yourselves; look after each other and know that your relationship that began in your higher institution days is a testimony of God's favour on you,” he said.

Chief Solanke, who supervised the cutting of the cake with Mrs Atiku, wished the couple a success-

ful union.

She prayed God to guard and guide them.

Mrs Atiku described their union as made in heaven.

"What God has joined, she said, let no one put asunder."

She prayed God to grant the couple quadruplets.

Alhaji Jakande urged Adetoun and Oluwole to exercise patience and display high level of maturity in dealing with each other.

The groom thanked God for giving him a wonderful woman as

PHOTOS: DAVID ADEJO

wife.

“She is cool and down to earth,” he said.

“I am just happy he is mine,” said the bride.

Adetoun and her father entertained the guests with beautiful dance steps before Oluwole and her mother, Reverend Kehinde Popoola also took to the dance floor.

The Zion band ensured there was no dull moment throughout.

Of course, the floor was soon thrown open to all, including the couple and their friends.

•More pictures on page 31

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

31

SOCIETY •Continued from page 30

•Mrs Atiku; Senator Tinubu and Otunba Laoye-Tomori

•Mrs Orelope-Adefulire (left) and Alhaja Okunola

•Otunba Adebayo (left) and Hon Lateef Raji

•Admiral Ayinla flanked by his wife Jemeelat (right) and Mrs Ogunleye

•Alhaji Smith (left) and Prof Odusote

•Mrs Adebule

•Mr Adeola

•From left: Mr Alake; Dr Olu Otubusin and Senator Mamora

•Oba Elegusi, his wife Sekinat and Hon Dabiri-Erewa

•Hon Oshun (left) and Alhaji Balogun

•From left: Mrs Jibike Babatunde; Mrs Agbowu and Mrs Eniola Fadayomi PHOTOS: ADEJO DAVID •Continued on page 32

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

32 •Continued from page 31

•Chief Solanke

SENDOFF PARTY FOR RETIRED PERMANENT SECRETARY MRS ARAMIDE MASHA AT OLD SECRETARIAT GRA, LAGOS

•Mrs Banire

•The celebrator Mrs Masha in a handshake with Chairman Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) Mr Moshood Ojikutu. With them is her husband Mr Wazeel Masha

•Senator Martins-Kuye

•Hajia Folawiyo

•LGSC Commissioners Otunba Owolabi Osibodu (left) and Dr Walil Ipaye

•Justice Olorunnimbe (left) and Mr Ganiyu Johnson

•From left: Director Finance and Admin, Local Government Establishment and Pension Board Mrs Samiat Mumuni; Director Accounts Mr Waliu Abdul and Director Establishement Mrs Folashade Akinyemi

•Chief Obafemi Olopade

•Hon Seriki • Council Manager, Ojokoro Local Council Development Area Mr Rapheal Bello flanked by his counterparts in Mainland Alade Anibaba (left) and Ifako-Ijaiye LGA Rafiu Fashola

•Hon Okoya-Thomas

•Otunba Henry Ajomale

•Director Finance and Admin LGSC Mrs Grace Bello (left) and Director Training Mrs Omolara

PHOTOS: ADEJO DAVID Akin-Aderibigbe

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

33

SOCIETY The Re-union Luncheon of The Apostolic Church Grammar School Old Students Association (TACGSOSA) was held at the Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Ikeja, on Friday January 28. Thirteen of the school’s teachers were honoured at the event.

NNEKA NWANERI reports.

•From left: Hon Akinyemi-Obe; Rev Odulami and wife Taiwo

•From left: Pastor Ajibola Lic; Elder Awotimiro and Mr Abatti

T

HEY radiated joy. And it was obvious in their mood and utterances.

Their gathering, they agreed, was the basis of their happiness. School mates reuniting after a long time is a good reason to rejoice.

That their alma mater had shaped and made them successful in their various careers was not in doubt. They shook hands amid hugs and back-slaps as they shouted Appolo, apparently referring to their alma mater, The Apostolic Grammar School, Orisigun, Lagos.

The point of convergence was the Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Ikeja, and as they sang their school anthem, once again, they did so with all vigour and nostalgia.

Many shone in traditional dresses of the Yoruba, the Igbo and the Urhobo; looking gorgeous with their fashion statements.

Mr Wole Abatti, a former president of the association in his remark said the essence of the event was to honour their old teach-

•Mrs Ositominu receiving a plaque from Mr Nwachukwu

•From Left: Mrs Deborah Kufeji; Lady Vice President Princess Duro Oshinusi and Moradeun Odukoya Osobase PHOTOS: ISAAC OLA

When alumni met ers. He quoted the last stanza of the school’s anthem and noted that just like the lyrics, majority of the old students in Nigeria and in the Diaspora are doing fine.

He said: “The composer of the song really prayed for us. God bless him. So, as you sit back, feel relaxed as there is a lot to talk about, eat and drink.”

The immediate past president of the association, Rev Tope Odunlami, in an address, explained that the recognition and honour of the teachers were to appreciate them for helping to mould them. He thanked the teachers, most of whom were present, for tutoring them to be what they are today. He prayed for two of the teachers who were post-humously honoured, that their good works continue to live in the society.

COURTESY VISIT TO LAGOS STATE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (LIRS)

•From left: Director of LIRS Mr Bisi Alli; Mr Tunde Fowler; Mr Sam Agbeluyi; Hon Olubode Oni; Past Chairman Mr Chukwuemeka Eze; Social Secretary/PRO CITN Mr Tunde Onanuga; Mrs Aro Olutoyin and Assistant Secretary General Mrs Grace Opadokun

They reminisced about the good old days, recalling their escapades, actions, nicknames and songs adopted to suit their situations. They kept chanting the slogan, Up School!

Amid the conviviality, the chairman on the occasion, and chairman, Coker-Aguda Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon Bolanle Akinyemi-Obe walked in and took her place on the high table. Taking the microphone, she could not hide her pride that she is a product of the school.

“I am happy many people of substance have graduated from the school. I remember Mr Omoniyi who taught us Yoruba, Mrs Oshinlokun who clipped our wings as we tried to do sisi; I was taught to hold myself high in the midst of men, never knowing

that I was going to find myself in politics. I even jumped a six feet wall just to eat ewa olomi (watery beans). We always trekked for about an hour to get to the church headquarters, where we were called out and prophesied to. It’s paying off now. I’m so ecstatic seeing people I have not seen for more than 36 years. They were all fun and beautiful experiences. It is good to have your old mates prosperous together,” she said.

There was a change of baton in the leadership of the association. The new executives were sworn in.

In his acceptance speech, the new president, Mr Chuks Nwacukwu, gave a run down of some of the projects the association intends to do, pledging to carry on the good works. Appealing for assistance, he prayed that his tenure will move the association further. The Ever Glorious Band, led

by Kufeji, dished out soul-inspiring gospel music which they all danced to.

CONJUGAL BLISS

•Former Miss Abdalat Lawal and his husband Mr AbdulRasaq Akanbi during their Nikah at Ojowo, Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

34

SOCIETY •Continued from page 29

•Alhaji Atiku (left) and Otunba Adebayo

•Prof Utomi (right) and wife Ifeoma and Chukwudi Okonmah

•Nkoli Osonwa (left); Ogbuefi Tony Nnachetta and wife Nneka

•Dr Alex and Mrs Favour Chika-Okafor

•Ifeanyi Okunbo (right) and wife Louisa and Ebuni Okocha

•Dr Ralu Onyemelukwe; Chief Ephraim Faloughi (right) and wife Wendy

•From left: Alhaji Mohammed; Chris Mammah and Dr Andy Okolie

•Mr Abdulahi Nyako (left) and Chief Okoye

•Prof Duncan and wife Victoria

•Mr Ike Ofuokwu and wife Ngozi

PHOTOS: NNEKA NWANERI

2012

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

35

SOCIETY FUNERAL OF A BUSINESS TYCOON AND FOREMOST NESTLE DISTRIBUTOR ALHAJA SIDIKAT OGUNFOWORA AT ALAUSA, LAGOS

•Deceased’s son Kamor Ogunfowora flanked by Alhaji AbdulFattah Adetona (right) and Mr Tunde Raman

•Rector Lagos State Polytechnic, (LASPOTECH) Dr AbdulAzeez Lawal (left) and Justice Ishola Olorunnimbe

•LASIEC Commissioner, Hon Musbau Oyefeso (left) and Managing Director Ajuwon Nig Ltd Mr Sulaiman Ajuwon

•Alhaji Jumah Alli-Oluwafuyi (left) and Executive Director Courtville Nig Ltd, Mr Wale Sonaike

•Vice-Chairman Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Alhaja Qudrah Dada and Chairman MosanOkunola Local Council Development Area Hon Abiodun Mafe

WEDDING

•The couple Alhaji Bayo Tijani and former Miss Rafiat Taiwo flanked by wife of the late Justice Muri Okunola, Alhaja Ramdat and Chief M. M. Bolarinwa during their wedding in Lagos

•Director of Account Ministry of Lands Mr Waliu Onibon (left) and Mr AbdulMajeed Adedeji

UNION OF LOVEBIRDS

•Former Miss Hawa Audu and his beau AbdulJafar Ahmed during their wedding at the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Ikeja, Lagos

36

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

COMMENTARY

“H

AVE you not seen how your Lord has set forth a parable; an excellent word like a grandiose tree with roots firmly planted and foliages sprouting magnificently into the firmaments of the sky bearing edible fruits across seasons

by Allah’s leave. Thus Allah sets forth parables for mankind that they may constantly remember (His mercy)’’ Q. 15: Verses 24 and 25.

Today’s topic in this column is not a coinage of ‘The Message’. It is rather borrowed fortuitously from the slogan of a foremost Nigerian University which reminds us of history’s golden eras. That slogan had been coined by one Professor Olorunfemi who delivered a Convocation Lecture at the University of Ilorin in 2001.

For every age there are particles of history that relay to us the successes or failures of the previous ages. And from such successes or failures humanity endeavours to draw a guide for itself which serves either as a warning on the vanity of human wishes or as an encouragement or both.

When the Muslim Arabs, established the very first University in the world (University of Cordoba in Spain) well over 1000 years ago, in line with the Prophet’s counsel that Muslims should seek knowledge even if it would require travelling to China, hardly did they know that they had kindled a revolution that would brighten up the world and liberate mankind from the cloak of ignorance. In quick succession, some offshoots of that University sprang up in other parts of the world shedding lights on the life of man from all conceivable angles. Today, man is able to fly in the air like birds just as he can dive in the seas and oceans like sharks and crawl on the rails like reptiles and cruise on land like mammals thereby confirming that he is indeed the master of all other creatures in the world courtesy of technology Perhaps without the universality of knowledge which gave vent to the name University, man would not have been able to turn the world round positively to his own benefit. Today, three Universities are globally acknowledged as the oldest in world. They are the Zaytuniyyah University established in Tunis, Tunisia in 737 CE; the University of Qarawiyyin established in 859 CE in Fes, Morocco and Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt established in 972 CE. It is from these three Universities that all other Universities have borrowed their seeds. Yet, the three Universities were preceded by the University of Cordoba which is now defunct. Hundreds of thousands of other Universities have since germinated to become gigantic intellectual trees of life giving shade to all spheres relating to human existence and endeavours which nations and peoples are proud of.

Here in Nigeria where education, be it Western or Eastern, is relatively young, the oldest University (University of Ibadan) is just over 64 years old.

But in education, age plays little role.

For instance where a long list of Universities of well over 1000 years exists, some very young Universities dominate the top hierarchy of the global University ranking. One typical example of such is the University of Ilorin.

A visit to that University recently by yours sincerely confirmed that truly, it is not the hood that necessarily makes the monk.

In the past few years, this University has become the darling choice of many admission-seeking students in Nigeria to the amazement of many parents and observers including this writer. More than 45000 of those admission seekers apply to Unilorin even when less than 6000 are offered admission. The general assumption was that most students choose this University just because of its regular academic sessions made possible by the resolve of its branch of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) not to join any industrial strike embarked upon by that association to the detriment of the students. But alas,

FEMI ABBAS ON Femabbas@yahoo.com 08051101861

Better by far

‘

•The University of Ilorin gate it has become clear that beyond the visible sky are other firmaments. Thus, the reasons for the choice of ‘Unilorin’ are well known to the students seeking admission.

In 2008, University of Ilorin was surprisingly ranked the very best in Nigeria and one of the best 100 Universities in Africa. In 2009, it came 2nd in Nigeria but retained its high ranking in Africa. And in 2010 it ranked No 20 in Africa as against No 55 which it had been in the previous year just as it moved kaleidoscopically from No 5,484 to No 2,668 in the World within six months. Thus, it emerged the ‘African University of the Year 2008’, the ‘Outstanding Federal University in Nigeria 2008, ‘Nigeria’s No 1 University in Web Popularity Ranking in 2008, the best Institution in North Central Nigeria in the same year and ‘Man of the Year 2008.

According to Professor Peter Okebukola, the erstwhile Executive Secretary of the Nigerian University Commission (NUC) in a convocation lecture he delivered at Unilorin in 2008, ‘’the idea of ranking Universities began in the middle ages with the sprouting of Universities in Europe. Competition for scholars and funding propelled comparisons leading to classification into ranked categories’’. However, no institutional ranking system emerged until 2002 when the Times Higher Education of London using a battery of indicators and data gathered through peer review published the listing of the top 500 Universities in the world. Ever since, a series of other ranking schemes have emerged. Some major ones among them are as follows: 1. Times Higher Education QS Ranking 2. Academic Ranking of World Universities 3. Webometrics Ranking 4.

Professional Ranking of World Universities 5. Newsweek Ranking 6.

Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers for World Universities.

The most notable criteria used in rankings are the following: · Peer assessment: a survey of the institution’s reputation among Presi-

Today, with 12 Faculties, the University is highly reputable in all its fields of studies but excels in Medicine, Engineering and Humanities which are considered as its areas of academic strength and the qualities of its graduates across board testify to the quality of its well recognised academic standing

‘

dents, Provosts and Deans OF Admission of other Universities · Retention: six year graduation rate and first year student retention rate · Student selectivity: standardized test scores of admitted students, proportion of admitted students in upper percentiles of their high school class and proportion of applicants accepted · Faculty resources: average class size, Faculty Salary, Faculty Degree Level, Student Faculty Ratio and proportion of full-time Faculty · Financial resources: per student spending · Graduation Rate Performance: Difference between expected and actual graduation rate · Alumni giving rate.

Of the listed criteria above, the very last one (alumni giving rate ) could perhaps be responsible for Unilorin’s little drop on the 2012 ranking list.

Here is a University that has refused to award any honoris causa in the past 12 years due to high level of corporate discipline. Here is a University that has produced at least 20 of about 117 ViceChancellors in Nigeria despite its age.

Here is a University to which ‘cultism’ and its menace are alien even as security maintains premium position on a campus of over 28000 students.

Here is a University in which the causes of student agitations have been adequately taken care of through the provision of four layer power supply which makes electricity stable for most of the day thereby paving way for a well effective water treatment plant that supplies about 1.2 million litres of water per day for the use of all and sundry on the campus.

Here is a University that uses the present as a formidable foundation for the future and plans ahead despite the limit of leadership tenure. Realizing that the greatest asset of any worthy University is in relevant and productive researches, the authorities of Unilorin decided to encourage their staff and even students along that line by laying emphasis on providing for research works. Such encouragement has yielded tremendous result as many

of those staff have filed out in dozens to various Universities in various parts of the world in quest for greater academic heights. Through such researches, 66 Senior Lecturers were recently elevated to the professorial cadre, 35 of them as full Professors and 31 as Associate Professors. About 12.1 percent of them are women. Such a mass academic leap is unprecedented in Nigerian University system and it has put the University on a pedestal never imagined before now. Besides, academic staffs as well as students are encouraged to take advantage of the available research provisions to engage in exchange programmes.

Today, with 12 Faculties, the University is highly reputable in all its fields of studies but excels in Medicine, Engineering and Humanities which are considered as its areas of academic strength and the qualities of its graduates across board testify to the quality of its well recognised academic standing. When the current Vice-Chancellor assumed office in 2007, his plan was to add Law to those areas of strength. But only three lecturers in that Faculty then had PhD degree. Now, within a very short time he has been able to increase that figure to 12 through encouragement and funding of research while the burning desire to surge ahead keeps glowing as that Faculty races towards joining the league of progressives.

Also established for academic upliftment of the University are the Forestry, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Communication and Information Departments as well as Biomedical Sciences, Chemical Engineering and School of Nursing.

One other unique quality of Unilorin is its focus on what academics can fetch the society especially to enable it to contribute meaningfully to national development. For this reason, about 54 projects have been planned and executed from 2007 to date. Some of these include: College of Health Sciences Offices; College of Health Sciences Hostels; College of Health Sciences Laboratories; College of Health Sciences Lecture Halls; Computer Based Tests (CBT) for Science; CBT for Engineering; Computer Science Building; Faculty of Agriculture Professorial Suits; Faculty of Law Phase II (Block of Classrooms); Performing Arts Theatre Building; Network Operating Centre (NOC); Building for COHS/BSS (ICT) used by Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences; Building of FBSS (Geography); Construction of a Dental Centre; Rehabilitation of Internal Roads; Rehabilitation of Old Pavilion and Construction of a new one; Provision of a 59 seat Marco polo Bus; Synthetic Floor and Sports Equipment; Completion and Furnishing of Postgraduate Hall; Rehabilitation of Lagos and Abuja Liaison Offices; Tartan Track and Sports Field and Phonetics Laboratory.

These and other projects like planting of several kilometres of teak trees that fetch money for the University in future; Planting of acres of Date Palms, Oranges Cashew and Oranges as well as Jathropha and Moringa all of which are part of the focused plans for the future. With the likes of the Late Professor Jelili Omotola as the Vice-Chancellor in the University of Lagos in the 1990s and Professor Olufemi Bamiro of the University of Ibadan recently, Nigerians had thought that the climax of revolution in the Ivory Towers in Nigeria been attained. But with the extraordinary performance that lifted the current Unilorin Vice-Chancellor to the post of President of the Association of African Universities it became evident that beyond every height there is a height. Thus, from his experience many other Nigerian Vice-Chancellors have taken a cue. Now, who is this man? What is his pedigree? How did he come about those ideas? And what is next about him? Please join this column again next Friday for answers to these questions.

Note: In case you find it difficult to reach ‘The Message’ through the usual telephone number please use this: 08122697498 (Text only)

THE NATION

38

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

CRIME WATCH

Three arrested for alleged forgery

T

HREE fraudsters who paraded themselves as tax officers have been arrested and detained by men of the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) Milverton Road, Ikoyi Lagos.

The suspected fraudsters were said to be counterfeiting and forging documents of the Lagos State Government agencies and using same to dupe innocent members of the public.

The suspects are Messrs Yusuf Taiwo (41) from Ogbomoso Oyo State, Adewale Shonanya (52) from Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, and a retired tax officer with Lagos State Board of Internal Revenue Alausa who left service in 2001 and Adenuga Adewale (34) from Ijebu-Ode Ogun State.

Spokesperson for the Special Fraud Unit Mrs Ngozi Isintume, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), said the operatives arrested members of the gang subsequent to a petition to the office by the Deputy British High Commissioner.

In the petition dated January 4, 2012, the petitioner alleged that sometime on December 2, 2011, one Olujide Michael Farinto applied for United Kingdom (UK) visit Visa which was issued to him.

The suspect, however, was intercepted at Lagos Airport and the visa was cancelled on December 23, 2011 based on the fact that he was in possession of a forged Lagos State Income Tax letter.

ASP Isintume also told Newsextra that in the course of the investigation, the suspect, who hails from Ibadan Oyo State and claimed to be trading in building materials at his shop located at 85/87 Egbeda Idimu Road, Egbeda Akowonjo, Lagos, said he sought the assistance of one Adewale Shonanya who claimed to be an ex-staff of Lagos State Internal Revenue office.

According to him, Shonanya gave a form to fill and that he paid the sum of N16, 000 and N12, 000 into the account of Lagos State Government vide letter number 3031009 and 1022451 respectively for the processing.

Isintume further disclosed that the payments did not tally with the annual turnover as Shonanya was never a tax officer but a tout who does not have the knowledge of how the tax is calculated.

She noted that further investigation led to the arrest of the said Shonanya, who claimed to be a retired civil servant but now a tax consultant. He admitted knowing

By Jude Isiguzo and Ebele Boniface

Michael Farinto through his father who was his former landlord.

She said: “He collected the sum of N28, 000 from the senior Farinto to procure the tax clearance and paid N12, 000 into Lagos State account while the balance of N16, 000, he claimed, was for his services.”

The 52-year-old Shonanya, who said he got only N3, 000 from the job, maintained that he retired as a tax officer in 2001 after 19 years in service. He further explained that his wife was also working in the same tax office before she passed on.

Continuing, he said: “As long as you are a staff of Internal Revenue, you can do tax clearance for anybody.

Since I retired, I have not done any tax clearance for anybody. I have an image to protect. I hate scandal. Go to the neighborhood and ask of me.

They will tell you that I am a very honest man.

“I served the state government for 19 years before I retired on a monthly salary of N7, 000. I do not involve myself in illegal jobs because you cannot do it at the secretariat. See, this job that put us in trouble is mere N28, 000. I got only N3, 000. I introduced the victim to my boys. I took the victim to the bank and he made payment and was duly issued receipt. I don’t do phony things. He collected teller and receipt same day.

His problem started when he (the victim) started worrying me that he needed something to back the receipt but I still advised him to go to the embassy with the teller and receipt; assuring him that they were enough evidence of tax payment. He insisted that he would back it with a letter from internal revenue office Alausa, Lagos. After so much pressure, I told him that I know one Taiwo that can do it for him. He demanded Taiwo’s phone number and I gave him. He called him and they talked for one hour and sealed the deal. I am innocent. I collected only N3, 000 for the piece of advice I gave him.

Narrating his involvement, Taiwo said: “I am self-employed. I tout in Alausa Secretariat. I don’t have any particular office. My duty is to hustle. If I see somebody looking for tax clearance, especially those men and women who want to travel abroad or take up government contract or have anything to do with government which will call for tax clearance, I try to assist. If he is a ‘mugu’ (naïve), I will collect all the money,

•Adenuga

•Shonanya

Do you expect me to go hungry when somebody is giving me money to do something for him when he knows it is illegal? We draft the letters ourselves. We normally tell them to go to bank and pay. The amount to be paid is written at the back of the form including the one he or she is supposed to pay in the bank. If he eventually paid into any bank, I will still find a way to get enough money from him or her (victim).

“After we had agreed on the cost, I went to one of the business centres within Alausa premises to procure the letter. I paid N100 to type it and gave it to my boss. I also did or forged my identity card. The job is cool and am contented with the little I get daily. I use it to feed my wife and pay my house rent. I get between N500 and N1, 000 daily though I don’t get jobs some days. I get more money when I collect money the victims supposed to pay into the bank.

“Touts are those guys who do work that are not genuine. Ours is to do what you want. What do you expect me to do when one approaches me and beg me to procure tax clearance and covering letter by all means and he is ready to pay me? I will do it for him and let him go and try his luck anywhere he wants. After all, some had succeeded while only very few had bad luck and failed and were repatriated.

“Do you expect me to go hungry when somebody is giving me money to do something for him when he knows it is illegal? We draft the letters ourselves. We normally

tell them to go to bank and pay. The amount to be paid is written at the back of the form. You have N4, 000, N5, 000, and N6, 000 and it depends on the number of years one has not paid one’s tax. If you don’t want to go to bank and I collect the money, is it my fault? So, what the hell are we talking about,” he asked.

Another of the suspects Adewale told Newsextra that: “I am married and blessed with children. I am a graphic artist. I don’t know his boss, the retired tax officer. His boss confirmed it in your presence. I am the wrong person. I am not the person they wanted to arrest. They said the person is Segun. I don’t even know Segun. I started using the apartment for business after they had done this illegal job. I am not part of them. I swear by the God who created me. I am not a tax clearance agent or worker. I don’t even know what tax clearance is all about.

But police is insisting that Adenuga is a pathological liar, saying that he parked into the apartment in March, 2009 and that he had started using the place as at the time the forgery was perfected.

The executive chairman, Lagos State Board of Internal Revenue Mr. Tunde Fowler and his director were present when the three suspects

‘I do not participate in robberies’

By Ebele Boniface

•John

A

ROBBERY suspect, John Etagbenu (27), who was arrested by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Lagos State Command, Ikeja, in an uncompleted building in Ajah, has confessed that he only keeps guns for

armed robbers. He also confessed that he does not take part in robbery operations.

In his confession, the indigene of Uromi Kokane Village in Ugheli Local Government Area, Delta State, said: “I am a bricklayer. I am not an armed robber. I only keep guns for armed robbers and after operations; they give me my own share. It is an agreement and they have been keeping to our agreement. I only keep guns because I don’t have the guts to rob.

“I was arrested in an uncompleted building in Ajah, where I am working as a bricklayer. I was arrested on December 18, 2011. There was a robbery operation in the area and the police in Ajah alerted operatives of SARS of the incident. The SARS team, which was led by Mr Abba Kyari, a Superintendent of Police, came to the

place. When they entered the uncompleted building and saw me, they held me and searched the place thoroughly and found these guns.

“When they asked me who kept the guns, I told them that the guns were kept there by one of my friends, a labourer who works with me. People fear him because they know that he is a robber but they were afraid to report him to police for fear of the complainant becoming a suspect at police station.

“He resides at Ajegunle but comes to work in Ajah because all his gang members gathered in Ajah. I did not know them before I joined them. The first time they met me they told me that they wanted to keep their guns so that they would be coming over to take them whenever they are going for operation.

“Most times when they come back from a successful operation, they gave me N20, 000 but they got N120,

000 each. It was a smooth operation so I begged them to be a member of their gang but to play the role of keeping the guns.

“They asked me whether I used to stay with anybody in the uncompleted building and I told them that I used to sleep alone there. They asked me about the gate man and I told them that the man stays in the second uncompleted building at the back of the one I was staying. His own is boys quarter and there was no way he would know that I was keeping guns for the robbers. He is only a gateman and whenever he sees other members of the gang, he will think that they are labourers or fellow bricklayers.

They are only three, namely Ernest, Chinedu and Henshaw. The guns recovered by SARS from the uncompleted building included a double barrel gun cut to size, one barreta pistol-locally made and one locally-

•Taiwo were paraded. Mr Fowler said that the Lagos State Government has it as a policy not to collect cash or cheque from tax payers.

“The government made it clear that tax payers should go to the bank specified by the government and pay and get teller and come and collect receipt from office. So, it is clear that there is no cash transaction in the office. It is illegal and criminal.

In the office, we issue forms and we don’t collect money for forms. They are issued free.

“Anybody going for tax clearance gets it latest within one week. We make these things very clear in radio announcements. We used to receive reports from various embassies about the criminal activities of touts, especially the British High Commission which is very regular.

These reports concern forged or fake documents, or forged tax clearance.

“We have enough security in our block in the Alausa secretariat. We don’t allow touts to operate there.

Our members of staff sport identity cards, round their necks. We can easily identify a tout and alert the police for his immediate arrest. So, for that, they do not come near our block.

Even when we see them hanging around block 19, we alert police. So they (the touts) don’t operate near our office.

“The Lagos State Government places high regard money for peoples’ tax.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, SFU, Chinwike Asadu advised the public to always ensure that they obtained relevant documents from recognised government agencies, even as he advised them to stop patronising the services of touts. He also advised them to verify the genuineness of any document obtained before using them. made double barrel. They are the ones I am carrying now.

This last operation that exposed me, they promised to give me N7,000 but now that the egg is broken, I have lost the chicken. If police work harder, they will get Ernest, Chinedu and Henshaw because this is not their first operation. They have been robbing and running into hiding. They cannot run far,” he explained.

Continuing, he said: “I have no regret. The only regret is the new girl friend I found whom I intended to marry. She did not know that I am a member of the robbery gang feared in Ajah. I have lost her because she hates robbers.

“I am ready to become a barrow pusher if I regain freedom than to join any robbery gang again. I did not know what robbery is all about until I was arrested by SARS. My eyes have seen my ears.

Meanwhile, the SARS SP, Abba Kyari, has spread his dragnet to sting the rest of the three gang members still at large.

THE NATION

39

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

‘How to stop Boko Haram’

•Chief Edebiri S president of the Nigerian Institute of Welding (NIW), Chief Solomon Iyobosa Edebiri is well travelled. What he has been doing for his group, he wishes to replicate on the political scene. To achieve his political dream, he is seek-

A

ing to govern Edo State under the Coalition of the Peoples Progressive Parties (CPPP). He contested the governorship election in 2007 under the umbrella of the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP). Edebiri is worried by certain developments in the polity. These developments, he believes, would not augur well for the country if nothing is done about them promptly. Recalling the Kano bomb blasts and related incidents in some other parts of the country, he said it is unfortunate that such things are happening and government seems not have an answer.

“It is my hope that we can in a number of ways bring all the perpetrators to book. But my own fear appears that the Federal Government has lost grip of this whole problem. The Boko Haram sect seems to be bigger than the Federal Government. So, the menace is increasing by the day. I will suggest that the government should think of a better way to solve this problem”.

Commenting on the death of former

Biafra leader, Emeka OdumegwuOjukwu, Edebiri described the deceased as “honest, truthful and straightforward,” adding: “he is a man who believes in his own vision, a man who believes in his sense of purpose and direction, a man who believes the truth must be said, followed and obeyed. That is the kind of man that led Biafra to fight the civil war”.

Accordig to him, it was a war Ojukwu fought to bring peace and sanity to the country. “For Nigeria, especially the Igbo race, I think they have lost someone of high value, they have lost someone that stood for the Igbo race and ensured that their voices are always heard. The Igbo in particular and Nigeria in general will forever remember OdumegwuOjukwu”, Edebiri said.

On the choice of Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) leader, Chief Raph Uwazurike as Ojukwu’s successor, he said: “You never can foreclose the competence and power of any man

and his capacity to deliver. It depends on the person. I don’t know him much but I think it is not impossible for him to step into the shoes of Ojukwu.

Ojukwu was an elder statesman and what he did further united Nigerians, not only the west, the Igbo reuniting with the Hausa, the whole country is better off.

Edebiri said his mission in Edo politics is to make things work in the state again. “Our industries will be built and revived and our youths will be employed”, he said, adding: “In education, our focus ever has been on junior and senior secondary. There has been no focus on technical education.

So, we intend to set up a vocational training centre where youths can learn some trades. We have said it a number of times that our primary and secondary education will be free. What we have not added is that those who cannot afford their school fees in higher institutions, no matter how small, will enjoy grant, which they will pay back at the end of their study years

when they get jobs”.

On how he will raise funds for his programmes, if elected, he said: “We will curb the corruption in the system. A contract that is supposed to be awarded for N1 million was awarded for N3 million. What are we doing with N2 million? We will cancel everything. All contracts will follow due process and we are going to award them with the right amount and in the right manner. At the end of the day, the saving that we are going to make from those overvalued contracts will go a long way to solve other problems”.

On the forthcoming governorship election, he said it should be based on issues and personalities. “It should be based on reality. Edo people should go out and look round the streets, villages, cities and judge for themselves whether the past administrations in the last 11 to 12 years have done anything for them. What type of development are we seeing over the last 12 years? They are going to come up with the answer that Edo State has not changed in the last 11 to 12 years to what it used to be. It is worse now. Let the people judge and stop being carried away by sentiments”.

‘Police chief will serve Nigerians well’

T

HE appointment of Alhaji Mohammed Dikko Abubakar as the new Inspector-General of Police on January 25, has elicited a lot of comments and expectations from Nigerians.

Since his appointment, there have been varied opinions, especially as there were some Deputy InspectorsGeneral of Police who were his seniors and among whom one should have been picked as an IGP. They queried why an AIG should be chosen far above his seniors; notwithstanding that Abubakar is the most senior of all the AIGs.

By Yakubu Dati

No matter what opinion any section mayhave on Abubakar’s appointment, it is now realised that the reasons that informed his appointment lay in the fact that a strong and effective police force leads to an improved internal security of the country which would ultimately translate to protection of lives and property of the citizens.

This is particularly central to the function of government, especially in the face of daunting security challenges as those posed by the

dreaded Boko Haram sect.

This informed the appointment of Abubakar, given his antecedents.

As a tough cop, his pedigree speaks volume.

Abubakar joined the Nigeria Police Force as Cadet Inspector on August 1, 1979 and has risen justifiably after serving Nigeria meritoriously in many capacities.

An articulate policeman, Abubakar has served variously as Assistant Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigations Department, Sokoto Police Command; Assistant Commissioner of Police, Federal Operations, Force

Beauty Queen promises better future for children

P

IQUED by the seeming neglect of Nigerian children by the society, the current La Casera Queen, Miss Nwando Ebeledike has embarked on a mission to make the nation better for them.

Though young and pretty, the new beauty queen lamented that “Nigeria does not take time out to take care of children that are born into this country.”

Ebeledike’s starting point of making it right for “children who, by unfortunate circumstances, cannot care for themselves would be in assisting the Living Home Foundation, Lagos, the Cheshire Home, Port Harcourt and several other homes for the physicallychallenged people spread across the country.

The 22-year-old Ebeledike, who is indigenous to Adazi-ani in Aniocha Local Government Area of Anambra State and a graduate of Economics and Management from London School of Business Management said that she would use her reigning period to approach corporate organisations, public-spirited individuals, foundations and churches to make contributions towards the welfare of the lessprivileged children.

Unlike other beauty queens who wind up their charity projects soon after their reign, Ebeledike said that she would sustain her own by setting up a foundation to be called Nwando Ebeledike Foundation, which, from her plan, would “live even long after I am gone.”

The reigning Ms La Casera, who disclosed these plans at an interactive forum with reporters in Port Harcourt also said that she believes that if children are given the right direction on where their strengths lay and what they can do to generate

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

income, “when they grow up, they will contribute to the potential of the country and be beneficial to themselves too.”

Being an ever-busy person who is always thinking about income generation to assist in uplifting people around her, she has, since she came back to Nigeria in March, 2011 and her subsequent crowning as Ms La Casera, modelled for many outfits like MTN, This Day, Genevieve and several others.

Apart from modelling, Ebeledike, who said she would like to address herself as a business woman also disclosed that she works as an analyst for a capital investment company in Lagos despite being a reigning queen.

After her reign, she said she would take after her mother who has an events centre as well as interior decoration outfit.

On how she copes with advances from men, the beauty queen explained that being someone who is always thinking of what to do to generate income, when attention comes, “I put my mind on what I am trying to do. I have to weigh if these people that come close to me are beneficial to my ideas or to my vision or if they are not. So, that’s how I weigh people that come to me. I mean I wouldn’t throw away all my visions and ideas for a relationship that could possibly last for three months.

“But if it is something that I know that could be long-term and you have something that would make me be interested in, like sharing the same vision of having passion for children, I will differentiate.”

On why she ventured into beauty pageant, Ebeledike explained that being a six-footer, people were

•Ebeledike always asking her if she was a beauty queen and some times they would call her, Agbani, the Nigerian-born former Ms Universe. Because of this, she felt that since people where seeing what she did not see in herself, she would like to maximise it. Hence, she registered for last year’s Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) beauty pageant.

Though she could not wear the MBGN crown, she won the La Casera crown, which has taken her to places and for which she is grateful to the Bruces, the organisers of MBGN for providing the platform to ascend the throne and “for giving the young girls out there hope to be what they can be and to go on to greater things.”

As an advice to other girls she said: “Don’t let anybody tell you, you can’t do something. If you believe in yourself, if you believe in God and if God directs you to that path, then you can be all that you want to be.”

Headquarters, and Lagos; and, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Airport Police Command, Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

He has also served as Police Commissioner in Plateau, Kwara, Abia, Kano, Airport and Lagos State Police Commands. He was later promoted as an Assistant InspectorGeneral of Police and served in Zone 2 comprising Lagos and Ogun states. He was also the AIG Zone 5, Benin comprising Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa states. He was later posted to Zone 6 comprising Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Ebonyi states. His last station was as AIG in charge of Zone 12 Bauchi State before he was appointed the Inspector-General of Police.

Perhaps, Abubakar’s most controversial posting was in Plateau during the 2001 Plateau crisis. It has been argued that Abubakar was indicted by the Justice Niki Tobi Commission of Inquiry which was set up by the State Government.

The panel was said to have found Abubakar culpable in the crisis.

But when the argument is carried further, many analysts are wont to fault the supposed indictment, especially as there was no official government gazette of the so-called indictment.

Moreover, government did not take a definitive stand on the indictment, making it appear inconsequential.

Again, it is argued that no police commissioner that had served in Plateau State after Abubakar had left the state unscathed, making the command a case for special study.

From Innocent Ilozuoke, Joseph Apapa, Kevin Okpoke, Richard Chime, Kayode Ibironke, Samson Wuda, to Greg Ayanting, none of them got much accolade for their services in Plateau, not minding that most of them were sound minds in the force.

Perchance, Abubakar was chosen for his pedigree in crime fighting.

It was said that his tenure in Kwara State was remarkable because one could leave his car open and come back to meet it intact. It is also a fact that no Commissioner of Police was posted to Lagos because of

•Abubakar its volatility. Abubakar served in Lagos where he had a distinguished career as the Commissioner of Police.

Apart from his postings in his career, Abubakar has also undergone many courses. He, at various times, attended the Intermediate Command Course and Senior Command Course at the Police Staff College.

He also attended courses overseas such as the General Detective Course – Metropolitan Police, West Hendon, England; General Security Course – Israel; General Security Course – FBI, USA; International Security – England; and the General Detective Course – Scotland Yard.

With this pedigree, the question is; can he make the difference? Or will he be more of the same? Can he prove to be that tough cop and how can he bring that to bear on his present assignment.

There is no doubt that what is needed to get Nigeria out of the present security mess is a no nonsense cop, who really knows his onions.

As a cop with keen eyes for details, Abubakar appears well-suited for the job more so as he has been in operational duties up the ladder to his present position. There is no doubt that President Goodluck Jonathan’s choice for IGP can deliver the goods and keep Nigeria safe from both internal and external attacks.

•Yakubu Dati writes from Abuja

There is no doubt that what is needed to get Nigeria out of the present security mess is a no nonsense cop, who really knows his onions

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

40

Historians and researchers have said that all black people have the propensity to remain in office for too long but I advise people to be contented with what they have and are. They should also learn how and when to quit office like what Omenugha did

Eulogy for Anambra community leader

W

ORRIED by the sit-tight syndrome that has become one of the features for which African leaders have been known, Nigerians in various leadership positions have been urged to resist the trend. They were also advised to willingly relinquish their positions at the expiration of their tenure when the ovation is loudest.

The chairman Transitional Council of Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Sir Eugene Ezekwem gave the advice recently during the valedictory session held in honour of Dr. Michael Omenugha, the immediate past President- General of Nnobi Town Union.

It was an evening of reflections, stock-taking, admonition and fun at Ebenesi Nnobi, Idemili South Council Anambra State when friends and well wishers gathered to pay homage to an accomplished Medical Doctor and community leader, Dr. Michael Omenugha fondly known as Ichie Obama.

The event organised by a former president of Student Union Government (SUG) Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and the second son of Dr. and Prof. (Mrs) Mike and Kate Omenugha attracted a large gathering of intellectuals and other dignitaries from all spheres of life.

They were Dr. Mrs Ngozi Okeke, Engr. and Mrs Emma Nwagwu,a former legislator, Hon Dr. J.C Okeke, Chief Gerald Ozojie (Omeluora Nnokwa) Mr Issac Ezenwele, the new secretary-general Nnobi Welfare Association and Hon. Ebere Obi, the member-elect representing Idemili South in Anambra State House of Assembly, among others.

In his remark, the council chairman, Sir Ezekwem praised the virtues of the Omenugha family whom he said exhibits the rare traits of an educated family who knows how to “teach, educate and lead by example.”

He also praised the young Nelson Omenugha who thought it wise to organise the valedictory session, stressing that such idea shows the quality of home training imbued in the children by their parents.

He therefore urged Nigerians to learn from such noble attitude and know that power is transient.

“Ichie Obama served his commu-

From Emeka Attah, Awka

nity diligently and quietly handed over the mantle of leadership to the new executive. He did not arm-twist anybody or try to use his position to elongate his tenure. I’m also the president-general of my community before I became the council chairman and I know what goes on in most of these community town union politics.

The council chief also used the opportunity to express his support for the Federal Government’s policy on the removal of subsidy on petrol, even as he said that Nigerians should trust government to deliver on its promises.

“Historians and researchers have said that all black people have the propensity to remain in office for too long but I advise people to be contented with what they have and are.

They should also learn how and when to quit office like what Omenugha did,” he said.

Also speaking, a former lawmaker that represented Nnewi North Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly in the last legislative session, Hon. Joseph Okeke described the day as a day of fulfilment.

“Ichie Obama has shown Nigerians that there is time and season for everything as the Bible said. I am fulfilled not because he is my personal friend but because he did well. If others in leadership positions can do like this, Nigeria will be much better.

“The essence of tenure change is for continuity and continuity brings new ideas and ideologies which bring about growth and development in any society. This is something to be emulated.

“In the 70’s things were done in analogue, telephone, telex and so on but today, the internet and digital age has taken over. When people give way, innovations take place,” Okeke said.

In a chat with Newsextra, the wife of Omenugha, Mrs. Kate Omenugha, an Associate Professor, described the end of her husband’s tenure as a community leader as a big relief. The current Head of Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka described her husband as passionate lover of his com-

•Dr. Omenugha during the valedictory session munity who sacrificed even his flourishing medical practice and personal comfort for the benefit of his people.

“When he took over as the president-general of Nnobi Community, I was not happy because I had other plans for him.

“My husband is such an intelligent man and he had already taken a medical professional examination for registration with the General Medical Council in the United Kingdom and was successful. This was something even consultants in teaching hospitals couldn’t pass. It would have been an opportunity for him to live in Britain for some years, study and come home with hard currency but he sacrificed all that just to serve his community.

“There was this friend of mine in Britain who used to call my husband Barrister. After reflecting on the whole thing and the passion my husband has for his community, he called me one day and said, “Azu you’ve lost it, Nnobi has gained.

“I asked my husband what he is going to gain in serving his commu-

•From left: Alhaja Ramdat Okunola; Arowosadini of Nigeria, Alhaja Muinat Shopeyin-Akande and Proprietress, Rolam Schools, Alhaja Yoyin Makanjuola during annual Maulud Nabiyy in Lagos

QUOTE

nity other than to be rewarded with enmity and ingratitude from the villagers. He said that everything is not all about money.

I resigned to fate and had to pray for him to succeed though he paid dearly for his service. At a time he was kidnapped and taken into captivity for some days. We bore all the pains and today we thank God that he is alive,” she said.

Reflecting on his stewardship, Ichie Obama described his years of service as moments of positive result. He decried the attitude of those in the community who do not appreciate sacrifice, stating that posterity will record him as one who contributed positively in the service of his community.

“When I took over, there was no clear-cut direction for the community. There was the good, the bad and the ugly. But I said that whatever is being destroyed today in Nigeria and even in our community are manmade and only men and not God can

change the situation.

“No amount of prayers can change what man has messed up and with this mindset; I decided to step in and eventually made a difference. My people didn’t want to me to hand over but I resisted such advice and today, I can summarise my achievements in two tangible areas-restoration of peace in my community and the certificate of recognition I received on behalf of my traditional ruler from the state government despite all odds. All other things are there for all to see,” he said.

A student law, Eziafa Charisma showered praises on Nelson Omenugha for having the wisdom to organise such valedictory ceremony.

He described him as a young man with vision which, according to him, started manifesting at a very tender age when Nelson made history as the youngest student to assume position as the president of students’ union government in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka at the age of 19.

Foundation seeks NGOs co-operation T

HE Theophilus Danjuma Foundation has disclosed that it is in search of credible non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Edo State through which it would channel funds to tackle critical areas of development in the state.

The foundation said it received over 1,300 proposals from NGOs in the state which it said did not meet its guidelines for it to release the needed funds.

Executive Director of T.Y Danjuma Foundation, Thema Ekiyor, who disclosed this in BeninCity during an interaction with NGOs said they discovered 500 fake NGOs out of 1, 000 that applied for funds.

Ekiyor said the foundation has given out of N1b as grants for various programmes aimed at addressing poverty among Nigerians since its inception.

The Executive Director further said the interaction was to be abreast of critical areas of needs in the state as well as knowing the methods to adopt in applying for funding for initiatives that are aligned to its strategies and focus areas.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

She said: “Our challenge has been to find credible NGOs and groups to work with. We want to bring our grants closer to the people. We want organisations with outstanding records and not just fake NGOs out there looking for money to pocket.

We are interested in Edo State and that is why we have our office here.

Every organisation has its own style just like the Ford Foundation.”

Critical areas identified for urgent attention by NGOs in the state were kidnapping, human trafficking, girlchild retention in school, human right abuses, policy advocacy, education, awareness for maternal intervention, water provision, among others.

Speaking on behalf of the NGOs, Comrade Austin Osakwe expressed difficulties of NGOs in accessing funds with which they would execute their programmes. He therefore appealed to the foundation to give consideration to proposals from the state.

SHOPPING

41

THE NATION

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

• Valentine jewellery

• Heart box

e-mail: janicenkoli@yahoo.com 08033349992 sms only

email:- shopping@thenationonlineng.net

• Valentine gift basket

• Val chocolate

• Diamond wrist watch

Val gifts are forever

Four days hence, it will be the lovers’ day popularly known as Valentine’s Day. Many are already looking for the right gift for their sweethearts to mark the day. Here are tips from JANICE NKOLI IFEME on Val gifts that soothe the heart.

•STORY ON PAGE 42

Getting the best buy for kitchen utensils Page 42

Stores stock up for Valentine

Page 43

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

42

SHOPPING

Val gifts are forever L

OVE is in the air. February 14 is fast approaching and many men and women are counting the days until they get to open their long-awaited (it’s been a year!) Valentine gifts. While waiting to receive Valentine’s Day gifts from your partner, do not forget to get a gift for him, too.

For those trying to track down the best Valentine gifts for him, do not panic! His expectations of receiving Valentine gifts are probably much lower than yours. So, do not bust a nerve, simply give him something you know he’ll love - what are his interests/hobbies?

If you are looking for gifts for her this February, treat your bonny babe to gifts that will make her smile.

In choosing gifts, it is always advisable to choose one the recipient will always appreciate, even if you do not know exactly what to get for him or her. There are gifts that have no possibility of rejection. Remember, it is the thought and motive that count, so simply be thoughtful and, of course, romantic. Here are some tips. The underlisted are simple and affordable gifts that will stand the test of time.

Do not forget - there is nothing too much or too expensive for the ‘one’ you love.

Gifts for her Flowers: Flowers are always a popular choice for Valentine’s Day and a pretty safe option regardless of how long you’ve been with your girl. Casual girlfriends and wives alike love getting flowers. You could go classic with long-stemmed red roses or think outside the box with a delicate orchid.

“I think that if you are dating a girl you should get her some flowers. Never buy just one flower, unless it is a rose. And you should get her some candy; that is the right thing to do,” said Mrs Nike Longe, a gift merchant.

Chocolate: Chocolate is the gift for romantic occasions that will never fail you. Besides, it is the official source of nutrition on Valentine’s Day. Avoid the trap of your run-of-themill chocolate, though; go for a brand that defines quality and taste.

Candy: Almost every store will be selling some sort of heart-shaped candy box for Valentine’s Day. Jewellery: It never disappoints. Jewellery is a popular gift; if you are going to buy a piece of jewelry for your girlfriend, you’ll need to know what you’ll be buying (necklace, ring, earrings, bracelet, etc). You’ll also need to know something about the style of jewellery that she likes. Pay attention to what she already owns - is it gold, silver, platinum? Does she prefer large pieces or is small and understated more her style?

Perfume: This can be a risky buy since everyone’s preferences are different. But if you choose something that you would love to smell on her every day, she will definitely appreciate the sentiment.

Cotton sheets: Expensive, soft cotton bed sheets are not something that a girlfriend really needs. Which is why they would make an excellent pampering present. She might think you’ve gone overboard, but once you slip between the smooth sheets together, she’ll

understand. The bonus for you is that it will make her want to stay in bed all day!

Lingerie: This is another Valentine’s Day gift that benefits the giver as much, if not more than the receiver. It’s a win-win situation. Sizing can be difficult when it comes to underwears. The best way to make sure you’re getting the right size is to take a look at what she already has when she is not looking and write down what you find on the tag. You could also go with a sexy slip, nightie or teddy since these items usually come in standard sizes like Small, Medium and Large. There are various Valentine-themed lingerie for you to choose from. It goes, without saying, though, that this is definitely not a first-date gift-suitable if you are married.

The body shop/Spa gear: Help turn her bathroom into a relaxing spa experience by getting her everything she needs to pamper herself. Start with some smells-good-enough-toeat bath and body products. Don’t forget some candles, an essential oil burner or a reed diffuser to set the mood.

Mix CD: It is personal and affordable Handwritten card: Tell her how you really feel!

Romantic dinner: Make it yourself or make reservations.

Your time: Just hang out and tell her how much you love her.

Photography: Be creative! Make a collage of photos, create a video of digital photos set to music (use her favourite song), paint a picture of her, or use Microsoft Paint/Picasa to draw pictures/animals/funny scenes and then cut and paste your faces into the photos (ladies love a guy with a sense of humour!

For him Clothes: You can buy a new shirt, new tshirt, pair of jeans or a new pair of suit. If you look in his wardrobe you will have an idea of what he needs. Just remember that whatever you buy him should be special. It could be a bit expensive or totally different to make him stand out and appreciate you.

Buy him a good wrist watch: Another good gift item you can buy for your man is a good wrist watch. It is a gift that will improve his looks and confidence.

Cuff links: You can buy clothing accessories such as cuff links, braces and hand bands for him. You could also try other kinds of clothing accessories like. This is a great gift if he is a corporate worker. It will help make him look smart for the office and he will love you for it.

Buy him a necklace: Who said men do not wear necklaces? If your partner is the type who wears a necklace, you can get a great one for him as a valentine gift. Just make sure it is unique and a great one that will bring a smile on his face. It will make him appreciate you.

A pair of shoes: Shoes are also great gifts you can buy as a valentine gift. If you know what he likes and what he wears you can buy shoes that will match with his clothes. There are many shoe brands to choose from but you should get one that will stand your man out in the crowd.

• Cotton sheet

• Perfumes

Perfumes/ body spray: How would you like him to smell? Buying a great perfume for your man can never be wrong. Remember, you are what you smell and people make a lot of judgment and first impressions from the fragrance you wear. Make him standout and look good for you.

Shaving machine: Everyman needs to shave (unless you have killed that part of your genes that stimulate hair growth or your baldness has spread allover you body).well, even his skin is as smooth as a bottle, he still needs to shave. An automatic shaving machine would be just great.

Getting the best buy for kitchen utensils Buying utensils from well-known brands may be more expensive. But there are good bargains in other places.

Careful planning is needed to pick an item that suits one’s taste. TONIA‘DIYAN writes.

S

OME people go to a large departmental store, home supply store or specialty shop to buy their kitchen tools.

Utensils such as stock pots, sauce pans, deep fryers, rice cooker, steamer, strainers, whisks, knives, bowls and plates are some of the utensils that add value to the kitchen.

Make a list of the items you will need to stock your kitchen, then visit the stores to see what the prices are for those utensils this love season.

Look for stores having sales and discounts; many stores are in a competition of sorts.

Make a trip to the closest China town to you. China towns in Lagos have supply stores that carry food items, clothing and kitchen tools. They are smaller versions of

brand name departmental stores.

Within these stores, you will find wholesale priced utensils.They most likely will not be brands, but they are of good quality.

On the average, you will save about 50 per cent.

Kitchens are places where creativity and knowledge mix. The most commonly used kitchen utensils undergo abundant use, so it is wise to invest in quality pieces that last.

Replace your old kitchen utensils with the modern versions, or mix and match for an assorted collection.Do not settle for singlefunctioning tools.

Perhaps you have a hard time finding the

• Continued on page 43

• Deep fryer

43

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

SHOPPING Traders in Anambra South Senatorial zone are stocking up in anticipation of Valentine’s Day sales. A cleric in the area is holding a banquet to enlighten society on the true meaning of Valentine. ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU reports from Nnewi.

Stores stock up for Valentine

U

NLIKE in the past when Valentine gifts were on demand from January, these days, traders start stocking up their shops only about five days to the period.

Shops visited at Nnewi, Ihiala, Ekwulobia and some parts of Umunze only started displaying Valentine wares yesterday. This is because they want to make sure that they have the latest collections for shoppers.

Managing Director, God’s Time is the Best Bookshop, Chimaobi Umeh, said: “Nothing happens until five days to the d-day because we won’t go to buy things only for new arrivals to flood the market three days or four days to the time and whatever we have bought would become old stock. Who wants to lose business? These youths want something fresh. The people we hope on are youths, mostly students of Federal College of Education, Umunze and some Secondary School chaps here. These are the people who can give up to three or four people present at a time in the name of Val and that is our profit. They can buy variety of books and cards worth N20, 000 or more’’.

The Managing Director, De Joe shop, Mr Promise Madubuko, who deals on fancy wares, said: “We normally have more shoppers four days to the day and the day proper because by then we have got the special Val-

entine wares that would entice them. And during that rush hour, we add N200 to N300 on the normal prizes and they will happily buy.”

“My brother, Val is no longer what it used to be. What they do now is not Val but lust.

Girls are no longer sincere with their boyfriends because they would come here and buy many things for different guys but I am happy they patronise me anyway.”

Managing Director, Obitraco Enterprises, Mr Godwin Iloegbusa, said: “We deal on men’s wares and towels, and from experience, pals buy more of towels as well as ties and shirts and the people who patronise us more are women and girls who buy them in quantum. Our stocks have started arriving.”

Meanwhile, the Anglican Bishop of Amichi Diocese, Right Rev Ephraim Ikeakor (JP), is organising a Valentine banquet for members of the public, especially couples.

Speaking on the event, Dr Jeff Okeke of All Ways Global Digital Security, said: “Nigeria still has problem with understanding the true meaning of Valentine. They see it negatively and think it is about boys and girls. Our bishop will do an exposé on the true meaning of Valentine and he will use it to reunite families that are broken or at the verge of breaking.”

Best buy for kitchen utensils • Continued from page 42 necessary utensils you need within the kitchen when you need them? Whether your items are in a kitchen cabinet, rack, or drawer.

Organisation of your items in the kitchen can save time during food preparation.

Here are ways you can organise your utensils.

Stirring spoons should be placed in a rack that gives your larger utensils a designated place of their own. You could make it a personal rack by decorating it with the theme of your kitchen setting.

Place your can opener underneath the canned food cabinet for easy retrieval.

Place the eating utensil, draw divider to separate the forks from the spoons. Most of these organisational tips can be made or adjusted with items you find around the house.

Buying kitchen utensils can be confusing because there is a mind-numbing array to choose from. Keep it basic by buying essential small appliances.

• Strainer

• Bowl

• Sauce pan

Shopping Right with

Avoiding awkwardness

T

HE countdown is on until the big day: Valentine’s Day. So, now is the time to make your hints about what it is you might be after from your loved one - be it something fun and practical, sweet or seriously gorgeous.

Valentine’s Day is one of the key spending holidays in the United States and one of the major events on the retail shopping calendaractually, round the world. In the bid to be a part of the Val celebrations, many, especially ladies get all so worked up that they anticipate the day in anxiety. Almost everyone yearns to be loved; so people do a lot of things just to appeal to admirers. I remember those days in secondary school. By virtue of our name (Queen of the Rosary College - QRC) and disJANICE NKOLI IFEME position of being the first school for girls in the eastern region; we were called the Queens of the Queens. Always adorned in our imfriend of mine, Chinwe (I have lost contact with maculate white and red pinafore, we saw our her though) always made much ado about Valselves as first among equals; thanks to our entine Day. Reason? It falls on her birthday, fashion savvy principal, Mariam Therese February 14. She always had this fantasy about Ozomma, an Old Girl) a romantic birthday cum Valentine party, Every Valentine season, we assumed that which never came to be. Apparently, she so our uniform connoted love. Little valentine wanted it by all means that she tried to find a cards were very much in vogue. We were date by hook or crook to fulfill her fantasy. meant to believe that everyone deserves to be Unfortunately, the guys always disappointed loved, so we sent out cards to so many peopleher. Valentine days remained her Achilles’ friends, classmates, principal, teachers, parents heals during which she was most miserable. I and relatives … almost everyone. Our princihope her fantasy bepal made a point to comes reality now throw a party and ‘Remember, in getting a gift for that that she is married. tell us how much she loved us. A Reverspecial someone; prevent him or Another friend, also got a end Sister who ran her from awkward trips to the store. Angela, hell of it when she got into the convent on After all, what better way to say a new boyfriend the eve of her wedding, she told us that you love him than to spare him whom she hoped to Valentine we were her chilfrom aimlessly wandering around celebrate with. On this particudren who she did not a crowded mall until he buys you lar one, she came give birth to. She back after the Christtaught us to love and a woefully ill-advised gift?’ mas holidays with so never hate. She much excitement would insist that our whites must not only be white, but immaculate. And that was what about having a new boy friend. So, prior to stood us out. I particularly loved her; she took the ‘big day’ she ordered for valentine cake. me on various outings to represent the school Her room was agog as she decorated it with either in dancing, quiz, debating, drama or red roses and flowers waiting for her guy to even a wedding or award ceremony. On one come. He never showed up. Oh how devasoccasion, she took me alongside three otherstated she was! It took a lot to make her underJuliet, Uche and Ifeoma to Port Harcourt just stand that it was just a passing phase and not to learn an Indian dance which we brought the end of the world. But she came out emoback and taught other students. At another tionally stronger. By the next Valentine, she time, it was Scottish dance and later, the sailwas able to comport herself better. or’s dance. All these we used to entertain the The issue here is-how do you view Valenschool at special times such as Valentine or tine? Agreed, it is a time to express love. It is Mothers’ day. We would gather at the expantruly beautiful, especially when it is someone sive school hall where she would tell us stoyou have decided to dedicate your life to love ries about love, especially how God so loved and cherish. Remember, in getting a gift for us that he sent his only son to die on our bethat special someone; prevent him or her from half; and how Jesus loved us so much that he awkward trips to the store. After all, what betwillingly accepted to die, even when we did ter way to say you love him than to spare him not merit his love. Then we would dance and from aimlessly wandering around a crowded pop wine all through the night. She was exmall until he buys you a woefully ill-advised ceptional. So, that was our concept of love. gift? If catching on to subtle hints isn’t his Year after year, the trend has not changed, specialty, have a friend brief him on what you only the mode. If there is any thing more, it is might like this year. He’ll feel like a genius the fact that many are becoming more conwhile you get exactly what you want and so scious of the season. Now, a lot of people enwould she. deavour to celebrate. Entertainers and relaxaNevertheless, I still keep to mind what my tion centres organise events to make it a time fashion-conscious principal taught us: to show to remember among couples and intending love to everyone we could. She would always couples. A few companies take it upon themtalk about Agape- the true and unconditional selves to encourage couples to go on holiday love; the God kind of love. With this kind of during the period. Even churches organise love, you can never go wrong loving somevalentine shows for singles and married. Many one. You can just let love go round. Asides see it as an excellent time to pop the big quesfamily, colleagues and friends, you could visit tion-will you marry me? a hospital or chronic care home to pass out Some try to have a date, even if it is just for small Valentine surprises to the residents. that day. Indeed, in the bid not to be left out, They will greatly enjoy the care and attention. people actually do a lot of things that get them I wish you happy Valentine and may your so frustrated in the end. While on campus, a gift be well received.

Write to us, express your views, observations and experiences. Let’s have your comments about shopping. Your comments, questions and answers will be published first Friday of every month. With your full name and occupation, send e-mail to: janicenkoli@yahoo.com SMS - 08033349992

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THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

e-Business Matters e-Rising Segun Oruame segun@segunoruame.com

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EARLY seven years ago (in 2005), I flew a Bellview Airline bound for Accra, Ghana.

The plane was full. Not a single seat was empty and half the passengers were students of Nigerian origin returning to their universities in Ghana. It was a boisterous air about us in the plane. The students were enthusiastic. School would be fun and predictable.

Beside me, an old man, probably in his late 60s, lamented what he called the death of Nigeria’s educational system. He spoke of functional school life when Nigerian universities, though few in number, could boast of having lecturers that compared with any in other parts of the world and when the school environment was an architect’s delight.

Now, everything looks like forsaken dreams. Things that never really happened! Like some sort of fairy tales told to kids in Neverland! “But they were real because I was part of it all. I was a student in the 60s inside one of those ivory towers. I tasted University of Ibadan and I also passed through Nsukka before I settled to teach in Zaria in the 70s to 80s. Everything brought you a sense of pride whether as a student or as a lecturer until they started digging the grave to bury our lofty standards,” the old man lamented.

Inside the plane, he mourned his unsavoury role of taking his last

son to begin life as a student in one of Ghana’s universities. Repeatedly, he cursed the administrators of the educational system since the late 70s. He cursed those he accused of killing a sector that held the greatest hope for sustainable growth in our national economic life.

For him, those who have emasculated the country’s educational system now rejoice over his misfortune of being unable to put his own son in the schools he had been taught and where he had also taught others.

But his son is lucky. He has a choice outside of the country’s shores to pursue educational advancement and improve his chances of actualising the dream of prosperity and happiness. For millions of Nigerians, that dream died at the cold feet of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

And those who are increasingly seeking to actualise the same dream through online educational resources for their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are made to

Going to Ghana to school contend with the multiple evils of inadequate access to computers, Internet and irregular electricity power supply. To these Nigerians, young or old, Ghana still offers a more sustainable option to get educated online. Electricity is stable.

Internet access is more predictable.

Servers could sit well and long to carry the load of online educational resources without the flip-flop that you will experience courtesy of irregular power supply in Nigeria.

Where Nigeria’s education sector continues on a downward slide, Ghana’s rises in pulsating growth.

The testimony is in the number of Nigerian students enrolling for their undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Ghanaian universities. There are no official statistics on the number of Nigerians schooling in Ghanaian universities but unofficial record inside Accra is usually put at over 5,000 (as at 2007).

This figure excludes the numbers that are pursuing degree courses offered by universities outside of the continent in partnership with Ghanaian universities.

Since 2007, there has been a steady increase in the number of students finding their way to Accra. The catch is that the schools in Ghana are stable with predictable academic ses-

sions. The quality of education is not undermined in any way by frequent labour strikes and the riotous sense of indiscipline that has sneaked into and currently overwhelmed most universities in Nigeria.

In Ghana, the evils that have turned Nigeria universities to iniquity camps are a rarity. They include campus cultism, frequent strikes by lecturers and examination malpractices, all of which have defined the character of Nigeria’s learning institutions. There are more universities in Nigeria than Ghana but the task of bringing and sustaining quality education has been eroded over the years by a decadence that has systematically eaten away at the core fabric of the educational sector. Now, we weep over fallen standard and the flight to Ghana for quality education.

Our policy makers need to wake up. The university system as it is today cannot admit all Nigerians that aspire to have university education - a legitimate aspiration to have. But space could be created through the window of online learning. Today, the largest universities with the highest number of student enrolment are those with online learning windows. When a

‘It is time for our universities to wake up and remodel the act of teaching. It is the Internet age; the one million Nigerians that are yearly denied a place in the regular academic session could be effectively admitted via an online window once universities strive to deploy the required learning resource online’

university boasts of having more than 50million students such as you have in India, the United States, China and Malaysia, it is because it has worked on the online window as a perfect alternative to train minds with the same, if not more advanced learning tools than the regular school system.

It is time for our universities to wake up and remodel the act of teaching. It is the Internet age, the one million Nigerians that are yearly denied a place in the regular academic session could be effectively admitted via an online window once universities strive to deploy the required learning resources online.

Unlike distance learning that requires some level of physical contact and having to contend with the inherent challenges faced by the physical learning situation, online education cuts through all the mess and only requires that students can access the electronic learning resource without much hindrance.

This is where government comes in. Government, through partnership with the private sector and through its agencies, could deploy the required IT backbone to make e-learning flourish. Initiatives such as the SABI (State Accelerated Broadband Initiative) project by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) could help to re-structure for good, how we learn and acquire degrees.

Our policy makers need to look critically at how they could salvage our educational system and the way out is through IT.

‘Use ICT to advance economic growth’

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• From left: General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Mr Kola Oyeyemi; Chief Marketing Officer, Mr Bola Akingbade; winner of the MTN/British Council Young Designer award, Mrs Binta Shuaibu and Managing Director, Style House Files, Mrs Omoyemi Akerele, at an award ceremony in Lagos.

HE Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has called on stakeholders in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector to invest in the nation’s ICT future, in order to boost economic growth, social inclusion and overall national development.

As part of the society’s roadmap for employment of ICT to drive national growth and prosperity, NCS said it is focused on ensuring ICT adds value in education, employment generation, business improvement, health care and public safety.

President of the society, Mr Demola Aladekomo, noted that NCS is working assiduously on initiatives to ensure that Information Technology is effectively deployed to improve security in the country.

He recommended a holistic and strategic IT-for-security approach that incorporates manpower development, infrastructure, management, funding and policies.

According to him, security has become a major concern in the nation, saying “without safety and peace, social and economic development is uncertain and unsustainable.”

Broadband: MainOne boss decries lack of backbone infrastructure C HIEF Executive Officer(CEO) of MainOne Cable Company, Ms Funke Opeke, has identified lack of a national backbone infrastructure on an ‘open-access’ basis as an impediment to the delivery of broadband services in Nigeria.

According to her, connecting people from the company’s landing point in Nigeria to London costs less than connecting people across Lagos.

She said: “The price of moving Internet capacity from Lagos to Abuja is much higher than the cost of moving capacity from Lagos to London due to high cost of national terrestrial backbone infrastructure. This is partly because you have to buy that infrastructure from people who own it for their own proprietary use.”

Stakeholders have identified the moribund state of the nation’s First National carrier, NITEL, as being responsible for this. They said if NITEL were in opera-

tion, there would have been a way to drive down costs as its infrastructure would have complemented the submarine cables that are available in the country.

She, however, said MainOne, has begun expansion of its fibre infrastructure to enable last mile access to people in various parts of the country.

According to Ms Opeke, the expansion is to ensure more people have access to broadband services, in addition to increased demand on the company’s services.

She said the need to use new kinds of applications, as well as access different types of content have made demand for fast and affordable Internet services soar.

“People want better access to the Internet. They want it faster, cheaper, and they want to be able to drive new kinds of

applications, as well as access to different types of content,” she said.

In order to provide services to more customers, she disclosed that the company has started investing in distribution infrastructure in addition to building its own networks.

“The biggest challenge that we see is getting the capacity we have in this big pipe that we brought into Nigeria and Ghana across the region to reach the people and businesses where they need the service,” she said.

Aside providing broadband services to Nigerians, Ms Opeke said the company would extend its services to the coast of Southern Africa and connect its cable with Seacom, the underwater East African fibreoptic cable that became operational in 2009.

Stories by Adline Atili

As the nation moves to implement all-inclusive cash-less initiative, Aladekomo advocated passage of cyber security legislation to provide legal backing and confidence for an electronic and knowledge society.

He noted that having the right legal and regulatory framework will promote the multi-sectoral adoption of IT, encourage trust and confidence in IT-enabled activities, while attracting significant local and international investments in the nation’s IT industry. Legislation, he said, must be a priority in creating an enabling environment for the inclusive growth of cash-less and mobile money markets.

Aladekomo stressed that the society is working towards mainstreaming of IT into private and public sector activities, especially in ensuring transparency and accountability in government as well as promoting efficiency and value.

“To provide direction and leadership for the IT community, NCS is continually exploring ways of improving the competitiveness of the nation as well as in-depth development and diffusion of IT. “To be competitive and relevant in today’s knowledge-driven world, socioeconomic development programmes and initiatives must leverage on IT. It’s about digital inclusion and using IT as a tool for improving national growth and competitiveness,” he said.

He disclosed that NCS is working with relevant stakeholders to raise awareness on the cash-less economy, through a brainstorming conference to be held July, in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State. “Cash-less is beyond infrastructure and PoS machines. The conference will hone in on critical cash-less issues of economic growth, security, capacity building, job creation, social implications, challenges, strategies and creative insights,” he said.

He added that the society is also organising the Nigeria Information Technology Exhibition (NITEX) 2012 to provide opportunities for solutions providers, applications developers, vendors and consumers to review latest technologies and tools, and share ideas on latest technology trends.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

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NATION SPORT

Kanu, Eto’o in top five AFCON penalty misses Goal.com looks at some of the high profile players who have missed spot-kicks in crucial Africa Cup of Nations matches, costing their teams victory when it mattered the most When Gabon golden boy Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang saw his crucial penalty kick stopped by Malian goalkeeper Soumaila Diakite in the quarter-final of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, it was a rerun of a well-worn script. Over the years, many of football’s most talented figures have collapsed under the enormous pressure of a shoot-out.

Marco Van Basten at Euro ‘92, Roberto Baggio at USA ’94, David Beckham at Euro 2004 and David Trezeguet at Germany 2006 are some of the well-documented cases. In Africa, stars like Samuel Eto’o, Nwankwo Kanu and Didier Drogba have had to carry the burden of a penalty miss on their shoulders for years.

Like Emerick-Aubameyang, these players were in their prime and everyone expected better from them. But they have risen beyond that miss and gone on to greater things.

•Kanu

1. NWANKWO KANU NIGERIA VS CAMEROON Ghana-Nigeria 2000 Final The final game of AFCON 2000 between Nigeria and Cameroon ended 2-2 after extra-time. The co-hosts were lucky to have clawed back against the Indomitable Lions in front of a packed Lagos crowd. When the penalties came, young Nwankwo Kanu, who received his second African Player of the Year accolade from CAF at the beginning of the tournament, stepped up to take the third kick.

With a languid run towards the ball, Kanu’s tame effort was kept out by

Alioum Bukar.

The Cameroonians won the trophy 4-3 on penalties, their second triumph over Nigeria in an AFCON final.

For many years after that fateful day, Nigerians would hold their breaths whenever Kanu stepped up to take a penalty kick.

2. ANTHONY BAFFOE GHANA VS COTE D’IVOIRE Senegal 1992 Final It was the final game of AFCON 1992 when Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire played to a goalless draw at full time.

After a series of penalty kicks that saw every player take a turn – the first occurrence ever at such a

level on the international scene – Ghana’s star defender Anthony Baffoe stepped up to take the 12th kick for his side.

Elephants’ goalkeeper Alain Gouamene threw the ball to the Ghanaian as he walked deftly towards the spot. The defender stepped back a few metres and hit a right-footed shot into the left corner as Gouamene scooped it up with his outstretched arm to claim the Ivorians’ first continental trophy, ending the spot-kicks at 11-10 in Cote d’Ivoire’s favour.

3. EL HADJI DIOUF SENEGAL VS CAMEROON Mali 2002 Final Senegal had a young team at Mali 2002 that was led by enfant terrible El Hadji Diouf at the height of his powers. The final match against Cameroon ended goalless after extra time and it required penalty kicks to decide the AFCON champions.

Diouf stepped up to the spot as the shoot-out was at 3-2 in favour of Cameroon.

The Senegalese forward walked lazily towards the ball and hit a low rightfooted shot at Alioum Bukar’s goal post. The shot went just past the left upright to leave the young star distraught. The next couple of spot-kicks were spurned and the

Indomitable Lions won their second consecutive title.

Senegal were left high and dry.

4. DIDIER DROGBA -

•El Hadji Diouf COTE D’IVOIRE VS EGYPT Egypt 2006 Final After seeing off Nigeria’s challenge with his lone strike in the semi-finals of the 2006 Afcon, Didier Drogba looked to be headed for a first continental championship. Against the hosts, Drogba could not find the back of the net in regulation time.

And so it was down to penalty kicks to break the deadlock. Drogba missed his first kick for the Ivorians as the Egyptians went on to win 4-2. It was a major disappointment for the big forward, who had performed brilliantly throughout the tournament.

•Drogba

•Anthony

5.

SAMUEL ETO’O CAMEROON VS COTE D’IVOIRE Egypt 2006 Quarter-Final In this quarter-final encounter at the 2006 AFCON in Cairo, Cameroon saw their hopes crumble as they played the competition’s record longest penalty shootout against Cote d’Ivoire after the game had ended 1-1 in

•Eto’o

regulation time.

Star forward Samuel Eto’o took the second kick, and the 12th for his side after every player had converted theirs.

The striker’s shot sailed over the crossbar as Drogba coolly scored for the Elephants to send them into the semi-finals with an astonishing final score of 12-11.

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NATION SPORT

PREMIERSHIP...PREMIERSHIP...

Suarez—Abuse will spur me on L

UIS Suarez accepts that he will be targeted by Manchester United fans on Saturday, but maintains that he has nothing to be apologetic about.

The Liverpool striker is due to face the Red Devils this weekend for the first time since sparking a race row in October 2011.

A Premier League fixture at Anfield saw the Uruguayan accused of racist abuse by United defender Patrice Evra.

An independent regulatory commission found him guilty of the charge and stung him with an eight-match ban.

Suarez marked his return from suspension on Monday as he stepped off the bench during Liverpool’s tame goalless draw with Tottenham.

His next outing could come at Old Trafford in what promises to be a tense meeting with titlechasing United.

Suarez is aware that his

Taarabt looking for fresh start

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presence is unlikely to go down well with the home support, but he insists that he did nothing wrong and will use the taunts aimed in his direction as added motivation.

“I was not depressed at all,” he told Radio Sport 890 in his homeland.

“I knew what I did and there is a kind of football law that says ‘what happens on the pitch, stays on the pitch and that’s the end of the story’.”

He added: “I know against Man Utd it is going to be tense because I’m going to face Evra.

But I’m used to having fans whistle at me.

“I hope nothing unusual happens. I’ll have to forget what happened for that moment.

“I do know Man Utd fans are going to try to make me feel uncomfortable.

“But I have to tell them, they are going to spur me on if they whistle at me.”

•Suarez

•Pedersen

situation, but is backing them to respond positively to their mauling by Arsenal.

After showing signs of life in their Premier League basement battle, Rovers were given a rude awakening at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

A 7-1 thumping by the rampaging Gunners left Steve Kean’s side shell-shocked and second from bottom in the top-flight table.

L Time is running out on their efforts to pull clear of trouble, with there now just 14 games of the campaign remaining.

With only three points separating them safety, all is not lost at Ewood Park, however, it is imperative that they take something from a home date with Queens Park Rangers this weekend, with Pedersen conceding that times are tough for Rovers right now.

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because I didn’t show what I know I can do.

“But now, a new manager and a new start for me.”

“It’s no secret we are struggling in the league,” said the Norwegian midfielder.

“But we have to keep the focus in the right place or this is going to be difficult.

“We all feel exactly the same about the Arsenal game. We went through it on the training ground and we are not happy.

“Now it is much better to start the focus on the QPR game this weekend.”

ANDON Donovan believes the side are now capable of competing with anyone following the strengthening last month.

Following the victory over Manchester City last week coupled with the business done by boss David Moyes in the last week of the transfer window, there is now an air of expectancy around the club.

The new found confidence will be put to the test against Chelsea this weekend but the USA star believes the side are ready.

“Since the day I got here there has always been the belief this team can compete with any team in the Premier League,” he told the Post.

“When I was here last time we beat Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and should have drawn at Tottenham - so there is no fear in this club.

“We have a lot of respect for Chelsea, they are one of the best teams in the world, but we feel at Goodison we have a chance and we are going to go for it.”

Walcott calls for improvement

A

RSENAL winger Theo Walcott has stated that he was glad that his side put in a good performance against Blackburn at the weekend, and admits that some of the team’s showings this season have not been up to scratch.

Arsene Wenger’s men put ten-man Rovers to the sword, comprehensively winning 71 at the Emirates Stadium.

Walcott believes that his men need to keep this standard up for the rest of the season, and that the players are culpable in terms of the

Ben Arfa faces ‘L’ test

ATEM BEN ARFA has been told to shed his ‘L’ plates if he wants to earn a regular place in the Newcastle side.

•Taarabt

Donovan ready for Chelsea test

Pedersen —Rovers have problems M ORTEN Gamst Pedersen admits Blackburn find themselves in a sticky

O R O C C A N midfielder Adel Taarabt says he is ready for a fresh start at Queens Park Rangers following the arrival of Mark Hughes as manager.

Taarabt has been away on African Nations Cup duty and whilst away there was a change of manager at Loftus Road and, after it had looked like he would be leaving the club for pastures new, he is now looking ahead to a bright future under Hughes.

Speaking to QPR Player, Taarabt said: “He’s [Hughes] a great manager.

“He told me, ‘You’re a fantastic player and I am here to get you on the ball and we want to play football’.

“The last couple of months was disappointing for me

The French international is on the outside looking in again as the Geordies step up their bid for European football.

•Ben Arfa

Toon chief Alan Pardew is a big admirer of his talent but believes he has yet to come to terms with English football.

Ben Arfa looked to have made a major breakthrough when he scored a wonder goal in the FA Cup against Blackburn last month and found the net again at Fulham.

But he was substituted at half-time against Blackburn last week and stayed on the bench in Newcastle’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa.

With Papiss Cisse launching his Toon career with a debut goal alongside top scorer Demba Ba, the route back looks tough.

But Pardew said: “Ben Arfa isn’t out of the picture.

He could still have a massive impact on this season.

“But we need to see him at his best. Hatem hasn’t quite grasped this Premier League.

“He has got unbelievable talent but he’s not used to it.

Now he has to fight to get in the team.”

criticism that has been aimed at the club this term.

“The boss always takes a lot of stick from everyone criticising him, but us players need to look up to him because he’s been taking it all,” he told the club’s official website.

“We are the ones who go out there and put out the performances and sometimes they have not been good enough.

“There are so many worldclass players in the dressing room, so it is disappointing when we come back from Bolton with a 0-0 draw where we had a lot of chances.

“It has just been one of those frustrating seasons.

“Hopefully a lot of those frustrations came out against Blackburn, where everybody stood up for themselves,” he concluded.

Arsenal are currently in sixth place in the Premier League standings and take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

•Walcott

•Donovan

N’Zogbia must help himself

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LEX McLeish has warned disgruntled Aston Villa winger Charles N’Zogbia that the only person who can help to improve his mood is himself.

The Frenchman announced via Twitter over the weekend that he is not enjoying his football ‘for the first time in my career’.

N’Zogbia has endured an inconsistent debut campaign at Villa, with a £9million switch from Wigan last summer having failed to bring the best out of him.

He conceded after Sunday’s 2-1 defeat by former employers Newcastle that his troubles on the field are beginning to take their toll.

McLeish understands that players will experience emotional highs and lows over the course of a gruelling

campaign, but has called on N’Zogbia to knuckle down and play his way back into form.

“I’ve said it before, that Twitter and the social networks is not a world familiar to me,” said the Scot.

“Years ago, players would have hammered down the manager’s door when they were frustrated rather than letting their feelings known on the internet.

“But it amounts to the same thing in that you just can’t tell people you are frustrated, you have to do something about it by consistently playing well.

“If Charles is not enjoying his football, then he needs to do something about it on the pitch - and that applies to everyone and not just Charles N’Zogbia.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

NATION SPORT EUROPEAN

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FOOTBALL...EUROPEAN FOOTBALL...EUROPEAN FOOTBALL...

Baresi: Ramos better at centre-back F

RANCO Baresi believes that Real Madrid would be better served by utilising Sergio Ramos at centre-back.

The Spain international is primarily a right-back but has been used as a central defender by Madrid coach Jose Mourinho this season, and Baresi, one of the finest defenders ever to play the game, feels that Ramos belongs in the centre.

“He has some qualities that make him different [to other defenders] and for this reason he can play multiple positions,” the former Italy and AC Milan centre-half told Marca.

“I like him most in the centre: here, he plays like a

I

•Ramos

Pastore back for Montpellier

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SG star Javier Pastore is working hard to recover from a thigh strain and coach Carlo Ancelotti believes he could make an early return to action in time for Week 24’s crunch clash with title rivals Montpellier on February 19.

Pastore tore a thigh muscle in PSG’s round-of-32 Coupe de France clash in Sablé on January 20, but while club doctors predicted an absence from action that would see him miss the visit of secondplaced Montpellier in Week 24 - a match whose outcome could play a huge part in PSG’s bid to win a first Ligue 1 title since 1994 - indications are that

Pastore could take the field.

Recently returned from two weeks in Qatar receiving specialist treatment on his thigh, an upbeat Pastore says that he is already almost at the point of running again.

“I’m hoping to get moving again very soon,” the 24-yearold club website psg.fr. “I’m doing a lot better than I was and I’m getting better every day. My thigh is no longer giving me any grief in my daily life and we’ll continue this programme over the coming days so that I can make my return to action as soon as possible.”

With Montpellier matching PSG blow for blow and refusing to allow Ancelotti’s men to widen their threepoint lead atop the table, the Week 24 clash at the Parc des Princes could well be PSG’s chance to pull ahead, and the Italian tactician believes that his star player “should be ready in time” as Ligue 1’s best attack comes to test France’s toughest defence.

champion. He is very strong in central defence.

“He plays in a more natural way and makes better use of all his qualities.

“He is good with his head, with his feet and is intelligent.

Although I have to say, he is also a good full-back.”

Baresi also admitted that he is as big a fan of Ramos’ attitude and character as he is of the former Sevilla defender’s natural talent.

“I like players who have a strong personality on the pitch,” said Baresi, who labelled Ramos “one of the best defenders in the world”.

“It’s clear that there may be more to come, but Sergio is already showing [his quality] now.”

Prandelli: Door open for Di Natale, Totti

TALY coach Cesare Prandelli insists that Antonio Di Natale and Francesco Totti will be considered for selection for Euro 2012 but admitted that he hopes to have both Antonio Cassano and Giuseppe Rossi back in time for the tournament.

Di Natale and Totti both remain key figures at their respective clubs, Udinese and Roma, and there have been mounting calls for both players to be recalled to the national team set-up.

Prandelli has already intimated that Di Natale will be given his chance to impress in the run-up to Euro 2012, while the Azzurri boss insists that Totti is more than welcome to reverse his decision to retire from international football.

The former Fiorentina coach told Sky Sport24: “The door is open to all.”

Italy are currently short on quality up front, with Rossi currently out of action with a knee injury and Cassano still recovering from a heart

operation back in November.

However, Prandelli is optimistic that both strikers will be present in Poland and Ukraine this summer.

“Giuseppe Rossi is recovering and I hope to have both him and Antonio Cassano for the European Championships,” the 54-yearold Italian declared.

Italy have been drawn in the same group as reigning world and European champions Spain, the Republic of Ireland and Croatia.

•Prandelli

Inter’s Samuel struggling for Marseille trip

F

C Internazionale Milano centre-back Walter Samuel faces a race to be fit for the Nerazzurri’s round of 16 first leg against Olympique de Marseille after straining his left thigh.

Samuel was replaced at halftime of Sunday’s 4-0 Serie A defeat by AS Roma, with subsequent scans revealing a first or second degree strain to his left thigh. The centre-back, who started four of Inter’s UEFA Champions League Group B fixtures, is therefore

set to miss the Nerazzurri’s league games against Novara Calcio on Sunday and Bologna FC on 17 February.

The 33-year-old is also facing a race to be fit in time for Inter’s return to UEFA Champions League action, with the opening instalment of their round of 16 tie taking place at Olympique de Marseille on 22 February. The San Siro return is scheduled for 13 March.

Pagliuca: Inter needs in-form veterans •Pastore

I

NTER’s old guard need to find some form if the club are to save their season, says former goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca.

The Nerazzurri had put themselves right back in the title race with seven straight Serie A wins, but they’ve picked up just one point from the last nine available.

“The problem at Inter is the average age of the squad and their historical players who are not in form right now,” the 1994 World Cup player told Radio Sportiva.

“I’ll give you some examples – Lucio and Walter Samuel are

•Shelvey

in a lot of difficulty presently and goalkeeper Julio Cesar has made errors too.

“Inter will have to start again by getting those men back in form – they have to return to what they were before.”

The Beneamata lost 4-0 at Roma on Sunday, a defeat which could threaten the long-term future of boss Claudio Ranieri.

“He still has the Champions League to play for,” continued the former Sampdoria man.

“If they reach the last eight or the semis, and finish third in Serie A, then that would be an OK season and the Coach will be confirmed in the job.”

•Pagliuca

Shelvey sets sights on United

L

IVERPOOL midfielder Jonjo Shelvey hopes to have done enough to earn a place on the bench against Manchester United.

The teenager on Tuesday scored and delivered an impressive overall performance for his club’s reserve team in a 4-0 win over Norwich.

Liverpool first-team manager Kenny Dalglish was among those watching from the sidelines and Shelvey has his fingers crossed about leaving a good impression on his boss.

The Reds on Saturday lunchtime visit fierce rivals United and the 19-year-old is keen for another taste of Old Trafford having last season played there in the FA Cup. “Games don’t come much bigger,” said Shelvey. “I came on last year there in the FA

Cup. It was a great atmosphere to play in.

“Hopefully I can be on the bench on Saturday, but we’ll have to wait and see. It will be a great atmosphere and we’ll have a great set of fans (travelling) there.”

Shelvey also has his eyes set on the FA Cup tie against Brighton on 19th February and the Carling Cup final against Cardiff at the end of the month.

“I want to try and play in the FA Cup and hopefully be a part of the (Carling Cup) final,” he said.

“That would be lovely and something I could tell my grandkids about when I have them in the future!

“I just want to keep pushing on in training every day and try to force my hand.

Hopefully I can get a few starts and come off the bench.”

David Villa on hopeful recovery

B

ARCELONA attacker David Villa is optimistic about his chances of returning to match action before the end of the season as his recovery from a fractured leg is going according to schedule.

The Spain international sustained the injury during the Club World Cup in December 2011 and has since been working on his recovery.

It was initially thought that Villa’s season could be over, but the forward is hopeful of making his comeback toward the end of the campaign with an eye on making Spain’s Euro 2012 squad.

“I went to the clinic last Friday to have two screws withdrawn from my leg.

Everything went perfectly and I went home without any noteworthy problems. This is another important step in my recovery,” Villa was quoted as saying by EFE. “When I got injured, I said that it was my goal to make

Euro 2012 and help Barcelona at the end of the season. And I am getting more optimistic about it every day as it’s going very well.”

The 30-year-old attacker has made 15 La Liga appearances so far this term, netting five goals in the process.

•David Villa

48

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

NATION SPORT

Lewis warns Haye over Klitschko return

L

ENNOX Lewis has warned David Haye against returning to the ring with a fight against either of the Klitschko brothers.

Haye lost his WBA heavyweight title to WBO and IBF champion Wladimir Klitschko last year with a lacklustre points defeat which he partly blamed on a broken little toe.

The Londoner retired after the defeat but has since vowed to return—but only to fight Wladimir or his brother Vitali, who holds the WBC belt.

But Lewis, Britain’s previous world heavyweight champion, said Haye ought to have two warm-up fights first.

“David should come out of retirement,” said Lewis, speaking at the Laureus Awards in London on Monday.

“He should come back, but

he should not think about the Klitschkos right now.

“He should beat a couple of other people, so people actually think: ‘yeah, you know, he can do it this time, he can beat a Klitschko’.

“There is a lot of money for him on the table and that is important for any fighter. All he has to do it is jump in there against one of the Klitschkos and take it, but he should have a couple of different fights first.

“If he beat a couple of other fighters first, he could build himself back up.”

Haye is being made for a fight against the 40-year-old Vitali, who instead is taking on unheralded Londoner Dereck Chisora, 28.

Lewis, the last man to beat Vitali nine years ago, said Chisora could stage a shock when he fights the Ukrainian in Munich on February 18

even though the challenge has lost his last two fights.

“Vitali is very good but Chisora has a chance,” said Lewis. “He is a heavyweight.

All it takes is one punch on the chin to win.

“I always say if you walk into the ring, you have to get wet. If he (Klitschko) is in the fight, in the ring, and he gets punched, there is a chance that he might get hurt or knocked out. It will be an interesting fight.”

Haye has accused the Klitschkos of making the heavyweight division boring and Lewis said: “You could say the division is in a poor state now,” “We are waiting for that new eruption of a great super star out there to really take up the pace of boxing and put it right back up there.”

•Wladimir Klitschko of Ukraine attempts a left hook on David Haye of England during their heavy weight unification match at the Imtech Arena on July 2, 2011 in Hamburg, Germany.

Federer, lone elite in Davis Cup

R

OGER Federer will be the only member of the tennis elite to strike a ball during this weekend’s World Group first round ties as his rivals take a break at the start of the 2012 Davis Cup campaign.

The world No 3 will lead Switzerland in the fray from Friday against a depleted US side on indoor clay laid down at the Forum Fribourg in the west of the confederation.

Missing the from the competition will be world No 1 Novak Djokovic of Serbia, Spain’s Rafael Nadal and Britain’s Andy Murray, all either resting or nursing injuries from the Australian Open which ended just over a week ago with a six-hour marathon win by Djokovic over Nadal.

Djokovic, who lifted the Laureus sportsman of the year award this week in London, will sit it out as his 2010 championship nation opens with a tie at home on indoor hardcourt in Nis against Sweden, with Janko Tipsarevic, Viktor Troicki,

Ilija Bozoljac and Nenad Zimonjic carrying the load.

Nadal is out by choice for all of February to rest the shoulder injury which bothered him during late 2011, though which was not in evidence during his run to the Australian Open final against Djokovic.

Spain play in Oviedo on clay against Kazakhstan, with new captain Alex Corretja making his debut with Nicolas Almagro, Marcel Granollers, former No 1 Carlos Ferrero and Nadal’s mate Marc Lopez on court. Britain without Murray is involved in European zonal play.

The Swiss have decent chances against the US, with the Americans minus injured Andy Roddick and new father Bob Bryan.

Swiss captain and Federer coach Severin Luthi will have his 16-time Grand Slam champion onside, backed up

by Stanislas Wawrinka, Marco Chiudinelli and Michael Lammer. The US is bringing No 8 Mardy Fish and John Isner in singles along

with backup Ryan Harrison and specialist Mike Bryan for doubles.

The Swiss stand 1-2 in the series, which included the 1992 final won by the US in Texas. The Americans own a record 32 titles but have achieved only one of those in the past 16 years.

“I’m really looking forward to this encounter, all the more so given that we can play in Switzerland,” said Federer. “(Clay was) undoubtedly the right decision, even if it’s unusual to suddenly be playing on clay in February.

“The US certainly have a team that can beat us, however. All their players are dangerous, in the singles and in the doubles.”

American captain Jim Courier is wary of the away tie, saying: “It’s a big challenge with Fed and Wawrinka in front of us. We’ll be ready to fire come match time.

Woods happy with progress T

•Federer

IGER Woods feels his game is now taking shape as he looks to continue his resurgence at this week’s AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. The 36-year-old had looked a shadow of his former self over the past 18 months until he found his form in Australia.

Decent displays at the Presidents cup and the Australia Open were followed by his first tournament victory in two years at the Chevron World Challenge - albeit in a shortened-field event.

The former world number one made a rare appearance on the European Tour in Abu Dhabi to kick off his 2012 season and looked in ominous touch and would have taken the title if he could have maintained his form from the first 54 holes on the Sunday.

But despite finishing third in the Middle East, the Florida resident insists he is happy with his game and admits that everything is good with the world at present.

“I am at peace with where I’m at,” he said. “I have had to make some changes but I am starting to see the results of that now.

“My last four events I really played well and I need to be building on that but I am heading in the right direction.”

•Woods

Makau eyes historic London double

K

ENYA’S marathon world record holder Patrick Makau says he will be going for an historic double victory in April’s London marathon and the Olympic Games in the same city three months later.

Makau, who set a new world mark of 2hr 3min 38sec in winning the Berlin marathon last September, is among six elite Kenyans lined up for the London marathon on April 22.

He also heads the provisional list of five Olympic probables named last month for the 2012 Olympics, of which the final three will be picked after the London marathon.

“I am ready to run the London marathon in April and also in the Olympics,” said Makau, who will begin his preparations in a half-marathon in Nairobi on February 19.

•Patrick Makau

50

Pearce to lead Three Lions

Anelka:

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

51

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

53

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 9-2-12

Julius Berger, Dangote, others hit lows as market dwindles

S

EVERAL stocks slumped to their lowest market considerations yesterday as the downtrend at the Nigerian stock market entered its third consecutive trading session, shaving off N78 billion from investors’ value.

With several stocks already at their nominal values and others stagnated at same price, continuing bearishness yesterday pushed several marketleading stocks to their lowest market values. MRS Oil and Gas, which led the slackers with a drop of N2.40, dropped to a low of N45.67 per share after it had traded at a high of N59.

Julius Berger Nigeria contracted to a low of N27 after it lost N1 yesterday in a sustained downtrend that has seen its share price dropping from a high of N33.18.

Two members of the Dangote Group- Dangote Flour Mills and National Salt Company of Nigeria (Nascon), hit new lows with Dangote Flour Mills dropping by 23 kobo to close at N4.41, representing a loss of about 29 per cent from its high of N6.20.

Nascon, which had also traded at a high of N4.25, dropped by 4.0 kobo to hit a bottom price of N3.86 per share.

United Bank for Africa, which

Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

had issued a negative profit warning in previous trading session, dropped by 9.0 kobo to a low of N1.90 while Skye Bank slipped by a kobo to close at a low of N3.19. Dozens of other stocks were already at their lowest values including Northern Nigeria Flour Mills (NNFM) Plc, N21.48; PZ Cussons Nigeria, N28; Ashaka Cement, N10.50; CAP, N14.50 and Mobil Oil Nigeria, which now trades at a low of N133 per share.

The preponderance of losers tilted the overall market situation again to the negative in spite of appreciable gains made by some highly capitalised banks, breweries and food and beverages stocks.

Aggregate market capitalisation of all quoted equities dwindled to N6.502 trillion as against its opening value of N6.522 trillion. The All Share Index (ASI), the valuebased common index that tracks all equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), dropped further by 0.30 per cent to 20,631.38 points compared with opening index of 20,693.84 points.

With this, the year-to-date return at the NSE stood at a negative 0.48 per cent, implying inflation-adjusted return of some -11 per cent.

Meanwhile, Nestle Nigeria continued on the uptrend, leading the advancing stocks with a gain of N4.65 to close at N446.65 per share. NCR Nigeria followed with a gain of 46 kobo to close at N9.75. Nigerian Aviation handling Company chalked up 27 kobo to close at N7.50. Ecobank Transnational Incorporated rose by 19 kobo to close at N10.20. Eterna added 14 kobo to close at N2.97 while Guinness Nigeria gathered 12 kobo to close at N220.12 per share.

Total turnover stood at 405.6 million shares valued at N1.50 billion in 3,508 deals. The turnover was driven by extraordinary transactions on Goldlink Insurance, which had 2.66 per cent of its outstanding shares traded in 18 deals. Goldlink Insurance recorded turnover of 120.89 million shares valued at N70.41 million. United Bank for Africa followed on the activity chart with a turnover of 56.4 million shares worth N107.4 million in 168 deals.

Expectedly, insurance subsector topped the activity chart with a turnover of 198.23 million shares valued at N113.38 million in 145 deals.

Banking subgroup followed with a turnover of 165.39 million shares worth N944.95 million in 1,787 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 9-2-12

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

55

MONEY LINK

Improved security grows card transactions to 100m monthly T

HE migration in 2010 from the magnetic stripe elec tronic payment (e-payment) cards to the chip+PIN-based, has led to a dramatic increase in card transactions to more than 100 million monthly.

The number of Point of Sale (PoS) terminals across the country has also grown from 11,000 to 25,000 during the same period.

Chief Executive Officer of Interswitch, an electronic payment transaction and processing firm, Mitchell Elegbe, stated this in Lagos, at a conference on cash-less

By Adline Atili

policy.

Elegbe said the volume of cardbased transactions, which previously was close to a hundred million monthly, dropped to 60 million as a result of widespread fraud in the electronic payment (e-payment) system.

According to him, high levels of e-payment fraud prompted the CBN to direct the migration of all cards

growth in adoption of card-based transactions as confidence is restored in the system.”

Speaking on the state of PoS deployment in the country, he said the nation is likely to achieve the targeted 40,000 PoS penetration figure before the end of June this year.

The CBN had earlier set a target of 40,000 PoS terminals by end-December 2011 for the ‘Cash-less Lagos’ project, to cater for settlement of transactions, alongside other electronic payment options, but could not achieve this figure due to the logistics of importation.

from the unsecured magnetic stripe to Chip+PIN. On September 30, 2010, replacement of all existing magnetic stripe cards with the more secure chip / PIN platform was completed. Before the directive was issued by the CBN, there were over 30 million magnetic stripe cards in circulation.

Elegbe noted that this move has led to drastic reduction in cases of e-payment fraud in the country, saying “we expect to see bigger

U

By Taofik Salako

infrastructure and agricultural sectors.

But the bank has sustained regular debt issues - raising N35 billion, about $217 million last December through a 14 per cent coupon medium term bond that matures in 2018. The bank had earlier in October 2011 raised N20 billion, about $130 million, through a seven-year medium term 13 per cent coupon bond.

Following the restructuring of the bank into holding company structure, Oduoza had said the bank will continue to raise funds to raise the banking group’s investments in Nigeria and other viable projects across Africa.

He pointed out that the new UBA Holding Plc, which emerged after the restructuring of the companies under the bank into a holding company structure, will raise funds for onward allocation to members of the group.

The announcement of the sus-

pension of supplementary share issue came a day after the bank indicated it could record a loss for the business year ended December 31, 2011 citing one-off write offs and provisions.

Investors have continued to react to the profit warning as market consideration of UBA at the stock market fell for the second consecutive day.

However, the bank has indicated a strong recovery in the first quarter of 2011, with an estimated net profit of more than N12 billion within the three-month period.

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 is 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 transaction.

I

N line with the cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Unity Bank Plc has concluded plans to introduce its mobile payments services known as Qik Qik mobile payments in all local government areas of the federation.

A key component of Unity Bank’s Qik Qik mobile payments services is the agent network which will cover all local government areas across Nigeria and serve as service points to deliver financial services to previously excluded segments of our population.

According to the Managing Director of the bank Alhaji Ado Wanka, the registered agents will be equipped and trained on the bank’s platform to perform the primary role of providing financial and other services over the Qik Qik platform to the consumer.

The types of services they will provide are: financial services such as registration of customer, funds transfer over mobile phones, bill payments, airtime top-up, cash in (deposits), cash out (withdrawals), agent to bank account deposits (to any bank in Nigeria), disbursement of Naira equivalent

FGN BONDS Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

Amount

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

O/PRICE

NCR 9.29 ETERNAOIL 2.83 UNITYBNK 0.50 WAPIC 0.52 NAHCO 7.23 GOLDINSURE 0.58 STERLNBANK 0.83 VITAFOAM 3.15 ETI 10.01 DIAMONDBNK 2.57 NESTLE 442.00 FIRSTBANK 10.05

Current Before

C/PRICE

CHANGE

9.75 2.97 0.52 0.54 7.50 0.60 0.85 3.22 10.20 2.60 446.65 10.13

0.46 0.14 0.02 0.02 0.27 0.02 0.02 0.07 0.19 0.03 4.65 0.08

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

48.07 24.25 4.64 0.84 1.69 1.97 1.99 4.79 1.17 0.73 0.75

C/PRICE

CHANGE

45.67 23.04 4.41 0.80 1.61 1.88 1.90 4.58 1.12 0.70 0.72

2.40 1.21 0.23 0.04 0.08 0.09 0.09 0.21 0.05 0.03 0.03

Date

450m

452.7m

450m

150.8

08-8-11

250m 400m

313.5m 443m

250m 400m

150.8 150.7

03-8-11 01-8-11

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

(S/N) Bureau de Change 152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N)

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

153.0000

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Aug ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

8.75%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 9.4%

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 118.85 98.43 0.76 1.04 0.88 1,642.73 8.24 1.39 1.87 7,351.90 193.00

9.08 1.00 118.69 97.65 0.73 1.04 0.87 1,635.25 7.84 1.33 1.80 7,149.37 191.08

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 • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE

LOSER AS AT 9-2-12

CHEVRON OKOMUOIL DANGFLOUR PRESTIGE CUSTODYINS AIRSERVICE UBA DANGSUGAR RTBRISCOE FIDSON JAPAULOIL

Rate (N)

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD

Parallel Market SYMBOL

Exchange

Sold ($)

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

(S/N)

GAINERS AS AT 9-2-12

Amount

EXHANGE RATE 26-08-11 Currency

7.9-10% 10-11%

Amount

Offered ($) Demanded ($)

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES OBB Rate Call Rate

of in-bound remittances, cashing of electronic vouchers; communication services; power distribution services and other ancillary services.

As part of this initiative, Unity Bank he said “may recruit, train and finance eligible Nigerians across the country to own, operate and manage one-stop service points known as Unity Bank “Qik Qik Kiosks” across the country.”

Qik Qik kiosks that will be stationed across all local government areas in Nigeria the MD said will help accomplish the ‘last mile’ impact of taking financial services to the doorsteps of the people on a ‘community to community, street to street’ level across Nigeria.

This programme he explained “is designed to yield multiple streams of income to agents and avail financial services to over 72 per cent of Nigerians who have never had access to any form of formal banking and financial services which will in-turn create substantial floating account for the bank at large.”

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

From Nduka Chiejina, Abuja

DATA BANK

Tenor

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

• CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido

Unity Bank to float mobile payment services

UBA suspends new equity issue NITED Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has suspended plans to float supplementary new share issue to raise new equity funds due to the investors’ apathy at the Nigerian stock market.

Reuters news said the Group managing director, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Mr. Phillip Oduoza yesterday told a conference call of investors that the bank will not pursue additional share issue. He however, said the lender will continue to exercise the shareholders’ mandate under the bank’s N400 billion debt issuance programme.

He said the board and management of the bank might however; reconsider issuing new shares when the capital market improves.

UBA had in October 2011 indicated that it was planning a combined supplementary new issue including a private placement and a Rights Issue to source finance for large-ticket lending in

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• AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 24 Aug, 2011 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 26, Aug, 2011 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous

Current

04 July, 2011

07, Aug, 2011

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

56

NEWS ESUT expels 544 students From Chris Oji, Enugu

THE Enugu State University of Science and Technology, (ESUT), yesterday expelled 544 students.

The affected students were alleged to have secured what was termed as “illegal admission” into various faculties.

Most of the affected students were said to be in their final year.

Tension has gripped the university as most of the affected students have threatened to attack some officials, who reportedly facilitated their illegal admissions.

A statement by the University’s Director of Public Relations, Ossy Ugwuoti, said the expulsion is with immediate effect.

Sambo to lead campaign for Imoke’s re-election From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

VICE President Namadi Sambo is to lead the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Committee for the re-election of Liyel Imoke.

The Cross River State governorship election comes up February 25.

Sambo believes that Cross River would be a walk over for the party as according to him the state is “a one party state.”

Speaking at the inauguration of the committee at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday night, Sambo said: “Cross River State is PDP and PDP is Cross River State.

“There is no other party.

The rest just talk and no action.

“Imoke is only on a short break. He will come back soon to continue with the good work,” he said.

Sambo who thanked the party for the confidence reposed in him, promised to ensure that the state remained a PDP state.

Phones banned in schools DELTA State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has banned the use of mobile phones by pupils of public primary and secondary schools.

The governor, who announced the ban yesterday at Ogharefe Secondary School, Oghareki Junction, during an inspection, said the use of mobile phones by pupils was “unacceptable to the government.”

According to him, the use of mobile phones by the pupils, breeds indiscipline as it distracts them from the main focus of academic pursuit.

Uduaghan, who addressed the pupils after observing that most of them had phones while studying, ordered head teachers, to henceforth seize such phones from them.

He said the pupils were in schools to learn, stressing that parents and teachers should ensure that the pupils leave their phones behind at home when going to schools.

•The locked gate of the Government House...yesterday

Protesters invade Anambra Govt House

T

HERE was commotion yesterday in Awka, Anambra State, as about 2,000 protesters marched on the Government House,.

The protesters from Igbariam community in Anambra East blocked the entrance of the Government House, causing security operatives to lock the gates.

Government officials, staff, visitors and reporters were locked inside.

There was an altercation between the security operatives and members of the community.

The Secretary to the State

•Officials, visitors locked out •Govt pleads for calm From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

Government (SSG), Paul Odenigbo, later addressed the people.

The people said they were protesting the“imposition of election date for the President-General of the community” by the commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.

Their leader, Gidigidi Nwabunwanne, said they

would resist any attempt by the government to conduct another election, adding that if there should be an election, it should be for other offices, like secretary, among others.

The protesters said the election of Ken Ubah on December 26 was duly certified by the government through its representative, Henry Nwasike.

They said they sued the government over the matter, adding that the ministry

should respect the pending court action,which seeks to restrain it from conducting another election in the community until Uba’s tenure expires.

Odenigbo appealed to them to remain calm as he would present their case to Obi, who was out of the state.

He said: “We cannot benefit anything through violence, there has been peace in Anambra State and we will like that peace to continue.

“I’m appealing for calm until I meet with Governor Peter Obi and Commissioner Dubem Obaze.”

Akunyili seeks removal of excess votes

F

ORMER Information and Communications Minister Prof Dora Akunyili yesterday urged the Anambra State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Awka to deduct the excess votes recorded in her favour in some wards in Anaocha Local Government during the rerun election of April 26, last year.

Mrs. Akunyili, who was the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, sued Chris Ngige of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN, alleging over-voting and multiple voting in 15 booths in some wards in Idemili North and South.

She alleged the same in Dunukofia and Njikoka local governments during the rerun after the initial one on April 9 was declared incon-

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

clusive.

Mrs. Akunyili urged the court to deduct the alleged over-voting and declare her winner or alternatively, conduct another election in the affected polling booths.

However, under cross-examination by Ngige’s counsel and INEC’s attorney Emeka Ngige (SAN) and Osita Nnadi (SAN), the APGA candidate agreed that the total valid votes cast at the polling booths at Nnobi Customary Court, Uke, and Umuoji in Idemili Local Government were not above the total number of accredited voters in each of the petitioned booths.

Again, she had claimed in page 31 of her deposition that she was credited with

2,411 votes in Agulu Ward 3 instead of 2491.

But in the result she tendered, she claimed she was given 2619 votes, thereby giving her an inflated vote of 208.

Also in Umuafali hall, Agulu Ward 3, APGA was credited with 90 votes, but in the document tendered APGA’s score was 190, thus crediting her with an extra 100 votes.

The same flaws with inflated margins were also recorded in Adazi-Nnukwu Ward and Nri Ward 2, all in Anaocha Local Government.

Mrs. Akunyili further admitted that the total valid votes cast in an election cannot exceed the accredited number of voters because it would amount to non-compliance.

She said the tribunal

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•Tribunal adjourns till Tuesday From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

exigency of time.

He urged the tribunal to make available the services of an interpreter for some of the witnesses.

Akinosun said the petitioners could not produce issues for determination because the respondents served their responses late.

He said the petitioners’ application for inspection of electoral materials was right for hearing.

Akinosun pleaded with the tribunal to stand the case down till 5pm for the petitioners to reply to the counter-affidavits.

This was overruled by the

tribunal chair, Justice Ayuba Kwajafa.

Akpabio’s counsel Duro Adeyele (SAN) told the tribunal that 1,361 witnesses would testify.

Adeyele, after raising two issues for the tribunal’s determination, said the number of witnesses may be trimmed down.

He said they would also invite handwriting and forensic experts to inspect the electoral materials.

Counsel to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Dominic Okon told the tribunal that 100 witnesses would testify against the petitioners.

INEC’s counsel O .

Anumonye said 720 witnesses would testify.

From Ugochukwu Eke, Umuahia

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HE Abia State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Emma Nwabuko, has said his ministry has identified over 500 ghost workers in the local government system.

He said the ghost workers have been siphoning government funds through fraudulent means.

Speaking with reporters in Umuahia, Nwabuko said the introduction of the biometric data capture machine has been used by the government to identify ghost workers.

He noted that the biometric has exposed many ghost workers and has also reduced the amount of public fund government has been losing monthly.

Ebonyi gives N1.1b to hospitals From Ogbonnaya Obinna, Abakaliki

•Mrs. Akunyili

should deduct extra votes earned undeservedly, adding that they may have been as a result of human error on the part of INEC officers ,who did the computation.

Mrs. Akunyili denied distributing rice, textile materials, bags of salt and motorcycles to eligible voters during the election.

600 ACN witnesses to testify against Akpabio HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday told the Akwa Ibom State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal that it would assemble 600 witnesses to testify against Governor Godswill Akpabio.

Akpabio was declared winner of the April 26 governorship election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

ACN governorship candidate John Akpanudoedehe and his running mate, Ime Umanah, are challenging Akpabio’s victory.

At the resumption of hearing, ACN’s lawyer Dapo Akinosun said the number of witnesses may, however, be reduced to 90 due to the

500 ghost workers in Abia

Anumonye, however, pleaded with the tribunal for a long adjournment to allow parties file and respond so that pre-hearing session can go on smoothly.

Justice Kwajafa, however, ruled that pre-hearing session would be conducted within five days due to time constraint.

The judge adjourned hearing till Tuesday.

His words: “We are aware that pre-hearing is to be concluded within 14 days but due to time constraint, such is to be concluded within five days with today inclusive.

“In view of the plea by Anumonye and others, the hearing of all applications is hereby adjourned till February 14.”

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HE Ebonyi State Government has disbursed N1.1billion to six mission hospitals to provide diagnostic and hospital equipment.

The funds will also ensure the reduction of morbidity and mortality rate across the 13 local governments.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sunday Nwangele, said this at the disbursement of the funds at Nnodo Boys Secondary School, Abakaliki.

He reiterated the administration’s determination to revamp the infrastructure of the rural hospitals and recruit skilled and expert medical officers.

Nwangele said the grant would help the government to transform the health system and to ensure the provision of quality health care delivery to the people.

The commissioner said Mater Misericordae Hospital Afikpo has received N203. 3 million, Presbyterian Joint Hospital Uburu N193.25 million, Mile 4 Hospital Abakaliki N168.31 million, Sudan Mission Nigeria Reformed Church Izzi, N187.38 million, Rural Improved Mission Hospital Ikwo, N172.65 million and Saint Vincent Hospital Ndubia N175.08 million.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

57

NEWS

Police kill robbery suspect T HE police yesterday in Ilupeju, Lagos killed one suspected armed robber and arrested three with bullet wounds. Two others reportedly escaped. The bandits were said to specialise in robbing bank customers.

The police recovered N250, 000 earlier snatched from a victim, five cut-tosize double barrel guns, one knife, one motorcycle, two expended cartridges and two unexpended cartridges.

According to the police, the victim, Mr. Bakare Kolawole, had gone to a

By Jude Isiguzo and Ebele Boniface

new generation bank at Ilupeju to withdraw N280,000.

It was gathered that immediately he came out of the bank, three people emerged on a motorbike and ordered him to hand over the money to them at gunpoint.

The Nation learnt that

Ex-Commissioner raises alarm over alleged threat to life

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FORMER Commissioner in Ondo State, Otunba Omoniyi Omodara, yesterday alleged that some leaders of the Labour Party (LP) in the state are planning to set his home ablaze and kill him.

Omodara, an ex-Commissioner for Transport, recently dumped the LP and joined the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

In a petition to the Commissioner of Police and Director of the State Security Service (SSS) through his lawyer, Prince Segun Akomode, he alleged that some people have been threatening him and his family.

Omodara urged security operatives “to ensure his safety with the degree of urgency and firm professional competence it deserves.”

The petition reads: “On February 1, the ACN’s office at Oba-Ile was to be commissioned in commemoration of our client’s official declaration.

“Consequently, we applied for security protection from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at Oba-Ile Police Station following the avalanche of threats ostensibly emanating from quarters not far from the

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

LP community which he recently dumped.

“Despite that our client’s letter to the DPO was acknowledged, curiously, he abruptly called our client, informing him that his planned declaration for the ACN scheduled for February 1 should be cancelled.

“This is on the excuse that the LP had also scheduled a rally for the same day, notwithstanding the fact that our client’s planned declaration for the ACN was to take place at the party’s ward congress.

“Our client was shocked, when on the day of his declaration, the Divisional Police Officer provided security for some thugs at a beer parlor called Grandmother, directly opposite the ACN secretariat at Oba-Ile, who attacked the ACN secretariat and vandalised property.

“Our client has it on good authority that on January 31, a meeting was surreptitiously held at a location where some notable ruling party leaders were in attendance. A decision was taken and strategies were mapped out by the people to disrupt ACN’s activities in Ondo State.”

Don to deliver Beko lecture

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ROF. Henry Boyo will today deliver the sixth Dr. Beko Ransome Kuti Memorial Lecture.

The lecture, in honour of the late pro-democracy activist, is organised by the Beko Annual Memorial Committee in conjunction with the National Economic and Development Council.

According to a statement by the Secretary of the Organising Committee, Mr. Awa Bamiji, the lecture is titled: “Foreign Exchange Market and the Poisons in the Nigerian Economy.”

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola will chair the event to be held at the Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Lagos.

RCCG holds service

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•The recovered arms and ammunition

•The victim, Bakare Kolawole...yesterday

HE Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) will today hold a Special Holy Ghost Service in commemoration of the Golden Jubilee of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) at the university’s sports complex.

The Special Adviser (Administrative and Personnel) to the General Overseer of the church, Pastor Johnson Odesola, said this while addressing reporters at the church’s headquarters in Ebute-Metta, Lagos.

He said the programme, tagged: Jubilee, is packaged to celebrate God’s faithfulness over the institution and pray for better days ahead “in spite of the mounting challenges of our time.”

•Two of the suspects...yesterday

Kolawole was hit on the head with the butt of a gun.

The armed men allegedly shot into the air and escaped. The sound of the gun attracted the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Mr. Gbolahan Olugbemi, who was attending a security meeting with the nearby Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye Local

Council Development Area Chairman, Mr. Adeyemi Ali. Olugbemi and his men left the meeting and headed for the scene. They met the victim in a confused state.

The victim narrated his ordeal and showed them the direction the robbers

fled. The DPO and his men chased the fleeing bandits.

Police spokesman, Jayeoba Joseph, said the policemen sighted the robbers along the Oworonsoki Expressway, near Charly Boy bus stop.

He said on sighting the policemen, the robbers, who were riding on two motorcycles, opened fire and there was an exchange of gunshots.

During the ensuing gun

battle, one of the robbers was killed, while another was badly hit in the leg.

The rest attempted to escape.

However, with the assistance of some members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the police arrested two robbers inside a private school around Charly Boy bus stop, while two others are still at large.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

58

NEWS SAM ALUKO AND MT MBU (1929 -2012) Chief Deji Fasuan, Chairman, Committee for the creation of Ekiti State, in his tribute, reminisces on his first meeting with the late Sam Adepoju Aluko in Ado-Ekiti. He described him as a perfectionist and a practical politician

Awolowo Foundation eulogises‘dependable’ trustee

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HE Obafemi Awolowo Foundation (OAF) yesterday expressed shock and sadness over the demise of foremost economist Prof.

Sam Aluko. It described him as an exemplary intellectual.

In a tribute by its Executive Director Dr. Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu, OAF said: “We received with shock and profound sadness, the news of the passing away of a great Nigerian, a foremost scholar and committed patriot, Prof. Sam Aluko, in the early hours of Tuesday, February 7, 2012. He was a most dependable Trustee of the Obafami Awolowo Foundation.

“Prof Aluko earned his place on the pioneer Board of Trustees of the Foundation by right. He was an exemplary intellectual who, by rights, could have chosen a life cocooned in the ‘ivory tower’.

Yet, in the best traditions of patriotic activism, he chose to apply his prodigious intellect and expertise as an economist to pursuing the best for those that are less endowed.

“In doing so, Prof Aluko

elected to work with a leader he admired and grew to love and trust, Chief Obafemi Awol?w?. Together with many other patriots, they formed a formidable team whose vision and actions not only radically transformed individual lives and society in South Western Nigeria for the better, but also over time has proved to be an unassailable strategy for national transformation. He remained faithful to this vision till the end.

“His loyalty to their chosen course and to the person of Chief Awolowo remained unshaken in spite of the severe storms of 1962-66 and in spite of spirited efforts by the then opposition to persuade him to ‘jump ship’. Indeed, he appeared to become even more resolute, and more active, at the time and the support of people like him must have gone a long way to buoy up their leader’s spirits during that dark period.

“Prof Aluko’s contributions to the success of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation since

its inception in 1992 are immeasurable. We recall with immense gratitude, his contribution of a seminal essay, titled: ‘Awo as a Humanist’, to the Foundation’s centenary publication, ‘AWO: On the Trail of a Titan’. The essay was essentially his unique recollection of Awo as a leader and friend.

“Prof Aluko extended his love for Awo to every member of Awo’s family. I will always be grateful for his absolute, unabashed support for, and belief in me and the thought of this will forever be a source of inspiration.

“We condole with his dear wife, Mrs. Joyce Aluko, their children and entire family on their irreparable loss. We urge them, nevertheless, to take solace in the fact that Prof Aluko lived an enviably fulfilled life and, therefore, fully deserves not to be mourned but celebrated.

“Despite the seductiveness of contemporary times, he ‘finished his course’ and he ‘kept the faith’, the foundation added.

Diya, Akume mourn economist, ex-envoy

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ORMER Chief of General Staff, Gen Oladipo Diya and Senate Minority Leader, Senator George Akume have commiserated with the Aluko and Mbu families on the death of renowned economist, Pro Sam Aluko and Ambassador Mathew Mbu. In separate statements, Diya described Aluko’s death as a departure of one of the nation’s finest minds.Akume said the demise of Aluko and Mbu was a national loss.

Diya, who spoke glowingly about the deceased, reminisced about his encounter with him while he served as the Chairman of Nigeria Economic Intelligence Committee (NIEC) under the late Gen Sani Abacha regime.

In his statement dated February 7, Diya said: “Prof Aluko’s death epitomised yet again, the departure of one of the finest minds that sacrificially worked with his enormous intellectual resources for the enthronement of a new Nigeria.

“I was privileged to work with this eminent Professor of

By Eric Ikhilae

Economics when he served as the Chairman of Nigeria Economic Intelligence Committee (NIEC). Throughout his tenure of about five years in NIEC, the naira exchange rate for major currencies (US dollars, British pounds, etc) remained very stable despite very harsh economic conditions of Nigeria then.

“He was a highly detribalised Nigerian who lived a useful, impact-full, responsible and highly successful life.

Through dint of hard work, commitment to preservation of our societal core values and a caring heart, especially for the under-privileged, he meaningfully and energetically deployed his intellectual ability to provide practical solutions to economic and social challenges of our society and people.

“Prof Aluko was a highly principled Nigerian, who never once compromised his academic integrity for reasons of personal comfort, ambition and or ethno-religious considerations.

“He was an advocate of high probity, transparency and accountability in governance.

Prof Aluko was a fearless defender of the principles of fairness, justice and equity in our national life. He was a man of conscience. He possessed the rare virtue of saying the truth even when the truth may be unpleasant especially to the less discerning minds,” Diya said Akume, who is former Governor of Benue State, in a statement titled: “Commiseration”, said he commiserated with the family, friends and associates of the late Aluko.

“A household name, Prof Aluko was one of Nigeria’s most prominent and finest Economists and Politicians, who carved for himself a niche in the public sphere, through his constructive and objective criticisms of several government policies.”

In another statement titled: “Letter of condolence,” Akume said he received the news of Ambassador Matthew Mbu’s death with shock and commiserated with his family and government of Cross River State, his state of origin.

Oga Sam (Aluko) that I knew

•The late Prof. Aluko

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T was sometime in August 1945 that I first met Prof. Sam Aluko. I came to Christ’s School Ado-Ekiti from St. Andrew’s Are- Ekiti to check on the results of the Entrance Examination to Christ’s School – an examination that was held earlier that year.

Oga Sam was jumping in and out of a collection of window frames piled together apparently meant for the construction of the new Chapel. I was amused by the dare-devil attitude of this man, and the many funny names his friends and classmates were calling him.

He was in Form IV in 1945 and I came in January 1946 when Oga Sam had left. But his pet names lingered long after he left. We did not become fully acquainted until the early sixties. Of course his reputation as an economist, a perfectionist, a practical politician and a social critic had soured. There was the widespread belief that his formal school education ended at Christ’s School in 1945 and that he did not attend a regular institution until he went for graduate School in London, that is, after his Bachelor Degree in Economics. By all standards, this was a record, which only Prof. D. F. Ojo (Ojo Ugbole) also of Christ’s School could equal.

There are many things one could remember this human prodigy for. For now I can recall three things. One was the document relating to and siting of the University of Ife. I understand from a former colleague and political associate

of Oga Sam – Chief Oduola Oshuntokun – that the late Professor was one of three who prepared the papers and identified the site of what then became the University of Ife. The ‘final’ document, Chief Osuntokun said, was given to Chief Awolowo the leader of the party in power in the Western Region at his Oke-Ado resident. The paper recommended the University to be sited about 20km to Ore in a completely virgin rain forest area. But on receiving the document, the leader thanked them for a job well done, but asserted that day was Ooni’s birthday, and that the University would be sited in Ile-Ife in honour of the revered monarch. And that was all. Ondo Province – now Ondo and Ekiti states – the fountain of knowledge lost out in the quest for the Region’s first tertiary institution. Although the truth of this information was not confirmed, nobody could question the integrity of our teacher.

The second issue which I will long remember was in early 1993 or 1994 when Oga Sam was serving as Chairman of a Federal Government Agency in Abuja. It was during Abacha’s regime. I led a team of nine Ekiti leaders to Abuja to canvass for Ekiti State. This was one of our thirteen trips up North or Lagos. We decided to call on Oga to enlist his support – being the highest ranking Ekiti indigene in Abuja. On hearing our mission Oga characteristically opened up “Deji” he said, “I would have dismissed you as an idle man if not because of the information I heard that less endowed people across the country also want new states”. He went on to say that even if we were going ‘to share poverty’ by creating new states, let it be. He would support us to the tilt. And he did.

The third issue to remember was when Oga Sam was serving as Special Adviser (S/A) to

Governor Ajasin in the UPN Government in old Ondo State.

As Permanent Secretary (Economic Matters) I had three masters – The Governor, Deputy Governor Omoboriowo and Special Adviser Sam Aluko. No trio could be more different one from the other. I had to navigate my ways carefully through the landmines created by these committed but different men.

As it was and still is, usually strong party men, foot soldiers and office seekers came in almost everyday to congratulate Chief Ajasin on his victory at the polls. These included visitors from what is now SouthEast and Southsouth – as we offered political appointments to party faithful from across the country. On one such occasion Oga Sam stumped in and deadpanned “Your Excellency, at the rate we are going, at the end of our four-year – tenure, the only thing we are going to show the electorate is that we received uncountable teams of visitors congratulating us”. There was a deafening silence and Oga walked out. Such was he – straightforward, direct and undaunted.

I was pleasantly surprised some few years ago when important government buildings were named after some leading Ekiti indigenes – Archbishop Adetiloye Hall, Lady Deborah Jibowu Hall, and Prof. Sam Aluko building. I was fortunate to be around to take Oga round the building named after him. He and his wife were happy and surprised. This is an achievement ex-Governor Ayo Fayose should be proud of.

For now, Ekiti has lost a crusader. Yes. For Nigeria, the illumination dims. Yes. For the Academia, a beacon has disappeared. Yes.

Senator: it’s a sad loss CTION Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain Senator Ajayi Boroffice (Ondo North District) yesterday expressed shock and sadness over the demise of the foremost economist and politician, Prof.

Sam Aluko. He said his wish for Nigeria has not been fulfilled.

Boroffice, a governorship aspirant in Ondo State, said h i s contributions to the socio-

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economic and political development would be greatly missed. He prayed for the repose of his soul.

The senator admonished those in power to emulate Aluko’s doggedness, chastity, relish for intellectual pursuits and disdain for materialism. Boroffice added: “It is a sad loss. I remember how he insisted on prudent management of resources as Economic Adviser to the late Governor Adekunle Ajasin and that led to the setting up of many industries in the state. May his soul rest in peace”.

Auchi Poly justifies moves to decongest campus

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END OF THE ROAD: A Toyota Corolla after a multiple accidents involving 13 cars at Palm Groove on Ikorodu Road…yesterday.

PHOTO ABIODUN WILLAIMS

HE Rector, Auchi Polytechnic, Dr. Philipa Idogho, has justified the authorities’ decision to relocate the School of Science Technology to the satellite campus named after her.

She said the move was part of efforts to decongest the main campus built in 1973. Dr. Idogho said the decision would fastrack infrastructural development to which the institution’s School of Management had already been relocated.

The Rector said the move to hasten the development of the new campus has received the support of all stakeholders, particularly the private sectors, as indicated by the decision of the United Bank of Africa (UBA).

She said the institution has begun test transmission of its radio station – Hillside 94.1 FM, meant to serve as training facility for Mass Communication students.

Dr. Idogho explained that the facelift and structural growth being experienced by the institution form part of effort to prepare it for its upgrading to the status of a university.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

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NEWS Court strikes out Ojukwu’s name in suit challenging legality of 1999 Constitution

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FEDERAL High Court in Lagos yesterday struck out the name of the late Chief Emeka Ojukwu from the suit he instituted with three others, challenging the legitimacy of the 1999 Constitution.

The decision by Justice James Tsoho was informed by an oral application by plaintiffs’ lawyer, Tony Nnadi, who told the court of his intention to delete Chief Ojukwu’s name from the list of plaintiffs owing to his demise.

Nnadi told the court that since the case was instituted in 2010, four of the plaintiffs have died. He listed them as Chief Abioye Bankole –Oki, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief C. C. Onoh and Chief Emeka Ojukwu.

He also told the court that it was imperative that the case be decided with dispatch as the heightening agitations and insecurity problem in the country, represented by the activities of Boko Haram, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and other similar

By Eric Ikhilae

groups in the country were what the suit sought to address.

Nnadi applied orally for the deletion of Ojukwu’s name from the suit, saying should there be need to replace him with another name, an application would be filed to that effect.

Itua Eigbe, representing President Goodluck Jonathan and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), did not object Nnadi’s oral application.

He pledged to re-file his processes to reflect the replacement of the late Bankole-Oki with Chief Fred Agbeyegbe as the first plaintiff. Another plaintiff in the suit is Prof Wole Soyinka.

In his ruling, Justice Tsoho, upon striking out Ojukwu’s name from the suit, ordered parties to amend their processes to reflect the new developments. He adjourned the case to March 15 for mention.

Named as respondents include the President, AGF, the Senate President and the Clark of the National Assem-

bly.

Present in court yesterday were Chief Agbeyegbe, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Ayo Opadoku and Colonel Tony Inyam.

The plaintiffs are contending, in the suit, that the 1999 Constitution was not genuine on the ground that it is a product of military Decree promulgated by the Abdulsalami Abubakar-regime and did not result from the efforts of the Nigerian people.

They argued that information contained in the preamble to Decree No 24 of 1999, claiming that Nigerians have made a Constitution for themselves “is a lie to the extent that it is an act of the then Head of State and Commander-inChief and his Provisional Ruling Council (PCR), and therefore renders the entire document a fraud lacking in legitimacy and requiring immediate replacement by true Constitution.”

The plaintiffs pray the court for among others, an order specifying a time frame not exceeding 18 months for the termination of the operation of the 1999 Constitution.

Akingbola urges court to decline EFCC’s request

By Eric Ikhilae

•Akingbola

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ACKED Group Managing Director of Intercontinental Bank Plc, Erastus Akingbola yesterday told a Federal High Court, Lagos to refuse move by the Economic and Financial Crimes

Commission (EFCC) to amend a charge filed against him last year by the commission.

His lawyer, Chief Felix Fagbohungbe (SAN), while arguing Akingbola’s application yesterday, urged the court to refuse the EFCC’s request for permission to effect an amendment the third time since the case was assigned to the judge.

He said the request amounted to an abuse of court process as it was intended to over reach the defendants who had filed an objection to the pending charge, challenging its competence.

Fagbohungbe argued that EFCC’s move to further amend the charge was meant

to avoid responding to the issues his client raised in his objection to the charge.

He said the proper step was for the prosecution to respond to issues raised in his client’s objection to the charge, in which he among others queried the competence of the charge and urged the court to quash it.

Responding, EFCC’s lawyer, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN) urged the court to ignore Akingbola’s argument and grant the prosecution’s request to further amend the charge.

He argued that by virtue of the provision of the Criminal Procedure Act, the prosecution was at liberty to amend its charge as many times as possible before judgment.

Fed Govt inaugurates implementation committee on mass transit scheme

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HE Federal Government has inaugurated the Mass Transit Implementation Committee to ensure the successful implementation of its integrated mass transit programme.

The committee, which has the Minister of Trade and Investment as its Chairman, will report to Vice-President Namadi Sambo every month.

The terms of reference of the committee in-

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

clude the development of a roadmap for the widespread inter-urban and rural mass transport system, creating an environment for successful, sustainable private sector involvement in operations and manufacturing, development of skills base in formal mass transit operations and encouraging the development of the required infrastructure and pilot routes, among others.

Ondo reiterates commitment to development programmes

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NDO State Commissioner for Information Kayode Akinmade has reiterated the commitment of Governor Segun Mimiko administration to welfare programmes aimed at bringing happiness to the people.

He reflected on the three years of meritorious service to the state by the administration, saying that this has endeared the people to the government. Akinmade spoke with reporters in Lagos on the third anniversary of the administration and plans to complete on-going projects

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Political Editor

for the benefit of the masses.

Akinmade said: “Governor Mimiko promised to work for the people and he has done so in all sectors. For example, in education sector, infrastructure battle has been fought and won, with the building of more classrooms, model schools and mega schools, and supply of other facilities to schools. The result has been a tremendous increase in the percentage of students passing WAEC and NECO examinations.

“In a number of schools,

we now have e-library facilities connecting them to several institutions in Europe and America. We are now achieving the 25 pupils per class as enjoined by UNESCO. Renovation work is on in most schools and this is part of efforts to get education right at the foundation level”.

The commissioner also reviewed the health sector, pointing out that the mother and child hospitals, free health for children, pregnant mothers and mothers, and Gani Fawehinmi Diagnostic Centre are key achievements.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

FOREIGN NEWS

American Embassy eases visa application

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EFORE now scheduling an appointment to procure a nonimmigrant visa at the United States (US) Consulate General in Nigeria was difficult.

Applicants had to wait for about 120 days or thereabout.

The usual long wait to get appointment at the US Consulate is gradually fading away as the embassy has employed a new method to ensure travellers to the US from Nigeria get prompt service.

Consular Chief Carl Cockburn said at an interaction with the journalists recently that the embassy has scaled up its operation to remove the bottleneck usually experienced by applicants.

Cockburn attributed the

S

From Wale Adepoju

success to provision of additional structure and help from other embassies and missions.

Before the re-organisation, procuring visas from the embassy was like passing through the eye of a needle with the appointment date the biggest problem. Those who cannot wait sometimes contract touts who charge them exorbitantly and even mess their application up or do double registration paying $140 twice. But now, within 60 days an applicant can procure his/ her visa.

Illustrating a recent incident, Cockburn said an applicant contracted a tout to get him an appointment date at the embassy but when the

tout was contacted via e-mail, he was not available to respond. So the poor applicant lost the opportunity. And the applicant would have to start the process all over again.

Despite this delay experienced by applicants an estimated 100,000 applicants from Nigeria applied for the U S Non-Immigrant Visa last year and more than 50 per cent was issued entry visas to travel to the US, Cockburn noted, saying an average of 500 people show up at the consulate daily.

He advised applicants to apply on line by themselves rather than through touts as the application process has been simplified.

On the possibility of affiliation with travel agencies or agents, he said,

•Obama

they were in no way affiliated to the US Consulate, therefore, are not authorised to process visas, even though they engage in such.

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OLLOWING the Sierra Leone conference on development and transformation in Freetown, a communique is being submitted to parliament outlining recommendations on how to develop of the country over the next 50 years.

"We were celebrating 50 years of independence, and in those 50 years, we have seen the economy and society go down to the point where we were in conflict," said Herbert McLeod, the conference's national co-ordinator. "We had all the elements to become prosperous, but we did not become prosperous." The country gained independence on from Britain in 1951. "Though we emerged from conflict, we are still struggling to get our foothold. The question is: if we continue to do what we did before, is there any guarantee we will not go down the same road?"

And in spite of the country's mineral wealth, Sierra Leone remains nearly at the bottom of the Human Development Index, ranking 180 of 187 countries in providing its citizens with a long and healthy life, education and a decent standard of living.

Many of the communique's recommendations for improving the economy differ from the growing push towards increased foreign investment in mining, instead focusing on the long-term benefits of health, education and infrastructure. In fact, it suggests that no new mineral extraction agreements should be made by the government without first conducting a public, comprehensive analysis of the quantity and amount of the resources to be exploited.

South Africa plans big infrastructure campaign

OUTH Africa's president announced ambitious infrastructure projects yesterday, laying out his plans for creating jobs and hope in nation harder hit than most in Africa by global recession.

"The massive investment in infrastructure must leave more than just power stations, rail lines, dams and roads," Zuma said in his nationally televised state of the nation address to parliament in Cape Town. "It must industrialise the country, generate skills and boost much needed job creation."

His plan spanned the country, from a dam in the southwestern homeland of former President Nelson Mandela to a rail and road network and new water

•Zuma

systems to boost prospects for mining in Limpopo, a province in the far northeast that is among the nation's poorest and often

pointed to as among the most corrupt.

He did not say how much the program would cost. His finance minister may offer details in a budget speech later this month.

Zuma was elected in 2009 to a five-year term, taking office just as the global recession hit South Africa, which is subSaharan Africa's biggest economy but has been burdened by high rates of poverty, unemployment and inequality despite years of buoyant growth. Across Africa, the recession had been delayed, leading many to initially think Africa would be spared.

Zuma was applauded during his speech when he mentioned unemployment figures of 23.9

percent released earlier in the week. The figure, for the end of 2011, would spark panic in the West, but represented the biggest growth in employment for South Africa since its 2009 recession.

Government statisticians said that 365,000 more South Africans were working in the fourth quarter of 2011 than in the fourth quarter of the previous year.

Zuma's African National Congress party in 2010 set itself a daunting target of creating 5 million jobs by 2020. But its own finance minister has estimated that would require growth of over 6 percent a year. South Africa has been and is predicted to continue to be well short of that, in part because of the global recession.

Sierra Leone drafts 50-year development plan

U

Uganda’s anti-gay bill ‘not backed by government’

GANDA'S government has defended its right to debate an anti-gay bill but says the draft legislation does not have official backing.

A Member of Parliament David Bahati this week retabled his bill after it was shelved following an international outcry.

The bill calls for life in prison for homosexual offences but Mr Bahati says the death penalty will be dropped.

The government urged foreign leaders to realise that cultural attitudes in Africa were "very different".

Homosexual acts are already illegal in Uganda - a largely conservative society, where many condemn homosexuality.

The proposed legislation was first introduced in 2009 but never debated.

The original bill said those found guilty of "aggravated homosexuality" - defined as when one of the participants is a minor, HIV-positive, disabled or a "serial offender" - would face the death penalty.

It was condemned by Western leaders, including US President Barack Obama who described it as "odious".

Both the United States and United Kingdom have recently urged developing countries to respect gay rights or risk losing aid.

Contrary to reports, the bill before parliament even if it were to pass, would not sanction the death penalty for homosexual behaviour in Uganda," a government statement released by the Uganda Media Centre (UMC) said.

Gambia urges UN to probe journalists' disappearance

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AMBIAN President Yahya Jammeh has asked the United Nations to investigate the disappearance of several journalists in the tiny West African country that rights groups accuse of persecuting media workers, the United Nations rights chief said.

"In response to civil society complaints about the disappearance of a journalist in the Gambia, the president of Gambia asked for the UN to come in and investigate," U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said at a conference on Wednesday at Hunter College in New York City.

Pillay's spokesman Rupert Colville confirmed that Jammeh's request referred specifically to Chief Ebrima Manneh, who disappeared in 2006 after being picked up at the offices of his newspaper by men who said they were state intelligence officers, and to one other reporter.

Colville did not respond immediately to a request yesterday for details about the identity of the second reporter.

It was not immediately clear what a UN investigation would entail and why Jammeh, who has long ignored international appeals to secure Manneh's release, was turning to the world body to deal with a matter that would normally be handled by national authorities.

South Sudan signs oil pipeline deal

S

OUTH Sudan has signed an agreement to build an oil pipeline to the port of Djibouti via neighbouring Ethiopia, officials said yesterday, after Juba shut down its only export route via former foe Sudan.

"We signed an agreement for another pipeline to go through Ethiopia and on to Djibouti," South Sudan's Minister for Information Barnaba Marial

Benjamin told AFP. Officials signed a memorandum of understanding during talks in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa earlier this month, and Chinese, American and European companies had shown interest in carrying out feasibility studies for building it, he said.

"The pipeline will be owned by the government of South Sudan," Benjamin added.

Egypt PM dismisses US aid threat

E

GYPT has said it will not be persuaded by the potential loss of United States aid to end an ongoing investigation into foreignfunded non-governmental organisations.

Prime Minister Kamal Ganzouri said his government would "apply the law" in the case of the NGOs and "not back down".

Forty-three pro-democracy activists, 19 of them Americans, are to be put on trial for setting up groups without licences and receiving illegal funding.

A judge meanwhile said their work constituted "pure political activity".

On Tuesday, three leading US senators warned that the risks of a "disastrous" rupture in bilateral relations had "rarely been greater".

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

61

FOREIGN NEWS

UN-Arab observer mission proposed for Syria A S violence in Syria reportedly raged anew yesterday, the United Nations and the Arab League were considering sending a joint observer mission to the war-ravaged Middle Eastern nation.

In New York, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon assailed the "appalling brutality" unfolding in the Syrian city of Homs - "with heavy weapons firing into civilian neighborhoods" and warned that the carnage was "a grim harbinger of worse to come."

The potential UN participation in an observer mission

was illustrative of the intense diplomatic activity designed to find a solution to the escalating crisis in Syria, where a protest movement has evolved into an armed rebellion against President Bashar Assad and brought the nation to the brink of civil war.

Diplomats have been seeking alternatives after Russia and China on Saturday blocked a U.N. Security Council resolution on Syria that included a call for Assad to relinquish power.

So far, Washington and

other foreign capitals have ruled out armed intervention in the country, though several U.S. lawmakers said this week that the Obama administration should consider arming Syria's rebels.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has proposed the creation of a group of "friends" that would support Syrians seeking a democratic transition in the country, which has been ruled by the Assad family for more than 40 years.

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmed Davutoglu was re-

ported to be headed for Washington for talks on Syria.

Turkey, which shares a more than 500-mile-long border with Syria and was once an ally of Assad, has joined Arab nations, the United States and many European countries in condemning the Syrian government's crackdown on dissent. Ankara, a resurgent regional power, is likely to be key player in any new international plan for Syria.

Ban said he had spoken with Nabil Elaraby, secretary-general of the Arab League, who suggested "a joint observer mission in Syria."

Spain’s Judge Baltasar Garzon convicted PAIN’S Supreme Court for wire-tapping has found the country’s

S

best-known judge, Baltasar Garzon, guilty of authorising illegal recordings of lawyers’ conversations.

He has been banned from the legal profession for 11 years. The court said he could not appeal against the ruling.

Mr Garzon is best known for helping to secure the arrest of the former Chilean leader Augusto Pinochet in

London.

He also faces two other charges, including exceeding his authority by investigating Franco-era crimes.

Correspondents say the ruling by the Supreme Court effectively ends Mr Garzon’s career as a judge.

Mr Garzon’s supporters say the cases against him are politically motivated and have

been taking part in demonstrations outside the court during the trial.

This is not the case against Baltasar Garzon which has attracted most of the publicity in Spain. The verdict in his second trial, which looked at his attempts to investigate alleged crimes carried out under the former dictatorship of Francisco Franco

F

T

HE Chief Justice of Nigeria(CJN) Justice Dahiru Musdapher has urged judges and the judiciary to remain politically neutral and safe the nation’s fledging democracy.

He noted that the extent to which the prevailing societal currents, particularly corruption, has engulfed the judiciary, demands great concern.

“We must deflect the tides of impropriety and immunize the entire judicial system against all identified iniquities,”hye said.

Justice Musdapher spoke yesterday in Lagos in a keynote address he delivered as the guest speaker at a media roundtable on: Promoting Ethics and Integrity at the Magistrate’s Courts, organised by the

By Adebisi Onanuga

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) in collaboration with the Netherlands Embassy.

The CJN, who was represented by the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Mr. Sunday Oluwadahunsi, noted that the society, which the judiciary is expected to serve, is not entirely satisfied with its performance.

“Hard as it may be difficult to accept, we feel it is less important to focus on whether or not this assessment is fair or not. The important thing is for us to transparently come to terms with the prevailing realities, accept the gap in expectations and do our utmost to bridge it,” he said.

Policemen protest wives’ transfer

H •Garzon

will be more controversial and will have wider implications for the country, whatever the result.

NURTW chief cautions warring members OLLOWING last week’s clash among members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos, a chieftain of the union, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya a.k.a. MC Oluomo, has urged warring members to settle their feud.

MC Oluomo, a former treasurer of the union, said members should allow peace to reign.

He said members should think positively and abhor bloodletting and violence.

He urged those involved in the recent clash to caution their

CJN tasks judges on democracy

men and embrace dialogue, claiming that there are no factions in the Lagos State chapter of the NURTW. “I also want to use this opportunity to make it clear that I’m not in any way connected to the crisis. Oshodi is my base and the place is peaceful. I don’t have or belong to any faction of the NURTW because we are one body,” he said.

MC Oluomo, who is aspiring to be the chairman in the NURTW, said he has been to the Lagos State Police Command headquarters to sign an undertaking absolving himself of the wrong accusations.

USBANDS of female police officers in Zone 8 Command of the Nigeria Police yesterday protested in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, what they described as “inconsiderate and abnormal transfer of our wives.”

The protesters have petitioned the Acting InspectorGeneral of Police, Mohammed Abubakar.

The Assistant InspectorGeneral of Police (AIG), Ephraim Amakulor, had on Wednesday allegedly issued transfer letters to about 500 police officers in the zonal command in Ilorin to move to Lokoja in Kogi State.

The Nation learnt that the transfer was part of the reorganisation in the police to combat crime and stop the

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

Boko Haram menace.

It was gathered that of the 500 affected police officers in Kwara State, 375 were women.

Spokesperson of the police officers who besieged the Kwara State Police ‘A’ Division, Ilorin, Peter Akhigbe, said “the women are all married”, adding that some are pregnant, some have just been delivered of babies, while others are either nursing mothers or newly married.”

Akhigbe said the transfer was capable of separating wives from their husbands and causing divorce.

The husbands, who asked if it is the women-police that will fight the Boko Haram sect, lamented that accommodation was not provided for their wives in Kogi State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

62 LOSS OF DOCUMENT

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of the loss of original copy of the Certificate Of Occupancy of the property situated at plot 36 and 37 Cadastral Zone 07 – 05, Federal Capital Territory Abuja belonging to Mr Micheal Ndubuisi Kalu.

This is to notify the general public the loss of document belonging to Mr Adeola HAASTRUP of Federal Housing Estate Lugbe Fct – Abuja. The loss of changed document of plot Ed 85 at Sabon Lugbe Extension layout is missing.

All effort made to trace the loss document prove abortive.

All effort made to trace the document proved abortive. If found please report to AGIS or the nearest police station.

If found, report to the above address or the nearest police station or Abuja municipal area council.

PUBLIC NOTICE CARE FOR ALL INTERNATIONAL The general public is hereby notified that the above named Organization has Applied to Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for Registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied, Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. MRS. OMEMMA MARYROSE EBERE 2. MR. ONAH EDWIN IYKE 3. MRS. UGWU EUNICE IJEOMA 4. MR UGWU PASCHAL CHIDIEBERE

-

Chairman Treasurer Financial Secretary Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To build hospitals /clinics in the rural communities 2. Provision of good drinking water, food, clothing’s, housing and word of God (Gospel) 3. To provide learning/educational materials for the children and schools in the rural communities.

4. To give support to the farmers and mini-credit assistance to petty traders.

5. To award scholarships to brilliant students from poor homes.

Any objection to the registration should be addressed to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street P.M.B. 198, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Omemma Maryrose Ebere (Chairman)

PUBLIC NOTICE OLOLA YOUTH FARMERS ASSOCIATION This is to inform the general public that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr. Aribilola Julius Folorunso - Chairman 2. Mr. Adeniran Emmanuel Atififoluwa 3. Mr. Kolade Mayowa - Treasurer 4. Mr. Dauda Ariyo - Member 5. Mr. Adetunbi Joshua Kehinde - Member 6. Mr. Jimoh Animasahun 7. Mr. Raimi Adeyemo THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote Agriculture product in society 2. To promote unity among their members 3. To provide welfare among their members 4. To organise seminary for their members 5. To protect the interest of their members 6. To organise lectures, workshop and seminars to their members Any objection to this application should be forwarded to the Registrar general, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 565 Ndola Square,Wuse Zone 5, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed by: CHAIRMAN The general public is hereby informed that the above named KLOBB has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission under part C of the companies

PUBLIC NOTICE DE-NOBLE VICTORY KLOBB OF NIGERIA and Allied Matters Act Cap 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Ajibola Mudasiru Sanusi (Alh.) -President 2. Mr. Alaka Abayomi Kamaldeen -Vice president 3. Mr. Ishola Tajudeen Omopejuowo -Chief Whip 4. Mr. Hussain Akorede -General Secretary 5. Mr. Ahmed Sanni -Treasurer 6. Mr. Akintayo Adeleke Waheed -Financial secretary 7. Alh. Abdul-Ganiyu Oriyomi Muhammed -P.R.O 8. Mr. Muhammed Nasirudeen Adigun -Executive 9. Mr. Abdul-Ganiyu Owoyale Oladipupo -Executive Secretary AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.

To provide social amenities to people and promote Yoruba Cultural value 2.

To promote unity among their members 3.

To promote Welfare among their members 4.

To protect the interest of their members Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

This is to inform the general public that the above CHURCH has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Signed: PRESIDENT

PUBLIC NOTICE CHRIST JESUS FOLD INT’L CHURCH Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

Pastor Abraham Adeyemi -Chairman 2.

Pastor Moses Adegbola Ojo -Vice Chairman 3.

Brother Adekunle Ojo -Secretary 4.

Elder Sunday Ajamu -Member 5.

Pastor Abraham Adepeju -Member THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to all people 2. To promote Christians sense of belonging to the Lord Jesus Christ 3. To organise preaching and teaching of the word of God as presented by the Bible in Churches 4. To organise lectures, workshop and seminars for all classes of people in Christian method.

Any objection to this application should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 565, Ndola Square, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: BARR. BADIORA, ILE-IFE, OSUN STATE. Tell: 08034650181

SPORT EXTRA

ALLEGED FRAUD

Court orders Lulu, Ojo-Oba, others to face trial

A

FEDERAL High Court, Abuja, yesterday ordered exPresident of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Sani Lulu; his first Vice, Mr. Amanze Uchegbulam and two others to face trial over alleged N1.1 billion fraud.

Others are the former Secretary, Dr. Bolaji Ojo-Oba and the ex-head of the Technical Committee, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi.

They are facing a 10-Count Charge of felony, abuse of office with intent to gain and misappropriation of fund before Justice Donatus Okorowo.

Ruling on their preliminary objection, Justice Okorowo said the charge

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja disclosed a prima-facie case against the accused persons.

He dismissed their argument that the NFF is an autonomous body governed by Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) rules, so they (accused) cannot be charged under the Public Procurement Act. The trial Judge held that “so long that they received public fund, they are accountable to the government”, are bound by the laws enacted by the National Assembly and could be charged under the Criminal Procedure Code

Amodu storms Eagles’ camp •As players battle for shirts

F

ORMER Super Eagles sweat merchant Shuaibu Amodu was the August visitor to the team’s camp on Thursday morning ostensibly to encourage the players and particularly the technical crew.

Spotting a brown Niger Delta wear and with his hair with patches of grey, Amodu, looked fresh and robust and as usual football and the national team was on his mind as he sat chatting with Big Boss Stephen Keshi, Dan Amokachi, Hypoandyn Valere and Psychologist, Robinson Okosun and Media Officer Ben Alaiya.

Amodu praised the idea of a totally home-based national side but urged the NFF to maintain their level of support for the national team. He also spoke against plans by the NFF to cut players allowances saying Nigerians players offer so much to the nation and they should be well remunerated.

To Keshi, he said the former Super Eagles’ skipper, who once worked with him as an assistant has taken the most controversial and hottest job in the land and urged him to always be calm and develop thick skin towards critics. He recalled his many battles with the media, some of whom he said just refused to see anything positive in him.

“Some people just won’t like your face no matter how hardworking and successful you are. Keshi, should just learn to ignore such people and concentrate on his job.

He’s somebody I know very well and I think he would succeed but we must give him all the support to do so”.

However, with Stephen Keshi’s declaration that he would prune down the number of players in camp by this weekend from the current 31, the battle for shirts has taken a new dimension in the Super Eagles camp in Abuja .

•Amodu Only 21 players are expected to make the trip to Monrovia , Liberia on Monday and Keshi has kept all guessing as he kept alternating the players with no one having an inkling of who will stay or go.

Thursday morning training was so taken passionately by the players, that at least three players including petit winger Ejike Ozoenyi, received various forms of knocks from their teammates during training.

Though, the players managed to bounce back to continue training, team officials here feel that all the players were simply doing is to impress the coaching crew so that they can be part of the team to Monrovia and later Kigali in Rwanda.

Indications are that Keshi will finally make up his mind after Friday’s friendly against Voice of Nigeria (VON), at the Abuja FIFA Goal Project. But such players as Chigozie Agbim, Azubuike Egwueke, Papa Idris, Ejike Ozoenyi, Juwon Oshaniwa, Kabir Umar, new-comer Henry Uche and Bathlomew Ibenegbu are favourites to grab spots on the flight to Liberia.

(CPC).

He said, “no nation will concede its sovereignty to any sport body including that of football”. The National assembly has the power to legislate against corruption and abuse of office regarding any person in position of authority.

The court adjourned the case till March 20 for motion to amend the charge.

The prosecution counsel, Titus Ashaolu (SAN) said through the amendment, the anti-graft agency will seek to attach the proof of evidence and exhibits against the accused persons.

The accused allegedly misappropriated the sums of N900 million, one million dollars and another $200, 000 released to the NFF at various times without giving proper accounts as to how the monies were spent in South Africa contrary to and punishable under Section 104 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C.38, laws of the Federation, 2004.

Specifically, they are accused of conspiring to commit an offence of felony to wit: refusing to follow due process in procuring two Mercedez Benz trizar buses without legal justification by not requesting for quotations from suppliers.

The offence is contrary to Sections 518(1) and (7) of the Criminal Code Act cap. 38, Laws of the Federation, 2004.

They allegedly awarded the contract to CNBC Nigeria Limited through emergency procurement contrary to Section 43 and punishable under Section 58 of the Public Procurement Act No. 14, 2007.

The accused also approved the payment of N82 million as part payment to CNBC for the supply of two Mercedeze Benz Marcopolo buses valued at N99 million, over and above 15 percent of the standard mobilization fee to CNBC contrary to Section 35

and punishable under Section 58 of the Public Procurement Act No. 14, 2007.

Instead of buying the particular specification stated in the contract, the accused allegedly opted for the purchase of two Mercedez Benz trizar (Century 15500) model buses who are cheaper and inferior at the same rate of N99 million thereby commiting an offence contary to and pounishable under Section 104 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C.38, laws of the Federation, 2004.

They are also accused of using their offices to corruptly issue about 1,263 tickets as complimentary to friends, associates, political support groups and family relations contrary to and punishable under Section 22 of the Corrupt Practices and \Other Related Offences Act, Cap. C.31, Laws of the Federation, 2004.

They also allegedly paid about $800,000 to 220 delegates when only 49 persons were authorized NFF officials while the remaining 171 were friends, associates, political support groups and family relations.

Lulu, it was alleged singlehandedly appointed one Mr. Tunde Adelakun as a consultant to charter and hire an aircraft to convey the National Football Team (Super Eagles) to the South Africa 2010 World Cup without publishing express interest in two national newspapers and the procurement journal contrary to Section 44A and punishable under Section 58(5)(A) of the Public Procurement Act. The consultant in turn allegedly procured an unbefitting and faulty aircraft from International Air Charter at an amount lower than what ought to be expended on conveying the team to South Africa.

Dolphin to appeal match-fixing sanctions

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IGERIA Premier League (NPL) champions Dolphin will appeal sanctions against coach Stanley Eguma and the club in respect of a matchfixing scandal from last season.

Eguma has been banned for five years and Dolphin fined 10 million Naira for attempted match fixing.

Spokesperson of the club, China Acheru, told a live sports show ‘Sportsmax’ on 96.9 Coolfm Abuja Thursday, picked holes in the recommendations of the disciplinary committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) headed by Leye Adepoju.

Acheru, who said the decision of the committee came as a shock to Dolphin, questioned why the committee did not follow article 4.5(i)(iv) of the NPL status to the later.

"The status is very clear on the punishment of match

fixing. If the committee concluded that there was match fixing or attempt of match fixing, why were Sunshine Stars not relegated?

Why should Dolphin be slammed a 10 million naira fine instead of the 20 million as stated by the rules," he queried.

He went further, "The article Leye (Adepoju) read and took its decision from is not ambigious, the rule states that if a team are found guilty of match fixing, they would be deducted of points, they would be fined and they would proceed on automatic relegation. But that was not the decision of Leye's committee.

"I want his committee to answer these questions - why was the Sunshine Stars driver slammed for carrying the referees? What happened to the person who sent him? Why are Dolphin and Sunshine Stars not relegated? And why did Leye's committee bend the rules?"

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

63

www.thenationonlineng.net

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

WHO SAID WHAT

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 7,

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

F

OR various incomprehensible reasons, the battle hymn of political restructuring has been loudest in certain parts of the country, in others there has been a lukewarm attitude, and yet, in some others, there has been a vehement opposition to the call. Placed against the fact that every part of the country stands to benefit from a restructured polity, the circumstance of disparate enthusiasm for the cause is itself inexplicable. All parts of the country will benefit from restructuring because no part of the country is unharmed by the present anomalous structure of centralised governance.

In those parts of the country where there appears to be a vigorous resistance against restructuring, it is an elite phenomenon with a total disconnect with the people for whom they claim to serve as mouthpieces.

And when the frustration of those people reaches its peak, they appropriate the means of violence and terror to make their case.

Why can’t those leaders get it?

On another note, however, if only those elite, the avowed enemies of restructuring, would think more deeply and more clearly, it should occur to them that their true selfinterest is in restructuring, principally but not solely, because it empowers them to do for their people what they cannot expect a behemoth central government to do. This appears to be coming to light as a few lone voices are emerging and breaking the rank of ultra centralists.

The simplicity and clarity of the principles that justify political restructuring along the line of true federalism can be shocking, viewed against the resistance. A nation exists to perform some functions which individuals cannot perform on their own for various reasons. With the combined forces of all, opportunities are created that empower individuals and groups for development and self-realisation. When this is the case, those individuals are able to use their creative genius to transform their societies.

This was the driving force for the development and release of some of the most daring policies many years ago. Recognising this simple truth could be the magic wand that has eluded our reach for long.

Here are some of the questions that beg for answers: Is it reasonable to have an interest in maximum opportunity for individual and community development?

Shouldn’t every group of nationality aspire to such goals? If so, what kind of environment or political arrangement can provide such maximum opportunity? Can the goal of national unity justify the denial of opportunities for individual and community development? But what can justify national

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

Who needs restructuring?

•Map of Nigeria

unity as an objective of a unitarised polity, if the means to the objective frustrates opportunities for individual and community development? Does national unity self-justify?

Any group of people with an eye on the preparedness of its future generation to keep it safe from extinction must reject an arrangement that discriminates against their children. A structure that treats the youth as second-class citizens in the provision of employment and penalises, rather than reward their merit must therefore be an anathema to any nationality or cultural group.

We have a common human nature. In search of the means of good livelihood, our people migrate from their locales to other parts of the country, even when the prospect of their being victims of indiscriminate violence is great. A restructured polity does not discourage this human necessity; it enhances it. Centralisation aggravates prejudice and chauvinism because it pits one group against the other. When the center is less attractive, attention is directed to the development of the regions and states. It seems to me that every individual and/or community shares the aspirations of a decent

RIPPLES

society where justice and fair-play rule; and the dignity of every human being is guaranteed. Therefore, any individual or group that subscribes to these fundamental principles of a federalised polity must not oppose the restructuring of the Nigerian political system.

Perhaps we shouldn’t make the quick jump from principles of desirable living arrangements to the conclusion that such arrangements necessarily warrant the establishment of a true federal system. There may be genuine differences of opinion about what the most efficient and effective means are to the realisation of those principles that spell common aspirations for us and others. And where such differences exist, the time-tested approach, even in our own traditional setting is jaw-jawing.

What the foregoing demonstrates then is the need for a forum that specifically focuses on the terms of our association. For it stands to reason that a democracy that brings together nationalities of individuals with common aspirations cannot unilaterally or by the fiat of one or the other impose a particular means for the realisation of such aspirations. The argument that the terms of our association has been settled fails to reckon with the early life crisis that almost resulted in a stillbirth only six years after the terms of association were supposedly settled. And what we settled by the force of the gun cannot be considered final unless we subscribe the philosophy of might is right.

Still, however, even prior to the materialisation of such a forum, there is need for an exchange of ideas on the merits of restructuring in favor of a true federal system.

With a restructured polity, there is hope for a system that is sensitive to the needs and aspirations of each of the constituent nationalities and their members. We have seen the operation of what we have now, that it is too centralised to serve the mean-

HARDBALL

ingful purpose of governance which is to touch the lives of the governed. In a restructured system, it stands to reason that each of the constituent nationalities is empowered to develop at its own pace and according to its own ideals of life. Thus, a region with a consensus of passion for rejecting Western education can exercise its right to cultural self-determination without recourse to terrorizsing others to achieve its goal.

Each constituent nationality should be able to harness the energy of its people for the development of its productive forces in an atmosphere of healthy competition. And with a fiscal federal system in place, the resources to be deployed by each constituent nationality should be within its control. The fear has been that fiscal federalism presupposes an attendant demand for resource control. Surely, they are related but not necessarily conjoined. The fear is therefore unwarranted. But why should any constituent part of this great resource rich nation be fearful of resource control?

The fact that we have been unfortunately tethered to a single resource without using it to seek other developmental initiatives is an accident of the kind of leadership that has been imposed on us over the years. We certainly don’t have to depend wholly on oil and gas, because even if by an irrational decision we were to make the country a raw material nation, aren’t there plentiful other raw materials to exploit? But more importantly, this same country has seen better days in terms of industrial development, even when oil and gas had not been an integral part of the nation’s narrative. Restructuring will get us in that mood again and the benefit will accrue to every part of the country.

Each of the nationality groups is rightly proud of its heritage and would love nothing more than to preserve a future, which promises a progressive development of and respect for its culture and language. Such a future guarantees the continued existence of the groups, since culture and language are the most fundamental aspects of the identities of a people. But that future is not now guaranteed for many of our language and nationality groups which must bow under the weight of the majority cultures and languages that threaten to choke them up. Restructuring the polity in a way that devolves the power to make policies concerning matters of culture, religion, language and education is an important requirement for redeeming the future for our cultural nationalities and, thus, for Nigeria.

For deceit apart, it still remains true that Nigeria is because its nationalities are.

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Ethnicity unable to transcend revolutionary ideas

WHY WE INCREASED PRICE OF SACHET WATER-Producers

B

No reason other than GREED and ‘LONG THROAT’

NO. 2030

‘How did we end up with a porous system that recruits the mentally deranged and all sorts of shady characters in a sector that demands mental alertness and untainted integrity? Good enough, Abubakar has vowed to face the challenge headlong...’

YOMI ODUNUGA

OKO Haram, the Islamic sect wreaking destruction in some parts of the North, is apparently overrated. Like all species, it harbours the seed of its own destruction in its genetic code. If the security agencies had tackled the sect professionally instead of sentimentally, and if the Federal Government had made justice its watchword and then kept its cool rather than work itself into panic measures, it would have watched the sect expire under the weight of its internal contradictions like any viral plague. All the government needed to do was keep up a relentless pressure on the sect, harass its sponsors whenever they were found and show no mercy to those who take innocent lives in the name of socio-economic or religious revolt. If the pressure does not stanch the flow of recruits, the scorched earth policy of the sect would have rendered the areas of its operations almost completely economically barren, thus depriving it of sustenance. Unfortunately, there was neither effort to study and understand the sect nor an effective operational plan to starve it to death.

As revelations emerging from the interrogation of its detained leaders indicate, the sect was already factionalising in a pe-

culiarly Nigerian fashion that is often difficult to heal – along ethnic lines. Even if the other conditions certain to cause its early death were not present, this newly revealed fracture was bound to do the job most reassuringly. According to snippets from the interrogation, a part of the Boko Haram leadership was already agitating against what it felt was unfairness in the selection of suicide bombers. According to the grumblers, not only was that selection not based on volunteerism, it was skewed against members that were non-Kanuri, the ethnic stock of the sect’s founders and leaders. Suicide bombers, it was said, were selected from among the Hausa, Fulani, Chadians, Nigeriens and other smaller ethnic groups.

Even though it has not yet been revealed from interrogation, it was also clear that after the Kano attacks, some members of the sect were already revolting against the indiscriminate nature of the bombings, with Muslims making up a majority of those losing their lives. If the authorities had carefully studied the revolt, they would have realised that time was not on the sect’s side. If Boko Haram didn’t collapse from internal contradictions, which

are too numerous to count, it would have collapsed under other more ponderous weights. Neither its stated sectarian ideology nor its populism, not yet its attraction to adventurers who were alienated by the system, was sufficient to make it overcome the catastrophic and divisive effects of ethnicity. The Boko Haram ‘revolution’ was fated, it seemed, to come to grief on the impregnable Nigerian rock of tribal suspicions and rivalries, the same rock that has undermined national unity for decades.

If ethnicity is so powerful as to undermine Nigeria in normal times and, as Boko Haram was beginning to show, even in ‘revolutionary’ situations, what proof do we have that among Nigeria’s leading religions there are not already schisms along ethnic lines, with one tribe feeling superior to the other in terms of doctrinal interpretations? In addition, given our imperviousness to total religious egalitarianism, what proof do we have that if Nigerians found themselves in heaven they would not indulge their schismatic ethnic and even sectarian tendencies, with the Hausa Muslim feeling superior to the Kanuri Muslim and vice versa, and the Yoruba evangelical feeling superior to the Igbo Catholic and vice versa?

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