February 20, 2015 by The Nation

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...98 D AYS TO GO DA

•Tambuwal seeks advice on use of military for polls •APC alleges plot to use religion to divide Nigerians •AND MORE •Buhari in London to meet British leaders ON PAGES •House deplores calls for use of TVCs to vote 4-9&52

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VOL. 10, NO. 3131 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

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Polls’ll hold as scheduled, say Jonathan, Abdulsalami ‘There ’ll be no interim govt’ By Precious Igbonwelundu

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday dismissed fears of another postponment of the general elections, stressing that the March 28 and April 11 dates will not be changed. Dr. Jonathan spoke at the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos while inaugurating four new vessels to boost the capacity of the Nigerian Navy (NN). In Abuja, former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar spoke of assurance from the President that the elections will hold as scheduled. Jonathan said: “Nigerians can see that the present administration is leaving no stone unturned in improving the capacity of the armed forces, not just the Navy. The Army and the Air Force have felt sufficient improvement in capacity. “Let me also use this platform to promise my good country men and women that we will rout Boko Haram. Capacity has been increased sufficiently and our men are doing wonderfully well in the north. “We must conduct elections as scheduled by INEC because within this period, we are convinced that we will return the North to the level where the activities of extremists will not affect our elections. We are working night and day and I have directed that Nigerians be briefed regularly.” Continued on page 4

WILL THE CHIBOK GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15, LAST YEAR EVER RETURN?

•An Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) stolen by Boko Haram insurgents on August 20, 2014 from the Police Mobile Force (PMF) Training School, Gwoza, Borno State. It was recovered on Monday by Cameroonian soldiers when they clashed with the insurgents in Waza, Northern Cameroon, near the border with Nigeria. The Nigerian Air Force was pounding Gwoza and other strongholds of the sect yesterday to dislodge the terrorists, who had declared a Caliphate in the area after their raid on the Police Training College where they abducted some policemen, who are yet to be found.

•PAGE 4

Air Force jets pound Sambisa Forest, Gwoza

APC rally shootings victims recount scary experience Ex-Head of State, Odigie-Oyegun: we’re worried

STORY ON PAGE 4

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

NEWS Boko Haram: Troops bombard Sambisa, Gwoza with air strikes

•Some of the freed Boko Haram victims in Yobe...yesterday.

STORY ON PAGE 51

APC rally shootings victims recount experience

ICTIMS of Tuesday’s shootings at Okrika, the Rivers State hometown of First Lady Patience Jonathan yesterday relived their ordeal. The campaign rally of Rivers All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Dakuku Peterside, was truncated by explosions and gunshots fired by thugs suspected to be sympathetic to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). One policeman was killed while more than 50 people were injured. Among the injured were four soldiers, who were being treated at the Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMH) in Port Harcourt, the state capital. Some reporters including Channels Television man Charles Eruka were injured.

From Precious Dikewoha, Rosemary Nwisi and Clarice Azuatalam Port Harcourt

Eruka was stabbed on the head and neck. Speaking at the hospital, a Soldier, who simply gave his name as Matthew, said, “I was posted to Okrika on election duty. You can see me here, we are about four soldiers rushed to this hospital. You can see wound all over my body, I thank God that I am alive to tell my story. Other soldiers at the hospital refused to speak. Okechukwu, Ibe, an eyewitness, who lives in Okrika, said “ There was tight security in and around the venue of the rally, Okrika Grammar School, but the first dynamite explosion occurred at about 1:20pm on the

field. “The explosion attracted the attention of Anti-Bomb Disposal Unit, Counter-Terrorism Unit and other security operatives to carry out search behind one of the school buildings. Shortly, an announcement was made from the podium, ordering everybody in the VIP stand irrespective of status, to vacate the area for security reasons. “While the people on the VIP stand were about heeding the order, the second explosion occurred inside the school classroom at about 1:31pm, while the third explosion happened five minutes later. The venue became tensed up, and there was pandemonium. Security agencies arrested a young man allegedly in connection with the explosions.

“Barely 20 minutes after, the APC governorship candidate and his campaign team arrived, and the programme continued. In the midst of solidarity speeches, sporadic shootings came behind the Okrika Grammar School and the Cemetery. “People scampered for safety, while the shootings increased. The hoodlums attacked the Public Address System (PAS) and other facilities with explosives. At this stage, it was difficult to ascertain the number of people.” Police spokesman Ahmed Mohammad denied that another policeman had died in the hospital. The Commissioner of Police (CP), Dan Bature and I were at the hospital to see them. They are stable and recuperating,” he said. Continued on page 52

2015 budget: Reps reject $65 benchmark

HE House of Representatives has rejected the $65 oil benchmark proposed in the 2015 budget by the executive. It said the 2015 proposed budget was based on certain policy thrusts, instruments and assumptions that were flawed and needed to be “critically looked

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

at.” The House seems to be sticking to a benchmark of between $53 to $56 benchmark. The Green Chamber described the benchmark for 2015 budget as “unrealistic” and “ a problem”. “The budget cannot fly,” it said.

It has also faulted another parameter in the budget, which is the 2.278 million barrels per day crude oil production estimate in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), saying it does not also reflect realities. A meeting held yesterday between the Executive and the House on the budget at the National Assembly was stalemated.

The 25-member special committee headed by John Enoh, chairman, House Committee on Appropriation and Finance Minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Director General, Budget Office, could not resolve the issue. The bone of contention, a Continued on page 52

ANY terrorist have been killed in air strike targeted at Sambisa Forest and Gwoza, it was learnt yesterday. Sambisa is believed to be Boko Haram’s biggest hideout. Gwoza in Adamawa was seized by the sect, which abducted many policemen from the Police Training School in the town. The Defence Headquarters said hundreds of the terrorists were fleeing. But ground troops were yet to be mobilised to the forest and Gwoza for strategic reasons. The fleeing insurgents were said to have stormed a village and killed many residents. Top on the mission of troops was the search for the 219 Chibok girls whose abduction on April 14, last year has embarrassed the Federal Government. It was learnt that the air strikes were video taped. The video may be shown to Nigerians later, the military said. Defence Information Director Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade gave insights into the operation in a statement in Abuja. The statement said: “A concerted air campaign by the Nigerian Air Force is ongoing in furtherance of the mission to clear terrorists from all their enclaves. “The air strikes which today targeted the training camps and logistics dumps of the terrorists in Sambisa forests and parts of Gwoza have been highly successful as it achieved the aims with required precision. “The death of a large number of terrorists has been recorded while many others are also scampering all over the forest

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

and out of the struck bases. Details of casualty will be determined in subsequent phases of the operation. “Meanwhile, the strikes continue in other locations of the theatre heralding the advance of troops and other elements of the mission.” A military source said: “We are getting to the critical leg of the military campaign against Boko Haram insurgents. This is why military officers from the ranks of Brigadier-General and Colonel are leading the onslaught against the insurgents. “The air strikes on Sambisa and Gwoza were also simultaneously video recorded by troops for Nigerians to appreciate their campaign.” On the fate of Chibok girls, the military source said: “We have placed priority on the search for these girls in our mission to Sambisa Forest and Gwoza. “As we conduct air strikes, we are trying to locate where the girls are kept in order to liberate them. This is one of the reasons why ground troops have not moved in. “You know, Sambisa and Gwoza are the two main strongholds of Boko Haram. Once these towns are recaptured by troops, the end of the insurgency has come.” Another military source said: “The insurgents have started fleeing Sambisa Forest and Gwoza but there is no more hiding place for them. “They have become frustrated to the extent that while fleeing, they stormed a village in anger and slaughtered everyone around.”

Abdulsalami, Oyegun worried about Okrika shootings

HE National Peace Committee headed by former Head of state Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar has expressed concern over Tuesday’s Okrika shootings. It appealed to all stakeholders to eschew violence. National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, noted that electoral violence will not abate until the perpetrators are made to face the law. The duo spoke yesterday in Abuja when the committee met to review its activities follow-

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

ing the postponement of the general elections. Gen. Abubakar said: “The committee like every Nigerian, is not happy with the violence and what happened in Rivers state. We are following the issue. Even if I give you a guarantee that there will be peace, I cannot dictate what you will do when you leave here. Nigerians must ensure we maintain peace.” He said: “There must be change, there has to be change, Continued on page 52

Polls’ll hold as scheduled, say Jonathan, Abdulsalami Continued from page 1

He restated his commitment to the unity of the nation, adding that the government places premium on national security, food security and employment generation. According to the President, the government is working in harmony with the military to ensure the nation does not disintegrate. “We will rout Boko Haram. Our capacity has increased sufficiently and officers and men are doing wonderfully well. The ongoing activities to contain the sect will also provide conducive atmosphere for elections to hold in the regions. “We will return the (Northeast) region to a level where activities of terrorists cannot be carried out.” Although the President commended the navy for the appreciable decline in crude oil theft, he however stated that “wilful vandalism of pipelines” within the oil producing areas and swamps, was on the

Ex-Head of State hopeful on elections

ORMER Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar also yesterday expressed optimism that elections will hold as scheduled on March 28 and April 11. He also ruled out the possibility of an Interim National Government (ING) Gen Abubakar, who midwifed the return to democracy in 1999, spoke yesterday after a meeting of the National Peace Committee, which he heads. The committee, made up of security chiefs, religious and political leaders, met to discuss the state of the nation after the

rise. “I am glad to particularly note the achievement of the Nigerian Navy in the fight against oil theft and other maritime crimes, The contribution of the navy towards the fight against insurgency and instability in parts of the country are equally highly appreciated. “The high dependence of the nation’s economy on offshore resources, as well as the enormous potentials of the maritime sector to contribute to our food security and employment

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

postponement of the general elections. At the meeting were security chiefs, religious leders like John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Fr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy National Legal Adviser Bashir Maidugu, Mr. Yunusa Tanko and Senator Ben Obi. The former Head of State said: “We are aware that the election dates have been shift-

generation, makes provision of effective maritime security very imperative. Therefore, the Nigerian Navy, as the lead maritime security agency, deserves all the support it needs, to effectively carry out its statutory roles. “The four ships being commissioned today are part of a total of six ships expected to be commissioned into the Nigerian Navy Fleet in 2015,” he said. The four ships are Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) OKPABANA, a High Endurance Cut-

ed. There have been rumours going round in the country that there are plans to form an interim government. “We have heard from the president that elections will hold in March. He has also said that there are no plans to have an interim government. We are appealing to Nigerians to focus their minds on exercising their right on election day.” “We are going to have a meeting with chairman of INEC Prof. Attahiru Jega, to ascertain what has been done regarding their preparedness. We will ask INEC where they are, currently,” he said.

ter acquired from the United States of America; NNS PROSPERITY, a former Irish Navy fishery patrol boat, acquired purposely for use as a training vessel; NNS CENTENARY, one of the two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) procured from China and NNS SAGBAMA, a gift from China. After inaugurating the ships, Jonathan proceeded into NNS Centenary, alongside senior officers, ministers, Oba of Lagos Rilwan Akiolu, and some members of the Navy Officers

Wives Association for inspection. The ships were handed over to their commanding officers. Chief of Naval Staff ViceAdmiral Usman Jibrin handed over the ships to Capt. CD Okehie, Capt. MY Abba, Capt. AM Ibrahim and Capt. BK Effiong. According to the CNS, NNS Okpabana is to be enrolled as a frigate with capabilities for long endurance patrol of the Exclusive Economic Zone. He said: “The NNS Centena-

•Gen. Abdulsalami

ry’s main mission will include maritime surveillance, EEZ, patrol and response task and protection of offshore resources and infrastructure. “The Centenary is to also provide aid to civil authorities when called upon to do so in period such as civil unrest and natural disaster among others. “NNS Sagbama is a river town patrol vessel, while NNS Prosperity is to be enrolled into Continued on page 52

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THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

NEWS

5 ... 98 D AYS TO GO ...98 DA

Registered voters to endorse state creation

NLY registered voters will approve any request for the creation of a new state, according to a Bill for an Act to further alter the constitution and other matters connected therewith 2014. The bill, which contained amended sections of the constitution, was adopted by the National Assembly on Wednesday, awaiting the President’s assent. Before the amendment, only those in the area requesting states voted without distinguishing the demographic details of people that

From Onyedi Ojiabor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

should participate in a referendum. The new alteration now simplifies the relevant section by requiring that only registered voters could vote in a referendum to endorse or reject the request for a state. The new provision was endorsed by 28 states, including Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi,

Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau and Rivers. States that rejected the provision included Ekiti, Katsina, Kwara, Osun, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara. Section 8 (1)(b) of “An Act of the National Assembly for the purpose of creating a new state” says that “a proposal for the creation of the state is thereafter approved in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of the people of the area where the demand for creation of the state originated.” Section 8 (1) (c) says: “The

result of the referendum is then approved by a simple majority of all the states of the Federation supported by a simple majority of members of the Houses of Assembly.” While Section 8(1) (d) says: “The proposal is approved by a resolution passed by two-thirds majority of members of each House of the National Assembly.” The amended version, however, states 8(1) (b) “ a proposal for the creation of the state is thereafter approved in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority

of the registered voters of the local government council in the area voting at the referendum where the demand for creation of the state originated. Section 8(1) c of the amended version says: “The result of the referendum is then approved by a resolution of the state Houses of Assembly of not less than two-thirds majority of all the states of the federation.” Also, section 8 (1) d of the amended version says “the approved proposal is passed by a resolution of not less than two-thirds majority of members of each House of the National Assembly.”

Don’t re-enact June 12, group tells Jonathan By Leke Salaudeen

GROUP, Civil Society Coalition on Good Governance, has vowed to resist any attempt by President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to truncate the nation’s electoral and democratic process. The group accused the Federal Government of planning to re-enact another “June 12” episode, given the palpable signs and fears of further postponement of elections, threat of removal of Independent National Electoral Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega and formation of an interim national government. The group, at a news conference in Lagos yesterday, warned that the consequences of any attempt to subvert the will of the people would be catastrophic for the country, particularly for the impoverished Nigerians who were already pushed to the wall. Its spokesman, Comrade Declan Ihekaire, called on the ruling party and government to put the interest of the country above their individual and narrow interests and desist from actions that would push Nigeria further to the brinks of disintegration.

•President Goodluck Jonathan inaugurating four warships in Lagos...yesterday. With him from left are: Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Senator Chris Anyanwu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Jibrin Usman; Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Adamu Muazu and Minister of Defence Gen. Aliyu Gusau. INSET: The four war ships.

IGP angry at police officers’ strike threat

HE Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, has expressed anger over the threat by some officers to embark on strike for unpaid allowances. Abba’s annoyance came following a media report with the headline: “Policemen threaten strike over unpaid salaries”. A statement yesterday by the Force Spokesman Emmanuel Ojukwu, explained that the IGP was miffed that officers did not recourse to

From Faith Yahaya, Abuja

approved channels to air their perceived grievances. It stated: “It is pertinent to state that the leadership of the Nigeria Police is mindful of its responsibility towards the welfare of the workforce; part of which is promotion and recognition of hard work. “As is expected, every promotion attracts some financial benefits, and which have been deeply considered in the course of processing and ap-

proving the promotions.” The IGP, however, explained that the police was working with relevant government departments and agencies to effect the payment of the promotion arrears, adding that all promoted officers have been enjoying the salary attached to their new ranks since 2015. “It needs be stated for the umpteenth time that the Nigeria Police is founded on the bedrock of discipline and loyalty. The police regulation has

provided enough windows for aggrieved officers to ventilate their grievances,” the statement added. The police chief drew the officers’ attention to the consequences of breaching extant rules and regulations of the force. Pledging his commitment to reposition the welfare of the Force, Abba said: “I wish to use this medium to restate my commitment to the welfare of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force”.

PDP faults APC on deployment of soldiers for polls From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential organisation has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) for kicking against deployment of soldiers for the rescheduled general elections. In a unanimous judgment, five Justices of the Appeal Court, sitting in Abuja last week, ruled that it was unconstitutional for the Federal Government to deploy soldiers for elections. Justice Aboki, who read the lead judgment, said: “Even the President of Nigeria has no powers to call on the Nigerian Armed Forces to unleash them on peaceful citizenry who are exercising their franchise to elect their leaders. “In the event of insurrection or insurgency, the call on armed forces to restore order must be with approval of the National Assembly... as provided in section 217(2) and 218(4) of the Constitution as amended”. It was against this backdrop that the leadership of the APC wrote to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and President Goodluck Jonathan, demanding that the ruling of the appellate court be respected. But at a media briefing in Abuja yesterday, the PDP presidential campaign spokesman, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, disagreed with the APC on the court’s verdict, describing it as “campaign of calumny against the military”. Fani-Kayode said for opposing the deployment of soldiers for the polls, the APC was planning to cause security breaches in the weeks ahead. He said: “It is now very clear to us that the APC is determined to cause security breaches in the next few weeks. “

APC alleges plot to use religion for votes haul

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has alleged a plot by desperate politicians to circulate leaflets in mosques and churches, using religion as a tool to win votes. Its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in a statement in Lagos yesterday, said the plot was in line with the track record of those who have consistently used religion to divide Nigerians to feather their political nest. ‘’They are hoping that by further inflaming passion with the highly emotive issue of religion, they can revive their shriveling political fortunes. That is why they have devised the latest strategy of pitching Christians against Muslims through the circulation of satanic leaflets. Nigerians should not be taken in by this cheap plot,’’ the statement said. The party reminded Nigerians of the most recent attempt to use religion as a tool to win votes, when Vice Pres-

Borno pastor: CAN got N7b to campaign against Buhari THE allegation that some pastors collected money to campaign against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, has taken another dimension, with Borno State born Pastor Kallamu Musa Ali Dikwa reaffirming the allegation. The Director-General of the Buhari Campaign Organisation and Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi alleged that some unnamed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders paid N6 billion to Christian clerics to campaign against APC. Amaechi’s allegation generated uproar among the Christian clerics, with the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and the Northern State Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) challenging Amaechi to name the church leaders who collected the money. But, Pastor Dikwa, who is the executive director of the Voice of Northern Christian Movement, confirmed the allegation to a group of reporters in Kaduna. He said: “It was N7 billion that was given to the CAN leadership.” The money, he said, was shared N3 million to the state By Bola Olajuwon

ident Namadi Sambo said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has more Muslims than the APC, and that the APC vice

presidential candidate was a pastor who runs 5,000 churches. It added: ‘’It must baffle every right-thinking Nigerian what the vice president

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

chairmen of the CAN. The money was handed over to the CAN leadership on January 26, 2015.” He said N3 million was given to the CAN executives in each state. “Actually, the money is not N6b; it is N7b. This is what I know. One of the CAN officials from Abuja told me that they collected the money,” Pastor Dkiwa said. “They are now threatening Christians in Borno State that they will deal with anybody who refuses to vote for Jonathan. And the CAN officials are campaigning that if Buhari emerges president, he will Islamise Nigeria, and that Osinbajo collects money from Islamic world, and the same Osinbajo will resign soon after Buhari wins to give way for Tinubu to emerge vice president,” he added. But, CAN’s Director of National Issues Sunday Oibe said the body will react to the allegation today. “We ‘ll react appropriately to the allegations and Nigerians will know the truth,” he said. stands to gain by his resort to base instincts. It is more baffling against the background of the fact that it was his party, the PDP, that first labelled our party, the APC,

as a Muslim party. ‘’Not even when the APC elected a Christian as its National Chairman, supported by many party officials who are also Christians, did they

back off from their incautious claim. It did not occur to them that our party is more religiously diverse than they have sought to portray it to Nigerians.” APC said it had been campaigning on issues of relevance to Nigerians, including how Nigerians would be put back to work, how the citizens would be better protected, how they would be weaned from their forced dependence on electricity generators and how the party’s governors have delivered the dividends of democracy in their states, those on the other side have been trading in negative and inciting campaigns of the most primitive kind. ‘’We ask Nigerians to disregard anyone peddling religion as a tool for securing votes in any part of the country. Faith is a personal thing to individuals and no responsible government will seek to use religion to divide the people,’’ APC said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

MAY 29 ...98 DAYS TO GO

NEWS

PDP: W

•Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun presenting the state plaque to the new Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Valentine Ntomchukwu when the police chief visited him at the Oke-Mosan Office in Abeokuta ...yesterday.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dreams of ruling for the next 60 years. The ruling party is likely to be in unrealistic dream, going by its recent travails. President Goodluck Jonathan’s public rating seems to be dropping geometrically. Five weeks to the general elections, many states’ chapters are battling with post-governorship and parliamentary primary crises, thereby jeopardising the party’s chances at the March 28 and April 11 polls. Scores of aggrieved chieftains are defecting to the opposition. But, more dangerous are stalwarts plotting to work against the party without defecting. Group Politic6al Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the agony of a party going into critical polls as a divided house.

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (3rd right); Osun State Comptroller of Immigration, Mr. Onunwor Chris (3rd left); Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola (2nd left); Assistant Comptroller, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and African Affairs, Mr. Ndupu Udoamaka (left); Passport Control Officer of Immigration, Mr. Isah Salihu (2nd right) and Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, Mr. Aminu Suliman (right) when the officers visited the governor at the Government House, Osogbo...Thursday.

OR 16 years, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has grown from strength to strength. It appears the ruling party is now yielding to the law of diminishing returns. In 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011, it won the presidential elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Four years after its last victory, the confidence appears to be waning, in the light of President Goodluck Jonathan’s avoidance of the presidential election previously scheduled for February 14. Many PDP chieftains acknowledge that all is not well with the selfacclaimed biggest party in Africa. Some of them now perceive the President as a weak candidate. Yet, the party is helpless. More worrisome is its plight across the states. The chapters have not recovered from the rancorous governorship and parliamentary primaries, which have polarised the fold. The chapters that have been relying on federal might for survival are now enveloped in anxiety. At the centre, the confidence of the party is shaky. Reconciliation in some states has been futile: no thanks to the escalation of the post-primary crises. According to analysts, the shifting of the polls notwithstanding, PDP may go into the contest as a divided house.

Delta

•Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (right), Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Prof Suleiman Bogoro (left) and the Chairman, Board of Trustee, TTFUND, Dr. Musa Babayo when the governor visited PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE TETFUND headquarters in Abuja...yesterday.

•National Activation Manager, PZ Wilmar, Amit Mishra, presenting a N2.4m cheque to a winner in the Devon King's Cooking Oil Promo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kinco Global Links, Mrs Charity Iwuagwu, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Delta State is perceived as one of the strongholds of the PDP. But, observers have predicted a tough battle in the Southsouth state on March 28. The governorship primary was the turning point. The governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, lost his senatorial ambition to the squabbles. He could not also anoint a successor. The governor had taken his preferred candidate, Fekix Obuh, to Aso Rock for presidential blessing. Later, the table turned against him. Instead of the governor, a government contractor, Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), an acclaimed Niger Delta freedom fighter, started calling the shots. When it appeared that Obuh would not fit into the calculation again, Uduaghan settled for Edevbie. But, he was also rejected. Thus, apart from forfeiting his senatorial ambition, the governor’s muscle failed him when the choice of the flag bearer and his running mate was being considered. Today, Urhobo are not happy with the emergence of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, an Igbo from Udokwa. Besides, other ethnic groups have cried out that only the Ijaw are savouring democratic dividends in Delta. The Itsekiri alleged that the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) project was relocated from its area to Ijaw, despite pleas, The Urhobo is also angry that it has been marginalised as the majority tribe. The

tribe had expected that, having lost the governorship, the deputy governorship would be zoned to the ethnic group. It lost both. Now, its leading lights are eyeing the All progressives Congress (APC), which has picked its governorship candidate, Chief Otega Emerhor, from Urhobo.

Akwa Ibom Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio is fighting battles on many fronts. When the President visited the state recently, he was embarrassed by the extent of the internal strife. The governor has come under attack for insisting on the candidature of the banker-turned politician, Mr. Udom Emmanuel. Following the exit of Umana Umana as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Emmanuel, a former Executive Director of Zenith Bank, was appointed as as Umana’s replacement, before his eventual emergence at the governorship primariesas as the flag bearer. Many PDP leaders in the state have objected to his candidature, alleging that he was imposed by the governor. They have vowed to take their pound of flesh from the PDP at the polls. Umana, who defected to the APC, in protest, is now the opposition candidate in the oil-rich state. Analysts have predicted a tough battle. Although Akwa Ibom is predominantly a PDP state, there is division in the chapter. Prominent PDP leaders, including Akpabio’s predecessor, Obong Victor Attah and former Petroleum Minister Chief Don Etiebet, have publicly objected to the governor’s style, warning that it may be a prelude to electoral doom. Unless there is a serious reconciliation, the contest will be tough for the PDP.

Sokoto The dust generated by the governorship shadow poll has not settled. The deputy governor, Alhaji Mukthar Shagari, was embittered by its outcome. He had been penciled down for the slot in 2007, when he was asked to step down for incumbent Governor Aliyu Wamakko. When his boss defected to the APC, he remained in the party. But, following the defection of former Governor Attahiru Bafarawa from the APC to the PDP, the calculation changed. The PDP national leadership transferred the party leadership to the former governor. Up came Ambassador Wali as a major contender for the governorship. He defeated Shagari at the primaries. But, the deputy governor’s supporters have insisted that Wali was drafted into the race in bad faith. APC is a formidable platform to contend with. The defection of House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal from the ruling party and the fact that the Speaker will be flying the banner of the APC on March 28, will further affect the PDP. Coupled with the in-

PO THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

MAY 29 ...98 DAYS TO GO

P: Wobbling on to general elections ‘

Yet, the party is helpless. More worrisome is its plight across the states. The chapters have not recovered from the rancorous governorship and parliamentary primaries, which have polarised the fold.

‘

ternal strife and rancour in the PDP, the race will be tougher for the PDP.

Anambra: PDP held sway in Anambra State between 1999 and 2003. Even, when the PDP was in power, it was in deep crisis. When former Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju, called the shots, the party was utterly divided. He was consumed by the imbroglio. His second term ambition was truncated. His successor, Dr. Chris Ngige, could not finish his term. Godfathers demanded returns on their political investments, and when Ngige called their bluff, the state became ungovernable. Later, the mandate was restored to Mike Obi, who flew the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) flag for the eight years his two-term tenure lasted. He dumped the party that brought him into political limelight for the PDP shortly after leaving office. Since then, the PDP has been making frantic efforts to bounce back, but without success. The party leaders only take solace in victory at the parliamentary elections. But, the scramble for parliamentary tickets has now polarised the crisis-ridden chapter. In Anambra Central Senatorial District, the post primary crisis escalated last week, following the replacement of Chief Chris Uba with his elder brother, Andy, as the senatorial flag bearer. The two brothers have been making antagonistic claims to the ticket, following the parallel primaries held in the district. Chris had earlier said that he was the authentic candidate, pointing out that his name has been submitted to INEC. But, Andy’s name appeared on the INEC website as the flag bearer for the zone, to the consternation of his younger brother, who is said to be in control of the party structure. Also, for the Anambra North, the name of the House of Representatives member, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife appeared on the website as the senato-

rial candidate. Mrs. Ekwunife and Senator Annie Okonkwo have been at loggerheads over the ticket after the primaries. Okonkwo’s supporters are kicking against Mrs. Ekwunife’s emergence as the candidate. In Anambra South, where former Aviation Minister Stella Oduah’s name appeared as the flag bearer, there are also protests.

Ogun The greatest tragedy that has befallen Ogun PDP is Tuesday’s resignation of former President Olusegun Obasanjo from partisan politics. Obasanjo, who has not hidden his opposition to President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term bid, will not throw his weight behind the governorship candidate, Gboyega Isiaka, after shredding his membership card. Although the two factions of the party in the Gateway State managed to reach a truce before the primaries, the shadow poll became another trigger for passion. According to party sources, some governorship aspirants have also refused to give their commitment to the flag bearer. In Ogun East senatorial district, many are uncomfortable with the choice of Prince Buruji Kashamu as the senatorial candidate. His supposed rival at the primaries, former Governor Gbenga Daniel, had backed out of the race when he realised that he would be defeated. Many traditional rulers, political leaders and youths are of the opinion that a politician without a lorry-load of baggage would have been more acceptable to the zone, instead of Kashamu, who is perceived as a controversial politician. Kashamu is rich, but to the people of Ijebu/Remo, a Senatorial Zone once represented by former Afenifere leader and National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) patriach, the late Pa Abraham Adesanya, the contest is not totally about financial muscle. According to sources, the pendulum of victory may swing towards the direction of the APC candidate,

Dapo Abiodun, who has been endorsed by many stakeholders, groups and associations in the district.

Edo

Edo PDP is confronted with a big obstacle. The ruling APC is waxing stronger. Governor Adams Oshiomhole has justified the confidence reposed in him as a leader liberator. Therefore, the possibility of the PDP displacing the APC is remote. Although the PDP has succeeded in wooing some chieftains, including cabinet members, the defections have not altered significantly the geo-political calculations. PDP is suffering from self-inflicted crisis. At its recent rally in Benin City, the state capital, controversy over N1.5 billion mobilisation money broke out. A cleric-politician is said to be at the centre of the controversy. Many youths, who turned up for the rally at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, cried out that they were shortchanged. The dust has not settled. The controversial politician denied that he embezzled the money. The youths were, however, not satisfied with his clarification. To them, the actual amount has not been declared. The controversy rages on. Besides, many party members are still protesting the outcome of primaries in many constituencies.

Oyo Before the primaries, many thought that the Oyo PDP had a bright future. But the shadow poll compounded the problems of the chapter. There are now four PDP factions in the Pacesetter State. The first is the mainstream PDP, which produced Senator Teslim Folarin as the candidate. The second is Accord Party (AP), led by Senator Rashidi Ladoja. The third is the Labour Party (LP), which is fielding former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala as the flag bearer. The fourth is the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which has Seyi Makinde as its candidate. Ladoja, Alao-Akala and Makinde are

Ondo The PDP in Ondo State has been in pains since 2007 when it was disgraced at the polls. The late Governor Segun Agagu was defeated by the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Dr. Segun Mimiko. Since then, the PDP has not been insulated from crisis. Despite Mimiko’s return to the PDP, the crisis has not abated. Instead, his return has aggravated the crisis. Following disagreement with the governor, some aggrieved LP chieftains had defected to the PDP. However, when the governor defected, they were back to square one. The distribution of elective offices during the primaries was based on the dichotomy of the ‘old’ and the ‘new’ PDP. Many old PDP members who had hoped to vie for parliamentary positions were compelled to sacrifice their ambitions to the defectors. In fact, the defectors led by Mimiko had upper hand because of their perceived numerical strength. In anger, some old PDP members hurriedly jumped into the APC tent. Aggrieved chieftains who have not defected are still fighting for their future. Reconciliation has been futile.

Cross River

• Akpabio

•Mu'azu

•Dr. Jonathan

PDP has a hurdle to cross. It is the challenge of zoning. The perception is that the opposition party has violated the principle. Amaechi, an Ikwerre, had proposed power shift to the lowland area from the upland area in the spirit of fairness and justice. In his view, power shift to the area that has not enjoyed the slot for 16 years will give the area a sense of belonging. The APC has now taken up the challenge of zoning based on equity by fielding Peterside, who hails from the lowland area. This may work for the PDP at the polls.

PDP chieftains in disguise. The polarisation has implications for the PDP. It is now more weakened than it was four years ago. Therefore, there is no evidence to show that it can withstand the APC candidate and incumbent Governor Abiola Ajimobi at the polls.

Bayelsa Bayelsa is the home state of President Jonathan. The governorship election will hold in the state next year. Ordinarily, next month’s general elections should be a walkover for the PDP but certain factors may make it impossible. The rift between Governor Seriake Dickson and President’s wife Dame Patience, has continued to fester. Mrs. Jonathan, who resigned as Permanent Secretary from Bayelsa State Civil Service, is not in talking terms with the governor. In fact, there were allegations that her foot soldiers were pushing for the impeachment of the governor. During his recent visit to the state, the President clarified that he is an avid supporter of the governor. The declaration has doused the tension in the party. Unless there is a genuine reconciliation, the cracks on the wall may become widened and PDP may play into the hands of the opposition.

Rivers

Between 1999 and last year, PDP was the dominant party in Rivers State. But, the tide changed, following the defection of Governor Rotimi Amaechi to the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), now APC. The APC has been growing in leaps and bounds in the state. But, the internal challenge to Chief Nyesom Wike’s candidature is almost proportional to the threat posed by the APC candidate, House of Representatives member Dakuku Peterside. Rivers is reputed for its four million bloc vote. Under the two-party system, the feat is difficult. Manipulation will be very difficult now that voters are more vigilant.

In Cross River State, there is a gulf between Governor Liyel Imoke and other PDP gladiators. The governor has been accused of deliberately frustrating his colleague at the bar, Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba, who had planned to return to the Upper Chamber. Senate President David Mark, who had anticipated the danger to Ndoma-Egba’s ambition, had offered to broker truce between the governor and Senate Leader, who are from the same senatorial district. Two days to the primaries, Mark sent his friend, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, a retired Brig-General, to Calabar, the state capital, to beg the governor. But, Imoke disagreed. The governor, sources said, was annoyed at the activities of some politicians who wanted him dead when he was hospitalised abroad. Also, the running battle between the two lawyers assumed a new dimension during the governorship primaries. Ndoma-Egba was allegedly rooting for Jeddy Agba for the slot. But Imoke and his predecessor, Donald Duke, preferred Prof. Ben Ayade. The primary election is still generating ripples. Besides, many Cross River elders are unhappy with President Jonathan for the role he placed in the ceding of some oil wells from the state to Akwa Ibom State.

Kwara The weakest PDP chapter is the Kwara. Following the defection of Senator Bukola Saraki, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and other big wigs to the APC, the party became a shadow of itself. There is acrimony in the decimated chapter over the emergence of Senator Simeon Ajibola as the governorship candidate. Many PDP leaders believe that his candidature cannot fly. In fact, the senator rode on the back of the Saraki political family to fame. Since his emergence as the candidate, other aspirants slowed down on their mobilisation for the party.

Continued on Monday

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

NEWS NYSC partners agency on girls’ education

HE National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has entered into a partnership with a global humanitarian agency, Mercy Corps, to implement a project tagged: “Educating Nigerian Girls in New Enterprises (ENGINE)”. Mercy Corps is the lead implementing partner for ENGINE, which is a multi-donor funded programme supported by DFID, Coca Cola Export Company and the Nike Foundation. The programme is planned to improve the learning outcomes and economic status of marginalised adolescent teenage girls in Kano and Kaduna states, the Federal Capital Territory and Lagos. The NYSC and Mercy Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday which will involve engaging female corps members to deliver extra hours of classes to girls in schools that have been selected for the programme. NYSC Director-General Brigadier General Johnson Olawumi hailed the initiative, saying government alone

should not be left to carry out development. The Director-General remarked that partnering with Mercy Corps would enhance the NYSC scheme’s visibility and also help the corps in achieving its goals. He promised that the NYSC would fulfill its own side of the MoU. Country Director of the Mercy Corps, Iveta Ouvry, said the objective of the organisation, which is working in about 42 countries was to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build, secure productive and just communities among others. Ouvry said the partnership with the NYSC to educate Nigerian girls is meant to empower the target group as part of efforts to transform communities. Acting Director of Community Development Service and Special Projects in the NYSC Headquarters, Mrs. Victoria Okakwu, said corps members would put in two hours every week to teach young girls in science subjects.

Donor agencies withdraw from HIV/AIDS programme • Fed Govt, states to take over From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

HE federal and state governments have concluded plans to take over the national programme on Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) after donor agencies gave notice of their withdrawal from sponsoring the programme. Director General, National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA) Prof. John Odoko broke the news at a one-day stakeholders meeting on NACA/SURE-P and HIV/AIDS project implementation in Umuahia, Abia State. Idoko explained that the federal and state agencies should properly appraise and evaluate their capabilities to take over the management of the programme so that it does not collapse as the international partners and donor agencies make their exit. He explained that the anticipated taken over by both the federal and state governments was necessitated by the dwindling funding from the donor agencies and other partners involved in the programme. Idoko, who was represented by the deputy director general, Dr. Priscilla Ibekwe, said a recent meeting of stakeholders was held in Abuja to adopt an effective approach that would further help to reduce the prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS.

ECOWAS to integrate national plans

EMBER-STATES of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have started the process of integrating regional progammes and aspirations into their national development plans. The move is aimed at facilitating the realisation of the objective of regional economic development and integration. As a prelude to achieving the strategy, national planning experts from ECOWAS member-states and civil society organisations have began a three-day meeting in Lagos, which will end today. ECOWAs is hosting the parley in conjunction with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of National Planning. The civil society organisations attending the meeting include the West African Network for Peace-building (WANEP), West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF) and the West African Civil Society Institute (WACSI). Speaking at the opening of the meeting on Wednesday,

Director of ECOWAS Strategic Planning Directorate Mr. Essien Abel Essien said “where the political will is strong, it should be easier for a country to draw up its national development plans, strategies and programmes with regional considerations. He noted that owing to internal problems and competing demands on their limited resources, “many countries tend to put much more emphasis on national than on regional projects.” To him, the ideal situation was for countries to “ensure efficient coordination between the objectives and instruments of regional integration and national policy-making” since “ECOWAS requires a planning process that is participatory and inclusive.” Essien added that ECOWAS’ commitment to the process informed the reason for the gathering of national planning experts to deliberate on the methodology for facilitating the coordination and integration of regional aspirations into national plans.

•Brig.-Gen. Olawumi (right) and Ouvry at the event in Abuja...on Wednesday.

Buhari to meet British leaders in London

HE presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari, is to address the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, in London during his short visit to the United Kingdom. A statement from the APC Presidential Campaign Organisation said Buhari, who left Abuja for the United Kingdom yesterday on a short working visit, is expected to hold meetings with key British politicians and interact with some global institutions with interest in Nigeria’s affairs. The APC campaign organi-

•Party accuses NIMASA of sponsoring hate advert From Tony Akowe, Abuja

sation also said in a statement by its spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, that it had evidence that a top management worker of the Nigerian Maritime Administration & Safety Agency (NIMASA) was behind the hate campaign against its presidential candidate and his family aired in the documentary on AIT, NTA and several other media platforms. While saying that the action contravened the NIMASA Act, the Public Service Regulations, and the INEC Act 2010 as amended, among others, the

party decried the situation, where a government agency, uses public funds to sponsor an illegal campaign of calumny against its candidate. He said the action should be investigated by the Joint Committees of the National Assembly on Marine Transportation, stressing that if these claims were found to be true, disciplinary action should be taken against the agency and its leadership. The APC campaign condemned the illegal use of public funds by the chief executive of any government agency to finance disparaging media

campaign against an opposition candidate. It also decried the increasing helplessness of regulatory agencies in the country, charged with the certification of commercial advertising, that are now being ignored by the PDP in placing libellous and defamatory campaign materials against the opposition in TV stations they control. The party said President Goodluck Jonathan should prove to Nigerians that he was sincerely committed to the rule of law by taking immediate action against the NIMASA chief.

I’m fit for trial, says alleged terrorist Okah

OUR years after he was arraigned with three others, suspected terrorist, Charles Okah, told a Federal High Court yesterday that he was now fit to stand trial. He said his recovery and healthy look was as a result of the intervention of the International Red Cross and the British High Commission, which provided him with basic needs, including bedding materials. “I do not want my health to be a factor any more in this case as it had been before now. I was actually ill. I did not pretend and never deliberately tried to stall this trial. The condition in the prison has now improved. They now allow me to exercise,” Okah told the court. The suspect, who was al-

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

lowed to address the court, said he might no longer be able to recognise his children because the prison authorities had denied his family access to him. He added that he was not provided with sufficient medical attention and denied opportunity to undergo medical examinations in government’s hospitals. At a point, Okah raised his polo T-shirt, exposing a long scare on the left part of his stomach. He pointed at it and said: “Three years ago, I donated one of my kidneys to my mother. I am a half man now, who requires constant checkups. But, the government hospitals do not have the facilities required for it. But I am ready for trial. I am

eager to clear my name and prove my innocence.” Okah, Obi Nwabueze, Edmund Ebiware and Tiemkemfa Francis-Osvwo (a.k.a. General Gbokos) were first arraigned before the court on December 7, 2010 for their alleged complicity in the October 1, 2010 bomb explosion in Abuja, which left about 12 people dead and many injured. Francis-Osvwo died later in prison custody, while another, Ebiware, who had his trial conducted separately, is serving life sentence upon his conviction in 2013, leaving Okah and Nwabueze. The prosecution, led by Alex Iziyon (SAN), had been unable to start trial in relation to Okah and Nwabueze for the last two years, owing to claims by Okah that

he was ill. Yesterday, it was a fit Okah, who attended court. During proceedings, a lawyer from the Legal Aid Council, S.A. Abula, told the court that his agency was yet to retrieve the case records and court processes from the court’s registry, to enable it decide on how to handle the case. Although Iziyon was not comfortable with the development, he conceded to the adjournment sought by Abula, following which Justice Kolawole adjourned to April 23 for the start of trial. While exiting the court, an elated Okah smiled broadly. He raised arms, saying: “As you can see, I am looking good now.” Okah even jumped up on seeing that television cameras were focused on him.

U.S. supports Safe School Initiative with $2m

HE United States of America (USA) has donated $2 million to support the Safe School Initiative (SSI). It donated the money yesterday into the Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) set up by the United Nations (UN) to support the initiative. The project is aimed at meeting the education needs of thousands of children affected by the conflict in the Northeast states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa. With this donation, proceeds into the MDTF have risen to $4 million.

From Tony Akowe, Abuja

This is aside from the $10 million (about N1.6 billion) Safe Schools Initiative Trust Fund with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to help rehabilitate and provide security for schools in the North following the abduction of female pupils at Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State. Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala and United States (U.S.) Ambassador to Nigeria James

F. Entwistle jointly signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the transfer of the $2 million yesterday in Abuja. Okonjo-Iweala said government was planning to provide full scholarships for 2,400 school children from Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states to enable them to be transferred to 43 Federal Unity Colleges to continue their education. According to her, “that process is now in full swing. After receiving counselling, the first batch of about 1,007 students is now in schools, and others

are on their way. “The parents will receive a grant that will enable them visit their children in school, while the pupils will also receive grants to ensure that they can go home when school closes. About 44 school children from Chibok will be among those in the second batch, which we are currently processing.” Entwistle said: “The U.S. government is proud to support this initiative of Nigeria’s children who have been affected by the insurgency so that they do not see their hopes for education sacrificed.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

NEWS

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2014

Oyo Assembly removes caretakers From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

HE Oyo State House of Assembly has directed the Head of Local Government Administration (HLA) of the 33 local governments to take over the administration of the councils. The Speaker, Mrs. Monsurat Sunmonu, announced the decision during plenary yesterday. She directed the auditorgeneral of local governments to appear before the House on Monday with audited copies of the activities of each local government in the last three years.

Five injured in Ibadan fracas

IVE persons were injured in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, yesterday as hoodlums suspected to be members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) attacked residents of Omi-Adio in a bloody fracas that broke out among residents and the hoodlums. The hoodlums were accused of breaking into homes, invading farmlands and excavating gravel and sand on land belonging to residents. Police spokesman Adekunle Ajisebutu said two suspects had been arrested. An eyewitness said the hoodlums wielded charms, cudgels, guns and other weapons when they attacked farm-

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

land owners in the area. One of the victims was said to have been hit with a charm and was convulsing. Residents said they had petitioned the commissioner of police on the incessant attacks by hoodlums and destruction of property in the area. The Asiwaju of Omi-Adio, Niyi Akintola, confirmed the incident, saying the matter was being handled by the police. The Chairman of the landlord association in the area, Nureni Adejumo, alleged frequent harassment and violent attack on residents and destruction of property by hired thugs.

Tambuwal seeks advice on use of military A

MID growing concern of lawmakers on the deployment of military personnel for elections, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal yesterday opted to seek professional advice on the subject. Tambuwal halted a debate on a motion on military deployment for elections and directed the Committees on Justice, Judiciary and Business and Rules to appropriately advise him on the subject. His decision followed the objection of Sunday Karimi (PDP Kogi) to the motion by the Minority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, who sought a probe of the roles played by the military deployed in last June 21 governorship election in Ekiti State. Gbajabiamila sought the House resolution calling on the Federal Government not

From Victor Oluwwsegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

to deploy military personnel during the general elections in compliance with the decision of the court. The Minority leader also asked the House to urge the Federal Government, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), military authority and stakeholders to obey the decision of the Federal High Court. He noted with dissatisfaction the deployment of military personnel in polling units for election purposes, contrary to Section 217 of the 1999 Constitution According to him, the maintenance of public safety and public order anywhere in Nigeria, including all polling

units and wars during elections, was a constitutional function of the police under Sections 214 and 215 of the constitution. “We are aware of a secretly-recorded audio tape involving some personnel of the military, now in the public domain, revealing or suggesting how the election in Ekiti State was allegedly rigged. “It is also disturbing that the presence of military personnel in polling units and wards is capable of generating unwarranted apprehension that will scare away innocent citizens, thereby preventing them from peacefully and willfully exercising their franchise.” Karimi objected to the motion in a point of order, say-

•Tambuwal

ing that reference could not be made to a subject that is under litigation. The Speaker cautioned his colleagues, saying “In view of the sensitivity of the matter and the unfolding political events in the country, I want us to take this matter very seriously.” Subsequently, he mandated the three committees to work on the motion and advised the House appropriately on the status of the subject.

Two arrested for ‘child cruelty’ From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

WO ladies, identified as Sade and Elizabeth, have been arrested in Ago-Owu village in Itori, Ogun State, for alleged cruelty to a two-year-old child. The girl, whose mouth was gagged and her hands and feet tied, was dumped in an unoccupied room, adjoining a 12-room bungalow. It was gathered that a neighbour, Iya Lati and her visitor heard the baby’s cries and alerted the police. Sources said the police from Itori Divisional Headquarters rescued the baby after they forced the door of the room open. The baby’s mother is said to be ill and has been taken to an undisclosed location by her relatives; her daughter was left in her husband’s custody. They said Sade was the live-in lover of the baby’s father. Police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the case would be transferred to the Eleweran Command Headquarters for further investigation.

Proprietors protest in Ondo

EMBERS of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) in Ondo State are on “a war path” with the government, following what they described as “heavy tax and obnoxious policies”. Addressing reporters yesterday in Akure, the state capital, the aggrieved proprietors, led by their President, Pastor Goke Orimoloye, said an average school paid N3million yearly. Orimoloye said due to the government’s inconsistent policies, private schools now have to pay the government, Ministry of Education and the local government. He said: “The Board of Internal Revenue collects N2,000,200 yearly. We pay the Ministry of Education a renewal college fee for N125,000 and N80,000 for primary school. We pay N30,000 to the local government for the premises. The Ministry of Education also collects N90,000

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

for JSS 3 examination for 60 pupils; for SS 2 examination we pay N55,000 for 55 pupils. “For the primary six examination, the ministry collects N50,000 for 50 pupils. Our tenement rates, which we pay to the local government, is between N50,000 and N120,000 yearly. Local government vehicle document (mobile advert) is N20,000. Signage to the Board of Internal Revenue is N15,000. “Rebranding of vehicle in Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) colour (per bus) N150,000. We also pay re-accreditation fees (for colleges) to the ministry N50,000 and primary schools N30,000. “For sanitation we pay N50,000. In total, the ministry collects N480,000 ; local government N50,000; Board of Internal Revenue N2,015,200; FRSC N150,000 and Ministry of Environment N50,000.”

‘Obasanjo has torn PDP’s future’ From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

HE Ibadan People Association (IPA) has described the dumping of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by former President Olusegun Obasanjo as the healthiest development in Nigeria’s democracy. Its National President, Abdulhakeem Adegoke Alawuje, said: “What Obasanjo tore is beyond his PDP membership card, he has torn the future of PDP in Nigeria. “If a former President and PDP’s founding father could tear his membership card in public, this is a sign that the PDP ship is sinking. “Whether we like it or not, Obasanjo remains a respected elder statesman in the country. He is not an ingrate as some people described him. He has warned President Goodluck Jonathan several times on the level of injustice in the party and after failing to address them, Obasanjo felt there was no point in remaining in the party. “

•Participants at National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and Subsidy Re-Investment Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) implementation stakeholders' meeting in Umuahia, the Abia State capital…yesterday PHOTO: NAN

Fayose disagrees with judges on use of soldiers for polls

KITI State Governor Ayo Fayose has slammed appellate court judges for affirming a Federal High Court ruling that it is illegal to use soldiers for election duties. Fayose, who featured in his monthly media chat “Meet Your Governor”, accused the Justice Abdu Aboki-led five-man jury of “playing to the gallery” in holding that the President lacked the power to deploy troops for elections. The governor insisted that the President had the power to deploy the military to any part of the country. He accused the opposition and other critics of soldiers’ involvement in election of crying wolf where there was none. Fayose accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of hypocrisy, saying

•APC to governor: stop denigrating judiciary From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

the party which is opposed to the deployment of the military for elections won the governorship election in Osun State, which involved the use of soldiers. There was outcry over the “militarisation” of the Osun elections, contrary to Fayose’s views. He accused the opposition of employing propaganda in the audio recording of a secret meeting in which military officers and senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members allegedly plotted to rig last June 21 governorship election. But the APC slammed the governor, accusing him of holding a revered institution as the Judiciary in contempt. It said his latest verbal at-

tack on judges smacked of contempt of court and brazen attempt to blackmail the judges. Its Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatubosun, in a statement yesterday, said the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal could not be wrong in delivering judgments banning the use of the military for electoral duties. “His attack on the judges is a continuation of his assault on the judiciary when he allegedly led thugs to attack the judges of the State High Court, tore their cloths and court records in the Chief Judge’s office while the CJ’s secretary was beaten up. “How can a Federal High Court in Jos and the Appeal Court make a pronouncement on the same subject banning the Federal Govern-

ment from deploying soldiers for elections and it now becomes the lot of only Fayose among the nation’s politicians to raise objection and castigate the judges? “To demonstrate his depth of lawlessness and desperation, he went ahead to denigrate the Appeal Court judges as APC’s allies in the judiciary who can never stop President Goodluck Jonathan from deploying soldiers for elections. “Fayose was declared governor because he was supported by the military as revealed in the audio tape that captured the voices of some characters that helped him rig his purported election. “This is a man who denied that his voice was caught on tape planning rigging with his co-conspirators but later admitted when the evidence was too glaring.”

Ekiti varsity students protest late registration fee

HE imposition of a N10,000 late registration fee by the authorities of the Ekiti State University (EKSU) triggered a protest by the students yesterday. The placard-carrying students took to the streets of Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, as early as 7am, singing antimanagement songs. They blocked the Ado-Iworoko Highway. The protest forced some motorists to use one side of the dual carriage way; oth-

•Police teargas protesters From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

ers took alternative routes. Besides the contentious late registration fee, the students are also enraged by the N5,000 entrepreneurship fee, epileptic power supply on campus and closure of portals. The students marched on the Governor’s Office but were prevented by armed policemen, who teargassed

them. The students regrouped at the gate of Christ’s School, where Governor Ayo Fayose came to “pacify” them. Their spokesman, who pleaded for anonymity, accused the management of making life difficult for them, by imposing what he called “underhand levies”. While calling for the abrogation of the late registration fee, the protest leader also

called for the reversal of the entrepreneurship fee and advocated the reopening of the university portal. Fayose announced the reversal of the N10,000 registration fee and other issues, which triggered the protest. He said his administration would not interfere in the running of the university. On electricity, the governor urged the students, especially those living outside the campus, to tell their landlords to pay their electricity bills.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015 THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2014

NEWS ‘Don’t screen Obanikoro’

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has reiterated its stand that former Minister of State for Defence Musiliu Obanikoro should not be cleared for ministerial appointment. In a statement in Lagos by its Publicity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe, the party said Nigeria must not continue to reward persons with questionable character in a nation where good and quality people were not in short supply. “Ekitigate scandal is such a weighty and monumental fraud that cannot be swept under carpet as it rocks and undermines the very foundation of our democratic journey. “Obanikoro and his cotravellers in the Ekitigate scandal must be brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others. When offenders are not punished the hearts of the people are schemed to continue to do wrong. “What is the purpose of reappointing the former minister who has just lost out in a primary, if not to continue to use the exalted position to plunder our common patrimony at this critical point in the nation’s history? “We in Lagos APC reject Obanikoro, we denounce this reappointment, and we strongly urge the Senate not to confirm him in the interest of the country and democracy.”

Be fair, advises Ambode

HE governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has urged law enforcement agents to provide adequate security for parties during the elections. He said this at a stakeholders’ meeting with the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and parties. The APC candidate advised security agencies to see themselves as agents of the state and not of any particular party. Ambode said: “There is a need to build agencies like the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) and other parastatals as enduring institutions. “They must rise above partisan politics and not be subject to the whims and caprices of political office holders. “Enduring institutions are vital to the success of the democratic experiment in Nigeria. Their role is to provide adequate security for all the parties involved in the campaigns, during and after the election to ensure that hoodlums do not attack perceived opponents.” He praised INEC's promise to conduct a free and fair election and hoped that it will make everything possible to keep this promise to Nigerians. Saying that Nigerians are itching for change and are ready to vote for credible candidates, Ambode urged the people to freely exercise their voting rights.

I’ve not endorsed any presidential candidate, says Akiolu L

AGOS monarch Oba Rilwanu Akiolu has said he has not endorsed any presidential candidate. Oba Akiolu spoke yesterday at the inauguration of four Nigerian Navy ships by President Goodluck Jonathan at the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island. He dismissed speculations that he endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari. “Who gave you that rumour? Who said so? Some of the things they are writing, like that former Minister Obanikoro, I went to his mother that she should warn him. For the presidency, I support the best person. “If I want to do something I do not pretend. Allah will give the presidency to the person Nigerians want.”

By Precious Igbonwelundu

The monarch used the opportunity to reiterate his support for the candidature of APC’s Akinwunmi Ambode for Lagos governor, adding that he acted in God’s wisdom in picking Ambode. “I have my reason for saying it and I do not hide it. I acted in God’s wisdom and picked Ambode and by the grace of God, he will be the governor of this state.” The monarch took a swipe at former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Minister of State for Defence Musiliu Obanikoro, accusing the former of crying foul. He praised the President for the new acquisition, adding that “the very energy which God gave them to do this, they

should do many other things for the country so that all will be well with us.” Akiolu who said the Dockyard, a large area of land, was collected from a family in the colonial days without compensation, urged the Federal Government to do something to solve the inherited problem. On election postponement, he said the reason given by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was acceptable, adding that he was hopeful that the elections will hold on March 28 and April 11. He said: “The President and INEC have told us that the elections will take place and I hope by the grace of God, it will be like that. For the time being, the intent and purposes for the

postponement is acceptable. “It is the responsibility of all of us to ensure we have free, fair, credible and acceptable general elections. “God gives leadership to whomever he wants. When the time comes, no human being can stop it. So many things are going wrong in this country now. Some people do not want to say the truth but it is the truth that will liberate us and may God give us all long life so that we will see.” The monarch lambasted Obasanjo for the pains he caused Lagos State between 1999 and 2007 when he was president, adding that “God gives many people long live so that they can get enough punishment, like what is happening now”.

From left: Moderator Mrs. Yemisi Ransome-Kuti; Alliance for Democracy(AD) governorship candidate Bolaji Ogunseye, National Conscience Party candidate Ayodele Akele and KOWA candidate Oloye Victor Adeniyi at a Town Hall meeting organised by civil society groups in Lagos State and Citizen Networks in Ikeja… yesterday. PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

Suspect held in hospital for Ibadan cult clash

NE person has been arrested in the fracas between Eiye and Aiye fraternities in Agbowo, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. Police spokesman Adekunle Ajisebutu said:”One suspect was arrested yesterday at an undisclosed hospital, where he was receiving treatment. “He has been transferred to the University College Hospital (UCH), where he is receiving treatment under the watchful eyes of security operatives. After his recovery, he will be transferred to the department of criminal investigation.” Ajisebutu said nobody was

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

killed, urging residents not to panic because police patrol vans had been dispatched in the area. “We have also ensured that adequate protection is in place to prevent a reccurrence.” At the Agbowo/ University of Ibadan (UI) community yesterday, many shops were closed and most streets deserted. Recounting their ordeal, some shop owners and residents described the incident as a terrible experience. A shop owner said: “I heard that some thugs were

coming from Akingbola area, I thought it was child’s play until I started hearing gunshots. They came towards the complex and down to Agbowo/Amure side, that was when we started packing and closing our shops. I think the gunshots were to scare people away.” A resident of Ajetumobi Street said: “How will these shop owners open? They were scared because Yahaya (alleged cultist) who was killed was still sighted on Wednesday. The incident happened around 4:30pm. Policemen have been patrolling the area which is adding

to our fear because they may arrest innocent people.” An eyewitness said: “All of a sudden we heard sporadic shootings at the UI/Agbowo axis; it was like a war scene. They were about 50 in number. It was a clash between the Aiye and Eiye cult groups. “The feud started three weeks ago from a football field inside the school. They pursued themselves hotly to Ajetumobi Street and engaged themselves. Yahaya was killed because he had a leg injury and could not run very fast. Yahaya belonged to the Aiye fraternity.”

‘Post-Confab summit dominated by PDP loyalists’

LEADER of the PanYoruba group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo yesterday expressed his displeasure over the set of invitees who attended a post- National Conference Summit convened by Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko. The theme of the summit: 2015 Elections and Yoruba

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Nation, was majorly attended by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains in the Southwest. Adebanjo, who chaired the event, said the summit was more or less a PDP affair, saying he was expecting prominent Yoruba sons and daughters across all parties, including traditional and religious

Lagos approves chieftaincy titles

HE Lagos State Executive Council yesterday approved the creation of recognised chieftaincy titles for five towns in the Lekki Local Council Development Area. In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lateef Ibirogba, the Council also approved the appointment of incumbent chiefs into the positions. They are Baale of Itoke Chief Lateef Shokoya; Baale of Olomowewe Chief Sefiu Akorede Aguda and Baale of Ilege Chief Shakiru Amodu Ejalonibu. Others are Baale of Imobido Chief Lateef Oluwagbemiga Jegede and Baale of Oke Segun Chief Sabiu Adeyemi.

leaders. The elder statesman said: “When I was asked to chair the summit, I said why, where was the Commissioner from Ondo State, Remi Olatunbora, who led us at the Confab? He is the one who should have convened the summit. I regard that as dereliction of duty on his part. “The summit ought to have held some months back to give report to the people who sent us to the conference. This was what made me attend and accept to be the chairman. “My observation here is that the summit seems to be dominated by the PDP. This is no PDP show because all the PDP candidates are here in the summit. The summit should be more important than a PDP affair. If you are convening something like this in future give the impression that we

are doing it on a nonpartisan basis. However, Adebanjo, while reading the communiqué, said the gathering has resolved to fully back and work for the reelection of President Goodluck Jonathan in the presidential elections, as only this could guarantee the implementation of the Confab recommendations. The communique was signed by 10 of those who attended the summit include; Mimiko, Dr. Fredrick Fasehun, Coordinator of Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams, among others. It also said the Yoruba nation is going to ensure that the confab recommendations get translated to concrete realities. Chiefs Reuben Fasoranti, Olu Falae and Sehinde Arogbofa were absent, but they sent their apologies.

‘Poly crisis not yet over’ From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

HE crisis rocking the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, is far from over, the major unions of the institution said yesterday. They faulted the claim by the management that normalcy has returned to the polytechnic, following a meeting between the Rector, Dr. Theresa Akande, and some workers. The rector promised to pay all the outstanding check-off dues. The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Non Academic Staff Union (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) are locked in a battle with the management over issues of check-off dues and implementation of CONTISS 15, among others. SSANIP Chairman Dr. Oluwole Ayeni said: “It is quite unfortunate that the rector is telling the public that the crisis has been resolved when she is yet to address all issues raised against her. We have said that we have no personal scores to settle with her. “Nobody can call the workers back except the unions, because we declared the strike in the first place. “The truth is there is stalemate in the polytechnic. Even, the students are not happy because when the rector told to resume there was no provision for academics.”

Oyo APC petitions police From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has petitioned the commissioner of police, following an attack on the convoy of the wife of the governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, in Ibadan, the state capital. The party alleged that some political thugs believed to be working for a former governor waylaid the governor’s wife, who was returning from an engagement and caught up with the occupants of the last two cars in the convoy. In a statement by its Director of Publicity and Strategy, Olawale Sadare, the APC alleged that some thugs on the ex-governor’s payroll led the attacks, resulting in the destruction of two of the vehicles in Mrs. Ajimobi’s convoy. He gave the names of the perpetrators as Ekugbemi, Agunbiade and Saidi (aka SP). “It is not surprising that the ex-governor and his cohorts are doing everything possible to disrupt the existing peace and tranquility in the state. “We call on security agents to bring the perpetrators of this dastardly act to justice and keep a tab on all the politicians in the state so that the people can continue to enjoy peace.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

There is nothing wrong in having a robust renewable energy programme in the country. In fact, government has taken a step in that direction by introducing the: ‘Light Up Nigeria’ scheme. - Director-General, National Power Training Institute of Nigeria, Rueben Okeke

Return of unclaimed dividend to firms legal, says SEC

HE Securities and Ex change Commission (SEC) directive that unclaimed dividends be returned to companies after 15 months of declaration is in compliance with the existing law on dividend declaration. SEC’s Acting DirectorGeneral, Mounir Gwarzo, who made this clarification in Abuja when the leadership of the major shareholders’ associations in Nigeria visited him yesterday in Abuja, said the step is aimed at pro-

• Companies urged to lead the way From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor)

tecting the investing public. He pointed out that the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) has resolved the issue, saying unclaimed dividend should revert to the companies after 15 months and that the companies should not invest the monies in their operations.

He said SEC has directed Registrars to make e-dividend payments directly into the bank accounts of investors, adding that shareholders should be encouraged to have their bank accounts ready and make them available to the registrars to facilitate e-dividend payment and reduce the volume of unclaimed dividend. Gwarzo, in a meeting with

• From left: Executive Commissioner (Corporate Services) SEC, Rt. Hon. Zakawanu Garuba, Deputy Governor (Financial System Stability) Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Okwu Joseph Nnana; Acting Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mounir Gwarzo; Executive Commissioner (Legal and Enforcement) SEC, Mrs. Saadatu Ballo and Acting Executive Commissioner (Operations) SEC, Mr. Abatcha Bulama during a visit by the CBN Deputy Governor to the Commission’s headquarter in Abuja...yesterday.

N59.258b NCC budget passes second HE N59.258 billion for transfer to Unireading earmarked 2015 budget for the Ni versal Service Fund and the

gerian Communications Commission (NCC) passed the second reading in the House of Representatives yesterday. The budget was referred to the House Committee on Communications for further legislative attention, paving the way for a subsequent final reading and approval, In the NCC’s 2015 budget,

From Victor Oluwasegun and dele Anofi, Abuja

N16.242 billion was for the recurrent expenditure, while N10.978 billion was for transfer to the Federal Government of Nigeria. While reading the provision of the bill, House Leader, Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola, explained that N8.682 billion was

balance of N21.175 billion is for capital and special projects for the Commission in the fiscal year. She said the Commission’s 2015 recurrent expenditure of N16.242 billion was higher than that of the 2014 fiscal year owing to the recruitment of competent hands to help improve the service delivery of the commission.

ALSCON, KVT to generate 410Mw

HE Nigerian Electric ity Regulatory Com mission (NERC), has issued two on-grid electricity generation licences to KVK Power Nigeria PVT Limited and Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria Plc to generate electricity from solar and gas respectively. Alscon application for an ongrid electricity generation is in respect of a 360MW gas-fired plant at Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom and a permit in respect of a 180MW Captive Power Generation in the same location, was approved and issued after the review of an objection to the license issuance by BFI Group was found not to affect the grant of the license. In the same vein, KVT Power on-grid power is to be located in Yabo, Sokoto state, having met the requirements for the grant of 50 MW on-grid generation. Head, Public Affairs Depart-

• Electricity market supplies 3,424.11 MW From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

ment of NERC, Dr. Usman Abba Arabi made this known in a statement yesterday. The statement quoted Amadi as saying that “our system is to ensure that whoever is licenced is able to carry the construction to completion. What we can tell the licencee is that we will support you in any way we can as you make progress.” He said the Commission would be available to assist the licencee when the need for power purchase agreement arises. Chairman, KVK Nigeria, Ambassador Abubakar Cika, praised the transformation agenda of the President Jonathan administration in reforming the power sector. He

said that it was unfortunate that there has been lots of negative comments from different quarters about the sector; with people failing to realise that Rome was not built in one day. He said that KVT is in collaboration with Indian partners. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) has recorded energy sent out of 3,424.11Mega Watts (MW), leaving an evacuation gap of 70.85 gap that the Transmission Company of Nigeria ( TCN) could not wheel to the electricity distribution companies (Discos). The statistics however noted that the market hit a peak generation of 3,768.2MW same date. In its penultimate statistics dated 10th February, 2015, sent out was 2,869.84MW to the Discos for onward distribution to the customers. From the latest data, it means that the electricity market recorded an increase of 554.27MW in seven days.

with Company Secretaries and Legal Advisers of Manufacturing Companies, urged them to be in the vanguard of supporting the directive to Registrars to return unclaimed dividends to the companies after the stipulated period, insisting that there is no reason why Registrars should keep the unclaimed dividends beyond the period stipulated by law. He said the companies should be in the vanguard of supporting the position of the law on dividend return, insisting that SEC is interested in the movement of the funds from the Registrars to the companies. He explained that the Commission is putting finishing touches on rules regarding conduct of Annual General Meetings, saying that e-filing of returns by quoted firms and operators would commence in the next few weeks. He urged both the capital market operators and public companies to take advantage of the innovation and ensure that all applications comply fully with its

rules and regulations. On the legacy issue, Gwarzo said a committee has already been set up between the SEC, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc to resolve the matter. He said the Commission has finalised the Investor Protection Fund, aimed at boosting investor confidence, while there is collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for direct payment of dividends to bank accounts of shareholders. He informed the stakeholders that the Commission would soon embark on massive a public enlightenment programme to educate the public at the grass root so as to ensure that they get the full benefits of their investment. He said the public enlightenment will not be limited to dividend payment alone, but will include other recent issues in the market, like dematerialisation, straight through processing and Complaints Management Framework, stating that resolving these issues will

require collaboration with the various associations of the shareholders. The leadership of the shareholders associations that came to SEC included Sir Sunny Nwosu, Elder Goodluck Akpore, Dr. Faruk Umar, Eng. Francis Orji, Barr. Boniface Okezie, Chief Timothy Adesiyan and Chief Sola Abodunrin. They also expressed willingness to come together under one umbrella it is with the labour union where many associations are under the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC). The shareholder leaders also praised the Commission on the funding of the Investments and Securities Tribunal (IST) as according to them, this would strengthen the tribunal to undertake its activities effectively. Speaking earlier, a member of the Association, Godwin Samuel, said they were on the visit to congratulate the Ag. Director General on his recent appointment and assure the Commission of their partnership and explore avenues of fostering a more robust relationship.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

AGRICBUSINESS

Bird Flu: Fed Govt pays N140m to farmers A

HE Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina said the Federal Government has paid over N140million as compensation to farmers affected by the outbreak of the bird flu in the country. He made this known in Kano. He further said of the total amount paid to those affected farmers, Kano farmers got N100million representing 72 percent of those who lost their birds and those depopulated. Adesina, who paid a courtesy visit to Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso in his office, said out of the 16 states that were affected, Kano had the highest number of poultry farms affected which stood at 58 out of the 104 representing 56 percent. According to him, Kano also have the highest mortality rate, which is 21,447 out of 72,885,which is about 30percent of the 15 local government of the 44 that are affected, pointing out that,” we have done a lot in the de-populating the birds by working closely with the

From Kolade Adeyemi-Kano

states Ministry of Agriculture. “We have been able to de-populate 299,883 out of a total of 417,041. We have some challenges facing us, which we are soliciting Governor Kwankwaso’s intervention which is in the area of lack of compliance on farm quarantine, which is in the aspect of uncontrolled movement of birds from one farm to the other, which required the vigorous sensitisation and enforcement of quarantine couple with security of those clustered farms,” he added. Adesina explained that if we don’t clamp down on Kano over the bird flu issue, states like Jigawa, Katsina, Bauchi and others risk being affected, adding: “The only measure is to have inter-state border posts, where staff of the state and Federal Ministry of Agriculture can man and checkmate the movement of birds through a control measure that will not create panic and as such we are on top of the situation’’. Under the growth enhancement

scheme, over 1million farmers in Kano State in three years have benefitted from the subsidy of seeds and fertiliser from the partnership between the Federal Government and the state. The minister further explained that, the Federal Government has also approved a staple crops processing zone, in a new way of clustering production zone of food production under the Agricultural Production Zone (APZ), where the private sectors from those cities they are positioned to the rural space, by encouraging them to establish food manufacturing and processing plants by processing those crops like tomatoes, cassava, rice, sorghum as well as diary so that we can create new economic zones for the rural areas. He said for the staple crops process zones, the government has been able to attract N1billion from the World Bank, Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) and private sector for the provision of the needed infrastructure.

Kaduna farmers to benefit from N1b loan

TOTAL of 500 farmers in Kaduna State would benefit from N1 billion loan facility being provided by the Bank of Agriculture (BoA) in partnership with the state government. Of the amount, N500 million was provided by the state government while BoA provided the balance. Kaduna State Governor, Mukhtar Yero inaugurated the committee that would disburse the loan in Kaduna. According to him, the loan facility will go a long way to finance massive agricultural produce and agro allied businesses in the state. The governor said it was also a conscious effort by the government to generate revenue from agriculture in view of dwindling earnings from oil. Yero said the loan had an interest of five per cent, adding that it would be made available to qualified beneficiaries without delay. He pledged that the government would increase its investment in necessary technology to drive the agricultural sector to greater heights According to him, 10 coopera-

New West African project on using insects for feed

•A cross section of dignitaries at the event

WAAPP collaborates with entrepreneurs on rice production

N agro-entrepreneurial group made up of the agriculture graduates in Nigeria have successfully piloted a three-cycle rice production programme in Niger State in a bid to avail rice seeds to farmers. Agriculture Graduates Association of Nigeria (AGAN), a private sector-driven extension programme and an assemblage of young knowledgeable farmers, achieved this by introducing organic farming using the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), SRI is an initiative of the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP) assisted rice value chain innovation platform that enables improved yields, reduce the cost of production, improve rice quality and ensure sustainable cropping/mitigation measures. According to the leader of the association, Mr Hassaini Ilyasu, who spoke at the inauguration of the second cycle (dry season) for rice farming and the raising of nursery for the third cycle held at Sheshi Bikun in Niger State , the journey towards sustainable food security began with a successful collaboration with the WAAPP-Nigeria and a few other supporting partners like the Niger State Agricultural Mechanisation Agency (NAMDA). He said the association had success-

fully piloted three cycles of rice production scheme and increased the productivity of rice from the usual two tonnes to a new high of 5.5 tonnes per hectare. It had also started promoting community seed production to make improved seeds available and affordable to farmers, noting that the provision of free seeds by the government fell short of farmer’s demand. He acknowledged the special contribution of WAAPP-Nigeria to their projects in terms of supply of improved rice seeds, which had enabled them to attain their present level of success. Mr Ilyasu appealed for more assistance such as would enable their private sector extension programme to scale through its teething problems, adding that it would enable them to multiply benefits in the areas of food security, job creation, empowerment of farmers and ensuring sustainable agricultural development. The Managing Director of the Niger State Agricultural Management and Development Agency (NAMDA), Alhaji Baba Kutigi Madugu, challenged Nigerian youths to emulate the examples of the young agro entrepreneurs in the state by exploiting various windows of opportunities open to them, such as keying into the programme of seed multiplication, among others. The representative of the National Seed Council, Mr S. Idowu, eulogised the young farmers for their involve-

ment in the seed multiplication programme, which, he said, had made labour more beneficial to the local farmers. Last year,WAAPP, entered into collaboration with National Cereal Research Institute (NCRI) Baddegi and Niger State Agricultural and Mechanization Development Authority (NAMDA) to boost rice production and other cereal crops in the state. Niger State is among the few states selected for the programme, considering its rich potential for rice and other cereal crops. The areas of collaboration from the recent tour of the farm fields centred mostly on supply of improved seeds and multiplications. The national project coordinator of WAAPP, Prof Damian Okey Chikwendu, who was represented by Mr Shitu Hussaini, environmental focal point officer at the week long tour of the selected fields for the programme in the state, said that WAAPP is targeting root crops in the state. He listed the collaboration to include NCRI role in breeder and foundation seeds production as well as (SRI) with emphasis on rice and maize cultivation in the state. NAMDA, on the other hand, as field analysis indicated, was focusing on rice, maize, sorghum and yam through development of improved seedling to boost output as well as improve the well being of the farmers.

tive groups from each of the 23 local government areas would benefit from the loan. He also said 92 small scale farmers, 69 medium scale and 46 large scale farmers had also been screened and cleared to benefit from the facility. Yero warned that the loan was not largesse to political cronies but an intervention to genuine farmers, adding that the farmers must repay the loan. He told the beneficiaries that the Bank and the state Ministry for Agriculture would monitor the utilisation of the loan and ensure the recoveries at the appropriate time. The Managing Director of the bank, Mr Babatunde Sadiku, said the collaboration with the state government started six months ago. He said it was meant to harness the huge agricultural potential in the state and create jobs and wealth for the people. Sadiku said the facility was expected to support the production of rice, maize, wheat, ginger, tomato, onion and livestock.

HE Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF ) are partnering with PROteINSECT on how to use ‘Insects as feed in West Africa’. The project will focus on Benin, Ghana and Burkina Faso. In these countries, smallholder poultry and fish farmers suffer from the increasing cost of feed. Many of them do not have access to feed protein sources, resulting in quantitative and qualitative feed shortages affecting production of meat, eggs and fish, and reducing family income. A solution to develop sustainable household poultry farming and aquaculture systems is the use of untapped local, easily available and cheap protein sources such as insects. The most promising and commonly used species for feed are

the house fly and the black soldier fly. Termites are another type of insects that can be used for animal feed. It will test whether fly larvae and termites are an economically, socially and environmentally viable source of protein for poultry and fish feed on smallholder farms in West Africa. The concrete objectives will be: to develop appropriate methods for fly larvae and termite production and utilisation in smallholder farming systems, to understand and ensure the social, economic and environmental sustainability of the proposed innovations and to validate and implement the innovations with the beneficiaries, and disseminate the project’s findings to the stakeholders, general public, scientific community and policy makers.The project will run for six years.

Bauchi farmers benefit from wheat value-chain initiative

EGISTERED farmers numbering 400 have benefitted from the wheat value chain initiative of the Federal Government under its Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS). A Director in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Mohammed Yusuf, spoke in Bauchi. He explained that each farmer got three bags of fertiliser and improved seeds to enhance their production.

According to him, the cost of the input per farmer in the open market is N16, 600, but each beneficiary paid only N6, 150, while the government paid the balance. The director said the ministry also gave the farmers technical support with proper monitoring to ensure the attainment of the set goals of the wheat value chain. He noted that the support was part of the government’s efforts to boost wheat production.

Agric College partners FUNNAB on cassava value addition

HE Federal College of Agriculture, Akure has been awarded a grant by the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta covering April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2019. Known as Cassava: Adding Value for Africa Phase II (CAVA II), the grant is to help 200,000 small farmers to sell two million tonnes of cassava roots to make processed products such as high quality cassava flour, chips for animal feed and cassava starch in Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda and Malawi. Consequent upon this engagement, the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure is expected to work with the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and a host of other partners including Ondo

State cassava value chain actors to meet the poverty reduction creed of the project. The Provost of the College Dr. Samson Adeola Odedina, said the choice of the institution is informed by its relevance in the cassava sector and its commitment to providing world-class leadership in value chain activities and development in Nigeria. The college is also expected to partner the Team on Cassava Value addition (HQCF and other traditional cassava value chain) of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government. Stakeholders and value chain actors in Ondo State are expected to benefit from this collaboration.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

COMMENTARY LETTER

EDITORIAL

DHQ’s mud-slinging • Esprit de corps and decency were casualties in its attitude to Obasanjo

LREADY scandalised by the perceived influential role of the military in the decision to reschedule the country’s general elections by six weeks, Nigerians were further shocked by the foul reaction of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to remarks credited to former President Olusegun Obasanjo criticising the postponement of the polls. Obasanjo, who is also a former military head of state, had alleged that President Goodluck Jonathan and the service chiefs may be plotting an unconstitutional presidential tenure extension. The DHQ in a statement queerly posted on its Facebook page said in response: “Much as the military desires to respect the old General and his views, it has become necessary to point out that his conduct and unguarded utterances of late has fallen short of the standard of discipline expected of an individual who has had the privilege of service in the military and risen to the status of a General.” It further said: “The behaviour of retired General Obasanjo has been so unbecoming and continues to constitute a serious embarrassment to the military.” The DHQ added: “the world has moved beyond that parochial and self-adulating reasoning and mindset which he seems stuck to.” Unsurprisingly, some retired senior military officers have correctly expressed the view that the DHQ’s statement reflected a sorry state of affairs in the military, especially given the implication of disrespect for seniority and status conveyed by the indecorous language employed. Indeed, apart from the reality that Obasanjo is entitled to freedom of thought and expression, however unfa-

vourable this might be considered by the military authorities, the concept of discipline in the armed forces is a major casualty in this case. In the context of hallowed military practice, the DHQ’s rather frontal verbal aggression constituted a hierarchical convulsion and further exposed perhaps the unravelling of the famed esprit de corps. In the circumstances, the DHQ could have been, and should have been, more circumspect in communicating its displeasure, if any. Properly situated, the DHQ’s reaction was not only a lamentable wrong step but also a public relations disaster. At a time the people obviously have demonstrable reasons to be suspicious of the intentions of the military and its support for democratic institutions, and the onus is on the military to exhibit professional fidelity by shunning political temptations, the DHQ ought to have grasped the futility of its combative approach to Obasanjo’s claims. No degree of personality bashing or mud-slinging will be adequate to convincingly clarify and confirm the political neutrality and non-partisanship rationally expected of the armed forces, particularly at election periods. Therefore, the DHQ should seriously address the public questions and doubts about the armed forces and their role in the rescheduled polls, rather than concentrate on the observations of citizens who have a right to express their worries. Relevantly, it is instructive that the January 29 judgment by Justice R.M. Aikawa of the Federal High Court, Sokoto, and the February 16 decision of the Court of Appeal, Abuja, outlawed President Jonathan’s unilateral deployment of mem-

bers of the armed forces for election purposes. It is hoped that the Presidency will respect the position of the law. It is noteworthy that the DHQ also said in its statement: ”Indeed, he needs to be told that by virtue of their better training, exposure, education, assessment and environment, the military personnel of today are already far beyond his level in their appreciation of democracy and its indispensability for the stable and prosperous society which Nigerians cherish.” This pompous talk will simply not do, as the military seeks to repair its damaged image following observed signs of an alleged unholy romance between its leadership and the presidency. Certainly, what will redeem the armed forces is a concrete apolitical character informed by the letter and spirit of the country’s Constitution.

‘At a time the people obviously have demonstrable reasons to be suspicious of the intentions of the military and its support for democratic institutions, and the onus is on the military to exhibit professional fidelity by shunning political temptations, the DHQ ought to have grasped the futility of its combative approach to Obasanjo’s claims’

Show of shame • The NLC election fiasco was a disgrace and part of our serial loss of institutional integrity

F any event qualified to be referred to as a ‘show of shame’, the Nigeria Labour Congress’ (NLC) 11th National Delegates Conference held on February 12 was it. Not only did the conference fail to produce a new president to succeed the incumbent, Abdulwaheed Omar, it ended in crisis. Delegates at the conference began throwing chairs and exchanging fisticuffs when they should be electing a new leader. The ugly spectacle which took place at the Labour House Headquarters in Abuja immediately reminded us of the way our legislators sometimes behave or, worse still, the election by members of the road transport workers who often throw caution to the wind on such occasions. Things appeared to be going smoothly until some discrepancies were noticed in the ballot papers. Three candidates began the struggle for Labour’s Number One

‘We call on surviving Labour icons like Hassan Sunmonu and Adams Oshiomhole to rise to the occasion and salvage the Congress before things get worse. Nigerian workers cannot be left in the hands of people who cannot manage their own internal affairs. As they say, ‘when gold rusts, what would iron do’?’

position. They were NLC’s current National Treasurer, Ayuba Wabba; the Deputy President, Joe Ajaero, and the President, Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Achese Igwe. Igwe,however later stepped down for Ajaero. Some of the delegates claimed that some ballot papers had Wabba’s name in three places and Ajaero in two places and that others which did not have Ajaero’s name on them also had no serial numbers. These made some of the delegates from Igwe’s constituency to call attention to the discrepancies. Obviously, delegates loyal to Igwe felt the errors were deliberately made to give Wabba, who had been favoured to win the election before Igwe stepped down and declared support for Ajaero, an undue advantage. It was at this stage that things degenerated as some of the delegates loyal to either Wabba or Ajaero started throwing chairs at each other. Whatever the cause, the fact that the Labour leaders who are supposed to be role models could descend as low as to be throwing chairs at each other during an election shows that there is no difference between them and the average politician on the street who sees election as a ‘do— or-die’ affair. Indeed, and regrettably, that is what the contest for leadership positions has become in the NLC. This is not surprising though because the Congress sits atop hefty sums that are dispensed at the behest of the leaders. The Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and NUPENG contributed N423m, N320m and N159m, respectively, to the congress between 2011 and June 2014. This

is a lot. The Labour leaders involved in the fracas must bury their heads in shame. Coming on the heels of the allegation that the leadership of the Congress had duped workers to the tune of N900bn over their failure to deliver houses promised the workers who deposited 10 percent of the cost of the houses since 2013 for their dream houses in a housing scheme promoted by the NLC, there is a lot to ponder over the affairs of the Labour union. With these dents, on what moral pedestal will the NLC leadership now stand to champion the cause of the common man? It is unfortunate that these developments are rearing their heads at this point in time when the country is at a crossroads. What is happening on the political plane demands that all hands must be on deck to ensure that democracy is not derailed in the country and Labour, ordinarily has a major role in salvaging the situation. The fracas must be investigated, including the discrepancies on the ballot papers, to determine how they came about. Those involved should be punished for the unpardonable blunders that exposed the Congress to ridicule. We call on surviving Labour icons like Hassan Sunmonu and Adams Oshiomhole to rise to the occasion and salvage the Congress before things get worse. Nigerian workers cannot be left in the hands of people who cannot manage their own internal affairs. As they say, ‘when gold rusts, what would iron do’?

Vote for true federalism

IR: It might be a popular cliché but very apt today. Some may assume otherwise because of the seemingly vast natural resources, but it is in the best interest of every region in Nigeria to see this country work and prosper as one corporate entity. As the political drums beat louder, some people are threatening fire and brimstone if their candidate does not produce the next president. Others are saying it will be the end of Nigeria and all sorts of myopic, sentimental views. Just like the United States of America, the United Arab Emirates and Great Britain, the 36 states of Nigeria need each other to thrive and excel as a big economy. This present system of government is tailored solely for survival, which breeds under-development, corruption, nepotism, parochial, ethnic and chauvinistic tendencies. More so, just like the USA, the UAE and Great Britain, we can have a new country that will be called GREAT NIGERIA with a new constitution based on true federalism to the letter. As all the past leaders are Nigerians, yet we are not there yet and we are not expecting aliens to come and govern us someday, then we need a better system of true federalism more than we need better persons. The default settings of most humans is to do things wrongly, but a system in place can effectively help them to do things right. More than any other country in the world, Nigeria is the perfect fit for true federalism due to our unrivalled diversity. True federalism is the system that will make this unrivalled diversity a great strength rather than a great weakness as presently manifesting. Another name for true federalism is ‘live and let live’. A good system like a car or computer does not need a genius to operate it. Why do we practice democracy if we cannot apply it to the letter like those we copy are doing it? Why do we go the journey half way when we can go full way? Why is it that Nigerians travel abroad and obey all the laws but come back home and flout all the laws? Likewise expatriates in Nigeria? I believe the answers to these questions are the answers to a better Nigeria. With this present system, our strengths have become weaknesses. Rather than stand on 36 strong pillars, we are standing on just one weak pillar. Therefore, we need to reverse this tide as a nation by restructuring and practising true fiscal federalism in all ramifications. This should be the agenda of priority for the next political dispensation because it will go a long way in effectively addressing corruption and the mindset of the people and government of Nigeria. • Ikponmwosa Eriamiantoe, W.I.S.E Group, Maitama, Abuja.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: I was not born at the time General Muhammadu Buhari was Head of State from 1983 to 1985 but I have read and heard a lot of different accounts of his reign. I read that he overthrew Shagari’s democratic government; I also read that he was a tyrant and an extremist who made sure that all critics of his government were thrown in jail. That he also passed Decree Number 4, which stifled communication (written or spoken) that would bring the military government, the state government or any public officer to ridicule. The mere fact that we would consider casting our votes for a man who stands accused of many wrongs is a clear indication of the failure of the Jonathan led administration, a once loved, widely voted government which presently wallows in unpopularity and rapidly increasing disfavour with the people. I voted for the first time in 2011, circumstances and age having stopped me from voting in previous elections. I voted for President Goodluck Jonathan. I was convinced at the time that I was doing the right thing. I was happy that my vote would count too. I was glad to lend my puny strength to the cause of a better Nigeria. “Fresh air” was the slogan at the time, very much like the “Change” I presently

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Thought of another GEJ Presidency? cry. I believed that the President was not a chip off any old block; I believed that the President was a deviation from the norm of recycled leaders and that he represented our hope for a better, progressive Nigeria where visionary “young” people would pilot the affairs of the nation. Buhari had no prayer of winning that election, not with the zeal and the passion with which we trouped out to vote the President. As at the 2011 elections, Buhari’s chances of winning the presidency were at their lowest. Four years on, the chances of the same man, with the same history are at their highest. Many Nigerians who voted the President in 2011 (myself included) will now rather vote Buhari. There is deafening clamour for change and the clamour is not restricted to geographical zones or religion or age. The clamour is all thanks to the failures of the present government. For every year of Jonathan’s ten-

ure, Nigerians have suffered great setbacks and problems that could have been addressed by quality planning and decisive leadership. To usher in 2012, we had the subsidy removal which increased the burden of the citizens, crippled the nation for weeks (the strike) and later was the source of the huge legislator/businessman bribery scandal (now under the carpet). In 2013, the universities were on strike for more than half the year, our future leaders (if they ever get the chance) were denied of an education in a rapidly declining education sector. In 2014, the doctors were on strike for the greater part of the year, in response to the strike, the President fired all resident Doctors and after the Doctors called off their strike, JOHESU went on strike. Need I refer to the Chibok case, to the many bomb blasts and unrest in the north-east? The sad heartrending case of the FGC Buni-Yadi students burnt in an attack? The

Nigerian leaders need prayers

IR: Nigerians need to always pray for their leaders and the nation. Prayer remains the only key to bring together citizens to live harmoniously in pursuit of a common goal. Religious organizations owe leaders prayers for divine guidance to lead the nation out of the present socio-economic and political problems. Though many would argue that there had been so many prayer conventions and programmes which are yet to make impact in people’s lives; yet we should not stop praying. Prayer is

holding Nigeria and even the world together, because a prayerless world is a powerless world. Although, many Nigerians are living in poverty, God can redirect the nation and make it a more viable country that would take its rightful position among the comity of nations. Most of the things happening at the moment are signs of the endtime and no man can stem the tide, but God, through His infinite mercy sometimes uses the trials in our lives to test and grow our faith. Nigerian leaders need to eschew

bitterness and look for ways out of the present socio-economic logjam the country is trapped in. There are great dangers in holding on to bitterness as it has the tendency of retarding the growth of a country. Nigerians should brace up for the challenges of the global economic development by looking up to God, as the author and finisher of their faith because their salvation lies in no other man. •Prophet Funmilade-Joel , Lagos.

Oladipupo

recent Baga case that went largely unnoticed? Hit after hit, pain after pain and our “transformational “President in whom we put a lot of trust and hope remained inactive. Making promises, fulfilling nothing and returning in the face of our anguish to declare his intentions. Really?

The failures of the present government make exceedingly light the tyrannies of the Buhari government. Buhari’s heavy-handedness fades into insignificance for Nigerians who have experienced the Jonathan’s non-delivery. The frenzy is on; mudslinging campaigns on pages of newspapers fly back and forth. The campaigns make no difference to me. All I see are years of hope and trust betrayed. They speak louder than any campaigns for and against. Thought of another Jonathan Presidency? No, thanks. • Nneoma Anieto adaanieto@gmail.com

Obasanjo: Not exactly a hero

IR: My prayers are that may Nigerian political witches and wizards not succeed in marring the successful conduct of 2015 elections. They exist and I believe they are ready to deny us our rights the way they have done in the previous elections. We need to get it right this time around hence our own will be described as a nation without a future. Nigeria needs to progress; what can make that possible is honest, responsible and committed leaders. For the past few months, I have followed the social media and I saw how some Nigerians have resorted to praising the former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who has engaged himself in a fight with President Goodluck Jonathan. Some have gone extra step to tag him as a hero or saint. I don’t like the manner in which the former leader has resorted to exchanging bitter words with President Jonathan. I don’t see the former President as a saint or hero and I will not take him to be. Let all us face the reality and analyse issues with critical minds. That is the only thing that can save Nigeria from its present dilemma. We should remember that he, Obasanjo made Jonathan vicepresident against the interest of his party. It baffles me with way Nige-

rians get carried away with mere comments that come from some elders and even begin to sing praise songs for them. Let us be careful before our poor senses of thinking consume us all. I am not advocating that President Jonathan continues beyond May 29, as Nigeria’s president. We have seen where his administration has taken us. Nigeria is in dire need of vibrant leaders who have the zeal to work genuinely to solve Nigeria problems and create a vibrant socio-political and economic nation. Jonathan is not the type we need in 2015. We need leaders with an analytical mind to come up with vibrant economic policies. We need leaders that would deal decisively with critical issues and address the Nigeria’s socio-political problems. At this crucial time, we should not be deceived with lip promises of our politicians; neither should we be interested in exchange of words of elders. That is not what Nigeria needs at this sober situation. We can’t deny the fact that all the political problems we faced today ranging from election rigging to abuse of office started from Obasanjo’s regime. • Hannah Hassan Goje, IBB University, Lapai-Niger State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015 16

COMMENTS

Some wonderful class narrative Email: tunji_ololade@yahoo.co.uk 08038551123, 08111845040

HE democracy we declared has recoiled into a spent shadow. Sixteen years on in the grip of blood-drenched mascots, it steals from our sweetest fantasies like the proverbial slut making a surreptitious exit with her drunken lover’s wallet. Consequently, we suffer poverty in character that manifests as meanspiritedness. It’s akin to that patience of the wild that holds motionless for endless hours the motorist at the police checkpoint, the kidnapper in his lair, the assassin in his ambuscade and the public officer on his perch – this patience belongs primarily to the predator while it hunts its prey. Oftentimes, it manifests in uncontrollable spasms that have seen us bury our best and elevate our worst in abject negation of the cycle of the universe and morality. But who needs morals in a nation where fair is foul and foul remains fair?

‘No man; be he a distinguished columnist, lawyer, soldier, or public officer in any office can command the tides of history. The few that appear to have done so–the Napoleon’s, Caesar’s, Hitler’s–were really nothing more than the most capable at making it appear that they command the tides, when in fact they were simply skimming along with them’

As you read, many a Nigerian of commonplace roots live through each day without ever contemplating or criticizing their living conditions. They find themselves born into dehumanising squalor or somewhat indecent circumstances and they accept such sordidness as their fate thus exhibiting no conscious effort to better their lot beyond what their immediate circumstances dictate. Almost as impulsively as the beasts of the wild, they seek the satisfaction of the needs of the moment, without much forethought and consideration that by sufficient endeavor, they just might improve their living conditions. However, a certain percentage – comprising men and women of privilege – guided by personal ambition, consciously strive in thought and will to attain higher status but very few among these are concerned enough to secure for all, the advantages which they seek for themselves. This explains the number of selfcentred and treacherous human rights activists, women’s rights activists, journalists and columnists parading our streets. Very few men are indeed capable of that humaneness that drives martyrs to persistently rebel against glaring social evils in the interest of less fortunate members of the society. But there exists a few however, that are truly bothered by the impoverishment of their fellow citizens regardless of any risk or discomfort it might attract to them personally. These few, driven by compassion tirelessly seek, first in thought and then in action, for some way of escape; some new system of society

EMOCRACY has been universally accepted to mean the government of the people by the people for the people. On independence, Nigeria was bequeathed with a flourishing democracy by the British colonial masters. The quest and struggle for independence was largely fought on peaceful democratic principles. We had a very acceptable constitution that recognized our diversity and ensured the practice of true federalism. The component units were competitive and without oil, we were an emerging African economic power. Indeed, even the colonial masters on independence described Nigeria as a potential superpower nation and the land where the sun never sets. However, when the British departed, we had only one major threat to our democracy – elections. How do we organize elections that will be free, fair and credible enough to be accepted in order to prevent violence and the eventual truncation of our democracy? Historically, the first Republic was truncated as a result of violence resulting from a rigged election predominantly from the South-west. The same scenario happened in 1983, when the administration of Alhaji Shehu Shagari was truncated by the military led by General Muhammadu Buhari. Each time the military came in, they promised a brighter future for us but eventually left us worse than we were before their incursion into politics. The worst aspect of military regimes is that they even leave the military institutions weakened, demoralised, divided and segmented in order to ensure that no military colleague will be strong enough to overthrow the incumbent regime. The gradual and intentional neglect of our military over the years by military regimes is what we are suffering today in our war against Boko Haram and other insurgents. We are now at the threshold of another election. Year 2015 is unique in various ways. This is the first time the nation is having two strong parties that evolved on their own, contesting elections. What a great democratic achievement! This is the first time Nigeria will be conducting elections while the federation is at war. What a great democratic challenge! Hence my plea to my countrymen to accept the results of the elections as declared by INEC without violence and use lawful means to seek redress in the case of any perceived injustice. Politicians are the major gladiators in a democracy. They make policies, offer themselves to be voted for, occupy the seat of power and determine the destinies of the nation and the individual citizens. Their actions or inactions determine the success or failure of democracy. In advanced countries, politicians are known to make sacrifices before, during and after elections for the survival and prestige of their nations. During the American Presidential elections of year 2000, Governor George Bush and Vice Presi-

by which life may become richer, more joyful and devoid of avertable evils that mars the present. But surprisingly, such men oftentimes, fail to curry the support of the very victims of the injustices they wish to remedy. This is because more unfortunate sections of the Nigerian population are hopelessly ignorant, apathetic from excess of toil and disillusionment, apprehensive through the imminent danger of instantaneous chastisement by the holders of power, and morally defective owing to the loss of self-respect resulting from their degradation. To excite among such classes any conscious, deliberate effort in pursuit of general improvement of the status quo proves basically a hopeless task, as antecedents of such efforts have proven. Thus despite our claims to modernity, higher education, sophistication and relative rise in the standard of comfort among wage-earners in the country, the Nigerian society have failed woefully to achieve better living conditions and a better society even in the throes of rising demand for more radical intervention and reconstruction of the social order. It is no surprise however that the Nigerian working class has persistently proved a dismal failure. And the reasons are hardly far-fetched: Nigerians have a problem with differentiating between appropriate and inappropriate political behavior. That is why the nation’s democratic experiment like any other system of governance practicable by us was doomed from the start. What exactly has democracy offered? A 4-1-9 progressive plan that booms circumspectly like it had been doctored as part of a cold-war era propagandist scheme? But despite our self-righteousness and persistent cynicism with the current order, we really cannot explore a more worthy alternative than what

we have now. The average Nigerian can’t bear to be led by a truly honest, visionary and accountable leadership. That explains our choice of the incumbent leadership. Apparently, we possess an overwhelming and oft-convincing inclination to self-destruct thus our lack of a coherent and defensible political ideology essential to the evolution of a progressive leadership and state. The average Nigerian is no more electable than the leadership he endures yet he loves to speak truth to power even as he functions simultaneously to smother his own voice in the riotous gabble of his exultation of the same ruling class whose end he claims to pursue. No matter who is elected, the demographic and economic realities of Nigeria will persist, and there is a very limited range of politicallyviable solutions for dealing with them. No man; be he a distinguished columnist, lawyer, soldier, or public officer in any office can command the tides of history. The few that appear to have done so–the Napoleon’s, Caesar’s, Hitler’s–were really nothing more than the most capable at making it appear that they command the tides, when in fact they were simply skimming along with them. Thus the need for the Nigerian working class to consciously evolve in thought and will in pursuit of a more balanced social order. Such conscious evolution could only be achieved by a re-orientation in scholarship and purification of thought and action. The foundations of scholarship and knowledge must be tirelessly reconstructed to guarantee more progressive responses to internal problems of social advance — problems of work and wages, of families and homes, of morals and the true value of life – and all these and other inevitable problems of civilization must be resolvable largely

by an average member of the working class by reason of his exposure and constitution. This informs a greater need for study and thought and an appeal to the rich experience of past and current mistakes in the journey towards the reduction to the barest minimum, the possibility of future foibles. The answer to Nigeria’s widening income and social gap – which has so far manifested in preventable crises and persistent state of insecurity – is to found an educational process geared to steer successfully, the commonplace trains of thought away from the dilettante and the fool stereotype. It’s about time poor, struggling members of the nation’s working class learned to scorn the maxim that holds that if their stomachs be full, it matters little about their brains; the paths to stable peace and security winds between honest toil and dignified manhood. That proverbial better society that we seek calls for the guidance of skilled thinkers, the loving, reverent comradeship between the low income earners and ambitious middle class emancipated by training and culture. Such human elements would no doubt be conscious of the fact that not even the sustenance of oil subsidy, higher wages and a fairer economic system could protect its members from the usual handicaps and monstrosity constituted by the incumbent and predatory ruling class. Hence they would be able to understand that the much clamoured social enterprise and gesture towards change must be mooted and achieved by the working class itself in further substantiation of the working class’ capacities to assimilate the culture and refinement of humane civilization; a veritable step towards such reality is to vote the incumbent administration out of office • To be continued…

A plea to my countrymen By Kenneth Okonkwo dent Al Gore were the Presidential candidates of the Republican Party, Democratic Party respectively. After the elections, Al Gore won the popular vote while George Bush won the Electoral College vote. Constitutionally, whoever wins the Electoral College votes becomes the President. To make matters worse, the Florida state elections which became the deciding factor was believed to be manipulated in favour of George Bush by his brother Governor Jeb Bush of Florida. It took America 50 days to resolve this crisis. There were court cases that reached the American Supreme Court. America became a laughing stock in the comity of nations. After the judgment of the American Supreme Court, Al Gore though he disagreed with the judgment, accepted it and conceded victory to George Bush and saved America the shame and ridicule. We are now on the threshold of general election 2015. For all intents and purposes there are circumstances which already exist that can form the basis of controversy after the results of the elections are announced. The insurgency in the three North East states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa and the inadequacy of the permanent voter’s card are just some of them. The only thing remaining is whether we can find enough political statesmen who can disagree with the results but accept them for the general good of the nation My plea to the youths is to imbibe this admonition by the President Goodluck Jonathan that “no politician’s ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian”. The military reflects the strength and dignity of the nation. No nation can attain a superpower status without a strong, loyal and courageous military. The US became a super power today because of the steadfast dedication of its military to the protection of its democracy and wading off external aggression. Also, USSR, China, Britain, France are nations whose military assisted their rise to international prominence. In Nigeria, our military has been known to be the most powerful force in Africa from independence. The numerous military incursions into politics weakened this great institution to the extent that during Abacha’s regime, officers were framed up or set up for treasonable offences and condemned to death. Mutual suspicion among soldiers was so high that barrack life collapsed amongst them. By 1999, President Olusegun Obasanjo retired all military officers who had held political offices before that date. This further led to the depletion of the finest of officers among the

soldiers. My plea to the military today is that they should stay away from politics. This will enable them focus their attention on their constitutional duty of protecting the territorial integrity of the nation. I have no doubt in my mind that the military is always lured into incursion in politics by politicians who lost elections or fell out with the system. But they should resist this satanic lure as this would lead to destroying itself eventually The 2015 elections will present peculiar challenges to the military since they are engaging the Boko Haram insurgents and may also be called in to secure the elections. They should not lend themselves as agents of rigging and must ensure that there is no violence after elections. Love of country and its constitution should be their priority rather than blind loyalty to any candidate. In Nigeria, unfortunately, our men of God have become more political than the politicians. It has become a regular feature to see our Priests, Prophets, Pastors and Imams to use their pulpits to propagate the agenda of hate against candidates and parties. They make dubious prophecies which create the basis for violence when such prophecies fail to come to pass. My plea to them is to stand fast in the calling wherein they are called. Even if the politicians are bad and the people sin, it is their duty to plead with God to show mercy, forgive the people and heal their land. We have numerous challenges today that can naturally question the validity of the elections but we are praying to have politicians who are willing to disagree with the results but accept them for the general good. They must remember the admonition of Winston Churchill that “the statesmen lose control immediately the guns begin to fire.” • Okonkwo, veteran actor writes from Lagos.

‘Our men of God have become more political than the politicians. It has become a regular feature to see our Priests, Prophets, Pastors and Imams to use their pulpits to propagate the agenda of hate against candidates and parties’

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

COMMENTS ‘Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty; power is ever stealing from the many for the few’—— Wendell Phillips

HE worrisome political atmosphere in the country is getting cloudier by the day - and the reason is not far fetched: While Nigerians are still groaning over the booby trap called election postponement, Professor Attahiru Jega, Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), during his mid-week appearance before the Senate, threw another confounding bombshell over whether the rescheduled new dates of the elections are sacrosanct or not. Asked by Senator George Akume, Minority Leader, to re-affirm the sanctity of the new election dates, Jega replied: “I think it is a very difficult question to answer…I have said consistently that there are things under the control of electoral commission and there are things that are not under the control of electoral commission. For things that are under our control, I can give definite and categorical assurances. On what is not under our control, it is futile; it is fruitless and useless to give a definite guarantee on them. I think that question should be directed appropriately. The questions of security, I will leave it, I don’t think I am competent to answer it sufficiently.” Jega cannot be entirely blamed for this ambivalent response because he professed to be convinced, when asked, that any request for another shift of dates would be illegal because that would run contrary to the constitutional provision that requires elections to be concluded at least 30 days before the date that a new government must be sworn which in this case is May 29. The political gerrymandering going on is not because of lack of interest or preparedness by INEC to conduct the elections but because of the desperation of President Goodluck Jonathan, his National Security Advisers, military service chiefs and other protégées’ determination to circumvent the polls simply because their projected outcomes would, under very high probability, not favour the incumbent president. This column has heard several illogical, nonsensical and unconstitutional concoctions that were being peddled as sinister ideas of the Jonathan team and his PDP party to perpetuate him in power. Some of his men have come out to say General Mohammadu Buhari, presidential candidate of the opposition All

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2015 elections: It’s time for vigilance

• Obasanjo

• Jonathan

Progressives Congress (APC) is not electable, whatever that means, forgetting that it is only the eligible voters of this country that can decide on that come March 28 when the presidential election, by the grace of God, holds. Nigerians definitely must, until after the elections, henceforth, sleep with their two eyes widely opened so as to be able to quickly nip in the bud whatever baleful move that Jonathan and his now widely detested team might want to fling on their laps. Even on the day of elections, Nigerians must prepare for the worse from Jonathan’s outgoing presidency because if it dawns on him that the elections could not be further postponed, he would not hesitate to unleash soldiers on vulnerable voters despite judicial pronouncements to the contrary in previous and more recent Appeal Court orbiter in the Ekiti State governorship election case.

HE recent award of The Sun Man of the Year 2014 threw up the personality of the subject of this piece, Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamako, Governor of Sokoto State and Sarkin Yamman Sokoto. My interest in Sokoto State dates back to my undergraduate days when I developed a wish to meet Alhaji Aliyu Shehu Shagari, President of Nigeria from 1979-1983. There had been many comments about Shagari that motivated my young mind to meet him. I visited Sokoto State for the first time in the late 90s’. Naively, I embarked on this daring journey without informing my parents and colleagues. It was indeed a smooth journey from Lagos to Sokoto; much of sightseeing as this was also my first time of venturing upnorth. It was in Sokoto that I faced a huge challenge of communication, and transiting from state capital to Shagari village. When I got to the village, I was told that the former President was not in the country. A kind Nigerian, one Alhaji Danbaba saved the day for me, facilitating my return journey to Lagos. Again, in March 2011, I visited Sokoto. It was on this occasion that we ran into the convoy of Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamako, Governor of Sokoto State. We were told he was returning home. As a governor, Wamako does not reside in the posh Government House preferring his private house within Sokoto metropolis. The house as I saw it then, is neither that fantastic nor majestic, and obviously not a new house. Behind, adjacent and not too far from this house are rows of shops which attracts heavy human traffic for buying and selling. In fact at the peak of transactions, the place could well be a market. Ever since these visits, I had somehow been following the politics and happenings in Sokoto. To start with, the ascendance of Wamako to the gubernatorial office was fraught with legal battles. Wamako was deputy governor of Sokoto from 1999-2006 before he resigned when things went awry with his boss. He went ahead to clinch the coveted post of governor in 2007 on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). On two occasions, Wamako faced two court-ordered rerun elections, and both occasions he triumphed. A cat with nine lives, you might say. Wamako has modernized Sokoto with numerous infrastructures with direct bearing on the populace. That Sokoto is massively shedding its old and rural character to urban and modern signatures will be an understatement. From the airport, a brand new Western bypass, an 11 kilometre six-lane carriageway welcomes the visitor. So also is the Eastern bypass with all allure just completed by Wamako. These expansive roads are lined on both sides

One obvious fact is that this jejune President Jonathan is desperate; the man is, like known power-drunk men of power in history, ready to go to any length to keep himself, albeit unconstitutionally beyond May 29 in power. But his infamous plot, just like that of some of his power drunk predecessors in power like Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida and late Sani Abacha would fail beyond redemption. Like Jonathan, these men while in power, made a lot of promises to their people but they flagrantly failed to keep to the agreements. That is why it is often said that it is hard to trust the morality of inconsistent leaders. This column, with the benefit of hindsight, calls on all Nigerians to rise up against the tyranny of President Jonathan by voting him out come March 28. This justifiable demand for eternal vigilance to sustain this democratic liberty is amply captured in the address of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu at the recent Joint Leadership Meeting of APC which held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja when he congratulated his audience and other party men ‘… for walking off the booby traps and for getting close to bringing down the Berlin Wall.’’ He however admonished: ‘We cannot celebrate yet but have to be stronger and vigi-

lant so as to be effective vigilantes for freedom, liberty and democratic government.’ To the prospective voluntary “vigilantes” of this country including the leadership of the opposition APC, vigil must be kept not only on the bound-to-fail antics of Mr. President and his party but also on the suspicious outbursts of ex-President Obasanjo who recently tore publicly, his PDP membership card through his obtuse ward chairman, Alhaji Usman Oladunjoye, who led the executive and members of the PDP from Obasanjo’s Ward 11, Abeokuta North to his Hilltop residence in the rock-city capital of Ogun State. For political practicality, judging from the present mood of the nation against the ruling party/government which Obasanjo installed, his hypocritical outbursts against Jonathan and his government can be condoned but to a limited extent because the man Obasanjo is not only fickle but also of no meaningful electoral value? There should be a limit to the extent to which the opposition leaders and Nigerians should allow him to ride on the crest of ‘project progressivism’ sweeping across the land to settle scores with Jonathan, his errant disciple. Whatever Obasanjo sees as Jonathan’s shortcoming had been seen long ago before he foisted him on the nation and his input is not needed in the cyclonic wave across the country that is roaring to blow Jonathan and the PDP out of power. The Obasanjo’s case in his malicious battle with his inept acolyte, Jonathan, was well captured by William Shakespeare in The Merchant of Venice when he said: “The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.” Obasanjo’s morality cannot be trusted. The genesis of Obasanjo’s animosity is not love for the cause of entrenching a progressive government but more by Jonathan’s refusal to listen to his more evil dictations that have taken the country to this unthinkable political abyss in 16 years. His and Babangida’s antecedents of duplicity should serve a note of warning to discerning progressive minded Nigerians that they should not be trusted. Let INEC do its best; let the opposition not be naïve about who their friends are and let the Nigerian people remain steadfast and vigilant in their resolve to throw out of power PDP government of stagnation come next month. Then the stroppy plots of those masquerading, as true friends of the people, will fall flat on their faces.

Wamako: Honour well deserved By Badejo Adedeji Nurudeen with neem trees. Being a state where majority are farmers, government concentrated more on rural roads like Kalambaina-Arkilla-Nasarawa-Polythecnic link road, Tambuwal/Kebbe road, Sokoto-Ilela road (a border town with Niger Republic) has all been completed by Wamako. Alu, as the governor Wamako is fondly called also made giant strides in the health sector: there is a General Hospital in all the 23 local governments. There are also two superb programmes: Free Medical Care (FREMCARE) and Rural Mobile Medical Care (RUMCARE). FREMCARE is a free health care programme dedicated to pregnant women and children under the age of five. The aim is to reduce maternal and child mortality rate in the state. RUMCARE, on the other hand, is designed for those that cannot afford healthcare services as well as those that live in places that are hard to reach. In addition, there is also an orthopaedic hospital with full complements of expertise drawn from within Sokoto and abroad. With over 500 indigenes studying medicine abroad on state government scholarship, and a College of Nursing and Midwifery to boot, Sokoto is sure on sound footing, health-wise. In spite of his aristocratic background, Wamako has chosen to work for the people of Sokoto. The new worldclass Sokoto State University is testimony to Wamako’s commitment to education. New infrastructures like administrative blocks, staff quarters, and students’ hostel etc dot every corner of the university. It recently admitted its first set of students. Indeed, if truth be told, the Almajiri school system was the initiative of Wamako. He was first to establish an Almajiri school in Sokoto. The then Minister of Education, Professor Rukayatu Rufai gladly requested the assistance and expertise of Wamako on this scheme. It is rather unfortunate, that the Almajiri school system is now a subject of politics with federal government claiming the credit of this system in the north. With meagre resources and prudent management, Wamako has touched every aspect of economic value chain in the state, from housing, where over 5,000 units had been built and allocated; the ministry of the environment (created by Wamako in 2008) with triple components of forestry, environmental health and sanitation, and erosion and flood control. A brand new Independent

Power Project (IPP) the first of its kind in Sokoto was built by Wamako. He also recorded giant strides in human capital development with its main hub in training and retraining of civil servants, youth employment and empowerment (with the creation of Sokoto Marshals and Skill acquisition centres). And unlike many states, physically challenged persons get a N6,500 stipend monthly. Asides strides in physical infrastructure provision, Wamako has displayed a high sense of tolerance in his political activities within Sokoto State. When, along with five other governors he switched political affiliation from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), his deputy Alhaji Mukhtari Shehu Shagari did not go with him. As a true democrat, the deputy was left alone, with all paraphernalia of office and duties intact. In fact, the relationship between him and the deputy governor is incomparable, vis-à-vis the numerous in-fighting between some governors and their deputies elected on the same political party platform. Wamako deserves commendation for this act. Humane, generous, accessible, team player and hardworking, Wamako has received several awards including Member, Muslim World League, Best Governor awarded by the House Builders Association, and the national honour of Commander of Niger (CON). The Sun Man of the Year 2014 is not only well deserved by a man who has created a new template for development in Sokoto, it is a confirmation of his superb administrative skills and prudence as a manager. • Badejo writes from Surulere, Lagos State.

‘He also recorded giant strides in human capital development with its main hub in training and retraining of civil servants, youth employment and empowerment (with the creation of Sokoto Marshals and Skill acquisition centres). And unlike many states, physically challenged persons get a N6,500 stipend monthly’

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON SOUTHEAST STATES

Bulldozers pull down 2,000 houses in Enugu

Imo varsity celebrates infrastructure upgrade•PAGE 24

•PAGE 27

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

PAGE 21

Students urged to acquire skills, shun violence •PAGE 36

The agony is intense and paradoxical. Vast wells of crude oil could have transformed Oguta and Ohaji-Egbema councils in Imo State, but that is not the case, reports OKODILI NDIDI

HEY could have been called the lucky pair. In Imo State, crude oil is found only in two local government areas: Oguta and OhajiEgbema. But the people have no reason for cheer, for the oil seems to have brought them only heartache, not relief. They have neither electricity nor passable roads. And when they fall ill, there are no hospitals for remedy. Nor do they have water fit for drinking. The people’s tale has been that of neglect, degradation, marginalisation and abandonment. The two councils are more like the neglected pair. That has been the picture of both councils for 48 years since the federal government struck oil there. Worse, their expansive fertile land and waters are shorn of nutrients, leaving farmers and fishermen with little or nothing to take care of their families. Most affected are the communities in the areas where the oil wells are actually located. There is a total absence of infrastructure and no form of modern civilization. Investigations by The Nation showed that the few Federal Government projects started in the oilrich areas are either abandoned or diverted to other parts of the state by politicians. Projects like the multi-billion naira Naval Base at Oguta, the Oak Refinery, the dredging of Oguta Lake, the Gas Turbine at Asa, among other mega projects, were abandoned after huge sums of money were allegedly released by the Federal Government. The people protested but their exertions yielded no fruit. Many reasons have been given for the poor state of the oil communities. Some of the leaders blamed the successive state governments for diverting the 13% derivation meant for the develop-

•Oguta Lake

Much ‘ oil, no facilities ment of the area to other parts of the state. They also said that the decay may be connected to the fact that none of their indigenous people was in top government position to adequately make a case for the area. Lamenting the situation, the traditional ruler of one of the neglected oil producing communities, Ilile autonomous community in Ohaji/Egbema LGA, Eze Bony Umah, stated that the 13% derivation fund has not impacted on the area, “adding that the fund has been managed by politicians who are not indigenes of the oil producing areas”. He noted that the marginalization of the areas has gotten to an unbearable level, where there is a total collapse of infrastructure and massive environmental degradation caused by oil exploration, “the

The oil companies are not doing anything to develop the host communities, except the few projects started by the NDDC which have been abandoned. The ISOPADEC, which is supposed to manage the 13% derivation fund, is a total disaster. So the oil in our domain has not impacted on our development. Our youths are unemployed, our lands and rivers are polluted and we don’t have alternative means of livelihood. It is really bad

13% has not been used to develop the communities for instance; Ohaji/Egbema does not have electricity for the past four years. There

are no good roads, hospitals or job opportunities for the youths and this is worrisome”. The aggrieved monarch stated

further that the composition of the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC), which is supposed to manage the 13% derivation for the development of the communities, is manipulated by the state government. He said, “the government should set up an independent committee or allow the traditional rulers of the oil producing areas nominate members of the committee to ensure that they represent the area in the board. But in a situation where the government hire and fire the members at will we won’t have the desired result in the management of the derivation fund”. Also speaking with The Nation, the traditional ruler of •Continued on page 22

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

‘

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

Much oil, no facilities

The Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission has not done anything with the money voted for the development of the communities; in fact it has become a conduit pipe for draining the resources meant for the development of the communities, while the people languish in poverty and deprivation

•Continued from page 21 Umudike autonomous community, Ezeali James Nwanro, observed that “nothing is happening in the communities”, stating that there is abject poverty and hardship in the oil producing communities. “As far as we know there is nothing like 13% derivation,” he said. “ISOPADEC has done nothing to develop the communities. Before now there used to be empowerment packages for the youths and women but in the last four years, nothing has happened”. “Even the oil companies are not doing anything to develop the host communities, except the few projects started by the NDDC which [have been] abandoned. The ISOPADEC, which is supposed to manage the 13% derivation fund, is a total disaster. So the oil in our domain has not impacted on our development. Our youths are unemployed, our lands and rivers are polluted and we don’t have alternative means of livelihood. It is really bad”. The Nation findings reveal that there is growing anxiety in the oilproducing communities in the state, following the threat by the youths to return to armed struggle if the situation is not immediately and effectively addressed. Recently the patience of the youths and elderly women in Umudike, Etekwuru and other adjoining communities in Ohaji Egbema Council Area, was exhausted as they resisted what they described as deliberate abuse of their environment and hazardous practices by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). The youths, who turned out in large numbers with their aged mothers, took over the UmudikeAssa-Etekwuru delivery pipeline and disrupted the activities of a maintenance team sent by Shell to clean up spilled crude. They defied the stern-looking and heavily armed soldiers and the scorching heat to press home their demands before a rather indifferent company that was only interested in getting the business going. The angry protesters who displayed placards with various inscriptions like; ‘SHELL stop killing our people’, ‘compensate the victims of the 2001 pipeline explosion’, ‘SHELL activities have destroyed our environment’, “we demand an end to SPDC marginalisation’, “SPDC has turned our oil into a curse’, among others, refused all entreaties by the SPDC team to allow them clean up the spillage. The cause of the conflict, according to the youth leader, Mr. Reginald Egini, was the recent massive oil spillage which covered about one acre of farmland. He added that the SPDC, as usual, sneaked in to quickly clean up the spill. “This is not the first time we are suffering as a result of oil spillage,” he said. “In 2001, there was a pipeline explosion that killed about 13 people with several others severely

‘

•Youths of Ohaji Egbema council protesting the degradation of their environment

•The community’s collapsed bridge burnt and eventually incapacitated and SHELL promised to pay compensation but nothing has been done up till today”. The youth leader who vowed that they will not allow any hurried repair of the pipeline or minor clean up of the spillage, said there should be proper negotiation with the host communities to know the loss they have suffered as a result of the spillage, “there should be first an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to ascertain the level of damage on the environment because we are farmers and any damage on the soil will drastically affect our means of livelihood”. Reeling out their grievances against Shell, Egini, noted that since 1964 when SPDC began exploration in the community, there was nothing to show that the community is oil producing like other places in the Niger Delta Region, informing that, “there is no single hospital, school, market built by SPDC in the community or has it given our youths employment or scholarships but they have kept making promises they never cared to fulfill”.

This is not the first time we are suffering as a result of oil spillage. In 2001, there was a pipeline explosion that killed about 13 people with several others severely burnt and eventually incapacitated, and SHELL promised to pay compensation but nothing has been done up till today

Their demands included: removal of the old pipelines and replacing them with new ones to avoid continuous oil spillages, the payment of all outstanding compensation, including the N4billion awarded the community against SPDC by a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, provision of employment for graduates and artisans from the community among oth-

ers, the youths who displayed the photographs of the victims of the 2001 pipeline fire, rejected the monetary offer suggested by the S*-PDC team. Also speaking another community leader who preferred anonymity, blamed the state government for the woes suffered by the people in the hands of the oil companies, alleging that, “even our state gov-

ernment has not done anything to provide basic amenities in the oil producing communities, all they are interested in is the royalties and contracts they collect from the companies”. The source further stated, “The Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC) has not done anything with the money voted for the development of the communities; in fact it has become a conduit pipe for draining the resources meant for the development of the communities, while the people languish in poverty and deprivation”. Also in a related development, another aggrieved group, the Oil Mineral Producing Area Landlords’ Association of Nigeria (OMPALAN), recently threatened to shut down oil wells in the area to protest the marginalization and neglect suffered by the host communities. The group called for the immediate sack of the current Managing Director of the Imo State Oil Producing Development Commission (ISOPADEC) Dr. Henry Okafor, who they blamed for the woes of the youths in the oil producing communities and the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Prof. Anthony Anwuka who they accused of using his office to corner what was meant for the people of the area. However, the MD described OMPALAN as a popularity-seeking group founded by one man for his selfish interest, adding that they do not have the support of the youths from the oil producing communities.

Aba roads to be fixed ‘

OADS in Aba, Abia State’s commercial hub, may soon get a facelift. The governorship candidate of the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA), Chief Chikwe Udensi said his administration would fix them if voted into power. Udensi regretted that Aba roads have remained deplorable despite the fact that it generates much of the state revenue. Some of the roads the PPA candidate mentioned include, among others, Ohanku, Obohia, Milverton Avenue which serves as bus terminal for most commercial transport owners in the city. He called on the federal government to rehabilitate the dilapidated Aba-Ikot Ekpene and Port Harcourt roads which serve as both entrance and exit routes for visitors and traders coming into Aba from neighbouring Akwa Ibom, Cross River State and other West African countries. Udensi, who spoke while addressing his supporters in Aba, said he was pained about the poor state of Milverton Avenue

The economic importance of Milverton Avenue to the state is so high that no government worth its salt would allow it to be in its present condition. Sometime this week, I passed through the road and wept

which he described as the base of luxury buses in the city. He said his administration, he won, would give priority to roads not only in the commercial town but also in the entire state. He said, “Milverton Avenue is the base of luxury buses which ply all the cities in Nigeria and beyond. It is the first port of call for any trader coming into Aba from any part of the country and

the West African sub region to buy goods and its bad nature is sending a very negative image of the city, the state and Nigeria outside. “The economic importance of the road to the state is so high that no government worth its salt would allow it to be in its present condition. Sometime this week, I passed through the road and wept.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

Industrialists seek reduction of electricity tariffs ‘ They lamented that despite the over 100 T percent increase in tariff, power supply

HE Aba Industrialists Association (AIA), the umbrella organisation for artisans and business owners, has asked the management of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) in charge of supplying electricity to the commercial city and other parts of the southeast, to reverse the recent increase in their electricity tariff. The group in Aba, after an emergency meeting, described the over 100 percent increase in the cost of power unit as announced by EEDC last week would be counterproductive to their businesses. In a communiqué signed by Chief E.C Obi and Mr. Ehisianya Christian, chairman and secretary respectively, AIA said with the new energy tariff, a company which paid N900, 000 in December of last year, would be paying N2.4m by

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

this February. They lamented that despite the over 100 percent increase in tariff, power supply in Aba and its environs was declining, making them to depend more on private sourcing of energy and generating set for their industries while at the same time they were expected to pay heavily to EEDC for less energy consumed. According AIA, “this new tariff is outside the N104, 000 EEDC referred to as fixed charge which we are to pay every month whether there is power supply or now of which we are still contesting with them.” They were of the view that should this new tariff be made to stand, the cost of finished products would not only be very high and

in Aba and its environs was declining, making them to depend more on private sourcing of energy and generating set for their industries while at the same time they were expected to pay heavily to EEDC for less energy consumed

put them out of competition, all the industries would be force to shut down. “A situation whereby a Small and Medium Scale industry like in the case of one of us was made to pay N16m as electric bill in a

month, there is no way that company will remain afloat.” The communiqué which stated that AIA has made what it called the exploitative billing to Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), said they would find it dif-

ficult to cope with the new price regime and has therefore urged EEDC to disconnect their members without further delay as they would no longer need their services should the new energy tariff remains. ”We have written to Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) about this exploitative billing, that we will be unable to cope with it and have therefore urged EEDC to disconnect our members without further delay as we will no longer need their services should the new energy tariff remains.” AIA said there are over 6, 000 people working in their members industries and stated that should they close operations as a result of the new tariff which was eminent, that their employees would be sent back to the labour market which was already saturated.

The community from which Enugu State took its name is in the news for the wrong reasons. Over 20,000 residents were forced from their homes as the community battled with a businessman over land. CHRIS OJI reports ULLDOZERS have moved across the community, which has given so much to the state. Enugu State borrowed its name from Enugu Ngwo. That is not all. Most of the coal in the state is also in the community. And, to boot, it is the ancestral home of people of means, one of them, former governor of old Anambra State, the late Chief Christian Chukwuma Onoh or CC, as many called him. Now, however, neither its rich history nor abundant coal is providing any help. Over 20,000 of its residents have been thrown out of their homes as bulldozers demolished over 2,000 houses. Enugu Ngwo is a community of contrasts. Of the 10 communities which make up Ngwor town, only Enugu Ngwor is in Udi Local Government Area and Enugu West senatorial zone; the rest is in Enugu North Local Government and Enugu East senatorial zone. The community in the past also gave up a good chunk of its land for government projects. Many of the infrastructures laid by the colonial masters are located in this community. Indeed, the community was the livewire of colliery activities when coal was the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy. But the community is boiling over. No fewer than 20,000 of the residents of a village belonging to the community have been rendered homeless, as over 2000 houses were being bulldozed. The village known as Ngenevu is home to both indigenes and non indigenes of Enugu Ngwo. Residents of the village are protesting and litigating over alleged forceful acquisition and demolition of houses in Ngenevu by an Enugu businessman. Leaders of the com-

•Site of some of the demolished houses

Bulldozers pull down 2,000 ‘ houses in Enugu

munity led by the president of Enugu Ngwo community, Hon. Emmanuel Onoh and the media consultant, Chief Ikenge Obeta told The South East Report that the land in question is 55.999 hectares with 980 plots. According to them, the demolition commenced on January 16 this year and residents started running helter-skelter as bulldozers demolished houses of helpless residents. The residents posited that no notice of demolition or sale of land was served on them. “We just woke up to see demolition being carried out by bulldozers.” They said before the demolition, the Enugu businessman whose name was given as Sir Eric Chime (no relation of Governor Chime) “had been parading himself as having bought our village from government.”

The demolition started on January 16 this year and residents started running helter-skelter as bulldozers pulled down houses of helpless residents. The residents said that no notice of demolition or sale of land was served on them

It was learnt that the industrialist acquired the land for the purpose of building a pharmaceutical plant. The Southeast Report, however,

discovered that the sale of the land involved the Bureau for Public Enterprise (BPE) which “erroneously” thought that the whole land was

owned by the Nigerian Coal Corporation (NCC). The actual space being used by the NCC then was four plots where it mounted its coal washing machines. The Enugu industrialist who acquired the land from the BPE claimed he bought the entire 55.999 hectares at auction price and not just the area that has the coal waistline plant. But the villagers are wondering how and why entire village will be bought by one person regardless of the fact that developed areas and people’s houses were already visible. •Continued on page 24

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

Bulldozers pull down 2,000 houses‘ in Enugu •Continued from page 23 Nonetheless, the youths of the village took the laws into their hands. This was as a result of the demolition of the house of the oldest man in the village, Pa Jonah Onoh whose age was put at 110. Also, the desecration of a shrine besides the stream which is the source of water to the villagers angered the youths. The resultant riot culminated in the arrest of 23 youths of the village who are still in detention. As at the time of filing this report, policemen had taken positions while the demolition continued. An intriguing aspect of the demolition is that the industrialist, Eric Chime told the villagers when he was challenged that the demolition was being carried out by the Enugu Capital Development Authority (ECDA). The ECDA confirmed this to the villagers but said the demolition was necessary in view of the report of the Geology Department of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka which suggested that the houses should be demolished as a proactive measure to check impending collapse of the land due to past coal mining activities. It was, however, learnt that the UNN report was not commissioned. The villagers were skeptical of this report. While instituting action in the court, they appealed to all men of goodwill to come to their rescue as they do not have anywhere to stay if the displacement was allowed. Another angle to the matter is the claim that the sum of N5m was paid to the community through a former president general of the Enugu Ngwo general assembly. The amount is a royalty for the purchase of the Nigerian Coal Corporation multi-billion naira CPP plant (Washing machines) as scrap. But that payment was flatly denied by the community, saying, “the money never got to us.” The entire Ngwo community aligning themselves with their Enugu Ngwo kindred slammed a suit against the Bureau for Public Enterprise, the Nigerian Coal Corporation, Sir Eric Chime and his company Rico Container Industries Ltd as well as Mrs. C. A. Chizea. Suing on behalf of the community included Okechukwu Ani,

The village youths reacted violently to the demolition of the house of the oldest man in the community, Pa Jonah Onoh whose age was put at 110. Another reason they rioted was the desecration of a shrine by the stream where they all source water. Twenty-three youths were arrested following the protest

•Hon. Onoh (right) with Obeta

Ikenge Samuel Chime, Ikenge Evaristus Okwor, Ikenge Samuel Ozongwu, Ikenge Donatus Agu and Ferdinand Ude. In their statement of claim, they averred that the BPE through its agent, C. A. Chizea and company sold their family land purporting the land to be the property of of the Nigeria Coal Corporation. They contended that the family of the first plaintiff, Okechukwu Ani has held “peaceful possession of this pice of land from time immemorial.” They averred that the land in issue is family land which the 1st plaintiff, Okechukwu Ani’s late father inherited from his ancestors. They further claimed that the 5th defendant, Sir Eric Chime “acting in the capacity of managing director of Rico Container Industries Ltd bulldozed away all the lifelong nurtured cash crops and food crops on the land viz: palm trees, plantain, oranges, maize and vegetables.” But in their statement of defence, the defendants strongly denied all the claims. They contended that the plaintiffs could not have inherited from their fathers what was not

•Some of the demolished buildings theirs’ as the subject matter had been alienated by their forbears. The defendants further insisted in their statement that the Nigerian Coal Corporation had used the land for mining, staff quarters, farmlands for its staff and reserves for expansion until her operations

were stopped. They further averred that the BPE bought from the federal government all “that parcel of land measuring 55.999 hectares more particularly delineated in survey plan no. EN (E) 20095 with beacon number PBC 87291, 87315, 87305 and

87303.” The villagers are, however, complaining that despite the pendency of the suit in the court, demolition was still ongoing while a large gate has been mounted at the demolished areas.

Imo varsity celebrates infrastructure upgrade ‘ In the 2014/2015 session, we T matriculated a total of 5,215 students.

HERE is an atmosphere of joy at Imo State University (IMSU). The free education introduced by the Rochas Okorocha administration brings relief. So does the academic progress the institution is making, moving from a nominal status to the seventh most subscribed university in the country and the first among state-owned and privatelyowned universities. There is more. New facilities have changed the face of the institution. With a focused management team led by the immediate past President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie, who was appointed the substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university a year ago, the university has become one of the fastest developing state-owned institutions in

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

terms of quality of teaching and learning. Adequate mechanisms have been put in place to ensure that members of staff and students abide by laid-down rules and regulations of the university. Under the new system, about 700 found guilty of examination misconduct and other vices have been rusticated, while panels on disciplinary matters involving members of staff is also in place. Recounting the achievements recorded by the management in the last one year, especially on the implementation of the free education programme, the Vice-Chancellor noted that free education at the university level is possible in Nigeria, adding that it depends on “how you apply the resources available”. He said: “All it takes is honesty,

Out of this number, 4,618 are from Imo State. And talking about the quality of teaching and learning, it is the quality of leadership that determines the standard of the institution and not free education…The performance of the programme since it was introduced has been impressive

transparency, accountability and passion. When these are applied, free education is possible. In Imo State, we have free education because the state governor is committed to ensuring that every Imo child

has access to university education, irrespective of their social backgrounds. It is this passion and the prudent application of resources that has made it possible.” He further explained that contrary

to the insinuation that the number of indigenous students admitted in the university has been reduced as a result of the free education programme, “the university has recorded a sharp increase in the number of indigenous students since the introduction of the free education programme because every family wants to benefit from the programme. “For instance, in the 2014/2015 session, we matriculated a total number of 5,215 students. Out of this number, 4,618 are from Imo State. And talking about the quality of teaching and learning, it is the quality of leadership that determines the standard of the institution and not free education. “The performance of the programme since it was introduced has been impressive. The free edu•Continued on page 33

Newspaper of the Year

AN EIGHT-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHSOUTH STATES

OMEGA CHUR CH CHURCH

•Mrs Cookey-Gam

•PAGE 31

PAGE 25

DEIN OF AGBOR

ER OSION EROSION

THE Port Harcourt-based church, Omega Power Ministries (OPM) founder, Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, not long ago, accused the Rotimi Amaechi administration of denying his church a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for his 19.26 hectares of land. The Greater Port Harcourt City says he is lying.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

OGBESON in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area and Auchi, headquarters of Estako West Local Government Area of Edo State, are two communities with similar problems. Erosion has washed away large portions of both communities. The government is now saving them. •PAGE 32

•Oshiomhole

THE Dein of Agbor, Benjamin Ikechuku, Keagborekuzi I, has inspired award-winning filmmaker Tamara Gordon to do a film titled: “The King Within.” The film, according to Gordon, will reveal the monarch's years growing up yearsin London, among other facts. •Dein

•PAGE 35

Ogoni: oil spills are killing us

•Bodo-west spill at Gio

ESPITE efforts to clean up Ogoni land, more oil spills have been discovered. They are devastating and ravaging lives, crops and the eco-system. Worried by the situation, a non-governmental organisation, Centre for Citizens Rights, threatened to file a suit against Shell and its partners operating

From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

in Ogoni land. The group said its priority is to ensure the safety of the Ogoni people living in the affected area. It also alleged that over five young men and women died monthly of lumps and other skin diseases emanating from the

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Because of oil spills, oil flaring, and waste discharge, the once alluvial soil of Ogoni land is no longer viable for agricultural use and attributes to widespread land degradation

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affected environment. Although some communities have started receiving compensation from Shell, others have been abandoned to their fate, according to the group. The leader of the Centre for Citizens Rights, Comrade Gogorobari Fredick James, took

Niger Delta Report to the affected communities, such as Gbe, Kpor, Sime and Gio where each of the Paramount Rulers signed a document empowering the organisation to take any action on behalf of the communities. Continued on page 32

• YOU HAVE STORIES FOR US? PLEASE CONTACT US ON 07066954441 OR 08123521990

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

Oil export line: Why Odimodi leaders are fighting dirty There is growing tension in Odimodi clan in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State. Some of its leaders are fighting with themselves on one flank and with the staff of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) on another front. SHOLA O’NEIL reports that the bone of contention is royalties and plum contracts from oil companies operating in the area, particularly the repair of the vandalised 40-kilometre 48" export pipeline and 24" Water Disposal Line of Shell.

INCE the escalation of militancy in the Niger Delta region, crude oil theft (illegal bunkering) has being on the increase; various means have been devised by unrepentant criminals and their sponsors to siphon crude oil from installations and pipelines from Benin River in Delta state through Brass Creek in Bayelsa to Bonny in Rivers states. but none of the antics of these oil sheiks of the underworld quite match the audacious tapping into the 48" SBM Forcados Terminal Export Line in 2014 in terms of ingenuity and skill. Sources at SPDC’s Forcados told our reporter that the criminals deftly tapped into the fast flowing SBM (Single Buoy Mooring) export line, using the abandoned 12" Beniboye Flow line that conveys crude oil from the offshore locations of Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) to a flow-station. To prevent the crude flowing to the NAOC flow station, the criminals blocked a section through which it would have flowed to the facility and return to the offshore point. A new exit point was created to divert the oil into rogue tankers. The manipulation was allegedly carried out in collaboration with some technical staff of SPDC. Oil industry expert explained to Niger Delta Report, ”because of the pressure from the bigger (48") pipeline, the criminals have enough pressure on the 12" pipeline to convey the crude and fill their own tanker”. In the heat of the scandalous incident, a section of Odimodi Community, one of the co-host to the facility, petitioned SHELL parent company in The Hague, accusing the Installation Manager and Community Relations Coordinator, Forcados Terminal, Messrs Joseph Ojo and Tode Emagbetere respectively of complicity in the dirty deal. The petition dated Monday, September 22, 2014, written by E.S Akporehe of E. Akporehe & Co., alleged that the duo were “conniving and conspiring with persons to vandalise oil pipelines thereby recommending companies of close associates for the repair work.” The petition, which purported to be on the behest of ‘Executives and the entire indigenes of Odimodi Community in Burutu LGA’, went further to state that the vandalisation of the 48" Forcados Terminal SBM was perpetuated by the duo, adding that it was done for bunkering purposes and to cause economic sabotage. The petition was led by a full page advertorial in a national newspaper with similar messages by the Ijaw Host Communities of Nigeria. The

group expressed displeasure that the repair work of the vandalized facility was not awarded to contractors from the host community – specifically Odimodi and others. Four months later, the Chairman and Secretary of the community, Benjamin Gbesine and Ingo Douba Davies respectively, in an open letter to President Goodluck Jonathan in another advertorial made similar allegations against the SPDC staff. They gave the company 72 hours to transfer the duo and replace them with Odimodi indigenes. “We wish to state that failure of the management of SPDC to accede to these simple demands within the stipulated time will lead to mass protest of all members of Odimodi Community and we shall insist that SPDC should move their operation from our lands to other communities that can accommodate their neglect and destruction…” The letter by the duo raised suspicions that they instigated earlier petitions, particularly as the authors were mostly local contractors and closer associate of a local business who tried fruitlessly to get the pipeline repair contract. Attempts by our reporter to get the reaction of SPDC on the allegations by HOSTCOM and Odimodi ‘leaders’ against the two staff proved abortive. The company’s spokesperson, Mr Joseph Obari, was yet to respond to our email inquire for comment at the time of this report, nearly week after the request was made. Meanwhile, the company’s ‘battle’ was taken up by some indigenes of the community, including Mr. K.K Iseru, a lawyer, and the Heroes of Peace Initiative, an anti-bunkering group, who cautioned and condemned HOSTCOM against making “unpalatable publications”. Iseru slammed the various publications as “unsubstantiatable and unwarranted invective” in a counteradvertorial on October 28, 2014. He justified the decision of SPDC to shun the community’s contractors in the award of the cleanup and repair of the vandalized facility: “Experience has shown that an unwritten policy exist (sic) in the Oil Industry… both SHELL, NPDC and other oil companies do not award cleanup and installation repair contracts to indigenous companies from communities where oil spill occurred due to acts of pipeline vandalism or third party interference i.e. sabotage.” Explaining the policy Iseru said, “This policy is thus a two-edged sword; as a punishment for not being vigilant to one’s environment irrespective of the risk level involve, and

•Repairs of the 48" export line and 24" Water Disposal Line after attack by militant in 2007

•Pollution resulting from vandalism of the pipeline

by not giving the clean-up/repairs contract to the community contractors to benefit from the acts of sabotage, the community would then take extra caution knowing that they would not have any benefit if elements were to tamper with oil companies’ installations within their environments.” Reacting in the same vein, Heroes of Peace (HOPE) Initiative, which is at the frontline in the fight against illegal bunkering in the area, expressed shock at the “falsification of facts” by the Gbesine-led group, stressing that it wasn’t true that SPDC had willfully neglected Odimodi as claimed by the HOSTCOM. In a letter signed by Chief Futek Zikoregha and Prince Wilfred Ikiere, President and Secretary respective, HOPE hinted that the protestation against SHELL and its staff at Forcados Terminal by the purported chairman and secretary of Odimodi was far from altruistic. ”It is pertinent to note that the said Mr Benjamin Gbesine who signed the publication is one of the directors in the Saben Ventures, a company executing a running contract of surveillance of the 48" ROW (Right of Way)…” Besides, independent investigation by Niger Delta Report revealed that the duo are generally seen in the community as surrogate to a local businessman, who was angling for the repair of the vandalized facility. It was learnt that the same contractor who handles the portion of the SBM that was compromised was alleged to be behind the attack on the SPDC staff. “They wanted to blackmail the embattled staff into giving them the job; when that didn’t work, the same person whose sibling is connected to the HOSTCOM also used the organi-

•Repairs of the 48" export line and 24" Water Disposal Line after attack by PHOTOS: SHOLA O'NEIL militant in 2007

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The Amadiwei is also the only person armed with the authority and responsibility of swearing in the chairman of the community and due to the pending litigation (against Gbesine and others) the Amadiwei refused to swear-in the said Benjamin Gbesine and asked him to await the outcome of litigation zation to make publication. When all those failed, they resolved to threat of violent protest and disruption of SHELL operation in Odimodi and around Ogulagha,” our source in the community added. Zikoregha told our reporter that “Gbesine and his co-travellers lacked the capacity to mobilise the community for the protest they threatened, stressing that they are not recognize as leaders of Odimodi. He said Gbesine and Ingo Douba Davies are not the chairman and secretary of the community as claimed, adding that they have been disowned by the entire Odimodi community due to the embarrassing and unsubstantiated allegation against Messrs Ojo and Emagbetere. “They wrote the letters without the

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knowledge of the community and violated a rule that the community must be informed if any communication is to be made on behalf of Odimodi. The community has a body known as the Eluwei congress, which is the supreme authority and it is headed by the Amadiwei (community head). “The Amadiwei is also the only person armed with the authority and responsibility of swearing in the chairman of the community and due to the pending litigation (against Gbesine and others) the Amadiwei refused to swear-in the said Benjamin Gbesine and asked him to await the outcome of litigation.” Gbesine, who was contacted by our reporter on the allegation, denied any wrongdoing. He told our reporter in

a telephone chat that his action was borne out of the unfair deal meted on his community by SPDC. Pressed for further clarification, he refused to speak, insisting on a face-to-face meeting with our reporter at a specific location. More troubling for the some leaders of the community, according to our investigation, is that certain aspects of the public is already generating fresh tension between the Odimodi people and their Ogulagha neighbours. It would be recalled that the age-long Ijaw neighbours are embroiled in perennial dispute over the ownership of the site of the Forcados terminal. The face-off had led to bloody confrontation that led to loss of lives in the past. Reacting to the January publication, the Chairman and Secretary of Ogulagha community warned that they would not “be intimidated this way” and urged SPDC to go about their normal business without fear. They denounced Odimodi’s claim to SHELL facilities in the area. Nonetheless, notable independent watchers of tension in the area are near unanimous that the issue at stake was not as much about the communities, but about who gets lucrative contracts like protection of pipelines and supply of equipment to the oil firm. “Those speaking against SHELL and issuing threats only want to intimidate the company into recognizing them as ‘leaders’; on the other hand, those supporting the company could be hoping to talk their way into the good books of the company for future deals. Either way, it is mostly about contracts,” an uninvolved member of the community told Niger Delta Report.

A monarch’s story as a film

N Nigeria, there are no two kings with his kind of story. He became a king as a 28-month baby following the death of his father. He was actually crowned, but since he was too young to rule, he was taken overseas to escape being hurt by ambitious people in Agbor, his kingdom in Delta State. From 1977 when he was crowned till he was 20, he lived in the United Kingdom growing up like every other child and was addressed with his Roman Catholic name Benjamin. His years in London have left him with a West London accent. He returned home over a decade ago to take his seat. The Dein of Agbor, Benjamin Ikechuku, Keagborekuzi I, has inspired award-winning filmmaker Tamara Gordon to do a film titled ‘The King Within’. The film, according to Gordon, will reveal the monarch’s years growing up in London among other facts. Gordon said: "I first became aware of story at an exhibition of Nigerian Monarchs by the photographer George Osodi, curated by Ziggy Golding. The subject matter proved fascinating, Nigerian monarchies have experienced massive changes in the last century, and although stripped of their constitutional power in the 1960s, they still rule their kingdoms and function not just as living symbols of customs and traditions, but as portals of ancient wisdom. I decided immediately that I wanted to make a film about Keagborekuzi's life. For this is the story of supposed ordinary kid from the streets of West London, who returns to his ancestral land and turns out to be a king. For all intents and purposes, his life is the perfect modern fairytale, but also reveals the complexities of today's multicultural world. "Nestled in the premises of Keagborekuzi's fairytale lie more complex issues. Today, the clash between traditional cultures and imported elements of modern Western culture is playing itself out across the world. Many of us have dual identities, and as a consequence, don't necessary have a fixed concept of 'nationality' and 'home'. Yet often we feel forced to take a side, which in effect, neglects another part of ourselves. I'm setting out to make a film that essentially examines how a king navigates between contrasting worlds, and ask if it's possible for him to reconcile the differences; how does he use the many facets of his experience to his advantage, in a ever-more globalised world? As a filmmaker, I am tired of the stereotypes and negative images of black youth in the British press. A report conducted as recently as 2013 by The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) found that in some areas of the UK, young black people are 29 times more likely to be stopped and searched than any other group. It's shocking statistic, and media portrayals undoubtedly have a role to play in the cultural assumptions behind it." Ordinarily, the traditional ruler of Agbor is known as Eze or Obi. But the current Obi of Agbor goes by Dein, the name of his ruling house instead of Obi. Dein is an Igbo word used to address older men as a mark of respect. Dein is the dialectal variant of “De” and “Deede” used in other Igbo areas. In Agbor and in many other Igbo communities, the word “Dein” evolved to become a revered title for the oldest man in the community, and by implication, a title meaning the leader of the

•Dein of Agbor

community. In many areas of Igboland, Umude or Umudei or Umudein means the lineage that produces the King, that is the descendants of the King. Umudei is the same as Umueze, Umuezeala, and Umuezeora. Agbor, also known as Ominije, is an Igbo town in Delta State, Nigeria. The indigenes of Agbor town are of Ika descent, an Igbo-speaking group. Agbor, originally called Ominije, was founded by Omini from Aguleri. Ominije means “Omini Eze Ije” which translates “Omini the King of Travel”. The city of Omini or Ominije was later renamed Agbor an Igbo word for “lineage” (a dialectal variant of “agburu”). The people of Agbor have traditionally relied on farming and fishing for their food and commerce. Its history is dominated by the many warriors it has produced. Agbor was once affiliated with the Benin Empire before the British conquered Benin, although the idea of Agbor being a colony of Benin is disputed. Gordon’s film will reveal more about the people of Agbor and their special monarch. Will the film also reveal the truth about his last year’s encounter with the police in the United States who ticketed him for a driving offence? You have to wait and see. A report said Saratoga County prosecutors in the United States were baffled when a man who

received a traffic ticket in Ballston identified himself as Nigerian royalty and an occasional resident of Saratoga Springs. A county sheriff's deputy ticketed him for improper passing after he was in a minor vehicle accident while driving east on Route 67 last July. No injuries were reported in the incident. The monarch was behind the wheel of a 2014 Jeep with a female passenger. The case took an unusual turn when he identified himself to court officials as the Dein of Agbor Kingdom in Nigeria, His Royal Majesty Benjamin Ikenchuku

Keagborekuzi the First (Keagborekuzi I). He told the court the Guinness Book of World Records named him the youngest monarch in the world. "Africa is a place where young people are to be seen, and not to be heard," Ikenchuku told the Albany Student Press in an interview. "But God has judiciously afforded me with the opportunity to be a young person who has to be heard." His royal status came up during negotiations over how to settle his minor moving violation because he comes in and out of the U.S., law enforcement officials said.

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Gordon’s film will reveal more about the people of Agbor and their special monarch. Will the film also reveal the truth about his last year’s encounter with the police in the United State who ticketed him for a driving offence? You have to wait and see

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THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

Omega Church vs Rivers: The facts, the fiction T

HE General Overseer of a Port Harcourt-based church, the Omega Power Ministries (OPM), Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, not long ago, hosted the Rivers State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Nyesom Wike, in his church on the Godspower Ake Road in the Rivers State capital. While addressing Wike, who is also the immediate past Minister of State for Education, and members of his entourage, the cleric accused the Rotimi Amaechi’s administration of denying his church approval/permit and Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the 19.26 hectares of land at the Greater Port Harcourt City. Wike, a former Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt; the Director-General of Amaechi Campaign Organisation in 2011 and a two-term Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council of Rivers state, while speaking at the OPM, assured that two days after his inauguration as Rivers governor from May 29, 2015, he would give the church the C of O, allegedly being denied it by Amaechi’s government. The Rivers government, through the Administrator of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam, however, declared that Apostle Chinyere was being mischievous and economical with the truth, describing his claims as spurious and baseless. Mrs Cookey-Gam, a former Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG) and an ex-Rivers Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, admonished the general overseer of OPM not to abuse his position and to always get his facts correctly. The administrator said: “We are in an electioneering period and at times such as this, so many activities go around, particularly in a fledgling democracy like ours, that send different signals to the undiscerning general public, which if not professionally handled, are likely to create negative impressions, including bitterness and unhealthy rivalry. We have a responsibility to address the issues dispassionately and for the purpose of equity, fairness, responsibility and posterity, set the records straight. “Our attention has been drawn to the recent news item in respect of the alleged denial of the granting of Certificate of Occupancy to the OPM by the Rivers State government. It is important that we place on record that the Hon. Commissioner for Lands and Survey (Ezemonye EzekielAmadi), has stated very clearly that OPM has not submitted any application for C of O in respect of its parcel of land (19.26 hectares) at Mbodo-Aluu (Ikwerre LGA of Rivers State) to the Rivers State Minis-

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Apostle Chibuzor has been very economical with the truth. It is, therefore, important that we correct the wrong impression he has left in the public domain. The authority will process any application submitted by OPM, whenever it is received. We will like to encourage men of God, who hold such positions, to understand their callings and altars as sacred and therefore desist from using such privileges to create disharmony •Mrs Cookey-Gam From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

try of Lands and Survey, which is the only ministry responsible for the issuance of C of Os. Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority is responsible for planning and regulating development of lands in the new city. “OPM submitted its application for charting of its parcel of land to the authority sometime ago. The coordinates used in carrying out the survey were faulty and as such, the survey plan could not be used for the charting. OPM was advised to submit a new survey plan, which it failed to do for a long while, as Apostle Chibuzor complained about the huge expenses he would incur with re-engaging his private surveyors. OPM subsequently submitted a new plan, which was used in charting and verification of its land.” The ex-SSG exonerated Amaechi

of playing politics with the OPM’s land, describing the Rivers governor, who is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as a detribalised leader, who is fully committed to developing the state. Mrs Cookey-Gam said: “The OPM’s land (4 of the 19.26 hectares) is impacted by the right of way for the electricity transmission line from Rumuosi sub-station of Phase One of the new city, next to the stadium (Adokiye Amiesimaka Sports Complex). The authority has held many meetings with members of the OPM’s team, advising them on the extent of the impact, to enable them to prepare their conceptual layout plan. OPM finally submitted the conceptual layout plan to the authority, by the letter dated December 16, 2014. “The authority also formally wrote to the OPM in January 2015, confirming that the conceptual layout plan was acceptable in princi-

ple. OPM was also requested to submit its application for outline planning permit to the authority. We are yet to receive any application from OPM.” The administrator also stated that the authority had a responsibility to serve the interests of all citizens of Rivers state, including non-indigenes, private, local, national and international stakeholders, irrespective of gender, creed, race, ethnic and other backgrounds. She maintained that the alleged case of discrimination and partiality or refusal to grant OPM a C of O was baseless, stressing that the authority does not have such powers. Mrs Cookey-Gam said: “Apostle Chibuzor has been very economical with the truth. It is, therefore, important that we correct the wrong impression he has left in the public domain. The authority will process any application submitted by OPM, whenever it is received.

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“We will like to encourage men of God, who hold such positions, to understand their callings and altars as sacred and therefore desist from using such privileges to create disharmony.” The administrator stated that OPM’s allegation that the authority hurriedly approved its application, because of public outcry, was misplaced and quite unfortunate, declaring that the church had not got approval to embark on any construction yet, insisting that Chinyere was politicising the matter. She urged OPM to stop playing to the gallery and getting involved in politics, instead of focusing on spiritual matters. Mrs Cookey-Gam maintained that that Rivers government is daily issuing C of Os, while officials of the state’s ministry of lands and survey had also been processing C of Os daily , urging developers to always comply with all the requirements.

111 Delta oil communities sign GMoU with NPDC

HE Delta State government has brokered a peace deal between 111 aggrieved host communities on OML 30 and the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) culminating in the signing of a Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU). The event which took place in Asaba, the Delta State capital, had Delta Deputy Governor, Prof Agbe Utuama and other top government functionaries in attendance. Also present was Mr Omamuzo Erebe, the Director of People’s Rights, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Mr Aweka Avwenaghagha, Head Local Content Unit, Ministry of Oil Gas and the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor, Mr Vincent Omorie, on

From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

Community matters. The highlight of the ceremony was the signing of the GMoU by Delta Commissioner, Oil and Gas, Mr Mofe Pirah and the Managing Director, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, Mr Anthony Mouneke who led a delegation of management staff. It will be recalled that host communities on OML 30 which spread between Delta South and Central senatorial have been at loggerheads with NPDC leading to an ultimatum by the communities which culminated in the shutting down of oil operations of the company. Delta Deputy Governor, Prof

Agbe Utuama who signed on behalf of government in a speech noted that the State government decision to take an active role in brokering this GMoU is borne out of its policy to ensure that an enabling environment is provided for investors to carry on their business in an atmosphere of peace and security. Utuama admitted that the negotiations which were mediated through the office of the Department of People’s Rights in the Ministry of Justice in conjunction with the Ministry of Oil and Gas was tough, added that when both parties had a deadlocked he stepped in. Utuama said the GMoU has some highlights which includes incorporating the Delta State Government as a

party to the GMoU, adding that this was principally a request from the communities. Another highlight includes a fixed project sum to be paid yearly by NPDC into a dedicated account to be managed by the community themselves. Furthermore, Utuama said, in line with the GMoU, the communities will identify their needs and execute the projects. Also the GMoU has a clause instituting a peace award of 5% of the project sum to clusters that record no disruption of company’s operations. Mr Anthony Mouneke while speaking with reporters said the GMoU was to compensate host communities, ensure peace and a good

working relationship with the host communities and the whole state at large. Mouneke assured that the GMoU will be respected by all parties concerned as both parties intends to respect the terms of the document, adding that the Delta State Government has demonstrated its commitment to the success of the GMoU by its leading role in negotiations. His words, ‘This GMoU is going to be different because you are here and it is the intention of both parties to respect it. NPDC intends to keep its word, the host communities have indicated that they want to keep its word as you have seen the Delta State Government have put its weight on this GMoU so I am must assured that it will work.’

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

NIGER DELTA REPORT

NIGER DELTA REPORT COVER

FEATURE

Hope rises for erosion ravaged communities in Edo

Ogoni: oil spills are killing us

Communities ravaged by erosion in Edo State will have cause to smile soon as government begins remedial work, writes OSAGIE OTABOR, Benin

GBESON in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area and Auchi, headquarters of Estako West Local Government Area of Edo State, are two communities with similar problems in Edo State. For many years, residents of both communities hoped and prayed for solution to the gully erosion that has washed away a large portion of both communities. Several houses worth millions of naira have been lost to the erosion while many persons have also been killed. Auchi gully erosion, which started in 1980s during the reign of late Otaru A.G Momoh, began on the major road leading to River Orle beside Paradise hotel and gradually spread into the community destroying properties. Former military president Gen. Ibrahim Babangida was said to have declared the gully a disaster when he visited the area in 1985. Contract for the control of the gully were awarded but the contractor allegedly ran away from site. In 2007, Otaru of Auchi, His Royal Highness, Aliru Momoh, Ikelebe III, led the community to protest neglect of the gully erosion site by the contractor and to draw the world’s attention to possible extinction of his kingdom. HRH Momoh later told reporters that the Auchi erosion problem would have been solved if competent contractors were hired. He accused the Federal Ministry of Environment of a deliberate attempt to keep out contractors who have the requisite experience to do the job He said a firm named Valery that was also awarded the contract never executed the job and that investigation later revealed at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) that some companies given the job had no profile or files with CAC. According to him, “They gave the job to the people who have no skill and competence to do it. They (contractors) came here and didn’t do anything and went away and said: ‘Well, how to do a project of this nature is sharing the money at the ministry’. “Inspite of our pressures and so on, I sent people to CAC, to examine and find out the profile of all the contractors who placed bids for the contract for the erosion and found out that many of them don’t have any profile with the CAC. “I am talking about the Federal Government. I am not talking about the state government, except for the fact that money was released by the World Bank and we didn’t know what happened to it, that was during Prof Oseriemen Osunbor’s period. “The World Bank approved $20 million for Ede and Auchi erosion. Bids were advertised for the erosion contracts and at the end of the exercise, there was nothing to show for it. “And in Ede as it were, I came to know later when we were having a meeting in Benin, they only got somebody who came to them and said they got contract for erosion. He placed a

•Members of Centre of Citizens Rights inspecting the remediation spill site at Sime •Parts of the erosion devastated areas

•Community slef help project that gulped N5m but later abandoned

Continued on pages 29

•Another building lost to teh gully erosion

signpost of the name of the company. That was the end of it as they never came back.” In 2009, some residents of Auchi took their fate in their own hands and decided to appease the Orle River goddess. A white fowl was slaughtered and incantations were invoked to appease Orle to stop the gully devastation which they termed “devil rain”. They claimed that the gully erosion was because the community embraced Islam and refused to worship their mother “Orle”. Nurredeen Igbiebor, a member of the family of the keeper of the Orle shrine, told our reporter then that Orle had revealed what would become of Auchi kingdom if the people refused to worship her “She told me that everywhere has to be clean white. If people can returned to clean and decorate its shrine with white native chalk. Everywhere in this environment is very dirty. It was not how it showed it to me in the dream. She said we should change the way we are doing things. Everywhere has to be clean and white. We killed cow, white cock, used native chalk, salt and poured libation to worship her.” Despite the appeasement of Orle, the gully erosion continued to expand. The gully at Ogbeson community known as the Queen Ede gully started after the dualisation of the Benin-Agbor road and is almost cutting off the Benin-Agbor highway. Contractors engaged by previous administration to tackle the problem worsen the situ-

ation. There is, however, hope for residents in both communities as Governor Adams Oshiomhole has secured a World Bank loan to tackle the menace. Also to be reclaimed is the gully at Ekenwan Road. Speaking at the flagging-off ceremony of the erosion control projects, Oshiomhole said he was taken aback to discover abandoned equipment at the site when he inspected supposed ongoing job at the site. Oshiomhole disclosed that both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led federal and state governments awarded and paid for the same contract to different contractors but no work was done. He said he resorted to help from the World Bank after President Goodluck Jonathan refused to help the state from the ecological fund. According to him, “You have a real scandal when Edo State government under PDP awarded this project and paid for it and the PDP Federal Government awarded the same contract and also paid for it. They both claimed they were doing the job, but as you can see, they simply caused more complications. “They constructed a small drain to take the water out of the road without taking it to the ultimate destination. That was how the crack started. If they had fixed it properly, it could have cost us less than N5 million today. “When my attention was drawn by the Edo State Ministry of Works to the

•Another area where the gully erosion has diverted into

fact that this erosion was caused by a design error when the Asaba Road was being constructed by the Federal Ministry of Works, I wrote to Abuja to complain about the erosion challenges in this place. I listed quite a number of erosion sites in the state, including the Queen Ede Erosion problem.” Oshiomhole added: “When I asked for the project report, the ministry officials told me ‘job is on-going’ and subsequently, I invited the officials to accompany me to show me what they meant by ‘the job is on-going’. What I saw here was an abandoned equipment; there was no single worker on site. That is what they meant by ‘the job is on-going’ but that was not the only thing I found very strange. “We tried to trace the contract document and it was clear that the job was never meant to be done. It was just a cover up to siphon the fund by the previous government under the political party we want to chase out of Abuja now. “So, when we speak sometimes with anger and insist on change, it is because we can’t continue this kind of tradition where in the name of the problem of the people, money is misappropriated and this money goes into private pockets. I have to emphasize this so that you do not think it was at the beginning of this government. It was a previous PDP government. I renewed our appeal to the Federal Government to provide resources for us to fix this problem; again, we didn’t get any answer.

“That is the basis of the interaction between Edo State Government and the World Bank and of course like Dr. Amos Abu reminds us, the bank believes that to benefit from their facilities, you go through a very rigorous process. We have to reorder the way government finances are handled in this state, ensure there is data transparency, eliminate inefficiency from our system, and computerise government operations in order to minimise human errors “All of these we had to do in order to make governance more effective. All these are what the bank required. Today, Edo State is the 2nd state that has attracted direct support from the World Bank.” Oshiomhole, who lamented the damage done to human and material resources including the Catholic Church by the gully erosion, said: “The last time I was here, I saw that the threat to the community has increased. This school had collapsed, the Catholic Church was almost gone, several of the buildings down here had been washed away and some people had even lost their lives. “I went through one bush path to go down about kilometer away and I was shocked to find houses almost completely covered up. Of course, their owners had left and some have even died. Today, we have changed all of that. So when we say change, it is not only in terms of politics, it is changing the way PDP has mismanaged our country where government give con-

tracts to friends and associates who are hopelessly incompetent and who lack the will to do the job and yet public funds is expended to pay them. “We have borrowed N5.7 billion to protect this great kingdom of Auchi, to restore hope and to remove the fear and the pain that people suffer when it rains because that is the primary purpose of government. The loan that the bank gave to us is at an interest rate of less than 1 per cent and it was spread so thinly that we pay painlessly. So, it takes a sensible government, competent and transparent for people to access this World Bank facility. “So rather than give the contract on the basis of well-thought-out designs that can be scientifically checked and verified as suitable and proper, they chose one of themselves who knows next to nothing about civil engineering or erosion control so that the money can be taken.” Task Team Leader, Nigeria Erosion Watershed Management Project, (NEWMAP), World Bank Office in Nigeria, Dr. Amos Abu, said NEWMAP is a transformational project with the main partner being the World Bank, FAO, federal and state governments, particularly Edo State. He said: “I am very happy to report that in terms of meeting the requirement of this project, Edo State has been a leading example. “This kind of intervention has been carried out in countries like China, Brazil and Indian promising that the result achieved in those countries will

be replicated in Nigeria having brought out 2.5million people from poverty. “Whatever will be done, the challenge is on all of us all to make it work. The money we are going to use to do this project is a loan that will be paid over several periods of years, so it is important for us to be prudent in the management of the project. “The terrain of Auchi area is something we cannot change. We have done the design and the people who have the expertise and the skills are going to translate it and you will see the drain that will convey the runoff water into the water bodies. Beyond that, the natural environment will be tampered with, some houses will go but thank God the resources are there to create some compensation.” HRH Momoh thanked the governor for delivering the good things of life to the people of the state in general and the Auchi Kingdom. He said: “I have no doubt that what we are seeing here today is something that we have fought for. We demonstrated in 2006, we closed down the expressway and said that Auchi erosion be declared a disaster. “The Federal Government did not respond and we ended up with nothing but today, this is being realised through the efforts of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.” But State Chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, said Jonathan should be commended for facilitating the World Bank loan for the state.

HE first community visited was Sime in Tai Local Government Area where the people are battling an indigenous company, Duson and Son Enterprise for allegedly doing a bad remediation job on spill site at the Trans Niger Pipeline. The community youths and elders are protesting against the contractor, insisting that Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) must act fast to re- mobilize the contractor back to site. His Royal Highness Chief Leton Nbaasue, the Paramount Ruler of Sime, said the contractor used fake materials without excavator to work on the site. He noted that the first idea was to award the contract to the indigene of the area and allow SPDC to supervise but SPDC refused. Chief Nbaasue said: “My community is not happy over the level of job done at the spill site. When we discovered the spill, we reported to SPDC and we told them that to avoid any misunderstanding with the community especially the youths of the area. The remediation contract on the spill site should be awarded to any member of the community. Surprisingly, the contract was awarded to an outsider and the contractor refused to apply the right material for the job. We are the ones that insisted on the use of excavator, initially they were doing the job without excavator. After few months, the spill started affecting human lives and economic trees in the area, now what do they want us to do? “So, my community is calling on SPDC to re-mobilize the contractor back to the site because we will not be taken for granted. We are peace loving people; we don’t want trouble, all we want is for SPDC to order the contractor back to work. We don’t want to be force to take any drastic action on the matter.” At Gio, in the same LGA, over four young men were alleged to have died of lumps and various kinds of skin diseases due to polluted environment they found themselves. Residents said they are exposed to all kind of diseases because they are surrounded with the polluted Bodo-West spill. They said the environment is not only polluted, but that the people are inhaling poisonous air. Mr. Khari Akpene, who spoke on behalf of said, “Look at our houses close to the spill, everything we had is gone including the environment. Last time we buried two young men who died of lumps related cases; about four had died before on the

same issue. So this is the condition we find ourselves. Nobody is talking to us about compensation to our people though; we heard that some of the communities have started receiving attention on how to get their compensation.” At Gbe community in Gokana LGA, the story was the same; the people of the community whose occupation is farming are stranded. The paramount ruler, His Royal Highness Mene Friday Dimkpa said, “My subjects have nowhere to farm, this is what we have been suffering for years. Even our only sources of water have been polluted because, there is no water to drink, some still go to the polluted stream to scramble for water. Our condition is worst, we need assistance from people who would visit Ogoni land and see things for themselves as it is being reported on the news” The last community visited was Kpor in Gokhana Local government where “Shell Right of Way” overflowed and destroyed many economic trees and other crops planted in the area. The Paramount Ruler, His Royal Highness Mene Bemene M. Taoh said, “the community has reported to Shell on the damage done by the spill and have briefed them on the need for adequate compensation.” The leader of the Centre for Citizens Rights, Comrade Gogorobari Fredick James said the organization in partnership with international organizations decided to undertake a tour to few scenes in Ogoni land, where good health of the residence have been jeopardized. He said in Ogoni land people lives are not important, but only the economic gain of those whose operations in the land have sentenced the environment to death.

Comrade James noted that, “Ogoni people have been victims of human rights violation for many years. In 1956, four years before Nigerian Independence, Royal Dutch/Shell in collaboration with the British government found a commercially viable oil field on the Niger Delta and began oil production in 1958. 15-years period from 1976 to 1991 there were reportedly 2,976 oil spills of about 2.1 million barrels of oil in Ogoni land, accounting, about 40% of the total oil spills of the Royal Dutch/Shell Company worldwide. “In an assessment of over 200 locations in Ogoni land done by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), they found out that the 50 years of oil production in the region extended deeper than some may have predicted. Because of oil spills, oil flaring, and waste discharge, the once alluvial soil of Ogoni land is no longer viable for agricultural use and attributes to widespread land degradation. Furthermore, in many areas that seem to be unaffected, groundwater was tested to have high levels of hydrocarbons or contaminated with benzene, a carcinogen, at 900 levels above WHO guidelines. “UNEP estimated that it could take up to 30 years to rehabilitate Ogoni land to its full potentials and that the first five years of rehabilitation would require funding of about US$1 billion. The current Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Deizani Alison-Madueke, announced the establishment of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project, which intends to follow the UNEP report suggestions of Ogoni land to prevent further degradation. Like I said before now, our concern as NGO is to create awareness on the damaging effect on the health of the people.”

‘

Last time we buried two young men who died of lumps related cases; about four had died before on the same issue. So this is the condition we find ourselves. Nobody is talking to us about compensation to our people though; we heard that some of the communities have started receiving attention on how to get their compensation

‘

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

‘Finishing Strong’… Uduaghan showcases roads, other infrastructure

ELTA State Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, last week commenced a marathon project inauguration, ostensibly as part of his ‘Finishing Strong’ promise to the people of the state. the move was seen also as a strategy shore up support for the candidates of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming general election in the state. Speaking at TV phone-in programme last Friday, the governor explained that his decision to go on the ‘show-off’ was informed by the prevailing trend in Nigeria politics where only governors and public officeholders who ‘commission projects’ are deemed hardworking. “Normally, I believe that when a project is completed, it should be put to use. But some would not open classrooms to pupils until it has been commissioned,” he said at the programme, which was co-anchored by this reporter. It was against this backdrop that President Goodluck Jonathan, during his campaign/visit to the state inaugurated the multibillion naira, ultramodern Delta State Government House building in Asaba, the state capital. A visibly impressed President Jonathan remarked: ”I have being coming to Asaba, I have seen the Government House, the Presidential lodge and other places. Congratulations your Excellency, it is a great job and I commission it to the glory of God.” The President who observed that the administration of Governor Uduaghan has greatly transformed the state and improved the lives of Deltans, noted that it is one of best run states by a PDP-government and that would be used as reference point for the achievements of the PDP-led administration in the country. “Delta State is among the PDP states that the transformation agenda of my administration has touched and Governor Uduaghan wholeheartedly has keyed into this transformation agenda, as you can see Delta State is one of the fastest growing state in this nation; this mighty and beautiful edifice we are commissioning today shows the massive transformation going on in the state.” Former Governor of Anambra State Mr. Peter Obi also commended Governor Uduaghan for his programmes, especially the MicroCredit scheme, the free maternal and childcare programme among others. He said, “Those of us who are neighbours to Delta State know that Governor Uduaghan has done a lot for Deltans. This is a state that has over the past three years being coming out first in micro finance, supporting small businesses and a lot of our own people are here doing their own businesses. It is one of the safest place and one of the best entrepreneurial places in this country today”. In continuation of the inauguration, Governor Uduaghan also inducted the 7.8-kilometer UmunedeMbiri Road Rehabilitation, in the northern part of the state. He told guests, including traditional rulers, palace chiefs, political leaders and stakeholders, that “the road will improve inter-city road transportation, enhance urban growth, communication and reinvigorate commerce and social life in the area.” “We constructed this road to take people safely to their destination, when you are drunk, don’t drive,

From Shola O’Neil, Southsouth Regional Editor, Warri

when you are feeling sleepy, don’t drive and when you take drugs, please don’t drive, by God’s grace this road will take us to our destination’’ Gov Uduaghan advised road users. Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Mr. Funkekeme Solomon disclosed that project was awarded in October 2014 at a cost of N497.12 million and targeted to link Umunede, Mbiri town, Mbiri farm settlement and other communities in the state and neighbouring Edo State. The Obi of Mbiri, HRM Obi Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Alekwe II, who received Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan at his palace, thanked the governor for the project and commended the existing unity among traditional rulers in Delta State and urged their subjects to emulate them so that development can come to their areas. He said, ‘The presence of other traditional rulers shows the unity among traditional rulers, that is a lesson to all of us who are your subjects because if our royal fathers are united then of course the subjects become united and we have no cause to be divided’’. HRM, Obi Dr. Alekwe II commended Dr. Uduaghan for keeping his promise to rehabilitate and reseal the Umunede-Mbiri road and assured the governor of the support of his people as well as the protection of all government properties. The Governor also inaugurated nine internal road projects at Ovwor-Olomu in Ughelli South local government area of the state. He promised that his administration would be willing to accommodate genuine investors who would not become problems. He said, “We are ready to accept visitors who have genuine business in our state but our visitors should not be problem to us. Let me assure our farmers that government is doing a lot to secure our people, especially, farmers, we have never heard of cattle rearers carrying AK 47 rifles, we have never heard of cattle rearers raping women or even killing people in the bush, but, it is happening now and we must stop it.” The marathon project inauguration also took Governor Uduaghan to the Ndokwa areas of the state where he commissioned the 14.7km Ashaka/Aboh road. The construction of the hitherto perennially treacherous road has made it easier for vehicles to get to Aboh, headquarters of Ndokwa East local government area of the state without hitch. Motorists going to the local council headquarters in the past had to wait for several hours for their vehicles to be ferried across a river using pontoons. In his address, the governor express joy that “one can now drive to Aboh”, stressing, “before 1999, when you mention Aboh, what comes to mind is pontoon and bad road. Aboh is a historic town.” The Governor, who had earlier paid a courtesy call on the Obi of Aboh, HRM Obi Imegwu II, commended the monarch for being a blessing to the people of Aboh. “When a blessed royal father is on the throne, good things come to his Kingdom, our royal father is blessed. In his reign, Aboh has

•Governor Uduaghan acknowledging cheers from chiefs of Uvwie Kingdom at the inauguration of the of Refinery Road in Uvwie Local Government Area.

•From left: Solomon, Baro, Arch-Bishop Avwomakpa and Dr. Otumara at the inauguration of the the Refinery Road in Uvwie.

The Refinery Road, Uvwie ...before inauguration

opened up, it is now accessible, there is a general hospital, a polytechnic is under construction, among others; Aboh is developing fast.” Obi Imegwu II, who spoke through the Secretary of Aboh Traditional Council, Chief J.A. Ozegbe, thanked Governor Uduaghan’s administration for contributing immensely to the development of his

kingdom. ”We wish to fervently appreciate you for appointing our sons and daughters to take care of strategic positions during your tenure, profoundly, we are overwhelmed and appreciative of your efforts on the completion of the Aboh/Ashaka road which is a master piece, solid road to link us together economically and socially with even

neughbouring state - Rivers via Ndoni.” At Aradhe, Isoko North local government area, the Governor commissioned a 13 kilometer road valued at N1.9 billion. The road links Aradhe to Ushe and Ashakaý. The Governor also commissioned several internal roads in Ughelli and the redesigned and expanded Refinery Road in Effurun, Uvwie LGA.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

NIGER DELTA REPORT COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

HERE were tears crowding up in my eyes. I had seen enough working with Mother Excellency. I doubted if I was prepared to see more. It is time I called it quit, I told myself. Two hours earlier I had been summoned by the First Lady. She gave me a DVD and asked me to go and watch and develop negative media materials from it against the man she helped install as governor after the palace coup against Mr Silverbird. It had been almost four years since Mr Silverbird was shown the exit and Mr Dick took over. I sat in my office and slotted the DVD. It was the presidential rally of the Umbrella Peoples Party (UPP) in Goayena. The crowd in the stadium was massive going by the small population of the state. It was as though the whole of Goayena closed for the day to identify with their son who was facing the biggest battle of his life. Soon, Governor Dick started talking: “My fellow Goayenas…” and his voice was drown by booing from a section of the crowd. He ignored them and went ahead to call for support for the president and other UPP candidates from the state. Mother Excellency soon took the microphone. The first thing I noticed was that she did not acknowledge the governor’s presence in her speech. She equally ignored his wife. Then the president took over: “Let me tell you the truth. The governor and I are working together. So, if you like me, you must like the governor. Forget whatever anybody is telling you, the governor is my man and I am behind him. It is impossible for you to say you don’t like the governor, but like me. I have heard stories. People are poisoning your mind against the governor. I am no party to that. This governor was put in position by me and if you don’t like him, it means you don’t like me. Don’t allow anyone to spoil your mind against the governor. “I have noticed that some young people have been instigated by people who don’t like us to embarrass the governor and, by extension, me. Take this from me, you must work with the governor of this state for you to benefit from us. We are together, we work together to bring dividends of democracy to this state. Shun deceits. This is the advice of your brother. This is the advice of your uncle. Work with the government to make sure that we develop this state. I plead with you, work with us to shame detractors.” What first came to my mind after seeing the DVD was: what did this woman expect me to do? To do spin jobs against her husband? As far as I was concerned, her husband made it clear that he was supporting the man she wanted me to paint black. It was at that point I broke down and cried like a baby. After gathering my thoughts together, I put a call through to Dodondawa, who

OLUKOREDE YISHAU

ABOVE WHISPERS

•A weekly intervention on Southsouth people and matters

olukoredeyishau@gmail.com

The dilemma (2)

had since left his position as Editor. He was now Corporate Affairs Manager in a telecommunications firm in Lagos. “Hi Tunde,” Dodondawa said. “Hi, my brother,” I replied. “Hope all is well? Your voice sounded down,” Dodondawa asked. “It is this woman again,” I said. “What has she done this time around?” I explained everything to him. “So, what do you intend doing?” “I have had enough. I can’t do what she is asking of me. I will rather leave than do the nonsense she is asking for,” I said. Dodondawa kept silent for some seconds and later said: “What has the governor done against her? The first one was not good and she removed him and now this one is bad again.” “To be honest with you, I think she just wants a puppet in power while she will be the real governor determining almost everything, but Mr Dick will have none of that. He has tried to accommodate her, but when he saw that she

LAST WORD

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

‘

The wife of the President, Mrs. Jonathan, decreed that the APC must not be allowed to hold its rallies in the two Okrika speaking LGAs of Okrika and Ogu/ Bolo. Despite several entreaties to Her Majestic Excellency (Dame Jonathan) to allow the APC hold mere campaign rallies, she insisted that the rallies must not hold on her turf

‘

––– Rivers APC

‘

I have noticed that some young people have been instigated by people who don’t like us to embarrass the governor and, by extension, me. Take this from me, you must work with the governor of this state for you to benefit from us

‘

was asking for too much, he started cutting her to size and she felt slighted. She obviously is not getting her husband’s support in getting Mr Dick out and I am sure that must be generating some fight in their house which they are managing and preventing to come in the open. The woman is just insensitive. Her husband needs all the peace and presence of mind at this moment of his life. His re-election is not guaranteed because of the popularity of the opposition candidate. And here is his wife compounding his problem. You know some of the people supporting the opposition candidate are enemies she made for her husband.” “What next?” “Obviously, she will get angry and will call me after some days if she does not see evidence that I did what she wanted. I will go see her and let her know it was one assignment I cannot carry out. Dodondawa, I am prepared for the worst. I will walk out on the job. It has been a dilemma for me. This thing I have called a job in the last six years or so has been a dilemma.

Now, I am prepared to walk away from the dilemma. I don’t mind staying at home for months before getting another job.” “I can see you have made up your mind. My deputy just resigned a few days ago. Will you mind taking up the role?” This was too good to be true. “Are you serious Dodo?” “Very serious,” Dodondawa replied. “Thanks for making it easy for me to walk away from this dilemma I have called a job for years. Thanks you.” “I will set the machinery in place for you to come take the slot,” Dodondawa said. He hung up after I promised to call him later at night. As expected, Mother Excellency summoned me to her office the following day after going through the papers and seeing no evidence that her instruction had been carried out. “What is wrong with you?” she asked as I entered her office. There were newspapers on her table. “Nothing ma,” I replied, feigning ignorance of why she was angry. “I gave you an instruction yesterday. And I have gone through the papers and not one single one has any evidence that you carried out my order. What kind of insubordination is that?” I almost burst out laughing, but I controlled myself. I was pleased with God for giving me the opportunity to let this woman know my destiny was not in her hand. “Why are you not talking? Has your mouth been glued together? I will fire you o,” she said. I got angry at this stage and told her: “There will be no need for that madam. I quit.” She could not talk for the next one minute. No one had dealt with her that way before. So, she was shell-shocked. After some minutes of watching her boiling but unable to talk, I walked out to my office, typed my two-line resignation letter and returned to her office. I handed over the letter to her, including the keys to my official car and apartment. “Thanks for giving me the opportunity to experience what it takes to endure a dilemma all in the name of a job. Thanks for letting me know that power cannot change one’s character and can instead worsen it. Thanks for the last few years of studying without earning a degree. Thanks for everything. It has been a dilemma working with you.” I walked out, packed my personal belongings and put a call through to Dodondawa. I had had enough and really did not care whether or not the deal with Dodondawa would sail through. I had some savings that could last me sometime. For me, all I could see was that a new phase, and obviously a different one, was beginning. •Concluded.

BY BISI OLANIYI, PORT HARCOURT

Okrika and its Imperial Majesty

KRIKA, the headquarters of Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State is the hometown of the wife of President Goodluck Jonathan, Dame Patience, and the ex-leader of the Niger Delta Vigilance Movement, “General” Ateke Tom. Prior to the October 26, 2007 inauguration of Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as the governor of the state, Okrika was a hotbed of militancy and a no-go area. The youthful ex-Speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly (Amaechi), shortly after his inauguration as governor, declared that his administration would have nothing to do with militants and he declared total war on them. Ateke’s “highly-fortified” camp in Okrika was invaded by security operatives, with the then dreaded abode destroyed and the warlords scampering to safety, in the face of superior firepower and more sophisticated equipment/ weapons. The late President Umaru Yar’Adua, in 2009, gave amnesty to the repentant Niger Delta militants, which complemented the efforts of the Amaechi’s administration. Okrika is back in the news. And for the wrong reason. On January 11, the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Okrika was bombed. Then on January 22, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Nyesom Wike campaigned at the playground of the National School, Okrika. It was attended by Dame Jonathan and transmitted live on the Nigerian

Television Authority (NTA). Ateke, at Wike’s rally in Okrika, boasted that the ancient town belongs to the PDP and that APC’s campaign would never be allowed in Okrika. The 44-year-old Rivers governorship candidate of the APC, members of his Greater Together Campaign Organisation and his supporters were billed to campaign at the playground of the same National School in Okrika from 10 a.m. on January 24, but the place was bombed. while some of them were injured and their valuable property lost to the bombing, burning, shooting and attacks with machetes and other dangerous weapons from 3:45 a.m. The Okrika rally was later suspended by Peterside and members of his team, in order not to expose the APC’s members to danger, but indicated that they would never be cowed or intimidated. It is believed that the directive not to allow APC’s rallies to hold in Okrika and in Ogu, the headquarters of neighbouring Ogu-Bolo LGA (of the same Okrika-Ijaw stock) was given by Dame Jonathan, for the whole world not to confirm that Peterside has supporters in her hometown. Ogu is the hometown of the self-acclaimed Speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly, Evans Bipi, a former aide to the wife of President Jonathan, and the representative of the Rivers East Senatorial District, George Thompson Sekibo. Peterside’s Okrika rally was rescheduled for February 12, but the Chairman of the Greater

Together Campaign Organisation in Okrika LGA, Tamuno Williams, a lawyer and exChairman of the council, at a news conference in Port Harcourt on February 11, expressed shock on the refusal of the Rivers police, led by Dan Bature, to provide security for the campaign. Williams said: “The wife of the President, Mrs. Jonathan, decreed that the APC must not be allowed to hold its rallies in the two Okrika speaking LGAs of Okrika and Ogu/ Bolo. Despite several entreaties to Her Majestic Excellency (Dame Jonathan) to allow the APC hold mere campaign rallies, she insisted that the rallies must not hold on ‘her turf.’ To further guarantee that her orders were not to be thwarted, Mrs. Jonathan arrived Port Harcourt on February 11, with plans to visit Okrika on February 12.” The Okrika rally was again suspended. The Rivers Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muhammad Kidaya Ahmad (DSP), however, stated that at no time did the command tell anybody that it would not guarantee security of a rally anywhere in the state, claiming that the Rivers police command, along with other security agencies, was assessing situations in Okrika, with a view of reassuring the APC’s members of the required adequate security. President Goodluck Jonathan and the security agencies should take urgent steps to put an end to the escalating violence in Rivers and allow peaceful APC’s rallies in Okrika and Ogu/Bolo LGAs.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

Encomiums at Aba ‘ Bishop’s funeral mass

OME said he was gentle, kind and passionate about aesthetics. Others recalled he was straightforward and a disciplinarian. These and other adjectives were used to describe the late pioneer Bishop of Aba Catholic Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Vincent Valentine Ekwuchukwu Ezeonyia. Dignitaries from the church and beyond were at Christ the King Cathedral (CKC) in Aba, Abia State where a mass was held for the departed priest. Among them were members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), especially its Owerri Ecclesiastical Province comprising the Dioceses of Owerri, Aba, Umuahia, Orlu, Okigwe and Mbaise. Retired Bishop of Orlu Diocese,

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

Most Rev. Gregory Ochiagha in his homily described late Ezeonyia as a man that had so much love and passion for aesthetics. Bishop Ochiagha said the late bishop had the best choir, and that his passion for beauty led him into building the best cemetery for priests and improving the interior decoration of Christ the King Church (CKC) Aba. Ochiagha said Ezeonyia’s charity was Christ-like, always reaching out to the poor and needy, even giving scholarship to many young people. Speaking further, the preacher said the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) would miss Bishop Ezeonyia’s charity and

Dignitaries from the church and beyond were at Christ the King Cathedral (CKC) in Aba, Abia State where a mass was held for the departed priest. Among them were members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), especially its Owerri Ecclesiastical Province comprising the Dioceses of Owerri, Aba, Umuahia, Orlu, Okigwe and Mbaise

wealth of experience. Former Editor-in-Chief of Rex Newspaper and Priest of Immaculate Heart Parish, Umuozuo, Aba,

Rev. Fr. Obinna Umekwe described the late Bishop Ezeonyia as a gentle and upright man. Fr. Umekwe said the late Bishop

was a compassionate man and a disciplinarian who helped many priests in the Diocese to advance their studies in and outside Nigeria and stated they were going to miss him dearly. Late Ezeonyia, the pioneer Catholic Bishop of Aba, who hailed from Ukeh in Anambra State was born on April 5, 1941and was to have retired next year before his death on Sunday last week. The mass was attended by all the Bishops of Owerri Ecclesiastical Provence including Most Rev. Anthony Obinna, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Owerri, and also by Abia State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Dr. Alex Otti who was accompanied by Chief Chris Nkwonta, Abia South APGA senatorial candidate..

Imo varsity celebrates infrastructure upgrade

•Continued from page 24

cation programme in Imo State University is a huge success. As we speak, Commissioners of Education from other states have been coming to the university to study how we managed the programme so that they could introduce it in their respective states,” he said. Disclosing how the university has coped by relying majorly on subvention, being a tuition-free institution, Awuzie noted that “it has always been my candid opinion that universities should, to a great extent, be self-sustaining financially. “I have always reiterated my plan to lay a solid foundation, upon the expiration of my tenure, which would ensure that the university would be able to generate a bulk of the entire resources for its operations through research outlets, endowments, alumni organisations and partnerships/linkages with national and international organisations. “Upon assumption of duty, it was discovered that the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine had been focusing more on theoretical aspect rather than the practical aspects of its mandate. We had to put the faculty on a sound footing to ensure that it serves not only as an institute for the propagation of knowledge, but also as a major income earner for the university. “To achieve this, my administration has been able to, among other things, increased the number of birds in the poultry section to such an extent that the poultry currently sells eggs and birds to the university community and members of the public. “We also increased the number of pigs in the piggery and as a result, products of the university piggery are now in the open market. We also established eight fish ponds stocked with over 2,000 fingerlings. It is expected that within the shortest possible time, these fish ponds would prove to be major income earners for the university by attracting substantial investments,” he said. Continuing, the Prof. Awuzie said: “My administration also resuscitated the moribund feed mill on campus that had been neglected by previous administrations and it is now performing at optimal capacity. Upon the realisation of the place of such feed mill in the drive for improved income generation for the university, my administration will remain committed to its continued expansion.” Reliving how the current trans-

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•The new Faculty of Law building formation of the university began, the elated Vice-Chancellor hinted that, “upon my appointment as the Acting Vice-Chancellor by the Visitor to the University, Governor Rochas Okorocha on November 22, 2012, I set about putting in place the relevant governance and administrative infrastructure necessary for the smooth running of the university. “To this effect, I demonstrated to the Visitor, the apparent need for the urgent constitution of the Governing Council for the university. Prior to this time, the absence of an inaugurated Governing Council for the university had been a huge impediment to the development of a sustainable and robust governance and administrative framework for the university. “The advent of the 7th Governing Council has brought in its wake; the commencement of the process for the ethical rebirth within the university community and the process for a comprehensive intellectual values re-engineering among members of staff and

In line with the information emanating from audits, my administration has vigorously pursued the timely completion of the Faculty of Law building to enable us re-present the Faculty for accreditation early this year. This would enable us to admit the best and brightest Law students

•Professor Ukachukwu Awuzia students of the institution. No doubt, my administration has made tremendous and appreciable progress in this regard as sound

moral, ethical and intellectual values have begun to permeate the institution’s environment. “Also the Senate, before the advent of my administration, had uncertain days of meeting. Under my administration, our university like others now has a definite date of meeting and a robust calendar for its functions, as each meeting’s deliberations are followed up with action sheets.” The former ASUU boss maintained that the giant strides re-

corded by his administration were equally resulted from his past experiences, which he said he brought to bear on his present job. “As a foremost academic and a trade unionist, I do understand the need for the maintenance of high standards within the university community. I do understand the essence of the proper motivation of members of staff, particularly through regular payment of sala•Continued on page 34

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

‘Reverse high electricity tariffs’ I

T is clear that successors of defunct national electricity company are not having a smooth ride and may be just as criticised as their predecessors. Power supply to homes and factories has remained woefully low, while tarriffs are prohibitively high. Manufacturers cannot take it anymore. They want the power distribution companies to cut their high tariffs or they shut down their firms. In a bid to stabilise the power sector and to provide adequate electricity for consumers, the Federal Government had to privatise the power sector which is currently being handled by private companies. One of such outlets is the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) owned by Sir Emeka Offor’s Company. However, the privatisation exercise has not increased electricity

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

supply in the zone; rather the situation has become worse, with homes and companies staying up to six months without power. The situation has led to many homes relocating to some areas outside the zone like Asaba in Delta State, Rivers State and Akwa-Ibom State, among others. These days, big companies in the zone are threatening to relocate their companies or shut down as a result of lack of electricity supply. Despite the heavy protest in the zone, EEDC has allegedly remained insensitive to the plight of its customers. Instead, the company came up in January with high tariff. According to investigation by our correspondent in Anambra and its environs, some block of flats pay as high as N10,000 with the new tariff, while large-scale companies

•The industralists protesting in Onitsha pay as high as N16 million. As a result, manufacturers in Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi states, under the aegis of Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN), have urged the EEDC to reverse the high tariff or the over 600 companies in the zone will be shut down or relocate. The threat from MAN, according to investigations, means that over one million workers will be thrown into labour market consid-

ering the fact that some of the companies employed over 8,000 workers, while others engaged between 5,000 and 6,000 workers. For instance, the auto manufacturing giants, Innoson Group of Companies, Zubee International Group of Companies and PokoBros Group of Companies (Whiz Oil), among others, had over 10,000 workers in their employ. Other distribution centres such as Kaduna was paying 23.14 per cent

as old rate which was increased to 36.72 per cent amounting to 58.69 per cent increase. Benin increased its tariff from 20.75 rate to 33.33 representing 60.63 per cent, Enugu 23.97 to 46.66 representing 94.66 per cent and Eko 23.10 to 281.28 representing 22.42 per cent, among others. Apart from Jos zone, Enugu distribution centre ranks the highest •Continued on page 35

•Continued from page 33 ries and prompt sponsorship of staff and students to international and national conferences, workshops and seminars. “My administration has, in the past two years, in collaboration with the TETFund research fund, sponsored over 16 members of staff for MSc and PhD programmes at both international and local universities. This is considered as a necessary step towards the development of a virile and robust university. “We have also employed 16 consultants at the College of Medicine and another 140 new academic staff without increasing the wage bills. “Firstly, we had to work hard to maintain peace and stability which have helped us to work with academic calendar. We have completed two sessions since then, graduated our students and ensured that those that are qualified went for their National Youth Service. “We have had regular Senate meetings from 39 when we assumed duty to 56 now. We have had panels try students for examination misconduct and those who were found guilty were rusticated. About 700 students have been affected. We had also set up panels on disciplinary matters involving members of staff; some have been completed and disposed off while others are ongoing. “In the last two years, we have graduated about 150 medical doctors from our College of Medicine. Promotion of members of staff which posed a great problem at the commencement of this administration has been addressed by following due process and laid down university procedures. “As of now, the University Central Appraisal Committee (UCAC) has almost completed the 2013 and 2014 appraisal. We have had one inaugural lecture and the first public lecture in the university,” he said. He noted that admission process in the institution has improved greatly in the last two years. “Our admission exercises have gone well since last session. Today, IMSU is the 7th most subscribed to university in Nigeria and 1st among state and privately-owned universities. We hope that with the structures on ground, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the National Universities Commission (NUC), will soon

•Minister of State for Education, Prof. Viola Onwuliri cuts the tape to inaugurate the Law Faculty building. With her are the VC, Prof Awuzie (left) and officials of the National University Commission

Imo varsity‘ celebrates infrastructure upgrade increase our carrying capacity,” the Vice-Chancellor said. Awuzie equally disclosed that his administration is working hard to ensure that all the courses offered in the university are duly accredited by the relevant bodies. He said: “The accreditation of all courses on offer within the University is the priority of any serious thinking administration. Mine is not an exception. Regrettably, most courses offered in this university have failed to meet the criteria for full accreditation by the relevant bodies. “To this effect, my administration has spent a greater part of the past one year carrying out an audit of such courses as well as documenting the requirements upon which the accreditation could be accorded. “In line with the information emanating from such audits, my administration has vigorously pursued the timely completion of the Faculty of Law building to enable us re-present the Faculty for accreditation early this year. This would enable us to admit the best and brightest law stu-

My administration has, in the past two years, in collaboration with the TETFund research fund, sponsored over 16 members of staff for MSc and PhD programmes at international and local universities. This is considered as a necessary step towards the development of a virile and robust university

dents. “Under my leadership, the Centre for Igbo Studies has commenced operations. The centre, which aims at boosting the propagation of Igbo culture, tradition and language among the younger generation, has been applauded severally across the country by traditional rulers and scholars. On the massive infrastructural development, the Vice-Chancellor

hinted that “in my previous sojourn towards becoming the Vice-Chancellor of this university, I had made the development of a comprehensive Master Plan one of the cardinal points of my administration. At that point, a Master Plan for the university was lacking. “I have set in motion the relevant machinery, within the university, towards the development of a Master Plan. A comprehensive Master

Plan remains the panacea to the prevalent non-user friendly environment which I met upon my appointment as Acting Vice-Chancellor. “Towards evolving this Master Plan, was the bold effort of the Council that persuaded government to declare Lake Nwaebere Campus of the institution as the university’s permanent site. My administration is working for the actualisation of this pronouncement,” he said. Continuing, he said: “Whereas the contractors have been engaged to carry out the landscaping of the Orlu Campus, efforts are being made to ensure that all the land boroughs situated between Okigwe Road and Ohaozara Street in Owerri become part of the main Owerri Campus of the university. “Once this is done, a comprehensive landscaping of the entire campus would be carried out to provide such high levels of environmental ambience as is associated with other reputable universities, locally and internationally. This is aimed at stimulating intellectual and research excellence in the university.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT ‘Reverse high electricity tariffs’ •Continued from page 34 in tariff increment by the power distribution centres in the country. Following the development, MAN met with officials of the EEDC in Nnewi at Innoson’s showroom to deliberate on the way forward between the manufacturers and the electricity company. MAN was led by Chief Azubuike Okafor as its chairman, Patrick Chidi Eronobi as its secretary, Auto giants Innoson chairman, Chief Innocent Chukwuma and Chairman and Poko-Bros Group, Chief Paul Okonkwor, among others. The manufacturing giants threatened to close shops in the Southeast zone and throw over one million workers into the labour market if the anomaly is not corrected by EEDC. Chairman of EEDC in the zone, Sir Emeka Offor did not attend the meeting. But the power company was represented by its Deputy Managing Director, Tope Aborishade and five others. Before now, the EEDC Business Manager in Onitsha, Ifeanyi Alison, had told Harbour Head Bridge, industrial layout manufacturers, that the high tariff was not the making of EEDC but the regulatory body, the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). However, he informed them that he would forward their letter of protest to the appropriate quarters, adding that the unit had nothing to talk about on their grievances. The Nation gathered that Sir Emeka Offor denied knowledge of the increment, promising that he would look into the issue of high tariff in the zone.

MAN said: “We know that the government is a listening one, the Federal Government should cushion electricity supply as it did in the petroleum sector in order to sustain manufacturing operation in the country. “It is impossible for any business to thrive under this harsh condition of 95 per cent increment from 23.97 as old charge to 46.66 per cent as new tariff in Enugu zone. “We know that the government is a listening one. The Federal Government should cushion electricity supply like it did in the petroleum sector to sustain manufacturing operations, so as to create a level playing ground for all.” The communiqué was signed by Chief Azubuike Okafor and Patrick Chidi Eronobi, Chairman and Secretary of the association respectively. The manufacturers noted that the zone did not understand the basis for the discriminatory tariff across the federation. “The increase will discourage investment in the Southeast as investors will prefer to invest in other areas where the rate is very low. “The payment of fixed charge is akin to payment for inefficiency because all our members run their operations more on generator than electricity; the fixed charge even though it is alleged to encourage investors, is like putting the cart before the horse. “The rate should be same across the federation as is applicable in other major industrial areas of the federation such as Eko, among others. “That no member company should be disconnected until the

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•The office

The increase will discourage investment in the Southeast as investors will prefer to invest in other areas where the rate is very low. The payment of fixed charge is akin to payment for inefficiency because all our members run their operations more on generator than electricity; the fixed charge even though it is alleged to encourage investors, is like putting the cart before the horse

matter is resolved, and should be allowed to pay the old rate,” MAN said.

Gov. Rochas okorocha of imo (3rd-l front row), with members of state chapter of poultry farmers association of nigeria during their visit in owerri on tuesday

In the protest letter to the EEDC, signed by Okonkwor as Chairman and Mr. Felix Otta as Secretary, the

association described the 94.66 per cent increment as outrageous, unfair, unaffordable and beyond the cost absorption capabilities of the people. The letter, which was received by the Business Manager stated, among other things: “We are yet to recover from losses we incurred during the 2012 flood disaster in which we lost critical infrastructure like transformers, poles and cables. “We not only bore the cost of the replacement of damaged infrastructure, but also paid for electricity not consumed for the three months period (September, October and November 2012) when electricity was cut off. “Our businesses can no longer survive more natural disasters or manmade shocks as exemplified by this new increase in energy tariff, moreover, the services of EEDC are yet to improve.”

•APC Vice Presidential Candidate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Anambra Central Senatorial Candidate of the party, Senator Chris Ngige, Deputy Governor of Imo State, Eze Madumere and other top personalities of APC in a group photograph with the Buhari Support Group PHOTO: OBI CLETUS Enugu State chapter

•Abia State Governor Theodore Orji (middle) with his deputy, Sir Emeka Ananaba (right) and traditional rulers from Igbere community in Bende Local Government Area at Government House, Umuahia

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

Students urged to acquire skills, shun violence I

N the run-up to elections, students have been urged not to lend themselves to unscrupulous politicians who employ youths to foment trouble. The Acting Rector, Abia State Polytechnic Aba, Abia State Prof. Uche Ikonne who gave the advice, told students of the institution to avoid breaking the law and endangering their lives. Ikonne, in a welcome address at the 21st matriculation ceremony of the polytechnic, also admonished the over 500 matriculating students not to abuse the privilege they have in school as they have little or no parental checks. While urging the students to be lawful and obedient to the institution’s constituted authority, he said “Admission into a tertiary institution comes with responsibility. This responsibility implies that your action or inaction has implications for your tomorrow. You need to work hard to pass your examinations and secure your tomorrow. Today, the Nigerian youth faces many challenges, including that of unemployment, but I assure you that with hard work and determination, you will gain sufficient equipment, intellectually, morally and otherwise to be able to contend valiantly with these challenges.” The acting rector underscored the importance of self-employment after graduation, saying the institution would continue to encourage its students to embrace entrepreneurial studies offered in the institution outside their professional courses. He added that the institution was planning to massively enhance s Entrepreneurship Education Centre with a view to strengthening the vision upon which it was initiated. On his administration’s zero tolerance for examination malpractices and unethical conduct, he said, “It is the intention of this administration to restore the dignity to certificates we award to you. To this end, management will not tolerate examination malpractice or any other form of unethical academic conduct. While we will encourage and assist you in any way possible to be the best you can as a scholar, we will not hesitate to punish you accordingly when you break the rules. Therefore, we urge you to always be on the basis of character and learning. “You have to remain focused if you want to keep your dreams alive; you have to make up your mind to be hardworking and disciplined,” Ikonne advised. The don also used the opportunity to appreciate Governor Theodore Orji’s love for youths in

GROUP, the Supreme Council of Igbo Youths (SCIY) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that people displaced by the insurgency in the Northeast would vote. The group specifically appealed to the electoral body to ensure that Ndigbo who fled the North, either as a result of insurgency or for fear of post-election violence, as was the case in 2011, are enabled to vote during the forthcoming general election. The call was coming just as INEC made plans to allow Internally Displaced People (IDPs) who fled the insurgency in the Northeast to vote in their present places of abode.

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•The matriculation in session

Admission into a tertiary institution comes with responsibility. This responsibility implies that your action or inaction has implications for your tomorrow. You need to work hard to pass your examinations and secure your tomorrow

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

the state, which is seen in his unparalleled empowerment programmes. Some of the newly admitted students including Miss Chinenye Maduabuchi and Obinna Macbeth expressed their happiness for successfully completing their registrations and matriculation.

•Prof Ikonne Uche (left) and Deputy Rector, Academics, Mr. Onyekwere They also promised to be good ambassadors of their families, the school and the state even as they stated that they were going to adhere to all the rules and regulations

guiding the conduct of students in the institution and promised to take their studies very seriously. High point of the event was the presentation of the matriculating

students by the various heads of departments for oath taking and subsequently being sworn-in and officially being admitted into the school performed by the rector.

Igbo youths to INEC: ensure IDPs vote From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

The president of the SCIY Odi David said this after their national executive council meeting held in Umuahia, the Abia State capital. He said the SCIY resolved to prompt the electoral umpire regarding the rights of IDPs. The group also commended INEC for its decision to postpone the general elections, saying that the security of lives and property of Nigerians was paramount, as nobody would want to die for the election.

The SCIY president said, “Insecurity is a very strong reason for shifting the polls for no credible election can take place where the safety of all and sundry are not guaranteed”. He slammed the electoral body for its alleged poor performance in sensitising the electorate in the rural areas towards the polls and called on the commission to step up its enlightenment effort so that the people would know how to go about the election. The group also described the endorsement of President Jonathan by Ohanaeze Ndigbo as a step in

the right direction but expressed displeasure that millions of youths in the South East geo-political zone were not consulted before the endorsement. Odi advised Ohanaeze Ndigbo to always endeavor to carry its affiliates and major stakeholders along in taking such weighty decisions that affect the lives of the people. In his contribution, the Director of Inter-ethnic Affairs of the group, Victor Nwalor, said INEC should intensify its mobilisation and sensitisation of the electorate in

the rural areas, most of who, were in the dark with regard to the general elections. He suggested that INEC should recruit more ad-hoc staff to ensure effective sensitization of the rural populace, while adequate security measures should also be provided to safeguard life and property during and after the elections. Nwalor said that the rural populace should be encouraged to obtain their Permanent Voter Card and warned politicians against buying up PVCs, adding that Nigeria must get it right this time around.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

THE NATION FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Women by virtue of their unique posi‘tion in every society bear the brunt whenever there is crisis of any sort ‘ ... 99 D AYS TO GO ...99 DA

‘INEC should not insist on PVC’

Hajia Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu is the National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC). She is also the Director, Women Mobilization, APC Presidential Campaign Council. In this interview with reporters in Abuja, she speaks about the APC’s programmes for women and other issues. VICTOR OLUWASEGUN was there.

‘Women must be given a pride of place’

S the Director of Women Mobilization of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, what is your view on the appointments given to women by President Jonathan? I believe that a good builder starts building a house by laying a strong foundation for it to stand the test of time. You cannot expect to build a house by laying the roof first before laying its foundation. Of course, the house will collapse. It’s like building on quicksand! Fever is not cured by breaking the thermometre. To solve a problem, you need to carefully assess it from a holistic perspective, so that you can come up with solutions that would address it comprehensively and effectively. The whole gamut of affirmative action derives from the need to give women a stronger voice in the decision-making process. More importantly, it is informed by the compelling necessity to strengthen the place of women in society, so that they can take their rightful place as responsible citizens. Now, you cannot meaningfully achieve this by mere tokenism, while leaving the fundamental problem unaddressed. This leads me to the issue of girlchild education, which should have been the starting point and main focus of any sustainable and enduring effort to promote effective women participation in our development process. You see, when you train the girlchild, you have laid the foundation for the future preservation of strong family values, especially in the circumstance where we as a people have virtually lost our collective humanity by de-emphasizing those attributes that should refine our perceptions and conduct as decent and honourable men and women. Now, if you send the girl-child to school, you have freed the woman in her from the temptation of social vices like prostitution and all that.

You have also equipped a future mother who in turn will transfer the finer details of learning in character and content to her children. The multiplier effect translates to the emergence of responsible adults who grow to become patriotic citizens and worthy gentlemen and women who cherish the attributes of hard work, honesty and love of country. As time goes on, we will nurture a pool of fine leaders who can drive our economy, re-engineer our social oxymoron and anchor our politics along the hallowed path of service, good conscience and respect for the common good. Democracy then becomes stronger with a citizenry much more alive to their obligations and also better prepared to strengthen its practice. So, what do we find? A giant stride towards a new social order for the benefit of all; not a clayfooted flash in the pan for a few privileged women who in most cases end up being a mere wish and not an inspiration for national redemption. So, we need to do a rejig of the whole idea of women affirmative action and dig deeper below to strike at the heart of the issue, if we are to be taken seriously. Let we not forget, as I speak, our Chibok girls are still in captivity for a period of about four months, yet we have a Federal Government! What specific programmes would the APC implement to strengthen women participation in the development process, if it wins the election? You see, happiness is like pregnancy. You cannot hide it. Even if you try to cover it, in the fullness of time it will definitely show. At all times, it should be borne in mind that the APC is a child of circumstance. It came into being because our people desired change and therefore eagerly yearned for a new order. What this means is that the people of this country, man or woman, boy or girl, expect so much

•Aliyu

from the APC in a new social contract for the common good. It is this challenge that has given us the stamina to ensure that we commit ourselves to providing solutions to the various problems that have plagued our country be it in education, healthcare, infrastructure or even agriculture. Now, women by virtue of their unique position in every society bear the brunt whenever there is crisis of any sort. That is why we are placing emphasis on addressing the challenge of insecurity, so that we can have a peaceful environment that will strengthen the family unit to enable mothers raise responsible children and for them to also join hands with their husbands to make meaning out of their lives for the good of society. Self fulfillment is a very important tool for societal rebirth, you must admit. It is within this context that the choice of Gen. Buhari comes in significantly because being a fine soldier and considering his wealth of experience in public life, he is most suitable in the circumstance to frontally end the scourge of insecurity that has ravaged the country. So, you now find that once peace is restored in the land, our women would breathe some fresh air and then meaningfully engage themselves in our collective resolve to provide free primary school education, micro credits to women in farming, especially indigent widows and generally fire a new social contract that will rub off significantly in ensuring that they take their pride of place in our development process.

GROUP, the Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN), has expressed fears that the insistence by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that only persons with the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVCs) can vote in next month general election could lead to electoral violence. The group made their fear known at a press conference in Jos, the state capital. Chairman of the group, Dr. Aboi Madaki, who read the text on behalf of the group said, “we have observed that the issue of PVCs, which INEC has made mandatory for all eligible voters, is an issue that is likely to cause a breach during the election. “This area is of grave concern to us, given the fact that many persons, for no faults of theirs, are yet to get

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

their PVCs. This followed the inability of INEC to issue these cards to many eligible voters as a result of the omission of their names from the register, despite the fact that such people have their temporary voter cards and even voted in the 2011 general elections. “In this regard, for justice and fair play, we implore INEC to ensure that those who registered are provided with such before the elections. We wish to state categorically that PIDAN will not stand and watch while our people are disenfranchised on the basis of not possessing their PVCs. “In fact we suggest that PVCs should be made available to prospective voters at least two weeks before the election.

Bauchi APC enlarges coast

HE Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Bauchi State, Uba Ahmed Nana, said his party’s membership has been growing daily, contrary to rumours making the rounds that people are leaving the party. Nana, who was reacting to claims that 3780 members of the APC recently defected to the Peoples Democratic Party( PDP), said 76 members of the ruling party holding official positions defected to the APC recently. He attributed it to “the last minute rush by PDP members to join the

From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

APC as face-saving move” prompted by fears over the impending general elections. The APC boss, who disclosed this while receiving a former PDP top shot, Umar Faruk Gwadabe, into the APC fold, expressed joy over the defection, saying “Gwadabe is crossing with thousands of his followers”. He pointed out that “every Nigerian is feeling the hardship of economic crunch deliberately being perpetrated by the PDP administration”.

Kwara legislators, FG disagree on project execution

ATIONAL Assembly members from Kwara State and the Federal Government have disagreed over capital project execution in the state. While the Federal Government claimed it had constructed Malete Dam in Moro Local Government Area, the legislators differed. In a statement, House of Representatives member representing Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Dr Rafiu Ibrahim said for Federal Government to have claimed responsibility for the construction of the dam is deceit of the highest order. Ibrahim, who is the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Kwara South, accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Senator Ajibola, of listing the

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

projects one of the achievements of President Goodluck Jonathan during the president’s rally in the state. He said: “The history of the construction of that dam dates back to when the National Assembly members in Kwara State; comprising of three senators and six House of Representatives members decided to use their Zonal Intervention Fund allocation to embark on projects that will benefit the generality of the state.” He said the N1.1 Billion Naira Malete water dam project was one of the projects decided on, adding that all National Assembly members from the state contributed, except Senator Ajibola, representing Kwara South Senatorial district.

‘Jonathan afraid of polls’

• From left to right: Alhaji Mubashiru Hassan, Hon. Michael Akindele, Chief Shafar Adaranijo, Chief Ayo Akande, Mr. Fola Tinubu, Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan and Chief Rasaq Amao, Coordinators of the Support Group for Ambode 2015 at a press conference on its proposed road show in Lagos.

MEMBER of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Sam Nkire, has blamed the postponement of the general elections on the unwillingness of the government to submit itself to a popularity test, after its abysmal performance in the last 16 years. Nkire, who spoke in Abuja, appealed to the electorate to be patient and wait for March 28, as according to him, “March 28th is not eternity”. He said the only way the country could make progress is to show interest in governance by insisting that elections are held as and when due, taking active part in voting, as well as remaining at the polling stations to make sure their votes count. The former National Chairman of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) accused the ruling PDP of masterminding the postponement in order to gain mileage, as well as to stretch the meagre finances of the opposition. Nkire advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that it does everything in its power to get absolutely ready for the elections, in other not to fall into the trap being set for it by those who do not want the elections to hold. On whether he was confident that the military could guarantee security in six weeks as promised, he said the Nigerian military had a history of gallantry, adding that he had no doubt that the military would live up to their pledge to the nation.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

PEOPLE THE NATION

A FOUR-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

The Lithuania National Day was celebrated last Monday, reports NNEKA NWANERI

Celebration of unity T

HEY came from far and wide to celebrate Lithuania National Day last Monday in Lagos. Lithuania a small country close to Sweden and Denmark, has an estimated 3.7 million population. Its history dates back to 1253. It will celebrate its 25 th independence anniversary next month. Its citizens and investments are in 180 countries, including Nigeria. In line with tradition, the Honorary Consul of Lithuania to Nigeria, Mr Goodie Ibru, hosted captains of commerce, diplomats and eminent personalities to a cocktail at the Federal Palace Hotel and Casino on Victoria Island, Lagos. Soft music played in the background as guests entered the venue in twos and threes. Many had a touch of red in their dresses to depict the Valentine mood. Some came with their spouses. Guests moved round, making new acquaintances as they sipped from their glasses and chatted. It was a good way to unwind after the day’s work. It was an informal gathering. The national anthems of Nigeria and Lithuania were played. Ibru praised Lithuania for becoming visible in the socio-economic life of Europe, noting that it is one of the fastest growing economies in the European Union. Thanking guests for honouring his invitation, he hoped that next year, more Lithuanians would be in Nigeria for the occasion. Director-General, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) Prof Bolaji Akinterinwa, said the

•Mr Ibru and his wife, Emie

event called for a toast, for the good relationship between Nigeria and Lithuania. The two-hour event was funfilled. The foreigners danced with some elderly women to highlife music At the event were: the Spiritual Head of Our Saviour’s Church at Tafawa Balewa Square, Ven Igein Isemede; Consul General of Germany Michael Derus, among others.

•From left: General Manager Federal Palace Hotel, Mr David Kliegel; Mr Deru and Mr Wissy Ogini •Prof Akinterinwa and his wife

PHOTOS: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

SOCIETY CELEBRATION OF UNITY

WEDDING OF THE SON OF PERMANENT SECRETARY, LAGOS STATE PENSIONS AND ESTABLISHMENTS BOARD OTUNBA NURUDEEN OJORA-ADEJIYAN

•Mike Eobley and Dana Sanders

•The couple, Temitope Mary and Gbolahan Lukman

•Ven Isemede and his wife, Oluwatoyin

•Bride’s parents Chief Oluwole Jikiemi and his wife, Kehinde

•Chike Nwanze (left) and Asiwaju Solomon Onafowokan

FUNERAL

•Chief Richard Oma Ahonaruogho, past president, University of Benin Alumni Association (UBAA) (middle); Ifeoma Oganufa (left), Jennifer Amurum-Oganufa; Chukuyenum Oganufa and Chioma Oganufa. at the funeral of former Warri Branch Chairman of UBAA Chief Sunday Oganufa. With him are the deceased’s children

•Groom’s parents Otunba Nurudeen Ojora-Adejiyan and his wife, Olori Afusat

•Lagos State Commissioner for Education Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye

•Chairman of the occasion and Ogun state Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Local Government, Bashorun Muyiwa Oladipupo PHOTO: ADEJO DAVID

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

SOCIETY A faith-based non-governmental organisation, Awesome Treasures Foundation, has held its first prayer summit in Lagos, writes NNEKA NWANERI.

HEY came to pray for the nation and for successful elections. The event was organised by a non-governmental organisation, Awesome Treasures. The foundation was founded 16 years ago to raise transformational leaders for National Renaissance. The theme of the summit was: Appointment with destiny, national rebirth. The founder of the foundation, Mrs Olajumoke Adenowo called for national rebirth. More than 1000 guests were at the event, which was compered by Nollywood actress Ufuoma Ejenobor-McDermott. Mrs Adenowo implored Nigerians to contribute their quota in national building especially during the election, and enjoined all to acquire their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) to exercise their civic duty and warned voters to abstain

For a better society •From left: Wife of the founder of Revival Assembly Church Emmy Madubuko; Mrs Martins; Mrs Adenowo; Mrs Ejenobor-McDermott; Mr Tewe and Mr Harris

from being paid by corrupt politicians for endorsement, that such an act would attract the wrath of God. At the event were Managing

Director, Regional Head of Financial Institutions for West and Central Africa Standard Chartered Bank, Mr. Korede Adenowo; President, Strategy for Mentoring

Initiative and Leadership Empowerment (S.M.I.L.E) Mrs. Bimpe Martins; Justices Oke Lawal and Sola Williams of the Lagos State High Court; CEO, House of

Tara, Tara Fela-Durotoye; his Inspiro Consulting Jimi Tewe and Managing Consultant, Edgeecution Steve Harris.

ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF AISHA FALODE’S SON, TOBA, HELD AT TRINITY HOUSE, VICTORIA ISLAND LAST SUNDAY

•From right: Aisha Falode; Senior Pastor of Trinity House Church Pastor Ituah Ighodalo; Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and President, Women Arise, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin

•Dame Marie Fatayi-Williams (left) and Member Lagos State House of Assembly Hon Funmi Tejuoso

•From left: Toun Duke; Bisola Olukoya and Dolapo Awosika

•From left: Mitchel Obi; Dr Larry Izamuje and Fred Akokhia

•Mrs. Funmi Dokpesi (left) and Mrs Lawunmi Bibilari

•Bose Asuni (left) and Evelyn Braie

PHOTO: ADEJO DAVID

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

THE NATION

BUSINESS BRANDS & MARKETING

e-mail: adedejiademigbuji@yahoo.com /mobile line: 08131075667

Coca-Cola: Bonding with consumers To draw customers closer, Coca-Cola Nigeria has introduced Share a Coke activation through which it puts their names in its bottles, writes ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI.

“C

USTOMER is king”, so goes the adage. The reality in this aphorism is brought home in the marketplace where the consumer determines what to buy and who to buy from. Consumers want more than the functional satisfaction of a product or an informative and interesting advertisement. They want brands to see and relate with them not as statistics or mass targets but as persons with their own views and emotional needs. Simply put, consumers want an experience! Brands that can meet this craving will win consumers over. Some consumer-focused brands, such as Coca-Cola, understand this shift in consumer orientation they are putting in efforts in ensuring that they offer unusual consumer experiences. Coca-Cola appears to have taken this response a notch higher with its ongoing Share a Coke campaign. With the Share a Coke campaign, not only is Coca-Cola satisfying its consumers’ cravings for recognition and brand experience, it is doing so in a very personal way that has struck the right chords with consumers everywhere. This reality was evident when the brand thrilled students and other consumers at the University of La-

gos (UNILAG) campus with on-thespot customisation of Coke cans. Teens and adults thronged the venue to get their names and those of their friends branded on Coke cans. A majority of the lucky persons who got the personalised cans, even if they consume the content, but will leave certainly keep the cans as prized memento. This campaign speaks to them and appeals to that basic human need to be recognised. It was their moment in the sun and they were not deterred by the scorching Lagos Sun; they basked in the excitement of having their names and that of their loved ones replace the iconic Coca-Cola logo on the cans. The event started with interested students standing in line to get their names on Coca-Cola cans. As they approached the attendants clad in Coca Cola tee shirts, they offered the names they wanted on their cans of Coca Cola and in less than 10 minutes, they were given their customised Coca Cola cans. The consumers also got an opportunity to capture the moment at the Coca-Cola branded selfie stand. Nnamdi Ekechukwu, a second year student of Psychology, said iconic brand Coca-Cola got it right again as always in reaching out and bonding with consumers. According to Nnamdi, the expe-

rience was satisfying for him as he was able to get his nickname customised on a Coca-Cola can. Similarly, Olayinka Daramola, a 22year-old final year Chemistry student echoed the sentiment, adding that the experience was fantastic that and she was grateful to CocaCola for the chance to get various customised cans of Coca-Cola for her friends and family. A platform for sharing happiness among friends and family, the Share a Coke campaign kicked off in December and has captured the hearts of Coca-Cola lovers nationwide. Speaking to journalists at the event, Senior Brand Manager, Colas at Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Gbolahan Sanni, who was excited about the large turn-out, explained that the Share a Coke campaign was conceived to bring about a fusion of happiness and sharing among Nigerians nationwide. “For us at Coca Cola, we have made it a point of duty to constantly evolve well-tailored campaigns which enable us effectively retain the confidence of our consumers in their preferred soft drink, Coca-Cola. To this end, we are thrilled to bring the Share a Coke campaign directly to the University of Lagos. We believe it is

• UNILAG students displaying their personal Coke at the Share A Coke activation at the campus.

Firm gets MTN job in Benin

NIGERIAN experiential marketing firm, Keskese Limited, has won the experiential marketing business of MTN Benin Republic. Consequently, the company is set to open a new office in Cotonou to serve the area. According to the Project Consultant, Keskese Limited, Mr Tade Adekunle, the success of the company at the pitch is another evidence of the depth of creativity that drives its experiential business. He noted that the creativity of the activation ideas at the pitch presentation was driven by research and deep understanding of the brand’s target audience earned it

the business. “We are very proud and excited to announce that Keskese Limited has just won the experiential business of MTN Benin Republic. It was a very keenly contested business pitch, but at the end of several rounds of presentations, we were announced and appointed the Agency to handle the business’’, he said. Arguably, one of the fastest rising experiential marketing firms in the sub-region, Keskese emerged the agency of choice to handle the brand activation business of the leading telecom company after rounds of keenly contested business pitches which in-

volves several big agencies within Benin Republic, Nigeria and other West African countries. The pitch was coordinated by the Dubai office of the MTN Group, which is in charge of MTN business in Middle East and Africa. The pitch, which lasted for about two months, started in December, last year and ended in the last week of January with the announcement of Keskese as the winner. With this development, the Keskese Project Consultant revealed that the company also plans to open the Keskese East Africa office in Nairobi, Kenya before the end of the year.

important to share love and happiness with one’s friends and family,” he said. Sanni said the company is aware that a lot of individuals have been unable to find their names on Coca-Cola bottles in their local stores. That’s why we are taking Share a Coke to the next level, customising Coca-Cola cans for eve-

ryone in their locations at a giveaway price of N100 only,” he added. The Share a Coke campaign will be taken to several other locations across Nigeria, giving many more Nigerians the opportunity to experience thrill of the Share a Coke campaign first-hand for themselves.

Forbes break advert taboo

NATIVE advert for Fidelity, an investment company, appears on the cover of the latest issue of Forbes, which hit the newsstands last Monday. Native advertising is a form of online advertising that matches the form and function of the platform on which it appears. It is a publisher-produced brand content, similar in concept to a traditional advertorial, which a paid placement is attempting to look like an article. The advert is on the actual cover – it’s not part of a foldout or second cover. Forbes as among the first publications to fully embrace native advertising – a tactic where adverts seek to mimic editorial content – but the cover treatment takes the practice into mostly uncharted waters for magazines. According to Adage, world-renown advertising magazine, “that’s because putting ads on magazine covers remains one of the last remaining taboos in an industry under so much financial pressure that it’s now enlisting editors to work with advertisers.” Last year, Time Inc., the nation’s largest magazine publisher, ran tiny ads for Verizon Wireless on the cover of Time and Sports Illustrated. But it has not repeated the tactic. The Fidelity advert on Forbes’ cover teases an infographic about retirement, which is the editorial theme of the issue. Fidelity paid for the two-page infographic to appear in the issue as part of a larger ad buy with Forbes that includes print and digital. “We view this as strong content that’s part of the retirement package,” Forbes Media’s chief revenue officer, Mark Howard, said. Forbes’ brand newsroom, a department that works with advertisers to create content, helped produce the infographic, he added. But Fidelity did not pay a premium for the cover treatment, according to Mr. Howard. Instead, it was a byproduct of the deal – some-

thing people in media and marketing call “added value” for the client. The decision to include the cover line came from Forbes Chief Product Officer Lewis D’Vorkin. “Lewis deemed it was appropriate for Fidelity to be called out on the cover just like any other great piece of content would be,” said Mr. Howard, who declined to discuss the terms of the deal. The stated rate for BrandVoice, as Forbes calls its native advertising product, is a minimum of $600,000. Media executives not affiliated with the company suggested the rate Forbes charged Fidelity for the entire package is likely in the million dollar range. Fidelity declined to comment. The cover line doesn’t specifically state that it’s an advertisement. It does, however, include the term “FidelityVoice,” which is how Forbes marks its native ads – melding the advertiser’s name with the word “voice.” Howard doesn’t think the cover line is misleading. “When you look at the colour scheme and the box, it’s separated, it has a different background,” he said. “For readers of Forbes, they’ve known for four years that when you see FidelityVoice that that is content that’s coming from one of our partners.” He described the cover treatment as “the evolution of where we’ve come from and where we are in today’s world.” Forbes introduced its native-advertising product in 2010, when it was called AdVoice. It allowed advertisers to post content directly to the magazine’s website. Media critics bristled then at the notion. Today, of course, nearly every publisher has adopted a similar strategy, although some vocal critics remain. The American Society of Magazine Editors’ guidelines for editors and publishers, meant to protect readers’ trust in publishers’ editorial independence from advertisers, still begin: “Don’t Print Ads on Covers.” The bold move into native advertising hasn’t protected Forbes from the stiff headwinds facing printmedia brands, which are seeing declines in both newsstand sales and advertising revenue. Last year, the Forbes family and its backers sold a majority stake in Forbes Media, including the iconic namesake magazine, to a Hong Kongbased investment group. The magazine staff also relocated from its longtime headquarters on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan to an office in New Jersey. Mr. Howard said to expect more taboo-breaking tactics in the future. Last month, the magazine produced a second cover – which readers noticed after opening the magazine – that closely resembled the actual cover. But it was an ad for AT&T.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

THE NATION

BUSINESS

E-mail: toniaitose@gmail.com

sms : 07035302326

SHOPPING

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

The shift of the elections turned out to be a blessing for traders and other businesses who took advantage of the Valentine’s Day celebration to make good sales. TONIA ‘DIYAN reports.

Val boom for Lagos traders I

T had hitherto clashed with the Presidential election, but when there was an announcement shifting the election from February 14, a sigh of relief came for both lovers that had planned to have a frolicking time for the day, as well as for traders and other business owners, whose businesses would have suffered considerable loss where the election to hold that day. Indeed, over the years, St Valentine’s Day has proved to be an annual business opportunity for entrepreneurs in Lagos. With the election rescheduled from February 14 th, traders recorded moderate sales. Chiama Uzor, a clothing retailer at the Arena said “I was actually worried for the fact that it was election and it was also valentine, but thank God it was postponed. I am happy we had fun making sales, it was a good one. “ Mutiat Adepoju, a gift items trader at Iponrin market, Surulere , explained that sales of Valentine goods on Valentine Day is always a fire brigade approach. We saw more last minute shopping where everybody wanted to go home with something for their partner. Adepoju recalled one of her customers

who said to her “ I won’t be able to go home today if I don’t get this scented flowers” when the item was becoming difficult to find in her store. For Mary Agbator, a shopper, Valentine items were not too expensive on valentine day. They were only a little different compared to last year’s. On display at some shops in Lagos Island were attractive gift items, and fanciful clothings, which never failed to attract buyers. They were to match blouses and skirts, club tops and trousers, bondage skirts, red bomb short, white bumshort with club top. Their prices varied between seven thousand and seven thousand five hundred. These prices are attributed to the dollar rate increment, which has gone high. For some other retailers at the Oke-Arin market, prices of Valentine items went up a little higher but, retailers at this market said they were able to cope. And shoppers who visited the Oke Arin market to buy Valentine items said despite the hike in the prices of items on this day, they still had to buy gifts because it was valentine. Gloria Thomson sells clothing and beauty accessories, she said She could not travel this year to

get stuffs because the exchange rate is high. “I have loads of leftovers from last year’s valentine sales so I just did a little bit of out sourcing from those items I had last year, so I could also sell Valentine stuffs. I

was able to outsource and I got some things i didn’t have before and I was able to make sales.” She said. Most of the gift items of these retail outlets were imported prod-

ucts. The weak Naira to Dollar exchange rate at N200, has a negative impact on prices, and for this reason personal budget had to follow scale of preference.

•From left: Owen Aihevba (Finance Manager), Eniola Ositelu (Marketing Manager), Tobi Ajayi (Customer Relations Officer) and Festus Adinoyi (Promotions Supervisor) at the draw.

Winners emerge at Ikeja City Mall ‘Valendine’ Promo

•Jumia Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy Doutte and InnJoo Sales Manager Jack Huang

Firm launches Innjoo brand of phones NNJOO has unveiled its flagship Smartphone called “the ONE” at the Lagos Sheraton hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. And for the firm, the phone remains the biggest advancement in its product lineup, featuring a stunning 5.0-inch HD IPS display, and packed with an all-new dramatically thin and light design. The ONE has a glass surface, a 5.0’’ 720p HD IPS display, an Octa-core and InnUI. The managing director of the firm, Robert Liang, said: “We believe that emphasis on openness and participation is a big, big part of our journey, therefore, we listen to every word from our end users; we do the localisation and improve on every detail from hardware to software, working with the consumers ‘feedback.” He added: “Creating a flagship killer product is driven by the inner motivation and at Innjoo; we insist that users deserve the best device without a high price tag. And here we are today, just like our brand new slogan ‘Be You’, follow your heart and intuition and be you, you can

go anywhere you want with the new Innjoo ONE smartphone,” he said, adding that the phone finds network everywhere. He further state that “Until now, we have launched a series of software. Our InnCloud active users reached 2.2 million, InnBrowser active users reached up to 250,000 per week and two million InnStore apps were downloaded. It’s a superb progress in a short period. The growth of InnBrowser is about 20,000 per week. In addition, InnJoo launched the InnForum three months ago, which is the exclusive community for sharing latest news and collect feedbacks and voices from all InnJoo fans and it is committed to create an open and happy platform.” The Nation Shopping observed at the launch that the phone comes in brand new designs; entirely new in every way, with beautifully crafted metal frame and glass shield matching the 5.0-inch HD display perfectly. The compact internal component design ensures it dramatically thin, light yet powerful feature.It is sold for N27,999 only.

HE Ikeja City Mall promo tagged “Valendine” promo, to mark last weekend’s Valentine’s day celebration has produced winners. The winners, who were picked through a raffle draw,which was held at the mall’s management office produced 10 lucky winners. To qualify, interested shoppers purchased items worth N10, 000 and above from stores located within the mall complex and submitted a single purchase receipts with their contact details in designated boxes at the three entrances leading into the mall. The response was impressive as receipts dropped exceeded over 500. Eight lucky winners were selected by the management, while the other two by City Fm on the ‘City FM’s Gucci Guilty campaign (a radio program) two days ago. The winners will be treated to an exclusive dinner with their spouses at Rhapsody’s (a restaurant inside the mall) today. There will be a live

performance by Bee-jay Sax to serenade the couples. Also, Gucci valentine bags will be made available to all winners. In each bag, there will be scented roses, Gucci Guilty Diamond fragrance, Gucci mirrors, purses and other accessories. Each winner will go home with a Smile Mifi with free 10GB data. And two couples will emerge as winners of one night only in one of the suites at Protea Hotel Select Ikeja. The mall’s Marketing Manager, Eniola Ositelu told The Nation Shopping that the aim for this year’s promo is to ensure that the mall remains the choice destination for three things specifically, leisure, entertainment and shopping. He said once the mall can continue to achieve these things, then, it is in line with giving the shoppers’ the ultimate experience that they deserve. “The main idea for the promo is to take advantage of the season because we know that people tend to carry out a

lot of shopping during this time , apart from that, we also want to reward our loyal customers.” His words: “We will be doing things differently this year. Last year, we gave people cash prices, this year we are venturing into something different, we are giving out very expensive gifts items that will keep memories lingering. The only similar thing we are doing is a dinner, but this time, the gifts are more peculiar with the season and classier.” He added: “As it is our tradition at Ikeja City Mall, we will be rewarding our customers often; we will focus more on the community as we give back to the community that patronizes us. We have found out that our foot traffic increases when we conduct promos. These promos attract sales for the mall particularly in months like the Valentine months, Christmas season and others.”

•From left: Managing Executive UACR Mr Mark Hedderwick, Mr Biggs Franchisee - Mr Eretchabor Gabriel , Finance Executive Mr Muftau Fasasi with UACR leadership team at the newly re-opened Mr Biggs Ifako-Gbagada, Lagos.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

MONEYLINK

Foreign reserves drop to $33b

HE nations foreign reserves fell to $33 billion as at Februa r y 13, down 4.25 per cent from $34.5 billion a month ago, latest data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have shown. The reserves have dwindled since last year following the fall in world oil prices. This prompted the CBN to intervene in the market by selling dollars to defend the naira. The reserves fell three per cent in two weeks to $37.59 billion by November 13, as the CBN stepped up support for the ailing currency. The reserves were at a four-month low of $37.9 billion as of November seven last year, down 3.99 per cent month-on-month after the CBN sold dollars to banks to prop up the value of the naira. The reserves were at $39.55 billion on October 10. In July

Stories by Collins Nweze

they stood at $37.89 billion. The CBN said it will continue to defend the local currency which has fallen six per cent so far this year on concerns about lower oil prices and an exit from the local debt and equity markets by offshore investors. The apex bank said the decrease was driven largely by the increased funding of the foreign exchange market in the face of intense pressure on the naira and the need to maintain stability. The apex bank said the pressure on the external reserves was deemed to be consistent with the seasonal annual payment of dividends to foreign investors. The bank has spent billions of dollars defending the naira, hit by falling global oil prices, in the past seven to eight months.

The CBN said the decrease was driven largely by the increased funding of the foreign exchange market in the face of intense pressure on the naira and the need to maintain stability, adding that the pressure on external reserves was deemed to be consistent with the seasonal annual payment of dividends to foreign investors. Meanwhile, the CBN yesterday intervened for the third straight session to defend the naira by selling dollars below its official band but the currency traded weaker in the interbank market. Dollar sales by an oil firm were traded at a weaker level than in the earlier sale by the CBN, dealers said. The bank once again sold dollars below its official band, at N198 to the greenback, and again banned banks from reselling dollars

FirstBank sponsors sustainability workshop

•CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele bought at its currency auction to other banks to curb speculation. Reuters said that all the trades by the bank have been outside its own target band of N160 to N176 to the dollar set in November when it devalued the currency by eight per cent to save its foreign reserves.

New dollar dealing system to stabilise naira

new trading system intro duced by the Central Bank of Nigeria stabilised the naira and will result in daily intervention by the regulator, according to foreign-exchange dealers. Currency traders can only buy dollars on the interbank market with quotes that are backed by orders from customers, Jibril Aku, Vice Chairman of FMDQ OTC Plc, told reporters in Lagos. Moving to an order-based two-way quote system will avoid speculation and dissuade people from buying the greenback in anticipation of naira weakness, he said. “There hasn’t been excess supply or excess demand in the market, indicating stability has returned since the measures were introduced on February 13,” said David Adepoju, President of the Financial Markets Dealers Association, the parent organisation of the FMDQ, adding

that the CBN will intervene to buy or sell excess dollars to meet excess demand at the end of each day’s trading. The CBN has focused on stemming the naira’s decline by introducing measures that have dried up foreignexchange trading as the economy gets battered by a slide in oil prices, which account for 90 per cent of export earnings and 70 per cent of government revenue. It has also depleted reserves

to the lowest in more than three years to defend the currency. The naira yesterday gained 0.9 per cent to N197.75 per dollar. That pared declines this year to seven per cent, the most among 24 African currencies tracked by Bloomberg after Zambia’s kwacha and Ghana’s cedi. Nigerian stocks have dropped 16 per cent, the most among 93 primary equity indexes.

The CBN announced an unscheduled auction of dollars at the end of last week to stem the naira’s rout. It sold $401 million at N198.50 per dollar, wider than its target band of N159.60 to 176.40, according to Adepoju. The central bank carried out more auctions this week. “The CBN is expected in the market daily,” said Aku, whose FMDQ is responsible for developing overthe-counter financial markets.

DMO sells N142.43b in TBs, yields mixed

HE yield on one-year treasury bills rose at an auction where a total N142.43 billion was raised, the Debt Management Office (DMO) said yesterday, in a bid to attract investors to the longer maturity. The yield rose to 15.25 per cent at the auction held on Wednesday from 14.3 per cent two weeks ago on the

one-year note, fetching N80 billion. The yield on the three-month paper eased to 10.75 per cent from 10.98 per cent at the last auction on February 3, fetching N32.43 billion, the agency said. The yield on the six-month paper fell to 13.70 per cent from a previous 13.9 per cent. The paper fetched N30

billion. Total demand at the auction fell to N254.33 billion, from N294.54 billion from the last auction. The naira has lost more than 20 per cent in the past three months as oil prices collapsed and concern grew among investors about political stability after the six-week shift of the February 14 elections.

IRST Bank of Nigeria Lim ited, will through its sustainability programme- an avenue it uses to partner with the Lagos Business School, host a workshop for non-governmental organisations and corporate organisations. The programme, it said, would enable participants adopt modern approaches which they can use to address social and environmental concerns of business customers, investors and the media. It said in the wake of the emerging shift in stakeholder needs which optimises social responsibility above business profitability, there is a landscape of opportunities for NGOs and corporate organisations to collaborate, increase capacity, sustainability, and deliver service to the community. The workshop scheduled for February 24 and 25, 2015, will hold at the Lagos Business School and is designed to develop business partnerships between NGOs and corporate organisations to achieve widespread and lasting change in the business environment. It would also provide capacity building training for NGOs, who want to partner with corporate organisations on their sustainability programmes. According to FirstBank’s spokesperson, Mrs. Folake AniMumuney, the bank is a responsible corporate citizen and would continue to foster partnerships that build sustainable businesses. “We put our customers at the heart of our business as part of our ‘You First’ ideals to drive sustainable finance, empower the citizenry and grow the economy”, she said.

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

126.04 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.63 1.39 1,744.73 1,104.77 112.34 121.16 1.67 1.29 1.32 0.95 1.17

125.82 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.62 1.33 1,744.73 1,104.00 111.75 120.30 1.62 1.28 1.32 0.93 1.17

GAINERS AS AT 19-02-15

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

OKOMUOIL 30.75 MAYBAKER 1.29 PRESCO 28.00 SEPLAT 416.00 NPFMCRFBK 0.81 CONTINSURE 0.82 WAPCO 80.10 DIAMONDBNK 3.56 RTBRISCOE 0.76 NESTLE 791.17

C/PRICE

CHANGE

33.89 1.41 29.40 436.80 0.85 0.86 84.00 3.71 0.79 819.99

3.14 0.12 1.40 20.80 0.04 0.04 3.90 0.15 0.03 28.82

LOSERS AS AT 19-02-15

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

JBERGER BOCGAS PREMBREW TRANSCORP AFRIPRUD UBCAP AIICO INTBREW ZENITHBANK DANGCEM GUINNESS

40.11 5.48 3.79 2.78 2.78 1.39 0.74 18.44 17.60 155.00 124.70

C/PRICE 38.08 5.21 3.61 2.66 2.66 1.33 0.71 18.00 17.20 153.20 123.28

CHANGE -2.03 -0.27 -0.18 -0.12 -0.12 -0.06 -0.03 -0.44 -0.40 -1.80 -1.42

FOREX RATES (NairaVs Dollar) February 13, 2015

R-DAS ($/N)

169.680

Interbank ($/N)

199.100

Black Market ($/N)

210.000

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Inflation: December

CBN EXCHANGE RATES (RDAS) February 11, 2015

Currency

Buying (N)

Selling (N)

$33.2b

US Dollar

167

168

$60.91

Pounds Sterling

251.7525

253.26

Euro

189.5617

190.6968

Swiss Franc

180.1122

181.1907

Yen

1.4231

1.4316

CFA

0.2689

0.2889

234.5928

235.9975

Yuan/Renminbi

26.6837

26.8444

Riyal

44.4908

44.7582

SDR

235.2863

236.6952

Monetary Policy Rate

13.0%

Foreign Reserves Oil Price (Bonny Light/b) Money Supply (M2)

N16.42 trillion.

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

N17.2 trillion

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

16.5%

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

Tenor

12-02-15 Rate (%) Rate (%) 13-02-15

Overnight (O/N)

14.683

76.583

15.033

15.977

15.809

17.177

16.493

17.908

Transaction Dates 03/02/2015 3/12/2014 1/12/2014

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

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

WAUA

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

Feb. 13, 2015

Rates

T-bills - 91

12.44

T-bills - 182

13.85

T-bills - 364

13.92

Bond - 3yrs

15.92

Bond - 5yrs

17.22

Bond - 7yrs

16.59

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

SHOWBIZ Nick Gordon pleads to Bobbi Kristina

Timi Dakolo campaigns for Nikki Laoye’s Foundation

OBBI Kristina’s boyfriend, Nick Gordon, is said to be groveling to see her with no luck, and now he is publicly pleading for a visit. It will be recalled that members of the Houston and Brown family have accused Nick Gordon of not trying enough to see ailing Bobbi Kristina in hospital, despite being fingered in the latter’s health situation. Bobbi Kristina, the only daughter of late music icon, Whitney Houston, was rescued from drowning in her bathtub, and has remained in coma in the last two weeks. Gordon’s lawyer, Randall Kessler, says Nick’s efforts to see Bobbi Kristina have been consistently blocked by the

• Bobbi Christina with Nick Gordon

family. Kessler adds, “Nick has respected the family’s wishes and for that reason alone has not returned to the hospital and risked a public confrontation.” It was said that Bobby Brown’s relatives have threatened to lay “hands on him” if Nick ever shows up. Police have launched a criminal investigation because Bobbi Kristina was found with inju-

ries on her body and Nick is the target of the probe. Kessler however added that, “He desperately wants to be with the one he loves and continues to hope that his request will be granted.” As we previously reported, some of Bobbi Krisitna’s organs are beginning to shut down and doctors say it is only a matter of time.

IGERIAN soul singer and award-winning recording artiste, Timi Dakolo has joined Niki Laoye in her campaign to raise funds for the internally displaced persons in the North. Laoye made this known when she posted a photograph of Dakolo on Instagram with the caption; “TimiDakolo speaks out for the Internally Displaced Persons in Northern N i g e r i a . S u p p o r t #TheAngelReliefFund today. Boko Haram took away their homes. We can help them survive these hard times. They are our brothers and sisters right here in Nigeria.They are our brothers and sisters. They need us. Make a Donation Today.” Laoyerecently announced the new project from her Angel 4 Life Foundation tagged “The Angel Relief Fund”, to provide care and support for the internally displaced persons and refugees in Nigeria. Last year, she was unveiled

Second Chance actress, Lorena Rojas dies of cancer

M • Lorena Rojas

EXICAN actress, Lorena Rojas has died at the age of 44, her management says. She is famed in Nigeria for playing the role of Isabel Arroyo in the popular soap, Second Chance. Rojas died in her Miami home on Monday, February 16, after a seven-year battle with cancer. “With profound sadness we want to inform the fans of Lorena Rojas and her friends from the press, that the Mexican actress and singer died today in Miami after taking with courage and positivity a battle with cancer,” her agency Latin WE said via a press release. The statement added that she was surrounded

By Mobisola Oladapo

by her boyfriend, family and friends at the time of her death. The much-loved actress was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and in 2014 was told that the tumor had spread to her liver. Rojas tweeted when she celebrated her 44th Birthday, February 1; “Thank you all for celebrating my birthday with me. Beautiful day.” She starred in more than a dozen soap operas, including El Cuerpo del Deseo (Second Chance), Alcanzar Una Estrella and Rosario. She was also a singer and a songwriter. She is survived by her daughter Luciana.

By Ovwe Medeme

by a government establishment – National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), South West zone, as the Celebrity Voice of Refugees – to bring to the forefront, activities of the NCFRMI as well as the plight of refugees, internally displaced persons and other persons of concern. “It is really a sad situation in the north for our fellow brothers and sisters and we do

pray for God’s help and strength to our troops to quench this invasion once and for all. In the meantime, we have to look out for our own and do what we can to soothe their pains. They are in constant need of food, water, clothing and more to survive daily. Let’s spread some love this season and beyond, kindly donate what you can and we will ensure it gets across to them,” she said.

•Timi Dakolo

THE NATION FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20, 2015

NEWS DSS arrests eight From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

HE Anambra State Command of the Department of State Security (DSS) has arrested eight members of a syndicate, which specialised in defrauding, hostage taking and defiling. They are Joseph Onah (27) from Enugu State; Chinedu Ogbodo(30) Enugu State; Uchechukwu Mgbemena (36) from Obosi in Anambra State. Others are Charles Onyebuchi (35) from Obosi; Martin Ugokwe (22) and John Arinze from Delta State.

Tubi dies at 63

T •Pedestrians scampering for safety after a teargas canister was fired by policemen during a riot between street urchins and policemen at Oshodi, Lagos...yesterday PHOTO:DAYO ADEWUNMI

HE death has occurred in Lagos of Mr. MacDonald Olarinde Tubi. He died on Tuesday. He was 63. He was a representative of the Lagos State government on the board of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. According to a statement by his eldest daughter, Mrs. Lola Cardoso (nee Tubi), on behalf of the family, funeral arrangements would be announced later. The deceased is survived by his widow, Mrs. Idowu Tubi; daughter, Mrs. Lola Cardoso; sons, Gbolade and Folahan; son-in-law, Sola Cardoso and grandchildren, Babatunde and Motunrenike Cardoso.

Olorogun Muogho passes on

Ohanaeze knocks Obasanjo for O comments on Jonathan T HE Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), the youth wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has slammed former President Olusegun Obasanjo for what it called “inciting and hate speeches” against President Goodluck Jonathan. It warned the ex-president to stop his attacks on Jonathan or “he will incur the wrath of Igbo Youths.” OYC said Obasanjo was putting pressure on Jonathan. It said he should stop disparaging the exalted office of the President, stressing that he (Obasanjo) was once in that office and should respect it. Addressing reporters in Umuahia, the OYC National President, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, warned Obasanjo to stop inciting Nigerians against President Jonathan, “whose

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

achievements have dwarfed the achievements of former leaders put together.” He cautioned Obasanjo to stop fanning the embers of war through his unguarded utterances against a sitting President. His words: “The country has experienced war and has not completely overcome its effects.” The Ohanaeze youth leader accused Obasanjo of plotting with some undemocratic elements to truncate Jonathan’s government through inciting comments, warning that Igbo youths would resist any retro-

gressive action. He said: “Obasanjo is a disappointment to democracy. He should not plunge Nigeria into another civil war through his remarks against Jonathan. We’ve not overcome the effects of the last war.” Isiguzoro said Obasanjo felt uncomfortable with Jonathan, “because he (Obasanjo) was not allowed to control the President, as he had thought. This is his reason for his constant attacks.” He said the President should not be intimidated by anybody because he was from the minority, vowing that Igbo youths would fight his cause in the interest of equity and justice.

“Obasanjo should know that he has expired politically. Nigerian youths will not allow him and other spent forces, who belong to the past, to ruin our future. “The country cannot buy his belated and selfish idea of an Interim National Government. Those plotting to pull Nigeria backwards will be disappointed because youths are now wiser.” The Ohanaeze youth leader said the Southeast and Southsouth had a long standing relationship and would continue to defend one another’s right in the country’s political equation.

•Ex-governor denies attack From Jeremiah Oke

Alarape, urged security agencies to invite, interrogate and caution LP against future attacks. The petition alleged that Folarin’s campaign convoy was attacked for the second time at Oja-Oba in Ibadan, the state capital, on the instruction of LP leadership.

The PDP said many of its party members, including the driver of the press crew bus, were macheted and injured. The party drew the attention of the authorities to the attacks unleashed on its campaign train on February 9 in Igboho. The petition reads: “It is with great constraint that this

petition is written to protest the unwarranted attack on members of our party, who are going on lawful campaign activities within the state. May I put on records that the first time we had the experience, which was widely reported by print and electronic media, happened on February 9, when some thugs ...descended on our campaign train in Orelope Local Government Area.

Appeal Court reserves judgment in suit challenging HE Court of Appeal the Jonathan) President’s re-election (including in Abuja yesterday could take the Oath of Alle-

reserved judgment in the case challenging President Goodluck Jonathan’s eligibility to stand for re-election. Presiding Judge Datijo Yahaya, after entertaining arguments from lawyers representing parties, said they would be informed of the judgment date. Other Justices on the five-man panel that heard the appeal include Mrs. Akomolafe Wilson, T.Y. Hassan, J. E. Ekannem and M. Mustapha. The appeal was filed on April 16, 2013 by Cyriacus Njoku, who is challenging the judgment of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court delivered by Mudashiru Oniyangi (now of the Court of Appeal) who had earlier ruled that Jonathan was eligible to contest. Yesterday, appellant’s lawyer, Okon Obon-Obla urged

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

the court to allow his client’s appeal and grant his prayer to reverse the decision of the lower court. He equally urged the court to hold that it was wrong for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to declare President Jonathan as its presidential candidate and proceeded to adopt him in the capacity while the appeal was not yet decided. Obono-Obla also urged the court to hold that, as against the respondents’ contention, Njoku has the locus standi (right to sue) to file the case. President Jonathan and the PDP, represented by the party’s National Legal Adviser, Victor Yusufu Kwon, urged the court to dismiss the appeal. Kwon said Jonathan, by presenting himself for election, was acting within the

provision of the law. He said the PDP’s adoption of Jonathan as its presidential candidate was supported by the existing judgment of Justice Oniyangi. “The party nominated Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as its Presidential candidate and in doing that it was in line with the extant judgment, so it is wrong for anybody to suggest that the PDP acted lawlessly in adopting the President”, Kwon said. Njoku had, in 2012 filed the suit before the FCT High Court and sought among others, a declaration that Jonathan’s tenure of office as President began on May 6, 2010 when his first term began and his second term shall end on May 29, 2015 after taking his second oath on May 29, 2011. He had argued that by virtue of Section 136 (1) (b) of the Constitution, no person

giance and the Oath of Office prescribed to in the 7th Schedule of the Constitution more than twice. Njoku sought an order of injunction restraining Jonathan from further contesting or attempting to vie for the office of the President of Nigeria after May 29, 2015 when his tenure ends. He also asked for an order restraining the PDP (2nd Defendant) from sponsoring or attempting to sponsor Jonathan as candidate for election to the office of the President in the 2015 presidential election after the expiration of his two terms on May 29, 2015. In his judgment on the March 13, 2013, Justice Oniyangi dismissed the case and held that President Jonathan was free to contest the 2015 presidential election on the platform of the PDP.

pirant, Amb. Ovie Oghenekaro, general manager Ibru Merchandise/ president of UPU, Apapa branch, Lagos. Others are Ambrose Brisibi, president of Aladja Progress Union, Lagos branch, Prince Ibrahim Dumuje, president-general, Aladja Progress Union, John Idogu, Mr. Emmanuel Okotete and others.

•The late Muogho

Nigerian Army and the Sagir saga •Continued

Oyo PDP petitions police, SSS over alleged LP attacks HE Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday petitioned security agencies on alleged attacks on the campaign train of its governorship candidate, Senator Teslim Folarin, by suspected Labour Party (LP) thugs. The party, in the two-page petition by the Director-General of Folarin Campaign Organisation, Alhaji Asimiyu

LOROGUN David Udi Muogho, the Ogbu of Udu Kingdom and father of Sir Henry E. Muogho, the director of Administration, Ibru Organisation, has passed on at 84. A community leader, civil servant and custodian of tradition, Olorogun Muogho died on February 1 at a private hospital in Delta State. A source said the family would meet to decide on the funeral arrangements. A condolence register has been opened at the home of Sir Henry Muogho in Apapa, Lagos. Those who have signed the register included Olorogun Oskar C.J. Ibru, vice chairman, Ibru Organisation, Barrister Dekeri, chairman/ CEO, Gul Treasure/Denco Filling Stations, Eme Mukoro APC Delta State House of Assembly as-

from Backpage

His commander had informed him that they had earned commendation for the good job done in Ekiti. They were to replicate the feat in Osun. But according to Sagir: “I told myself I will not be part of it.” According to him, his conscience troubled him to the extent that his attitude and body language must have sent signals to his superiors. He was to be arrested but for a tipoff by some colleagues. In saner climes, Sagir’s allegations would have elicited such a national opprobrium that would have warranted immediate reaction both from the government and the army high command. There is no doubt that the reputation of the commanderin-chief is at stake here; his capacity to command the forces at his disposal is also being questioned. The integrity of the army is also on the line here thus the need to immediately respond and correct whatever lapses might have cropped up in the system. There is no doubt that Sagir is whom he claims to be and he holds the position he claims to hold in the officer cadre of the Nigerian Army. And unless the army hierarchy and indeed the government come up with a definitive statement that will close this matter, it will remain as a monumental debasement of the military will haunt this government to the end of time. Matters grave and dangerous The issues Sagir raised are too grave to be wished away. First, why did we need over 1000 armed soldiers (a battalion) to conduct election in one state (and this is not discounting other military and para-military men drafted for the election)? Why were PDP chieftains from other states allowed free entry and movement in Ekiti while their APC counterparts were bared entry and free movement? Why, particularly, was the directorgeneral of APC campaign kept under house arrest at the critical moment when he needed to mobilize their agents? Why was a general of the Nigerian Army required to command troops into a state during an election? If we go by Sagir’s ‘recording’, why did the junior defence minister threaten a general of the Nigerian Army that he faced the peril of stagnation/ non-promotion if he failed to do his biddings? Why was a certain civilian called Chris Uba said to have led about 16 commissioned officers (described as Strike Force) from 82 Division Enugu to Ekiti; these men were reportedly posted to each of the local government areas to work with the PDP thugs? Finally, why was an under-aged brother of Sagir’s detained by the army for five months? The federal government must answer these questions and more; a panel of inquiry must be set up immediately to probe these allegations. The NASS too must act quickly. Anything short of that will only lead the populace to believe everything Capt. Sager has said. The consequences of that prospect are even graver. In plain language, it simply means the complete corruption of the soul of Nigeria’s military has been achieved by the Jonathan administration.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

NEWS Delta PDP expels Ochei, Omo-Agege From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

HE Delta State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expelled former Speaker Victor Ochei and exSecretary to the State Government (SSG) Oharisi OmoAgege. Both contested last December 8 governorship primaries but failed. Ochei joined Accord Party and became its Delta North senatorial candidate and Omo-Agege is Labour Party’s (LP’s) Delta Central senatorial candidate. Also affected is a former member of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Doris Uboh, who is Accord Party’s House of Representatives candidate for Ika. Another Accord Party candidate for Aniocha/ Oshimili Federal constituency, Ngozi Okolie, was also affected for leaving the PDP after allegedly failing in the primaries. Delta PDP Chairman Edwin Uzor addressed reporters in Asaba, the state capital, on the expulsion.

‘No PVC, no communion’

EV. Uma Ukpai of Victory Cathedral Fellowship Centre, Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, has said the church will stop communion for members who have not collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). The cleric, who spoke during a church service, added that it was unpatriotic for any eligible voter not to participate in the electoral process. He urged the electorate to use the opportunity provided by the rescheduled elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to collect their PVCs to enable them chose the leaders of their choice. He said: “The 2015 general elections are too important for a Nigerian of voting age not to participate in electing his or her political leaders for the next four years. “If you are a true member of this fellowship and you have not collected your PVC, know that you will not partake in our communion service.”

Govt: anti-democratic forces plot killings, mayhem in Edo

Polls: Reps deplore calls for use of TVCs

•’Tenure elongation ‘ll fail’

HE Edo State Government said yesterday it had uncovered a plot by “anti-democratic forces” to start high-profile killings ahead of the March 28 and April 11 general elections. The objective, the government alleged, was not only to sow fear in the minds of All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters but to also make the state ungovernable for Governor Adams Oshiomhole. In a statement in Benin, the state capital, by Information and Orientation Commissioner Louis Odion, the

government said: “The new evil agenda is akin to the one unleashed in 2012 ahead of the governorship election in which the Principal Private Secretary to the governor, Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde, was brutally murdered. Till date, the killers are yet to be brought to justice. “On the latest hit list are key figures in the administration, APC leaders, a vocal palace chief as well as journalists considered too independent-minded and unwilling to file fabricated stories to promote the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“To achieve this, hardboiled cultists, who were contracted to attack and vandalise the Edo House of Assembly quarters last year, have again been recruited and given mobilisation running into millions of naira and other logistics support from Abuja early this week through a local cleric-politician. “The destabilisation scheme is conceived, funded and directed by a group of PDP leaders based in Abuja alongside their underlings in Edo State in the cold calculation that once the teeming supporters of Comrade Oshiomhole were frightened

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

•Oshiomhole

away, the PDP would then dominate the Edo space. “The vocal palace chief being targeted, we gathered, is the Esogban of Bini Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri, who is also the leader of the influential Benin Forum. The PDP leaders were said to be uncomfortable with Chief Edebiri’s unrelenting criticism...”

Bayelsa PDP leadership crisis deepens

HE leadership crisis rocking the Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened yesterday, following the decision of its leaders to send a protest letter to President Goodluck Jonathan. The state leader demanded the immediate removal of the party’s State Chairman, Col. Sam Inokoba (retd). It was gathered that the decision to lodge a complaint with Jonathan followed the discovery that Inokoba was allegedly enjoying the protection of the Presidency. The embattled party chairman was recently suspended by the State Working Committee (SWC) for sundry allegations, including high-handedness. Members of the SWC and other party leaders were said

Leaders write protest letter to Jonathan From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa to be angry that few weeks after they sent a recommendation to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) demanding the chairman’s sack, the NWC had not responded. The leaders threatened mass defection to the opposition, if the Presidency allegedly continued to shield Inokoba. It was gathered yesterday that the party leaders formally intimated the President of Inokoba’s alleged misdeeds as a sign of respect for him before dumping the party. The stakeholders, comprising the SWC members, the party’s chairmen in the local government areas and wards and as non-executive

officials, were said to have signed up for the protest letter, calling for the sack of the chairman. Copies of the letter, it was gathered, would be sent to the governor, the National Chairman and the National Secretary. The aggrieved party leaders were said to have written the letter after extensive deliberations in Yenagoa, the state capital. The stakeholders were said to have concluded that President Jonathan, being the party’s leader, should be duly informed of “Inokoba’s excesses and shortcomings”. According to them, if not checked, Inokoba’s attitude would jeopardise PDP’s chances in the March 28 and April 11 elections. A source, who was privy to the decision, told our re-

porter in confidence that the letter outlined Inokoba’s alleged leadership excesses and failures. The source also said the letter contained a copy of the suspension document, which listed the party officials who endorsed the action. The source said: “The signed list revealed that of the 14 SWC members, 13 signed; one was absent. All the 15 non-working committee members signed the document. Going by the party’s structure, the 15 non-working committee members are like assistants to the 14 working committee members. “Also, the eight local government chairmen, who make up the complete structure of the party, which makes up the state executive, all signed the suspension letter.”

TRACE boss advises motorists

HE Zone II Commander, Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) Adekunle Ajibade yesterday appealed to motorists and commercial cyclists to maintain lower speed while moving on the newly constructed Ilo-Awele Road in Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, or find alternative route to their destinations. He said this following an accident on the new road, involving a tanker with registration number GGE 663 XM, which emptied 33,000 litres of diesel from the vehicle. The truck, according to Ajibade, lost control due to over- speeding and somersaulted while trying to enter the Ilo Awela Road.

•From left: Rivers All Progressives Congress ( APC) Chairman Mr Davies Ikanya briefing reporters on the attack of APC members in Port Harcourt...yesterday. With him are Deputy Chairman Mr Peter Odike and Treasurer Mr Abinye Alex PHOTO:NAN

Rivers NUJ, doctors protest attacks on members

OURNALISTS and doctors in Rivers State yesterday protested what they called “unwarranted attacks” on their members in the line of duties. Addressing reporters yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) State Chairman Opaka Dokubo said if the attacks continued, “journalists will not attend any political event without adequate provision for their

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

safety”. He added: “Enough is enough.” Dokubo spoke against the background of the attack on journalists at the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Okrika, Rivers State. The NUJ chairman condemned the attack on Channels Television reporter, Mr Charles Erukaa, and other

reporters covering the rally. He recalled that Erukaa “had a bottle broken on his head and the same weapon used to stab him on the throat. He now lies critically ill in the hospital”. Dokubo said: “It is clear that of all the dead and injured, it is this hapless reporter that was directly attacked for no other reason than being a journalist.” The Rivers State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) also protested the

abduction of doctors. NMA State Chairman Dr. Furo Green told reporters that three doctors had been abducted by gunmen in the last one week. Furo said the first doctor was released with a gunshot wound while the second was still being held. He said: “In the last five days, two doctors have been kidnapped and the third was shot, following an unsuccessful attempt at kidnapping him...”

HE House of Representatives condemned yesterday calls for the use of Temporary Voter Cards (TVCs) for next month’s general elections. The lawmakers have also assured Nigerians that tenure elongation in any guise would not get the backing of the lower chamber of the National Assembly. House Spokesman Zakari Mohammed spoke during a chat. He said it was regrettable that some people could call for the use of Temporary Voter Cards (TVCs) for the election at a time so much progress had been recorded with the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). According to him, opposition to the use of card reader machines smacked of attempt to manipulate the election. “We are in support of the use of the card readers in the general elections since it was in line with global best practices to ensure a free and fair poll. We have to grow, we are not in the Stone Age,” he said. Besides, Mohammeed noted that based on the successes so far recorded by the independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the distribution of the PVCs, every Nigerian should support the effort aimed at conducting a free and credible election. On insinuation of attempt to perpetuate the incumbent government in power, Mohammed said tenure elongation would not get the support of the lawmakers. He allayed fears that most Federal lawmakers that failed to secure return tickets of their parties may support attempt to extend President Jonathan’s tenure. He denied allegation that tenure elongation caused sharp division in the House during the Wednesday closed session, saying, “”Tenure elongation is not constitutional and it is not within the ambit of the law. “We have sworn to uphold the constitution. We are a creation of the constitution but of course people are entitled to their opinion because it is something we cannot control. “So, it was not a matter tabled before us but people are entitled to their opinions. For us in the 7th Assembly, our tenure ends in June and we know that the President’s tenure ends in May 29. “Even the President himself said May 29 is sacrosanct. So even the idea of tenure elongation is against good conscience. Everybody contemplating that is not fair to Nigerians. “We owe this country that duty to uphold the constitution so that Nigerians would not shout to high heavens when they see breaches happening. We want democracy to thrive and we want to enthrone good governance in the country”.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

NEWS AIG vows to tackle thugs

HE Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 10, Bala Hassan, said yesterday that the command would not grant bail to political thugs arrested with weapons during campaigns. He said the command would not compromise its role of ensuring peace, law and order as well as protecting life and property. According to him, the command would not fold it arms and allow thugs to unleash terror and violence on the citizens, especially before, during and after the elections. Hassan spoke in Sokoto at a stakeholders’ meeting with leaders of parties. Zone 10 comprises Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states. He warned that henceforth,

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

any thug arrested with a knife, cutlass or other weapons would be charged. “We will, however, ensure thorough investigations to make sure anyone indicted is charged and prosecuted,” the AIG said. He promised to provide a level-playing field for the parties. According to Hassan, “this is to ensure the protection of life and property before, during and after the polls.” Police Commissioner Salisu Fagge assured of the force readiness to ensure the conduct of violence-free rallies and elections. He stressed that politicians must respect the rules of the game by obeying the laws of the land and the Electoral Act.

DG urges Nigerians on safety

HE Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC), Mrs. Dominga Omolara Odebunmi, has urged Nigerians to be safety conscious. Mrs. Odebunmi, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Public Health, UK; Member, British Standard Institute (BSI-Global), Member, Institute of Food Science & Technology, UK (IFST) and Member, Institute of Occupational Health & Safety, UK (IOHS), said since it was established in July 2011, LSSC had ensured the safety of people at home, in the office, in school and everywhere. She said: “People do a lot of things injurious to their lives. To ensure that life and property are safe, we assist people to have a rethink on how they can avoid danger. “Our motto is: ‘Work Safe, Live Safe’. Our vision at the Lagos State Safety Commission is to proactively make safety the lifestyle of Nigerians and turn Lagos to a worldclass city. Our mission is to develop policies and strategies that will build a sustainable safety culture through regulated and coordinated safety system. “Safety is about you and your neighbours. If the next person to you is vulnerable safety-wise, the vulnerability will eventually affect you. During an inferno, it is the smoke that easily kills victims. Many houses don’t even have smoke alarm. We’ve been educating people to have this.” The director-general said

By Tokunbo Ogunsami

the commission reached out to the affluent, the middle class and the masses in the urban areas and at the grassroots in its campaign of safety consciousness, adding: “We are working to attract investors to Lagos State.” She noted that it used English language and local dialects during campaigns to spread safety messages. According to her, “we hold summits regularly to disseminate safety information to people. We work with the private and public sectors. We educate Nigerians on how to work safe, live safe, rescue themselves from danger and protect their environment from hazards, such as flood, erosion, road damage and so on. We also educate them to protect their health by eating nutritious food and living in a healthy environment.” Mrs. Odebunmi, the pioneer DG of LSSC, said the commission developed standards, guidelines and regulations updating policies, while maintaining links with MDAs, local governments/local council development areas, professionals and stakeholders. She added that initiatives, such as establishing safety champions in the public service, mandating the private sector to establish functional HSE department, construction/manufacturing summits, an intensive safety management initiative for school authorities, events and gatherings in public places, have contributed to achieving the set goals.

Lamido begs aggrieved members From Ahmed Rufa’I, Dutse

IGAWA State Governor Sule Lamido has urged members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to scuttle the party’s chances at the polls. He spoke at an emergency reconciliation meeting in the Government House, Dutse. It was convened to use the elections’ postponement to reconcile aggrieved members, to ensure the party’s victory in the elections. The meeting, involving party stakeholders, was called on the request of the governorship campaign committee under the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Mahamud. Governor Lamido enjoined members, especially those aspiring for elective positions, to forgive, forget and unite to achieve the party’s goals.

•Lamido

He said: “Whoever feels offended should take it as an act of Allah Almighty. You are aware that everybody cannot be the governorship candidate. It must be one person, so also the remaining positions. “This is a family meeting, it is an opportunity to thank all of you for your efforts and commitment during the campaigns. There is need for more efforts and commitments in order to sweep the polls.”

•Assistant Inspector General of Police Hassan (second left) with leaders of parties after a meeting in Sokoto…yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Sokoto varsity gets N2.09b from TETFUND in seven months, says VC

HE Vice Chancellor of Sokoto State University, Prof. Nuhu Yaqub, said yesterday that the institution received over N2.09 billion from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) in the last seven months. He spoke in Sokoto at the matriculation of 1,002 students admitted for the 2014/ 2015 academic session. Prof. Yaqub said the fund would be used to provide two

lecture theatres, begin the building of the Faculty of Science and provide Internet facilities, among others. He added: ‘’The provision of the Internet connections will make the campus ICTcompliant.” The don said the government had extended its SUREP resources to the campus. He noted that a computerbased examination centre

would be set up in the university. Yaqub acknowledged the priority given the institution by the government. He hailed Governor Aliyu Wamakko for supporting the institution. The vice chancellor warned the students against flouting rules and regulations. He added: ‘’We will never compromise our standard of discipline and academic excellence. Any contravention by

the workers and students will be sanctioned.’’ Represented by the Special Adviser on Higher Education, Prof. Gajam Bon Ardo, Governor Wamakko promised to continue to fund the institution. He said: ‘’I urge you to reciprocate the huge expenditure of the government and your parents by being dedicated to your studies and shunning vices.’’

Health workers’ strike paralyses activities

ARELY two weeks after the National Joint Health Sector Union called off the three months nationwide strike, the Joint Health Sector Union, Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja, Kogi State chapter, yesterday embarked on an indefinite strike over internal crisis. This paralysed activities at the medical centre, as patients were asked to go home, while the workers refused to attend

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

From James Azania, Lokoja

to them. When reporters visited the hospital, it was deserted, as the Records Office, Accounts Section, Pharmacy and other departments were shut. Patients were not allowed access to the hospital. The workers, it was learnt, demanded the payment of the backlog of unpaid allowances. A source said the union was worried over the inability of

the management to remit union dues deducted from the workers’ salaries. It was gathered that the management owed the newly-employed workers one month salary. The source said the union was also asking the management to upgrade the entry point salary of laboratory scientists from Grade 7-2 to 9-2, as obtained in other federal hospitals.

Freed Boko Haram victims reunite with families

BOUT 158 victims, mostly women and children, who were released by Boko Haram insurgents in Yobe State last month, re-united with their families in Damaturu yesterday. They were unconditionally released by the militias near the Buni Yadi Gujba Road and had been in the custody of the Joint Task Force (JTF) for medical and physical examination until yesterday when they were released to their families at a mini ceremony in Damaturu. Speaking at the event organised by the Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Victims of Insurgency, the Chairman, Ahmed Mustapha Goniri, said the freed victims were in sound health, adding that the JTF in conjunction with his committee and medical experts examined their mental, psychological and medical conditions. Relief materials were given to the freed victims. Goniri said: “Of the 158 that were freed, 62 are adults and the rest are children. Of the 62 adults, there are 15 widows among them. The government, as part of its resolve to alleviate their sufferings, gave each of the widows two bags of rice,

From Duku Joel, Damaturu

one bag of sugar, two cartons of Idomie noddles, wrappers and N50,000. Others will receive the same quantity of items and N30,000 each.” He thanked the parents for their patience when the victims undergone screening in the hands of security operatives. The freed victims from Katarko village in Gujba Local Government, one of the strongholds of Boko Haram insurgents, were happy for regaining freedom. Abdulrahaman Dauda, who received his wife and three children, said he was happy over the reunion. He, however, said two of his children were still in the captivity of the Boko Haram militias. His words: “I thank God because today I have reunied with my wife and three of my children. But my joy will not be complete until two of my sons in the captivity of Boko Haram are released. I pray that they will return safely.” Aisha Dauda said she was happy to come out of the Boko Haram den alive and reunite with her husband.

The union was said to have written a warning letter to the management, but when there was no response, it embarked on the strike. Contacted on the phone, the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Debo Elesho, urged reporters to visit the hospital, but later said he could not attend to them because the management was in a meeting with the union to sort out things.

‘Pray for elections’ success’ From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

WARA State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has urged Christian faithful to use the Lenten season to pray for the restoration of peace, especially in the face of political and security tension. He also advised Christians and Nigerians of other faiths to use the season to pray and work for the success of the elections. The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, said the Lenten season called for sober reflection on individual attitudes and national challenges in order to engender a better society. He added that “since the Lenten season in Christendom marks a period of sober reflection, fasting and penitence in anticipation of the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday, it is imperative that the season is also used for a deeper and sober reflection on the state of affairs in our country.” He said that no state or nation could develop in a state of anarchy or violence, as resources and efforts directed towards containing violence and other forms of criminality could be properly channeled to the economic, industrial and infrastructural development of the country. The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Razak Atunwa, urged Christians to use the period of self denial and sacrifice to supplicate to God for a peaceful conduct of the elections and stability of the nation. He said the nation needed prayers and concerted efforts by stakeholders to restore stability. The Speaker in a statement by his media aide, Abdulrahman Sanni, advised politicians to embark on issue-based campaigns.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

FOREIGN NEWS

LENT

Ukraine: Shelling spreads despite ceasefire

Theme: The dysfunctional system will work again!

HELLING was reported from several places in eastern Ukraine despite the official ceasefire between government forces and proRussia rebels. Artillery fire could be heard in the region's biggest city, Donetsk, where the truce had been observed so far. Ukrainian military sources also accused rebels of shelling positions near the port city of Mariupol. The fighting comes as Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany hold further talks over the

phone. Most of the renewed fighting in Donetsk appears to be in the North of the city towards the airport. BBC's Ian Pannell, who was in the city, says it sounds like shells are being fired in both directions, although that cannot be verified. Further south, a spokesman for the Ukrainian government forces said rebel units had attacked the village of Shirokyne, killing one soldier, with shells also fired towards Mariupol. The government-held port

city of Mariupol is in a highly strategic position, sitting between rebel-held eastern areas and Crimea, which Russia annexed nearly a year ago. The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) - which is charged with monitoring the ceasefire - also reported more shelling near the embattled town of Debaltseve, which observers have not been able to reach. The town, a railway hub that links the two rebel-held cities of Luhansk and Donetsk, fell to the rebels on Wednesday.

Qatar recalls envoy to Egypt in row over Libya strikes

ATAR has recalled its ambassador from Egypt, following a row about air strikes on Islamic State targets in Libya. Foreign ministry officials said it was prompted by comments made by Egypt's delegate to the Arab League, who

accused Qatar of supporting terrorism. Qatar had expressed reservations over Egypt's unilateral military action in another Arab League member state and the risk of civilian casualties. Relations between Doha

Burundians celebrate as journalist Bob Rugurika freed

HOUSANDS of people have taken to the streets of Burundi's capital, Bujumbura, to celebrate the release of a prominent journalist controversially charged with the murder of three Italian nuns. Crowds sang and danced when Bob Rugurika entered the city yesterday after being freed on bail. Such huge demonstrations in defiance of the government are rare in Burundi.

It will now be under further pressure to properly investigate the murder of the nuns, observers say. Lucia Pulici, 75, Olga Raschietti, 82, and Bernadetta Boggian, 79 were killed at their convent in Bujumbura last September. Mr Rugurika was arrested about a month ago after his station, African Public Radio (RPA), broadcast the purported confession of a man claiming to be one of the killers.

and Cairo have been strained in recent years. The Qatari government backed President Mohammed Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood before his overthrow by the Egyptian military in 2013. The Qatari-owned TV network, Al Jazeera, had also been a major source of tension, with the Egyptian authorities accusing it of serving as a mouthpiece for Morsi's supporters and prosecuting its journalists. The Egyptian air force bombed Islamic State bases in Libya on Monday in retaliation for the beheading of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians. After a meeting in Cairo on Wednesday, the Arab League issued a statement stressing its "complete understanding" about the air strikes and supporting Egypt's call for the lifting of the UN arms embargo on the supply of weapons to the Libyan armed forces.

Text: “..... he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed ......and immediately she was made straight...” ( Luke 13:12-13)

SYSTEM is dysfunctional when things are not performing in tandem with expectation or when its workings are impaired or abnormal. This abysmal situation can be self-inflicted or orchestrated by an evil hand. A self-inflicted dysfunctional system can be imposed on a person who ignorantly or against counsel innocently or wilfully ignores boundaries set by God or the experts He has sent for guidance. This can be with regards to health, education, marriage, business etc. Besides that, it can also come to play in a country where there is wrong placement of people in corridors of power and authority. The situation becomes worse in any country where square pegs are placed in round holes not only in the executive but also in the Judiciary and legislative arms of government. The result of this is loss of direction in the polity, waste of time and resources, wrong decision making, working in circles, degradation of human life and worth, pervasive awkwardness among many others. From our text,the woman lived a dysfunctional life of being bent for 18years. Her people and peers jeered at her appearance in the public and temple. She was an object of public odium as she could not lift herself up. Understandably, like the case of the woman with the issue of blood who for 12 years spent all she had to get better without solution, she must have tried all sorts to get better ( Mk. 5:25-26). One day however, Jesus Christ entered the temple, saw her in her dysfunctional state and commanded that the ‘spiritual rope’ being used to tie her should be loosed. Immediately, she was made straight and an end came to her dysfunctional state. At this stage in world history when our beloved country, a country that is well endowed with huge natural and human resources, is at the centre point of bad events of abductions of countless people by insurgents, general insecurity of lives and property, seemingly endless strikes by different organs of government, debilitating state of infrastructure, comatose economic state, obvious desperation among the political class for offices, killings, murder, arson among many other terrible crimes, there is no

gain saying that the nation is in a dysfunctional state. Solomon in his unequalled vision and wisdom wrote in Proverbs 29:2 that “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” As we move towards electing our leaders, may the Almighty God who sees the inner recesses of human heart choose credible leaders for us and disgrace people jostling for power with the satanic aim of subjecting us to another level of colonisation, slavery and captivity of whatever sort, in Jesus’ name. Not only that, there are many individuals, families, marriages, organisations and places of worship that are dysfunctional as a result of sin, evil background or satan. But, the good news is that it is not over. The invitation and arrival of Jesus Christ into any dysfunctional system mindless of how bad things are or how long one has been in that terrible state will turn things around for good. The Almighty God who turns scarcity into surplus within 24 hours will arise for you during this season of lent. Lazarus was in the grave for 4 days and already stinking before His invitation and arrival. When He appeared, the Resurrection and the Life turned things around and their weeping turned into joy and celebrations ( Jn. 11:1-44). The wedding in Cana of Galilee too would have ended on a very sad note if not for His presence and their obedience to Him which made the wedding end on a grandiose level (John 2:1-10). Beloved, it is not over with our beloved country, your family and you. The Almighty God is going to intervene in your situation and all your lost years shall be restored, in the name of Jesus. What you need to do for the dysfuctional state to become functional is to invite Jesus Christ into your life, confess your shortcomings to Him, make a commitment not to sin again, live a life of holiness and love, and let Him know what you are passing through. As the Lord lives, before this lent ends, there shall be divine intervention and we shall all celebrate the joy of deliverance from the shackles of pain, lack and death, in Jesus’ name. Prayers: Lord God, I don’t have any power of my own. I come to you this day, turn things around for me and give me reasons to celebrate, in Jesus’ name.

NEWS 2015 budget: Reps reject $65 benchmark Continued from page 4

source told The Nation, was the parameters. The two parties could not agree on the benchmark. While the Federal Government wanted a benchmark of $50 per barrel, the House insisted on between $53 and $56 per barrel. According to the source, the over five hours closed door meeting also featured differences in exchange rates between the two parties. A member of the committee rejected N165 to a dollar proposed by Dr. Okonjo- Iweala’s team and insisted on $180 to a dollar. The Nation also learnt that capital expenditure dominated the discussion as the lawmakers in-

sisted that the proposed 17 per cent of the budget allocated to capital project was meagre and that it should be upped to about 25 percent to give Nigerians some benefits. In an earlier interview, shortly before plenary, the Chairman, National Assembly Budget and Research Office (NABRO), Hon. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, decried the parameters in the 2015 budget, especially the oil benchmark and the oil production estimates Of the oil benchmark, he said: “Definitely, this is a wrong assumption. Its a problem. It’s part of why the budget cannot fly and it’s not flying. “Going by what is happening in the international crude oil market, it’s wrong. It’s unrealis-

tic for the Executive arm of government to have proposed a $65 per barrel benchmark.” The lawmaker said his committee did some comparative analysis on the issue and that it is evident that the executive is not forward looking. “Iraq pegged its benchmark at $60 per barrel; Saudi Arabia pegged its own at $60 and Venezuela $60. These are countries that don’t even have the kind of challenges that we have, and they are countries with better macroeconomic fundamentals. But based on foresight, they chose $60 as their oil benchmark.” Bamidele said the budgets of these three countries had been passed in 2014 before the price of oil fell. “Here we are in Nigeria, we’re

already in the middle of it and today, they (executive) are still talking about $65. Where is the foresight?” Bamidele also criticized the 2.278 million barrel per day estimate of the executive, saying it’s not a true reflection of current realities. House spokesman Zakari Mohammed expressed confidence that the 25-member committee headed by the chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, John Enoh, which had been mandated to meet with the Minister of Finance on realistic parameters for the 2015 budget, will come out with a benchmark that reflects the true position of Nigeria’s oil earnings, as against the $65 proposed in the budget.

Okrika attack: Victims of APC rally recount ordeal Continued from page 4

Mr. Joseph Amachree, one of the victims whose legs were bandaged, said: “my brother, all I could say is that God gave me another chance on earth. I was at the venue. After the second explosions, we thought it was over. I went back thinking normalcy had returned. But I was surprised when some people came with all kinds of weapons, shooting, I heard a gunshot, but I cannot say what happened. Only to see myself at the hospital bed the next day. I thank God I am getting better now. Philip Williams, another victim, said he saw people running for dear lives and he joined them. When they rushed me here I was bleeding on my head and I couldn’t talk. I thank God that I can talk to you now and I can recognize you.

We will still go to Okrika, says Rivers APC

ESPITE the attack unleashed on the members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and their supporters on Tuesday at Okrika, the APC has said it would still campaign in the town. State chairman Dr Davies Ikanya yesterday insisted that Okrika is part of Rivers State and the party cannot be barred from going there to campaign. Ikanya urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to sanction the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for violating the three peace accords the political parties signed - with INEC; the United States envoy and the police. He also sympathised with the victims of the attack, saying one policeman died and four were injured. Of the injured, two have been discharged. Ikanya said about 20 APC supporters had been Anayo Onukwugha of Leadership said: “Immediately the sounds of the guns and dynamites started coming closer, I

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

discharged from hospital. Two are missing. The party, he said, is collating the figures of those affected. Ikanya, who accused the lawmaker representing Ogu/Bolo Constituency in the House of Assembly, Evans Bipi, of leading the people who attacked the APC rally, expressed regrets that he (Bipi) is still walking about freely. But Bipi has denied any involvement in the violence. He advised the Investigative Team set up by Inspector General of the Police Suleiman Abba to look into Bipi’s background. He did not also spare the First Lady for encouraging the mayhem. “If she cannot bring development to Rivers State, she should not bring violence to us,” Ikanya said.

made for an alternative route to connect to the ATC road, knowing full well that the road leading to the Saint Peter’s Cathedral

had been taken over by the armed youths, who were exchanging gunfire with security agents.

‘Polls ’ll hold as scheduled’ Continued from page 4

the NN as a training ship for junior officers and ratings. Vice Admiral Jibrin said it was the first time the navy acquired four vessels within the same period and commissioning same. He noted that the only time the nation did something similar was under the Shehu Shagari administration where three vessels were bought and commissioned for the navy. “Nigeria as a littoral nation depends largely on the sea for her revenue earnings. The Nigerian navy being the principal agency charged with maritime security had been faced with the challenge of inadequate and ageing platform in its quest to effectively meet the maritime security needs of the nation.” Noting that the vessels commissioned were the sixth acquisitions made since 2012, he said four more ships were ex-

pected to the join the NN fleet before the end of the year. “These platforms will contribute substantially to the capacity of the Nigerian Navy to effectively patrol our waters and support the nation’s foreign policy objectives through flag showing visits to friendly foreign countries,” he said. At the event were Minister of Defence Aliyu Gusau; Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant - General Kenneth Minimah; Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Olusola Amosu; Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sulaiman Abba; Senator Chris Anyanwu; Chief of Staff to the President Brig.-Gen. Jones Arogbofa and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman Adamu Muazu. There were also former service chiefs, Vice Admirals Jubril Ayinla, I.I. Ibrahim; Ola Saad Ibrahim and Dele Ezeoba.

Abdulsalami, Oyegun worried about Okrika shootings Continued from page 4

if we de-escalate the un-necessary political war that is going on now. The massive attack on INEC, the massive attack on the use of PVCs, the massive court actions that are going on now to have our candidate disqualified and even have the PVCs declared illegal by the court of law. In law, you can get any kind of judgment, anything before the court is 50-50. “If all these can de-escalate, people will start believing that this election will be relatively free and fair. In that condition, Okirika issue will be bad dream that will be behind us.

The INEC chairman was being realistic (on election date), I am not comfortable (with INEC chairman stance on March 28), I was not comfortable with it in the first time and am still not comfortable with it, but he was being realistic. “The part of problem in this country is that electoral violence refuses to abate because law is not being enforced. If there is law enforcement added to our own appeal, I think we will see an abatement. But if there is selective law enforcement, because of this power of incumbency, then you can not expect it to be abated.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 09091178827

How gas tanker exploded, by driver

•The burnt tanker

•The driver, Okulade

•Victim dies in hospital

“

WHILE looking around, I saw that gas was rushing out of the tanker. I tried to alert commuters on the road. While doing that, I saw a big iron running towards the tanker; it looked like silencer (exhaust) of a vehicle; it ignited fire with the liquefied natural gas and exploded.” These were the words of Kabiru Okulade, driver of the gas tanker, that exploded on the long bridge of the Lagos/Ibadan expressway, on Wednesday night. Okulade, who is in hospital, described the incident as shocking. Eight persons including Okulade were injured. One of the injured persons died in hospital yesterday. Four of them including the deceased were taken to Divine Touch Hospital in Ibafo, Ogun State; the remaining five are in Beachland Specialist Hospital, Arepo. Okulade, bandaged from head to toe, said he parked on noticing that something hit the tanker to check if everything was okay. He said it was while checking that the tanker exploded, adding: “The next thing I knew was that I fell from the bridge to the road below. Even as I fell, the fire came after me. While I was running, I fell, but stood up again and continued run-

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor and Tajudeen Adebanjo

ning shouting help! help!! help!!!” Two other survivors at the hospital with him, Abdul Oluwanisola and Femi Abodunrin, were passengers in a commercial bus going to Mowe-Ibafo. Their part of bodies were bandaged. Oluwanishola said he was on his way to his Ibafo residence after leaving a site in Ojodu, Lagos. “I was on my way home. It was a full bus. I only recognise the guy (Abodunrin) that is here with me. I don’t know the other people. When we got to long bridge, I saw a tanker gas truck parking by the road side. There was no driver in the vehicle. I saw that the gas was leaking and everywhere was white. The floor was white also. By the time, our vehicle would get to the gas truck; we were trying to escape by speeding up. It was not up to two seconds before the gas exploded and everyone in the bus (commercial bus) was trying to rush out. I and the other guy jumped down from the bridge into a hole and hid under the other bridge that faces Lagos. We tried to hide there. There were three of us there and the light was coming at a full force, exploding, and the

Motorist shot, robbed

OBBERS struck yesterday in IkotunEgbe, a Lagos suburb, robbing a 60-year-old man of an undisclosed amount. The robbers were said to have struck at the same spot last week and robbed a man of a large sum of money. The victim was riding in a Toyota Camry when four gun totting men on two motorcycles crossed his path. They fired into the air to scare onlookers. They also shot the man on his left leg before making away with the money he just collected from a nearby bank. A witness, who identified himself as Wasiu, said the robbers operated for about three minutes. “They fired a shot to announce that they had come since we now seem to be accustomed to their attacks these days. I did not even know they were robbers. I was eating and I thought it was the police that fired the shot as they often do here.

By Sulaiman Salawudeen

But when I saw people running helter skelter, I stopped eating and went to hide also. “I feel sorry for that man. He was returning from the bank. They followed him down here. The robbers knew what they were looking for. They had some insider connection in the bank. Just last week, around that place, they took a large sum of money from another man soon after he came out of the same bank where he went to collect the money”, he said. A resident, Olayiwola Anu, said the robbers operated around the area yesterday for the third time in about two months. Their victims, he said, were always those who went to collect money from a bank on Igando road. When The Nation visited the scene, people were giving going about thier businesses. Residents and traders called on the police to make their presence felt on the road to forestall a recurrence.

•Abodunrin

•Osa-Okunbor’s car

fire was coming closer to under the bridge where we were hiding. We remained there praying against death; calling on God to come to our rescue. “Since there was a bush there, it was obvious that the fire would move fast, so, we ran out of the hole to the other side where there was sand. By then, our skins were already burnt. We kept running for our lives. A bike rider took two of us to a hospital in Arepo, they rejected us. We were then taken to Ikeja General Hospital where the doctors complained it was late in the night. We were later taken to Beachland Hospital where we were also rejected. On our way to Beachland Hospital, we met policemen in their vehicle and stopped them and begged them to help us. One of them followed us to Beachland Hospital. After we were rejected, he called his colleagues to bring back the vehicle to come and take us to another hospital. We were in pains. The policemen brought us to this (Divine Touch ) hospital and we were accepted. They started the treatment without any delay.” Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer (PRO) Muyiwa Adejobi, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP) told The Nation that one of the victims died yesterday. The others are still receiving treatment.

A Toyota Lexus 330 was burnt; a Toyota Camry belonging to The Nation Senior Correspondent, Kelvin Osa-Okunbor and an Honda Odyssey were damaged in an accident. The Honda Odyssey driver lost control and hit the car of Osa-Okunbor, who was covering the incident, from behind. The vehicles have been towed to OPIC Police Station at Wawa near the accident scene. Divine Touch Hospital Medical Director, Adedotun Odofin told The Nation that the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) brought in the victims. Odofin said: “Initially, they were three, but they later brought one more person who eventually died. We set lines for them and resuscitated them. Later, they brought one that had close to 90 per cent burns and we could not set IV line for him. All we did was to administer an injection and we used Dermacin cream to dress the wound. Early this morning, he gave up but we continued treatment for others and by the grace of God, they are responding well.”

•Oluwanisola

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

SPORT EXTRA GLO TO GOLDEN EAGLETS

You can beat Zambia M

AJOR sponsor of football in Nigeria, Globacom has called

• Amuneke

on the U-17 National team, Golden Eaglets to ensure total victory over their Zambian opponents on Saturday at the ongoing African Youth Championship in Niamey, Niger Republic. The company, in a statement released in Lagos on Thursday, said that outright victory over the Zambian U-17 National team in the last group match of the Championship would place the Eaglets at a vantage position to amass the three points and also qualify for the quarter finals. The Eaglets, who held Guinea to a 1-1draw in their last group match, need outright win against Zambia to boost their chance of qualifying from the group. “The draw with Guinea was

not a bad outing, but the Zambia match is a must-win and we believe the Eaglets can make it,” Globacom added. Globacom, therefore advised the Eaglets to concentrate and go for early goals which according to the company “will boost the team's confidence to win the match.” The Golden Eaglets with four points jointly lead Group A with Guinea who also amassed four points but with less number of goals. Zambia with three points occupies the third position, while Niger Republic rocks the bottom of the table without any point. Globacom is the major partner of Nigeria Football Federation and the official sponsor of all Nigerian National teams.

Ibile Games’ sensation shines at ISL athletics meet

NE of the outstanding athletes at the just concluded Lagos State School Sports Festival tagged Ibile Games, Emmanuel Obu dazzled at the 25th annual inter-house sports competition of International School, Lagos (ISL) held in Lagos on Thursday. The fleet-footed Obu was in superb form, clinching gold medals in the 400, 800 and 1500metres but his efforts could not save Congregation House (purple) from playing second fiddle to School House (green) in the overall medal table. With a gold medal separating School from Congregation

By Kudirat Oderinde House, the new champion, School was able to dethrone Registry House (red) at the oneday sports fiesta. To emerge as the winner, School amassed 14 gold, 11 silver and six bronze medals, while Obu’s team – Congregation were runner’s up with 13 gold, 15 silver and three bronze medals. Bursary and defending champion, Registry finished third and fourth respectively. In her address, Principal of the school, Mrs. Adora Ojo said the tournament was unique as new events were introduced, adding that this would encourage healthy rivalry among the

students. For the chief guest of honour, Prof. Mopelola Omoegun, the participants should display sportsmanship spirit as this would impact positively on them. The chairman of the event, Chief Fassy Yusuf charged the students to imbibe the qualities of sports, which he said include sportsmanship and team spirit. “I want to urge you athletes to see sports as an avenue to engender friendship among yourselves and I hope we can get top stars from events like that will represent the country at international competitions,” he said.

Support boxing, Ladipo urges legends

N reviving the game of boxing in Nigeria, President of the Nigeria football and supporters club, Rafiu Ladipo has urged boxing legends to allow younger boxers in the country to tap into their wealth of experience, at a boxing seminar yesterday in preparation for the second edition of GOtv Boxing Night held at the National Stadium Surulere, Lagos. In his words, “I challenge the boxing legends in the Nigeria to give back to the game and society by teaching the younger generation”.

“These legends have experience through exposure, and they also need to work with the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control to revive boxing.” he added He further appealed to the government to build boxing gyms across the country, to help boxers develop in their core area of strength. According to him, “We can only make an appeal to the government to build befitting boxing gyms across the country to enable boxers train properly”. “The country should be able to boast of proper boxing gym that

• Ladipo has all the facilities to enhance the development of the game.” he added.

2nd Obafemi Awolowo Memorial Cup kicks off Feb. 22

HE second edition of the Obafemi Awolowo Memorial Cup for Under-10 Boys and Under-16 Girls will kick off on Saturday, February 22, 2015. According to the organisers, 16 male and 8 female teams are expected to participate in the competition which will hold its preliminary games at the Ojo Oniyun Sports Center, Ebute Meta and White Sand, Orile, while the finals will come up on 13th March, 2015 at the Campus Mini Stadium, Ajele, Lagos. The President of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu, said the foundation is committed to continue with the legacy left behind by the late sage. She announced that the winning teams in each category would receive N200,000. The first runnerup will get N150,000; the second runner-up, N100,000; and the third runners-up, N50,000. “I want to reaffirm the

commitment of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation to this project of youth soccer. Papa Awolowo in his lifetime was a lover of youth, who derived joy from nurturing them as a way of guaranteeing a glorious future for this country. So it is our pleasure to emulate through sports. “I recalled that last year’s

edition was a huge success. I’ll like to use this opportunity to call upon those who pledged to support this project, Obafemi Awolowo Memorial Cup but have not fulfilled their promise to do so. We want this event to be a national event in the nearest future and I do believe we can achieve that with the help of well wishers.”

FIFA Futsal: Nigeria to involve grassroots participation

N an effort to be involved in the global growth of FIFA Futsal tournaments, Nigeria has put all logistics in place to ensure that there is an active participation at the grassroots with its maiden seminar slated for March 21-22 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium. Also expected are audience participation from Lagos state schools games master, referee council, coaches, team managers, footballers and sports officers. According to the organisers, the objectives of the seminar are as follows: to directly introduce Futsal to all Lagos state

coaches, players ,referees, schools sport masters, sport officers, corporate organization and all relevant stakeholders, create a forum for an interactive session towards the development of Futsal in Nigeria and also develop a partway towards establishing a formidable National Futsal team for Nigeria. In the same vein, aside the secondary school students taking part in Futsal competitions, eight corporate organizations would be participating in the invitational corporate Futsal challenge which would follow the seminar.

TODAY IN THE NATION

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.10 NO. 3131

‘No man; be he a distinguished columnist, lawyer, soldier, or public officer in any office can command the tides of history. The few that appear to have done so– the Napoleon’s, Caesar’s, Hitler’s–were really nothing more than the most capable...’ OLA TUNJI OL OLADE OLATUNJI OLOLADE

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

S old warriors forge new alliances, we must respect everyone’s right of association and preference for particular candidates or political parties. Yoruba sages remind us that it is imprudent for everyone in a room to face the same direction during sleep. What is disturbing is the irrational prioritisation of sentiments and expediency over principle. In the South in general, and the Southwest in particular, I have observed three categories of political actors and their orientation in this election cycle. I dismiss one of them for the weakness of its principle or lack thereof. The second is also dismissible but for a subtle variant that one can reason with. I can have intelligent discussion with the third. The first category includes those who because of their pathological hatred of one individual would have nothing to do with whatever party he is associated with. This is their choice for which I cannot do anything. I would only advise, as the Yoruba would: baa ba le ni taa ba ni, iwon laa ba nii sota mo. (If you cannot catch up with your enemy, imagined or real, prudence dictates strategic retreat) Second, there are those for whom the principle “our son or nobody” is the basis of their support for President Goodluck Jonathan. This is the position of the Niger Delta militants. Since it is impossible to have an intelligent exchange with anyone with this mindset, I cannot waste my time dealing with them. They cannot deny, however, that should every Nigerian go with this principle, Jonathan couldn’t have become President in the first place. In a previous submission, I have called the Northern irredentists out on this matter as well. The Southern Nigerian Peoples’ Assembly (SNPA) is a more refined group with similar mindset. Its core leadership comprises founding and leading members of the PDP and their sympathizers, but in its January endorsement of President Jonathan, it claims to represent the whole of the Southern zones. Granted that there are many such organizations claiming to speak on behalf of whole regions and zones even when there are other dissenting tendencies from such zones, SNPA is not an odd one out. Let me then grant it the right of association and the freedom to express opinion not on behalf of the whole region but at least on be-

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

Old warriors, new alliances half of itself. My question with regard to its endorsement is a rational one: What was the reasoning that led the SNPA to the decision? I can glean two reasons from media reports. The first, according to the excerpts from SNPA’s communiqué was •Dr. Jonathan “to ensure equity, fairness, and justice.” Now, if this was 2011 when Dr. Jonathan first presented himself as presidential candidate, I would have no problem. Indeed not a few, including yours truly, based their support for him partly on the ground that as a minority, it was important for Nigerians to vote for Jonathan so as to give the South-south a sense of belonging. That argument is unfortunately no longer valid today. The question now must be “how has Jonathan used the opportunity to lead?” What value has he added to democratic norms and to Nigerians’ sense of pride and achievement in the last four years? The answer to these and other foundational questions should be the basis for any rational endorsement of the president. Unfortunately, there are those, including some respected elders, with the worrisome reasoning that an incumbent is constitutionally entitled to two terms no mater his performance or voters’ verdict at the polls. In fairness to SNPA, it also felt that performance should be factored into its reasons for endorsing the reelection of the president. The

ORRUPTION loosed upon the land No country can survive or even develop a nit with corruption breaking out every day in every facet of its polity like an epidemic. During the recent Presidential Media Chat, our president, Goodluck Jonathan, once again labored so much to school us on the finer differences between corruption and stealing. He insisted that most of what is termed corruption by Nigerians is actually stealing and that it would help our situation a great deal if we labeled these crimes appropriately. In other words, he insisted we should call a thief by his proper name. He actually went into such an elaborate disambiguation just to prove that his government is not as corrupt as Nigerians love to paint it. He made the point further that when a certain judge took the pains to review all the so-called corruption cases, it turned out that most of them were ‘small matters’ of stealing and not corruption. Stretched further, corruption, he seems to suggest, is not such a big issue as the hullabaloo that daily trails it in Nigeria; especially under his tenure. But we ask: where does this ‘brilliant’ differentiation take us? We ask: if a director in charge of police pensions for instance, steals N27 billion from the till in his care and he manages to suborn the Presidency, the National Assembly, the Judiciary, the Police and the law courts and he is out there roaming free, has the thief not corrupted all the above-named institutions of state? Was the Nigerian Army corrupted in Ekiti? While we must impress it on our president that corruption and stealing are children of the same evil parents, it will be interesting to have his candid take on the Sagir saga concerning the role of the military in the Ekiti

group claimed that “the decision to endorse President Jonathan is based on a thorough assessment of his manifest strides and achievements in the past three and half years as the President and Commander in Chief.” What were the achievements of the president? How do they compare to the failures of the president? Unfortunately, SNPA did not provide a list of the “manifest strides and achievements” that Jonathan made as President. On this page last week, I gave a list of my concerns with the President’s stewardship of the nation. I don’t see SNPA’s endorsement speaking to any of those concerns. In the third category are the elders for whom I have a lot of respect because of their past record of consistency in courage. How I wish that that record is preserved for eternity without being tarnished on the altar of expediency! The support of old Afenifere for President Jonathan’s second term ambition comes from two sources. First, there is an undeniable animosity against Buhari derived from volatile regional relationships that began in the pre-independence era to the first and second republics. The obvious truth that there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies in politics, only permanent interests, has not been effectively applied to resolving this perennial conflict with the North. On its part, the North has not helped matters with its apparent idea of “born to rule” which played out in the aftermath of the annulment of June 12, 1993 elections. In a real sense, then, there are serious issues. I know, however, that were the 1993 elections not annulled, we had a good basis for forging a new relationship across our ethnic and national divide. Fortunately, we now have a similar basis with the new nationwide political alignments

STEVE OSUJI

EXPRESSO

steve.osuji@yahoo.com

•Columnist of the Year (NMMA)

Nigerian Army and the Sagir saga Okomu Oil Plc: Where there’s no government HE impression one got upon reading the Okomu story is that of a state of anarchy; a place government no longer exists. On Tuesday, February 12, 2015, gunmen reportedly invaded the estate of the Okomu Oil Palm Plc in Ovia South West LGA of Edo State killing two and injuring five workers. They were also said to have set ablaze, a large expanse of their palm plantation over the refusal of the management to ‘settle’ them. From the report in Daily Sun (February 13), the story was not the fact that the marauding youths always walk in and out the estate freely but the reaction of the staff. “We are just workers but the Ijaw boys always attack us and leave the management staff alone. The boys need something from the management but this managing director is too stubborn…” Did you notice the note of total surrender and hopelessness? Apparently even they had long forgotten that governments still existed in the land. Sadly, OKomu is one of the few surviving agro-allied firms in the land that is quoted on the Stock Exchange; you would expect government would protect them adequately. But government is in retreat. Irony: Nigeria imports palm oil! Yes, that’s true. We import palm oil even though we were once world’s highest producer and ought to glut the world with palm oil products. The global market for palm oil last year was about 63 million metric tons produced mainly by Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Nigeria produced barely one million metric tons. Wetin government dey do sef? We can’t refine crude oil, we can’t grow palm trees and we can’t protect those making some effort. Na wao.

State election of June 21, 2014. There does not seem to be any ambiguity here; if proven, it

is a clear case of abuse of power and the corruption of a vital institution of state.

that have been forged by the APC. In any case, it is a fact that Yoruba nation has not always been on the same page with its Southern allies as it has always been marginalized. Even when Yoruba leaders made enormous sacrifices in support of Southern causes, they were always abandoned by them at election time. That was the case from 1959 to 1998. In the height of Abacha’s murderous grip on the Southwest, Chief Tony Anenih and Ikemba Ojukwu led a well-publicized delegation to the US in support of Abacha against Abiola and NADECO. Are we now in solidarity towards a Southern Nigeria Republic? The second issue driving Afenifere’s support for the president is its conviction that he is the only one that can restructure the country. Some have even claimed that elections are diversionary; what matters is restructuring. And in spite of their avowed commitment to democracy, they do not mind having a dictatorial imposition of the president on the nation. I am stunned by this resort to “the end justifies the means” philosophy. It is true that southerners in general (though by no means all and certainly not even all southern members of PDP) supported the national conference and looked forward to the implementation of its recommendations. It is also true that the President was persuaded of some political gain, and now is time for his supporters to claim the gain for him with the argument that he alone can implement the conference recommendations. I think this argument is misguided. Here’s the issue. Assume that the president wins. There is no guarantee that he will implement the recommendations because he will need the National Assembly and the states for implementation and, given the present composition of the National Assembly, we have no clue as to what party will likely control it after the elections. I have on this page suggested that the reasonable approach would have been to place the conference recommendations on the ballot in these elections. If a solid majority vote for the implementation of the recommendations, it will force the hands of both the elected President and members of the national and state assemblies. Without this, supporters are just in the dreaming state, and it is therefore disingenuous for them to canvass for the reelection of the president on this shaky ground. •For comments, send SMS to 08111813080 By way of a recap: a certain Captain Sagir Koli, an intelligence officer attached to the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, Ondo State was drafted as aide to the Brigade Commander, Brigadier Aliyu Momoh who led the military ‘campaign’ during the Ekiti election. Today Capt. Koli has exposed to the media, his secret recording of some of the untoward activities of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in cahoots with soldiers posted to keep the peace during the election. The audio tape reportedly features key PDP actors like Ayo Fayose, (then candidate and now supposed winner of the Ekiti election), Musiliu Obanikoro, the Minister of State for Defence; Mr. Jelili Adesiyan, Police Affairs Minister; Iyiola Omisore, PDP guber candidate in Osun and of course, Brig. Gen. Aliyu Momoh. The report is allegedly about how these key PDP chieftains harangued and corralled the army commander into garrisoning Ekiti during the election, demobilizing opposition party chieftains and giving PDP people a free rein on election day. Capt. Sagir who is currently on the run for dear life has granted further interview giving more details about how and why, according to him, he had to do what he did. He said he chose to go underground when his commander Brig. Gen. Momoh invited him for an encore in Osun State after they had facilitated the Ekiti rout of the opposition. Hear Sagir: “The Ekiti election was in June, Osun was August. I was asked again to go and rig in Osun. As an officer my intention was not to record this thing and implicate anybody, but just to put a stop to the dirty work the military was being used to do in politics…”

•Continued

on page 49

•For comments, send SMS to 08111526725

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