The Nation February 22, 2012

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VOL. 7, NO. 2043 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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•THIRD TERM FIRE IN SENEGAL: Senegalese riot police clash with protesters in city centre of Dakar ... yesterday. Police used tear gas to disperse opposition supporters attempting to gather for a banned protest against President Abdoulaye Wade’s bid for a third term in next weekend’s polls. Small groups of protesters converging on Independence Square, close to the presidency, were met by riot police firing tear gas, an AFP correspondent reported.

PHOTO: AFP

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HEFT and mismanagement are ruining Nigeria’s oil industry, the Royal Dutch Shell has alleged.

The oil giant said yesterday that Nigeria, which pumps 2.4 million barrels of oil a day, could produce four million barrels daily,

NNPC, Shell disagree on corruption in oil sector From Emeka Ugwuanyi, Abuja

if theft is eliminated and the industry is better managed.

Ian Craig, Shell’s director for sub-Saharan Africa, told an oil and gas conference in Abuja that thieves were

stealing about 150,000 barrels per day by bunkering, or cutting right into pipelines to steal oil.

Craig also blamed the state-run Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) - which partners

with all foreign oil firms for chronically under funding projects.

Shell is the dominant oil company in Nigeria, which is Africa’s largest oil producer.

Craig spoke while deliver-

ing his paper entitled: Nigeria – Challenges and opportunities.

Craig said the greatest challenge faced by the company is the massive organised oil theft ring and the criminality, and corrup-

tion which it fosters. This, he said, drives away talent, increases costs, reduces revenues to both investors and the government and results in major environmental impacts.

He said in December, last year, a spill caused by Continued on page 2

Senate report: Kabiru Sokoto seen in Lagos Panel recommends trial of police chief Biu, others

U •Kabiru Sokoto

NKNOWN to many, the suspected architect of the Christmas Day church bombing was in Lagos before his January 14 arrest and eventual escape. He was rearrested on February 10.

Kabiru Umar (alias Kabiru Sokoto), whose escape expedited former police chief Hafiz Ringim’s retirement, was seen on Snake Is-

From Onyedi Ojiabor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

land, home of the ship repair company, Nigerdock, in Apapa, Lagos, according to a Senate Committee report.

The report of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs said: “Police intelligence revealed that prior to his arrest on 14th January, 2011, Kabiru Umar (alias Kabiru Sokoto)

had been on the check list of Boko Haram sect members.

“Sokoto was reported to have been noticed within the vicinity of Snake Island, Lagos and left Lagos sometime on 13th December, 2011 and disappeared from surveillance monitoring, until 11th January, 2012. He was later traced to Abaji in the Federal Capital Territory.

“Police detectives traced him

from Abaji to Abuja on the same date and further traced him to Asokoro-Abuja where he was finally apprehended at about 0240 hours (2.40am) on the 14th of January, 2012 at the Borno State Governor’s Lodge at Iro Dan Musa Street, Asokoro, Abuja.”

Senators yesterday gave a blowContinued on page 2

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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

•Lagos Deputy Governor Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire presenting a souvenir to Ambassador Frances Cook, during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Women Corporate Directors Organisation, led by Amb. Cook to the Deputy Governor at the Round House, Alausa-Ikeja ... yesterday.

•(From left) Prof Will Goodheir, Guest Lecturer and President, European Business Assembly, Oxford; Aare Afe Babalola, Founder, Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Vice-Chancellor Prof Sidi Osho, former Chief Justice of the Federation Alfa Belgore and ABUAD Deputy VC Prof Oluwafemi Ajisafe at the university’s third Founder’s Week lecture at the university auditorium … yesterday.

Senate report: Kabiru Sokoto seen in Lagos Continued from page 1

by-blow account of how Umar escaped from police custody. Besides, they named his accomplices.

Umar dramatically escaped from police custody less than 24 hours after his arrest while being taken to his home in Abaji, a suburb of Abuja, for a search.

The Senate empanelled its Committee on Police Affairs to probe his escape.

The committee’s chairman, Senator Paulinus Nwagu, who presented the report, gave graphic details of how Umar disappeared.

His accomplices include the son of a traditional ruler, the Onah of Abaji in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and a man who was shot dead as he attempted to snatch a rifle from a policeman.

The report said: “The mob action that effected the escape of the suspect was spearheaded by the under listed persons: Adamu Salihu (son of the Onah of Abaji land), Abdullahi Sidi, alias Bamanga (at large), Abdullahi Sahabi (at large), Jibrin Aliyu, alias Kaska and Ashafa Central (Inuwa) who was shot dead as he attempted to snatch a rifle from the police during the mob action.

“Further investigation has revealed that after the mob action, the said Abdullahi Sahabi, Jibrin Aliyu, Abdullahi Sidi and Adamu Salihu all conspired and moved the principal suspect from Abaji to a village called Nuku, about 7kilometres from Abaji and handed him over to one Dauda Mohammed, who provided the suspect with shelter and feeding in an uncompleted house.

“One Alhaji Haruna Kaura, a resident of Nuku village, took over the suspect and transported him on a motorcycle to his farmland located some kilometres from Nuku village.”

The committee interracted with the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Minister of Police Affairs, the Chairman, Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Inspector General of Police.

The report went on: “The

‘How Boko Haram shot my brothers dead at Borno market’

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FISH vendor yesterday relived the tragedy of how his brothers were shot dead right in his presence on Monday, at the Baga Fish market in Maiduguri, by Boko Haram invaders.

He spoke as the funeral of some of the 30 people killed following the gun duel between soldiers of the Joint Task Force (JTF) on a rescue mission and Boko Haram men, at the market.

The JTF men responded to the distress call by the traders after the Boko Haram invasion.

The fish seller, who did not want his name in print, said there was an explosion but he and his brothers chose not to run away at that stage.

“A few minutes after, one of my brothers shouted: ‘Oh! They have arrest was conducted by a combined team of police officers and men, comprising operatives from the Force Analytical Tracking and Intelligence Centre as well as Combat Teams from the Police Mobile Force, totalling 58 officers and men.

“The suspect was subsequently handed over to the Commissioner of Police, Zakari Biu, who was in charge of handling terrorist cases, in charge of suspects and general follow-up, for further investigation.”

The report added: “Investigation activities of the police led detectives, comprising five officers to visit the residence of the suspect in Abaji to conduct a search on the 15th January, 2012.

“On arrival at the residence of the suspect at Bulletin Quarters, Abaji, the team met one Adamu Salihu, the son of the Onah of Abaji, the traditional ruler of Abaji in the FCT who was a neighbour of the suspect.

“The said Adamu Salihu, who was later discovered to be a close associate of Kabiru Sokoto as well as a suspected member of Boko Haram, suddenly went into his room, came out with a copy of the Holy Quran, cited Quranic quotes and with a loud shout of ‘Allahu-Akhbar (God is great)’, mobilised nearby youths who attacked the police with hard objects and forcibly took over the suspect whom they whisked away to

From Joseph Abiodun, Maiduguri

killed me’, then the other one shouted, ‘they have shot me.’ That was how I fled,” he said after burying his brothers aged 29 and 31.

“More than 25 people were killed,” he added.

Security forces patrolled the market yesterday.

Gunmen believed to be members of Boko Haram on Monday stormed the fish section of Baga market and sprayed shop owners and vendors with bullets, traders said.

The market opened for operation yesterday but security forces shut all entry gates except one directly overlooking a police station.

“Most traders in this section of the

an undisclosed location.

“Immediate efforts to recover the suspect indicated that the duo of one Jibrin Aliyu, alias Kaska and one Abdullahi Sidi, alias Bamanga, had informed one Mohammed Gambo that the principal suspect was with Jibrin Aliyu.

“The same Mohammed Gambo instantly requested Jibrin Aliyu to produce the suspect at the palace of the Onah of Abaji and thereafter informed the Onah of Abaji, who requested his police escort and the army personnel on stop-and-search duty on Abaji-Lokoja expressway to re-arrest and bring the suspect (Kabiru Sokoto) to his palace, but they could not find him.

“The security team then arrested Jibrin Aliyu and he is currently undergoing interrogation.

“Consequently, a team of police detectives travelled to Nuku village and the farmland in Gwaragwada, Yawti, in search of the suspect to no avail. The team, acting on information, also moved to a village called Achabo in Kogi State and to Toto, Gadabuike, Lokorgoma and Nasarawa Toto in Nasarawa State in search of the fleeing principal suspect.

“All those who aided and abetted his escape, apart from those at large, have been arrested and are assisting the police in its investigations.

“Commissioner of Police Zakari Biu has been sus-

market have not opened largely out of mourning for their colleagues killed in Monday’s attacks. We have lost many colleagues,” Bunu Ahmad said on the telephone.

Witnesses and medical personnel said 30 people died when the gunmen opened fire and set off bombs inside the market, in what appeared to be a retaliatory attack for the arrest of a suspected Islamist inside the market last week.

The military denied there were civilian victims, saying it shot eight of the attackers.

Lt.-Col. Hassan Mohammed, spokesman of the JTF, said the military “immediately came to the rescue of the situation and safely detonated three bombs

pended from the service of the Nigeria Police Force and he is under further investigation over his handling of the suspect.

“Commissioner of Police Zakari Biu in the year 2000 disappeared from the Police Service and alleged that the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, said he did not want him in the Force. He later re-appeared again after about 10 years.

“When the committee probed further, the Chairman, Police Service Commission, told the committee that he recalled Commissioner of Police Zakari Biu because he was never suspended or queried by the Nigeria Police Force.

“That Zakari Biu was officially suspended by the Commission based on the fact that the Inspector General of Police reported the case of escaped suspect in his custody to allow full investigation.”

Of the seven recommendations by the committee, the Senate adopted two – that *the public should give security agencies information; and that *Biu and others involved in the escape of Kabiru Sokoto should have their prosecution expedited to serve as a deterrent to other security operatives.

The lawmakers rejected the recommendation that the Office of the Co-ordinator on Counter Terrorism established in the National Secu-

Continued on page 62

rity Advisers’ Office be strengthened through a legislative act.

It also rejected the recommendation for the establishment of a joint border patrol to include Police, Armed Forces, Immigration Service, Customs Service, State Security Service and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to check the challenges of the country’s porous borders.

The recommendation that existing laws on terrorism should be strengthened such that offences under the Act should be made public was also rejected. Besides, the Senate disagreed that there should be special courts for terrorism cases.

The Upper Chamber also rejected the recommendation that the government should ensure special training for judges and prosecutors to handle terrorism offences.

The lawmakers almost dropped the report of the committee on the excuse that security agencies should be allowed to conclude their investigation.

But Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, who presided, insisted that some areas of the report should be considered.

Sings that the report might suffer a setback emerged early when no Senator wanted to second the motion for its consideration, until Ekweremadu virtually forced Senator Dahiru Kuta to do so.

NNPC, Shell disagree on corruption in oil sector Continued from page 1

two failed bunkering connections occured and the repairs took a month, with a total production deferment of over four million barrels.

He said thieves used the one-month programme pipe-line depressurisation as a window to install even more bunkering points, adding that since the restart of production in January, there have been multiple trips caused by pressure drops resulting from illegal off-take. “We have found over 50 bunkering points on the line and associated industrial scale illegal refining with major environmental impacts.

These are, of course, now being removed,” he said.

He said Shell has been able to bring production back but it is still below pre-militancy levels.

“The challenges I have described in the onshore, shallow water, deep water and gas sectors have held back development and have unfortunately led to a reduced appetite for exploration.” This in turn, I believe, results in Nigeria’s reserves probably being materially understated,” Craig added.

But NNPC Managing Director Austin Oniwon, said corruption within NNPC was overblown, casting doubt on whether the firm intends to tackle what several reports have highlighted as a major problem.

Numerous reports and audits have said graft is rife within NNPC. Transparency International and Revenue Watch last year ranked it as the least transparent oil company in the world.

“I think NNPC’s corruption is blown out of proportion. Corruption in NNPC is in the imagination of some people.” He also spoke at the oil and gas conference.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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NEWS BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY

Be Boko Haram conscious, ex-GOC tells soldiers

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•Governor Abiola Ajimobi recieving the report of the enquiry on the Oyo College of Education from Prof. Ganiyu Badmus ...yesterday

HE former General Officer Commanding 3 Armoured Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. Adamu Marwa, yesterday urged soldiers to be “very conscious” of the activities of Boko Haram sect.

The sect has claimed responsibility for spate of bombings and killings in Nigeria, which had claimed hundreds of lives over the past few years.

Marwa, while addressing troops of the Division in Jos during a farewell speech, said there were people who did not mean well for men in uniform and the country.

“My tenure as GOC in the last five months has been a very busy one because of the activities of the Boko Haram sect in the 3 Division’s area of responsibility.

“The problem in the 3 Division’s area of responsibility is mainly that of threat to security, and you must take this threat as the first thing you remember every time you

wake up in the morning.

“Be sure that you are very security-conscious, because there are people who do not mean well for us; you must remind your family to be very security conscious, you must make sure that this barracks is very secured.”

Marwa explained that he had had to relocate the Division’s headquarters from Jos to Gombe because of the dangerous dimension the security threat was taking.

He, however, commended officers and men of the Division for confronting the threat headlong saying, “I am very proud of your quality and calibre”.

While handing over to his successor, Maj-Gen. Jack Nwaogbo, Marwa said he considered his appointment as GOC as an honour, as his father and elder brother, Brig Gen Buba Marwa (rtd), former Lagos State governor, had also served in the Division.

He described Nwaogbo as a pro-

fessional who knew the terrains of the Division very well having taken over from him as Commander, Nigerian Army Armoured Corps, Bauchi.

Nwaogbo noted that his posting came at a very challenging period, in view of the serious security challenge posed by the Boko Haram sect.

“I am coming at a time when the 3 Division areas of responsibility are more fraught with peculiar security challenges occassioned by the setting up of different task forces,” Nwaogbo said.

The new GOC explained that handing and taking over between him and Marwa had started since 1999, saying he had practically been following the outgone GOC wherever he went and had learnt a lot from him.

Marwa, who became GOC in September 2011, has been posted to the Defence Headquarters as Director of Administration.

Niger traders hit by border closure

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•Vice-President Namadi Sambo exchanging pleasantries with Governor Theodore Orji at the 58th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the People Democratic Party in Abuja...on Monday

•Anambra State Chief Judge Justice Peter Umeadi, signing the visitor's register at the Onitsha Prisons... on Monday

•Members of Committee on Police Public Relations inaugurated by the Acting Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar in Abuja.. yesterday. Mr Dipo Kehinde of BiCourtney (in suit) and retired Police Commissioner Frank Odita (right) PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE

OR generations, Diffa, the arid southeastern corner of Niger, has benefited from being closer to Nigeria than to commercial centres in Niger: Staple grains, fuel, clothing and other items at attractive prices have made their way across the border.

Diffa’s main outputs - livestock, dairy produce and red peppers have also found a ready market in Nigeria. Common languages and family ties have strengthened links to such an extent that the Nigerian naira is Diffa’s main currency.

But Nigeria’s latest export, Boko Haram militants, is less welcome: It has forced the authorities to close the border, with tragic consequences for Diffa, just as it is trying to deal with the worst drought in recent years.

About three weeks ago, the authorities arrested 15 people suspected of affiliation to Boko Haram, seized home-made explosives and grenades, and uncovered a plan to bomb several public places in Diffa, said Tinni Djibo, assistant secretary-general of Diffa.

Since then, the price of staple grains like millet has doubled, while livestock prices have plummeted at a time when the region’s villages and pastoral camps are struggling with drought-related food insecurity.

“We realise the negative impact the border closure has had, but we have to put out the fires in our house when our neighbour is trying to put out the fire in its house,” said Djibo.

He said that whenever members of Boko Haram, whose reported base (Maiduguri), is only about 130km south of Diffa, have felt the heat, they have rushed up to Niger.

“We have information that they have been trying to set up cells in Diffa.”

Diffa residents, meanwhile, are finding it hard to comprehend the official line. Malammamane Nur, the elderly leader of a Tobou community, one of the major pastoral groups in Niger, told IRIN in Medelaram village, some 30km outside Diffa town: “Boko Haram is like distant thunder - we hear about them but don’t see them where is this Boko Haram?”

For three weeks his people have been unable to sell their camels at N’guel Kolo, one of the biggest livestock markets in the region, as buyers from Nigeria failed to turn up. The earnings would have helped them stock up on food for

‘

Boko Haram is like distant thunder - we hear about them but don’t see them where is this Boko Haram?’... We realise the negative impact the border closure has had, but we have to put out the fires in our house when our neighbour is trying to put out the fire in its house

‘

their families and animals. “We have a long time ahead still without food (another four months before rain; the next harvest is expected in November),” said Nur. The pastoralists will now have to settle for 1,250,000 CFA francs (US$2,500) for a camel, if they manage to find buyers in Diffa, whereas Nigerian traders would have paid almost double that.

“We need that kind of profit now when times are hard,” said Nur.People will run out of food

by April, according to government assessments, said Theodore Mbainaissem, head of World Food Programme (WFP) operations in Diffa.

In Diffa town’s livestock market there is an air of desolation: “Fewer and fewer people are bringing their animals here, because of the border closure. The price of sheep has dropped by 60 percent,” said Yousufa Bukar, a seller, who said he urgently needs cash to buy food. The more optimistic are holding on to their animals hoping that the border might reopen.

The Diffa region is facing a third consecutive year of drought.

Many people have lost all their

cows and only have a few sheep and goats; some people have a few camels. Agricultural output is the lowest in the past three years.

Some farmers who grow peppers on the banks of the River Koumadougou-Yobe, which serves as the border between Niger and Nigeria, have not had a good harvest as their crop was ravaged by insects. For many, food has become unaffordable.

In normal times, money from the sale of a goat could have purchased three 100kg bags of millet.

Now you need to sell three goats to get a single bag, said Hadjara Abdou, an officer with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Diffa.

Cereal prices are linked to fuel prices, said WFP’s Mbainaissem.

The price of diesel has always been lower in Diffa than elsewhere in Niger because of informal imports of diesel from Nigeria.

“Since the closure of the border the price has gone up by almost 200 CFA francs (40 US cents) a litre, and this has affected the price of all commodities.”

Humanitarian agencies based in Diffa also say Boko Haram poses a direct threat: “We are considering relocating our offices away from the main road as we think we are obvious targets,” said one agency head.

The authorities and aid agencies say help is on its way: Djibo said the government will be providing millet and sorghum at half the market price to people in Diffa.

Feed for animals is also planned.

Whether this assistance would be sufficient for eight months, no one can say. “We will get a real picture in April,” said an aid worker.

One aid official IRIN spoke to called for better roads to connect Diffa to other areas of Niger, but the links with Nigeria are “deeper than that and are social”, said Djibo. “We have to accept it.”

The Niger government’s Vulnerable Populations Support Plan dated February 2012, said a November 2011 survey indicated that in rural areas 32.1 percent of households were food insecure, 25.8 percent moderately food insecure and 6.3 percent severely food insecure.

For the severely food insecure the government is planning various cash transfer, cash-for-work, and food-for-work programmes, as well as the free distribution of food. Overall, Niger has 5,458,871 food insecure people, the report said.

•Culled from www.irinnews.org

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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NEWS BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY

Prison chiefs may lose jobs over jailbreak M

INISTER of Interior Abba Moro yesterday threatened to sack prision chiefs over prison breaks.

He spoke at a meeting with top management officers of the Nigeria Prisions Services (NPS) in Abuja.

He said: “I want to assume that all of you know why you joined the prisons service, you now know that the reality on ground is that you are not fulfilling that responsibility. Because if armed robbers can invade your prisons and free all the inmates, then what it means is that you are not justifying the introduction of arms-carrying in the service.

“You will agree with me that like all other forces, you signed to serve and the implication of signing to serve is that you are prepared to pay the supreme price. Nobody wants to die and I do not want you to die but I think you should be patriotic enough to die, if your death will save this country. In any case, if this country is not there and you are alive, your life has no meaning. That is the reality. This is a situation that has never been with us before.

“And because you have signed to do this job, let me state here without any fear that from now on, all command officers will be held accountable and will be properly sanctioned if there is any further breach of peace and escape of prisoners from our prisons. This statement is intended to ask you to be committed to do the work or if you think that you cannot do it, I will be very happy to receive your resignation letters.

“This moment in the life of this country calls for complete alertness. It means that all of you must devise the appropriate strategy to curtail the situation in your commands. Go and provide that intelligent fencing that will keep the hoodlums at bay. That is what you will use your head to do as a commander and leader. I do not want you to take these statements as threats but just necessary instructions that will help you carry out your functions. And I know that you know that Nigerians will hail you if there is no further jailbreaks.

“You can see the challenges facing us. No thanks to the neglect of previous administrations concerning the decayed infrastructure. The leadership of the prisons have neglected the prisons infrastructure.

•73 inmates still on the run From: Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

You should keep the prison environment clean. You do not need any presidential permission for that. You do not need N 1 billion to do that.

“Circumstances are becoming very complicated. In recent times, you have become the custodians of very high profile inmates. In recent times, people have constituted themselves into vanguards of nefarious activities that touch on the very foundation of this nation. I think that because of the sophistication and activities of these people we have lost our guards. We owe it a responsibility to rise up to the challenges.

“What happened in Koton Karifi recently has challenged all of us and by now I think we should know whether you are capable of securing our prisons or not. Some of you that I can see your faces now that are a little old in this system, I do not know whether you are experiencing what we are experiencing here today in your life. I do not also know if you have the mental and physical alertness and skill to tackle the circumstances in which we found ourselves today.”

On how to ensure that the 73 inmates who are still at large are rearrested, Moro said: “The complexity of our detractors, especially those that attacked the prisons, is such that you alone cannot discharge this responsibility alone.

Let us work with our sister security agencies for necessary synergy so that together we can take the prison service to the next level.

“I held meetings with the Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Judge of some states and some governors and we all agreed that the criminal Justice system in the country is slow. One of the greatest challenges that we have, therefore, is that the greater proportion of our inmates are awaiting trial, some of them for almost 10 years. This is not just worrisome but it is also unacceptable. As custodians of these inmates, we have not done enough to present them before the justice system.

“At the moment, we have about 73 inmates at large. It is in the interest of all of us. We must make every effort in collaboration with other security agencies to appre-

Abuja blast: Absence of accused stalls hearing

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HE absence of Charles Okah, Obi Nwabueze and Edmund Ebiware, who were charged with alleged bombing of Abuja on October 1, 2010, stalled proceedings at a Federal High Court yesterday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accused could not be in court on account of ill-health.

Justice Daniel Kolawole had, at the last sitting, ordered the prison authority to ensure that Okah, struck by a partial stoke, was taken to the National Hospital for treatment.

At the resumed hearing, the prosecutor, Dr Alex Izinyon (SAN), informed the court that the absence of the accused was to frustrate the case.

Mr Ogbeneovo Otemu, counsel to the accused, argued that the prosecutor was high-handed, saying the prison officials had certified the accused persons to be sick.

Otemu said the prison authority failed to take Okah to the National Hospital as directed by the court.

The matter was withdrawn to the chambers on the instruction of the Judge.

Izinyon explained that the prosecution was prepared to file a motion seeking the evacuation of the three accused to a psychiatric hospital.

He said: “That is the only option left to us if the accused continue to show symptoms best explained as madness.

“We have discovered that their actions are pretentious; you could see that the two of them that came to court were behaving like mad people; we cannot continue this way.’’

Otemu, however, said that a counsel was always allowed to file motions and counter motions, adding that he (Otemu) was prepared to argue such application if brought by the prosecutor.

The judge adjourned the case till March 17.

Kaduna spare parts market victims seek compensation

V • Moro

hend the inmates that are at large.

We cannot afford to have them in the midst of the public. We must get it right this time. We cannot promise Nigerians that the challenges of insecurity will be over and they keep aggravating by the day. By the time Nigerians completely lose confidence in Nigeria, you and I will be the next target because we are the operator of government at the moment. Nigerians look up to us because we are living by their will. The salary you take, the allowances you take, the salary I take are the tax payer’s money. You either justify the pay that you take especially the uniform that you wear or there will be some problems.”

The minister later inaugurated a five-man committee led by one Mr. John Oga, with the mandate to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack on the Koton Karfi prison, to establish the extent of damage, and make appropriate recommendations to forestall future attacks and jail breaks.

According to the minister, the committee has just three weeks to submit its report.

ICTIMS of last December 7 explosion at the popular spare parts market at Oriakpata in Kaduna yesterday said the state government has failed them.

They said they lost goods worth over N300 million to the explosion.

Spokesman of the victims Fabian Uzochukwu spoke with reporters in Kaduna.

Uzochukwu said: “Till this day, February 21, no building or relief materials have been given to the victims to cushion the effect of the sufferings of nearly 70 people that were affected by the incident. twelve people died as a result of the explosion and they have been buried and uptil today, none of the deceased’s families have been visited by any government official or compensated.

“Fourteen shops and all the goods therein were brunt to ashes, goods that worth hundreds of millions of naira. Three flats and 10 living rooms within the building and the property therein were completely burnt to ashes, while all the shop owners have been displaced as a result of the unfortunate incident.

“About 12 families were displaced by the incident and till today, many of them are still squatting with friends without hope of paying for another apartment.”

Fabian, who was accompanied to the briefing by some other victims, wondered why they have been treated separately from other victims who have received some form of relief from both government and relief agencies, saying “our case is not different and assistance ought to

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

have come by now to alleviate our suffering and predicament.”

He added: “As law abiding citizens of Nigeria, the government should at all times protect its citizens and come to the aid of her people, especially when there is a crisis of this proportion, such as ours.

We were doing genuine business within that building and had never derailed in paying our taxes and dues.

“The unfortunate incident was like a war declared on us. December 7, 2011 came like every other day, but the difference was that the day will never be forgotten by us because it brought death, misery and pain to us and none of us will ever wish our enemy such a day.

“We lost all our property and we lost 12 of our beloved ones and till this day, all the bereaved families are still weeping and mourning because they have lost their future. We appreciated the visit of the state governor a day after the incident and we are appealing directly to him to come to our aid to alleviate the untold hardship and suffering of the victims of that sad incident.

“Those affected included Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba. The governor gave us assurance when he came, but we are yet to hear anything from him. The words of the governor when he visited us were very encouraging. But I must say that the victims are suffering from what happened on that day and we insist that the explosion was a bomb and not gas.”

Bag containing cloths causes panic in Kaduna

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WO polythene bags containing cloths placed under a table in the Ungwan Seriki area of Kaduna metropolis yesterday sent residents running for safety.

The two bags were later identified to be sacks of cloths left there by unknown persons.

Traffic within the area was also affected as vehicles were diverted to alternative routes by security agents, who cordoned off the area.

The objects were said to have been neatly packaged in a big black polythene bag and left under a table close to the fly over bridge near the Sultan Bello Central Mosque where a bomb claimed the life of a police antibomb Squad officer, Sunday

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

Badang.

Although residents said there was a loud sound from around the scene after the arrival of the Anti Bomb Squad, security sources said the sound was that of an AK 47 used to shoot the object by security men.

The Nation gathered that the decision to shoot the object may not be unconnected with the fear within security circles that the bomb that killed Sergeant Sunday Bodang might have been detonated with the use of a remote control by those who planted it.

Those carrying out businesses around the scene were asked to evacuate and switch off their

phones.

Security sources said people around the vicinity, including reporters, were also asked to switch off their phone, because radiation from the phones could detonate the explosives.

Sources said the area might have been targeted because prayers were being conducted in the mosques there against activities of the Boko Haram sect.

“My friend, you know that about a month ago, serious prayers were offered in most of the mosques around here against the activities of the Boko Haram. We heard that they have vowed and threatened to deal with residents of this place and persons who participated in such prayers. We now sleep with

one of our eyes and our ears widely opened; we pray that God will intervene in the situation.”

Police Public Relations Officer Aminu Lawan, who confirmed the incident, however, denied that the objects were shot at by security agents.

He said: “The suspected objects were blown off by our men.

The polythene bag contained caftans packaged in a black polythene bag with no Improvised Explosive Device (IED) found in it. Our attention was drawn to the polythene bag and our Anti-bomb Squad went there and discovered that it was not a bomb as suspected.”

Aminu said the anti-bomb squad frisked the area.

• The late Badang

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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NEWS Death toll from Lassa Fever rises to 40

Atiku backs National Conference

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

M

INISTER of Health Prof.

O n y e b u c h i Chukwu yesterday said 40 persons have died in Nigeria from the outbreak of Lassa fever in the last six weeks.

Lassa fever, which is an acute febrile illness, is caused by Lassa virus and leads to bleeding and death in severe cases. It has an incubation period of six to 21 days.

In a statement in Abuja, the minister said of the 397 cases reported, 87 have been confirmed to have the disease. The patients, he said, are being treated free of charge.

Stressing that the disease was reported in 12 states, including Edo, Nasarawa, Plateau, Ebonyi, Taraba, Yobe, Ondo, Rivers, Gombe, Anambra, Delta and Lagos, he said six of the 40 deaths were health workers, comprising two doctors and four nurses.

According to him, there is no cause for alarm as the ministry has deployed rapid response teams in all the affected areas and that there is now great emphasis on routine barrier nursing precautions.

He said: “Nigeria has the capability to diagnose Lassa fever and all the cases reported so far were confirmed by our laboratories.”

He said no travel restriction would be imposed on the affected areas, but that hotlines have been provided for health workers for expert advice. The numbers, he said, include: 08037154575, 08023214998, 08037879701 and 08023047101.

The minister also said the government would encourage printing of health education materials by states and distributed in the affected areas to enhance good “community hygiene” and discourage rodents from entering homes.

At a conference yesterday, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, said the ministry has distributed over 750,000 doses of ribavirin doses of injection and tablets, safety gloves and protective vests for health workers.

Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso unveiling the book on the Olusegun Obasanjo administration in Abuja...yesterday

NDLEA discovers fake drug laboratory

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HE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested three Bolivians and a Nigerian for operating a laboratory for the illegal production of Methamphetamine.

They were arrested at Satellite Town, Lagos.

NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Ahmadu Giade said the laboratory was detected by operatives attached to the Lagos State Command.

Items recovered at the laboratory include: 41.150kg of ephedrine, 4.8kg of methamphetamine, other chemicals and sundry gadgets used in the laboratory. Three vehicles, a Honda Accord Saloon car, a Honda CRV Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and a Toyota 4 Runner SUV, were also impounded.

The three Bolivians arrested are: Yerko Artunduaga Dorado, 19; Ruben Ticona Jorge, 21; and Hugo Chavez Moreno, 39. The fourth suspect is a 23-year-old Nigerian, Uba Ubachukwu Collins.

Two others, Solomon Azuka Uzoka and Basil Ikechukwu Uzoka, are wanted by the anti-drug agency.

Giade said: “It is important

•Arrests three Bolivians, Nigerian

20-year-old drug peddler to spend 4 years in jail

A

Federal High Court, sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, yesterday convicted a 20year-old, Oseni Yakubu, for drug peddling.

Justice Jonathan Shakarho was sentenced Yakubu to four years imprisonment.

Yakubu came to the court wailing and prostrating that the judge should have mercy on him.

He was charged for possessing cannabis sativa also known as Indian hemp on two different occasions and forcefully escaping from the custody of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

At the last hearing, the accused pleaded guilty to all the three counts.

He was arrested by officials of the NDLEA at Sasa, Ibadan, but was forcefully freed by members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) at Ojoo, Ibadan on February 21, last year.

Luck, however, ran out on him on October 20, last year, when he was re-arrested with 100 grammes of Indian hemp and remanded in Agodi Prisons.

By Kelvin Osa- Okunbor

to stress that such buildings are not safe for habitation. A house used for the illicit production of methamphetamine is simply a death trap.

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

Before the sentence was passed, Yakubu told the court that he was an orphan and an apprentice in plumbing works. He pleaded for leniency to enable him complete his apprenticeship.

In his judgment, the judge frowned at the violent manner in which members of NURTW paved the way for Yakubu’s escape from detention.

He sentenced the accused to 12 monthimprisonment each for the first and third counts and 24 months for the second count, but the sentences would run concurrently from October 20, last year.

The prosecution counsel, Bridget Viashimah, described the accused as a hardened criminal, saying it was when he got to court yesterday morning that he started claiming to be an apprentice plumber contrary to his earlier claim to be a bus conductor.

This, she said, was responsible for the violent intervention of the members of the drivers’ union.

Tenants moving into new buildings are hereby advised to carry out discreet investigations on the previous occupants.

“Besides the environmental pollution, gullible and

unemployed youths are being used to smuggle these drugs to countries with high demand. Several methamphetamine traffickers have been caught at the airports and land borders.”

FORMER Vice-President Atiku Abubakar yesterday expressed his support for the convovation of a Sovereign National Conference (SNC).

In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored in Abuja yesterday, the former VicePresident said he is not opposed to national conference as long as the ultimate objectives of the conference is not to dismantle the country.

He said the ground rules of representation at such conference must be clearly defined from the onset.

Atiku advised advocates of Sovereign National Conference to respect existing structures of democratic representation, such as the National Assembly.

He said: “Nigeria has come of age in the journey to nationhood and any efforts designed to upset the apple cart of our unity is uncalled for at this time.

“The National Assembly remains the best forum to channel such issues for deliberation rather than seeking unusual avenues to create confusion and threaten our unity.”

NUT condemns assault on teachers From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

THE Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) yesterday condemned officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for allegedly assaulting teachers at the United Secondary School , Ijokodo, in Oyo State for disciplining a pupil, Allison Chukwuebuka.

National President of the NUT, Michael Olukoya, urged President Goodluck Jonathan to intervene in the matter.

He said the Oyo State House of Assembly has been petitioned on the issue.

The national president said the union may be compelled to sue the Customs, if those involved are not fished out and dealt with.

Police corporal kidnaps 19-year-old girl after shooting sister

A

CORPORAL attached to the Ifako Police station at Bariga, who allegedly kidnapped a 17year-old girl, has disappeared with his victim.

The victim, Patience Isabor, was forcefully taken from her home in Bariga on February 10 by the suspect.

The suspect was said to have claimed the lady is his fiance. He allegedly took her away because her mother did not approve of their relationship.

It was gathered that the suspect, Corporal Emmanuel Okoye took his victim hostage after allegedly shooting her elder sister, Blessing.

She is on admission at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital

By Jude Isiguzo

(LASUTH) Ikeja.

Blessing is said to have undergone series of surgery to remove the bullets lodged in her body.

Neighbours alleged that Blessing and her sister, Patience, have been dating the corporal for a long time.

However, the suspect was said to have broken up with Blessing and proposed to Patience.

But the suspect was angry when their mother, Mrs. Isabor, opposed the proposal on the grounds that the suspect had destroyed the lives of her daughters.

The corporal, who felt he had invested so much in the relationship, decided to take Patience by force.

He also allegedly attacked Blessing because he felt she was the person standing between him and Patience.

An uncle of the victim, Steven Isabor, told our correspondent that Okoye shot the victim for reasons unknown.

He said: “The incident occurred around 6:30pm on the said date. Okoye had come to visit Patience at her mother’s house at 12, Ifateyindo Street, Ifako.

“After eating moi moi, which Blessing had prepared, he took her phone and slammed it on the floor and started asking Blessing to say her last prayers.

“Blessing said she was shocked and asked what she had done wrong when Okoye allegedly brought

out an AK47 rifle from his bag and pointed it at her.

“Blessing immediately started shouting for help and neighbours attempted to come to her aid when Okoye started shooting indiscriminately.

“Okoye shot Blessing in the mouth, left her for dead, locked her inside the house before fleeing the scene with the victim’s younger sister, Patience.”

Some neighbours rushed to the Ifako Police Division and informed the Divisional Police Officer.

It was gathered that the victim was rushed to the Gbagada General Hospital by policemen from the Ifako division from where she was transferred to LASUTH. Steven, however, com-

plained that they needed more money because treatment was very expensive.

He said, “We’ve spent about N300,000 on hospital bills already. The DPO has been able to give us about N65,000 but we still need more because the doctor said Blessing would need about two more surgeries He also appealed to the public to assist financially.

His words: “Blessing’s father is late and her mother does not have the financial wherewithal to offset her medical bills. So, we’re appealing to well-meaning Nigerians to help.

“Three weeks have gone past and their whereabouts still unknown.

“The case was reported at the Ifako Police station and

the Divisional Police officer of the station is said to have paid Blessing’s medical bills at LASUTH.” A source at the Lagos State Police Command said the Commissioner of Police Yakubu Alkali is aware of the incident and has ordered an investigation into the case.

“The CP is aware of the case but the police want to keep the matter away from the press so that after 21 days they can declare corporal Emmanuel a deserter and dismiss him quietly from the police,” the source said.

The family recovered Corporal Okoye’s bag and the bullets he used in shooting Blessing and these have been tendered as evidence at the police station.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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NEWS ‘Persons indicted in oil subsidy probe’ll be punished’ From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

THE member representing Abeokuta North, Odeda and Obafemi Owode Federal Constituency of Ogun State in the House of Representatives, Mr. Olumide Osoba, yesterday said any person or organisation found guilty in the oil subsidy probe would be punished.

He spoke with reporters in Ikereku–Idan, Abeokuta North Local Government Area, after donating a 500 KVA transformer to the community.

Olumide, son of former Governor Olusegun Osoba, said: “We have done our part of the job (probe). It is up to the law enforcement agents to do theirs when we submit the report to them.

“We are committed to sanitising the system. It will no longer be business as usual.”

The lawmaker, who had earlier donated a 500 KVA transformer to Magboro, said: “I discovered the villagers’ plight during my electioneering campaign last year.

“No matter how far a community is to the state capital, it should not be cut off from the dividends of democracy.

“We must make our villages work to decongest the urban areas. They are part of us and they must feel us at all times, not only when we are looking for votes.”

Thanking Olumide, the village head, Chief Abel Ogundare, said: “We thought we would never have electricity in our lifetime. The people of this community have never felt the presence of government since 1978, when the then administration dug a borehole for us.

“Since then, government only remembers us when they need our votes. May the good Lord bless Olumide for making us happy.

“We shall guard this treasure like our personal property, so that it would not be stolen.”

Oyo Assembly summons FRSC chief From Adetayo Johnson, Ibadan

THE Oyo State House of Assembly has directed the State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the State Licensing Officer to appear before its next sitting to explain why driver’s licenses should only be issued by the Onireke Licensing Office in Ibadan, the state capital.

The issue was raised by Mr. Olusegun Ajanaku, who said it has delayed and embarrassed motorists.

Ajanaku said the decentralisation has created problems, such as touting and loss of revenue to the state.

He said: “The new directive of the FRSC is causing delay, embarrassment and agony to motorists.”

Mr. Adesina Adeyemo said residents have started obtaining their licenses from neighboring states, owing to the stress involved in obtaining it in Oyo. He said this would result in a loss of revenue for the state.

Fashola approves 74 housing projects

L

AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday approved 74 housing projects across the state.

He spoke with reporters shortly before inaugurating the Elegushi Housing Estate at Lekki Phase 2.

The estate, which has 15 blocks of 90 luxury flats, was built by the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC).

The governor said the new housing projects would be delivered to residents on a Rent-to-Own basis in the next 24months.

•Names road after Okogie

By Miriam Ndikanwu

He said 41 of the projects would be sited in Alimosho, 16 in Ikeja, two in Agbowa, Ikorodu, three in Surulere and 12 in Ogba.

Fashola said: “When they are completed in the next 24 months, we would have a total of 86 projects, including the 12 on-going projects across the state.

They would be delivered on a mortgage finance basis to residents.”

He said the government would continue to partner the private sector, under the Public Private Partnership (PPP), to provide decent housing for residents.

Fashola said the state’s Home Ownership Scheme (H.O.M.S) will allow beneficiaries occupy government built houses while still paying for them.

He named the newly built access road to the Monastery of Mother of the Church in Sangotedo, Eti-Osa East

Local Council Development Authority (LCDA), after the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie.

Fashola spoke while inaugurating the 2.75km road, which links Sangotedo and Elemoro with the monastery and the New Town Development Authority (NTDA) estates.

He praised the Cardinal’s effort in opening up the road to bring development to the communities.

No alliance with Mimiko, says PDP

T

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State yesterday said it has no alliance with the Labour Party (LP).

PDP was reacting to a publication that it would align with the LP to ensure the re-election of Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

In a statement by its Director of Publicity, Mr. Ayo Fadaka, PDP said the report is false.

It said: “It is impossible for the PDP to have any dealing whatsoever with

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Mimiko, whose pedigree for political indiscipline and prosecution of inordinate ambition is legendary.

“Today, it is obvious to the people that the Mimiko administration is a failed one. It is completely exhausted and has lost popularity.

“It is certain that if a man has succeeded in discharging his responsibilities, it is those he rules over that will acclaim him as a success and

not those who were approached to bestow numerous awards on him.

“LP is dead. Those who teamed up with the governor to prosecute his second term ambition have deserted him.

“We say it emphatically that no politician that defected to the LP did so on principle, but because they were procured at a given sum, like a loaf of bread, for that purpose.

“Thus, if anyone outside Ondo State wishes to use

those false standards to accord any popularity to Mimiko, such a person does so at his own peril.

“PDP is set to take over governance in Ondo State next year. We have credible governorship aspirants with reputable and unquestionable integrity to rule this state.”

But a top government official, who pleaded for anonymity, said Mimiko would win the election based on the “unprecedented achievements” of his administration.

Lagos shuts six churches

By Miriam Ndikanwu

T

HE Lagos State Government has shut six churches for being too noisy and failing to comply with environmental laws.

They are the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Ministry, Omobola, Surulere; Bible Church, FESTAC; The Chapter of Christ Church, Oregun, Ikeja; Assemblies of God Church, Ikeja; The Golden Gate Church, Ifako-Ijaiye; and Seek and Save Ministry, Abule-Egba.

Official of the State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) shut the churches after asking occupants to vacate the buildings.

LASEPA’s General Manager Mr. Rasheed Shabi said the closure of the churches became imperative after several abatement notices issued to them were disregarded.

He said some of the churches rebuffed meetings called by the agency.

Shabi said: “The agency’s stance on noise pollution has been communicated to all worship centres. The level of noise pollution allowed is between 55 decibels during the day and 42 to 45 decibels at night.”

The state government has also issued a 21-day ultimatum to owners of abandon vessels on the state waterfront to remove it.

Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development Prince Adesegun Oniru said when the ultimatum expires, the government will remove the wrecks and sue the owners.

‘A Governing Council for OOU’ From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

HE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) yesterday urged Governor Ibikunle Amosun to constitute a Governing Council for the university.

Speaking with reporters, OOU ASUU Chairman Dr. Nassir Adesola said a Governing Council would improve the standard of education in the school.

He said: “From what we have seen, the government is takeing steps in the right direction, but it should hearken to the calls of the union to put in place a Governing Council for the university.

“Things are getting slower than expected and given the deplorable situation of things in OOU, we expect the government to act fast.

“In the past, OOU had reputable citizens as members of its Governing Council, who helped set the school on the right path and sustained same.

But the last council ran the university aground.

“A Governing Council peopled by citizens with good intentions would take the stress of running the university off the government.”

Adesola said the school has been under-staffed since the administration of former Governor Gbenga Daniel sacked over 200 academic staff without replacing them.

He urged Amosun to employ more lecturers, pay the backlog of salaries owed the lecturers by the Daniel administration and improve the school’s funding.

T

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola inaugurating two blocks of classrooms at the School of Health Technology, Ilesha. With him are Commissioner for Health Mrs. Temitope Ilori (left); Principal of the school Dr. Kayode Ogunniyi (second left); Chief of Staff to the Governor Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola (right) and others...yesterday.

Why I want to serve Ondo people, by aspirant

F

ORMER House of Representatives’ member and governorship aspirant of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mr. Joseph Ajata, yesterday said the present administration in Ondo State has not utilised the resources of the state.

Ajata, who represented Isolo/Oshodi Federal Constituency II on the platform of the ACN for two consecutive terms, said there is no reason for the “abject poverty” in the state.

He spoke at the BOT Hall in Akure, the state capital, at his official declaration to join the governorship race.

The ex-lawmaker said the state government has been embarking on projects that have no impact on the mass-

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

es.

He said: “The present administration has increased the pains of the people. It has failed to address many vital issues which have great effect on the society.

“For instance, the unemployment level is alarming.

We all know that the socalled Mother and Child Health programme is a deceit. Even if it is pursued sincerely, so much so that we expect a minimum of 30,000 births in 2012, what employment arrangement does the government have for the grown-ups and their parents in order to guarantee adequate care of the newlyborn?

“Infrastructural provision

is poor and many rural roads are bad. The governor focused only on Akure, where he repaired some roads, neglecting major roads in the northern and southern districts, particularly Akoko. “If a governor concentrates on only one of the 18 local government areas, should he be given a pass mark?

“There is confusion in the education sector. Mega primary schools are being built in a few centres for children below 10 years who have to trek, in some cases, between five to seven kilometres daily, to school. Other schools in cities and rural areas alike have been neglected. This is most worrisome. To mismanage education at the primary school level is to miss it all.

“Water projects in the

state have remained moribund. Majority of the people are still drinking from untreated brooks and our governor knows the danger of this.

“With full knowledge of these circumstances, I feel a burning passion in me to make a change. I feel a passion to liberate the people.

My experience in the industrial world and in an elective position at the national level puts me in a good stead to effect the much-needed change. “The Labour Party (LP) government has denied the people the right to their God-given resources.”

Ajata urged the people to join the progressives in the Southwest, so as to enjoy economic and political transformation.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Naira climbs as dollar sales outweigh inflation

T

HE naira climbed against the dollar, erasing earlier losses, as oil industry dollar sales outweighed speculation that a rise in the inflation rate would weigh on the local currency.

The local curreny strengthened as much as 0.8 per cent and traded up 0.2 per cent at N157.2975 in Lagos, after losing as much as 0.7 per cent, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

“The appreciation is due to dollar sales by oil companies and the low demand for the US currency,” Sewa Wusa, a currency analyst at Lagos-based Sterling Capital Ltd., said by phone.

“However, as a rule, an economy with consistent higher inflation stands the risk of a weak currency, which raises concern for the naira.”

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) offers dollars at twice-weekly auctions and interbank trading to maintain exchange rate stability.

The oil industry is the second major source of dollar supplies in the country.

The yearly inflation rate in Nigeria jumped to 12.6 per cent in January from 10.3 per cent monthly earlier, the National Bureau of Statistics said Monday. It has increased from 9.3 per cent in August, the lowest since May 2008. The Central Bank maintained its benchmark interest rate at a record 12 per cent for a second consecutive meeting January 31 to curb inflation after the government partially removed fuel subsidies, resulting in higher gasoline costs.

The inflation outlook will be impacted by fiscal injections, the partial deregulation of petrol price and new tariff regimes on certain food imports, Governor Lamido Sanusi said January 31.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$123.6/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber -¢159.21pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N6.503 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -10.3% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending-22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -14.7% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $33.01b FOREX CFA 0.2958 EUR 206.9 £ 245 $ 156.4 ¥ 1.9179 SDR 241 RIYAL 40.472

Government is committed to power sector reform because investment in the sector would open massive opportunities for the youth, enable the small and medium enterprises to flourish, create jobs and change the life pattern of the people.

- President Goodluck Jonathan

Senate queries proposed electricity tariff increase

T

HE Senate yesterday queried the Minister of Power Prof Barth Nnaji over the plan by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to raise electricity tariff by 88 per cent.

The Senate demanded explanation on why the increment became necessary and the anticipated impact on Nigerians.

The lawmakers also wanted to know whether the planned increase was informed by the high electricity tariff in other countries.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Senator Philip Aduda, raised these queries at a session with Nnaji and heads of other agencies under his Ministry

• Govt provides N110b power subsidy From Onyedi Ojiabor, Asst.

Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

in Abuja. He said the demands to know what informed the planned increment in electricity tariff became necessary due to public outcry over the plan.

Aduda noted that as representatives of the people, their interest is to make sure that the public is not unduly exploited under any guise.

He said in as much as there was need to encourage both local and foreign investors in the power sector, effort should be made to avoid a situation where Nigerians are exploited by shylock in-

vestors.

Nnaji, however, stressed that the proposed increase is below 88 per cent.

He put it at about 51 per cent, insisting that if necessary steps were not taken, it would be difficult to attract investors to the power sector.

The minster listed the tariff principles to include cost recovery/financial viability, signals for investments – tariff should encourage an efficient level and nature of investment; certainty and stability of the tariff framework, which enables private sector investment; efficient use of the network – tariffs

should reflect the marginal costs that users impose on the system, influence efficient use and reduce crosssubsidies and allocation of risk – the tariff framework should allocate risks efficiently to those best placed to manage them.

Nnaji gave the rationale for price increase to include wrong projections in Multi Year Tariff Order (MYTO) 1, especially load projections, example 16,000MW in 2001; increase in natural gas supply and transport prices; inclusion of feed-in tariff (wind, solar, biomass and small hydro); inclusion of tariff coalfired generation and increas-

ing inflation rate and depreciation of the naira.

Other reasons for price increase, he said, include need to provide added incentives to attract private sector; need to reduce unnecessary consumptions and wastages and need to have more pre-payment meters to discourage estimated billings.

The Minister said the Federal Government has provided a maximum of N60billion electricity subsidy for 2012 and another N50billion for 2013.

The subsidy, he said, would be applied to residential customers only.

He also said NERC has retained a lifeline tariff at 3.30/ kwh to all those consuming below 50 kwh/month.

Shoprite may open 700 stores

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• Meka Olowola, Head, Corporate Communication, Oando PLC (right), welcoming Austin Oniwon , Group Managing Director of NNPC to Oando’s stand during the opening of the 12th Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference at the International Conference Centre, Abuja ... yesterday

President writes Senate, Reps on budget cut

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HE shape of the slash in the 2012 Federal Government Budget emerged yesterday.

In a letter addressed separately to the National Assembly and read on the floors of the Senate and the House yesterday, President Goodluck Jonathan requested for a cut of N101 billion.

This will translate to a reduction of the overall budget estimate from N4.749 trillion to N4.632 trillion.

The government also increased the oil benchmark from $70 barrel to $75 a barrel.

Explaining the reason for the review of the budget and the 2012-2014 medium term expenditure framework, President Jonathan said: “Recent domestic developments, key among which was the partial withdrawal of subsidy on petroleum products and the ripple effect on the 2012-2014 medium term expenditure framework and the 2012 budget proposal which I presented to the National Assembly on December 13, 2011, necessitated the action.”

• Raises oil benchmark to $75

By Our Reporters

Capital expenditure proposal was reduced from N1.318 trillion to N1.281 trillion while recurrent expenditure was lowered from N2.471 trillion to N2.432 trillion.

The President sought N888 billion fuel subsidy allocation.

Some of the statutory transfers include the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which allocation was reduced from N40 billion to N35 billion; National Judicial Commission (NJC) allocation was reduced from N85 billion to N75 billion while Niger Delta allocation was slashed from N54 billion to N48 billion.

The Universal Basic Education (UBE) had its allocation cut from N68 billion to N63 billion.

The N150 billion allocated to the National Assembly is retained in the new revised budget.

A review of some of the

sectoral allocations showed that the recurrent allocation of the Presidency was slashed to N25 billion from N27 billion, the Presidency’s capital allocation also went down to N14.68 billion from N15.8 billion.

The recurrent allocation to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) was cut from N47 billion to N45 billion and its capital allocation reduced from N23.5 billion to N22 billion.

The recurrent allocation to defence, which includes the Ministry of Defence (MOD), Army, Navy and Air Force was increased from N291 billion to N296 billion. Its capital allocation went up from N34.67 billion to N35.967 billion.

The capital allocation to the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) was retained at N64 billion.

The Ministry of Education had its recurrent allocation slashed from N345 billion to N342 billion and its capital

allocation reduced from N55.05 billion to N54.650billion.

Jonathan expressed gratitude for what he described as, “the enduring productive partnership between the National Assembly and the Executive arms of government in discharging our shared responsibility for nation-building and the patriotism, commitment and support that the distinguished members of the Senate have consistently demonstrated.”

Jonathan requested the Senate and the House to consider “A Bill for an Act to authorise the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation the total sum of N4,648,849,156,932 only, of which N372,593,095,601 only is for statutory transfers, N559,580,000,000 only is for debt service, N2,432,432,108,877 only is for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure while the balance of N1,284,243,952,454 only is for contribution to development fund for the year ending on the 31st of December, 2012.”

IGERIA has the po tential to become as big a retail market for South Africa’s Shoprite as its home base, the head of the supermarket chain said yesterday, playing down concerns of rising poverty in Africa’s most populous country.

“Several cities in Nigeria have populations of more than eight million. I can’t say all of them have the same spending power, but Nigeria can support the same number of supermarkets as South Africa,” Shoprite chief executive Whitey Basson told Reuters in an interview.

“Even if you have 60 per cent of the population living in poverty, 40 per cent of the Nigerian population is still bigger than the South African population.”

Shoprite, which reported a 19 per cent rise in first-half earnings yesterday, runs about 950 supermarkets with 729 of those in South Africa and two stores in Nigeria.

It plans to open 12 more stores outside of South Africa by the end of June, including in the Ilorin and Abuja. It also plans to enter the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Retailers are increasingly targeting Nigeria, given its population and potential for growth. The country is home to nearly 160 million people, compared to South Africa’s 50 million, according to World Bank estimates.

But Nigeria still has plenty of hurdles to overcome. Poverty is still rising despite strong economic growth, data showed this month. Nearly 61 per cent of the population, or about 100 million people, live on less than $1 a day.

United States retailer WalMart Stores Inc last year bought a majority stake in South African retailer Massmart, citing growth prospects on the continent.

Cape Town-based Shoprite reported an 18.6 per cent rise in first-half headline earnings per share to 280.8 cents, helped by higher prices, a favourable exchange rate and above-inflation wage increases for consumers in its main South African market.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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BUSINESS NEWS

Govt votes $1b for inland exploration • Renews Mobil’s three leases today

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HE Federal Govern ment has earmarked $1 billion (N160 billion) for exploration for oil in the country’s inland basins particularly the Chad Basin, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke said.

The Minister disclosed this at the ongoing Nigeria Oil Gas conference and exhibition in Abuja. She said the exploration of the inland basins has become imperative to find more oil and gas as well as increase production and reserves.

She also said that the country’s oil industry is making progress with production currently standing at 2.5 million barrels per day (bpd) up from 2.39 million bpd. The improved production being recorded is as a result of the Federal Government’samnesty programme.

In view of the improving operating climate in the country, the minister noted that the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) had a good performance last year with production hitting 21.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa), just a little below its nameplate capacity (tar-

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

get) of the 22mtpa.

Besides, the minister said that she would sign the renewal of the three leases of the Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU) located on oil mining leases (OMLs) 67, 68 and 70.

Alison-Madueke had in a letter written to Mobil, which was dated March 4, 2011, told the company that the renewal of the leases, which government and MPNU carried out in 2009, has been revoked because it didn’t follow due process.

But yesterday the minister said all contentious issues have been addressed and parties involved were satisfied with the resolution and the renewal would be signed today after which other renewals would follow.

The minister while fielding questions reporters on abysmal drop in exploration as raised by the Executive Vice President, SubSaharan Africa Shell Exploration and Production Africa Limited, Ian Craig, said the government is also worried. This she said is the reason for establishing a committee on Petroleum

• Mrs Alison-Madueke

Industry Bill (PIB) as well as a technical committee to look at the document and work with members of the National Assembly to see to quick passage of the Bill into law in the shortest possible time. She said the PIB when passed into law will remove all the bottlenecks that militate against investment in exploration.

She noted that gas production increased by more than 70 per cent last year to about 21.2 billion standard cubic feet per day and last year was the first time the industry witnessed more supply of domestic gas, which was consumed mostly by the power and industrial sectors.

The minister also said the government has awarded contracts for gas pipelines to Alaoji and Olorunsogo power stations.

Nigeria secures N34b agro investments

N

IGERIA secured about N34 billion investment commitments from 18 firms in the agriculture sector last year, the Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom, has said.

Speaking at the launch of a book entitled: Agribusiness for Africa’s prosperity,in Abuja, Ortom said the Federal Government will promote agribusiness by incorporating it and agro-industry into the mainstream of its Economic Transformation Agenda.

He pointed out that agribusiness was one of the priority sectors positioned to attract private sector investment flow from local and foreign investors.

According to him, with the assistance of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) office in Nigeria, the government has developed the country’s specific initiative, the Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-in-

From Nduka Chiejina (Abuja)

dustry development initiative (NAADI), which will be launched in the next few weeks.

He added that the ministry of agriculture has developed a robust plan to boost primary production in the agricultural sector while the Central Bank of Nigeria has launched the Nigeria incentive-based risk sharing for agricultural lending (NIRSAL) programme to de-risk the value chain and make it easier to lend to the sector.

He said the Federal Government believes that Africa can leverage on the attention to attract investment into agriculture to accelerate the development of agribusiness sector that would ensure value addition, trade in agricultural products, utilise natural resources in a sustainable manner, stimulate industrialisation, and generate high quality employment for Africa’s youthful

population.

United Nations Resident Co-ordinator in Nigeria, Mr Daouda Toure, said the book and its public presentation in the country complement Africa’s campaign and fight against poverty. He stressed the need to modernise agriculture and examine agricultural and allied activities with business and investment lens.

He said the implementation of the ideas proffered in the book by the authors could assist to fully attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), especially Goal One in the country.

He noted that the United Nations is looking at how the MDGs might accelerate development in the country.

According to him, agribusiness and valuechain perspective needs to be applied to review and the development of policy so that many ordinary Nigerians could come out of poverty.

Consumer Council boss laments 39% transportation, marketers HE Director General, Consumer Protection rise in prices decided to hike their price,

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Council (CPC) Mrs. Ify Umenyi has lamented the rise in prices of commodities in the market.

She stated this yesterday during an interaction with market men and women in Abuja.

She noted that there has been 39 per cent increase in prices of commodities since fuel price was hiked by the government, adding that the prices do not match the jump in the price of fuel.

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

“It is regrettable. We should try and be our brother’s keeper. It is not fair. The negative impact is much, everyone is feeling it.

All we are asking for is the marketers to understand that hardship is everywhere and help make life easy for the people.

“Fuel is only one per cent of what subsidy has affected, but because of the cost of

thereby making life difficult for the people.

“Even though we are having this meeting in Abuja, this same meeting is going on in the six geo-political zones of the country, all we are trying to do is see how we can dialogue and address the situation,” she stressed.

Mr Igwema Alex, Secretary of Utako Market Association, said the problem is caused by distributors who sell at higher high prices.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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ISSUES

• Small business operators

To promote quality products, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has taken steps to empower Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to enable them compete in the global market. TOBA AGBOOLA reports.

Small firms, big economy T

HE economic development of a country does not lie in the hands of the giant firms only. Small firms also have a key role to play. It is in realisation of this fact that the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) held a capacity building programme on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Lagos.

During the event, stakeholders described the sector as the engine of economic growth The sector, they said, is strategic to economic development since it produces goods and services that meet the peculiar needs of the people from the remote parts to the urban centres.

Participants agreed that the global economy is gradually developing and Nigeria must not lag behind in the process.

They said the enormous eco-

nomic potentials are yet to be tapped, hence there is need to develop the MSMEs sector and ensure good standard.

SON Director-General Dr. Joseph Odumodu said standard has to do with good governance and good ethical behaviour, which must be followed, if any business desires to produce good quality products

that would meet global standards.

He said through the capacity building programme, SON expectes it to trigger off other positive developments, especially within the MSME sub-sector itself as well as strengthen Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operators’ relationship with the standards regulatory agency.

According to Odumodu, the event was one step towards achieving this desirability. With it, he said the agency hoped “to see better, sustainable and quality products in our system after the training programmes.”

He said: “Today’s event is, therefore, one step towards achieving this desirability, and we are hop-

‘Even if we start it today, we are only going to see the first successes in about two years. By starting the journey, many SMEs will already begin to change their habits, businesses and become more profitable rapidly’

ing to begin to see better, sustainable and quality products in our system after the training.

“We want our SMEs to grow and if they have to grow, they have to learn from these big companies and the only way they can learn from them is to embark on those basic principles of manufacturing, which are all in ISO 9000 and 14000.

“We want you to begin to see the necessity in doing laboratory analysis for your products and to work towards better packaging, as these too are necessary in your success, as our investigation has shown many of you spend double in the course of production because of the faulty production process.

He said the training became • Continued on page 14

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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ISSUES

Small firms, big economy • Continued from page 13

necessary in view of the preponderance of small businesses in Nigeria but which lacked value addition, thereby making their products to perform below the expected standards.

Odumodu said a similar collaboration would be extended to other professional membership associations in the economy, to help build their capacity, improve their quality and packaging, thus attract more patronage.

Partnership with SON According to him, the substandard nature of most of their operations had caused them to be uncompetitive in the local and international markets.

He pointed out that if they were trained and brought up to the required standards, their products would be able to counter unnecessary importation as well as create more jobs for Nigerians.

“There are well over 10 million MSMEs in Nigeria, and we have discovered that most have the genuine intention to manufacture quality products but lack the capacity to do so. SON shall identify 2,500 MSMEs and work very closely with them to certify them towards ISO 9001 (quality management systems) and ISO 22000 (food safety management system) at no cost,” he said, noting that over 60 per cent of MSMEs were in the food industry.

He said: “Investigation has shown that many SMEs spend double in the course of production because of the faulty production process. The organisation’s desire is for SMEs to produce more, sell more, earn more and employ more. It is for these reasons that we are resolved to lend our support in any way possible towards the development of operators in this critical sub-sector.”

He revealed that SME desks will be established at the SON offices.

President of the Council, Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Alhaji Garba Ibrahim, described the initiative by SON as commendable.

According to him, the benefits of the SMEs when they produce to standards lies in integration of their markets and cost reduction as well as in helping them to export to increase the profitability of their enterprises.

The challenges He listed poor infrastructure, limited access to credit, low level technological base, multiple taxation, and policy in constituency as part of the challenges confronting Nigerian SMEs. Ibrahim said the training was timely because “particular attention must be paid to the challenges and development services rendered to SMEs as well as their roles towards the economic development of Nigeria.”

The National President, NACCIMA, Mr Herbert Ajayi, said the meeting underscored SON’s commitment to ensuring that standards are maintained and manufacturers are part and parcel of the development process of the sector.

He noted that lack of standards had affected the small scale industries because there was no linkage between them and the big companies in the country.

The Adviser, Enterprise Development, Commonwealth Secre-

tariat, Mr Roland Charles, said the Commonwealth is ready to support the initiatives, adding that partnership with SON is going to be a long term project to enlighten SMEs about the benefits of ensuring standards in their businesses.

According to him, acquiring standards and mastering them takes a while, adding that many big companies take months to go through it while it takes a longer time for small companies to carry out this process.

He said it was as a result of this partnership that the Commonwealth laid a foundation for a standard programme for SMEs. “Even if we start it today, we are only going to see the first successes in about two years time. By starting the journey, many SMEs will already begin to change their habits, businesses and become more profitable rapidly.

“We have come up with this to enable them identify and immediately apply the training to improve their products. Over 18 months, the SMEs will come out and invite SON to assess and certify them,” he said.

He said SON would be collaborating with the private sector to provide mentoring, training and advising, over the 18 month period before they get certified.

“Everyday, we see in the newspapers SON stopping containers trying to ensure that no substandard product gets into the country. Sometimes, we ask ourselves is this move friendly to businesses.

“One of the keys of this programme is meeting with as many big firms as we can to try to encourage them to urge their suppliers to adopt standards. In this way, we are able to tell them that standard is good for businesses,” he said.

Charles said forcing SMEs to comply with standards was not the way to go but stressed that it was more about encouraging people to adapt to standards. He stated that there was still a lack of consistent awareness communication campaign to SMEs enlightening them about the benefits of quality.

Standardisation Chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Anambra and Enugu chapter, Mr Chike Obidigbo, said it was high time the Federal Government fully supported SON to tackle substandard products and those who are behind it in Nigeria.

“The incidence is killing morale; it is killing initiative and intellectualism. It is also killing entrepreneurship. Now that SON has shown commitment to work, the Federal government should give it all the necessary support to make this a reality. It would help a lot of SMEs and save hundreds of thousands of jobs,” he said.

An agro-allied industrialist who produces insecticide, Mr Frank Abhulimen, said Nigerian SME operators need support not necessarily in direct funds injection but from SON to enable them produce to standards. He said just like other local manufacturers they do not have access to facilities to analyse the chemical content of their products.

Abhulimen said the Federal Government could help them by equipping SON to make such analysis available so they would be able to compete with products which have been invading the

• Ibrahim

• Odumodu

‘One of the keys of this programme is meeting with as many big firms as we can to try to encourage them to urge their suppliers to adopt standards. In this way, we are able to tell them that standard is good for businesses’ • Ajayi

country from China.

“It is the duty of SON to do such chemical analysis, and then certify products that meet the standards.

This is what some of us want to see done. We have done our best to introduce products, we need to be supported to make it safe and useful to the environment,” he said.

Recently, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga said war against substandard products in the Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector will soon assume a new dimension following plans by the Federal Government to come up with enabling laws to prosecute offenders.

He said the move was part of the ministry’s renewed efforts to increase patronage of made in Nigeria products, boost the productive capacity of local industries and make them more competitive in the global market place.

The minister said he was putting structures in place to ensure that products manufactured or imported met global standards, adding that the ministry was partnering the private sector to re-

move barriers to increased productivity.

This, he noted, would enable the Federal Government to create jobs, generate wealth and grow the economy.

He said: “In line with the administration’s transformation agenda, the Ministry of Trade and Investment is determined to provide friendly investment climate, most especially in the SMEs sector.

“To achieve this, the Ministry of Trade and Investment, through the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, recently launched the ‘Operation Zero Tolerance’ for substandard products.”

In order to ensure compliance, he said a consumer desk had been established in major markets, while an enabling law was being put in place to prosecute offenders.

In order to improve the country’s investment climate, Aganga said the ministry would soon set up a doing business competitiveness council in collaboration with the organised private sector to remove the barriers pre-

venting the industrial sector from fully maximising its productive and installed capacities.

Credit guarantee scheme He said the ministry was working out modalities to introduce a credit guarantee scheme to support the purchase of made-in-Nigeria products as part of deliberate plans to boost the demand and supply of locally-made goods.

Aganga said: “No meaningful economic progress can be made in terms of wealth creation and poverty alleviation without a robust manufacturing sector. Our modest efforts at improving our economic environment will attract more investment and partnership from other countries to enable Nigeria to become one of the top 20 developed nations in the year 2020.

“Nigeria has the wherewithal to make this happen. And we are committed to partnering the organised private sector (OPS) as a strategic and reliable ally to move the economy forward.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

COMMENT

LASUTH’s feat •The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital makes a significant medical stride with Nigeria’s first heart artery bypass surgery

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T was a most cheery piece of news filtering out of the new generation and inauspiciously located LASUTH . The barely 19-year-old teaching hospital of an equally upstart state university has stolen the thunder from older and much revered colleges of medicine when it accomplished Nigeria’s first coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). This surgery creates new routes around narrowed and blocked arteries in the heart to allow sufficient blood flow to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle.

LASUTH, an upgraded general hospital, hemmed in by a rowdy bus stop and an unkempt police college, is by no means one of the so-called centres of excellence in medical studies in Nigeria often set in a vast expanse of space with verdant greens and serene ambience. LASUTH has continued to prove that excellence is not something buried in long tradition nor has it anything to do with the size and heft of

‘It must be noted that LASUTH has in the last couple of years, overreached itself in a very positive way, showing in many ways that a government institution can really give service to the joy of the people. There have been reports of quality operational procedures and methodical processes which have engendered efficient service to the users of the facility’

an institution, but more about culture and character of an organisation.

One Mrs Cynthia Onwurah was reported to have developed coronary heart disease about four years ago. According to her, she had always been healthy until all of a sudden she could not do her routine chores anymore. She suffered relentless pain in her chest, a condition known as angina in medicine. This in itself is the result of blocked arteries in her heart.

Doctors reported that artherosclerotic plaques had built up in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to her heart. In other words, there is a hardening of her arteries which has significantly narrowed one or more of her coronary (heart) arteries.

The beleaguered couple, Mr. and Mrs. Onwurah traversed hospitals across the country looking for cure. It was however at a private hospital in Lagos that the patient got some succour. Through a nonsurgical process her coronary arteries which had been narrowed or blocked were opened up to allow blood to flow uninhibited in her heart. This process turned out to be inadequate, thus the need for a surgery.

The private hospital referred Mrs. Onwurah to LASUTH and on November 26, 2011, Dr Bode Falase, a cardiothoracic surgeon and Dr Michael Sanusi, a paediatric cardiac surgeon led 33 other health professionals in LASUTH to carry out the CABG surgery on the patient. The process which lasted about six hours was successful; her breathing tubes were removed within 24 hours while she took some time to recuperate in the hospital.

According to Dr Falase, “the (CABG) surgery has been shown to improve longterm survival in patients with significant narrowing of multiple arteries, especially

in those with decreased heart muscle pump function.” This process is particularly important as the condition is rampant with people suffering from diabetes. In recent times, diabetes has been one of the most prevalent ailments among Nigerians.

While the rich and affluent patients have easily shuttled off to India or America for this surgery which, by the way, has become common in these places, the poor have hitherto been left to their fate; in fact, for dead. This is why we commend the management of LASUTH for this pathbreaking feat. Though an expensive process, doing it at home must have halved the cost of going to India or America. The surgery team at LASUTH has given hope, if not life to many Nigerians suffering from excruciating pain in the chest and its attendant heart failure and debilitating stroke. They have wrought a solution to what has become a common Nigerian medical predicament.

It must be noted that LASUTH has in the last couple of years, overreached itself in a very positive way, showing in many ways that a government institution can really give service to the joy of the people.

There have been reports of quality operational procedures and methodical processes which have engendered efficient service to the users of the facility.

In fact there was the example of LASUTH serving as the ‘finishing school’ to the medical students of much older and bigger college of medicine on the other side of town. Such is the strength and acclaim LASUTH has garnered in its short history.

We commend LASUTH to other government institutions; we commend its leadership and urge it to continue to build on its well-founded strengths.

Sanusi’s odd gifts •The CBN governor err in the use of public funds

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O what was the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Lamido Sanusi up to when he recently donated N100 million to victims of the bomb blasts in Kano? His action raised several other questions, the most important of which is the fact that the CBN boss appears to have been moved to do the donation because Kano, his home town, is involved.

This informed the question of whether the donation was to further his ambition to be Emir of Kano someday? Or was it made for other political objectives? What about other areas like Borno, Yobe, Plateau, Adamawa, Kaduna and Bauchi states where similar bomb blasts had occurred long before that in Kano? Why was Sanusi so selective?

Apparently, he followed the Kano donation with another donation of N25 million to victims of last year’s Christmas Day bombing at the St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State, on Monday because of criticisms that trailed the earlier one.

The CBN governor, it should be noted, had made several blunders in the recent past; for instance, he reportedly attributed the wave of violence by religious insurgents in Northern Nigeria to poverty.

Was his donation for poverty alleviation?

As a banker, it is expected that Sanusi would be an epitome of sobriety, but the donation bespeaks the opposite.

At the bottom of all this is the question of how much the boss of a government agency can commit to such a cause? The

selectiveness involved in this instance is divisive and does not promote the corporate existence of the country. Who will come to the aid of the victims of bomb blasts in other areas of the country? Now that the Kano and Madalla victims have N100 million and N25 million, respectively, from Sanusi, will it be superfluous to give others more?

By law, the National Emergency Management Agency is statutorily empowered to tackle the issue of compensation to victims of terrorist attacks and their dependants. Sanusi’s donation is therefore unnecessary.

The point is that Sanusi has been too vocal in condemning financial recklessness in high places, the very thing his behaviour smacks of. His donations should be investigated. How did he arrive at the figures of N100 million and N25 million as donation?

Sanusi’s example may set an improper precedent. This is why it deserves investigation by the government. So grave a tragedy as the terrorist attacks need to be addressed wholly, and not in the manner the CBN boss has done. The public should be reassured that there is no ethnic agenda being played out.

We must however acknowledge that this is happening against the background of the lukewarm response by the Federal Government to the terrorist attacks. There would have been no point in Sanusi making a donation if the Federal Government had made concrete moves to

compensate the victims and their dependants. While Sanusi’s donation may look like a good gesture from a concerned citizen, it is so wrapped in controversy that it defeats its purpose. His office is not for such matters.

Since Sanusi is accountable to the Federal Government, we call on the authorities to probe his donations. And if he acted within the powers of the CBN as he is claiming, it is our opinion that the office of the CBN Governor does not require such distractions. In essence, any law that empowers him or anyone occupying that office to make such donations is not needed in the CBN Act. It could be abused.

‘While Sanusi’s donation may look like a good gesture from a concerned citizen, it is so wrapped in controversy that it defeats its purpose. His office is not for such matters. Since Sanusi is accountable to the Federal Government, we call on the authorities to probe his donations. And if he acted within the powers of the CBN as he is claiming, it is our opinion that the office of the CBN Governor does not require such distractions’

The West must take stronger action to help the Syrian opposition

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T’S BEEN MORE than six months since President Obama called for the end of the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad. Yet as Mr. Assad’s forces escalated their assaults on Syrian cities last week, inflicting scores of deaths every day, his rule appeared far from finished. On the contrary, there seems every chance that the dictator could go on slaughtering Syrians for months or even years — and maybe prevail.

This appalling prospect has prompted an anguished debate about what can be done to help Syrians — particularly the civilians under assault from tanks and artillery who have little or no access to humanitarian assistance. The modestly good news is that there are some measures that the Friends of Syria — a group of Arab, Islamic and Western states to be convened Feb. 24 in Tunis — can agree on. The bad news is that no one believes they will stop Mr. Assad.

What are the consensus steps? First would be an effort to help the Syrian opposition better organize itself and create plausible plans for a post-Assad order. At the moment, the Syrian National Council, based in exile, is not representative enough of the country’s minority communities — including the ruling Alawites — and it has an uneasy relationship with the Free Syrian Army, which was founded in refu-gee camps in Turkey. Both organizations have, at best, tenuous ties with the popular committees and groups of army defectors who are leading the resistance in Syria.

The council must be pushed to become more inclusive and to prepare a plausible plan for a democratic transition that protects Syria’s minorities, including the Alawites. Its reward would be recognition by the Arab League and Western governments, and funding for any humanitarian relief it could organize.

Meanwhile, the Friends group could explore other forms of humanitarian aid, beginning with help for groups that are already working in Syria.

On Friday, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton was honest enough to acknowledge the inadequacy of this response. “This takes a large dose of humility to say we don’t have all the answers,” she said. The bigger ideas being discussed among governments, including “humanitarian corridors” to besieged areas, or safe zones near Turkey’s borders, would require United Nations authorization and a military force to back them up. Such initiatives are worthy of support, but Russia will likely continue to block U.N. action, while both the Obama administration and NATO have repeatedly made clear they have no interest in military intervention.

So how to stop the massacres? The most available and workable solution is tactical and materiel support for the anti-regime forces, delivered through neighbors such as Turkey or the Persian Gulf states. Opponents say that would increase the violence, but violence in Syria will continue to escalate as long as the regime believes it can survive by force. Others worry that radicals among the opposition will be empowered. But what will strengthen extremists the most is the failure of democratic nations to act and the entry of groups such as al-Qaeda into the vacuum.

The assault on Syria’s people will end only when the regime’s forces are forced to conclude that they cannot win — or when they succeed in their savage campaign of pacification. If President Obama is to uphold his words, U.S. policy must be based on that reality.

– Washington Post

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION

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IR: The parable of the tragedy of the commons is one of the problems that has stagnated Nigeria and has caused her to remain pitifully poor. It is a story about life in a small medieval town.

Of the many economic activities that take place in the town, one of the most important is raising a sheep.

Many of the town’s families own flocks of sheep and support their self by selling the sheep’s wool, which are used for clothing.

The sheep spend much of the time grazing on the land surrounding the town. No family owns the land.

Instead, the town residents are allowed to graze their sheep on it.

As the years pass, the population of the town grows and so does the number of sheep grazing. With a growing number of sheep and a fixed amount of land, the land starts to lose its ability to replenish itself.

Eventually, the land is grazed so heavily that it becomes barren. With no grass left, raising sheep became impossible and the town’s once prosperous wool industry disappears. Many families lose their source of livelihood.

What caused this tragedy? When one person or sets of people use a common resource, they diminish other peoples enjoyment of it and because of this negative externalityan economic concept that measures the degree by which one person’s economic activity or actions affects a bystander.

Common resources tend to be used

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Federalism and the parable of the common excessively. This explains why elephants are going extinct and cows are not even in the list of troubled animals. Both elephant and cow are commercial animals, the cow for its beef and the elephant for its ivory cum meat. But because the elephant is a common good and is owned collectively, it is used excessively and abused, while the cow is privately owned and is a private good; its use is rational.

The ancient Greek philosopher

Aristotle pointed out the problem with common resources when he posited: “what is common to many is taken is taken least care of for all men have greater regard for what is their own than for what they possess in common with others” The above analogy explains why Nigeria is not making a head way in this federal system we are operating.

True federalism will give rise to healthy competition as it was during the days of the regions. For instance,

it was not until the Western region brought television that the Federal government did. That competition between those regions brought unprecedented development to the country.

It is safe to say that Nigeria was functional and better then than now.

True federalism entails giving the states control of their resources and this will help Nigeria to make progress. This will happen, when the feeding bottle currently in the mouth

Lessons from German President’s resignation

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IR: When the President of Germany, Christian Wulff resigned last week over corruption charges, many, especially German Chancellor, Angela Merkel were shocked and surprised.

For those who do not know Christian Wulff, he was Premier of Lower Saxony until 2010 when he was picked as President by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, becoming the youngest President at 51. He was two years into the job

when prosecutors came calling.

Before resigning on Friday, Wulff had been under pressure since December to explain a private loan he received from a wealthy friend’s wife when he was premier of Lower Saxony and criticisms over a furious phone call he put through a newspaper editor before the publication reported on the loan.

The scandal which escalated dramatically, prompted prosecutors to ask parliament to lift his immunity from prosecution.

Part of the text of his resignation letter stated – “the developments of the past few days and weeks have shown that [the German people’s] trust and thus my effectiveness have been seriously damaged...for this reason, it is no longer possible for me to exercise the office of President at home and abroad as required.’’

Were Wulff to be a Nigerian politician, he would have quickly visited his political godfathers who in turn would have given him a clean bill of health to continue on

Awaiting ‘The Tribute’ for Sam Aluko IR: It was Francis Bacon who said “Reading maketh a full man, Conference a ready man, and writing the Exact man”. An English primary school pupil, Julie Fullerton put it so beautifully when she said “Books are like the sun’s light, they help people rise themselves”.

I have read a number of tributes and articles on the passing away of the economist, Professor Sam Aluko but I have been wondering if he wrote any book in his life time. None of the tributes or articles made any reference to a book or books he wrote. All I have got from the web is that he published three academic papers, made presentations to select audiences at

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of state governors is removed. With Abuja made less attractive to politicians, governors would then put on their thinking caps to generate revenue. And when they work hard to generate revenue, they cannot afford to squander it the way they do now. They will be forced to perform and this in turn will help the country to develop.

Truth be told, states in the SouthSouth will be happy and may seem the real beneficiaries to this, but it is not really so. Among the world’s wealthy nations, oil rich nations are struggling as countries like Switzerland and Singapore are among the front runners. This means that having crude oil do not translate to being rich and happy.

• Uwalaka Temple Solbridge International School of Business, Daejeon, South Korea.

home and abroad and granted interviews to a handful of newspapers and magazines.

I think it should be considered unfortunate if indeed Professor Aluko did not leave any book behind especially for the younger generation to develop upon.

Professor Sam Aluko was a creature of the jungle called Nigeria but it seems he left it to the explorers (foreign economists)) to teach the other creatures of the jungle how to live. Most of the economics text Nigerians read are written by foreigners.

Paul Collier, famed economist and director of the Centre of African Economies at Oxford University, recently wrote in an article in the

Financial Times of UK, on the Nigerian fuel subsidy crises that Nigerians like Americans are economic Illiterates. He called for a critical mass of economic literate people as to be found in Germany.

Maybe there is an element of truth in this assertion because there are very few books on economics written for popular audience with the Nigerian cum African flavour written by Nigerians, the creatures of the Jungle.

Of course the fault might be with the publishers, both foreign and Nigerian who are not necessarily interested in development but rather what they seek are super profits.

These tributes on Professor Aluko variously described as a Guru, erudite, eminent, foremost, Professor

of Professors do not present him as creating any new topic in economics or any break-through or coming up with any influential idea. The best I have read is that he followed the ideas of John Maynard Keynes.

Can one of the Nigerian professors of economics please step forward to write a proper tribute to Sam Aluko or a more educative article on his life and works?

This is part of what we expect from extending the retirement age of our academics to 70 years.

Professor Sam Aluko left behind 40 million unemployed Nigerians and over 100 million Nigerians in poverty. God rest his gentle soul.

• Augustine Togonu-Bickersteth, London, England

the seat. Even the legislature would have kept mum in order to safeguard their illegal bogus remunerations and allowances. He would have ensured that all voices from the opposition are subdued; while newspaper, radio or television stations are taken over by the SSS for what they would term ‘breach of viewing content’ (if there is anything of that nature).

Wulff would have rallied his party and asked for their help. If he were a Nigerian politician, he would have resisted calls from the public, media, civil rights group, labour, political activists and other pressure groups to step down. He would have labelled those calling for his resignation do gooders and neverdo-wells.

There are however quite a number of lessons to learn from the resignation of Mr. Wulff.

Democracy is about doing the right things all the time. Democracy flourishes when the media, parliament, the public, judiciary and the law are made to perform their duties in a manner that should not promote bias and witch-hunting.

These different elements were the reason behind his resignation and if we must get it right in Nigeria, politicians must uphold all forms of democratic tendencies and always speak the truth no matter what.

• Raheem Oluwafunminiyi Ibadan. Oyo State

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

EDITORIAL/OPINION

Niagara Foot; FAAN planes; FERMA & floods; OgereNUPENG’s failure; NURTW and Bauchi RTAs

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U P O N T invented the ‘Niagara Foot’ in 2002-3, for landmine victims. Is the Niagara Foot in Nigerian orthopaedic hospitals?

Tony Nigeria is notorious for Marinho Okada victims and abandoning the physically challenged and suicide bombings are frequent. Google the ‘Niagara Foot’ and help make the needy live better.

The FAAN again warned owners of abandoned aeroplanes they will be sold as scrap metal to merchants who can be seen massacring the aeroplanes in airfield yards. Only in scientifically bankrupt Nigeria -with 38 ministries of Science and Technology- would an engineering masterpiece like an aeroplane be devalued into spoons while the youth starve of engineering models.

FAAN should get the owners to ‘donate’ the aeroplanes as ‘scientific exhibits’ and distribute them to the academic community, ‘Gardens and Parks’, exhibitions and museums or start a FAAN Exhibition with the planes.

NASS should set up an enquiry to arrest this ‘wealth to waste’ scheme, a reverse of ‘waste to wealth’.

It is only in a country with no government that a bridge, a causeway, which has repeatedly flooded in the past 20 years due to negligent maintenance, can flood yet again resulting in a massive 3000+ vehicle traffic standstill.

Sometimes the flooding is because the water level around the bridge is higher than the drainage holes. How can any government explain the massive salaries paid politicians and civil servants while allowing flooding on the long causeway entrance to Lagos after only two hours of rain causing a 10Km traffic, two hour+ traffic jam! Bridges do not flood themselves if FERMA officials use sticks to open the drainage channels at the bridge edge. How much is a stick cost in the budget? They already have green air-conditioned FERMA jeeps all over the place. What is FERMA for? Its officials should be removed

and FERMA should be disbanded as a waste of resources. Is it incompetence! Or is FERMA in collusion with NEMA and awaiting the combined weight of the static traffic on the 40+ year old causeway bridge to collapse the bridge plunging thousands of vehicles into the swamp and drowning thousands of Fellow Nigerians.

This is a disaster waiting to happen but preventable by a FERMA stick-wielding teams clearing the drains.

It is only in a country with no government that an expressway can repeatedly and maliciously be blocked at the same point, Ogere, for 330 days a year by a fleet of irresponsible tankers. Meanwhile FRSC and police harass Nigerians over ‘Particulars’ and imaginary traffic offences including taking measures to avoid the tanker traffic jam instead of sitting stupidly for eight hours of tanker-trailer hell! At Ogere on Saturday February 18 and on Sunday 19 there were thousands of stuck vehicles with billions lost in time and money. The main culprits of illegal parking on one lane reducing the functional lanes on Sunday to one were 10+ NNPC tankers and four MRS tankers suggesting that tankers, particularly NNPC tankers, are ‘above the law’ because they are ‘government tankers’. Nigerians reject this abuse by NUPENG members and trailers. NUPENG should take control or be fined directly to ensure tankers keep two lanes free and pay their fines of N50,000 per arrest.

Perhaps the NASS petroleum enquiry should investigate why mainly NUPENG tankers block the second lane at Ogere causing a simple journey of a 100km becoming an unpredictable and painful recurring nightmare for Nigerians of 10-12 hours.

And you still say we have a government-a siren government bulldozing through traffic jams? What government cannot keep its main financial artery, the highway, open? We do not have roadside bombs but we have our own road side trailers and tankers doing the job of shutting down the country’s economy and crashing and exploding in fireballs killing many. Can CBN take time off to do a research paper on the economic

and time losses at Ogere and get the road freed up to save the nation money?

Let the life sentence for a ‘Nigerian man’ Abdulmutallab be a lesson to all 25-40 year old Nigerians claiming to be youth. Grow up and play your part as adults and stop masquerading as youth. He planned to kill over 200 people. His failure was never from remorse but from incompetence and God’s Grace. An attempted murderer is one who was thwarted and should be treated as if he had succeeded. Admitting to murder merely makes the trial shorter. The conclusion of guilt is the same and the punishment is the same as if the murderer had succeeded.

As we bury the 22 transport bus crash victims in Bauchi State, NASS should force FRSC and NURTW to hold an enquiry every time it happens or NURTW should be disbanded for mass murder. The NURTW enquiry should exclude drunkenness, incompetence, speeding or irresponsible behaviour and sanction accordingly. If 22 people died in a stadium or plane crash there would be a huge enquiry. It is time to start such enquires for road crashes to interrogate NURTW members who are too busy fighting to drive safely. The motor parks where the vehicles originated must be closed for mourning. A memorial plaque erected in the motor parks may bring some sanity. Drink and drugs must be eliminated. FRSC must remember that enforcing speed limits and ‘Drive Right’ for slow vehicles are of much more value to Nigerians’ survival than ‘particulars’ checks.

‘It is only in a country with no government that an expressway can repeatedly and maliciously be blocked at the same point, Ogere, for 330 days a year by a fleet of irresponsible tankers’

Unsavoury side of ‘learned men’

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HE event is an annual ritual undertaken by the Nigerian Law School. It involves the presentation of successful candidates for call to the Nigerian Bar. This year’s edition was initially scheduled to take place at the International Conference Centre, Abuja on Tuesday, January 17. A new date of Tuesday, February 14, was later chosen because of the crippling strike embarked upon by Nigerians in January to protest the sudden astronomic rise in the price of petrol.

The new date, February 14, is significant as a day to share love, empathy and compassion among people. Generally called ‘Lovers’ Day’, the date evokes some innermost feeling of love, hope and emotional fulfilment. Many people trooped to the International Conference Centre, Abuja, the venue of the Call to Bar ceremony, basking in the euphoria of what the day stood for. The happy families had seen their children and wards pass through the rigorous five years of studying Law at the university, especially in Nigeria. They had also seen them through the excruciating but mandatory one-year study at the Nigerian Law School.

For the students, going through the law school is like taking a trip to ‘hell’ and back. The courses are heavily packed, and the lecturers, very ‘stingy’ with marks. After burning the midnight oil or the candle at both ends, the Call to Bar for the budding lawyers is the icing on the cake – a whole six years’ bake.

It is a cause for joy and celebration

for their families. At least, that was the mood last Tuesday as many families, their friends and other well-wishers headed for the International Conference Centre resplendent in one of their best attires.

The event was probably the first visit by some of the families to the imposing edifice that has hosted several events of international significance and repute. Personally, I have been there several times. My first visit was in October 1992 when the Federal Road Safety Commission, under the leadership of Dr. Olu Agunloye, hosted an “International Conference on Road Safety Experience and Practice in Africa” between October 26 and 29, 1992 at the venue. The conference was attended by several experts and traffic control officers from Africa and across the globe. It was a huge success.

Since then, I have attended many other events at the edifice. My last attendance before last Tuesday’s was the 2010 Annual International Conference of the African Public Relations Associations, APRA, of which I am a senior member. In all my appearances at the conference centre, I have never witnessed the type of ugly incidents that played out last Tuesday. Though the Call to Bar ceremony has come and gone, it left a sour taste in the mouth.

From what I gathered, the event was slated for the conference centre for purely security reasons in view of the threat posed by the Boko Haram insurgents who have gone on a bombing spree all over the

‘If learned men could have such a poor showing, what more is expected from those of us who are readily branded as just being educated?’

place. I was told that it was the first time the event was being held outside the precinct of the Law Schools either in Abuja or in Lagos.

Abuja has since displaced Lagos as the natural choice of the organisers because of the centrality of the city to all the geo-political zones of the country.

But if the choice of the conference centre was predicated on security considerations, those considerations were almost made nonsense of by the recalcitrant posture of the security agents, mainly soldiers, who mounted sentry at the gates. The fact that the event was split into two – morning and afternoon sessions – did not curb the surge of expectant families who came to witness the admission of their children and wards into the Hall of Fame for “learned” men in the country.

I remember many years ago when a hot argument ensued between one of my friends, Dare Adejumo, a journalist, and a lawyer to my landlord, who had come to pick up a cheque for rent in my office. What started as a small joke later degenerated into a shouting match between Dare, an Akoko man, and the lawyer, an Ekiti man, whose name I have now safely forgotten.

The kernel of the hot exchange on that day was the insistence by the lawyer that Dare could not “rightly” (or was it legally) address him as “my learned friend”. This did not go down well with Dare who challenged the lawyer’s audacity to dismiss him as just educated but not learned. If I had not quickly intervened and physically separated the two of them, as they had gone as far as pointing fingers at each other, only God knows what would have happened. Since that incident, I have cautiously watched lawyers doing their own thing without much interference from me even

though some of them could make you vomit with the attitude they put up.

At any rate, at the gates of the conference centre last Tuesday, the crowd that was waiting to gain access to the afternoon session was as large as the one trooping out of the place after the morning session.

My son, Fabian, was slated for the afternoon session. The previous night, he had hinted that we needed to get there on time to avoid any unpleasant experience. According to the invitation card, guests were expected to be seated at 2.15 pm or thereabout. We got to the venue at about 1pm and behold, there was a sea of heads, all trying to gain access or exit the place. It was an organised chaos or total confusion.

The soldiers were overwhelmed.

One of them, obviously the oldest among them, who was profusely dripping in his own sweat as if he had just emerged from a swimming pool, was menacingly dangling his assault rifle. My greatest fear for the crowd that had massed by the gate, pushing and shoving, was the fear of accidental discharge from the rifle, as he occasionally pointed it at the crowd in a recurring feat of aggravated anger. From my vantage point, I could notice that some of his colleagues were also overwhelmed with fear as they watched, helplessly, the ugly scenario. When he was not satisfied with the way he menacingly dangled his rifle, the soldier reached for a thick iron chain with which he consistently hit the crowd made up of gaily dressed elderly men and women, some of who were old enough to be his parents. It was a sad and pathetic retrogression to animal kingdom.

At a point, the tenacious crowd managed to push the gates open and rushed in. by this time, the soldier’s anger had reached effervescent

Dele Agekameh point as he resorted to flogging people with the iron chain. In the melee that followed, two elderly women in their late 60s or early 70s, fell on the tarred floor at the entrance while other people were matching on them as the soldiers attempted to close the gates. Even magistrates and judges who came to witness the event had a rough deal in the hands of the unruly soldiers.

After the episode at the entrance gates, gaining entrance into the expansive hall where the ceremony proper was billed to take place was equally a Herculean task. By and large, what happened on that day was an eyesore, very much unbecoming of an event organised by learned men. And if learned men could have such a poor showing, what more is expected from those of us who are readily branded as just being educated?

Perhaps, there is need to have a meeting point between learned men and educated people.

Otherwise, going by the appalling organisation of that event, and I am told that it is a recurring decimal, how really learned are these learned men?

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION

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GBENI Rauf Aregbesola is a point-blank fellow with very engaging cerebral value. In most of his speeches and discourses, there is always evidence of depth and sapience. He is intolerant of intellectual indolence and mental inactivity. Once there is strong conviction, he pursues his position with incredible passion and aggression. He is forceful about his predication and pushes it through with pedantic persuasion. But one thing with him is that he respects the views of others but expects them to impel him into conviction or submission with logical arguments. It is exciting engaging him in argument and on many occasions, this writer has had course to do so especially on Middle East politics which is one of his favourite subjects.

The latest victim of Aregbesola’s verbal scrimmage is Governor Segun Mimiko of Ondo State. What I find interesting in this latest episode is the fact that Ogbeni Rauf personally took the message into Mimiko’s territory in Ondo and returned to his base in Osun with photo-dramatic triumphalism.

The occasion was the maiden convocation of Achievers University during which Aregbesola and some other prominent Nigerians including Senator Bode Olajumoke were given honorary doctorate degrees in science, public policy and management.

Aregbesola told reporters that the people of Ondo State cannot afford to be isolated from the regional integration going on in the South West. His words: “My coming to Owo marks the return of effective politicking which will soon be shining in Ondo State. In my allusion at the convocation, I am not saying that the present administration in the state is not working, the people of Yorubaland have been unmistakable in their preference for a preferred ideology that bound them together politically and that as they are coming to ascendancy, all other tendencies that are not in tandem with our own, most bow and be kicked out”.

I am not too sure in what capacity he was making the statement in Ondo. We can, however, consider him a stakeholder in Ondo state since he had his post - primary school education at the Akoko Anglican Grammar School, Arigidi-Akoko in Ondo State.

Mimiko’s incubus was his own creation. His electoral

‘Progressivism is not all about performance but about reverence, loyalty, allegiance and commitment to a cultural ideology. It is because of this lack of commitment to the political creed of the progressives that makes it convenient for him to flirt with the PDP while treating the ACN as an external enemy’

Aregbesola’s salvo at Mimiko

By Dapo Thomas victory over Segun Agagu and his corrupt orchestra was made possible by the alignment and re-alignment of all progressive forces in Ondo State. But having benefited from this cooperation, Mimiko attempted appropriating the capital and dividends of the amalgamation for his expediency by making himself the focus of the new political structure and forces in Ondo, pretending not to know that those forces and structures had extant central figures.

When he was desperate to oust Agagu from power, he was having daily consultations with Bola Tinubu who has strategically been thrust by circumstances and happenstances into the Yoruba leadership. Today, Mimiko no longer accepts Tinubu’s leadership and also sees himself as being superior to Tinubu in Yoruba politics. The systematic and meticulous mobilization of supporters and followers going on in ACN is therefore a protest against Mimiko’s perfidy. It is more or less a contest of pride and wits between Mimiko and Asiwaju and I doubt if Aregbesola’s statement was not an official endorsement of the revolution in Ondo by the Yoruba leadership.

Ordinarily, between Labour and ACN, the issue of ideological difference raised by Aregbesola should not have arisen since Labour all over the world promotes and champions progressive cause which the ACN celebrates as its philosophy. But the reality is that Mimiko’s heart is in PDP which was his party before he moved to Labour Party, while he is in the party only in name. With the effective movement of the progressives back into the ACN from the Labour Party, Mimiko is becoming jittery and one is curious to see how far he can go in using his performance in office as an electoral joker.

From the way people are leaving the Labour Party to join ACN, it seems to me that Mimiko is steadily losing out in the power game which had seen him castrate and frustrate all those he perceived as threats to his dominance in the state. When a leader, and a governor, in this instance, starts having high turnover in his cabinet and support base, then something must be wrong with the leader’s style of administration or his ability to lead and rule.

I know Aregbesola’s prophecy was rooted in historical antecedents when all the LOOBO states (Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Bendel and Ondo) were all controlled by the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) during the Second Republic. I must add here that the Action Congress of Nigeria should depend more on its development agenda and programmes for the people instead of engaging and romancing with historical pre-

eminence. We must note and understand that this same history is replete with anomalies and abnormalities that took place before our very eyes in this same South-west zone.

During the 1983 elections, aside Lagos and Ogun, that the UPN ‘recaptured’, Oyo, Ondo and Bendel fell into the hands of the NPN and it was the attempt to wrestle these states from the NPN that caused the violence that brought the military. In 1991, the Sarumi-Agbalajobi face-off led to the victory of the National Republican Convention (NRC) in Lagos with Sir Michael Otedola emerging as the Governor.

And in 2003, we all saw how Obasanjo’s desperation to win the South-west in order to prove a point to his party, caused the dramatic defeat of the progressives in Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti leaving Bola Tinubu as the only survivor of Obasanjo’s tsunami.

The argument of regional integration also sounds attractive but this, to me, is not strong enough because as at now Mimiko is a member of the South-west Governor’s Forum despite his not being an ACN governor. He is there as an active participant and not as an observer. How would this now affect the state in benefiting from the regional package?

Besides, he has been attending the forum’s meeting regularly or in some cases he would send his deputy. This shows he is cooperating with other ACN governors.

If Mimiko knows Aregbesola very well, he should not discountenance his statement as one of his aides chose to do while reacting to his prophetic outburst. His commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade said in a statement that Aregbesola can only speak for the people of Osun State who elected him because progressives are known through their performance and the overall progress recorded in their states during their tenure.

Akinmade needs some tutorials on the relevance and significance of ideology in politics. Progressivism is a credo in the South-west which only those grounded in the political culture of the region can activate and actualize. As far as the present situation is concerned, Mimiko is operating the political creed that he is only familiar with but is not committed to. Progressivism is not all about performance but about reverence, loyalty, allegiance and commitment to a cultural ideology. It is because of this lack of commitment to the political creed of the progressives that makes it convenient for him to flirt with the PDP while treating the ACN as an external enemy.

• Thomas was Special Adviser to Asiwaju Tinubu from 1999 - 2007

Media objectivity: voice in the wilderness

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HAT was Irving Kristol, a relentless but objective critic of the American press, evaluating the general attitude of the media in the immediate post – Watergate era. Kristol and many others like him were worried at the time that in the aftermath of Watergate, American journalists had developed an uncanny “instinct for the jugular,” which made them regard everything in their nets as fish. It was a crazy era when out of sheer over-enthusiasm and overzealousness, reporters nearly threw professional ethics to the winds in a rabid quest to expose whatever appeared to be wrongdoing in official circle – the same situation in which Nigerian journalists seem to find themselves today in the face of pervasive rot and decay that threaten the national economy.

Anyway, by all means let us expose every known wrong-doing no matter whose ox is gored. But we must be careful and exercise restraint ensuring accuracy and objectivity in the process in order to avoid costly mistakes that could create credibility problems for the media. Perhaps there is nothing wrong in reporters smelling rat in every situation; smelling blood even in water and thus going after every perceived weaknesses. But in every situation, proper news evaluation and judgment should be respected. This brings me to the issue of N75 million budget-for-toilet-doors story that appeared in a number of newspapers on Wednesday, February 8. The same report is now a source of unnecessary acrimony between the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC)

By Godwin Nzeakah which has issued a rejoinder that reflected the contents of its 2012 budget and showed that contrary to the impression that it had earmarked N75 million for the replacement of dilapidated toilet doors alone, in actuality the amount covered a whole range of items including: Repainting of external walls if its nine-storey head office complex built six years ago; repair and repainting of its rusted steel roof structure; face lift of the reception areas, waiting room, and two-wing canteen; and, provision of directional signs in the nine-storey complex.

Also, the budget of N30m cited in the reports covered the procurement of furniture for the headquarter, as well as for its Enugu, Ibadan, Lagos and Port Harcourt Zonal offices while N10 million was for phased purchase of new air conditioners to replace old ones. It also explained the issue of N89 million and N72 million for project vehicles and Quality of Service vehicles procurement.

Two major functions of the headline in journalism which any journalist will overlook at his peril have to do with summarizing the news and attracting the reader. In doing this a good headline should say it as it is. No more, no less. Journalism is not a profession without scruples. In the face of any temptation to sensationalize or to put into a headline what is not in the body of the story, a copy editor should not be unmindful of collateral damage. Both in reporting the news

and in casting the headline, journalists should have objectivity at the back of their mind. In the present controversy, the problem apparently arose from the fact of doubtful source which the identical nature of the reports in at least four different newspapers that carried the story clearly betrayed. Otherwise, how come four different media houses that do not share neighbourhoods managed publish the story using identical headlines, identical captions and identical diction?

It is possible that one mischief maker had sat down somewhere and packaged that story in form of a press release which was eventually made available to unsuspecting newspapers, which, due to production pressure could not rewrite same before publication, thus helping the mischief maker to achieve his diabolical objective. The curious poser however is qui bono – who gains from that?

Toilet doors are the least important items on the section of NCC’s budget where they are mentioned and so are supposed not to have dominated the headline but for journalist’s peculiar definition of news as a situation where man bites dog and not the other way round. I have always recommended and enjoyed adversarial journalism but I believe also that it should have some scope, lest it turns Nigeria to a nation without legends. Of course, a nation without legends is invariably a nation without soul – an entity bereft of antecedent and credibility. Without mincing words, one must acknowledge here that the Nigerian Communications Commission is the pride of the nation

for its exemplary, if not unrivalled achievements in the last 10 years or thereabouts as reflected in its taking wireless telephony to the doorstep of the poor in Nigeria – a nation where a former Communication Minister, David Mark had described the facility as a luxury meant only for the rich. As the official regulatory agency of our communications industry, which is the fastest growing in Africa, we must take care not to drag its reputation in the mud. Yet, one is neither holding brief nor asking any special favour for NCC, but the least we can do for the commission and the foreign investors it has attracted to Nigeria is not to drag its name into unnecessary controversies.

The Commission should try to forget this minor mistake and move on, while media men should always remember their major role as impartial arbiters helping society to order things and events that swirl in and out of our ken on a daily basis. Frank K. Kelly, an influential American media analyst describes this role of the journalist more succinctly: “Often it seems that our society is a tremendous cave of sounds in which voices bounce back and forth, calling to one another, responding to one another, stimulating one another. The journal-

ist stands in the middle of this roaring chamber, trying to catch the most significant voices, the rising new voices, the receding old voices. As he listens, he must think… for himself… and for the millions who rush from the confusion of their private lives to the perplexities of trying to be citizens of the world.”

I cannot agree more.

But to effectively or meaningfully play this role, the journalist must regard objectivity as his cornerstone. To this end, J. L. Hulteng, an eminent journalism scholar reminds us that it is important to realize that journalists who cling to the notion that it is best to try to hue as closely as possible to the idea of objectivity are more dependable guides to understanding society than are those… who scorn the concept of objectivity.

According to Hulteng, non-objective reporters approach the task of ordering social confusion as an opportunity to identify “good guys” and “bad guys” according to a special-interest scorecard. Their biases and the categorizations they make tend to reflect the causes in which they have enlisted. To that extent therefore their credentials for carrying out the ordering function of the media are flawed.

• Nzeakah writes in from Lagos

‘According to Hulteng, non-objective reporters approach the task of ordering social confusion as an opportunity to identify “good guys” and “bad guys” according to a special-interest scorecard. Their biases and the categorizations they make tend to reflect the causes in which they have enlisted’

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NATIONSPORT WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

Mikel hopes

Kanu motivates Eagles

to avoid Chelsea disaster

=Benitez tipped to replace Villas-Boas

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HELSEA midfielder John Obi Mikel admits it would be a 'disaster' if the Blues failed to attain a top-four in the Premier League table.

The west London side currently lie fifth in the Premier League, 17 points behind leaders Manchester City.

Their spot in next year's tournament is being threatened by their poor domestic performances, and the Blues have won just once in their last five games.

The Nigeria international insisted the Blues must finish in the top four to ease the pressure on the club and, then they can look to establish a fresh title bid next season.

"We must finish in the top four, anything less than that is disaster. That will ease the pressure off us to look forward to a better season where we can think of winning the title," Mikel said.

However, former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez could make a shock return to the Premier League as Chelsea's caretaker boss if they dump Andre Villas-Boas.

It is claimed the man who orchestrated that incredible Champions League final comeback in 2005 is high on the list of possible replacements for the Portuguese should the Blues exit a competition which has become an obsession for Roman Abramovich.

Atletico Bilbao boss Marcelo Bielsa is also on Chelsea's hit list. The ex-Argentina boss is regarded as an innovator, is vastly experienced and has a strong

against Rwanda

reputation within the game.

Benitez has been out of work since being forced out of Inter Milan in 2010 after a misfiring attempt to replace former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho at the San Siro.

But he has the advantage of having got the best from misfiring Stamford Bridge striker Fernando Torres during the final years of his Anfield reign.

The Daily Mail claims Fabio Capello was also being considered for a caretaker role should Abramovich lose faith in Villas-Boas, but that the former England boss i s n o t interested in a partt i m e position. =Mikel

…Urges Home-based to have confidence

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=Kanu

UESDAY training of the national team; the Super Eagles, was almost turned into a carnival, following the unannounced presence of former national team skipper and two-time African Footballer of the Year, Nwankwo Kanu.

The training which took place at the usual FIFA Goal Project site was barely 1 hour old, when Papilo as Kanu is fondly called, stormed the arena with three of his aides and he immediately caught the attention of both the media, the technical crew and players who were sweating it out under the hot Abuja sun, which then stood at 35 degrees celcius.

Kanu took a brief time off Head Coach Stephen Keshi’s hectic training schedule to whisper salutations into the ears of his former captain and waited patiently for training to

…Ups Home Eagles quota to 11

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UPER EAGLES’ Head Coach Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, has dispelled news making the rounds that he has any axe to grind with Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi, hence his non-inclusion in the team that will battle Rwanda next week Wednesday.

Team’s Media Officer, Ben Alaiya, quotes Keshi as saying: “this camp is a national team’s camp of love and not of hate, how can a father like me quarrel with a son like Mikel. The young man is full of talent and is a player who has several

Joel Obi gets Inter chance against Marseille

H

=Joel

Obi

be determined and not be shaky because some of your brothers are coming from Europe to join the team. They all started from here like you and you should show them that you can play as ell as they can and demonstrate it when you engage Rwanda in Kigali ”, he said.

He praised the courage and belief of Keshi in the players and urged the players to repay Keshi with success in all their qualifying games for the South Africa 2013 Nations Cup and the Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

Team skipper, Chigozie Agbim, who replied on behalf of the players, thanked the icon for finding time to visit them in training and assured that the team will not let him and the Nigerian public down when they confront Rwanda in eight days time.

Keshi says Mikel rift not true

UEFA CHMAPIONS LEAGUE

AVING b e e n out of action for Inter Milan in the last two Italian S e r i e A matches, N i g e r i a ' s midfielder Joel Obi may have the feel of the UEFA Champions League as the Nerazzuri clash with Marseille at Stade Velodrome tonight.

Obi was benched in Inter's 10 defeat by Novara last weekend and relegationthreatened Bologna's 3-0 upset in Milan last Friday. He has, however, been listed to contest for shirt in an all important match against Marseille.

Inter has looked miserably bad in recent weeks.

Having won nine games out of 10 either side of Christmas to reinvigorate their bid for a Champions League place, Claudio Ranieri's side have

end in order to address the players. Once training was done the horde of sport writers engaged Kanu in all aspects of the game and he obliged them, after which he went straight with Keshi to address the players.

Addressing the team, Kanu initially started by jokingly saying that he had come to fight for a shirt in the squad, to which Keshi replied that he was welcome, since he still features regularly for Pothsmouth fc in the English championship.

Speaking seriously, Kanu said he had come to identify with all the players and to build the much needed confidence in them, as every Nigerian has the belief that the national team can go to Kigali in Rwanda next week to pick the three points at stake.

“You have to have confidence in yourself and to

hit the skids in recent weeks and have not won in six games in all competitions.

In Serie A, Inter have taken one point from a possible 15 matchessliding to seventh place on the league - and after a 4-0 mauling at Roma, their last two games saw them lose at home.

One of the few bright spots for Inter has been the revived form of Diego Milito, 2010 UEFA attacker and footballer of the year. Milito was rested for the match against Bologna, but the Argentine has scored eight of Inter Milan’s last 12 goals in Serie A. Unfortunately, Inter is winless in February, and the Nerazzuri have been outscored 8-0 in their last three matches. A trip to Marseille is certainly not coming at a good time for this side, especially considering their recent defensive woes—12 goals conceded in their last four matches. If Inter falter again, Claudio Ranieri may be replaced with Fabio Capello as the leading candidate at the moment.

years left in him, but he was just coming back from an injury lay-off and we thought it wise to leave him to settle down before we call on him again to come and fight for his fatherland”.

Keshi pleaded with the media, whom he said are partners in progress to always crosscheck facts before going on air or publishing them with the appropriate quarters.

Another issue that Keshi also took time off to clear was the alleged injury to returnee midfielder, Sanni Kaita. Keshi said Kaita is not injured and has been playing regularly for his club, urging those in doubt to call on his Russian club to find out details. “We have taken time to select the best for the national

team and we find Kaita to be one of them, those who say he’s injured should call his club to find out the truth, from our end we have a fully fit Kaita ready to represent his fatherland”.

Similarly, Keshi has said he would pick 11 home based players to join the 11 foreign based players earlier announced last week for the trip to Kigali Rwanda for the Nations Cup qualifier.

As at Tuesday afternoon, 21 players were in camp, following the arrival of Kwara United’s Barnabas Imenger and Akwa United Solomon Jabason to boost the 19 players who have been sweating it out for shirts for the battle of Kigali .

NFF IMPASSE

NSC seeking answers from FIFA N

ATIONAL Sport Commission (NSC) hopes a March trip to see FIFA boss Sepp Blatter will address the crisis in the country's Football Federation.

In January, a federal high court in Abuja dissolved the football federation (NFF) and Premier League (NPL).

The court declared that only the Nigeria Football League (NFL) and the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) have the legal authority to operate.

The NFA became the NFF in 2009, but failed to register the change properly. This is why the Nigerian law is refusing to recognise the NFF as the national body governing the country's football.

Nigeria's Sports Commission - which is in effect its sports ministry - has now stepped in to set up a meeting with FIFA. "I can confirm that the Sports Commission plan to meet with the FIFA president on 15 March in Zurich to discuss this situation," Tony Ohaeri, spokesman for the sports commission, told BBC Sport on Monday.

"There is a need to meet with FIFA to explain the situation concerning the Nigeria Football Association and the Nigeria Football Federation. The NSC representatives will travel to Switzerland for this important meeting, and hopefully there will be a solution to the path to follow."

Days after the initial ruling by the federal

high court in Abuka, the NFF filed an appeal as well as a motion for a stay of execution of the judgement pending appeal.

On Monday, the court adjourned the hearing on the stay of execution until April 19.

According to Akin Olujimi, counsel to the NFF, the body will continue to operate on the basis that they followed due process in filing the appeal.

"We will argue the case on April 19, but what the law says is that my clients can go about their jobs," he explained.

Nigeria's Super Eagles are trying to revive their flagging fortunes after their failure to qualify for this month's African Cup of Nations.

But court cases, infighting and government interference in the administration of the NFF have overshadowed plans to revitalize football in the country.

FIFA had initially imposed a ban for what it called "government interference" in the running of Nigerian football in the wake of the national side's early exit from the World Cup. But it lifted the ban provisionally after some steps were taken, notably allowing the country to play a 2012 Nations Cup qualifier in Guinea.

FIFA rules prohibit any government intervention with its members.

Nigeria are currently ranked 56th by FIFA their worst rating by the world governing body in 12 years.

Mayweather denies $50m offer from Pacquiao T

HE camp of Floyd Mayweather Jr. ‘pooh-poohed’ Manny Pacquiao’s statement that he has given the unbeaten American a $50-million counteroffer to make the super-fight.

Mayweather’s adviser Leonard Ellerbe told Yahoo! Sports’ Kevin Iole that Pacquiao made no such offer.

The Filipino champion earlier said he offered Mayweather a $50-million guarantee back in January just to make the fight.

Pacquiao said the rest of revenue, including pay-per-view earnings, will be split with 55% going to the winner and 45% going to the loser.

The fighting congressman said he made the counteroffer shortly after Mayweather proposed that Pacquiao will receive a $40million guarantee for the fight.

Ellerbe claimed that Pacquiao couldn’t

=Mayweather

h a v e come up with such offer, claiming that the Filipino boxer didn’t know where the revenue would be coming from. “[Pacquiao] is a guy who doesn’t know what he makes fight to fight. He has no idea of where the revenue comes from. There’s no way he’s going to come up with something like that [offer] off the top of his dome,” he said.

Ellerbe said Pacquiao’s claim was just a yarn spun by boxing promoter Bob Arum.

“What Manny Pacquiao has to understand, and I don’t think he understands this part, is that if the fight ever comes off, he’ll never make the kind of money that Floyd makes,” Ellerbe said. “That’s simply because of the structure of his terrible deal with his promoter.”

Inyama,Amadu confident of Eagles’victory

N

IGERIA Football Federation (NFF), Executive Committee member and Chairman of the Nationwide League, Chief Emeka Inyama, was part of the crowd that watched the Super Eagles train on Tuesday in Abuja .

Also in attendance was NFF Scribe, Dr Musa Amadu, Technical Director, Dr Emmauel Ikpeme and NFF chief spokesman, Demola Olajire, among several personalities who have come to identify with the preparations for the game in Rwanda .

Commenting on preparation for the game, Inyama said he was enthralled by the presence of Nwankwo Kanu to boost team morale and urged the players to reward Kanu, with a resounding

victory in Rwanda .

“We are witnessing the true rebirth of the national team and these fully home-based squad should help to tell the world that we are still a force not only in African football but in global soccer”, he said.

Inyama praised the seriousness of training and said he saw nothing but victory, when the national team takes on Rwanda next week Wednesday.

On his part, the NFF Scribe praised Coach Stephen Keshi for his commitment to rediscovering Nigerian football, assuring for the umpteenth time that support from the Glass House will never be lacking.

Controversy rages over Kaita injury

R

ECALLED Eagles’ star Sani Kaita is at the centre of a controversy over whether or not, he is fit for next week’s Nations Cup qualifier in Rwanda.

Kaita himself has debunked claims attributed to his Ukrainian club and representatives that he is nursing an injury that has sidelined him for over two months.

“There is no truth that I’m injured and out of the match in Kigali,” Kaita told MTNFootball.com Tuesday “I have fully recovered from the injury I suffered towards the end of last year and I’m with my team in Turkey on a training tour and I have even played a test game.”

He disclosed he will join the Eagles, training camp in Abuja this weekend ahead of the trip to Kigali.

However, other media reports have quoted officials of Kaita’s club Tavriya as saying the player is injured even though he is with the club in Turkey.

A representative of the defensive midfielder and former international Tijjani Babangida also confirmed the player’s injury, but insisted that “even with one leg, Kaita will honour Keshi’s invitation”.

Last week, Kaita was recalled by Nigeria after almost two years frozen out of international football following a sensational sending off against Greece in a 2010 World Cup group game in South Africa.

=Kaita

HEALTH

BENEVOLENCE

ADMONITION

Parents urged to immunise kids

Rotary donates to orphanage, school

Youths advised to embrace peace, love

Kano

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Lagos

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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Lagos

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Page 25

Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

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HERE was jubilation in rural communities in Olorunda Local Council Development Area, Lagos State as projects valued at millions of Naira were inaugurated.

One of the projects was an ultra-modern market built in Aradagun area of the council. Its inauguration attracted hundreds of residents who cheered and praised the LCDA chairman, Hon Amida Abudu for his efforts in rural development.

In Ibiye Community, the old and dilapidated Salvation Army Primary School got a new lease of life under the Abudu administration. The rehabilitated school has also been equipped with modern facilities, including a befitting headmaster’s office, library and sick bay. It also has a new block of six fully furnished classrooms in addition to an ICT centre equipped with 20 flatscreen computers.

Both the market and school were inaugurated by the Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lagos State, Mr Ademorin Kuye.

After flagging off the first phase of the market, the Commissioner also laid the foundation stone of a 50-unit extension of the facility slated for completion in the second phase. This drew more applause from the residents.

The event attracted several dignitaries from the locality and beyond.

A crowd of market women followed the council chairman and the officials as they moved from one inauguration venue to another. The Women Wing of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) sent a formidable delegation.

Many said the new market will boost economic activities in not only the host community but also in the entire LCDA. Abudu said his administration had continued to set the pace in rural community development, adding that he and his team are as concerned about urban re-

•Ademorin Kuye cuts the tape to inaugurate the Aradagun Market. Hon Abudu (third right) and others assist

Council inaugurates projects Launches school blocks, markets and ICT centre Promises more projects for people’s benefit Community hails chairman’s efforts

By Emmanuel Udodinma

newal as they are in growth in rural areas.

The administrative style of the

council leadership has placed Olorunda LCDA in a leading position in grassroots development in the state, Abudu said.

He told the people that it is better to give them enduring projects than

to distribute money or food items in their communities. Abudu further said that his administration has spent money on schools in the council.

He pledged to ensure that children in the council will no longer be

tagged illiterate.

“We must encourage our children and also improve on the quality of teachers produced in the state. ‘’Our investments are borne out of the belief that our children should be comprehensively educated,” he said.

“They are our future. We are confident that with the concerted ef•Continued on Page 26

Speaker donates ICT centre to Alma Mater

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•Tambuwal

HE Speaker of House of Representatives Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has donated an ultra-modern computer centre to his Alma mater, Abdullahi Barau Secondary School, Dogon Daji in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The centre equipped with 20 sets of HP computers, a photocopier machine, a printer, a scanner and a binding machine is connected to the Internet.

In appreciation of the Speaker’s

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

gesture on behalf of Dogon Daji communities, a son of the former Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki and member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdulsamad Dasuki said Hon.Waziri Tambuwal’s gesture was part of his contributions to the development of education in Sokoto State in particular and the country in general.

Hon. Dasuki noted that the centre

would assist those who are indigenous to the area in the pursuit of their academic and intellectual activities especially in research and related curricular.

In his remark, the chairman of the council Alhaji Bello Sambo said: “Waziri’s donation at this computer age will go a long way in boosting the morale of students in the school.”

While reflecting on his personal fraternity with the National Assembly, Sambo stated that the “Speaker was my classmate in this school. He is a person that always likes to con-

tribute to the development of the society.”

In the same manner, a former member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Umar Mode Iliya praised the Speaker for his efforts towards societal development. He urged other members of the society to emulate him. “We need people like him to assist us in addressing the problem of unemployment in this country. This problem can be addressed through information and communication technology,” he said.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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Council rewards Spelling Bee winners

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ARD work has been rewarded in Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area, Lagos State. Various educational materials, including dictionaries, exercise books and writing materials, were given to pupils of primary and secondary schools in the council who excelled in a Spelling Bee competition.

Wife of the council chairman, Mrs Oluwatoyin Ganiyat Robert handed out the materials to the pupils. She also urged them to aspire to higher attainments.

Mrs Robert told the pupils to draw inspiration from Nigeria’s literary icons such as Professors Wole Soyinka and Chinua Achebe, and seek to be role models like them. She said the two literary heroes are revered because of their achievements and contributions to the development of the country, including the educational growth of children.

The council chief’s wife hailed the Spelling Bee contest, telling the pupils that the council rewarded them in order to inspire them.

She said children should be encouraged to participate actively in the competition in order to boost their faculties. Mrs Robert described education as the bedrock of any civilised society.

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HE Palace-in-Council, chiefs, and elders of Igbesa Town, a sprawling agrarian settlement in Ado-odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State has commended the Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun for upgrading the erstwhile Igbesa campus (now main campus), of the Gateway Polytechnics, with satellite campuses in three other locations across the state.

The upgrading of the institution is a fall out of the current reforms of the education sector by the Amosun administration.

This development, it is believed, will pave way for standardisation of the various courses already accredited as well as engender the approval

By Emmanuel Udodinma

There were three winners in the primary school category. They were Mariam Popoola (Primary Five, L A. Primary School, Ilogbo); Favour Eswanne (Primary Six, Community Primary School, Shibiri; and Sukurat Mohammed (Anglican Primary School III).

In the secondary school category, Olaitan Azeez from Lagos State Government Senior Secondary School won. So did Olikagu Ugochukwu from Ilogbo Elegba Senior Secondary School and Nkechi Ezenwaka from the same school.

Draw inspiration from Nigeria’s literary icons such as Professors Wole Soyinka and Chinua Achebe, and seek to be role models like them •Mrs Robert presents a prize to one of the winners, Olaitan Azeez

Igbesa council of chiefs praises Amosun

By Nkpemenyie Mcdominic

of the many courses awaiting the nod of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for take off.

Commending the Governor, the Igbesa Council of Chiefs promised to provide every necessary support to both the school’s management and government to ensure that the institution actualises it’s full potential.

They warned all land speculators, hoodlums and other miscreants who may want to foment mischief to steer

We want to use this opportunity to appeal to the government (state and federal) to please help link Igbesa with Lagos by constructing the less-than-fifteen kilometre road that connects our community with Ayobo-Ipaja Town in Lagos.” We appeal to government to dualise the Captain David’s Road to link Igbesa Town with Lagos through Ayobo Ipaja Town

•The new-look Salvation Army Primary School

clear of the institution’s lands as it has been fully given to government for the school’s projects.

Also, the chiefs warned mischief makers to stay away from all government-acquired lands, including the Opic Housing Estate and the Igbesa Free Trade Zone. They threatened that any defaulter will be dealt with according to the laws.

They called on the polytechnic community to take the students as their own children, even as they promised to visit the school from time to time.

According to Otunba Ezekiel Ade Durojaiye, the Amona Oba of Igbesaland and spokesperson for Igbesa council of chiefs, the council has already petitioned the InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP) Muhammed Abubakar over the activities of land speculators. He called on Governor Ibikunle Amosun to help checkmate the activities of these shadowy characters.

Otunba Durojaiye further called on the governor to put in place all infrastructure and facilities that will make the school a proper place for character building and learning.

The Chiefs-in-Council equally called on the Governor and the In-

spector-General of Police to checkmate the activities of the land agents and touts who move around with dangerous weapons threatening lives and properties. They reiterated that the land has been freely donated to the state government, as such all speculators on the land should be apprehended and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.

In a related development, Chief Durojaiye has appealed to the state government in particular and the Federal Government in general to construct a road that would link Igbesa community with Lagos.

He said: “We want to use this opportunity to appeal to the government (state and federal) to please help

link Igbesa with Lagos by constructing the less-than-fifteen kilometre road that connects our community with Ayobo-Ipaja Town in Lagos.”

We appeal to government to dualise the Captain David’s Road to link Igbesa Town with Lagos through Ayobo Ipaja Town.

The Igbesa council of chiefs however promised to support the Amosun administration to actualise his goals and aspirations for the people of Igbesa in particular and the entire Ogun State in general through equitable spread of the dividends of democracy and good leadership.

•Nkpemenyie Mcdominic writes from Lagos

Projects inaugurated •Continued from Page 26 forts of all stakeholders, we will definitely get there.

The Supervisor for Education in the council, Hon. Alagbe Oluwatosin praised the chairman for his gesture, calling on the pupils to engage in educational activities rather than anti-social behaviour.

In an address, the Ibiye Community Development Association described education as an integral part of any nation’s development. The organisation also called on pupils of Salvation Army School to protect the ICT tools and other facilities that have been installed in their institution.

Commissioner Kuye said the Abudu administration could be likened to those of the state governor Babatunde Fashola and his predecessor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in terms of achievement.

The commissioner hailed the priority given to educational development, describing it and other projects of the Olorunda council as the dividends of democracy.

Kuye urged the council leadership to sustain its developmental drive.

In his closing remarks, Prince Wale Adesina, Secretary of the council, urged residents of the communities where the projects are sited to protect the facilities and support the council leadership.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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S part of its commitments to ensure improved agriculture and food security, the Kwara State Government has concluded arrangements to partner with Cornell University, New York to launch a master plan for the state’s agricultural modernisation. The project will form the basis of the administration’s measure to drive economic development using its strength in agriculture.

In preparation for the launch, a team of Professors from the University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has arrived in Ilorin, the state capital to finalise details with the state government.

Based on collaboration between Bridge Education and Technology Institute, a US-based consultancy and the state government, the plan was designed by the Cornell Professors and a number of their renowned Nigerian counterparts.

Making the announcement in Ilorin, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed said the master plan out-

27

Kwara launches agricultural master plan lines strategies to improve the state’s agricultural and agro-industry infrastructure, harness the state’s agricultural endowment through the application of science and technology to the agricultural processes.

It also aims at raising the state’s agricultural output to enhance economic, food and nutritional security of the people of Kwara State in particular and Nigeria in general, as well as build on the previous administration’s successes in agriculture. Continuing, Ahmed said the master plan also forms the main plank of his strategy to leverage on the state’s growing reputation for commercial agriculture and agro-allied businesses, according to a statement signed by Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Media and Communications, Dr. Muyideen Akorede, Governor Ahmed said that the

master plan is also designed to create global opportunities for Kwara’s agricultural products and evolve an enabling environment to attract high impact foreign and local investors and entrepreneurs to the state.

Reiterating his belief in the potential of agriculture to accelerate

the state’s and indeed Nigeria’s growth, Ahmed said the launch of the master plan will set the state firmly on the path of accelerated development as it will create jobs, ensure food security and generate revenue for the state as well as provide inputs for industries and agroallied businesses.

The master plan is coming barely weeks after the Ahmed administration signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Valsolar Consortium of Spain for N70b rice cultivation, processing and packaging project in the state, which the government asserts will create 12, 000 jobs over the value chain.

Kebbi governor’s wife advises women on productivity of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) in Dakingari, the local government headquarters.

Hajiya Asma’u also admonished all parents and guardians to enroll their wards in schools in order to have a morally-sound society, even as she urged members of the union to give priority attention to the education of rural women and the ren-

dering of humanitarian services.

Speaking at the event, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Hafsat Ahmed Gulumbe and the state FOMWAN Amirah, Hajiya Amamatu Kwaido urged the newly constituted association to intensify their efforts in teaching women about religious obligations; as the present administration is ready to support women in realising their innate potential.

•Technicians at LASUTH’s dental laboratory contribute to the well-being of Lagosians. That is why we keep improving, adding one thing or the other every now and then. We won’t stop until every Lagosian is healthy and safe,’’ he reiterated.

He praised Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola and the Ministry of Health for commitment to the hospital. Such support, he said, is critical to the various transformations going on in the hospital.

“This administration has been supportive and impressive,’’ he began.

“It has offered us financial, moral and all manner of supports and we do not think slightly of these gestures.”

Oke called on individual and corporate bodies to complement government’s efforts in moving the hos-

pital forward. He said various projects have been conceived to make it perform better. Some of them, according to him, were dental department extension (N75m), reconstruction of road and drainage network (N200m), purchase of renal dialysis machines (N100m), acquisition of ambulances for intra and inter-hospital movements (N30m).

Others were acquisition of anaesthetic machines (N75m), upgrading of laboratories (N50m), purchase of engineering equipment (N100m) and development of cardiology and cardiothoracic unit (N300m).

He said well-meaning individuals and organisations should join the crusade to make healthcare delivery faster and smoother in the state.

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HE Wife of Kebbi State Governor, Hajiya Asma’u Sa’idu Dakingari has described as unnecessary the serious commitment of women on matters concerning wedding and naming ceremonies rather than being dedicated to issues of development. She pledged to support the enactment of law to regulate such excesses.

She spoke at the inauguration ceremony of the Suru Local Government chapter of the Federation

From Khadijat Saidu, Birnin Kebbi

LASUTH’s giant stride

J

UMOKE Alabi, 27, was in buoyant mood that sunny afternoon.

The social worker had just been delivered of a baby boy few days ago. But her joy was almost shortlived. Her delivery was mishandled in a private hospital. She lost pints of blood. Alabi almost lost her first child too. ‘’I was left lying in the pool of my own blood. My baby was dying,’’ she recalled.

When her case worsened, she was referred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), a decision she said saved her life and the baby’s. “The doctor said I would have died if I was brought an hour later. I am better and fit again. My baby is good too and I am so happy,’’ she stated grinning.

The social worker attributed her amazing recovery to the team of doctors working on her. “They have been helpful, very courteous.

At first, I wondered if I was in a general hospital because of how I am being treated. Things have changed a lot here and I am grateful for this,’’ she stated.

Alabi and other patients at the ward said they have enjoyed the best treatment possible.

LASUTH’s children’s wing underscores this great transformation.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Wale Oke, said the wing was conceived to ensure that children get the best of attention while on admission. The paediatric ward now boasts 17 beds. 333 children are admitted monthly, hospital officials said.

To attend to babies on admission are 11 consultants with different specialisations, a development officials said has improved recovery at the department. There are also 30 resident doctors, medical officers and nurses treating the kids jealously.

The surgery and neonatology departments admit only infants from 0-28 days. There, premature babies are placed on incubators for better

By Sunday Oguntola

growth and respiration. Though officials denied reporters access to the hall to prevent infection, the babies appeared good from a respectable distance.

The hospital has also acquired the echo-cardiograph, a hi-tech machine for checking the heartbeats of children and pregnant women.

This, officials said, is to detect possible hiccups and nib them in the bud. The device, it was gathered, has become a key component in the management of heart-related diseases among children.

Oke said the hospital was proud to be one of the few privileged owners of the machine in the country.

“With this device, we can discover defective hearts and begin comprehensive treatment immediately.

Children and pregnant women are really at advantage here,” an expert on the device said.

The children’s wing of the hospital also boasts its own laboratory and pharmacy. The idea, it was said, is to offer concentrated medical attention that is children-friendly and tailored.

The dental clinic, which was recently expanded and better equipped, receives about 50 patients daily. Dental authorities said daily treatment has been facilitated by improved infrastructure.

Dr Olubunmi Onigbide, a consultant at the clinic, said it has the capacity to attend to various dental challenges. The clinic, she stated, is one of the most equipped in the country.

It has a section for children equipped with toys and reading materials for their comfortable stay.

The Lagos State government has approved 50 per cent slash in the payment of fees for children using the dental clinic. This subsidised fee has made the clinic more accessible to children. The clinic offers free treatment to patients from 60 and above

too.

Onigbide said patients must always endeavour to undergo scaling and polishing twice a year. This innovation has become common place in the clinic. The CMD said a dental school is being proposed to scale up capacity of the clinic.

Oke said the hospital is stepping up measures to become world-class and offers holistic treatment.

“Our goal is to become a one-stop shop for medical attention in the state. We want to satisfy patients and

Our goal is to become a one-stop shop for medical attention in the state. We want to satisfy patients and contribute to the well-being of Lagosians. That is why we keep improving, adding one thing or the other every now and then. We won’t stop until every Lagosian is healthy and safe •Oke

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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Kano directs parents to immunise kids

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•Governor Kwankwaso

HE Kano State government has directed all parents in the state to immunise their children against polio so as to ensure the total eradication of the disease from the state.

The Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, gave the order, while monitoring the exercise at Tsakuwa and Makole in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of the state .

Ganduje, who is also the Chairman of the task force set up to monitor polio immunisation in the state, said that immunisation was very crucial, given the status of Kano State as the state with the highest number of polio cases in the

Kwara to subsidise varsity administration

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HE Kwara State government is to subsidise the running cost of its university

by N150 million, according to the Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Mohammed Raji.

He told journalists in Ilorin that the gesture was as a result of government’s recent decision to bring some relief to the students by reducing their tuition fees from N150,000 to N99,000.

Raji said the gesture was part of measures to increase the enrolment of its indigenes into the institution.

He decried the low enrolment of Kwara indigenes in the institution, saying that of the more than 5,000 students population in the university, only 2,010 were indigenes.

Raji said government had also voted about N80 million for payment for NECO examinations of

Senior Secondary School students.

He said that only N13 million had so far been released for the purpose, explaining that of the estimated 33,000 students who were expected to benefit from the gesture, only 3,100 met the required standard.

The commissioner said others could not meet the standard, because of their inability to pass the mock examination conducted by the government.

Raji warned principals and head teachers of primary schools who were still collecting fees under any guise from their pupils to desist from the illegal practice since tuition had become free in the state.

He appealed to NGOs and parents to continue to assist the government by contributing to the development of schools, through the provision of infrastructure and furniture.

T

A

T Mu’Azu Babangida Aliyu administering an Oral Polio Vaccine (OIPV) to a child during the flag-off of the third quarterly sensitisation campaign on polio eradication in Zungeru, Niger State.

“The kind of threat observed during the recent election has some colouration of ethnicity and religion which we consider very dangerous in our polity.

“Therefore, there is need for us to really impact on social transformation agenda programme.’’

He said that what happened during the last election in the state was a big challenge to the government and people of the state to learn how to live as one family.

“No single tribe or religion in Adamawa State that can beat its chest of winning election without the support of others, therefore, it is not too late

Soft drinks sellers make brisk business

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OFT drinks sellers have been making brisk business in Mubi, Adamawa State , due to high demand occasioned by the harsh weather in the area.

The rise in temperature above 34 degree Celsius in the past few days has exposed the people to excruciating heat.

The prevailing hot weather, coupled with the erratic power supply, have made life unbearable for the residents.

The situation has led to significant demand for soft drinks and cold water.

An investigation by our correspondent showed that the prices of sachet water and soft drink, however, remained unchanged in

Adamawa

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when he wants sweet.”

Uzochukwu stated that rewarding a child with foodstuffs could be trickery as it could lead to snacking between meals.

She said it was bad and could be counterproductive if the child has been cautioned against snacking.

“Before you know it, you will also begin to battle with obesity and other sugar problems.”

Uzochukwu said that constant gift-giving could confuse the child’s motives, instead of teaching the value of hard work, the child learns that if he does certain things he will get something in return.

To avoid this outcome, parents must openly discuss the purpose of the chore as well as the reward with the child, she advised.

“It is good to give rewards but we should be careful that the children are not just working for the reward.

be sold at N1,000, as approved by the government as against the market price of N2,400.

He added that the feeds would be sold in the four emirates of Gwandu, Argungu, Zuru and Yauri, to enable pastoralists have unimpeded access to the input.

According to him, measures have been

HE Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) has advocated for the establishment of a commission to oversee the development of crops and livestock.

The National President of the association,Alhaji Abubakar Wodi, made the call while speaking with journalists in Gwagwalada, near Abuja.

He also advocated the establishment of different directorates under the commission.

According to him, each of the directorates should supervise the development of

A buja crops, livestock, fishery and aquaculture.

He explained that if his call was heeded, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, would have time for political and policy issues, while the commission would be responsible for production.

“In my view, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development should be divided into two sections.

“There should be a Ministry of Agriculture where issues bordering on policy, personnel

Adamawa to stop deceiving ourselves in the name of religion or ethnicity.”

He said that it was not only the responsibility of the government to provide social security but a collective responsibility of all the people.

Thimnu-Aris said that everybody including the common man on the street, traditional and religious leaders as well as politicians and opinion moulders would be part of the transformation programme in the state.

According to him, the project will concentrate on how people should change their ways of doing things and respect one another.

• From left: Engr. Linus Ilozue; Dr. Nike Akande; Dr. Ausbeth Ajagu;Mrs Emerho OrehimeIwuagwu and Sir Godwin Omene at the monthly Academy for Excellent Study on the implication of the Cashless Economy and National Development at Oxford Hotel,Lekki, Lagos PHOTO: ADEJO DAVID

Aspirant promises better public schools

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By Musa Odoshimokhe

here in good number with me just to show support in our campaign to deliver the dividend of democracy. They have not really been fully integrated in the past but if we are given the mandate to lead our programme we will accommodate their aspirations.”

The aspirant noted that there was the need to bring to life the ailing public schools which now appeared less attractive but given the right atmosphere, most parents who had abandoned them would return to the fold.

He promised to rehabilitate roads within his jurisdiction and construct new ones so as to give the place a befitting road network which would enable the people to move easily without constraints.

On primary healthcare, he pledged to enlist the support of international agencies to look into causes of infants’ mortality and women’s health agenda since they were the most vulnerable group in the society.

“There is need to establish a forum where we can always meet to interact frequently in order to bring development to •Ibraheem the council.”

HE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other related Offences Commission (ICPC) has called on Nigerians to assist the commission in its efforts to rid the country of corruption through the volunteer corps scheme.

The National Anti-corruption Volunteer Corp was flagged off in 2009 to promote educational and mass mobilisation of citizens towards the anti-corruption crusade in the country.

Mr Godwin Oche, Head of Research and Statistics Department of the commission, said although over 10,000 volunteers had so far been captured, the commission still needs more hands.

“The form is free, absolutely free, all you need to do is to get in touch with ICPC either at the headquarters or any of the 14 state offices, just indicate interest that you want to join the National Anti-corruption Volunteer Corp, and you will be given the form free of charge.

“As at 2010, that’s the last time I took time to get the figure, we have about 10, 700 volunteers already on the scheme.”

Oche disclosed that the integration of anticorruption studies in the school curriculum was successful in both primary and secondary schools levels. He expressed the hope that the anti-corruption courses would soon be integrated into the tertiary institutions curriculum.

Briefly

Church gives free health THE Foursquare Gospel Church, Anthony Village, Lagos will hold a free medical programme for all residents of Kosofe Local Government Area on Sunday, March 4 at its zonal headquarters, 1/3 Adeteju Adeyeye Street Anthony Village, Lagos from 8:30 am.

Speaking on the programme, the host , Rev. Gbenga Adekoya, said the exercise apart from being part of community social responsibility efforts, it is a way of giving free medical attention to those who cannot afford high medical bills.

He added that the church will also pray for divine healing for the sick especially those having eye problems. Adekoya stated that medical doctors will be on hand to carry out free clinical tests and provide free drugs and eye glasses.

and administration are handled by the minister.

“There should also be a Commission for Agriculture with different directorates in charge of production of crops and livestock.’’

Wodi suggested that each of the directorates should be charged with the task of fashioning out blueprints for the development of crops and livestock.

He said such arrangement would enable government to identify areas where it could support and intervene to enhance the activities of the directorate.

According to the RIFAN president, government efforts to achieve food security will be meaningful, if producers of different crops and livestock are given the opportunity to fashion out blueprints for the development of crops they supervise.

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

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CHAIRMANSHIP aspirant in the Obafemi-Owede Local Government Area, Ogun State, Adesina Ibraheem has promised to tap into the laudable programmes in Lagos State because of its proximity to his ares.

Ibraheem, who is a lawyer, is contesting on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). He expressed optimism that if given the party’s mandate at the forthcoming local government elections, he would ensure that the missing link between the community and Lagos was obliterated.

He said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership in the council had not been able to take advantage of the laudable vision of Lagos State even though a very reasonable numbers of people living in the council were working in Lagos State.

He said: “You know we have our amiable senior colleague, Governor Babatunde Fashola(SAN) performing wonders in Lagos. He is my mentor and I want to see how the people of this community can take advantage of Lagos success to address our own challenges to even up the development.”

Ibraheem, who maintained that the council had not created the enabling environment for the youth of the community to realise their potential, said •Chairman, Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area, Hon Abiodun Mafe flanked an ACN-led government would bring the

by Vice-Chairman Hon Opeyemi Akindele(left) and Leader of the House, Princess Veronica its welfarist agenda to the council.

Olusoga during a Budget Retreat organised by the council.

He said: “You can see the youth standing

worked out to prevent diversion and hoarding.

He called on cattle breeders to ensure they purchased the feeds, stressing that it would aid beef and milk production.

The feeds include 900 tonnes of wheat bran and cotton cake.

According to government statistics, the state has 2.3 million cattle, 2.5 million goats and 1.75 million sheep as well as undetermined number of carmel, donkeys and horses.

Honour for council chief

ICPC seeks more volunteers

spite of the high demand for them.

A sachet of cold water still sold at N5 while a bottle of on popular soft drink and malt remained at N70 and N120 respectively.

Some of the vendors, who spoke to journalists, expressed joy over the high patronage and hoped that the trend would be sustained.

Mr Rufai Victor, a soft drinks vendor, said he now sold more than 1,000 sachets of water daily compared to less than 200 sachets during the harmattan season.

Parents advised on child-raising

RS Chibuzor Uzochukwu, Principal Medical Social Worker at the National Hospital, Abuja, has advised parents to not to confuse rewards with bribes when raising children.

Uzochukwu told journalists that arbitrarily rewarding children with gifts and treats could backfire.

“After a while, the child begins to expect a reward for things they are supposed to do,’’ she remarked.

According to the social worker, a bribe is a payment given to influence someone to take a particular action, while a reward is positive support for already doing the right thing.

She explained that parents found it convenient to offer a child a bribe to deal with a current problem without thinking of the long-term consequences.

“If you offer a crying child sweet to keep him quiet, the next time he will start crying

Kebbi

Rice farmers seek crops, livestock commission

Adamawa embarks on social transformation DAMAWA State government has expressed its readiness to embark on social transformation project in the state.

Mr Kobis Thimnu-Aris, Secretary to the State Government, said this during a thanksgiving service at First Baptist Church in Guyuk Local Government Area.

Thimnu-Aris said that the transformation project was compulsory following a social threat observed during the recently concluded governorship election in the state.

Kebbi releases N54m animal feeds

HE ‘Miyetti Allah’ Cattle Breeders Association says that the Kebbi State Government has released animal feeds valued at N54 million for sale to pastoralists at subsidised rates.

The Chairman of the association, Alhaji Muhammadu Dan-Ali, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi that the gesture was aimed at boosting livestock production.

Dan-Ali said that a bag of the feed would

Kano country.

Also speaking, Dr Labaran Abubakar, the Commissioner for Health, who is also a member of the task force, said: “It is an obligation for all parents to immunise their children.”

He stressed the need to immunise children against the disease, so as to engender the total eradication of polio from the state.

Alhaji Adamu Gano, the Sole Administrator of Dawakin Kudu Local Government Council, urged the people to support the immunisation exercise.

He also called for the parents’ commitment to ensure the success of the fight against polio.

37

•From left: State Cordinator Special Marshal, Mr. George Babatunde, Sector Head of Operation, R.S.2.1 Lagos, Mr Adeoye Irelemuyi and Emergency Medical Services Instructor R.S.2.1, Mrs Elizabeth Usen-Amen at an intensive training for Special Marshal in Lagos PHOTO: BOLA OMILABU

‘Ebiraland to enjoy water soon’

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ICE Chairman of Senate Commiitee on Niger Delta Affairs, Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman representing Kogi Central, has re-assured the people of the Senatorial District that the protracted water problem in Ebiraland will soon come to an end.

The lawmaker, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), gave the reassurance while inspecting ongoing projects at the Ekuku Dam and waterworks in Okene, the headquarters of Kogi Central.

A statement issued by his Special Assistant (SA) on Media, Michael Jegede, warned representatives of the contractors on site, not to do a shoddy job.

The Kogi Central Senator, stated that funds have been made available in the 2012 budget for additional work in the Ekuku Dam. While imploring the people to be patient as they will have cause to smile soon, Abatemi-Usman, who had invited engineers from the Ministry of Water Resources to Ekuku and Osara Dam said: “As a growing child, I saw our mothers and women suffer in search of water because of the perennial problem of water shortage in Ebiraland. I feel pained by this and that is why provision of water formed the major aspect of my agenda and campaign promises to the people. Water is a very crucial element in human’s life, and as such, I can’t afford to fold my hands as a Senator and allow my people to continue to suffer this hardship. I want to assure you all that with the moves we are making, the problem will soon be a thing of the past.”

Kogi The senator further stated that the entire people of Kogi Central including those from Ogori/Mangogo who appeared to have been neglected in the past will not reget giving their mandate to him.

According to Abatemi-Usman, members of his team are making the job easy for him, as they are all committed to bringing transformation to Ebiraland.

HE CHAIRMAN of Eti-Osa East Local Council Development Area, Alhaji Owolabi Yisa, has been honoured by some youths in the council.

Under the aeigis of United Youths of Ajah, the group presented the council chair with Award of Merit.

The presentation came up during the swearing-in of the council’s executive officers at Sangotedo, Lagos.

At the event, Mr Opeyemi Abodunrin emerged as Secretary to the Local Government.

Alhaji Yisa in his address reiterated his commitment to service delivery.

This, he said, has motivated the selection of the newly inaugurated members whom he referred to as ‘men and women of impeccable character and competence’.

He expressed appreciation to the community leaders for their unalloyed support for his administration and also sought more cooperation and understanding in the area of environment and traffic maintenance.

The council boss promised to continue to pursue programmes that will ensure maximum impact on the populace. He urged members of the community to be vigilant and report to him or security operatives, any strange faces or movements.

Alhaji Yisa, who few weeks into his second term in office acquired three transformers, distributed same to communities within the local council.

Abodunrin promised on behalf of the newly inaugurated executive council to give their best in service to the advancement and progress of the council.

•From left: Rotimi Pedro, CEO Optima Media Group, Jeffrey Daniel, Yeka Onka, Wall Ammar, CMO Etisalat Nigeria, during the Nigeria Idol Top 12 unveiling at the Dream Studios in Lagos

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

Life

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Text only: 08023058761

Touching lives through music – Page 31

Moving Nigeria home – Page 35

•The Langbodo cast

Langbodo Drama for all seasons

‘It is yesterday’s play written today for the future. In fact, it fits the political terrain of the way Nigerians have been governed. The audience will learn a lot from the play. It is a wake-up call forum challenging us to face it or perish with it’ – SEE PAGE 32

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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Experts tackle child labour, widowhood

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HE challenges of child labour and widowhood in Nigeria formed the thrust of an international conference organised by the Federation of International Human Rights Museums (FIHRM) in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

With the theme: Fighting for equality, the conference examined how social change can be effected in the world through human rights activism.

Nigeria’s representative at the conference, Mrs. Victoria Okoloagu of the National Museum, Lagos, said centuries after the abolition of slave trade, over 200,000 children from West and Central Africa are being sold into slavery yearly.

She added that forced labour and other types of modern slavery are being practised in the regions.

In her paper, Modern slavery: Child labour and widowhood in Nigeria, Okoloagu said there are over 20 million people in bondage across the globe. “The enslavement of the Dinkas in Southern Sudan may be the most horrific and well-known example of contemporary slavery.

“In 1993, State Departments estimated that up to 90,000 Blacks are owned by North African Arabs, and often sold as property in a thriving slave trade for as little as $15 per person Animist tribes in South Sudan are frequently invaded

by Arab tribes’ militias from the North, who kill the men and enslave the women and children,” she said.

Mrs Okoloagu, who spoke on why child labour and widowhood thrive, observed that modern day slaves exist in different countries, as servants or concubines in Sudan, as carpet slaves in India or as cane-cutters in Haiti and Southern Pakistan. She noted that modern day slavery has become a cankerworm eating deep in different societies all over the world.

According to her, another bad case exists in India where children are kidnapped from their village when they are young and are held captive in locked rooms and forced to weave in 100ms for food.

She said that the International Labour Rights and Education Fund, which rescued many of these child slaves, recalls: “Children work in damp pits near the loom. Potable water is often unavailable and food consists of a few chapattis (bread balls), onions and salt…..The children often are made to sleep on the ground next to their looms, or in nearby sheds. After working from 10 to 14 hours, they are expected to clean out their shade and set up work for the next day”.

She observed that in the UK, for instance, young African girls are taken to live with fellow Blacks in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world as house helps, while some are taken into prostitution where their wages are handed over to their masters/mistresses. She said in some cases in Africa, young girls are given out to early marriages to help relieve their families from poverty or indebtedness.

These early marriages, she added, lead to ‘several complications later in life. Some either die in the process of child birth, due to immaturity of the pelvic, or develop some terminal diseases.’

She also said: “In 2008 there were 215 million children working illegally. In the eyes of international law, almost 14 per cent of all the world’s children under 18 are working.

In sub-Saharan Africa, this proportion rises to 25 per cent.

The global total includes 115 million children engaged in “hazardous work”, which could threaten their safety or health, such as handling chemicals, carrying heavy loads, mining, quarrying and enduring long hours.

“The most horrifying aspect of child labour is prostitution, military enrolment in war-torn countries, slavery etc which remove the child from his home, often involving deception and payment for a whole range of exploitative purposes,” Mrs. Okoloagu said.

•Some children going to the farm

By Ozolua Uhakheme, Assistant Editor (Arts)

ADVOCACY She lamented that in Nigeria, different aspects of modern slavery exist and little or no attention is paid to help stop it.

This, she said, is because the powers that be are either directly involved or benefit in one way or the other.

Despite the adoption of the Child’s Right Act of 2003 by 23 states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), modern slavery as it affects the child still thrives in Nigeria. She said

‘Children work in damp pits near the loom. Potable water is often unavailable and food consists of a few chapattis (bread balls), onions and salt…..The children often are made to sleep on the ground next to their looms, or in nearby sheds. After working from 10 to 14 hours, they are expected to clean out their shade and set up work for the next day’

in 2005, UNICEF reported that 15million children under 14 work across Nigeria. These children, who are exposed to long hours of work, hardly find time to rest or even eat adequately. They are made to bear burdens too much for their age.

According to her, these children are mainly engaged in public places; street vendors (64 per cent), beggars (13 per cent), shoeshiners (four per cent), car washers/watchers ( six per cent) scavengers (five pre cent) and feet washers (eight per cent) and in semi process as apprentice mechanics/ vulcanisers (24 per cent), bus conductors, (17 per cent), iron/ metal workers six per cent, carpenters (14 per cent), tailors/ weaves (14 per cent), hair dressers/barbers (18 per cent) and caterers (eight per cent).

She identified poverty as the major factor responsible for child labour on the continent, which could be caused by death of a parent (who could have been the bread winner).

Large family size, rural-urban migration as well as poor economic situation as other factors responsible for child labour.

She said that due to lack of infrastructural development in the rural areas, families migrate to the cities in search of greener pasture. She noted that in most cases such families may not be well-equipped with good education and skills to cope with urban life. “Thus subjecting them to menial jobs which earning may not be adequate to take care of their children. In such cases, you see the children taking to street trading, hawking, begging and even in some extreme cases, prostitution in order to help enhance the family economy,” she added.

Mrs. Okoloagu described widowhood in Nigeria as a sordid situation, which allocates scorn, disdain and permanent membership of the wretched of the earth.

She explained that in most parts of the country, confinement is compulsory for a widow, and in some places, little and poorly cooked food is served the widow in either broken clay plates or even worse items.

Poets gather for Femi Osofisan

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OETS will gather tomorrow to celebrate renowned author Femi Osofisan in Ibadan, Oyo State. The poetry retreat will hold at Poetry Garden, Preboyes World, University of Ibadan (UI). It is organised by Ebiks Thea-

tre.

With the theme: The poetic spirit of Launko in Osofisan, the retreat is expected to produce an anthology of poems in honour of the ace playwright to be entitled: Launko Blues: Poems in celebration of Femi Osofisan.

According to the organisers, the retreat was inspired by Osofisan’s rich literary portfolio and dexterity.

Ebiks Theatre Director, Ebika Anthony, said: “Femi Osofisan is a giant masquerade in literary and artistic performances. He is not only a dexterous poet of Okimba Launko fame. He is also a prolific playwright,

hilarious storyteller, powerful essayist, an ingenious composer and a Professor of Theatre Arts who has contributed a very valuable quota in Africa’s placement on the world’s literary map. Having clocked 65 years and still waxing stronger as a writer and artiste, Osofisan is worthy of a big celebration. In respect of the above, I am organising the poetry retreat in his honour with the theme the poetic spirit of Llaunko in Osofisan. Lots of excitements are in store. Our dear Osofisan grace the opening ceremony with his wife and friends At the end of the retreat, participants will fashion out poems for an anthology to be titled: Launko Blues: Poems in celebration of Femi Osofisan.”

Participants would be expected to pay a registration fee N5, 000 each. This amount, he said, covers accommodation, feeding and transport within Ibadan. Interest participants can contact Ebiks Theatre via email: Ebikstheatre@yahoo.com.

•Prof. Osofisan

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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•Bada

Diana Bada: Touching lives through music For Diana Bada, the Russian-Nigerian singer, music is about touching the soul. Though new on the scene, she is passionate about music and her country. She is bent on spreading the message of love and unity through her music within and outside the country. EVELYN OSAGIE met her in Lagos.

D

RESSED in a purple shirt and a black mini-skirt, Diana Bada walked smartly into the Jazzhole, Lagos, that hot afternoon. It was the sound of her voice when she said, “Good Afternoon, I am here to meet with someone,” and her neatly packed dreadlocks that gave her away as a music artiste. Her voice was sonorous and loud in a smooth way.

Pleasant looking Diana walked towards the reporter with a smile as she waved at her. They were both meeting for the first time. But Diana’s charming countenance was infectious as they shared a cup of cappuccino each.

What could a pretty girl with the looks of a model cum a smart young business executive be doing with music? the reporter thought .

“I have always been a fan of music right from my childhood days,” she said with a wide smile across the face. “We were exposed to R&B and soul at a young age. I was a big fan of Whitney Houston; it is a pity that she is now late. The music world would miss her talent. I am greatly inspired by musicians like Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Billy Holiday, Django Reinhardt, Anita Baker, Steven Wonder, Queen Latifa, among others. My dad is a fan of soul music. He had a lot of collection – James Brown, Steven Wonder, you name it. Aside my dad, my mother and grandmother sing – although not in a professional level. All that influenced me a lot. As a child, I sang and wrote music; and as I grew older, it became my profession,” Diana said.

Diana was born in Moscow, Russia, to a Nigerian father and a Russian mother. Her family moved back to Nigeria when they were young. She had her primary and secondary school educa-

MUSIC tion in Lagos; and then, moved to Hungary where she bagged a degree in Business Administration from the University of Hertfordshire, Budapest. The experience, Diana said, changed her life.

She said: “Going abroad was a culture shock for me. It shaped my world view about my Africa, my country. And it made me understand deeply who I am, where I came from and reasons for being here. It made me realise that I could make a change, and the kind of change I could make. This also influenced my music.”

Diana, who went professional five years ago, plays a fusion of Afro-soul, Jazz, Hiphop and poetry. She is preaching love and unity through her music. Her debut album, Wardrobe Sessions, was released last year with songs currently enjoying air play.

According to her, the eight-track album, is essentially the story of

‘I have chosen to share these with the world to show that there is still hope.

It talks about love and unity. There is no challenge we cannot surmount if we are united in love. It also converses the power of positive thinking and faith in one another’

a young African girl (me) facing difficult aspects of her life while trying to live her dream.

She said: “It is like looking at the world through her eyes and how she sees things. It is an introduction into my world, my life’s experiences and events that I went through while putting the album together. I have chosen to share these with the world to show that there is still hope. It talks about love and unity. There is no challenge we cannot surmount if we are united in love. It also converses the power of positive thinking and faith in one another.”

Wardrobe Sessions is a compilation of musical pieces that tap into various sounds in music, creating an eccentric, abstract and harmonious beats.

The album’s title, she said, is inspired by various beats and genres that were explored in the collection. “It was like opening your wardrobe and presented with many choices of clothes to choose from. The album gives my fans the opportunity to enjoy various genres of music,”she said.

Listening to Diana talk about her blend of music, one could see the passion with which she carries on her case; but it is nothing compared to hearing her sing. Her music speaks to the young and old. Music, to her, should touch the soul. This, she said, is informed by her background. “I do conscious music: music that inspires the mind. It is somewhat spiritual, tapping into the soul.

And my music is greatly influenced by background which is laced with a great love for my creator; and this keeps me focused.

My parents were a great source of inspiration to me. My father taught me discipline and honesty, while my mother, who I call •Continued on page 34

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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For 150 minutes, over 90 artistes, including popular stars such as Peter Fatomilola, Sunday Omobolanle (Pappy Luwe), Saidi Balogun and Bayo Bankole (Boy Alinco), will be on stage today in Akure, Ondo State for the performance of Wale Ogunyemi’s Langbodo, directed by Prof. Ojo Rasaki Bakare. Assistant Editor (Arts), OZOLUA UHAKHEME, who watched the rehearsal, reports.

•Cast of Langbodo during rehearsal in Akure

Langbodo: Drama for all seasons

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HIRTY-FIVE years after it was first staged at the Second Festival of Black and African Arts and Culture (FESTAC 77), in Lagos, Langbodo, Wale Ogunyemi's adaptation of D.O. Fagunwa's A forest of a thousand demons, remains relevant and thematic. Multitalented theatre practitioner, playwright, director and dance scholar Prof. Ojo Rasaki Bakare describes Langbodo as an embodiment of those ingredients of leadership and followership needed in modern Nigeria.

Bakare, who directed the play, said it is instructive in the nation's political history, adding that Nigerians would learn what it takes to be a good leader as well as followers.

He noted that the obstacles encountered by the seven hunters in the play were surmountable, adding that what killed four out of the hunters were greed, indiscipline, corruption and dishonesty that characterise today's politics.

After a four-week of rehearsal, Bakare will today lead the cast and crew of Langbodo to the Adegbemile Hall of the Cultural Centre, Akure, Ondo State.

The play is a commemoration of the third anniversary of the Governor Olusegun Mimiko administration. A political drama piece chronicling the virtues of resilience, love, humility, courage, valour and peaceful resolution of conflicts, it features a blend of the academia, seasoned professionals and green horns. The cast include popular artistes such as Sunday Omobolanle, Saidi Balogun, Yemi Remi, Jibola Dabo, Kola Oyewo, and Peter Fatomilola. Others are Prof. Ayo Akinwale, Bimbo Oshin, Toyin Oshinaike, Joke Muyiwa, Bayo Bankole and Barney Obi. Bakare, who also directed Langbodo last May, as a theatrical menu for guests during the inauguration of President Goodluck Jonathan, said considering the state of the nation, Nigerians can never be tired of encouraging themselves to be upright, honest and of high integrity, which are the virtues the play preaches. The sponsorship of the play by Governor Mimiko has enlivened the live theatre that is witnessing decline in promotion and patronage. "The play affords a large size of budding artistes the rare opportunity to feature and learn from the established stars," he noted.

To reflect some contemporary issues in today's Nigeria, Prof.

THEATRE Bakare decided to infuse some elements like peace and unity in the play.

Also, to make it more appealing to Nigerians of today, especially the young ones, he updated the play. "An example of such is the duration of the play, which I reduced from four to two and half hours. Many Nigerians are impatient and will not stand a four-hour play. Again, the script is a bit loose and elastic, so there are areas I cut off that did not affect the message of the play," he said.

He stated that apart from promoting good governance and peace, unity is one strong message of the play as exemplified by the Oba of Benin while admonishing the survived hunters.

According to him, this year's production is a huge departure from the 1977 and last year's presentations. "Each time I work on the play, I see new materials for implementation," he added.

On the budget for the play, Prof. Bakare explained that though the budget is not enough, but it is enough to do the job by sacrificing and improvising. He stressed that Ondo State does not have an elastic budget and as such, made do with the available fund. At a time when live theatre is declining, he enjoined promoters of live theatre not to be discouraged by heavy budget. He also urged professionals in the industry to be reasonable with their budget in order to encourage promoters. During a preview of the rehearsal, the play opened on a musical note with the older Akaraogun (Peter Fatomilola), narrating the exploits of the seven brave warriors on a major expedition. At intervals, dances and drumming spice up the performance that lasted two and half hours last Friday.

Oba of Oyo (Prof. Ayo Akinwale) summoned the younger Akaraogun (Yemi Remi) to his palace to embark on the heroic mission. Expectedly, Akaraogun demanded the support of other hunters as well as the people who did not hesitate. After offering sacrifices, seven brave hunters-Akaraogun, Kako, Olohun Iyo, Elegbede Ode, Efoye, Imodoye and Aramonda Okunrin (Saidi Balogun)- set out on the journey with a mission to bring an object (harbinger of peace and love) from Mountain Langbodo.

At the outset, the seven hunters saw the mission not only as a

heroic one but also as a rare opportunity to serve the people and their community. As they were setting out for the journey, Kako's newly wedded wife, Pami Nku, tried to stop him from joining his colleagues, but a more determined and courageous Kako shunned his wife, offering to place national assignment above his personal comfort.

The First Medium (Toyin Oshinaike) predicted doom for the seven hunters, blaming them for accepting such a dangerous and risky venture, while the Second Medium (Joke Muyiwa) did otherwise praying for the warriors and wishing them success and safe return. The journey took the hunters to many locations where they encountered different creatures such as birds, demons, lunatic of heaven and baboons, which they had to fight to move on. In most of their difficult situations, the hunters were either rescued by providence or the Mother earth, who was always ready to give them succour. At the aesthetic level, many of the encounters were dramatised or interpreted through well-choreographed dance steps. As part of the new innovations to the production, different dance steps, songs and costumes from the major ethnic groups in the country, are expected to add colours to the entire total theatre package.

All the remaining three hunters who survived the journey were received at the palace by the king and the entire people of Langbodo. Instead offering them the object of peace, the king admonished them, and reminded them about their experiences during the expedition. The latter, according to the king, should teach them how to live and how to excel in whatever situation they find themselves.

He, however, presented them a symbol of peace, a wooden object, which is painted in Nigeria's colours of Green and White.

The message of peace was however threatened when the Devil hijacked the symbol from Akaraogun, leader of the hunters.

Having lost four of their colleagues, and now the symbol, the hunters became frustrated, but with the support of the people, Akaraogun summoned courage and eventually snatched the symbol from the Devil. That says it all about the nation's quest for peace especially now when insecurity is threatening the unity of the country.

•Continued on page 33

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

33

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•Omobolanle (left) and Balogun.

• Familola flanked by Alice Egede and Ekpenyong

Dramafor Drama for allseason all seasonss •Continued from page 32

Prof. Ayo Akinwale “I have seen four productions of Langbodo before now. I have directed it twice. But now that a seasoned choreographer is directing the play, it will be rich in dance and songs. In 1983, we took the play to UK with an 18-member cast, but today we are having over 90 cast, which makes it closer to FESTAC edition.

I am glad for this production because Nigeria theatre on stage is in slumber and it is becoming difficult to get hands for production on stage.

“Here, I can see young artistes with talent, which means some of us can rest as there are young ones around. It is a good development in Nigeria theatre history because Governor Mimiko who is interested in theatre knows what he is doing.

“In many states today, the Art Councils are dead. Many people in Ibadan, for instance, do not know where the art council is.

From this project, Ondo State will go places. And I discovered that funding of the production is never tied to bureaucracy.

Wale Ogunyemi, who wrote the play, is qualified to be a professor of theatre. He mirrors a man in search of peace, but seed of injustice, corruption are planted on the land. It sends message on good governance.”

ARTISTES’ REACTIONS Peter Familola “There are many improvements in this production because I performed in past productions of the play. The current director is a total theatre man. And I am happy for that.

Langbodo is a play for the Nigerian nation. It is talking about Nigeria. It embraces everything about Nigeria, from ethnicity, to politics, tribalism, corruption and governance. I am convinced that our leaders will learn lessons on governance from the play.”

Sunday Omobolanle “When I was called on for this production, I was very glad because 99 per cent of Nigerian artistes concentrate on video.

Unknown to them, live theatre is the father of all. If you are on stage, you don’t have time for correction, unlike video, so live theatre brings out the creativity in the artistes. If you watch the play, you will find every issue about Nigeria in it. I don’t want stage theatre to die and as such, government must encourage promoters of live theatre.”

PHOTOS : OZOLUA UHAKHEME

It is a wake-up call forum challenging us to face it or perish with it. I love my role, as the director took my home video skills to stage. It is like bringing my old memory back and am enjoying it.“

Ozi Okoli “It was a big challenge to perform on Langbodo. It is a huge and total theatre package. For me, it is another educational opportunity to learn more. If I had not been part of the casts, I would have regretted it because it broadens my understanding of the Nigerian politics. It is a play I will always wish to be part of.”

Toyin Bifarin Ogundeji “The production is unique compared to past productions of Langbodo. I have seen many of it in the past, but this is a production that brings all parts; the young, old, veteran, academia, and the town.

For me, it is like an experiment that is viable and working well. It is a timely play considering the situation we are today in area of security. And the message will be delivered to the audience clear and loud.”

Elizabeth Ansa Ekpeyong

Saidi Balogun “The play is a good and a nice experiment. The casting is fantastic. It is yesterday’s play written today for the future.

In fact, it fits the political terrain of the way Nigerians have been governed. The audience will learn a lot from the play.

“I have always been dancing in Langbodo. I performed in Langbodo when it was staged in 2006 at Abuja. The play is telling us about Nigeria’s unity, peace and love. The play is fantastic as it brings out the salient issues about Nigeria to the fore in theatre format.”

Private burial for Whitney Houston •Pop star laid to rest next to father, who died in 2003

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HITNEY Houston has been laid to rest in a brief private ceremony, a day after the pop star's family and friends gathered at a star-studded funeral to mourn her loss while celebrating her career.

Fans and onlookers gathered in several places along the motorcade route from a Newark funeral home to a cemetery about 20 miles away in Westfield. Houston, 48, was buried next to her father, who died in 2003.

The singer died February 11 in Beverly Hills, hours before she was to attend a pre-Grammy Awards party. No cause of death has been determined.

Her funeral Saturday, held at the Newark church where she sang as a child, was by invitation only. Nevertheless, fans came from as far away as Miami and Washington to bear witness — even though they were kept blocks away.

Fans gathered again near the funeral home Sunday morning,

and some even slowly ran alongside the hearse as it began the journey to Houston's grave site. Several yelled, "We love you, Whitney!" as the hearse, which had a black and white head shot of the star in a window, slowly drove away.

Newark resident Eva Aquino and her two granddaughters were there. The girls, ages 10 and 13, wore T-shirts and buttons of Houston that Aquino had bought from vendors outside the funeral home Saturday.

"We came here and bought all these things of her to cherish the memories," said 13-year-old Nalani Velez of Kearny.

Another fan from Newark, Barbara Davis, 53, said she had been waiting outside the funeral home since 8:30 a.m., hoping to glimpse Houston's final trip.

"To be here at her home-going is an honor and a blessing," Davis told the Star-Ledger of Newark.

•Culled from The Los Angeles Times

•The late Whitney Houston

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

The Midweek Magazine E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

A dance group, I-XTREME, will hold a thrilling performance entitled Love is… on Saturday at the Ballroom Hall of the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Beyond entertainment, the event is expected to put smiles on the faces of abused women, reports EVELYN OSAGIE.

A

LTHOUGH Valentine’s Day has come and gone, I-XTREME Dance Company is in Lagos with what it called Love is ...

The production holds on Saturday at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos. It is a love story that seeks to demystify the meaning of love. The two shows at 4pm and 7pm) will feature notable acts such as Yinka Davies, Nikki Laoye, Timi Dakolo and others. Fans will also be treated to various dance moves from the famed fashion designer Zizi Cardow.

The 90-minute production is seamless and blends dance, music, drama, poetry and animation, while capturing the popular notions of what love is about.

Couples would find it thrilling and educating as Love is ... takes its audience into a world of a man and a woman in a quest for answers to ‘what love is?’

Through Love is ..., I-XTREME founder, Ice Nnamdi Nweke, said, he hopes to answer the question: ‘what is love?’

“I-XTREME is a Dance Production Company that is committed to showcasing creative and innovative incisive pieces through dance, music, poetry and visual art. And we hope our debut production Love is ... will inspire the purest form of love in the hearts of many. Our artists are going all the way with the production and away from the norms and what they are known for. Yinka Davies will not only give some insightful jazzy songs, she would also be dancing.

Zizi, a fashion designer, will also be dancing on that day. The high point of the performance will show what that kind of love is,” he said.

As a creative organisation promoting the performing artists and companies, Society for Performing Artists in Nigeria (SPAN) is a major sponsor of I-XTREME’s production.

Aside its romantic and dramatic appeal, the organisers say, Love is ... is geared towards charity and creating awareness around the plights of abused women in the society. October last year, Deanne Emezi, reportedly had a quarrel with her heartthrob, Sylvester which resulted to the latter allegedly piercing her eye ball with a sharp object. According to the organisers, part of the proceeds from the event will go to supporting a shelter for abused women

the ‘mother hen’ because she has been the binding force in our family, taught me essence of love and unity. I grew with the support of my parents. They have always supported whatever I do.”

Even though her album is out, according to Diana, it was no easy task putting it together.

Her story is no different from the experiences of many upcoming musicians in the industry. She is still looking out for a record label that she

Odu feast opens Friday at UI

•I-XTREME members on the stage

In love’s name DANCE such as Deanne.

Chief Executive Officer of SPAN, Mrs Sarah Boulos, said: “February is SPAN’s month for abused women. So, we are speaking out for the abused women in our society, who are usually not backed up by the law. Even though SPAN has reached out to the less privileged children and youths in the past, Love is… is an opportunity for SPAN to touch the lives of these specific set of people. Hence, there is a

would partner her in taking her music to greater height.

She said: “It has not been easy putting all of that together. Right now, I am doing the marketing and distribution on my own; I am currently shopping for a music label that is willing to work with me. I believe in viability of the Nigerian Music Industry and its talents.

But it is not fully structured. As an artist you face lots of challenges in trying to put everything together. There is a lot of pressure in dealing with the business and promotion as-

Tenants of the House lands in Kwara

K

WARA State willl come alive on Sunday as Iqra Bookshop, Ilorin, will host the author of the award-winning novel, Tenants of the House, Dr Wale

Okediran.

Okediran, a former president of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), will be reading from his book, which was cowinner, 2010 Wole Soyinka Prize for African Literature, at the Mandate Hall of Radio Kwara, Police Road, Ilorin, by 4pm.

Highlights of the event will also include, poetry readings, comedy show and an interactive session with the author who will be autographing copies of the book for the audience.

The event will be chaired by the ViceChancellor, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede and the Minister for Youth Development, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi as the special guest of

S

EUN Anikulapo Kuti and Fela’s Egypt 80 Band will perform live at the New Africa Shrine on Saturday.

The show is specially packaged to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the burning of Fela’s Kalakuta Republic by unknown soldiers in 1977.

On that fateful day, hundreds of armed soldiers unleashed sorrow, tears and blood at Kalakuta Republic, razed it and threw Fela’s mother out of the window.

The show promises to be very exciting with heavy pulsating Afro Beat vibes from Seun Kuit’s second album “From Africa with Fury” RISE and some Fela’s underground repertoire amid lots of yabis and political commentaries on the state of the nation from Seun Kuti.

•Seun

part of the production that addresses the issue.

“I have realised that the parent should be emotionally stable to raise great children.

Women should be loved more than men because if a mother is bitter or abused. We need mother and we need them to be loved and nurtured so that they can nurture their children as they should. It is because of my husband’s support that SPAN is where it is today.”

The organisers said tickets are selling from N5,000 at La Pointe and SPAN.

Touching lives through music • Continued on page 31

Seun at Shrine for Kalakuta

honour. Other dignitaries expected at the event, include Dean, Faculty of Arts, UNILORIN, Prof Charles Bodunde; the Head of Department of the Performing Arts Department, Dr Babatunde; Prof Ayo Akinwale; members of the Kwara State House of Assembly; ANA Kwara State led by the Chairman, Uthman Akanbi; Chief Whitebread, Principal, Sapati International Secondary School, Ilorin, among others.

The reading will continue the following day, Monday, February 27, at the premises of the Sapati International Secondary School by 10am, where Okediran will be reading and interacting with students and staff of 10 schools in Ilorin and environs.

The chief host the event will be Chief Whitebread.

Iqra Bookshop, based in Ilorin with branches in Lagos and Calabar, committed to promoting literary creativity.

pects.

“Also, I feel the industry here is male-dominated. This is an issue that should be addressed; and I think the female musicians should come together and take their stand. I am inspired

by TY Bello, Asa, Sasha, etc. I commend our artists who have achieved great feats in spite of the odds. As I said , the music industry holds a lot of potential; and, there is space for everyone and with time we hope things would change. Collaborative efforts would help a lot. I hope to collaborate more with other musicians such as Asa, Seun Kuti, 2Face, etc.”

Diana has performed at various functions including the Lagos Jazz Series, Laughs & Jams hosted by Basket Mouth, the Tsunami Fund Raiser held in Abuja, Love is Blind show at Goethe Institute, Naijazz Festival in Studio 868, Stand up Ovation Christmas Carol in Lagos and the Russian 10th year anniversary at the Expo Centre Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, and more. Her video, Fun Day, directed by Bolaji Kekere-Ekun, is also enjoying airplay in musical channels like Channel O. A second video on the track, Dem So So, will be out within the year.

Diana has worked with different international producers and musicians like DJ Mango, DJ Vadim, Elmarcee, Alan Monkey, Resn, including the country’s industry luminaries such as Konga, OJB Jezreel, Olu Maintain, Oritz Willikis, Teemac, Bantu and Ruggedman and continues to explore future collaborations with other notable artists.

She is involved in various events and concerts with her musical band D-Expressions spreading her music across the nation,with her captivating performance. Fans can listen to her music on www.dianabada.com.

O

N Friday, Odu Themes Drama Group, established by Bode Sowande will flag off an arts feast to celebrate the 40th anniversary of an unbroken chronology on stage. Ajantala- Pinocchio will be staged at the Arts Theatre, Department of Theatre Arts, University of Ibadan by 7.00pm.

It is a play on street children, delinquent and absentee parenting, and the societal boom of celestial intervention through Gods and fairy in the city of Lagos.

On Saturday, at 11.00 am, there will be presentation of awards to ODU THEMES alumni and other patrons of the arts. The ODU THEMES alumni are those who are very active in the Nigerian digital video drama industry NollyWood, and among these are Sola Fosudo and his wife, Yetunde, an arts administrator, Akin Lewis, Clarion Chukwurah, Bukky Wright, Elvon Jarret, Toyin Adegbola, Yemi Ogunyemi, Seun Olagunju (NTA News Caster), Motunde Jeyifous (Tunde Laiwola of LTV, Lagos), Tunji Fatilewa, Jude Otteh (of Jos Repertory Theatre), Yomi Ogunmefun (Odu Themes veteran administrator), Kayode Ayoola (teacher of artistes), Taiwo Ibikunle, Solomon Igunare and Gbenga Windapo.

Nigeria to mark Children Day of Broadcasting

A

S the world celebrates International Children’s Day of Broadcasting on March 4, the Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, has called on the Nigerian media to work with children on this day for national development. “Children’s voices can bring in perspectives in development that we adults overlook and every Nigerian child irrespective of status, location or disability must be at the centre of our national development efforts”, he said.

Broadcasting organisations, on that day, will join the rest of the world to celebrate this year’s International Children’s Day of Broadcasting. Most stations are expected to dedicate some of their operations to children, who will take part in newscasts, productions and presentations.

Articles of 12 and 14 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child say that children have the right to form their own views and to express their views freely through the media on matters affecting them. This is what the International Children’s Day of Broadcasting tries to realise.

Theme for this year is Equity for all children in national development and will highlight the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child that all children irrespective of their status and situation should enjoy all the rights as enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Child Rights Act 2003.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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The Midweek Magazine

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Moving Nigeria home

S

ULE Muhammed was wide-wake, though his mind floated in a stupor of dream, when the fatal crash occurred. Inside the bus speeding to Jos from Bauchi, his drifting thought was on Jummai, his girlfriend. Suddenly an oil tanker plowed headlong into the bus in which he travelled, exploded into flames, killing 41 passengers.

Barely two hours before the collision, he had said farewell to Jummai. At 22, she is a tall dark-skinned beauty and only three years younger than him. It was Valentine’s Day, but he had no money to buy her any gift. All he had for her was a hug and a string of plastic beads from his mother. Her approval smile flashed perfectly white teeth. At the central motor park in Bauchi, his parting hug was brisk. He felt hidden eyes silently gunning at them. The socio-religious culture in the north did not encourage any public display of affection but he felt emboldened to transgress the boundary a little on Valentine’s Day. He was particularly sad because it was also Jummai’s birthday, and his story was still the same as it was the previous year. Unable to find a job with his First Class B.Sc. in Agriculture, his confidence shriveled. He was the first person in his family to earn a university degree. His dream to financially assist his ailing mother faded daily. After finishing his NYSC deployment to Jos, two years of fruitless jobhunting rendered him unable to look her in the eye.

He did not fully complete his NYSC service in Jos. There were riots in the city, and the local NYSC secretariat could no longer guarantee the safety of corps members serving in the state. Following the instruction of the state NYSC coordinator, he left Jos after serving only six months in the place of his primary assignment. Like other Youth Corps members deployed to the state, he believed he would still get paid in full.

Things turned out not to be as easy as he assumed. After the riots he travelLed twice from Bauchi to Jos but was unable to collect his NYSC allowances. His allowance had not been deposited into his bank account. There had been some mix-up, they said, but because he was no longer resident in Jos, he needed a letter from his local government for proper identification. The second time, they said he must submit a photocopy of his B.Sc. certificate. He collected all these documents and borrowed money from his uncle for a third trip that ended fatally on the road.

Why does Nigeria fail to pay attention to road safety? The World Health Organisation ranks the country third (behind China and India) on the list of nations with the worst road safety record. Why do drivers ignore speed limits? Why do drivers who drive drunk or high on drugs feel so invincible, even when speeding in vehicles that are sometimes overloaded or not roadworthy? Why are the police officers posted on the roads to ensure safety so negligent? Why do they so openly and shamelessly extort bribes from drivers? Could

By Moyo Okediji

all these problems be blamed only on leadership? These questions puzzled Kizito Obeya.

Obeya, who recently returned to Nigeria from overseas, watched a policeman position his rifle as if to blast any vehicle attempting to evade cops collecting bribes from drivers. In the private car in which he was travelling, Obeya raised his head from the newspaper from where he just read the tragic tale of Sule Mohammed. The tabloid story reported that the young graduate lost both arms in the road accident.

Obeya’s mind vividly pictured Mohammed lying there helpless at the accident scene, as he watched the policemen perform their extortion rituals, and nobody seemed to care.

The numb feeling of surrender that travelers experience on Nigerian roads reminded him of his grandmother, who in many ways symbolised the country. From his bag, Obeya’s retrieved a stained family photo dated circa 1975. It is the only picture of her in his possession and she looked numbed by time.

He decided to restore the picture and post it on facebook.

Would anybody recogniSe Nigeria in her portrait? On his newspaper he began to scribble a description of the sepiatone photograph. “A not so love story for Valentine’s Day,” he wrote. “My grand mom (shown seated in the picture) was

placed in chains by her dad for refusing to marry a man she did not love. She wanted someone from a different ethnic group. Her dad preferred a man from his clan. He gave orders to her cousins to march her to her betrothed in forced marriage. As night approached they sought shelter at the palace of Och’Otukpa. He fell in love with her, broke her chains and took her for his wife. That marriage produced four kids and many grandkids. The lady holding a child is my mom; the kid is yours sincerely. Everyone else in the picture is a sibling. Grandma died last year. She survived her husband and the other royal wives.”

The picture generated a wide variety of reactions on facebook. In his evaluation of the picture, Adeleke Adeeko, United States based professor of cultural studies and literary criticism opines that, “From the standpoint of what I know today, I will like to interrogate that Och’Otukpa….

The story is tragic because the woman still did not get to marry the person she loved. The Och’Otukpa obviously abused—if I can use that term—the power of his office. We all know that a horse that feeds on the grass beneath its belly must have stretched its neck to the point of breaking.”

Frank Ugiomoh, professor of visual studies and art history, University of Port Harcourt, renders a different reading. “The story is interesting,” Ugiomoh remarks. “It recalls social consciousness with regard to the feminine gender at the time, and indeed parental control over the child either male or female. My grandfather’s first of four wives was a gift from a clan head. What does a grown man do with a matured girl gift if not to conscript her into a marriage relationship? But unlike Obeya’s relatively recent story in the age of the camera, my story happened in Agenebode in the mid-1800s. Life and awareness sure change with time but these things still happen.”

Some students at the University of Texas in Austin brought other perspectives to the picture. “At first I thought of it as a fairytale,” a student wrote anonymously. “A king comes and breaks the grandmother’s chains and falls in love with her and they lived happily ever after. But did she even love the king or was he just forcing her into marriage like her father had previously done? I began to feel heartbroken and sad for her. She looks weighted down in her traditional clothes covering her from head to toe. There is a strong contrast between Obeya’s grandmother and his mother who is standing up tall with a big smile, dressed in a more western outfit. His mother looks happy and free while the grandmother looks sad and regretful.”

Another student reads the story from a different angle. “It seems like a story that represents fantasy as if it were written in a children’s book. I feel as if the voice of Obeya’s grandmother is not present. It does not state that she fell in love with the Och’Otukpa. Obeya’s grandmother was oppressed by her own father and by her husband. She had no say in her marriage and future. The king broke her chains and then put new chains on her. Since he had many wives, she is more like property than wife. Her life seemed dictated by men and not by her own control.”

Obeya’s grandmother, however, did not lose everything as she travelLed in the bus of life. Her photo may be read as the portrait of a mother seated amidst her offspring, proudly displayed like a hard-won trophy. Unlike Obeya’s grandmother Muhammed forfeited everything with the crash.

What fate awaits Nigeria, within these poles of experience?

Along this famished road, Nigeria may still avert a grim fate and reach her destination wise and gleeful, wielding a hard-won trophy.

• Okediji writes from Texas, US

Ekweremadu backs arts festival

D

EPUTY Senate President Ike Ekweremadu has called on governments to support the development of visual art.

He made the call when the Board of Life In My City Art Festival(LIMCAF), led by its Chairman and former Chairman of Union Bank, Elder K.U. Kalu, visited him in Enugu.

While praising the Board for the promotion of visual art in Nigeria and in making Enugu a major visual art destination in Nigeria, he said the city through the prestigious Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu had over the years maintained a culture of artistic excellence.

Other members of the Board that accompanied Kalu include the Director of Alliance Française Enugu, Dominique Fancelli, Peter Eze; Ayo Adewunmi and the Administrative Secretary of LIMCAF, Chinenye Ude. Earlier, Kalu appreciated Ekweremadu’s support for the Festival, noting through his support a regional office of the National Art Gallery has been opened in Enugu.

The high point of the visit, was the presentation of a painting: Five loaves and two fish to the Deputy Senate President by Kalu on behalf his Board.

Kalu drew the attention of the Deputy Senate President to the financial challenges confronting the art festival and the obvious tourism impact of the festival on Enugu. He requested the support of the Deputy

•From right: Ekweremadu; Kalu; Adewunmi; Peter Eze and Fancelli

Senate for the 2012 festival as the organisers are aimedat making it a truly international festival this year.

In his response, the Deputy Senate President promised to draw support for the LIMCAF 2012.

Life in My City Art Festival is organised yearly in the coal city by Rocana Nigeria Ltd, Alliance Françoise Enugu, and the Pan African Circle of Artists (PACA). The sixth edition is scheduled for October 3, this year.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

CAN’T CHEAT NATURE A hawker taking a break to have a short rest, not minding what happens to his wares.

Unveiling Nigeria’s top 12 leading talents

I • Linda

T was all glitz and glamour at the Etisalat sponsored Nigerian Idol top 12 unveiling gala night over the weekend.

Ibinabo, Honey, Lynda, Najite, Nikki, Diwari, Chinedu, Stephen, AYO, Mercy, Sly 1 and Joe Blue are this season’s hottest musical talents, who are in a hot race to claim the number one spot as Nigeria’s favourite singer.

The audience got a feel of their musical prowess as they in pairs gave soulful renditions of classic ballads on the newly constructed stage for the finals.

Etisalat Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Wael Ammar, said the bar has been raised in this season’s competition judging from the set of young talented ladies and gentlemen who have been able to make it

TALENT HUNT through the gruelling auditions and knock out stages of the competition.

Ammar reiterated Etisalat’s commitment to help young Nigerians achieve their goals and dreams using music as a platform which he described as medium that is easily identifiable with the youth of Nigeria.

“We, at Etisalat, see this competition as a huge connecting factor because Etisalat is a

‘We see this competition as a huge connecting factor because Etisalat is a youthful and innovative brand which offers a range of services that are targeted mainly at the youth’

youthful and innovative brand which offers a range of services that are targeted mainly at the youth”.

Also, at the event was the Head of Youth Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Elvis Daniel, who applauded the night’s performances by the contestants, said the competition just went up a notch higher judging from the calibre of contestants in the finals. He also encouraged Nigerians to keep watching and voting to select this season’s Nigerian Idol.

Managing Director, Optimum Media Group, Mr Rotimi Pedro, in his opening remarks was confident of this season’s finalists saying that they all deserved to be at this stage of the competition. He also spoke on the newly constructed stage for the finals saying it was in step to promote this season’s competition

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

38

I

N a bid to ensure that development gets to the grassroots, the Katsina State Government, in partnership with the World Bank, has embarked on projects that would enhance poverty alleviation. It plans to achieve altering the face of communities in the state through the State Agency for Community and Social Development Projects (CSPP). Already, projects have started springing up in various parts of the state.

It is a continuation of the effort of the state government to eradicate poverty as demonstrated in various development programmes that traversed the state through skill acquisition and other capacity-building programmes over the past five years.

Recently, the State Agency for Community and Social Development Projects organised a two-day Local Government Refresher Course (LGRC) programme at Katsina Motel for Local Government Desk Officers (LGDOs), the stakeholders in the council areas who are to facilitate the projects in the rural areas.

The tripartite development projects are being funded by the state government, the World Bank, and interested communities where each of the partners provides some fund contributions based on the agreed percentages. The interventions are in the areas of drilling of boreholes, pipe borne or hand pump water, construction of feeder roads, rural health centres and schools, among others.

In each of the projects to be executed, the respective communities are expected to contribute 10 per cent funding while the duo of state and World Bank contribute the remaining 90 per cent which are in three trenches each of which must be sepa-

Katsina to develop communities From Isah Idris, Katsina

rately retired.

The General Manager of the agency, Alhaji Salisu Yar’adua told Newsextra the total budget for the intervention in 2011 amounted to was N200m out of which a funding opportunity of N9m is available for each benefitting community. Respective communities are to contribute the remaining N1m (10 %) each.

He further explained that the agency is not operating a very tight budget as there is room for surpassing the N200m budget, especially when the number of interested communities exceeds the available budget in which case, the funding partners approves supplementary grants through its banks.

Alhaji Yar’adua further stressed that each of the communities must constitute an 8-man Community Project Management Committee (CPMC) to prepare a community development

plan (CDP). The committee will specify the community’s priority projects to be executed, from conceptualisation to completion stage. The projects’ fund is disbursed directly to the committee that also supervises projects to be executed.

This, he said, is a new government policy for the agency in going beyond its conventional role of monitoring, dialoguing and resolving conflicts in communities. It will also help in diversifying the procedures in project execution in rural areas and move towards the specific needs of each community.

Yar’adua said: “The concept is to allow people think, plan and do things themselves instead of government providing the entire funding, doing the planning and projects implementation for communities.

“Now we are asking the communities, what is it that you want? Their priority could be drinking water. But if we would take the decision for them, we may decide to give that

As at now, 13 Community Development Plans are being funded by the agency in which 15 micro-projects are being executed as follows: Three in Kusada Local Government Area, three in Dandume Local Government Area, three in Daura Local Government Area, one in Safana Local Government Area and two in Charanchi Local Government Area

community school when their priority is drinking water. Even the drinking water, is it open concrete well, is it borehole, is it earth dam, or pipe born water?

“If that is the case, let’s sit down and do the estimate. Give us 10 per cent and we will provide the remaining 90 per cent funding, engage the consultant, and engage the contractor. The consultant will do geophysical survey for you and the contractor will come to drill for you and collectively, you now operate and manage the projects yourselves.

“Hitherto, the approval for the Community Development Plans (CDPs) comes from the World Bank.

So, it can take two to five weeks before we get approval but now, we have been given authority to approve the Community Development Projects. So, our intervention in local governments is now going to be faster.

“The intervention in community projects is a joint financing programme between the World Bank, state government and communities.

The communities are contributing 10 per cent from all funding they are going to get. The remaining 90 per cent is being sourced from the World Bank and the state government.

“As at now, 13 Community Development Plans are being funded by the agency in which 15 micro-projects are being executed as follows: Three in Kusada Local Government Area, three in Dandume Local Government Area, three in Daura Local Govern-

ment Area, one in Safana Local Government Area and two in Charanchi Local Government Area.”

On the duration of the joint World Bank Community Development Programme, the General Manager added that the first phase will last for five years and subsequently, it will operate for another five years.

In the much-needed area of sensitisation among communities, an Operation Officer Aisha Sani said: “The agency usually deploys the medium of jingles on television and radio as well as advertisement in newspapers. Communities are requested to write letter of expression of interest to benefit from the projects and the agency then meets the interested communities for participatory rural appraisal to ascertain the community’s needs before facilitating formulation of the Community Development Plan (CDP).

The agency, she explained, meets with the Local Government Review Committee to review the projects, to guide against overlapping and clashes in project selection for execution between the federal, local government and state in a particular community.

Some of the project completed and others in various stages of completion, she said, are in Baurawa in Kusada Local Government Area where sinking of four boreholes have been completed and others ongoing in Salemawa Village. They include a feeder road, while some other communities are responding with fresh applications for support.

Council unfolds plans for people-oriented projects

By Ambrose Nnaji

•Hon. Sanusi

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HE era of unaccountability of stewardship in office at the local government level in Lagos State may have been over as the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs embarked on “Working Visits” to all the local council development areas in the state.

The visit was aimed at assessing past achievements, present and future plans by each chairman of the local council designed to give meaning to the people living in the area. Where one was found lacking stringent measures are always taken by the house members to arouse the consciousness of the sitting executive to wake up to their responsibilities.

It is the initiative of the State government to ensure that the dividends of democracy were felt at the

grassroots.

Leadership, in a true democratic dispensation, implies that the leaders put strong measures in place to fast-track the processes of socioeconomic and political development at the federal, state and local government levels. These include infrastructure such as good roads, adequate security, hospitals and health facilities, affordable education, markets as well as pipe borne water.

It is also the responsibility of the government in power to ensure cordial relationships, co-operation, mutual understanding and free flow of information between the government and the people living in the area irrespective of ethnic, religious or party affiliations.

A visit to Oriade Local Council Development Area by the members of the House did not however take the council and its executive unawares as some meaningful projects have already been accomplished in some major areas while some are still ongoing.

Some of these projects are road rehabilitation, health facilities, environmental services, agricultural, rural and social development, education and market development, among others.

Speaking with Newsextra during the visit, the chairman of the council, Hon. Ibrahim Babatunde Sanusi, who admitted that a lot of projects have been accomplished in the area, also unfolded plans to reconstruct the council chambers, upgrade the health centres in Oriade and all the residential ar-

We are here to know how the council is faring, what they are doing, what they have been able to achieve and where we think they are still lacking so that we can liaise with them, work with them and put them on their toes so that they can achieve more

eas, reconstruct all the town halls including Amuwo-Odofin as well as the local council offices.

Other projects to be executed within the year include the construction of a police station in the riverside area, and purchase of a bus for the chiefs estimated at about N6.5m.

Earlier, the chairman had increased the salary of the Obas as well as their imprest.

Sanusi further disclosed that, six toilet facilities with boreholes and pumping machines have been completed in each of the five markets in Oriade Local Council Development Area which he said would be inaugurated soon.

On the construction of the council chamber which is going to be a two-storey structure, the chairman disclosed work on the project is expected to commence in June and would be due for inauguration in September this year.

Meanwhile, plans have been concluded to refurbish the existing Chamber to give it a new look.

He said: “We have the council chamber in plan. We want to rebuild the whole axis. But before we rebuild it, we would do a kind of compressed furnishing and put it in a good shape.”

On how to source funds for these laudable projects, Sanusi said though appeal has gone to the state government, he was going to address the stakeholders for them to pay their tax into the council’s bank account, saying a lot of revenue was going into the council purse.

He said: “We are going to talk to the people. The people are helping us. They see all our efforts and they say we are trying. You will see from Oriade, Kirikiri down to Barracks a lot of work is going on.

People need a lot more to assist their living conditions. People will have to bear with us. We will do

our best.”

The chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Hon. Olarenwaju Oshun agreed there was need to ensure adequate facilities were put in place in each of the local council areas to give meaning to the lives of people.

He said: “We are here to know how the council is faring, what they are doing, what they have been able to achieve and where we think they are still lacking so that we can liaise with them, work with them and put them on their toes so that they can achieve more.

“We have spoken with them and they told us what they needed to improve their standard of living.

We are going to report back to the House. As soon as that is discussed in the House, we are going to get back to them so that those things could be implemented in the local government.

•From left: Vice-Chairman, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Alhaja Qudrah Dada; her Ojo and Ojokoro counterparts, Mrs Funmi Chichi-Gbadero and Alhaja Fausat Hassan-Olajokun during a seminar organised byDFID in conjunction with office of Lagos State Deputy Governor at Golden Tulip Hotel, Lagos

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

39

Rotary donates to orphanage, school

T

HE Rotary Club of Ajara in Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State has continued to extend its humanitarian services to its immediate communities.

It was another day of service to humanity in Ajara communities when the District Governor of Rotary International District 9110 Nigeria, Rotarian Kennedy Ejakpomewhe, during a scheduled visit to the Rotary Club of Ajara superintended the donation of various items to the needy in the area.

The District Governor’s first point of call was Hephzibah Orphanage Home (a facility founded and serviced by the Redeemed Christian Church of God) at Ibereko, Badagry where he donated food stuff, beverages and ac-

By Nkpemenyie Mcdominic

cessories including salt, sugar, semovita, rice and indomie noodles.

Other items donated were cowbell milk powder and toilet rolls, among others. Rotarian Ejakpomewhe, however, called for a cordial relationship between the Ajara Rotary Club and the orphanage home. He also asked the management of the home not to hesitate to make request(s) to the District whenever the need arises.

Also at Ajara Comprehensive Secondary School, the District Governor extended the same gesture to the school by donating already-constructed borehole and a block of four room toilets. Both projects were inaugurated by the District Governor. The school also

She praised the effort of the club for the four-room block of toilet and also promised that they will be properly maintained as they will be used for the convenience of the teachers of the school

benefitted from various types of office furniture.

The District Governor further urged the school management to inaugurate an internal club which is the youth wing of Rotary Club of Nigerian.

Responding to the club’s kind gesture, the administrator of Hephzibah Orphanage Home, Miss Eka Konsit thanked the Club for showing love to the home on a unique day of Valentine. She prayed for God’s protection and guidance for the District Governor and his entire members.

On her part, the Principal of Ajara Comprehensive High School, Mrs. Padonu Oluyemisi also thanked the club for its gesture, even as she promised to make good use of the furniture and other items presented to them.

She praised the effort of the club for the four-room block of toilet and also promised that they will be properly maintained as they will be used for the convenience of the teachers of the school.

Mrs. Oluyemisi said: “Since the establishment of the school, this is the first time such gesture will be accorded the school.”

She prayed God to bless the club and its members.

•Nkpemenyie Mcdominic writes from Lagos

•Rotarian Kennedy Ejakpomewhe, Governor, Rotary International District 9110 (middle) with others taking the first sip from the clean water and sanitation facility donated to Ajara Comprehensive High School by Rotary Club of Ajara

C

LEANLINESS is next to godliness so goes a saying.

This is the message the member representing Lagos East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Gbenga Ashafa sent to the residents of Maidan community in Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA) last Saturday.

In an effort to ensure cleanliness in the communities within the senatorial district, the office of the Senator, in collaboration with Local Government Councils and LCDAs, has organised series of environmental sanitation exercises tagged: “Clean Up Your Environment.”

The programme was kicked off at Maidan community behind Mile 12 Market, where the residents trooped out en masse to join the officials of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, who were led by the Secretary to the Local Government (SLG), Mr. Olusola Odubiro, officials from Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). The Nucleus Group, a non-governmental organisation, was also on hand to join in sanitising the area.

Sanitation tools such as hand gloves, nose masks, brooms, environmental boots, rakes, shovels and waste nylon were distributed to the residents free of charge. Also, Tshirts with inscription “Clean up Maidan Orile” were given to the volunteers among the residents, who included youths, women and community elders.

The riverside community has been said to be prone to flood in the rainy season. This, the inhabitants, said was because the locality did not have a good drainage system. But to prevent loss of lives and property through flood and preventable diseases, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) at Senator Ashafa’s Constituency Office, Babatunde Adegunju, said the lawmaker, with the council officials, deemed it necessary to initiate the exercise and sensitise the community on the need to ensure waste materials and erosion did not constitute danger to the community.

Princess Yewande Olofinro, who coordinated the programme on behalf of the Senator, said the programme would come up every month in all localities that make up Lagos East Senatorial District.

She, therefore, urged people of the

•Some participants at the clean-up exercise

Senator cleans up community

By Wale Ajetunmobi

community to ensure a clean environment, saying a dirty environment was a threat to the health of the children. Princess Yewande disclosed that Senator Ashafa was committed to the good health of the community. “This is why he sends us to clean your environment for you.”

Speaking with Newsextra, the Community Head of Maidan Orile, Jeremiah Ojubule, commended the Senator for the exercise, saying that the sanitation exercise indicates that Ashafa did not forget the people of the community after his election into the Senate.

Ojubule, who said he was born in the area over 65 years ago, however, decried neglect of the community by

the state government.

He said: “Since the existence of this community, no government has come to do any project for us.

Everything you see here, including the installation of electric cables and transformers, was done by the residents of this community. So, we are using this medium to tell the government that we are part of Lagos State and we also need amenities that are being enjoyed in other areas of Lagos. After all, people here pay tenement rate and tax.”

Ojubule said the major problems of the community are poor drainage system and bad road network. He called on Governor Babatunde Fashola to come to the aid of the community by constructing a proper drainage system. He also urged Senator Ashafa and the council officials to continue the programme

and extend it to other communities in the area.

A resident, Isiaka Kareem, said the exercise was timely in that the community did not have a proper waste water passage. He said the stagnant water had caused several illnesses in the community because there was no way it could pass on to the river body. Kareem urged the government to show care to the residents of the community by providing drainage system in the area.

Odubiro said the chairman of the LCDA, Engr. Addulwaheed Oyesanya, had gone round the area to sensitise people, especially those that raised structures on the water passage. He further said the exercise portrays Senator Ashafa as one who is passionate about lifting people of the community.

Gbenga Babarinde, a resident also said: “I commend our Senator for this initiative. However, we need him to do more for us because the problems we have in this community are dirty environment and poor drainage system. This is the cause of the dirty environment as far as I am concerned.

But in all, the cleaning exercise shows that Ashafa is listening to our cries and I must commend him for that.”

Another resident, Mrs Oladoja Adepeju, said: “We thank Senator Ashafa for remembering our community for the first time. But we want him to do more for us. If we have good drainage system and better roads, people living in this environment would be more than happy to support any initiative from the government.”

Highlight of exercise was the distribution of Senator Ashafa’s exercise books and writing materials to school children in the area.

40

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

Today, love radiates in every person who is progress-minded.

People do things with love at the back of their minds

•Hon. Arabome-Odofin decorating one of the youth with a prize

“T

HE youth are our future leaders. No country can achieve all-round socioeconomic, political and technological advancement if its youths are mentally undeveloped. This is so because an uninformed youth is deformed both in thought and action.”

This was the view of Hon. Princess Rita Arabome-Odofin; the Majority Leader of the Legislative Council of Oriade Local Council Development Area. She stated this at an awareness concert on the significance of St Valentine’s Day which she organised for youths of the council on Tuesday, February 14.

Speaking on the theme of the programme which was “21st Century Informed Youth” held at No. 40, Old Ojo Road, Maza Maza Lagos, Hon. Arabome-Odofin noted that “the programme was organised in a bid to help the youth discover their real potential in order to enable them to be useful to themselves and the society. We are also mindful of the need to re-orientate the youth towards being better Nigerians.”

Continuing, she said: “Today, love radiates in every person who is progress-minded. People do things with love at the back of their minds.

But this programme is not meant to toe the line of the usual celebration

•Cross section of participants

Youths urged to embrace peace, love

By Duro Babayemi

of St Valentine’s Day which, most often is misconstrued.

“We believe that if you love somebody, you will not think evil about him or her. You will not do anything that will harm the person spiritually and psychologically. Every of your actions would be akin to those of Rev. Father Valentine whose day we are celebrating.

“As Catholic Priest, his actions were tailored towards the progress of the other. It is unfortunate that most people; including the adults do not understand what Valentine’s Day is all about. How the celebration started has been lost on most of us.

“During his time, he was against the decree passed by Emperor Claudius which prevented young men from getting married so that his army will be populated by able-bodied men. Young men grumbled at the decree. But Father Valentine was wedding them secretly until he was caught and ordered to be beheaded by the Emperor.

“While in prison awaiting his death, he miraculously healed the

daughter of the prison official of her blindness. He wrote to the girl; advising her to be of good character and ended the letter with ‘love from Father Valentine,’ before he was finally beheaded on February 14, 270 A.D.” He performed works of charity and that should be our guiding principle.”

She said that the catastrophe that is bedevilling our country would not have been witnessed if people genu-

inely love one another, adding that helping the youth to have a drive and work towards engendering an egalitarian society would be better for the country.

Also contributing, Pastor Emmanuel Anighoro advised the youth not to mistake love for infatuation which he described as non-genuine expression of what Valentine’s Day is all about.

He noted that the progress of the country is in the hands of the youth, even as he stated that how well the country progresses will depend on the genuineness of the love that the youth are able to exhibit for the good of the society.

He therefore urged the youth to shun all manner of vices and uphold refined lifestyle that will get the country out of the wood.

Dakingari calls for quarterly security meeting

T

HE Kebbi State Governor Saidu Dakingari has ordered the 21 local government sole administrators in the state to initiate quarterly security meeting in their areas.

He made the call while speaking at the stakeholders’ meeting on security challenges held at Presidential Hall, Birnin Kebbi the state capital recently.

The governor disclosed that the aim of such meeting was to find lasting solution to the security challenges in the state in particular and

From Khadijat Saidu, Birnin Kebbi

Nigeria in general.

In a release issued and signed by the Chief Press Sectary to the governor Alhaji Abubakar Muazu Dakingari said government has noted with concern, the perennial conflict between the Fulani and farmers which has resulted in loss of lives and property. The stakeholders also called on the state government to find a lasting solution to the problem.

He added that at the end of the meeting, local government chairmen, district heads, as well as relevant agencies are to properly screen all applicants wishing to join the military and Para-military outfits to prevent bad elements from joining the services.

According to the statement, members of the public were also called upon to be security conscious and report any suspicious character or object to the nearest police station.

It also urged the two religions in the state to hold constant meetings in order to promote cordial rela-

•Dakingari tionship in the communities. It commended the security agencies in the state in their efforts to maintain peace, even as it urged them not to relent in their determination to rid the state of all forms of vices.

The aim of such meeting was to find lasting solution to the security challenges in the state in particular and Nigeria in general… government has noted with concern, the perennial conflict between the Fulani and farmers which has resulted in loss of lives and property •From left: Suswam, Abubakar and Iorhemba, Benue Speaker, at the inauguration at the IBB Square in Makurdi

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

43

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Battle for governorship seats rages on at Supreme Court The 2010 electoral reform was designed, among other things, to stamp out or reduce the delay in justice dispensation in electoral matters. However, the Electoral Act now allows appeals in governorship election matters to go up to the Supreme Court. KAMARUDEEN OGUNDELE reports on governorship suits still pending, 10 months after last year’s elections.

I

T is the highest court of the land. Supreme.

Many young lawyers quake and quiver before their lordships. Prior to the last amendments, governorship petitions terminated at the Court of Appeal. But, now, their lordships at the apex court are given a look-in chance.

Ten months after last year’s governorship elections, many cases are still pending before the Supreme Court.

The Election Tribunals established pursuant to Section 285 (1) of the 1999 Constitution to hear petitions arising from disputed election results and the Electoral Act 2010 stipulate 180 days for them to hear and determine election petitions.

By the same Act, the Court of Appeal is mandated to hear and determine appeals arising from the judgments within 60 days.

In all, the petitions arising from governorship elections have 240 days or eight months maximum to get to the Supreme Court.

Governorship elections were conducted on April 26, 2011 across the country except six states of Kogi, Sokoto, Adamawa, Bayelsa and Cross River where the governors were riding on the back of tenure elongation to continue to enjoy their offices.

Election was also not conducted in Edo State because it was not four years yet that Governor Adams Oshiomhole assumed the reins of office.

So it was in Osun, Anambra, Ekiti and Ondo. So, governorship elections were held only in 26 states.

There are many petitions awaiting final determination. They have also been dodged with tricks and controversies over the handling of the petitions. Lawyers have adopted different tricks and strategies to gain advantage over their feuding parties. In a few cases, there have been outright frustration of the petitions which had led to the determination of the petitions on technical ground rather than considering the merit of the cases. Some cases have been sent back to tribunal for retrial by the apex court for different reasons.

Kebbi: CPC vs PDP The Supreme Court on November 9 restored the petition filed by the governorship candidate of the Congress for Progress Change (CPC), Malam Abubakar Abubakar, back to the Kebbi State Election Petition Tribunal for further hear-

•Suswam

ing and determination.

Abubakar had approached the apex court challenging the decision of the Sokoto division of the Court of Appeal, which dismissed his petition against the April 26 electoral victory of Governor Saidu Usman Dakingari of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ruling, Justice Francis Tabai who led other four Justices of the apex court, observed that: “Paragraph 14 (1) of the Third Schedule of the Electoral Act 2010 subscribes the type of application that comes by way of motion. This application was filed before Paragraph 47 (1u)u of the third schedule of the Electoral Act was enacted.

“There is a conflicting judgment handed down by the Court of Appeal in this matter. This appeal succeeds and therefore sets aside the ruling of the Court of Appeal. I therefore order that the matter be restored back to the Election Petition Tribunal in Kebbi State”.

At the time the Supreme Court gave the order, the CPC and Abubakar had barely four days left for the tribunal to wind up.

The petitioners had during a pre-hearing ses-

•Uduaghan

sion at the governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State filed their case through a letter.

The tribunal allowed it on the ground that the provision of the Electoral Act which does not support the procedure came after the process was already filed.

But the Court of Appeal ruled otherwise, saying the application for pre-hearing notice ought to be through a motion.

Adopting their briefs of argument, the petitioner’s counsel, Kola Awodehin (SAN) urged the court to allow the appeal, adding that the justice of the case requires that the petitioner should be given a fair hearing.

According to him, election petition matters do not concern the interest of an individual, but that of a larger society and cannot be sacrificed for technicalities.

Opposing, Dakingari, through his lawyers led

by Yusuf Ali (SAN) and Damian Dodo (SAN) urged the apex court to dismiss the appeal saying that justice must be done at all times according to the law.

•Amaechi

Benue: ACN vs PDP The Supreme Court, on November 14, ordered the re-trial of the election petition of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate in Benue State, Steve Ugbah against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Governor Gabriel Suswam.

It also remitted that of the ACN candidate in Akwa Ibom, John Akpanudoedehe back to the tribunal for retrial.

Udoedehe is challenging the victory of the PDP candidate, Governor Godswill Akpabio.

The petitioners alleged that the elections in the two states were fraught with irregularities.

In a unanimous verdict by the five-member panel, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Dahiru Musdapher, upturned the decisions of the Court of Appeal which dismissed the petitions on technical ground.

The apex Court held that the petitions could not have been dismissed on mere technicalities pointing out that pre-hearing notice can be done orally.

Ordering that the petition should be heard on its merit, Justice Musdapher said “the justice of the matter is that the appeals be remitted back for hearing on their merits. I don’t know why judges should go on with the basis of pre-hearing conference alone to dismiss a petition without hearing it on its merit. Matters must be decided on their merits...

“They just want to take an easy way out to finish the matter, we will say no to it. Democracy is the number of people who vote for A or B, let justice be done.”

According to him, the appeal is limited to whether section 47(1) applies in the appeal, adding, “the appeal succeeds and it is hereby ordered that the tribunal should hear the appeals on their merits, denovo.

Delta: DPP vs PDP The Supreme Court has fixed March 2 for judgment in the appeal by the Delta State Democratic Paoples Party (DPP) candidate, Great Ogboru, seeking to overturn the January 6, 2011 governorship re-run election in Delta State.

Ogboru who is challenging the victory of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan in the January 6, 2011 re-run election is asking the apex court to hear his case afresh and pronounce him winner of the election.

The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal had dismissed the petition of Ogboru on the grounds that the petitioner failed to discharge the burden of proof placed on him. The Appeal Court sitting in Benin, Edo State, last November upheld the decision by dismissing his appeal.

Justice Doris Uzoamaka Ugwurike had, in her judgment held that, “The burden lies on the petitioner to prove his case beyond all reasonable doubt.” Affirming that this was not done, she dismissed the petition.

Asking the apex court to invoke its power un•From left: Governors Peter Obi of Anambra, Babangida Aliyu of Niger and Theodore Orji of Abia states during the burial rites of the late Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu organised by Niger State Government at Nnamdi Azikiwe Primary School, Zungeru in Niger State ... weekend.

•Continued on page 44

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

44

POLITICS For Patrick Okomiso, the All Nigeria Peoples Party’s (ANPP’s) candidate in Saturday’s governorship election in Cross River, politics should solely be seen from the prism of meaningfully impacting lives by developing infrastructure. In an encounter with journalists in Abuja, Okomiso laid out his plans to industrialise and recreate the state for sustainable tourism, among other things. Abuja Bureau Chief YOMI ODUNUGA was there.

How we’ll transform Cross River, by ANPP candidate

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ANY would see your crossover to the ANPP from the PDP as a wrong political move in a state like Cross River. How do you react to this?

I’ve been in politics for some time now, but I’ve always been at the back. I have been the kingmaker and I’ve played that role locally. What I mean by locally is the state, and the federal; so I’ve always been there. I have been beating the drums for others to dance. I did not start with ANPP. I actually started with AA in those days in Lagos. When the AD broke up some of us left the AD for the PDP; so I was in PDP before switching over to the ANPP. I left the PDP because the ideas of the founding fathers have been tampered with.

The issue in Cross River is not about party, it is about the performance of the individual who is in power. Donald Duke was in PDP and he did well; what you see right now in Cross River State, you ask yourself, is it the same state that Donald Duke ruled for eight years? Is it the same state that every person in Nigeria and those who come from abroad want to visit?

What lapses have you identified in the governance style of the immediate past governor?

You see, leadership is stewardship. It takes a focused idea to materialise a vision and the problem we have, especially in Nigeria, is that we have not been able to think about one thing, and that is purposeful leadership. Here I speak of leadership that would impact the people. How are you poor in the midst of plenty? That is the question we should ask ourselves and it is because of the leaders we have that we are finding ourselves in this problem. That is the change we are talking about. If you have a good car and then you have a bad driver, the car won’t move well.

So, what are those things that you believe can be handled differently if given the chance to govern the state?

As governor, civil servants in the state will get a minimum wage of N20,000 a month and that I will implement. From nursery to NCE, children will go to school free. I will put a train from Calabar to Obudu. I will establish Ekon as a commercial city. I will establish Odukpani roundabout as a tourist attraction centre that everybody in the country or in the world will want to visit. I will put Agboku water falls to work; Ogbudu cattle ranch will feature in the world map and I tell you that in 14 months I will put Cross River State on the tennis map of the world; the map of the tennis calendar will be adjusted to have Cross River State. Those in the age bracket of 70 and above will be paid welfare allowance every month. I will cut down the security budget to bring in free education. I will cut down the travel allowance to put that into the welfare of my citizens. Pregnant women and children from 1-18years will have free medical services. In 24 months I will build three industries. In 24 months I will create 300,000 jobs and if in 14 months I have not done one of the things I promised, I will resign. I have a time table for every project I want to do. If I have to develop Odukpani, for example, to this level and in the next 12 months, if those 12 months I do not complete the job, knowing that it is the fault of the contractors and if it’s the fault of the contractors people will know, but if it’s my

‘I will cut down the security budget to bring in free education. I will cut down the travel allowance to put that into the welfare of my citizens. Pregnant women and children from 1-18years will have free medical services. In 24 months, I will build three industries. In 24 months, I will create 300,000 jobs and if in 14 months I have not done one of the things I promised, I will resign’

•Continued from page 43

der Section 22 of its Act, Counsel to Ogboru, Dr. Joseph Nwobike, told the court to hold that the Appeal Court cannot deliver a valid judgment without giving reasons for same.

He stated that the court delivered its judgment against his client on January 5, 2012 and did not give reasons for it until January 27, 2012 when the 60 days allowed by the law for him to appeal had lapsed. This, he said, robbed his client of the 14 days allowed within which to appeal to the Supreme Court.

The first appeal was against the decision of Appeal Court. The second is against the failure of the court to give reason for its January 5, while the third notice of appeal is challenging the court for not giving reasons within the time allowed.

The court consolidated the 1st and 2nd notices of appeal while allowing the third one to stand on its own.

Counsel to Governor Uduaghan and INEC, Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN) respectively argued that the appellant does not have any valid appeal before the apex court having not put the grounds of appeal in his 1st appeal-SC/18/2012.

Olanipekun said the appellant wants the Appeal Court to arrest its judgment by asking the apex court to hold that not giving reason for its judgment makes the judgment invalid.

Imo: PDP vs APGA

•Okomiso

fault, I will resign. And that’s why I am not asking anybody to make me a governor for eight years. No, I want to be a governor, the first governor for four years and back-out and then say this is what I promised to do in 36 months and I’ve done it and that’s all.

You talked so much about projects, good things, lofty ideas, laudable projects, how are you going to get the funds?

I want to tell you something that may be very difficult for you to believe. The richest country in the world is Nigeria.

Then, why are we poor?

This is the fundamental question we have to ask ourselves. With the resources of Cross River State, why is Cross River State poor? When I hear people say Cross River is poor, Nigeria is poor, I begin to think about some things; do we really lie on our beds to sleep? Do we wake up with ideas or what do we wake up with? What do we pray to God for? Let me say this.

With my internal revenue in Cross River State, I will build a castle; Cross River State is going to be a living place. I don’t want money from federal government because there is so much to do in Cross River State to have money.

Your ideas appear to be good but you can only realise them if you get the support of the people. Do you think the people are ready to collaborate with you?

I want to say it very frankly; Cross Riverians are the most polished people in this part of the world because of our upbringing. Even before the British entered in here, we always had our duty kings like the Obong of Calabar, the Obolobong of Ugep and the Dekpan of Obudu; we always had our duty king.

We are the first people who settled in this part of the world; we have a good upbringing; we are so civilised, and it is this home training that makes us to be so humble; we don’t make trouble; when you see some of our sons and daughters involved in any trouble then they must have travelled out and mixed up with other cultures and begin to bring trouble to the state. I will tell you my collaboration with the state with my citizens, lovely

Battle for governorship seats rages on

brothers and sisters; we are going to work together as a team to bring back the values of our state. I will make sure our youths are engaged 24 hours so that I will not have problems of robberies, kidnappings and cultism, because if the youths are engaged, you have rest of mind. So that is going to be my collaboration with my people.

Not too long ago, most of the oil wells in Cross River were ceded to Akwa Ibom State and that created funding problems for the government then.

Would this not also be an impediment to the lofty goals you set for the state?

I want to point out that, apart from Cross River State and Akwa Ibom, I have not seen any other state that their boundaries were re-adjusted by the Boundary Adjustment Commission. I will study the documents and fight it out. I was one of those lonely voices who told former President Olusegun Obasanjo that he made a mistake conceding Bakassi because they agreed to surrender themselves to court when they were not supposed to. First and foremost, even the lawyer he brought was not from Cross River State and so he knows nothing about the wells. Secondly, when Obasanjo visited France, the president of France asked Obasanjo a question during the reception they held for him: ‘What will you do if they ask the court to give ruling on this Bakassi/ Cameroun issue?’ He said, ‘we will obey the law court.’ So, with that statement alone, we have lost those oil wells. Till today I look at it as a selfish end on Obasanjo’s part and Cross River State has the right to appeal; and I’m going to appeal against that decision.

Are your party and supporters fully prepared for the election?

In fact, the two candidates who contested the primary election with me are directors of my campaign organisation and they congratulated me. There was no wrangling; it was free and fair. Everybody is working and I see us winning the election. It’s not going to be because of party; it’s going to be because this is the man they know and I have not come because I want to do eight years in office but four years.

The Supreme Court has also fixed March 2 for judgment in an appeal by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the electoral victory of Imo governor, Rochas Okorocha.

The apex court fixed the date after parties adopted their brief of argument before Justice Walter Onnoghen-led five member panel.

Okorocha won the election on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). But the PDP candidate and former governor Ikedi Ohakim is not a party to the suit.

The appellant’s counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) ,urged the court to set aside the judgment of the Appeal Court which affirmed the decision of the Governorship Election Petition that declared Okorocha as the duly returned governor. According to him, Ohakim won the lawful majority vote.

But counsel to Okorocha, Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN) urged the court to discountenance the submission.

He submitted that the witnesses called by the appellant at the tribunal supported the position of the Respondents that there was no election in parts of the state, hence the need to conclude the election.

Besides, he argued that the burden of proof is on the appellant and not the Respondent.

Counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), agreed with Akintola and urged the court to dismiss Ohakim’s appeal.

Citing a Supreme Court decision in CPC v Jonathan and others, Izinyon argued that since Ohakim, the PDP candidate is not a party to the case, “the appeal is dead on arrival”.

The PDP is asking the apex court to nullify the result of the supplementary election held on 6 May 2011 and declare it the winner of the election. The Court of Appeal had dismissed the petition.

Okorocha was declared winner of the election after he polled 336,809 votes as against Ohakim’s 290,496 votes. The total votes polled by each of the candidates represent the cumulative votes cast on the first poll which held on 26 April and the supplementary election of 6 May, 2011.

After the release of the result by INEC and declaration of Okorocha as governor, the former governor congratulated the governor-elect. He also assured the Imo people that he would not challenge the result in court.

Dissatisfied, the PDP filed an application at the Election Petition.

The Tribunal upheld Okorocha’s election.

Rivers: APGA vs PDP The case of the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Sir Celestine Omehia, challenging the election of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi in the April 2011 governorship election is also back to the tribunal for retrial.

The Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt had ordered the Rivers State Election Petitions Tribunal to retry the case.

The tribunal chaired by Justice Amina Wambai had on July 28 this year thrown out the petition on the grounds that it was not properly filed, pointing out that the suit was not filed as a motion but a letter written to it through its secretary.

But, Omehia, who came second in the April 26 governorship election in Rivers State, had vowed to pursue the case further.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

NEWS

•Former President Olusegun Obasanjo (left); Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom and Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi at the presentation of a book: AGRIBUSINESS FOR AFRICA’S PROSPERITY by United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), in Abuja... on Monday.

•Chaiman in council, Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM), Dr Michael Olawale-Cole (left); Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Information and Strategy, Mr Lateef Raji; Prof Ben Oghojafor; former Director-General, Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Mr Jimi Atte and Otunba Femi Deru of the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry during a courtesy visit to the governor...yesterday PHOTO: NNEKA NWANERI

•President, Academy of Science, Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe (left), Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr Dere Awosika; Director-General, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof. Olusegun Adewoye and NASENI’s Principal Consultant, Prof. James Momoh at a stakeholders meeting on harmonisation of strategy to reposition the agency in Abuja… on Monday

•Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko with the Minister for Communication Technology Mrs. Omobolanle Johnson during the inspection of the computer laboratory of the Mega Primary School, Oke Ijebu, Akure by the minister...on Monday

•Supporters of Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio jubilating after the tribunal upheld Akpabio’s victory in Uyo...on Monday

•Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN (third left) with the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Peter West (second left), Commissioner for works and infrastructure, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat (left), Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye (middle), Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Aderemi Ibirogba (third right), Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Relations, Mrs. Toyin Caxton-Martins (secondright) and Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Mr. Taofik Tijani (right) during the diplomat’s courtesy visit to the Governor at the Government House, Alausa-Ikeja, Lagos...on Monday

•Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi and Director of Administration, Subuola Memorial School, Ibadan assisting the proprietress, Mrs Funmilayo Adesina (middle) to cut her 80 th birthday and the school’s 41 st anniversary cake in Ibadan…at the weekend

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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THE NATION

INVESTORS SEC bans 38 in move to sanitise market T

HE hammer of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has fallen on 38 persons and a firm for alleged stock market fraud.

They were banned for life from capital market trading.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of the International Organisation of Securities Commission (IOSCO), the global body for securities regulatory authorities, the affected the individuals may not participate in the capital market in other jurisdictions.

SEC is a prime signatory to the IOSCO’s MoU, with Nigeria leading the Africa and Middle East Regional Committee (AMERC) of the global body.

The updated “List of Individuals Banned from all Capital Market Activities” by SEC obtained by The Nation showed that five persons were banned for life last year; the registration of another firm was withdrawn.

Two persons and two firms were suspended indefinitely.

Others banned for some years will remain suspended until the expiration of their terms. Already, SEC noted that some directors of a food firm involves in corporate accounting scandal have finished serving their terms.

Those serving terms included two persons who were banned for 10 years and were scheduled for readmission only by May 2018.

The “List of Individuals Banned from all Capital Market Activities” is a definitive list on those cases investigated by SEC; where the individuals and corporate operators were found to have engaged in fraud and gross abuse of market rules and regulations. The list is also historical as it entails those that

Stories by Taofik Salako

have been banned in earlier years as well as new sanctions.

According to the commission, the banned persons were guilty of frauds ranging from failure to purchase shares duly paid for, illegal sale of client’s shares without mandate, misappropriation of investors’ funds, financial misstatements and non-remittance of sale proceeds.

In one of the cases last year, a member was banned for life for several gross abuse of market and frauds including failure to pay capital and interest on investments as fund managers, failure to purchase shares paid for by clients, failure to verify and lodge shares as mandated by the clients, failure to carry

out various instructions by clients and regulators, non-remittance of sale proceeds and mismanagement of dividends and bonuses in respect of the un-purchased stocks.

Some of the earliest sanctions included a former staff member of the Central Securities and Clearing System (CSCS), who connived with some stockbrokers to fraudulently clone and sell shares of a multinational conglomerate.

In a case, two individuals were banned indefinite due to their failure to disclose facts of indebtedness and negligent auditing of a petroleum marketing company, which has continuously struggled with hangover of its messy privatisation.

In another case, a member was given a life sentence for selling the

shares of a dead client worth N200 million without authorisation or recourse to the administrators of the estate of the deceased.

Last year, The Nation had earlier reported the suspension of 38 capital market operators, which brought to 45 operators under suspension. Suspension relates to ongoing cases or cases that are under review or appeal.

The list of enforcement actions

by SEC showed that three capital market firms and 35 persons associated with the firms were suspended in 2011.

Those suspended included three Lagos-based firms and a Bumpai, Kano-based firms with all their directors, brokers and other executives.

Although the report did not in-

dicate the reasons for the suspension, a reliable source at SEC said the suspensions were due to grievous infractions and violations of capital market rules, which place the integrity and trust of the firms and individuals under doubt.

The source noted that SEC has degrees of sanctions for violations and infractions including warning and fines and suspension was for what the source described as higher-degree crimes.

The inclusion of the corporate operators and the individual directors and sponsored persons under the collective suspension reflects current corporate governance code, which places corporate responsibility and defaults on both the company and the board and management.

•From left: Chairman, Institutional Development Committee, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) Mr Segun Openiyi; President, Mr Abiola Popoola and Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sunday Adeyemi at a briefing in Lagos

Seven years after IPOs, firms yet to list shares

S

EVEN years after their initial public offerings (IPOs), some firms have yet to list their shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), it has been learnt.

The firms were said to have lured investors to buy shares, with the promises of being listed in the secondary market.

Retail investors, who spoke with The Nation, said the non-listing of the shares of the firms, which undertook IPOs between 2005 and2008 stock market peak, have locked down their funds without any verifiable means of accessing them.

Several private limited liability firms had converted to public limited liability companies and floated IPOs to raise funds from the capital market with assurances that they would list their shares after the conclusion of the offer.

While some have listed, many companies that floated IPOs have backed down from listing their shares citing the steeply downtrend at the stock market.

IPO is the first sale of shares by a company to the general investing public.

Shareholders said the non-listing of the shares was a breach of agreement, noting that this has not only denied them the opportunity of knowing the true current worth of their investments but they have also been unable to retrieve their funds.

National President, Nigeria Shareholders Solidarity Association (NSSA), Chief Timothy Adesiyan, shareholders expect capital market regulators to have taken up the issue of listing with the firms since they also gave simi-

lar promise to the regulatory authorities when they were seeking approvals for their offers.

He noted that several shareholders were lured into buying the IPOs due to the promise of public listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and resultant opportunity to trade on their investments.

According to him, it was unbecoming of the companies to raise funds from investors and refuse to subject themselves to public scrutiny by listing their shares.

“They have never called any annual general meeting. They have not paid any dividend nor make kind of return whatsoever on our money, no iota of accountability, they just sat on our money. It’s highly unbecoming and we want the regulators to do something

about this,” Adesiyan said.

Citing example of a popular insurance company, Adesiyan said capital market regulators should be decisive by compelling the companies to list their shares if they refuse to heed appeals from the regulators and shareholders.

He said the sense of deception that underlined the non-listing and other revelations of shady deals in the market have adversely affected investors’ confidence in the market.

President, United Shareholders’ Front (USF), Mr Gbenga Idowu, said the delay in listing by the affected companies exposed the laxity in regulatory surveillance.

According to him, capital market regulators should be active to their core functions of protecting shareholders’interests and

should not wait for complaints before taking up issues.

He, however, noted that some firms may shy away from listing due to costs of listing and other requirements.

He said recent spate of delisting by many companies including Nigerian Bottling Company was also a disincentive to the clamour for listing of shares on the NSE. A director of one of the companies that had delayed listing of their shares said they took the decision to suspend listing because of the fear that the recession at the stock market might seriously undervalue the shares.

Citing other companies that had listed at IPO or above IPO prices, he noted that most of the listed IPOs have depreciated to their nominal values.

IOSCO moves to protect market integrity

T

HEInternational Organisation of Securities Commission (IOSCO), the global body for capital market regulators, has issued a five-point recommendation on how to protect and enhance capital market integrity and efficiency in the face of changing technologies.

The recommendations were contained in the final report on Regulatory Issues Raised by the Impact of Technological Changes on Market Integrity and Efficiency pub-

By Taofik Salako

lished by the Technical Committee of the body.

According to the report, capital market regulators must be vigilant to emerging market abuses or variations to existing market abuses that may arise as a result of technological changes.

The report recommended that capital market authorities should assess the impact of technological

developments on market integrity and ensure that suitable measures are taken to mitigate any related risks.

The body further recommended that regulators must ensure that stock exchanges and other providers of trading venues provide fair, transparent and non-discriminatory access to their markets as well as products and services therein.

The report noted that capital market authorities must put in place measures

to ensure that stock exchanges and other trading venues have suitable trading control mechanisms such as trading halts and volatility interruptions to deal with any volatile market.

It stated that trading systems should be robust enough to deal with new market conditions.

According to the report, to protect the sanctity and impartiality of trades, all order flows from trading participants, irrespective of their locations, must be subjected to appropriate con-

trols including pre-trade controls.

The recommendation was sequel followed the G20 to reduce the negative impact of emerging technologies on capital market’s integrity and trading efficiency.

Already, the finance ministers and Central Bank governors under the auspices of G20 have endorsed the recommendations while IOSCO has been encouraging member-countries to incorporate them into their national principles and rules.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 21-2-12

Nestle Nigeria declares N8.8b final dividends

N

ESTLE Nigeria Plc lived up to expectations as the leading blue chip on the Nigerian stock market yesterday as the food and beverages company blazed the trail with announcement of a final cash payout of N8.76 billion.

The board of Nestle Nigeria yesterday indicated that shareholders would receive a final dividend per share of N11.05 in addition to an interim dividend per share of N1.50 earlier paid in the last quarter of 2011. This brought total cash payout for the 2011 business year to N9.95 billion.

However, contrary to previous payout trend of almost full distribution of net earnings, the board has recommended distribution of 59 per cent of net earnings in 2011, which had soared by 33 per cent to N16.81 billion.

Nestle Nigeria, the highest-priced stock on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), recorded significant growth in sales, although rising bank loans reduced the impact on the bottom-line. A significant reduction in taxes however, lifted net earnings.

Key extracts from the audited report and accounts for the year ended December 31, 2011 showed that turnover rose by 22.3 per cent from N80.11 billion in 2010 to N97.96 billion in 2011. With finance costs rising from

Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

N753.30 million in 2010 to NN3.2 billion in 2011, profit before tax inched up by 1.6 per cent to N18.54 billion in 2011 as against 0N18.24 billion in 2010.

Short-term borrowings had spiked up to N6.78 billion in 2011 compared with N3.40 billion in 2010, underlying the financing challenge posed by the downturn at the equity market.

Substantial retained earnings boosted shareholders’ funds to N23.49 billion in 2011 as against N14.87 billion in 2010.

Meanwhile, the board of the company has estimated that profit before tax would be N19.77 billion for the current business year ending December 31, 2012.

According to the forecasts, the company expects a net profit of N16.89 billion on a turnover of N112.97 billion during the year.

With the first earnings report positive, the overall market situation at the Nigerian stock market improved further as the benchmark index rose by 0.26 per cent.

The All Share Index (ASI) rose from 20,439.25 points to 20,492.31 points while aggregate market capitalisation of all equities

increased to N6.458 trillion as against opening value of N6.442 trillion.

PZ Cussons Nigeria led the advancers with a gain of 75 kobo to close at N26.90.

Guinness Nigeria followed with a gain of 50 kobo to close at N221. First Bank of Nigeria added 44 kobo to close at N11.37. UAC of Nigeria rose by 43 kobo to close at N30.

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated and Unilever Nigeria gained 35 kobo each to close at N10.25 and N27.95 respectively. Presco chalked up 34 kobo to close at N8.89. Nigerian Aviation Handling Company rose by 31 kobo to N7.65. Eterna added 19 kobo to close at N4.12 while National Salt Company of Nigeria gathered 18 kobo to close at N3.83.

On the other hand, Flour Mills of Nigeria led the losers with a loss of N2.80 to close at N53.20. Conoil lost N1.40 to close at N26.60. Nigerian Breweries dropped by 90 kobo to N98.10. Aluminium Extrusion lost 55 kobo to close at N10.60.

UACN Property Development Company dropped by 40 kobo to N11.50. Forte Oil dropped 36 kobo to close at N10.10. Cadbury Nigeria was down by 27 kobo to N9.02 while Access Bank lost 15 kobo to close at N6.80 per share.

Total turnover stood at 301.12 million shares valued at N1.87 billion in 4,104 deals. Banking subsector remained the most active with a turnover of 179.15 million shares valued at N704.73 million in 2,214 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 21-2-12

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

55

MONEY LINK

Stockbrokers owe N44b margin loans, says SEC

S

Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

TOCKBROKERS still have some N44 billion outstanding debt overhang from the margin and underwriting loans incurred during the previous capital market boom, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has said.

Speaking at a media parley yesterday in Lagos, director general, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Arunma Oteh said that stockbrokers’ debt overhang have continued to impede their ability to provide liquidity to the market.

According to her, many brokers still contend with the debt overhang in spite of the significant drop in estimated outstanding debts from N300 billion to N44 billion in 2011.

She said the commission has made representations on possible forbearance package to ease the debt burden to the Ministry of Finance, noting that the consideration for forbearance is still ongoing at the Ministry of Finance.

“We will continue to explore ways of alleviating the impact either by way of forbearance, debt forgiveness among others to revitalise the firms, improve liquidity and restore investor confidence in the equities market,” Oteh said.

Outlining the commission’s plans to boost the capital market in 2012, Oteh said SEC would work to align the structure and operations of the Abuja Securities and Commodities Exchange (ASCE) with the agricultural transformation agenda of the federal government.

She added that the commission was in support of the privatisation of the ASCE in line with earlier

recommendations with a view to optimise the potential of the exchange.

She said the commission would place housing finance on the front burner this year to help in bridging the housing deficit and achiev-

ing government’s affordable housing agenda.

“Our housing sector roadmap at the SEC emphasises that government should focus on creating the enabling policies for private sector investment in the housing sector. The capital market can channel investible funds in a manner

that meets government’s goal of providing affordable housing for the majority of Nigerians, while also providing expected returns to investors,” Oteh said.

She projected that SEC’s housing roadmap will increase home ownership from the current level of 10

CBN grants zero tariffs for agric, power equipment

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday, released fiscal policy measures for 2012.

It granted zero tariffs for the importation of agricultural, power machinery and equipment effective January 31, 2012. The apex bank said it took the action to create a robust power sector and provide enabling environment for investment for investment.

“With effect from 31 January 2012, agricultural machinery and equipment shall attract zero per cent duty in order to support the development of agricultural sector. Also, equipment and machinery in the power sector shall attract zero per cent duty to cre-

ment for processing cassava flour for composite flour blending will be duty free.

Besides, in order to encourage the purchase and utilisation of locally produced commodities, the apex bank said that with effect from July 1, 2012, wheat flour will attract a levy

By Collins Nweze

ate a robust power sector and provide enabling environment for investment,” a circular released by the CBN and signed by Director, Trade & Exchange Department, Musa Batari said.

According to the regulator, with effect from 31st March, 2012, importation of cassava flour will be prohibited to encourage the substitution of high quality cassava flour for wheat flour in bread-making.

However, the apex bank approved corporate tax incentive rebate of 12 per cent for bakers on attainment of 40 per cent cassava blend within a period of 18 months. Also, all equip-

T

HE House of Representatives yesterday directed one of the nationalised banks to absorb some staff of the defunct Afribank that were sacked on March 31, 2002.

The Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, headed House Committee on Legislative Compliance while giving the directive at a session with the management of the new bank at the National Assembly yesterday, said the sacked workers, who were union members, should be reinstated.

The House of Representatives on Thursday March 21, 2002 had in a resolution on the wrongful dismissal of the 41 union officials by the defunct Afribank asked the bank to “reinstate the disengaged union officials.”

Ten years after, nothing has been done to comply with the House resolution.

But Akinderu-Fatai, the chair of the committee expressed his disap-

World Bank boosts ICT with N240m

T

HE World Bank Country Di rector, Marie Francoise Nelly has unveiled plans to support the Federal Government in addressing its unemployment challenges in the area of Information Communication Technology (ICT) with N240 million.

Marie-Nelly disclosed this yesterday at the Formal Launching of Assessment of Core Competence for Employability in Services Sector (ACCESS NIGERIA) programme in Abuja.

The Country Director explained that the capacity building programme was designed in partnership with

From Austine Ehikioya, Olugbenga Adanikin and Adebowale Adenike, Abuja

Outsourcing Development Initiative of Nigeria (ODIN) to train 1, 000 graduates with required skills in order to meet global standard in ICT. “The ACCESS-Nigeria program is a $1.5 million World Bank sponsored capacity development initiative aimed at encouraging the creation of a new human capital base equipped with the requisite skills needed by the service industry to make Nigeria compete in the fast growing new world economy areas particularly IT,” she said.

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

Amount

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

PZ GUINNESS FIRSTBANK UACN ETI UNILEVER PRESCO NAHCO ETERNAOIL NASCON

O/PRICE

26.15 220.50 10.93 29.57 9.90 27.60 8.55 7.34 3.93 3.65

Current Before

C/PRICE

CHANGE

26.90 221.00 11.37 30.00 10.25 27.95 8.89 7.65 4.12 3.83

0.75 0.50 0.44 0.43 0.35 0.35 0.34 0.31 0.19 0.18

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

1.21 0.51 14.04 0.60 0.77 0.73 2.75 4.65 1.57 19.25

C/PRICE

CHANGE

1.20 0.50 14.02 0.57 0.74 0.70 2.70 4.60 1.50 19.15

0.01 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.05 0.05 0.07 0.10

Date

450m

452.7m

450m

150.8

08-8-11

250m 400m

313.5m 443m

250m 400m

150.8 150.7

03-8-11 01-8-11

147.6000

149.7100

150.7100

-2.11

NGN GBP

239.4810

244.0123

245.6422

-2.57

NGN EUR

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

(S/N) Bureau de Change 152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N)

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

153.0000

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Aug ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

8.75%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 9.4%

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 120.93 98.43 0.76 1.04 0.88 1,642.73 8.24 1.39 1.87 7,276.62 193.00

9.08 1.00 120.79 97.65 0.73 1.04 0.87 1,635.25 7.84 1.33 1.80 7,088.65 191.08

ARM AGGRESSIVE KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND THE LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY THE DISCOVERY FUND • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE

LOSER AS AT 21-2-12

RTBRISCOE WEMABANK GUARANTY GOLDINSURE JAPAULOIL PRESTIGE MAYBAKER CCNN CUSTODYINS OANDO

Rate (N)

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD

Parallel Market SYMBOL

Exchange

Sold ($)

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

(S/N)

GAINERS AS AT 21-2-12

Amount

EXHANGE RATE 26-08-11 Currency

7.9-10% 10-11%

Amount

Offered ($) Demanded ($)

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

pointment with the attitude of the bank under the previous management for not complying with the directive of the House to reabsorb the sacked workers Dauda Momoh, who represented the management of the nationalised bank said the institution could not be held responsible for carrying the liabilities of the sacked workers.

His words: “On the 5th of August 2011 when we took over as Mainstreet Bank, there was a complete takeover, Afribank was liquidated and the depositors’ fund was the principal liability we took over.

Members of staff are new with effect from that date and they got brand new letters of employment.

“So, we find it difficult to say the new bank is a continuation of Afribank. The licence we have now is different from Afribank, it does not cover the liabilities of Aftribank.

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

OBB Rate Call Rate

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

DATA BANK

Tenor

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

of 65 per cent and 35 per cent duty rate while wheat grain will attract a levy of 25 per cent and duty rate of five per cent. Likewise, husked brown rice will attract a levy of 25 per cent and duty rate of five per cent while imported polished rice attracts a levy of 40 per cent and duty of 10 per cent.

Reps order bank to absorb sacked workers

FGN BONDS

NIDF NESF

per cent to some 50 per cent in the medium term.

She said the commission will step up efforts to encourage and boost Nigerian retail investors’ participation in the stock market noting that there were only, five million Nigerians currently participating in the market.

• AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 24 Aug, 2011 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 26, Aug, 2011 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous

Current

04 July, 2011

07, Aug, 2011

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

56

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

NEWS Girl killed by masquerade in Delta From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

A

SIXTEEN-year-old girl, Gertrude Eboborou, has been allegedly killed by a masquerade at Ogriagbene community in Bomadi Local Government of Delta State.

The masquerade, popularly called Ogborigbo, was said to have thrown a club at the girl’s head.

A source said: “The masquerade on that same day attacked a boy with a spear. He was later rushed to a private clinic for surgery.

“Trouble started around 5pm when the deceased was playing with her friends on the road leading to her father’s house, when suddenly the armed masquerade appeared and started chasing them.

“When the masquerade could not catch any of them, it went back to the deceased’s home and threw a club which hit Gertrude’s head.”

She was said to have been rushed to Ogriagbene General Hospital, where she died some hours later.

“Her body was initially abandoned at the residence of the community chairman since he was the one who approved the Ogborigbo festival before it was later moved to the General Hospital, Bomadi,” he said.

The police could not confirm the incident.

‘I’ll fight for Bakassi’s return’

T

HE governorship candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in Cross River State, Ms Mary Ekpere, has said she would fight for the return of the ceded Bakassi Peninsula, if elected into office.

Ekpere said: “Nigeria is the only country where secession has taken place without a plebiscite, without any local act in the country backing it.

“It is as good as giving it away. Even though there was a judgment of the international community, you cannot force anybody to be a citi-

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

zen of any other country.

“There must be a plebiscite, where the citizens would decide where they want to belong; Nigeria or Cameroon.

“As a Cross Riverian, this is one of my main reasons for contesting. I am going to ensure that Bakassi is returned to Nigeria.”

The governorship candidate said other issues on her agenda include the creation of Ogoja State and ensuring the dredging of the Calabar Port.

Kidnap suspects arrested in Anambra From Okodili Ndidi, Onitsha

A

FIVE-MAN kidnap syndicate has been arrested by members of an Anambra State vigilance group.

The District Police Officer, Central Police Station, Onitsha, Abdul Yusuf, yesterday said the suspects were arrested in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

Yusuf said the group has been responsible for kidnapping and other crimes in the commercial city.

“Their botched mission was to kidnap the Chairman of GUO Transport Company, Godwin Okeke.

“One of the suspects has confessed that they were in Onitsha to kidnap Okeke but their base is in Asaba, where they coordinate most of their operations.”

Items recovered are two AK 47 rifles, 60 empty magazine and 120 live ammunition and a car.

Police spokesman Emeka Chukwuemeka confirmed the incident.

Akwa Ibom tribunal misapplied L the law, says Falana AGOS lawyer Femi Falana yesterday said the Akwa Ibom State Election Petition Tribunal misapplied the law when it struck out the petitions filed by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), its governorship candidate, John Akpanudoedehe and his running mate, Ime Umanah.

The tribunal on Monday held that it cannot hear election cases after 180 days.

It based its ruling on the Supreme Court judgment on the Borno State governorship case.

Falana, in a statement, said the tribunal’s decision cannot be justified.

He alleged that it is “contemptuous” of a valid and subsisting order of the Supreme Court on the petition.

A panel of the Supreme Court, comprising seven justices led by Justice Dahiru Mustapher had on November 14 last year, directed that the Akwa Ibom petition be heard de novo (afresh).

The order was made because the tribunal and the Court of Appeal dismissed the petition on technical grounds. A new tribunal was set up to hear the petition.

According to Falana, since the 180-day period had expired when the Supreme Court made the order, the Akwa Ibom tribunal erred in law in relying on the Borno State governorship petition judgment “to justify the miscarriage of justice in the circumstance.”

Besides, the order of the retrial of the Akwa Ibom petition has not been vacated by the Supreme Court which granted it, Falana said.

•ACN to seek court interpretation Arrest perpetrators, says Akpabio

A

KWA IBOM State Governor Godswill Akpabio yesterday said the only sore point of his electoral victory last year was the pre-election violence on March 22.

Reacting to the judgment of the Governorship Election Tribunal which affirmed his electoral victory, Akpabio told reporters that even with his victory, the pre-election violence remained fresh in his memory.

The governor said: “Looking back, the events of March 22, last year will continue to remain fresh in my memory.

“I remember how innocent people were

By Joseph Jibueze and Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

The rights activist argued that the law cannot be interpreted to cover up the criminality of election riggers and punish petitioners who have genuine complaints.

The solution, he said, is for all stakeholders to insist on the adoption of a transparent electoral system that is devoid of manipulations by compromised electoral bodies and corrupt politicians.

He said: “Apart from demanding the full implementation of the recommendations of the Electoral Reform Panel headed by Mohammed Uwais, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be encouraged to prosecute all the people indicted for engaging in registration fraud and electoral malpractice during the

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

murdered; many campaign vehicles destroyed; thousands of brand new vehicles and tricycles were also destroyed and the state thrown into panic.

“Now that we are through with the elections, this is the time for the police to bring perpetrators of the violence to justice.

“We must bring the lesson to bear that those who kill others or destroy property under the guise of politics should not go unpunished, otherwise other people will rise up to do the same.”

last election.

“The tribunal ought to have appreciated that the decision of a panel of seven justices on the interpretation of the Constitution cannot be set aside by five justices of the Supreme Court!

“In view of the several decisions of the appellate courts to the effect that litigants cannot be punished for the error of courts or negligence of counsel, it is hoped that the justices of the court will take advantage of other pending appeals on the subject matter to clarify their contradictory judgments on the 180- day period for trial of election petitions.

“The mandatory period of 180 days was not entrenched in the Constitution to chase aggrieved petitioners out of the temple of justice on the basis of crass legalism but designed to arrest the wanton delay in the trial of election

petitions.

“A situation whereby candidates are no longer elected by the electorate but by courts and tribunals on technical grounds is a judicial subversion of democracy.

The dangerous trend has to stop. Fair and free elections cannot take place in an atmosphere of impunity.”

The party, in a statement by its Chairman, Amadu Attai, described the tribunal’s judgment as shocking.

Attai said the Supreme Court had, on November 14, returned the case to the tribunal to be heard on its merit.

The Chairman said the party would proceed to the Supreme Court to seek proper interpretation of Section 285 (6) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which the tribunal used as basis in striking out the petitioners’ petition.

Rivers to hold lecture on Ojukwu

R

IVERS State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has said the state would hold a public lecture in honour of the late Biafran warlord, Dim Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

Amaechi, represented by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Worgu Boms, said this yesterday while addressing reporters at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

The governor said the lecture would be attended by governors of the former Eastern Region, comprising Rivers, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Anambra and Bayelsa states.

It would be delivered by former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Audu Ogbeh and Chairman of the Centre for Legal Education and former National President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Onueze Okocha, among others.

The lecture: “Eastern Region: Reminiscences”, will hold tomorrow at the auditorium of the House of Assembly by 11am.

Former Governor Peter Odili will chair the occasion.

Police defend checkpoints in Ebonyi

T

HE Ebonyi State Police Command has said it won’t dismantle checkpoints on the Ezillo axis of the Enugu-Abakaliki Road and the Onu-Ebonyi axis on the Abakaliki-Ogoja Road.

It said this is as a result of the communal crisis in the area and to prevent robbers from escaping through the Abakaliki- Ogoja trans-border road.

Briefing reporters in Abakaliki, police spokesman John Eluu said the check

From Ogbonnaya Obinna, Abakaliki

points are to ensure security of life and property in the troubled areas.

He warned motorist against offering bribes to officers on duty.

Eluu said a monitoring team has been constituted to monitor and prosecute any officer found collecting bribe.

He said: “The Ezza Ezillo and the Onu-Ebonyi police check points are to maintain law and order at Ezillo community. “

•From left: Chief Press Secretary to the governor David Iyofor, Boms; Chairman Local Organising Committee on Ojukwu’s Funeral Tony Chukwu and the President-General, United Igbo Community, O. I. Ezenekwe

MASSOB rejects Ikemba II title

T

HE Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has rejected the conferment of the Ikemba title on the second son of the late Biafran warlord, Emeka Ojukwu.

MASSOB, in a statement yesterday by its Director of Information, Uchenna Madu, said it is rejecting and cancelling the title conferred on Ojukwu Jnr. The statement reads: ”Ojukwu Jnr took the traditional title of “Ikemba Nnewi 11 with utmost disregard and disrespect to Igbo tradition and culture.

From Chris Oji, Enugu

“The Ikemba Nnewi title bestowed on the late Dim C h u k w u e m e k a Odumegwu Ojukwu was a mark of respect and honour to him by the Igwe of Nnewi.

“It was a result of his outstanding and eloquent performances.

“Igbo leadership is not hereditary. Even if it is, Ojukwu Jnr is not the first son.

“He should make himself responsible by getting married first because Igbo leadership is for responsible

‘It was a result of his outstanding and eloquent performances. Igbo leadership is not hereditary. Even if it is, Ojukwu Jnr is not the first son’ and respected people.

“He should not ride on his father’s wave to prominence.

“Traditional institutions of Ndigbo can never be bastardised by disgruntled persons.

“The Ikemba Nnewi title was given to Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu by Igwe Nnewi not Nawfia.

“Any move to discredit Igbo institution will be resisted by MASSOB. “The Ikemba 11 title conferred on Ojukwu Jnr by Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo is unacceptable to MASSOB and Ndigbo in general.

“What are the criteria of taking the title of Ikemba 11, what has he done for Ndigbo?”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

57

NEWS New SSG, others for Bayelsa

Enugu councils seek N250m loan From Chris Oji, Enugu

From Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa

B

AYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson has appointed Prof.

Edmund-Allison Ogoru as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

Ogoru was the Dean of Agric Economics and Rural Sociology, in the stateowned Niger Delta University, Amassoma.

The governor has appointed Diekievie Ikhiogha as his Chief of Staff.

Didi Walson-Jack, a former Solicitor-General in the Ministry of Justice was also appointed Deputy Chief of Staff.

The appointment was contained in a statement by the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Daniel Iworiso-Markson.

Dickson congratulated the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Kombowei Friday Benson.

The governor hailed the process that led to the emergence of the Speaker, and applauded the lawmakers for their maturity and conduct.

NAFDAC shuts drug shops in Rivers From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

T

HE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut patent medicine shops and confiscated expired and counterfeit drugs worth millions of naira in Rivers State.

Three shops were yesterday shut in Okrika and Eleme local governments.

Their owners fled upon learning that NAFDAC officials were inspecting medicine shops.

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, while speaking with reporters at Okrika council secretariat , said most of the drugs seized in state capitals were being sold in the rural areas.

The director-general was represented by the agency’s Director, Ports Inspection Directorate, Mommodu Segiru .

Orhii said the expired and counterfeited drugs, as well as those not registered

by NAFDAC, should not be in circulation.

The NAFDAC’s DirectorGeneral said the seized drugs would be destroyed, adding that major marketers of such drugs would be arrested and prosecuted, along with those they bought the drugs from.

•From left: President, Campaign for Democracy (CD) Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin; Acting Provost, Osun State University, Ikire campus Prof Funmi Adewumi - Former President, West Africa Bar Association (WABA) Femi Falana and Femi Aborishade at a symposium in Lagos...yesterday

Jonathan, Sambo, Obasanjo, Duke unite for Imoke P •’Let’s re-elect ex-governor’ RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark, Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Abubakar Baraje and former President Olusegun Obasanjo stormed Calabar, the Cross River State capital, yesterday to canvass for votes for the PDP governorship candidate, Liyel Imoke.

Speaking at the grand finale of the PDP campaign at the U. J. Esuene Stadium, Jonathan said: “I want to reemphasise the good works of Senator Imoke.

“Let me start with a statement made by ex-President Obasanjo when he said that he sometimes envies the unity we have shown in Cross River State PDP family.

“You know in every state, so long as we are human beings, we would have cause to disagree, but whether we disagree what makes us unique is our ability to resolve our differences.

“When I came in here and saw ex-Governor Donald Duke and his wife and others it made me very happy.

That shows that Cross River State is one.

“We appreciate what the former governor started

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

and what Liyel Imoke continued and has added to these legacies and that is how it should be.

“If there is continuity and unity, not infighting, then you see that the state would develop.

“The government of any administration is like building a house. One block on top of the other till you are done, but when one governor comes and starts to demolish what has been done by his predecessors, you will be moving but there will be no progress.

“Cross River State is quite unique. Imoke continued with the spirit of the former governor and that is why we are all here.

“We need to be here. I am here, Vice-President is here, Obasanjo is here, Senate President is here, and Speaker of the House of Representatives is here.

“All the PDP governors of the Southsouth are here, and of course all the senior citizens.

“So for those of us from Cross River State, we urge you to come out and vote on Saturday, you go there and make sure you vote Liyel Imoke back.”

Sambo said the PDP at the national level had seen the good work Imoke has done in the state.

Sambo, who is also the chairman of the party’s campaign for the Cross River governorship election, hoped that the party would win on Saturday.

Mark said the PDP had resolved to always sell good products to the electorate.

His words: “PDP will never sell a bad product.

When we came to this stadium, we started looking for prominent sons and daughters of the state who were not here and we discovered that all of them were here.

“So, if we couldn’t find any, who else will vote for other opposition parties, none. PDP is the only party that can guarantee the future of Nigeria. Imoke is a good candidate.”

Baraje said Cross River State had not known any

Oshiomhole gives N520m grant to AAU

E

DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has given a grant of N520million to the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma.

Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Cordelia Agbebaku, who spoke with reporters yesterday, said the grant was for some specific projects in the institution.

She said it was in addition to the monthly subvention

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

given to the university.

The VC said the projects included N250million for the rehabilitation and upgrading of structures/facilities at the university annex campus, N200million for the accreditation of academic programmes for 2011, and N70million for convocation of 2006/2007, 2007/2008,

2008/2009, and 2009/2010 sessions.

Prof Agbebaku said N1.1billion was earlier released for the completion of the administrative building, adding that the governor has pledged to build an ultra modern students’ hostel as well as give phase lifts to the classrooms in the faculties of management and social sciences.

Ex-militant leaders debunk allegation

E

X-MILITANT leaders in the Phase II of the Amnesty Programme have denied reports that they shortchanged their ‘followers’ in the monthly stipend being paid by the Federal Government.

Their spokesman, ‘General’ Austin Ogedegbe, said: “Those protesting that they

From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

are not being paid in the programme are not our boys.

“You can see our boys are here with us; we are paying them regularly as the money gets into our accounts.

“Such protesters should be arrested and we should be

invited to question them.

They should be able to tell us which barracks they operated from and the mission they went with us and where and when we operated together.

“Those protesting are enemies of the programme.

These boys who are claiming that they are not being

carried along are not known to us; they are not our boys.

“Our boys were well documented in Lagos after the cancellation of the Obroba documentation and we are very thankful to Mr. Kingsley Kuku for his ingenuity in the handling of the Amnesty Programme.”

other governor in the state besides the PDP. Obasanjo, who is also the chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees Chairman, said: “The reason I am here is because my people have a saying that when your masquerade is dancing well then you are a happy man.

“Our dear Imoke is my own masquerade, and he is dancing so well. ”If you have not seen it, you have heard it. I have seen it and heard it and tasted it and felt it.”

Also present were Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha; Governors of Akwa Ibom State (Godswill Akpabio), Rivers State (Rotimi Amaechi), Bayelsa State (Seriake Dickson) and Kaduna State (Patrick Yakowa).

THE Enugu State Government is collaborating with local governments to raise N250 million for its Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) loan scheme from the Bank of Industry (BOI).

The Commissioner for Information, Chuks Ugwoke, announced this at the end of the first meeting of the Economic Planning Commission, chaired by Governor Sullivan Chime in Enugu and attended by the council chairmen.

Ugwoke said the government had contributed its counterpart fund of N125million, adding that the commission at the meeting approved that the 17 local governments would contribute N125 million to the scheme.

Ugwoke, who was accompanied by the chairmen of Ezeagu, Enugu South and Igbo-Eze North, Emeka Ozoagu, Nwabueze Okafor and Bonaventure Onuh, said the bank would provide a matching fund of N250million for the scheme.

According to the commissioner, government’s decision to raise the money was to enable the SMEs access loan from the bank to start businesses and expand the existing ones in parts of the state.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME My name was written as Ogungbure Samuel Abiodun in my WAEC May/June 2006 certificate and in my WAEC (Private) Nov/ Dec 2004, my name was written as Ogungbure Samuel Seun and in my NCE Final result my name was written as Ogungbure Samuel Seun. i now wish to confirm that Ogungbure Samuel Abiodun and Ogungbure Samuel Seun refer to one and the same person. All documents bearing above mentioned names remain valid, general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OGUNLEYE I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunleye Olubunmi Olukemi, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Ojo Olubunmi Olukemi. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH

I, Ogunlade Bola Lucia Omodunbi was born on AUGUST 4, 1989 Instaed of August 4, 1986 that appear in my WAEC. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public of the loss of original receipts of land allocation receipt on lekki peninsula scheme II and land allocation receipt on lekki peninsula scheme II belonging to Mr. Kufo Olufemi Olasewo and Mr Babatunde Kufo respectively with receipt nos N344697 and N000455285. All efforts to trace the said documents proved abortive. If found please report to the nearest police station.

PUBLIC NOTICE JUDAH’S MEN MINISTRY This is to notify the general public that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Paul Sade 2. Mrs. Pricilla Abu-Chukwurah 3. Mr. Chima Okereke 4. Evangelist Michael Elumeze 5. Pastor Femi Adekunle 6. Mrs. Helen Elumeze.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To impact men with God’s word so that they can impact their next generation.

2. To propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ through enlightenment and training of men in order to make them responsible to themselves, their families and the society.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission PMB 198 Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Mrs Ifeoma Esom TRLPLAW, Lagos

58

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

NEWS

Anambra tribunal strikes out Akunyili’s case against Ngige

Lions kill two, 30 animals in Yobe

T

WO herdsmen and some 30 domestic animals have been killed by two rampaging lions in Gulani Local Government Area of Yobe.

The wild animals were believed to have strayed from the Yankari Games Reserve, Bauchi State.

The Yobe State Commissioner for the Environment, Alhaji Wakil Sarki, who confirmed the incident yesterday in Damaturu, the state capital, said that hunters and game specialists had beenmobilised to search for the lions and kill them.

Sarki said: “The matter was reported to us yesterday (Monday) after the animals had killed two people and 30 animals in villages

•ACN, Ngige in Awka road show

L

AST week’s judgment by the Supreme Court that tribunals cannot entertain election petitions 180 days after the conclusion of the disputed election, continued to take its toll on tribunal cases yesterday. Prof Doya Akunyili’s petition against the election of Senator Chris Ngige was strucked out.

The Election Petition Tribunal in Awka, Anambra State struck out the petition instituted by the former Information and Communications Minister, who contested the Senatorial seat under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) against Ngige of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Akunyili was challenging the declaration of Ngige by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the April, 2011 election for the Anambra Central Senatorial zone.

Yesterday’s decision by the tribunal, read by Justice Onajite Kuejubola, triggered jubilation, in the camp of the ACN faithful in the state capital.

Thousands of the ACN supporters, led by Ngige, trooped to major streets to celebrate the judicial victory.

At the tribunal yesterday, the

•Ngige addressing reporters...yesterday From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

lead counsel to Ngige and the ACN, Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN), and INEC’s lawyer, Osita Nnadi (SAN), urged the tribunal to strike out Akunyili’s petition based on the Supreme Court judgment.

But APGA’s and Akunyili’s lawyer, Obiora Obianwu (SAN), argued that the decision of the apex court cannot apply in his client’s case because according to him, it came subsequent to the final decision of the Appeal Court.

In her ruling, tribunal chair,

Justice Kuejubola said election petitions had been bogged with the issue of 180 days.

According to her, the issue was laid to rest last week by the Supreme Court, adding that members of the panel had painstakingly study the matter before them.

Her words: “We therefore, rule that this tribunal no longer has jurisdiction to adjudicate on the matter, the highest court in the land has handed down its pronouncement which we must follow.

“Therefore, this court has no jurisdiction and others that were returned based on the 180

days issue stand as nullity. This case challenging the election of Dr. Chris Ngige of the ACN

by Prof Dora Akunyili of APGA in the Anambra Central Senatorial election is hereby struck out.”

Reacting, Obianwu told reporters that his client would still go to the Appeal Court to challenge the ruling, arguing that the apex court judgment was based on governorship election and not that of the National Assembly.

Ngige, who was present at yesterday’s sitting, told reporters that his only regret was that his party lost the opportunity to proof its case.

Ex parte order: INEC says no going back on Cross River governorship election on Saturday •HURIWA to court: you’re dead wrong

D

ESPITE Monday’s ex parte order of an Abuja High Court purportedly stopping the scheduled governorship election on Saturday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it will go ahead to conduct the governorship election in Cross River State.

INEC’s acting Director in charge of Legal Services, Mr. Ibrahim Bawa, told reporters that the commission was not served with any court order, stopping it from conducting the election.

Echoing him, INEC’s spokesman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, said the commission approached the court yesterday to get a copy of the order but could not get any.

The INEC officials spoke even as the Human Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Dahiru Musdapher to rein in the Federal High Court Judges, who have been granting questionable injunctions in electoral matters.

Bawa said the 2010 Electoral Act (as amended) prohibited any court from stopping the conduct of elections, pointing out that it would be grievous for a court to stop the conduct of the election without putting INEC on notice.

“We are going ahead. We have not been served with any order. So, why do you stop an election just because of speculation that the election has been stopped? That cannot disturb the election.’’

Justice Abdul Kafarati of the Federal High Court re-

No court order stopping us, says commission

E

LECTORAL umpire – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday declared it has not received any court order stopping the Cross River governorship election scheduled for Saturday.

A statement issued in Abuja yesterday by Mr. Kayode Idowu, the Chief Press Secretary to the commission’s cahir, Prof Attahiru Jega, said that INEC went to the Federal High Court in Abuja to check if there was any order restraining the Commission and did not find any.

The statement reads: “Contrary to a widely circulated report that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has stopped the Cross River State Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday February 25, 2012, from going ahead, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) hereby affirms that there is no such order.”

“This clarification becomes necessary against the background of the report that the court restrained INEC from going ahead with the governorship election through an order issued in portedly stopped INEC from conducting the governorship election in Cross River, pending the determination of a suit filed before it by the ANPP. The trial judge gave the order following an ex parte application by ANPP and its candidate.

The plaintiffs argued that INEC lacked the power to reschedule the election less than 48 days to the date that was earlier slated for the poll.

HURIWA asked the CJN and the hierarchy of the Federal High Court to call to order the judges of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court.

It said such intervention has become imperative to stop some of the judges from undermining democracy and the rule of law through indiscriminate granting of ex parte injunctions to politicians.

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

Abuja on Monday, February 20, 2012.

“For the avoidance of doubt, INEC has not been served with the purported court order.

The commission indeed took the pain to check with the court today February 21, 2012, whether there was such an order.

“The court categorically denied issuing the said order. Actually, neither has the court summoned INEC for defence on any date, as was widely reported.”

“The commission hereby calls on the public to be wary of interests that may want to stall the ongoing electoral processes through sensational reports of phantom court orders.

“INEC commends Nigerians for keeping faith with the national quest for a credible and durable democracy, and hereby urges Cross River State residents to turn out en masse and exercise their franchise in the governorship Election holding on Saturday.”

In a statement by its national spokesmen, Emmanuel Onwubiko (Coordinator) and Miss. Zainab Yusuf (Media Affairs Officer), the group specifically condemned the ex parte order allegedly granted by Justice Kafarati, which purportedly asked INEC to suspend the governorship election in Cross River.

HURIWA tasked the hierarchy of the judiciary to salvage the institution from the ugly public image which such injunctions have brought upon the once reputable arm of government.

It also challenged the office of the CJN to begin the implementation and enforcement of the strict disciplinary regime that he promised upon his assumption of office.

The spokesmen said: “We are shocked that despite the notorious fact that several constitutional and statutory

•Jega

provisions in the laws governing our polity specifically foreclosed the possibility of a court stopping any election already scheduled, judges of the Federal High Court, especially in the Abuja Division have carved a niche for themselves as willing violators of the sacred tenets embedded in both the electoral Act of 2010 as amended and the 1999 constitution as amended.”

From JOEL Duku, Damatur

in Gulani Local Government Area.

“We are suspecting that it is now between the border areas of Gulani and Gujba local government areas. We will also solicit for the services of the Joint Task Force on Security to help us scout for the lions.”

“We hope to capture the animal before the end of today (yesterday),” he said.

The lions had devoured a cow along the Damaturu/ Gujba border.

Residents of Gulani and Gujba communities and some areas of Damaturu have been living in fear of the beasts with most of them restricting their movements.

Ojukwu: MASSOB agrees with Fed Govt on burial terms From Okodili Ndidi, Onitsha

T

HE Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) yesterday agreed with the Federal Government on the plans to give the former Biafran warlord, the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, a state burial.

The government has stated that as part of conditions to give Ojukwu a state burial, all groups not accredited by the burial committee, including MASSOB, will not be assigned any official role during the burial.

MASSOB’s leader, Chief Ralph Uwazurike, in a statement through Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, confirmed the acceptance of the arrangement stipulating full military burial for the former Igbo leader.

The statement reads: “We hail the President for approving full state burial for late Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the leader of Biafra and the Ezeigbo Gburugburu.

“The decision to stop MASSOB from participating during Ojukwu’s burial as a group which was reached at the meeting with the burial committee and representatives of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Ojukwu’s family shall not be contested.

“MASSOB had earlier agreed to allow the Federal Government to complete their burial rites on the first day and take over the second day.”

MASSOB also said its members welcomed the decision reached by the general burial committee and maintained that they will abide by all the agreements reached to give their former leader a befitting burial.

Oshiomhole hails traditional institution’s role in democracy

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DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has hailed the role of the traditional institution in the sustenance of democracy.

Speaking at the 15th Ewohimi Day celebration at the weekend, the governor promised that the government will continue to accord the traditional institution its due respect.

Rainstorm: Lagos Assembly presents life jackets to communities

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AYS after a rainstorm ravaged some parts of Lagos, destroying properties and killing 12 residents, including pupils, the House of Assembly yesterday presented 40 life jackets to Ojota and Origele residents in Ojo Local Government area of the state.

Presenting the jackets through the Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation, Commerce and Industry, Bisi Yusuf, the Assembly said the presentation became necessary to prevent disasters.

Yusuf said: “The Lagos State Government sympathises with the communities where the unfortunate incident occurred last week Monday. We pray that such calamity would not happen again.”

He, however, urged the residents of the affected communities to always make use of the jackets, warning that failure to wear the jackets while on board, will henceforth attract sanctions and penalties.

Responding, the Managing Director of the Lagos

By Oziegbe Okoeki

State Waterways Authority, Yinka Marinho, said the authority will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute anybody operating on the waterways without using the life jacket.

Marinho noted that the government will provide more jetties to the existing 48, warning the communities not to sail after 6pm.

Also talking, the Baale of Ojota community, Chief Amisu Lakisan, who lost his wife in the boat mishap, thanked the government for the initiative, promising adequate protection for the jackets.

He implored the government to provide basic amenities, such as pipe-borne water, good roads and rural electrification.

The Marine Police attached to the Lagos State Waterways Authority have arrested a local boat operator, who carried 10 underaged school children without life jackets at Sabokoji Jetty, Apapa.

He has been detained at the Falomo headquarters of the authority.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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NEWS

Rights Commission chair declares assets

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HAIRMAN of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Governing Council, Prof Chidi Anselm Odinkalu has declared his assets.

A statement by Ene Enonche, who is the National Coordinator, the Right to Know Initiative (R2K), said Odinkalu directed her to disclose it to the public.

Prof. Odinkalu attested to the form after his appointment in November last year.

R2K challenged the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to make assets declaration forms in its custody public, ‘’so as to subject political office holders to scrutiny’’.

Enonche said the disclosure was important in underlining the critical role

•Challenges Conduct Bureau on other public officers From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

the NHRC must play in ensuring effective implementation of the Freedom of Information Act. She expressed concerns that the CCB has never made public assets declaration forms in its custody as part of the verification process intended to promote integrity, transparency and accountability in the public service.

This secrecy, she lamented, has continued to shield public officers from scrutiny and encourages misappropriation and wrongful acquisition of assets.

“It is noteworthy that Prof. Odinkalu, who was a

leading advocate of the FoI Act as a private citizen, has not shirked from the implications of the Act for him as a public official,” she said.

Enonche disclosed that NHRC and R2K in October 2011, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote good practice in the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, Details of Prof. Odinkalu’s assets include: personal earnings from two Standard Chartered Bank accounts – with balances N94,000 and $ 11,700; two Barclays Bank accounts in the United Kingdom, containing £ 7,752 and £ 4,562;

and an overdrawn Royal Bank of Scotland account.

Buildings include a mortgaged Three-bedroom midterrace house in Edmonton, London and a Four-bedroom semi-detached house in Lekki, Lagos. There are no un-developed lands.

Vehicles declared include a Toyota RAV 4 purchased in 2004 and a Kia Rio bought in 2005.

Also in the form are a personal pension plan managed by Friends Provident; shares and stocks worth about N3million; 27 KVA Nioda generator and 7.5 KVA Inverter, and over 10,000 books whose worth, according to Prof. Odinkalu, are “invaluable”.

Ash Wednesday: C&S leader urges Nigerians to pray for peace

A

S Christians begin the Lenten season today, the Primate of Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, Archbishop I.M. Akinadewo, yesterday urged Nigerians to dedicate their lives to God and seek peace always.

In a statement from the international headquarters of the church in Ondo, Ondo State, Akinadewo said there would be peace in the country if all Nige-

rians follow the biblical teaching of Jesus Christ which says that “we should love our neighbours as ourselves”.

The cleric also advised Nigerians to respect those in authority for the country to move forward.

He said: “As we begin Ash Wednesday tomorrow (today), Nigerians should humble themselves, pray, seek the face of God, turn from their wicked ways and all will be well”.

Group plans PDP debate HEAD of the next month national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), an interest group under the aegis of Project 20 million in conjunction with PDP Restoration Group will organise a debate for the national chairmanship candidates.

According to a statement by the organisers, the debate is part of the efforts to strengthen democracy and encourage genuine internal democracy within political parties.

The programe tagged: “Who does the cap fit”, will come up March 18 at Sheraton Hotel, Abuja.

Leaders of the debate include the Director General of Project 20 million, Chukwunyere Ikechukwu, a leader of the PDP Restoration Group, Tijani Ali Danjuma and the representative of Civil Society Coalition (CISCO), EtukBassey Williams

A

Chaplains to empower youths

T

HE Organisation of Nigerian Chaplains (ONC) is to hold a day information technology programme for youths.

The event entitled: ‘The Future and You’, will provide empowerment for the teeming youths.

The free seminar will hold on Friday at the Caleb International School, Ketu, Lagos.

Fashola for NIM award •Action Congress of Nigeria (AC N) chieftain Prince Tajudeen Olusi (middle) cutting the tape to open the road named after Anthony Cardinal Okogie by Lagos State government in Sango-Tedo, Lekki, Lagos…yesterday. With him are Governor Babatunde Fashola (left) and Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure Dr. Obafemi Hamzat

L

AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola is to bag the maiden edition of the distinguished Manager -of-the-year Award by the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), at its 2012 annual National Management Conference later in the year.

The announcement was made during a courtesy visit of a team of NIM Fellows

led by its Chairman in Council, Chief Michael OlawaleCole to the Government House in Lagos yesterday.

Fashola, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Lateef Raji, expressed optimism that the administration will work closely with the institute to ensure efficient human capacity development.

Senate panel invites 25 FCT contractors over alleged N500b scam

T •Elegushi of Ikateland Oba Saheed Ademola cutting the tape to open the luxury flats built by the Lagos State Development and Poverty Corporation, Lekki Scheme II…yesterday. With him are Fashola (second left), Olumegbon of Lagos Chief Fatai Olumegbon (left) Oluwa of Ikateland Chief Sabitu Adekola Elegushi (second right) and Housing Commissioner Bosun Jeje

HE Senate yesterday invited 25 road contractors operating in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja to explain their roles in alleged ‘’massive contract scam’’.

Chairman, Committee on FCT Senator Smart Adeyemi at a news conference said the contractors were engaged in fraudulent activities that have deprived the Federal Government of over N500billion in the last three

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

years.

Adeyemi noted that the essence of inviting them is to find out why most of them have failed to pay for laterite and granites excavated from construction sites in the FCT. He said the contractors are to furnish the committee with the Bill of Quantity of their contract agreement.

Mimiko renders account of stewardship at stakeholders forum

O

NDO State Governor Olusegun Mimiko has rendered accounts of his stewardship in the last three years at a stakeholders forum in Akure, the state capital, stressing that he has fulfilled his campaign promises to the people.

He told the gathering of foremorest politicians, administrators, traditional and religious leaders and youths that he has bridged the gap between the people and the government by pursuing masses-oriented programmes.

Mimiko said: “When we assumed office, I said that I would work for the people.

Then, there was a disconnect between government and

•Olutoye, community leaders endorse governor for second term

By Emmanuel Oladesu Deputy Political Editor

people. I can say confidently now that, not only are people participating in governance, they feel that they are also part of government”.

At the forum, former Federal Commissioner for Youths and Sports, MajorGeneral Olufemi Olutoye, who resigned from the Army 34 years ago, described the governor as an Awolowo incarnate, pointing out that he had built on the achievements of the late sage in the Sunshine State.

The retired General said: “Since 1978 when I retired

from the Army, I have been fully resident in Akure. I have witnessed all the administrations. In terms of performance, I can say that this is the second Awolowo. He has performed. He has tried his best. Somebody said that he is a candidate that should go to the centre later. I fully agree and pray that it will be so”.

Olutoye said Mimiko has revolutionalised Ondo State with his welfarist programmes targeted at the people who endorsed him at the poll, urging them to continue to support his administration and aspiration to render

more services to the state.

The stakeholders forum was held at the Ondo State Cultural Centre, Ule-Ise Adegbemile, Akure. It was witnessed by the Deputy Governor Ali Olanusi, Minister of Communication Technology Mrs Bolaji Johnson, wife of the governor Olukemi, former Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Prof. Funso Akere, Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom Oba Victor Kiladejo, Dr. Kunle Olajide, Owa of Idanre, Oba Fredrick Aroloye, Olubaka of Oka, Oba Adebori Adeleye, Jegun of Ile-Oluji, Oba Adedugbe,

Ajobu of Araromi-Obu, Oba Aderemi Adelugba, and Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Momoh.

Also at the meeting were Senator Boluwaji Kunlere, Senator Ayo Akinyelure, Secretary to Government Dr. Rotimi Adeola, Head of Service Joseph Ogundaibe, Mr. Joseph Akinlaja, Labour Party (LP) chairman Olu Ogidan, Chief Imam of Ondo Kingdom Alhaji Bashiru Alimi and Head of Mass Communication, Department, Prof.

Ralph Akinfeleye, Information Commissioner Kayode Akinmade, Bishop Joshua Ketiku, Rotimi Obamuwa-

gun and Waniko Akinfolayan.

Welcoming the guests, Akin Adaramola described the forum as a stock-taking avenue and moment of evaluation, adding that as the governor tenders his stewardship, he would tap from the wealth of ideas and experience of people. He said Mimiko’s administration is not a one-man show, urging the people to see themselves as partners in progress.

Mrs Johnson said she was impressed by the achievements of Mimiko, adding that the state is lucky to have him at the helm of affairs. She promised to cooperate with the governor, especially in ICT.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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NEWS

Two policemen killed in robbery

F

IVE persons, including two policemen, were killed yesterday morning when some suspected armed robbers waylaid a bullion van belonging to a new generation bank on the Maiduguri-Damaturu Road.

The van was reportedly heading for Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, after cash said to be in the region of N50 million had been withdrawn

From Abiodun Joseph, Maiduguri

from the Central Bank, Maiduguri branch.

The robbery took place near Benisheikh, 35 kilometres from Damaturu.

It was gathered that some policemen attached to the van and a worker of the bank were killed. Two robbery suspects also died during the ensuing gun battle.

Borno Police spokesman, Samuel Tizhe, who confirmed the incident, said two policemen and the cashier of the bank were killed.

The spokesman said two of the robbers were killed by the police.

According to him, two other policemen and the driver sustained injuries and were taken to hospital. He said investigations have commenced.

Ekiti may build airport, says Fayemi •ABUAD matriculates 1127

E

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi yesterday spoke of his administration’s plan to build an airport.

The facility would develop the state, he said.

The governor spoke at the second day of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD)’s Third Founder’s Week.

Fayemi disclosed that a committee being chaired by Aare Afe Babalola, the proprietor of the university was already in place.

Praising Babalola, Fayemi said: “Everywhere I go, I meet one or two people who tell me about the wonderful work being done here at ABUAD by Aare.

According to the governor, Babalola has given indigenes reasons to be proud of, adding that either as a private or corporate citizen, Babalola has remained the number one tax payer in Ekiti State .

He said: “We are particu-

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

larly interested in the airport and Baba has agreed to chair a committee set up for that purpose. “ He is the number one tax contributor in the state and anyone who pays tax is naturally my friend and this university is a major contributor.

“I also want to say that Aare has also put me to task in respect of developments in Ekiti State University (EKSU) as the standard here is currently urging directions for developments in the state varsity.

“Ekiti can be the Boston of Nigeria if things could be allowed to work well and necessary attention given to the core values of integrity, hardwork, excellence and perseverance which are the hallmarks of Aare Afe Babalola.

“The work that he is doing here is also inspiring

•Dr. Fayemi

what is being done in EKSU. “I want to thank Chief Babalola for this great mission as there cannot be a mission without a vision.

One thousand one hundred and twenty seven students matriculated at the ceremony yesterday.

Its Vice Chancellor Prof.

Sidi Osho, urged the students to read the institution’s handbook and follow the rules to achieve success.

She urged parents to support the institution by giving it “a free hand to train the children and help them to achieve success.”

Suswam’s aide dies in road crash

T

HE Senior Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Legal Matters, Orvendaga Gberikon, is dead.

He died yesterday in a fatal accident on the Akwanga-Keffi Road in Nassarawa State.

He was a counsel in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Min-

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

istry of Justice.

As a senior member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legal team in the governorship petition, he discharged his principal’s brief professionally.

Commissioner for Works, Benjamin Achaver, de-

scribed his death as shocking. The Minority Leader, Paul Biam and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Professor Saint Gbilekaa, said it was unbelievable.

Gberikon is survived by wife and children.

Governor Gabriel Suswam described him as a dedicated worker.

Judicial workers list ‘sins’ of reinstated HE Judicial Staff UnKwara CJ cialThesystem/administration.

Supreme Court had ion of Nigeria (JSUN),

T

Kwara State branch, yesterday gave reasons why it opposed the reinstatement of the Chief Judge, Justice Raliat Habeeb-Elelu.

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

JSUN said it is determined to protect the image, integrity and interest of the judi-

last Friday affirmed the judgment of the Federal High Court, Ilorin which had declared Justice Habeeb-Elelu’s removal as null and void.

Wamakko gets certificate of return

S

OKOTO State governor-elect Aliyu Wamakko yesterday received his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Issuing the certificate, INEC Commissioner incharge of Zamfara, Kebbi and Sokoto states, Hajia Aminatu Zakari, praised the conduct of the poll and assured that the commission will keep improving as the nation moves towards the 2015 elections.

She urged the indigenes of Cross River State to emulate their compatriots in Sokoto by turning out en masse to vote, stressing that there is no better way of selecting leaders

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

than through the ballot box.

After receiving the certificate, Wamakko said he was confident that Nigeria would soon assume a full blown democracy.

Commending INEC for doing a good job, he said Nigeria would soon attain the level already attained by advanced countries.

According to him, his victory was overwhelming. He called on the opposition to join him in moving the state forward.

He said: “My election is a step in the right direction because INEC conducted a free, fair and credible election. I

urge the commission to keep it up.

“We are moving forward as a nation. I can assure you that soon, our country will be fully democratised.”

Itesiwaju Baptist holds meeting

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HE monthly meeting of the Itesiwaju Baptist Association will hold at 6:30 pm next Monday at the Araba Baptist Church, Ilasamaja, Lagos. It will be presided over by the Moderator, Rev. Gbenga Ojo of Araba Baptist Church and Consultant, Rev. Femi Ajayi of Victoryland Baptist Church, Isolo, Lagos.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

FOREIGN NEWS

NATO apologises for Afghan Qur’an ‘burning’

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HE NATO commander in Afghanistan has apologised over reports foreign troops may have burnt copies of the Qur’an.

Announcing an inquiry, United States Gen John R Allen said any “improper disposal” of religious materials was inadvertent.

Reports suggest the books were taken from prisoners after the US uncovered a secret Taliban message system.

Rumours that a Qur’an had

been burnt led to protests outside the US base at Bagram north of Kabul. One man was hurt when NATO troops fired rubber bullets.

President Hamid Karzai condemned the reports that the Qur’an had been burnt, as did the Taliban who said the incident would hurt the feelings “of one billion Muslims around the world”.

US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta called the incident “inappropriate and deeply

unfortunate”.

“These actions do not represent the views of the United States military,” Mr Panetta said in a statement apologising to the Afghan people. He promised to review the results of the investigation.

The Americans confiscated the Qur’an and other religious documents because they believed prisoners were using them to hide messages to each other, two senior Afghan officials told the BBC.

Strauss-Kahn questioned in prostitution ring enquiry

F

ORMER International Monetary Fund (IMF) head Dominique Strauss-Kahn has been detained for questioning by French police investigating a prostitution ring.

Mr Strauss-Kahn, once a front-runner for the French presidency, could be held for 48 hours at a police station in Lille, northern France.

Investigators have already questioned a number of pros-

P

titutes who have admitted having sex with Mr StraussKahn.

He insists he did not know that the women were prostitutes.

“I challenge you to distinguish a naked prostitute from any other naked woman,” his lawyer Henri Leclerc has told French television.

Mr Strauss-Kahn resigned as head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in May

2011 after he was charged in New York with the attempted rape of a hotel maid. The case was later dropped.

In this separate enquiry, French police have already arrested eight men on suspicion of organising a prostitution ring and misusing corporate funds to pay for sex in a scandal known as the “Carlton affair” because of a Lille hotel where clients were allegedly supplied with call-girls.

Jonathan for UK talks on Somalia

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan is expected to participate in talks on Somalia today.

The International Conference on Somalia will hold at Lancaster House, London.

The conference to be attended by heads of government or their representatives from 40 countries as well as international organisations, according to presidential

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

spokesman, Dr. Rueben Abati, will address the issues of security, piracy, counter-terrorism, political processes, humanitarian challenges and the need for global coordination and handling of long-standing Somalia crises.

During the two-day visit to the United Kingdom, Presi-

dent Jonathan will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister David Cameron at 10 Downing Street, before returning to Abuja on Friday morning.

President Jonathan will be accompanied by the First Lady, Dame Patience, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Olugbenga Ashiru and the National Security Adviser Gen. Andrew Azazi.

ASUU won’t go on strike again, says Minister

T

HE Federal Government yesterday spoke of its determination to ensure that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) does not embark on strike again.

Minister of Education Prof

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

Ruqqayatu Ahmed Rufai, said in Abuja yesterday that the Federal Government would ensure that issues that led to the industrial action would

not only be addressed in the course of settling disputes but that government would be proactive in constantly addressing challenges in the nation’s universities before becoming contentious.

‘How Boko Haram shot my brothers dead at Borno market’ Continued frompage 2 planted by members of the sect and shot and killed eight members of the sect.”

Due to the emergency rule imposed on Maiduguri on December 31, only the military responds to any emergency situations in the city, but a relief agency source said from accounts given by witnesses “the death toll from the attack is around 30.”

A nurse at Maiduguri hospital on Monday told AFP “the number of dead could not be less than 30,” adding it was difficult to establish a precise death toll as security forces did not take the bodies to the morgue but allowed relatives to claim their loved ones for immediate burial.

Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state and the home base of Boko Haram, has seen some of the worst violence blamed on the extremist sect, which has focused its attacks on the north.

The insurgency blamed on Boko Haram has killed more than 200 people already this year, including at least 185 in coordinated gun and bomb attacks in Nigeria’s second city of Kano on January 20, its deadliest ever strike.

The Boko Haram sect yesterday denied that its members were killed during Monday’s gun duel with the military at Baga market, Maiduguri.

The sect also gave condition for talks with the federal government: unconditional release of all its detained members.

It made its position known in a teleconference with reporters in Maiduguri yesterday.

A sect member purported to be Abu Qaqa, said Boko Haram attacked the market in retaliation for the assistance given by the traders to security forces that aided the killing of one of its members last week.

Qaqa, said: “We attacked the Baga Fish Market in Maiduguri on Monday as a revenge on the traders for assisting the military to kill one of our members. We have warned that our target is the military, police, government officials as well as nonMuslims. But any one that assists the security forces to identify our members or harm our members JTF. Qaqa said that the attack on the market might have resulted in the killing of traders.

“We know many people have been killed as a result of our multiple bomb attacks on the market; no one can dispute that, we did kill many of them that we identified as those that carried out treachery against us. We cannot give the number but we know many have died, and it is a warning on all never to aid or abet the security forces against us.”

On the killing of eight of their members as claimed by the Joint Task Force (JTF), Qaqa said: “None of our members was killed; we went in to the operation and came out unscathed. All our members that went into the operation returned to base safely. If the military claims to have killed our members, let them show the world their corpses.”

The spokesman added that the sect had never been in any secret dialogue with the government.

“We have never had any dialogue with government and we will not do that soon until all our arrested members are released unconditionally.

If our men are released, all of them; then, we can bring out five of our representatives to meet with the government,” Qaqa said.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

63

www.thenationonlineng.net

WHO SAID WHAT

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.7 NO.2043

‘It is only in a country with no government that an expressway can repeatedly and maliciously be blocked at the same point, Ogere, for 330 days a year by a fleet of irresponsible tankers’ TONY MARINHO

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

M

ALAM Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has been in the news lately for apparently the wrong reasons, sort of. First, his vigorous and rigorous defence of government’s removal of oil subsidy has been widely regarded as contrary to his image of a compassionate professional.

Then he gave a relatively princely sum of a N100 million to the victims of the recent alleged Boko Haram insurgency in Kano State on behalf of the CBN. That would not be the first time the bank would donate to charity, but it all looked rather partial, not only because he comes from the state. Two, his ambition to be the next Emir of Kano is a poorly guarded secret.

Then, of course, there was the question of why, since he seemed disposed to be rather generous with the bank’s money in helping victims of terrorism, he had failed to extend the same financial gesture to victims of the well-publicised Christmas Day’s bombing of a Catholic Church in Madalla, Niger State, a suburb close to Abuja.

He made up for this two days ago when he donated N25 million to the church. However, it is doubtful that this will assuage those – and they are not exactly negligible – who think the CBN should not be in the business of charity, to begin with.

Third, the man recently gave the London Financial Times an interview in which he linked the Boko Haram insurrection to the level of poverty in the North. If he had stopped there, maybe, just maybe, he would not have attracted the vehement attack he has come under since the interview.

However, rather than stop there, he took the logical step of recommending a Marshal Plan for the region. Predictably, all hell has broken loose since then.

Again, predictably, many of the attacks on the man have been long on abuse and short on logic. However, several others, most notably the almost full page Sunday Punch editorial of last Sunday and a two part article by Biodun Jeyiofo of Harvard University in The Guardian of February 12 and 19 have been well-reasoned critique of the CBN governor.

For having the effrontery of suggesting a Marshal Plan for the North, the man has been called all manner of names. For many, some of them senior government officials, I suspect, his attempt at linking the Boko Haram insurgency to the level of extreme poverty in the North is an attempt not only to justify it. For such people, it is enough proof that, at the least, he is close to Boko Haram, or at the worst, a Boko Haram financier.

Well, if he is any of these things to Boko Haram, then he must be in the good company of, at least, Bill Clinton, former President of the United States.

Speaking penultimate Monday at the 17th

RIPPLES OIL WILL NO LONGER BE A CURSE-Don

Yes...only if FUEL PRICE doesn’t go up again

People and Politics By MOHAMMED HARUNA ndajika@yahoo.com

Sanusi, Boko Haram and his ‘Marshal Plan’ for the North ‘It should be pretty obvious to any sensible person that the well-being of the citizens of any part of the country does not and cannot depend alone on how much revenue it has.

What is more important is how it uses what it has’ •Sanusi

Annual Thisday Awards for Excellence, Clinton made the same argument as Sanusi. In an indirect reference to Boko Haram, he said it was impossible to end its terror without dealing with the apparent root of the disaffection of its perpetrators. “You can’t just have this level of inequality persist. That’s what is fuelling all this stuff,” he said.

He went on to express his reservation about the efficacy of government’s obvious over-reliance on wielding the big stick as a solution to the problem. “It is almost impossible,” he said, “to cure a problem based on violence with violence. You have to give people something to look forward to when they wake up in the morning.”

The former American president was obviously speaking from his experience in his own country. In his great 2004 autobiography, My life, he wrote at some length

about the race riots of the mid-60 that tore the American society apart.

Those riots, he pointed out, led President Lyndon Johnson to appoint a commission under Otto Kerner, the governor of Illinois, to look into their causes. The commission found that the riots were the result of police racism and brutality and the absence of economic and educational opportunities for the blacks.

“Its ominous conclusion,” said Clinton in his autobiography, “was summed up in a sentence that became famous: ‘Our nation is moving towards two societies, one black, one white – separate and unequal.’”

Substitute America’s racial differences with Nigeria’s regional differences and Kerner’s commission might as well have been talking about present-day Nigeria.

Whatever anyone thinks of Sanusi’s argument about the dangers of regional differences

HARDBALL

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HIEF Chukwuemeka OdumegwuOjukwu, the Ikemba Nnewi and EzeIgbo Gburugburu, is yet to be interred, but the teacup he left for Ndigbo has begun to witness a veritable storm. Frothing in the cup are his son, Emeka Jnr, who was installed as Ikemba II at Nawfia in Njikoka LGA of Anambra State, and Chief Ralph Uwazuruike of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), who was crowned Eze-Igbo Gburugburu at Nri in Nnewi, where Ojukwu was installed Ikemba. It will be recalled that in January, some Igbo traditional rulers visited Uwazurike and told him he would be crowned the successor to the famous Ojukwu.

The MASSOB leader was smart enough to understand the symbolism of the Ikemba title and the significance of the Nnewi location where the departed icon was crowned.

It was perhaps in frustration, or at least as a response to the traditional rulers visit to Uwazurike, that Emeka Jnr went to Nawfia to be installed as Ikemba II. The MASSOB leader has fired the first broadside at Ojukwu’s son, pointing out to him that no one could instal Ikemba II but those who installed Ikemba I. In the coming

for the stability and unity of the country, it is hard to dispute the fact that huge regional disparities in public revenue are not good for any nation. Certainly, there is a strong argument for the regions collectively to get a bigger share of the federation account than they now do relative to the central government.

This, however, is how far it is sensible to support Sanusi’s concern; regional inequalities are bad for any nation but social inequity are by far worse. I am sure Sanusi would be the first to admit that his London Financial Times interview did not address the root of the violence that has become pervasive in Nigeria, whether it is Boko Haram, MEND, or plain armed robbery or kidnapping.

As Biodun Jeyifor said in his article in The Guardian, revenue allocation to Nigeria’s constituents has been “the bottomless pit of the Nigerian power elite’s megalomaniacal struggle for the wealth of the nation.” Again one cannot agree more with him when he said this emphasis on distribution of revenue among the tiers of government to the neglect of vertical distribution among the social classes of society has only “made a few oligarchs immensely rich and the vast majority of our peoples, North and South, obscenely poverty-stricken.” But in talking about the few immensely rich oligarchs, Jeyifo might as well have pointed out they too are not exclusive to any region.

It should be pretty obvious to any sensible person that the well-being of the citizens of any part of the country does not and cannot depend alone on how much revenue it has. What is more important is how it uses what it has. And in this respect, it is obvious that, North and South, our political leaders to whom we have entrusted our commonwealth all these years have used it more to satisfy their own creature comforts and those of their families and friends than for the greatest good of the greatest number of their subjects; the big difference being not so much any differences among the politicians in their abuse of public trust, but the impact such abuses is bound to have on the poorer parts of the country.

In this respect, the politicians in the North have a greater responsibility to have demonstrated good and transparent governance than their Southern counterparts. Anyone with half an eye can see that this has not been the case.

More than the relatively smaller revenue the region gets from the federation account, it is the shirking of this great responsibility that has led to the widening of the gap between the regions in almost all indices of human development in the country.

The sooner the North wakes up to this bitter truth the better for the region, and by extension, the better for the entire country.

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Storm in Ikemba’s teacup months, as the Igbo vote with their hearts and voices, we would know who the real successor is and who the pretender to the throne is. Both gentlemen are, however, lucky to live in an era when self-expression is, in the spirit of the democratic times, de rigueur. Were they to fight over a throne in Ottoman times, they would have contended with the dire consequences of seeing one of them physically eliminated, perhaps in the most brutal fashion as Selim II did to his brothers after the death of Suleiman the Magnificent in September 1566.

Uwazuruike has pointed out that the Ikemba II title does not exist among the Igbo. It is unlikely Emeka Jnr would agree. If the MASSOB leader took the more traditional of the titles, Eze-Igbo Gburugburu, then Emeka Jnr would take the romanticised and historical title, Ikemba, of course minus Nnewi. But neither Uwazuruike nor Emeka Jnr appears to understand what they are fighting over. Ojukwu preceded his title by the force of his personal charm, irrepressible charisma, wit, even force of arms, and unequalled chutzpah. It was the title that grew into him, into his name, into his fame. He was an indisputable achiever before his coro-

nation as Igbo leader, not the other way round.

Could any of the two gentlemen posturing over the title of Igbo leader claim to precede the position they now covet, or do they hope the title would ennoble them and give them the opportunity to grow into it?

Both Uwazuruike and Emeka Jnr may have some hidden leadership qualities, but it is doubtful whether, so far, any of them could step into the rather large shoes left by the departed Ikemba. It is also needless for the Igbo to begin searching for a successor so soon. A successor, they should know, will come at the right time, when the Igbo would be tested as harshly, even if differently, as they were in the 1960s, when by the force of his personality and uncommon ability to galvanise a whole race in the face of danger, a new leader would emerge on merit. This was the route Ojukwu took: it was long, lonely, dangerous and turbulent. The furnace from which a leader emerges cannot be tempered by the sort of blandishments Uwazuruike has curried from traditional rulers nor by the consanguineous proclamations of Emeka Jnr.

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