The Nation February 24, 2012

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VOL. 7, NO. 2045 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

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EMEKA ODUMEGWU- OJUKWU (1933-2011)

•From left: Senator Obi, Asiwaju Tinubu, Governor Okorocha, Governor Fashola, Dr Baithwaite, Governor Obi and his wife, Margaret at the Odumegwu-Ojukwu funeral at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos ... yesterday. See also pages 4&5. PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

Lagos bids Ojukwu farewell

Fayemi’s lawyer petitions CJN

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From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

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KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has urged Chief Justice of Nigeria Dahiru Musdapher to disband the panel set up to review the Court of Appeal judgment that brought him to office.

According to Dr. Fayemi, the grounds of the call for review cannot stand because suspended Court of Appeal President Isa Ayo Salami has been cleared of allegations of misconduct made against him.

Continued on page 2

•The late Ojukwu

ARKETS were shut and traffic grinded to a halt as eminent Nigerians gathered yesterday at the Tafawa Balewa Square for the Lagos leg of the multiple funeral programme for the late Biafra leader, Dim Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

Governors Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Peter Obi (Anambra) and Rochas Okorocha (Imo) led the exciting farewell.

They were joined by Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former Military Governor of Western Region Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo, former Chief of General Staff Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (rtd), former military administrator of Lagos Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd), Senators Ben Obi, Uche Chukwumerije, Chris Ngige and Ike Nwachukwu, to honour Ojukwu.

Fashola, Obi and Okorocha preached peace.

Tinubu said Ojukwu, who led the then Eastern Region’s secession war between 1967 and 1970, was forced to defend his people.

Elder statesman Dr Tunji Braithwaite said Ojukwu did not declare a war against Nigeria, but against “corruption, lies and injustice, so that we can have a one and better Nigeria”.

US, Nigeria to join forces against Boko Haram Sect kills six policemen in Kano, Minna T

•Mr McCulley

HE United States will support Nigeria’s battle against Boko Haram but will not send troops, its Ambassador, Terrence P. McCulley, said yesterday.

McCulley said the U.S. encourages Nigeria to reach out to residents in the North, especially the poor, while using security forces to target and apprehend terrorists.

He said the U.S. is also

considering opening a consulate in Kano to burnish America’s own image among a people still suspicious about Western influence.

“That’s not on the table,” McCulley said.

“No; absolutely not,” when asked about the possibility of US’ troops deployment in Nigeria by the Associated Press (AP).

Nigeria has been under increasing attack from members of Boko Haram.

This year, the sect is blamed for killing at least 304 people, according to an AP count. At least 185 people died in Kano last month in the group’s deadliest assault yet.

Six policemen were reported to have been killed yesterday in Kano and Minna, Niger State.

“It’s of a great concern to us,” McCulley said. “We’ve seen an increase in sophistication, we’ve seen

increased lethality. We saw at least a part of the group has decided it’s in their interest to attack the international community.”

The U.S. is working with the police to help them learn how to carry out forensic investigations, while a bomb expert from the FBI has been working with authorities on how to detect explosives planted by the group before they detonate, McCulley

said. The U.S. also would be open to training Nigeria’s military in counter-terror techniques, though the country hasn’t asked for that assistance, the ambassador said.

“It’s not going to be solved exclusively by treating it as a security issue,” McCulley said. “It needs a holistic solution.

Continued on page 2

•SPORTS P23 •NEWS EXTRA P25 •SOCIETY P29 •POLITICS P43

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THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 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

Boko Haram kills six policemen

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•Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun flanked by Deputy Speaker of the third session of Ogun State Children Parliament, Hon. Lawal Sodiq (left) and the Speaker, Rt. Hon.Jaiyeola Oluwaseun after a visit by the parliamentarians to the governor ... yesterday.

Boko Haram has ties to al-Qaeda, says Petinrin

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IGERIA’s top military chief said Thursday that the radical Islamist Boko Haram sect, which has been blamed for gun and bomb attacks that have killed hundreds of people, has ties to Al-Qaeda.

“We have been able to link the activities of the Boko Haram sect to the support and training the sect received from AQIM (Al-Qaeda in the Islamic

Maghreb),” Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin said.

It was the first such public comment by a top security official in Nigeria linking the group to Al-Qaeda.

Petinrin’s remarks were contained in speech read out at a meeting of security chiefs from the West African bloc ECOWAS

by Nigeria’s navy chief Vice Admiral Sa’ad Ibrahim.

A summit of leaders from 15

ECOWAS member states last week ordered an “urgent” meeting of security chiefs to draw up concrete plans to curb emerging security threats in the Sahel region and the Gulf of Guinea.

Earlier Thursday, gunmen shot dead four policemen near the home of Nigeria’s police chief in the main northern city of Kano, in an attack that was suspected to have been the work of Boko Haram.

Why Jonathan participated in Somalia conference, by Tafida

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan participated in the British government organised conference on Somalia because of Boko Haram’s link with Somalia’s terrorist group, Nigeria’s envoy to the United Kingdom Dr. Sarki Tafida, said.

The two-day conference ended yesterday in London.

Tafida said: “There are unconfirmed suspicions that Boko Haram may have drawn inspiration, if not support, from Al-Shabab and similar terrorists organisations in the sub-region including Al-Qeada in the MaghrebSahelian region.

“From a purely security

point of view therefore, it is in Nigeria’s national interest to participate in any political initiative aimed at restoring peace, stability and development in Somalia. The Somalia Conference afforded Nigeria the opportunity to exchange information and strategies in tackling the menace of piracy in the two regions of Africa”, he said.

Tafida added: “As a matter of fact, Nigeria’s involvement in Somalia dates back to several years. Nigeria granted asylum to Muhammed Siad Barre, former Prime Minister of Somalia on purely humanitarian grounds in 1991 where he

remained till his death in 1995. It also took part in the United Nation’s peace keeping force in Somalia in early 1990’s and has supported the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). It is therefore the expectation of Nigeria that the London conference would further enhance the prospects of lasting peace and stability in Somalia”.

Jonathan was accompanied on his maiden visit to the UK as President by First Lady, Patience, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, National Security Adviser Gen. Andrew Azazi and other top government officials.

N two separate strikes, members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect have continued their onslaught against security operatives, killing six policemen in Niger and Kano states on Wednesday night and yesterday.

The Kano attacks by sect members allegedly dressed in riot police uniform occurred near the Kano family house of the acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar.

Four policemen were feared killed in the attack. Two policemen were on Wednesday night killed at the City Gate in Minna, the Niger State capital.

The Kano victims were shot at the eatery where they went to take their breakfast by four gunmen in police uniform.

According to an eyewitness account, the gunmen allegedly stormed the area in a commando style, shot at the riot policemen before fleeing the scene.

“People ran helter-skelter as sounds of gunshot rent the air.

The hapless policemen were walking on the street; and all of a sudden, some mean-looking young men opened fire on them and killed them instantly. Their bodies were quickly removed by their colleagues; and security men immediately cordoned off the area,” a resident of the area said.

The incident, which occurred along Lawan Danbazau link, Gwandu Albasu Quarters, near the defunct Bank of the North building at about 8:30am, has further heightened fear in the ancient city.

Residents were seen in small groups discussing the development in hush tones.

“What is Kano turning into?

We are indeed in a war situation.

When will this attacks stop? This is gradually grinding economic activities in Kano. Only God will save us,” a worried businessman, who pleaded for anonymity, lamented.

The gunmen allegedly disarmed their victims.

Police spokesman Musa Magaji Majia, an Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP), confirmed the incident. But said only two policemen died.

US to join fight against Boko Haram Continued from page 1

Government needs clearly to have a targeted approach on security that targets the bad guys, that targets perpetuators of these horrible attacks and doesn’t injure innocent civilians or damage property.”

Intelligence-gathering also remains a concern for the U.S. in Nigeria, especially after a failure by American authorities to take seriously a warning about Nigerian Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab before he boarded a U.S.-bound flight that he attempted to bring down with a bomb in 2009.

While McCulley declined to give details, he said “adequate systems” were now in place to receive such warnings and that the U.S. maintained “robust relations” with Nigerian intelligence agencies.

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano and Jide Orintunsin, Minna

Said Majia: “At about 8:30am this (yesterday) morning, along BUK Road, our men on foot patrol were attacked by four gunmen on motorbikes. Two of our men died while two were injured.

“Already, 15 suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime. At the moment, the area has been cordoned off and investigation is still on-going. I urge good citizens to move about their businesses without panic.”

The Niger attacks came barely a week after the fundamentalist sect killed three officers including an inspector and a sergeant in the capital city and a corporal at Maje, in Suleja Local Government Area.

Wednesday’s attack occurred at Tunga area of Minna.

The victims were attacked while on duty at a police check point.

Police spokesman Ricahrd Oguche confirmed the attack but declined further details.

“Please, I will call you back.

I am going to see my commissioner. Two of our men have just been killed at Atunga. I will call back to give details,” Oguche said.

The Federal Road Safety Corps has denied that two FRSC marshals were murdered yesterday in Kano by suspected Boko Haram attackers. The Corps, in a statement by Bisi Kazeem, the Deputy Corps Public Education Officer, said no FRSC man was killed in the reported incident.

It added that the FRSC was only involved in the post-incident rescue operations in the normal line of duty.

A primary school has been attacked in Maiduguri.

Classrooms were set on fire overnight - the second non-denominational school to be targeted this week.

The burning bears the hallmarks of an attack by Boko Haram group, which has recently threatened to attack nonIslamic schools.

Boko Haram, whose name means “Western education is forbidden”, wants to establish Islamic law in Nigeria.

An education officer with Borno state said two classrooms were completely burnt down overnight and other buildings at the government-run school were still alight on Thursday morning.

He told the BBC Hausa Service that gunmen held the school’s security guard hostage as four men entered the premises to start the fire.

Boko Haram wants Nigerian children to attend Islamic schools.

The gunmen then prevented residents living nearby in the suburb of Budum from putting out the blaze.

Earlier in the week, another government school, in Kolumgna suburb, was targeted and four classrooms were destroyed.

The BBC’s Bilkisu Babangida, formerly based in Maiduguri, said the strongholds of Boko Haram in the mainly Muslim city.

Ekiti Governor Fayemi’s lawyer petitions Chief Justice Musdapher Continued from page 1

The judgment of the Court of Appeal sacked Chief Segun Oni and upheld the election of Dr Kayode Fayemi on October 15, 2010.

Five months after, Oni filed an application for the review of the judgment.

The case came up on March 29, 2011.

It was, however, adjourned indefinitely on the grounds that the application was premature, in view of the fact that a similar complaint was pending with the Nigeria Judicial Council.

A new panel constituted by the Acting President of the Court of Appeal is set to hear the application to review the judgment of the Court of Appeal on Monday.

The petition, signed by Abdulhameed Umar of Chief Ademuyiwa Adeniyi and Co. law firm, dated February 20, 2012, the petitioner urged

Justice Musdapher to prevail on the Acting President of the Court of Appeal to disband the panel of Justices set to review the judgment, stressing that allowing the review would be tantamount to ridiculing the judiciary.

“All said, your Lordship is humbly urged to prevail on the Acting President of the Court of Appeal to disband the panel and administratively put paid to the application. This is what the interest of justice and the good image of the judiciary dictate,” the petitioner stated.

The nine-page petition stated that since the National Judicial Council had absolved Justice Ayo Salami and other Justices that gave the October 15th, 2010 judgment of any misconduct or impropriety, any move by Oni for a review of the judgment was unnecessary and amounts to a sheer attempt to ridicule the judicial system.

According to the petitioner, it is a settled principle of law that a request or application to the court to review its judgment outside the narrow prism allowed by law is tantamount to asking the court to violate the Constitution, which it is put in place to uphold.

“It is easily discernible that the alleged complaint of Segun Oni was nothing other than a most ill-disguised, unmitigated and brazen contempt of the judicial institution of the country,” the petitioner added.

The petition reads: “It is beyond disputation, my Lord, that once a court delivers judgment in a matter placed before it for adjudication, such a court becomes functus officio and thus precluded from reviewing or reversing itself in the same proceedings save in clearly settled exceptional circumstances that are patently inapplicable in the instant mat-

ter. This is a trite principle of law given vent to by a litany of judicial authorities among which is the decision handed down by the Supreme Court in NIGERIAN ARMY Vs IYELE reported in(2008) 12 MJSC 74 @88-89.

“My Lord the C.J.N. will easily agree that the power conferred on the Court of Appeal under Order 18(4) of the Court of Appeal Rules as amended is limited to the correction of accidental slips and omissions in the Court’s judgment and does not confer jurisdiction on the court to review its judgment .

The case of UMARU OMOLOWO vs AFRICAN NEWSPAPERS OF NIGERIA LTD. (1991) 8 NWLR (Pt. 209)371 at 380 is apt in this regard.

“Against the tide of this well settled principle of law, the said Segun Oni has desperately been trying to bring the Nigerian Judiciary into public opprobrium and global odium in the way and manner he has been pestering for a review of

the aforesaid judgment of the Court of Appeal of 15th October, 2010.

“It is easily discernible that the alleged complaint of Segun Oni was nothing other than a most ill-disguised, unmitigated and brazen contempt of the judicial institution of the country.

“The exculpation of the Hon. Justice Isa Ayo Salami and their other Lordships by the National Judicial Council naturally sounded the death knell of the application for setting aside the judgment on account of the allegations investigated by the National Judicial Council and upon which the application for the review of judgment was/is predicated.

“It is a matter of grave concern, however, that of late, it has come to the notice of our clients that the said Segun Oni has pressured or influenced the Acting President of the Court of Appeal to constitute another Panel of Court

of Appeal Justices to hear the application. Information has it that the application has been fixed for hearing on the 27th day of February, 2012.

“Your Lordship, to worsen the situation, Ekiti State is now awash with the boasting of Segun Oni and his political acolytes that everything has been perfected and that in the course of time the judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered well over one year ago will be set aside.

“While it is not impossible that such boasting is a product of political shenanigan or convolution to keep a motley crowd of political hangers on, there is absolutely no basis for the Court of Appeal’s Acting President to set up a panel to hear the substance of the application after the NJC had dismissed the allegations made against Hon. Justice Isa Ayo Salami and others by Segun Oni. Continued on page 59

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THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

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THE

NEWS EMEKA ODUMEGWU-OJUKWU (1933-2011) NEW YEAR MESSAGES

• Ngige

• Chukwumerije

• From left:: Obanikoro, Chief Segun Olusola, Gen. Adebayo and Comodore Ukiwe

Ojukwu was forced to defend F

ORMER Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday said the late Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu was forced by circumstances to defend his people.

Tinubu, who spoke at a funeral for the former Biafran leader in Lagos, said besides the three founding fathers of Nigeria- Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe and Ahmadu Bello- no other Nigerian has altered the course of history than Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

He said: “After the contributions of our great nationalists such as Nnamdi Azikwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Sir Ahmadu Bello, no single Nigerian has altered the course of Nigeria’s history as the late Ikemba Ojukwu. He was forced by the circumstance of history to defend his people when he believed they faced physical and political annihilation. His reasons were clear to his people and his voice and strong determination reverberated across Nigeria. Ultimately, he altered the course of Nigerian political history in profound ways.”

Tinubu said though the late Ojukwu meant different things to different people, there was no doubt that he cemented his place in history by dint of hard work and commitment.

He said: “Ojukwu was truly a product of the flawed attempt to be a good Nigerian without first being good Igbo man, Hausa woman or Yoruba child. It makes more pragmatic sense to build Nigerian patriotism on those common val-

• Odogwu and Emeka Ojukwu Jnr.

By Olukorede Yishau

ues and virtues that are not in any way against the values of Nigerian patriotism. If Ojukwu is viewed from that new prism, it would be clear that he was both a worthy Igboman as well as a worthy Nigerian.”

Quoting the words of Robert Green Ingersoll at this brother’s grave, Asiwaju Tinubu said of Ojukwu and his differing perceptions: “This brave and tender man in every storm of life was oak and rock, but in the sunshine he was vine and flower. He was a friend of all heroic souls.”

The former governor of Lagos said Ojukwu was a man of courage who made his voice heard no matter what.

He added: “Ojukwu carried on, no matter the situation. His voice was never drowned or silenced on the issues that mattered to him, even in the face of adversity.

“He was rather defined by Igbo nationalism, if not irredentism. But given the turn of events in Nigeria, with its continuous crisis of nationhood and identity, neither Igbo nationalism nor Igbo irredentism would appear illegitimate.

“His exploits both on the battle and political fields portray him as a restless soul, constantly engaged with the processes aimed at birthing an egalitarian society. He was a man with a most powerful narrative. An essential Nigerian story, with a career compelling in several respects.

Ikemba Nnewi was a brave soldier

Lagos stands still

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S the ceremony got underway at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos, traffic in almost the entire metropolis came to a near stand-still yesterday.

The heavy traffic recorded on the Funsho Williams Avenue, Surulere, Lagos Island and Apapa routes were attributed to the final honour staged for the Biafran leader by the Lagos State Government.

All the routes connecting the island with the mainland were completely blocked.

Some road users lamented over the situation which they said kept them on the road for hours.

Mr Wale Olagunsoye, an Ikejabound commercial driver, while narrating his ordeal in the gridlock from Lagos Island to Costain, alleged that traffic wardens did not

and great thinker!

“Here was a man born with a silver spoon into the luxury of a high pedestal; given the best education of his time and had the world at his feet, but chose the road less travelled. He immersed himself in the service of the people. A man of scholastic brilliance from Oxford, Ojukwu chose to serve in the Nigerian military. He will be remembered as a fine officer and a gentle-

• Kanu, Kalu and Christopher Eze

• Nwachukwu

• Dozie

• A group of Igbo women at the programme... yesterday

• Moslem cle

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THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

NEWS EMEKA ODUMEGWU-OJUKWU (1933-2011)

Fashola, Okorocha, Obi preach unity

By Miriam Ndikanwu

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• A group of Igbo women at the programme... yesterday

his people, says Tinubu for the Ikemba control the situation.

“I do not know the cause of this heavy traffic and why the traffic wardens were nowhere to be found to bail us out of this mess,” Olagunsoye said.

Mr Paul Okafor, a businessman, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that he decided to walk from Eric Moore to TBS to pay his last respect to Ojukwu when he was trapped in the traffic congestion.

“Although the traffic is heavy, I have to park my car somewhere at Eric Moore so as to have a glimpse of the remains of Ojukwu who has contributed immensely to the building of this nation,” he said.

Mr Chika Michael, a commuter, said he was disappointed because he had to pay N200 instead of N70 from Orile to the Island, yet, had to get down from the bus to trek a long distance.

man. “ Here was a man who was in step with the passion for his people and love for country. Today we say goodbye to someone who rode several storms of life and was never consumed except by the cold hands of death. The words of Robert Green Ingersoll at his brother’s grave are here appropriate, “This brave and tender man in every storm of life was oak and rock, but

in the sunshine he was vine and flower. He was the friend of all heroic souls. He climbed the heights and left all superstitions far below, while on his forehead fell the golden dawning of the grander day”.

Ojukwu carried on, no matter the situation. His voice was never drowned or silenced on the issues that matter to him even in the face of adversity. A General’s delight, Ojukwu was courageous and smart enough to know when to compromise, when to negotiate and when to silence the guns and exit. For the sake of his people he entered politics. His foray into politics, which though often controversial, was in tune with the spirit of Nigeria’s multi-party democracy. ”Indeed, the life and times of

Ojukwu, in a way, is a metaphor for Nigeria’s unfulfilled nationhood.

No matter how Ojukwu tried, history would remember him as an iconic Ndigbo than it would as an iconic Nigerian – and it is doubtful if history would remember any member of his generation for iconic ‘Nigerianness’; or even any from this present generation. ”We all have shortcomings and Ojukwu was no different. Despite Ojukwu’s personal short-comings which by the way cannot be glossed over, he was indeed a great man.

His life and travails revealed a nation constantly at war with its constituent parts. Ojukwu is truly a product of the flawed attempt to be a good Nigerian without first being good Igboman, Hausa woman or Yoruba child.”

OUTSTANDING BURIAL PROGRAMME February 24: February 25: February 26: February 27:

Bayelsa Icho Mmadu in All locations Valedictory Services in All Churches (i) Arrival of Remains at Abuja Airport (ii) Onye Ije Nno (iii) Departs to Owerri February 28: Aba - Abakiliki - Enugu Stops/ceremonies February 29: (i) Enugu Preparations (ii) Youths Icho Mmadu March 1: National Funeral Ceremony, (Enugu) Onye Ije Nno (Awka) reception 3 pm Nnewi Christian Wake 5:30 pm March 2: Interment March 3 - 10: Condolences Mrach 12: Outing Church Service

• Moslem clerics at the programme... yesterday

• Umeh

PHOTOS: MOSES OMOSEHIN

OVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, his counterpart in Imo and Anambra states, Rochas Okorocha and Peter Obi yesterday sued for peaceful coexistence and unity among Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic or religious diversity.

They spoke at a funeral organised for the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu by the Lagos State Government.

Fashola said the civil war, which the late Ojukwu led his people to fight, was for the love he had for his people.

He said: “He was in pursuit of a just and egalitarian society, rather than chaos and bloodshed. Perhaps, he did not love Nigeria less, he loved his people more.

“Never in Nigeria’s history has this kind of courage been demonstrated. He never acted in self-seeking interest. He was one of the greatest proponent of true federalism that ever lived.

“Let us put aside these fickle things and focus on the stronger bonds, because our time on earth is limited. We came to this earth without faith or ethnic leanings. They were given to us when we got here. And they will mean nothing when all is finished.

“I will say that in a country like Nigeria with an abundance of great men, Ojukwu stood taller than most because his love for his people was as fierce as it was unflagging.

“He was a man who typified everything that is remarkable about our brothers, the Ndigbo - your resilience and tenacity, inventiveness, resourcefulness and strong sense of identity. His brave and large-hearted leadership guaranteed the continued unity of Nigeria in the aftermath of the war because, in the words of Winston Churchill: ‘It takes courage to stand up and speak. But it also takes courage to sit down and listen.’”

Okorocha said the departure of Ojukwu would mark the end and beginning of a new era in Nigeria, saying that the spirit of Ojukwu will continue to live with Igbos in Nigeria. “ Ojukwu is alive, not dead. He did not die under the knife; he died a hero. Wherever his spirit lives now, the labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain. I will not mourn, I will rejoice because Ojukwu exited as a hero. He exited with a legacy, “ the Imo governor said.

He added: “Wherever you find yourself, preach the gospel of Ojukwu, which was justice for all. With the death of Ojukwu, the war is over, and we must unite.”

Obi, who chose to sing the praise of Ojukwu in his native dialect, said the Igbos will forever remember Ojukwu for giving a voice to the Southeast and pushing for justice for the masses.

He said Ojukwu will forever be remembered for his astute manner in dealing with national issues.

Eminent Nigerians eulogise Ojukwu • Traders closer shops in Lagos

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T was showers of tributes at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Lagos, yesterday as eminent Nigerians trooped to the venue to pay their last respects to the defunct Biafran leader, late Chukwuemeka OdumegwuOjukwu.

Prominent Nigerians, such as: Governor Babatunde Fashola, Governors Rochas Okorocha and Peter Obi, National Leader of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, retired Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, retired Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, Prof.

Pat Utomi, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, Gen. Adebayo Adeyinka(rtd), Gen. Ike Nwachukwu(rtd), Senator Uche Chukwumerije, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Prof. Anya O Anya, Chief Sunny Odogwu, among others were in attendance.

Traders from the eastern part of the country closed their shops in major markets and turned out in large numbers at the venue in honour of the late Ojukwu, whom they described as a great leader of the Igbo.

The beautiful rendition of the national anthem by a coral group led by Prof. Laz Ekweme kicked started the programme at about 1pm.

Chairman of the occasion and childhood friend of the late Ojukwu, Braithwaite, described the deceased as a fine officer and a true Nigerian.

Braithwaite, who said his relationship with the late Ojukwu dated back to when he was eight years old, denounced the impression held by most Nigerians that Ojukwu declared

By Miriam Ndikanwu

war against his fatherland, saying the Biafran leader only waged war against corruption, lies and injustice against his fatherland.

He said: “Let me correct the wrong impression that Ojukwu declared war against his fatherland what he declared against was corruption, lies and injustice that’s why we would continue to declare war against lies, injustice and corruption so that we can have a one and better Nigeria.”

Gen. Adebayo recalled Ojukwu’s days in the Nigerian Army, saying he lived a most fulfilled life.

Gen. Nwachukwu described Ojukwu as a fine officer, who created confidence in those who he came in contact with.

“He was an officer who was caring, he showed ability to surmount difficulties. Ojukwu could convince you, using his knowledge to make you do what you did not want to do. He was strictly against injustice”.

Renowned businessman, Dr. Paschal Dozie said the period calls for sober reflection from Igbos and Nigerians.

“It is a time for Igbos to reflect because what Ojukwu fought for is still here with us and as for Nigeria, the issue Ojukwu spoke for, it is time to fight for it and ensure a united Nigeria”.

Chukwumerije said the lives and times of Ojukwu mirrored how far Nigeria has come.

“Ojukwu will be excited in his grave for the kind of reception he was given here today,” he said.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

NEWS

‘My husband had only N4000 before he was killed’ •Wife of bus driver killed by a policeman in Onitsha mourns her loss

‘

If I had known that he was going to be killed that morning, I would have prevailed on him to take me to the hospital instead

“M

Y husband had been saving some money for my hospital bills and other expenditures, expecting when I would deliver. He was able to save N4000, which was all he had before he was killed by policemen.

Now with three children and my unborn child to care for, I don’t know how to start with that amount of money.”

Those were the lamentations of 29-year old Mary Eze, wife of Edwin Eze, a bus driver killed in cold blood by a trigger-happy policeman in the commercial city of Onitsha over his alleged refusal to part with N20 at a checkpoint.

When the driver from Nachi in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State left his family on that fateful day, his plan was to come home by noon to take his expectant wife to the hospital. He had no premonition that his death was a few hours away and that he had just bid his lovely family the last farewell.

No sooner had he left his house to begin the day’s work when he encountered a checkpoint manned by some mobile policemen who demanded N50 instead of the traditional N20 toll at check points.

He beat the checkpoint without paying the money and this prompted one of the officers, Corporal Samuel Ojana to trail him with a motorcycle.

According to an eyewitness, Ojana caught up with the late Edwin.

In the full glare of the passengers in the bus, he shot him in the neck, kill-

‘

•Mrs. Eze and her children From Okodili Ndidi, Onitsha

ing him instantly. He fled the scene.

Members of Edwin’s family have since been counting their losses. He was their bread winner.

Narrating her ordeal to The Nation amid tears, Mrs Eze said she and her three children are yet to recover from the shock of her husband’s death.

She said: “I still cannot believe that my husband is dead. When he was leaving that morning, he asked me to wait for him that he will come around in the afternoon to take me to the hospital. I had finished preparing and was waiting for him, when one of my neighbours came and told me in a flat tone that my husband had been shot dead by a policeman.”

The widow continued in an emotion-laden voice: “My husband has not been going to work since last November because his own bus had broken down. We struggled through the Yuletide and just few days ago, a friend of his gave him the bus to use and that was how he resumed work.

“If I had known that he was going to be killed that morning, I would have prevailed on him to take me to the hospital instead.”

But in a rare display of courage, Mrs Eze said she had forgiven the man that killed her husband.

She said: “I have forgiven the policeman who killed my husband. I am not interested in his trial, I am a Christian and vengeance belongs to God. All I demand is that the police authority should compensate the death of my husband to enable me take care of my children. I also want Governor Sullivan Chime to assist me by prevailing on the relevant authorities to come to our aid.”

Immediately after the death of

Eze, who was said to be a staunch member of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), aggrieved members of the Movement almost took the laws into their hands but for the prompt intervention of their leader, Chief Ralph Uwazurike, who ordered them not to destroy property or witchhunt Hausas but should rather ensure that all police checkpoints are dismantled.

The murder sparked a violent demonstration that rocked the commercial city of Onitsha, when the identity of the killer policeman was mistaken. A mob, which thought that the policeman was Hausa, launched an offensive against the Hausas.

The three children of the victim are yet to know that their father as he used to do, will never come back home.

The eldest daugther, Onyinye, eight, said: “My daddy went to work but don’t want to come back and my mummy said that his car has spoilt that he will soon come back.”

The Nation also gathered that the family of the killer-policeman are equally going through difficult times. A source close to the family said the two wives and six children have refused to be consoled after the incarceration of their breadwinner.

The source, who pleaded for anonymity, said the officer, Samuel, had a very large family and was quite close to the wives. “He was very close to his family. He seldomly goes out after work. He is a typical family man and his wives and children are missing him dearly. No one knew what came over him. He was not the violent type, at least he never displayed any attitude that betrayed him as a reckless police officer, the source said.”

HALLIBURTON SCANDAL

Two Britons, American sentenced for bribing Nigerian politicians

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WO Britons and an American have been sentenced by a Texas, United States court for conspiring to channel $180m bribes to Nigerian politicians and officials in an international corruption scandal.

They are being punished for their role in what has become known as the Halliburton scandal, for which former top government officials in Nigeria were mentioned.

The first to be sentenced on Wednesday was 74-year-old Wojciech Chodan, a retired sales executive from Somerset. He was sentenced for his part in paying bribes to secure huge engineering contracts in Nigeria. He was sentenced to a year’s probation and fined $20,000.

Chodan pleaded guilty in December 2010. As part of the plea agreement, he admitted that he helped Houston-based KBR bribe some Nigerian officials to obtain contracts for liquefied natural gas facilities.

Another Briton, Jeffrey Tesler, a London lawyer, was sentenced yesterday after pleading guilty last March to his role in the bribery.

An American executive, Jack Stanley, was also sentenced yesterday in Texas in what is expected to be the end of US prosecutions over the scandal.

Stanley is a former chief executive of construction giant KBR Inc., a subsidiary of Halliburton. He was involved in the company’s natural gas operations in Nigeria from 1995 to 2004. Stanley pleaded guilty in 2008 to conspiring in the scheme to bribe Nigerian government officials in re-

By Olukorede Yishau with Agency reports

turn for more than $6 billion in engineering and construction contracts.

Court files show his sentencing, first set for November 2008 before U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison, was reset at least 16 times. He has been free under $100,000 bail.

KBR, a worldwide engineering and construction services firm, was split off as a separate public company from Halliburton in 2007. It was formerly known as Kellogg, Brown & Root.

Stanley, 69, was chief executive of KBR until 2001 and chairman until June 2004. He also pleaded guilty to a separate count of conspiring to defraud KBR and other companies, admitting to improperly receiving $10.8 million from a consultant hired by KBR at his behest.

Stanley acknowledged in his plea that a four-company joint venture, including KBR and firms from France, Italy and Japan, paid about $182 million to consulting companies, which paid bribes to several Nigerian government officials.

United States investigators focused on the contract for construction of a $4 billion Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas plant on Bonny Island that was awarded to TSKJ, the Portugal-based, four-company consortium where Stanley was KBR’s senior representative.

Three years ago, KBR agreed to pay $402 million in fines to settle criminal charges related to the case.

The prosecution of the British pair

•Tesler

has been controversial as both were extradited from Britain under contentious legal arrangements between the UK and the US. A series of suspects have been sent to the US under a legal regime, which has been criticised for being unfair to Britons.

Chodan’s conviction coincided with Prime Minister David Cameron’s announcement that Home Secretary Theresa May will conduct a “proper, sober, thoughtful review” of Britain’s extradition treaty with the US. Chodan and Tesler were extradited to Texas after losing legal battles in the UK. They pleaded guilty to conspiring covertly to bribe top-ranking Nigerian politicians and officials.

Chodan, whose home is in the Somerset village of Nunney, was

employed as a sales executive for a subsidiary of Kellogg Brown and Root during the conspiracy. He recommended Tesler as the consortium’s middleman to pay the bribes.

According to US prosecutors, Chodan and other conspirators “met with successive holders of a top-level office in the executive branch of the Nigerian government” to discuss how the bribes were to be paid.

Tesler, who operated from rundown offices in Tottenham, north London, admitted that he acted as a middleman for the consortium and routed the payments through bank accounts in Monaco and Switzerland between 1994 and 2004.

Prosecutors discovered that Tesler arranged for $1m in $100 notes to be loaded into a pilot’s

briefcase and then passed on to a politician’s hotel room to finance a political party in Nigeria.

Tesler, who was arrested in London in 2009, has been free on $50,000 bail. Sentencing guidelines outlined in his plea agreement called for 10 years in prison. Tesler, 63, a dual citizen of Britain and Israel, also agreed to forfeit nearly $149 million from accounts in 12 Swiss banks and four from Israel. Prosecutors said the money was traceable proceeds from the bribery. He has agreed to forfeit $726,000 as part of his punishment.

The sentencing marked the end of a protracted effort to prosecute the conspirators for the corruption allegations, which surfaced more than eight years ago.

The Serious Fraud Office decided to step aside and let the US government prosecute the two Britons.

Prosecutors, in the last three years, have forced five companies from the US, France, Holland and Japan to pay penalties totalling $1.7billion for participating in the bribery scheme.

In December 2010, the Economic and Financial crimes Commission (EFCC) charged current and former KBR and Halliburton executives — including former Vice-President Dick Cheney, who at one time led Halliburton — in the bribery scheme. But the charges were dropped a few weeks later after Halliburton agreed to pay a $35 million settlement. The others that were charged with Cheney include: George Mark, Hans George Christ, Henry Josef Stock Hausen, Julius Berger Plc and Bilfinger Berger GMBH. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), announced the Federal Government’s decision to withdraw charges against Julius Berger after taking into cognisance the available evidence and the potential hurdle of the burden of proof.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

Lagos differs with Fed Govt on hotels registration

By Yinka Aderibigbe

THE Lagos State government yesterday joined issues with the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) over its directive that all hotels and hospitality establishments register with it.

The directive emanated from a joint press statement issued by the Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, and the Corporation’s DirectorGeneral, Otunba Segun Runsewe, on Monday, as part of new security strategies being packaged by the new police chief.

The NTDC has advertised its decision in the newspapers.

But the state government said there is no legal or constitutional basis for the directive.

The commissioner for Tourism and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr Disun Holloway, said hotels and similar establishments are subject to state jurisdiction and can only be registered and regulated by state agencies acting under state legislation.

Holloway said the subjects over which the Federal Government or the National Assembly can legislate are clearly stipulated in the 1999 Constitution and these do not in any way include the regulation of tourism or registration of hotels.

The Commissioner, in a statement, said the sole tourism-related power which is reserved for the National Assembly is to ‘regulate tourist traffic’ (item 61(d) on the Exclusive Legislative List).

He said: “This expression encapsulates only the need to control immigration and monitor border formalities.

Being a matter of national security concern, immigration is, understandably, placed on the Exclusive Legislative List.”

Holloway added that matters that included in the exclusive or concurrent lists are regarded as residual matters and these are within the exclusive jurisdiction of the state legislature and state executive agencies.

He added: “In accordance with the powers conferred on it by the 1999 Constitution, the Lagos State House of Assembly has duly enacted the Hotel Licensing Law 2003 (as amended) of Lagos State and this is the only Law that currently regulates the licensing of all hotels and hospitality establishments operating within the State.

Holloway said though the state is aware of the ongoing security considerations that might have necessitated the Police to take that step, it would nonetheless abide with the provision of the Constitution.

7

Alleged N1.6b phony aircraft: Ibori tackles EFCC

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MBATTLED former Governor of Delta State Chief James Ibori yesterday faulted a claim by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that he is being investigated for allegedly purchase of a N1.6 billion bombardier aircraft.

Ibori, who is standing trial in Britain court of alleged money laundering, said he is a victim of international conspiracy and media manipulation.

In a statement through his media aide, Mr. Tony Eluemunor, the former governor accused the anti-graft agency of plotting to sway the Southwark Court in London to try him for money laundering.

The statement reads: “It is unfortunate that while Nigerians wait in vain for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to unravel the massive petrol subsidy scam through which the nation loses billions of Naira daily, EFCC is busy fighting yesterday’s battles. And when not repeating old lies, it is

•Says I am a victim of international conspiracy From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

manufacturing spectacular new ones just to hoodwink the public.

“By sponsoring the totally idiotic and irredeemably nasty story which alleged that Ibori laundered money in the guise of buying a private jet, which the EFCC now says was never bought, the EFCC should now tell Nigerians whether it is incompetent or a lie-enchanted agency or both.

“This is because the same EFCC has for over seven years claimed that it had uncovered how Ibori purchased a Challenger private jet from Canada.

“Now, if the EFCC is saying, seven years after it began its investigation, years after the agency arrested Ibori and charged him before a Kaduna judge and court, the same EFCC hand-picked, years after the full amount for the jet was said to have been re-

strained by a British Court, is it now that the case against Ibori in a London Court has entered the home stretch that the EFCC has suddenly realised that its claim that Ibori bought a private jet was totally unfounded?

“Now, where does that leave an on-line blog and its story, ‘How James Ibori bought a Challenger jet’, now that the EFCC has confessed that Ibori never bought a private jet?

“Will Ibori be expecting an apology from the media organisations that misled the public by trumpeting that lie cooked up by EFCC? “The truth is that Ibori has been a victim of media manipulation and international conspiracy aimed at scoring a sinister political goal.”

Ibori also claimed that the EFCC is trying to pre-empt his trial by the Southwark Court.

The statement added: “Now that the trial has started, and time for the EFCC

and the London police to prove their corruption charges against Ibori, the London police dramatically dropped all corruption charges – for want of evidence.

“With that alone, they vindicated Justice Marcel Awokulehin’s ruling at the Asaba Federal High Court – that there was no iota of evidence to back the corruption charges the EFCC had instituted against Ibori in Nigeria.

“After years of Ibori’s corruption trial in Nigeria, all that faces him in London today is nothing but money laundering charges.

“Suddenly, the corruption charges trumpeted by sundry persons from E. K. Clark to Nuhu Ribadu and his two successors, that Ibori defrauded Delta State, evaporated!

“The London prosecutors, instead of proving corruption beyond all reasonable doubt, wishes to prove money laundering against Ibori through inference only, that is, by con-

Mimiko signs N156b Budget

How Lagos checked robbers, by police chief

•‘Bond oversubscribed ‘

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HERE were feelers yesterday that the N27 billion bond floated on the floor of the capital market by the Ondo State Government has been oversubscribed.

The feelers came on the heels of the signing into Law of the N156 billion Budget 2012 by Governor Olusegun Mimiko in Akure, the state capital.

Mimiko hinted while signing the Appropriation Bill that the state’s bond had been overshot by N2.1 billion, a development he ascribed to the confidence of the financial communities in the economy of the Sunshine State.

The governor said: “Within just one week of the bond of Ondo State in the capital market, it has recorded a huge success to the extent that it has been oversubscribed by N2.1 billion.

“This is an indication of the confidence of the economic communities in the economy of the state.”

According to him, the major objective of the 2012 Appropriation Act, christened: Caring Heart Budget III is completion of all the on-going projects across the state and consolidation on the achievements of the last two years.

He said: “This budget is strategically targeted at completing all on-going projects, generate employment for our teeming population and keep the economy vibrant and healthy.

“In line with best practices, we have reduced miscellaneous capital items in order to free fund for developmental

By Jude Isiguzo

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•Mimiko signing the budget…yesterday. With him are House of Assembly Speaker Samuel Adesina (middle) and Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) From Damisi Ojo, Akure

programmes.

“In this fiscal year, measures like revenue summit, review of rates, strengthening of the standing committee on revenue will be embarked upon to drive the revenue generation base of the state. This is to forestall the possibility of abandoned projects occasioned by inadequate funding.”

The governor enjoined the organised private sector to explore the opportunities embedded in the budget by interacting and maintaining a robust engagement with the fiscal priorities of the state.

In his opening remarks, the

Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Akin Adaramola disclosed that the budget implementation guide had been produced to assist the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on the various procedures for speedy implementation.

The budget, made up of N85.5 billion capital expenditure, N64.5 billion for recurrent expenditure and N8.2 billion grant to the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), is N7 billion higher than that of last year.

It is to be financed through N75 billion subvention from the Federation Account, Inter-

nally Generated Revenue (IGR) of N12 billion and N38 billion drawdown from the bond issue, as well as earnings from sources.

Road construction and maintenance, which got the largest chunk of N16.025 billion, is trailed by education’s N12.198 billion allocation.

They are closely followed by the health sector with N8.2 billion, agriculture (N3.7 billion), trade and industry (N3.3 billion), enhancement of electricity supply (N0.8 billion), social and development (N6.6 billion), water supply (N3.6 billion), housing and environment (N6.7 billion) and administration of justice (N1.3 billion).

Lagosians warned on cart pushers as sanitation anybody caught contravening HEAD of tomorrow’s the regulations would be prossanitation, Lagosians holds tomorrow ecuted according to the enviwere yesterday warned

A •Runsewe

to refrain from patronising the itinerant cart pushers to dispose their refuse.

Sounding the note of warning, Environment Commissioner, Mr. Tunji Bello, said the waste collected from tenements by the cart pushers, are being discharged into the

vincing a jury of white persons about the guilt of a Nigerian politician, where Ibori will be forced to carry the full weight of Nigeria’s well-recognised unsavory image abroad. Finish.

“It is to sway the jury in the case and misinform the Nigerian public that the EFCC dreamed up this latest charge from the pit of hell – money laundering in the guise of buying a private jet.

“Was it not the same EFCC that claimed that Ibori had a private jet when none existed? Why did the EFCC not go the whole hog and confess that it lied against Ibori concerning that private jet claim?

“And even when the London case is now on the home stretch, the EFCC said in that planted story that it was still investigating this latest money laundering claim through a million countries. Lesson; Nigerians should not expect a full report from it!

“One day the true story of the anti-corruption lies will be told and Nigerians will know the real faces behind the masquerades they have been misled to applaud.”

drainage channels and unauthorised places.

Bello reminded residents and travellers that human and vehicular movements will be restricted between 7am and 10am, urging them to use the period to clean up their environment.

He said that operators of the Private Sector Participation (PSP) scheme have been duly mobilsed by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to ferry refuse from homes to designated landfill sites.

The commissioner said that

ronmental sanitation laws.

He urged Lagosians to join hands with the government in its effort to rid the state of all forms of environmental abuses as well as desist from dumping waste in the drains with the approach of the rainy season.

AGOSIANS have heard why the state command of the police tightened security at the boundary communities in the Centre of Excellence.

The city was operational base to robbers who terrorised people in the Southwest and Edo states, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in charge of Operations, Mr. Tunde Sobulo told reporters yesterday.

According to him, officers at the command introduced comprehensive checks on those coming into and leaving through the inter-state routes to make the state unsuitable for criminals to live in.

Sobulo spoke yesterday while briefing reporters on the activities of hoodlums on Lagos Island in the last few days.

He said contrary to the reports that the Divisional Police Officers of Pen Cinema, Mr. Femi Fabumi, who allegedly killed Demola Abiodun during the fuel subsidy removal protest, has been set free, the killer-cop is still being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba.

The DCP said the case of the embattled DPO is with the Police Service Commission (PSC).

Sobulo also denied the reports that some people were killed during the Lagos Island crises that lasted for more than four days.

He noted that the problem is between two factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and that one of the factional leaders has already been arrested and charged to court.

“Nobody was reported killed or injured at any police station. We are not spirits and cannot do anything, unless we are aware. If you say anybody was killed, go and report it at a police station as a good citizen,” Sobulo said.

The DCP explained that relative peace has returned to the area.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

8

NEWS Lent: Jonathan urges peace

By Joseph Jibueze

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has urged observers of Lent to reflect deeply on the ideals and ministry of Jesus Christ.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati said: “As the dominant feature of the 40day period between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday is constant prayers, penitence, fasting and self-denial, President Jonathan urges Christians in Nigeria to pray fervently this Lent for greater peace, security and progress in the country.

“The President also urges the Christian community to reflect deeply during the period on the virtues and ideals of human existence exemplified by the ministry of Jesus Christ on earth.

“He calls on Christians to commit themselves to making those virtues, including brotherly love, tolerance, humility, service to others, honesty, fairness and equity more manifest in their daily lives.

“He prays God Almighty will answer the prayers of all Nigerians and bless the country with continued unity and rapid development.”

ACN Reps: we’re for National Conference

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EMBERS of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the House of Representatives have dissociated themselves from the pronouncements of House spokesman Zakari Mohammed that the House will not support the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference (SNC).

The caucus also faulted the presentation of a letter on amendments to the 2012 Budget proposal by President Goodluck Jonathan. But the spokesman disagreed, saying the process is in line with laid down rules.

Mohammed dismissed the stance of the ACN caucus as “hypocritical”, adding that the caucus is pretending not to know that it’s not all issues that are debated on the floor before a decision is taken.

Minority Leader and leader of the caucus, Femi Gbajabiamila, in the company of other members at a news conference yesterday at the National Assembly said, at

•They’re hypocrites, says House leadership From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

no time did the House sit as a body, either at plenary or at an executive session to take a position on the SNC. Gbajabiamila said Mohammed might have been misunderstood, adding that his comment might be informed by probably informal discussion with some members of the House leadership.

The Minority Leader said: “It is therefore important that as a caucus and a party, we state our position clearly.

“We wish to make a clear distinction between writing a new constitution and amending the existing constitution. If the national consensus is to write and produce a new constitution, then such will be outside the purview and mandate of the National Assembly, but if however, what we are talking about is

the amendment to the Constitution, then it falls within the mandate given to the National Assembly by the electorate and indeed the 1999 Constitution declares that it is only the National Assembly that can amend it.

“So, we will patiently await the decision of Nigerians as to which way forward. Either way as a caucus, we recognise and subscribe to the view that the Nigerian state and our Constitution need a major structural adjustment, particularly in the areas of fiscal federalism and state autonomy”.

On $7.9 funding of some pipeline projects that was never part of the 2012-2015 Medium term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), Gbajabiamila said: “This figure translates to approximately N1 trillion. Our foreign debt profile currently stands at about $6 billion. When $7.9 billion is added, we are talking almost

$14 billion, which takes us back to the Obasanjo days.

This is outside the domestic debt profile. By the time we slap another N5 trillion, the country will be indebted to the tune of approximately N6 trillion.

“How do we then service this huge debt burden without stunting national development? The near precarious debt crisis in the United States and the current collapse of the Greek economy should serve as pointers as to what happens when you go far into debt and become a nation with little or no credit worthiness.

“This year alone, N560 billion is to go towards repayment of debt in a N4.7 trillion budget with only about N1.3 trillion vote for capital projects.

“As a caucus, we will be opposing this particular loan application and will encourage our colleagues on the other side to do same.

A MEMBER of the House of Representatives representing Agege Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, has advised against the use of banned drugs by youths who are into sporting activities.

Adejare, a medical doctor, noted that banned drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, ethanol, alcohol in sporting activities, have adverse effects on the future of upcoming youths.

He also pointed out that such drugs cause damage to vital organs of the body, “and it also reduces the fitness level and can damage the career of the user”.

The lawmaker assured residents of his determination to ensure that they enjoy free medical services.

He spoke at the flag-off of the free medical screening and treatment he organised for residents of his constituency, held at the palace of Oba Ibrahim Asade Arolagbade, Ologba of Ogba in Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State.

PLANS have been concluded for an award for young entrepreneurs who have made a mark in business in Abuja.

Jointly organised by the Fusion Lifestyle Limited and the Connector Limited, it will hold at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, on April 20.

The awards will feature 11 categories, namely: Fashion and Style, Health and Beauty, Food and Drink, Hospitality and Tourism, Business, Education, Media and Arts, Information and Communications Technology, Philanthropy, Entertainment and the Abuja Young Entrepreneur of the year.

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

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•Biu

By Emmanuel Oladesu Deputy Political Editor

Award for young entrepreneurs

Boko Haram: Biu may appeal dismissal by Police HERE were indications yesterday that the sacked Commissioner of Police, Zakari Biu, may file an appeal before the Police Service Commission to seek a reconsideration of the disciplinary action against him.

The commission said it may entertain Biu’s appeal, if he has fresh facts that could convince it to mitigate his dismissal.

Biu was dismissed on Wednesday by the PSC following the escape of Boko Haram leader, Kabiru Sokoto from a five-man police team in Abaji.

The suspect was said to be one of the masterminds of the Christmas Day bombings at St. Theresa’s Church, Madalla near Abuja. 44 people died in the attack.

Biu, it was believed, will either appeal to the PSC or go to court to challenge the decision.

A police source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Biu may appeal against his dismissal in view of the fact that he has put in up to 35 years in service.

“Another leg of his case is that he was not directly involved in the escape of Kabiru Sokoto. He is just a sacrificial lamb because he was the in charge of the case of the suspect. The PSC felt he did not provide the right leadership.

“Prior to the escape of Sokoto, the dismissed CP had a clean record. In fact, he did so much under the administration of exIGP Hafiz Ringim to uncover many things about Boko Haram.”

Lawmaker counsels youths

•Gbajabiamila(left) with other members - Opeyemi Bamidele, Mrs Ayo Omidiran, Dr Samuel Adejare and Olukolu Ganiyu at the conference by the Caucus ... yesterday PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

Adegbite, others challenge Southwest governors on religious education N IGERIAN Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Secretary-General Dr AbdulLateef Adegbite has urged Southwest governors to ensure that religion and education form the bedrock to reestablish the economic and political integrations of the zone.

Dr Adegbite spoke yesterday at the First Yoruba Christian-Muslim Youth Summit at Paragon Guest House, Adeniyi Jones Avenue, Ikeja-Lagos.

He described as positive

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

the steps taken by the governors.

The Baba Adinni of Egbaland urged the governors not relent in ensuring the realisation of the noble idea.

Adegbite, who was represented by Co-ordinator, Conference of Islamic Organisation (CIO), Imam Abdullah Shuaib, urged them to support religion and restore its primacy, bearing in mind that

it is the combined strengths of faith and education that have been the catalyst for Southwestern pre-eminence in Nigeria.

“It is thus incumbent on every state government to make religious instruction compulsory in schools and colleges. This time around, however, religious teaching would be of a comparative nature; such that every pupil would study the fundamentals of Christianity and Islam.

This approach would enhance mutual understanding and engender respect,” he said.

Chairman, Coordinating Committee, organisers of the summit, Mr Adewale Adeoye, described Yorubaland as the home to Muslims, Christians, traditionalists and Atheists.

Adeoye noted that religious tolerance has always being the region’s source of strength.

“There is no doubt in my mind that our culture remains a source of amazement to many people and even a source of envy to some.”

Subsidy removal palliatives abandoned, says Falana

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AGOS lawyer Mr Femi Falana has criticised the alleged decision of President Goodluck Jonathan to abandon his proposed palliative measures to cushion the harsh economic pains on Nigerians following the removal of fuel subsidy, saying it is a “a provocative insult.”

He said the excuse that the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) was anchored on deregulation of the down-

By Joseph Jibueze

stream sector of the petroleum industry is an afterthought which should be rejected by Nigerians.

Falana, in a statement yesterday, said the government should stop playing on the collective intelligence of Nigerians by abandoning any of the “tokenistic gains” of the last general strike and public protests.

He said: “Just last week, the President inaugurated the

Christopher Kolade-panel to ensure that the projects listed by the Federal Government during the protests are implemented.

“Did it not occur to the Presidency then that deregulation had been postponed? What happens to the funds being retrieved from the cartel of economic saboteurs?

“For instance, the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank claimed that fuel was subsidised to the tune of N1.3 trillion last year. But the

House of Representatives probe panel has found that over N1.7 trillion was illegally paid for subsidy.

“Now that the government is no longer paying N667 billion for smuggling of 24 million litres of premium motor spirit (PMS) daily, what happens to the fund saved from the fraudulent transactions perpetrated by the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPRA) before the January protests?” Falana asked.

How to reform police, by don

By Emmanuel Oladesu Deputy Political Editor

A UNIVERSITY don, Dr Oyesoji Aremu, has declared that the police is a t a crossroad, adding that fundamental restructuring and sober reforms are required to reposition the security agency.

Aremu, a renowned police psychologist and author of the book: “Understanding Nigerian Police: Lessons from Psychological Research,” said the appointment of Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar as the Acting Inspector-General of Police is not the solution to the myriad of challenges confronting the organisation.

He told reporters that top police officers who are not graduates do not command so much respect from their more educated middle level and junior officers who perceive them as deadwoods and obstacles to innovations and security creativity.

Aremu, who teaches Counselling Psychology at the University of Ibadan, also blamed the growing corruption in the police on poor welfare package, poor living conditions and lack of motivation by authorities.

He said police reforms should take cognizance of welfare challenges and structural defects in the organisation.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

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NEWS Okitipupa Police killings: Widows seek N100m compensation From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

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WO widows, Mrs. Grace Okotie and Queen Akarewan, have approached a High Court in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State over the alleged killing of their husbands, Robinson Okotie and Christopher Akarewan, by policemen.

They are demanding N100 million as compensation for their deaths.

The Commissioner of Police, the Nigeria Police Force and the policemen who allegedly shot the deceased, John Aghaulor and Igbodi Gbefamoghan, are respondents in the suit filed by the widows’ lawyer, Mr. Tope Temokun.

The widows are also seeking the investigation of their husbands’ deaths and the prosecution of the killers.

Akarewan, a commercial motorcyclist, was allegedly shot by a policeman at Broad Street in Okitipupa, when he allegedly refused to give the policeman a N20 bribe.

Okotie was allegedly killed by another policeman at the Police Station when he demanded to know his cousin’s killer.

The incident infuriated youths in the community, who attempted to set the station ablaze, but were prevented by the timely intervention of the Divisional Police Officer and the Jegun of IdepeOkitipupa, Oba Michael Obatuga.

The widows said they have been taking care of their children alone since their husbands were killed.

Mrs. Okotie said: “My first child, Blessing, is just 12 years old and is in Primary Six. My second born, Michael, is eight years and in Primary Two. The last born, Destiny, is two and a half years old.

“I am seeking justice in the murder of my husband, our breadwinner. Things have been very difficult for me. The responsibility of taking care of these children alone is too much for me.”

Ajimobi mourns The Guardian News Editor

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YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has condoled with the management and staff of The Guardian newspaper on the death of the Acting News Editor, Mr. Ben Ukwuoma.

Ukwuoma died on Monday at 52.

Speaking through his Media Aide, Dr. Festus Adedayo, Ajimobi said Ukwuoma’s death, coming months after the death of the newspaper’s Publisher, Mr. Alex Ibru, is a great blow to the organisation.

He prayed that God would look after Ukwuoma’s orphaned children, who had earlier lost their mother.

Four dead, seven injured in F Ogun accidents OUR persons were killed yesterday in multiple accidents that occurred on the Ogun State stretch of the Sagamu-Ore Expressway.

Seven others were injured.

The Ijebu-Ode Unit Commander of the State Traffic Compliance Agency Corps (TRACE), Mr. Adekunle Ajibade, said the first accident occurred at Yatoyo in

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

Ijebu-East Local Government Area and claimed four lives.

He said a Volvo truck marked Lagos XZ185AGL

collided with a Benz truck marked Lagos XC228AGD. Ajibade said three persons were injured in the second accident, which occurred near Mobalufon junction. It involved a tanker marked Lagos XH993USL and a Benz

car with registration number Lagos BD658BGE. He said four persons were injured in the third accident, which occurred in Odogbolu Local Government Area.

Ajibade said two vehicles collided while trying to escape from robbers.

He said all the injured persons were taken to the emergency ward of the Ijebu-Ode Hospital.

•Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi (left) presenting two Toyota Hilux vans to the Commanding Officer of the 19ths Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Okitipupa, Lt. Col. Patrick Okoye, in Ado-Ekiti...yesterday

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Lagos ejects 120 tankers from Oshodi-Apapa Expressway

HE Lagos State Government yesterday began the enforcement of the 72-hour ultimatum given to tanker drivers parking on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway by ejecting 120 tankers from the road.

Commissioner for Transportation Kayode Opeifa led the ejection team, which comprised top government officials in the ministries of Transportation and The Environment; the State Task Force; the State Traffic Man-

By Miriam Ndikanwu

agement Authority (LASTMA) and the Vehicle Inspection Officers’ (VIOs’) Park Monitoring Committee.

Opeifa said the exercise became necessary to checkmate the excesses of tanker drivers.

He said the exercise would be continuous and the government would not relent.

Opeifa urged motorists to inform the Ministry of Transportation of broken down or abandoned tankers and trucks on the road.

Lamenting that tanker drivers cause unnecessary traffic jams, and defecate on the road and in drains, he urged the Petroleum Tanker Drivers’ (PTD) branch of the National Union of Petrole-

um and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to call their members to order.

Opeifa called on the Ministry of Petroleum and the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to ensure that only tankers that have been provided for are issued tickets to come to Lagos to load petroleum products.

Oyo police dismiss 16 men for alleged bribery

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HE Oyo State Police Command yesterday dismissed 16 men for bribery, absenteeism and neglect of duty.

Commissioner of Police Moses Onireti told reporters in Ibadan, the state capital, that two policemen were demoted for similar offences.

He said the exercise was to

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

rid the force of the bad eggs.

Onireti said the command would not condone any indiscipline.

He said anyone caught extorting money from the public would be dismissed.

The CP said the dismissed officers would be paraded to-

day and police property in their possession would be retrieved.

Onireti affected officers are Peter Okon, Olusola Fayomi, Abdullahi Adrerie, Kate Ben, Lawrence Babalola, Olaniyan Olanrewaju, Akinwale David, Owolabi Augustine, Issa Saka and Wasiu Hassan.

Others are Saheed Olugbade, Okon Augustine, Odetade Bamidele, Kolawole Olusegun, Aina Samson, Ajayi Olapade, Minbau Ebiwari, Ambrose Nwabudo and Aliyu Sulaymon.

On Wednesday, the command dismissed three policemen for alleged extortion from motorist.

Australian woman defrauds Nigerian scammers

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N AUSTRALIAN woman has been convicted for defrauding Nigerian fraudsters of $30,000, reports The Sideshow.

The Courier-Mail reports that Sarah Jane Cochrane-Ramsey (23) was employed as an “agent” in March 2010 by the Nigerians, but did not know they were scam artists.

Her job was to provide access to an Australian bank account opened in her name, where the Nigerians could transfer money they received from a phony car sales website.

Cochrane-Ramsey was told she could keep eight per cent of the transfers.

But, then, she decided to steal

‘Cochrane-Ramsey was told she could keep eight per cent of the transfers.

But, then, she decided to steal from the “thieves”’ from the “thieves”.

According to the CourierMail, she received two payments, totalling $33,350, but spent most of it on herself.

The real victims, who thought they were buying cars online, reported the scam to the police, who traced the account back to Cochrane-Ramsey.

She appeared before the Brisbane District Court and pleaded guilty to the onecount charge of aggravated fraud.

For now, the Judge is allowing Cochrane-Ramsey time to come up with the money to pay-off the victims, while she awaits sentencing in March.

Interestingly, Cochrane-

Ramsey is not the first person to turn the tables on Nigerian scammers.

In 2008, a radio programme, This American Life, ran a story on anonymous pranksters who sent a Nigerian scam artist on a wild goose chase that spanned 1,400 miles into wartorn Chad for a promised cash payout at a local Western Union branch.

And they convinced him to do this while carrying an antiMuslim/pro-George Bush note, which stated his intention to rob the Western Union.

Their entire plan was spelled out on this website, dedicated to turning the tables on Internet con artists.

Oyo Assembly steps down list of nominees From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

THE Oyo State House of Assembly yesterday asked Governor Abiola Ajimobi to re-present the list of nominees for the State Independent Electoral (OYSIEC) Commission and the Judicial Service Commission.

The two commissions are some of the five statutory boards whose nominees must be sanctioned by the House.

The House said the nominees were not approved by it before their names were announced on the radio on Wednesday.

The House directed the executive to reverse the announcement, pending when all encumbrances would be resolved.

Ajimobi presented the lists to the House last December during the 2012 budget presentation, but the lawmakers stepped down discussions on the two lists because former members of the commissions were in court to challenge the legality or otherwise of their dissolution.

Also yesterday, the lawmakers passed a resolution for the establishment of sick bays manned by qualified nurses in public primary and secondary schools.

The motion was sponsored by Mr Rafiu Adekunle representing Saki West and supported by a majority of the lawmakers.

World Bank rates Osun second in FADAMA 3 From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

THE World Bank has rated Osun State’s FADAMA 3 agricultural project second in Nigeria and the best in the Southwest.

Presenting the award to the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Wale Adedoyin, at the Ministry of Agriculture, Programme Manager of the Osun State Agricultural Development Programme (OSADEP) Rufus Adeniyi said prompt payment of the counterpart fund for the project by the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola made the feat possible .

Adeniyi said the government provided office accommodation and facilities for the smooth running of the project.

He said: “The state government is paying the counterpart fund regularly, particularly the disbursement of N310 million to the project.

“The governor paid the balance owed by the immediate-past administration.”

Adedoyin said: “This award is another manifestation of the commitment of this administration to agriculture and food security.

“Landmark initiatives, such as the Osun Rural Enterprises and Agriculture Programme (OREAP) and Osun Meal (O-MEAL) were designed to ensure food security. “

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THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

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BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Naira hits 8-month high on inflows

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HE naira hit an eightmonth high against the dollar on the interbank market yesterday due to hefty foreign exchange supplies from oil companies and reduced demand from companies importing refined fuel.

The naira according to Reuter’s news was trading at N156.05 to the dollar, firmer than Wednesday’s close of N157.45.

Traders said it should extend its gains as more inflows arrived from units of oil multinationals and offshore investors buying local debt.

“The naira is rapidly appreciating because of the consistent dollar inflows from off-shore investors interested in treasury bills and multinational oil companies offloading their month-end dollars,” one dealer said.

Nigeria to raise daily oil exports by 21%

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IGERIA plans to in crease daily exports of Brass River crude in April by 21 per cent, according to a loading programme obtained by Bloomberg News.

The country will ship five cargoes totaling 131,667 barrels a day of the blend, compared with 108,871 barrels for March, the plan shows.

Nigeria will also export one 700,000 barrel cargo of Abo crude and one shipment of 900,000 barrels of Okono, according to a separate plan.

Shipping schedules of Amenam, Antan, Erha, Okwori and Pennington grades are not available yet.

Loading programmes are monthly schedules of crude shipments compiled by field operators to allow buyers and sellers to plan their supply and trading activities.

It is an offence to change rates outside the approved tariff regime.

Any erring distribution company will be made to refund its customers money collected in excess of the approved tariffs.

- Dr Sam Amadi, Chairman, NERC

NNPC, PPPRA, PPMC, others blame fuel scarcity on probes M AJOR stakeholders in the fuel distribu tion chain including Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Pipeline and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) yesterday blamed fuel scarcity in parts of the country on the probes instituted by the National Assembly on the management of fuel subsidy.

The PPMC however, allayed fears of fuel scarcity, assuring that there is enough fuel in strategic reserve to last for more than a month.

The stakeholders claimed that the investigations have drastically eroded confidence of banks on the ability of oil importers to pay.

Also blamed for the scarcity were the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers’ Association of Nigeria (IPMAN).

Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Resource

• Products firm allays fears

• Stakeholders meet on Tuesday From Onyedi Ojiabor, Asst.

Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

(Downstream) Senator Magnus Abe, who summoned the stakeholders for an interactive session , stated that members of the committee felt strongly that there was no rational explanation why there should not be sufficient quantity of fuel in the country.

He noted that the purpose of the session was to identify the cause of the current challenges and seek solutions.

Managing Director, PPMC, Mr. Morrison Anthony Fiddi, said that his agency has made adequate arrangement to flush out the queues by supplying fuel to affected areas from nearby strategic reserves.

Executive Secretary PPPRA, Mr. Stanley Reginald noted that the major challenge facing the agency was reduction in the number of those in-

volved in importation of fuel.

He stated that a lot of fuel importers were finding it difficult to raise letters of credit from banks to import fuel as a result of ongoing subsidy probe and its uncertain outcome.

Reginald noted that they were made to understand that most banks are afraid to grant letters of credit to the importers because of uncertainty.

Executive Secretary, MOMAN, Mr. Olufemi Olawole also said that the ongoing investigations by the National Assembly reduced the confidence of banks in the ability of importers to pay for fuel imports.

He noted that uncertainty as to the outcome of the probe made banks unwilling to assist importers with credit.

President of IPMAN, Alhaji Aminu Abdulkadir in his con-

tribution blamed the scarcity on sharp drop in supply of fuel.

He said that low margin has pushed out many marketers from the business.

Director General, Budget Office, Mr. Bright Okogu, who represented Minister of Finance, Mrs. Ngozi OkonjoIweala at the session, said that the minister has assured that the Federal Government would continue with fuel subsidy with the aim of subsidizing petroleum products.

He added that OkonjoIweala made it clear that Federal Government provided N888 billion as fuel subsidy in the 2012 budget.

He said that the National Assembly has assured that the money provided for fuel subsidy would be approved.

Okogu said that relevant government agencies and other stakeholders would meet to deliberate on other assurances banks and fuel importers need to continue to import products.

House frets over NITEL’s N250b debt From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

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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

Also speaking, the Group Managing Director NNPC, Mr. Austin Oniwon, said that NNPC does not have the capacity to handle fuel importation alone.

Senator Abe explained that the purpose of the ongoing investigation by the National Assembly is not to stop importation of fuel or to stop fuel subsidy.

The purpose of the probe, he said, is to find out why prices were escalating and to device means to curtail it.

Abe warned that nobody should attempt to arm-twist the country over fuel import when there was no need for it.

He mandated Okogu to convey to Okonjo-Iweala that the planned meeting to find lasting solution to scarcity of fuel should hold next Tuesday.

In a related development, in a statement made available to journalists yesterday, the Group General Manager Public Affairs of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr Levi Ajuonuma, quoted the Managing Director of PPMC, Mr. Haruna Momoh, as saying that all the issues that led to the initial hitch in supply have been resolved.

• From left: Skye Bank Plc Executive Director, Treasury/South East, Mrs Amaka Onwoghalu, Executive Director, South South/ Retail Banking, Mrs Ibiye Ekong, GMD/CEO of the bank, Mr Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti and General Manager, Retail Banking, Mrs Arinola Kola-Daisi, during the launching of Skye Bank African Payment Service held in Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO: DAYO ADEWUNMI

‘Nigeria prints three billion bank notes yearly’ Three billion pieces of currency notes are printed yearly by the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC), its Managing Director, Mr Ehi Okoyomon has said.

He said while portion of this figure is kept in vaults; the rest is circulated in the economy through the purchase of goods and services, financial transactions, tax payments, and other purposes.

Okoyomon however, failed to disclose how much the country spends in printing the notes.

He spoke yesterday at an e-Payment Thought Leader-

By Adline Atili

ship Breakfast Series, organised by Intermarc Consulting.

The NSPMC boss said the Central Bank of Nigeria ’s (CBN) cash-less scheme would reduce the amount of naira to be printed by The Mint in the coming years and further reduce loss of the naira, occasioned by bad handling.

He noted that Nigeria was one of five countries in the world that spend huge sums to print its notes, adding that the other four countries included the US, Indonesia, India and China.

For the CBN’s cash-less policy to be effective and make desired impact, he said there was need for formulation of strategies that would push the initiative across the country.

He enjoined stakeholders including the CBN, banks, service providers, e-payment operators to work in collaboration with the government for the scheme to be successful.

Okoyomon explained that the policy would not mean total non-usage of cash. “All over the world, statistics have shown that the use of cash is not reducing, in spite of epayment drive, what only

happens is that there is less physical cash transactions.

Cash is still king,” he said.

The cash-less banking regime, permits a daily cumulative limit of N150,000 and N1,000,000 on free cash withdrawals and lodgments by individuals and corporate customers, respectively. Individuals and corporate organisations that make cash transactions above the limits will be charged a fee of N100/ thousand and N200/thousand respectively while third cheques above N150,000 will not be eligible for encashment over the counter and would only be paid through the clearing house.

HE House of Repre sentatives has ex pressed concern over the N250billion debt of the moribund Federal Government telecommunication company, Nigeria Telecommunication (NITEL).

Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim, Chairman House Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation expressed the concern yesterday when her committee met with the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) led by Vice President Namadi Sambo at the presidential Villa.

Sambo is the Chairman of the NCP. Hon. Ibrahim also told newsmen that the committee’s worry stemmed from the burden it will place on the investor that would end up buying NITEL. “Basically in the forefront of things we have NITEL, we are all worried about what is going to happen, it is indebted, I mean there is so much debt in NITEL, whoever is going to buy NITEL will have a lot to deal with.

“It is indebted to the tune of about N250 billion and there are a lot of salaries and wages that haven’t been paid to staff,” she said.

Besides NITEL, the House was also disturbed by the state of Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON), in Ikot Abasi.

She said: “There is a lot of staff liability to be taken care of. So there are so many things that needed to be put together and we have agreed that from time to time we will liaise with the Executive arm, that is the NCP to see that it becomes a success.”

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THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

BUSINESS NEWS

CBN: Deadline on banks’ divestments remains sacrosanct

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HE Central Bank of Ni geria (CBN) will not extend the May 14 deadline set for banks to divest from non-banking operations, its spokesman,Mohammed Abdullahi, has said.

He said the deadline remains sacrosanct in view of the apex-bank’s reform initiatives. He further said the apex bank has no plans to change the deadline because efforts have been channelled to ensure the success of the initiatives.

“The deadline for the divestment has not changed. It remains May 14, 2012, but until the CBN makes a pronouncement to that effect.

The issue of granting extension does not arise for now since the deadline is still far.

We are not thinking about that now. May be when the time comes, we would know what to do. When we get to the bridge, we know how to cross it,” he stressed.

He, however, acknowledged that the CBN gave an

By Akinola Ajibade

extension to a bank, which he failed to disclose its identity.

“We only gave an extension to a bank I will not mention its name. The reason is because the bank has changed the holding company position, “ he added.

Speaking on the issue, the Commissioner of Insurance, Mr Fola Daniel, said only a few of the insurance firms have concluded and sent their divestment plans to the National Insurance Commission.

Daniel said the directors of the firms are still talking to one another and have not yet concluded their divestment plans.

He added that some foreign investors have bought stakes in some of the subsidiaries.

Daniel said it was not possible to disclose the percentage of stakes that were sought by the foreign and local investors in the banks’

insurance subsidiaries because the divestment was still in progress.

According to him, NAICOM is interested in matters that concern the insurance subsidiaries of the banks and the investors that will take over them.

“The banking institutions owning insurance companies are actually divesting and we are quite satisfied with the progress recorded in that area,” he said.

Daniel said NAICOM has put in place appropriate measures to ensure that no stakeholder was short-changed or put in a disadvantaged position as a result of the divestment.

NAICOM had inaugurated an advisory committee to monitor the divestment. The committee was to review the apex bank’s divestment directive on the bank-owned insurance firms, and identify risk and challenges in the implementation of the divestment from the perspective of policyholders’ protection and corporate governance.

• From left: Host Mapondera, Franchise Manager, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Austin Ufomba, Marketing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria and Matthieu Seguin, National Commercial Director, NBC at the Coca-Cola Open and Win promo held in Lagos.

PHOTO: JOHN EBHOTA

Nigeria, Kenya sign MoU on capital market

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IGERIA has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kenya as part of efforts by the two countries to integrate their capital market development and ensure collaborations in policy formulation, enforcement and surveillance.

Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Arunma Oteh who signed on behalf of Nigeria, while Chief Executive Officer, Capital Market Authority of Kenya, Mrs Stella Kilonzo, signed on behalf of her country.

The MoU, which was signed during the ongoing

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

28th edition of the International Organisation of Securities Commission –Africa and Middle East Regional Committee (IOSCOAMERC) is also expected to boost relationship with both countries especially in the area of information sharing, fighting financial crime and capacity building.

The MoU according to a statement, is aimed at curbing financial crime by preventing any erring market

operator in one jurisdiction from practicing in the other as well as provide platform for information sharing and capacity building between the two jurisdictions.

Speaking during signing ceremony, Oteh said the partnership will pave the way for Nigeria to benefit from the market integration in East Africa.

She noted that Nigeria has signed similar MoU with eight countries including China, Malaysia, South Africa, Tanzania, Ghana and Uganda.

“This is a great opportunity for both countries to solidify relationship.

Ogun to sustain devt. despite dearth of funds

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HE Ogun State govern ment has reiterated its resolve to ensure the successful implementation of its five cardinal programmes geared towards restoring the states’ lost glory despite scarcity of funds.

Commissioner for information and strategy, Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu disclosed this while addressing Executives of the state chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) led by its chairman, Mr. Femi Dokunmu, in his office in Oke Mosan,

Abeokuta.

Olaniyonu according to a statement, disclosed that massive injection of funds into the education, health, housing, rural development and infrastructure, industrialisation and agriculture sectors, which cumulatively formed the five cardinal programmes of the Amosun administration is aimed at taking the state back to its number one position amongst its peers.

He said that the administration is open to advice and

suggestions from stakeholders for the purpose of improving on its policies and programmes, noting that the government will always welcome advice that will help it to achieve its global objective of rebuilding the state.

“As a government we are open to advice from all stakeholders in the mission to rebuild the state, but we will not run government by proposal. We will consider those that fit into the global idea of achieving a secured, developed and peaceful state,” he noted.

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EDITORIAL/OPINION Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

Crass insensitivity • Our senators can afford N16m vehicles each while 112m Nigerians wallow in poverty

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T a time that the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released its 2010 Poverty Profile Report which indicated that 112.5 million Nigerians live below poverty level, it is sad to note that 109 senators, in gross contempt for the mood of Nigerians, have reportedly ordered for the procurement of 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser at a manufacturer’s unit cost of $100,724 - about N16, 115, 840. The total cost to the nation is over N1.7billion.

Perhaps, the senators are not aware of the NBS report or they mischievously ignored its damning contents on the nation’s system. But Dr. Yemi Kale, Statistician-General of the NBS at the unveiling of the 26-page report in Abuja made an explicit presentation when he noted: “In 2004, Nigeria’s relative poverty measurement stood at 54.4 per cent but increased to 69 per cent or 112.518 million Nigerians in 2010.’’ The NBS figure represents 69 per cent of the country’s total population.

The NBS arrived at the 2010 figure after collating data from 20 million households with average family members of four to six. A breakdown of the impact trend of poverty across geo-political zones in 2010 shows that the north-west had 77.7 per cent, northeast- 76.3 per cent while the southwest’s 59.1 per cent is presumed to be the lowest poverty level area in the country. Of all the 36 states of the federation, Sokoto State reportedly has the highest poverty rate at 86.4 per cent

with Niger State having the lowest at 43.6, per cent. The report equally shows that income inequality has risen from 0.429 in 2004 to 0.447 in 2010.

The senators seem not bothered about these scandalous revelations before making their requests for an automobile brand with cost implication that can incite serious uprising against the state by the poverty-stricken people. In a country where numerous anti-poverty and employment generation intervention programmes have failed due largely to systemic corruption, it is incomprehensible that legislators are so insensitive to the suffering of the common man.

It is paradoxical that a country which claims not to have the capacity to pay a dubious N1.3trillion fuel subsidy would now have the effrontery of buying automobiles worth over N1.7billion for just 109 senators. This is nothing but sheer conspicuous public consumption. Are the senators not aware that the economy is growing but not developing because of such grandiose official spending meant to serve personal rather than public good?

However, what is more gripping in the odious spending is the silence of members of the opposition parties in the Senate. As a result of their unremarkable silence, we are compelled to inquire whether the opposition parties actually support such legislative profligacy. Even the self- professed oppo-

sition parties have not lent the desired vociferous voice against this loathsome procurement. Any opposition party that is worth the name should have barred its members in the Senate from benefitting from such questionable gesture. The fact that no opposition party has come out to stop its members is a contradiction of their publicly professed aversion to bad governance that this procurement amounted to.

This infamous act of the Senate, apart from being an affront on the people, is more importantly, an infraction of the existing monetisation policy of government. It is an abuse of the civil service process- and outright stealing by some other means.

‘It is paradoxical that a country which claims not to have the capacity to pay a dubious N1.3trillion fuel subsidy would now have the effrontery of buying automobiles worth over N1.7billion for just 109 senators.

This is nothing but sheer conspicuous public consumption.

Are the senators not aware that the economy is growing but not developing because of such grandiose official spending meant to serve personal rather than public good?’

Useful confessions

• Revelations from Boko Haram leader Sokoto show that the sect is unraveling

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HEN the history of the tragic Boko Haram saga is written, the name of one of its key point men, Kabiru Sokoto, will most certainly loom large. Sokoto’s arrest shortly after the apprehension of the extremist sect’s spokesman, Abu Qaqa, raised hopes that the security agencies were fast coming to grips with the challenge of taming an anarchist group that has been destroying lives and property with impunity in parts of Northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Any such hopes of a speedy respite from the savagery of Boko Haram were, however, dashed when Sokoto escaped from police custody in one of the most bizarre episodes in the history of the police force. His escape turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it forced President Goodluck Jonathan to terminate the appoint-

‘However, the security agencies cannot afford to lapse into complacency. Boko Haram is yet to be decisively defeated as its continuing, even if increasingly inefficacious violence shows. All useful information must be pursued to its logical conclusion until the battle is won and Nigeria is fully at peace again’

ment of the former Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Hafiz Ringim. This development obviously jolted the country’s security apparatus out of a state of crippling lethargy. It was thus not surprising that Sokoto has since been re-arrested in Taraba State and has been making useful confessions that are proving useful in better understanding and pre-empting Boko Haram.

Even if the security agencies should have acted with the requisite despatch, professionalism and efficiency much earlier, we still commend the progress made in arresting key Boko Haram resource persons such as Qaqa and Sokoto. It is unfortunate that the relevant security organs are getting their acts together only after so much irremediable damage has been inflicted on lives and property, with deleterious consequences for the economy and national security.

But then, it is better late than never.

Going by reports, Sokoto, believed to be the mastermind of the Christmas Day bombing of St Theresa Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State, last year, in which 42 persons died, is proving to be a very useful asset to the security authorities holding him.

He has reportedly confirmed, for instance, that the sect’s leader, Imam Abubakar Shekau, operates from Borno State while a key strategist, Abu Mohammed, is in charge of the North Central zone. There is no doubt that the leadership of Boko Haram, no matter the bold front they put up, must be worried that a person like

Sokoto who knows so much about their operations is not only in the custody of the state but is obviously cooperating with his captors by divulging vital information.

Sokoto’s revelations show that Boko Haram is not motivated solely by ideological or religious factors such as its much publicised disdain for western education or civilisation.

For instance, he disclosed that disagreements over the sharing of money stolen from banks caused disquiet among the group and that the leader has sometimes married widows of members who perish in suicide bomb attacks. These sorts of information should prove useful in penetrating Boko Haram and breaking its grip over many deluded members.

Much more importantly, the psychological import of Sokoto’s arrest cannot be overemphasised. As he himself reportedly said: “I thought I was invincible. But now I realise that if I could be arrested; if Abdullahi Damask could disappear (arrested), then it is only a matter of time before everyone is caught”.

However, the security agencies cannot afford to lapse into complacency.

Boko Haram is yet to be decisively defeated as its continuing, even if increasingly inefficacious violence shows. All useful information must be pursued to its logical conclusion until the battle is won and Nigeria is fully at peace again.

We commend the cooperation between Nigeria and external security agencies that have contributed to the successes recorded thus far.

The test of talking to Iran

I

RAN HAS LAUNCHED a frantic flurry of initiatives in the past two weeks, most of them bellicose — from suspending oil shipments to Europe to allegedly attempting to assassinate Israeli diplomats. But the Obama administration and its allies appear likely to seize on Tehran’s contrasting dispatch of a 200-word letter agreeing to a renewal of talks on its nuclear program. Delivered at a moment when sanctions appear to be causing severe disruption to the Iranian economy, the offer raises the hope that the theory underlying years of U.S. policy — that international pressure would eventually cause Iran’s current leaders to bargain seriously — could at last be proved. It will, at least, be put to a crucial test.

The good news about the Feb. 14 letter from chief nuclear negotiator Sael Jalili is that it retreats from the ludicrously intransigent position that poisoned the last meeting between Iran and the “P5+1” nations — the five U.N. Security Council permanent members and Germany — in January 2011. Then Iran refused even to discuss its nuclear program. Now Mr. Jalili is saying that “talks for cooperation . . . on Iran’s nuclear issue could be commenced.”

The immediate question is whether Iran is using diplomacy — as it has several times before — as a way of buying time, even as it presses ahead with steps toward a bomb. Recent reports say that the nuclear program is close to passing another major milestone, with the startup of a uranium enrichment facility buried under a mountain near the city of Qom. Fortunately, a test of Iran’s seriousness was underway this week as a delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency visited the country. Its aim was to obtain agreement to a plan to answer outstanding questions about alleged work on weaponization, including interviews with scientists and a visit to a military base. On Tuesday night, the IAEA reported another Iranian failure to cooperate — which suggests that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has not changed his long-standing refusal to come to terms with the West.

In fact, it appears likely that Tehran perceives talks as an opportunity to undermine sanctions.

Mr. Jalili’s letter referred to negotiations “based on step-by-step principles and reciprocity,” language that could describe a proposal originally put forward by Russia last year. Moscow outlined a sequence of steps in which Iran would receive relief from sanctions in exchange for incremental actions to satisfy the IAEA. Iran rejected the idea, but now the P5+1, urged on by the Obama administration, is discussing a modified version. Reportedly, it could grant some sanctions relief if Iran suspended only its higher-level enrichment of uranium, and surrendered material enriched to that 20 percent level.

Such a deal would be a retreat from Security Council resolutions that require Iran to cease all uranium enrichment and would ease the pressure on the leadership at precisely the wrong moment. Worried about that possibility, a bipartisan group of a dozen senators dispatched a letter to Mr. Obama last Friday opposing “any proposal that caps or limits sanctions” in exchange for “anything less than full, verifiable and sustained suspension of all enrichment activities.” If Iran is serious about a deal, it will meet the senators’ terms.

Washington Post

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Kunle Fagbemi •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile •Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon •Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina •Group Political Editor Bolade Omonijo •Group Business Editor Ayodele Aminu •Abuja Bureau Chief Yomi Odunuga •Sport Editor Ade Ojeikere •Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni

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THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

20

EDITORIAL/OPINION

S

IR: Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Reuben Abati’s futile and appalling exercise at defending President Goodluck Jonathan mounting garbage of unexplainable gaffes and public relations deficiency last week assumed a most remarkable failure.

Abati shamelessly tried to justify a President’s penchant for gaffes and in the process cast aspersions on respectable and distinguished journalists whose only offence was performing their constitutional roles as the conscience of the nation. In the article “Much Ado about Stones” Abati, an erstwhile brilliant scholar however undid himself by taking his war of attrition to several fronts namely; Former Governor of Bayelsa State Timipre Sylva, Ayodele Akinkotu of Tell magazine, Sam Omatseye of The Nation and the newspaper itself.

Abati had accused the columnists and The Nation of being the mouthpiece of the former Bayelsa governor as the advice contained in the ‘offensive’ articles were “calculated to please former

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Stone thrower-in-chief: Abati’s shameless dance Bayelsa governor Timipre Sylva.”

Save for his misguided attempt to draw Governor Sylva into a needless exchange of words, Abati’s article was painfully lightweight.

Abati had claimed that President Jonathan’s unpresidential speech in which he not only deplorably justified the throwing of stones and further recommended stone throwing as a treatment for inaction on the part of a public servant was not after all a justification for such primitive and uncivilized action but a speech in excellent metaphor.

If President Jonathan has a penchant for using embodied words and sentences laced with the supernatural and hidden meanings, and if he presides over

a largely uninitiated population which do not appreciate his literary gifting, he will need to henceforth speak the language of mortals and the simple and issues on “embodied meanings” will need not arise.

But Abati crossed the boundary of rationality when he accused governor Sylva of purveying “discreditable lies” and seeking to “denigrate the office of the President. For all men of honour and those who aspire to integrity, this is nothing but an imagery generated from a fantastic imagination of the Presidential spokesperson, to cover up the salient points contained in Sylva’s response. What Sylva did was to match the President’s “embodied meanings and coded contexts” in logic leaving Nigerians in general and Bayelsans in particular to draw

out the conclusions themselves.

Where there had been obvious misrepresentation of facts, Sylva simply drew the attention to the truth as exemplified in the reference to the Tower Hotel.

Why is Abati not responding to Sylva’s indictment of the contractor who was handling the Tower Hotel project? Is it true that there have been a N5 billion variation in the cost of contract? Is it true that the Sylva administration has actually taken the hotel from the second floor where it was abandoned by the Jonathan administration to the 18th floor before the powers-that-be threw spanners in the wheel of progress?

Is it true that the contractor hired

by GEJ as Bayelsa governor is building a house for him at Otuoke, his home town?

What President Jonathan needs to do

S

IR: Consequent upon the street protests and mass rally that greeted the sudden removal of fuel subsidy in Nigeria on January 1, I now write President Goodluck Jonathan and other political functionaries in government to demonstrate good faith by addressing the socioeconomic, political and infrastructure inadequacies facing the country.

I sincerely commend the ongoing probe in the oil sector in the House of Representatives, but it should be duly concluded and the reports and recommendations should be made to see the light of the day.

Again, the governments (federal, states and LGs) had promised and outlined certain projects which the savings from the removal of the

fuel subsidy would be targeted at.

They must carry through these promises and execute them with as much speed it used to quickly increase petrol pump price and also tackle the security challenges.

Also, the confidence of the people must be re-gained by fighting corruption, reducing high costs of governance and ensuring adequate delivery of promises to the people.

The Justice Belgore and the Koladecommittees set up by the federal government should exhibit high integrity in the management and implementation of the economic stimulus package in the key areas of intervention such as agriculture, power, education, health, ICT, water supply, roads, rail transportation, works and youth empowerment.

To fast-track the development of the economy, the federal government should consider alternatives sources energy in order to boost power generation and supply in the country, as, the present generation and supply is still far below what the country requires to compete with rising economies of the world. It is a statement of fact that the country’s economic challenges could be linked to the collapse of the power sector, so one can emphatically postulate that if power supply improves substantially, businesses will begin to thrive naturally. If power supply improves and the real sector begins to work to meet the rising demand for their goods, jobs would be created; our youths will be employed and their involvement in crime will reduce and the objectives

of meeting the vision 2020 targets will be realised.

To save Nigeria, corruption and greed, being the main problems that hinders development and rob poor people of opportunities for economic and social advance, should be tackled headlong to stabilize the country.

Nigerian politicians and leaders need to turn away from their wicked ways so as not to incur the wrath of God. Nigerians need to be serious with their spiritual life, as righteousness, fasting and prayers are the only means to live successfully in life.

• Rev/Prophet Oladipupo Funmilade – Joel The Way of Reconciliation Evangelistic Ministries, Lagos

Towards the eclipse of his diatribe, Abati accused the distinguished writers of hard hearing and low intellectual capacity to assimilate his “embodied” sentences. This is downright childish and ironical.

Abati had earlier conceded to these writers their degree of informed and intellectual capacities. What he sought to achieve by this offensive may well dwell in the realms of hidden and coded contexts. Abati need no Mark Anthony to outline the tangible progress our nation has made under President Jonathan. The statistics speak for it. And if there have been progress, he need not bother himself; the people would see it as no one can argue with success.

• Olawale Anjorin, Ilorin, Kwara State

The rain is here

S

IR: : It is disheartening and disappointing to note that some residents and market men/ women in Lagos still hold and practice the belief that rain is a blessing that must cart away refuse or waste any time it rains.

This old traditional opinion must not be found among Lagosians; we need to join hands with the state government and other arms of government to sanitise our environment and markets against flooding. We need to complement government’s efforts on the wellbeing and safety of the populace.

For us to have a raining season that is devoid of havoc, we need to completely desist from the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in gutters, drainages and manholes.

Government should also mete out appropriate sanctions and punishments to all environmental offenders in the state. Steps taking so far to prevent flooding must be consolidated.

• Paul Oluwalere Ijaiye Ojokoro, Lagos.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012 16

21

EDITORIAL/OPINION

Reality Bites T

Hogs tale (1)

Olatunji Ololade

HE canceling out is complete; even the scions of the ruling class are officially held captive. Francis Bacon would call them hostages to fortune but I think it’s better to simply call them by their names: “pigs.” I do not speak of pork, the meat of a pig; neither do I speak of the swine that produces pork meat. I speak of importunate boars always seeking to feed their gluttony; usually at the expense of you and me. I speak of coarse, greedy scions of the ruling class, psychologically and mentally programmed to be self-serving.

Sitting at a table where rich food and wine were as much in abundance as such company, I was forced to cringe from the poverty of their breed. With their fat, shiny hides and insatiable appetites, they bleated and ate like over-fed hogs from the famed Epicurus’ herd. Wish

‘They were mostly in their prime and according to them; they represent the next best leadership Nigeria would ever have. “Sorry o, oga journalist, but we are the real deal and we do not have to apologize for it’

T

I didn’t have to describe them so, but is there any other way to identify the gluttonous with greed?

They were mostly in their prime and according to them; they represent the next best leadership Nigeria would ever have. “Sorry o, oga journalist, but we are the real deal and we do not have to apologize for it. It’s not our fault that our parents are rich. It’s not our fault that, like us, they were also born into money. And it’s not our fault that Dragon (a member of the gang) wey kack up for there, get mama wey sharp well, well,” said one of the high spenders of the night.

He is the son of an incumbent public officer.

To his every utterance, his riotous gang – bootlickers et al, persistently screamed: “Yes o!” “Yes o!” as if on cue. Asides the speaker who runs a winery and events company as a front for his father’s many businesses – financed with tax payers’ money; there were three others who happened to be siblings and equally fronts for their parents business concerns, spread across the nation’s petroleum, mining and financial sectors.

They flaunted their Ivy League education and access to wealth obscenely, claiming it is what distinguishes them from the rest of Nigeria’s youth. In 47 minutes, they had downed 13 bottles of choice cognac and champagne valued at N708, 000. Ten more bottles were deposited on the table in two ice buckets no sooner than they consumed 13 bottles.

HE announcement by the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources of erstwhile boss of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, as chairman of the 21-man Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force has attracted a lot of comments. It would be recalled that the appointment of Ribadu, presidential candidate of the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), in the 2011 general elections, was in fulfillment of the pledge President Goodluck Jonathan made to Nigerians in the aftermath of the nationwide antifuel subsidy removal protests which almost brought the nation to its knees. The President had promised Nigerians then that the revenue derived from the subsidy removal would be properly accounted for and judiciously utilized.

Ribadu’s appointment has continued to divide opinion all over the place. While many lauded the ministry for the appointment and commended Ribadu for accepting the offer, many others flayed his decision. First to react was the ACN through its publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed. The party distanced itself from the appointment, stressing that it had no hand in it and that the former anti-corruption czar accepted the offer “in his personal capacity”. Many have also wondered why Ribadu, a key member of the opposition and a lighting rod in the country’s political firmament, accepted the appointment considering the lack of direction and lack-lustre performance of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ribadu said his decision to accept the appointment was a personal one. According to him, it was an extension of the anti-corruption war he waged tirelessly as EFCC chairman between 2002 and 2007. He described the acceptance of the offer as a continuation of his service to his fatherland, an investment in the good governance of the country to which he had always committed himself. He alluded to his family’s spirit of community service such as when his late father, Alhaji Ahmadu Ribadu, had to serve as a local councillor in Yola, his hometown, after a stint as a federal legislator in Lagos in the 1960s. The former anti-corruption czar pledged to bring his wealth of experience to bear on the new

Five more bottles arrived in another ice bucket and by 4 a.m., the four budding aristocrats and three of their friends cum errand boys had officially spent over N1.6 million on drinks alone; do the math.

It wasn’t their cockiness that got to me. Nor was it their vulgar taste for expensive and wholly overpriced liquor. It didn’t even matter that they consumed cognac and champagne at random – often mixing the two in one gulp. It was the fact that throughout the four hours they spent in the night club, their banter never matured beyond the drivel of the perpetually drunk and hare-brained.

Speaking in a slur, one of the gang, a newly married lady, wielded her “Oxford certificate” and what she termed her “international exposure” like a serrated dagger flaunting them in my face even as she barked at me: “Hey man, stop insinuating that we are merely lucky to have been born into money? You people believe you know everything. You claim your so-called average youth on the street will outperform us on a level playing field. Na beans? No be your so-called promising youths we see on the street every day? I have them working for me. I sack and employ them. There is nothing special about them bro.”

Their utterances were as cold as splintered ice-bergs. I simply froze through the din of their big talk and small talk. They joked about money, decadent nights in Ibiza (Spain), age of their choicest liquors and the fame of the vintage. When the discussion segued to the quality of Nigerian youths, they simply projected themselves as the generation-next of the best leaders Nigeria would ever have.

Then, feigning a very serious mien, the son of a former commissioner turned “government contractor” said: “Mr. Columnist, it’s always good to feign concern for your poor masses…get real (realistic), leadership is not meant for your poor, average youth. They are not trained for that…and who among them can rule this country?

No be the same fuel subsidy warriors wey we see for street…If they begin to rule, what will we be doing? Serving them?” he wondered aloud, exciting an ugly guffaw as he did.

I departed for home earlier than I intended, dreaming of a nobler, purer breed of Nigerian youth. But that was simply, what my ponderous exercise was, a mere fantasy. The rich spoilt kids were right – in spite of their delusions about being the next best leadership materials from illustrious lines – they are the only breed with undeniable bragging rights to Nigeria’s seats of power.

More importantly, my encounter with this gluttonous gang of budding aristocrats confirmed my fears that the promising youth who emerges from the aristocracy of the Nigerian ruling class to lord it over his peer from the breadlines, is the same social product as his peer who has been conditioned by life’s harshest vicissitudes to survive at all cost, until he has grown strong enough to rob the rich whose life he earnestly decries and desires.

I shall begin to retract my words the moment the average youth from the breadlines begin to exhibit something more than a passing fascination for the love of the collective good. This brings me to a second breed of pigs. There is no gainsaying that a greater percentage of Nigerian youth would indulge

Can Ribadu win this ‘war’?

By Bayo Olagunju assignment.

If Ribadu’s antecedents are anything to go by, there is no doubt that Nigerians have implicit confidence in his ability to deliver on his promises. In a country where heroes are in short supply, he has so far succeeded in raising his head high in the murky and maggoty waters of Nigerian public service.

One only hopes that his values have not been ‘corrupted’ by his foray into the country’s decadent political system. Many also fear that the appointment may be a bait by the PDP to decimate the opposition, just as Former President Olusegun Obasanjo did to the late Bola Ige, whom he made Attorney General and Minister of Justice. That appointment equally generated a lot of controversy, particularly from the camp of the progressives to which Ige belonged. He was murdered under mysterious circumstances - the dastardly murder still remains unresolved about 10 years after.

One thing stands Ribadu out: his resolute spirit and honest commitment to service. This was exemplified in his refusal to give in to the former attorney-general and minister of justice, Michael Aondoaka’s clandestine attempts to hijack the trial of indicted governors from the EFCC shortly after the late Umaru Yar’Adua took over as president.

Many Nigerians are confident that Ribadu will not hesitate to walk out on this latest assignment if he is pressured to compromise his principles and national interest.

Perhaps, of particular worry to Nigerians is the sincerity of the Jonathan-led government to democratic ideals. They readily point to the government’s many policy summersaults such as when the President reversed himself after he had promised not to remove subsidy on petrol at the time he did.

Some other people also feel that the government’s penchant for setting up com-

mittees and task forces is just a ploy to buy time and divert attention. The question really is: of what essence is the setting up of two separate special task forces on petroleum revenue and national refineries with a combined membership of more than 40 people?

It is expected that a government which professes commitment to reducing wastage in governance will be mindful of this. Apart from cutting cost, a slimmer membership of the combined task force will be more pragmatic and result-oriented. It is a case of too many cooks spoiling the broth.

Aside from this, Nigerians stand to gain a lot from the appointment of Ribadu if he is given free hand to carry out his assignment.

This is buttressed by the fact that in many fora, the former EFCC boss has described corruption as a security threat to the nation – a threat all Nigerians, regardless of class, must confront headlong.

If Ribadu successfully prosecutes this latest ‘war,’ Nigeria and all Nigerians will witness a new dawn. Of course, the Jonathan administration also stands to benefit immensely from the appointment. It is a fact that the government is facing credibility problem, which got worse after the removal of the subsidy on petrol on New Year’s Day. The ACN cited this as one of the reasons it did not believe in working with Jonathan’s government. The political party is of the opinion that the administration is using the appointment of credible personalities to shore up its “sagging – or totally sagged – credibility”.

Moreover, the appointment would bring a lot of goodwill to the government both locally and internationally as the government will be seen as an all-inclusive one that is ready to confront corruption headlong. The appointment is also expected to breathe new life into the nation’s petroleum sector. This

in the same excesses and heedlessness perpetuated by their rich, spoilt counterparts of the ruling class had they opportunity.

A visit to any night club, party, religious organization or office would attest to this fact. Ambitious youth from the breadlines or struggling working class families engage in a variety of excesses to the applause of mates yearning to be in their shoes. Either as advance fee fraudsters, bankers, journalists, accountants, secretaries, factory hands or ordinary clerks, youths from the breadlines are engaged in a bitter, desperate struggle to chance on the shortest possible cut to sudden and stupendous wealth.

They seem beset by a greater and unexplainable fear beyond the fear of poverty amongst other harsh realities of their lives. Fear plays a greater part than hope: they are infinitely buoyed and obsessed with thoughts of the money that they might make or the possessions that might be taken from them or elude them, than of the joy and value that they might add to their own lives and to the fate of their fatherland in entirety.

This class of youth, like their more privileged peer crave the best of everything without actually sweating for it. And when they do sweat for it, their industry is tainted by vigorous dashes of impatience and duplicity.

In their work they are haunted by jealousy of competitors, and a fleeting interest in the actual work that has to be done. They spend greater time and passion defending unjust privileges they are desperate to enjoy.

• To be continued…

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is because the recent House of Representatives’ probe may have unmasked the cartel in the industry and the shameful corrupt practices which Nigerians are currently being made to pay for through the astronomic cost of petrol. Considering the fact that oil is an expendable product, whatever we realize from it now must be judiciously utilized for the benefit of Nigerians. Ribadu and members of his task force have the onerous duty of ensuring that the industry is sanitized to lay a solid foundation that others could build on.

Also, since about 90 percent of the country’s revenue is generated from oil, a boost in revenue collection will lead to improvement in all other sectors. There will be more funds to equip public hospitals and educational institutions; the dilapidated roads will be rehabilitated; and power generation and distribution will be improved upon. Undoubtedly, improvement in all the sectors will have spillover effect on employment generation as both the private and public sectors will witness a boom.

By and large, Ribadu must realize the implication of his acceptance of the appointment because if he fails to address the issue of corruption in the revenue collection system in the petroleum industry, this may be the end of his fledging and promising political career. He has to be on his guard and watch his back, conscious of the fact that booby-traps might be placed on his way in an attempt to discredit him and ensure his failure in the assignment. With the large membership of the task force, majority of whom have no pedigree of outstanding public service, he is indeed walking a tightrope.

The only way Ribadu and his team would be regarded as heroes is not only in boosting revenue generation from oil resources, but in successfully prosecuting the ‘oil cartel’ individuals and organizations - found to have corruptly enriched themselves. This will, no doubt, serve as a deterrent to others. And he would have left indelible marks in the sands of time which will properly position him for greater leadership roles in future. This is a ‘war’ Ribadu cannot afford to lose!

Olagunju, is a postgraduate student of Babcock University.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

22

EDITORIAL/OPINION ‘It is a political error to practice deceit, if deceit is carried too far.’

————Frederick II (1712 - 1786) Prussian Monarch.

O

NE of the most contentious issues in the country since the beginning of this year is that of whether or not the government actually pays subsidy on petroleum products enjoyed by Nigerians. The government claimed that the burden of subsidy that amounted to N1.3billion last year was too much for it to bear. As a result of this, the government on January 1, 2012 increased the pump price of fuel from N65 to N140. Nigerians protested in a manner that was never witnessed. At the end of the day, President Goodluck Jonathan was forced to reduce the price to N97 per litre of petrol.

Since then, there have been allegations and counter allegations regarding the veracity of government’s claims on subsidy. The truth of the matter is that Nigerians deserve to know why they are being forced to pay for the ineptitude of government in the name of subsidy.

Thus, the Speaker Tambuwal led House of Representatives took the bull by the horn when a committee was set up to probe fuel subsidy management in the country. The 10member Farouk Lawan-led Ad-Hoc Committee on Management of Subsidy held public hearings where ‘fuel subsidy’ was exposed as phantom by those saddled with the responsibility of paying the ‘subsidy’ to (un)deserving oil and gas service companies.

We have since discovered that agencies of government tasked with related responsibility could mischievously not reconcile their records. At the House public hearing, the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN), Pipeline and Product Marketing Company (PPMC), Nigerian

‘Jonathan should summon the required courage that is currently deficient in him to tell Nigerians that his professed subsidy is a ruse and his SURE, a bait to quell the rebellious citizens with a cause in this country’

W

OW, that would be for me, the best job in the world. It’s a wonder that we men in our masochistic rush of adrenalin, always crave to be number one; always want to be on top, we want to always be in front, always want to lead. Even when we can’t lead our miserable selves we insist on leading others.

Here is a secret we men have kept well: most of us know quite well that many of us really ought to be subordinate to our wives but we just hang in their stubbornly, hammering at the task of being the head and making a meal of it. There is nothing more soul-draining than being led by someone you ought to be leading. Well, it is an unfair world made worse by men running around pretending to run things.

They don’t run jack, to say it in the manner of my younger colleagues. If you ask me, most of us are actually being run ragged by our phallus, that abominable stalwart.

It just occurred to me what joy the job of the first gentleman (I will insist on being known and addressed as First Husband of the Federation or State as the case may be). It will be a constant reminder to all that it was I who was perspicacious enough to have paid the bride price on the number one woman in the land way back when other men were blind. What a glorious life it would be for me if I were the First Husband. I would smell flowers once again (when was the last time I did this?)

I would write so much poetry that Pablo Neruda who happens to be my best poet would smile in his grave. What would I want to prove persisting in chasing exclusive news stories and big interviews? What about keeping a column and writing editorials? Not for the life of me, I will leave that menial drudgery for men who did not have fore sight to get betrothed to a super woman.

Perhaps I would form an NGO to keep busy so that I don’t get afflicted by that deadly disease, ‘affluenza’. Being a man, you would think I might consider tackling critical men issues for a change; to let we

Subsidy is con and SURE, a bait

Madueke National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) gave conflicting figures on subsidy claims including what the authentic figures of daily consumption of fuel products are. Also the veracity of certain subsidy accounts could not be explained with each agency either giving conflicting figures or out rightly denying knowledge of such accounts.

Through the public hearing, the nation knew too that N220 billion was discovered to have been overpaid to some oil marketers as against prior figures presented by the AGF and PPPRA which showed overpayment of N30.43 billion,

N15.147 billion and N22.548 billion to Ramalia oil and gas limited, Tipex Energy and Emax Oil respectively among others. Quite revealing in 2011 alone is the reported criminal contradiction inherent in the AGF’s claim of having paid N27.50 billion, N5.953 billion and N4.452 billion to Ramalia, Tripex and Emax while shockingly, the representatives of the companies through the records of PPPRA acknowledged receipt of N58 billion, N21.1 billion and N27 billion respectively.

There were also reported discrepancies between the amount of N1.75 trillion subsidy presented by the CBN and the N1.9 trillion quoted by the AGF before the committee. Furthermore are the embarrassing responses to the committee’s question on whether subsidy actually existed on locally refined products.

The answers from two major heads of crucial oil agencies were scandalous. To Diezani Allison-Madueke, the Minister of Petroleum Resources- ‘it depended on several things’ while to Austine Oniwon, the NNPC Group Managing Director(GMD)- ‘it is complicated and the layman is too simplistic to understand how it works.’

The contradiction still continues. The Executive Secretary of the PPPRA gave a definite ‘yes’ to the question. But his DPR counterpart answered ‘no’. The NNPC GMD and his subordinates forgot shamefully, the price of kerosene at the open market when the committee demanded to know - “I will have to check the records and get back to you,” reportedly became their curious answer. They also forgot the number of NNPC mega sta-

EXPRESSO STEVE OSUJI

SMS O8055001684 email:steve_osuji@yahoo.com

If I were the first husband men have our day in the sun too as our women have always done. An NGO like, Rescuing Men with Woman Trouble (RMWT); or something like, Men Dying in Silence (MenDS); Please note the abbreviation which is not to be mistaken with MEND. MenDS would be an intervention to rescue hapless men who are battered and brutalized by the wives but who are too ashamed to make it public. Heck no; no NGO for the First Husband. It would amount to unnecessary dissipation of energy, not to mention the influence peddling issue. Especially so if I dare to launch my NGO, woe betide anyone who is somebody in my state who does not donate (and handsomely too) to my ‘noble cause’. In fact any big man who writes me a small cheque would have his cheque thrown back at him. The huge pile of donations would be mine to disburse as I wished and I would not be accountable to anyone.

No, I would not demean myself with the NGO scam. Most of what goes on is stealing in the name of the underprivileged. Seriously, that would be below my new status. I already have the biggest prize in the land. Why go on to carry an unnecessary moral baggage. I would not ask that a ministry of men affairs and social development be created for my pleasure or put under my purview. No agency for me, no department of government and indeed no appointments for me the First Husband. That

would mean lugging an elephant and digging for crickets with my toe. Again, there would be issues of probity. It would appear as if my wife and I are running a racket. People’s perception. For instance, who would dare question me if I commandeered the entire budget of an agency? Did anyone ever heard of a First Lady being probed. It would not start with the First Husband.

What would I do to keep busy you might ask? Plenty. First, heading a state or a country is a sacred duty; I think it is a divine commission from above never to be trifled with. The lives of millions of people have been placed in your hands. Therefore, I would stick ever more close to my wife, the Governor, the one who has been called.

I would strive to be a better husband than I ever was. I would be at her beck and call (on permanent yellow mode for her), I would be her best sounding board and for effect, she would never have a need for another masseur. Without any fanfare, I would be her chief evaluator and her trusted monitor of critical projects of high impact. I would be her timeline manager, making sure she is delivering on promises. Working incognito, I would be her environmental scanner and set up a method of listening on her behalf, to the true voice of her citizens out there in the streets. What do I want to achieve? Simple.

I want to be the husband of the greatest

tions in Lagos state. The NNPC still reportedly does supposed business transactions with companies already indicted for operating unethically.

There was also question mark on the actual daily fuel consumption figures. While one was officially concocted, the other from the committee was empirical. The government gave a figure of 33 million litres of fuel as daily fuel import, but the committee discovered that 59 million litres of petrol daily was actually imported on a daily basis. The pertinent question at this junction is to ask what happens to the difference of 24 million litres of petrol on which subsidy are also drawn every day.

In view of the afore mentioned exposition on the fallacy of fuel subsidy in the country, it is apt to dwell into why the President Jonathan administration will be doing further damage to its image if it fails to conscientiously implement the content of the promised Subsidy Reinvestment Empowerment Programme (SURE). The government voluntarily came up with SURE to douse the heat generated by the protests against the increment in the pump price of petrol. Now, there is an indication that the president will not adhere to his self made promise on the spurious ground that because subsidy was not completely removed on petrol, then, SURE is no longer sure.

What this fraudulent presidential renege on pledged palliatives’ connotes is that Mr Jonathan simply used SURE as a bait to surmount the palpitating tension during the January fuel price increment protests over subsidy removal. If the president is serious about hearkening to the welfare of Nigerians, he would realise that the contents of SURE are not things that should come as palliatives. The contents of SURE document include provision/improvement in Maternal and Child Health Services; Niger Delta Development Projects, Road Infrastructure, Public Works/Women and Youth Employment, Rail Transport, Urban Mass Transit Scheme, Vocational Training including Water and Agriculture Projects. What then is the responsibility of President Jonathan as head of government if his administration cannot provide the minimum needs of Nigerians? The life of the people under this government that is fraught with fraud, deceit, guile and emptiness is becoming nasty and hopeless. Jonathan should summon the required courage that is currently deficient in him to tell Nigerians that his professed subsidy is a ruse and his SURE, a bait to quell the rebellious citizens with a cause in this country.

governor of our time and not the great husband of a failed governor.

Finally, now that roles have been reversed, why, I would gladly do special meals of my madam governor and more.

Anything that would make home soothing for her I would do including keeping up the family chapel, her core assignment hitherto. I would go on my knees more often interceding on her behalf. We would need divine assistance now more than ever. The kids! I am forgetting the kids.

Since the beginning of history, First Children never fail to be the nemesis of their parents largely because they are often neglected. I would keep an especial eye on them. Power is a deadly aphrodisiac, hardly any child can handle it unless carefully chaperoned. May our blessing never morph into a curse; Amen.

By all these, you must have noticed that I have my gaze on the macro and not the micro. I am helping frame the big picture and not an inset. If I were the First Husband, I would work from the home front. I tell you, a governor or president can never have enough quality help… especially from the home front.

Last Mug: the Ezeigbo miasma: here we go again. The Ikemba Nnewi is not buried yet and there is a mad tussle for his crown.

How can a true son of Ojukwu be seeking his title or any title at that when his father is still in the mogue? Is it no longer a taboo in Igbo land to name a new king when the transiting one has not been carefully rested among his ancestors? The way and manner Ojukwu is eventually buried will give an inkling as to the direction Ndigbo will go in the post-Ojukwu era.

‘If I were the First Husband, I would work from the home front. I tell you, a governor or president can never have enough quality help… especially from the home front’

Pg. 41

NFF warns Obuh over utterances

Keshi: Euro-pros must face the heat

Pg. 24

Nation Friday, February 24, 2012

PAGE 23

BATTLE OF KIGALI

Yobo, Osaze Pg. 24

vow to arrive early Eagles supend warm up matches

Pg. 41

24

41

NATIONSPORT FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

NATION SPORT HANDBALL TOURNEY

AMAC set to welcome Commonwealth Nations

A

S the official countdown of 2nd edition of Commonwealth ECOWAS Handball championship scheduled to take place in Abuja, Nigeria from 4th – 8th April, 2012 started over the weekend, the chairman of Abuja Municipal area council Micah Jiba has pledged total support of his council to make sure that championship becomes a success.

Mica made this statement when the management of Commonwealth Handball Association led by its Chief Executive Officer Mallam Attahiru Garba paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

He recollected that he felt honoured when the hosting right was given to Abuja after a fierce battle against other bidders adding that no stone will be left unturned in their bid to make the bid a memorable one. “we will help in mobilising school children to fill up the stadium because I strongly believe that they are the future of this country and if they are well managed and a career created for them in the area of sports, it will help to sway the minds off social vices” “we hope to still host such championship when call upon to do so because it is a very good avenue to not only project the good image of Abuja to the rest of the country. We promise not to fail”.

Earlier the leader of Commonwealth Handball Association delegation, Nigeria born Mallam Attahiru Garba reminded AMAC boss that Abuja is privileged to host the

international headquarters of the Commonwealth Handball Association adding that it’s the only Commonwealth games’ office outside London.

He stated that the choice of Nigeria for the championship was a painstaking one taking into consideration that Nigeria bided for the championship with other nation that also have the capability to host but with potential available in the country, the bid committee has no other option than to hand over the flag to Nigeria.

“Nigeria having been tasted in the area of hosting championships of this magnitude and after due consideration, it was very obvious that Abuja, Nigeria was the best choice” he concluded.

Meanwhile, all the countries invited for the championship have confirmed their participation. A checked with the secretariat of the association in Abuja shows that Nigeria, Benin Republic, Ghana and Cameroun have all officially confirmed their participation while Togo and Gambia have been placed on reserved list.

According to the programme made available to media, teams will arrive on the 4th of April while the final match will be played on the 7th. The Vice President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Arc. Namadi Sambo is expected to be the special guest at the closing ceremony.

The first edition of this championship was hosted in Kaduna, Nigeria in 2008 with Nigeria defeating Cameroun in the final match.

Omolade joins Antelopes

F

ORMER Enyimba captain and Al-Hilal full-back, Ajibade Omolade, has signed a one year deal at Nigeria Premier League side, Enugu Rangers.

SuperSport.com had earlier announced the defender's presence at the famo us Enugu side.

Omolade a r r i v e s Rangers as a free-agent after leaving Plateau United last term.

Ajibade

The defender was invited by Rangers coach, Okey Emordi, and he was at the stands when the Enugu side shared points with perennial rivals, Heartland, last Sunday.

"I'm happy to play for a big team like Rangers. The team is doing well and my ambition is to contribute to the progress of the team," Omolade told SuperSport.com.

Omolade is unavailable for selection as Rangers travel to ABS on match day 11, but is likely to make his debut on match day 12. Rangers have already forwarded his registration papers to the NPL. He is expected to boost the Rangers defence which has conceded only three goals.

Dolphi ns and Rising Stars hav e also conced e three goals each.

The experienced defender was earlier linked to South African sides, Platinum Stars and SuperSport.com before the close of the PSL transfer window.

NATION SPORT

Akpala eyes Hannover’s scalp

T

ONIGHT, Club Brugge face Hanover 96 in the knock-out stage of the Europa League.

The Belgian club hope to overcome a first leg one goal deficit to progress to the round of 16 of the competition.

Nigerian striker Joseph Akpala, who is in a rich vein of form, believes Club Brugge have what it takes to qualify for the next round, but predicts a difficult game. ''Today we play the second half of the tie. In Hanover we have finished the first part. It will certainly not be easy against a strong Hanover, but

we have only played half of the match,'' Akpala told belgiumsoccer.be.

Adds Akpala: ''We not only want to win for Stenman, but for the whole team. It is outrageous what happened, but the qualification is important for the whole team. It will be an interesting race with the support of our supporters and I hope that we can qualify for the next round.'’

Akpala is Nigeria's most lethal striker in Europe presently, with 17 goals in all competitions.

Emeka Opara snubs N130m Al Masry deal

I

N the January market, Emeka Opara departed Azeri League club FK Khazar Lenkoran, and penned a six-month deal with Kuwaiti based outfit Al Naser, allnigeriasoccer.com can report.

Before he signed the dotted lines with Al Naser, the 27-year-old forward had been offered a threeseason deal with Egyptian Premier League team El Masry. But Opara snubbed their overtures due to family reasons. ''Opara was offered a three-year contract by El Masry. His move to Kuwait was not for economic reasons as both the Kuwaiti and Egyptian deal offered him similar wages. ''Because of recent events in Egypt, his family did not favor his proposed switch to El Masry.

Finally, they were proved right as there were disturbances in the game between El Masry and Al Ahly. If he had signed for El Masry, he would have made his debut during that game, and we all know what happened,'' Okeke Daddy who brokered the deal that took Opara to Al Naser told allnigeriasoccer.com.

Okeke Daddy and his agency were also involved in the transfer of the Nigeria international Austin Ejide from Bastia to Israeli club,

Adesokan sets new power lifting world record

A

NIGERIAN athlete, Yakubu Adesokan has set a new World record at the on-going Power lifting Paralympic qualifier championship holding in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Yakubu lifted 177kg in the 48kg weight category to erase former record of 175kg in the ParaPower-lifting event, thus, creating a new World record.

Also, the duo of Nwokorie Ivory and Nnajiofor Ifeanyi each clinched Gold medal in the 44kg and 60kg weight categories respectively, to qualifier for the Paralympic Games scheduled to start from 29th August, 2012 in London.

Nwokorie lifted 107kg, while Nnajiofor lifted 182kg.

About 46 countries are participating in the qualifying series.

Hapoel Petah Tikva.

According to leaks gathered by our Editorial Staff, Opara could have earned US$850,000 (approximately N130 million) if he had signed the 3-year deal with El Masry. For the remainder of the 2011-2012 season, he would have earned US$200,000, then US$300,000 in his second year, and US$350,000 in the final year of his contract with the Port Said based side.

Opara's contract with Al Naser is open for renewal if he impresses in his sixmonth spell. The former E n u g u Rangers ace will pocket US$300,000 a s wages for t h e

rem ainde r of the season.

Opara

NFF warns Obuh over utterances

BATTLE OF KIGALI

Yobo, Osaze

From Patrick Ngwaogu, Abuja

T

HE leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has warned Coach John Obuh to watch his utterances as he still stands the chance of been reappointed as the Head Coach of the National U-20 team. Obuh has in recent interview said h e would never sit on the F l y i n g Eagles bench until the money owed him by the NFF is settled and a new contract offered to him. The NFF Scribe Musa Amadu said the contract the Coach has with the Federation still remains valid, until such a time when the Technical Committee says otherwise. He said that the performance of the last technical crew lay credence to

vow to arrive early S

UPER EAGLES’ skipper, Joseph Yobo of Turkish side Fernabahce, and striker Osaze Odemwengie of West Brom have reassured the national team handlers that they will arrive on time for the team’s departure for Kigali , Rwanda on Monday.

This, according to Head Coach Stephen Keshi, was conveyed through phone calls and text messages from not only the duo but nearly all players invited. “In fact this Thursday morning I received a very reassuring text message from Osaze, saying he would arrive on Sunday after his game on Saturday. Yobo and others have also been calling to pep us up and I must say it has been very encouraging to the team”,Keshi said after another rigorous training under the scorching heat of Abuja which stood at 36 degrees celcius on Thursday afternoon.

The former Super Eagles’ skipper added that even players who were not invited to camp have been calling him to find out why

this. He said that having reached the quarter finals of the tournament played in Colombia last year, that ideally, the contract of the Coaches are supposed to bee renewed. He also hinted that the appointment of the Head of the Technical Department would be made in the first week of March, alongside with the Technical crew of Super Falcons.

the y were left out and h e h a s assure d them that their time will come under his reign as the national team manager.

On the home-based players in camp, Keshi said they have started to show true professionalism and it would show when the team squares up against Rwanda in Kigali next Wednesday. “Though, we are still on the look out for more players who can break into this team from any part of the country, because only the best should be playing for the national team of Nigeria . But these ones in camp have shown tremendous commitment and spirit and I can beat my chest they we are gradually reaching our destination.”

Yobo

N

YOBO TO HOME LADS

Keshi: Euro-pros Thanks for keeping must face the heat the flag flying T S

Keshi

HURSDAY’s conditioning of national team players for the battle of Kigali, was so rigorous and caught many players unawares that team skipper Chigozie Agbim, had to take some time off the Abuja heat before rejoining the team with the permission of team coach Stephen Keshi.

“The heat here is unbelievable but we must do it for our fatherland”, he moaned when he rejoine d h i s tea m mates to round off the d a y ’ s training that also got a l l t h e national team’s technical involved. It was

indeed a hectic endurance exercise that saw the few fans who came to watch the team’s training cheering the players for their doggedness.

After the training Keshi was asked how he would ensure that he takes the foreign professionals who are coming from very cold weather through the same process.

His refrain was simple: “We’ll try to see that all the players sweat it with us once or twice before we travel out on Monday night for the game because we need only fit players for the match and anyone who can’t do what those in camp are doing may have to seat it out on the bench”.

Keshi, however,s expressed confidence in the professionalism of those he has invited from Europe , saying that they can adjust to any weather condition under few hours. “This same Rwandans were beaten by Benin Republic 3-0, Ivory Coast also roasted them 50 under similar climatic conditions, so we are battle ready, though we will never underrate our opposition, because there are no small teams again in Africa ”.

Molde waits on Emmanuel Ekpo

UPER EAGLES’ captain Joseph Yobo has expressed confidence in the ability of the home-based players to live up to expectation when the team engages Rwanda in a Nations Cup qualifier in Kigali.

Speaking from his Turkey base, Yobo was not bothered that he would be partnered by a home-based defender in Kigali.

His words; “For about 11 years I have now been in the national team, I have lost count of the number of players that I have paired with in the team. From Taribo West to Isaac Okoronkwo, I have rarely played up to four matches in the national team without a new partner. All I do is come to camp and let the coaches decide who will be my partner. I have gotten used to it that just one or two training sessions helps me to adjust to a new partner”, he said.

He added; “But I trust the coach’s judgment. I have been in contact with the camp and I learnt there are good defenders in the team. If the boys were good enough not to concede a goal against Angola and

Liberia, then I have no fears playing with them”.

The Fenerbahce defence ace was delighted that the home-based team had not lost any match under coach Stephen Keshi’ “It is on record that we have not lost any match under the Big Boss. Don’t forget that these guys played a goalless draw with Angola’s full Nations Cup squad and beat Liberia 2-0 in Monrovia. I am sure their performance in those games must have boosted the coach’s confidence in them. I didn’t watch those matches but those results show that they are good enough. I thank them for keeping the flag flying and sustaining our 100 percent record”, he added.

He appealed to the uninvited foreign-based players to rally round the team.

“The coach is trying something new. We have to support him and see how it pans out. May be in the next match, he may say ‘I don’t need Yobo’. Who knows? Those who are not in this list should pray for the team.

There are many more matches ahead”, he opined.

ORWEGIAN champions Molde FK are awaiting the arrival of midfielder Emmanuel Ekpo after the Nigerian joined on a three-year contract.

The 24-year-old joined the Norwegian champions on a three-year deal, until the end of the 2014 season, from MLS side Columbus Crew earlier in the week, but is yet to meet up with the rest of the squad at press time.

Compatriot Daniel Chima Chukwu is excited at the prospect of playing with his more accomplished countryman.

“I'm really excited having a brother in Ekpo at Molde FK. He is a quality player and would add value to the team when the new season commences. Currently, we are still in Spain for our pre-season but I just can't wait to see him and welcome him to Molde FK,” the 20-year-old forward added.

Ekpo won silver with Nigeria's Olympic team in 2008 and made his international debut for the Super Eagles in the high-profile friendly against Argentina last year in Bangladesh.

The Dream Team IV ace is credited with over 100 official games and five goals for the MLS campaigners.

Obuh

Eagles suspend warm up matches

N

IGERIA’s head coach Stephen Keshi, has d i s c l o s e d t o SuperSports that the Eagles will not play any more matches before next Wednesday's 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game against Rwanda in Kigali.

According to the Eagles headman, the game against Liberia was enough to mold the players and he does not want to risk unnecessary injuries.

“We don’t have any plan for another friendly game for now.

We have few days to a crucial match and there is no need exposing the players to unnecessary injuries. The game against Liberia was good enough for them,” said Keshi who since his return has reformed the team.

“If the match against Rwanda was not crucial, we may have been talking about a friendly game, but with the way things are now, we just have to concentrate and remain focused ahead of the match.”

Ukah on brink of Legia Warsaw Deal

L

EGIA Warsaw are close to announcing a deal for the Italian-Nigerian defender Ugochukwu Ukah, according to information from the online edition of sport.pl.

Ukah could arrive Legia as replacement for Marcin Komorowski, who departed for T e r e k Grozny. ''I heard that the Legia are interest ed in me. I think things through. For now I'm waiting for overdue money from Widzew,'' said Ugo Ukah.

Widzew Lodz claimed in a statement that they are yet to receive an official bid from Legia for Ukah, who wants to terminate his contract with Widzew because he is being owed five months wages.

The centre-back had attracted interest from Anderlecht in the January transfer window.

Ukah

HEALTH 400,000 kids immunised Enugu

37

CRIME

REWARD

Visa racket suspect in police net

Don bags award for excellence

Lagos

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

38

Anambra

40

Page 25

Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

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IQUED by the pitiable health situation, especially among children, the Kebbi state Governor Saidu Dakingari has assured traditional rulers and members of the National Primary HealthCare System that the state would be polio-free this year.

He made the promise in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital while playing host to 19 Northern Emirs.

They were in Government House for a two-day meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers Committee and the flag-off of the February 2012 IPDS, launch of polio-free torch campaign in Jega Local Government Area. The traditional rulers were in Birnin Kebbi for the inauguration of the new Primary Healthcare Development Agency Complex.

He expressed his happiness that last year, Kebbi State was rated second in polio eradication, even as he promised to combat the ailment across the state head on.

Dakingari, who blamed the situation on carelessness on the part of the people, said the state government is more than ever before committed to the eradication of all cases of polio in the state.

Dakingari, who further explained that polio is a social problem, noted that people should disabuse their minds from considering the disease as catastrophe engendered by witchcraft or misfortune. He also informed them that the disease should no longer be regarded as having any remote religious undertone. This, he said is because most religious leaders have been trying their best to ensure that polio cases is eradicated completely, adding that his government is making every effort to ensure that all bad roads become accessible in order to make movements easy even at the grassroots.

Early in his remark the leader of the Emir His Royal Highness

•Dakingari (left), Sultan Muhammed Sa’ad III and members of the committee on polio eradication

Kebbi promises polio-free year Inaugurates committee on disease eradication Traditional rulers join campaign against ailment From Khadijat Saidu, Birnin Kebbi

who is the representative of the Emir of Borno Alhaji Shehu Elkanamin, the Emir of Dikwa,

Shehu Dikwa praised Governor Dakingari for his laudable achievements in the health sector. He added that the aim of their visit was to enlighten the peo-

ple on the importance of the exercise and make Nigeria polio-free this year.

Contributing, the Director, National Primary Healthcare Devel-

opment Agency Alhaji Ado Gana Mohammed also commended Kebbi State Government for releasing funds for the •Continued on Page 26

Family seeks justice over son’s death

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•Akhabue

HE family of the late Innocent Akhabue, a 25-yearold undergraduate of Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Edo State, has cried out to the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, to bring to justice the policemen who allegedly killed their son, arguing that they should not be shielded from facing the law.

The late Akhabue was allegedly killed by some trigger-happy policemen who opened fire on a bus he was riding in at Ibafo on

By Jude Isiguzo

January 10, at the heat of the protest over removal of subsidy on petrol. The policemen who allegedly fired the shots that killed him are attached to the Ibafo Police Station along the Lagos/ Ibadan Expressway.

The family is seeking a proper investigation to be conducted on the incident and the policemen involved arrested, dismissed and prosecuted in a court of law.

Speaking to Newsextra, a member of the family, Mr Vincent

Akhabue said: “On Tuesday, January 10, 2012, innocent, a 300-level Medical Laboratory Science student of Ambrose Ali University Ekpoma boarded a bus from Ketu, Lagos to Mowe.

He never reached his destination as his promising life was cut short at Ibafo, Ogun State (close to Ibafo Police Station) by some trigger-happy police officers from Ibafo Police Station.

“It is our belief that a stray bullet from the police officers who were shooting sporadically at armless and defenseless youths who were protesting the removal

of fuel subsidy, hit him in the head while he was still in the bus going to Mowe. Instantly the young man died.

“In order to cover up their crime, the police officers who committed this heinous crime took the body of the young man away to an undisclosed location. in the evening of that same day when this incident happened. The young man’s father (ignorant of what had happened), called his son’s phone number, but the call was re•Continued on Page 26

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

26

Family seeks justice over son’s death

Kebbi promises polio-free year

•Continued from Page 26

•Continued from Page 25

February exercise, even as it increased funds for vaccination by 100 per cent.

The Director further explained that Kebbi State was rated second on fight against polio. He promised to assist the state in its quest to ensure that the state is polio-free.

“India that was rated high in the world on polio cases with the population of 1.2 billion has been polio free last year. Why can’t we fight it and make it free since our population is not up to that of India?’’ he queried.

In a related development, the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad 111 has admonished the two religions in Nigeria to pray for peace and harmony for the continued corporate existence of the country.

He gave this advice at the twoday flag-off ceremony of polio eradication by the 19 Northern Emirs at Jega Local Government Area of Kebbi State. He added that the security lapses in the country are becoming worrisome, even as he expressed the need for every individual to pray for peace to ensure progress and development in the country.

The royal father also explained that “the traditional rulers and governments at all levels have the joint responsibility to make this country peaceful for every Nigerian to live in. He therefore urged the leaders to join hands with the government in ensuring peace in the society.”

The Sultan of Sokoto, who commended Governor Dakingari for supporting the traditional rulers committee on polio eradication, assured him of

•A child being immunised

the committee’s commitment in ensuring that the state is poliofree.

He explained that there was the need for the enlightenment to be from house to house in order to ensure that Kebbi State is poliofree.

He appealed to parents to bring their children to be immunised, stressing that they should be abreast of the importance of this exercise.

Early in his remark,

The traditional rulers and governments at all levels have the joint responsibility to make this country peaceful for every Nigerian to live in. He therefore urged the leaders to join hands with the government in ensuring peace in the society

Governor Dakingari said that Nigeria will be polio-free this year just as other countries were polio-free years ago. He added that in the last three to four years, Kebbi State was polio-free just as he regretted that only last year, the state experienced three cases of the disease.

Governor Dakingari disclosed that since the assumption of his administration, he had constructed 15 General Hospitals and other clinics across the state, stating that the projects were aimed at reducing the rate of maternal mortality in the state.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed Pati said that the present administration under the leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan has released a lot of funds towards fighting polio in Nigeria, adding that the Federal Government is ready to work with the local and state governments as well as other non-governmental organisations (NGO) in order to curb polio cases in the country.

ceived by an unknown person (a male voice) who informed him that the person he was calling is dead, and directed him to go to Ibafo Police Station for more information.

“At Ibafo Police Station, the following day, all the police officers who were met on duty denied ever knowing about the matter. They immediately dismissed the deceased’s father. The police, having feigned ignorance of the incident, the deceased’s father went round the neighborhood to make enquiry on the death of his son.

“Concerned Nigerians within the neighborhood who witnessed the incident confirmed that some police officers from Ibafo Police Station actually killed a young man the previous day and that they took the corpse away to an unknown destination. After several hours of frantic search, the young man’s body was found where it was deposited in one Ade Clinic and Maternity Home Mortuary at 36/38 GRA Road, Sabo Sagamu.

“The mortuary attendant told the late young man’s father that some police officers from Ibafo Police Station brought the corpse on the January 10, 2012. He added that the police officers told the clinic officials that the young man was an armed robber.

“One of the officers, who brought the corpse to the mortuary, informed the attendant that they were officers from Ibafo Police Station. He gave her name as Funmi with GSM NO 08034380493,” Victor lamented.

In a letter of request for investigation on the matter written by their lawyer, Joseph Igwe, to the Commissioner of Police Ogun State, the family of the deceased said anything short of justice will not go down well with them.

The letter reads: Sir, it is very clear that the youthful life of a law-abiding Nigerian citizen with promising future had been cut short by some officers of the Nigerian Police Force from Ibafo Police Station who chose to use life bullet against armless and defenseless protesting youths.

“This young man that fell vic-

tim of police recklessness and abuse of fire arm was a peace-loving and law-abiding Nigerian citizen. He was not part of the protesters, nor was he rioting. He was brutally killed in cold blood by security agents who are constitutionally mandated to protect him.

“The crime had been committed; the deed is done and can never be undone. The young man’s life is gone and gone forever. His dreams, ambitions and aspirations in life had been shattered. His family has been denied of their loved one and left in perpetual pain and agony.

“However, one thing left for the deceased, his family, the entire Nigerian people is justice. Justice is the only relief the late Mr Innocent Emmanuel Akhabue and members of his family demand currently.

“Sir, in the light of the foregoing, we request that you use your good offices to cause a thorough investigation to be conducted in this matter with a view to fishing out the particular police officer from Ibafo Police Station on a white Toyota Hilux van that killed Mr Innocent Emmanuel Akhabue on Tuesday, January 10, 2012, for prosecution. Nigeria is not a lawless country.

“There is law and order. Those responsible for this heinous crime must be made to face the full weight of the law to serve as deterrence to others, and in the interest of justice. We further demand the payment of compensation to the hardworking parents of Mr Innocent Emmanuel Akhabue who had committed their life savings in training their most valuable son, but were never allowed to reap the fruit of their labour.

“We are confident that you will respond to the cry for justice emanating from the late Mr Innocent Emmanuel Akhabue, members of his family and the entire Nigerian people, and take the necessary and urgent action in respect of the above stated request for the sole interest of justice.

“However, if this request is ignored, neglected or refused, we shall be left with no option than to seek justice through the law court. We can be reached on the phone on the letter head.

It is our belief that a stray bullet from the police officers who were shooting sporadically at armless and defenseless youths who were protesting the removal of fuel subsidy, hit him in the head while he was still in the bus going to Mowe. Instantly the young man died

•From left: Chairman, Ejigbo Local Council Development Area , Kehinde Bamigbetan , Chairman, House Commitee on Local Government Administration and Chieftancy Affairs, Lagos State of House of Assembly, Hon. Olanrewaju Osun, Vice Chairman Ejigbo LCDA, Monsurudeen Bello-Obe and Secetary to Ejigbo LCDA, Remi Gbadegeshin during the working visit of members of the House Commitee to the council

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

27

Recognition for diligent service

H

ON. Mike Diden (also known as Ejele), commissioner representing Itsekiri ethnic nationality in the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC) was the focus of camera flashes recently when he received an award conferred on him by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State Council following his contributions towards youth empowerment in the state.

Nelrose Hotel, Asaba venue of the event was filled to capacity as eminent personalities including Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Comrade Ovuzourie Macaulay, politicians of note, top government functionaries, businessmen, media executives, bureaucrats, bankers and people from all walks of life were in attendance.

The occasion was significant for it was the first time the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State

From Aiwere Okungbowa, Benin

Council was honouring a Commissioner in the DESOPADEC since its establishment some years ago.

It also brought into spotlight various achievements of Hon. Mike Diden, former chairman of Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State and recent past Special

Adviser to the governor on Security Matters.

The chairman of the state council, Comrade Nobert Chiazor, in his remarks, gave an insight into how the recipient of the awards was selected. He disclosed that this involved discreet assessment of the achievements of persons selected for the award without their knowledge.

He is a Deltan whose excellent track records in various fields including governance, community development, administration, science and philanthropy constituted the basis of our pride

It was only after a quiet assessment of his various projects and programmes at the local government and his security initiative that he was informed.

Paying tribute to Hon. Diden and other recipients of the awards, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), a pioneer chairman of the state NUJ, Comrade Ovuzourie Macaulay said he is a Deltan whose excellent track records in various fields including governance, community development, administration, science and philanthropy constituted the basis of our pride.”

For Mike Diden, the award was not only another milestone, but also recognition by the reputable union of his contribution to the development of his state. The elated commissioner said he was humbled by the award.

“I feel more challenged to push further in the task of making life worth living for my people.”

•Hon. Diden While congratulating Hon. Diden, Comrade Chiazor, urged him to see the award as a call to duty. There can be no better way of doing this, Chiazor admonished, than greater commitment and dedication to the progress of the state.

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T was a very hot afternoon. The heat was discomforting as one ambled towards the massive Alhaji Yinusa Akinlola Memorial Hall, at the headquarters of Oriade Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.

However, once one stepped into the hall, its coolness literally mops up the hot and upsetting feeling. This results from the optimal functioning of the six giant standing air-conditioning units and the 14 ceiling fans oscillating at their optimum. The 16 florescent tubes and 16 energy-saving bulbs shone brightly so much so that they caused the hall to be well illuminated.

The calm but serenade tune from Elton John’s Candle in the Wind added to the pleasant mood in the hall. The crowd was massive but the hall was large enough to accommodate it.

The events were the council’s annual fêting of its senior citizens, the bursary award to some categories of students and the cash donation of N200, 000 to the physically-challenged people in the council area.

In his address, the chairman of the council Hon. Ibrahim Babatunde Sanusi said that the events were organised by the council in order to empower the citizens of the area, even as he said that every good turn deserves another.

He disclosed that his administration had embarked on what he called systematic implementation of people-oriented policies and programmes, noting that during his first tenure, his office was inundated with an avalanche of requests for financial assistance and provision of some projects and services from the people.

He further disclosed that the day’s programme was aimed at meeting some of the people’s demands. He assured the people that his administration would continue to show commitment to those areas that would make life more meaningful for them by evolving policies and programmes that would guarantee the people’ well-being.

“I wish to inform the good people of Oriade that the eras of poverty, illiteracy, diseases, social infrastructural decay, are over in Oriade LCDA. The days of our children being sent out of school due to

•Cross section of students and the aged

Council fetes senior citizens, awards bursary

By Chinaka Okoro

non-payment of tuition are over. The era of our aged fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters roaming the streets begging is over. The days of our school leavers roaming the streets searching for non-existent white collar jobs are over.

“I am very confident that our commitment to socio-economic and infrastructural developments would engender the much-needed results that will enable the council to take care of myriads of our people’s needs,” Hon. Sanusi said.

He disclosed that “in determining the genuine beneficiaries, nepotism

The days of poverty, illiteracy, diseases, social infrastructural decay, are over in Oriade LCDA. The days of our children being sent out of school due to non-payment of tuition are over. The era of our aged fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters roaming the streets begging is over. The days of our school leavers roaming the streets searching for non-existent white collar jobs are over

and ethnicity were not considered, so much so that the beneficiaries of today’s awards cut across all the wards in Oriade council area. The students who will be given awards today include those who are indigenous to the council and those who are not.”

Breakdown of the bursary awards, Newsextra checks revealed, shows that those indigenous to the council who are in their doctorate degree programme receive N50, 000, those pursuing their Master’s degree programmes will receive N40,000 and undergraduates receive N30,000 while those not indigenous to he council will receive amount slightly below what those indigenous to the council received.

He explained that the arrangement was so thought out because those who are not indigenous to Oriade council will equally benefit from such programme in their respective local councils or states.

Hon. Sanusi disclosed that “the council decided to give the bursary awards being mindful of the importance of education for self development and its attendant benefits to the society, adding that the his administration is strongly committed to, among other things, bequeathing quality education to the youth in or-

der to prepare them for the demands of our time.”

Continuing, he said: “We are not unaware of the prevailing economic and financial challenges being experienced by our various families. In the circumstances therefore, we have thought it wise that, within our meagre resources, there is need to offer bursary awards to our students.”

On the council’s commitment to taking care of its senior citizens, the council chief noted that the event marks the second anniversary of the council’s programme dedicated to the recognition of the importance of the elderly people in the society whom he said had contributed im-

mensely, during their active years, to the development of the society.

Expressing his appreciation to what he termed selfless contributions of the elderly people to societal development, Hon. Sanusi said: “We owe our existence, fortune and pride to the works of and pains of the elderly.

Old age is symbolic and gracious gift from God. It is only the villain that will not extol old age as a virtue. Old age has its infirmities and limitations. It is therefore our social responsibility to respect, support and adore old age.” He announced N10, 000 cash donation to each of the aged •Continued on Page 40

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

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Delta builds 252 roads

ELTA State government says it has awarded 252 road projects worth over N114 billion since May 2007.

Funkekemne Solomon, Delta State Commissioner for Works, disclosed this in Asaba,-the State’s capital He listed some of the projects to include 58 drainage costing over N1. 7 billion, the 148.9 kilometre dualisations of Ughelli - Asaba expected to cost N44. 7 billion, the Ugbenu – Koko 33 kilometres road at N44.7 billion, and the Effurun – Osubi – Eku road at N10.3 billion.

Others are the dualisation of the old Lagos/ Asaba 9.5km road at the cost of about N7 billion, dualisation of the link to Government House, Asaba awarded in 2009 at the cost of N500 million and the rehabilitation of Asaba township roads at the cost of N5.37 billion, among others.

The drainage projects include the N3.3 billion, Asaba drainage awarded in 2009, and the N400 million erosion control project at the

Jesus Saves/DLA road and the N104 million erosion control project at Ezeugboma Street both in Asaba.

Funkekeme said the target of his ministry was to increase the length of roads across the state from the currently estimated level of 2,550km to a total functional road length of 5,000km through construction of new roads and repairs of existing ones.

The commissioner said plans have reached advanced stage to set up and equip a Quality Control Department to ensure best engineering practices.He said a Materials Testing Laboratory at Ughelli.has been established.

He added that N400 million has been voted for road maintenance and vegetation control.

He said his ministry has introduced six zonal offices in Asaba, Warri, Ughelli, Agbor, Sapele and Oleh, headed by a Chief Engineer to oversee projects.

According to him, the challenges faced by

Councils urged to support HIV/AIDS HE Deputy Speaker of Rivers State of Assembly, Mr Leyii education T House Kwanee, has called on local

government councils to assist in the funding of grassroots education on HIV and AIDS. Kwanee made the call in a statement in Port Harcourt,saying that councils involvement had become necessary considering the spread of the pandemic in rural areas.

Kwanee, the leader of the state delegation to the Conference on National Ownership of HIV/AIDS Response in Abuja, said that efforts should be geared toward stopping HIV and AIDS spread in the rural areas.

He urged the councils to provide funds for the Local Action Committees on AIDS (LACA) in the local government areas for grassroots HIV education.

Kwanee said that such funding agreed with the suggestion of the conference that government at all levels should fund the fight against HIV and AIDS by increasing budgetary allocations to health and HIV and AIDS. According to him, there is a need for concerted efforts to contain the infection rate in the rural areas as the rate is now as high as that of the urban areas of the state.

Rivers

“The proposed National Fund is designed as a basket financial resource to which federal, states, LGAs, organised private sector, philanthropists, multinationals and donor agencies are expected to contribute to,” he stated.

Kwanee called for the establishment of one or more treatment centres for HIV patients in each local government area in the state.

He commended Gov. Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers for not only addressing the HIV and AIDS epidemic but also other health conditions as malaria, polio, Lassa fever and others in his free medicare programme. .

Kwanee urged the media to continue to educate Rivers people on the dangers posed by the AIDS scourge.

He said journalists should assist the government to enlighten the people on the need to participate at every level of the proposed National HIV/AIDS Fund (NAHAF).

Enugu immunises 400,000 kids

Delta From Okungbowa Aiwerie,Asaba

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the Ministry of Works include high cost of road construction in the face of other competing needs of the government, According to him, other challenges include the additional high cost of constructing roads, in a swampy and erosion prone parts of the state, effects of inflation on cost of materials and labour inputs.

Youths urged to shun violence

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IGERIAN youths have been urged to embrace peace and shun violence and crimes such as hooliganism, armed robbery, cultism, hemp smoking and prostitution.

The advice was given by one of the community leaders in Ikotun, IgandoIkotun Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, Mr Sunday Arowele, while speaking with journalists.

The hotelier, who monitors customers to his hotel, said he had gone a step further by having a banner in front of his place warning under aged girls and hemp smokers to stay away.

The Lagos State campaign against under aged prostitution was described by him as the right step in the right direction saying: “These girls and boys are supposed to be our future leaders, that is why as parents and guardians, we must closely monitor the movement and where about of our wards to complement government’s efforts”

•From left: Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, The Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Bert Ronhaar and Deputy Ambassador; Mr. Hands De Brabander; when the ambassador paid the governor a courtesy visit at Government House, Asaba.

ONCERNED with the continued deteriorating health conditions of inhabitants of communities recently affected by the Chevron Gas explosion in the Southern Ijaw area of Bayelsa State,Governor Seriake Dickson has decried the attitude of the

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Affairs, Rotimi Agunsoye has urged the Federal Government to remove electricity from its exclusive list and allow states to generate their own power to meet the yearnings of the people.

Speaking to Newsextra in an interview, the former commissioner noted that it has become unwise for the Federal Government to take monopoly of some sectors of the economy if the country must move forward He said: “If electricity is expunged from the exclusive list, Nigerians will begin to enjoy the product. States should be allowed to generate power, if this had been done some four or 12 years ago, by now, we would have had 24 hours electricity in Lagos State.”

Agunsoye said that by that act employment opportunities would be created because many people would be employed because of constant power supply. He stated that most industries that performed below capacity due to power failure had to go underground.

He maintained that it was unjustifiable for people to pay tax and government on its part could not reciprocate the gesture by creating the enabling condition that would make them earn income so that they could continue to pay the taxes.

Buttressing his point, he stressed: “This is a statement of fact, I am a Nigerian, look at Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, look at some other roads, look at electricity in the country and very soon Nigeria will be 53. It is very sad that people have been paying their taxes there is nothing to show for it.”

He explained that our leaders need to show sincerity in the way they respond to people need. According to him, if government was sincere You need to be constantly going out with them.

Agunsoye said: “Look at Lagos, you can

• From left: Ms Danso Junadia, Secretary, H.I.P. Generation Youth Initative; Mrs Olaboludle Simoyan, the author, addressing the media during the launch of the book entitled 8thWonder of the World Made in Nigeria at E.Centre Yaba ,Lagos.With them is Mr Dada Ajai-Ikhile,the Project Director.

Journalist thanks sympathisers

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Maiduguri journalist, Mr. Joseph Abiodun, has expressed appreciation to individuals and organisations who sympathised with his family following the death of their son, Adeteju Adetokunbo Abiodun.

In a statement, Mr Abiodun thanked NUJ Correspondent Chapel, Apostolic Church family, Bible Society of Nigeria Borno and Yobe as well as teachers, pupils and students of the State Low Cost Primary and Junior Secondary School, Staff and Students of University of Maiduguri, where the late Adeteju had his university education.

The late Adeteju obtained his BSC Degree in Food Science and Technology in 2010 was awaiting his NYSC call-up letter before his death on August 11, 2011 in Owo, Ondo State.

•The late Adeteju

Yenagoa From Isaac Ombe-Yenagoa

management of Chevron, saying the state government expects nothing less than the best standard as practised by oil firms all over the world.

But inhabitants of the communities have also cried loud to government and Chevron to arrange for their immediate evacuation.

Represented by his Deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd), who was on assessment of the level of the impact caused by the well head blow out and explosion from the K.S.Endeavour Rig operated by Chevron located at Apoi North oil field, in the affected communities,Governor Dickson told the inhabitants that his government has resolved to fight for their protection and welfare.

He called on the oil company to immediately clean up the environment and restore sanity to the area to allow the people resume their fishing trade which is their only source of livelihood.

By Musa Odoshimokhe

see what they are using the taxes for, you can see the roads being constructed or tarred in high grade. Within the past 12 years, you can see what we have been able to do especially under Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Fashola. When Asiwaju laid the foundation he put the person who could do the job there and the person is actually doing the job and people can see”.

He expressed optimism that Nigeria could bounce back if the right attitudes were cultivated by the leaders to drive home their programmes. This, according to him, was possible through exemplary leadership.

“When I was the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, you could see me happily carrying my shovel going into the drains no matter how dirty they are. I went from one local government to the other; we were going into the drains to do the job.

We led by example and if you don’t do that, people will not take you seriously.

Don’t forget that those at the helm of affairs at the local government are executive chairmen. People voted for them. So, for you to be able to manage them, you must come down.”

He further noted that this gave him the edge to carry out the responsibility of the office without looking back he received support from those saddled with the management.

•Agunsoye

HE Enugu State Ministry of Health says it has vaccinated no fewer than 400,000 children in the ongoing routine polio immunisation programme in the state.

The Director, Public Health, in the ministry, Dr Chukwuma Igweagu, told journalists in Enugu that the ministry had earlier targeted 800,000 children for vaccination against the disease.

Igweagu said the ministry would embark on a one or two days mop up immunisation exercise to meet their target.

“It’s been very successful. We are targeting about 800,000 children. So far, we have been able to reach 400,000.

The programme is supposed to end officially today.

“However, if we observe that there are some areas that have not been covered, we will extend it, what we call mop up may be one or two more days.’’

Igweagu decried the attitude of some mothers towards the exercise, adding that it would not help the country in eradicating the deadly

Enugu disease.

He listed the challenges of the exercise to include urbanisation, inadequate manpower and wrong perception of the exercise on the part of some mothers.

The director urged parents to ensure that their children below five years were immunised against polio and other child killer diseases.

“The paralysis that follows polio is irreversible and most importantly, polio kills children. It affects the respiratory aspect of the brain.

“What I will advise mothers is that they should allow their kids have access to the immunisation and all hands must be on deck to make sure that we kick polio out of this country.’’

•Governor Chime

He said that the second phase of the exercise would resume in March.

Knocks for Chevron over neglect of gas explosion victims

‘Remove electricity from exclusive list’ ORMER Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy

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Briefly

China signs pact with firm to develop coal DELTA Mines Limited , a mineral and power resources company, has signed a pact with a Chinese firm, CIC Mining Resources Ltd (CICM), to develop the coal properties in Kekina, Kogi State and lignites inAsaba, Obomkpa in Delta State.

In a statement made available to our correspondent , the chairman, Delta Mines Limited, Mr. Philip Pereira explained that the strategic location of Dekina Coal close to major natural resources such as iron ore deposit was considered. According to him, Dekina Coal will benefit greatly from the development of these minerals resources by having secondary steel production instead of simply export coal.

He said: “The importance of this project, coalto-power to develop the mineral resources aptly captures the agenda of the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arch Musa Mohammed Sada.

CIC will bring in a wealth of expertise and fast track development.”

Pereira noted that the company is a consulting and advisory company, operating primarily in the mining and energy infrastructure sectors based in Beijing, China, adding that it is listed on the London Stock Exchange (AIMCICR).

The company, he added, is majorly owned by Chinese private company, CIC Group Limited whose major share holders are 27 China leading private coal and iron ore miners.

‘Male teachers needed in Abia schools’

HE Education Secretary for Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Mrs Lovett Adimoha, has said that lack of male teachers in the school system is slowing down inculcation of discipline and knowledge in the pupils.

Speaking with journalists at the council’s headquarters, Adimoha said that lack of male teachers in the system had brought down the level of discipline explaining that unlike the women, male teachers parts act as a father figure to the pupils.

She said that the system is currently exposing ghost workers through the pay workers by cash system, stressing that once those who are not teachers working in the area are fished out, they will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for necessary action and the schools will be better for it.

The secretary promised to ensure that the standard of education in the area improves, as the state governor, Theodore Orji has provided schools in the area with computers and books.

Adimoha said that most of the teachers in the area are computer literate and that they have been directed to teach their students and pupils computer operations.She stressed that each of the 81 schools in the area is to receive one computer till more computers arrive.

She said: “I have made a tour of the schools in the area and found out that there are high concentration of teachers in some areas while other places are lacking teachers, we intend to correct this anormaly through posting of teachers to areas they are needed”.

Adimoha said that during the tour, she noticed that there are places where there is one teacher to 28 pupils in a class, “we intend to correct it and ensure there are enough teachers

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The governor used the opportunity to praise the people of Koluama I and II for their peaceful conduct in spite of the negligent attitude of the oil firm involved.

Speaking earlier, the Amananoweis of Koluama I and II communities, His Royal Highness J.T.C.Leghemo and Ogboin Mienye,in their separate addresses, cried out to the government to quickly come to their aid and alleviate their plights.

The affected communities demanded that the state government and Chevron should arrange for the evacuation and resettlement of the people, saying that experts should be brought in to assess the extent of damage the explosion has done to their environment.

The communities also asked Chevron to take immediate steps to contain the spread of the pollution of their water and to also provide potable water for the people, requesting that the company immediately stop the raging flames and clean up the environment to restore it to its original state, send relief materials and medical teams to the people.

•From right: Chairman, Ikeja Local Government Hon. Wale Odunlami, Hon. Commissioner for Physical Planning and Development, Toyin Ayinde and Mrs Y.O.A. Ajayi, Permanent Secretary in the ministry , during the state holders meeting on the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning Law, at the Alausa secretariat.

Good roads top council’s list

Abia From Ugochukwu Eke, Umuahia

to go round and impact knowledge to our children”.

On the issue of private schools taking over from the public schools, she warned against it as most of the teachers in some of the private schools do not have the basic qualification to impact knowledge to the children.

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HE Chairman of Mushin Local Government Hon. Olatunde Adepitan has assured residents of Mushin Local Government Area of good motorable roads during his tenure.

He made this statement at the inauguration of a seven-man committee saddled with the responsibilities of identifying all the potholes and making sure that they are mended before becoming a menace to road users.

•Hon Adepitan(middle ) with some council officials at Omo-Owo Street in Mushin, during the inauguration of Operation Fill the Pothole.

While inaugurating the committee, he charged the members to put their experience to work so that residents and workers can feel their impact.

He said: “Ensure that you involve the Community Development Associations (CDAS) in your programme of action; it is very easy for them to mobilise the residents so that they can cooperate with you fully. It is very easy when you involve the people so that wherever you are working, vehicular activities will be put on hold.

“In the same vein, ensure that all the 10 wards in Mushin have a feel of your action”.

He said from the experience he garnered in the first tenure , it would be cheaper to repair the roads than to allow them go completely bad before repair works are done on them.

He appealed to the residents to monitor the activities of the committee, in order to ensure good work.

At the flag-off ceremony of the activities of the committee, the chairman stated that good road network would in no small measure enhance commercial activities.

Mushin, according to the chairman is a commercial nerve centre of Lagos State.

“My people love buying and selling, when they can move easily, commercial activities will be enhanced. That is why I will continue to spend the people’s money on road construction”,the chairman said.

The chairman of the committee, Mr Sherif Lawal, promised to carry out the assignment like good representatives of the council. He said the standard the chairman had set in his first tenure, shall be maintained.

The roads so far rehabilitated are: Oluyide, Iyalla, Sule Shadow, Sanusi; Ilasamaja, Oluwanishola, Layi Oyekanmi and OmoOwo.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

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PEOPLE THE NATION

AN EIGHT-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

Shortly after returning to the country last week, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was in Ilesha, Osun State, to receive the Agba-Akin Adinni of Ijeshaland title. The Islamic ceremony drew dignitaries across socio-political divide, report EMMANUEL OLADESU and SOJI ADENIYI .

•Agba-Akin Tinubu (middle) after his decoration. With him are Alhaji Arisekola-Alao (right) and Alhaji Badmus

ROM sunrise, the historic town of Ilesha was agog. Itinerant drummers and praise singers danced round the major streets, chanting the cognomen of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, national leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and former Governor of Lagos State. For hours, the Okesa Playing Ground, the venue of his decoration as Agba-Akin Adinni of Ijeshaland, was a beehive of activities. It was also a field day for motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada, as they made endless trips to and from the venue.

Guests came from far and wide for the epoch-making event. Yet, there was orderliness. Security men at strategic points to the entrance of the expansive field were literarily idle; hawkers made brisk business, selling bottled and sachet water, drinks and confectioneries.

Not even the scorching sun could deter the crowd. They kept coming. As the dignitaries arrived, the drummers and praise singers ushered them to their seats with pleasure.

Traditional rulers, accompanied by their chiefs and aides, were in long flowing Agbada, beads and specters. Important personalities engaged in banters; yet others saw the gathering as an opportunity to catch up on old times.

It was a political rally of sorts. Banners of various sizes and shapes, dotted poles and the roundabouts. On them were messages of goodwill and solidarity. One of them,

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All hail the Agba-Akin sponsored by the Majority Leader of Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, reads: “Welcome to Ijesaland the Asiwaju of Lagos, Jagaban Borgu, and Aare of Ile-Oluji.

Long live our leader. Long Live ACN.” The residents were not caught unawares.

They knew before hand that the ceremony would hold. As early as 8am, they beheld exotic vehicles, mostly Sport Utility Vans (SUVs) gliding into the town.

Tinubu, accompanied by Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and wife Sherifat, on alighting from a helicopter at Ilesa Grammar School, about 100 metres from the venue of the ceremony, were received by an ecstatic crowd at 2pm.The crowd praised Tinubu and Aregbesola, who waved at them.

When it was time to decorate Tinubu with turban, the faithful repeatedly chanted Allahu Akbar! as the Islamic clerics rose to do their

job. Tinubu, holding a light green tesbih (Muslim rosary), sat under a special canopy where he was decorated with the turban by the duo of Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland Alhaji AbdulAzeez Arisekola-Alao and Alhaji Badmus Adekilekun, amid applause.

The reading of Asiwaju’s citation was skipped as the crowd shouted: “We already know him.”

Rising, Tinubu took a bow as the insignia of the title, a certificate and staff, were presented to him. He again waved at the people, hugged some, exchanged banters with some and shook hands with some.

His first assignment as the first Agba-Akin Adinni of Ijesaland was his acceptance speech.

He thanked the community for the honour done him, promising not to let the people down. He paid tribute to the Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, the

traditional Prime Minister, Obanla Ogedengbe; members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); traditional rulers and chiefs; local politicians; community leaders; women and youths.

It was his first visit to Ilesa since Aregbesola became governor. Tinubu congratulated the people on getting a government they deserve.

He noted that the governor has been fighting youth unemployment, which he described as the greatest problem, through his peopleoriented intervention programmes, including “Oyes”, Oreb”, and “Oreg”.

Looking at the dignitaries,Tinubu sighted former Commissioner for the Environment in Lagos State, Dr Muiz Banire, recalling his heroic legal contribution to the struggle for the retrieval of Aregbesola’s mandate.

Tinubu praised Banire, who served under him as Commissioner for Transport, and later, Environment. He said Banire has not relented in offering similar services to the party in other states.

The Agba-Akin Adinni dwelt on the importance of the ceremony. He said religion should be employed to build society and foster progress, instead of being exploited to cause division, confusion and panic.

He emphasised religious tolerance, saying: “Since I became a politician, I have put my religion in my room.” In his reckoning, exploiting religion to create disharmony in •Continued on page 30

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

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SOCIETY

All hail the Agba-Akin •Continued from page 29

a plural society like Nigeria is antithetical to nation-building. He urged both Christians and Muslims in Yoruba land to pursue progress and development of the region through religion, urging them to live together in peace.

He decried the bombings in the North and the insecurity across the country. To him, the PDP-led government has failed to find solutions to all these challenges.

“All they have in stock are insecurity, poverty and afflictions which they have inflicted on us all these years. It is time we resolved to free ourselves and our nation from the monster called PDP,” he said.

Osun State Deputy Governor Otunba Titilayo Laoye-Tomori led other dignitaries to the ceremony.

With her were the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji; his Oyo State counterpart, Hon Monsurat Sunmonu and Ogun State ACN Chairman Alhaji Tajudeen Bello.

Others are Southwest ACN leader, Senator James Kolawole; Senator Jide Omoworare; Ondo State ACN governorship aspirants, Dr Olu Agunloye, Prof Ajayi Boroffice, Comrade Sola Iji and Hon Wale Akinterinwa; Mrs Jumoke Anifowose; Alhaji Lateef Raji; Hon. Sola Akinwumi; Gboyega Famodun; Bashorun Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy; Adelowo Adebiyi; Mrs. Tawa Williams, Peter Babalola, Alhaji Lanre Rasak; and Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) chieftain Kunle Famoriyo.

Aregbesola praised Tinubu for his sterling leadership qualities.

He said the ACN national leader deserved the honour bestowed on him by the Ijesa Muslim community.

The governor described Tinubu’s contributions to democracy as unquantifiable. “After Chief Obafemi Awolowo, I have not seen any one with the leadership charisma of Asiwaju Tinubu. He is a blessing to Nigeria and the Yoruba nation,” he said.

Alhaji Arisekola-Alao, who chaired the event, advised Tinubu to always give glory to God for counting him worthy to serve and be loved by the people.

Chairman of Ijesa Muslim Community Alhaji Dhikirulahi Sanni said Tinubu was chosen for the title because of his leading role in restoring the people’s mandates in Osun, Ekiti and Edo States and championing the emergence of good governments in Lagos, Oyo and Ogun states.

Islamic clerics at the event included the Chief Imam of Osogbo, Alhaji Mustapha Ajisafe; his Ilesa counterpart, Alhaji Kareem Elesinnla.

The monarchs included Oba Aromolaran; the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal; Olufon of Ifon Oba Adekunle Magbagbeola; Olojudo of IdoOsun Oba Aderemi Adedapo; Aragberi of Iragberi Oba Sunkanmi Olagberuade; Olobu of Ilobu Oba Asiru Olatoye; Elerin of Erin Oba Yesufu; Oloogi of Oogi Oba James Adeleke and Oru of Ijebu-Imoru Oba Muniru Basorun.

Others are: Adetilewa Sijuwade; Layi Oyeduntan; Mrs. Modupe Awodogan; Akintunde Adegboye; Dr Samuel Olulade; Bayo Osinnowo; Hon James Faleke; Jide Kosoko; Segun Adekola; Timothy Owoeye; Toyin Omidiran; Hon Bola Ilori; Osun State Commissioner for Information Sunday Akere; Israel Adekunle; a member of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Ipoola Omisore; Toun Adediran; Segun Adetola and Sola Lawal.

•From left: Otunba Laoye-Tomori; Ogbeni Aregbesola; Asiwaju Tinubu and Alhaja Aregbesola

•Oba Aromolaran

•Gbenga Oyetola

•Former Osun State SSG Chief Sola Akinwunmi

•Hon Ikuforiji

•Alhaji Shehu Olayiwola (left) and Alhaji Jamiu Idris

•Hon Sunmonu (right) and Deputy Speaker, Osun State Hon Adegboye Akintunde

•From left: Prof Boroffice and wife Sumbo and Col Tony Nyam (rtd)

•Elder Lowo Adebiyi (left) and Senator Kolawole •More pictures on page 31 PHOTOS:ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

31

SOCIETY

•Senator Bayo Salami

•Pa Abiodun Sunmola

•Akinrun of Ikirun Oba Olayiwola Olawale (left) and Oba Lawal

•Alayemore of Ido Osun Oba Aderemi Adedapo (left) and Aragbiji of Iragbijiland Oba Rasheed Olabomi

•Rev Joe Omotayo Idowu (left) and Pastor Familusi

•Hon Taiwo Fatiregun (left) and Comrade Iji

•Chief Imam of Osogbo Alhaji Mustapha Olayiwole (left) and Alhaji Adediran Lawal

•Oniru of Oke-Irun Oba Isaac Adetunturese (left) and Ataoja of Osogbo Oba Jimoh Olanipekun

•From left: Hon Faleke; Alhaji Raji and Idowu Ajanaku

•Alhaji Majeed Alebiosu (left) and Alhaji Oladosu Ahmed

•From left: Hon Tajudeen Ajide; Sulaiman Omoyele and Benjamin Olabinjo

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

32

Tributes to Mamora at 59 Eminent Nigerians gathered in Lagos to witness the presentation of a book documenting the legislative years of Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora.The event also marked the 59th birthday of the former Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly. JOSEPH JIBUEZE reports.

I

T is not often they are seen together at such a book launch. Senate president, governors, traditional rulers, political leaders and top businessmen. It took someone special to bring them together Who else, than Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora? He pulled an array of personalities to the book launch to mark his 59th birthday.

The book: Mamora: Years of Legislative Activism, is a memoir of Senator Mamora in commemoration of his 59th birthday. He was Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly from 1999-2003 and also represented the Lagos East Senatorial District at the Senate from 2003 to 2011.

Leading the guests was Senate President David Mark; who was joined by Governors Babatunde Fashola (Lagos); Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) and Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo); former Senate President Ken Nnamani, and Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Top businessman Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, who chaired the event, was at his humorous best; while Oba Otudeko, who was one of the ‘chief presenters’ was equally dramatic.

Others were Fashola’s former deputy, Princess Sarah Sosan; Senator Ayo Arise; Senator Ganiyu Solomon; Speaker, Lagos House of Assembly Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji; former Ogun State governor, Chief Segun Osoba and Mr Jimi Agbaje.

Former Ekiti State governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Minority Leader at the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Senator Muniru Muse, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye and former Minister of State, Water Resources Senator Demola Seriki were also in attendance. Governors Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) and Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) were represented.

Former Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Prof Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) reviewed the book.Ace comedian Gbenga Adeyinka, emceed the event regaling guests with rib-cracking jokes.

After the comedian had introduced guests and prayed for their success, the business mogul, Chief OkoyaThomas, sarcastically remarked that Adeyinka should not be trusted to lead such a prayer.

“Those Gbenga prayed for in the past were all robbed! He is my aburo,

•From left: Oba Otudeko; Governor Amaechi; the celebrator Mamora and his wife Olanlesi; Senator Mark and Governor Fashola

•From left:Senator Ajimobi; the Orangun of Oke-Ila Oba Adedokun Abolarin and wife Solape

•Otunba Adebayo (left) and Aremo Osoba

but he is satanic, so be careful,” he said as the guests burst into laughter.

There was no dull moment as jokes were also made from the fact that Otudeko is an “oba” without a defined territory.

But Otudeko would not to be intimidated. He added some drama to the occasion when, at the book’s unveiling, he asked Senator Mark, Governors Fashola and Amaechi to hold hands.

He then urged the gathering to pray that Nigerians be united irrespective of political or ethnic leanings, saying: “Our politicians and leaders should become brothers.”

Otudeko said his wish is to see Fashola become running mate to Mark for the office of the President.

Not done, Mark reminded Fashola that the governor still owed him. He said Fashola used his testimonial on his performance in office for his campaign for second term.

“He has not given me a dime,” Mark said, adding: “however, that efficiency in public administration goes beyond a political party. It’s about individuals and performance.”

Mark did a subtle campaign for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has been unable to match the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in terms of electoral fortunes in Lagos.

Still praising Fashola for his good works, Mark said: “If one party is doing well, another party can still do better.” As his audience laughed, he added: “That is left for Lagosians to

•Chief Akande

•Senators Nnamani (left) and Tinubu

decide.”

The Senate President said when he first met Mamora, a medical doctor, in the Senate; he thought he was a lawyer.

“He is very eloquent and persuasive. If he tells you black is white, if you’re not careful, you will get carried away and agree. Mamora always backed his contributions to debates with statistical and factual details. He is also a man of his words,” Mark said.

According to him, when Mamora vowed to back him in his Presidency bid at the upper chamber, he was not sure at first whether he could sleep with his eyes closed. But Mamora kept his word.

“I trusted him, and he did not dis-

appoint me. We need people of honour and integrity in politics, men who will keep their words. Mamora represented the Senate very well.

“We tend to underrate him when people say he is the pride of the Southwest. He is more than the Southwest,” Mark said.

Fashola said Mamora’s achievements as a legislator attested to his character, fidelity and courage, which he said proceeded with quiet dignity in the pursuit of what is right.

He noted that apart from the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, not many politicians have documented their political experiences from which the younger generation can draw.

He urged others to emulate Mamora •Continued on page 33

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

33

SOCIETY •continued from page 32

•Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu (left) and former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Mrs Kemi Nelson

•Chief Okoya-Thomas (left) and Chief Remi Olowude

•Hon Wale Oshun (left) and Senator Seriki

•Chief Ayo Adebanjo (left) and Mr Leke Ipaye

•Hon Gbajabiamila (left) and Senator Ganiyu Solomon

•Senator Muse (left) and Hon Ikuforiji

‘We tend to underrate him when people say he is the pride of the Southwest. He is more than the Southwest,’ in order that “there will be a rich storehouse of knowledge,” He added that professionals like Mamora should join politics to make a difference.

Nnamani praised Mamora, whom he said symbolises the activism of the Southwest. He noted that the quality of contributions of representatives from the Southwest in the National Assembly “help to enrich our legislative process.”

He added: “Mamora is not just eloquent, he does his homework properly. He is a true representative of the South West. The standard set is being sustained by the Senators from this part.”

Okoya-Thomas said Mamora as speaker, led his men in a most distinguished manner, Otudeko called the Senator “a serious-minded, dignified and disciplined man.”

“We can hand over the country to his likes and sleep,” Otudeko said.

Responding, Mamora said he was short of words to express his gratitude to all who attended the event. He confirmed that former Lagos State Governor and ACN National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is healthy.

“I spoke with Tinubu shortly after he arrived (from abroad) and he is hale and hearty. My political history cannot be written without mentioning Tinubu,” Mamora said.

The event did not end without some political talks. Mark said although an amendment of the Constitution was yet to begin, efforts would be made to ensure that a “peoples’ Constitution” is produced.

He said the National Assembly should be allowed to do its job, and if Nigerians feel the lawmakers are not performing, they should

•Princess Sosan

•Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN)

vote them out after four years.

His words: “The National Assembly has not started Constitution amendment. When we start, we will go round this country to give everybody opportunity to express himself.

“But once you’re a minority, don’t insist that you must be right anytime you speak. Nobody has exclusive preserve of knowledge as to what to do to move this country forward.

“It is a collective responsibility for all of us, and those who feel that once they talk everybody must listen are making a mistake. It is not true. They must move with the majority of the people.

“Nobody has amended the Constitution, but when we do, it will be the peoples Constitution.

We are elected by the people, and we will do what the people want us to do, not what we want.

“Sometimes what we want may not be in tune with what the majority of the people want. So, the people’s Constitution is what we will amend.

“We are not going to re-write the Constitution.

If we want to do that, we will get a different body to do it for us. There are procedures for that which we will follow.”

•Mr Deji Elumoye (left) and Alhaji Mohammed

•Ekiti State Commissioner for Information Hon Funminiyi Afuye

PHOTOS: SOLOMON ADEOLA

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

34

SOCIETY

‘Our town, our heritage’ Thirty years ago, indigenes of Gbongan in Osun State mooted the idea of a recreation centre.

Their dream is about being fulfilled, with the foundation laying of the N300 million project last Saturday.

SEYI ODEWALE was there.

•From left: Chief Adetunji; Justice Babalakin; Mr Dada representing Chief Olowude and Mrs Laoye-Tomori

I

T was 30 years ago that the idea was first mooted. Immediately, a plan was drawn for the ultramodern Gbongan Recreation Centre. After that, nothing seemed to be heard about the dream again, until last Saturday, when sons and daughters of the ancient town gathered for the foundation laying of the recreation centre. The project is estimated to cost N300 million.

The Gbongan Progressive Union (GPU) is co-ordinating the project.

Last Saturday travellers on the Ibadan-Ife Expressway beheld a spectacle on the open arena on the road where the ceremony was held. As they drove past, some slowed down to catch a glimpse of what was going on the left side of the road immediately after the Gbongan Osogbo junction.

Among the early arrivals were the town’s leading light and former Supreme Court judge, Justice Bolarinwa Babalakin and the Baba Kekere Olufi of Gbongan, Chief Adewuyi Adetunji. Others included Chairman of Mobil Oil, Mr Tunji Oyebanji; a member of the House of Representatives, Mrs Ayo Omidiran; Chief Executive of Bi-Courtney Dr Wale Babalakin (SAN) and Soji Oyedeji, the architect who drew the plan of the centre.

Also in attendance were important personalities, especially from the academia who are sons and daughters of the town. Some of them are foremost essayist Prof Adebayo Williams, the vice chairman of the Recreation Hall Committee and his chairman, Prof Tunde Makanju of the University of Lagos.

Others are Prof Lekan Oyeleye; Prof Lekan Dairo and Prof M.O. Ilori, Also, there were Alhaji Jamiu Irorun; Prof Segun Ekanade and Mrs Yemisi Akinrinade.

The event kicked off with an opening prayer by Dr Biodun Ojeleye.

It was followed by the recitation of the National Anthem and a welcome address by the Lagos branch President of the union, Mr Adekunle Adeniran. The branch, it was acknowledged, initiated the project.

While welcoming guests, Adeniran said the inspiration to actualise the almost 30 years dream of building the Recreation Centre started within the last one year when members began asking that something be done on the land given to the union by the Asabi ruling house in Gbongan.

With moral and financial support from Gbongan’s illustrious sons and daughters in Lagos, he said efforts were geared towards starting the project. He praised Dr Babalakin; Mr Tunji Oyebanji; Mr Seun Ajayi; Alhaji Jamiu Irorun; Hon Adelani Ajanaku

•Chief Theophilous Adegboye (left) and Alhaji Irorun

• Mr Oyebanji (left) and Dr Babalakin

•From left: Prof Makanju; Mrs Akinrinade and Prof Williams

•Mrs Adediran Temilola and Dr Oyeleke Oyedotun

Alhaji Mufutau Mofolaole; Chief Kola Akinbami; Mr Akinlabi Olawumi; Mr Yemi Adetunji and Mrs Kemi Kayode, among others for their support.

He tagged the year as that of the “intellectuals” as an 18-member committee, all professors and indigenes, was constituted to take charge of raising funds for the project.

Adeniran said the union has started a free extra-mural study centre for SSS3 students in order to support them in their quest for higher education. Two young men, he said, were awarded scholarship this session by the union.

Justice Babalakin thanked everyone on behalf of the community, for gracing the occasion. He also praised GPU members from Lagos and appealed to others from other branches across Nigeria to emulate what has been initiated by members from Lagos.

He said: “We should all remember that the past exist only in our memory; the future only in our plan; the present is our only reality. Also, yesterday is cancelled cheques; tomorrow, a promissory note, today is ready cash, use it.

“If you do good, you will find that

‘We should all remember that the past exist only in our memory; the future only in our plan; the present is our only reality. Also, yesterday is cancelled cheques; tomorrow, a promissory note, today is ready cash, use it.’ happiness will run after you. It is in this spirit of short sermon that I appeal to all present and those unavoidably absent to contribute generously to this project. We should let our well-to-do children be interested in this venture.” He ended his address with a song in Yoruba language indicating wishing the town well in its efforts at development.

The chief launcher, Chief Remi Olowude, the Executive Vice- chairman Industrial and General Insurance Plc was represented by Mr Stephen Dada. Olowude said he accepted the invitation to the launching because he believed that the people were embarking on a worthy cause, which he noted, was to promote communal development

and general well-being of the society.

He explained that scientific studies have revealed the positive impacts recreation centres have on physical, mental and social health of individuals and their community.

These studies, according to him, have demonstrated how exercises had helped to control obesity, diminish the effect of diseases and increase life expectancy.

“It is not in the best interest of the community to have no place for our children to learn to swim, sing, participate in drama or even hang out with their friends,” he said. The Recreation Centre, he noted, “would provide socialisation of opportunities for the aging population and

help them remain visible and active in the community.”

Osun State Deputy Governor Chief Titi Laoye-Tomori, the special guest of honour, arrived while the event was half-way through. The assurance of her coming made guests to wait until she showed up. She came around 2:11pm and apologised for coming late. According to her, she was delayed at a state function in Osogbo.

Gbongan, the deputy governor noted, is located on one of the most important highways in the country.

“Gbongan is a showcase for Osun State and we can never forget that.

Gbongan is one town we have to develop fast in the state. So I am happy that our children in the Diaspora are very interested in developing Osun State,” she said.

Mrs Laoye-Tomori before her departure turned the sod and performed the foundation laying ceremony of the proposed centre. Several donations both in cheques and promissory notes were received from guests and indigenes on the occasion. The event ended at about 3:30pm.

•More pictures on page 35

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

35

SOCIETY Last Sunday in Nawfia Community of Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, the late Dim Chukuemeka Odumegu Ojukwu’s son, Emeka Ojukwu (Jnr), was conferred with Ikemba II title by the town’s traditional ruler, Igwe Chijoke Nwankwo, Osufia II of Nawfia at a quiet ceremony witnessed by a few Igbo rulers. NWANOSKE ONU reports.

In his father’s shoes HE atmosphere was not frenetic, but quiet.

Everywhere appeared as if nothing was happening last Sunday, in Nawfia Community, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State when the second son of the late Eze-Igbogburugburu, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegu Ojukwu, Emeka (Jnr), was conferred with the title of Ikemba II by the traditional ruler of the town, Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo, Osufia II of Nawfia.

Apart from the traditional ruler of the ancient kingdom of Nkeresi Oguta, Eze (Prof) Dele Amuzienwa Odigbo; the monarch of Egbuoma, Eze Mba, also in Oguta, and a few visitors in attendance, nothing spectacular indicated a conferment of an Igbo traditional title on Ojukwu’s son.

The event, which did not last more than an hour kicked off at 2.45pm with the traditional prime minister of Nwafia, Chief Mike Uturudiegwu, extolling the virtues of the younger Ojukwu. Of note was the fact that Ojukwu’s (Jnr) late mother was a native of Nawfia.

At the brief ceremony Ojukwu (Jnr) was given the staff of Umunri; the highest authority in the area.

The monarch, Igwe Nwankwo, then charged him to tell the truth always, adding that, with the title, his movement had been restricted.

Speaking with The Nation shortly after the event, Nwankwo, said the Ikemba title was never conceived in Nnewi, but Agukwu Nri, which according to him has been taken back by the original owners with the conferment of the title.

He said there could not have been two first

T

•Igwe Nwankwo decorating Ojukwu Jnr

sons in Ojukwu’s family. According to him, Emeka merited the title as a son of the Ikemba Nnewi. He explained that the late Ojukwu while alive told him that Emeka (Jnr) must succeed him as the Ikemba whenever he was no more.

The Ikemba II said the honour bestowed on him by the monarch would spur him in com-

pleting tasks his father left behind “I am elated. I am honoured. It is a great day and at the same time a sad one because my father is not here,” he said. He described his late father as a loving man and a great teacher who stood by his convictions even as the last man standing

“My father made a lot of sacrifices for Ndigbo.

All I know is that I will try my best not to let him down,” he said On why the title was given to him in Nawfia instead of Nnewi, Emeka said it was a matter of preference.

N300 MILLION LAUNCHING AND FOUNDATION LAYING IN GBONGAN OSUN STATE •Continued from page 34

•Alh Jimoh Lawal (left) and Prince Fola Asabi

•Chief Adegoke Jacob (left) and Mr Adeniran

•Prince Oladiran Aderibigbe (left) and Mr Abiodun Fajobi

•Mr Biodun Oyeniyi (left) and Mr Rasheed Adesina

PHOTOS: SOLOMON ADEOLA

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

36

SOCIETY

•From left: Princess Disu; Mrs Oladunjoye and Hon Bayewu •Chief Mba (left) presenting a plaque to representative of Dame Fashola, Mrs Ogunnaike

Honour for selfless service Leaders of the National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS) across the country were at the Radio Lagos/Eko FM auditorium, Agidingbi, Lagos for the maiden edition of Lagos State Women Award and Conference on Tuesday.

TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO was there.

T

HE auditorium glowed in colourful ankara fabrics with insignia of NCWS. Songs of various kinds wafted intermitently to entertain the guests that filled the hall to capacity.

The guests were led by wife of Lagos State Governor Mrs Abimbola Fashola; Commissioner for Education Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye; National President NCWS Chief Nkechi Mba; her first and third National VicePresident Chief Gloria Shoda and Mrs Ebi Ogionwo; It was an all women affairs.

Despite their diverse backgrounds, different professional callings and emergence from separate states, one thing unites them – to champion the common interest of women.

Their passion for the advancement of fellow women was the centre of their discourse when leaders of the National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS) across the country converged on the Radio Lagos/Eko FM auditorium, Agidingbi, Lagos for the maiden edition of Lagos State Women Award and Conference on Tuesday organised NCWS Lagos State Chapter.

Also in attendance were Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board Mrs Gbolahan Daodu; Chairman, AjeromiIfelodun Local Government Hon Kamal Bayewu; General Manager Radio Lagos/Eko FM Mrs Tinu Aina-Badejo; former Permanent Secretary Dr Adetoun Agbe-Davies; President, Council of Muslim Ladies Alhaja Raliat Koleosho; former President NCWS Lagos Mrs Azeezat Gbobaniyi; former National Secretary NCWS Mrs Husamot Ajala; wife of Chairman, Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area Mrs Ganiyat Roberts, among others.

NCWS President Lagos State Chapter Princess Sidiquat Ayodele Disu was joyful throughout the event.

While welcoming the guests, Princess Disu went on memory lane on how NCWS was founded 54 years ago in Lagos.

Today, she said, the organisation is everywhere in Nigeria.

“Numerous women organisations in Nigeria are now affiliates of the NCWS. It should be noted that the organisation addresses diverse concerns of women in pursuit of social, economic and political equality while serving as a united voice and forum that promotes progressive ideas and influence policy and decision making,” she said.

She said the award was meant to appreciate men and womwn who have impacted positivlely on Lagosians.

“Our awardees today have in various ways make the state inhabitable for people to live and earn means of livelihood; aside this, their commitment in putting smiles on the faces of people is uncommon and most importantly, they have create avenues for women to thrive in their chosen fields,” she said.

She congratulated the awardees.

One after another, the awardees were presented with beautiful plaques.

Among them were Mrs Fashola who was represented by Mrs Folashade Ogunnaike; Deputy Governor of Lagos State Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Chief Mba; Mrs AinaBadejo; Director, Finance and Administration, Local Government Establishment and Pension Board Mrs Samiat Omolara Mumuni and Chairman, Oto-Awori Local Council Development Authority (LCDA) Hon Bolaji Roberts.

Mrs Fashola thanked the organisation for the honour bestowed on her.

She promised to continue doing her best to uplift women.

Bayewu dedicated the award to his mother.

The Ajeromi-Ifelodun council boss told the gathering how his mother implanted the love of2 women into his heart.

He sang a popular poem Iya ni wura iyebiye to the admiration of the women.

Before he could finish the the first line, the women rose and joined him.

•Mrs Mujidat Sanni flanked by Mrs Beatrice Jonah (left) and Mrs Theresa Banjo

•From left: Dr Agbe-Davies; Mrs Daodu and Mrs Olajumoke Jones

•Mrs Mumuni (left) receiving a plaque from Mrs Iyabo Osifeso

•Mrs Bukola Baruwa (left) presenting a plaque to Mrs Roberts

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

38

CRIME WATCH

Visa racket suspect in police net

“E

VERY day for the thief; one day for the owner”, goes an African adage.

For Aliyu Nurudeen Ajibola, 25, who has been on the run for several months, the long arm of the law finally caught up with him on December 8, 2011 as operatives of the Special fraud Unit (SFU), Ikoyi had him arrested. Ajibola is alleged to be Nigeria’s number one visa racketeer who has duped over 3,000 unsuspecting and innocent Nigerians.

The majority of his victims are members of the public who are desperate to travel to the United States of America (USA), Canada and Australia among other foreign countries in search of the proverbial greener pastures.

Born March 15, 1986, in Ibadan, Oyo State, the 25-year-old graduate of Industrial Chemistry from the University of Lagos claimed to be the Managing Director of his own company. But in a tone that is unrepentant, Ajibola said, he had no intention of defrauding anybody and that if he was given some time he would refund the money he allegedly owed to many clients of his, but for now he had no dime to pay anybody. In fact he dared everybody to wait for him in court.

“I have an image to protect. I am a humanitarian to the core. I spent the money the way it came. I had no intention of defrauding anybody. If I am given chance or more time, I will refund them their money. For now I don’t have a dime to refund. Go and wait for me in the court. This is a good work for my lawyers”, he said.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the SFU, Ngozi Isintume,

Stories by Ebele Boniface

an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), penultimate week, gave insight into the alleged crime. According to her, it all started on December 8, 2011, when the head, visa operation, Canadian Deputy High Commission reported the activities of the syndicate.

The SFU operatives promptly swung into action and Aliyu Nurudeen Ajibola, who claimed to be a youth corps member as well as the MD/CEO of Global Edge Consulting Limited, situated at No. 89, Ogudu Road, Ojota, Lagos was arrested.

During interrogation, the suspect, according to the police, admitted that his line of operation includes handling of applications and procurement of Diversity Visa Lottery to US and issuance of Residence/Work Permit in Canada and Australia.

It was discovered that the alleged suspect had through Global Edge Consulting Limited succeeded in defrauding over 3,000 Nigerians who paid over N4,000 (Four Thou-

•Ajibola

sand Naira) each through various bank accounts provided by the alleged suspect for a one-day seminar on work permit.

A partner of the alleged suspect

I have an image to protect. I am a humanitarian to the core. I spent the money the way it came. I had no intention of defrauding anybody. If I am given chance or more time, I will refund them their money. For now I don’t have a dime to refund

named Ade Mabo was to assist them bring a Canadian Immigration lawyer as an instructor for the seminar which was to commence this January.

To erase doubt and make his activities look genuine, the alleged suspect printed some forms tagged “Application for Permanent Residence” which were used to collect applicant’s details for work permit eligibility evaluation.

If one is single, he pays N500 while the form for a family is N1000. Beside, the alleged suspect has also registered over 1,000 clients/applicants for Diversity Visa Lottery program 2013 where he also collected N500 for single and N1,000 for family applicants.

A female victim who seemed to be desperately in need of an Ameri-

•From left: DCP Abdullahi Salisu, CP Chinwike Asadu, Kayode Solola, STANBIC Diretor and SP Frank Emerho, Legal Dept.

Bank donates policing materials to SFU

S

TANBIC IBTC bank Plc has donated some policing materials to the Special Fraud Unit (SFU), of the Nigeria Police for their outstanding performance in handling fraud cases.

The materials include Laws of Federation of Nigeria Volumes

One to Fourteen, six HP laptop computers, modern Internet access and one year internet access connection on the swift Network and Nigeria Weekly Law reports – February 1993 to September 2011 (Part nos 274-1274) and related index.

Receiving the tools, the Commissioner of Police, SFU, Mr. Chinwe Asadu, flanked by DCP Salisu Fagga Abdullahi, the executive director, Corporate Investment Banking of Stanbic IBTC bank Plc Kayode Solola and a Superintendent of Police attached to Legal De-

partment of SFU, SP Frank Emerho and the SFU Public Relations Officer, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP, Ngozi Isintume, promised to put the materials to effective use in their daily operational duties and to maintain high public expectation of the outfit.

can visa parted with N300,000 while another male victim paid N4,500 for registration for Canadian Resident Permit.

All the above activities were done without the permission of the various embassies concerned because the suspect claimed that permission was not needed.

Meanwhile, it has been discovered that neither the US Embassy nor the Canadian High Commission authorised the suspect or his company to act as an agent or consultant for them. The US Embassy emphasised that the Diversity Visa Lottery Program is free of charge, while the Canadian High Commission said that Global Edge Consulting Limited is not registered as a member with the designated Immigration Consultation of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) and that all its activities are not recognised by the government of Canada.

The suspect has since been arraigned on December 23, 2011 on an eight count charge before a Lagos Magistrate court.

Speaking to Newsextra, the Commissioner of Police, Special Fraud Unit (SFU), CP Chinwike Asadu, advised members of the public who wish to travel overseas to procure their visas from the appropriate embassies and warned prospective visa seekers not to patronise the services of the so-called agents or consultants to avoid falling an easy prey to fraudsters.

The over 3,000 victims include one Babalola Temilola Yemisi residing at No. 17, Ajibola Crescent Alapere, Lawal Olanrewaju who claims that he has experience in automobile engineering and Akpan Kingsley Willie who claims to have experience in store keeping among others.

One of the female victims who spoke to Newsextra on condiditon of anonymity said, “I applied for the visa lottery when I saw the notice in a flier. One day I met Tosin who told me that I won the visa lottery and I went and paid him (the suspect) N300,000.00. There was nothing to make me suspect him hence he continued to obtain (sic) money from me until the bubble burst”.

A search at the office Ajibola was using to for his business led to the recovery of many fliers including that for Canada Immigration program, ones for DV Lottery and some of the victims passport photographs and full size pictures.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

39

Imo extends free education to undergraduates I

MO State Government has extended its free education programme being enjoyed by primary and secondary schools students to undergraduates who are indigenous to the state studying in the state-owned college of education, polytechnic and university.

Speaking in an address tagged “State-of-Imo Address” to the people of the state at the Heroes’ Square, New Owerri; the governor stated that government would, in the next academic session, grant N100, 000 bursary

From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

awards to each student of the state university and N80, 000 to every student in the state-owned polytechnic.

He added that the reforms in the school system would also entail the monetisation of the current free education whereby

In the next academic session, grant N100,000 bursary awards to each student of the state university and N80,000 to every student in the state-owned polytechnic

secondary school students would be granted N40, 000 which they would partly use for their tuition fees and N25, 000 to pupils.

Governor Okorocha further stated that schools in the state would be granted autonomous status to empower principals and head-teachers and their management teams towards providing administrative and learning facilities in order to strive for efficiency and competitiveness.

He equally disclosed that government has made extensive reforms in the health sector including the state free health programme, otherwise known as Health-at -Your Doorsteps that would take off in the last quarter of the year.

The Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Ben Uwajimogu said the

•Okorocha (right) and Pascal Dozie

House has aligned itself with the development vision of the governor, and has approved N224b for a four-year development fund, even as it has endorsed a 73 per cent capital budget for year 2012.

An elder statesman in the state and chairman of MTN Nigeria, Mr. Paschal Dozie, remarked that he is impressed by the spate of projects going on in the state.

He called on all Imo people to support the governor.

Council builds primary school

A

NURSERY and primary school has been inaugurated in the IlembaAwori area of Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area, Lagos. A traditional ruler, Oba Momodu Afolabi Ashafa, the Onijanikin of Ijanikin Kingdom cut the inauguration tape.

The event attracted a mammoth crowd of residents including youths, pupils and women.

Other traditional rulers and their chiefs also graced the occasion, as did different organisations whose members turned up in colourful uniforms. They sang and danced for joy, saying that the council boss, Mr Bolaji Kayode Robert, has brought development to their community.

The council built the school after buying a piece of land in Ilemba-Awori. The gesture impressed the locals.

At the inauguration, Robert said he felt fulfilled that the residents appreciated the council’s gesture. He also thanked the host community for their continued support, assuring them of his ad-

By Emmanuel Udodinma

ministration’s commitment to more meaningful projects.

Kind words also came from beyond Oto-Awori. Secretary of Ojo Local Council Development Area, Mr Sule Tolani hailed Robert, speaking about the difference between renovating a structure and building a brand new one.

“I chose to be here because I saw the difference between reinventing and building,” he said, referring to the school which the Robert administration built from scratch. “The Executive Chairman acquired the land and built a school on it; every month he also empowers head teachers and that is why people want to be posted to Oto-Awori schools.”

The Ojo council scribe said the modern facilities in the school like toilets, television sets, food vendors’ shelter have given it an international profile and standard.

•Oba Momodu Ashafa flanked by Oba Josiah Olarewaju (right) and Mr. Kayode Robert at the inauguration of Ilemba Awori Community Nursery and Primary School

Praise came too from a local organisation known as IlembaAwori Youth Development Association. In its address at the in-

auguration event, the group hailed Robert for winning another term of office, saying his victory was a reflection of the wish of the electorate.

Like the others, the association was happy that a new school has sprung up in their community.

“The importance of education to human beings cannot be overemphasised,” the youths said.

“Education is a human right that should be accorded to all human beings. The relationship between education and development is well established…. Kudos to our amiable chairman who built for

us a modern primary school.”

The youths also presented a few requests. They called on the council chairman to rehabilitate a market and complete a primary health centre in the community.

They also want jobs for their youths and more participation of women in the process of governance.

The Oloto of Oto-Awori Kingdom, Oba Josiah Aina Olanrewaju and several community chiefs such as Baales brought a touch of royalty to the event. Leaders of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and other dignitaries were also at the event.

The importance of education to human beings cannot be over-emphasised.... Education is a human right that should be accorded to all human beings. The relationship between education and development is well established •Pupils of Community Nursery and Primary School, Ilemba Awori, entertaining guests at the event

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

Our dream is to have a perfect environment for teaching and learning. We are working today for tomorrow. We have to curb indiscipline and cultism for the enabling environment we need. We are building the biggest library in the entire Southeast zone of Nigeria which will boost the reading culture of our students

Don bags award for excellence T HE Rector, Federal Polytechnic Oko Anambra State, Prof.

Godwin Onu has bagged the most outstanding Rector of Polytechnic award for the year 2011 from the League of Democratic Students (LEADS).

The award, according to the National President of LEADS, Comrade Ochekwu Morgan “was in recognition of his unequalled interest in the welfare of staff and students, passion for development, funds-attraction/ raising acumen, assisting the lessprivileged in the society and student/ youth empowerment.”

Similarly, Onu has bagged the Fellowship award of the Institute of Entrepreneurs of Nigeria, which, according to the Executive Secretary of the Institute Mr. Rotimi Oladele, was in recognition of the Rector’s efforts in entrenching entrepreneurial studies in the school and adhering strictly to laid-down rules of the institute.

In a speech before the presentation of the award by LEADS, Ochekwu said: “What seem to be most phenomenal about our recipient are his unequalled regards, reception, care and compassion for everyone who comes his way at all times either seeking assistance or mentorship or on official grounds-always eager to assist.”

He noted that Onu was sincerely committed to nation-building through “quality teaching, learning and research, innovation of new pertinent programmes and acquisition of equipment and infrastructural development.”

Ochekwu further pointed out that “the progress recorded in the Federal Polytechnic Oko since the present management led by Prof. Godwin Onu came on board is as outstanding as it is remarkable,” adding, “while his contemporaries may be busy cogitating on how to manage and sustain their present programmes, Federal Polytechnic Oko is already breaking new grounds with programmes that are both of strategic and comparative advantage to the development of manpower requisite for the socioeconomic progress of Nigeria.”

He lauded the polytechnic for introducing the study of Chinese language, which he said will cement the economic advantage for both countries, even as he called for the upgrading of the status of the polytechnic to a University of Science and Technology.

Responding, Onu, who was flanked by members of his management

From Adimike George, Onitsha

team, expressed appreciation to the group for recognising their strides in uplifting the educational standard of the polytechnic.

He said that without the cooperation of the members of the team, the successes recorded by his administration would not have been possible, adding that on his assumption of office in 2010, the school experienced many challenges which, with the help of God, the team of the school’s management has been able to tackle to some extent.

Onu maintained that his aspiration was to make the Federal Polytechnic Oko number one in the country and a polytechnic to reckon with in the world. This, he said, informed the zeal with which the school was moving forward despite the paucity of funds.

“We are keen on innovation and changing the face of the institution.

Our dream is to have a perfect environment for teaching and learning.

We are working today for tomorrow.

We have to curb indiscipline and cultism for the enabling environment we need. We are building the biggest library in the entire Southeast zone of Nigeria which will boost the reading culture of our students,” Onu said.

The Registrar of the Polytechnic, Mr. Tony Nwaokolobia, in his remark, praised the student group for the award, reminding the Rector that a golden fish has no hiding place. He therefore urged him not to relent in his strive in making Oko the polytechnic of the moment.

According to him, Onu has the quality of making things happen, adding that the polytechnic, since the Rector took over its affairs, has, by far, transformed more than what was obtainable before, especially because of the Rector’s holistic approach to issues.

In a related development, Prof. Onu has equally bagged the Fellowship award of the Institute of Entrepreneurs of Nigeria.

The award, according to the Executive Secretary of the Institute Mr. Rotimi Oladele was in recognition of the rector’s efforts in entrenching entrepreneurial studies in the school and adhering strictly to laid-down rules of the institute.

He disclosed that the institute chose only five people throughout the country for the award which he said

•The Rector receiving the award from LEADS President, Ochekwu was not accidental but deliberate to encourage hard work. He added that the Federal Polytechnic Oko has distinguished itself to have bagged the award.

According to him, Federal Polytechnic Oko, in the last two years, has distinguished itself in innovation, entrepreneurship and dutifulness, disclosing that for 14 months, the institute of Entrepreneurs thoroughly screened and assessed the tertiary institutions in the country before selecting the five chief executives of institutions including Onu. “The assessment was on willingness of the chief executives to promote the entrepreneurship drive and understand our theory.” He added that the decision to present the awards at the institutions was for the polytechnic community to appreciate the efforts of the Rector.

During a visit on the Rector, Oladele thanked the school for being responsible and responsive by providing the enabling environment for entrepreneurial studies to strive.

He commended the school for emerging the best in the zone, stressing that the director of the centre at Oko made the list of national officers.

He particularly thanked Onu for achieving such a great feat in the institution, adding that Oko has all it

takes to lead entrepreneurship development in the areas of manpower and landmark development.

He maintained that entrepreneurship development plays a vital role in the fight against crime.

After going through the exhibitions of products of the centre, Oladele noted that “we have seen the arrears of your mastery and we will work for the commercialisation of the products.”

The Rector, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Don Muo, in his remark, noted that on assumption of office in 2010, the first challenge he tackled was on the area of entrepreneurship development, adding that the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), in connection with the Education Trust Fund (ETF) did direct for training of lecturers who will, in turn, inculcate into the students the skills needed to face the present global economic challenges.

He noted that after the training of over 70 lecturers, the first semester marked the turning point of the lecture series in the area of entrepreneurship development, stressing “emphasis is now on practical experience rather than theories as was the case before now.”

He said: “Entrepreneurship courses are compulsory for every student no matter the discipline, department or school in the institution and that is why the facilitators and participants are drawn from all the schools and departments in the polytechnic.

“More so the entrepreneurship of the institution is currently in partnership with two foreign institutions; Leicester International College United Kingdom and Sharda University India.”

In her address, the Southeast zonal Coordinator and Director of the Institute in the Polytechnic Dr. Ebele Onwuka pointed out that the centre was established in line with the Federal Government’s directives to all institutions of higher learning in Nigeria to establish special and functional centres for entrepreneurship development where students will acquire skills that will enable them to fit into the global nature of the world economy today.

She thanked the school management for providing the enabling environment and building and equipping the centre with modern and state-of-the-art facilities for the smooth take-off of the practical training.

Council fetes senior citizens, awards bursary •Continued from Page 27

•From right: Baale of Ntabo, Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, Alhaji Ahmed Oloyede; Chief Missioner Nawair-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (NUD), Lagos Chapter, Sheikh AbdulMojeed Ayinla and NUD State chairman, Alhaji Rasheed Yusuf during the annual Maulud Nabiyy of the organisation at Syrian Mosque, Ikoyi, Lagos

people numbering 100 and who are 70 years and above.

One of the recipients of the bursary award, Miss Tolulope Fatimat Odu who is studying History and International Studies at the Lagos State University, Ojo praised the efforts of the council in ensuring that illiteracy is wiped out in the council area through encouragement of its students to be educated because an educated individual will be imbued with sound mind which will, in turn, guarantee a decent society.

She noted that “the gesture is noble because as education seems to be for the rich judged from the unreasonable increase in tuition fees, most families would not be able to afford the kind of fees demanded by various institutions of higher learning.

The council’s gesture will go a long way in cushioning the burden of paying their children’s and wards’ school fees though their nose.”

•Sanusi

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

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POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Imo: Awaiting Supreme Court’s intervention C

HIEF Rochas Okorocha, the Governor of Imo state, has a penchant for inundating the people with hyperboles, so brazenly that it is usually a wonder to observers if they ever believe him. Recall that in the earlier days of his administration, Governor Okorocha on a daily basis reeled out figures of amounts he had discovered were frivolously expended by his predecessor, Ikedi Ohakim. And he did it in such a manner that suggested that it was only a matter of time and Ohakim would be in jail.

But nine months on, Ohakim is not only not in jail but he has become so influential (out of office) that he is today leading other top Imo politicians to, according to Okorocha himself, get him out of office. How did it happen? The same Ohakim who, a mere nine moths ago was “jail bound”, is today a tormentor of Okorocha to the extent that the governor had to summon hapless Imo citizens to a gathering, beamed live by three national television stations, to lament his latest plight.

Although the gathering was dubbed “state of Imo address”, it was not difficult for even the least discerning observer to see that it was nothing but a political rally hurriedly put together by Governor Okorocha to provide him with a platform to invoke the sentiments and emotions of unsuspecting Imo citizens over the subsisting challenge against his continued stay in office by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Below are some of the things Okorocha had to say to the gathering made up mostly of civil servants who were forced to the venue of the event: “… we are concerned about some disturbing signals being received that clearly point to a conspiracy against this government and the people of Imo State by external forces working in concert with some elements within the PDP. They now boast that they would stop this government at the Supreme Court by using all forces at their disposition” Not satisfied that he had driven home the point, Okorocha had to narrow down his lamentations by pinpointing the real ‘culprit’: “… let me also advise our leaders at the federal level who may have been approached by former Governor Ikedi Ohakim for assistance to unseat this government that he is our son and we know his character”.

Okorocha then pleaded: “I urge these leaders who have SIGNED on

•Okorocha

By Ethelbert Okere

to this agenda to remove this administration to have a rethink and retrace their footsteps”. Yes, the same Ohakim whom Okorocha had painted in a picture of a pariah a mere nine months ago is today capable of signing on “IMO LEADERS” to move against the ‘saviour’ of Imo State, I mean the “Rescuer” of Imo State.

Does that tell him anything?.

And did Governor Okorocha think that the people still believed him?

Why is Ohakim not in jail as he had told them?. Why would “IMO LEADERS” choose to pitch tent with Ohakim instead of the messiah? Evidently, Owelle Rochas Okorocha did not quite realize that he had inadvertently alerted the people of Imo state that their “leaders” have deserted him. Of course, the evidence was quite glaring. The gathering was devoid of the presence of any notable personality in the state.

Apart from Pascal Dozie whose bank now warehouses the state’s federal allocation, no recognisable face was present. but regardless of that covert admission, Okorocha, went ahead to reveal the real intention for gathering the state civil servants for a political rally on a date that was most inauspicious.

He said: “… I am convinced that Imo citizens will not accept the return and imposition of a discredited leadership through the backdoor”.

•Ohakim

And in just the next sentence he continued: “may I counsel those behind these moves to allow justice take its proper course”.

What a contradiction? Which do the people take, the “Back Door” theory or “proper course” theory?

Put in another language, which is the “Back Door?” Or isn’t Governor Okorocha, knowingly and unknowingly, referring to the Supreme Court as the “Back Door”? This question arises because, as far as Imo people know, the only way the PDP and if we like Ohakim could unseat Okorocha is through the case currently at the Supreme Court.

So, assuming that the apex court in its wisdom rules on March 2, 2012, that Ikedi Ohakim (and not Okorocha) was the fellow dully elected to be governor on April 26, 2011 would that amount to Ohakim returning through the “Back Door”?

And why would Governor Okorocha insinuate any fears that, in the instant case, “Justice” may not “take its proper course”?.

Taken together or singularly, both theories by Okorocha are indecorous, cheap and least expected of a fellow who claims to lead a people as sophisticated and informed as Ndi Imo. His allusion to the “Back Door” in a case that is before the most revered and highest temple of justice in the land betrays his well known lack of regard for the judiciary.

Clearly, Imo people and their true

•Newly elected Governor Aliyu Wamakko taking oath of office before Chief Judge Aishatu Dahiru in Sokoto ...

Wednesday

leaders do not subscribe to this “Back Door” theory.

Just in the next paragraph of his address, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, the governor of Imo State, did another violent assault on the collective sensibility of Nigerians when he alluded to “another theatre of conflict in the land”. This is what he said in full: “Today, Nigeria is confronted with several security challenges and we should not allow forces of destabilization open another theatre of conflict in our land”.

Like the “back door” theory, this is another euphemistic assertion that he, Okorocha, has already come to the conclusion that Imo State will witness mayhem should the case not go in his favour. What is this “another theatre of conflict”? Conflict between who and who?. Apart from amounting to a threat to the entire nation, such an assertion is at once inelegant and two presumptuous to come from the direction of a state whose people are known for their eclectic and robust intellectual disposition to issues of power and politics. Clearly, Imo people are too civilized to allow their state to be turned into a “theatre of conflict” for a mere hypothetical reasoning of a governor who, by his own admission, has been abandoned by the leaders.

Imolites are not that cheap and cannot be so blackmailed or brain washed into believing that the heavens will come down if Okorocha does not continue as governor after March 2, 2012.

What the governor is doing is to attempt to fixate the minds of the good people of Imo State on the instant case. That’s most unfair. Imo people have an unflinching confidence in the judiciary. Between May, 2007 and about the same time in 2009, they were taken through a litany of election litigations that almost marred their expectations from a government they fully gave a mandate. It is on record that not a single public protest was embarked upon despite desperate attempts by some politicians to recruit them into taking precipitate actions.

If the case goes in favour of the PDP, this will not be the first time a sitting Governor would be ousted through a court ruling. It happened in Anambra state some years ago when the then Governor, Chris Ngige, adjudged then as the best performing, lost his seat to Peter Obi after three years in office following a court of appeal ruling. The same

was seen in Edo State in 2008, when Osarenren Osumbor,a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, lost to Adams Oshiomole at the court of appeal after over one year in office. Ditto for Amaechi and Omehia in Rivers state. The heavens did not fall in those areas.

To further demonstrate his disdain for original thoughts and independence of mind among the highly cerebral people of Imo state, Governor Okorocha in his address at the rally also alluded to another issue through which he has tried, to no avail, to blackmail the Catholic Clergy in the state since his assumption of office.

To the shock of the hired audience, Okorocha again took to the Reverend Father Okorie saga, nonetheless, long forgotten by the good people of Imo state after they had discovered the truth. Said the Governor: “It is not my intention to remind Governor Ohakim of the Reverend Father that he derobed and flogged in the government house” . Pray, what does that matter got to do with a “state of Imo” address? The answer is not far fetched.

It was just an attempt to irreverently sound as if the highly revered men of the Ecclesiastical Order have been recruited into his current orchestrated campaign that “Imo state will burn” if he looses the case at the Supreme Court. I shudder to think that anybody could think that the Catholic Clergy in Imo State could be part of a cheap political gimmickry, even after close to two years since politicians began to create the impression that members of the Holy Orders in the state have been completely immersed into partisan politics.

Recently, I did a piece under the title, “The inevitable consecration of Bishop Okorie” in which I alerted the Catholic Clergy in the state to be wary of an attempt to portray it as a group that has been expecting to reap political capital out of that fabricated incident. The article under reference was in reaction to a sponsored local (Owerri-based) newspaper report which was slanted to mean that the Catholic Clergy in Imo had been waiting to be “settled”, politically, by Okorocha for their perceived role in his emergence as governor. Of course, some critics thought I was merely defending my principal, Ikedi Ohakim. But now, I have been proved right.

Governor Okorocha alluded to that saga in order to insinuate that the Catholic Clergy in the state are part of the perfidy that has characterized Imo politics since April 26, 2011.

In my view, it is high time the Catholic Clergy in the state repudiated such an ascription or attempt to so ascribe them. It is high time they told Governor Okorocha that they cannot be recruited into his campaign of calumny against Ohakim whom they have, in any case, since discovered was innocent of that accusation. My hunch is that until the Catholic Clergy men in the state come out boldly and openly to admit that Ohakim was indeed innocent, the likes of Okorocha will not cease to try to blackmail them over that incident. Is that what they want?

In the so called state of Imo address, Governor Okorocha made promises that are out of this world.

He said he will, within the next three years, build a Five Star hotel in each of the three senatorial zones in the state. Yes, Five Star hotels even when there is none yet in the state (not even •Continued on page 45

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

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POLITICS

Abati: Reforms in economy, security and general Before coming into government, he had a different view about people working in government. But six months into his job as Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati’s perception of governance has changed. In this interview with State House Correspondent VINCENT IKUOMOLA, he speaks on his experience, highlights his boss’ actions and statements and answers questions on sundry issues.

W

ORKING in the corridors of power has its own challenges; have you encountered any?

I think the challenges that I face are obvious enough. If you have been following the media closely, and if you have been active on the social media sites, you will see how a lot of commentators out there enjoy attacking Rueben Abati, blaming me for things that I do not deserve to be blamed for, but I take all of that in my stride. If you don’t like heat, don’t go near the kitchen. Once you go near the kitchen, you must feel the heat and what it means is that we have a responsive society and this, I think, is also part of the beauty of democracy. What I just feel concerned about is that, often times, most of the attacks or criticisms are not based on correct information.

Sometimes, you see a lot of information, mischief, but I think that all of these come with the territory, so I don’t let them bother me.

What strikes you most about the workings of government?

Six months down the line, I guess I am in a position to make a number of observations. I have observed that people working in government are, sometimes, misunderstood by the general public. The assumption is that the government arena, particularly for persons who have taken political appointment, is one where the main priority is to enjoy certain privileges, or to seek opportunity for self-enrichment. But my first observation on this job is the amount of work that goes on in government. The amount of efforts that people put into the daily schedule, towards moving Nigeria forward.

Indeed, before I took up this job, I was one of those who were convinced that everybody in government is a loafer and that there is no seriousness at all; no rigour, but I have seen that that assessment, which has also been that of many Nigerians out there, is somewhat harsh. When I offered the same explanation to someone that I met, his response was that we are not talking about how much work that goes into government process, we are talking about results. But you will agree with me that if you look at our democracy since 1999, a lot has been done and a lot is still being done. Definitely, democracy has brought Nigeria so many blessings and government as an institution has been quite instrumental in moving Nigeria from military era to the point we are today. And in terms of hard work and commitment, the Jonathan administration, which is the one I have been able to observe from inside, what I have seen is a lot of rigour, a lot of commitment and efforts. But, of course, Nigerians need result.

Not many Nigerians will agree with you.

They will say what do you expect from the President’s spokesman …

All of us are impatient and if there are issues Nigerians are concerned about, they don’t want explanations. And so, I can relate to that; but there is a difference between passion and emotion and the reality on the ground. So, that is one thing; I have seen the way government functions. However, there are many areas of improvement, in the area of strengthening public institutions to make them more efficient. If you have listened to President Jonathan, he has focused so much on strengthening institutions and some of the major highlights are the reforms being carried out in some of the institutions he has targeted, particularly the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). The Oronsaye Committee was given the mandate to study the MDAs, look at the areas of duplication and offer advice where there are lapses so that some of these agencies can be streamlined. Two, take the strengthening of the ports; the Jonathan administration has, within the last six months, tried to clean up the ports. There is a task force that has gone into the ports to streamline the number of agencies that are operating there, all with an intention to make them more efficient. The agencies have been reduced; the amount of time it takes to clear goods has been reduced; the physical reviewing process has been reviewed, with the intention to make the ports more competitive and create an enabling environment for business and industries. In terms of strengthening institutions, you see the effort

•President Jonathan at inauguration

‘The whole of that discourse around deregulation was hijacked by vested interests and these vested interests you can divide into two categories and these categories always exist in situations like that. First category would include those persons who benefit from the existing status quo and who would go to any length to resist change. The second category, included those persons who saw in reaction of the public an opportunity to play politics’ the government has been making with regards to the police. I mean, police reform is an agelong thing in the country, but the President has gone further to set up a special committee to assist the new Inspector-General of Police (IG) and ensure that the new leadership is provided with enough, not just, resources, but the kind of support and structure that will make the police function under his watch. This administration also changed the leadership of the EFCC so as to add fresh dynamism to that important institution. I can go on giving examples. Look at what is going on in the petroleum industry; task forces have been set up to offer advice in terms of revenue in that sector.

Would you say that the President has dis-

played enough character to curb corruption?

Do you see him as someone who can sacrifice his ministers or aides on corruption grounds?

He made it clear … when the last batch of cabinet members were sworn in, his speech dwelt mainly on integrity, team work and assessment of ministers, to be sure that the team stays together, to be sure that the team remains focused and the team takes integrity very seriously.

Corruption comes up all the time. What is government doing to fight corruption?

A few minutes ago, I just cited an example of how the EFCC has been strengthened, the change in leadership and the efforts that are also being made in terms of ensuring the integrity profile of the administration is raised.

One of the efforts in this regard is the biometric verification of people within the federal civil service, to eliminate this age-old thing about ghost workers and to have a proper audit of staff. But now, it may look like a simple process, but this is a way of checking corruption within the system. You and I were in this country, when people complained about ghost workers. Some reported cases of civil servants who have been investigated and arrested; you know the famous case of the pension scam, that is one under this administration. The whole idea of port reform and the task force at the port is to deal with corruption.

Because there were complaints and concerns •Continued on page 45

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

45

administration foretell better future •Continued from page 44

about how multiplicity of officials and touts at the port had created problems with direct implication in terms of the cost of doing business and the administration has done a lot in tackling corruption.

Many people have reasoned that the President’s attempt to remove subsidy on fuel did not scale through partly because of communication failure; what is your response?

I think it’s time we addressed communication because it has become a formulistic response to what happened over the deregulation of the downstream sector and, it is as follows, for at least three months, before the announcement of the end of the subsidy regime, government was already engaged in a very robust process of informing the public. The SURE document was prepared and circulated, town hall meetings were held and broadcast on television; the President met with a cross section of stakeholders and, in some cases, travelled to parts of Nigeria to meet with stakeholders. For example, he was at Ilorin, at the meeting of the Inter-Religious Council and he tabled this issue of the deregulation of the downstream sector publicly and got reactions and input from the stakeholders. The President met with representatives of the media, he met with civil society groups, he met with youth leaders, he met with traditional rulers, he met with a very long list of stakeholders, who in their collective and individual capacity represented specific interests within the community and all of these interest were collectively reported both in the print and electronic media. When people say communication problem, what they talk about is that one, the thing shouldn’t have been announced on January 1 or 2, that the President had promised that the announcement will come in April. For people to complain of communication when we even had a special Presidential Media Chat devoted to no other issue than deregulation, except you are not in this country that is when you will claim you are not aware of it. And all of these were out there in the public domain and so where is the communication challenge coming from? But what I have said, of course, is that the two issues people have isolated were that it shouldn’t have been announced on January 1 and that there has been a promise that it will be in April, or, three, labour saying that the President met with them once and their understanding was that there will be other meetings before the announcement would be made. But when people talk about communication problem, they make it seem as if government did not make any effort at all or that government just woke up overnight and announced it. Whereas, this was a process that has been properly thought through and has been in the public domain for months.

Do you see the three months period as adequate to sensitise the entire nation?

Well, people say they would not consider it as enough. Some people claimed that may be the communication process should have gone on for at least about one year before government would take a decision. But the truth of the matter is that the challenge, in my view, is not a failure of communication, it is simply an issue of one, people not being ready to accept anything that will require them to make additional sacrifice. So, in dealing with that, it is only natural to look for an effigy on which they will hang their concern, because it is not easy for people to accept any policy that will translate into higher cost. Whether you announce it in January or October, the reaction would still have been the same. Because it would mean people paying more and anything that will make people pay more, they don’t take it lightly, and that is why the tax man is not always popular. Even rich people who can afford to pay tax would find a way of avoiding paying tax, if they can; that is the first point. The second point is that the whole of that discourse around deregulation was hijacked by vested interest and this vested interest you can divide into two categories and these categories always exist in situations like that. First category would include those persons who benefit from the existing status quo and who would go to any length to resist change. The second category includes those who saw in the reaction of the public an opportunity to play politics.

Since the protest in January, we have had people going on television to disclose how much it was costing them per day to feed people and how much it cost to give branded t-shirts to protesters and to provide music and give them stipends to come and protest. So, these are dimensions to it.

From your in-house review, what are some of the things that the government ought to have done that were not done?

I am just telling you that there has been stock taking. Definitely, every challenge also presents

•Dr. Abati

opportunities and I am saying that whatever challenge we might have faced has provided an opportunity for learning.

Let’s talk about the major challenge facing the country - security. There have been calls for an overhaul of the entire security agencies; do you see this as a solution?

There is a misconception that if there is any challenge in a particular department of government the best response is to just change people. But the thing to note is that it goes deeper than that, and that is why when the President decided to appoint an Acting Inspector-General of Police (IG) and the other IG proceeded on retirement, the emphasis was not on the change of personnel per se, and that came with the establishment of that special committee, the emphasis is strengthening that institution, identifying where the fault lines are and making sure that the various security agencies are strengthened. There is a lot in terms of capacity building and a lot more is done in terms of welfare, a lot more is done in terms of providing more exposure and partnership with similar institutions elsewhere, building the confidence of the security agencies and equipping them to be able to do their jobs better. So, when you talk about dealing with security challenge, it is not all about changing security personnel. It is more than that.

Before now, it was easy for a man to have committed a crime and run across the border;

‘His day starts very early, with a prayer session. As you know, he is a very religious man who believes that God has a hand in everything and that we all must continue to look up to God for His grace. After the early morning devotion, you might likely catch him monitoring the news’

but because Nigeria is working hand in hand with these countries, they are fully aware of the inter-dependence between them in terms of security and Nigeria and so there is that collaboration. Now the public may not readily see that but these are some of the steps that were taken to deal with the security challenge and if we want to be fair, we will see that, in the last one month or so, a lot has been done that you can point to, that you can hold on to.

Yes, Kabiru Sokoto was arrested and he escaped, but he has been re-arrested and that, I think, is positive and the response to it has been very good because what it means is that once the security agencies are challenged, they would produce results. All you need at the top is the political will and that political will and support are there on the part of President Jonathan.

Let’s look at the President’s statement concerning the infiltration of the government and security agencies by the Boko Haram sect.

Some people say that such shouldn’t have come from him...

One thing that I have seen that makes it part of the experience of my six months on this job is that either out of mischief or deliberate misinformation, people tend to interpret some of the statements made by the President too literally. This issue of Boko Haram having infiltrated the government is one of them and another, in my view, is people saying that the President talked about stoning and that the President should not talk about stoning people whereas people should be smart enough to know that when the President talks about stoning, he didn’t mean that he would go and carry stones himself, rather he was speaking in a metaphorical sense. But to come back to the specific question about the Boko Haram, the clear point that the President was making is that Boko Haram is everywhere and are more or less an unseen enemy, that your neighbour may be a member of Boko Haram but you may not know and what that means is that it requires a lot of vigilance on the part of everybody because you don’t know where the Boko Haram may be. This is the whole point of that expression and, in any case, let us even take it literally. If you check the efforts that have been made by security agencies, you will see that some of the persons that were arrested or invited for questioning are, in fact, prominent persons in society. They include persons who have position in government. So, in the fullness of time, I think the truth will come out, so I don’t see that comment by the President as any kind of self-indictment or as something that he shouldn’t have said.

With a number of challenges confronting the country, does the President really have time to relax?

The job of a president is a very tough job; his schedule is of course an open document; you are in the State House here and you see how busy the Office of the President is, but I think that the good thing is that he has a very excellent stamina, committed to his assignment, determined to succeed and from your own observation as a member of the State House Press Corps, you can see that we have a very hardworking President. But he also finds time to relax, he reads books and you know one of the things I find interesting about cabinet meetings is that, sometimes, when he reads a book that is very interesting, he discusses it and recommends it to members of the cabinet. We have even had book reviews on the floor of the cabinet with ministers being given different assignments. So, he relaxes by reading, two by playing squash. He plays squash, though not everyday. He maintains a regime of at least about four times a week and he also uses the gym. He does that in the evenings after closing from work. He spends some time either playing squash or working in the gym and then resumes back at work again in the evening and he can keep at it till midnight or 2.am depending on what he has to do. Those are the two things I have seen him do since I started working for the President. His day starts very early, with a prayer session. As you know, he is a very religious man who believes that God has a hand in everything and that we all must continue to look up to God for His grace. After the early morning devotion, you might likely catch him monitoring the news, because he takes the media very seriously. He doesn’t depend on what his media aides brief him about, he monitors the news himself and reads the newspapers and I think this is indicates that he considers public opinion very important in the governance process.

Imo politics •Continued from page 43

Concorde Hotel in Owerri in a Five Star Hotel); give scholarship of N25,000.00 per annum to every primary school pupil in the state; N40,000.00 scholarship to every secondary school student in the state; N60,000 scholarship for every OND student of the state Polytechnic; N80,000.00 scholarship per annum for every HND student and N100,000.00 scholarship for every Imo State indigene studying at the Imo state University in addition to receiving tuition free. Meanwhile, out of the over 35,000 student enrolment at the Imo State University, about 31,500 are indigenes of Imo State.

Governor Okorocha also announced that he will build three new universities in the state, one in each of the three senatorial zones, before 2015. Already, about 6,000 students are currently enrolled at the State Polytechnic. Imo state has an estimated 700,000 school enrolment in primary and secondary schools. When these figures are put side by side with the Governor’s promises, the following scenario will emerge: It will cost the state N3.5 billion to offer scholarship to the University students as proposed; N416 million for Polytechnic students; and N21 billion for primary and secondary school pupils and students, each year.

This comes to a total of N24.56 billion per annum. Meanwhile, the average annual income of the state is N 34 billion. With a recurrent expenditure of 70 per cent or N 23.8 billion ,a balance of N10.2 billion will be left for capital expenditure. That is not all.

Three Five Star hotels and a 25 storey office building is estimated to cost N180 billion. As at today, projects already embarked upon by the state government amount to N1.275 trillion. If this figure is divided by 34 ( the state’s annual income figure),it means that it will take 37.5 years to complete the projects, assuming that total income accruing to the state will be put into them. You then ask: what sort of abracadabra is this? Why does Governor Okorocha believe that Imo people are this daft.

I can bet that Okorocha’s colleagues, especially in the sister Southeast states, must have been stunned by Okorocha’s claims. How will they now cope with the wrath of their people who will soon confront them on why they cannot perform the same miracle as their Imo counterpart?

Back home, the implication of the Governor’s fairy tales is that he has come to a cross road.

There is also total confusion in the state. As I write, the same state university whose students have been promised heaven-knowshow scholarships is under lock and key due to non payment of salaries. Primary and secondary schools lack consumables, contractors are not being paid, road contracts already awarded without papers stand at N850 billion while those advertised for award are worth N87 billion. To crown it all, none of the things promised by the governor is captured in any budget. With this bizarre and weird economics, Governor Okorocha has suddenly brought the state to a bind.

But there is a window of escape for Owelle Ethelbert (my name sake) Anayo Rochas Okorocha. There is an opportunity for him to save himself from the mess. If I were him, I would pray that the PDP wins its appeal at the Supreme Court. He will be the biggest beneficiary of such a victory because it will save him the wrath of Imo people whom he has made to look like people without brains.

•Okere is a media aide to former Governor Ikedi Ohakim.

•Senator Araraume

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

46

NEWS •Continued from last Friday Contradictions of Nigeria’s Federalism and the Quest for Regional Integration

A

s is generally known, Nigeria operates a deformed federal system, where not even lip-service is paid to the tenets of federalism. The long years of military dictatorship coupled with the imposition of constitutions which reflect unitary, militarist nuances and attitudes have resulted in a situation in which Nigeria’s mode of operation is a mockery of true federalism and veritable example, as our people say, of passing off a dog for a monkey.

The division of powers enshrined in the 1999 Abdusalami constitution lists 68 items exclusively for the Federal Government, including matters such as aviation, banks and banking, construction, alteration and maintenance of federal trunk roads, census, including registration of births and deaths, import and export of commodities, insurance, labour matters, marriage and divorce, mines and mineral, nuclear energy, police and other government security services, public holidays, railways, etc. On the other hand, the Constitution stipulated certain critical subjects over which the Federal Government and states were deemed to have concurrent powers.

These included collection of taxes, generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, establishment of universities and other tertiary institutions.

When to all this is read the doctrine of “covering the field,” it becomes clear that we have a suffocating Federal Government, leaving little autonomy of action for the constituent units of the federation. Even in the area of maintenance of law and order, where governors are frequently described as “chief security officers” of their respective states, they have been effectively emasculated under the Constitution which removed control over Commissioners of Police in the states by subjecting directives from governors regarding public safety and public order to the federal authorities before being complied with. More pointedly, as recent events in the polity have shown, a President can deploy troops to the streets to intimidate protesters or quell an imminent uprising, shoving aside the governor(s) of the state(s) without feeling the need to seek the consent of the authorities of the state(s) concerned.

It is on account of the skewed nature of Nigeria’s federalism that those at the forefront of regional integration must evince tremendous circumspection and ingenuity, if they do not wish to play into the hands of those that do not wish them well. As a commentator recently wondered aloud: “Do we wish to see a fully centralised system with all legislative and executive powers concentrated at the centre, or do we wish to

OPEN FORUM By

PROF AKIN OYEBODE

Law as tool for regional integration

•The map of Nigeria

develop a federal system under which each different region of the country would exercise a measure of internal autonomy?”

It is quite obvious that Nigeria as currently constituted would hamstring and thwart all initiatives aimed at regional autonomy and collective self-reliance. Accordingly, every effort should be made immediately to redress the infelicities and rough edges of Nigeria’s federalism in order to give this country a new lease of life. The attractions of more devolution of powers, fiscal federalism and regional empowerment make a reconfiguring of the present set-up a matter deserving of immediate and relentless pursuit. Whether it is a Sovereign National Conference, Constituent Assembly or just a big family meeting of the multifarious ethnic nationalities that comprise Nigeria, the fact of the matter is that ignoring the central issue of our time could very well spell doom for and herald the dirge of Nigeria as we know it.

Of course, there are those who would continue to mouth the shibboleth of Nigerian unity being non-negotiable, but to such, the simple riposte is that, as Mark Twain ruefully once observed, only two things are nonnegotiable in life -death and taxes! The demise of the Nigerian Federation, which has been variously predicted, can only be hastened by inaction and in light of the fissiparous tendencies clearly visible in contemporary times. The opportunity has to be speedily provided for the inhabitants of this vast country to basically address two issues: Do they wish to live together and if so, how?

Law as a Tool for Regional Integration To the extent that law remains the instrument for socio-economic transformation and development, to that extent should it play a critical role in any attempt towards regional integration, even in a polity as convoluted as Nigeria’s where lip-service is still paid to fidelity to due process of law. This explains the need to pay credence to the harnessing of law in realising the laudable goal of regional integration, more so as without a legal framework, all actions pursuant thereto would jolly well amount to nothing.

Accordingly, there is a necessity for hammering out an agreement among all parties regarding the broad goals of integration before deploying law to the attainment of same. Without such consensus, all efforts thereto would amount to little more than pouring water on the back of a duck. The agreed goals would form the leitmotif of legislation to be enacted by the legislative houses of all the participating states towards attainment of the agreed goal. Such harmonised law-making constitutes an effective panacea to the difficulties which might lie along the path of regional integration.

Chinese govt donates schools to Nigeria

‘Nigeria’s high maternal mortality rate unacceptable’ •USAID inaugurates family planning centres

U

T

HE Chinese government yesterday handed over China-assisted school projects in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kaduna, Katsina and Ogun states to President Goodluck Jonathan.

At the inauguration of the schools in Abuja, Jonathan thanked the Chinese government for its contribution to the development of basic education in Nigeria.

The President, who was represented by Minister of State for Education Nyesom Wike, said basic education is critical and the government welcomes the collaboration.

He said: “This project, which is the first of its kind in Nigeria, has demonstrated the goodwill of the Chinese people and government in supporting educational development, not only in Nigeria, but in Africa in general.”

Jonathan said the building of four model colleges in the FCT and three other states has reduced the infrastructural challenges faced in the education system.

He said his administration would transform the education sector and develop the economy, such that it would be one of the

•Wike and Boqing...yesterday

We shall get there.

Our new paradigm for the development of education in the country gives us the courage. In order to revitalise the education sector, workable transformation strategies have been put in place to tackle access, equity, quality and funding world’s biggest economy by 2020.

The President said: “We shall get there. Our new paradigm for the

We are told that plans for the integration of these states include trans-regional road networks, a regional railway system, generation, transmission and distribution of electricity within the region and common agriculture, trade and commercial policies.

Later, integration could also involve matters such as human capital development, cultural exchange, research and development, optimisation and rationalisation of institutions, etc. The endeavour towards regional integration would, no doubt, require data collection and processing for planning and other purposes, an activity which, if undertaken by the respective states, could engender hostility and resistance from the federal authorities.

A critical issue here relates to the need to establish a central organ or clearing house for all matters pertaining to integration in the region. It is this body that would monitor, supervise and ensure compliance with all decisions taken pursuant to the goal of integration. It is suggested that enabling legislation be passed by all the Houses of Assembly of the participant states, spelling out the composition of the body, its functions and mode of operation and ancillary matters in order to speedily realise the goals of regional integration.

As regional integration schemes in different parts of the world have shown, the law would have to respond to felt needs as the process of integration progressively intensifies. The necessity for proactive action on the part of the parties concerned becomes, therefore, selfevident if the chances of attaining the goals and objectives of the exercise are not to be hamstrung or stymied by forces inimical to the whole idea and anxious to maintain the status quo.

Conclusion In the final analysts, law can energise the process of regional integration, but its level of success in this endeavour would perforce depend on the political will demonstrated by the players. The law is generally agreed to be an instrument of social change and effective tool of political transformation. Nevertheless, it should be emphasised that it is not a cureall and has well-known limits. This must be fully appreciated in order for correct decisions to be taken, which law can assist in realising.

The difficulties Nigeria is experiencing at the present point in time need to be tackled headlong in order to create a better society able to meet the expectations and aspirations of its people. The decision by policy-makers in the Southwest and Edo State, the bulk of the old West to recreate the success story of the region by harnessing the abundant human and material resources in the area in a coordinated and harmonised fashion, therefore, portends great possibilities and a proper grasp of the scope of law in facilitating the process and only be to the benefit of all concerned.

development of education in the country gives us the courage. In order to revitalise the education sector, workable transformation strategies have been put in place to tackle access, equity, quality and funding.”

Handing over the schools, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Deng Boqing, said the China would continue to partner Nigeria in education, technology and politics.

The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Ahmed Modibo Mohammed, said the partnership between the commission and the Chinese Embassy led to the building of the schools and the training of Nigerian teachers in China.

NITED States Ambassador to Nigeria Terence McCulley yesterday

described Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate as “unacceptably high”.

McCulley spoke at the inauguration of six family planning centres by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Lagos.

The project, tagged: Strengthening Private Sector Family Planning/Reproductive Health (SPSFP/RH), will take place in Lagos, Abia, Edo, Kano, Kaduna and Nasarawa states.

He said: “Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate is at an unacceptably high level. It is estimated that one in eight women die yearly of pregnancy-related complications.

Nigeria has the second highest rate of maternal death in the world.

“While factors like early marriage, teenage pregnancy, low contraceptive usage, unsafe and illegal abortions contribute to the high mortality rate, poverty is a major driver to this preventable situation.

“Women in Nigeria still have an average of six children each,

By Wale Adepoju

and, according to the 2008 edition of the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey, 20 per cent of married women of reproductive age want to space or limit births, but are not using any method of family planning.

“The low usage of family planning services calls for greater private health sector involvement to complement the Nigerian government’s effort in providing family planning and reproductive health services to its citizens.

“With more than 11,000 physicians and 56,000 practising nurses, the private health sector is well positioned to play a more significant role in improving maternal and child care in Nigeria.

“The survey results also show that 61 per cent of current users of modern family planning methods obtain these services from the private health sector. The country’s rising population is likely to stimulate greater demand for services in this sector.

“Today, the US government, through USAID, is inaugurating the SPSFP/RH project to improve reproductive health services provided by the private sector.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

47

48

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

COMMENTARY

FEMI ABBAS ON

“W

E live in a world, today, that is quite different from the world of over 1400 years ago when the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW). But surprisingly, nothing in the contemporary world has run counter to the predictions of the Quran or those of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Business transactions in the time of the Prophet might not involve high technology but the norms which guided business in those days are still as vital today as they were then. Not even the introduction of mundane ideologies like capitalism, socialism, and communism has altered those norms.

So far, the source of the wealth of the world has not changed from what it was. That source is the earth from which everything is explored. Even the materials used to manufacture satellites which function in the space are from the earth.

From agriculture to nuclear device, no new norm has been introduced to warrant any new world order that can affect the faith of the Muslims. As a matter of fact, the world has witnessed the collapse of communism and that of socialism within a period of 70 years despite their overbearing influence when they held sway. It is just a matter of time for the current pervading capitalism to go the way of socialism and communism.

An unlettered personality like Prophet Muhammad (SAW) did not need to propound any mundane economic ideology to run a great Islamic government. He was not just a political leader. He was also an economic expert, a great law giver and an army general of impeccable repute.

Without necessarily going into details on how he managed the economy of the Islamic state from the scratch, it is obvious that even his ascension to the seven planets which paved way for man’s possible exploration of the space is of immense economic value to the contemporary world which no wellmeaning person can logically dispute.

Although the Quran which was revealed to unlettered Muhammad (SAW) is seen by some ignorant people as mere religious book, the economic value of that book is unquantifiable today.

Being the most read book in the world, the Quran has been translated into hundreds of languages making it possible for millions of people, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, to be employed at the various segments of the world economy. For instance, the writing of the Qur’an, its recitation, its proofreading, its printing, its marketing, its teaching, its translation, its interpretation and even criticism are all sources of economic survival for millions of people in the world.

If only one quarter of a billion people is gainfully employed in the workings of the Quran alone, today’s world economy would have been remarkably upheld by the religion of Islam. And, beyond that, more people are engaged business wise in the workings of Hadith, Fiqh, Tarikh, Tawhid and Thaqafah.

Even for hundreds of years that the Orientalists were busy trying to destroy Islam through their publications, it was undeniable that those destroyers were benefiting from the economic legacy of Islam.

Today the same Orientalists are busy reversing themselves on what they had published about Islam. Yet, they are still benefiting economically from the great religion.

Despite the vast economic advantages provided by Islam, however, some unscrupulous Nigerian Muslims still engage in illegal businesses that contravene the tenets of that divine religion. Some of such Muslims are among the thousands of Nigerians now languishing in various prisons around the world. My fortuitous encounter with one them as far back a 1981 keeps troubling my mind even today. I decided to relay that ugly encounter

Femabbas@yahoo.com 08051101861

Not by desperation

‘

Today, Nigeria has sunk so deep into the valley of corruption that no one asks about the source of any wealth again even as morality has reached its lowest ebb. Now, with parents, teachers and even legislators getting so desperate to make money right before school children what future is expected for those children?

• The crescent

here because it was an experience from which disciplined young men and women could draw a lesson.

Akram (not real name) did not have anything like poultry in his dream when he was going into Saudi Arabian prison as a convict in 1981. His only prayer was for Allah to influence the mind of the Saudi Authorities to grant him amnesty after two or three years in prison. His service term was fifteen years. He had earned the sentence through drug trafficking.Akram, a quiet, easy going young man from the South West of Nigeria graduated from the Islamic University of Madinah in Saudi Arabia. I first met him in 1978 when I went for a first degree in that country.

His University was in Madinah while mine was in Jeddah. He left Saudi Arabia after graduating in 1980 and settled down in Nigeria. In his plan, Akram did not want to work for anybody. His ambition was to be a big merchant of automobile and electronics.

However, since there was no readymade capital with which to start off, he decided to take a short cut. His belief was that no country could be more suitable for such short cut than Saudi Arabia, the country that funded his University education.

Thus, he embarked on his first ‘business trip’ to the country of his Alma Mata in 1981. It was on my way back to school from a summer holiday of the same year that I met him at the Murtala Muhammed Airport. After embracing and exchanging in pleasantries, we decided to sit together in the plane in order to chat on the good old days and the expected future. And from Lagos to Jeddah, we did that and more.

As bachelors, we discussed marriage, children, monogamy and polygamy as well as family structure. We gossiped on the political trend in our country as championed by the then ruling party, the National Party of Nigeria (NPN).

We compared Nigeria’s pace of progress with that of Saudi Arabia and concluded that our government neither had focus nor plan, a situation which made Nigerian youths abroad feel like orphans.

We also talked about world peace, the cold war and the future of Islam in Africa and the Middle East. We analysed the Middle East crises and the role of

‘

the two main world powers of that time: the United States (US) and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) in those crises. We also looked into small and middle scale businesses in Nigeria compared to those of Malaysia, Indonesia, Brazil, Singapore, India, Pakistan and Egypt. Without gazing through any crystal ball, we concluded that with no the middle class in place, our country had no hope except through an accidental miracle. We also reviewed the use to which Nigerian oil was put vis-a-vis that of Saudi Arabia, Libya or Algeria. On this, we concluded that oil in Nigeria was a blessing turned into a curse.

Our discussion from Lagos to Jeddah cut across all issues affecting the corporate life of Nigeria and her citizens. We agreed on some and disagreed on some. However, we were satisfied to have delivered our minds of their pregnancies if only for widening our horizon. We were so much engaged in the discussion that the five and a half hour flight from Lagos to Jeddah looked like one hour.

On arrival at the King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah, my friend quickly dashed into the toilet and requested me to help push his baggage to the security desk for checking. It was almost my turn for checking before an instinct gingered me into consciousness. For more than 30 minutes after He entrusted his baggage to me and went into the toilet, my friend did not resurface. Something told me to abandon the baggage as I was approaching the checking desk and I did. My own baggage was checked and I went out of the arrival hall to wait for him at the taxi garage. After, one hour of waiting and Akram did not surface I decided to proceed to my hostel where he was to pass the night in my room as already agreed.

While still expecting him, the electronic waves throbbed with breaking news. The Saudi Television reported the arrest of a Nigerian who smuggled drugs into the country. His name was ‘Akram’. That was at 9.00 am Saudi local time. And about one hour later, my friend was paraded on the Television. That was one of the most frightening moments in my life. What would have happened if I had not

heeded the warning of my instinct? Who could have imagined that a seeming gentleman like Akram would ever think of trafficking in drug for whatever reason? If I had been caught with Akram’s baggage, what explanation could have exonerated me? Those were the questions running through me like milk through water which changed my mind about friendship with people.

There and then, I decided never to help anybody again in carrying his or her baggage while on a journey.

After about three months of trial, Akram was sentenced to fifteen years in jail. He was lucky that drug trafficking at that time in Saudi Arabia had not attracted death as penalty. If it were now, he would have been beheaded. For 15 years from 1981 to 1996, Akram languished in Saudi Prison as an inmate. But one good thing about Saudi Arabia or any other Islamic country is the concept of reformation which imprisonment entails. Inmates are not just imprisoned as punishment for crimes they are also prepared for a better post prison life and re-oriented for better world outlook. Besides, prisoners are paid a specific amount of money daily for their labour in prison.

It is kept in a bank account opened for them. The total amount is paid to an inmate after his or her term.

When Akram left the prison in 1996, that was what became his lot. He was deported to Nigeria but not without the prison labour reward that became his capital for a poultry business. And within a couple of years thereafter, he had become a big poultry farmer but whether or not he learnt any lesson from that episode is another matter.

Young men and women of today do not seem to believe in crawling before walking. To them, what matters is making money and not how you make it. And that is the cause of the high rate of crimes we witness in the world today and the entailed short life span. The Qur’an, Chapter 43 Verse 32 had warned against desperate accumulation of wealth over 1400 years ago even when desperate quest for wealth was unfashionable. The verse goes thus: “Is it they who apportion your Lord’s blessings? It is We who apportion to them their livelihoods in this world and We exalt some in rank above others so that the one may employ the services of the others. Your Lord’s mercy is better than all their hoarded treasures”.

In Islam, desperation in accumulation of wealth is prohibited because it encourages a focus on the end result without caring about the means. Today, Nigeria has sunk so deep into the valley of corruption that no one asks about the source of any wealth again even as morality has reached its lowest ebb.

Now, with parents, teachers and even legislators getting so desperate to make money right before school children what future is expected for those children?

Desperation is not what fetched Nigeria the enormous oil wealth of today. If desperation ever had any role to play in accumulating wealth, perhaps Nigeria would have remained a country in penury. This is because people who were more desperate in this same country and had lived and died some centuries back would have discovered this oil wealth and they would have exhausted it long before our own generation. But in consonance with the quoted Qur’anic verse above, Allah deliberately preserved it for our generation for a reason best known to Him. Oil is the source of wealth at this time. It is surely not the last wealth in this country. There are other sources of wealth preserved for the future generations which no desperation can discover now. Those who see oil as the climax of wealth should engage in a rethink. You can only have the privilege of presiding over the wealth of a nation for a while and not for all times. Those in government today should note this very well. As the privilege of yesterday did not extend to today so will that of today not extent to tomorrow.

SHOPPING

49

THE NATION

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

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

e-mail: janicenkoli@yahoo.com 08033349992 sms only

email:- shopping@thenationonlineng.net

• Shopping mall at Ikeja, Lagos.

Shoprite plans Ilorin, Abuja outlets S

HOPRITE, the exotic supermarket, is growing fast in Nigeria.

It crept silently into the country a few years ago, but it has become the talk of town among shoppers. To many, it is the supermarket of first choice. So far, the South African owned store has come up with four outlets comprising three in Lekki, Surulere and Ikeja all in Lagos and one in Enugu. It plans to open one each in Ilorin and Abuja in June.

Its rapid growth in Nigeria is a testimony of its popularity, says its Chief Executive, Mr Whitey Basson.

According to him, Nigeria has the potential for 700 stores, given its large population. South Africa has over 700 outlets of the store.

He said: “Several cities in Nigeria have population of more than eight million people. I can’t say

all of them have the same spending power, but Nigeria can support the same number of supermarkets as South Africa.

“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.”

Mr Basson disclosed that the grocery store made a 19 per cent rise in first-half earnings and has about 950 supermarkets with 729 of them in South Africa. It plans to open 12 more stores outside of South Africa by the end of June, including Ilorin and Abuja. It also plans to enter the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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

Shoprite turned the tide of grocery shopping in the country when it opened in 2006 as an anchor store at The Palms, Lekki, Lagos. In 2010, the Adeniran Ogunsanya Shopping Mall was refurbished with Shoprite as the anchor tenant.

An outlet was also opened in Enugu last year. Its latest branch is at the Ikeja City Mall.

Basson’s declaration of Nigeria having the potential for 700 stores underplayed the reality of rising poverty in the country.

A Reuters source said the country still has plenty of hurdles to overcome, as poverty is still rising, despite strong economic growth. Nearly 61 per cent of the population, or about 100 million people, live on less than one dollar a day.

United States retailer Wal-Mart Stores Inc last year bought a majority stake in South African retailer Mass mart, citing growth

Noodle brands battle for market share Page 50

prospects on the continent.

Cape Town-based Shoprite reported an 18.6 per cent rise in firsthalf earnings per share to 280.8 cents, helped by higher prices, a favourable exchange rate and aboveinflation wage increases for consumers.

Consumer spending is improving in Africa’s biggest economy due to decades-low interest rates and above-inflation wage hikes, but the outlook is uncertain due to high debt levels and unemployment.

South African retail sales jumped 8.7 per cent year-on-year in December, beating the 6.5 per cent growth economists had expected.

Shoprite, a domestic merchant seen likely to lose the most from discounter Wal-Mart’s entry into the country, has been on an aggressive expansion drive in Africa.

Shoprite said sales increased 13.2 per cent to 41 billion rand ($5.4 bil-

• Shoprite Chief Executive Officer Whitey Basson

lion) after increasing prices by an average of 4.6 per cent and gaining nearly 30 million rand from favourable currency swings.

Shares of the company have surged more than 40 per cent in the last 12 months, lifted by optimism about its Africa growth strategy.

Get trendy with Ankara Page 50

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

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SHOPPING

Noodle brands battle for market share The competition in the noodles market is getting fiercer. Players are pushing various branding strategies to retain their consumers and expand their market share. Each brand boasts of quality nourishment, tasty nutrition and affordability.

What shapes the choice of consumers? JANICE NKOLI IFEME asks.

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O get a big share of the market, noodles companies have adopted various strategies to make their brands more appealing to consumers.

To actualise this, they have come up with different flavours such as onions, chicken and pepper as well as other additions to boost quality and delivery. Their major strategy is the deployment of different commercials on radio and television.

Among them are Indomie made by Dufil Prima Foods, Golden Penny noodles by Flour Mills Nigeria Plc, Honeywell noodles by Honeywell Superfine Foods Limited, a subsidiary of Honeywell Flour Mills Plc and Dangote noodles by Dangote Group. Others are O Noodles, Chiki noodles, Sum Yun and Mimi Noodles by May & Baker.

Indomie was the pioneer noodle in Nigeria and swallowed the bitter pills associated with the teething problems of market acceptance.

Soon, it gained consumer approval. For several years, it enjoyed the monopoly as the only noodles brand and gradually became the generic name for noodles in Nigeria. It offers a variety of flavours such as onions, chicken, jollof, peppersoup and suya.

Later, it sailed into troubled waters when it was found to have been allegedly contaminated, resulting in the death of some consumers and hospitalisation of others. It was suspended for a while but bounced back afterwards with greater efforts that seemed to have erased the negative effects it had on people.

Its monopoly has, however, been broken with fierce competition from other noodles, but, no doubt, its dominance is still pronounced, as many have conservatively stuck to it.

The influx of different noodles in the market has brought a stiff competition among the brands as each seeks consumer endorsement.

Golden Penny noodle, made from the finest quality wheat, was launched in April 2009 from the stable of Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc. It comes in two variants, Chicken (70g and 120g) and onion flavour (70g) and has been thrilling the taste buds of Nigerians since its creation. It swells more when cooked, and does not get sticky or soggy even hours after cooking.

While receiving an award for the brand’s acceptability last year, its General Manager, Mr Yiannis Katsichtis, said: “For us, there are no half-measures. We consider quality as priority and we also make it affordable. So, the award re-emphasises the company’s vision of being the leading provider of quality, tasty noodles in the West African sub-region and beyond while satisfying consumers’ needs by providing them with quality after the tradition of its parent company, Flour Mills Nigeria Plc, in investing in research and development.

Honeywell raised the bar in the industry with the introduction of Honeywell Instant Noodles in November 2010.

According to the Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, Honeywell Flour Mills

•Chikki and Indomie noodles.

Plc, Mr Folaranmi Babatunde Odunayo, “Honeywell Instant Noodles would definitely excite Nigeria’s noodles consumers because of its innovative packaging and high quality”. On the pack is a picture of two bright looking youths who seem to be enjoying the product.

He added: “The instant noodles market is growing steadily as more consumers come to appreciate the value of noodles as a highly nutritive and convenient easy-to-prepare food.

Honeywell Noodles is being introduced to the market in order to set the pace for quality in the noodles category.”

In April 2011, Dangote Noodles was launched into the nation’s consumer goods market as part of its strategy of staying above competition in the industry. It has also thrived to expand its distribution network to make the product more accessible to consumers.

While launching the product, the President, of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, said, having studied the eating habits of Nigerian consumers and after a painstaking research, discovered that it can, through quality service, innovation and appropriate deployment of technology offer more value to consumers in terms of variety, affordability and availability of wholesome, nourishing food products.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Jagatheesan Avoodaiappan, said the product has constantly undergone process monitoring and quality control to make it the best noodles in the country.

•Golden Penny noodles.

It claims to be richer with real chicken extract and more nutritional value than its competitors.

He said: “It is the only noodles right now that are heavily fortified (enriched) with vitamins, there are vitamins A, B 1 to 6, D, E and iron as well. Our noodles’chicken extract is made out of chicken itself, other noodles are made with chicken addictive (additive) and flavour but Dangote noodle is the only premium noodle that is made out of real chicken.

“The Dangote noodles plant operates the highest levels of hygiene and efficiency with strict adherence to excellent manufacturing (Good Manufacturing Practices) and laboratory practices (Good laboratory Practices) to ensure consistency of product quality.

After careful study of the market, the taste of the consumers of noodles and what they

are being fed with, we decided to review the components of Dangote noodles to suit the needs of the consumer in terms of richness, quality, quantity and availability. We have gone the extra mile to provide you with beverages that are not just nutritious and life, enhancing but are also pure natural and refreshing,” he said.

He said the seasoning used to produce Dangote noodles is developed and prepared in-house, thus making it fresh always as opposed to competitors who import theirs and therefore making the seasoning to lose the taste of freshness.

To make it more appealing, it is packaged in laminates made from metallic film which protects the noodles and also elongates the product’s shelf life. It also facilitates distribution and storage while ensuring that the taste, smell, colour and texture of the noodles are intact.

But have these made it a noodle of preference among consumers? Many answered in the negative. “I don’t like Dangote for any reason. I hate the taste and everything about it”, said Mrs Gloria Archibong, a consumer.

But that does not stop Dangote from making its sales whether by consumer preference or by trial and error.

In addition to their O! Noodles, Honeywell Superfine Floor introduced Honeywell Noodles another brand of noodles to their stables.

It comes in three flavours of Onion, Chicken, Seafood and Curry.

Similarly, Dufil Prima Foods, owners of Indomie, the leading brand in the segment despite having several flavours already in the market, extended the brand with the introduction of Indomie Box Noodles, said to be targeted at busy working class consumers.

Golden Penny Noodles also introduced a new carton pack.

Each brand claims high quality, nutritive content, innovative packaging, value for money, world-class standards and certified by relevant regulatory authorities. So what informs the choice of the consumer?

People have reasons for patronising a particular noodles brand. For some, it has to do with the taste and flavour, or it is as a result of the price. For others, it is the preference for a particular brand as matter of tradition.

A dealer at Mile 12 Market, Lagos, Mr Ifeanyi Eze, said: “You know, we traders, are interested in whatever is moving in the market.

Noodles are fast moving products. People buy them a lot because they are easy to cook and do not require too many ingredients. People also like to buy because of the different flavours. It is a matter of choice.”

On which noodles is patronised the more, he said: “People buy Indomie a lot. Some buy Honeywell, some buy Golden penny. A lot of people also buy Mimmie and Chiki chiki. You can see them here because people are buying them”.

Get trendy with Ankara Ankara fabric gives afro-centric looks and with its affordability and authenticity, one can derive various items from its colourful designs and patterns, writes TONIA’DIYAN.

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ONE are the days when lace fabric was the in thing in the Nigerian traditional fashion scene. Now, ankara (African prints) has taken over. In most social events Nigerians show off the African prints market. Everywhere you turn, it is in demand.

In the past, it consisted of a wrapper, blouse and head tie all sewn from a particular design. These days, very few women still wear such, particularly in the rural areas. Men match it with a pair of trousers while ladies use it as top or long skirt and head tie to elaborate the outfit.

Many designers blend it into designs that reflect a fusion of African creativity and western influences They can be found in different styles and designs and are colourful, elegant and comfortable.

Some come in individual colours while others are portrayed in beautifully blended colours. They have been in vogue for centuries but what makes them more appealing is the reinvention of old designs into contemporary African styles of various items, ranging from dashikis, agbada, trousers, handbags, slippers,

shoes, wrist watches, throw pillows, centre rugs, tommy belts, table mats, hand towel, feeding bottle warmer, bedspread and pillow cases.

Ankara is referred to as the most favoured among other textiles such as voile lace, satin lace, brocade, linen, adire and aso-oke because of its simplicity.

Using a well-designed lace fabric for a bigger celebration was understood to earn more respect and honour. But these days, ankara earns as much honour. It was used for less formal outings but now the breadth of new styles that can be sewn with it makes it fit for formal occasions.

It has an advantage of affordability over other fabrics. It is also known for its authentic designs.

African fabrics are among the most colourful and dynamic in the world and represent various cultures. With its afro centric look, it shows the African heritage in you. As with other fabrics, they also go through changes, so ensure that whatever you make out of them is up-to-date. Make great choices when shopping for one.

• Ankara bed spread.

• Ankara purse.

• Ankara throwpillow.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, IKEJA DIVISION FEBRUARY, 2012

WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column. AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second column here have applied to the High Court Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties o the deceased. NOTICES IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) day from the date hereof.

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NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON:

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Mr Paul Ologunde (Otherwise known as Pa Paul Adigun Ologunde) late of No. 4, Oladipo Shode Street, off Kayode Street, Onipanu deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of April, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr Wellington Agbebakun Imoukhuede (Otherwise known as Imokhuede Wellington Agbebakun) late of 32, Abina Street, Obele Odan Off Randle Avenue Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of February, 1994 at Lagos.

Gregory Abosede Coker (Otherwise known as Mr Gregory Abosede Coker) late of 13, Oredunni Street, Iju Station Ifako Ijaiye Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of October, 2010 Mr Samuel Adeniyi Adekoya late of Ipetu Oloja Ijede Road, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of August, 2011 at Ikorodu, Lagos.

Mr Azeez Adelaja late of No 9 Oduwole Close, Mile 12, ketu, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of October, 2009 at Lasuth.

PTE Alabi Kassim late of Unity Community Estate, Imude Era Road, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of March, 2011.

Iwuchukwu David Chitumogun (Otherwise known as Iwuchukwu David) late of 1, Itire Road, Mushin, Lagos, Nigeria deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of February, 2011 at Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

Friday Uman late of 13, Adeoye Street, Amukoko, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of December, 2007 at Lagos Clinic Ogburu Uja Blessing late of HLP, Ind. Along Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of January, 2011 at Umuahia Abia State.

Miss Raphael Stella (Otherwise known as Miss Stella Rahael Mgbachi) late of 29, Agberin Street, Oworonshoki, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of May, 2009 at Gbagada General Hospital.

Mariam Mopelola Oni, late of SW9/695, Ring Road, Ibadan deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of August, 1968 at Ilorin Oyedeyi Funmilayo Elizabeth (Otherwise known as Oyedeyi Funmilayo) late of 45, Iyala Street, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of December 2009 at Lagos.

Abiodun Adewale Oguntuase (Otherwise known as Oguntuase Abiodun Adewale) late of 10, Okanlawon Street, Agbado, Off AIT Road, Alimosho LGA Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of October, 2009 at Luth.

Arthur Chidiebere Okafor (Otherwise known as Okafor Chidiebere) late of 15, Yusuf Street, off Church Bus Stop Oshodi, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of January, 2009 at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Ihiala Anambra State.

Mrs Sam Lucy Alex late of No. 3B, Karounwi Street, Ijesha, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of July , 2010.

Jatto Michael Onobere (Otherwise known as Jatto Michael) late of No. 8, Ajoke Lewis Street, New Oko Oba Abule Egba deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of August, 2011 at Lasuth Lagos.

Mrs Ekundayo Palmer late of 2nd Avenue 205 Road House 7, Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of October, 2009.

Chief Charles Ugonwa (Otherwise known as Mr Charles Ugouwa) late of No. 4, Akwalhedi Street, Sabo Ojo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of January, 2010 at Lagos.

Princess Oluwatosin Iretioluwa Akinola (Otherwise known as Miss Oluwatosin Akinola ) late of No. 13, Soore Close, Orile Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of August, 2008 at Betta Hospital Ltd. Sunday Sullayman late of 27, Atanda Street,Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of September, 2010 at Lagos.

Mr Bashorun Arees (Otherwise known as Bashorun Aris Ishmel) late of No. 6, Okuneye Avenue pedro Palmgrove, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of October, 2009 at Surulere, General Hospital.

Obong Livinus Etuko (Otherwise known as Livinus Uko and Etuko Livinus Uko) late of 5, Lawani street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of December, 2001 at Esene , Ikot Abasi/Akwa Ibom State.

Mr Samuel Adediran Adegbokun (Otherwise known as Mr S.A.Adegbokun ) late of No. 2A, Johnson Street, Ikeja, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of May, 1993 at Lagos.

Donatus C. Amadi (Otherwise known as Amadi Don) late of 5, Bale Street, Ilasamaja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of February, 2008 at Lagos.

Mrs Monica Okoroha (Otherwise known as Okoroha Monica) late of Plot 903 1st Avenue By 15 Road, Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of December, 2010 at U.S.A. Odebudo Hakeem Babatunde late of 47, Lawrence Adebiyi Ipaja, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of September, 2009 at Lagos.

Mrs Grace Bolaji Akintoye late of Plot 2, Block 55, Oba Elegushi Road, Ikate, Lekki Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of January, 2008.

Mrs Eniobamo Idowu late of 15, Irokosu Street, Itire Road, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of May, 2011 at Luth, Idiaraba.

Okhe Matthew Osikemhekhai (Otherwise known as Okhe Matthew) late of 1, Mayatele Agbaku Ikorodu, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of November, 2010 at Luth.

Deborah Olukemi Oyeniran (Otherwise known as Mrs Oyeniran Deborah) late of 6, Oluade Way, Oke Afa, Isolo, lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of April, 2010.

Alh. Ibrahim Tanko (Otherwise known as Tanko Ibrahim) late of 63, Oyadiran Estate, Sabo Yaba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of April, 1999 at Lagos.

Ndukwe Lovina Chinenye late of 13, Adejumo Street, Meiran Lagos state deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of May, 2011 at Delta.

Enninful George late of 2, Olayeni Abiola Street, Ikeja deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of May, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr David Udoisong (Otherwise known as Udoison David) late of 22, Ebun Street, Abule Ijesha Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of July, 2009 at Luth, Lagos state.

Mrs Christy Bamidele (Otherwise known as Mrs Bamidele Christy) late of 18, Salako Street, Magodo Isheri Lagos, deceased who died intestate on te 10th day of April, 2011 at Omni Medical Centre.

Amos Olorunfemi Ajiboye (Otherwise known as Mr A.O.Ajiboye) late of 5, Olowo Street, Papa Ashafa Agege, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of September, 1994 at Sacred Heard Hospital,a Abeokuta.

Reverend Samuel Ajayi Odeneye late of 4, Ayorinde Street, Bariga, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of October, 1980 at Lagos.

Josephine Aromolaran (Miss) (Nee Iruansi) (Otherwise known as Josephine Aromolaran) late of 13, Tegbabo Akintola Street, Iba Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of October, 2009 at Fasanmi Clinic & Maternity.

Mrs Salawu Abike Olufunmilayo (Otherwise known as Mrs Salawu Abike ) late of 36, Adebamiuwo Oworo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of July, 2011 at Lagos.

Lilian Odide Mba (Otherwise known as Mba Lilian) late of 12, Kosoko Street, Ijesha Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of August, 2011 at Rivon Clinic.

Noah Egbita late of Block 583, Flat 1, Abesan Housing Estate, Ipaja deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of June, 2011 at Luth Hospital Ikeja.

Omonira Thompson Micheal late of No. 4, Magbesa Street, Kirikiri Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of June, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr Patrick Adawai late of 21, Iga Idungaran Isale Eko deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of August, 2011 at Lagos.

Mrs Ida Gertrud Aminu late of 11, Ojora Ave. Wemabod Estate, Ikeja, Lagos, who died intestate on the 8th day of October, 2005 at Ikeja, Lagos.

Daniel Okungbowa late of 5, Dadayeye Street, Isolo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of December, 2010 at Lagos.

Danjuma Zekeri Salifu (Otherwise known as Danjuma Zakari Salifu) late of 16, Egbapeju Street, Shogunle deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of November, 2010 at Lagos.

Stephen Ugule Edamin (Otherwise known as Ugule Stephen and Ugele) late of Okanlahun Street, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of October, 2011 at Lagos.

Adeyeye Kunle Joseph (otherwise known as Adeyeye Kunle) late of Plot 1A, Pipeline Junction Aboru deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of July, 2009 at Lasuth Ikeja, Lagos.

Andrew Aigbo Ugberaese Eraikhuemen (Otherwise known as Mr Andrew Ugberaise E.) late of 3, Ayonuga Street, Fadeyi Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of September, 2007 at Lagos.

Hakeem Hassan late of 11, Sosami Street, Ikorodu, lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of July, 2010 at Lagos.

Alaran Rasak Adetayo (Otherwise known as Alaran Rasak) late of 1, Abdulrasak Alaran Ave. Ajegunle Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of December, 2010 at Lagos.

Adeyi Ejembi Hardy (Otherwise known as Mr Ejeibi Adeyi Hardey) late of No. 1, James Okiki Street, Oko Oba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of September, 2010 at Lagos.

Esseson Adoga late of 9, Jimoh Aigbe Street, Comm. Road, Ijegun Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of September, 2010 at New Merit Hospital Oko Oba, Lagos.

Mrs Elizaebth Tanimowo Idowu Akomoje (Nee Onabanwo) (Otherwise known as Idowu Elizabeth and Mrs Elizabeth Tanimowo Idowu-Akpanmojie ) late of 27, Ogidan Street, Alake Bus Stop Idimu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of October, 2008 at Lagos.

Ganiyu Alade late of No. 1B, Okun Street, Soluyi Ifako Gbagada, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of July, 2011 at Lagos.

Lt. Col. Ajiaknox Danladi (Rtd) (Otherwise known as Col. Knox Danladi Ajia (Rtd) late of 22, De Young Shall Grow Road, Off Navy Gate Satellite Town, Lagos,d eceased who died intestate on the 5th day of March, 2010 at Lagos.

Mr Allison Kachi (Otherwise known as Allison Kachi and Allison Nwabochi Kachi) late of Blk 215, Jakande Housing Estate, Lekki deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of February, 2010 at Luth, Idi Araba.

Mrs Dorcas Abaowa (Nee Agbantaen) (Otherwise known as Mrs Dorcas Abaowa) late of 2, Kofoworola Sq Off Omololu Road Surulere, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of October, 2009 at Lagos.

Mr Shakiru Idowu Popoola (Otherwise known as Mr Shakiru Popoola) late of 8, K & S Street, Abaranje Ikotun deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of March, 2007 at Lagos.

Uduji O. Timothy (Otherwise known as Mr Uduji Onyekachi Timothy) late of 26A, Abiodun Shobanjo Street, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of September, 2010 at Anambra.

Mrs Ann Chinwe Atasie late of 8B, Akinsola Close, Iyana Ipaja deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of September, 2011 at Lagos.

Dr Donatus Martins Akatakpo (Otherwise known as Akatakpo Donatus) late of 1, Olutosin Ajayi Street, Ajao Estate, Off Int’l Air port Road, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of July, 2010.

Ms Eniola Olufunmilayo Fajorin (Otherwise known as Fajorin Eniola Olufunmilayo) late of 10A, Obanta Avenue, Off Ajao Road, Ikeja, deceased hwo died intestate on the 17th day of September, 2007 at Lagos.

Mrs Oguntuase Modupe (Otherwise know as Mrs Oguntuase Modupe Elizabeth and Elizabeth ) late of 10, Memudu Street, Alapere Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of July, 2001 at Lagos.

Wilkie Solomon Ejunwa (Otherwise known as Chief Engineer Wilkie Solomon Ejunuwa) late of 3, Pilot Close Games Village Off Bode Thomas Surulere, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of April 2011 at Kaduna.

Hyacinth Chika Ogbuagu late of 11, Egberongbe Street, Aboru Iyana Ipaja deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of January,2009 at Lagos.

Dixon Udo Akpan late of Plot 10, William Ayameh Street, Oworonshoki Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of July, 2011 at Lagos.

Micheal I. Aghedo (Otherwise known as Micheal Aghedo and Micheal Aghedo Imuetinyanosa) late of Blk 55, Flat 1, LSDPC Estate, Ojokoro deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of May, 2011 at Lasuth Azubike Lilion Njideka (Otherwise known as Lilian Azubike) late of 55, Sanusi Street, Ijesha Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of April 2010 at Enugu.

Ogunyinka Ganiu Ayinde (Otherwise known as Ayinde Ganiyu) late of 16, Agaran Street, Mushin Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of February, 2011 at Ogun State.

Akpoko Baba late of 20, Ganiyu Street, Idimu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of March, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr Ademola Buraihmon Stephen (Otherwise known as Mr Ademola Stephen) late of 19, Saka Aremu Street, Igbo Elerin Okokomaiko deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of February, 2011 at Lagos.

Mrs Kofoworola Folaremi Begg late of No. 11 Ogunlowo Street, Ikeja deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of August, 1987 at Lagos.

Mr Joseph Femi Alonge (Otherwise known as Alonge Joseph Femi) late of No. 1, Apawula Street, Ketu deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of May, 2007 at Sagamu.

Akah Nicholas late of 7, Kadiri Street, Surulere, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of December, 2008 Ramoni Sunmola late of 2, Ige Street, Shomolu Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of September, 1975.

Mrs Esther Oluyemisi Sanusi late of 7, Abayomi Talabi Street, Ojodu Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 20th day aof December, 2006 at Lagos.

Mr Olufemi Odeniyi late of 28, Adebanjo Street, Dopemu Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of July, 2007 at Lagos.

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NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

Mrs Victoria Omodele Amoje and Mrs Olukemi Adetoro both of 4, Oladipo Shode Street, Off Kayode Street, Onipanu two children of the said deceased.

Emmanuel Imoukhuede, Micah Imoukhuede and Mark Imoukhuede all of 32, Abina Street, Obele Odan, Randle Avenue, Surulere, Lagos,three of the children of the said deceased.

Oriade Olusola Coker and Abiola Adunni Coker both of 13, Oredunni Street, Iju , Lagos two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs M.I.Oluwole of 13, Akinola Street, Fadeyi , Mrs Taibat A. Adekoya of 83, Igbehinadun Street, Oshodi, Lagos and Mr Johnson Adekoya of 5, Alausa Street, Palmgrove Lagos, two widows and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Olanrewaju Adelaja and Mrs Taiye Adelaja both fo No. 9, Oduwole Close, Mile 12, Ketu, Lagos, father and mother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Felicia Garuba and Abdulazeez Garuba both of Unity Estate, Imude Era Road, Lagos, mother and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Caroline Iwuchukwu of 1, Itire Road, Mushin Lagos State , Mrs Ijeoma Augustine of 14, Bakare Street, Mushin Idiaraba, Lagos,and Mr Iwuchukwu Francis of 1, Itire Road, Mushin, Lagos State, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Eka Friday Umana of 13, Adeoye Street, Amukoko, Lagos, Rev. Christopher Ufot of 22, Osime Street, Sari Iganmu Orile, Lagos, and Miss Evelyn Umana of 13, Adeoye Street, Amukoko, Lagos, widow , one of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Uja Ogbonnaya Ogburu and Mr Faith Ogburu both of HLP, Ind. Along Ago Palace Way Okota, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Miss Anne Chigozie Mgbachi of 29, Agberin Street, Oworonshoki Lagos, and Mr Chinedu Raphael Mgbachi of 168, Isitu Road, Igando, Lagos, sister and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Adebola Sosanya (Nee Oni) and Ms Adesiyan Oni both of SW9/695, Ring Road, Ibadan, children of the said deceased.

Oyedeyi Ademola, Oyedeyi Comfort both of 8, Olorunshogo Street, Shomolu, Lagos Oyedeyi Folashade and Oyedeyi Bunmi both of 45, Iyala Street, Mushin , Lagos four of the children of the said deceased.

Tolulope Elizabeth Oguntuase of 3, Azeez Oleka Street, Ejigbo, Lagos and Mrs Eunice Adenike of 10, Okanlawon Street, off AIT Agbado, Lagos, widow and mother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Adanma Okafor, Chief Malachy Okafor and Chief Emmanuel Okafor all of 15, Yusuf Street, Oshodi, Lagos, widow and two brothers respectively of the said deceased.

Sam Alexander Sunday and George Sam Alexander both fo 3B, Karounwi Street, Ijesha Surulere, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Theresa Jatto (Mrs) , Augustine Jatto(Mr) , Mary Adeyemo (Nee Jatto) and Victoria Salako (Nee Jatto) all of 8, Ajoke Lewis Street, Oko Oba, Lagos, widow and three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Patience Adebowale Palmer and Mrs Folashade Olufunmilayo Tugbuyele (Nee Palmer) both of 2nd Avenue 205 Road, House 7, Festac Town, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased Mrs Regina Ugonwa and M ruche Ugonwa both of No. 4, Aikwalhedi Street, Sabo Ojo, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Prince Joseph Oluyemi Akinola and Nathaniel Babaniyi Akinola both of No. 13, Soore Close, Orile Agege, father and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Hajarat Sullayman, Idayat Sullayman and Adams Sullayman all of No. 27, Atanda Street, Mafoluku Oshodi, lagos, two children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Joadat Omidiya (Nee Bashorun) of No. 9, Oshogbo Street, Ijesha Surulere, and Mrs Arisat Sanusi of No. 34, Eric Emmanuel, Bode Thomas Surulere, Lagos, two sisters of the said deceased.

Miss Henrietta Etuko of 28, Muyibi Street, Aguda Ogba, Lagos, one of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Emily O. Adegbokun, Mrs Elizabeth A. Vetappen, Mrs Linda A.Olufawo and Mr Samuel Ayodipupo Adegbokun all of 2A, Johnson Street, Ikeja Lagos, widow and three children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Abigeal Ijeoma Amadi and Chief Jude O. Okere both of 5, Bale Street, Ilasamaja Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Benechi Ifeabunike of Plot 903, 1st Avenue By 15 Road, Festac and Mrs Uche Obi of No. 1, Odudu Lane, Ajegunle, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Odebudo Temilade Misilat and Fatimo Oluwakemi both of 47, Lawrence Adebiyi Ipaja, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Titi O. Balogun, Mrs Abiola M. Lanre Osanyin both of First Bank Nig. Plc, 35, Marina Lagos and Mr Kolawole O. Akintoye of Plot 2, Block 55, Oba Elegushi Road, Ikate Lekki, three of the children of the said deceased.

Mr Philip Olufunso Eniobamo and Mr Oluwadamilare Fajana both fo 15, Irokosu Street, Itire Road, Mushin, Lagos, widower and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Juliet Osenatu Matthew and Lawson Okhe Matthew both fo Maya Itele Agbaku Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mary Bisi Jegede and Michael Oyeniran both of 35, Ire Akari Road, Isolo, Lagos two of the children of the said deceased.

Abdulahi Tanko and Sanusi Mohammed both of 63, Oyadiran Estate, Sabo Yaba, the only child and nephew respectively of the said deceased.

Ndukwe Ezekiel Okorie and Ndukwe Jeremiah Iheadino both of 13, Adejumo Street, Meiran Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Eva Enninful and Charlotte Enninful both of 2, Olayeni Abiola Street, Ikeja, widow and the only child respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Justina David Udoisong, Mr Stpehen David Udoisong and Mr Idongesit David Udoison all of 26, Owodunni Street, Iwaya, Yaba, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Pius Bamidele and Mrs Eniola Kadara both of No. 18, Salako street, Magodo Isheri, Lagos, widower and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Sarah Ajiboye and Oluwasegun Ajiboye both of Plot 7, Giwa Sami Crescent, Ijoko otta Ogun State widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Mosunmola Olatidoye and Mrs Florence Adekola both of 4, Ayorinde Street, Bariga, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Aganbi Tom and Cyril Iruansi both of 7, Jibowu Street, Yaba, Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

Salawu Adewale and Salau Akeem both fo 13, Shakiru Street, Ifako Gbagada, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Godwin Odinma Ibe of No. 12, Kosoko Street, Ijesha Surulere, Lagos, and Mrs Sunday Amorgu of No. 7, Oju Kutimi Agbado Ijaiye brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Noah Esther and Noah Monday both of Block 583, Flat 1, Abesan Estate, Ipaja, Lagos two of the children of the said deceased.

Daisi Omonira and Micheal Omonira both of 4, Magbesa Street, Kirikiri , Town Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Anthonia Adawai and Mr Johnson Adawai both of 15, Oyekanmi Street, Olori Akute Town, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Raheem Olorunsola Alabi Aminu and Mrs Latifat Mosunmola Aminu Gbadamosi both of No. 11, Ojora Avenue Wemabod Estate Ikeja , widower and the only surviving child respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Doris Okungbowa and Osa Okungbowa both of 5, Dadayeye Street, Isolo, Lagos, widow and the only child respectively of the said deceased.

Alilu Zekeri Selifu and Chide Zekeri both of 16, Egbapeju Street, Shogunle Lagos, brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Grace Ugele , Lucky Ugele and Anthonia Ugele all of 8, Okanlahun Street, Lagos widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Adeyeye Beatrice Titi, Adeyeye Alex and Adeyeye Oyinlola all of Plot 1A, Pipeline Junction Aboru the widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Grace Ugberaese and Mr Emmanuel Eromosele Ugberaese both of 3, Ayonuga Street, Fadeyi , Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Sherifat Hassan and Jamiu Hassan both of 11, Sosami Street, Isawo Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Miss Alaran Tawakalitu Adeyinka and Alaran Akeem Adetayo both of No. 1, Abdulrasak Alaran Ave. Ajegunle Ikorodu, Lagos,t wo of the children of the said deceased.

Monday Adeyi and Jeremiah Adeyi both of 7, Odeyemi Street, Ikorodu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Alima Hope Esseson, Dupe Esseson, Danjuma Daniel Esseson all of 9, Jimoh Aigbe Street, Comm. Road Ikotun, Lagos, and Ibrahim Esseson of 2/4 Alh. Adoga Street, Merian , two widows and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Adeyemi Timothy Idowu and Mr Adedotun Paul Idowu both fo 27, Ogidan Street, Alake Bus Stop, Idimu , two of the children of the said deceased.

Bakare Sakirat and Mrs Adebowale Bakare both of 1B, Okun Street, Soluyi Ifako Gbagada, Lagos widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Knox Catherine Enyaele of 22, De-Young Shall Grow Road, off Navy Gate Salellite Town, and Thomas Ajia of Suit B 89 Abuja Shopping Mall Zone 3Wuse ,widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Kelvin Emeka Allison and Chinasa Allison both of Blk 215, Jakande Housing Estate Lekki Lagos, brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Mary Woodward and Felix Obazie both of 2, Kofoworola Sq. Off Omololu Road, Surulere, Lagos two of the chidren of the said deceased.

Mrs Francisca B. Popoola, Mr Kazeem Abiola Popoola and Miss Risikat Kemi Popoola all of 8 K & S Street, Abaranje Ikotun ,Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the sai deceased.

Samson Uduji and Ukamaka Uduji both of 17A, Salawu Lawal Street, Olodi Apapa Lagos, brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Sam Atasie and Mr Innocent Atasie both of 8B, Akinsola Close, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Akatakpo Omonofe Temiyemi of No. 1, Olutosin Street, Ajao Estate, Off Int’l Airport Road, and Akatakpo Emmanuel of No. 3, Adeola Emiola Crescent Iju Road, Agege, Lagos, the only child and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Miss Mosunmola Solabomi Fajorin and Mr Olumide Olutayo Fajorin both of 7, Eric Moore Street, Wemabod Estate, Ikeja, Lagos, two of the children of thesaid deceased.

Miss Yetunde Comfort Oguntuase and Mrs Abiodun Temitope Oguntuase both of 4, Badejoko Street, Ketu Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Mary Omatsola and Mr Temitope Wilkie both of Pilot Close, Games Village off Bode Thomas Surulere, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Amaka Ogbuagu, Miss Chindinma Ogbuagu and Mr Arinze Ogbuagu all of 6, Adewunmi Street, Off Pleasure Bus Stop, Aboru , Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Kingsley Dixon Ebong and Imeh Dixon Ebong both of Plot 10, William Ayameh Street, Oworonshoki, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Doris O. Aghedo, Mr Micheal O. Aghedo and Miss Lydia U. Aghedo all of Blk 55, Flat 1, LSDPC Estate, Ojokoro, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Nnamdi Azubike and Emmanuel Azubike both of 55, Sanusi Ijesha, Surulere, Lagos, two brothers sof the said deceased.

Sinatu Ogunyinka, Serifat Ogunyinka and Bashiru Ogunyinka all of 10, Agaran Street, Mushin, Lagos, two widows and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mary Akpoko Baba and Ogbeba Akpoko both fo 20, Ganiyu Street, Idimu, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Ademola Victoria Yinka and Mr Ademola Sunday Yemi both of 19, Saka Aremu Street, Igbo Elerin Okokomaiko, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

John Omololu Begg, Barry Ilemobola Begg, Brenda YewandeAsiodu and Maria Gbemisola Reberson , four children of the said deceased.

Mrs Juliana Alonge and Mr Ajibola Alonge both of 32,Atala Road, Mowe Ogun State widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Adline Akah, Igboahazia Emilia, Akah Uchenna and Akah Modesta all of 7, Kadiri Street, Surulere, Lagos, widow and three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Taibat Ramoni and Fasasi Ramoni both of 2, Ige Street, Shomolu, Lagos two of the children of the said deceased.

Timothy Ademola Sanusi and Durotoluwa Adeleke Sanusi both of 7, Abayomi Talabi Street, Ojodu Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Elizabeth A. Odeniyi and Olufemi Odeniyi both of 28B, Adebanjo Street, Dopemu, Agege, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

G.A SAFARI (MR.) PROBATE REGISTRAR

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 23-2-12

NSE recovers as investors hunt for dividends T

HE Nigerian stock market recovered yesterday as investors continued aggressive positioning in stocks with prospects for high dividend yields and capital appreciation with the short to medium terms.

The benchmark index at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the All Share Index (ASI), inched up from 20,313.36 points to 20,426.21 points. Aggregate market capitalisation of all equities also increased from N6.402 trillion to N6.437 trillion.

Investors traded 358.424 million shares worth N1.706 billion across 3,902 deals.

The Financial Services sector recorded 290.135 million shares worth N1.212 billion followed by the Consumer Goods with 51.339 million shares worth N381.574 million in 760 deals.

Other actively traded sectors were Oil & Gas and Conglomerates with 4.347 million shares and 4.227 million

Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

shares respectively.

On the price movement tables, 42 equities witnessed price change with 28 appreciating while the remaining 14 reduced in values. Chemical and Allied Product led the gainers’ table with an increase of 72 kobo to close at N15.12 followed by Skye Bank with a gain of 19 kobo to close at N4. Also on the table were Zenith Bank, First Bank, NASCON, Bagco, Custodian Insurance, GT Assurance, UBA and Ikeja Hotel.

On the losers’ table, Chevron led with a drop of N2.16 to close at N41.23. It was followed by Eterna with a drop of 20 kobo to close at N3.92.

Others slackers included Nestle Nigeria, Honeywell Flour, Vitafoam and Lafarge Cement WAPCO among others.

Meanwhile, the board of

directors of Nigerian Breweries (NB) Plc has recommended a dividend per share of N3 as the company prepares to release its audited report and accounts for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Market sources said the market recovery was supported by the announcement of dividend by NB. At current levels the proposed dividend implies a dividend yield of 3.1 per cent.

Some analyst said the company might give out 60 per cent out of the profit recorded by the company just as it did in its 2010 financials.

Analysts had estimated a payout per share of N2.79 based on a payout ratio of 60 per cent, similar to that seen in 2010. Since 2005, NB paid out most of its earnings in dividend but the ratio moved down in 2010 to 60 per cent after two consecutive years of modest earnings per share growth.

There are expectations that there would be a modest reaction from the market towards closure date. Analysts said they expect to see more buying interests. The company has proposed a closure date of March 17, 2012 and payment date of May 15, 2012.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 23-2-12

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

55

MONEY LINK

Workers’ entitlements rise on new tax law

T

HE signing into law of the Personal Income Tax (PIT) Bill 2011 has enhanced workers’ disposable income, analysts have said.

The PIT bill passed into law last December and currently being implemented has consolidated taxpayers’ relief allowance and achieved uniformity in the assessment of taxable persons.

Chairman of Publicity and Publications of West African Union of Tax Institutes (WAUTI), Chukwuemeka Eze yesterday confirmed these developments to The Nation, saying the new PIT has simplified the process of arriving at the personal income tax payable by individuals. He said it has replaced the various tax-free

By Collins Nweze

allowances and personal relief granted under the principal Act. Speaking ahead of WAUTI conference holding next Tuesday in Lagos, he said the relief granted workers under the new regime included a personal allowance of N5, 000 plus 20 per cent of earned income, with earned income defined as gross income in the main Act and basic salary under the Pay as You Earn (PAYE) regulations. This contradicts N30, 000 tax-free allowances per annum previously applied, even as those earning below this amount still have to pay 0.5 per cent tax on their incomes.

According to him, other reliefs

World Bank opens Kenya office

T

HE centre is to render finan cial support and expertise work for poor and vulnerable people living in fragile countries.

A statement from the World Bank said “the centre will also help to establish a stronger community of practice and knowledge-sharing across the worldwide network of practitioners who work on development issues confronting fragile and conflictaffected countries.”

The bank said that more than 30 countries, mostly in Africa, are affected by conflict and that its new centre in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, will allow the Bank to provide their communities with more flexible, transparent help.

At its opening ceremony in Nairobi, the Bank said the world is now witnessing a number of countries that are navigating their way

By Nduka Chiejina

out of war and conflict countries such as Sierra Leone, Liberia, Timor Leste, and Bosnia, by resuming education, health, and other key social services, and creating stable, elected governments, which in turn have drawn development support and local and foreign investors. However, according to the Bank, millions of people across Africa, South Asia, and other regions still face perilous, isolated, lives in war-torn situations.

“Political and criminal violence should not be the chains that shackle people for life. We know violence knows no borders. We know the impact of violence can last generations,” said Dr. Caroline Anstey, the World Bank’s Managing Director for Operations, who officially opened the Nairobi centre.

granted workers currently include N100,000 rent subsidy, N15,000 transport allowance, N5,000 meal subsidy, N10,000 utility allowance, N6,000 entertainment allowance and leave grant to the tune of 10 per cent annual basis salary. These old reliefs do not make sense anymore.

The tax expert explained that the bill provides a better tax rate for income tax payers across the country. “The new law ensures that workers have to pay tax at the rate of seven per cent on the first N300,000 of their annual salaries, 11

per cent on the next N300,000, 15 per cent on the next N500,000 and 19 per cent on the next N500,000.

The following N1.6 million would be taxed at the rate of 21 per cent, on the next N3.2 million and above would attract 24 per cent,” he said.

Kunle Olugbemi, tax consultant said the passage of the bill remained an improvement on the current regime, where workers are paying five per cent tax on their first N30, 000 per annum, 10 per cent on the next N30, 000 and thereafter the first and second

instalments of N50, 000 that follow are liable to tax valued at 15 per cent and 20 per cent respectively.

Principally, section (5), sub-section (1) of the Act states: “There shall be allowed a consolidated relief allowance of N200, 000 subject to a minimum of 1 per cent of Gross Income or whichever is higher plus 20 percent of the Gross Income and the balance shall be taxable in accordance with the Income table in the Sixth Schedule to this Act.’

W

emails among other means to make their complaints, which will be attended to immediately. He said the 50-seater centre is to assist the bank in addressing all customer complaints as quickly as possible, thereby meeting the changing needs of the customers.

“The Contact Centre is an indication of our total commitment to satisfying our customers at all times.

We have set up this contact centre to act as a hub for inbound and outbound communication with our customers in order to listen, be engaged and attend to your every

need in a prompt manner,” he said.

Oloketuyi said the bank has also introduced e-website to drive online services to customers and also reiterated the institution’s commitment to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Bankers’ Committee’s drive towards cashless economy.

The bank CEO said the bank has stabilised, adding that beyond recapitalising the bank, it is now in a position to compete favourable.

He said the bank has invested in personnel and recruited new hands to strengthen its processes.

Wema improves service with Contact Centre

EMA Bank Plc yesterday, unveiled a Contact Centre to boost its drive for improved customer services.

Group Managing Director, Wema Bank Plc, Segun Oloketuyi said the need to satisfy customers at all time and compete favourable in the market prompted the bank to set up the facility.

He said the new drive at improved customer services explains the bank’s total commitment to satisfy customers.

The bank chief said customers are expected to make calls, send SMS,

Skye Bank takes funds transfer offshore

I

non account holders.

Speaking yesterday at the formal launch of the service in Lagos, the bank’s Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, said the new offering is convenient, secure, cost effective, fast and reliable. He added that the service enhances the security of the transfer via the use of scratch cards.

According to him, the service which is a dollar denominated one,

N order to boost trade and fa cilitate payment in the West African sub region, Skye Bank Plc has introduced a funds transfer service within its network of subsidiaries in Nigeria, The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

The new funds transfer service, known as African Payment Service, is available in all the bank’s branches in Nigeria and in the countries where it has presence, and is open to both account and

FGN BONDS

DATA BANK

Tenor

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

7.9-10% 10-11%

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

Year Start Offer

CAP SKYEBANK ZENITHBANK FIRSTBANK NASCON BAGCO CUSTODYINS GTASSURE UBA IKEJAHOTEL LIVESTOCK FIDSON

14.40 3.81 12.50 11.50 3.65 1.64 1.45 1.29 2.17 1.38 0.93 0.71

C/PRICE

15.12 4.00 13.12 12.07 3.83 1.72 1.52 1.35 2.27 1.44 0.97 0.74

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

43.39 4.12 441.00 2.33 3.46 42.60 0.75 0.76 7.27 1.20 3.78

C/PRICE

41.23 3.92 420.00 2.22 3.31 40.80 0.72 0.73 7.00 1.18 3.75

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

BANK (S/N)

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

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 1.00 121.14 98.48 0.76 1.04 0.88 1,667.03 8.24 1.39 1.87 7,229.15 193.00

9.08 1.00 121.00 98.24 0.73 1.04 0.87 1,664.47 7.84 1.33 1.80 7,040.23 191.08

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

CHANGE

2.16 0.20 21.00 0.11 0.15 1.80 0.03 0.03 0.27 0.02 0.03

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

NIGERIA INTER

CHANGE

0.72 0.19 0.62 0.57 0.18 0.08 0.07 0.06 0.10 0.06 0.04 0.03

NSE CAP Index

LOSER AS AT 23-2-12

CHEVRON ETERNAOIL NESTLE HONYFLOUR VITAFOAM WAPCO CONTINSURE NSLTECH NAHCO RTBRISCOE DANGSUGAR

Rate (N)

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD

Parallel Market O/PRICE

Current Before

(S/N)

GAINERS AS AT 23-2-12 SYMBOL

Exchange

Sold ($)

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Currency

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount

EXHANGE RATE 26-08-11

INTERBANK RATES OBB Rate Call Rate

Amount

Offered ($) Demanded ($)

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

is devoid of exchange rate volatility and does not attract hidden charges. He noted that the service would help in promoting trade on the African continent; particularly along the West Africa sub-region.

On the benefits of the service to the customers, the bank chief said the risks associated with physical carrying of cash as well as the possibility of theft and harassments by border guards would be eliminated.

• AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 24 Aug, 2011 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 26, Aug, 2011 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous

Current

04 July, 2011

07, Aug, 2011

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

56

NEWS Trouble looms in Edo PDP From Osagie Otabor, Benin

T

HERE is tension in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State as some governorship aspirants have raised the alarm that the party leadership wants to skew the process in favour of a preferred candidate.

Some aspirants, who spoke to The Nation yesterday, said they were mobilising to resist the move to ensuring that their preferred candidate emerged.

The aspirants, who pleaded for anonymity, said the decision of the party leadership to use 18 ballox boxes for the conduct of the primaries was to manipulate and intimidate delegates from voting for their choice candidate.

They also alleged that the party leadership was coercing delegates to vote for the party’s choice and warned of severe consequences, if the process were manipulated.

Five aspirants are expected to participate in tomorrow’s primaries to be held at the Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin.

The five aspirants are Matthew Iduoriyikemwen, Prof Oserhiemen Osunbor, Gen Charles Airhiavbere, Kenneth Imansuagbon, and Prof. Julius Ihonhvere.

Tribunal dismisses Omehia’s, APGA’s petition T

HE petition filed by the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Rivers State, Celestine Omehia and his party at the reconstituted Election Petition Tribunal in Port Harcourt, was yesterday dismissed.

Omehia is challenging the declaration of Governor Rotimi Amaechi and his deputy, Tele Ikuru of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as winners of the April 26 election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The petition was dismissed based on Amaechi and Ikuru’s fresh application at the tribunal, following the striking out of paragraphs 10 (1 to 25) & 12.

These paragraphs contained criminal allegations against individuals and security agencies.

The tribunal also relied on the February 17 judgment of

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

the Supreme Court, which ruled out a fresh tribunal, after the expiration of 180 days, of filing a petition.

Justice Abdulahi Mohammed Liman said it would amount to “gross judicial impudence” to close their eyes to the judgment of the apex court, in line with the country’s constitution.

Liman said: “The tribunal must not fail to obey the law.

The judgment of the Supreme Court of February 17 is very clear, that the petition must not be retried after 180 days.

It is the law and must be obeyed to the letter.

Amaechi and Ikuru’s counsel Ifedayo Adedipe(SAN) called the attention of the tribunal to the fresh application filed by his clients, seeking the dismissal of the petition,

in line with Section 256 (6) of the constitution.

He said last Friday’s judgment of the Supreme Court affirmed the victories of Borno and Zamfara states governors, and insisted that the 180 days could not be extended by any court order.

PDP’s lead counsel Ighodalo Imapegbelo and INEC’s Emmanuel Ukala supported Adedipe.

Omehia and APGA’s counsel James Ezike referred the tribunal to another Supreme Court judgment of November 14 in the suit filed by the governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Benue State, Prof. Steve Ugbah, against the PDP and others.

Ezike said the apex court held that Ugbah’s petition should be retried on its merit, even after the expiration of

the 180 days stipulated by the Electoral Act(2010).

The counsel said: “We are here for the continuation of hearing. If the respondents are not ready to call their witnesses, I will move a motion for judgment.

“The submissions of the counsel to the respondents, especially on the February 17 judgment of the Supreme Court should be ignored, since it is in conflict with the November 14 last year’s judgment of the same court. The tribunal should stand by the truth.”

After the ruling, the lead counsel to the respondents lauded the judges for doing a good job and effectively contributing to the nation’s jurisprudence, but Ezike, who also thanked the tribunal members, called for constitutional amendment, in order to always ensure justice and not to deny litigants and other Nigerians their rights to fair hearing.

Civil servants aid politicians to commit fraud, says Amaechi

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OR every fraud committed by a political office holder, no fewer than five civil servants participated in it, Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi said yesterday.

Amaechi spoke at the compliance training for chief ex-

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

ecutive officers of ministries, departments and agencies, organised by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) in Abuja.

Former Chief Justice of Ni-

geria Muhammad Uwais presented the keynote address.

Represented by Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru, Amaechi advised public officers to see their positions as “ a sacred opportunity to serve and create avenues for them to actualise their dreams.

To tackle corruption, Amaechi, the chairman of the Nigeria’s Governors Forum, suggested “an inter-agency, intergovernmental and across-board information sharing mechanism that would render the diversion of public funds difficult and checkmate corruption”.

According to him, if the civil servants are ready to join in the fight against corruption, it will be extremely difficult for politicians to steal in office.

“If it is a ministry, there is no one that will release the money other than the chief accounting officer who is the Permanent Secretary.

“If a minister asks you to bring money and you ask

Ogoja-Ikom road for repair From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

T

HE Federal Government has flagged off rehabilitation of the

52km Ogoja-Ikom road in Cross River State.

The road, which is one of the roads to be rehabilitated under the Federal Roads Development Project, is supported by the World Bank and African Development Bank.

The Minister of Works, Mike Onelememen, said the Federal Government embarked on the rehabilitation of the road as part of the ongoing Bamenda(Cameroon)Ikom road sponsored by the World Bank.

Onelememen said: “The 52km road, which costs N6.37 billion, falls in line with President Goodluck Jonathan’s development plan of improving the transportation system.”

The contractor, PW Nigeria Ltd, has promised to deliver an excellent work within the agreed 24 months.

The Acting Governor, Larry Odey, hailed the Federal Government for embarking on the rehabilitation.

Odey, represented by the Commissioner for Lands, Bassey Oqua, said the road, which was constructed over 35 years ago, needed to be rehabilitated to boost transportation.

Rites for Enahoro’s wife begins •Amaechi

him to explain the purpose and he tells you don’t worry, you can tell him it is wrong.

“The worst he can do is to transfer you out, he can’t sack you,” he stressed.

The CCB Chairman, Sam Saba, advised public officers to adhere to the provisions of the Code of Conduct as provided in the constitution.

Justice Uwais listed the implication of non-compliance to include, “vacation of office, disqualification from holding public office for a period up to 10 years, seizure and forfeiture of any property acquired in abuse or corruption of office.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

T

HE rites for the wife of the late Anthony Enahoro, Helen, who died of cancer on January 28, began yesterday with a vigil mass.

The funeral activities released by the family showed that a mass will hold today at the St Paul Catholic Church on Airport Road in Benin.

The late Mrs. Enahoro, who died at 79, will be interred after the immediately.

The activities will end on Sunday with a thanksgiving at the Saint Paul’s Catholic Church.

Dickson calls for Ijaw unity AYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson yesterday called on Ijaws to be part of the state’s developmental process.

He spoke yesterday at the Ijaw Day Celebrations in Yenagoa, the state capital.

“Bayelsa is the Jerusalem of all Ijaw people. This is your home regardless of whereever you reside.

“On occasions like this, I don’t want to pretend; this government is Ijaw National Congress (INC) government.

“We are going to have lots of interactive

B

sessions like this, this is what our past leaders like Chief DSP Alamieseigha , President Goodluck Jonathan worked for and we will continue with it,” he added.

He announced that an Ijaw Political Committee will be set up to drum up more support for the President.

“We will reduce cost of governance beginning from the Government House.

“I know it will be difficult to adjust, and it will be painful, but it will be good to take such decisions to the betterment of the state and Ijaw nation.”

Commission warns against frivolous objections

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HE Commission of Enquiry set by the Delta State Government to probe the crisis, which rocked Uzere community in Isoko South yesterday commenced sitting.

The Chairman, Justice S. A. Ehiwario, warned that the commission will not entertain any frivolous objections and applications.

He said it would ensure that all parties are given fair

From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

hearing.

His words: ‘’As you all know, Uzere civil disturbance took place on November 2.

“The crisis caused tremendous psychological trauma and financial loss to the people.

“The commission will ascertain the role played by

persons or institutions responsible for the crisis and make appropriate recommendations to the authority for prompt action.”

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Charles Ajuya, pleaded the cooperation of all stakeholders, assuring them that all finding from the commission will be implemented by the government.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

57

•Uduaghan with the recipients at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba... yesterday.

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HE Delta State Government has awarded scholarships to 412 undergraduate and post graduate students.

The government, however, warned the National Association of Delta State Students to stop threatening government officials.

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan gave the warning while presenting a N74 million cheque to the Chairman of the State Scholarship Board, Buchi Aninye.

He said the government would not tolerate any act of intimidation from any student un-

NAFDAC destroys N280m drugs From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

T

HE National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), yesterday destroyed fake and counterfeit products estimated at N280million in Anambra State.

The agency’s DirectorGeneral, Paul Orhii, said the products ranged from fake drugs, cosmetics and food products seized from importers, manufacturers and distributors.

Others were products voluntarily handed over to NAFDAC by associations and companies in the Southeast.

He said: “Proliferation of counterfeit drugs has caused loss of confidence in our health system, treatment failure, development of resistance, prolonged hospital admission and untimely death.

“There will be no sacred cows in our fight against counterfeiting of regulated products,.

“NAFDAC will not hesitate to take any action deemed necessary to ensure that the lives of the citizenry are protected.”

Orhii, who was represented by the Director of Enforcement, Garba Macdonald, hailed the government for providing a place for the destruction.

Some of the products destroyed included Visita, Zental, Cubit, Boomfit, Besure, Paracetamol, Adomet, Cipromed, Conflu, Lizophage, Augmentin, Lexotan, Artesunate among others in their cartons.

Scholarships for 412 Delta students ion body.

The governor said the administration would deal with any union creating problems for the state.

Uduaghan said the government was committed to the development of human capital.

His words: “This programme is to ensure that our youths do not use the excuse of financial difficulty to prevent them from going to school and

attaining their God-given potentials.”

Uduaghan said the scholarship process was transparent and based purely on merit.

He said there was no agreement tied to the scholarship, stressing that the awardees were not under obligation to work for government after their study.

The governor urged them to be good ambassadors of the state, advising that they should always project the image of the state positively.

Court refuses to stop Cross River election

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N Abuja Federal High Court yesterday refused to stop tomorrow’s Cross River governorship election.

Justice Abdul Kafarati refused to grant an interlocutory application by the All Nigeria People Party (ANPP) and its governorship candidate, Dr. Oboi Patrick Okomiso, seeking to stop the election.

The court, however, joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, former Governor Liyel Imoke as second and third respondents.

The plaintiffs were seeking an order restraining the Independent National Elec-

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

toral Commission (INEC) from conducting tomorrow’s governorship election.

They claimed that the date of the election is in breach of Section 30 of the Electoral Act as amended.

Although their counsel, Ajibola Oluyede, sought to move his motion on notice served on INEC, the commission’s Head of Legal Unit, Ibrahim Bawa, argued that the motion was not ripe for hearing.

Consequently, the court declined to hear the plaintiffs’ motion or give any injunctive order stopping the

poll, despite arguments by Oluyede that the matter is a constitutional one.

When it was clear to Oluyede that the court would not give any restraining order against INEC, he told the court that the principle of jurisprudence would be brought to bear on any further action taken by the commission that touches on the subject matter of litigation.

Replying, Bawa said: “Section 87 (11) of the Electoral Act says the court has no power to stop INEC from conducting an election.

“The plaintiffs are indirectly telling the court to ignore the rule by asking it to restrain INEC from going

ahead with the Saturday’s election in Cross River state”, he added.

Adjourning further hearing on the matter till March 19, Justice Abdul Kafarati directed that the new parties be put on notice and refused plaintiffs’ application for the status quo to be maintained.

The plaintiffs had argued that conducting the election tomorrow instead of the April 14 earlier fixed is illegal and unconstitutional.

According to them, the new date is in conflict with the mandatory timetable set by the Electoral Act for submission of names and addresses of party candidates for that election.

Ngige dismisses Akunyili’s claims

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HE Director of Media, Ngige Campaign Organisation, Charles Amilo, has described Prof Dora Akunyili’s statements following her defeat at the Electoral Petitions Tribunal as a howler.

Mrs. Akunyili described Ngige’s victory at the tribunal as one based on technicalities.

Speaking in Awka, Amilo dismissed her allegation as a fallacy.

He said: “First, how can she dismiss a law that has constitutional backing as a mere technicality?

“The constitution is supe-

rior to any person or issue and the Supreme Court decided to abide by its tenets when it ruled that 180 days’ time limit as enshrined in Section 285(6) cannot be extended.

“It is a ruling which Nigerians both at home and abroad have hailed the judiciary for .

What Nigerians don’t know, is that this is a woman who after filing her petition began travelling abroad on the pretext of one medical checkup or the other.

“Even when she returned rather than attend to the court matter, she de-

liberately attempted to stall the tribunal proceedings.

“On two occasions when the tribunal had formally began sitting, she applied for an adjournment.

“The first dismissal of her case in early October which resulted from her failing to file the required Form 008 which is simply a list of the number of your witnesses goes to show the level of her unpreparedness.

“Anambra people and Nigerians are beginning to be disgusted at Mrs. Akunyili’s refusal to accept defeat and let peace reign. “ What more does she

O

From Ogbonnaya Obinna, Abakaliki

ance (APGA) Jarry Obasi made this known yesterday.

The duo said the body of the late Igbo leader is expected to arrive in the state on Wednesday.

Obasi said: “APGA is playing a leading role in Ojukwu’s funeral because he was our national leader.

“We believe so much in him and now that he is dead, we must give him and the family all the respect and support they need.

“We have organised a symposium and lecture on the life and time of our late leader.

“We asked that all markets, shops and motor parks remain close during the visit as a mark of respect to him and they have assured us that they

From Ugochukwu Eke, Umuahia

ABIA State Governor Theodore Orji has condemned the attitude of some doctors in the state’s employ who divert patients to their private clinics.

He spoke in Umuahia when a delegation of Nigeria Medical Students Association (NIMSA) visited him. He was awarded the 2011 NIMSA Health Personality Award.

Orji said the harmful practice if unchecked would deny the poor access to medical services.

The governor advised the students to utilise their intelligence to excel in their career to justify the huge investments in them.

He said: “Medicine is a profession you do with diligence. It is not a profession of making money unlike these days where doctors jump into establishing clinics in most cases at the detriment of their patients.

“You stay one hour in government hospital and you stay 10 hours in your private clinic. You take all the patients from government hospital and put them in your clinic and give them heavy bills, while your job at government hospital suffers.”

Enugu warns against govt number plates

•Ngige

want? She contested an election with the Senator and lost twice, even with the rigging and forms of intimidation that ook place during both elections.”

MASSOB, APGA to mobilise 50,000 for Ojukwu VER 30,000 people will receive the body of the late Biafran warlord, Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, at the Abakaliki Township Stadium.

The Director of Information, Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Uchenna Madu and the Ebonyi State Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alli-

Orji advises doctors

would comply with the directive.”

The APGA Chairman displayed the uniform for the funeral and called on MASSOB members to comport themselves to avoid confrontations with the police.

Madu said MASSOB members would appear in ‘Ojukwu uniform’, adding that there is an agreement with security agencies for corporation.

THE Enugu State Government has directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute violators of the current ban on the unauthorised use of government number plates and other insignia.

A statement by the Chief Security Officer to Governor Sullivan Chime, Fidelis Ogarabe, said security agencies are also to impound the vehicles used by the offenders.

He noted that certain unauthorised persons, especially former officials of government have continued to use government number plates and other insignia on their vehicles, despite warnings to desist from such act.

Ogarabe stressed that the prohibition on the unauthorized use of government number plates had become more imperative in the light of the serious security challenges facing the nation today.

He warned that no exemptions will be made in the enforcement of the ban.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

58

NEWS Medical students decry non-accreditation of school

Fire guts Suswam’s house From Uja Emmanuel, Majurdi

T

he house of Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam was yesterday gutted by fire.

The house is located in highbrow HUDCO Quarters in Makurdi, the state capital.

The cause of the inferno was not immediately known, but eyewitnesses said they noticed smoke rising from the building about 3 pm.

“We immediately called the fire fighters who responded quickly and put out the fire, preventing it from spreading to the main building.”

Deputy Governor Steven Lawani and some top government officials were seen inspecting the building.

Suswam is reportedly in Abuja on an official assignment.

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

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•Suswam’s house...yesterday

NUJ seeks duty-free importation for newsprint This is to inform the general public

PUBLIC NOTICE

that the person hitherto known as ELIJAH OLADELE AWOTUYI no longer has any biological right to parade the name.

Anyone who transacts any dealing with him in and on behalf of AWOTUYI does so at his/her own risk.

P

RESIDENT of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mallam Mohammed Garba, has urged the Federal Government to allow dutyfree importation of newsprint to bail out ailing media establishments.

Garba made the appeal at the corporate headquarters of Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation.

According to him, the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Guild of Editors and Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) should meet other stakeholders in the media to discuss with the Federal Government on how to bail out the media industry.

Garba, who is on a five-day tour of media establishments in Lagos State, said the union introduced the personal insurance scheme for journalists to give them a sense of belonging and provide the platform to fall back on when their services are no longer required.

He urged members to buy into the scheme, which has little premium of N6, 750 with high compensation of N1.5 million in case of any eventuality.

The Online Editor, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin, who received the NUJ team on behalf of the Managing

•NUJ President Mallam Mohammed Garba...yesterday PHOTO: DAYO ADEWUNMI

By Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu

Director, Mr. Victor Ifijeh, enjoined the union not to relent in its efforts towards ensuring improved productivity for journalists.

The Deputy Editor News, Mr. Niyi Adesina, said insurance of journalists should be taken seriously.

EDICAL students of the Benue State University (BSU) Makurdi, yesterday protested at the Government House, Makurdi over nonaccreditation of their school by the Nigeria Medical and Dental Council.

The over 200 students marched from the Medical School on Gboko Road through Wurukum Roundabout to the Government House.

They were addressed by the Deputy Governor Steven Lawani, who assured them that government would look into their grievances.

Leader of the students Comrade Innocent Abah told the deputy governor that for nine years none of them has graduated because the medical school has not been accredited.

According to him, the Nigeria Medical and Dental Council gave BSU three months from last September to complete the accreditation “We are worried because the way things are going, we may lose accreditation after spending nine years as medical students. The only option is for our institution to post us to an accredited medical school to complete our course,” Abah said.

Why elections are violent, by Igini From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

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HE Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Cross River State, Mike Igini has attributed violence in elections to parties’ lack of trust in the electoral umpire.

Speaking at a forum organised by the Inter-Party Advisory Party ahead of tomorrow’s election in the state, Igini said in the past, electoral umpires were more like instruments for putting some people into power.

The forum’s theme is: “Cross River 2012: Need for credible non-violent election to sustain national peace.”

According to the REC, when people have the feeling that their votes would not count, they would resist it.

He said they have tried to put a new template as symbolised by the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, who he described as a man of integrity.

His words: “From the day we came in, we have made it clear that INEC would not give ballot papers to anyone and nobody would see result sheets before the election.

“We who count the vote should not be more important than those who cast the vote. We pledge to be free and fair. There would be total implementation of the rules freely and fairly. There would be no big party or small party. That is the template. That is why in the last election in the state there was peace.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

59

NEWS Investiture on Sunday

Fayemi’s lawyer petitions CJN Continued from Page 2

“The decision to constitute a new panel of Court of Appeal Justices for the purpose of hearing the application amounts, without doubt, to administratively setting aside the decision of the panel that sat in March, 2011 and ruled that the application would follow the outcome of the decision of the NJC on the petition of Segun Oni against the Justices that delivered the judgment under discourse.

“At whatever event, there is no reason to set up a different panel from the one that adjourned the application sine die in March, 2011 on the understanding that the application would be determined by the outcome of the panel set up by the National Judicial Council.

Whatever number of those Justices available now could sit to formally pronounce the verdict of striking out or dismissal of the application for review of judgment as a consequential order to the decision given in March, 2011.

“One is unfortunately compelled to wonder if the setting

up of a new panel of Justices is a subtle design to circumvent the decision of the panel of March, 2011 with a view to actualising the much vaunted plot and premeditated agenda to set aside the judgment of October 15, 2010 and subvert the course of justice in the dubious quest of Segun Oni and his political cronies to illegitimately railroad back into the Ekiti State Government House?

“There can be no controversy about the fact that Segun Oni has exposed the Nigerian judiciary to sufficient ridicule all because of his being a bad loser. It is high time he was called to order. The least that can be done is for the judiciary itself to put paid to his chicanery forthwith.

“Your Lordship, one does not have to be a clairvoyant to see that the dimension this matter is taking signposts an avoidable potential tragedy for the judiciary in this country. It is a cardinal principle of our judicial system that there should be an end to litigation.

Allowing a new panel to sit over the application of Segun

Oni with the possibility of giving that application a new lease of life for whatever purpose, doubtless, runs against the grain of that cardinal principle.

“It is to be recalled that in the case of Ukachukwu v. Uba (2004) 10 NWLR (PT. 881) 294, an application brought for the review of the judgment of the same Court of Appeal also in respect of an election petition on ground of corruption of the Justices that gave the judgment was dismissed on the ground that the judgment could not be revisited. Interestingly enough, that was a case in which two of the Justices that gave the judgment had been found guilty of financial misconduct and dismissed. In our own case, their Lordships that gave the judgment were exonerated on the accusations against them.

“The relevant issue here is that with the benefit of such a precedent in our jurisprudence, there is absolutely no reason why the Acting President of the Court of Appeal should dignify the application of Segun Oni with any hear-

NAFDAC uncovers fake anointing oil

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HE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered an alleged maker of fake Goya Olive oil.

The discovery of the shop in Oja-tutu in the the Kwara State capital followed a twoday enforcement by the agency.

By Joseph Jibueze

NAFDAC said it acted on report of a possible faking of Napal brand of vegetable oil (250ml), which is being sold to the public as Goya Olive oil.

The agency said its regulatory officers met the suspects illegally removing

and relabelling different brands as well as unbranded vegetable oil products with fake Goya Olive oil labels.

An Assistant Director in NAFDAC office, Ilorin, Mrs. Roseline Ajayi, who led the operation said the exercise was to mop-up the fake oil products in circulation.

ing by a new Panel of Justices.

If anything, he should have just been administratively communicated that with the dismissal of his petition by the National Judicial Council, the bottom had been knocked from the application in Court.

That would have been in tandem with the decision reached by the Panel that adjourned the application sine die in March, 2011.

“Significantly, your Lordship avowed a desire to salvage the judiciary from the precipice when your Lordship assumed the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria. This case offers a litmus test of that avowal. The decision of the Acting President of the Court of Appeal to set up a new panel to hear a most frivolous and vexatious application is a metaphor for an ill wind that can never blow the Nigerian Judiciary, nay the entire polity, any good.

“It is, however, reassuring that your Lordship lately admirably and dutifully intervened to nip in the bud a similar attempt to besmear the judiciary in the case of Uba v.

Nzeribe. With due respect, there is a clarion call on your Lordship to do an encore of that noble effort in respect of this matter.

“All said, your Lordship is humbly urged to prevail on the Acting President of the Court of Appeal to disband the panel and administratively put paid to the application.

This is what the interest of justice and the good image of the judiciary dictate.”

•Makinde

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HE Nigerian Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NIEEE), a division of The Ni-

gerian Society of Engineers will on Sunday decorate Mr Adekunle Makinde, an engineer as the 15th chairman of the organisation.

The event, scheduled to take place at Lekki Oxford Hotels, Lekki, Lagos will be chaired

by Head, Glo 1, Mr Folu Aderibigbe, also an engineer and Executive Director, Human resources, Globacom, Mr Adewale Sangowawa as guest of honour.

Seminar on Intelligent Buildings

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SEMINAR to enlighten building consultants, architects, contractors and real estate managers on how to connect all low voltage systems in a building or on a campus using a common structured cabling system will hold in Lagos on February 29.

Organised by Hafol Resources Limited, the seminar is tagged: “Intelligent Build-

ings: ICT Approach to Connected Real Estate”, and holds at the Ocean View Restaurant, Victoria Island.

A statement by Fola Sogbesan, CEO of Hafol Resources, said ICT industry giants, such as Cisco, HP, and Commscope will make presentations, adding that all those who may need to implement and utilize ICT infrastructure as part of their environment would benefit by attending.

Mrs Vaughan buried

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ASTOR Mrs Elsie Arinola Vaughan is dead. She was the wife of Pastor Zacheus Ayo Vaughan of Lagos State Ministry of Information.

Described as a dutiful Christian by Special Apostle S. F. Korode of the Cherubim and Seraphim, Mrs. Vaughan was buried recently in Lagos.

Funeral for woman

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ADAM Alice Bolatito Oyewole is dead. She was 75.

Madam Oyewole was the last surviving of the late Pa Isaiah Adeoye Oyewole of Ile-Ode, Itutaba, Ibadan.

He remains will be interned on April 27, after a funeral service at the Methodist Church Cathedral of Light, Agodi, Ibadan.

The burial service will be preceeded by a Christian wakekeep on April 26 at the Oyewole family house, N5a/260B, Ajibodu Quarters, Ile Ode, Itubaba, Ibadan.

60

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, IKEJA DIVISION FEBRUARY, 2012

WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column. AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second column here have applied to the High Court Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties o the deceased. NOTICES IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) day from the date hereof.

S/N 1.

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NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON:

S/N

Christiana Labake Ogunjobi (Otherwise known as Mrs Labake Christiana Ogunjobi) late of 151, Apapa Road, Ebute Metta Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of May , 2001 at Lagos.

Akinola Olawale Ogunjobi late of 10, Oyeyinka Arut, Ikotun, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of June, 1996 at Lagos.

Ajani Emmanuel Ayodeji (Otherwise known as Ajayi Ayodeji Emmanuel ) late of 52, Campbell Street, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of May, 2009 at Lagos.

Mr Cole Samuel Olujimi late of Block 156, Flat 3, Alaka Estate Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of April, 2010 Mr Akindele Olusola Emmanuel (Otherwise known as Mr Akindele Olushola Emmanuel ) late of No. 1, Bankole Street, Mosafejo Aradagun Badagry, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of May, 2011 at Lagos.

Ogunseye Segun (Mr) (Otherwise known as Ogunseye Segun) late of 43, Ogungbe Street, Ajegunle Apapa, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of April, 2008 at Edo State.

Mrs Egbuchu Eucharia Nwakaego (Otherwise known as Mrs Egubuchu Eucharia Nwakaego) late of No. 14, Ilamoye Street, Ijeshatedo Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of July, 2011.

Rev. E.A.Akinyele (Otherwise known as Emmanuel Ayodele Akinyele) late of E11, Flat 82, CBN Estate, Alakija, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of November, 2010 at Lagos.

Rosalia Olaronke Fatola (Otherwise known as Fatola Olaronke Rosalia and Fatola Rosalia) late of Block 378, Flat 4, Abesan Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of May, 2011 at General Hospital Ikeja.

Akande Victoria Olajumoke (Otherwise known as Mrs Akande Olajumoke) late of 18, Shokunbi Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of August, 2010 at Nigeria Army Ref. Hospital Yaba, Lagos.

Mr Saka Adio Gbadamosi (Otherwise known as Saka Gbadamosi A.G.) late of 172, Unity Close, Adealu Bus Stop Iyana Ipaja, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of October, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr Gabriel Oseghale (Otherwise known as Oseghale Gabriel) late of No. 1, Fasali Street, Abaranje Ikotun Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of August, 2009 at Lagos.

Alhaji Abdulkareem Folarin Adebutu late of No. 18, Muritala Animashaun Close, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of December, 2007 at Ogun State.

Mr Abel Kayode Okunade (Otherwise known as Abel Kayode Okunade and Mr Okunade Abel Kayode) late of 16, Awaye Street, Alagbado, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of July 2009 at NNPC Atlas Cove Victoria Island.

Bona Onyegbula late of 412, Road D, Close Block 1, Flat 13, Gowon Estate, Ipaja, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of July, 2011.

Elegbede Ruffy Adeboye late of 52, Road F Close, Block deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of May, 2011 at Lagos.

Mrs Jumoke Tinuade Sowande (Otherwise known as Jumoke Sowande) late of 16, Adeboye Sowande Street, Okota, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of October, 2004 at London Olurombi Momodu Saka (otherwise known as Momodu Oluronbi Saka) late of 75, Alhaji Street, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of September, 2008 at Ikorodu, Lagos.

Ezekiel Oluwole Asiwaju Dada (Otherwise known as Oluwole Ezekiel Asiwaju Dada and Chief) late of 1, Adonai Temple Meiran Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of May, 2011 at Lasuth.

Fadeyi James Adetunji late of Close 7 House 10, Satellite Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of May, 2010 at Lagoon Hospital Apapa.

Akpabio-Young (Otherwise known as Young Akpabio) late of No. 3, Ikate Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of March, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr Isidore John Akpan (Otherwise known as Isidore Akpan) late of 33B, Adeyemo Akapo Street, Omole Est. Phase 1, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of July, 2011 at Lagos.

Mrs Roseline Obaaro late of 7, Ogungbangbe Close, Baruwa Ipaja, lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of October, 2011.

Mrs Clarissa Yeside Coker (Otherwise known as Mrs C.Y.Cokes) late of 22nd Hughes Avenue Yaba Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of March, 2010 at Lagos.

Awodumila Wunmi late of 31, Alaja/Olayemi Ayobo Ipaja, Lagos.deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of January, 2007 at Ondo State.

Adegboyega Ibrahim Bashiru, late of No. 29, Abeokuta Street, Ilasamaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of June, 2008 at Ota. Olutoyin Olubamidele Oni (Otherwise known as Oni Olatoyin Olubamidele) late of 26, Oguntona Crescent Gbagada, Phase 1, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of October, 2011 at Lagos.

Chief Obadina J. Adeboye late of 32, Shiro Street, Fadeyi, Yaba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of June, 1999 at Abeokuta Adesola Rukayat late of 6, Oduduwa Street,Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of March, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr Odogwu Godson late of No. 6, Redeem Close, Off Emily Akinola Street, Akoka Yaba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of March, 2007 at Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba.

Chief Dickson Thotonye Assoh (Otherwise known as WCPO (RTD) Dickson Assoh ) late of 2, Redemtion Close, Off Meiran Road, Meiran Alagbado, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of July , 1995 at Naval Hospital Ojo. Alhaji Arazeem Ayinla Badejo (Otherwise known as Alh. Arazim Ayinla Badejo) late of 66, Bank Olemoh Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of August, 2009 at Lagos.

Grace Oluwatoyin Banjoko (Otherwise known as Banjoko Oluwatoyin ) late of 71, Bayo Oyewale Street, Ago Palace Okota, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of June, 2006 at Eko Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos.

Usen Sunday Akpan late of 2, Obitan Onasanya Street, Off Cole Street, Lawanson, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of December, 2010 at Lagos.

Oloko Olatunde late of 18, Council Crescent Unilag Estate, Magodo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of August, 2010 at Luth, Lagos.

Mrs Idowu Olanrewaju Sokan (Otherwise known as Sokan Idowu Olanrewaju) late of 50, Chief Natufe Street, off Babs Animashaun, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of January, 2011 at Ibadan.

Caleb Echebiri Eboh late of 8, Olorunwa Street, Ijeshatedo, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of April, 2007.

Ekanem Isaac Jonah late of 5, Kposse Ketu Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of November, 1996 at General Hospital Ikeja.

Mr Kingsley Agam late of 64, Holy Ghose Avenue, Iledu Araromi Ale, Badagry, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of July, 2011 at Ogun State., Ipaye Kamia Alaba late of Badagry Seme Expressway Ajara Badagry, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of June, 2010 at Badagry.

Fashola Ramlat Dasola late of 10, Olasuwon Street, First Gate Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of March, 2011 at Lagos.

Miss Elizabeth Iyabo Ajayi late of 20, Lewis Street, Sandgrose Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of October, 1986 at Lagos.

Mr Adebayo Sodipo late of Labinjo Kalejaiye Street, Mafoluku Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of April, 2007 at Lagos.

Matthais Dan Udosen (Otherwise known as Udosen Mathias Dan) late of 41, Mabinuori Street, Ilasamaja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of February, 2009 at Abak.

Mr Jerome Ayilara (Otherwse known as Ayilara Jerome) late of 23, Isolo Road, Mushin, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of March, 2011.

Marcel Alphonso Iyare (Otherwise known as Mr Iyare Marcel Alphonso) late of 2A, Abeni Close, Gbagada, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of April, 2011 at Aniyun Hospitals Ltd, Ifako Gbagada.

Makinde Olawale late of No. 30, Unity Street, Odogunyan Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of November, 2011 at Lagos.

Alhaji Muraino Alli Balogun (Otherise known as Alli Balogun Muraino) late of 6, Sunmonu Street, Panada Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of October, 2010 at Lagos.

Otaki Cornelius Dimeji (Otherwise known as Mr Cornelius Idimeji Otaki) late of 11, Awawu Street, Off Itire Road, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of September, 2009 at Lagos.

Mr Gabriel Olatunji Farodoye late of 4, Akpoguma Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of September, 2004.

Mr Augustine Chinyere Timothy late of 12, Jubrila Street, Orile Iganmu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of April, 2009.

Mrs Edun Bernice Mosunmola (Otherwise known as Edun Bernice Mosunmola) late of 37, Oko Oba Road, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of September, 2011 at Lasuth Ikeja.

Mr Musbau Ayinla Surakatu (Otherwise knwona s Mr Surakatu M.A.) late of No. 31, Owoseni Street, Itire Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of May, 2011 at Ikeja Medical Centre.

Mr Esan Oladipupo Ezekiel late of No. 2, Ajose Street, Ilasamaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of September, 2010 at Lasuth, Ikeja.

Mr Festus Olumide Enisan (Otherwise known as Olumide Enisan) late of No. 3, Ronke Street, Ijeshatedo Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of April, 2004 at Luth.

Mr Olujimi John Akinode late of No. 13, Oguntolu Street, Shomolu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of November, 2010 at Tai Oworu Memorial Hospital, Shomolu.

Mr Olabisi Olalekan Aremu Beyioku (Otherwise known as Mr Beyioku Olalekan Aremu) late of No. 6, Omoniyi Street, Itire, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of February, 2011 at Good hope Clinic and Maternity.

Odunlami Simeon Folaranmi (Otherwise knowna s Odunlami Simeon F.) late of Plot 44, Adeola Avenue, Karaole Estate, Ifako Ijaiye Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of October, 2005 at Lagos.

Mr Femi Benson (Otherwise known as Kujore Femi Benson) late of 40, Jagunmolu Street, Bariga, Lagos, deceased hwo died intestate on the 14th day of April, 2008 at Ota Ogun State.

Adeloye Benson (otherwise known as Mr Benson Ojo Adeloye and Adeloye Ojo Benson) late of Mopol 20 Barracks Area F.H Line Room 8 Ikeja Lagos, deceased who die dintestate on the 23rd day of February, 2010 at State Specialist Hospital, Akure.

Mrs Cynthia Aramide Osazee late of Plot 1628A Oko Awo Close Victoria Island Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of March, 2004 at Royal Free Hospital Camden London.

Ekong Dorcas Ntiense late of 5, Oyenikun Road, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of October, 2010 at Surulere, Lagos.

Liasu Koledafe Tijani (Otherwise known as Tijani Liasu Koledafe) late of PHCN Plc Ijora Power Station deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of January, 2012 at King Mill Hospital, Ibafo.

Friday Ajuzieogu (Otherwise known as Friday Azunna Ajuzieogu and Mr Ajuzieogu Friday) late of 33, Labinjo Kalejaiye Street, Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of June, 2011 at Luth Idi Araba, Lagos.

Ladipo Adeyemi Kudirat (Otherwise known as Mrs Adeyemi Kudrat Ladipo) late of 1, Alamode Street, Ikate, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of October, 2006 at Lagos.

Mr Bashiru Pelumi (Otherwise known as Mr Bashiru Akinyemi Pelumi) late of 4, Pelumi Compound Agbowa deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of October, 2005 at General Hospital, Ikorodu.

Osaretin Ighiwiyisi late of Block C, Flat 18, Mounted Troop Barracks Ikeja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of December, 2010 at Lagos State.

Alhaji Musafau Safariyu (Otherwise known as Musafau Safiriyu Oloyede) late of Plot 8, Flat 2, Finance Road, Marple Wood deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of July, 2011 at Ifako Lagos.

Mr Jonathan Adebanjo Sunday Odumeru (Otherwise known as Odumeru Jonathan Adebanjo Sunday) deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of September, 1988 at General Hospital, Lagos.

Ogunbiyi Fatai Adekunle late of 14, Muja Street, odogbawojo Epe, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of August, 2010 at Epe Lagos.

Raphael Olaiya late of J. 27 , Iddo Road, Igbole Ekit State deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of November, 2008 at Ibadan.

Mr Ede Okoye (Otherwise known as Okoye Ede ) late of 23, Bailey Street, Abule Ijesha Yaba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of May, 2005 at Lagos.

Mohammed Lawal late of 20, Asalu Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, deceased hwo died intestate on the 16th day of September, 2011 at Lagos.

Chief Solomon Adebayo Adenekan (Otherwise knowa s Pa Adenekan Adebayo) late of No. 4, Adeboun Street, Oko Oba Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of September, 2010 at All Souls Infirmary Lagos.

Mr Sunday Kumapayi (Otherwise known as Kumapayi Sunday) late of 5, Ayoola Lawal Street, Bariga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of December, 2000 at Unilag Medical Centre.

Mrs Akindotun Olubunmi late of CBQ 78 Flat 4, Ikeja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of November, 2011 at Ondo State.

Osho Kehinde Popoola (Otherwise known as Mr Osho Kehinde) late of No. 7, Winfunke Street, Abule Taylor, Ahmadiyya Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of May, 2010 at Ota. Mr Chinedu Fredrick Ugah late of 8, Jacob, Odesola Street, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of July, 2011 at Lagos.

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NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

Ayodele Ogunjobi and Dr Adeola Ogunjobi both of 5, Oba Karunwi Road, G.R.A. Abeokuta two of the children of the said deceased.

Olayemi Ogunjobi (Miss), Olushola Ogunjobi (Miss) and Olubunmi Ayeni (Mrs) all of 10, Oyeyinka Street, Arut, Ikotun, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Ajayi Oluwaseun David and Ajayi Adesegun Josiah both of 52, Campbell Street, Lagos two children of the said deceased.

Anthony Olumide Cole of No. 3A, AlhajiAbdul G.Maja Street, Ikorodu, Lagos, and Oluwagbeminiyi Cole of 79, Bajulaiye Road, Shomolu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Christiana Oluwatoyin Akindele and Mr Taiwo Kayode Akindele both of 1, Bankole Street, Badagry, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Temitope Ogunseye of 43, Ogungbe Street, Ajegunle Apapa and Mr Omofule Obapolo of 37, Ogungbe Street, Ajegunle Apapa, Lagos, widow and uncle respectively of the said deceased.

Samson Balowu Egbuchu, Ijeoma Ugochinyere Egbuchu, Chukwuebuka Obijiaku Egbuchu and Chibueze Emmanuel Egbuchu all of 14, Ilamoye Street, Ijeshatedo Surulere, Lagos, widower and three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Victoria Iyabo Akinyele and Miss Oluwasanmi Arike Akinyele both of 40, Afolabi Street, Iyana Cele Bus Stop Ajangbadi Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Fatola Alawode Anthony, Mrs Fatola O. Elizabeth and Mr Fatola B.Phillip all of Block 378, Flat 4, Abesan Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, father, mother and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mayowa Akande and Damilola Akande both of 18, Shokunbi Street, Mushin, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Munirat Abike Saka of 172, Unity Close Adealu Bus Stop Iyana Ipaja Lagos, the only child of the said deceased.

Mrs Cecilia Ejobosele Oseghale and Mr Friday Momoh both of No. 1, Fasali Street, Abaranje Road, Ikotun Lagos, widow and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Chief T.A.Adebutu of 18, Muritala Animashaun Close, Surulere, Lagos, Mrs S.I.Oresanya of 10, Taiwo Odunuga Close Off Ire Akari Road, Isolo, Lagos, and Alhaji L.A.Adebutu of 7/9 Alh. Karimu Folarin Adebutu Street, Iperu Remo Ogun State three of the children of the said deceased.

Mr Gbenga Micheal Okunade and Mr Amos O. Okunade both of 16, Awaye Street, Alagbado Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased Susan Onyegbule of 412, Road D Close, Gowon Estate, and Julius Nwaimo of 15, Oyotat Street, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Alhaja Awanatu Amoke Elegbede and Ibrahim O. Elegbede both of 52, Road F Close, Block widow and the only child respectively of the said deceased.

Olusesi O. Sowande of 16, Adeboye Sowande Street, Okota, Lagos , Abimbola O. Sowande-Ajayi (Mrs) of 23/25 Benson Akinyele Street, Oke Afa , Lagos, and Olusegun O. Sowande of 16, Adeboye Sowande Street, Okota, Lagos, widower and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Olurombi Ibrahim and Olurombi Adewale A. both of 25, Alhaji Street, Ikorodu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Clara Taiwo Asiwaju-Dada of 1, Adonai Temple Meiran and Engr. Kayode Asiwaju Dada of 1, Okonne Crescent, Ipaja, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Felicia Ajirenike Fadeyi and Kikelomo Adetunji Fadeyi both of Close 7, House 10, Satellite Town Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Ada Comfort and Bassey-Young both of No. 3, Ikate Surulere, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Patricia Isidore Akpan of 33B, Adeyemo Akapo Street, Omole Estate, Phase 1, Ikeja and Engr. Uduak Stephen Ekpenyong of 27, Oluwaleyimu Street, Allen Avenue Ikeja widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Jonathan Ibukun Obaaro and Mr David Ibukun both of 7, Ogungbangbe Close, Baruwa, Ipaja, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Frederick Oluseyi Coker and Mrs Yetunde George both fo 22, Hughes Avenue Yaba Lagos, one of the children and niece respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Bajomo Olufunmilayo of 31, Alaja /Olayemi Ayobo Ipaja and Florence Oke Awodumila of 10, Oko Bola Street Ipele Owo, Ondo State, sister and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Bilikisu Olawunmi Adegboyega, Mr Rafiu Adegboyega and Mr Sulaiman Adegboyega all of 5, Jide Ogunbona Street, Alakuko, Lagos one of the children , brother and half brother respectively of the said deceased.

Akintola O. Oni and Mayokun A. Oni both of 26, Oguntona Crescent Gbagada, Phase 1, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Olusegun Adekunle Obadina and Ekundayo Oluseyi Obadina both fo 32, Shiro Street, Fadeyi Yaba, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Mogaji Ismaila and Shakirat Mogaji both fo 6, Oduduwa Street, Mushin, Lagos, brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Helen N. Odogwu and Mr Maduka H.Odogwu both of 6, Redeem Close, Off Emily Akinola Street, Akoka Yaba, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Sam Ayama Assoh of 30, George Ogunsola Street, Agbado Ijeiye Lagos, and Mrs Betty Engodoere Assoh of 4, Adeboye Street, Ilaje, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mohammed Tajudeen Adeola Badejo and Hakeem Olatunji Badejo both of 66, Bank Olemoh Street, Surulere, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Dokun Banjoko and Mobolaji Michael Banjoko both of 71, Bayo Oyewale Street, Ago palace, Okota, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Nseobong Sunday Usen and Godwin Sunday Usen both of 2, Olaitan Onasanya Street, Lawanson, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Prof. Sarah Beatrice Oloko and Mrs Aanu Benson both of 18, Council Crescent Unilag Estate, Magodo , Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Sokan Oluwasegun Temitope and Mr Sokan Oluwafemi Oluwaseun both of 50, Chief Natufe Street, off Babs Animashaun Surulere, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Ogechi Eboh of 8, Olorunwa Street, Ijeshatedo and Emmanuel Eboh of 15, Abiola Alao Street, Ijeshatedo, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Ekanem Isaac Alice and Mr Ekanem Isaac Nsisong both of No. 22, Okeola Street, Ilaje Opposite Volkswagen Ojo, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Florence Agam and Miss Anita Agam both of Holy Ghost Avenue, Araromi Badagry, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Michael Adekunle Ipaye of 12, Badagry/Seme Expressway Ajara, Moshood Balogun Ipaye of 13, Ondo Street, Ebute Metta, East Lagos, and Alhaja Tayo Jinadu of 4th Avenue, 401 Road, A Close, Block 4, Flat 2, Festac , lagos, two brothers and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Fashola Arinola K. and Fashola Olabisi B. both fo 10, Olasuwon Street, First Gate Ikorodu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Grace Ajayi , Mr Shola Ajayi, Yeside Ajayi and Toyin Ajayi all of Block 312, Flat 1, L.C.H.E. Jakande Estate, Oke Afa Isolo, Lagos, mother, brother and two sisters respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Christiana Modupe Sodipo and Mr Olawale Sodipo both of 49, Labinjo Kalejaiye Street, Mafoluku, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Nne Mathais Dan Udosen and Ephraim Dan Udosen both of 41, Mabinuori Street, Ilasamaja, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Wasilat Ayilara and Miss Abosede Oyeronke Ayilara both of 23, Isolo Road, Mushin, Lagos,widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Elfreda Iyare, Daniel Imafidon Iyare both of 2A, Abeni Close Gbagada, Lagos, Hilda Nwanekwu Iyare Of 58, Akinyele Street, Aguda, Lagos, widow and two children respectively of the said deceased.

Makinde Segun and Makinde Adeyemi both of No. 30, Unity Street, Odogunyan , two children of the said deceased.

Alli Balogun Ganiyu and Alli Balogun Abiola both of 6, Sunmonu Street, Panada Agege, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Otaki Abisola, Otaki Folake and Otaki Bidemi all of 11, Awawu Street, Mushin, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Tolani Farodoye and Mrs Yetunde Olaitan both of 4, Akpoguma Street, Surulere, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Joy Abigail Timothy and Chison Henry Timothy both of No. 12, Jubrila Street, orile Iganmu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Pastor Edun Olakayode Akintunde of 92, Orile Road, Agege, and Hon. Edwin Olayinka Akinyele of 5, Awori Close, Ayobo , Ikeja, two of the children of the said deceased Mrs kadijat Surakatu, Miss Rashidat Surakatu and Mr Lateef Surakatu all of No. 31, Owoseni Street, Itire, Surulere, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Nike Grace Esan and Mr Meshack B. Esan both of No. 2, Ajose Street, Ilasamaja, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Miss Folake Ibukun Enisan and Pastor Kunle Enisan both of No. 3, Ronke Street, Ijeshatedo, Surulere, Lagos, one of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Taiwo Wuraola Odunubi and Mr Olumide Michael Akinode both of No. 13, Oguntolu Street, Shomolu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Abosede Shodipe, Mr Sunday Beyioku, Mr Kayode Beyioku and Mr Rahim Beyioku all of No. 6, Omoniyi Street, Itire, Surulere, Lagos, four of the children of the said deceased.

Miss Francisca Oluwaseyi Odunlami, Mrs Evelyn Titilayo Odunlami Wabara, Miss Benedicta Temitope Odunlami and Mr Simeon Korede odunlami all of 44, Adeola Avenue, Karaole Estate, Off College Road, Ifako Ijaiye, Lagos four of the children of the said deceased.

Mr Babatunde Oluwatoin Benson and Mr Olawale Benson both of No. 40, Jagunmolu Street, Bariga, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Esther Abiola Adeloye and Miss Sarah Temitope Adeloye both of Mopol 20, Barracks Area F.H.Line Room 8 Ikeja Lagos, widow and the only child respectively of the said deceased.

Imuwahen Folashade Osazee and Otasowie Oyindamola Osazee both of Plot 1628A, Oko Awo Close, Victoria Island Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Orji Umoh Nseyen (Mrs) and Ude Eno Ndukwe (Mrs) both of 5, Oyerokun Road, Surulere, Lagos, two sisters of the said deceased.

Mrs Kehinde Tijani and Mr Olumide Tijani both of 1, Efire Street, Off Ajetutu Ibafo, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Georgina Ajuzieogu, Miss Blessing Ajuzieogu and Mr Michael Ajuzieogu all of 33, Labinjo Kalejaiye Street, Oshodi, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Oladipo Olusola Regina of 1, Alawode Street, Ikate Surulere, Lagos, and Omotunde Wuliat Salako of 10, Adebayo Ogundokun Street, Unity Estate, Egbeda, Lagos, one of the children and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Funlayo Pelumi, Miss Yinka Pelumi and Miss Ramota Pelumi all of No. 4, Pelumi Compound Agbowa, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively fo the said deceased.

Mrs Blessing Ighiwiyisi and Solomon Ighiwiyisi both of Block C, Flat 18, Mounted Troop Barracks Ikeja , Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Hajia Rilwat Olayemi Safiriyu, Alhaja Bimbo Safiriyu, Hajia Toyibat Safiriyu and Alhaja Alilatu Safiriyu all of Plot 8, Flat 2, Finance Road, Marple wood , four widows of the said deceased.

Mrs Oluremi Aiyegbusi of No. 3, Oko Baba Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos, and Pastor Samson Adegboyega Odumeru of Block 522, Flat 2, LCH Jakande Estate, Oke Afa, Isolo, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Ogunbiyi Taiwo, Ogunbiyi Abiodun and Ogunbiyi Monsuru O. all of 14, Muja Street, Odogbawojo Epe Lagos, widows and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Bibiresanmi Bolanle of 54, Akiwowo Akowonjo Lagos and Mr Olaiya Olalekan of 53, Araromi Street, Onike, Yaba, Lagos two of the children of the said deceased.

Mr Enyinna J.Okoye and Mr Sunday N. Okoye both of 7, Olorunkemi Street, Bariga, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Samira Mohammed Lawal and Mr Ahmed Auwal both of 20 Asalu Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Babatunde Adenekan and Adekunle Adenekan both of 4, Adeboun Street, Agege, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Olufunso A.Kumapayi of 3, Oremeru Street, Igbogbo Ikorodu, Lagos State, Victoria O. Ahiabuike (Mrs) of 7, Shittu Afinni Close, Off Ilaje Road, Bariga, Lagos and Oluwatoyin E.Adekunle of 2, Apata Street, Somolu, Lagos, father and two of the sisters respectively of the said deceased.

Akindotun Akindele and Akindotun Oluwaseun both of CBQ 78 Flat Ikeja Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Abosede Ifeoluwa Osho of No. 3, Anjorin crescent, Ijako Sango and Mr Alaba Segun Osho of No. 2, Elebute Street, Papa, Ogun State widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Vivian Onyinye Ugah and Mr Ugah Joseph N. both of 8, Jacob Odesola Street, Agric Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

G.A SAFARI (MR.) PROBATE REGISTRAR

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

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FOREIGN NEWS World leaders call for urgent action on Somalia

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EADING nations, including India, yesterday agreed that the international community must respond urgently to the crisis in Somalia, described by Prime Minister David Cameron as the “world’s worst failed state”, blighted by two decades of civil war and famine and caught up in a vortex of terrorism, piracy and famine.

The call, coupled with the warning that a delay in helping Somalia would have catastrophic consequences, came at the end of a day-long international conference here

attended by U.N. SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon, several heads of states, Foreign Ministers, and senior representatives of 50 countries.

India was represented by Union Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed who called for a “comprehensive strategy” to end conflict and instability in Somalia.

“We support all international efforts, led by the United Nations, for the creation of an environment in which the Somalis can take care of their own destiny, free

from violence of all kinds,” he said.

Somalia’s President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed wanted an end to the arms embargo.

The prime minister of Somalia has said he would welcome “targeted” air strikes against terrorist bases in his country.

But Abdiweli Mohamed Ali said that the “protection of the Somali people was also very important” as international representatives gathered in London for a summit designed to tackle the growing problems of extremism and piracy in the African state.

Outrage over Syrian use of tanks on Homs

•al-Assad

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YRIAN tanks pushed into a rebel stronghold in the battered city of Homs yesterday and United

Nations investigators accused President Bashar al-Assad’s government of crimes against humanity.

The plight of Homs and other embattled towns will dominate “Friends of Syria” talks in Tunis today involving the United States, European and Arab countries, Turkey and other nations demanding that Assad halt the bloodshed and relinquish power.

Russia and China, which have jointly vetoed two UN Security Council resolutions on Syria, say they will stay away.

The meeting will call on Syria to implement an immediate ceasefire to give

aid groups access to areas worst hit by the violence, according to a draft declaration obtained by Reuters.

World outrage has swelled over the carnage in Syria, where thousands have been killed since the anti-Assad uprising flared in March, inspired by revolts against Arab autocrats elsewhere.

UN investigators said Syrian forces had shot and killed unarmed women and children, shelled residential areas and tortured wounded protesters in hospital under orders issued at the “highest levels” of the army and government.

World Bank opens new global network in Kenya

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ITH more than 1.5 billion people living in countries afflicted by repeated cycles of conflict and violence, the World Bank has opened a new Global Centre on Conflict, Security and Development.

The centre is to render financial support and expertise work to poor and vulnerable people living in fragile countries.

A statement from the World Bank said “the centre will also help to establish a stronger community of practice and knowledgesharing across the worldwide network of practitioners who work on development issues confronting fragile and

By Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor)

conflict-affected countries.”

The Bank said more than 30 countries, mostly in Africa, are affected by conflict and that its new centre in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, would allow the Bank to provide their communities with more flexible, transparent help.

At its opening ceremony in Nairobi, the Bank said the world is now witnessing a number of countries that are navigating their way out of war and conflict countries like Sierra Leone, Liberia, Timor Leste, and Bosnia, by resuming education, health, and other key social services,

and creating stable, elected governments which in turn have drawn development support and local and foreign investors.

However, according to the Bank, millions of people across Africa, South Asia, and other regions still face perilous, isolated, lives in war-torn situations.

“Political and criminal violence should not be the chains that shackle people for life. We know violence knows no borders. We know the impact of violence can last generations,” said Dr. Caroline Anstey, the World Bank’s Managing Director for Operations, who officially opened the Nairobi centre.

Italy fined for sending migrants back to Libya EUROPEAN court ordered Italy yesterday to pay thousands of euros to 24 Somali and Eritrean migrants who fled Libya in 2009 for Italian shores.

Italian vessels picked up the migrants in the Mediterranean Sea and returned them to Libya, where they were handed over to authorities.

The European Court of Human Rights ruled yesterday

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that the migrants risked ill treatment in Libya, where it said such migrants are systematically detained. They also risked being sent back to Somalia and Eritrea, where they might be detained or even tortured, according to the court.

The court also said Italy violated a prohibition against mass expulsions since it did not examine their cases.

It ordered Italy to pay each of the migrants $20,000 and

additional funds to be shared to cover costs. The court noted that the migrants have since scattered and lawyers have lost touch with some of them.

It was not clear how payment would be made in those cases.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees long condemned what it called the “push-back on the seas” policy, in which migrants were intercepted at sea without screening for asylum.

NEWS ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff vow to tackle with the directives of the HE Chiefs of Defence Boko Haram Heads of State and Staff from the Economic

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Community of West African States (ECOWAS) yesterday vowed to tackle the menace of Boko Haram in Nigeria and security threats in West Africa.

At a preparatory meeting in Abuja yesterday, the Chairman of the Committee, Air Chief Marshall Oluseyi Petirin maintained that the defence personnel in member

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

states are committed to addressing threats within the region.

Petirin, who was represented by Nigeria’s Vice Admiral Sa’ad Ibrahim, saidthe committee will leave no stone unturned in promoting the well-being of the West African region in line

Government at the 40th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS held in Abuja last week.

His words: “We are required to review the emerging security threats in the Sahel region and the Gulf of Guinea. In addition, we are required to propose concrete recommendations towards addressing these threats.”

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THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

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www.thenationonlineng.net

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

WHO SAID WHAT

‘The exposure of women to risks and their central position in the family justifies why they must always remain in the frontline of peace advocacy’ VOL. 7 NO.2038

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

•Continued from last week

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ontradictions of Nigeria’s Federalism and the Quest for Regional Integration As is generally known, Nigeria operates a deformed federal system, where not even lipservice is paid to the tenets of federalism.

The long years of military dictatorship coupled with the imposition of constitutions which reflect unitary, militarist nuances and attitudes have resulted in a situation in which Nigeria’s mode of operation is a mockery of true federalism and veritable example, as our people say, of passing off a dog for a monkey.

The division of powers enshrined in the 1999 Abdusalami constitution lists 68 items exclusively for the Federal Government, including matters such as aviation, banks and banking, construction, alteration and maintenance of Federal trunk roads, census, including registration of births and deaths, import and export of commodities, insurance, labour matters, marriage and divorce, mines and mineral, nuclear energy, police and other government security services, public holidays, railways, etc. On the other hand, the Constitution stipulated certain critical subjects over which the Federal Government and States were deemed to have concurrent powers. These included collection of taxes, generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, establishment of universities and other tertiary institutions.

When to all this is read the doctrine of “covering the field,” it becomes clear that we have a suffocating Federal Government, leaving little autonomy of action for the constituent units of the Federation. Even in the area of maintenance of law and order, where State Governors are frequently described as “chief security officers” of their respective States, they have been effectively emasculated under the Constitution which removed control over Commissioners of Police in the States by subjecting directives from Governors regarding public safety and public order to the federal authorities before being complied with. More pointedly, as recent events in the polity have shown, a President can deploy troops to the streets to intimidate protesters or quell an imminent uprising, shoving aside the Governor(s) of the State(s) without feeling the need to seek the consent of the authorities of the State(s) concerned.

It is on account of the skewed nature of Nigeria’s federalism that those at the forefront of regional integration must evince tremendous circumspection and ingenuity if they do not wish to play into the hands of those that do not wish them well. As a commentator recently wondered aloud: “Do we wish to see a fully centralised system with all legislative and executive powers concentrated at the centre, or do we wish to

OPEN FORUM By

PROF AKIN OYEBODE

Law as tool for regional integration

•The map of Nigeria

develop a federal system under which each different region of the country would exercise a measure of internal autonomy?”

It is quite obvious that Nigeria as currently constituted would hamstring and thwart all initiatives aimed at regional autonomy and collective self-reliance. Accordingly, every effort should be made immediately to redress the infelicities and rough edges of Nigeria’s federalism in order to give this country a new lease of life. The attractions of more devolution of powers, fiscal federalism and regional empowerment make a re-configuring of the present set-up a matter deserving of immediate and relentless pursuit. Whether it is a Sovereign National Conference, Constituent Assembly or just a big family meeting of the multifarious ethnic nationalities that comprise Nigeria, the fact of the matter is that ignoring the central issue of our time could very well spell doom for and herald the dirge of Nigeria as we know it.

Of course, there are those who would continue to mouth the shibboleth of Nigerian

unity being non-negotiable but to such, the simple riposte is that, as Mark Twain ruefully once observed, only two things are nonnegotiable in life-death and taxes! The demise of the Nigerian Federation which has been variously predicted can only be hastened by inaction and in light of the fissiparous tendencies clearly visible in contemporary times. The opportunity has to be speedily provided for the inhabitants of this vast country to basically address two issues: Do they wish to live together and if so, how?

Law as a Tool for Regional Integration To the extent that law remains the instrument for socio-economic transformation and development, to that extent should it play a critical role in any attempt towards regional integration, even in a polity as convoluted as Nigeria’s where lip-service is still paid to fidelity to due process of law. This explains the need to pay credence to the harnessing of law in realising the laudable goal of regional integration, more so as without a legal framework, all actions pursuant thereto would jolly well amount to nothing.

Accordingly, there is a necessity for hammering out an agreement among all parties regarding the broad goals of integration before deploying law to the attainment of same. Without such consensus, all efforts thereto would amount to little more than pouring water on the back of a duck. The agreed goals would form the leitmotif of legislation to be enacted by the legislative houses of all the participating States towards attainment of the agreed goal.

Such harmonised law-making constitutes an effective panacea to the difficulties which might lie along the path of regional integration.

We are told that plans for the integration of these States include trans-regional road networks, a regional railway system, generation, transmission and distribution of

DAME PATIENCE JONATHAN

electricity within the region and common agriculture, trade and commercial policies.

Later, integration could also involve matters such as human capital development, cultural exchange, research and development, optimisation and rationalisation of institutions, etc. the endeavour towards regional integration would, no doubt, require data collection and processing for planning and other purposes, an activity which if undertaken by the respective States could engender hostility and resistance from the Federal authorities.

A critical issue, here, relates to the need to establish a central organ or clearing house for all matters pertaining to integration in the region. It is this body that would monitor, supervise and ensure compliance with all decisions taken pursuant to the goal of integration. It is suggested that enabling legislation be passed by all the Houses of Assembly of the participant States, spelling out the composition of the body, its functions and mode of operation and ancillary matters in order to speedily realise the goals of regional integration.

As regional integration schemes in different parts of the world have shown, the law would have to respond to felt needs as the process of integration progressively intensifies. The necessity for proactive action on the part of the parties concerned becomes, therefore, self-evident if the chances of attaining the goals and objectives of the exercise are not to be hamstrung or stymied by forces inimical to the whole idea and anxious to maintain the status quo.

Conclusion In the final analysts, law can energise the process of regional integration but its level of success in this endeavour would perforce depend on the political will demonstrated by the players. The law is generally agreed to be an instrument of social change and effective tool of political transformation.

Nevertheless, it should be emphasised that it is not a cure-all and has well-known limits.

This must be fully appreciated in order for correct decisions be taken which law can assist in realising.

The difficulties Nigeria is experiencing at the present point in time need to be tackled headlong in order to create a better society able to meet the expectations and aspirations of its people. The decision by policy-makers in the Southwest and Edo State, the bulk of the old West to recreate the success story of the Region by harnessing the abundant human and material resources in the area in a coordinated and harmonised fashion, therefore, portends great possibilities and a proper grasp of the scope of law in facilitating the process and only be to the benefit of all concerned •To be continued

HARDBALL

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T is hard not to wince as the Minister of Power, Prof Barth Nnaji, talked glibly at a forum on Nigeria’s energy crisis and planned increase in electricity consumption charges. There would be about 80 per cent increase in electricity tariff, he said sanguinely, and it would not hurt the poor. He gave two reasons for his cheerful conclusion, in the same cheery manner top Federal Government officials told a bewildered country that the fuel price hike would benefit the poor and not hurt the rich. According to the minister, a N60 billion subsidy fund is available to help the poor overcome the harm of rising electricity charges. In addition, he prevaricated, even if subsidy was removed, there was something he described as cross-subsidy to help low income earners.

Nigerians thought that after a season of protests against fuel price hike, which was put down violently or at least antidemocratically by President Goodluck Jonathan, we would be spared the agony of subsidy talks so soon. This was not to be.

There is a N60 billion electricity subsidy fund to help the poor, the minister says. But why

Fuel and electricity subsidy parallels bother to take from the poor only to give back to the poor? However, what agitates this column today is not the back and forth argument on subsidy. What ails it is government talking of subsidy as if it did not recently abuse and undermine the constitution and the law as it raised fuel price. And what on earth does cross-subsidy mean anyway?

What is evident now is that the government has prepared a convoluted plan to raise electricity tariff, the same sort of abracadabra it enunciated over fuel subsidy removal. But before planning to increase the tariff, did the government investigate the scope of the subsidy in the power sector? In the case of petroleum products, we finally saw how labyrinthine their bookkeeping in that sector remained for a very long time. We also recall

that before fuel subsidy was removed, there was no agreement on the extent of the subsidy or whether the subsidy did in fact get to the target consumer, rather than the so-called ‘fat cat’ middle man. Now, we are told matter of fact that a subsidy regime is in place in the electricity sector, and it is worth N60 billion. How can we be sure of this in a country where statistics is either notorious on its own or is deployed notoriously by the magicians in government?

We need to find out where Federal Government economists get their logic. You know very well that the subsidy said to exist for (poor) consumers of electricity in Nigeria is a ruse. Once the tariff is increased, the poor will suffer as much as, if not worse than, the rich. Recall that the government also made

nonsensically similar arguments when it piled the burden of fuel subsidy removal on the country on January 1. The worst abuse government economists perpetrate is to isolate one issue or commodity in a foreign country and make silly comparisons with the situation in Nigeria. In the case of electricity tariff increase, the government has chosen to compare us with Zambia, which they say is the only country paying cheaper tariff on electricity than Nigeria. Always take their comparisons with a pinch of salt.

It seems a waste of time talking to the government. Since the First Republic, they not only took leave of logic, they have also taken leave of their study of political economy. It is no surprise that every succeeding government since Gen Yakubu Gowon has left the country worse than it met it. Now, combine tariff increase in electricity with fuel price hike, and with tuition fee increase, soaring house rents and other crippling price hikes, and you will understand that we have magicians, not economists, in government. They are too used to illusion to feel reality, and their vision too blurred with inconsequential details to see the wood for the trees.

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