The Nation January 17, 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

More confusion in PDP over Oyinlola

Senate probes jobs scam at ministries

NEWS Page 2

NEWS

Page 7

•Legal Adviser files court papers

•Appointment letters ‘sold for N500,000’

www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 8, NO. 2374 THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

CUP OF NATIONS

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•Sunshine Stars’ Oboabona to pair Yobo •Nwosu: don’t rate Eagles with friendly win •Amaechi accepts to lead cheer team •AND MORE ON PAGES 23,24&41

SSS kills ‘kidnapper’ of FCT Auditor-Gen

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HE suspected kidnapper of the Auditor-General of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Fred Omoaka, has been killed by men of the State Security Service (SSS) in Edo State.

The suspect, simply identified as Isaac, was killed in a shoot-out with the SSS in Benin City when he called...

News Page 59

Ike Uche tips Eagles for cup

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•CHEERS: The celebrator, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Chairman Chief Bisi Akande (fourth left), his wife Omowunmi, with Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola (second left), his Deputy Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori (left), former ACN presidential candidate Malam Nuhu Ribadu, Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Adedotun and Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran during Akande’s birthday in Ila-Orogun...yesterday. Story on page 7

ACN, CPC to merge in June, says Buhari Ex-Head of State inaugurates panel to seal plan

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•Gen. Buhari

HE much anticipated merger of leading opposition parties, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), will be finalised in June, General Muhammadu Buhari has said.

Gen. Buhari, who is the National Leader of the CPC, spoke in Abuja yesterday during the inauguration of the 18man committee on the merger.

The committee is chaired by the former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State , Alhaji Garba Gadi.

‘

In Nigeria today, therefore, unity of the people, unity of political parties and unity of the opposition is no longer an option. It has become a national imperative

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

The former head of state, blaming the nation’s woes on inept leadership, said the only way to stave off the drift is for the opposition parties to unite with the sole aim of winning the 2015 general elections.

’

Noting that the merger has become imperative, Gen. Buhari said unity of the people, unity of political parties and unity of the opposition was no longer an option.

He disclosed that the first phase of the merger – and not

alliance – is between CPC and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) . The All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) and others will join later.

What Nigerians want, Gen. Buhari said, is a merger of opposition parties to dislodge the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 presidential election.

Asked if he will still run, he said he may contest, if the new party offers him the ticket.

“In 2010, we went very far with ACN. Now, we are pick-

House halts NNPC’s $1.5b loan proposal Members back Tambuwal

•SEE PAGE 2

Continued on page 2

EADERS of celebrated Spani s h sports daily Marca have questioned Nigeria international Ikechukwu Uche on his participation at the African Cup of Nations.

The Villarreal ,forward, who bagged a hattrick on Tuesday against...

Sport Page 24

Nebo, Turaki for minister

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday urged the Senate to approve the nomination of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (from Kebbi State) and Prof Chinedu Nebo (from Enugu State) as ministers Although he did not specify the portfolios of the nominees, the ministries of Defence and Power have no...

News Page 63

Mali : Two killed in Algeria

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N what could be the first spillover from France’s intervention in Mali, Islamist militants yesterday attacked and occupied a natural gas complex partly operated by energy company BP in Southern Algeria.

Two foreigners were killed and...

Foreign Page 4

•SPORT P23 •EDUCATION P25 •POLITICS P43 •N/HEALTH P45 •E-BUSINESS P51

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

NEWS NNPC petrol tanker explodes in Ibadan

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•The petrol tanker burning at the NNPC mega station, Bashorun in Ibadan …yesterday

PETROL tanker belonging to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Mega Station on the Iwo-Ojoo road in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, yesterday exploded on its premises.

The explosion occurred around 1:35pm when the tanker was off-loading 33,000 litres petrol.

This is the second time a tanker has exploded on the premises of the Mega Station.

Fire-fighters, who arrived on the scene with three vehicles, put out the fire after two and a half hours.

Men of the Joint Task Force,

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

Operation Burst, and policemen from Kajorepo and Akobo in Akinyele Local Government Area were on the scene.

Motorists in Akobo, General Gas and Bashorun diverted to alternative routes.

Schools in the area closed early.

Although NNPC officials were reluctant to talk to our correspondent, one of them, who pleaded anonymity, said the incident may have been caused by carelessness on the part of those off-loading the tanker.

‘ACN, CPC to merge in June’ Continued from page 1

Confusion in PDP as legal adviser urges court to restore Oyinlola I N what appeared a further crack in the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), National Legal Adviser Victor Kwon has asked the Court of Appeal to reinstate Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, the sacked National Secretary.

He also urged the Federal High Court, Abuja to grant a stay of last Friday’s judgment, which led to Oyinlola’s removal from office.

In two applications before the High Court and the Court of Appeal, the National Legal Adviser said the PDP believed that a “ vacuum would be created in the National Working Committee (NWC), which would affect the smooth running of the party.”

His motions before the two courts contradicted the position of the National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, who on Monday removed Oyinlola from office.

Tukur, in a statement in Abuja, said: “Pursuant to the powers conferred on the National Chairman by Chapter V Section 35 (1), 35 (1)(b) as well as section 36(2) of the constitution of the PDP (as amended), the Deputy National Secretary of the

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

PDP, Solomon Onwe, is hereby directed to assume duties as the Acting National Secretary of the PDP.” But the national legal adviser said Oyinlola will “suffer more hardship if this Honourable Court does not make an order of injunction restraining the Judgment Creditors/Respondents as the pending appeal will be rendered nugatory.”

The Motion on Notice, filed by the National Legal Adviser, before the Federal High Court, was obtained by The Nation.

The Motion on Notice and the Notice of Appeal are dated January 11, 2013, but they were filed and stamped on January 14 at the two courts.

There was confusion among party chiefs yesterday.

Although Kwon approached the two courts on behalf of PDP, some NWC members did not agree with his arguments.

A member of the NWC, who spoke with our correspondent, said: “Do you mean that he

made those submissions on behalf of PDP? Well, some of us have not been briefed. I will get back to you please.

“The legal advice we got from one of our counsel was that the judgment of the Federal High Court bordered on declaratory orders and Oyinlola must vacate office. We were made to believe that Oyinlola will need to fight his way back to office.”

Another party source said: “The Legal Adviser has not made the motion and notice available to all NWC members.

They have not been briefed.

“Even the party leadership does not have the documents, as I speak with you. Well, we will reach out to the national legal adviser to know the truth.”

The national legal adviser made the following averments before the Federal High Court.

“That I know that in the event that the Appeal of the 2nd Judgment Debtor/Applicant is successful and the judgment of this Honourable Court is not stayed, the 1st Judgment Debtor/ Respondent (Oyinlola) will not have the immediate benefit of returning to the seat he presently

occupy as National Secretary of the 2nd Judgment Debtor/ Applicant (PDP) and this will adversely affect the activities of the PDP. He said the “2nd Judgment Debtor/ Applicant (PDP) undertakes to pay damages in the event that it is discovered that this application ought not be granted. That it will be in the greater interest of justice to grant this application.”

In a separate notice of Appeal filed at the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, the National Legal Adviser averred that the PDP was dissatisfied with the judgment of Justice A. AbdulKafarati of the Federal High Court(No.2),Abuja delivered on Friday the 11th January 2013.

He said Justice Abdu-Kafarati “misdirected himself in law when he held that Oyinlola could not have emerged as a candidate for the Office of National Secretary at the SouthWest Zonal Congress of the appellant held 21st March, 2012 in violation of suits FHC/ L/ CS/ 282/2012 and FHC /L/ CS/347/2012 and decisions therein given.

In highlighting the particuContinued on page 63

ing priority. We are going to aggressively go through our terms of reference with the ACN before we meet with another party,” Gen. Buhari said, adding: “I have said it and it is on record that I will not present myself again for election. But after that, members of my party, groups and individuals came to me and said I do not belong to myself, that I belong to them. I told the party that if they approach me, I will consider contesting election. This is the position of things. I have mentioned this several times. If we have the merger, it will be much easier for me and the new party then can decide wether it will offer me the presidential ticket for 2015.”

Gen. Buhari said after a successful merger of ACN and CPC, the new party may be presented to Nigerians by June.

He advised the committee members not to compromise their stand on the merger because Nigerians want a change for development.

His words: “As we all sadly know, the nation is, once again, at a crossroads, stumbling from one disaster to another, simply because its leaders lack unity of purpose and even if they sometimes look like coming together, this has never been marshalled into a coherent, irresistible force by the opposition. But the opposition itself has not been able to get its act together

because it is not united. In Nigeria today, therefore, unity of the people, unity of political parties and unity of the opposition is no longer an option. It has become a national imperative.

“And, thankfully, everyone is finally coming round to accept the necessity for it. Right now, so strong is the belief in unity as seen in the merger of our two parties that the sentiments expressed on both sides sound as if the two parties may merge on their own even before their representatives reach the roundtable. The sentiment today is for a full merger between ACN and CPC, not an alliance or an electoral understanding or anything of the sort.”

On the task before the committee members, which he described as huge, Gen. Buhari said: “What Nigerians want is merger and that is what you are going to negotiate and bring home to them. There is already in existence an unexecuted understanding between the CPC and the ACN for the creation of a new party, with a brand new logo and a new flag already designed and all other paraphernalia of a political party put in place.

“At the risk of sounding overly too optimistic, I may suggest that you should be able to finish your work in six weeks, at the end of which the CPC and ACN should be in a position to Continued on page 63

House halts NNPC’s $1.5b loan proposal

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AWMAKERS told the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday to pull the brakes on its plan to obtain a $1.5billon loan.

The oil giant proposes syndicated $1.5billon loan to pay off its debt, according to its officials.

President Goodluck Jonathan is believed to have given his nod for the loan.

House members, who were on recess when news of the proposal was broken, retuned yesterday to mandate its committees to investigate the NNPC’s plan.

The Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Petroleum (Upstream), Justice and Loans and Debts were requested to investigate the plan.

The lawmakers said details of what the loan was meant for were vague, adding that it has the potential to further plunge the nation into greater indebtedness.

Concerns were also raised by the lawmakers on the decision of the NNPC to swap crude oil as collateral for the loan.

The decision of the House followed the adoption of a motion

Why some Reps are against Tambuwal

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OME members of the House of Representatives yesterday revealed their grievances against the leadership as meetings were held last night to douse tension.

This is in spite of the vote of confidence passed on Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and the leadership during plenary.

Our correspondents learnt that various meetings were held with members of the opposition, including the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Positive Change (CPC) Accord, All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Labour Par-

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

of urgent public importance raised by Ralphael Igbokwe (PDP, Imo), who observed that the loan was neither included in the 2013-2015 Medium Term Expenditure Framework nor in the 2013 budget.

He said the corporation deliberately ignored relevant sections of the law that require it to present such a financial transaction before the National Assembly.

He said: “Section 44 subsection (2) (a) of the Fiscal Respon-

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

ty and the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) on the one hand, and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on the other.

A member who declined to be named said: “the meeting is to discuss our grievances and fashion out ways of resolving the matters.

“I will cite instances of our grouses, one of which was the excesses of the Chairmen of Committees that have repeatedly refused to carry other members of their Committee along in our activities.

“We are aggrieved because we see the Speak-

sibility Act prescribes as a mandatory condition, that government in the Federation and its agencies and corporations desirous of borrowing shall show the existence of prior authorisation in the Appropriation or other Act of Law for purpose for which the borrowing is to be utilised (to the National Assembly).

“Furthermore, sub section (3) of same section 21 (2) mandatorily requires the Minister to cause the budget estimate submitted by the corporation and agencies to be attached as part of the Appropriation Bill to be submitted to the National Assembly”.

er as not being decisive enough on that front.

The aggrieved member also said employment opportunities from the MDAs had been cornered by committee chairmen.

“We also have people from our constituencies who need employment,” he said.

Another member, who also spoke anonymously, said that issue of allowances of lawmakers is another problem.

“The issue of allowance is another testy ground for Tambuwal as we are not happy that our allowances have not been raised. and I can tell you that members are not ready to understand this.”

The lawmaker said since neither NNPC nor its supervising Ministry of Petroleum felt it was necessary to follow due process, the lawmakers should stop the loan.

After putting the motion to voice vote, Speaker Aminu Tambuwal directed the committees to investigate the matter and report back in two weeks.

Also yesterday, the House passed a vote of confidence on Tambuwal and the leadership of the House.

This followed a motion raised

by Ogbuefi Ozongbachi (PDPEnugu) under matters of privi-

leges.

He drew the attention of members to newspaper reports alleging plots to impeach Tambuwal over the purchase of 400 Camry cars.

He said that the publication was a clear design to create disharmony. “ If members have grouses, they should be free to come and discuss the matter in the House, instead of taking it to the pages of newspapers.

“We are too mature to be led by reports in the newspapers,’’ he said.

Mr. Rasaq Osagie (ACN- Edo)

•Tambuwal moved a motion for a vote of confidence on the Speaker, which was unanimously adopted.

Osagie said the House was over-flogging the matter by discussing it on the floor.

Tambuwal said he was disContinued on page 63

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

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NEWS WAR IN MALI

Nigerian war planes for Mali today C

•House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal with the leader of delegation of Association of European Parliamentarians in Africa, Prof Tadeusz Iwiriski at the National Assembly... yesterday

•Ekiti State Governor’s wife Mrs. Bisi Fayemi (left) and Senator Oluremi Tinubu when the senator visited Ado-Ekiti... yesterday

HIEF of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Alex Barde said the Nigerian Air Force will this morning begin the deployment of war planes to check the activities of jihad fighters in Mali.

Barde spoke yesterday in Enugu State during his maiden tour of the Enugu Air Force Unit.

He said the action was in compliance to President Jonathan’s directive that military contingent be sent to assist the West African country to contain the jihad fighters in Mali.

Barde said: “As I speak to you now, our air planes have arrived in Port-Harcourt; in-fact I’m on my way to Rivers State now and tomorrow morning, we are beginning our deployment to Mali and that’s what I am going to witness.

“I am going there to bid them a sort of farewell and go-and-fightwell greetings as they depart.

“We expect them to do what Mr. President directed that we do; he has directed that we should go and assist Mali in repelling the jihad

Fed Govt briefs EU, Canada, US on ECOWAS military operations

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• From left: Secretary to the State Government of Kaduna State, Alhaji Ishaq Damahawayi, Deputy Governor Mr Nuhu Bajoga and Governor Mukhtar Yero, at the commencement of payment of financial assistance to victims of past-presidential election violence in Kaduna ... yesterday.

fighters there because you know that if they finish with Mali the next thing will be to come to Nigeria.

“So we are going there to fight them and also protect our borders.

“You don’t say how many families you are sending to war; but the president has directed that we send a total of 1200 in all; but you know it is our planes that fight and we are beginning deployment this morning.

The CAS said his maiden visit to Enugu unit was to talk to the personnel on his vision for the Air Force; “that we must use innovative technology because we have spent so much money buying equipment and each time they are bad we say we have to send them to the manufacturers for repairs.

“We have the know-how, we have the personnel, we have so many PHD holders, we have professionals in the Air Force and we cannot too continue buying and not repairing.

“So I came to sensitise them about my vision and what we need to do in order to save the scarce resources that we have.”

HE Federal Government yesterday briefed ambassadors from the European Union (EU), Canada and the United States (US) on the situation in Mali.

In a statement issued last night by spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ogbole Ode, Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru told the envoys that the crisis in Mali was an issue of deep concern not only to West Africa, but to the rest of Africa, Europe and the world in general.

He maintained that the military operations by the French to dislodge Islamic militants in Northern Mali deserved the unflinching support of the international community.

The statement reads: “The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga A. Ashiru, today briefed ambassadors from the European Union (EU), Canada and United States on the situation in Mali.

“In the briefing, the minister of Foreign Affairs informed the

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

envoys that the crisis in Mali was an issue of deep concern not to West Africa, but to the rest of Africa, Europe and the rest of the world.

“It is against this back drop that the military operations by the French, to dislodge Islamic militants and to regain northern Mali deserved the unflinching support of the international community.

“The minister seized the opportunity of the briefing to update the Envoys on Nigeria’s military deployment in Mali.

“He expressed profound pleasure at the uncommon international unanimity and endorsement that have greeted the military intervention by France, arising from the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution No 2085.

“He was confident that, with preparations already put in place and the active support of the international community, the military mission would meet its overall objectives.”

French troops begin ground campaign

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•Abia State Governor Theodore Orji (second left), his wife, Mercy Odochi (left) with Abia House of Assembly Deputy Speaker Allwell Asiforo Okere and his wife Beauty, after a a Thanksgiving Service/Grand Civic Reception in honour of the Speaker at Ohuru-Ndoki Ukwa East Local Government Area

RANCE yesterday stepped up its military action in Mali, launching a ground offensive against Islamist rebels in a bid to bolster Malian troops who are struggling to push back insurgents threatening to advance on the capital, Bamako.

The move took France’s intervention in its former colony into a potentially dangerous phase, marking a departure from its initial emphasis on airborne attacks against the al-Qaeda-linked militants in support of Mali’s army.

French President François Hollande reiterated his country’s

commitment to defeat the rebels and restore Mali’s territorial integrity, insisting that the action he authorised last week was “legitimate and necessary”.

He told reporters in Paris: “Mali would have been entirely conquered and the terrorists would be in a position of force, not just to submit the Malian population to a regime it did not want but to put pressure on all the countries of West Africa.”

Anxious to maintain the broad political backing for his action in the region, where France has a history of controversial interventions, he said it had “no economic or political calculation” but was “solely in the service of peace”.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

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NEWS WAR IN MALI JUNTA LEADER SONOGO

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S the rebels were gaining ground in the North early last year, Malian soldiers staged a mutiny at the Kati military camp located 10 kilometres (about six miles) from the presidential palace in Bamako.

It culminated in a coup, led by a mid-ranking army officer, Capt Amadou Sanogo, one of the few officers who did not flee the Kati camp when the rank-and-file soldiers began rioting and then headed for the seat of government.

Having overthrown President Amadou Toumane Toure, he promised that the Malian army would defeat the rebels. But the ill-equipped and divided army was no match for the firepower of the rebels, who tightened their grip over the north in the immediate aftermath of the coup.

Capt Sanogo, who is in his late 30s, is from Segou, Mali's second largest town some 240km (150 miles) North of Bamako, where his father worked as a nurse at Segou's medical centre.

Journalist Martin Vogl describes the army officer as a forceful, confident and charismatic man, friendly but with a slightly abrupt manner.

In the army all his professional life, Capt Sanogo received some of his military training in the United States (US) including intelligence training. •Capt Sanogo

THE INTERIM PRESIDENT

D • French, Malian troops encircle Islamist rebels in central Mali...yesterday PHOTO:AFP

Islamist militants seize 20 foreign hostages in Algeria

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N what could be the first spillover from France’s intervention in Mali, Islamist militants yesterday attacked and occupied a natural gas complex partly operated by energy company BP in Southern Algeria.

Two foreigners were killed and dozens of others, including Americans, were taken hostage.

A militant group claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was in revenge for Algeria’s support of France’s operation against al-Qaidalinked Malian rebels groups far to the southeast. It said it was holding 41 foreigners, including seven Americans.

Algerian forces have surrounded the complex and the state news agency reported a bit more than 20 people were being held, including Americans, Britons, Norwegians, French and Japanese, citing the local authorities.

“Algeria will not respond to terrorist demands and rejects all negotiations,” Interior Minister Daho Ould Kablia said on television.

He denied that the militants were from Mali or Libya, possibly suggesting they were from Algeria itself.

In a statement, BP said the site was “attacked and occupied by a group of unidentified armed people,” and some of its personnel are believed to be “held by the occupiers.”

The number and identities of the hostages were still unclear, but Ireland announced that a 36-year-old married Irish man was among them, while Japan and Britain said their citizens were involved as well. A Norwegian woman said her husband called her saying he had been taken hostage.

United States (U.S.) State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said that according to their informa-

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HE International Criminal Court (ICC) has launched an investigation into suspected war crimes in Mali, its chief prosecutor said yesterday, as French forces launched a ground assault against Islamist rebels.

Islamists, some allied with al-Qaeda, seized control of vast parts of Northern Mali last year, raising concerns about human rights abuses and fears that the West African country could become a base for militant attacks in the region and beyond.

“Since the beginning of the armed conflict in January 2012, the people of

tion “U.S. citizens were among the hostages.”

In addition to those killed — one of them a Briton — six were wounded in the attack, including two foreigners, two police officers and two security agents, the state news agency reported.

Hundreds of Algerians work at the plant and were taken in the attack, but the state news agency reported that they have gradually been released in small groups, unharmed by yesterday afternoon.

A group called the Katibat Moulathamine, or the Masked Brigade, called a Mauritanian news outlet to say one of its affiliates had carried out the operation on the Ain Amenas gas field, taking 41 hostages from nine or 10 different nationalities, including the seven Americans.

The group’s claim could not be independently substantiated and the U.S. Embassy said it wasn’t “aware of any U.S. citizen casualties.”

The caller to the Nouakchott Information Agency, which often carries announcements from extremist groups, did not give any further details, except to say that the kidnapping was carried out by “Those Who Signed in Blood,” a group created to attack the countries participating in the offensive against Islamist groups in Mali.

The Masked Brigade was formed by al-Qaida’s longtime strongman in the Sahara region, Moktar Belmoktar, a one-eyed Algerian who recently declared he was leaving the terror network’s Algerian branch, al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb for his own group.

He said at the time he would still maintain ties with the central organization based out of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

IONCOUNDA Traore, 70, had long harboured presidential ambitions - but he had hoped to come to power in elections originally scheduled for April 2012.

He was born in 1942 in the garrison town of Kati, just outside of the capital Bamako.

He pursued his higher education in the then Soviet Union, Algeria and France, where he was awarded a doctorate in mathematics.

He returned to Mali to teach at university - before getting involved in politics.

He was a founding member in 1990 of the political party Alliance for Democracy in Mali and between 1992-1997 he held various ministerial portfolios including defence and foreign affairs.

In 2007, he was elected as speaker of the National Assembly.

He was an ally of the deposed President Amadou Toumani Toure, who had become deeply unpopular.

As a consequence, many Malians are wary of Mr Traore, who is not seen as charismatic, says former Bamako-based journalist Martin Vogl.

This boiled over in May 2012, when supporters of the coup attacked Mr Traore in his office, forcing him to seek medical treatment in France.

When Ansar Dine ended its ceasefire and entered the central town of Konna on January 10, the interim president appealed to France - the former colonial power - for military help.

He declared a state of emergency, arguing that the rebels wanted to expand "criminal activities" across the country.

France agreed to his request, saying it could not allow a "terrorist state" to emerge in Mali.

•Interim President Traore

THE OUSTED PRESIDENT

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MADOU Toumani Toure - the army general widely credited with rescuing Mali from military dictatorship and establishing democracy in Mali - fled to Senegal after the March 2012 coup.

At first, forces loyal to him resisted the militay junta, but he eventually accepted that his rule was over.

Known as ATT, Mr. Toure himself first came to power in a coup in 1991 - overthrowing military ruler Moussa Traore after security forces killed more than 100 pro-democracy demonstrators.

He handed power back to civilian rule the following year - gaining respect and the nickname "soldier of democracy".

He went on to win presidential elections in May 2002, and was reelected in 2007.

Born in 1948, ATT has no official party - and had always sought the backing of as many political groupings as possible.

•Ousted President Toure

ISLAMIST REBEL LEADER IYAG AG GHALY

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F the the three main Islamists groups in Mali - Ansar Dine, Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO) and alQaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), .

Ansar Dine is the only genuine home-grown movement, led by renowned former Tuareg rebel leader Iyad Ag Ghaly.

Its objective is to impose Islamic law across Mali and its full name in Arabic is Harakat Ansar al-Dine, which translates as "movement of defenders of the faith".

In contrast, AQIM, - the North African wing of al-Qaeda - has its roots in the bitter Algerian civil war of the early 1990s, but has since evolved to take on a more international Islamist agenda.

It emerged in early 2007, after the feared Algerian Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC) aligned itself with Osama Bin Laden's international network.

The group has since attracted members from Mauritania and Morocco, as well as from within Mali and its neighbours, such as Niger and Senegal.

• Ag Ghaly

War crimes prosecutor to investigate violence northern Mali have been living in profound turmoil,” ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said in a statement.

“At each stage during the conflict, different armed groups have caused havoc and human suffering through a range of alleged acts of extreme violence. I have determined that some of these deeds of brutality and destruction may constitute war crimes.”

Bensouda said she would investigate crimes including murder, mu-

tilation, torture and rape, as well as executions conducted without a judgment from an established court.

Human rights groups have long demanded an ICC investigation.

“The ICC’s decision to open an investigation in Mali sends an important message to all forces including separatist rebels, Islamist fighters, government soldiers, and foreign troops that serious human rights abuses will not go unpun-

ished,” said Corinne Dufka of Human Rights Watch.

She said the ICC team would need strong backing from its member countries, given the difficult environment. ICC judges have in the past said the difficulties of operating in remote, dangerous regions have limited the scope of investigations.

Bensouda said the investigation would also cover “intentionally directing attacks against protected

objects”, a reference to the destruction by Islamists of traditional Sufi shrines in the ancient caravan town of Timbuktu - acts reminiscent of the Taliban in Afghanistan.

The investigation will focus on crimes committed since January 2012 in the three Northern regions of Mali, Bensouda said.

“There is still turmoil in North Mali and populations there continue to be at risk of yet more violence and suffering,” she said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

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NEWS Akiolu urges Fed Govt to establish health policy

Alleged N4.7b laundering: EFCC, Babalakin in fresh row

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HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yester night declared the Chairman of Bi-Courtney Highway Services, Dr. Wale Babalakin, wanted.

The commission, which made the declaration in a statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said it took the action following the alleged refusal of Babalakin to report to it in preparation for his arraignment in court today.

But an aide of the businessman said “he is a law-abiding citizen, who will be in court by 8am today.

The statement said: “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared the Chairman of BiCourtney Highway Services Limited, Wale Babalakin wanted in connection with a case of Criminal Conspiracy and Money Laundering to the tune of N4.7billion.

“The businessman, who was supposed to report to the Commission today preparatory to his arraignment on a 27-count criminal charge before Justice

Senate lied against me, says Maina From: Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

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HE Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), Alhaji Abdulrasheed Maina, yesterday said the Senate should fish out those behind the N195billion pension scam, instead of accusing him of complicity in the pension scam.

Reacting to an allegation last Monday by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Media and Public Affairs, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe that Maina must face justice over the missing N195 billion pension fund, the PRTT boss said Abaribe’s comment is a ‘campaign of calumny’ meant to misinform the public with a view to discrediting the PRTT. Maina, who spoke through the PRTT spokesman, Hassan Salihu, at a media briefing in Abuja, said: “As far as the PRTT is concerned, if N195 billion pension funds are missing in the military, police or other pension offices, the Senate Pension Probe Committee should invite the officials or administrators of these pension offices.

By Wale Adepoju

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

Adeniyi Onigbanjo of the Lagos High Court tomorrow, January 17, 2013 failed to do so, and has gone underground.

“Babalakin is dark-complexioned and speaks English and Yoruba fluently.

“Anybody having useful information as to his whereabouts should contact the Commission in its Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt and Abuja offices or through these numbers: 09-4604620, 07026350721,070-26350722,07026350723,070-6350724, 07026350725 ; or e-mail address: info@efccnigeria.org or the nearest Police Station.”

Babalakin and four others were in November charged to court by the EFCC over how money was laundered through Mauritius for ex-Governor James Ibori to buy a Challenger Jet Aircraft.

The others are Alex Okoh, Stabilini Visioni Limited, BiCourtney Limited and Remix Nigeria Limited They are also to face a 27-

count charge in the High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja Division bordering also on the siphoning $11.3million abroad for Ibori through Erin Aviation Account in Mauritius .

The trial of Babalakin and others is expected to begin on January 17, 2013(today).

The charge sheet, dated November 21, 2012 was filed by A.M. Yusuf, Esq., on behalf of the EFCC and the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation.

In the charge sheet however, all the suspects will be arraigned in court for alleged “conspiracy to commit felony to wit: corruptly conferring benefit on account of public action contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code Law, CAP. C17, Laws of Lagos State , 2003.”

They are also to respond to allegation of “corruptly conferring benefit on account of public action contrary to Section 98A (1) (a) of the Criminal Code Law, CAP. C17, Laws of Lagos State , 2003.”

The third peg of their trial borders on alleged “retention

of proceed of a criminal conduct contrary to Section 17(a) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004.”

But when the suspects were to be arraigned in December, Babalakin was said to be ill and on admission in LUTH. From the hospital bed, the businessman returned to a Federal High Court seeking an order of the court to stop the Nigeria Police Force, the State Security Service and other security apparatchik from effecting his arrest or detention.

But Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, Lagos dismissed his application.

The judge asked Babalakin, who was still on hospital bed in LUTH last Friday, to go and face trial.

The trial was fixed for today but the EFCC accused Babalakin of not reporting to it preparatory to his arraignment.

Spokesman for the businessman Mr Dipo Kehinde, who is Head of Communication, BiCourtney Ltd. said: “We don’t

•Dr. Babalakin

understand the game that EFCC is playing. This is nothing but a deep political game.

Since Babalakin came out of the hospital, he had reported at the EFCC office in Lagos for more than five times. He was also there on Tuesday. He is on EFCC’s administrative bail.

He’s not a man on the run. We have a date in court tomorrow (today), but the EFCC wants to give jungle justice.”

He added that as at 5pm yesterday, Babalakin spoke with the investigation officer of the case at the EFCC, there was no inkling of any wrongdoing on his part. He was merely told to report at the EFCC tomorrow (today).

Jonathan’s 2014 centenary celebration request splits Reps

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EMBERS of the House of Representatives yesterday debated a request on Nigeria’s proposed centenary celebration.

President Goodluck Jonathan had written the House asking for an interaction with the lawmakers on the programme of the celebration as proposed by the Executive.

The proposed celebration is to mark the 100 years of the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates.

House of Representatives members were of the opinion that the celebration would be a huge waste of the country’s scarce resources and that besides, the President has no basis for the request due to his refusal to brief the House on the state of security in the country as requested by the House in an earlier resolution to the Executive.

The debate began following the presentation of the

From: Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

letter from the President by Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

The letter dated January 10 requested the House to permit the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, to inform members of the preparation for the centenary celebration so far.

Deputy Minority Leader, Sumaila Kawu (Kano/ ANPP), noted that the letter was a breach of privilege of the House since President Jonathan refused to honour invitation from the House last year.

“Mr. President refused to honour our invitation in the past. So we cannot honour his own too,” he said.

He was supported by the Minority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila (Lagos/ACN), who condemned the proposed centenary celebration, describing it as “an econom-

ic drain.”

He said the House should shun the proposal from the Presidency as a response to the President’s ‘refusal’ to appear and brief the House on the issue of security as resolved by members last year.

Said he: “A centenary celebration could cost this country billions. If we are saying there is no money to implement budgets, I don’t see why a centenary celebration should be a priority.

“Respect should be reciprocal. We should ignore the letter the way he ignored our resolution last year summoning him to brief us on insecurity, because respect begets respect.”

Some lawmakers saw Gbajabiamila’s position as extreme.

Emmanuel Jime, (Benue/ PDP),expressed the need for positivity regarding the centenary celebration, saying it’s an opportunity to showcase the country’s unity.

But Abike Dabiri-Erewa

Mark warns politicians against 2015 campaigns From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

•Dr. Jonathan

(Lagos/ ACN) differed.

She noted: “There is no big deal or an issue to be made out of the decision by the Presidency to mark 100 years of our unity.”

Linus Okorie (Ebonyi/ PDP) cautioned the House on its hard stance, saying: “The House should not constitute itself as an opposition against the presidency on every issue.”

The Speaker postponed the debate after advising members to be restrained and await another period when they would be opportune to take a decision on the request.

Police get ultimatum to arraign Lawan for $620,000 bribe

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HE Nigeria Police was yesterday issued oneweek ultimatum to arraign House of Representatives Probe Committee Chairman, Farouk Lawan, for allegedly collecting $620,000 from business magnate, Femi Otedola.

Lagos lawyer Festus Keyamo, who issued the ultimatum, threatened that if the InspectorGeneral of Police and the police failed to comply with the ultimatum within the stipulated time, he would proceed to court to bring him to justice.

In a statement he made available to The Nation, the activistlawyer said: “It is more than six months now that the scandal broke regarding the collection of $620,000 by a member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Farouk Lawan from Mr. Femi

By Dada Aladelokun, Assistant Editor and Precious Igbonwelundu

Otedola, a businessman, to doctor his committee’s report relating to the fuel subsidy scam probe by the House of Representatives.

“After collecting the money (which he did not deny), Lawan stood up on the floor of the House and performed the act for which he collected the money.

“Till today, he is yet to produce the money before police investigators, fuelling speculation and suspicion that the money has been spent. The case is as simple and straight forward as this. The police and the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation have traded blames over the matter. The public has been

treated to all sorts of shameless and obvious attempts to drag the investigation into the murky water of politics, instead of treating it as a crime.”

Keyamo described as nonsensical, the impression created by the police that it is the office of the Attorney-General that can direct them to charge the matter to court.

He said: “The law currently as espoused by the Supreme Court in the case of FRN v OSAHON (2006) 5 NWLR PT (Pt. 973) 361, says the police and other law enforcement agencies can directly charge matters to court without the consent or fiat of the Attorney-General of the Federation or of any state. “The AttorneyGeneral can only intervene by taking over to continue or discontinue the proceedings. What

then are the police waiting for?”

Keyamo said the foot-dragging of the case was intended to make the public forget about it.

He added: “I have taken it upon myself as a responsible citizen to bring Lawan to justice.

By this statement (a copy of which I am forwarding to the Inspector-General of Police with a covering letter), I expect that

Lawan and his cohorts in the House of Representatives would be arraigned within one week.”

On Otedola, the lawyer-activist said: “I have made my position clear from the beginning that he committed no offence. A man, who reports an attempt at a crime to the authorities and plays along to catch the offender, commits no crime.”

Police warn vehicle owners

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AGOS monarch, Oba Rilwan Akiolu I, has urged the Federal Government to establish a National Health Policy.

He spoke at the launch of a medical book, entitled: “Illustrated clinical surgery”, edited by a Professor of Urology, Julius Esho.

Oba Akiolu said the establishment of the policy would move the country’s health sector forward.

He appealed to the government not to play politics with the health of the people, especially Lagosians, whom he said deserve a special attention.

The monarch said many people die from avoidable deaths. He enjoined the people to improve on their hygiene, saying: “A healthy country is a wealthy one.”

Oba Akiolu berated medical practitioners who refer patients seeking care in public hospitals to private ones.

He said this prevents them from receiving quality and affordable treatment because of the high medical bills charged by private hospitals.

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, said the state attached importance to high quality health services, adding that it would realise its goals.

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•Commission declares businessman wanted

HE police in Ogun have asked those who lost their vehicles and motorcycles to thieves or abandoned them to report at the Awa Division for identification and claim them within the next two weeks, after which they will be sold by auction.

According to the police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the recovered vehicles include: Mazda 626 marked XF 143 KSF, Nissan (AG 634 JJJ), Caravan Jeep (JM 01 QBC) and Mercedes Benz E 190 (DG 431 LSR). Two Bajaj Boxer motorbikes (QW 6236 LSD, OD 378 BDJ), unmarked Jincheng and Nafan (XA 9554) were also recovered.

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ENATE President David Mark yesterday warned elected and appointed political office holders to concentrate on delivering good governance to the people instead of dissipating their energy, campaigning for the 2015 general elections.

He spoke in Abuja when he addressed senators after the Christmas and New Year break.

Mark said: “You will recall that at the beginning of my stewardship in the Seventh Senate, I promised on behalf of all of us that this Senate will stand with Nigerians at all times and in all circumstances, because we are their elected representatives.

“We have remained unflinching in this respect and we will continue to do so in 2013 and years ahead.

“Therefore, legislative activity for 2013 should dovetail with the synthesised expectations and wishes of the Nigerian people.

“Such expectations and wishes are not difficult to discern. The input we have made in the 2013 budget is in acknowledgement of some of these expectations.

“The task of the Senate in 2013 would be to work to restore confidence in the ability of the government to rise to the challenges elicited by the public expectations.”

He said he was happy that the security challenges facing the country are being surmounted.

The Senate President added that the Upper chamber would continue to help empower the security agencies to provide security in the country.

He called for capital punishment for those found guilty of terrorism.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

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NEWS

Senate probes sharp practices in MDAs T

HE Senate yesterday mandated its committees on Federal Character, Employment, Labour and Productivity to investigate alleged irregularities in employment in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the last two years.

This followed a motion, entitled: “Employment irregularities in the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in Nigeria”, sponsored by Senator Abubakar Bagudu (Kebbi Central).

Bagudu directed the Senate to note the media reports on irregularities in employment at the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other ministries, departments and agencies.

•Appointment letters ‘sold for N500,000’ From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

The lawmaker argued that the statements credited to the Comptroller-General of the NIS suggest that over 4,000 employment slots were approved for the agency by the Federal Government.

However, he insisted that the slots were allegedly being sold to applicants.

He said the jobs were not advertised.

Bagudu alleged that employment letters were sold for N400, 000 and N500, 000 “by a syndicate based in Gwagwalada, Karu and other places.”

He said the recruitment exercises favour some states, which amounts to a “total negation of the Federal Character principle.”

He told the Senate that the recruitment exercise by the Nigerian Immigration Service and others have been criticised by the public.

Senate President David Mark said the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) was guilty of lopsided action in employment in the MDAs. He urged senators to testify before the committees.

Said he: “I recommend that those people with experiences or stories to tell should meet the relevant committees and perhaps, expose those that demanded money for employment.

“I have never given a letter of recommendation to anybody seeking employment because the implication is blackmail against the Senate.

“I believe the Civil Service Commission, an agency charged with recruitment, is the most guilty because it has to look at the Federal Character, know the vacancies available and recruit accordingly.

“But there is desperation everywhere and this is a serious thing in the land. If we can do anything to maximise the ability of the government and private organisations to create employment, we have to do it. If employment is limited, there will be desperation.

“The motion is a welcome development. I urge that the committee do a thorough job so that we can minimise, if not eliminate injustice in the country.”

Many senators decried the menace and called for urgent measures to curb it.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Char-

acter, Senator Awaisu Kuta, noted that the committee is inundated with complaints from applicants that jobs are for the highest bidders.

He said: “We have tried to curb this menace. Almost everybody is guilty of this problem.

“Parents are desperate to see that their children are employed, but it is unfortunate that somebody who is qualified may not get employment unless he knows someone.

“The indiscriminate issuance of certificate of compliance to MDAs by the Federal Character Commission (FCC) is a major contributor to the problem.

“Even ministers are guilty.

Anybody able to buy his way through to get employment as a future leader is dangerous to the system.”

Deputy Senate President Ike

•Mark

Ekweremadu blamed the ugly development on growing unemployment.

Said he: “Our children are the victims of unemployment.

A situation where many of our youths are unemployed will give room for manipulation.

“The process begins from a job seeker asking you to write a letter of recommendation, and asking you to call the head of the agency in question and thereafter asking you to go and see the head of the agency on his behalf.”

Tambuwal welcomes lawmakers

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•From left: Executive Director, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Mr. Steve Elusope; CEO, Stanbic IBTC, Yinka Sanni; the ‘One Millionth Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holder of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Miss Lovina Kyoku; CEO, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc., Mrs. Sola David-Borha; CEO, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited, Dr. Demola Sogunle; and Executive Director, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Eric Fajemisin, at the celebration of the ‘One Millionth RSA Account Holder’, held at Stanbic IBTC headquarters in Lagos... yesterday.

PEAKER of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal yesterday welcomed lawmakers from the Christmas and New Year break.

He said: “It is my great pleasure to welcome you back after the Christmas and New Year break. I hope the holiday, though pretty short, has been invigorating because there is so much work to do.

“As we begin the New Year, we hope to improve on the modest efforts we have made towards raising the quality of legislation in this country and the way we have handled issues arising from our oversight functions.

“Fellow lawmakers, this Honourable House has a contract with the Nigerian people to make sure they reap from the gains of our hard-earned democracy. As you know our goal has always been to fulfil that mandate to the best of our capacity.

“When we came in, we promised to pursue an ag-

‘As we begin the New Year, we hope to improve on the modest efforts we have made towards raising the quality of legislation...’ gressive legislative agenda that would reposition this House not just as a key branch of government determined to deliver on its mandate, but as a veritable defender of the rights of the people. These include their right to life wherever they choose to live. Their right to employment. Their right to quality education and medical care and their right to worship without fear or recrimination.

“Fellow members, let me again thank you all for your sacrifice and dogged determination to render excellent service to our fatherland. I wish you all God’s guidance.

“Once again, Happy New Year. I thank you all.”

Aregbesola, Ribadu, Akume, others salute ‘humanist’ Akande at 74

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LA-Orangun in Osun State was agog yesterday as the former Governor of the state and National Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Bisi Akande, celebrated his 74th birthday.

The occasion also witnessed a presentation of the Award of Excellence as a Pacesetter to Akande for his achievements as the Osun State Governor by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the Osun State chapter.

It was a day of encomiums for Akande. Governor Rauf Aregbesola; the presidential candidate of the ACN in the 2011 general election, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; former Benue State Governor, Senator George Akume and others described him as “a humanist”, “a leader of leaders and a man of integrity”.

Aregbesola said Akande is passionate about people, having imbibed a political tradition that makes people the universe of politics and basis of governance.

He said: “Baba Akande is a fantastic man, a model in leadership, integrity, resil-

Lagos Assembly felicitates with ACN National Chairman

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HE Lagos State House of Assembly has congratulated Chief Bisi Akande, the National Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), on his 74th birthday.

Speaking on behalf of the House, the Chairman, Committee on Information, Strategy, Security and Publicity, Mr. Segun Olulade, described Akande as a leader of leaders, who is also a great inspiration to his contemporaries and the younger politicians.

Olulade said: “Baba Akande’s progressive pedigree and excellent leadership credentials are never in question.

“Right from the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) days when he was the Secretary to the State Government in

By Oziegbe Okoeki

the old Oyo State in the late Chief Bola Ige administration, to his stewardship as the Osun State Governor and later as the National Chairman of ACN, Chief Akande has always been an epitome of humility, faithfulness, honesty, firmness, peace, tranquility and progress.

“His great strength of character has continued to be an added value to the leadership of ACN and this is serving us well as a party.’’

He said under Akande’s leadership of the ACN, the party has continued to soar, gaining more territories and surmounting legal and political battles.”

•ACN chair: I don’t belong to a secret cult ience, dedication and zeal. He is a model in strength of character, versatility and humility, and he is highly disciplined.

“Baba Akande is from a political tradition that makes people the universe of politics and the basis of governance. He has never ceased to remind us, indeed demand from us, that every policy and action of government must pass the critical test of people-friendliness.

“He is a leader par excel-

lence. This is why his tenure has been the most peaceful and rancour-free in political party administration. If you look at the other parties, especially the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), you will notice that the members are at war with one another.

“Chief Akande ran the most prudent administration and achieved so much with little. For us in ACN, he is a role model and father–figure, whose leadership style we admire.

“Chief Akande is the quintessential Omoluabi, who has carried well the banner of this state, the Yoruba race and our great country, Nigeria.”

Ribadu, who was full of praises for the people of the state for the support given him during the last presidential election, described Akande as a leader of the progressive forces in Nigeria.

Describing Akande as the father of the progressive forces, Ribadu said the kind of leadership quality exemplified by Akande gives the peo-

ple hope about the Nigeria project.

Said he: “I am proud of Chief Bisi Akande; I am proud of Osun people. For the honour done to me, I promise I will not let you down. I’m a very proud member of this community.

“Today, Baba deserves the honour the people gave him.

He has shown that he is one of those the people hinge their hopes on in this country through his leadership style.

He is the father of the progressive forces in Nigeria.”

The state chairman of the NIPR, Prince Wale Oyekanmi,

said the award conferred on Akande was a call on the leaders to be conscious that no matter how long, the legacy they left behind would bring honour or dishonour to them.

He urged those in office to be committed to good work and be determined to serve the people.

The NIPR hailed the Aregbesola administration for following the path of honour and integrity, which Akande followed.

Akande said the honour done to him has vindicated him, despite the insinuations by his critics, who ventured into media propaganda to attack his administration when he was the governor of the state.

He said despite the criticisms, he remained resolute and focused, adding: “I have been a devout Muslim since birth and I’ve never belonged to any secret cult.”

Akande expressed gratitude to God for enabling him to celebrate his 74th birthday and thanked the people for honouring him.

He said he would continue to fight for the interest and welfare of the people.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

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NEWS Oyo unveils Samodun Fiesta From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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HE Oyo State Government has demonstrated its commitment to the promotion of the African culture with the unveiling of the Samodun Fiesta.

Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Princess Adetutu Akhigbe -Adeyemi told reporters in Ibadan, the state capital, that the festival would promote tourism in Oyo. She said the three-day programme would start on January 24 with the Ajumorin Walk for Life with Governor Abiola Ajimobi, members of the state executive council, legislators and artistes.

It will be followed by the OgeOyo Beauty Pageant and a comedy display night on January 25.

The fiesta will end on the 26th with a special children’s event and a Fuji show, tagged “Ta Ohun”.

The commissioner said: “Oyo is blessed with hundreds of Tourist sites and historical monuments, which place her at a competitive edge among other states. There is need to draw attention to the state as a tourist havens with rich culture.”

•From right: Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun with the State Chief Judge, Justice Olatokunbo Olopade; the Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice Wemimo Ogunde (SAN) and others during a court assessment visit of the governor to Ogun East Judicial Division...yesterday.

CPC’s forensic experts storm Ondo INEC office From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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ORENSIC experts engaged by the candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in last year’s governorship election in Ondo State, Prince Soji Ehinlanwo, yesterday stormed the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akure, the state capital, to inspect the materials used in the election.

Sources at the INEC office said members of the Labour Party (LP), led by a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Olusegun Mimiko, Mr. Ogundeji Iroju, who witnessed the inspection, were uncomfortable when the experts started identifying “numerous anomalies” on the materials.

CPC’s lead counsel Segun Ogodo and Dr. Abass Aidi, who represents the foreign forensic experts, were at the INEC office for the second day to examine the materials.

Sources said it took the timely intervention of INEC’s Director of Legal Services and the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Akin Orebiyi, to prevail on LP members to allow the experts complete the inspection.

The LP representatives said they would also bring forensic experts to inspect the materials.

Land row: Son absolves Ibadan business woman of wrongdoing

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LAGOS lawyer and businessman, Mr. Akinyele Oladeji, has cleared himself and his mother, Mrs. Adetoun Oladeji (a.k.a.

Mama ke) of any wrongdoing in the controversial land deal involving the latter and gospel singer Mrs. Funmi Aragbaye The singer has accused the renowned Ibadan businesswoman (Mrs. Oladeji) of duping her of N6.5 million in a land deal in 2010.

The contentious land is located in Ologuneru, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Mrs. Aragbaye said the land was reclaimed by the actual owners but Mrs. Oladeji refused to refund her money.

In a statement yesterday, Oladeji said his mother was duped by fraudsters, who colFrom Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo HE Osun State Government has paid N53 million as com- lected N120 million from her pensation to the owners of demolished properties on the for the large parcel of land before she discovered that the land Alekuwodo-Olaiya road in Osogbo. did not belong to them.

This is the second phase of the compensation.

He said Mrs. Aragbaye The demolition is to pave the way for the expansion and bought three acres of the condualisation of roads. troversial land.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands, Physical Planning Oladeji said the singer has and Urban Development Dr. Ayodele Owoade, who gave the rebuffed all efforts to resolve money to the claimants at the state secretariat, Osogbo, said the the issue amicably, including government had earlier paid N102 million as compensation. his mother’s offer to refund 60 He said the government would pay those with genuine proof of per cent of the money. ownership of the property marked for demolition.

The statement reads: “My atSpeaking on behalf of those compensated, Alhaji Yinusa Akintola tention has been drawn to the thanked Governor Rauf Aregbesola for the prompt payment. campaign of calumny launched in the print and electronic media by Mrs. Aragbaye against AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday in- my person and my mother.

“To set the records straight, spected the Iponri Drainage Canal in Orile Iganmu and other such facilities across the state to assess the level of prepared- sometime in 2010, certain persons posing as land speculators ness for the next rainy season. approached my mother with an He urged industries to comply with environmental laws.

Barely 24 hours after his tour of ongoing projects in Ikorodu, offer to sell large tracts of land Fashola visited the Nigerian Breweries Plc, Iganmu, the pro- to her for N120 million.

“While she was contemplatposed site for the Iponri Market Extension and a reclaimed swampy land in Orile, on the Lagos–Badagry Expressway, where the gov- ing the deal, Mrs. Aragbaye approached her that she needed ernment plans to build a recreation centre.

Speaking with reporters after the tour, Fashola said: “Most of land to build her church. About the canals that drain Lagos to the Lagoon are earth canals, which the same time, ‘certain repremeans they exist naturally. It costs a lot to keep them functional sentatives’ of the University of and from being overgrown by vegetation. What we are doing Ibadan Cooperative Society ofnow is building a body of concrete-lined channels across Lagos. It fered to pay my mother N600 is going to take awhile. We started several years ago and we are million for land in the same area, where she was being ofbuilding it kilometre by kilometre until we complete it.

“The Iponri Drainage Canal begins from the Otto Creek, tak- fered land.

“Buoyed by this demand for ing flood water from Ijora, Iponri, Bode-Thomas and Alakija into land, my mother started makthe Lagoon on the Lagos Island .

“I have come here to measure the progress of work and to see ing payments to the land specuhow quickly we can complete that before the rainy season. The lators, with said sum totalling successful completion of the project would be definitive of how about N120 million over a period. It was later discovered that this area will drain during the rainy season”.

He hailed Nigerian Breweries Plc for complying with envi- the ‘representatives of the UI Cooperative’ were a façade, a ronmental regulations.

Demolition: Osun pays N53m compensation

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Lagos prepares for rainy season

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From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

part of their modus operandi in duping innocent people.

“Mrs. Aragbaye paid my mother N6 million for three acres of land in the village, while a man, Mr. Rasheed Ishola, also paid N7 million.

These funds formed part of the money mama paid to the scammers.

“Several months after payment to mama and about the same time that mama had no more money to give to the land speculators, Mrs. Aragbaye came back to mama, asking for a refund. She said ‘certain land grabbers’ disturbed her when she wanted to commence construction on the land.

“As a demonstration of mama’s good faith, she issued a post-dated cheque to Mrs. Aragbaye and Ishola for a refund of their money. However, they were all under the mutual understanding that the cheque was post-dated, such that mama would assist them in sorting out the issue of the land.

“Mama promptly lodged complaints at the Iyaganku Police Station and a full-scale in-

‘Mrs. Aragbaye refused to attend a meeting slated for the office of mama’s lawyer for an amicable resolution of the dispute’ vestigation, which is ongoing, was launched into the case.

Some of the people arrested and detained are Jelili Yekini and Amidu Yekini.

“Their cars were impounded and their house titles were seized by the police. When the investigations started pointing to Mrs. Aragbaye’s complicity in the matter, mama’s lawyer promptly wrote Mrs. Aragbaye not to present the cheque.

“Mrs. Aragbaye refused to attend a meeting slated for the office of mama’s lawyer for an amicable resolution of the dispute. Another buyer, who paid

N7 million, attended the meeting and accepted the 60 per cent offer, knowing full well that Mama lost a huge sum of money to fraudsters in the deal.

“Instead of embracing peaceful resolution, Mrs. Aragbaye persisted in her campaign of calumny, thinking that smearing mama’s name would put her and her children under pressure to make the refund.

“She was offered another parcel of land commensurate to what she paid in the same vicinity, which she bluntly refused.

“The other party, knowing that he was not totally blameless and could not come out smelling like a rose, agreed to a refund of 60 per cent. The 60 per cent was offered to allow peace reign and clear mama’s name and not because the parties were blameless. Every one of the parties has to bear part of the loss. Even banks waive interests when the situation goes bad.

“Who would refund mama’s money in her old age? Nobody should expect to benefit from their wrongdoing.”

Private sector to support Ogun with N540m on roads

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HE organised private sector operating at the Ogun State Investment and Property Corporation (OPIC) Estate in Agbara has partnered the state government to build roads in the area.

President of the Ogun Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture Prince Bayo Ikujenyo said the companies would provide 30 per cent of the total cost of rehabilitating the 4.5km road in the OPIC Estate.

Ikujenyo spoke when he led a delegation of companies in the estate to the Abeokuta office of the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Bimbo Ashiru.

He said it would cost about N1.8 billion to expand the road and the companies would provide N540 million.

Ikujenyo said the internal roads, when completed, would attract more investors to the area.

He said the influx of companies in the area in the last 16

Road repair begins

T

HE Ogun State Government has begun the repair of bad portions on the 32km Sango-Ijoko-Oke Aro-Ope IluOjodun Abiodun Road.

The failed portions include those in Ope-Ilu, Agbado station, Ishasi, Powerline, Toyin crossing, Ijoko and Oke-Aro axis.

Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure Olamilekan Adegbite said the repair would ensure free flow of traffic, pending full rehabilitation.

He said the government was aware of the pains of residents on the road, hence the palliative measure.

Adegbite said: “Later, the road would be widened and reconstructed in line with the Ogun Standard, with drains, pedestrian walk bridges, street lights, median, greenbelt and pedestrian walkways.”

Some residents thanked the government for coming to their aid.

From Ernest Nwokolo, it was the responsibility of the Abeokuta government to develop the state, the process could be months necessitated the expan- achieved quickly if individuals sion of the road and the build- and groups partner the governing of a trailer park in the es- ment. tate.

He urged industrialists to Ashiru thanked them for support the government on their support. He said though infrastructural development.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

9

NEWS 500 PDP members join Oyo ACN

F

IVE hundred members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the four local governments that make up Oyo Federal Constituency have defected to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

The defectors, mainly youths, were received by ACN leaders at a colourful ceremony in Opapa, Oyo West Local Government.

Many ACN leaders, including Chief Sola Ikuola (Afijio), Pastor Oyeniyi Titiloye (Atiba), Chief Sunday Elegbede (Oyo West) and Mr. Oye Alamu (Oyo East), spoke on the occasion.

They said PDP “has failed the people due to ineptitude, bad leadership and misgovernance.”

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

The youths urged the opposition party to stop distracting the Governor Abiola Ajimobi administration and listed some of Ajimobi’s achievements as the restoration of peace and the Employee Biometric and Payroll Solution, which has eradicated ghost workers.

The ACN leaders urged the governor to look into the case of primary and secondary school pensioners, who are yet to receive their entitlements.

Mallam Idris Akanmu, who spoke on behalf of the youths, thanked the ACN leaders for the “warm” reception and pledged to work for the party’s success.

Goats owners to pay N2,500

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WNERS of the five goats that were seized by the Osun State Waste Management Agency (OWMA) in Osogbo, the state capital, last week, have appeared before a Magistrate’s Court.

The owners - Mrs. Aduke Adetona, Mrs. Esther Ibikunle and Mrs. Adedoyin Adetayo were arraigned, but the goats were not allowed into the court room.

Counsel to the accused Mr. Jimoh Daramola urged the court to temper justice with mercy.

A

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

The Magistrate, A. O. Ajanaku, discharged Mrs. Adetayo, whose goat died in OWMA’s custody.

She ordered Mrs. Adetona and Mrs. Ibikunle to pay a fine of N2,500 each to the state government.

Speaking with reporters after the court session, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr. Bola Ilori, urged residents to keep their animals in a cage.

‘Beware of dissidents in GROUP within the Ondo PDP’ Peoples Democratic

Party (PDP) in Ondo State, the Ondo Rescue Group (ORG), has criticised the purported move by a faction led by the Director-General of the Olusola Oke Campaign Organisation (OOCO), Dr. Dare Bada, and some agents of the state government to hijack the party.

It urged its National body to disregard “their antics”, which it said were aimed at causing a crisis in the party.

In a statement by its Chairman, Otunba Rasak Isijola, and Secretary Wale Ozogoro, ORG said Oke emerged the party’s standard bearer in the last governorship election through a consensus arrangement in which Bada participated.

It said Oke became the PDP candidate in a primary election without any misgiving.

The statement reads: “Our candidate contested the election and gave a good show, which was hailed by the na-

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

tional body of our party and the Presidency.

“It is obvious that the election was lost to organised rigging and sabotage by compromised leaders. Contrary to Bada’s claims, the campaign was exhaustively funded by the candidate, loyal leaders and corporate individuals.

“The national body and the Presidency did not only shoulder the campaign expenses, they took over the management of the campaign structure.

However, Bada was excluded from the National campaign committee and entreaties by the State Working Committee that he should be included proved abortive.

“ORG will continue to appreciate the support of the national body. The management of the party has been meticulously undertaken by the SWC, led

by Mr. Alabi Ebenezer, which has brought our party to its glorious position in Ondo State.”

Ajimobi vows to improve education

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YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has reiterated his administration’s determination to improve the standard of education.

He spoke at the Ibadan Civic Centre while inaugurating the School Monitoring and Supervision Project in collaboration with the University of Ibadan (UI).

The governor, who described education as the soul of any society, regretted that the deteriorating standard of education had impacted negatively on the performance of pupils in public examinations.

He said the unfortunate development was partly the fault of teachers, most of whom he said had a lackadaisical attitude to their responsibilities.

Ajimobi warned that any teacher found trading during working hours would be sanctioned.

He said: “I feel sorry that ed-

ucation has deteriorated this much, especially when you are asking for increment in salary, even though you are not wholly responsible for the dismal performance. “ I know the environment is a factor and so many other things. I urge teachers to rededicate themselves to their duties.

“When I drive round and see pupils roaming the streets and teachers selling gold necklace, I feel ashamed. I have even seen teachers who find it difficult to construct simple sentences correctly.’’

The governor directed the Ministry of Education to develop a year-round training and re-training programmes for teachers.

UI Vice-Chancellor Prof.

Isaac Adewole said the institution would develop strategies to improve education and performance in public examinations.

26 Yoruba groups back Fayemi, Aregbesola for 2014 T WENTY six pan-Yoruba groups yesterday adopted Governors Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) and Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) for second terms.

The groups, under the aegis of the O’odua Nationalist Coalition (ONAC), said their decision was to protect the “integrity of the Yoruba and prevent a decline in the growing public trust in governance.”

ONAC is a coalition of Yoruba and Itsekiri cultural and political groups, including O’odua People’s Congress (OPC), O’odua Liberation Movement (OLM), O’odua Students Coalition (OSTUC), Yoruba Farmers and Artisan Movement (YFAM), Covenant Group (CG), the Pro-National Conference Organisations (PRONACO-Southwest) and Yoruba Federalist Coalition (YFC).

The group made the decision in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, after a meeting that began on Tuesday evening and ended at dawn yesterday. The meeting was attended by over 200 delegates from across the Southwest.

In a statement read by Mr. Akinwunmi Adebola, a lawyer, ONAC said: “We are compelled by historical circumstances to adopt the gov-

‘Endorsement not subject to debate’

T

HE member representing Oye/IkoleEkiti Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr. Bimbo Daramola, has said the endorsement of Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi for a second term is not subject to debate.

He said the decision lies with the people.

Daramola spoke in Ayebode-Ekiti while inaugurating a government-owned health centre he renovated for the community.

He said: “Residents and indigenes, who are the primary beneficiaries of the governor’s genuine development efforts, have certified him qualified for the 2014 poll.

“It is unfair for any opposition to think of stopping Fayemi from running for another term. Federal lawmakers and professionals in various fields will continue to supBy Dada Aladelokun, Assistant Editor

ernors of Ekiti and Osun states for second terms. We realise that Nigeria, as it is presently constituted, cannot lead to the total liberation of the Yoruba people, given its self-imposed contradictions and with the country currently being managed like a garrison state.

“The two governors have laid a solid foundation for

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

port him for making us proud.

“If Fayemi refuses to go for another term (God forbid), the victims of that decision would not be Fayemi, me or any political office holder. The victims would be the masses. Who ever seeks to stop Fayemi and his development strides is not opposing Fayemi, but is the enemy of the people and the state.”

Yesterday, about 177 aspiring councillors of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and Council Assistants to the governor backed the calls for Fayemi’s re-election.

At a meeting at the Cultural Centre in AdoEkiti, the state capital, they urged Fayemi to “submit himself for another term of service to the people”.

genuine transformation of the Southwest, through giant leaps in the areas of tourism, environmental protection, economic growth and security. They have rekindled the floundering spirit of our forebears and their legacy of human capital development.

“We must ensure that no force on earth reverses the gains that have been recorded in the past two years that the Southwest broke loose from hate, division and un-

derdevelopment.

“There are still many things to be done in the Southwest, but there is hope that the current leaders have the understanding, commitment and the skill to improve the two states, as against the eight years of waste and mismanagement that characterised the Southwest in the past.

“We will work hard to ensure Fayemi’s and Aregbesola’s victory in the 2014 elections.”

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, IKEJA DIVISION 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 of Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties of the deceased. NOTICE 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) days from the date hereof.

S/N NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON: 1. Murisiku Sofoluwe late of 2, Obasanjo Farm Ota Ogun State, who died intestate on 17th September, 2012 at Lagos.

2. Mr. David F. Olajide known as Olajide Fagbemi David late of 10, Bello Street, Orile, Lagos who died intestate on 24th April, 2011 at Lagos.

3. Mrs. Assumpta Mbachu late of 3, Alhaja Hassan Street, Orile Iganmu, Lagos who died intestate on 12th November, 2011 at Lagos.

4. Pa. Samson Odukoya Odugbesan known as Pa. S. A.Odugbesan and Mr. Odugbesan Samson late of 5, Alaka Street, AbuleIjesha, Lagos who died intestate on 17th December, 2007 at Lagos.

5. Captain Victor Okurerie late of 39, Ikosi Road, Ketu, Lagos who died intestate on 25th January, 1998 at Benin.

6. Philip Ogungbesan late of 24, Olorunsogo Street, Mushin, Lagos, who died intestate on 13th November, 1990 at Lagos.

7. Kayode Olutokunbo Oyefolu known as known as Kayode Oyefolu late of House G - 39 Road 26, V.G.C. Ajah Lagos who died intestate on 19th July, 2012 at Maryland U.S.A. 8. Mrs. Dosunmu Idayat Adebola late of 55, Branco Street, Lagos who died intestate on 3rd June, 2011 at Lagos.

9. Vincent Okezie Iro known as Iro Vincent Okezie late of 37, Ajayi Okeya Street, Ikotun, Lagos who died intestate intestate on 13th June, 2011 at Lagos.

10. Dr. Goodwill Uchendu Alaefula late of 39, Layi Haruna Street, Ikotun, Lagos who died intestate on 19th October, 2012 at Lagos.

11. Owoeye Wahab Ayinde known as Mr. Wahabu Ayinde -Owoeye late of 21, Akanni Street, Shomolu, Lagos who died intestate on 12th September, 2010 at Lagos.

12. Stella Emmanuel late of 5, Hassan Street, Ilasamaja, Lagos who died intestate on 28th December, 2011 at Lagos.

13. Miss Chidinma Ann Nwogugu known as Miss Nwogugu Ann Chidinma late of 59, Bajulaiye Road, Shomolu, Lagos who died intestate on 6th December, 2010 at Lagos.

14. Mr, Bassey Effiong known as Effiong Bassey late of 16, Ondo Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos who died intestate on 1st July, 2006 at Lagos.

15. Mrs. Ngozi Nwafor known as Adaobi Charity late of 17, Ilupeju Street, Araromi Bus - Stop, Meiran, Lagos who died intestate on 18th March, 2012 at Lagos.

16. Mr Wilfred Ehirim late of 3rd Avenue 'B' Close House 23 Festac Town, Lagos who died intestate on 22nd July, 1993 at Lagos.

17. Mr. Nwabudike Emmanuel Chukwuma late of 6, Hon. Jimoh Ojugbele Street, Ejigbo, Lagos who died intestate on 25th April, 2012 at Lagos.

18. Ossai Emmanuel late of Block 5, Room 18, Falomo Police Barracks Ikoyi, who died intestate on 4th June, 2012 at Lagos.

19. Rev. David Mosunmola George late of 6, Oyabiyi Road, Yaba, Lagos who died intestate on 12th March, 1972 at Lagos.

20. Mr. Adisa Phillips known as Phillips Adisa late of 35, Abeokuta Street, Ebute-Metta, Yaba, Lagos who died intestate on 8th October, 1979 at Lagos.

21. Mosuro Ganiyu Owoade late of 33, Mercy Eneli Street, Surulere, Lagos, who died intestate on 18th December, 2004 at IjebuOde Ogun State.

22. Mr. Ganiyu Ajibola Tijani known as Ganiyu Ajibola Olabanji late of 43, Toyin Shobande Street, Iyesi - Ota who died intestate on 4th October, 2010 at Ogun State.

23. Mr. Onajighofia John late of 7, Ganiyu Hassan Street, Igbogbo Ikorodu, Lagos, who died intestate on 15th December, 2011 at Abuja.

24. Mrs. Mary Phemene late of 16, Ilefumi Street, Surulere, Lagos who died intestate on 7th September, 2010 at America.

25. Alhaja Sidikat Aweni Fabunmi late of 12, Oloje Street, Papa Ajao Mushin, Lagos, who died intestate on 1st April, 2012 at Lagos.

26. Omolabake Muyibat Folawiyo known as Folawiyo Omolabake Muyibat late of 19, Akinsiku Street, Palace Bus stop Ori-Okuta Ikorodu, Lagos who died intestate on 7th July, 2011 at Lagos.

27. Mutiu Oluwatoyin Dabiri known as Toyin Mutiu Dabiri late of Km 46, Lagos Epe Road, Lekki, Lagos who died intestate on 25th January, 2012 at Lagos.

28. Samuel Isa known as Isa Samuel late of Mopol 2, Barracks Block D Room 8, Obalende, Lagos who died intestate on 16th October, 2011 at Benue State.

29. Mrs. Unwa Ebong Etefia late of 66, Akerele Street, Surulere, Lagos who died intestate on 14th May, 2008 at Lagos.

30. Mrs. Joy O. Hassan known as Hassan Oremena Joy late of 102, Imade Ajangbadi, Lagos who died intestate on the 25th May, 2012 at Lagos.

31. Jimoh Ganiyu Adigun known as Jimoh Ganiyu late of 6, Oluwole Close, Lekki, Lagos who died intestate on the 22nd March, 2010 at Lagos.

32. Kingsley Obinna Akubueze late of 16, Sakono Street, Wuse , Zone 2, Abuja who died intestate on 3rd June, 2012 at Lagos.

33. Sonaike Emmanuel Kalejaiye known as Sonaike Kalejaiye Emmanuel late of 2, Ahme Street, Ikate Surulere, Lagos who died intestate on 3rd January, 2011 at Lagos.

34. Mr. Ganiyu Alade Esuola late of Block B, Flat 4 (Prototype) Amuwo Odofin, Low Cost Housing Estate, Mile 2, Lagos who died intestate on 25th September, 2005 at Ibadan, Oyo State.

35. Omar Aderoju Lateef known as Mr. Lateef Aderoju Omar late of Block 10, Flat 4, Rabiatu Thompson Crescent, Surulere, Lagos who died intestate on 22nd July, 2008 at Lagos.

36. John Aniere known as Aniere John, late of 19, Celestial Avenue Mile 12, Lagos who died intestate on 22nd March, 2012 at Lagos.

37. Mrs. Ilesanmi Omobolaji Oloruntoyin known as Miss Otinwa Omobolaji Oloruntoyin and Otinwa Omobolaji O. late of Plot 119, Alhaji Olaogun Drive Adelabu Surulere, Lagos who died intestate on 29th September, 1995 at Lagos.

38. Mr. Rotimi Adedoyin Odugbesan known as Rotimi Odugbesan late of 14, Ayo Jagun Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos who died intestate on 30th January, 2011 at U.S.A. 39. Dr.Samuel Ademoye known as Ademoye Samuel. Late of 12/14 Adebiyi Agbeluyi Street, Ikotun, Lagos who died intestate on 22nd March, 2012 at Lagos.

40. Vincent Aliu late of 24, Orelope Street,Egbeda, Lagos who died intestate on 27th July, 2012 at Lagos.

41. Mr. Obi Nicholas Chukwuemeka late of 9, Ilogbo Road, Ajangbadi, Ojo, Lagos who died intestate on 31st May, 2010 at Lagos.

42. Ekpeyong Eyo known as Eyo Ekpe Ekpeyong late of 3rd Avenue, 302 Road, Block 2, Flat 3, Festac Town, Lagos who died intestate on 22nd July, 2002 at Lagos.

43. Ajisafe Kareem late of 6, Labake Street, Amukoko, Lagos who died intestate on 19th December, 2010 at Benin.

44. Orukpe Rolland late of 1, Obi Lane Okoya Bus Stop Ajegunle, Lagos who died intestate on 27th May, 2007 at Lagos.

45. Joseph Enikele known as Enikele Joseph late of No. 2, Adepitan off Haruna Ogba, Lagos who died intestate on 3rd September, 2011 at Lagos.

46. Ogbuibe Felicia Chinyere known as Ogbuibe Felicia late of 57, Medium Barrack Kirikiri Apapa, Lagos who died intestate on 8th April, 2011 at Lagos.

47. Pa. Afolabi Shoneye Olodeoku late of 8, Adefase Street, Bariga, Lagos who died intestate on 14th January, 2000 at Lagos.

48. Mrs. Olayinka Falilat Adesunkanmi known as Mrs. Olayinka Falilat late of 48, Odunfa Street, Lagos who died intestate on 26th September, 2012 at Lagos.

49. Kweku Olubankale Friday late of 7, Hillary Onokogu Street, Lekki, Lagos who died intstate on 14th July, 2011 at England.

50. Okpala Gabriel Eze Okoye known as Mr. Okpala G.E.O. late of 2nd Avenue, 21 Road 'H' Close House 38, Festac Town, Lagos who died intestate on 29th June, 2011 at Lagos.

51. Edward Williams Amartiefo late of 5, Atanda Irawo Street, Musadolohun Bust Stop Iba LCDA Ojo, Lagos who died intestate on 23rd March, 2012.

52. Nkwuda John known as John N late of 24, Amusu Street, Sari Iganmu Orile, Lagos who died intestate on 18th November, 2011 at Lagos.

53. Nweke Livinus known as Livinus Ndubuisi Nweke late of 14B, Oke- popo Street Adeniji Adele, Lagos who died intestate on 25th December, 2007 at Lagos..

54. Alhaji Olumade Alimi known as Alimi Abdulahi Suraju late of 6, Allison Street, Ikorodu, Lagos who died intestate on 6th May, 2012 at Ikorodu.

55. Pa Thomas Adekunte Martins known as Pa Thomas Adekunle Martins late of 70, Olushi Street, Lagos who died intestate on 19th July, 1996 at Lagos.

56. Mr. Lawal Issa Aremu late of 85, Ishaga Road, Idi - Araba Mushin, Lagos who died intestate on 20th December, 2011 at Lagos.

57. Mr. Nwanali Godfrey late of 5, Ajose Lane, Ajegunle Apapa, Lagos who died intestate on 9th August, 2011 at Benin.

58. Bamgbose Jadesola Adeoti known as Mrs. Bamgbose Jadesola late of 1, Abiodun Street, Onitiri Yaba, Lagos who died intestate on 25th May, 2012 at Abuja.

59. Robert Ladunjoye Akinwunmi late of 54, Apapa Road Ebute-Metta, Lagos who died intestate on 26th January, 1958 at Lagos.

60. Chief Nelson Azudimaru Ikegwu known as Ikegwu Nelson Azudimaru late of 34, Durojaiye Street, Lawanson, Lagos , who died intestate on 1st September, 1996 at Owerri.

61. Okunola Abayomi known as Abayomi Okunola late of 3rd Avenue 'C' Close, House 10 Festac Town, Lagos who died intestate on 24th September, 2009 at Lagos.

62. Mr. Kayode Adebanji late of Plot 183,Flat 2, Abesan Estate Ipaja, Lagos who died intestate on 2nd November, 2011 at Lagos.

63. Ramonu Olanuwo late of Flat 108 Ikota Estate Lekki, Lagos who died intestate on 3rd April, 2011 at Lagos.

64. Olugbolahan Olufemi Botu late of 315, Wuraola Botu Close Ipaja, Lagos who died intestate on 2nd January, 2012 at London.

65. Mr. Paul Adebisi Olaniyi (JP) late of 8, Alhaja Sifawu Street, Dopemu Agege, Lagos, who died intestate on 8th August, 2011 at Lagos.

66. Mogbo Chika late of 1, Betty Udokwu Close, Graceland Estate, Ajah, Lagos who died intestate on 11th April, 2012 at Lagos.

67. Ekanem Michael Abraham late of 43, Imam Street, Amukoko, Lagos who died intestate on 9th September, 2012 at Lagos.

68. Nwankwo Ugochukwu late of 10, Owonaike Crescent, Surulere, Lagos who died intestate on 7th June, 2011 at Abuja.

69. Iguobadia Tony known as Anthony Ojeifo Iguobadia late of 37, Ora Street, Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos who died intestate on 28th March, 2009 at Lagos.

70. Shariat Apinke Motajo known as Shariat Apinke Agoro late of 5A, Dada Street, Ojo, Lagos who died intestate on 26th February, 2006 at Lagos.

71. Uzum Clementina known as Clementina Izum Igbinovia and Augustina Zidah late of 29, Osho Drive Olodi Apapa, Lagos who died intestate on 28th October, 2011 at Lagos.

72. Suara Muritala Alade late of 4, Adewale Obaye Street, 1st Gate Ikorodu Lagos who died intestate on 16th July, 2010 at Lagos.

73. Isaac Adetokunbo Ibironke known as Isaac Adetokunboh Ibironke late of 24/26, Tantolorun Street, Isheri Oshun, Lagos who died intestate on 1st March, 2011 at U.S.A. 74. Navy Capt. Christopher A. Ameh known as Christopher Agbo Ameh late of 3, Isale Ijebu Street, Ajah, Lagos, who died intestate on 18th February, 2012 at Ugbokolo.

75. Chief Mufutau Gbadamosi Eletu late of 32, Bamidele Eletu Street, Osapa London, Lagos who died intestate on 8th November, 2010 at Lagos.

76. Fabuda Adebayo Bello known as Apostle Fabuda Adebayo Bello and Bello Daniel Adebayo late of l Apostle Fabuda Street, Ogombo Ajah, Lagos who died intestate on 12th September, 2012 at Lagos.

77. Moses Okereke late of 15, Aminatu Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos who died intestate on 30th July, 2011 at Lagos.

78. Aikhionbare Kelvin Osakue late of Block 4, Flat 6, Gowon Estate,, Egbeda, Lagos who died intestate on 5th January, 2008 at Benin City.

S/N

NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

1. Mrs. Nneka Sofoluwe and Israel Sofoluwe both of No. 2, Obasanjo Farm Ota Ogun State. The widow and elder brother of the said deceased.

2. Mrs. Abiodun Helen Olajide and Mrs. Iyabo Atinuke Olajide of 10, Bello Street, Orile Lagos.and 41, Owoyele Street, Isheri Oshun, Lagos. The two widows of the said deceased.

3. Mr. Marcus Mbachu and Mr. Dominic Ibekwe of 3, Alhaja Hassan Street, Orile Iganmu, Lagos and Command Children School Signal Barracks Mile 2, Lagos. The widower and brother of the said deceased.

4. Mrs. Modupe Oshin and Mr. Kofo Odugbesan b oth of 5, Alaka Street, Abule Ijesha, Lagos. Two of the children of the said deceased.

5. Mrs. Bridget U. Dibia, Miss Rita A. Okurerie, Mr. Michael E. Okurerie and Mr. Noel O. Okurerie all of 39, Ikosi Road Ketu, Lagos. Four of the children of the said deceased.

6. Sunday Ogungbesan and Mrs. Famoyi O. (Nee Ogungbesan) both of 24, Olorunsogo Street, Mushin, Lagos. Two of the children of the said deceased.

7. Mrs. Olufunke Oluyemisi Oyefolu, Tolulope Olanrewaju Oyefolu and Olaoluwapo Oluwatobiloba Oyefolu all of House G - 39, Road 26, V.G.C Ajah, Lagos. The widow and two of the children of the said deceased.

8. Basirat Oromidayo Dosunmu and Alimot Omotola Dosunmu both of 55, Branco Street, Lagos. The children of the said deceased.

9. Chibuzor Iro and Anthony Iro both of 32, Ayayi Okaya Street, Ikotun, Lagos. The brother and father of the said deceased.

10. Mrs. Joan Alaefula and Mrs. Elizabeth Alaefula both of 39, Layi Haruna Street, Ikotun, Lagos. The widow and mother of the said deceased.

11. Taofeek Owoeye and Ismail Owoeye of 11, Akanni Street, Shomolu, Lagos and 23 Anuoluwapo Street, Shomolu, Lagos. The children of the said deceased.

12. Mrs. Blessing Favour Ahamefule and Mr. Ekene Emmanuel Onwuasoanya both of 8, Jimoh Street, Ijeshatedo, Lagos. The siblings of the said deceased.

13. Chief Anthony Nwogwugwu and Mr. Sunny Nwogwugwu both of 59, Bajulaiye Road, Shomolu, Lagos. The father and brother of the said deceased.

14. Mr. Anthony Effiong and Miss Nsima Effiong both of 16, Ondo Street, Ebute- Metta, Lagos. The brother and sister of the said deceased.

15. Col. Eugo Iliemenam Nwafor and Amobi Onyebuchi Nwafor both of 17, Ilupeju Street, Araromi Bus Stop, Meiran, Lagos. The widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

16. Mr. Boniface Ehirim and Mr. Godwin Ehirim of 90B Agoro Street, Omole Phase 1, Ikeja and 3rd Avenue 'B' Close House 23, Festac Town, Lagos. The sons of the said deceased.

17. Augustine Ofoma, Ogochukwu Ofoma and Tochukwu Ofoma all of 6, Hon. Jimoh Ojugbele Street, Ejigbo, Lagos. The brothers and sister of the said deceased.

18. Mrs. Celestina Ossai and Mr. Eke Rufus both of Block 5, Room 18, Falomo Police Barrack, Ikoyi, Lagos. The widow and brother of the said deceased.

19. Mrs. Modupeola George Taylor, Mrs.Aina Badejo and Mr. Oluseye Andre all of 16, Oyeniyi Road, Yaba, Lagos. The grand - children of the said deceased.

20. Mr. Augustine G. Phillips and Mrs. Elizabeth I. Sowonole both of 56, Akintomide Street, Ijegun, Lagos. Two of the children of the said deceased.

21. Ayodeji Mosuro and Aderemi Mosuro of 9A, Segun Olusemo Street, Park view Ikoyi and 33, Mercy Eneli Street, Surulere, Lagos. Two of the children of the said deceased.

22. Ajibola Aolat, Ajibola Hamed and Ajibola Shakiru all of 3, Ajegunle Street, Idi - Araba, Mushin, Lagos. The widow and two of the children of the said deceased.

23. Faith Onojighofia and Daniel Onojighofia both of 7, Ganiyu Hassan Street, Igbogbo Ikorodu, Lagos. The widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

24. Lucky Aikoriegie of 16, Ilefumi Street, Surulere, Lagos. The only surviving child of the said deceased.

25. Alh. (Chief) Gafar Oluyemi Fabunmi, Mr. Shina Fabunmi and Mrs. Peju Jimoh all of 12, Oloje Street, Papa Ajao Mushin,Lagos.

The Widow and Children of the said deceased.

26. Mr. Abiodun Lawal, Ms Opeyemi Folawiyo, Mrs. Adeola Adeniyi and Mr. Adebayo Folawiyo all of 47, Alhaji Azeez Street, Mafoluku, Lagos. The sister and children of the said deceased.

27. Tajudeen Aramide Matti and Kolawole Olusode of 11, Olorunkemi Street, Bariga and 256, Abeokuta Express Way, Iyana Ipaja Lagos. The Cousin and Nephew of the said deceased.

28. Grace Isa and Beda Isa both of Mopol 2 Barracks Block 'D' Room 8 Obalende Lagos. The widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

29. Emmanuel Etefia and Joseph Akrasi both of 66, Akerele Street, Surulere, Lagos. Two of the children of the said deceased.

30. Mrs. Chaota Hassan and Mr. Jubril Hassan both of 102, Imade Road, Ajangbadi, Lagos. The Children of the said deceased.

31. Mrs. Jimoh Basirat Ajoke and Jimoh Rukayat Ajoke both of 6, Oluwole Close, Epuita Town, Lekki, Lagos. Widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

32. Nnamdi Anthony Akubueze and Uzomaka Cordelia Uzoho both of 16, Sakono Street, Wuse, Zone 2, Abuja. The Brother and Sister of the said deceased.

33. Mrs. Kalejaiye Modupe, Mrs. Ayenajeh Morenike, Mr. Sonaike Adedayo and Dr (Mrs) Adu Abosede all of 2 Ahme Street, Surulere, Lagos. The children of the said deceased.

34. Olaide Simiat Lawal, Modupe Idia Esuola, Basirat Jadesola Akanji and Richie Oladapo Esuola all of Block B, Flat 4, (Prototype) Amuwo Odofin L.C.H. Estate Mile 2, Lagos. Four of the children of the said deceased.

35. Omar Oladimeji Mojeed and Omar Adebowale Mistura both of Block 10, Flat 4, Rabiatu Thompson Crescent Surulere, Lagos.

Two of the children of the said deceased.

36. Leonard Aniere and Jude Aniere both of 32, Arowo - Iyabuna Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos. The Siblings of the said deceased.

37. Mayowa Ahmed Ilesanmi and Kolade Mutiat Olayinka (Mrs) both of 8, Adebiyi Street, Shomolu, Lagos. The only surviving child and sister of the said deceased.

38. Mrs. Elizabeth Esohe Odugbesan, Mr. Adewale Odugbesan, Mr. Adedotun Odugbesan and Mr. Olufunso Odugbesan all of 14, Ayo Jagun Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. The widow and children of the said deceased.

39. Mrs. Nekpen D. Ademoye, Mr. Babajide O. Ademoye, Mr. Olugbenga O Ademoye and Mr. Kehinde A. Ademoye all of 12/ 14, Adebiyi Agbeluyi Street, Ikotun, Lagos. The widow and children of the said deceased.

40. Mrs. Beatrice Aliu and Mr. Dele Aliu both of 24, Orelope Street, Egbeda, Lagos. The widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

41. Mrs. Obi Martha and Mr. Obi Cypriel of D534B Alaba Int'l Market Ojo, Lagos and Chygon Plaza M2, Ahmadu Bello Way, Kaduna. The widow and brother of the said deceased.

42. Grace Eyo and Lawrence E. Eyo both of 3rd Avenue 302 Road, Block 2, Flat 3, Festac Town, Lagos. The widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

43. Mrs. Ajagbe M. Temitope and Azeez Ajisafe both of 6, Labake Street, Amukoko, Lagos. The widow and brother of the said deceased.

44. Mr. Endurance Orukpe and Blessing Ismaila both of 1, Obi Lane Okoya Bus Stop Ajegunle, Lagos. The siblings of the said deceased.

45. Peace Enikele and Mavis Enikele both of 1A, Good Shepherd Garden Estate. The widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

46. Mr. Blessed Chigbogu Ekwenugo and Miss Chinye Ekwenugo both of 57, Medium Barrack Kirikiri Apapa, Lagos. The brother and sister of the said deceased.

47. Mr. Olusegun A. Olodeoku, Dr. K. O. Olodeoku, Miss Olabisi Olodeoku and Mr. Oluwatosin Olodeoku all of 8, Adefase Street, Bariga, Lagos. Four of the children of the said deceased.

48. Mr. Olayinka Isau, Olayinka Suwebatu Yetunde and Mr. Olayinka Abdulraheem all of 48, Odunfa Street, Lagos. The widower and two of the children of the said deceased.

49. Mrs. Valerie Jean Priddy and Miss Ona Olukorede Priddy both of 7, Hillary Onokogu Street, Lagos. The widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

50. Mrs. Chime Christy Okpala and Mr. Rapheal Okpala both of 2nd Avenue, 21 Road H Close House 38, Festac Town, Lagos.

Two of the children of the said deceased.

51. Edward Williams Amatiefo Jnr, Reuben Williams Amatiefo and Fini Williams Amatiefo all of 5, Atanda Irawo Street, Mosadolohun, Iba, Ojo, Lagos. The widow and two of the children of the said deceased.

52. Nkwuda Linus, Orife Cletus and Eze Henry all of 24, Amusu Street, Sari - Iganmu Orile, Lagos. The brothers of the said deceased.

53. Mrs. Edith Livinus and Daniel Livinus both of 14B, Okepopo Adeniji Adele, Lagos. The widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

54. Adekunle Ibrahim Alimi, Ganiyu Rotimi Alimi and Fatimo Alimi all of 6, Allison Street, Ikorodu, Lagos. The widow and two of the children of the said deceased.

55. Aderemi Caxton Martins, Mrs. A. K. Martins Lawal and Mrs. Olusola A. Adegbesan all of 70, Olushi Street, Lagos. The children of the said deceased.

56. Sado Muinat and Lawal Qudus both of 85, Ishaga Road, Mushin, Lagos. Two of the children of the said deceased.

57. Mrs. Nwanali Calista and Mr. Nwanali Chuks Luke both of 5, Ajose Lane Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos. The widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

58. Mr. Bamgbose Abiodun and Mrs. Salako Bamgbose both of 1, Abiodun Street, Onitiri Yaba, Lagos. The widower and sister of the said deceased.

59. Joseph Akintunde Spaine and Olufunmilayo Banjoko both of 54, Apapa Road Ebute Metta, Lagos. The grand sons of the said deceased.

60. Emeka Christopher Ikegwu of 34, Durojaiye Street, Lawanson Surulere, Lagos. The first son of the said deceased.

61. Okunola Abiodun and Olajumoke Okunola of 3rd Avenue 'C' Close House 10, Festac Town, Lagos and 722 Road 'B' Close House 16, Festac Town, Lagos. The brother and sister of the said deceased.

62. Mrs. Adebanji Adebukola and Mr. Oyedeji Hammed Oloyede both of Plot 183, Flat 2, Abesan Estate, Ipaja, Lagos. The widow and brother of the said deceased.

63. Kazeem Olanuwo and Rafiu Olanuwo both of Flat 108, Ikota Estate Lekki, Lagos. Two of the children of the said deceased.

64. Mrs. Ololade Olufunlayo Botu and Mr. Oluwatobiloba Babatunde Botu both 315, Wuraola Botu Close Ipaja, Lagos. The widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

65. Mr. Oluseyi Oluranti Olaniyi and Mrs. Olubunmi Adeosho both of 8, Alhaja Sifawu Street, Dopemu Agege, Lagos. Two of the children of the said deceased.

66. Mrs. Priscillia Obiageli Mogbo and Nkechi Mogbo both of 1, Betty Udokwu Close Grace Land Estate, Ajah, Lagos. The widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

67. Esther Michael A. Ekanem and Ubong M. A. Ekanem both of 43, Imam Street, Amukoko, Lagos. The widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

68. Chukwuemeka Nwankwo and Ezenwa Nwankwo both of 10, Owonaike Crescent, Surulere, Lagos. The brothers of the said deceased.

69. Mrs. Dupe Iguobadia and Emmanuel Iguobadia both of No. 37, Ora Street, Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos. The widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

70. Olakunle Wahab Motajo and Olugbenga Lateef Motayo both of No. 54 Dada Street, Ojo, Lagos. Two of the children of the said deceased.

71. Olanrewaju Igbinovia and Charles Ide both of 29, Osho Drive Olodi Apapa, Lagos. The mother and brother of the said deceased.

72. Mrs. Ramat Babatunde (aka Suarau) and Idris Suarau both of 4, Adebowale Obayemi Street, Ikorodu, Lagos. Two of the children of the said deceased.

73. Mrs. Oluwunmi Ariyike Ibironke, Mr. Temitope Adeoye Ibironke and Mr. Adegboyega Adeyemi Ibironke all of 24/26, Tantolorun Street, Isheri Oshun, Lagos. The widow and two of the children of the said deceased.

74. Esther Ameh and Michael Ameh both of 3, Isale Ijebu Ajah, Lagos. Two of the children of the said deceased.

75. Chief Rasaki Gbadamosi Eletu and Chief Waheed Gbadamosi Eletu both of 33, Bamidele Eletu Street, Osapa London, Lagos.

The brothers of the said deceased.

76. Mr. Fabuda Olukayode Olakunle, Mr. Fabuda Olusoji Apataola and Mr. Fabuda Michael Olaolu all of 1, Apostle Fabuda Street, Ogombo Ajah, Lagos. Three of the children of the said deceased.

77. Mrs. Ngozi Okereke and Miss Patience Okereke both of 15, Aminatu Street, Olodi - Apapa, Lagos. The widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

78. Jennifer Aikhiobare and Osaretin Steven Aikhiobare both of Block 4, Flat 6, Gowon Estate, Egbeda, Lagos. The Daughter and Brother of the said deceased.

G.A SAFARI (MR.) PROBATE REGISTRAR

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

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COMMENTARY EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

Empty subsidy account • The finance minister’s explanation reflected inefficiency and lack of sensitivity

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OW could the fuel subsidy account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) be in the red without the appropriate authorities knowing? And if they knew, why did they allow fuel marketers to go for subsidy payment from an account that was empty? Definitely, something went wrong somewhere and the most likely being that there is no synergy between the government’s agency authorising the payment and that keeping the account.

That of course will not be news because most figures about subsidy have hardly tallied; different government agencies have been giving conflicting figures on, say, the amount of fuel we use per day, the amount of money paid, etc.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had to take time off to explain the circumstances that led to the situation whereby the account became empty. She told journalists in Abuja that the delay had to do with the processing of the N161.6billion approved by the National Assembly late last year for supplementary subsidy payment.

According to her, this included the conversion of the dollar equivalent of the money from the foreign Excess Crude Account (ECA) to the domestic ECA. This, she says, takes about five days.

Hear the minister: “If there is already money in the domestic excess crude account to honour it they get it immediately. Sometimes you have to shift money from one account to the other,” she told journalists.

“We have to authenticate the amount

and this process normally takes five days and a week between the central bank and ministry of finance to accomplish. The Central Bank is very strict by trying to have all the documentation.”

Some of the questions which arose from the minister’s explanation are: were they not aware they had to shift money from the foreign ECA to the domestic ECA? Were they not aware that it takes an average of five days to complete the process, before giving the fuel marketers papers to go for their money? To worsen matters, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala said , “... the money has been released and is being converted into naira by the Central Bank and I don’t think there is any issue with this”.

If there is no issue, the minister would not have had to start explaining the process. The fact that marketers did not get their money after getting the papers which entitled them to payment was enough proof that there is a problem. For the minister to say that she does not think there is an issue with what happened smacks of the lackadaisical manner the country is being run. Unfortunately, this has been the problem with fuel subsidy payments ever since the issue came to the front burner of national discourse in January last year, following the government’s withdrawal of the socalled subsidy.

We can understand any other person trying to pass off what happened as a non-issue, but not Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, given her antecedents. Definitely, she would not have made such a statement when she was with the World Bank. An

accounting system that did not know when the account became empty could not have been viewed kindly by that institution. People might have to answer for why such a thing happened at the bank. Did it not occur to the minister that we could have had another round of fuel scarcity just by that act of omission or ineptitude, and with the attendant costs?

Those in charge of subsidy matters in the country must wake up to their responsibilities. They should rededicate themselves to their duty, with the utmost sense of urgency required. We would not want this incident to repeat itself unless it is another way by the government to force Nigerians to accept fuel subsidy withdrawal that they vehemently rejected a year ago.

How could the fuel subsidy account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) be in the red without the appropriate authorities knowing? And if they knew, why did they allow fuel marketers to go for subsidy payment from an account that was empty? Definitely, something went wrong somewhere and the most likely being that there is no synergy between the government’s agency authorising the payment and that keeping the account’

Killing SMEs •The CBN governor should refrain from statements that do not nurture the economy HE hope of thriving small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country seems to be hanging in the air. For decades, the SMEs have struggled for meaningful existence to no avail. Successive administrations have only made rhetoric of their commitment to the scheme, despite the fact that hundreds of millions of naira get budgeted for the purpose annually.

The current administration, like its predecessors, has mouthed its commitment to salvage the ailing SMEs. Yet, those small-scale businesses cannot access money budgeted for them as loans by the banks. And there seems not to be any light at the end of the tunnel for them. At the recent Bankers’ Committee Retreat,

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‘Mallam Sanusi should realise that he was not appointed to dissect problems; he should rather proffer solutions that are intra vires his powers on how to make the SMEs and other monetary creations work for the betterment of the economy.

For example, we expect him to come up with a sustainable single digit bank lending rate; he should further restore sanity into the banks’

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), rather than come up with the panacea to the problems of the SMEs further compounded the situation by reeling out excuses justifying government’s inability to revive them.

Sanusi said: “…Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) only thrive in an environment that is conducive. If you want vibrant SMEs that can borrow from banks, we must fix the power problem, we must fix the agricultural value chain problem. Banks cannot continue to lend to SMEs that are not profitable because they have to continue to run on generators and buy diesel, with bad roads and insecurity. So, the environment has to be fixed and that would encourage banks to lend to SMEs.” With the numerous hurdles that Sanusi has placed at the doorstep of the SMEs, they look beyond redemption simply because those impediments have over time been intractable, even when they are not insurmountable. Yet, the SMEs in wellfocused climes ought to, ordinarily, be the soul of the economy. But here, the government does not easily realise their significance and this is hurting the country’s economy. The SMEs are found wanting in the country because most of them cannot access loans for their growth due to institutional impediments. Sanusi worsened matters by justifying banks’ refusal to do business with them, saying that the SMEs are not vibrant due to the unfriendly environment they operate in.

Sanusi cannot say without equivocation that the country is at the moment enjoying financial stability. He was appointed head of the nation’s apex bank to provide workable and beneficial monetary policy and not to dabble into micro-economic matters that are ultra vires his brief. Even though he is a member of the Economic Team of the current government, he should quietly make his opinions known to the team at its meetings with President Goodluck Jonathan rather than consistently make statements that are capable of inflaming an already fragile polity.

Mallam Sanusi should realise that he was not appointed to dissect problems; he should rather proffer solutions that are intra vires his powers on how to make the SMEs and other monetary creations work for the betterment of the economy. For example, we expect him to come up with a sustainable single digit bank lending rate; he should further restore sanity into the banks. The CBN governor should find out why the banks are not giving out loans to SMEs which is due largely to their demands for unattainable collateral while they would gleefully give out such to shady businessmen.

We want to know why banks prefer to lose money to the CBN than lend out such to farmers in the country. What the nation demands of Sanusi is not combustible statements but realistic actions that can inspire stability of her financial system.

Towards Timbuktu

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RANCE’S intervention in Mali is the lesser of two evils French military interventions in Africa have a chequered history. But it was hard to see how Paris could avoid the latest one. France has for months been urging international intervention to help Mali defeat Islamist militias, some of them allied to al-Qaeda.

Already, the militias control nearly twothirds of Mali. Last week they were forging a path south. Divided and in disarray, the national army was crumbling in the face of better-armed adversaries. The risks of allowing the rebel advance to proceed – potentially to the capital, Bamako – were great.

Mali was fast becoming a launch pad for regional jihad a few hours’ aeroplane ride from Europe. It was drawing Islamists from across the region and further afield.

Aligned with criminal networks trafficking cocaine and other contraband, they were harnessing significant resources with which to prepare for conflict. Their control of such a vast territory was eating away at West African stability, threatening the economic revival under way. Yet, aside from France, no country was willing or ready to step in.

Ideally, when the Islamists went on the offensive, an African intervention force sanctioned by the UN Security Council would have stepped forward. Instead, West African troops will probably trickle in behind the French. This is unfortunate.

France’s involvement complicates efforts to promote regional co-operation. At the same time, it provides propaganda that will help Islamists to internationalise the conflict. French commercial interests and 60,000 citizens across the region are now potential targets. Of course, France’s intervention might fail. On Monday, Islamists had opened a new front en route to the capital.

If France is to avoid becoming embroiled long-term, it should impress upon Mali’s interim government the need to draw northern fighters into compromise and to isolate extremists. Until the coup last March, Mali had been a rare functioning democracy in the region. But successive governments have marginalised the north of the country – where the rebellion started.

Any settlement for the north should, meanwhile, be underpinned by a national framework for the return of constitutional rule. As for the army, it needs to be reunified and trained.

Finally, there must be international commitment to financing the regional intervention if it is to get off the ground.

France may be forced into the lead for now.

But it would be better for Mali if it could retreat backstage soon.

– Financial Times 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 •Deputy Editor (Nation’s Capital) Yomi Odunuga •Group Political Editor Emmanuel Oladesu •Group Business Editor Ayodele Aminu •Sport Editor Ade Ojeikere •Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu • Gen. Manager (Training and Development) Soji Omotunde •Chief Internal Auditor Toke Folorunsho •Senior Manager (sales) Akeem Shoge •Advert Manager Robinson Osirike •IT Manager Bolarinwa Meekness •Press Manager Udensi Chikaodi •Manager, Corporate Marketing Hameed Odejayi • Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: The Federal Ministry of Agriculture is reported to have earmarked a whopping sum of N60 bllion for the purchase of about 10 million GSM phones to be distributed to farmers all over the country.It is undoubtedly trite to assert that for the first time in the post-military life of our country, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture is being superintended by a World Class Nigerian Scholar, Dr.Adewunmi Adesina. However, what bothers one is how the same ministry headed by this outstanding Nigerian, would be associated with a kindergarten policy of this nature.

No matter how hard the ministry may shop to repair the situation, Nigerians are left wondering again where this sort of thing is coming from.

EDITOR’S MAIL BAG SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF NOT MORE THAN 1000 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. E-mail: views@thenationonlineng.com

Nigerian farmers and 10 million phones Is this the best the technocrats in the ministry can come up with in the 21st century where groundbreaking ideas daily contest amongst themselves to win the attention of an enlightened world? Do we excuse them as simply part of the Nigerian majority already burdened by the near total collapse of infrastructure, so much so that this collapsed state can only sustain shallow policies of this nature as against long-lasting institutional reforms?

The solution to our agricultural challenges does not lie in a cosmetic approach anchored on buying and distributing GSM Phones to rural farmers. What has happened to our very many faculties of agriculture, which today only exist in form but definitely not in substance, simply occupying space without the required funding and facilities to power it to produce 21st Century driven ideas and innovations that has taken the foreign universities

that our leaders all troop to for advice and intellectual salvation to where they are today?

What has also happened to the many agricultural research institutes annexed to our universities, which ordinarily were established years back with billions of naira, to serve as Centres of Excellence in terms of scientific researches and agricultural revolution, but which today has all been run aground by decades of serious underfunding and neglect?

Footbal: A potent symbol of unity IR: There was nothing the international community did not do to stop the fighting during the Nigerian civil war. But with the arrival in 1969 of the Brazilian football legend Pele to Nigeria there was a three-day ceasefire. The Nigerian government and the Republic of Biafra agreed a truce so that Pele’s team Santos could play two exhibition matches against teams in Nigeria.

Such is the power of football. And now, another football fiesta beckons.

From January 19 to February 10, attention will be shifted to South Africa where the 29th edition of the African Cup of Nations will be played. Libya was earlier billed to host it, but it was moved because of the civil war in that country. Sixteen countries will be competing.

And there will be only one winner. After missing out on the last Nation’s Cup, the Super Eagles will be present to stake a claim to the trophy they last won in Tunisia about 20 years ago, their first ever triumph being in 1980 on home soil. They have come so close to winning a third time, notably that heart breaking final against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun in Lagos in 2000. Nigeria has won many bronze medals and the joke is that Nigeria has rested that

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medal. For gold-starved Nigerians, only the best will do. But more than what will be won, the game reminds us all of our oneness.

Nothing unites like football.

While the football fiesta lasts our differences will be forgotten.

Sworn enemies will hug themselves in celebration of goals.

Chinua Achebe’s book There was a country which has generated a lot of controversy will not matter anymore. Even our disdain for our leaders will be pushed to a corner. Even those who throw bombs may not remember where their cache is.

That is the power of football.

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It is not only in Nigeria that this game unites. We will recall that in Ivory Coast there was a civil war that wracked the once stable country following a military coup in 1999, and the power tussle that followed reawaked ethnic divisions.

Before the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the country was already divided in two – one part was controlled by rebel army, another half was controlled by government forces. With the qualification of the Ivorian team to the competition, the Elephants became a symbol that united all the warring parties.

The ball is round, so is our world.

Indeed our world can be a better place. Let us enjoy this beautiful game, a game with the power like no other to unite¯and still hope the Super Eagles do us proud by bringing the elusive trophy home. And however it turns out, in all we do, let the thought of the round leader game always nudge us to treat our fellow humans well, let us always make sure the mantle of love remains worn in our churches, our mosques, our offices, our market places and everywhere we meet.

And let the games begin!

Dr Cosmas Odoemena Lagos

What has happened to the research section of the very many government agricultural agencies that at a time used to have the best of hands, even some trained in some of the best institutions in the world? What has happened to the many university farms spread all over the country once equipped with some of the best implements, that if well run would have just been enough to feed the states in which they are located and even beyond?

But can anyone of us be surprised, in a country where government is known for buying books for primary school pupils instead of empowering their parents by creating jobs, why won’t the same government also think of buying phones for farmers. Maybe tomorrow, we would again be jolted from our sleep with the news that the federal government has set aside another N30Billion to help recharge these farmer’s phones.

Suffice to say that it’s only around here that government’s policies continue to run as a stream of unending of jokes, rather than as matters of national importance.

Nigerian farmers need not be given fish as handouts from the government; rather focus should frontally be to teach them on how best to fish. If only the faculties of agriculture in federal universities will get just half of this N60 billion, they would achieve in one year what these 10 million China Phones will not achieve in 10years.

• Olusola Adegbite, Esq. Kubwa, Abuja.

NNPC’s reckless comments against Amosun

IR: It amounts to sacrilege and gross misconduct for an official of a government agency to insult or disparage elected public office holders. It is even worse when the object of such reckless comments is an elected governor.

This is a serious matter as it touches on the fundamentals of our democracy. The NNPC officials could only get away with such insults against a man who holds the mandate of the electorate with their letters of resignation accompanying their reckless comments.

In its reaction to the comments made by Governor Amosun that

the negligence of the corporation was responsible for the regular pipeline vandalism at Arepo, the NNPC through Ms Tumini Green, acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs of the corporation was quoted to have said: “It is sad that the governor of Ogun State who should know the importance of national assets like pipelines and do everything in his power to protect them is engaging in a blame game when every responsible Nigerian citizen is wondering why Arepo which is in his domain has become such an attractive spot for oil thieves and pipe-

line vandals.”

The meaning of this comment is that the governor of about five million people of Ogun State, according to Ms Green, is “irresponsible”, for if he was a “responsible Nigerian citizen” he should have been “wondering why Arepo which is in his domain has become such an attractive spot for oil thieves and pipeline vandals.”

Green was not done with her insults as she urged Amosun “to protect the pipelines in his domain to sustain product supply to the state rather than engage in unnecessary rhetoric.”

For a government worker to de-

clare that an “elected” Governor of a federating state in Nigeria is engaging in “unnecessary rhetoric” is the height of infamy, worse from a corporation that is noted in Nigeria as the epicentre of monumental corruption and inefficiency.

This really goes against the grain in a democracy, for public servants to disparage “elected” office holders, worse of the status of a governor.

I do hope the unguarded comments of officials of the NNPC will attract appropriate sanctions from the appropriate quarters.

• James Ikechukwu Owerri

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

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COMMENTS

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Fire in Alaafin’s palace

HE recent fire in the Alaafin’s palace presumably caused by electric power surge is a great tragedy for Yoruba people. This is because several historical artifacts, records and beaded crowns have been lost and cannot be recovered or replaced. The Palace of the Alaafin is a monument to Yoruba people because of the role the Alaafin institution has played in the history and culture of the Yoruba people.

The institution of the Alaafin is about a thousand years old.

Over this period, this institution has served as a repository of Yoruba history and culture. There are very few dynasties in the world that are older than that of the Alaafin. When the remains of such an institution is threatened by fire, there is need to look at how archival and historical materials are collected and preserved for the edification of the past and education of the present and future. From around the 12th to the 19th century, the old Oyo Empire existed with the sister Empire of the Benin to the East and the kingdom of the Nupe to the North and the subject nationality of Dahomey to the West.

The reach of the empire extended to present day Togo and possibly eastern part of Ghana incorporating the Ga, the Ewe, and other Aja speaking people west and south-west of Metropolitan Oyo. At the height of its glory, the Oyo Empire was arguably the biggest and most sophisticated empire straddling the Savannah and the forest regions of West Africa. Of course by the time the British and French came to West Africa during the 19th century, this empire was in decline but later continued in a new form with the Ibadan forces dominating most of Yorubaland under the flag of the Alaafin. This is a period which a senior colleague of mine has described as Ibadan Imperialism in the 19th century.

This preamble is necessary for our people to know the place of Oyo in the political history of Yoruba land. Oyo and Ife played different roles in Yoruba history. Ife is the spiritual home of all Yorubas. This is the place where, according to the myth of origin of the Yoruba, life started (Ife ode aye) and where the dispersal of Yoruba princes that established kingdoms all over Yorubaland and Benin took place. There is therefore no clash between the roles of Oyo and Ife in Yoruba history. European writers have sometimes suggested that the position of the Oni vis-à-vis that of the Alaafin is like that of the Pope and the Emperor in medieval Europe. This description may not be totally apt but it captures the essence of OyoIfe relations. In other words, the role of Ife and Oyo are distinct and also complementary. Unfortunately in recent times, this has not always been so because politicians have succeeded in knocking the crown heads of Ife and Oyo against each other.

A people without a history are not complete. Historical and ancestral background are very important for any people and

this is why civilized countries all over the world spend a lot of money and make effort to preserve as much as possible the past in the present. This is why museums are built, palaces are maintained, archives are preserved and past dynasties are celebrated as a part of a people’s cultural heritage. Any visit to any European country whether England, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Germany, Russia, Spain and other smaller European countries is not complete until one has been to the various museums and palaces. One could spend a whole week going to the Tuileries and Versailles in France and the various palaces in England from the Windsor and Buckingham Palace to the various estates and palaces in Scotland and Wales. Even in Germany, a visit to the country without going to the Sans Souci the winter Palace of the Hohenzollerns in Postdam is not complete. The palace in Berlin that was destroyed by Russian tanks during the 2nd World War is now being rebuilt as part of German heritage.

If countries that have had the advantage of written documentation as a source of history are doing everything possible to preserve their past, African countries that have had to rely on oral tradition must do everything to preserve what is left of their cultural heritage. It follows from the above that our country particularly our states must have comprehensive policy on historical preservation. Our northern compatriots are doing much better than we in the southern part of this country. Yorubaland and Benin in particular must do everything it can to preserve the dynastic heritage of our people. In this regard, there should be a policy of palace development, renewal, refurbishment and replacement where necessary.

The fire that has destroyed the palace in Oyo should be a signal for us to have a policy of palace development. A palace is not a building belonging to an individual; palaces all over Yorubaland belong to the people. It is true that kings are born, not made but these kings represent our collective African personality and culture.

Cynics may argue that there is no place for monarchy in a democracy. A writer once described Nigeria as “a republic of a thousand kings”. This sounds rather contradictory and exaggerated but there is an element of truth in it. Not all Nigerian ethnicities have kings. Generally speaking, every Igbo man is a king in his own home and the title Eze and Igwes in modern day Igbo land should not be equated with real kings.

So when I call for a palace development in the southern part of the country, I am referring only to the Yoruba and the Edo people and not to traders in the afternoon and kings in the night as most of the Igbo Ezes are!

The palace of the Alaafin should be re built on a grandiose manner with the architecture reflecting the tradition and cul-

ture of the people based on what exists in the architecture of the old palace. In the same vein, all Yoruba states should have plans to build modern palaces at least for first class traditional rulers.

This is long overdue and the fire in the Alaafin’s palace as tragic as it may be Jide should be a call for Osuntokun action.

The starting point should be a palace construction fund to which all lovers of Yoruba heritage should be encouraged to contribute. Secondly, all the local governments under the sovereignty of the Alaafin would have to contribute while the state government should provide the remaining resources needed to build a befitting edifice for a thousand year old throne. In doing this, we will be preserving the past in the present and for the future. This is what civilized people do and if we have any claim to any measure of civilization, this is what all Yorubas must join hands in doing.

‘The starting point should be a palace construction fund to which all lovers of Yoruba heritage should be encouraged to contribute.

Secondly, all the local governments under the sovereignty of the Alaafin would have to contribute while the state government should provide the remaining resources needed to build a befitting edifice for a thousand year old throne’

The Arepo conundrum

F

ROM the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway end leading directly into Arepo, everything looks quiet. With such a false appearance, you will think that nothing is happening in that little village called Arepo, which you are about driving into. As you branch off the express road and head into Arepo, you will see a filling station by your right and a row of shops. You will see many more shops as you drive down the washed out road. Arepo had no road at all until about five years ago. Is it even up to five years? What it had then was a dusty patch which passed off as a road. Until journalists arrived there about nine years ago, Arepo was a rustic community peopled by those living in mud houses. Now things have changed, with beautiful houses dotting the Arepo landscape. In Arepo today, there may be no fewer than 25 estates, with the Journalists’ Estate Phases 1 & 11 leading the pack. Arepo is fast developing and it has become popular within a short time. It has all what it takes to rival Lekki in Lagos State.

But and this is a big but, the problem is that of vandals. Arepo can be loosely translated in English as where oil is found. It is not that oil was found in Arepo; no not at all. The only nexus between it and oil is that a pipeline passes through the village. The System 2B Pipeline has been in existence for years, but it has suddenly dawned on some criminals that they have been living close to a goldmine without

‘If there is any government might, this is the time to show it in order to stop the Arepo vandals in their tracks before it is too late’

reaping from it. What benefit they want to reap from their proximity to the pipeline other than regular supply of petroleum products, I don’t know.

Arepo is bordered by the sea and the pipeline passes through this sea.

But the daredevil vandals are not bothered. Times without number, they have vandalised the pipeline to siphon fuel. Those who live in that axis know what they go through virtually on a daily basis because of these vandals’ activities. Most nights, pungent smell of petrol waft in the air as if there is a refinery nearby. At such times, you don’t need to be told that these vandals are at work. The smell is so strong that it can leave those with respiratory disorder breathless. Only God knows the number of people that may have suffered heart seizure from inhaling this pungent fuel smell.

We are now at the mercy of these vandals whose illegal activities the government seems not to have an answer to. With the Arepo vandals virtually declaring a war against society, the people living there are in for a hell of a time. The vandals have stepped up their illegal activities, hitting the System B2 Pipeline at will. In August, last year, they did not only vandalise the pipeline, they also killed three officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Last Saturday, they hit the pipeline again.

These attacks cannot be brushed aside with a wave of the hand because of their security implication.

If the vandals can be so bold as to attack the Arepo pipeline twice in five months, it means that they may strike again in the nearest future if nothing is done to curtail them now.

Besides, they have constituted themselves to a menace to Arepo residents. Sooner than later, we may be in a situation where vandals and security agents will be shooting themselves on the streets of Arepo just as smugglers and Customs do

on some major roads in the country.

If government has not been paying serious attention to the security of the Arepo pipeline and those living around the place, it is high time it reconsidered its stand because of the seriousness of the case at hand. A few years ago, the government deployed troops in Arepo to deter the vandals. The soldiers rather than move to the pipeline site, stationed themselves at the gate leading into the Journalists’ Estate Phase 1, which is far from the pipeline. They were there for months, yet it made no difference because they saw it as an opportunity to make money.

The government should be concerned with what is happening at Arepo or else, it will be confronted with a problem that may not be easy to solve in future if nothing concrete is done now to stop these vandals. I have a strong feeling that this

vandalism have been going on for long and ever before the opening up of Arepo. Then because everywhere was a bush it was easy for the vandals and their sponsors to operate. The opening up of the place, as it were, seems to have spoilt business for them, but they are not ready to give up without a fight.

What will it cost government to cut these vandals to size? It will cost it nothing to carry the fight to them in their lair and make them realise that no person or group can hold a nation to ransom. There is no individual or organisation, no matter how powerful or rich that can take on the government. If there is any government might, this is the time to show it in order to stop the Arepo vandals in their tracks before it is too late. They have declared war on the people with

Lawal Ogienagbon lawal.ogienagbon@thenationonlineng.net SMS ONLY: 08099400204

their criminal activities and the government cannot fold its arms and watch them perpetrate this heinous crime with relish. Except if we are saying we don’t have a government.

The Sultan’s homily The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar does not pull punches. If he wants to say something, he goes straight to the point, without beating about the bush. He does not believe in rubbing people on the head when there is a serious issue which deserves urgent attention to thrash out. Not once, not twice, he has spoken on the problems of the North.

And on each occasion, he has been forthright and candid in his assessment, telling his people that the problem is more with them than outsiders. The North, he believes, should look inwards in solving its problems instead of blaming others for where the region is today. There is no better time to tell the North the truth than now and there is no better person to do that than the Sultan.

To be sure, the North like its southern counterpart has a lot of problems. But while the South seems to

appreciate the enormity of its problems, the North appears to be comfortable with what the Sultan rightly described as its self-inflicted problems. The region is not prepared to do anything about its problems, but is busy looking for scape-goats. To the average Northerner, the region’s problems are located in what they have come to see as the South’s bid to ‘lord’ it over the nation.

If that assertion is true,then the North has itself to blame because for years the region ‘lorded’ it over the South. Since the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates in 1914, the North has been the elder brother in what some perceive as a forced union by the British imperialists led by Lord Lugard.

The North had everything going for it before and immediately after the amalgamation. Even up till as recent as 1999, the North was in full control of the power structure.

It may not have done well in com-

merce, but with power, it had everything. That the North is where it is today is not the fault of anybody, but that of itself. ‘’The fault is not in our stars but in ourselves that we are underlings”, says Shakespeare.

The North’s problems became compounded about four years ago with the Boko Haram menace. Rather than come together to fight the Islamic sect, which appears bent on destabilising the country at all costs, Northern leaders are speaking from both sides of the mouth.

They say one thing today and tomorrow, they take a different position on the same matter. The question is are Northern leaders serious about solving the Boko Haram riddle? If they are, they are on the way to resolve the region’s security challenge as well as revive the agelong brotherly love between the North and South, because let’s face it many Southerners have fled that region, which they once considered home, for security reasons.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

22

COMMENTS

T

HE on-going war of attrition among PDP leading light in the face of massive unemployment of our youths, infrastructural decay, 13 years of unfulfilled promises and monumental corruption by its members, is one more evidence that the party doesn’t give a damn about Nigeria. For the greed of its members, PDP that has continued to act as if it is answerable to no one is prepared to drag the nation down along with itself.

A distinguishing characteristic of any political party is a consensus of members on identified values and principles. But as we have seen in the last few years, there is nothing PDP ever agreed upon. Its leaders, like warlords fight vicious wars over everything, including sharing of our common wealth, but never on behalf of helpless Nigerians.

In case we have forgotten, it was their members that told us how, under the guise of privatization and commercialization, they shared the nation’s once thriving blue-chip companies among PDP members and its sympathisers using the BPE. They waged a vicious battle over the sharing of prime lands and properties the nation inherited from her colonial masters.

Lest we forget, it was Senator Bukola Saraki who became the whistle blower over the fuel subsidy scam of about N2 trillion for fuel neither imported nor delivered to Nigeria.

The Farouk Lawal whose committee uncovered the scam was found to be like other

‘While ex-President Obasanjo, who PDP leading members swore spent close to N10billion on his failed third term bid, claimed during a CNN interview programme last week that “the level of corruption in the country was rising, and Jonathan’s government was not doing enough to stem the tide”, President Jonathan claimed, “…most of these things we talk about corruption are not even corruption”.

I

WRITE in direct response to two of your publications on the face-off between Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State and Senator Chris Anyanwu who represents Imo East Senatorial district (Owerri zone) at the Senate. The first was the opinion piece written by Jide Oluwajuyitan on January 3, while the second was the features article in The Nation Politics of your January 7 edition, written by Okodili Ndili.

In the January 7 piece titled “Okorocha, Anyanwu flex muscles over 2015”, Okodile got the facts obfuscated, leaving the innocent reader with a confused impression of what happened that fateful day of December 26, 2012 and the real issues at stake.

Without attempting to rehash the accounts of the incident, it is necessary to state clearly that contrary to the writer’s statement that “the convoys of the two eminent politicians nearly collided in Owerri, the state capital…”, what happened was an unwarranted excessive show of power by the governor and his men. Senator Anyanwu and her “convoy” of three cars had pulled off the road to make way for the rampaging convoy of the governor coming behind them. Instead of passing, the governor’s men blocked their way, swooped on them and unleashed raw, brutish violence on her men.

Again, Okodile quoted the governor’s spokesman, Ebere Uzoukwa. as saying that “the senator’s vehicle suddenly rammed into the governor’s car, close to the staff car….”

The question to ask here is “how could Senator Anyanwu’s car, which was ahead of the governor’s car ram into it?” Could it have suddenly made a backward movement?” He equally reported Uzoukwa as having said that Senator Anyanwu ordered her security orderlies to open fire on the governor’s convoy. How conceivable is it, that an individual with only three security escorts would give such an order in the face of over 50 better armed security personnel in the governor’s convoy. Such a person must be on a suicidal mission, especially after having the temerity, as Okodile reported, to slap the governor’s

PDP’s vicious war many PDP men, a man with feet of clay.

While we have been christened as one of the most corrupt nations on earth, PDP leaders, because of greed cannot even agree on what constitutes a corrupt practice. Leading members of PDP openly accept gifts from contractors. Our lawmakers attribute allocating unmerited salary packages to their members in a nation that cannot pay a minimum wage of N18, 000 to the ‘Nigeria factor’.

While ex-President Obasanjo, who PDP leading members swore spent close to N10billion on his failed third term bid, claimed during a CNN interview programme last week that “the level of corruption in the country was rising, and Jonathan’s government was not doing enough to stem the tide”, President Jonathan claimed, “…most of these things we talk about corruption are not even corruption”. For him if there is corruption, since “Nigeria has more institutions that fight corruption than most other countries”, the government is also fighting corruption.”

It is obvious that the removal of Olagunsoye Oyinlola as PDP national secretary which has deepened the current crisis was self-inflicted.

His removal was the outcome of a suit filed by a faction of the party’s Ogun State chapter.

The court agreed with the faction that the former governor was not fit to hold the post of secretary of the party. Justice Abdul Kafarati also gave a helping hand when he declared “The plaintiff’s suit is not based on an intra-party dispute; rather it seeks to enforce the decision of the Lagos Federal High Court on the grounds that it violated an earlier FHC order of February 16, 2012.”

Then the question you ask yourself is why has South-west PDP opted to bite its nose in order to spite its face? Now while Oyinlola

who has already told an appellate court in Abuja that Justice Abdul Kafarati who removed him from office erred in law by assuming ‘ jurisdiction over an intra party dispute’, Bamanga Tukur, the PDP chairman who like the South-west PDP saw the departure of Oyinlola as a way to get even with his tormenting PDP governors, has quickly planted his only loyalist in the National Working Committee, NWC, Solomon Onwe as acting national secretary leaving both the victorious and the vanquished South west PDP factions to lick their wounds.

The South-west PDP decision to throw away the baby with the bathwater which is no doubt a clear evidence of a house divided against itself, is a mere reflection of the war of attrition of a party embroiled in a web of intrigues at the national level.

Meanwhile, there is an alleged subtle threat by about 21 governors elected on the platform of PDP to quit the party unless its national chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, resigns.

Tukur himself carries a moral burden as his son, along with other sons of leading lights of PDP are facing criminal charges for allegedly defrauding of government of billions of naira for fuel neither imported nor delivered to Nigeria.

President Jonathan and his godfather, Chief Obasanjo, are also said to be embroiled in a crisis of confidence over the choice of Tony Anenih, the master ‘fixer’ of 2003 and 2007 elections, and Ahmadu Alli former PDP chairman who as chairman of PPPRA presided over the appointment of about 140 independent petroleum marketers, some of whom are standing trial for alleged theft of about N2trillion, as BOT chairman. What more indignity can a people be subjected to?

And as the de facto leader of an embattled

Re: Okorocha, Chris Anyanwu flex muscles over 2015

By Emma Onuoha ADC; but definitely not Chris Anyanwu.

Okodile also passed a very wrong impression when he stated in his own words that “Okorocha in his New Year message has forgiven the erring senator”. This implies that the writer himself is telling the reading public that Senator Anyanwu was in error. He thereafter quoted Okorocha’s spokesman asking “her to apologise for her wrongs”.

This is a clear case of turning the truth on its head. Here is a classical example of an individual’s fundamental human rights being grossly abused by the very same person who is supposed to protect him. Instead of the aggressor swallowing his empty pride to apologise, he is demanding apology from the oppressed. Yes, Governor Okorocha owes Senator Chris Anyanwu an apology, and he knows it.

Unfortunately, most of the reportage published so far on the incident interpret it as flexing muscles over 2015 race for the governor’s seat in Imo State. Chris Anyanwu is perceived as having gubernatorial ambition, while Okorocha wants to hold on to the coveted seat or go for the presidency. But can anybody say that Anyanwu has declared that intention to him or her, or at any forum? Yet, is the right to run for an office not her constitutional right? Assuming she comes to say “I want to run for the governorship seat in Imo State”, should she be killed for it? Should her rights be grossly abused by the governor? Should she be harassed and intimidated so that she chickens out? What gives Rocha Okorocha or anybody else more right to contest than Chris

Anyanwu? Is she not eminently qualified for that position, going by her education, capability, experience and her position as a distinguished two-term senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Yet Anyanwu has not declared any interest so far. If anything, she is pre-occupied with how to deliver to the people of Owerri Zone, who took extra-ordinary steps to get her reelected in the face of overwhelming odds.

Knowing her passion for uplifting the living standards of her people and put smiles on their faces, she would rather devote good time now, delivering on this, than focusing on 2015, which is still two clear years ahead.

My guess is that she will not let herself to be distracted. She will continue to work hard to satisfy her conscience and the people she represents and if in the end she decides, and the people decide too, that the next step in her record of service is to run for governorship, why not?

So why should gross violation of human rights by Governor Okorocha be seen from the prism of her so-called 2015 ambition.

What does 2015 have to do with breaking the head of Anyanwu’s driver and injuring others in her team? Yet, Okodili described this deliberate brutality as resulting from an accident. His words: “one of the senator’s drivers was injured in the accident”. What gross misinformation is this?

Equally in his own analysis titled “Imo’s Battle of Convoys”, Oluwajuyitan wrote without having all the facts at his disposal.

True enough, Senator Anyanwu visited the governor earlier that day on a courtesy call, but not in the manner Oluwajuyitan presented. According to him the Senator visited Okorocha “with a convoy of cars probably

party, President Jonathan was alleged to have personally identified Bode George as member of those to reform the Board of Trustees (BOT) of PDP. Those close to him are saying the choice was informed by a desire to recoup some of the South-west goodwill the president squandered through some of his anti-Southwest policies.

The choice has been widely criticized not just by South-west PDP faction opposed to the politics of Bode George, but also by legal practitioners, civil rights groups, AntiCorruption Network and Coalition against Corrupt Leaders, all blaming PDP for its disrespect for the public.

While Dino Melaye, who became an anticorruption crusader after falling out with PDP, claims Bode George’s choice was because “almost everybody in the party (PDP) is an ex-convict”, while, Debo Adeniran the Chairman of CACOL, said the “PDP’s decision was akin to legalising corruption”. Bode George, he said, “would infest others with criminal virus because he exemplifies corruption”.

Except that we are all victims, no one would have wept for PDP and the selection of George as a key player in the final lap of its war of self destruction. I however sympathise with President Jonathan principally because of his penchant for sticking out his neck for indicted South-west PDP leaders. I want to believe his choice is often borne out of lack of sufficient understanding of the culture of the Yoruba, his over-reliance on advice of self-serving advisers, or informed by what his political enemies describe as his “politics of perfidy”.

Jonathan who rose to become the president of Nigeria ought to have known that those who used constitutional means to dislodge Obasanjo from his stolen empire following the massively rigged 2007 election are products of a culture that produced those that ensured those who sowed the wind during the rigged 1965 western regional election, reaped the whirlwind. Their PDP kinsmen may share PDP world view, but are products of a culture that celebrates dissent in the face of arbitrariness and fraud.

In Yorubaland, it is said that Eniti o jale lerekan, ti o da aran bori, aso ole ni oda bora’ (literarily meaning that a man who had been indicted for stealing, who later turn out in expensive damask dress is wearing a stolen dress). In case the president doesn’t know, the dissent among the Yoruba when it comes to dealing with intra-cultural conflicts that borders on fraud and arbitrariness is more vicious than when PDP engages in squabbles over sharing of our resources bought, fueled and driven by public officials at the expense of the tax payers”. Haba! Dr. Oluwajuyitan, this is a very unfair assessment of Chris Anyanwu, who I believe you should know to some reasonable extent; at least that she is a woman of means enough to afford and maintain three cars in her entourage: one for her escorts, another for herself and a back-up, in a state and country where insecurity is quite high.

I also think it was most uncharitable of you to describe Chris Anyanwu as a “warlord”, when all she did was to make way for the allpowerful governor, who didn’t consider her human enough to ply the same route with him. You also overdid it by grouping Senator Anyanwu in the class of overpaid legislators and undisciplined governors who unleash corruption on our nation. Accepted, there are corrupt politicians in our system, but there are also very good politicians in Nigeria, who are doing their best for the society. It is definitely on overstatement to brand all of them in the negative.

Chris Anyanwu is indeed one of the new breed politicians who are out to serve. Just check out her records since she entered politics and you will discover a hard working, passionate woman who takes her job very seriously; she would rather leave the job than not deliver on her mandate. I think such persons should be encouraged, rather than being harassed, intimidated and lampooned.

Onuoha, is Special Assistant to Senator Chris Anyanwu.

‘What does 2015 have to do with breaking the head of Anyanwu’s driver and injuring others in her team? Yet, Okodili described this deliberate brutality as resulting from an accident’

Ambrose urges Celtic

Keshi vows Pg. 24

to sign Oshaniwa to risk NPL stars Pg. 24

Sport •Keshi

Thursday, January 17, 2013

PAGE 23

Ike Uche tips Nigeria, Ivory coast, Ghana for title Pg. 24

•Ike Uche

Nwosu plays down Eagles’ win

Pg. 24

NIGERIAN DELEGATION

Amaechi

accepted

our request — Green

•Nwosu

.•Will be in SA for opening, closing ceremony •Gave NFF undisclosed amount Pg. 24

Last chance for ageing Elephants

C

HAIRMAN Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Christopher Green has refuted claims in the media that Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State turned down the offer of the board to lead the Nigeria’s delegation to the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

The ace football administrator said contrary to that report, Amaechi actually accepted the offer and has agreed to lead

By Innocent Amomoh

the Nigerian contingent to Africa’s biggest soccer fiesta, adding that he also offered to grace both the opening and closing ceremonies.

According to Green, in addition, the governor has contributed an undisclosed amount of money to assist the NFF in carrying out their financial obligations to the Super Eagles without hitches.

“That report in the media is not true.

Governor Amaechi did not turn down our offer as reported, but on the contrary he accepted to lead the Nigerian delegation to the Nations Cup. “To further register his support to the board, he donated an amount of money which I can not disclose to you now,” he said.

The report in media yesterday stated that Governor Amaechi politely turned down the offer from the NFF to lead the Nigeria delegation to the Nations Cup, giving his busy schedule as the reason.

24

NATIONSPORT THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

NATION SPORT

AFCON 2013...AFCON 2013...AFCON 2013...AFCON 2013...AFCON 2013...AFCON 2013...AFCON 2013...AFCON 2013...AFCON 2013...AFCON 2013...AFCON 2013...AFCON 2013...

Keshi vows

Ambrose urges Celtic to sign Oshaniwa

N

I G E R I A international center back Efe Ambrose has urged the Celtic hierarchy to sign international teammate Juwon Oshaniwa, who is being linked with a winter move to the Glasgow giants.

24 - year - old Ambrose is one of the success stories of Celtic this season and has flourished especially in the UEFA Champions League.

He wasted no time adapting to the club despite arriving

•Oshaniwa

on transfer deadline day.

Now, Ambrose has tipped Oshaniwa to replicate his performances if he is acquired by the traditional Scottish club.

Speaking exclusively to allnigeriasoccer.com from Nigeria's training camp at Faro, Portugal, Abrose said: ''I read about reports linking Juwon Oshaniwa with Celtic this January just like everyone else. Delighted for him. I think he is a quality player, very good defensively. He's a technical player, does not commit too many fouls on the opposition. Being chosen in Nigeria's squad to the African Cup of Nations has shown he is a very good player, because there are so many talented players the country can boast of.''

Last chance for ageing Elephants

T

HE 2013 African Nations Cup could be the last chance for an ageing Ivory Coast side to lift the trophy and former AFCON winner, Andre Arendse, believes the Elephants “should” win it.

Ivory Coast won their only Nations Cup title 20 years ago in Senegal after an incredible penalty shootout, which the Elephants won 1110 over Ghana after neither team had scored in regulation time.

The 2013 Nations Cup squad touch down in Gauteng this afternoon.

South Africa's 1996 AFCON winner Andre Arendse said: “This is really their last chance to win silverware as a team. Potentially they should be world beaters because all these players are playing at the very highest level of the game.”

Arendse points to their a t t a c k , sa yin g th a t h e believes Didier Drogba and Gervinho complement each other well.

“Gervinho will run a lot and turn players, always looking for the ball. Drogba is not a young man anymore, so he will stay in the box and hold the ball up. He has the height and the strength, so they can

really make this count in their advantage.”

South Africa 2013 represents the last throw of the dice for the ageing Didier Drogba, who blazed a regular time penalty well over the crossbar to help Zambia achieve a maiden title in 2012.

“Coming to South Africa for the 2013 Cup of Nations will be special for me; we have twice come so close to winning this tournament,” Drogba said.

“But that does not mean we can afford to slow down and assume that if we wait long enough the title will be ours.

“We have learnt from our failures and we are coming this time to win and nothing else,” said Drogba.

•Drogba

Adejube tips Eagles to reach last four

D

I C K S O N ADEJUBE, a former b o a r d member,Nigerian Football Association (NFA), on Wednesday tipped the Super Eagles to reach the last four semi final at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in South Africa.

Adejube told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure while reacting to the team's 5-0 win over Portuguese second Division side, Farense, in a friendly match on Tuesday.

The team ended its training in Portugal with the match and has departed to Johannesburg, South Africa,

41

for the biennial continental tournament. ``This win over the second division Farense will give them the confidence to perform well in their competition's first game against Burkina Faso on Jan. 21. ``I am not saying that we will win the competition, but I believe that we shall surely reach the last four,'' Adejube said.

He lauded Coach Stephen Keshi for taking six players from the Nigerian Premier League and some foreignbased players who had never been to the Nations Cup before.

Nwosu plays down Eagles’ win

F

ORMER Golden Eaglets' coach, Henry Nwosu has cautioned Nigerians not be carried away by Super Eagles 5-0 thumping of Portuguese side, Farense in Faro, Portugal.

Tuesday's pre-AFCON 2013 build-up game stood out as the biggest win in the Eagles preAfrica Cup of Nations. The Eagles had earlier drawn 1-1 against the Catalonian selected and goalless against AFCON debutants, Cape Verde.

Nwosu said the massive win may count as nothing when the team square up against their AFCON foes in South Africa starting against Burkina Faso next Monday in Nelspruit.

"That result was recorded between a national team and second division club side, we shouldn't overrate the encounter as to make prediction on how far the team will go in South Africa 2013.

"I won't judge the Eagles with the result against Farense rather the team is improving gradually.

"Of course, in football you don't stop trying until you get it right. We've not seen other teams in competitive games and not until they square up every prediction may come to nothing," said the former Nigerian player to supersport.com.

Nwosu believes the Eagles will start off well against Burkina Faso and take it up from there.

"Burkina Faso is a good side and Nigeria is a big name in African football.

"No team is in South Africa for sight-seeing rather as potential winners, so if we get our acts together we'll overcome the Burkinabes.

"And I think after the encounter one can properly assess the team's chances at the AFCOn," he said.

Nigeria will start their title campaign against Burkina Faso on Monday in Nelspruit before tackling Cup holders, Zambia at same venue

N

IGERIA coach Stephen Keshi has said he is willing to take a chance on players from the Nigeria league at the AFCON because it is worth it. Keshi has picked six players from the NPL for this AFCON, a clear departure from the 2008 and 2010 tournaments when no player from the domestic league made the final squad.

Goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim, defenders Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, midfielder Gabriel Reuben as well as forwards Sunday Mba and Ejike Uzoenyi play their football in the local league and have made the final cut for this competition in South Africa.

"Football is a game of risks. At the 1990

G

Nations Cup when the likes of (Daniel) Amokachi came in, about 80% of the players were from the local. It’s a risk worth taking," declared Keshi, who has worked with these players since December 2011. The former international skipper will not promise Nigeria a third Nations Cup trophy but said the team are confident and will give their best. "I don't want to promise Nigerians anything, I am not going to give any assurance but I will do my best with the team in South Africa," he said.

“The level of discipline is great, good atmosphere. I hope the confidence will be sustained at the AFCON. If there is any

T

HE Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Amb. Sonni Yusuf, has expressed satisfaction with the facilities at the disposal of the Super Eagles for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Yusuf told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Correspondent in South Africa on Wednesday in Johannesburg that the team got the best hotel allocated to it. ``I must say that the Super Eagles, of the four teams in the group, have the best facilities; the hotel has two standard training pitches located within its precincts.

We also intend to meet with the LOC on the issue of accreditation for k e y government officials to have access to the team and to discuss

pressure on me to perform at the Nations Cup, it is pressure from me not from any other quarters. We are not under any pressure to win.” Keshi also stated that he hopes to again work with Portland Timber striker Bright Dike who he dropped from the AFCON final squad. "Dike will be a good goal getter for Nigeria in the future. I dropped him because the time was short for me to impact on him as I wanted. It was difficult for me to name the 23-man squad," Keshi admitted.

EADERS of celebrated Spanish sports daily Marca have questioned Nigeria international Ikechukwu Uche on his participation at the African Cup of Nations.

The Villarreal forward , who bagged a hat-

defence along with Yobo,” the official disclosed.

In the final 2013 AFCON qualifier against Liberia in October, Oboabona played alongside Egwuekwe when Yobo was injured and not available for selection.

And in the team’s recent warm-ups against Catalonia and Cape Verde, he was also considered ahead of the other players.

•Oboabona

•Ike Uche

trick on Tuesday against Farense, dismissed suggestions by readers that Nigeria does not have a competitive team and will find it difficult winning the tourney. ''Some time ago that we were not getting good results, it was what could have been expected. The team is new but working fine. We will reach the desired level with patience and hard-work. Obi Mikel and Joseph Yobo are the key players in the team.

There is always pressure. You get to the final and not want to win it,'' said Uche.

Ikechukwu Uche has tipped a country from West Africa to cart home the African Cup of Nations trophy when the final is played on February 10.

He said: ''There are few favorites to win the cup. Ivory Coast, Ghana and Nigeria are

N

T

HE curtain on Glo Soccer Academy Season 1 will be drawn this weekend as the TV reality show and soccer talent hunt programme, regarded as the biggest in Africa, finally comes to an end.

This is coming after an emotionladen final eviction exercise that resulted in the exit of the last three players to pave way for the emergence of the 16 finalists.

The final ceremony will feature highlights of all the activities that happened throughout the academy.

In the 13th episode of Glo Soccer Academy that will be shown this weekend, the master of ceremony, Gbenga Adeyinka takes the viewers on a memory lane, introducing the highlights of the screening exercise in Nigeria, Ghana and Benin Republic. This led to the emergence of the final 33 boys that entered the academy. His experience as a comedian douses the tension in

• Keshi

well positioned.

I n theory, Ivory Coast becaus e of the quality of their player s .

Reigning champions Zambia also have a chance.''

In conclusion, Uche says international teammate Nosa Igiebor has the qualities to succeed in Spain with Real Betis. ''Nosa is a good player whose football is improving, playing good games.

Certainly, he'll give what is expected of him in Betis.'’

Glo Soccer Academy ends this weekend as MVP emerges situations where emotions rise to near breaking point during the closing ceremony.

The Most Valuable Player (MVP) will emerge from three top participants short-listed based on their performances and contributions to the team. The major topic of discussion among the followers of the football TV show has been who will emerge as the MVP with everyone tipping his or her favourite candidate for the position.

The rap group, Terry D will perform its hit song at the event to add colour to the night.

A statement from Globacom on Wednesday advised television viewers across Nigeria, Ghana and Benin Republic to stay glued to their television sets this weekend to watch the final show.

The company further stated that fans in Nigeria should tune to NTA Network on Saturday at 1.30pm-

2.30pm, with a 30-minute highlight on Wednesday, between 5.30pm and 6.00pm to view the show. It will also be on AIT network on Saturday from 5.00pm-6.00pm, with the highlights on Sunday from 3.30pm-4pm.

Viewers in Ghana will enjoy the special package on GTV on Sunday from 12.30pm to 1.30pm with the highlight on Wednesday at 4.00pm4.30pm. The programme is also available on TV3 on Saturday between 10.30am and 11.30am while the highlight comes up on Friday between 5.30pm and 6.00pm.

For the lovers of youth football in Benin Republic they have the opportunity to watch the Glo Soccer Academy on ORTB on Sunday from 5pm through 6pm with the highlights on Wednesdays at 11am to 11.30am.

“Viewers are assured of a most entertaining and fun-filled time,” the statement concluded.

other logistics required for the team. The hotel that the team will be staying in was used for the 2010 World Cup and is still in very good shape; it is located in a secluded area of the town, with heavy security,’’ Yusuf said.

He added that the mission had notified the Nigerian community in South Africa to come out en masse to support the Super Eagles. ``In the area of support for our team, there will be no problem at all. Nigeria has one of the largest immigrant populations in South Africa. The proximity of Mbombela to Mozambique, where we also have a largeNigerian community is another advantage for us. So starting from Thursday when the team will arrive in South Africa, the huge support of the Nigerian community in South Africa will be felt,’’ Yusuf said.

Burkina Faso plays Niger for Eagles

Ike Uche tips Nigeria, Ivory coast, Ghana for title R

Oboabona wins race for Eagles’ first-team spot

O D F R E Y OBOABONA is most likely to be the only starter from the Nigeria Premier League for the Eagles opening game against Burkina Faso.

Nigeria opens their AFCON campaign on Monday evening against Burkina Faso in Nelspruit.

The Sunshine Stars skipper is now being preferred to Azubuike Egwuekwe to pair captain Joseph Yobo in the Eagles back four as the battle for first-team places intensifies.

A top team official informed MTNFootball.com Oboabona is top of the pecking order at centre-back ahead of both Egwuekwe and youngster Kenneth Omeruo.

“Keshi has worked with Azubuike from December 2011 but recently he has settled for Oboabona in the heart of the

Nigerian Mission satisfied with Eagles' S/A accomodation

to risk NPL stars

•Nwosu

NATION SPORT

Aluko out for eight weks

H

ULL CITY'S chase for one of the promotion tickets to the English Premier League has suffered a major setback with news that one of the key player in the chase, Nigeria's Sone Aluko could be out for as

much as two months.

Hull City boss Steve Bruce fears the absence of the Nigerian forward for close to eight weeks with an Achilles injury is source for big concerns.

The 23-year-old Nigeria international has scored eight goals in 24 appearances this season .

Bruce told BBC Radio Humberside: "It looks as if he has a small tear in his Achilles and he's going to be in a boot for the best part of four weeks.

"It is going to be the best part of six to eight weeks before he is back and it is a major concern to us.

He added: "He has been paramount to the way we have played so it is a horrible blow.

"We'll be trying our utmost to try and bring someone in now."

The Tigers boss also revealed the club have submitted a bid to bring Fulham keeper David Stockdale back to the KC Stadium on loan.

Stockdale, 27, made five appearances for the Championship promotion chasers before being recalled by the Cottagers in December.

IGERIA'S first opponent at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Burkina Faso will take on Niger in an international friendly in preparation for the clash against the Stephen Keshi led side.

Burkina Faso and Niger are to play a friendly in Nelspruit today lising their preparations for the AFCON finals.

Niger, who have been in Port Elizabeth since the weekend, will travel to the Mbombela Stadium for the game.

Burkina Faso left Ouagadougou last week for the tournament without playing as single warm-up international, in contrast to most of the other finalists at the tournament. "t gives us now a good chance to try and implement the tactical and technical stuff that we have been working on in our training," coach Paul Put told reporters.

They are also trying to arrange a match with Orlando Pirates before their first game on Monday against Nigeria in Group C, which is being played in Nelspruit.

Niger play their first Group B game on Sunday against Mali in Port Elizabeth.

Meanwhile, Burkina Faso winger, Yaan Jonathan Pitroipa has underlined the importance of a victory for his side when they face Nigeria’s Super Eagles in their first game at the 2013 AFCON in South Africa. Both sides go head-to-head in the opening game of Group C on January 21 at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit and the Stade Rennais man knows his side cannot afford to fail against their heralded West African neighbours. “That game against Nigeria will be extremely important. If we want to qualify for the quarterfinals, we have to get something from that game; a draw or a win, but we cannot lose that game,” Pitroipa said. The 26-year-old however acknowledged that getting a result against the Super Eagles will not be easy as "Nigeria is a top side full of quality players."

Odibe confirms interest from Italy

O

NE-CAP Nigeria international Michael Odibe has returned to Arsenal Kiev after a brief spell on loan at Ukrainian millionaire club Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk. ''I am one of the six main players of Arsenal Kiev, I am still at the club. It is still unknown whether I will stay at Arsenal or move somewhere else,'' says Michael Odibe to Football.ua.

Credible reports have surfaced in Italy linking Odibe with a return to the Serie A. Odibe has heard about the interest from Cagliari.

He told the Ukrainian website: ''My agent told me the news. This is not surprising because I have played in Italy. However, representatives of the club have not made a concrete proposal, therefore it is early to say I would move to the Apennines.''

Just before the start of the current season, Dnipro loaned the goalscoring defender from Arsenal Kiev. The agreement between the parties lasted for only six months. ''I was playing on loan at Dnipro.

Upon expiration of the contract, Dnipro did not renew the agreement. I can not impose my services,'' Odibe concluded.

•Odibe

25

THE NATION

EDUCATION

THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

INSIDE Row over teachers’ reshuffling

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

email:- education@thenationonlineng.com

For many applicants, registering for the 2013 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is a nightmare, report KOFOWOROLA BELO-OSAGIE, ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA and MEDINAT KANABE.

THE New Year has brought unsavoury news for some teachers in the Anambra public primary schools as the rationalization exercise of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) means many now have to relocate to rural areas.

-Page 27

Don appointed chair in South Africa PROFESSOR Abiodun Salawu has been appointed to the Mazisi K u n e n e Chair at the University of KwaZuluN a t a l (UKZN), South Africa.

The Chair, which is domiciled in the School of Arts, College of Humanities of the university, was established by the university in conjunction with the Mazisi Kunene Foundation.

-Page 37

CAMPUS LIFE •An eight-page section on campus news, people etc

Blind girl with a big dream EVEN though she is blind she has a big dream. In the next couple of years, Antonia Chinyerem Okoro, a visually-impaired student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, hopes to become a newscaster in an electronic media.

Locating Antonia’s room in Moremi Hall was not difficult, since the 200-Level English Language student was aware of CAMPUSLIFE’s visit.

-Page 29

•Chams City, Ikeja, Lagos, one of the e-UTME centres

e-UTME registration headache I for applicants T was meant to be an easy process to facilitate the filling of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) form. But for many applicants, it is fast becoming a headache. They are finding it difficult uploading their data onto JAMB’s website. What could be the cause of the problem?

Nobody can really say, but operators of JAMB -accredited cyber café believe it must be from board.

They said they have been finding it difficult uploading photographs or registering the fingerprints applicants in the past three weeks.

The problem, they claim, is with the JAMB server. But the examining board debunked the allegations, saying the cyber cafes are having problems because of insufficient bandwidth.

Besides, some applicants are also complaining of seeing details that do not tally with what they input in the printout they are meant to take to the examination centres.

To register, candidates can obtain their forms from banks or accredited cyber cafés. They are given a scratch card containing their serial number and registration PIN, with which they can access the online registration forms.

Before visiting any cybercafè to register/complete the UTME form, candidates are to download and print the New 2013 JAMB/UTME Online Registration Template which they can fill at home with the help of the official 2013 JAMB brochure.

The completed template is then entered into the candidate's JAMB registration form online, along with a scanned copy of his/her passport photograph and thumb-

print.

After submission, candidates are not allowed to change their names, date of birth, state of origin and gender.

Candidates are required to have active email addresses to successfully complete their registration and get additional information from JAMB. The cyber cafe operators are not happy with what they call the “precious” time spent on registering candidates, claiming that it is far less than the N700 JAMB stipulated for the service.

A cafe manager in Ikotun, a Lagos suburb said he has registered 200 candidates for the examination, describing the process as ‘paintakingly slow’.

“Sometimes the website does not go at all. When it goes, it takes hours to register a candidate. This happened last year,” he said.

He added that the only advantage this year’s registration has over last year’s is that the website allows for offline registration of some of the requirements, such as, thumbprinting.

Chinedu Wosa, an employee of a cyber café at Mafoluku, Oshodi Lagos, said the problem compelled him to work mostly at night.

“Well it has not been easy on our part. Some of the students think we are just delaying them unnecessarily, telling them to check back all the time. Since this problem started, I do not sleep;

Well it has not been easy on our part. Some of the students think we are just delaying them unnecessarily, telling them to check back all the time. Since this problem started, I do not sleep; just to do the registration for them, because that is the only time you can access the site

‘

’

just to do the registration for them, because that is the only time you can access the site,” he said.

Mrs Blessing Olajide, a co-manager of a cyber café claims to have had similar experience.

“We have been doing our best to pacify the students who are yet to complete their registration. The server has been bad, it was not like this last year,” she said.

At a cyber cafe in Ketu, Lagos, the owner said JAMB website can be easily accessed early in the morning and in the midnight.

“The website is always slow in the afternoons, and we always have problems with the uploading of passport photographs. The website is at its best very early in the morning and very late at night. Applicants usually come with their scanned passports,” he said.

An operator at a café in Ikorodu, Lagos Mr Moses, said the registration is so slow that it takes days to register one candidate.

“I use three to four days some times to register one person and we collect the same amount that JAMB wants us to collect. JAMB should improve on their network.

I have to collect the data of my customers and thumb print to do their registration at night because that is when the server is fast,” he said.

Another cyber cafe owner at Garage, Ikorodu, says he has problems with the thumbprinting machine.

“The thumb printing machine here has some problems and this has slowed down the registration process. We encourage the appli• Continued on page 26

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

26

EDUCATION UNILORIN FILE Senate reshuffles programmes THE Senate of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), has approved the establishment of new faculty programmes, the unbundling of some existing departments and the creation of additional ones.

During its 230th meeting held Thirsday last week, the Senate approved new programmes including Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Estate Management, Urban and Regional Planning, as well as Surveying and GeoInformatics to commence from the 2013/2014 academic session.

The Senate also approved the splitting of the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences into the Faculty of Management Sciences, comprising the Departments of Accounting and Finance, Business Administration, and Marketing, and the Faculty of Social Sciences, comprising the Departments of Economics, Geography and Environmental Management, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology.

In the same vein, the University Senate also approved the splitting of the existing Department of Arts and Social Sciences Education into two new departments: Arts Education and Social Sciences Education.

Also, the Department of Science Education is to split into the Department of Science Education and the Department of Educational Technology.

The Senate also approved the increment of the present seven academic departments of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine to 10. Also, the Unilorin Biological Garden has now been split into the Unilorin Zoo and Unilorin Botanical Garden “with immediate effect.”

SSANU inaugurates new exco THE National President of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Mr. Samson Ugwoke, who was represented by the National VicePresident (West), Mr. Alfred Jimoh, has inaugurated the new Executive Committee of SSANU (Unilorin Chapter).

The new leaders are: Mr. M. A. Alfanla, (chairman); Mr. J. A. Babatunde, (vice); Ms. W. O. Ojulari, (secretary); Mr. M. G. Akanbi, (treasurer); Mr. O. N, Falowo, (PRO); Mr. Akande, (assist. secretary); Mr. S. Adetona, (financial secretary); Mrs. T. Famulegun, (women leader); and Mr. A. O. Omisan, (trustee).

Fed Govt to spend N12b on micro-teaching laboratories M INISTER of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’I, has said the Federal Government will spend N12 billion to build micro-teaching laboratories to improve the quality of teaching in schools.

Prof Rufa’i announced this in Abuja when she received a delegation from the UK-based-GEMS Education Solutions, a family-owned organisation that offers global basic educational needs.

She said N6.6 billion had also been earmarked for the development of technical and vocational education, which had been identified as critical to the technological advancement of the country.

The Minister said despite the frequent training of teachers, there was still a long way to go in getting quality teachers critical to driving the education sector.

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

She said the ministry would continue to partner with organisations such as GEMS to identify and develop various approaches to solving the country’s educational problems.

The minister who commended GEMS for offering solutions to educational problems, said government was ready to partner with the organisation in teacher training, leadership development as well as in data management.

She said: “I am sure you will agree with me that if the quality of teachers is improved, half of the problems in the education sector would have been solved.”

The minister said data management is important for the assess-

ment of progress being made and areas that needed to be improved upon.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GEMS, Mr Chris Kirk, said the organisation had a network of about 100,000 students and 10,000 teachers around the world.

Kirk said his organisation was in the country to explore ways to support Nigeria in solving its educational problems.

He explained that the organisation was a support institution that “focuses basically on ways of supporting children with special educational needs, teacher and leadership development, data management, among others.’’

He said: “GEMS believe that a blessing can be a burden if children are not getting the education they need.

GEMS also ensure sustainability of the support services it embarks upon because

e-UTME registration headache for applicants • Continued from page 25

cants to come late at night to complete the registration because it seems that is the period when the website is not congested,” he said.

The candidates are frustrated by the delays and some are yet to buy the forms because of the difficulties.

An applicant, Sade Ibidunmi, speaks of the pain and frustration the problem has caused her.

“I started my registration on January 8 and till now, I have not got my photo card. I have been going to cybercafé to check on it but I have not received positive news. It is either the thumbprint cannot be done or the site is inaccessible. My friend also told me that she was given a centre number without a centre itself, you can imagine that, all these complications are just weighing me down,” she said.

Another applicant, Motunrayo Thomas, told The Nation she completed her application after much stress.

“I really don’t know if it is the website or the cyber cafe where I did my registration but it was very stressful. I had problems uploading my passport photograph and to even print. The website was loading for too long. Eventually, I was able to register but it wasn’t an easy task”, she said.

Another applicant, Jibola

Hassan, is not as lucky as Motunrayo. For now Hassan does not know when he will be attended to.

He said: “I have gone to the cyber café in my area countless times but the attendant has refused to attend to me saying there are many candidates who have not been attended to and that they need to address each person’s profile one after the other to avoid confusion at the end of the day. I am worried because we heard that registration for the examination closed this week. If I cannot access the website, how will I register or sit for the exam?

Johnson Afolayan, a candidate, wondered whether the website was slow because JAMB had started late registration.

“This issue is not encouraging at all. It destabilised my spirit. If actually the late entry has started, they should let us know. The expiry date for JAMB is still far from now, which is March 24, why are we experiencing this now. I cannot just stand the chance of not sitting for JAMB this year. JAMB management please help us out,” he said.

On Saturday, at a café in Volkswagen, Ojo, Lagos, desperate candidates were battling to log on. The fact that many exhausted the airtime they bought from the

•Pupils of Oke-Odo Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, Alimosho, Lagos, on their way to school on Monday, the first school day of the year.

PHOTO: RAHMAN SANUSI

•Prof Dibu Ojerinde, JAMB Registrar

café operator, and had to buy more did not help matters.

An angry applicant, who gave his name as Chidi, expressed his disappointment at a point.

He told our reporter: “I have been here over one hour now trying to log in without success. I had to buy another one-hour airtime when the first hour expired. Now the thing is off and on and I am afraid I may have to buy more. I only targeted 45 minutes to do the logging and use the rest to check my mail and Facebook. But see what is happening now.”

However, by 4pm, the server began to adjust to the delight of some candidates willing to log on.

Difficulty in accessing the website is not the only problem.

In tears, Joan Unamka left a cyber cafe at Okota, Lagos suburbs, when she discovered that she was given a university different from the one she picked.

“I filled University of Ibadan and the page came out with University of Uyo,” she said.

Her family sent the café attendant to the JAMB office at Ikoyi, Lagos to c out thatorrect the anomaly, where he found she was not alone.

They are still awaiting the correction which the authorities said would be effected in some days. If it fails, she has been told she may have to obtain a change of institution form after the examination.

When The Nation visited the JAMB Zonal office in Ikoyi, an official, who refused to give his name, said the problem had been rectified. He said candidates with complaints were directed to cyber cafes where they could complete their registration.

“Candidates have been coming here and we have been directing them to a nearby cyber cafe to complete their registration. There was a particular problem that we detected and we have found out how to go round it,” he said.

When contacted, an official at the JAMB Headquarters in Abuja, who does not want to be named, debunked claims that the JAMB server was slow. He said the prob-

•Prof Rufa’i

young people need adaptability.’’

Kirk said GEMS had more than 200 teacher-development programmes to give children the skills they need for creativity and learning.

‘I use three to four days some times to register one person and we collect the same amount that JAMB wants us to collect. JAMB should improve on their network’ lem was with the cyber cafés, advising candidates to patronise accredited cyber cafés.

“I don’t think the problem is a general one. If people are registering in Abuja I don’t know why they should have problems in Lagos. I don’t think there is a problem with the JAMB server. The problem is with the cyber cafés they are using. If you have a lower bandwidth there will be problems,” he said.

The official also faulted some applicants’ similar claims by some candidates’ that they got the wrong details from JAMB. “It is not possible to choose ABU Zaria and you print out and see Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. It is garbage in garbage out. The candidate may make mistakes with the university codes because they can be similar. These candidates at times don’t tell the truth,” he said.

Checks by The Nation showed that candidates in Anambra, Enugu and Plateau states did not have similar problems. In Jos, the Plateau State capital, the only problem candidates have is that only two cyber cafés have fingerprint scanners so they are always crowded. A candidate said whenever the scanners have problems, they are referred to the JAMB office in Jos to complete their applications.

This year, some candidates will take the examination online. This is in line with the e-UTME campaign of the examining body launched in November last year.

Those to take the examination online will be able to choose the Computer-Based Testing (CBT) option and will be assigned a date and centre to take the examination.

Those who take the CBT option will write on one of the 17 days designated for the examination.

The candidates using the traditional Paper Based Option will write on a yet to be announced date in April.

•Additional report by Temitope Fatuase, Jane Chijioke, Aminat Popoola and Wale Oshunmuyiwa.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

27

EDUCATION An attempt to reshuffle teachers to address the imbalance that has favoured urban schools has placed affected teachers at loggerheads with the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB). NWANOSIKE ONU reports on the dispute.

Teachers’ reshuffling sparks row in Anambra •NUT supports move, as teachers grumble

T

HE New Year has brought unsavoury news for some teachers in the Anambra public primary schools as the rationalization exercise of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) means many now have to relocate to rural areas.

The board embarked on the reshuffling exercise to correct the lopsided supply of teachers to urban schools while those in the rural areas suffer great need.

Some of these disadvantaged schools are in Anambra East, Anambra West, Awka North, Nnewi South, Ogbaru and Orumba North Local Government Areas. They are seen as the remotest areas out of the 21 local government areas in the state.

On the other hand, ASUBEB has discovered that the bulk of teachers in the state are clustered in towns in Onitsha South, Idemili North, Nnewi North, Awka South and other council areas close to these towns.

Furthermore, it was discovered that most of such schools in the remote areas had the head teacher as the only teacher or one or two others to teach primaries one to six, while uncountable number of teachers are redundant in township schools.

The National Policy on Education (NPC) recommends that the teacherpupil ratio should be 35 pupils for primaries 1-6, while 25 pupils should be for 1-3 in what they called Early Child Care Development Education

(ECCDE) classes.

There are 10, 600 primary school teachers on the pay roll of the Anambra State government. As the policy recommends that each school should have at least eight teachers, The Nation gathered that the Peter Obiled administration recruited about 1,000 more teachers in 2011 to beef up the number.

However, it did not pay off as some of the schools in urban cities had surplus of about 13 teachers, while the rural ones were in pains of teachers to fill the vacancies.

From the statistics available to The Nation, Central Schools 1,2,3 and 4 Nkpor Agu in Idemili North had surplus teachers of 42, while United Schools 1,2 and 3 also in Nkpor Agu had surplus of 16 teachers before ASUBEB stepped in.

Other schools in Idemili North alone that had between 10 to 16 surplus teachers who were redundant included, Community Primary School Iyi-Enu Ogidi (10), All Saints Primary School, Nkpor Agu (16), Premier Primary School Obosi (16), Ubuota Primary School Obosi (10), Awada Primary Schools 1,2 and 3 Obosi (16) and Akpakaogwe Primary School, Ogidi (12).

On the other hand, the deficits in rural schools raise the teacher-pupil ratio to as high as 1:100 and above.

During the flooding of last November, The Nation noted the dearth of teachers and teaching facilities in

•Amawbia Primary School, one of the rural schools without teachers. Inset: Olisah

Awka North schools. For instance before the re-posting of teachers, Union Primary School Amanuke had 369 pupils taught by two teachers, while Central Primary School Amanuke had 327 pupils and seven teachers, some of whom were allegedly transferred without replacement.

Coping with a huge population of pupils without enough teachers is not an easy task, many heads of the poorly-staffed school complained. At the Central School, Enugwu-Otu Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government Area, the only teacher in the school of 300 pupils is the headmistress.

For that reason, most of the parents in those rural areas, now engage what they call PTA teachers to help their children.

The headmaster of Central School Enugu-otu in Aguleri, Anambra East Council Area, Mr Ezeudu Joseph who was the sole worker in the school told The Nation that it was a difficult situation for him.

He said the heavy burden of managing 200 pupils was only ligtened by a Reverend Father in the Saint

Paul’s Catholic Church, Enugu-Otu that hosts the school.

He said: “It was a big burden for me and because of that, I had to combine the classes to be easier for me to handle, but I thank the Reverend Father who came to assist me in that direction. Everybody was surprised how I was coping with the situation.

Before the flood disaster that ravaged our area, I had a population of 200 pupils but when it receded, not more than 50 pupils have been coming to school which in a way became a relief for me.

“As we speak now, three teachers have been sent to the school to beef it up, while two have reported, the other person has not, but I believe, she will report very soon.”

So far, The Nation gathered that ASUBEB has already redeployed about 250 teachers from urban communities to the rural areas.

However, following this exercise, the board has been inundated with telephone calls from the rich men in the state to reverse their relations’ transfers.

But the executive Chairman of

go home. Here, learning is fun," she said.

Explaining how Acehall incorporates fun into learning numeracy and literacy, Mrs Oshosanya said pupils connected the film Prince of Egypt with Mathematics. The play, based on the biblical character of Joseph who was imprisoned in Egypt, was enacted during the school's end of year concert.

"Take for instance Prince of Egypt, they learnt maths with the film they calculated the distance of the Nile River and the Red Sea; they plotted graphs with their favourite characters to find out who was most loved," she said.

•Mrs Oshosanya

‘Good education is expensive’

R

UNNING a good private school requires capital investments that many proprietors are unwilling to make, says educationist, Mrs Moronke Oshosanya.

In an interview with The Nation, Mrs Oshosanya, who runs Acehall School in Ikeja, Lagos, asserted that quality education is expensive and that school owners must be willing to train their teachers and put learning resources in place that will improve their school's education delivery.

"Good education is expensive.

Very few schools train their teachers; very few schools have learning resources. There are fears that after training teachers they leave for other schools. But if you don't train them, it is garbage in garbage out. But the investment is worth it because a good education impacts for live. You are able to use whatever it is you learnt everywhere," she said.

Mrs Oshosanya said further that technological advances underscore the need for Nigerian children to receive quality education because they now compete on a global stage.

"Away from inability of teachers and inadequate resources, the world has become global and the Nigerian child will be competing with others around the world. Are we preparing children for the world? I was head of school,

•A scene in the play Prince of Egypt

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

trainer and consultants before I started Acehall. When I tell proprietors there is a need to do this, they say there is no money. I got frustrated and decided to start a school that would incorporate all I know," she said.

In practicalising all she knows in her school, Mrs Oshosanya said her pupils feel so much at home they are unwilling to leave, and advises others to do same.

"When you come into Acehall as a child you don't want to leave - a major problem for our parents because their children don't want to

ASUBEB, Nzemeka Olisah, said the reversal will not happen.

He said: “We can not reverse transfers, we have over 10,600 primary school teachers on the pay-roll.

Putting into consideration on the investment of the state government in the education sector that runs into billions of Naira, the teachers therefore, must reciprocate to the government’s gesture by giving their best.

“The teachers are being promoted regularly, their salaries had been enhanced which is motivational, so we cannot continue to waste resources on people who are idle. In Civil Service, wherever one is posted is where one reports. We should not be sentimental about it. Well-to-do people have been calling the office to intercede on their relations but it cannot work.”

He urged the teachers to comply with the directive and resume in their new schools.

“My candid appeal to the affected staff is that they should please accept the postings in the interest of our children in these ‘educationally disadvantaged’ areas who have right to quality education. They should realize that they have idled about for many years while earning salaries at the detriment of these abandoned pupils. They should remember that teaching is a job of good conscience and that when they were employed, they accepted to serve in any part of the state.”

Commenting on the issue, the Anambra state Chairman of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Ifeanyi Ofodile, praised the redeployment.

However, he faulted its timing, saying it should have come towards the end of the academic session.

He also urged the teachers to be ready to relocate.

“Let us accept these things with open heart. There is nothing wrong about the postings, as a teacher and administrator, I have always advocated for the employment of teachers. Personally, before now, I had been moved to seven different schools. Some of these teachers begin and end in one school, that trend has to be reversed,” he said.

On their parts, some of the transferred teachers are claiming the move is unfair.

One of them, who pleaded for anonymity, told The Nation that the exercise was selective, adding that she had already paid for her accommodation in Onitsha before been was taken to Lilu in Nnewi South Council area.

“How are my going to retrieve my money back from landlord in Onitsha after paying over 200, 000 Naira house rent, this is pure wickedness on some of us’’ she said Another female teacher sent to Anambra west said, she had never been to that area in her life, adding that somebody must have done it because of her out spoken nature.

She said “I know that the God I worship will see me through, no condition is permanent.’’

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

28

EDUCATION ACE FILE

EKSU FILE

Afe Babalola for convocation lecture THE Founder of the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), is scheduled to present the convocation lecture for the 32nd convocation of the Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo on February 14.

Babalola will speak on Free Education: Myth or Reality as part of activities of the 32nd convocation for graduates of 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 NCE and degree programmes.

The college will also confer Fellowship awards on Prof Mahood Yakubu, Dr A.O. Oyeleke, Assistant Pastor Aralola Surulola Faturoti and Hon Kingsley Kemebradigha Kuku on February 16.

Other activities of the convocation include a press conference to be addressed by the College Provost, Prof Adeyemi Idowu, exhibition by the departments of Home Economics and Fine and Applied Arts, musical concert and inauguration of projects.

College screens freshers SCREENING has started for newly admitted candidates of the College for the next four weeks.

The candidates are expected to come to the venue of the screening with receipts of their acceptance fees, receipt of payment of post UTME screening, receipt of payment of change of institution fees for affected students, print-out of the admission status, original copies of all credentials and JAMB UTME on-line print-out.

Provost advises workers THE ACE Provost, Prof Adeyemi Idowu has encouraged parents to support their children’s academics to ensure a better future Speaking during the 2013 children party organised for children of workers of the college, he stressed the need for parents to invest in the education of their wards to prepare them for a better tomorrow.

He also advised the children to be of good behaviour while paying greater attention to their studies.

In her closing remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Dr Oyinloye thanked God for keeping all the children alive and thanked the College Management for the support it gives the Committee while organising the party.

She also advised the children to be dedicated and devoted to their studies and pleaded with the parents to give them their best support to build a better tomorrow.

VC plans for accommodation

•Mabadeje (left) and Mrs Oladunjoye (right) presenting gifts to the two debaters, Temitope and Mark

Science camp enthrals pupils

B

Y the time Temitope Ejide and Mark Nwabianke concluded a debate on the topic: Science and Technology: A curse or blessing to humanity, the audience at the closing ceremony of the 3 rd Lagos State Science and Technology Camp last Friday could not agree on a winner.

The duo debated excellently despite not having prior knowledge of the topic, demonstrating high level of knowledge of science and technology issues, as well as commendable debating skills.

Temitope, a pupil of Olowu Senior Model College, Ikorodu supported the motion, while Mark, a pupil of Lagos Senior Model College, Badore, which hosted the seven-day camp, spoke against it.

However, both spoke so convincingly about the topic that they won the judges over when they had the floor.

Temitope pointed out that science and technology has aided ICT development, improved banking services, eased communication hassles among others. On the other hand, Mark said advancements in science and technology caused the world wars, destroyed the environment, and cause health care issues.

At the end of the six-minute debate, the judges, the Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr Adebiyi Mabadeje, and his Education counterpart, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, declared them both winners.

The debate was one of the presentations by participants of the camp at the closing ceremony that gave

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

the commissioners and other guests a little insight into what the pupils enjoyed during the programme.

The participants, 300 pupils attending Lagos State-owned public secondary schools, were exposed to the exciting and innovative side of science during the week-long camp organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Science and Technology.

It featured science quizzes, games, debates, interactions on difficult topics, lessons about multimedia presentations, and mathematics clinic, among others, coordinated by 30 science teachers.

The pupils, who were selected for the camp based on performance in a test administered by the ministry in conjunction with the six education districts in the state, were also given raw materials to create any device of their choice to stimulate their critical thinking skills and talents.

Mabadeje said the camp was organised to stimulate the pupils’ interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), foster cooperation and friendship among them. He said this year’s edition was expanded to accommodate 240 more pupils, and added that there are plans to expand in future.

“Essentially, it is to deepen the interest in STEM subjects and equip you with necessary skills to understand and enhance your academic performance in the sciences. We have increased the number of stu-

dents from 60 to 300. It is still a drop in the ocean in the number of children we have in public secondary schools,” he said.

Mabadeje also spoke of plans to endow projects in the model schools that host the programme.

In her speech, Mrs Oladunjoye, who represented Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, urged the pupils to put all they learnt during the camp into practice. She also commended them for being attentive when she visited the camp earlier to monitor their activities.

“I charge you to put into practice all you have learnt here. I was here to see what you were doing yesterday and I was impressed that you were totally involved in what you were doing,” he said.

In an interview with The Nation some of the participants said the camp was worthwhile and would help them in their school work.

A senior pupil at Idiaraba Senior High School, Mushin, Oluwadamilola Fasanya, said the camp has encouraged her to work harder.

“The science capacity camp has been great and educative. It was worthwhile. I learnt about some topics in Chemistry I had never heard about before. I also met people who are better than me. The exposure to such students will help me to work harder. Also, before, I don’t like working on science projects but now I will start working on my own,” she said.

Another pupil, Marvelous Adepoju of Lagos State Junior Model College, Kankon, said the camp has exposed him to subjects he will meet as a senior pupil from September.

“The camp was nice. The gave us the introductory part of Physics, Chemistry and Biology that I will meet in SSI,” he said.

THE Vice-Chancellor of the Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Prof Patrick Oladipo Aina has assured workers and students of accommodation this year.

Aina revealed that the buildings would be put in place through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement and that principal officers would occupy the first set of buildings constructed as staff quarters.

Speaking at the first prayer meeting of the university in the year 2013, Aina said students’ hostels would further allow the students to imbibe the university culture In addition to the hostels and quarters, Aina also said new buildings housing the faculties of Agricultural Sciences, Education, and Entrepreneurship complex and the School of PostGraduate Studies.

He further revealed that there would be a transportation system on campus to ease trekking by staff and students.

In his exhortation titled: “Embracing My Tomorrow”, founder of The Chapel of His Glory, Rev Kunle Salami referred the congregation to several verses of the Bible and urged them to be steadfast in their prayers.

At the occasion, there were prayers for the nation, the state, staff and students.

Phone snatcher nabbed A “PERPETUAL” phone thief, Victor Adebayo, who parades himself as a student of the Part Time programme of the university has been apprehended by the institution’s security men shortly after snatching a phone belonging to a pre-degree student.

The phone snatcher, also known as Adebayo Arowolo, confessed to his crime before the university’s security officer, Captain Augustine Ajayi (Rtd) before he was transferred to the police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Ado-Ekiti.

Victor, who claimed to have hailed from Okene in Kogi State, fraudulently claimed to be a student of Business Administration of the Part-Time programme, is said to have been involved in several cases of phone snatching in Ado-Ekiti.

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Aina, has vowed to rid the university of fake students who constitute themselves into undesirable elements on the campus.

The suspect is also known as Victor Arowolo.

IBBUL matriculates 1,400 students BOUT 1,400 students have sworn the matriculation oath of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL) for the 2012/2013 academic session.

The new students represent about 9.3 per cent of the 15,000 candidates who applied for placement in the university.

Addressing the students, ViceChancellor of the institution, Prof.

Ibrahim Adamu Kolo, urged them to face their studies with all seriousness to justify the opportunity of the admission and investment of their parents.

“Out of over 15,000 applications received for admission, only a fraction were able to scale the herculean

A

•From left : Justice Ugochukwu Ogakwu, a judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, with his wife, Augusta, with their children, Nnenna and Chinoso at fourth matriculation of the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD).

hurdle of been qualified to be offered the admission, hence the need for you to be committed and disciplined about every academic activity,” he said.

He also advised them to desist from any act that could jeopardise their future and the image of the university as the institution does not compromise on issues of academic standard.

Kolo, while commending the cordial working relationship his administration is enjoying with members of staff, also appealed to the parents and well meaning individuals in Niger State to support the university by establishing legacy projects to accelerate its development.

29

Corps *CAMPUSES members *NEWS *PEOPLE join battle *KUDOS& against fake KNOCKS Last week, all hell was let loose at the Ekiti State University (EKSU) following the death products of a final year student of Accounting, Teslim Adebola Ibrahim. OLATUNJI AWE reports. *GRANTS

Fire razes cyber café Page 31

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THE NATION

CAMPUS LIFE 0802-4550-354 email: ladycampus@yahoo.com THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

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

‘A beauty queen must shun vices’

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

She was not born blind, but at the age of nine, Antonia Chinyerem Okoro lost her sight.

The 200-Level English student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, is determined not to allow her disability affect her dream of becoming a reporter.

OPEOLUWA SONUGA (300-Level Law), ADEKOLA KOLAPO (400-Level Pharmacy) and OLABISI FAJANA (200-Level English) write on her tenacity and positive disposition to life’s challenges.

Jane Nwagbuo has been crowned the Face of Edo. Though she went into modelling in 2007 as a Statistics undergraduate at the Imo State University (IMSU), Jane, who hails from Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, beat 20 other contestants to become the 2012 winner of the Face of Edo State. She spoke with NOSAKHARE UWADIAE on her passion for the less privileged.

•Antonia (middle) being accompanied to her room by classmates

Blind girl with a big dream E

•Jane

VEN though she is blind she has a big dream. In the next couple of years, Antonia Chinyerem Okoro, a visually-impaired student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), IleIfe, Osun State, hopes to become a newscaster in an electronic media.

Locating Antonia’s room in Moremi Hall was not difficult, since the 200-Level English Language student was aware of CAMPUSLIFE’s visit.

To know more about Antonia, CAMPUSLIFE first met with her friend, Temitope Onifade, 100Level English Language.

‘I felt like I was doomed; is this how my life will be? I was scared because I felt I needed someone to help me to see again.

Then, I could not do anything, except wash my clothes. I was also walking alone. Every day is a night’ Temitope described Antonia as “a comforter”.

She occupies the next room to

Antonia’s in Moremi Hostel. “She is an embodiment of beauty and

brain,” Temitope quipped. On how she met her, she said: “I cannot remember at what point we met; I just know that I met her and we became close friends. And she has really exposed me to some realities of life. I have never had a friend with her qualities. She has added values to my life and has been a blessing to me unlike some people.

“She is usually eager to do things herself. She will not say that I am challenged, so I won’t do this or engage in that. She is the agile type. In fact, she cooked •Continued on page 30

•Fashola visits LASU -P32 •Fresher wins Miss Coal City pageant-P33

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

CAMPUS LIFE

Pulling back Pushing Out from the with brink (2) Agbo Agbo

I

N my wish to see us pull back from the brink and reposition our tertiary institutions to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world, there is the need for us to change our perception and outlook on the way things were and how they are now globally. Our university education is based on a centuries old system of knowledge organisation, largely influenced by 19th century rigid academic tradition that does not give room for flexibility in certain instances. The Nigerian university education system no doubt needs rejig for it to meet the societal needs. In doing this, we must bear in mind that academic reform cannot work unless relations among university authorities, faculty, students, and government are redefined on the basis of mutual respect and collaboration.

We should focus on a model whose main inspiration is the social environment from which the educational change is to occur because educational changes essentially reflect changes in the society or polity. For the most part, our varsities still have not grappled with the extraordinary implications of an age of knowledge; a society of learning that is gradually becoming our future. It is important to understand that the most critical challenge facing most universities will be to develop the capacity for change. Our universities must seek to remove the constraints that prevent them from responding to the needs of a rapidly changing society. This can only be achieved by introducing democratic university structures and management styles.

This may not be easy considering where we are coming from. Nigerian universities are founded to seek the truth through the development of knowledge, and manpower personnel. They were founded also for the scientific and technological advancement of society, as well as to its ma-

08052959489 (SMS only)

•aagboa@gmail.com terial and cultural development. Our systems were challenged to produce the skilled manpower and the new knowledge requisite for technological advancement and economic growth. Working with this paradigm, I believe that our universities must reorganise its fundamental role in shaping the human resources necessary for societal development and its responsibility to help solve social and cultural problems. But the system of knowledge and manpower development has changed globally while ours has remained stagnant.

Curriculum is one fundamental area we have to look out in this repositioning. If we take a critical look at our society today, we would find men and women with vast experiences that cuts across various strata. These men and women may have left the academic environment after their first degrees; between those periods they may have established successful businesses or may have served in the public sector for years thereby garnering practical experiences that could better the society. But the fact that they are not full-fledged academicians, they may not be allowed to teach because of the structure of our system.

This, as far as I’m concerned, is to our disadvantage. In the United States for instance, public and private figures have made it to the campuses to lecture after their service to the nation. General Stanley McChrystal, former commander of US Forces in Afghanistan now lectures at Stanford University; some of his colleagues who also retired from the military have been snapped by one university or the other to lecture students in

courses such as History, International Relations and Politics, Business and Leadership development etc. Civilian counterparts like former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice now lectures the next generation of leaders. Why can we not emulate them?

It is only Pan African University in Lagos that is attempting to follow this model.

In the last Campuslife Award held last December, Mr. Martins Oloja, Editor of The Guardian and our guest speaker at the workshop raised the issue of seasoned journalists being allowed to teach Mass Communications students. Apart from him, colleagues like Mr Mike Awoyinfa and others also raised the issue. The argument behind these call is simple, seasoned journalists by virtue of their being in the field regularly are better placed to lecture students on the rudiment of the profession from a practical point of view than an academic staff without practical experience. Why would say a General Ike Nwachukwu with vast military and International Relations and Diplomacy experience not be passing on his experiences to the next generation of leaders? We have thousands of them around today.

The infrastructure inadequacies in our universities are another area that poses hindrance to learning and research work. A good number of Nigerian universities are offering technological education programmes.

The question is how many of these universities have the basic infrastructure to run such programmes. For example, in some universities offering computer course, students graduate without touching a computer! The dearth of infrastructure in the public universities is appalling and runs short of an ideal academic environment.

Another area I would like the searchlight beamed upon as we pull back from the brink is to make research the center of institutional activity, taking into account the social, cultural, and political problems that Nigeria now faces. Financial and administrative limitations, lack of resources and intellectual stimulation demand that we find new strategies to advance this ambition. I’ve observed that there is a diminishing scope of mentoring junior researchers by seasoned and senior researchers due to the brain drain syndrome.

Blind girl with a big dream •Continued from page 29

yesterday’s lunch I ate; she equally prepared the soup we ate this morning. She also washs all her clothes herself. She does everything I do without looking at her limited circumstance.”

Antonia was born 20 years ago in Agbor, a community in Ika Local Government Area of Delta State. As the last child in a family of six, comprising two boys and two girls, everything was smooth in the early part of her life.

Darkness set in when she was nine. Reliving her ordeal, she said: “My mom said she started noticing my blindness when I started crawling. Though my siblings also crawled but I was always bending as I crawled.

“The blindness started manifesting when I was in primary school.

The chalk board would appear blurred, reading was challenging.

So, my parents took me to an optician for corrective glasses. I used the glasses throughout primary school. Then I could still see without the glasses but it got to a point I could not read books very well.”

Before she became blind, Antonia said she read books such as Beauty and the Beast, Eze goes to school and some other popular children novels. “Then I had to bring the books very close to my eyes. Some of my siblings thought I was pretending; my sister would tell me ‘ah! What is it?’ and this continued till after my Common Entrance exam when I lost hope. I asked myself: ‘is this how I am going to continue in Secondary school?’

“We visited many hospitals and that is one area I will give kudos to my parents. They went through a lot for me to get my sight back.

The doctors said it was retinitis

something (she paused). My brother knows the name, I don’t know if I can call him.

“Is it the end of life? “Well, I felt like I was doomed; is this how my life will be? I was scared because I felt I needed someone to help me to see again. Then, I could not do anything except wash my clothes. I was also walking alone.

Every day is a night.”

As she was losing hope, she received God-sent visitor Antonia said: “We met Sister Patricia. She told my parents about Paccelli School for the Blind.” She was enrolled at the school in Lagos for nine months. She proceeded to the Queen’s College, Lagos for her secondary school education between November 10, 1999 and July 4, 2005.

In 2005, she was admitted into Our Saviour’s Institute of Science and Technology (OSISATECH), a private-owned polytechnic in Enugu State. She got National Diploma in Mass Communication with Upper Credit.

On her experience at OSISATECH, she said: “One of my interesting moments was the presentation of an African Drama Shakazulu. I was among the dancers. I did that to impress my lecturer that what an able student can do, a physically-challenged can do better. I got my mark for the performance.”

While she underwent her Industrial Training (IT) in 2007 at Metro FM, Lagos, Antonia acquired skills such as news reporting and creative writing among others, which won her commendation from her supervisor in the radio station.

Her greatest challenge is stigmatisation. “Each time I think about it, it tends to discourage

me. But anytime I want to start crying about it, my friends notice and come to cheer me up”. On the secret behind her happy mood, Antonia said: “My decision determines my destiny. So I decided to be happy at all times. My mood depends on my decision. Beyond my mood, my destiny is also a matter of choice. If my decision or choice is right, my destiny will be right, and because I want my destiny to be right, so I make decisions that are right.”

On how she is coping at OAU, which she described as a new environment, Antonia said: “It has been challenging and at the same time, it is fun. Majority of female friends I met in OAU have disappointed me except a few. Those disappointments make me to want to question God. why I am created like this. But that was not the first time I would be disappointed and I know it will not be the last time.”

She said other challenges she faces are lectures and writing notes. “I am not used to recording and it is the condition here that wants to make me to record. More so, some lecturers write on the board and some of them dictate faster. Another one is text-book.

One of my mentors once told me that I cannot make a First Class except I am versatile.”

Advising other physically-challenged never to give up, she said: “They should hold on to their faith. They should move closer to God and always have faith that there is ability in every disability.”

In the next five years, she added, “I would have been working as a presenter in a radio or television station. I also would have presented three or four anthologies.”

Despite the increasing value of research in the world economy based on the supremacy of knowledge, and constant technological change, budgetary constraints and the belief that research is costly have resulted in the virtual disappearance of research centers in Nigerian universities.

So what is the way out? There is need to seek alternative source of financing research through private and public sectors.

In doing so, the universities need to talk about the benefits to students of linking teaching and learning with scientific research. Nigerian educational system should be tailored to match international standards, viz. curriculum, computer proficiency, and student / staff ratio. Students need to become familiar with the freedom of choice and expression, the free flow of ideas, and access to systems of information and means of communication based on new technologies.

Over the past decades, as a result of a gradual exodus of many of our most talented faculty, our universities have seized to be a place for exciting search for innovation. Some faculty abandoned academia for other sectors of the economy, where professionals and scientists receive higher salaries and greater social recognition. Some emigrate for economic reasons, while some fled because of political reasons. There was mass exodus of many brilliant lecturers that could not compete on political campus arenas from the university campus. Some left to join the rat race in the business world and others left Nigeria for better services.

The bedrock of tertiary education is research and any nation not strong in the area of research and innovation will be in the bottom rung in a globalised world. Presently, we are a dumping ground for all sort of goods from every corner of the world, we lost our competitive edge years ago when our guys left our shores and are now positively contributing to the development of other nations. Nigeria needs a new generation of universities that can serve as engines of both community development and social renewal. They need to help solve the economic, social and environmental challenges that the authorities in their location face. They should play a role in promoting infrastructure development. It is not too late to pull back from the brink.

‘A beauty queen must shun vices’

C

AN you share with us how you became the Face of Edo last year?

I was selected to be 2012 Face of Edo not because I was the most beautiful and intelligent among other contestants. But I always have positive spirit in everything I do. I can’t say I was the best but I think my passion for modeling stood me out of many during the pageant. I always bring this to bear in everything I do.

How has your being beauty queen affected your life?

It has altered my life in ways I did not imagine. It has got me to be busier and strained my relationship with people. I always tell people, especially friends not to think that I have abandoned them, because majority of them are not happy with me. I always explain to some of them that I am now a busy person. Even I miss some calls due to my schedule.

How do you cope with advances from men?

Well, I was trained to be wellbehaved. Besides, my background does not allow me to irresponsibly flirt around. I cannot afford to be the butt of jokes from admirers and friends by making myself a cheap whore for shameless men. I am quite aware of some men’s antics but I can’t afford to travel that road. It is not good for my career as a beauty queen. I can assure you that I will not be a disgrace to my family.

What are the things that you used to do but which you can’t do again as a beauty queen?

I used to put on trousers before but now as a queen, I can no longer do so. I laugh so loud be-

fore, now everything is done privately. Before now, I used to walk on the road but that has stopped now. My life has changed as a beauty queen.

What is it that people must not see you doing?

People must not see me smoking cigarettes or peddling drugs.

In fact a beauty queen must not be seen drinking alcohol because naturally, we must be seen as role models. We must not be caught misbehaving.

After your reign, what would you like to be remembered for?

I want to be remembered for love for children and the underprivileged. I love to assist them because I hate to see children being maltreated or abandoned.

This is why I will establish orphanage homes in Edo to make the vulnerable comfortable in the Nigerian society. I will start with renovation of two orphanage homes in Benin City. I wish to do more but I’m starting with two.

These motherless children need to have the comfort of home. Meanwhile, my pet project also extends down to Imo State where I come from. I will visit schools in the rural areas to encourage pupils who are unable to go to school or buy books. I will ensure such people are uplifted.

How would you describe Edo State culture?

Edo State culture is very rich.

This is why I am learning the Benin language. Though, I am still unable to speak it fluently but I sincerely love the heritage of the state.

I can say that I am privileged to emerge the Face of Edo even though I am not from the state.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

CAMPUS LIFE Students of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, returned from the Yuletide break to discover that an Internet café where they browsed for materials had been destroyed by fire. AWWAL MIJINYAWA (400-Level Law) and HAUWA MUHAMMAD (300-Level Mass Communication) report.

•Charred furniture and computers left after the fire incident •The cafe before the fire outbreak

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T was the most patronised cyber café on the Samara campus of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State. Evolution Internet Café was always a beehive of activities as staff and students regularly called to browse.

Located in the Social Centre building, which is opposite Queen Amina Hostel, the café housed more than 150 desktop computers, laptops, printers, photocopy machines and other gadgets. CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the café was the biggest on campus.

When the university was on Yuletide break, the unexpected happened; the building was razed by fire.

Fire razes cyber café The fire was said to have started at 11:30 pm on December 31 as people prepared for the New Year. Though, the cause of the fire remains unclear, CAMPUSLIFE gathered that it may not be unconnected with power surge.

No life was lost as the café had closed for business before the fire started. Also, there were no students on campus when the incident. The café owner, Mr Philip Edeani, was away in Enugu occured Christmas

holiday.

The café manager, Ladan Mohammed, said the source of the fire was still unknown to him because the power source to the building was switched off when they were closing for the day. “The café usually closes by 10pm but on that day, we closed by 8pm because there were no students on campus. And we switched off all appliances before we left. So I still don’t know how fire broke out in the building,”

Mohammed said.

When CAMPUSLIFE spoke to him on telephone after the incident, Edeani said: “I am in Enugu now to celebrate the New Year with my people but I was called few minutes ago by one of my staff that my café has been burnt by fire. At first, I thought it was an April fool joke.

So, I asked them to tell me the truth. They confirmed to me that everything in the café has been burnt.

“When I told my mother, what had happened, she said I should thank God since no life was lost and that God will multiply them for me in thousand fold.”

Students have sympathised Edeani over the loss, saying they have lost a café which offered the fastest Internet access on the campus.

Fatima Muhammad, 300-Level Archaeology, said: “I have been patronising Evolution Café since my 100 level, because it is the fastest in the school. I don’t know which other café to go for my assignments because the burnt café had many computers which reduced human traffic in the building.”

A torturous train ride They were eager to travel home by rail. They did, but the journey was harrowing for students, who travelled from Ilorin to the Southwest during the Yuletide. HAMEED MURITALA (300Level Mass Communication, University of Ilorin) writes.

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AGOS by train”, “Abeokuta by train”, “Ibadan by train”, “train lo sure ju” (train is the surest method of transportation). These are some of the phrases one hears from students of higher institutions the Southwest and parts of North Central, particularly Kwara State anytime they are travelling home on holidays.

The last Yuletide break was not different. Students of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) and Kwara State Polytechnic (KWARA POLY) and other institutions from neighbouring states such as the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT MINNA) and the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) besieged the Ilorin terminal of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

They were travelling home to celebrate Christmas with their families. Students joined the swarm of travellers at terminals in Offa, Osogbo and Ibadan.

They thronged the railway stations with their luggage amid excitement. “For the first time in my life, I will travel from Ilorin to Lagos by rail,” said Olamide Azeez, an Abeokuta-bound passen-

ger and 200-Level Sociology student of UNILORIN. “Elderly people always mock younger ones like me that our generation is not lucky to enjoy inter-state railway trip such as this,” Olamide added.

As early as 5am on December 23, the student-travellers got to the train station in Ilorin to purchase tickets for convenient seats in the coaches. Olamide said: “I came here with my friends from FUT MINNA and FUTA very early so that we could all get comfortable places to sit inside the train. On getting there, we even met some people who slept overnight at the station.

“Apart from its affordability, I choose to go to Abeokuta by rail particularly because it is safer than road transportation,” the student added.

A few minutes before 7am, NRC officials started selling the tickets to travellers at the Ilorin terminal.

There were first class and second class tickets. Their prices varied according to distance. For instance, a first class ticket for Ilorin-Lagos by rail cost N1,020; second class, N720.

Intermittently, the queues were disrupted by shunts and other eager passengers. In the chaotic exercise, some of the students sustained

•Students travelling in a train during the Christmas period

injuries, others lost personal effects such as wristwatches, wallets and mobile phones.

The overcrowded train left the Ilorin station by 9am amid greetings from food and recharge card vendors. The coaches were overcrowded, a situation which made passengers to sit in the trains toilets. Some hanged by the entrances; others sat on the roof of the coaches.

The journey turned out to be a disappointment for some. Akeem Adebayo, ND II Business Administration, KWARA POLY, rued the moment he decided to travel to Lagos by rail.

“I got to the train station around 6:30am, after which I bought a ticket and yet, I could not get a place to sit inside the train. I don’t think I

have made a good decision by travelling by train because as I stand here, I am suffering myself for nothing,” he said Abiodun Olatunji, 300-Level Mass Communication, UNILORIN, said: “If it is not that I want to see my family members this Christmas, I would not have travelled today, because the stress is too much. You can see that I will have to stand here (coach entrance) till we get to Abeokuta. This is outright discomfort.”

The affordability of the fare was the reason many of the students jumped aboard the train to their various home.

According to Abdulwasiu Esuola, 200Level Law, UNILORIN, the fare from Ilorin to Lagos is cheaper by rail compared to fare of road transport. “The journey to Lagos by bus would have

cost me N2,500 but I paid only N720 by train,” he said.

The train had a stopover at Offa, Osogbo, Ede, Iwo, Ibadan and Abeokuta stations, before it finally berthed Lagos around 8pm. As they alighted from the train at each terminal, they exercised their body parts to stretch the stiff organs. Some of them urged the NRC to improve on the service by bringing comfortable coaches.

Abiola Laoye, 200-Level Engineering student of FUT MINNA, urged the government to fasttrack the rehabilitation project of the rail transport, saying “this project will make travel by rail interesting for the passengers and create jobs for the people.”

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CAMPUS LIFE Linguistics students get exco

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•Adeyemi (right) addressing youth at the business negotiation seminar held recently

Lawyer floats business school

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LAGOS-BASED lawyer, Barrister Lade Adeyemi, has established a school Translantic Negotiation School of Business - to train unemployed graduates in business negotiation.

The move, according to Adeyemi, is to stem the tide of unemployment in Nigeria.

When the school eventually takes off, about 9,000 unemployed youth will receive free training, the founder said.

The school of business is the first African negotiation school established to help the government to realise its Millennium Development Goals. The first quarter of the programme will have 250 gradu-

•To train 9,000 unemployed youths free From Mutiat Alli LAGOS

ates across the 36 states of the federation to get training on business negotiation.

Adeyemi noted that the training expenses would be borne by Lade Adeyemi Business Negotiation Improvement Scholarship for Africa (LABNISA), adding that the school would bring out entrepreneurial skills of the youth.

He explained that people needed to inculcate the habit of business

negotiation, which he defined as a discussion between two or more individuals who seek to find a solution to a common problem that meets their needs and interest.

The business negotiation programme will, however, be held in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

The School of Business is affiliated to Harvard University Law School and Massachusetts Institute of Technology School of Management. Adeyemi said participants could further their training in the top-rated institutions.

•Participants listening to a resource person at the workshop

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N demonstration of the maxim which says leadership is the capacity to transform vision into reality, the National Association of Computer Science Student (NACOSS), Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) chapter, in conjunction with Junior Chamber International (JCI), organised a leadership workshop for the newly inaugurated members of the department’s executive.

The seminar was tagged Officers’ Training School.

Dept trains leaders From Tolulope Oguneleye LASPOTECH

The facilitator, Rapheal Gbenupo, who is the immediate past NACOSS president and Vice President of LASPOTECH chapter of JCI, engaged the trainees for hours in top-

ics such as time management, team building, formal ethics, business etiquette, project management and Emotional Intelligent.

The workshop was the first of its kind in the department.

Other resource persons at the event included Rahman Tella and Oluwatosin Ligali. The participants hailed the speakers for the delivery of the subjects, saying they would apply the knowledge they acquired from the training in the administration of the department.

Student nabbed for girlfriend’s murder

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OLICE in Niger State have begun investigation to unravel the circumstance behind the death of a young lady, whose head was allegedly chopped off by a student of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT MINNA).

The suspect, Godwin Idoko, a 500Level student, was arrested for the murder of the lady, who was said to be his girlfriend.

The deceased name was simply given as Hannatu. The incident happened in Godwin’s Rafin Nyashi residence, located at Bosso area in Minna.

Some of the neighbours, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, said Godwin hosted

From Faith Olaniran FUT MINNA

the deceased for three days without allowing the girl to go outside the building. They, however, became suspicious when they heard the scream of the girl, after which the suspect dashed out of his room.

They further said that after some minutes when they did not see the girl coming out, the door to Godwin’s room was forcefully opened only to find the headless body of Hannatu in a pool of blood. Sources said the manner the head was severed showed the suspect may have wanted to use the victim for ritual purpose.

Godwin was immediately arrested by the police. When contacted, the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Pius Edobor, confirmed the incident. He said, although the suspect had confessed to the crime, but the command was yet to establish the motive behind the crime.

Edobor said: “I don’t want to preempt the ongoing investigations; we are looking into many angles to the crime. Investigations will reveal if the suspect killed the girl for ritual purpose or whatever circumstances that led to the act.” He said the head and the body had been moved to the general hospital mortuary.

HE Linguistics and Communication Students Association (LINCOMSA), University of Calabar (UNICAL) chapter, has elected new leaders into its executive council. The election, which was conducted shortly after the end of the session, saw the emergence of the new executive led by Akpet Obaji.

Akpet defeated Moses NewBugor in an exercise held at the Seminar Room of the Linguistics and Communication Studies department. The poll lasted for about an hour under the watch of the security officials, members of campus journalists and representatives of the Students’ Union Government (SUG).

During the voting exercise, students were called according to classes, which started from 100Level, to cast their votes. The election was generally peaceful. Students waited calmly after voting for the announcement of the results.

From Joy Riman and Udofia Owoidoho UNICAL

The electoral committee chairman, Agaji Ntamu, maintained that the election was free and fair.

Apart from the office of the President, other offices were contested unopposed. After the counting of votes ended, Moses had 26 votes while Akpet polled 32 votes. The elected leaders will be sworn in later.

Akpet said: “I thank God who has made the election a successful one. As a final year student, I think this is an opportunity for me to pay my last dues to the association. There were threats and encouragements from people, but that notwithstanding, we have gotten a new government that will take charge of the new administration in the next one year.”

He enjoined his opponent to join hand with his administration, saying there was no victor, no vanquish.

Fashola visits LASU •Students beg governor on fee

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AST Tuesday, Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) made a surprise visit to the Ojo campus of the Lagos State University (LASU). He was received by the institution’s principal officers led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof John Obafunwa.

Others were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Omolara Bamgboye, Dean of Students’ Affairs (DSA), Prof Kabiru Akinyemi and the Registrar, Barr. Lateef Animashaun.

Fashola visited to inspect the ongoing construction of facilities in the school. As he came down from his vehicle, the governor’s first port of call was the Central Library, which is still under construction.

Other buildings visited by the governor included the Senate Building, Science Complex, and Students’ Union building, all of which are still under construction.

The construction work is being carried out by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

Students were however caught unawares by the governor’s visit. Femi Olashore, 200-Level Mass Communication, said: “I was surprised to see Governor Fashola’s convoy on the campus. I think no student was aware that the governor was coming for inspection. But it all went well. I hope

•Governor Fashola From Adeyemi Sewanu, Foluso Sotomi and Khadijat Mayegun LASU

a befitting structure for my faculty will be built some day by the governor.”

Seyi Makinde, 300-Level Public Administration, said: “We must all thank God that Fashola is justifying his position as the Visitor to LASU by initiating relevant facilities to aid learning and project the school among its peers, but the government must also look into pressing issues such as school fees, which will benefit the generality of the students.”

Other students, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, urged the governor to reduce the tuition fees and deliver more democracy dividends to Lagosians.

‘I was surprised to see Governor Fashola’s convoy on the campus. I think no student was aware that the governor was coming for inspection. But it all went well. I hope a befitting structure for my faculty will be built some day by the governor’

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CAMPUS LIFE UNIJOS matriculates freshers From Meshach Owolabi UNIJOS

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•Prof Egboh (left) being presented the award by Dr Ezenwa

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HE Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka has honoured the outgoing Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof Edmund Egboh, as the Most Hardworking and Outstanding Dean of the university.

Presenting the award on behalf of the students’ body, Dr Mike Ezenwa, who was supported by the SUG officials, said honouring Egboh was in recognition of his achievements while in office.

Prof Egboh had recently upgraded and refurbished the faculty complex with interlocking stones, asphalted roads, brick stones and also boosted students’ interaction and social activities.

Egboh, while delivering his valedictory speech, said he would not

Students honour dean From Emeka Attah UNIZIK

have achieved what he did for the faculty without the support of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Boniface Egboka. He said he used the internally-generated revenue of the faculty to carry out the construction work. He also said the projects were carried out through competitive bidding by contractors to ensure transparency, noting that students and staff of the faculty provided the moral support which led to the actualisation of the projects.

He added the faculty had recorded achievements in other areas such as staff welfare, production of quality graduates in doc-

torate, masters and first degree levels as well as international exposure and collaboration.

Prof Egboka, while inaugurating the projects, said the outgoing Dean did a “marvelous job”. He charged other deans and those holding leadership positions in the university to make positive difference before they hand over the mantle of leadership in their respective offices.

Ekene Urama, 200-Level Political Science, described the new faculty building as a thing of joy. He praised Prof Egboh for the initiative, saying the building would go a long way to aid learning in the university.

•The NAOSS secretariat...last week

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HE National Association of Oyo Students (NAOS) has elected leaders at the national level of the association. The elected officials will steer the affairs of the association for an academic session.

The election took place amid tight security at the Old Atiba Local Government Secretariat, which now houses the NAOS secretariat.

Daud Temitope, a student of the University of Ibadan (UI), became the president while Hassan Adebayo, a student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) was elected Speaker.

At the inaugural sitting presided

by Hassan, the 400-Level Political Science student charged the members of the executive to rise up to the challenges facing the association. He observed that the time when elected officials would shy away from responsibilities had gone, adding that the association must be repositioned to attain an enviable height.

Daud thanked God for his election, noting that his administration was faced with a great task. He said every member of the association would

Oyo students elect leaders •Ajimobi praised on good governance From Dhikru Akinola OAU

be carried along in the implementation of his programmes. He assured members that the association’s secretariat in new Atiba Local Government, Ofa Meta, which is still under construction, would be completed soon.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Oyo State Students Union, (FOSSU) has praised Governor Abiola Ajimobi for “giving governance a new meaning in the state”. This commendation was made at the FOSSU senate meeting, which took place at the headquarters of Ibarapa Central Local Government, Igbo-Ora, last week.

The National President of the union, Olansile Muili, while brief-

ing senators of the union in a meeting presided by Ezekiel Ayansola, said he met the governor on the need to initiate a youth-oriented programme which, he said, the governor agreed on.

He said the governor had agreed to sponsor the maiden Abiola Ajimobi Inter-tertiary Institutions Debate Competition in which all students of Oyo origin in tertiary institutions will participate. He added that plans were underway on the payment of bursary and scholarship, adding that it would be paid immediately after the biometric exercise.

Ezekiel expressed happiness with the development, advising the president and the other executive members to work towards the realisation of the contest.

RESHERS admitted into various departments in the University of Jos (UNIJOS) were inducted last week by the management. The ceremony, which took place in the Multipurpose Hall of the main campus, commenced around 1pm. The inductees adorned the academic gown, beaming with smiles.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Hayward Mafuyai, led the procession of the body of principal officers including the deans, directors and heads of Departments.

Mafuyai, in his address, stated: “About 40,000 candidates chose the university of Jos as their first and second choice institution but the selection process was competitive enough to choose 4,000 among the applicants.”

He congratulated the matriculating students for their admission into the school, but urged them to justify the privilege by focusing on their primary assignment on campus.

Prof. Mafuyai told freshers that the university expected them to participate fully in the academic activities of the institution, warning the students against joining unregistered associations within and outside the campus.

One of the inductees, Patricia Udogo, said: “Today is one of the happiest moments in my life. I feel so good having been given the course of my choice. Seeing my name on the admission list was a thing of joy for my family given that university admission nowadays is not easy to come by.”

Another fresher, Sarah Peter, told CAMPUSLIFE: “It is a thing of joy to be among the students being inducted today. Though, I cannot say that I am new here because I did my Remedial programme in this university, but I must give glory to God for counting me among the admitted students for degree programmes.”

Fresher wins Miss Coal City pageant From Oladele Oge and Onyekachi Okali UNN

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100-LEVEL Accountancy student of Enugu State University of Technology (ESUTECH), Miss Cynthia Oduah, has won the 2012 edition of Miss Coal City beauty pageant. Cynthia beat 14 other contestants, who came from 24 universities across Nigeria.

She received the star prize of a 2011 Nissan Primera. The prize was presented in Enugu last Saturday at Villa Toskana Hotels.

An elated Cynthia told CAMPUSLIFE that the event was her first participation in a beauty contest, adding that she did not know would win the pageant despite the experience of other contestants.

She encouraged youth to hone their talents, saying “there is a princess in every African woman.”

She said: “Although, I had wanted to be a model from my childhood days I did not want to participate in the Miss Coal City pageant.

However, my sister, who was sick when the audition began, encouraged me to participate.”

Cynthia pledged to make good use of her office with the assistance of the Enugu State government to

establish an agency that will encourage social entrepreneurship among the youth. “I will try toNigerian university system; I will promote modesty and hard work that will make students to have confidence in their ability,” Oduah said.

Presenting a cash prize of N100,000 to the first runner-up, Miss Imomon Augustine, the Senior Special Adviser to the Enugu State Governor on Media and Communications, Mr Afam Okereke, called on private firms to invest in show business to promote African culture and tourism, which he said would result to direct foreign investment.

Afam reiterated the efforts of the government to make Enugu State the destination for culture and tourism by developing, harnessing and promoting the nine tourist sites in the state through corporate partnership.

The Chief Executive Officer of Miss Coal City Limited, Darlington Aijero, said the pageant was a platform that promoted the heritage of the state as well as entrepreneurship among undergraduates.

‘I will try to stimulate a change in the Nigerian university system; I will promote modesty and hard work that will make students to have confidence in their ability’

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

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CAMPUS LIFE To sensitise rural dwellers on the danger of adulterated products, the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Onitsha partnered with Corps members through the establishment of Community Development Service (CDS) group. AYODEJI ADESINA (NYSC Onitsha) reports.

Corps members join battle against fake products

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O strengthen its fight against proliferation of counterfeit products in Nigeria, the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Onitsha zone, partnered with the Anambra State Directorate of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to reach out to the youth to win the battle.

The agency also established a Community Development Service (CDS) group for Corps members in Awka South to strengthen its initiative aimed at discouraging procurement and production of fake items and to ensure that people are properly orientated on the danger of using counterfeit products.

Speaking at the seminar and launching of the agency CDS group at the Awka office of NYSC, head of Onitsha zonal office of NAFDAC, Dauda Gimba, said the fight against counterfeit drugs was a fight to save lives.

According to him, many people have died from using adulterated drugs while many inflicted injuries on themselves because of lack of knowledge about products.

Gimba, charged Corps mem-

bers to use their association with people in their community to orientate them on the danger inherent in fake product.

Reiterating the agency’s commitment to the battle, NAFDAC said youths have ample roles to play in ensuring that people in rural and urban centres are adequately informed of the consequences of using fake products.

The NYSC co-ordinator in the state, Mrs Chinyere Bassey-Epke, promised the agency that Corps members would be motivated to drive the initiatives. She praised NAFDAC for training selected Corps members, who indicated interest in the CDS, stressing that there would be need to continue the training regularly in order to keep the serving youth abreast of the new development in the agency towards fighting counterfeiters.

The president of the NAFDAC CDS group, Sekinat Salam, appreciated the agency for the initiative and urged her colleagues to give necessary support to the group. She promised that members of the new CDS group would penetrate local communities in the state to orientate people on the danger of counterfeit products in their lives and the economy.

•Members of the newly created CDS group with NAFDAC officials after the event

•Gimba (left),Bassey-Epke and another NAFDAC official during the launching

New year, new leaders The National Union of Ogbia Students (NUOS) has held its national convention, which culminated in the election of new leaders. ISAAC MENSAH reports.

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HEY came from different tertiary institutions. They gather like that yearly for their convention. Last week, students under the banner of National Union of Ogbia Students (NUOS) converged in Ogbia Town, the headquarters of Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State for their end of year convention.

The event which ended with the election of new national leaders, was held in Beauty Hotel, Ogbia. It was the first time the students were holding their convention in a hotel. Former president of the union, Teddy Ibibo, who is now the Senior Special Assistant to the Ogbia council chairman on Information and Communication Technology and Social Media, attended the event.

The Joint Task Force and the Police maintained security at the convention ground.

•The elected officials being called out by the electoral committee

Voters in the election were delegates from each institution. They were accredited by the electoral committee members before being allowed into the hotel premises. No fewer than 240 delegates from 56 approved NUOS chapters and federated unions were screened according to the electoral guideline. Five delegates represented each chapter.

The accreditation was held between noon and 3pm.

The electoral committee chairman, Okiogha Ikiogha, student of Delta State University (DELSU), gave directive on the election method.

He said the election was an open secret ballot system with emphasis on “one man, one vote” standard.

Okiogha cautioned the students to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner, warning troublemakers against fomenting chaos, adding that security agents would prosecute anybody found culpable.

Voting commenced around 3:30pm with delegates from University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) and Niger Delta University (NDU) being the first to cast votes. Before voting, each voter was marked with

ink on the thumb by the electoral committee members to prevent multiple voting.

Bright Ewa, 500-Level student of Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), told CAMPUSLIFE: “This is to rule out the possibility of multiple voting.”

Voting came to an end at 4:30pm and counting of votes commenced immediately in the full glare of the aspirants’ agents, observers and security agents.

Announcing the results, Okiogha noted that three positions - President, Vice President and Public Relations Officer - were keenly contested for, while other posts went unopposed.

He returned Israel Osain, a UNIPORT student, as the president-elect having polled 98 votes against his opponents Collins Dokubo and Suoye Ngeriba, who had 45 and 26 votes respectively.

Andrew Princewill, 300-Level Political Science, DELSU became the Vice President with 104 votes against Oruene Menidin’s 72 votes.

Also, Sam-Michael

•Some of the delegates voting at the exercise

Bayowuman, a student of Bayelsa State School of Nursing, garnered 116 votes to defeat Samam Okio to clinch the PRO’s seat.

Others announced included Jacob Obi, Secretary General; Smart Markson, Director of Social; Elijah Friday, Treasurer; Sam-Michael Deinanitat, Provost; Iworisi Lamawal, Financial Secretary; Faith James, Director of Welfare and Thompson Igelisi, 200Level student of Zamfara State Polytechnic, Deputy Secretary General.

Speaking after the election, President of the youth wing of Ogbia Brotherhood, Daziba Apiri, praised the candidates and delegates for conducting themselves

in peacefully. He enjoined the new leadership to work as a team for the good of the union and the country at large.

Witadu Micah, the Senate President of the union, used the medium to appreciate the umpire and security agents for ensuring a hitch-free exercise. He stressed on the need for the new leadership to work according to the union’s constitution, urging them to carry all members along in the scheme of things.

Israel, in his address, promised not to disappoint the members of the union. “I thank you all for having faith in my programmes. But he who much is given, much is expected. I will not betray your support,” he said.

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CAMPUS LIFE

Entrepreneurship course a welcome development

By Kingsley Amatanweze

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N the recent times, the nation has witnessed a geometric increase in the number of unemployed graduates being added to

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N Nigeria, nobody wants to be a teacher’ - Prof Muhammad Junaid, Executive Secretary, National Colleges of Education.

It has been said from time immemorial that the reward for teachers is in heaven. But the reverse is the case nowadays. Teachers’ reward from total commitment is here on earth. No wonder, therefore, that a teacher cum administrator, Alhaji Mohammed Inuwa MoAllahyidi, was rewarded by the Governor Murtala Nyako administration as permanent member of the Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board.

Alhaji MoAllahyidi started as a classroom teacher in the then famous Islamiyya now Yelwa Primary School in Jimeta after obtaining Grade II teaching certificate.

The school has produced eminent sons and daughters of Adamawa State which include the current Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Special Duties, Alhaji Mahmud Abubakar, the General Manager of Adamawa Television Corporation, Alhaji Usman Ahmed

the army of unemployed youth – both skilled and unskilled. After their national service, these hopeful graduates throng to offices in search of both the available and unavailable jobs.

To aggravate matters, employers have had the fixation that graduates of the Nigerian universities are unemployable. Although, I don’t always agree with this notion but it is a fact that our graduates are not capable of being self-employed or job providers.

Perhaps to re-orientate the youth towards carving niche for themselves through their natural abilities, the Federal Government in 2008 introduced an entrepreneurship programme for learners in Nigerian varsities. The programme is handled by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Development and Research at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

The programme, which is a two-semes-

ter courses, is done when students are about to graduate from the university.

In UNN, it is usually called by its abbreviation - CEDR. But it is called other names in other institutions.

CEDR helps to teach the students how to be self-employed and selfdependent. It also goes into the rudiments of business and enterprising. In addition to the weekly lectures given to students by the Center, the course also offers, in its syllabus, how to write a business proposals and plans.

With respect to the above, students are required to write a business plan on any business of their choice. Some of the businesses chosen by the students offering this programme include cyber café management, poultry business, pig farming, fish farming, fruit plantation, etc.

CEDR programme also aims at teaching students how to achieve

something big from nothing.

However, in UNN, the course is offered by students of different levels of study depending on their faculties.

The center also organises an annual compulsory seminar for every student offering participating in the programme.

One can say that the CEDR programme came at the right time, now that the nation’s tertiary education is being challenged by problems ranging from the inability to produce technically-disadvantaged graduates, unemployed youth and entrepreneurship-deprived youth.

Students, who always hoped on walking about with files upon graduation, can now change this mindset and start thinking on how to be their own bosses.

People, who had undergone this programme passionately, giving

Moallahyidi: A reward for selflessness

By Usman Santuraki Dadah, and others too numerous to be mention in this piece.

There are also others, who made their mark in the military and paramilitary agencies. The school has also produced eminent jurists and bureaucrats who were taught by this teacher of teachers.

Alhaji MoAllahyidi, after years of service as a classroom teacher, moved to the Local Government administration, serving in various capacities in the defunct Gongola State, which would later become Adamawa State. During his stint in local government, which got to its peak when he was appointed as the Head of Service in Demsa Local Government, MoAllahyidi’s active years as a public servant proved to be versatile and productive. In fact, he was the first person in the history of local government administration in the state to be recognised and placed on Grade Level 17 in

2007, which is equivalent to the position of a Permanent Secretary at the state level.

In the places, where he has worked before his retirement from service, he is credited with superlative performances worthy of emulation by the upcoming generation of public servants, not only within the purview of local government administration but even at the state level.

In his last place of service, he was solely behind the construction of a befitting secretariat, which was fully furnished for the comfort of the civil servants. He is also credited with the harmonious relationship existing between the local government employees and the council administrators in the state today.

It is therefore not surprising that Gov Nyako found him worthy for appointment as a permanent member of the state Universal Basic Education Board because of his quali-

ties as an educationist. In the board, he is reputed to have given useful suggestions, which go a long way in finding solution to the myriad of problems bedeviling education at the basic level.

His stewardship at the board has increased the speed of transformations taking place in the state, which resulted into construction of additional classrooms across the state, provision of instructional materials and provision of free school uniforms by the present administration to indigent pupils.

Because of his sterling achievements as a public servant, who has done tremendously well for his community, the District Head of Jimeta conferred on him the prestigious title of Wazirin Jimeta in 2001 with the instant support of the then, Lamido of Adamawa, late Alhaji Aliyu Mustapha, of the blessed memory.

With the conferment of this title, MoAllahyidi assiduously worked for common front and understand-

A

citizens, are yet to see such improvement.

Also in 2012, Nigeria improved on its previous year’s position in terms of terrorism albeit negatively.

Nigeria, a country not known for natural disasters, was shaken with the problem of flooding. At least 17 of the 36 states of the federation experienced the flooding disaster. States like Kogi, Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers among others submerged for weeks under the fury of water that paralysed economic activities in those states.

In Delta state alone, at least 12 of the 25 local governments were submerged. People had to live in makeshift camps set up for them by both the federal, state and some non-governmental organisations. Such was the experience of many in 2012.

The problem of youth restiveness in the Niger Delta could be said to have improved but the Boko Haram insurgency was well in place to act in its stead. The Boko Haram activities improved in leaps and bound in 2012.

The group continued its dastardly act of murdering innocent citizens and the wanton destruction of property.

Thanks to Boko Haram, Nigeria is now internationally well known as terrorism state.

Also, the rate of kidnappings in Nigeria in 2012 got to its peak. Newspapers fed fat daily with banner headlines: “Boko Haram kills 90” and “Minister’s mum kidnapped”.

In sport, since the male national football team did not qualify for the 2012

African cup of nations held in Gabon/ Equatorial Guinea, we consoled ourselves that the female national team will win the female version of the cup also hosted by Equatorial Guinea.

Also, it was widely expected that the Dream Team IV would qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games in England and possibly repeat the feat achieved in 1996 by Golden Eaglets team. Alas, nothing materialised. No cup and medal! To worsen matters, Nigeria’s Super Eagles fell sharply in 2012 FIFA rankings.

Our airspace, regarded as the safest and fastest means of transportation, was spared in disaster which Nigeria witnessed in 2012. From June to the very end of the year, it was one mishap or the other. Highly and lowlyplaced people perished in a building roof. Governors and public servants were not spared.

The question remains, where does Nigeria have its comparative advantage and where do we, as true believers in the sovereign entity called Nigeria, derive our patriotic strength from?

Our tertiary institutions witnessed unprecedented attacks in the year 2012. From the Mubi to Port Hacourt, we saw barbaric savagery on students and tertiary institution. In Delta State University (DELSU), a final year student of Petroleum and Gas Engineering, who was the Speaker of parliament of the Nigerian Universities Engineering Students Association, (NUESA), Agoroye Tobore, was

Kingsley, 400-Level Metallurgical Engineering, UNN ing among the divergent ethnic tribes inhibiting the town. Today, there was a complete understanding among the natives and non-natives in Jimeta.

The Adamawa Emirate Council, always seek for his wise guidance and advice in the efforts to ensure peace among the people of the town. The Wazirin Jimeta always believe that the generality of people in this great country need to solidly imbibe the spirit of togetherness; he is of the opinion that there is no need for the different ethnic nationalities to be fighting one another simply because of differences in tongue and religious belief.

The proverbial heavenly reward for teachers may also be awaiting Alhaji MoAllahyidi because he has spent great number of years of his life to affect the lives of others. He has done his very best by imparting positively on a lot of people, who are today at the corridors of power, shaping the destiny of this country in different fields of endeavour.

Usman, 400-Level Language and Communication Arts, MAUTECH

Medical courses accredited

Truly, 2012 was hell for Nigeria S is mostly the case, we began the year 2012 with a lot of expectations - politically, socially, financially, economically, individually and otherwise. We swore to ourselves to live a good life that is worthy of emulation. While many were skeptic about the change of state of Nigeria from bad to good, there were some of us who believed in the progressive growth of our fatherland.

The pessimists accused of overt optimism.

First, fuel subsidy removal in January 2012 shook our faith but we waved it off believing that those in the position of authority were tested people and not neophytes who knew not their onions. Today, we wonder where all the money removed from fuel is and what it is being used for.

Last year, there was also the issue of international agencies and monitoring watchdogs, which ranked most countries of the world in terms of certain parameters. As expected by the pessimists, Nigeria continued on its downward slide.

For instance, Transparency International rated countries in terms of the corruption perception index which offers a snapshot of the relative degree of corruption problem by ranking countries from all over the globe.

The body rated Nigeria as the 35th most corrupt country, two steps better than its previous position of 37th in 2011. Ordinarily, this would have meant an improvement, but we, as

it all the seriousness it deserves, cannot be, upon graduation, say they are looking for white-collar jobs. They will be self-employed and graduates will also benefit from their knowledge and ingenuity in business.

The programme is a welcome development to the Nigerian universities and is appropriate if to help in salvaging Nigeria from the shackle of unemployment. If lecturers and students attach importance to the course, it will help our nation in its quest for economic development and independence. Government must also see that the programme is given all the support it needs for its success.

Truly, education is power. Its application in our national life is a sure way to bid a permanent goodbye to underdevelopment, unemployment and poverty.

From Isaac Mensah UNICAL

EDICAL courses offered by the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) for undergraduate and and post-graduate students have now been accredited by the West African Post Graduate Medical Colleges and their Nigerian counterpart, Post Graduate Medical College.

The Chief Medical Officer of the Teaching Hospital, Dr Thomas Agan, disclosed this while speaking to journalists on the state of the teaching hospital last week.

Dr Agan, who noted that accreditation teams of both colleges visited the hospital at different occasions to assess the hospital’s quality of the research and training, confirmed that the course contents and teaching technique of Medicine and Surgery, including other courses were endorsed by experts from the colleges.

He said with the accreditation of the UCTH, the hospital would now become “centre of attraction” for medical students and post-graduate doctors within and outside Nigeria.

He said: “The burden on our hands therefore is to see how we can sustain the current tempo so that when the colleges return again to further assessment of our hospital, we will still remain on top.”

M

By Philip Okorodudu killed by armed robbers who attacked his hostel in the middle of the night as he was preparing for his degree examinations.

His crime for being killed, sources said, was because he asked for his SIM card when his phone was being taken away by the robbers. Such was the extent of barbarity witnessed on campuses in the year 2012.

The expired year was indeed one hell of a year to the average Nigerians. As a people bound together with common destiny, Nigerians must pray for better times in this fledgling 2013. We need God to guide our leaders aright so we can all have a peaceful coexistence as one indivisible people because it is only then that can we expect a better tomorrow for ourselves and the generations yet unborn.

Philip, 500-Level Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering, DELSU

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

36

CAMPUS LIFE

Students give praise at concert

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N order to make youth divert their energy away from violence and social vices, and to use their God-given talents in productive ventures, the Trailblazers, a choir group of Elim Chapel, Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos, has held a gospel concert.

The choir group, which is made up of undergraduates from various higher institutions, dazzled audience who were mostly youth with gospel music at the ministration tagged “Festival of praise”. The programme also featured talent hunt, comedy and presentation.

Led by Moses Williams, a student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), the choristers entertained the youth with their rendition of Praise You Forever. Other gospel artistes at the show included Niyi Jazz, Ellavibes, Dare Akinola, Praise Custodian, Debbie and Praise Percussion.

Onyekachi Obike, a participant, told CAMPUSLIFE that the show was marvelous.

“I had a good time from the beginning till

From Olaitan Lawal YABATECH

the end of the show. I have been exposed to way I can harness my potential to the benefit of the society,” he said.

Gbenga Agbejife, an undergraduate, who attended the concert from Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), described the concert as wonderful. “It was wonderful show organised to empower the youth spiritually and physically,” he said.

A Babcock University student, who identified herself as Chinasa, noted that she had been encouraged by the concert to exploit her talent to shape her future.

At the concert were Dr Dolapo Kwakpowe, Publisher of Daily Glorious Vessel Devotional, Toyin Yusuf, National President, Insight-4-Singles and Youth Fellowship, Mr Olamide Moshood, President of De Light Drama Group, Pastor Ayo Umeije, and a comedian, Holy Benji

On and Off Campus By Solomon Izekor 08061522600

•Members of the Trailblazers

Orientation for postgraduate students

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HE newly-admitted postgraduate students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), have been reminded to take their academics serious in a bid to complete their studies at the stipulated period. According to the authorities in the School of Post Graduate, the reminder was necessary to inform the students of the reformation agenda, which the school has embarked on to ensure that every postgraduate student graduates in 18 months duration for the programme.

Prof Chigbu of Post Graduate School, Prof Polycarp Chigbu, who disclosed this during the maiden orientation for the postgraduate students, identified inaccessibility of supervisors and lack of knowledge in research methodology as factors that delayed students from completing their programmes within the stipulated period.

The Dean urged students to report any form of exploitation and unauthorised payment to the authorities, adding that the university had provided adequate resources for external supervisors and consultants during project defence to ensure quality research work.

“We cannot tolerate any form of misconduct from supervisors who may want to exploit students to pay money for good grade. I can’t imagine why most lecturers who are highly remunerated insist on collecting money from students before they can be allowed to graduate; the essence of

this orientation is to inform and educate students on their rights and avail them the appropriate channels to direct their complaints to ensure a successful completion of their programme. However, the Post Graduate School has constituted a monitoring team that will check the excesses of lecturers,” Prof Chigbu said.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof Ifeoma Enemo, who stood in for the Vice-Chancellor, reiterated the management’s resolve to relieve any lecturer, who victimises students. She urged students to report any lecturer found perpetrating unethical practices to the university authority.

Presenting a paper titled The ethics of research supervision, Prof Chidiebere Onyia highlighted ethical standards that should guide significant research work. The lecturer implored lecturers to widen their intellects through international workshops and conferences to keep themselves abreast of latest information about any subject matter.

Professor Onyia attributed the inability of post graduate students to write scholarly work to lack of exposure in the field of research. He, however, stressed the need for a cordial relationship between the supervisor and students to breed intellectual scholar.

From Dhikru Akinola OAU

OAU gets bakery, confectionery

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From Oladele Oge and Onyekachi Okali UNN

HE Vice-Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Prof Bamitale Omole, has officially inaugurated the institution’s bread bakery and confectionery.

Commending the foresight of Dr John Odeyemi, chairman of OAU Investment Company Limited (OAUICL), Prof Omole described him as a strongs industrious and enterprising man “who is willing to try new ways of doing and achieving things.” He said Odeyemi’s vision had helped the company to record profit in recent times.

Omole also appreciated the support of other members of the company’s board in achieving the milestone the company recorded.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr Biodun Olarewaju, quoted the VC as saying “having a bakery is a step in the right direction for the university.”

He challenged the OAUICL management to promote the local economy by using cassava flour to bake bread for consumption locally and outside the boundary of Nigeria.

Odeyemi, said: “Great Ife bread and confectionery will extend its market to other states in the Southwest and Abuja. OAUICL as a conglomerate will continue to contribute its own quota towards the satisfaction of human needs and provide employment to the teeming youth in the labour market.”

The Managing Director of OAUICL, Mr Adenrele Adeyemi, observed that the mission of the company had always been the provision of essential goods and services for healthy, comfort of staff, students and other members university community. He praised the VC for the release of funds in facilitating the operation of the bakery.

Correction In the story we ran on January 3 titled “Library wears new look” on page 36, we erroneously referred to Prof Olu Lawal as the Libarian of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) instead of Dr Margret Bassey-Edem. The mix up is unintended.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

37

EDUCATION

P

Nigerian don appointed chair in South Africa

ROFESSOR Abiodun Salawu has been appointed to the Mazisi Kunene Chair at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), South Africa.

The Chair, which is domiciled in the School of Arts, College of Humanities of the university, was established by the university in conjunction with the Mazisi Kunene Foundation to preserve and promote the works of Mazisi Kunene and those of other African writers.

The chair will focus on African oramedia and the modern media using African languages.

Prof, Raymond Mazisi Kunene, in whose name the chair was established, was designated by UNESCO as the Poet Laureate of Africa. He authored classical works such as Emperor Shaka the Great, Anthem of the Decades, Zulu epic poems, and Ancestors and the Sacred Moun-

tains. His published literary works in isiZulu have also been translated into French, German and Japanese.

He was involved in the liberation movement for the apartheid South Africa. He was an academic at the University of California-Los Angeles while in self-exile and later at the University of Natal, Durban (one of the two universities that merged to make the UKZN). He died in 2006.

The Chair holder, Salawu, has published extensively on African language media. He edited the seminal book, Indigenous Language Media in Africa. His other areas of research interest include African folk media, development communication, critical media studies and new media. He has to his credit

numerous journal articles and book chapters.

Salawu is moving from the historic University of Fort Hare, also in South Africa. Prior to his relocation to South Africa, he had taught journalism, communication and media studies in various institutions in Nigeria including The Polytechnic, Ibadan; University of Lagos and Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo. He holds a PhD in Communication and Language Arts of the University of Ibadan, PGD and MSc in Mass Communication of the University of Lagos, and a B.A (Hons) English Studies of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife. The UKZN which prides itself as the premier university of African scholarship is a foremost university in Africa and has also been listed in the top 500 universities in

FUNAAB FILE Pioneer Registrar charges varsity

•Prof Salawu

the world. The university entered into an agreement with the Mazisi Kunene Foundation in 2006 to establish the chair for the purpose of commemorating the life and works of the poet laureate. The chair is expected to build his scholarship around the man of letters.

Oduduwa proprietor honoured

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ROPRIETOR of Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu, Osun State, Dr Ramon Adedoyin has been honoured with a professorial chair by the Institut Littoral Des Etudes Professionnelles Superieures, Republic of Benin.

At the event held at the National Stadium at Porto-Novo, ViceChancellor and founder of the Institut Littoral Des Etudes Professionnelles Superieures, Prof Oyebode Ayeni, praised Adedoyin for his contributions to the development of education in Nigeria and abroad through his Our Savior University of America, Delware, USA; the Oduduwa University and The Polytechnic, Ile-Ife. While decorating Adedoyin the Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council of the University, Dr Doyin Adelaja said the professorial chairs are awarded in recognition of the merit of individual member of academic staff who have distinguished themselves in their various fields at national and international level, and whose standing in their profession is widely acknowledged.

Adelaja affirmed that Adedoyin was assessed using some rigorous areas of academic activities such as research and development, teaching, learning, human empowerment, entrepreneurship, capacity building, engagement and knowledge transfer and found competent to be conferred with professorial appointment.

Responding to the honour, Adedoyin vowed to remain steadfast in upholding the tenets of academic glory through continuous investment in education and scientific research, socio- cultural transformation, protection of justice, human rights and community development beyond the boundaries of ethnicity, religion and nationality, and to live up to his new mission and status as an academic ambassador.

New Librarian appointed

•From Left: Folami, Executive Director, Media Worth Ltd, Baale, Morenike Adeyeye, Operations Manager, BSN, Nigeria and Shaba at the briefing.

Business school celebrates success

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S Business School Netherlands (BSN) clocks 25 this year, the Chief Executive of its Nigerian affiliate centre, Mr Lere Baale says the institution has succeeded in grooming 160 managers capable of providing productive leadership for their organisations.

Speaking at a briefing last week at the BSN Nigeria headquarters in Ikeja, Baale said many of its alumni are already recording feats in their organisations, a testament to the veracity of the school’s modular Executive MBA programme, which focuses on action learning.

Even before graduating, Baale said students are made to undergo the 24-month programme using their organisations as case studies.

This way, they get to practicalise what they are taught and find solutions to challenges their organisations may be facing.

“Action learning emphasises mental knowledge. It is more emotional; it is long term; we emphasise practical leadership skills for the 21st century. Business School Netherlands is a n intelligent cutting-edge MBA provider that produces MBA graduates that

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

organisations want. Our graduates are humble, innovative with a passion for what they do. They have an uncompromising focus on the best, are reliable, eloquent and visionary while maintaining operational excellence,” he said.

Unlike the conventional MBA programme that focuses on theories, assignments and tests, Baale said BSN’s action learning model requires students to do eight projects based on each course they undertake, and wrap up with a dissertation after which they are awarded the MBA certificates.

“There is no examination for each course and when you are finishing but there are marks. You write projects and each project covers a core area,” he said.

For their graduation, they travel to the parent institution in Netherlands and participate in the ceremony with students on the main campus and affiliate centres in other parts of the world.

One of the BSN Nigeria pioneer alumni, Mr Yinka Folami, said what he learnt in the course of the programme impacted so much on his business leadership skills that the certification did not matter to

him.

“BSN helps you to manage your business. It is not necessarily about certification. I remember that by the time I had completed my second phase, I was not willing to go ahead with my dissertation. I am happy for the certification today but my biggest earning from BSN is the knowledge and the skill to apply the knowledge,” he said.

Another alumnus, Mr Mohammed Shaba, a deputy director at the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), said undergoing the course fast tracked his promotion from Principal Officer to director cadre in four years as against the 12-year average for most employees because he was able to recommend innovative solutions to the agency.

“When I joined this programme, I was a Principal Officer. It would have taken me up to 12 years to get to director level. But because of the advice and contributions I made to my organisation, I made it in four years,” he said.

Since starting its executive MBA programme in Nigeria in 2003, BSN has recruited 600 students, 160 of whom have graduated.

UNN graduates 17,000 at 42nd convocation

T •Dr Adedoyin

Save as News9 Edu folder 17-1 -13

PIONEER Registrar of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Princess Bisi Shoboyejo has urged the university not to rest on its laurels but seek greater glory.

Felicitating with the university on its 25th anniversary, the Princess of Egbaland said though the monumental development the university has recorded is commendable, it should start recording feats and exploits in the areas of teaching, research and extension service.

She said: “FUNAAB must not be complacent. If you look at FUNAAB in relation to Nigerian universities, you may excel at that level.

“But you must look at the larger picture of FUNAAB relative to African universities. What is your position? The kind of vision that I see in future is something that will use the manpower that we have right now. A lot of our graduates are unemployed now. We have to look for opportunity for them by turning them to job creators”, she said.

HE 42nd convocation of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) will hold on January 25 and 26 at the Margaret Ekpo convocation Arena, at the Nsukka Campus of the university.

Over 17,000 graduands are expected to receive various classes of degrees, diplomas, and certificates on the occasion.

According to the programme of activities released by the Regis-

From Chris Oji, Enugu

trar, Mr Anthony Izuka Okonta, first degrees and certificates will be awarded on January 25, while Post-Graduate Diplomas, higher degrees and honorary degrees will be awarded on Saturday, January 26.

The ceremonies will be preceded by four-day activities beginning on January 21, with a press briefing by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Bartho Okolo, at the Enugu campus of the

university.

A convocation lecture themed:The Wealth and Poverty of a Nation: Who shall restore the Dignity of Nigeria? by immediate past Vice-President of the World Bank, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, is scheduled for January 24 at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium and Unity Hall (PAA) at the Nsukka campus.

The lecture will be chaired by Dr. Kalu Uka Kalu, former Chairman of Union Bank Plc.

THE FUNAAB Governing Council has approved the appointment of Dr Mulikat Olawanle Salaam as the new Librarian.

Her letter of appointment signed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Olusola Bandele Oyewole, noted that Council took the decision at its 74th statutory meeting on December 21, 2012, which date the five-year appointment took effect.

Until her appointment, Dr Salaam as the university Librarian in acting capacity.

She is the third Librarian, the pioneer being Dr Taofiq Salisu, who was succeeded by Mr Abayomi Agboola, now retired.

VC seeks Ogun’s development FUNAAB VC Prof Oyewole has said FUNAAB is committed to the development of the four geographical axis of Ogun State, its host.

Speaking when sons and daughters of Yewaland (Ogun West) under the aegis of Yewa TinkTank visited him last week, Oyewole said Ogun four geographical zones , namely Remo, Ijebu, Yewa and Egba and by extension, Nigeria, will benefit from the university’s tripodal mandate of teaching, research and extension services.

Responding to the remark of the President of the Think-Tank, Prof Ayo Dolapo Alabi, Oyewole said:“This university is committed to the development of the entire four geographical areas of the state. As the Vice-Chancellor, I am also committed to the whole of the state and Nigeria at large, but we have special mandate for our catchment areas.”

In his remarks, President of Yewa Think-Tank, said the group would not relent in its support to the students, noting that out of over 40 students it gave scholarship recently, 28 of them are from FUNAAB. Other members of the ThinkTank, who visited the ViceChancellor with Prof Alabi, include the Dean of College of National Sciences (COLNAS), Prof Tope Popoola and the Director, Agricultural Media Resources (AMREC), Prof Carolyn Afolami.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

38

EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS

YABATECH fetes staff children

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OR the first time in the history of the Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech), its management organised an end-ofthe-year party for the children of staff of the institution. It was excitement all the way for the children who were treated to a funfair, sumptuous meal and xmas gifts from the college management.

In a welcome address by Yabatech Rector, Dr. Margaret IbiyeyeLadipo, the party was organised to give thanks to the Almighty God who has seen everybody through year 2012.

The Rector, who was represented by her deputy (Academic), Mr Innocent Akhuemokhan, said: “This is a landmark event in the history of the college with the purpose of bringing staff children together to relate, catch fun and interact. By organising the children’s party, we are showing the world how peaceful our institution is and a favourable learning environment that is dedicated to attaining high level of academic achievements, personal growth and development.’’

“Yaba College of Technology is a national heritage which we are all privileged and proud to be part of.

The institution is lucky to have so many dedicated stakeholders, but in my opinion, the staff of the college who also double as your parents can rightly be said to be the most important of the entire stakeholders.’’

APPROACHING DEADLINES WMF Scholarships for Developing Country Students Bachelor’s Degree The Wells Mountain Foundation, a public charitable foundation based in Bristol, Vermont, USA, funds scholarships for individuals in developing nations or other situations of extreme poverty.

Host Institution(s): Your choice of institution in your home country or in another developing country Field(s) of study: All fields of study but fields such as health care, social work, education, social justice, as well as, professions that help the economy and progress of the country such as computers, engineering, agriculture and business are favored.

Target group: Citizens of developing countries Scholarship value/inclusions: Scholarships range from $300.US to a rare high of $3000.US to cover part of tuition and fees, books and materials, room rent and meals.

They do not fund the following: education at a college, polytechnic or university in the United States, UK, Australia, or Europe with some exceptions, Masters or Doctorate degrees, A medical degree, however, is acceptable, laptop computers, conferences or trips, debts or past due tuition bills Eligibility: WMF’s ideal candidate is a student, male or female, from a country in the developing world, who: successfully completed a secondary education, with good to excellent grades, will be studying in their country or another country in the developing world, plans to live and work in their

own country after they graduate, has volunteered prior to applying for this scholarship and/or is willing to volunteer while receiving the WMF scholarship, may have some other funds available for their education, but will not be able to go to school without a scholarship, submits a complete, legible 2012 application in English Application instructions: Applications are done by submitting the application form together with required documents. Applications must be received by 1 April 2013 to be considered for the 2013-2014 school year. Applicants will be notified if they have been selected as a WMF Scholarship student by approximately 1 August 2013, with funding for the first semester by September 1.

University of Twente Scholarships for International Students Masters (MS) Degree Brief description: University Twente Scholarships (UTS) are scholarships for excellent students from nonEEA countries, applying for a graduate programme (MSc) at the University of Twente.

Host Institution(s): Univesity of Twente, The Netherlands Field of study: Applied Mathematics, Applied Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Business Administration, Business Information Technology, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering and, Management, Communication Studies, Computer Science, Construction Management

and, Engineering, Educational Science and Technology, Electrical Engineering, Embedded Systems, European Studies, Health Sciences, Human Media Interaction, Industrial Design Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Management, Environmental and Energy, Management, Mechanical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Philosophy of Science, Technology and Society, Public Administration,Science Education and Communication, Sustainable Energy Technology, Systems and Control, Telematics Target group: Prospective students from Non-EU/EEA countries Scholarship value/inclusions: The scholarship amount for students from non-EU/EEA countries is either • 10,000, • 12,500, •20,000, or • 22,500. The scholarship amount for students from EU/ EEA countries is max. • 10,000.

Eligibility/Application Requirements: To qualify for a UTS, candidates must fulfill all of the following requirements: Your programme starts in September, You have been (provisionally) admitted to one of the above mentioned UT graduate programmes before 15 March, You have graduated with excellent academic results (overall CGPA) from your (under-)graduate programme, You comply with the conditions for obtaining an entry visa in the Netherlands (if applicable)., Application instructions: The deadline for admissions is 15 March 2013 for study in September 2013.

Prof Olabode Ayeni is the Vice-Chancellor, Littoral University, Porto-Novo,Republic of Benin.In this interview with ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA at his conferment with life patron by Nigerians in Diaspora Republic of Benin, Ayeni speaks about the university.

‘Littoral University is a miracle’

H

OW will you describe the granting of your operational licence by Benin gov-

ernment?

We thank God about the success story of Littoral University. The French name is: Institut Littoral Des Etudes Professionneles Superieures (ILEPS). Today, we are celebrating the grace of God on the university, having spent a lot of years struggling to secure approval. But I am glad to announce to you that all the students, staff, management, and well-wishers have come together to celebrate the approval and authorisation by the government to run all our courses that is the reason

that we must thank our Lord.

Does that mean the birth of Littoral University was somehow unbelievable?

Yes! In fact, it is supposed to be a ‘miracle university’ despite the name Littoral which means the Seaside because of its closeness to the Atlantic Ocean. It is a long story, we started like a part-time programme which resulted into a full-fledged university. Let me thank the government of the Republic of Benin for their support, while I urge other countries to emulate what they have done despite that I am a Nigerian from Kogi State. Littoral University is not a church-based institution. It

is a private university and we run secular courses despite I am a pastor. Within the space of three years, we are getting close to 350 to 400 students. But soon we shall hopefully be counting students in thousands.

What is the modus operandi for running Littoral University?

We have five schools as approved by the Ministry of Education in Republic of Benin. The first is the School of Arts, Communication and Languages. Secondly, the School of Economics and Business Management. Third is the School of Law and Political Science. We also have the School of Science and Technology, where we are told to make an affili-

ation with some universities. Currently, we are making a move to affiliate with the best private universities in Nigeria and in the United States. The fifth is the Bishop David Oyedepo School of Education i.e. named after the popular man of God Bishop David Oyedepo whom God has used tremendously to bless humanity.

Most private universities usually suffer financial challenges at the onset. How is Littoral University coping in the area of funding?

We are not in a hurry; we are taking the developmental processes stepwise. As I speak, we are not on loan, our staff have been making

•Prof Ayeni

sacrifices. Nigerians should project the image of the country anywhere they are and that is one of our goals in Port-Novo - to protect the image of Nigerians over there, and ensure that the love and friendship between Nigerians and other nationals is not jaundiced and frustrated.

Fashola reiterates commitment at EBHS foundation-laying

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AGOS State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola has reiterated the commitment of his administration to his renewal of schools and curriculum development in the state.

Fashola spoke through the state Commissioner for Education, Mrs.Olayinka Oladunjoye at the laying of foundation stone at the Eko Boys’ High School new site in Abijo, Ibeju Lekki Local Government as part of the centenary anniversary celebrations of the school last week.

Fashola praised the selflessness and determination of the founder, the Late Rev. William Benjamin Euba, and urged all stakeholders to follow Euba’s good example.

Fashola vowed the eventual movement of Eko Boys’ High School to the new site, will be done by his administration. He, therefore, called on the Eko Old Boys Association (EKOBA) and other well wishers for support in ensuring the infrastructural development of EBHS. The governor acknowledged the

giant strides of the school’s old boys in nation building in all facets, admonishing the current students to draw inspiration from them.

He congratulated the old boys, management, staff and pupils of EBHS on the anniversary of a school adjudged as the ‘first indigenous, non-denominational secondary school in Nigeria.’

Earlier in his welcome address, EKOBA National President, Chief Idowu Sofola (SAN), expressed deep appreciation of his members across the world to the governor and his team as well as his predecessor in office for the support to the school and the alumni.

Sofola lamented that the 10-year difference between the turning of the first sod (2003) at the site and the foundation laying last week, was rather too long, pledging the full commitment of EKOBA to join hands with the government in ensuring that activities at the new site commence soonest. He called on all Ekorians who are yet to align with the new plan to do so without hesitation.

•Mrs. Oladunjoye (centre)laying the Foundation stone. She is flanked by Sofola and EBHS Principal Mrs. Dorothy Mgbokwere with other well wishers

Other activities held to mark the anniversary include a public lecture; students’ prize-giving; a football

match with Kings College; a jamboree of old students and thanksgiving services at the Central

Mosque, Lagos and Hoares Memorial Methodist Church, Yaba and an award dinner.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

39

EDUCATION

Primary Six is now compulsory, says Lagos govt

F

ROM this session, Primary Six is now compulsory for all schools in Lagos State. Any school that defaults will be closed down, the Lagos State government has announced.

This order was made by the Director of Private Education and Special Programmes, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs Sewanu Amosu at a one-day School Associates Forum organised by Standard Mandate International (SMI), a schools services consultancy firm. The event was held at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) main auditorium Mrs Sewanu, who was explaining some policies and positions of the Lagos State government on

By Medinat Kanabe

private education, said it is wrong for schools to force pupils into secondary school at Primary 4, or Primary 5, which Mrs Amosu argued the children at such levels at still unripe.

“Don’t force them because when they get to the university, they won’t be able to cope,” she warned.

Mrs Amosu said schools should henceforth be bold enough to withdraw any child whose parents insist must skip Primary 6, noting that no school must bend the rule in order to show the seriousness of government to the new policy.

She also urged all schools to use the national curriculum especially

the area of vocational and entrepreneurship programmes so that the children can be exposed to them early.

“Ensure that the teachers teach without skipping their work.

Make sure enough air and sunlight comes into the classroom. The rooms in the school must be enough to accomodate the number of pupils you have.

“The minimum number of toilets a school should have is eight and make sure you separate the male toilet from the female. Don’t cement the compound so that pupils can fall on soft ground. Encourage your teachers to have subjects associations so that they can come together to talk about how to teach

Staff, students send off principal

T

HE over 1,000 capacity hall of the Methodist High School ExpressWay Ibadan, was not enough to accommodate the sea of well wishers that turned out at the retirement and send-off ceremony for Mrs. Abike Lawal, the immediate past principal of Junior 1 school who took a bow amid cheers and tributes, after 35 years of meritorious service.

The crowded hall comprising students, staff, past principals, community chieftains, parents, family members and well wishers, was a testimony of Mrs Lawal’s affection which she demonstrated to both the high and low while in service.

“She is such a great principal,” said Mrs Oludayo F.I. Principal Eleta Snr. High School, Ibadan where Lawal once worked. “She’s really nice to everybody. She’s really a good administrator and teacher. She worked in my school as Vice-Principal Administration for many years, and we lived as one happy family before she was posted to head Methodist in 2007. We really missed her when she was posted,” she said The school Mathematics teacher,

•Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye Lagos State Commissioner of Education

school certificate holders, send them for training and seminars,” she added.

Proprietor campaigns on rail use

T

By Paul Oluwakoya

Mrs Hassan Afunwape described the retired principal as a model for all practicing Christians. She recalled the love once shown to her when she fell sick and couldn’t come to work.

“In 2009 when I was terribly sick and my children are far from reach.

Her financial and moral support during that period cannot be quantified. Every day she would come visiting me through her school staff which learn more about mama’s culture of caring for one another,” she stated “It’s very sad,” said Bidemi, 12, a student of the school. “I’ve known her since I entered this school. She’s been like my best teacher and it’s hard to see her leave.”

“She always wants the best for the school,” corroborated Susan Garren, the school counselor. “She cares a lot about everybody — the staff, the children,” Garred added.

For Mrs Lawal’s better half Mr Boonyameen, their relationship has not always been a bed of roses, especially as a husband to a teacher

a subject better and make their pupils better,” Mrs Amosu added.

She continued: “Employ people of integrity and do proper interviews before employing. All of you should have a board of governors in place, and some seasoned educationists in the board. The minimum number of plots you should build on is two. Any pupil who wants to go from private to public schools must sit for an exam.”

She said qualification for teaching in nursery and primary schools is the National Certificate Examination (NCE) while a first degree in Science or Arts, applies for secondary school.

“When you have a learner teaching another learner, you can’t get a good result. If you must employ

•Mrs Lawal

who shares her commitment between her home and job.

“She is a born and well- trained educator. I am a proud husband today because my wife is a successful teacher. Though it is not easy as a husband to a dedicated teacher, I cannot take her away from her job neither can you take the job from her. She cannot take her eyes away from mistakes not only in the school but also at home, not only among her children but also in our relationship.

HE Proprietor, Toke Group of Schools, Mrs. Abiosun Folake, has called for more improved campaign on the use of the rail system most especially among children.

Mrs Folake said this at a railway excursion organised by Wonderland Entertainment for 300 students in Lagos and Ogun states.

The excursion ,which kicked-off from Alagomeji area in Lagos at about 12 noon, and coursed through Ijoko, and Alagbado in Ogun State, had students from Oxboard Comprehensive School;, Tosmol School, Toke Group of Schools and Sound Hope International School.

Mrs Folake said today’s children can only appreciate and develop the nation’s rail system if they are well equipped with the needed information and education of the rail system.

Folake noted that the rail system has not been fully explored because of ignorance about its usefulness and benefits, most especially among teenagers who are the building blocs of development.

She said: “Children have unique perspective, opinion, views, and experiences on all issues and thus

By Adeola Ogunlade

should be included in the process of revamping the rail system in Nigeria.

A Basic 7 student of Oxboard Comprehensive College, Baruwa, Ayobo, Oluwabamise Isijola, said: “I never believe that using the railway can be fun and exciting as no one in my family has boarded the railway before. I will go back and tell them how exciting it could be using the rail transport system. I have been educated and empowered to tell others particularly children to use the rail so as to experience it.”

Also, a student of Sound Hope Academy, Adegbule Muyideen, was convinced to henceforth use the rail system anytime the opportunity permits.

“I will now be using the rail system at least once in a while and encourage others to do the same. It is a new experience for me and I thank God I had this opportunity to use the rail,” he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, The Executive Director, Wonderland Entertainment, Mr Tayo Adeyemo, said the excursion is to bring to the children to come to face with the use of the railway system.

‘Academic excellence not enough’

A

NY parent celebrating his wards’ academic success should also be concerned about his wellbeing in other domains of learning, says an educationist, Mrs Kemi Ayodele.

The former teacher, who runs the Standard Educational Books House in Ogba, told The Nation in an interview that overemphasis on cognitive achievements to the detriment of the affective and psychomotor domains of learning does not prepare pupils well enough for the challenges of the real world.

“I will rather prefer a child who is averagely intelligent spiritually, socially and intellectually in a balanced form than one who is academically intelligent but lacks social skills,” she said.

For someone who used to produce ‘A’ students in her Agricultural Science class at Mictec International School, Ogudu, Mrs Ayodele set high standards for academic achievement. However, experience has taught her that book knowledge is not all it takes to be successful in today’s world, and she is now preaching the gospel of talent discovery, skills acquisition and emotional intelligence.

Beyond academics, she said parents and schools should be interested in developing the talents of children in their care as well as helping them acquire vocational and entrepreneurial skills, like abroad so that by the time they are adults they can manage themselves.

“During summer in the UK or US, you see children learning photog-

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

raphy, dance, even how to jump.

But in Nigeria our summer schools still focus on the same mathematics and English. As much as possible parents and teachers must sense the talents in young children.

No child should be neglected because he is academically backward.”

She urged parents to watch their wards closely to learn their areas of exceptional abilities and push them in such direction, regretting that she did not encourage her daughter, Deborah’s love for music early.

Deborah, now studying Economics at the Redeemer’s University, along the Lagos-Ibadan Express Way, Ogun State, used to write songs and play the flute when she was in Primary Two. However Mrs Ayodele declined offers by a Music teacher who offered to teach her daughter how to play the saxophone.

“I wondered what she was doing in music when she was not doing well enough in her academics. I said she should face her books,” Mrs Ayodele said.

That was how Deborah’s musical talent died. Nevertheless, today, what the teenager missed in terms of music, she has gained in another area – fashion. And this time, her mother is her number one supporter. As Mrs Ayodele advocates for infusion of vocational and entrepreneurial skills into the school curriculum, Deborah is playing out the kind of balance she wishes all children can have.

•Mrs Ayodele with her daughter Deborah

But Debbie did not gain all her skills from home or school. She said her stint as an intern at the Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC), Agege, helped her to learn about business planning, marketing, gain blogging skills as well as other relevant skills to run her own business. An experiment with her mother’s buba, the traditional Yoruba native blouse, turned into the fashion label she now calls Glamwears.

“From EDC, a non governmental organisation where I did my internship, I was made to learn about running a business, like the participants

that attended our seminars. I also joined the team when they visited participants to monitor their progress. I then decided to start something and I

thought of how to creatively transform the buba into nice blouses. Since starting in October I have made 15 blouses and shorts,” she said.

‘I will rather prefer a child who is averagely intelligent spiritually, socially and intellectually in a balanced form than one who is academically intelligent but lacks social skills...I wondered what she was doing in music when she was not doing well enough in her academics’

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

40

EDUCATION

NGO endows scholarship in Anambra

T

WENTY-SEVEN students have been given scholarship for their education at various levels from a NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO) based in Oba, Idemmili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Of the 27, nine were for university education, eight for secondary schools and nine for primary schools.

The socio-cultural organisation known as IBEAYIFA Education Empowerment Fund is chaired by Director-General, Raw Material Research and Development Coun-

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

cil (RMRDC) Prof Azikiwe Peter Onwualu.

The scholarship award programme also featured the inspection of computer and internet services made available for Merchant of Light School, Oba

by Onwualu.

Onwualu said the scholarship, which would supplement the efforts of parents and guardians, would be awarded annually.

He advised the recipients to make proper use of the endowment as

he described education as the key to all human achievements.

Another prominent son of the Oba community, Prof Ben Obumselu, also advised young people of school age in the area to make use of all educational opportunities available to them.

One of the leaders of the group, Mr Darlington Mgbojikwe, said the organisation has a vision to encourage and sustain rapid development of Oba in all areas.

He pledged the group's preparedness to partner with others for the progress of the town.

EDUTALK

with

Agony of a candidate

I

received the text below from a reader.

I am a regular reader of your column. I wrote my WAEC and NECO last year in Ondo State. In that school, we were 170 students in SS2 but in SS3 we reduced to 37 – combined with arts, science and commercial classes.

Kofoworola When I asked why they left, they said that students hardly make it there; that they are going to register in schools where they will be taken to miracle Kofosagie@yahoo.com centres in Benin, Edo State. Some 08054503077 (SMS only) went to register in nearby local private schools where their needs would be met in examination halls. While some remaining students who registed with me were not ready to study, instead they resort to dancing to music from their phones and plaiting their hair. And before I sat for my exams I told them my only fear was Maths because we had sub-standard maths teacher. Remember some of those who registered with me did so because their parents couldn’t afford N65,000 for miracle centres. When results came out, less than seven students among the 37 made credits in all subjects relevant to our course of study except maths. Those who failed have now joined the present SS3 students to register in miracle centres and others are going to Benin. It is funny that those who wrote their exams in miracle centre made all their subjects including those who cannot identify ‘is’. From 08030724—.

Belo-Osagie

•Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Ogun State, Mr Segun Odubela presenting a cheque to the Best School Administrator after the grand reception held in his honour at the Ministry’s Conference room at Oke – Mosan.

Centre recruits students for Ivy League varsities

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

•Thompson-Eleogu

A

N organisation has started a campaign to recruit more Nigerian students into Ivy

League universities in the United States.

Mr Maxwell Thompson-Eleogu, CEO of Noble Afriq Centre for Global Innovation, said in an interview in Lagos that the initiative would help secondary school pupils gain college credits in addition to making good SAT and TOEFL scores – the traditional methods used to apply to these universities.

Thompson-Eleogu, who had his undergraduate and postgraduate education in the United States, said he was inspired to start the initiative to increase the number of Nigerians that are accepted into prestigious institutions, such as Harvard University, Yale, Princeton, Stanford among others.

“I noticed that many Nigerians apply only using the traditional method which involves writing the SAT and TOEFL but other countries like China, Japan, India, have programmes that allow high school students to earn college credits which gives them an edge when they apply to these universities. We will organise a seven-

week summer programme for students that we recruit on the Harvard campus during which they will attend lectures and take exams that will earn them credits.

“If you have high school students with Harvard credits in his credential, it will help them gain admission,” he said.

To ensure they stand a chance of getting into the schools, Thompson-Eleogu said only highly talented students in senior secondary classes will be selected. This year, he said only SS3 pupils will be considered for the summer programme holding in June.

In selecting students to recruit, Thompson-Eleogu said the firm will first consider their academic abilities talents, saying the scheme is open to brilliant students from privileged and underprivileged backgrounds. While parents with means will fund their wards’ education, he said Noble Afriq will sponsor indigent students through the application process, as well as for their university education once admitted.

“We have two categories of students, those who can pay and those who cannot. All students will buy

a form. But the financial aid will cover preparation for SAT and TOEFL, enrolment into Harvard Extension School and take them to the U.S. For anyone that gets admission, we will provide four-year scholarship,” he said.

Beyond gaining admission, Thompson-Eleogu, who studied Philosophy for his first and second degrees, said the summer school programme would prepare students for school and enlighten them about the true essence of education, which is to serve humanity.

He said: “The summer school will take away the culture shock so that when they go back to school they are more prepared. I have been asking myself what is the difference between the black and white man. Why is it when they do things it is always different? I looked at the kind of education we have and found that we are producing people that want to earn certificates and get work; we are not producing critical thinkers who want to change their world. The Americans have a sense of identity and understand they are here to serve humanity. When the students come for our programme, we will tell them they are the best; that they can be the best so they focus on education and not how much they can make.”

‘I noticed that many Nigerians apply only using the traditional method which involves writing the SAT and TOEFL but other countries like China, Japan, India, have programmes that allow high school students to earn college credits which gives them an edge when they apply to these universities’

I was fortunate to reach him for more details. I confirmed that he was among the seven candidates that made all their papers except mathematics. I was also able to learn about his plans to register for another Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and how he hopes to write the mathematics paper successfully. He wants to get adequate tuition in mathematics before attempting a resit.

From his text and the conversation we had, I deduced that the young man is disappointed in the system. He is angry that those who took short cuts, who cannot identify ‘is’ as he said, passed all their subjects, while himself and others who invested personal effort, did not do as well.

There are several problems calling for attention here, and since we know the state where this message came from, we can safely call the attention of the Ondo State Ministry of Education to this candidate’s complaints. However, the problem is not unique to Ondo, so other states would benefit if they address the issues the young man’s piece have raised.

First is that the candidate told me his teachers were substandard. He and his peers lacked confidence in their ability to prepare them for the examination. They had followed the trend in the school. Majority who graduated before them did not pass. And they knew that it was likely to be the same in their time, so, over 78 per cent left to register in schools where they could ‘pass’ by hook or crook. Eighty-one per cent of those that remained lost hope to the extent that rather than study, they played through the examination and reaped woeful results. Sadly, the 18 per cent who burned the midnight candle could not escape unscathed. Mathematics, the most dreaded of all subjects, held them captive.

The government needs to intervene in this regard and ensure that teachers in its employ are really giving the students quality tuition.

The teachers need to as a matter of urgency be sent on refresher courses to revive the content knowledge of their subjects, as well as their pedagogical skills. It is unacceptable that students can complete six years of secondary education and cannot make an average of 50 per cent in the eight subjects they register for the SSCE. It is a shame and something that needs to be reversed straight away. As the boy noted, less than seven of the 37 who passed, still could not pass mathematics, a pointer to the poor quality of their mathematics teachers.

Another problem to be dealt with is how to help the students to be focused on their studies. Many of them are unserious. The young man told me they were unwilling to study, preferring to play or converse with their friends. They need to be inspired to strive for greatness.

The government and school management need to initiate programmes that address this need.

Finally, the examining bodies, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) need to drive these so-called miracle centres out of business. It is not news that candidates travel to other states to register in these schools that the examining bodies claim do not exist. There is no point denying the truth. We should collaborate to battle our common enemies.

I will urge this young man not to lose faith. Since he has to re-sit the SSCE, he should strive harder. He can make mathematics and other subjects even better. Posterity will judge him favourably and those who cheated will not match him in the long run.

‘The teachers need to as a matter of urgency be sent on refresher courses to revive the content knowledge of their subjects, as well as their and pedagogical skills. It is unacceptable that students can complete six years of secondary education and cannot make an average of 50 per cent in the eight subjects they register for the SSCE. It is a shame and something that needs to be reversed straight away. As the boy noted, less than seven of the 37 who passed, still could not pass mathematics, a pointer to the poor quality of their mathematics teachers’

"I was talking about the fact that you need positive figures in the dressing room. I wasn't referring to Balotelli and I apologise if it was taken to be about him. I've never heard of any sort of negotiation between him and anyone at my club, and neither [Adriano] Galliani nor [Massimiliano] Allegri has identified him as a transfer target.”

42

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Maradona quits coaching A

RGENTINA legend Diego Maradona has revealed he no longer wants to work in football.

The former Al Wasl coach has spoken of his disillusionment with the game following the dismissal and swift replacement of Matias Almeyda by River Plate.

"After how disgusted I was with the way they fired 'Pelado' Almeyda and by Sunday they had Ramon Diaz, I no longer want to work in soccer," he told Racio Nacional.

"To present the new coach in three days, it disgusts me. I don't want to do it again."

Elsewhere in

Argentin a, the former Boca Juniors favourite refused to be drawn on the subject of Juan Roman Riquelme's future with the club, instead stressing the player's need to find a new team while he still has the ability to play football.

"What happened between Riquelme, [Carlos] Bianchi and [Daniel] Angelici is their problem. What I think is that he has to play again. I don't think for Boca, but he has to return to play."

Milan president, Silvio Berlusconi, apologising publicly for his remarks on Manchester City player, Mario Balotelli.

Milan president apologises to •Maradona

Balotelli M

ILAN president, Silvio Berlusconi, has publicly apologised to Manchester City striker, Mario Balotelli, for calling him a ‘rotten apple’, indicating he was misunderstood.

The former Italian Prime Minister had previously discouraged talk of seeing the striker at Milan after suggesting that Balotelli’s attitude problems could affect the set-up in Milan’s changing rooms.

He has since, however, indicated that he was simply misunderstood and issued an apology to the Italian international.

"I was talking about the fact that you need positive figures in the dressing room. I wasn't referring to Balotelli and I apologise if it was taken to be

about him,” Belusconi announced on a Sky Italia television programme, Lo Spoglio.

His apology ignited questions of whether or not there was still a chance of seeing the former Inter player in the Red and Black, but speculation was once again dismissed.

“I've never heard of any sort of negotiation between him and anyone at my club, and neither [Adriano] Galliani nor [Massimiliano] Allegri has identified him as a transfer target,” concluded the Media tycoon.

Milan are yet to bring in a striker to replace the departed Alexandre Pato who left for Corinthians earlier this month.

•Balotelli

•Messi

Messi: Abidal, Vilanova’s health affecting us

L

IONEL Messi has admitted that Tito Vilanova and Eric Abidal's respective health problems have hit Barcelona hard, but is delighted with the duo's recoveries.

The Frenchman had to undergo a liver transplant in 2012, while the coach underwent surgery last month after a cancer relapse, and the 25-year-old has claimed that these events put things in perspective for the Catalans.

"To be honest, they [Vilanova and Abidal's health problems] hit us hard. It seemed like it was one thing after another, and they’re things that count much more than results or form," Messi told Fifa.com.

"They’re really awful situations. Of course we were hit hard, but we somehow managed to get through all of that by sticking together throughout.

"And thank God things began looking up for both Abidal and Tito. Though he [Vilanova] has still got to keep us his treatment, all the signs are good. That’s what matters most."

The prolific attacker then went on to explain how things have changed for him with Argentina's national side over the course of 2012.

"The national team changed. For things to go well it depends on everybody involved, not just one player. And it’s not as if things were only going badly for me before, things weren't right with the national team as a whole, for whatever reason.

AFCON COUNTDOWN...AFCON COUNTDOWN

Ethiopians get $111,000 each to win •Guardiola

Bayern Munich confirms Pep Guardiola as Manager

C

helsea and Manchester City's hopes of luring Pep Guardiola to England are over after the Spaniard agreed to become Bayern Munich's next manager.

The German giants have confirmed the former Barcelona boss will take over from Jupp Heynckes in July on a three-year deal.

Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: "Pep Guardiola is one of the most successful coaches in the world and we are sure that he can make not just Bayern, but all of German football shine."

The news will be a huge blow to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, who has made no secret of his desire to tempt the Spaniard to Stamford Bridge.

Manchester City have also been heavily linked with Guardiola, who became the most coveted coach in the world after leading Barcelona to 14 trophies during a glorious four-year stint at the Nou Camp.

The 41-year-old recently revealed he was ready to return to the game after leaving Barca last summer and has now chosen the Bundesliga as his next challenge.

E

THIOPIA's players have been promised more than $100,000 each if they win the African Cup of Nations on the country's return to the tournament after a 30-year absence.

Ethiopian Football Federation president Sahilu Gebremariam said Wednesday the players would get $111,000 each to win the Cup and $55,000 to make the final in South Africa.

Sahilu said coach Sewnet

Bishaw and his assistant coach would be rewarded with "significantly higher prize money" if the team progresses to the final.

Ethiopia won the Cup of Nations in 1962 but last qualified for the final tournament in 1982. It was drawn alongside tough opposition in Ghana, Mali and Congo in 2013 and is not expected to get out of the group.

Coach Sewnet said "it's football, there is room for anything, any surprise."

T •Sewnet

Ignore critics, Zuma tells Bafana

S

OUTH African president Jacob Zuma (seated, left) and Minister of Sports Fikile Mbalula pose with Bafana Bafana South African president Jacob Zuma paid a visit to the Bafana Bafana squad on Tuesday, who urged them to ignore the critics.

Zuma said he believed the team

•Zuma

Togo's arrival delayed

was ready for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and also praised the organisation of the event at such short notice after South Africa took over from war-torn Libya.

“There are too many critics in this country, and I was telling the team that others who are critics have never touched the ball and they don’t know how it feels on the pitch,” Zuma said. “I was telling them that we are satisfied that the team is ready; we have seen it in the recent matches they have played.

“We are satisfied that the team is well prepared for the tournament and we came to say to them they must relax and not be tense and not listen to the critics. I am confident this time than any other time that we will show people what we are made of as South Africans.

“I also wanted to tell the team that the entire country is behind them, even those that are critical; it is because of the love they have for the team. I said I want to touch the cup because if it is won by another country I won’t touch it. Looking at them I can tell they are ready and confident.”

Bafana Bafana kick-off their campaign with a meeting against Cape Verde at Soccer City on Saturday and Zuma praised the work done by the LOC to be ready for the competition.

“Critics will always be there, some of them are paid to be critics and they are doing their job. I think we have done our best. Bear in mind that this tournament was supposed to be in Libya, so this tournament was not given the normal time for preparations and people who are making criticism forget that,” Zuma says.

OGO could not travel to South Africa on Tuesday for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. The Togo Football Federation has not explained why the Hawks were not able to touch down in Johannesburg. Captain Emmanuel Adebayor, who left London to Accra on Sunday, has not joined his teammates.

Also, first choice goalkeeper Kossi Agassa, who was in action for Reims in the French Ligue 1, was expected in Lome yesterday.

Thomas Dossevi has been added to the squad in case of injury.

•Adebayo

43

THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Apart from security challenges, Abia State Governor Theodore Orji inherited a poor revenue base and demoralised civil service. In this interview with BOLADE OMONIJO, he speaks on efforts being made by the administration to reposition the state for excellence.

‘We’ve got rid of godfatherism in Abia’

H

OW has it been trying to rebuild Abia State?

There are basic infrastructural facilities that should be on ground to allow government take off properly. But those facilities are not there. Abia must have a foundation. Look at the issue of the secretariat. There is none in Abia State that can accommodate all the civil servants. The one there now was built by the Federal Government. Our ministries are all scattered. We want to have a composite building that will accommodate all civil servants because they are the engine room of the government. Again, look at the International Conference Centre. What we have here is the Michael Okpara Auditorium, which was built more than 20 years ago, when we were in Imo State. It can only accommodate 500 people. Now, when you are holding a conference here, you have between 2,000 and 3, 000 people. That place has become very inadequate.

We said no. The best thing we can do is to have an international conference centre that can take at least 5, 000 people. These are permanent structures that will outlive us, which any other person coming after me will not think of. You are here. This is Abia State Government House. My colleague in Delta State, Emmanuel Uduaghan, took me to the new Government House in Asaba. But look at our own. This is my sitting room. If you are many now, some of you will be standing. This has been in existence, since the creation of Abia State.

If you go upstairs, it doesn’t contain my family. I have been doing demolition. But the land is there and this is the state capital. It has never occurred to any of those administrations that have been here to build a standard Government House. I am from this town and my people have said that, if you don’t do this now, it is going to be difficult. So, I decided that I will build a new Government House and I am praying that I will be the first person to open it, so that other governors can live here.

What about other areas? What have you been doing?

I am sure you went to the Diagnostics Centre or Amachara General Hospital. If you go there, you will see things for yourself; how we are expanding that place to make sure that the people are healthy. As journalists, you have to be healthy to be asking me questions. So, Abia people must be healthy in order to enjoy dividends of democracy. We have opened up many roads. As we are doing in Umuahia, we are also doing in Aba and other places. We have compactors, refuse vehicles everywhere now.

We just bought two before Christmas and all of them are going to Aba to help the ones we have there and keep the place clean all the time. So, in all the areas, we have brought out a template that a house must have a foundation. Like the Golden Guinea Breweries, I saw the investor, as I went

to Abuja, and he has assured me that he is coming to reactivate the place.

We have relocated the industrial market in Umuahia and at the site of the market, we are building the Ohobo Housing Estate. They are clearing the site now. The same thing will happen to the Central Market in Umuahia. We have reached 75 per cent completion in relocating it to Ubani Ibeku. There, we have over 6, 000 stalls against the 3, 000 stalls in this market now. So, once we finish with that, this market will move and in its place, we find something that we will build to befit the town. And just close to the market, the place we had Gariki before, we are building a Shoprite. They have cleared the site.

We have completed everything, paid our own counterpart fund to them and it is left for them to come on board. As we are doing here, we are also doing for Aba and all the other local government areas of the state.

How are you funding these capital projects; are they not too much for the state’s purse?

We are in a hurry. All these projects are those that I can finish before I leave office. The Shoprite is partnership. I bring my own fund and they bring theirs. Some of the housing estates are partnerships. But we did the one we realised at Amokwe. We were disappointed in our partner there; he absconded and we had to do it ourselves. Out of annoyance, we have started building it. We have finished and people are living there now.

People believe that Aba alone is capable of generating the required internal revenue for the state. What are the challenges in Aba? This state has the capacity to generate one billion naira every month and that revenue is expected to come from Aba. But the truth is that our people don’t pay taxes. So, what we have done is to tutor them. We are teaching them the need to pay taxes and they are responding. Two, there is fraud, not from the people who pay taxes, but those collecting them for the government. Some of them collect and put it in their pockets. That is why we have now introduced another system of direct lodgments into the banks, so that we can have a hold on taxes. We have re-engineered our Board of Internal Revenue, so that it can be more effective. All these are geared towards generating more money, especially from Aba. So, if

•Orji

we can effectively plug the loopholes, the revenue will come. That’s why I have moved into Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the state, though the money we expect from there hasn’t come.

Some of the projects you are doing could be regarded as projects that could outlive this generation. What do you have in mind when you are doing these legacy projects?

Everything doesn’t end with building roads. Didn’t Dr. Okpara build roads? Who remembers him today for the roads he built? Nobody! They remember him for Golden Guinea, Mordern Ceramics and agriculture.

These are the procedures we are following. Now, if you follow what we are doing, any incoming governor that deviates from that will get the wrath of the people. We have set this standard as we did on security. Any person who comes here and kidnapping returns is in trouble. So, we will set the standards and maintain them so that the incoming governor will maintain them and earn his own respect. These projects we are doing are things that are dear to the people’s heart.

It is surprising that in Abia State, you are just laying the foundation.

Why is everything being fast-tracked now in your second term?

We had two civilian governors before I came. Ogbonnaya Onu was here, the former governor, my friend (Orji Uzor Kalu) was here. You’d better ask them what they did because anything I say here will be misinterpreted. But you can now see the difference between this government and the previous ones. In my first term, the things I was supposed to do for my people, I could not do them because there was a godfather somewhere. Why we could not do the much we are doing

now was because we were in PPA and PPA was a political party owned by one family and they used it to emasculate the government in power because I was in PPA. They were actually dictating what was happening. As a governor, I would like to appoint my commissioners, but they will bring a list for you and tell you to announce.

Will you tolerate that as a governor?

You wanted to embark on a project and they would tell you no, maybe so as not to outshine any other person.

The major constraint I had was being in PPA. Couldn’t it be that the PDP wanted to frustrate you because you were in PPA? Was your funding tampered with then?

No! We got our due funds. You should also know that, as a party in the opposition, it wasn’t easy for me.

But my personal disposition with our current President ,who was the Vice President then, helped. The major problem then was that I was in PPA. You can now see the difference. Since I left PPA, these things that I have achieved within the two years of my second tenure, for sure, if you have seen all my projects, have surpassed what those who stayed here for eight years did. I can point at some of the things I have done; some of them you have seen. Those that have been here before can point at business empires that are their own. That was their achievement. That is the difference. I am not a businessman. I have come here to work for the people. That is why you see the foundations we are laying. My only constraint now is fund because nobody calls me on phone and says this is what you are going to do or not. I am a godfather to myself.

Before now, Abia State had been threatened by kidnapping. How did

‘In my first term, the things I was supposed to do for my people, I could not do them because there was a godfather somewhere. Why we could not do the much we are doing now was because we were in PPA and PPA was a political party owned by one family and they used it to emasculate the government in power because I was in PPA. They were actually dictating what was happening’

Saved on Politics Mac Local Disc

you end the menace?

That magic is my secret and like we say, it is security. You don’t discuss it before journalists or else, these hoodlums are all around. If I say it and you write it, they will say, oh, is that it? And they will go and find another means of countering it, bringing back another method, which will make me to start fighting back. So, those secrets are what they are - my weapons. Except maybe, any of my colleagues who come to me and ask me how I did it. Of course, it is difficult.

One or two persons have come to me and I said, do this or that. You remember we were the first persons in the Southeast to ban commercial motorcyclists as a means of transportation.

We saw that it was Okada that was used by kidnappers to run into the bush. Today, our efforts in that direction have paid off because those who were riding Okada are happier today with tricycles and it is safer too. Since we stopped Okada transport, go to Obioma Ward at the Federal Medical Centre, you don’t see people with their legs hanging for months. One doctor congratulated me for making their jobs easier. It is going round.

Other states are doing that. That one you cannot hide it but there are secret ones that we don’t reveal.

Is it true that you spent so much money to end kidnapping?

The kidnapping era was my worst period here. In the first instance, I didn’t cause kidnapping. It was unknown to us in this part of the world.

In Abia State, what we knew before were things like armed robbery, murder and the like. But kidnapping came when I became governor and it became a serious challenge for me.

By the time it came, we haven’t got the technology or wherewithal to handle it and it became a serious challenge. Abia’s own was out of proportion to the extent that they were using Abia as an example and our enemies cashed in on that - those who didn’t want this government to stand.

At that time, if a rat missed in Abia, it was front-page news for even newspapers owned by an Abia State indigene. The thing was blown out of proportion and criticisms were coming from everywhere and as the man in charge, you will feel highly demoralised, especially that time they kidnapped 15 kids in Aba and a journalist. For the first time kidnapping went on the CNN. Who went and put it there? How many kidnapping incidents have we seen on CNN? It was just to discredit the government. But then, it brought out the indomitable fighting spirit in us to fight. God came and brought ideas.

Tactics were coming in numbers and we were using them one after the other. Some were working, others were not. But today, you see our state is a model. Anybody who wants to do any case study on kidnapping comes here to learn from us. It is one of the achievements we have made that have elevated this state and myself to the highest pedestal; that we are able to forestall kidnapping because another cankerworm that is worse than kidnapping; it is Boko Haram. So, the fact that we overcame this kidnap saga is a plus for this state. That’s why I have said that I can stop all projects to invest all the money I have here on security to make sure that we are safe. That is the first thing because it is dangerous for any government that fails in that. Some thought we would not overcome because some of kidnappers were being sponsored. Some were sponsored and people were coming to take money from us by 419 means. Some highly placed persons came and told us they knew the kidnappers, that I should bring money. I gave N20m and the following day, they kidnapped 10 people at Osisioma.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

POLITICS There were many dramatic moments in the Senate in 2012. Correspondent SANNI ONOGU revists the high and low moments in the Upper Chamber.

2012: Moments of rows, drama in Senate T

HE Seventh Senate is made up of seasoned technocrats, prominent politicians, retired Generals, and other professionals. These diverse backgrounds and perspectives shaped proceedings in the Upper Chamber last year.

Senators who dominated debates included Senate President David Mark, his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, Victor Ndoma-Egba, Abdul Ningi, George Akume. Others are Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Ganiyu Solomon, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Hayatu Gwarzo, Bukar Abba Ibrahim, Ita Enang, and Uche Chukwumerije.

Also, Senators Smart Adeyemi, Ayogu Eze, Awaisu Kuta, Zainab Kure, Olubummi Adetunbi, Sola Adeyeye, Ahmad Lawan, Hope Uzodinma, James Manager, Oluremi Tinubu, Esther Nenadi Usman, Helen Esuene, Nkechi Nwoagu, Ifeanyi Okowa, George Sekibo, Benedict Ayaade, Emmanuel Paulker made waves.

In their absence, the chamber was usually dull. In the senate, an innocuous motion or bill listed for consideration can ignite passion and verbal fireworks. Also, a seemingly harmless contribution can lead to a long debate.

Exhilarating ritual Senator Mark often lit up the stage during his procession into the chambers. As soon as his arrival is announced, senators quickly move from their seats to line the aisle.

Handshakes, banters and chitchats would follow. Senators across parties would want to make sure that their House Leaders have taken their seats. Then, the Senate President opens the proceedings with invocations and holler: “The Chief Whip of the Senate!”

From that moment, the Chief Whip Senator Hayatu Gwarzo, moves swiftly to assist Mark in calling the House to order.

Gwarzo was associated with refrains such as: “Senator Smart Adeyemi, take your seat. Senator Ayogu Eze, take your seat. The Senate is called to order. Senator Nkechi, go back to your seat. Senator Uche Chukumerije, stop talking to Senator Nenadi Usman, go back to your seat. Ayogu Eze, go back to your seat. Senator Smart, the Senate is hereby called to order. Senator Heineken, please go back to your seat. The Senate is called to order please. Mr President, the Senate is set.”

However, hilarious atmosphere would vanish. Some moments evoke smiles, others provoke anger. There were predictable, dull and boring sessions. There were criti-

•Mark

•Ekweremadu

•Ngige

‘Another high point in the Senate in 2012 was the way the lawmakers reacted to the proposed introduction of N5,000 banknote by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. The lawmakers, who were on annual vacation when Sanusi dropped the idea for the project, vowed to stop the move. And they made good their threat’ cal moments when weighty issues were debated on the floor and in committee rooms.

Pension reform drama One event which was full of drama in the Senate in 2012 was the invitation of the Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), Alhaji Abdulrasheed Maina. He was invited by the Senate Joint Committee on Establishment and Public Service, States and Local Government probing the mismanagement of pension funds in the country. But Maina failed to honour the invitation. The committee issued a warrant of arrest and mandated the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, to arrest Maina and bring him to the venue of the public hearing.

However, the warrant never left the the precincts of the National Assembly. At 11.00 am, on the day the committee was to reconvene, Maina was nowhere to be found.

The other invitees waited patiently for over three hours.

Suddenly, the chairman of the committee, Senator Aloysius Etok and Senator Kabiru Gaya walked into the venue at exactly 2pm. Etok proceded to announce another round of adjournment. Just then, Maina walked briskly into the hall. He was flanked by a horde of heavily armed policemen and some operatives of the State Security Service (SSS). To

the surprise of all, the committee adjourned after reading a signed warrant of arrest on Maina to his hearing but failed to arrest him.

Soon, Maina accused the committee of demanding N2 billion bribe.

In apparent effort to defend the integrity of the committee, Etok offered to be shot if the allegation was proved to be true. Etok swore that members of the investigative panel did not seek N2 billion bribe from the Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT). He described the allegation as a decoy to draw attention from the mismanagement of the pension funds by his team. He declared that the committee could not ignore the “foul alarm and cheap blackmail as a mere ranting since such is orchestrated to divert attention from the bare facts and incontrovertible evidences of fraud, misapplication, mismanagement and outright stealing of pension funds by the Pension Reform Task Team.”

The Maina episode was not the only one that was fraught with controversies. The process that led to the passage of the 2013 budget was another. Shortly after President Goodluck Jonathan presented the N4.92 trillion proposal to a joint sitting of the National Assembly in October, intense lobby from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) began with countless meetings between heads of the MDAs and chairmen of standing committees.

For the record, a major point of

•From left: Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Olajumoke Akinjide, FCT Minister Senator Bala Mohammed, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs Elder Godsday Orubebe, Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, and Minister of Petroleum Resources Deziani Alison-Madueke at the Federal Executive Council Meeting in Abuja yesterday.

PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN

disagreement between the National Assembly and Presidency was the benchmark of crude oil pegged at $75 per barrel. But after much debate, the National Assembly pegged it at $79. Essentially, it was historic that the National Assembly passed the budget in December in the hope that it would pave the way for a faithful implementation.

Again, for the first time in the history of budget defence, the Senate President personally appeared in two sessions. Mark, whose visit was unusual, said he was uncomfortable with the poor level of budget implementation across the MDAs. He described as a contravention of the agreement between the Executive and the Legislature. The Senate President noted that implementation figures claimed by most MDAs were “mere statistics” as they “do not reflect realities on ground.” He accused the heads of the MDAs of complicity for the low budget performance, adding: “There is no justifiable cause for such; we would not take it any longer.”

Mark insisted further: “People believe that budget is a mere document; if you like it, you implement, if you don’t like it, you reject it. Finance Ministry is a problem. People are not concerned about implementation. That is not a correct attitude to budget. Once a budget is signed, it becomes law and it is binding on all of us. Statistics given by percentage never gives any real figure or perception or what is practically on ground.”

Another high point in the Senate in 2012 was the way the lawmakers reacted to the planned introduction of N5000 banknote by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. The lawmakers, who were on annual vacation when Sanusi dropped the idea for the project, vowed to stop the move. And they made good their threat.

On their first day of resumption, the senators unanimously resolved “to urge President Goodluck Jonathan and the CBN to stop issuance of N5000 note and all issues connected therewith”. The decision was as a result of the unanimous adoption of a motion entitled: “Introduction of N5000 notes by the CBN.” It was sponsored by Senate Chairman, Rules and Business Committee, Senator Ita Enang (Akwa Ibom North East). The lawmakers described the CBN boss as exhibiting “arrogance, high-hand-

•Adeyemi

edness and claim of monopoly of knowledge.”

Mark fumed that the argument for the introduction of the N5000 note “is not convincing”. He literally sealed the fate of the proposed banknote when he summed up the mood of the Senate thus: “The disadvantages of the N5000 note, at the moment, far outweigh not introducing it, and, on balance, we should not go for it. I also heard it from the news the way you heard it. I was not briefed. The only briefing I had about this issue was in the national dailies.

“The important thing is that if Nigerians say they don’t want a particular policy at any given moment, there is no harm in government retracing its steps on the issue and I think that is the situation that we find ourselves.

“I have listened to the arguments from those who support it, but those arguments are simply not convincing. There is no ambiguity in our stand on the issue. I am not sure that Sanusi is aware of the Constitution.

If he was, he would make reference to us before addressing the issue.”

Criticisms The Senate and indeed the whole National Assembly came under heavy criticism by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in the course of the year. The lawmakers were so infuriated by his comments that they immediately challenged him to name lawmakers he had alleged to be corrupt. Had it not been that Obasanjo had spurned previous invitations, perhaps, they would have asked him to appear before its committee on Ethics and Privileges to explain himself.

Obasanjo had declared at the Fourth Annual Conference of the Academy for Entrepreneur Studies Nigeria (AES) held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos that important institutions in the country are corrupt, including the National Assembly.

“Integrity is necessary for systems and institutions to be strong,” Obasanjo said, adding: “Today, rogues, armed robbers are in the State Houses of Assembly and the National Assembly. What sort of laws will they make?”

But in a quick reaction, Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Media and Public Affairs, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, challenged Obasanjo to name the rogues and criminals in the spirit of transparency. He lamented that the Senate had been inundated with calls over the statement credited to Obasanjo.

As the senators settle down to business of lawmaking, more of these developments are likely to feature this year. But the desire of Nigerians would be that such actions will deepen democracy in the country.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

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THE NATION

NATURAL HEALTH E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

Prof Magnus Atilade is the rallying force for stakeholders in Traditional Medicine and Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). He tells OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA some of his observations and expectations for the health sector in the emerging year.

‘How to improve traditional medicine in Nigeria’

I

T is good practitioners are embrac ing standards in their fields as it is done in China and Ghana, among other countries. How has this enhanced the profession in Nigeria?

It is good and we thank all stakeholders for upholding the ethics and thrusting forward with greater gusto so that the profession can take its rightful place.

But there is no national umbrella that serves as the unifying body, unlike what obtains in the other fields such as the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) which is an orthodox practice. How do you grow without funding?

The place of Traditional Medicine in Nigeria at the moment is disappointing.

At the time the Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu was coming in to the ministry, we thought as a man with experience, he has a liberal mind, and as such would be open minded to move natural medicine practice to the next level.

Unfortunately, the situation in natural medicine practice in Nigeria is not really encouraging. It is not anything to write home about. It is not even the present administration that started the accreditation, but it had not done anything worthwhile for the profession. At the inception, we had high hope.

For instance, we thought there will be funding for training being done at the federal colleges in Lagos and Abuja. The two colleges had been in existence, even a third one was established in Enugu, all being funded from private pockets, with the hope that funds will be released to run them when the Federal Government gives the guidelines. But only the one in Abuja was functional for some time. It was later closed. We do not know what is happening now. The funds that were allocated were meant to run or support the College of Traditional Medicine, Lagos, from which the one in Abuja was an offshoot, yet no money had been released.

We know money was allocated but not released. We are getting indications that funds meant for the practice had been diverted to private purses, because the Pension Department sent letters to verify the amount of money allocated to the field and demanded documentation of those receiving funds from the pension scheme.

We are so confused about what is happening. The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeira (MDCN) had been dissolved.

The infrastructure and structures for health care is really in shambles, we do not know what is happening in the health sector. What really is the focus of this administration, especially in Natural Medicine/Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) development, nobody seems to know.

What agenda are you setting for the Federal Government so that the struggle will not go down the drain?

Your observations are in tandem with realities of today. We have toiled and put in many hours of struggle. I have over 42 years of practice, within and outside the country, and I have toiled hard to ensure that the government recognises traditional medicine and CAM. But it is really daunting, that till date no national college, hospital or funding is established for these fields. That our struggle to move the field forward will not be in vain is paramount. We have done all we can to

•Atilade

ensure it is on the right footing. We want to have a representative in the sector that knows where next the field is moving. Even the Association of Practitioners of Alternative Medicine as approved by the United Nations (UN) and World Health Organisation (WHO) is facing some challenges. The executives are trying to usurp the powers of Board of Trustees. There is massive confusion. By now, going by individuals’ and organisations’ efforts, Nigeria should be reaping dividends in Traditional Medicine, especially in Foreign Exchange. The National Assembly should be up and doing on Traditional Medicine and CAM, either by creating a new Council to regulate the practitioners or passing the proposed bill. We wonder why the bill had not been passed considering the position of Nigeria in the committee of other African countries.

Do you need a national asssociation to dialogue with the government?

That still brings back the question of non existence of a national body to represent practitioners that can engage government in discussions.

That cannot be a true statement. I can say that, I have always been a national rallying point, co-ordinator for all stakeholders having served as a representative in the Medical and Dental Council as a registered practitioner. There is also Council of Physicians of Traditional Medicine/CAM which I was its national president. Before, we were advised to change the name because there could not be ‘council’ inside the Council.

So we registered with CAC as National Association of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NACAM). We have written several letters to the Minister and the Ministry, the Permanent Secretary. Someone

even called on behalf of the Permanent Secretary and asked why we wanted to see him and we told the caller why. Since then till now, no show. We have led delegations to see the Minister, but all efforts have not been successful.

That is the point; nobody at the Ministry wants to talk to a handful of representative or individual/s.

How do you think this can be addressed?

I am just using myself as a point of reference. I am not a lone tree. There is a National Association of Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NATMP). It was started in the Ministry of Health. It is registered and has a Board of Trustee. Per Complementary Alternative Medicine, it is importation of specialised fields to cater for and heal. While traditional medicine is indigenous to its people and is a system used over the years, employed by the people to heal themselves. The UN and WHO have defined and separated the three-orthodox; traditional medicine and complementary and alternative medicine. These practises are not the same. Government should allocate and release funds for these different fields in the health sector. Orthodox should get money to build hospitals, put drugs in pharmacies, the structures and infrastructures for traditional medicine and CAM should be separate. It is not practitioners that are holding back the fund or development of traditional medicine or CAM, it is a deliberate act and not by accident by medics so as not to develop other fields in the health care sector. The reason being that 95 per cent of the Ministry, House of Representatives and Senate is being controlled by people in medicine. Till date it is individuals like me that are spending money to develop natural medicine/CAM. Can the passage of the bill solve the problems affecting the practice?

But should the Bill be passed, I believe most of these obstacles would be overcome.

We have made several advances and still making and will still make more attempts to get it passed. The Bill has passed the first and second readings. The final one is what we are awaiting the members to help us get it done with.

What is your advice to practitioners as this year materialises?

As genuine efforts are being made to make all practitioners come together, we should join hands together; as Dr Isaac Ayodele is laying the pipes in Abuja. A meeting would be called soon by the executives. We have representatives in the East, West and North. Some of them are Dr Osmond Onyeka, Prof Joseph Akpa (Enugu), Dr Isaac Ayodele, Dr Idowu

‘Unfortunately, the situation in natural medicine practice in Nigeria is not really encouraging. It is not anything to write home about. It is not even the present administration that started the accreditation, but it had not done anything worthwhile for the profession. At the inception, we had high hope’

Ogunkoya and Prof Oluyemi AkinAdewo , a former DG of Nigerian Medicine Development Agency (NMDA) all coming together with useful information.

All and sundry should rally round them to get the government to position our field and get the funds to put in place training institutes and guidelines. Without fuel, a vehicle cannot move, nobody can do anything without money and it is the duty of the government to fuel the field of traditional medicine and CAM. What is most important is the training of practitioners, and that is why the training of institutions is very important. A regulatory body should be put in place. Once the government puts it in place, practitioners would fall in. Once there is a full house, practitioners can suggest how to fine tune and move the field forward. The year is going to be one of transformationmistakes of past years would be corrected and all hands would be on deck to get our dreams of development of traditional medicine/CAM actualised.

Healthy tips Are you eating these super foods?

Power through your workout, boost your health, and lose weight with these common, yet oft-overlooked foods.

Seaweed

Perhaps most commonly eaten wrapped around a sushi roll, nori is loaded with iodine, a mineral essential for proper thyroid function. While iodized salt was introduced in 1924 to prevent goiter, the increased emphasis on low-sodium diets and the popularity of sea salt, which often doesn’t contain iodine, have recently resurfaced concerns about getting enough iodine. This trace mineral isn’t the only benefit of sea vegetables. Nori contains high levels of vitamin K and iron, micronutrients essential for proper cellular function. Look for nori pieces in the international section of your supermarket and crumble them on top of chili, soups, and salads. (This will add a little extra salty flavor, so if you are salt sensitive, use less in your recipe.)

Beets

After a study showed that beets can improve performance and reduce the amount of oxygen needed to complete a cardio session, the sports and fitness community has been raving about the root veggie and its juice. Beets contain nitrates, which are used in the production of nitric oxide, a compound that makes blood vessels dilate, allowing more blood and oxygen to flow to your working muscles. Enjoy them raw, cooked, or juiced.

Asparagus

Vitamin K is important for blood clotting and B vitamins are necessary for energy metabolism, and you can find both in asparagus. Not only is a stalk only three calories, but a recent study in the Journal of Food Science reported that asparagus can aid the body in accelerating the metabolism of alcohol. Next time you host a cocktail party, serve this superfood wrapped in prosciutto for tasty, low-carb, high-protein hors d’oeuvres that will help your guests wake up hangover-free in the morning.

• Source:www.yahoo.com

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

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NATURAL HEALTH

Shingles (herpes Zoster), fireworks of chickenpox

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mls of water taken three times a day to increase Acyclovir impact without side effect.

Green tea, loaded with antioxidants, supports some topical applications such as interferon.

Licorice, one of the leading prescriptions for peptic ulcer and adrenal weakness, a cause of low sex drive, low blood pressure, low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia) and low thyroid function (hypothyroidism), eliminates the virus but is contra-indicated in elevated blood pressure and estrogen- sensitive problems such as breast cancer.

OR this column, 2013 appears so far to be a different year.

The first columns of years gone by were often exploratory.

One year, it could review newer trends in the treatment of, say, cancer which offer more hope to cancer –challenged people. The year after, the focus could be on uterine fibroids. Yet another year may examine food supplements of therapeutic importance which may positively impact on the Nigerian health market that year. Cancer and uterine fibroids, along with fertility questions, especially among women, have become prevalent health conditions in Nigeria. But, this year, the concerns about a world going gay gained more attention.

I believe this is an event that will gather more momentum in Nigeria.

For there is hardly any nuclear or extended family in Nigeria from which one child or two or more have not gone to work or to settle abroad, especially in the United States, spearhead of the homosexual/ lesbian/bisexual emerging world order. Our children will marry, bear children and raise children there. But their children may not be their children or ours in the end. For, as early as in primary school, children in the gay world are now taught to respect gay life as normal life and their parents are forbidden by law to teach them anything different. One day, these children, young or grown up, may return to Nigeria not as the straight-life Nigerians that many of us still are.

They may link up with the gay among us and their circles may link up with the gay world. One way to avoid this is for our straight-life children abroad to send their children home. That is suggesting that grandpas and grandmas should prepare themselves for another round of school runs and child rearing!

Shingles, not jingle The first column this year on Alternative Medicine remedies to disease is on Shingles. This may sound a strange disease to many people. Many years ago, when a Nigerian editor who overstayed his vacation in the United States returned home and told me, his editor – in-chief, that he was down with Shingles, I told him he didn‘t know how lucky he was. Last December, I thought of writing this column after I ran into an acquaintance of mine in a group of “Old school Boys who had just paid a get-well-quick visit to one of them stricken with Shingles. He was half-dead, half-living and had spent quite a fortune on medical trips to America and the United Kingdom with no serious remission of his condition, he was planning, at that time, to try his luck in Indian, a new medical haven for middle and upper class Nigerians which enriches many Nigerian doctors with referral commissions.

Chicken pox, herpes connection. s children, many of us were down with chicken pox, or were vaccinated against it. Chicken pox is caused by a member of the herpes virus family called Varicella. Medicine describes chicken pox as a self-limiting disease. This means that, even if untreated, it would clear up on it own, leaving, as its footprints, a characteristic red rash on the skin. In fact parents unnerved by the attack of chicken pox on a child are glad when the rash appears, because they believe that is a Jingle that the worst is over. This rash is often filled with clear or yellow fluid. But, contrary to widespread belief, the worst may not be over. For the virus may go into hiding, inside a nerve root, especially in the base of the spine, some day, perhaps decades after in adult life, to resurface as Shingles, when its hidden places are disturbed or when the immune system, for a number of reasons, becomes too weak to keep it in check.

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Symptoms of Shingles

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his disease may have been, diagnosed for long because it shares common signs and symptoms, such as headache and fever, with other diseases. Even when the characteristic fluidfilled blisters occur, the physician may still be doubtful. But the pattern of pain and skin changes often provides a clearer Clive. So do accompanying general malaise, intestinal or urinary problems, blistering on one part of the body, along a nerve pathway and its branches, and on one part of the body. In about three or five weeks, the blistering and the inflammation may subside, and the victim may rejoice, but much damage may have been done, partially or permanently, to the nervous system that may result in the terrible pains with which some people may have to live for the rest of their lives unless they are lucky to adopt a nutritional and other lifestyle changes which thus situation requires. As an example, there are two major amino acid (protein building blocks) which are crucial in this condition. One is L-Lyrine. It heals it. The other is L-Arginine. It promotes the flares and the pain. Therefore, foods which contain large quantities of L-Arginine are to be avoided. We may return to this later.

Herpes Virus family

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e must, briefly, return to this family of viruses to catch a bigger picture of Shingle and how, using herbs, we may vanquish even the naughtiest of the attacks. Well known are Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) and Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 causes minor skin outbreaks which include cold sores or fever blister in the mouth or, sometimes, in the genitals.

HSV-2 is more aggressive and is reputable for genital herpes with occasional mouth infections.

HSV-1, and sometimes HSV-2, can cause an eye condition known as occular keratitis. Herpe Varicella Zoster, also called Herpes Zoster, the architect of chicken pox and Shingles, can also damage the eye, A burning or tingling around the nose and lips may be suspected to be the handiwork of HSV-1. This will often be followed by small, red pimples and blisters. A 13-year-old pupil of Ilupeju College in Lagos reported this condition last year. Within 24 hours, her lips had about trebled in size. She had to go to hospital for injections to contain the swelling which had engulfed the salivary glands and lymph node in the neck, and made her face to blister and to bloat. HSV-2 may present itching or burning in the genital area and progress into blisters which, soon, turn into painful red sores. Urination may become painful and the sufferer may experience flu-like symptoms.

Back to Shingles As explained earlier, shingles is an explosion, under favorable

Therapy goals The goals of a healing therapy are many and may include, (1) Reversal of inflammation (2) Blocking of pain (3) Healing of blisters (4) Elimination of herpes zoster (5) Anti-oxidation to check free radical damage of tissue and nerves, and to neutralise “die off” effects from the toxins which pour into the bloodstream from `corpses` of the vanquished herpes zoster ‘army’ (6) Healing of any damage to nerves and tissue

conditions, of the chicken pox virus, Varicella, driven underground many decades earlier. In the Orient it is believed that Varicella lives and works in two major modes. Or, it may be said to exhibit two lifestyles. And the key to keeping it in check in natural medicine would appear to be the recognition of these lifestyles, and working around them. The first lifestyle is the acute infection stage. In this phase, Varicella reproduces and migrates to adjourning tissue. When the acute infection subsides, Varicella finds a new “home,” as some authorities call it, in the nerves. The “war” is over and it is at peace with itself. It does not even attempt to reproduce. But when it finds its security threatened in this its restful place, it will, like a dog, threatened in its cage, fight back by re-activating into disease causing form.

Some foods and drugs and conditions trigger this insecurity and the resurgence of the disease or the severe pains which its sufferers experience. In Western medicine, the Orient assumptions seem to count little. Standard Western belief is that Varicella, like all herpes viruses, lives in a nerve root and, from there, travels up the nerve trunk and its branches, casing inflammation, pain and blistering on the skin.

Typical of Western medicine, it lobs drug attack drug on the virus.

If Varicella is in the “rest” mode, hibernating in the nerves, according to Orient thinking, recognition of oncoming attack forces it to re-arm and convert to active mode for self-protection. The star of orthodox drugs against Varcella would appear to be CICLOVIR. In one double-blind experiment in which it was combined with the anti-inflammatory drug PREDNISONE, it was reported that, compared with the placebo group, the CICLOVIR and PREDNISONE treated group showed, within one month, the promise of lesions crusting and healing faster.

Orient traditional medicine, particularly Japanese Kampo medicine,believes that a drugs attack on Micella virus challenges it to a war which the drugs connote win because (1) the virus is organic and living, (2) the drugs are inorganic and lifeless (3) all living forms have an in-built desire and mechanism for self-preservation in a hostile environment. According to this hypothesis of natural medicine, it is only a stronger living form that can overwhelm a sweater living form under the natural law which permits the strong to vanquish the weak.

Accordingly, this natural approach to treating herpes diseases, including shingles, tries to prevent drug antagonism of the virus which would make it recharge, reproduce and migrate into surrounding tissue. For example, inflammation is a process through which the body creates wider passages around and through the cells for immune “war” arsenal to be rushed to infection sites. Thus, inflammation could be an early warning signal to the shingles virus.

The first line of action, according to this thinking, is to stimulate the body to fight its own battle as ordained by the Creator through the production of antibodies against which the virus would appear to have no answer. One of the widely used herbs in this regard is Aloe Vera. After the virus has implanted in the cells their destruction is critical to recovery of health although the orthodox drug Acyclovir (also spelled Aciclovir) robustly kills the herpes virus, it has the shortcoming of being unable to reach all herpes virus in all the cells, and this ensures survival of the population and a possible re-infection.

In Alternative medicine, one school of thought would not even stimulate any section of the immune system to attack the virus. It would rather prevent an inflammatory response of the tissue which would place the virus on “red alert”. The Japanese, in particular, believed, though wrongly then, that germs were foreign bodies seeking an “escape route” from the body, and that they could be helped in the venture by opening up the pores of the skin. There is no doubt that, the herbal medicines which opened up pores relaxed nerves and muscles promoted health. But did the virus escape through this route? Oh, no. it did not. It lived on quietly in the nerves. But it became less destructive. So the Japanese have learned to combine orthodox and natural approaches in the management of Shingles.

They have given the world a wide range of herbal formulas, some of which appear below…..

Aloe vera stimulates the body to produce antibodies against the virus.

Bitter lemon, anti-diabetic, has been found in laboratory studies to be two to three more times more potent than Acyclovir at destroying herpes virus and 100 to 1000 times more capable of killing Acyclovirresistant herpes virus. It is contraindicated, however, in liver cirrhosis, hepatitis and HIV. Cloves, wonderful as mouth wash or rinse in gum and teeth infections and bad breath, has been shown at 10 drops of the oil in 60

e-mail: femi.kusa@yahoo.com or olufemikusa@yahoo.com

Inflammation As stated earlier, the body responds to the irritation of an infection by inflaming the disturbed zone. This offers immune ‘soldier’ wider space for maneuvers and the healing forces larger room to operate.

But this alarms the shingles virus of oncoming war and it launches a counter attack. Quietening the inflammatory process allows the virus to slumber. Some good anti-inflammatories that may help this course are (1) Omega- 3 fish oil (2) Shark liver oil (3) Bell is Cur cumin 2000X (4) Ginger (5) Kyolic garlic (6) Amazon Joint & CNS (Central Nervous System) Support (7) Pain management

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ain comes with inflammation. Disappearance of inflammation should ease pain. Since pain is expressed in the nerves,nerve tonics, and natural anodynes ( pain killers) are called for. Vitamin B Complex is a first line of defense, as many of the B family vitamins are nerve vitamins. Vitamin B12 is especially useful. Unfortunately many aging people are B12 deficient either because their immune systems have damaged the pariel cells of their stomachs. These cells produce intrinsic factor, a protein to which B12 binds for absorption. For these people, it is also possible the immune system inactivated the intrinsic factor in the intestine, where B12 is absorbed. Such people may be helped by B12 injections or B12 oral nasal spray or unilingual B12. Chanka piedra is also a good pain killer as is areWillow herb, from which aspirin was extracted, and St.John’s Wort, taken as tea or oil gal or used as a cream.

Healing Healing starts with detoxification which rid the body of toxins and frees the immune system to do its job. Zinc and Vitamins A and E are useful. So are minerals and biochemic cell salts, especially the ones which are specific to the nervous system.

Killing the virus This should involve deployment of as many antiviral nutritional supplements as possible. The long list should include: (1)Aloe Vera (2)Amazon AV (3)Para shield (4)Olive leaf extract (5)Shirk liver oil (6)Kyolic garlic (7)Bioflavonoid complex (8)Crape seed Extract (9)35% home grade Hydrogen Peroxide proprietarily named OXYGEN. Oxygen kills pathogens, and this makes green powder drinks and shark liver oil double –edged swords against them. Some Oxygen products come with Colloidal silver, which is useful as well.

(10)The biochemic cell salts Ferrum phosphate and Potassium sulphate also oxygenate the former outside the cell, the latter right inside. These biochemic cell salts go well with Kaliphos and Mag-phos.

A weakened nerve suffers deficiencies of both, Kali pho in the gray areas, Mag phos in the white matter.

Antioxidation Free radicals are the death of us. They are unstable substances which rip holes in cells, in their hungry search for electrons to stabilise them. Antioxidants destroy them. That’s why, even in good health, antioxidant food factors such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, Zinc, Manganese etc should be well consumed. Killing herpes zoster virus will unload the free radical poisons in their bodies into the bloodstream. That’s why detoxification comes with nausea and pain and sickness in what is called the “die off affect “of the toxins.

To the traditional antioxidants may be added Kyolic garlic (50 times more powerful than natural garlic but odorless), Neprinol, a powerful systemic antioxidant enzymes complex, Milk thisthe, an antioxidant protection for the liver and, perhaps, Amazon Kidney Support, Bell’s Easy Flout tea or Kidney Rescue for the kidney.

Lysine and Arginine Lysine has been proven in experiments to reduce frequency and severity of attacks, and to ease flare-ups caused by Arginine on which some viruses, especially herpes viruses, feed for growth. Arginine, on aminu acid like Lysime, is in red meat, all flesh, foods, and chocolate, cocoa-based foods etc.

And that’s why, in shingles, it is better to forsake all flesh foods for some months.

Immunity mmuneboostingsupplementsareindispensableasshinglesoutbreaks are linked to immune depletion caused either by infections, especially Candida, emotional stress or pharmaceutical drugs: I remember a breast cancer stricken woman who broke out in shingles on her back, couldn’t bear the additional pain and begged her caring mother for the release of her soul! She died soon after.

Mr. Hycinth Uzor, aren’t we done for today? You asked if there was any help from Mother Nature for your dear friend.

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Tel: 08034004247, 07025077303

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

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THE NATION

e-Business e-waste: Gunpowder waiting to explode With the liberalisation of the telecoms’ sector more than a decade ago came the unbridled importation of fake and substandard phones.

Incidentally, some original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are also into computer products manufacturing. But while these products are being churned out, no effort is made to address the problem of wastes in the sector, reports LUCAS AJANAKU.

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•Old computers

MIDDLE class tenant had moved out of his apartment in Ayobo, a Lagos suburb, and abandoned a disused 24-inch carthode ray tube television set outside the gate. When 15-year-old Yakubu Tsakede pushed his cart to where the TV set was, he picked it, hauled it into his cart and rolled off his ‘loot’.

A few minutes later, he was seen using a hammer to dismember the cathode tube, ignorantly exposing the toxic phosphor dust inside. He put the circuit board over the fire to melt the lead in it, producing toxic lead fumes.

Tsakede is not alone in this ‘business’. There are several others in his age group who eke a living from moving from one dumpsite to the other in the cities, picking disused computers and electronics products, dismembering them in the hope of removing the lead, gold, copper, and other valuable metals to resell them.

Electronic items that are hazardous include televisions and computer monitors that contain cathode ray tubes, liquid crystal display (LCD) desktop monitors, laptop computers with LCD displays, LCD televisions and Plasma televisions, portable DVD players with LCD screens.

According to experts, hazards to human health stem from over 1,000 different chemical substances found in e-waste, many of which are toxic. Toxic heavy metals found in ewaste include lead and tin, copper, cadmium, mercury, brominated flame retardants, barium, antimony, and beryllium.

Beryllium, Felix Momodebe, a computer engineer, said is used in manufacturing computers’ motherboards and finger clips to facilitate the tensile strength of connectors while maintaining electric conductivity. It is classified as a human carcinogen because it can cause lung cancer, primarily through inhalation, while workers who are exposed to the chemical, even in small amounts, can develop a lung disease called beryllicosis.

Another component of electronics that is hazardous to human health is mercury It is estimated that 22 per cent of the yearly world consumption of mercury comes from electrical and electronic equipment. It is said to be dangerous because it easily accumulates in living organisms and becomes concentrated through the food chain when it combines with water and turns into methylated mercury.

“In humans, mercury can cause damage to vital organs, such as the brain and kidneys. One of the greatest dangers, is in developing fetuses, which are highly susceptible to mercury poisoning through maternal exposure. The harmful effects of beryllium and mercury are just two examples of the health risks that e-waste poses,” a publication entitled: Northwestern University Journal of International Human Rights; recycling electronic wastes in Nigeria: Putting environmental and human rights at risk, noted.

In Nigeria as well as other parts of the world, the poor are daily being exposed to dangerous chemicals and work conditions while dismantling e-waste sent from developed countries. The released chemicals can have impact on entire communities and natural habitats.

Burning wires in open piles to melt away the plastics; burning plastic casings, creating dioxins and furans; throwing

the unwanted hazardous leaded glass into ditches; and dumping pure acids and dissolved heavy metals into nearby rivers, are some of the dangerous ways of disposing off e-waste in the country. Experts say these things find their ways into the water bed and end up threatening the environment.

In 2010, the United Nations Environment Programme released a report called “Recycling – from E-Waste to resources.” The report used data from 11 representative developing countries to project current and future e-waste generation. Although the available data on e-waste is incomplete and imprecise due to the unregulated nature of the trade, the UN predicts that the amount of global e-waste should rise by about 40 million tons per year. The e-waste trade continues to grow at an alarming rate, and the need for more stringent legislation and enforcement will become increasingly significant.

According to the report, more than 24 million personal computers (PCs) and about 139 million portable communication devices, such as cell phones, pagers and smart phones, were manufactured in the United States in 2006. The report highlights that the highest growth rate has occurred in communication devices between 2003 and 2008. During those years, the number of communication devices skyrocketed from 90 million in 2003 to a projected 152 million in 2008.

The increasing number of electronics manufactured and sold inevitably leads to a growing number of discarded products. Most often, consumers throw away their discarded electronics or turn them into a store for recycling without a second thought. The growing number of discarded electronics has resulted in an increasing volume of e-waste. In 2000, more than 4.6 million tons of e-waste ended up in US landfills. In Hong Kong, it is estimated that 10-20 per cent of discarded computers end up in landfills. Landfills are problematic because the toxic chemicals in e-waste can leach into the land over time or can be released into the atmosphere, impacting neighbouring communities and the surrounding environment.

The boom in the telecoms sector also led to massive flooding of the local market with handests. According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), telecoms subscriber base reached 109.4 million by the end of October last year. With poor telecoms services, the average subscriber carries a minimum of two handsets. Added to this is the unbridled importation of fake/substandard handsets into the country with very short lifespan. The chargers, batteries and other components of these devices are recklessly discarded. It is not uncommon to find kids playing with disused handsets while their parents feign ignorance.

But this illicit trade continues to flourish despite that Nigeria is a signatory to the Basel Convention, a multilateral agreement which places restrictions on the trans-boundary movement of hazardous waste, and the Bamako Convention on the Ban of the Import into Africa and the Control of Transboundary Movement and Management of Hazardous Wastes within Africa, which made the trade of hazardous e-waste illegal in sub-Saharan African countries..

The Nigerian Computer Society (NCS) said it is worried

about the development. Its President, Sir Demola Aladekomo, said Nigeria has no business importing fairly used computers. He urged the Federal Government to step up efforts to stem the tide, insisting that insinuations about low quality of the products of indigenous OEMs is balderdash.

For the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria, (CPN), it is an uphill task. Richard Adewumi, the Group Head, Electrical/Electronics, SON, said the agency is helpless because the handests do not come in containers. According to him, the handets come through the airports in small quantities such that no law enforcement agency would be suspicious.

The Computer and Allied Product Dealers Association (CAPDAN) disagrees with SON. Its General Secretary, John Oboro, said it is the absence of the political will to enforce laws that is responsible for the dumping of e-waste into the country.

Oboro, who is also a member, Committee on E-waste Evacuation in Lagos, said the problem is that of people who violate the laws and are never punished to serve as deterrent to others. “We have laws in this country but the laws remain paper tigers. People just do what they like while law enforcement agents look the other way,” he said.

According to him, worried by the dangers of e-waste, the Lagos State government set up the committee and through the Lagos State Environmental Agency (LASEPA) engaged the services of Messrs. Maintenance System Consultant to evacuate electrical/electronic waste of industries, markets, organisation, manufacturers and other stakeholders to its new site at Tamalo Village, on the Ogijo Shagamu Road.

He blames ignorance for the prevalence, lamenting that the promise of state government to step up enlightenment campaign was stalled by paucity of funds.

Of all the OEMs in the country, only Nokia has taken pratical steps in addressing the problem. Through its ‘Take Back’ initiative, Nokia encourages people to drop their disused mobile phones, chargers and other components at its Care Centres. However, Nokia’s Vice President, West & Central Africa, James Rutherfoord, said the programme is not getting the desired effect, promising to restrategise.

“We have not made enough progress. We will do some more take back. Cans are available at our care centres where we can collect them (the disused phones, batteries, chargers). I think we need to do more in the coming years. We will focus on it and probably put some very good initiative in place. We will continue and put some new initiative in place too,” he assured.

“Consumers in many countries are unaware of the environmental benefits of recycling their broken or unwanted mobile phones. The reality is that mobile phones contain many valuable and useful materials that can be recycled, including precious metals and plastics. In fact, for every one million phones recycled, it is possible to recover nearly 35kg of gold and 350kg of silver, which can be re-used in the production of future electronic goods,” Bruce Howe, a Senior Executive of Nokia, said.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

e-Business Ericsson, Unitel partner on LTE network

Telecoms firms take E inventory of damaged BTS T ELECOMS firms in Nigeria have started taking inventory of damage to base transmission stations (BTS) across the country, The Nation has learnt.

At the end, they would approach the Federal Government for compensation since most of the damaged sites were damaged by terrorists.

President, Association of Licensed Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, said the damage was enormous, adding that it would be too early to cost it.

Adebayo lamented that the attacks have further compounded the huge interconnect debt of N20 billion in the sector, stressing that after the ascertaining the damage, the operators would seek the government’s intervention.

“At this stage, we are still evaluating the magnitude of the losses

Stories by Lucas Ajanaku

we have suffered. Don’t forget that in some of the sites that were damaged in the northern part of the country, we have to carry out inetgrity test to ascertain the integrity of those sites. In some cases, we have to outrightly replace the entire site while in other cases, the foundation would have been seriously affected and may need to be decommissioned and reinstalled.

“At this stage, we are at the level of information gathering, once we have all the facts in, we will know what to do and how to approah the government. We are not ruling out the fact that we may need to go to the government for intervention on behalf of members of the association,” he said.

According to him, the flood that ravaged parts of the country also added to the problem. “We are

hoping that we can get some interventions from the Federal Government in certain ways because the problem that we face (was not our making). We have the issue of attack on BTS. Our losses were quite significant. We lost money on account of the wilful attack on the infrastructure. We also had losses on account of the flood that swept some of the BTS across the country.

“We are hoping that at some point, we can have some intervention from government to address this wilful and unwilful attack on these infrastructure because added to this is what you have seen about the state of the industry. Some of the players are actually struggling with the issue of the interconnect debt. So, it is not as rosy as some people feel it is with the industry,” the ALTON chief said.

RICSSON has been selected by Unitel, leading provider of telecommunications services as key supplier of its long term evolution (LTE) or 4G network.

The firm said the agreement covers the deployment of new LTE sites, Ericsson’s Home Subscriber Servers (HSS) for user data management in Angola. It includes the integration of LTE functionality into existing provisioning and charging systems, and an upgrade of the core network to a triple-access Evolved Packet Core (EPC) that simultaneously carries GSM, WCDMA and LTE traffic.

Under the agreement, Ericsson will be responsible for the design, implementation and initial tuning of the LTE network.

Chief Executive Officer, Unitel, Miguel Martins, said: “The recent launch of Unitel’s 4G LTE network powered by Ericsson demonstrates our commitment to providing our customers with the highest standard and state of the art mobile broadband services.”

Biometric ID database for launch

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RAGNET Solutions, computer-based testing and talent management firm, in partnership with the United Kingdom-based biometric solutions company, Warwick Warp (UK) Limited, is to launch a Centralised Biometric Identity Database for West African Countries.

Managing Director, Dragnet Solutions, Mr Robert Ikhazoboh, said the project was borne out of the need to provide a modern and efficient identification system that is private-sector driven.

“At Dragnet Solutions, we are noted for our bouquet of innovative products and services that are carefully designed to address seemingly intractable challenges. This project also follows this same business philosophy of Dragnet. The challenge of identification verification is one that has been with us for years and it appears that various efforts to address it have been unsuccessful,” Ikhazoboh said.

NCS to hold confab

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HE Nigerian Computer Society (NCS) has called for papers for its conference scheduled for July, in Osogbo, the State of Osun in July 2013.

According to a statement, the association said this year’s theme is eGovernance and national security.

“NCS seeks participation and submissions related to the theme and sub-themes of the 11th International Conference. The sub-themes are: Transforming the art of governance through e-Government; promoting smart government and social security through information technology; promoting economic security through information technology; promoting political security through information technology; and national batabase as core field of national security,” the association added.

MainOne to build data centre NDIGENOUS submarine cable company, Main One Cable Company, is to build a 600-rack data centre this year to expand its hosting capacity.

Its Chief Executive Officer Funke Opeke said the new data centre, expected to be operational by next year, will host data from telecoms operators and Internet Service Providers (ISPs), bringing more data hosting into Nigeria.

Many local ISPs use hosting services abroad. Hosting data in the country is expected to help boost the local economy and reduce costs.

I •From left: Chairperson, Women in Technology in Nigeria, Martha Alade; Executive Director of IT for Change, Anita Gurumurthy; Senior Advisor for Women and Technology, United States Department of State, Ann Mei Chang; Head of Special Initiatives Division, International Telecommunications Union (ITU), Susan Schorr, and Chairperson, e-Worldwide Group, Salma Abbasi; at the 1st International Working Forum on Women, ICT and Development (WICTAD) in Washington.

Engineers seek help for NigComSat-1R

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HE multibillion naira satellite firm, NigComSat-1R, should not be allowed to die, the President, Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) Mustapha B. Shehu, has said.

He made this call when he and other executive members of the NSE toured the ground control station of NigComsat-1R in Abuja.

According to a statement by Sonny Aragba-Akpore, Head, Corporate Communication, NigComSat Ltd, the Managing Director Timasaniyu Ahmed-Rufai, Shehu said if the potential of the satellite are fully explored, the nation would have no reason to fear about achieving the Vision 20:2020 goals.

He recalled that the multibillion naira moribund Ajaokuta Rolling Steel Mill started well until it be-

By Deji Fakorede

came a conduit for embezzlement, noting that this should be allowed to happen the agency.

The top engineering body, therefore, wants the Federal Government to put policies in place that would encourage ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to leverage on the power of the satellite facility for improved service delivery to the citizens of the country.

He also called on state governments and the organised private sector (OPS) to patronise the facilities provided by NigComSat1R so that they could leapfrog improve on quality service delivery.

“I am quite impressed with what we have seen today. The Fed-

eral Government, which came up with this project, means well and after spending huge sums of money, cannot allow this to go the Ajaokuta Steel way,” he said, adding that the Federal Government would do the citizens great good if it puts in place policies that could encourage MDAs to leverage on what NigComSat has for the people.

The society expressed confidence in the ability and resolve of NigComSat to bring affordable broadband access to Nigerians.

At the event, Ahmed-Rufai explained the capabilities of the Micro-Electronic Centre (MEC) and the Direct to Home (DTH) satellite broadcasting platform which, he said, enables viewers to receive a minimum of bewteen 200 to 300 channels.

‘Lack of collaboration bane of ICT development’

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ACK of collaboration is the major reason the information communication technology (ICT) sector is not contributing substantially to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Executive Director Kitscoo Cloud Services Limited Monu Ogbe has said.

During an interview with The Nation, he said once cooperation is tackled, the ICT sector will be transforned in the next three years,

adding that there are more talents in the country than could be found Europe.

“The problem with Nigeria is not lack of skilled ICT manpower but the abasence of collaboration. ICT will be transformed in the country in the next three years because there are more talents in this country than there is in Europe,” he said.

He also said when the automated teller machine (ATM) technology

was first introduced, interbank use of the technology was not possible, a development that has changed because of collaboration among the banks.

He said the firm is planning to host an ICT managers’ forum, which will highlight the business benefit of network-based ICT services to the audience drawn from different segments of the business community.

HP unveils Windows 8 PCs

H

P has launched a new set of consumer and business PCs that are designed to work with Windows 8 operating system.The products range from notebooks and desktops to a tablet.

In a statement the firm explained that the new products have unique features, including a hybrid PC with a detachable screen, a business tablet with functionality-boosting HP Smart Jackets and an ultrathin all-in-one (AiO) desktop that enable users to take advantage of Windows 8 along with the firm's innovations such as HP TouchSmart technology.

Speaking on the new products, James Mouton, senior vice president and general manager, Personal Computer Global Business Unit, HP, said: "HP's portfolio of ultra-thin notebooks, sleek all-in-ones and high-performance business PCs is designed to meet the needs of customers anticipating the release of the Windows 8 OS. Consumers and organisations can choose from a broad range of HP PCs featuring multitouch displays, versatile form factors, sleek designs or customisable solutions that address their needs."

The HP consumer notebook portfolio featuring Windows 8 includes a hybrid PC and notebooks with slim and sophisticated designs, multi-touch display technology, strong performance and great value.

Glo launches new Wi-Fi router bundle

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LOBACOM has released a new bundled device, the Glo mobile Wi-Fi that will give fast, affordable internet experiences for subscribers at homes, in the offices and those on transit.

A statement from Globacom said the Glo Mobile Wi-Fi is a mobile portable device that can connect up to 5 different gadgets (PCs, laptops, tablets, smart phones, PSPs) with equal power. It uses WI-FI that enables these gadgets to browse, send emails and connect to social networks all at the same time.

Globacom's Marketing Coordinator, Mr. Niyi Olukoya, explained that the Wi-Fi comes with free SIM and free 1GB data for the first one month and another free 1GB data for the next six months based on continuous subscription. The device is mini-sized with long battery life span.

"We are aware of the increasing appetite for internet connections.

Consumers now want to connect on multiple devices like iPad, the Smartphone, lap top PSPs, itouches and such other devices, everywhere and at all times.

"There is a demand for connectivity by all members of the home, thereby making the Glo Wi-Fi the ultimate internet solution for consumers," he said.

The offers meet the needs of consumers who want to enjoy the best of three worlds in form of up-to-date gadgets, unfettered internet access and affordability, said Olukoya.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

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NEWS

•President Goodluck Jonathan (right) welcoming World Bank Vice President Africa Region, Makhtar Diop to the Villa in Abuja...on Tuesday.

•Chief Executive Officer, Tom Associates, Mr. Abiodun Toki (left); Assistant Director, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Mr. Thomas Jacob; Director/Area Manager, Lagos Island Area Office, Mr. Ibrahim Lawal, an engineer and Training Development Officer, Mr. Samuel Udoakang, at the 18th yearly Trainer’s Clinic organised by Tom Associates in Lagos... yesterday.

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

•Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi (middle);Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof.

Isaac Adewole(left) and Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Tokunboh Fayokun, at the inauguration of school monitoring and supervision project in Ibadan...on Tuesday.

•Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina (middle) speaking at an interactive session with the media ...on Tuesday. With him are President, Guild of Editors, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye (left) and the minister’s aide, Mr. Bolaji Akinboro

•Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima (left); Central Bank Governor Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Managing Director, A.I. Development Service, Mr. Abubakar Gusau after the signing of a Tripartite Agreement for the Establishment of CBN Entreprenuership Development Centres in three geo-political zones in Abuja...on Tuesday.

•L-R: President, Association of Foreign airlines in Nigeria, Mr. Kingsley Okoma, MD/CEO, Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limite, (SAHCOL), Alhaji Oluropo Owolabi and Head, Corporate Communication, Mr Basil Agboarumi at the review of the company’s previous year’s activities and projection for this year in Lagos...yesterday

•From left: Provost, College of Medicine, Lagos State University, Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya; Chief Launcher and Chief Executive Officer, Eagle Paints, Chief Akin Disu; Consultant, Plastic Surgeon, Prof. Sam Ademiluyi; Editor, Prof. Julius Esho; Commissoner for Health, Lagos State, Dr. Jide Idris; Prof. Wale Oke and former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Leke Pitan, at the presentation of a book PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN titled: “Illustrated Clinical Surgery”, in Lagos...yesterday.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

53

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Naira weakens as CBN cuts dollars sale

T

HE naira depreciated for a fourth day on higher demand for the US currency after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) cut the size of its dollar sales this week, reducing supply.

The naira weakened by 0.1 per cent to N157.09 per dollar. It gained 3.9 per cent last year, the strongest performance among African currencies tracked by Bloomberg.

The CBN sold $108.48 million at an auction yesterday, bringing sales this week to $120.30 million, representing a 38 per cent decline, compared with $193.20 million sold last week, according to data on its website.

The apex bank sells foreign exchange at auctions on Mondays and Wednesdays to stabilise the naira.

Fuel imports have been a source of pressure on the naira, the CBN said.

“Dollar demand exceeded the supply this week as businesses resumed for the year,” Tunde Ladipo, Chief Executive Officer of Lagosbased Valuechain Investment Limited, said by phone yesterday.

Yields on 10-year naira debt rose 13 basis points to 11.44 per cent, according to yesterday’s prices compiled on the Financial Markets Dealers Association website.

Borrowing costs on the nation’s $500 million of Eurobonds due January 2021 declined two basis points to 3.736 per cent.

We are advocating the formation of government’s yearly budgets, multilateral agencies funding, five per cent petroleum tax, private sector fund, road bonds, toll charges, among others, into the national road fund for the development of roads infrastructure in Nigeria.

- Mr Mike Onolememen, Minister of Works

Osun needs N100m for scales’ project

‘Why 2013 budget is yet to be signed’ • Emodi seeks expedited action on PIB S O PECIAL Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Joy Emodi, yesterday blamed the delay in signing the 2013 budget into law on some transmission processes that needed to be concluded.

Senator Emodi also said it is the expectation of most Nigerians that the National Assembly would expedite actition to the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) to ensure its passage in the early days of 2013 The Presidential Aide, stated this in a statement welcoming Senators and members of the House of Representatives “from a deserved Christmas and New Year break.”

From: Onyedi Ojiabor, Asst. Editor

She said the concerted effort of the Executive and the National Assembly that culminated in the unprecedented early passage of the national budget remained a milestone.

“The short delay in time between the actual passage and the processes that will lead up to the eventual signing of budget into law, is due to some other transmission processes and does not in any way detract from the significance of this landmark Executive and Legislative achievement since the return of democracy in 1999,” she stated.

“As we expect the 2013 budget to kick-start in earnest, it is imperative for the Executive and the Legislature to rise up to the collective challenge of ensuring full implementation for the benefit of all Nigerians,” she added.

Senator Emodi said the Performance Contract, which President Goodluck Jonathan entered with the Ministers, “remains valid and will surely help ensure an excellent budget performance and service delivery in the 2013 fiscal year.”

She commended members of the National Assembly for their interest in the PIB and

the work done on the Bill so far.

“It is therefore the expectation of the generality of Nigerians that the PIB would receive expedited due legislative attention and passage in the early days of 2013, and in the form that will not deviate from the intention of reforming the oil and gas sector,” she said.

She noted that the passage of the PIB will certainly accelerate Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda for the oil and gas industry.

“Above all, while expectations are high and challenges enormous, I urge continued Executive and Legislative collaboration, for together, we can always move the nation forward,” she said.

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

-N6.503 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES

Inflation -11.7% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending -22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $43.5b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

• From left: Chairman of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Dr. Sam Amadi; Acting Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Benjamin Dikki and Managing Director of Nigerian Electricity Liability Management Company, Dr. Sam Agbogun at BPE’s pre-negotiation meeting with preferred bidders of PHCN successor companies in Abuja...Tuesday

NPA redeploys top management staff

N

IGERIAN Ports Authority (NPA), Managing Director Habib Abdullahi has re-deployed the top management staff, in a bid to reposition the organisation for effective performance.

The reorganisation cuts across Assistant General Managers and Port Managers.

General Manager, Public Affairs, Chief Michael Kayode Ajayi now heads the administrative department. The former General Manager, Marine, Capt.

By Oluwakemi Dauda

Iheanacho Ebubeogu, takes over from him.

Abdullahi also approved the creation of a new department - New Business and Joint Ventures - to be headed by Mrs Ugo Madubuike.

Mrs Madubuike was the former General Manager, Audit.

The former General Manager, Procurement, Mallam Abdullahi Bashir, is now incharge of Servicom department.

But the General Manager,

Board/Legal Adviser, Mrs Obiageli Anubi, retains her position. She was re-designated as Board Secretary/ General Manager Board.

Also affected are Mr. Sotonye Etomi of Eastern Ports, who is now General Manager, Special Duties.

Mallam Nasri Kuliya, former General Manager Finance’s new portfolio is General Manager Audit, Mr Musa Danhassan, formerly Health Safety and Environment now takes charge of Physical Planning and Development.

The exercise also affected the former General Manager, Western Port, Mallam Muhammed Bulangu, who is now in charge of Marine and Operations. The former General Manager, Human Resources, Miss. Adenike Sonaike, takes over from him Mr. Sunday Nwobi, the former General Manager, Physical Planning and Development, was moved to Eastern Ports. The former General Manager, Special Duties is now General Manager incharge of Human Resources.

Fed Govt to triple insurance market to N1tr

T

HE Federal Govern ment plans to more than triple the value of its insurance market in four years by improving the reputation of the industry, Insurance Commissioner Daniel Fola said.

“Our people don’t trust insurance,” he said in an interview with Bloomberg yesterday in Dubai. “We’ve done a considerable amount of housekeeping to make sure the companies respect the rules.”

The value of insurance contracts should rise to about 1 trillion naira ($6.4 billion) in 2017, about 3 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), from N300 billion now, or less than 1 per cent of GDP, he said. Penetration should increase to 22.5 per cent of the insurable population in four years from 10 percent currently, Fola said.

Compulsory motor-vehicle insurance, which makes up most contracts now, should remain at about 10

percent by 2017, while life insurance should constitute 7 per cent, general business insurance 3 percent and petroleum companies’ insurance 2.5 per cent, he said.

Oil and gas businesses will continue to contract international companies to insure their Nigerian operations as the capacity of local insurers is limited, Fola said. As Africa’s largest oil producer, Nigeria produced about 1.9 million barrels of crude a day in

December, according to Bloomberg data.

The Bloomberg Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) insurance index, a measure of the 10 most liquid insurers on the Lagos-based bourse, has gained 11 per cent so far this year, outpacing a 5.8 per cent rise in the All Share Index.

(NGSEINDX) Continental Reinsurance Plc (CONTINSU) shares gained 4.9 percent today, while Aiico Insurance Plc (AIICO) was up 3.9 per cent.

By Akinola Ajibade

SUN State government needs over N100million for its proposed uniformed scales project, a report has said.

The report entitled: ‘Introduction of standardised weights and measures,’ said the government needs the money as take-off capital.

The government would use the money to procure various range of measurements, and later sell them at subsidised rates across the local government areas, it added.

The report said market associations are the major beneficiaries because they deal with wholesalers and retailers.

It said the government’s decision to provide standardised measurements or scales for traders was a good idea, noting that the development is in accordance with the Weights and Measures Act of 1962 as amended and made effective in 1975.

The report indicated that goods sold or distributed by weights, measures or numbers would be more regulated, when the proposal on standardised scales,is ratified.

It said the success of the initiative depends on the application of the relevant laws prescribed by the Constitution, adding that the laws said a Superintendent of Trade, Deputy Superintendent and Inspectors must be appointed to supervise the project at various levels of governance.

It said the new scales have the potential to eliminate mistrust, incessant arguments and disagreements that are synonymous with commercial transactions in the state.

Others include easing trading, increasing the pace and volume of transactions among traders, attracting consumers from neighbouring states, creating employment opportunities, and impacting positively on the economy of the state.

‘How to tackle pilfering’

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

M

ANAGING director of Skyway Avia tion Handling C o m p a n y Limited(SAHCOL), Mr Oluropo Owolabi yesterday canvassed closer collaboration among airlines, ground handling companies, airport authority, the Customs and other stakeholders working at the airport as the panacea to tackling the menace of luggage pilfering at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

He said it is only when these agencies collaborate that the menace can be brought to an end.

He also canvassed the deployment of additional security personnel to vulnerable baggage areas, as one of the ways of reducing the incidence of baggage pilfering.

Owolabi, spoke at the firm’s training school in Ikeja, Lagos.

54

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 16-1-13

Market Cap nears N10tr mark

T

HE Market Capitalisation of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE)inched up by another 1.4 per cent yesterday to close at N9.625 trillion.

Consequently, additional N130 billion was added in the previous day’s performance.

Operators are optimistic that if the rally continues, the market would hit the N10 trillion mark and that it would not be long before the capital market fully recovers to the pre-meltdown capitalisation era of over N12 trillion.

Similarly, the All-Share-Index appreciated by 1.4 per cent an increase of 406.88 basis points to close at 30,093.83 points.

Specifically, a total of 622.320 million shares worth N4.972 billion were traded in 7,446 deals. This was against the 822.69 million shares valued at N5.1 billion traded in 7,380 deals on Tuesday.

The Financial Services sector remain the major contributor to the activities chart. It recorded 506.917 million shares worth N3.729 billion across 5,055 deals.

The volume recorded in the financial sector alone represents 81.46 per cent of the total volume transacted in the market yesterday.

Others with relatively high volume were Conglomerates, Consumer Goods and Industrial Goods with 40.447 million shares, 34.103 million shares and 16.302 million shares.

Meanwhile, shareholders of Oando Plc have thrown their weight behind the ongoing Rights Issue and advised other

•Shareholders embrace Oando rights issue

By Tonia Osundolire

investors to take advantage of the offer to increase their holdings.

The company is shopping for N54.6 billion from existing shareholders through a rights issue of 4.548 billion ordinary shares at N12 per share. The offer opened December 28, 2012 and is expected to close on February 8, 2013.

Speaking on the issue, the National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Sir Sunny Nwosu, said shareholders should take up their rights so as to reap the benefits of the huge investments the integrated energy group has made over the years..

“Shareholders should embrace the shares as a future stock. The company has made good investments in the energy sector and very soon the benefits will begin to manifest. The Right Issue, is therefore, an opportunity to buy more shares and wait for the returns that would come from those investments,” he said.

According to Nwosu, while the management of the company strives to make right investments, governments’ policies have not really helped in realising the benefits of some of those investments as quickly as expected.

“I believe that going forward, Oando’s performance will improve significantly. My plea to the Federal Government is that it should have the political will do take some decisions that

would make investments in the oil sector profitable. The issue of subsidy removal, for instance, should be addressed once and for all,” he said.

Also speaking, the President of Nigeria Shareholders Solidarity Association (NSSA), Chief Timothy Adesiyan, noted that the price of the issue is very attractive, considering the assets and future prospects of the company.

“As you are aware, Oando Plc has huge assets in the energy sector. It operations were only affected by the challenges in the environment. But I believe the bad times are over.

The company has a very bright future and I have so much confidence in the business they are into. The price of N12 for the offer is an opportunity no shareholders should miss. The shareholders should take up their rights and increase their holdings,” Adesiyan said.

He added that with the offer priced at N12, shareholders have an opportunity to average out their investments, and stand to benefit when the share appreciates.

The net proceeds of the offer would be used to repay part of loan used to acquire upstream assets and swamp drilling rigs, part-financing of acquisition of upstream and midstream assets by Oando’s upstream subsidiary, Oando Energy Resources and investment in working capital to support increased level of business.

Group Chief Executive of Oando Plc, Mr. Wale Tinubu in an earlier company press release said: “We count on the consistent support of our shareholders to seize the opportunity to take up their rights and benefit from the higher margin value creation the upstream offers,”.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 16-1-13

THE

55

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

MONEY LINK

CBN to dealers: don’t patronise T closed BDCs T HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned authorised dealers against patronising the 236 Bureau De Change (BDC) operators whose licences were revoked last Monday.

In circular to all authorised dealers, BDCs and general public, CBN Director, Trade and Exchange, Batari Musa advised that any foreign exchange transaction, including sale to and purchase from the affected BDCs is illegal.

He also said that transfer of funds through the affected BDCs and or on their behalf is no longer allowed. Some

By Collins Nweze

of the affected BDCs include A.F.A BDC, A.I.A BDC, Acclaim BDC, African Shelter BDC, Afrinvest BDC and All States BDC. Others are AMD BDC, AMX BDC, BTC BDC, Kano Agency BDC, IAS BDC among others.

The CBN had in October 2, 2012 published the list of BDCs that were in contravention of 3.5 of the CBN BDC Guidelines, which stipulates that every BDC shall maintain a mandatory

caution deposit of $20,000 with the apex bank.

The exercise was part of the CBN reforms in the subsector. The apex bank had recently listed the key documentation requirements expected from BDCs in filling their forex reports.

It said that BDCs are expected to document and render returns on statement of assets and liabilities, statement of profit and loss accounts, foreign exchange purchases and utilisation among others.

• CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido

The CBN said it had observed that operators have difficulties adhering to its rules and requirements regarding the subsector.

Fed Govt plans N210-N360b bonds in Q1

T

HE Federal Government plans to raise between N210-360 billion ($1.34-$2.29 billion) in sovereign bonds ranging between 5 and 20 years in the first quarter of the year, the Debt Management Office (DMO)said yesterday in a statement.

The amount being proposed according to Reuters, is higher than its 2012 fourth quarter debt issuance and a great amount than the debt issued in the corresponding period of last year.

The Debt Office said it plans to auction between N85-135 billion each in 5-, 7and 10-year paper on January 23, N75-135 billion in 5, 7, 10 and 20-year paper on Feb. 13 and sell N50-90 billion each in 5 and 10-year bonds on March 13.

cept the budget, warts it or submit its counter-proposal.

The financial advisory company said Debt Management Office (DMO) has found itself in a difficult position as a result of the development.

According to the firm, the FGN’s original proposals projected a deficit of N1.04trillion and net domestic borrowing of N727billion. “ We do not see any major challenges in meeting the calendar. Yields on the more liquid bonds have narrowed by about 400 basis points since the JP Morgan’s announcement in August. The Exchange and the inflation story are buy signals in our view in addition to the index inclusion, and we see further compression of about 200 basis points in 2013,’ the firm added.

•FBN Capital sees drop in sales

By Akinola Ajibade

All the bonds were reopenings of previous issues.

Offshore investors’ interest in local debt has surged since the inclusion of Nigeria’s debt

by JP Morgan in its emerging market government bond index last October. Barclays will add Nigerian debt to its index from March 2013.

The Federal Government issues sovereign bonds monthly to support the local bond market, create a benchmark for corporate issuance and fund its budget deficit.

Meanwhile, FBN Capital Limited has predicted a steady decline in the sales of Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) Bonds in the first

quarter of this year.

The firm in a report titled: “Good Morning Nigeria: “DMO’s Hands Tied By The Fiscal Impasse,” said the sales of FGN Bonds would drop from N85billion -N135 billion in January, to N75billion to N135billion in February and N50billionN90billion in March.

The firm in its report released yesterday, said the projected monthly sales of government’s guaranteed bonds, was in line with the fiscal uncertainty in the country.

It said the National Assembly approved a $4.99trillion ( $31.7billion) budget for 2013 in December 2012, adding that the Federal Government has to decide whether to ac-

FGN BONDS Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 16-1-13

SYMBOL UAC-PROP UACN PZ ACADEMY FIDSON PRESCO NASCON DANGSUGAR OKOMUOIL STANBIC

O/PRICE 13.60 43.00 28.12 1.92 1.18 21.05 8.90 7.03 49.00 11.70

C/PRICE 14.96 47.30 30.93 2.11 1.29 22.40 9.47 7.46 51.45 12.28

O/PRICE

PORTPAINT JOHNHOLT AGLEVENT SKYEBANK AFRIPRUD UNILEVER ETI GUARANTY NB NPFMCRFBK

4.40 2.65 1.48 6.15 1.75 44.00 11.86 25.55 151.50 1.04

C/PRICE 4.18 2.52 1.41 5.90 1.68 42.90 11.64 25.10 150.00 1.03

B

USINESSES need to work harder to spread responsibility for risk management across the whole organisation, according to a new report from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

The survey of over 2,000 members found that accountants have vital role to play in successful risk management.

The survey, it said in a statement, also found a statistical link between the use of accounting practices that contribute to managing risk

and lower occurrences of fraud. It also found differences in the perception of a company’s exposure to risk between those at board level and those accountants working below board level.

‘Risk happens at all levels of business. Risk management needs to be something that is undertaken by everyone in an organisation so it is fully integrated. The survey shows that accountants have an excellent grasp of the risks faced by their organisation and the steps needed to manage those risks.

CHANGE 1.36 4.30 2.81 0.19 0.11 1.35 0.57 0.43 2.45 0.58

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 137.08 133.59 0.80 1.14 0.95 100.00 1,000.00 1,777.37 11.31 1.39 1.87 9,923.95

9.08 1.00 136.70 133.59 0.78 1.14 0.95 100.00 1,000.00 1,776.74 10.75 1.33 1.80 9,468.30

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

NIBOR Tenor

NSE CAP Index

Name

CHANGE 0.22 0.13 0.07 0.25 0.07 1.10 0.22 0.45 1.50 0.01

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12

LOSERS AS AT 16-1-13

SYMBOL

‘Accountants play key roles in risk management’

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

Currency OBB Rate Call Rate

association will continue to uphold its objects, especially the self-regulatory role of providing rules, guidelines and codes of ethical and professional practice as well as market development,” he said.

Mr Abe also said the group would also continue to work with its member institutions, the regulatory authorities and other key stakeholders in ensuring the deepening of the various segments of the Nigerian financial markets in line with global standards.

Such he said, would make the country, a first choice of investment destination in Africa. Abe also thanked all its member institutions for their continued support and assistance over the years.

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

FMDA elects Governing Council

DATA BANK

Tenor

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

HE Financial Market Dealers Association (FMDA) has elected a new Governing Council to run the affairs of the group in the next two years.

According to a statement, signed by the Chief Executive Officer, Financial Market Dealers Association (FMDA), Wale Abe, election of the officers was at the FMDA 21st delegates conference held in Lagos. At the confab, Mr Sola Adegbesa of Stanbic IBTC Bank was elected President while Mrs. Sumbo Adigun of GT Bank emerged, Vice President.

Other members of the new executives are Mr. Ayo Babatunde of Ecobank Nigeria; Mr. Zeal Akaraiwe of Standard Chartered Bank among others.

The FMDA CEO said, the group is committed to promote guidelines that will enable the financial sector achieve the desired objectives.

“We wish to reiterate that the

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

56

CITYBEATS

08033054340, 08034699757 E-mail:- ynotcitybeats@gmail.com

Fish out doctor's killers, Manko tells men

L

AGOS State Commissioner of Police Umar Manko has ordered his men to find the killers of Dr. Irawo Adamolekun, a consultant surgeon, who was killed by yet to be identified persons.

He was shot dead in broad daylight on Ikorodu Road while returning from work.

Adamolekun, who worked with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, was killed in a traffic jam.

His killers were said to have fled the scene after the incident.

The Command's spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said the commissioner's order was to ascertain who killed Adamolekun.

Mrs. Braide said: "One of the rumours and false publications is that a call was made by Dr Francis Faduyile, the Chairman of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos branch drawing the attention of members of the public to the way medical doctors are being attacked by hoodlums in the state."

By Ebele Boniface

She said the NMA chief claimed that a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, was shot on January 8 at close range.

Mrs. Braide, however, said the incident was not reported to the police.

She described as "untrue" the NMA's chief's claim that on Monday, men of the underworld kept patients and medical staff of Kuppa Medical Centre hostage while robbing them of their belongings.

"What happened," she said, "was a case of burglary and not robbery as alleged by NMA. Investigations are on-going and would be made public when concluded."

Mrs Braide said: "We sympathise with the family of the late Dr Irawo Adamolekun whose life was cut short on January 11. The command has vowed to leave no stone unturned in fishing out the culprits of the dastardly act. Investigation has commenced and we appeal to members of the public to come forth with useful information that can assist the police in unravelling this heinous crime."

•From left: Lions Club Region III Secretary, Taofeek Akinsola, Chairman, Fola Onifade and Project Director, Edwin Abubokha, during a visit to The Nation’s Corporate Head office to sensitise on the International Association of Lions Club District 404B reading competition tagged: “Giving hope to the Nigerian child”...yesterday.

PHOTO: ADEJO DAVID

Bank, other buildings sealed off over safety

T

HE Lagos State Government on Tuesday stopped work on some construction sites noncompliance with safety laws and regulations.

A new generation bank’s building under construction in Oregun was affected in the exercise.

Others were a building located beside PKF House on

By Yinka Aderibigbe

Ikorodu road; a building along Opebi link bridge, part of which has collapsed, and another one inside the Ikeja GRA. Officials of the Lagos Safety Commission (LSSC) also visited some projects, including the pedestrian bridge at the Lagos State secretariat to link the KetuShangisha axis, the construction of the multistorey office space and car park at the former secretariat car park, and the ongoing construction within the House of Assembly.

Speaking after sealing off one of the buildings, Mr Dapo Taiwo, an engineer, said the commission would leave no stone unturned to ensure that contractors adopt

measures to promote safety.

Describing deaths on construction sites as “colossal,” Taiwo said the fatalities reporting system is bad, adding: “Rather than the contractors report such incidents to the commission, they would report to the police who have no training to handle such occurrences.”

He said because accidents did not announce themselves before they occur, there is the need for building owners and contractors handling ongoing projects especially high rise buildings to have a safety plan, which would among other features, anticipate hazards that might occur on site and how they intend to handle them.

He said the lapses observed

across all the sites visited must be corrected and concrete safety plans inititated by the affected contractors before the sealoff order would be removed.

According to him, the idea behind the closures is to instil the culture of best international practices in the local construction industry.

The commission, he said, is out to promote safety especially at construction sites.

Among the infractions observed were failure to set up adequate barricades and caution signs across excavation sites to prevent falling, failure to provide hard hat and hard boots for all workmen, lack of proper storage and waste disposal mechanism among others.

50 hotels charged with non-payment of fees

N

O fewer than 50 hotels have been taken to court for alleged non-payment of licence fees by the Lagos State government.

Those charged at the Magistrate's Court, Igbosere, Lagos include Moorhouse Sofitel Hotel, Chesney Hotel Limited and Chillovelle Hotel Limited.

The prosecutor, Lagos State Solicitor-General Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), also on Tuesday, withdrew the charges against Protea Hotel Westwood Limited, Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel Limited and Hotel Bon Voyage Limited.

These hotels, Pedro said, have complied with the law.

Also charged was FourPoints by Sheraton, which the prosecutor said proposed an out-of-court settlement.

Pedro said about 50 hotels had been identified for prosecution, adding that they would be charged in other magisterial districts as their names are compiled.

The state alleged that the defendants, along with their managing directors and other directors, are "carry-

•Court orders arrest of hotelier

By Joseph Jibueze

ing on or keeping" a hotel in the Lagos Magisterial District without a licence.”

It claimed that in carrying out their businesses, the hotels on or about December 5, last year, refused to comply with the Hotel Licensing Law of Lagos State, Cap H6 (2010).

The offences contravene Sections 4(1) of the Hotel Licensing Law and are punishable under Sections 21 and 122.

Magistrate F. O. Aigbokhaevbo issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the Managing Director of Chilloville Hotel following Pedro's application.

She ordered that he should be produced on February 7.

Mrs. Aigbokhaevbo also fixed the same day for report of settlement with FourPoints by Sheraton.

On why the charges were filed, Pedro said: "We are concerned with the arbitrariness of violating laws of the land. The hotel may feel that someone is challenging the law, but in as much as the House of As-

sembly has passed the law and the governor has signed it, the law has become operative.

"You cannot stop its operation just because somebody is challenging it in court. The law will continue to operate. It is when the court declares it null and void that it will stop operating."

On the case pending in court, Pedro said: "There is a dispute between the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government on who has the right to control and regulate tourism activities.

The position of Lagos is that it is the state's responsibility, because the issue of tourism control is not on the Exclusive List.

"The only thing the Federal Government has over tourism is to control traffic of tourists through people coming into the country for purposes of tourism. Anybody coming to Nigeria should obtain visa. We believe that is the limit of their power over tourism. Hotel control should be the responsibility of the state.

We're in the Supreme Court to determine that.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1 7, 2013

57

NEWS 2015: I’ve not announced plan to run, says Aliyu

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IGER State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu yesterday said last week’s purported start of his 2015 presidential campaign in Jos, the Plateau State capital, by a group “is not true”.

The governor said he has not declared his intention for the nation’s highest office.

Aliyu spoke in Minna, the state capital, when he hosted the Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Ali Abdul Sulaiman, and the new ViceChancellor of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, Prof Musibau Akanbi at the Government House.

The governor was apparently reacting to reports on the visit by some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members, led by Niger State chairman of the party, Alhaji Abdulrahaman Enagi, to Jos. The reports alleged that the team was on the Plateau to start Aliyu’s 2015 presidential campaign.

But Aliyu explained that the PDP has directed that the campaigns for 2015 general elections be put on hold till next year.

The governor stressed that as a loyal party man and a lawabiding citizen, he would not jump the gun.

He said: “It was the National Youth Leader of the party, Alhaji Garba Umoru, who in-

15 die in Yobe road accident

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IFTEEN people died yesterday in an accident involving an 18seater bus and a trailer at Zobali village on the KanoPotiskum Road, Yobe State.

Yobe Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Usman Umar, confirmed the incident.

He said the accident involved an 18-seater bus and a DAF trailer with registra-

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

cidentally is from Niger State, who led a delegation to Plateau State to thank PDP members in that state for voting for him during the national convention of the party. But this has now been misconstrued as a presidential campaign launching by me.”

Aliyu said the clarification was not an indication that he would be afraid to contest the presidential election when the time comes.

He said: “If it is God’s will that I will come out, believe me, I am not afraid. I will come out because what will be will be.

But I am not out yet.

“If you notice, all my appointments and elections came by way of the people telling me to come out. If it is God’s will, I won’t hesitate. But for now, I am not out yet. The party supremacy is sacrosanct; it has directed everyone to wait for the right time and now is not the right time.”

The governor urged the media to always check their information before publication, adding that some reports misinform the public.

Aliyu hailed the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Ethiopia.

He praised Ethiopia for its successes in Aviation, Tourism and Culture.

•Aliyu

The governor assured the envoy that Niger State would partner Ethiopia in some important areas.

Aliyu advised the ViceChancellor of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, Prof Musibau Akanbi, to be fair to the host community in the admission of students and recruitment of workers.

Prof Akanbi hailed the governor for his fatherly role during the impasse that followed his appointment.

He noted that the government’s gesture to pay the school fees of over 590 indigeneous students of the university is a legacy future generations would meet.

Fire razes Kwara Poly offices, FUT Minna Radio

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MIDNIGHT fire yesterday destroyed some offices of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

Another fire yesterday destroyed a studio of the radio station of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna.

The station, Search FM, won the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN’s) 2012 Campus Station of the Year.

The fire reportedly started about 12.30am and destroyed equipment worth over N50 million.

But there was no casualty in the incident.

The cause of the polytechnic fire, which reportedly occurred around 1.30am, was unknown.

The fire was said to have gutted five rooms in the offices of the Directorate of Student

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin and Jide Orintunsin, Minna

Services.

The Rector, Mas’ud Elelu, told reporters that the incident would not affect next week’s first semester examinations.

He said: “The examinations will start next week. Normal activities are ongoing. We want to express our appreciation to the students. They assisted us a great deal in putting out the fire. We are writing them to show our appreciation. We have also informed the necessary authorities. We do not know the cause of the fire but we are investigating.

The council is meeting tomorrow and we will thoroughly investigate it to prevent a recurrence.

“We called the fire fighters and they were there with our principal officers. We brought the fire under control before it

spread to other academic areas.

“Some files were destroyed with documents in the file cabinets and some air conditioners.

“We cannot quantify the loss. There was not loss of lives or injury. Nothing happened to anybody on the campus. I was there all through.”

FUT Vice-Chancellor, Prof Musibau Akanji, broke the news of the fire when he visited Niger State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu.

The Vice-Chancellor said the fire razed the studio of the two-year-old radio station located in the library complex at Gidan Kwano campus.

He, however, said the fire did not extend to any other part of the building.

Aliyu promised that the government would build a new studio for the university.

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From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

that there is a lot of access roads to Kwara. You can pass from Oyo State through Kwara to the North. You can also pass from here to Lokoja, Kogi State. Again, traffic can move from Okenne (Kogi State) into this place.

“Therefore, in our assessment, we checked where cultivation of Indian hemp takes place and see how they can feed Kwara in terms of transportation. That is

why I am describing Kwara as a hot spot for trafficking. It’s because of the vehicular movement. We are not correctly in a free zone.

“If a vehicle can come from Delta, Ondo, or Edo into Kwara, then drugs can be prevalent in Kwara. Again, there are domestic and international airports in Kwara. So, Kwara is hot for trafficking.”

The NDLEA chief said in the

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HE Chairman of Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State, Prince Saheed Popoola, has accused members of his dissolved Executive Council (Exco) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of spreading falsehood against him.

The council is controlled by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

The sacked Exco members defected to the PDP, a ground upon which the ACN urged them to resign their appointment before Popoola dissolved the Exco last December.

In a statement on Tuesday evening, Popoola alleged that the character assassination is part of a

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ULANI herdsmen in Odessa, Onyagede District of Benue State, have urged the state and local governments to assist them, following the destruction of over 20 of their homes by unknown persons.

The spokesman, Mallam Anaruwa Abdullahi, who addressed reporters yesterday at Onyagede, regretted that the incident occurred when they were away.

He said unknown persons destroyed their homes when they were grazing their cattle.

Abdullahi said he and his Fulani compatriots lost prop-

last quarter of last year, his command arrested 46 suspected drug traffickers and seized 206.14kilogrammes of cannabis sativa (Indian hemp) and 1.887kilogrammes of psychotropics.

“The command counselled and released 18 drug users, while seven clients are undergoing counseling and rehabilitation,” he said

• 24 on admission From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi.

Commissioner for Health Services Dr Orduen Abunku confirmed the casualties.

He said there is a “clinical suspicion of Lassa fever in

grand plot to victimise him after he rejected the intimidation to quit the ACN “which was the platform our people have chosen to be”.

The statement reads: “I wish to alert the world to the unceasing intention of the PDP to give a dog a bad name in order to hang it.

The latest in the futile plot is contained in the character assassination by former members of my Exco, who are now PDP members.

“Although I have since explained my own side of the story to relevant authorities and would not do anything to inhibit whatever investigation is carried out, these elements are now resorting to media

Fulani herdsmen’s homes destroyed in Benue

Lassa fever kills five in Benue IVE persons have been confirmed dead and 24 others on hospital admission following the outbreak of Lassa fever in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

Among the dead is a doctor, who was reportedly infected by a patient.

The others were said to have been referred to the Benue

was conveying passengers from Kano, caught fire after ramming into a broken down trailer containing smoked fish.

The eyewitness said the trailer was wrongly parked on the Kano-Maiduguri Expressway.

“Fifteen people were burnt beyond recognition and four others sustained various degrees of injuries and were taken to the Potiskum General Hospital,” Umar said.

‘My ex-exco members, PDP spreading lies’

Kwara is hot spot for drug trafficking, says NDLEA HE geographical location of Kwara State has made it a hot spot for illicit trade in drugs, the state Commander of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Segun Oke, has said.

Oke, who said his command has just spent 100 days in office, said his assessment is reinforced by much of vehicular traffic in the state.

He spoke yesterday in Ilorin, the state capital, when he led his management to the secretariat of the state council of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian nion of Journalists (NUJ).

Oke said: “Our assessment so far has not helped us to determine how hot Kwara is in terms of cultivation. We are working on that.

“But by nature, Kwara is in the middle of the country. If you take the road network or the map of the roads, you know

From Duku Joel, Damaturu

tion number (Lagos) XR01FKJ. The sector commander said the bodies of the victims have been given a mass burial at Zobali cemetery.

Umar attributed the accident to speeding by the bus driver and lack of adherence to road signs.

An eyewitness said the accident occurred around 7.30am when the bus, which

Benue State”.

The commissioner said a specimen of the virus, which causes the disease, has been sent to a federal laboratory for analysis.

According to him, those found to have been infected are receiving treatment.

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

erty, ranging from generators, television sets, clothes as well as over N300,000 cash.

The spokesman said following the incident, the affected herdsmen now take refuge under trees.

An indigene of the local government and a former state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Sule Audu, who visited the scene, expressed shock at the level of damage.

He urged the local government chairman and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assist the victims.

The chairman of Ohimini Local Government, Mr Sunday Mark, described the incident as unfortunate.

He promised to forward the herdsmen’s request to the appropriate quarters.

blackmail to achieve their sinister plot. The agenda is to rid Kwara of any opposition by all foul means. I urge the public to see their allegations as an antic of desperate people whose grievances are that I would not betray our people or retain them in the Exco, despite many issues against them.

“I remain committed to the ideals of transparency, probity/accountability and good governance for which our people are still standing by us.”

PUBLIC NOTICE CHANGE OF NAME: I, formerly known and addressed as IYABODE NNENNAYA OKORRO (MISS) now IYABODE NNENNAYA UKO (MRS). All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE CHANGE OF NAME: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunfuyi Naomi Omolola now Mrs Dosa Naomi Omolola.

All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE CORRECTION OF NAME: My name Godwin was wrongly spelt as Godswill in my WAEC Result No. 4081315095, my correct name is Osuji Kingsley Godwin, Uniport and general public please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE CHANGE OF NAME: I, formerly known and addressed as TUNJI ATINDE now SHITTU TUNJI AYINDE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

THE NATION THURSDAY JANUARY 17, 2013

58

NEWS Fuel scam trial: Ubah returns to court

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HE proprietor of Capital Oil and Gas Limited, Ifeanyi Ubah, has again returned to court about three months after a Federal High Court threw out his fundamental rights enforcement suit.

He had in the suit before Justice Okon Abang sought to be admitted on bail upon his arrest by men of the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) of the Nigeria Police for his alleged complicity in the fuel subsidy fraud.

Ubah and some principal officers of his company were arrested late last year on allegation that they defrauded the government in the fuel subsidy programme. They were later granted administrative bail by the police.

Those held with Ubah included – Nsikan Usoro (Head of Trading), Godfrey Okorie (Depot Manager), Chibuzor Ogbuokiri (General Manager, Operations) and Orji Joseph Anayo (Executive Director, Operations).

In the new suit (also a fundamental right enforcement action) seen as a move to stall his planned arraignment, Ubah seeks to restrain the InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP) and men of the SFU from further harassing, arresting or instituting any criminal process against him.

Ubah also seeks a declaration

By Eric Ikhilae

nullifying the report made by the Presidential Committee on Verification of Oil Subsidy Payment to Oil Marketers, which report portrays the applicant as being involved in stealing and money laundering, as tainted by malice.

He is also seeking a compensatory damage of N10 billion, to be paid by all respondents jointly and severally, for the injury suffered as a result of his detention at the Ikoyi office of the second respondent for 10 days.

In an affidavit supporting his originating motion, Ubah averred that the interim report in which the second respondent (Commissioner of Police SFU) had purportedly stated that he would be arraigned on a prima facie case of money laundering and criminal conspiracy, amounts to prosecutorial misconduct.

He also averred that another report dated November 3, in which it had stated that the report would be submitted in a case of stealing and economic sabotage, against the applicant, also amounted to a breach of the applicant’s fundamental right.

Justice Aneke adjourned the matter till January 29 for hearing.

Ohanaeze: MASSOB threatens to stop next Saturday’s election • Endorses last Saturday’s poll • Ohanaeze secretary: no crisis here HE Leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, has said the group would resist the conduct of another election by the Pan-Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, next Saturday.

The MASSOB leader told The Nation that the group would take over security at Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s secretariat to ensure that no election holds on Saturday.

Declaring last Saturday’s election, which produced a new national executive for Ohanaeze Ndigbo as free, fair and credible, Uwazuruike berated those who he said succumbed to external influence to ridicule Ndigbo.

He said: “In my presence and the presence of other prominent Ndigbo, the election was held. In my presence and the presence of other prominent Ndigbo, Ralph Uwaechue publicly handed over to the new

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From Chris Oji, Enugu and Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

President-General, Garry Igariwey. Yet, some mercenaries tell us they are going to conduct another election.”

Uwazuruike said last Saturday’s election, which was monitored by past Presidents-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, could not be said to lack credibility.

Uwazuruike yesterday reacted to a radio announcements, reports and advertorials by the Ebonyi State Government that there would be another election into the office of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

The government is said to be sponsoring Senator Azu Agboti.

The MASSOB leader said the group would not tolerate the plan.

The MASSOB leader warned that the group would deal with any other group that attempts to hold

a parallel election to divide Ndigbo.

He urged Ebonyi State Governor Martin Elechi to hands off Ohanaeze Ndigbo because the state alone cannot dictate for the organisation.

Uwazuruike said: “All the seven Igbo-speaking states participated in last Saturday’s election and elected Igariwey, who they say is their choice from Ebonyi State. Any imposition of another person on the Ohanaeze, single-handedly by the Ebonyi State governor, will be resisted fiercely by the MASSOB. “Governor Elechi should be held responsible, should there be any ugly incident on Saturday, because MASSOB will be all-out to resist any attempt to hold another election anywhere.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s election has been conducted and completed. Past PresidentsGeneral, including Justice Eze Ozobu and Amb Raph Uwechue, among other

Boko Haram chief arrested in Gombe

Judge’s absence stalls arraignment of Lamido’s son

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HE police yesterday said they have arrested a suspected leader of the Boko Haram sect in Gombe State, Salisu Mohammed.

The sect has been linked with the Islamist forces in Northern Mali.

The police said Mohammed “admitted he was accountable for many attacks to military bases and the murder of numerous police officers”.

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

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Nigerians urged to be patriotic

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IGERIANS have been urged to be patriotic because their country has the potential of becoming great.

A cleric, Prophet Wole Alaba Shitta, the General Overseer of St. Theresa’s Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Mushin, Lagos, said this in an interview with reporters.

He said Nigeria will be great, if the citizens are patriotic.

Prophet Alaba said 2013 will be a good year for Nigeria as God had prepared a new kingdom for the country, adding that Nigerians would enjoy the dividends of democracy.

He said God revealed to him that this year is the dawn of a new era and a total transformation for the country, adding that God has prepared another kingdom for Nigeria.

prominent Igbo sons, were in attendance when Chief Garry Igariwey was elected unopposed. His compatriots from Ebonyi State stepped down for him. It is quite unfortunate that the governor is planning another election.

As an Igbo leader, I am warning him that Ndigbo shall no longer continue to suffer in the hands of the governors.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo is not an appendage of state governors and MASSOB has come out to identify with Ohanaeze Ndigbo. There will be no other election of Ohanaeze Ndigbo anywhere, any place and anytime, because the election was conducted last Saturday in Enugu.”

The newly elected Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Joe Nwaorgu, yesterday said there is no crisis in the Pan-Igbo organisation, following last Saturday’s election of its new executives.

•Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu (left) presenting a souvenir to Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria, Ali Abdo Suleiman, when he visited the governor in Minna...yesterday

Ex-Sultan Dasuki: we don’t need 36 states to develop FORMER Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki, yesterday said Nigeria does not need the current 36 states and 774 local governments to develop.

Dasuki spoke in Kaduna on the 46 years after the first military coup and the killing of the former Premier of the defunct Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello.

The former monarch noted that for the nation to progress, the current 36 states and 774 local governments

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From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

must be abolished.

The father of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki, said: “The problem with Nigeria is the 36 states and the 774 local governments. We don’t need them, if we want to develop.”

Dasuki decried the huge funds spent as overhead cost in running the 36 states and the 774 councils.

The monarch said this is to the detriment of capital development.

According to him, since the First Republic was toppled, no credible leader has emerged in Nigeria.

He added: “It is very sad that after the military ousted us, no credible people took over. The military men, who executed the coup, actually thought they meant well. But they had no idea about the enormous task of governance. Little wonder there was confusion that led to the Civil War. Since then, we have not had credible leadership in Nigeria.

HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday said the arraignment of Aminu Lamido, son of Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, before a Federal High Court in Kano was stalled.

The commission said the trial could not hold because of the absence of the trial judge, Justice Shehu Yahaya.

A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said a new date would be fixed.

The statement said: “The accused was brought to court by operatives of the EFCC about 8.45am.

“Over an hour later, the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court announced that the judge was unavailable and promised to communicate a new date for the arraignment to the parties.

He gave no reason for the judge’s absence.

“Aminu, who faces a onecount of money laundering, was arrested by EFCC December 12, 2012 at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, on his way to Egypt.”

Why governors back reinstatement of Adamawa PDP and we said because the exco, by Uduaghan ELTA State GoverNWC had reinstated the exco,

nor Emmanuel Uduaghan yesterday said his counterparts, who were elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are backing the reinstatement of the executive of the Adamawa State chapter because the National Working Committee (NWC) followed the right procedure.

He urged Nigerians to sup-

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

port the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which he said would develop the Niger Delta, especially communities with crude oil and gas.

Addressing reporters in Asaba, the state capital, Uduaghan said: “The NWC of the PDP reinstated Adamawa exco in its communiqué. The

NWC sacked the exco, but after looking at some other factors again, it reinstated the exco.

“What the PDP governors did was to say we were in support of the reinstatement of the exco by the NWC. There was a statement by the NWC to that effect.

“When we met the last time, we saw the statement

we support the reinstatement of the Kugama-led exco.

“We support the NWC, which did the right thing by reinstating the Kugama-led exco in Adamawa State. This is because there are procedures for installing the exco of the party at every level - from the ward to the national.

“There are also procedures for removing the exco - from the ward to the national level.”

59

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

NEWS

SSS kills ‘kidnapper’ of FCT Auditor-General T •N2.7m ransom recovered HE suspected kidnapper of the AuditorGeneral of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Fred Omoaka, has been killed by men of the State Security Services (SSS) in Edo State.

The suspect, simply identified as Isaac, was killed in a shoot-out with the SSS in Benin City when he called an arrested member of the gang to meet him.

The FCT Auditor-General was kidnapped from his home in Igbanke, Orhionmwon Local Government of Edo State.

He reportedly paid a ransom of N10million.

One of the suspects, who gave his name as Peter Omoregbe, said he was a cab driver, who rendered serv-

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

ices for the late Isaac.

He said the N1million recovered from him was part of the N10million ransom given to him for safe keeping by the dead kidnapper.

Omoregbe told reporters when paraded yesterday that he was asked to drive his vehicle to Agbor, Delta State.

Isaac’s brother, Oshafi Karimu, said his late brother usually paid money into his account for safe-keeping.

Karimu said he had saved

over N300,000 from his work and that his brother only paid N1.2million into his account.

SSS State Director Bakori Tukur said the agency recovered N2.7million, an Audi car and a cut-to-size barrel gun from the suspects.

Tukur said the command is on the trail of the fleeing members of the gang, including those involved in high profile kidnappings.

Two other suspects–Osas Patrick and Efe Osasebo–who allegedly participated in the kidnapping of Prof Patrick Imoisi, the Dean of Natural

Sciences of the Ambrose Alli University were also paraded.

Also paraded were three boys who allegedly threatened a victim to pay themN1.5million but ended up collecting N50,000.

Chukwuemeka Nzeta, Ugo Adam and Evan Anamahi said they were arrested when Anamahi went to the bank to collect the money.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who was at the SSS headquarters, said 95 per cent of kidnap cases were resolved by the SSS and the Army.

Oshiomhole said over 400 kidnappers had been arrested by the SSS and promised to provide logistics for the agency to combat crimes.

Gunmen kill six in Rivers From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

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WO policemen and four other passengers (two men and two women) of a Toyota car were killed by five unknown gunmen around 11 pm on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Eyewitnesses said the victims were leaving a bar, not knowing that they were being trailed by the gunmen, who opened fire on them. The incident happened on Harbour Road.

It was also learnt that the gunmen did not take any item from the victims.

Police spokesman Ben Ugwuegbulam said a manhunt for the killers was on.

Three dead in tanker accident From Osagie Otabor, Benin

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HREE bodies have been recovered at the Ovia River in Edo State.

They were occupants of a tanker carrying kerosine from Warri, Delta State to Lagos.

It was gathered that the tanker plunged into the river on Friday but rescue operation started on Saturday after a body was sighted floating in the river.

Benin Toll Gate Unit Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Adewale Ameen said the agency was not aware of the incident until the body was seen.

Ameen said a Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) identity card was found on the victim and upon inquiry, they learnt that there were other victims in the river.

The Unit Commander said NUPENG officials informed them about the tanker and the victims.

He said rescue operation started on Saturday and they were able to bring out the engine, chasis of the tanker and the two remaining bodies.

24-hour flights in Akwa Ibom airport From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

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HE Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) yesterday approved 24- hour flight operations for Ibom International Airport, Okobo, Akwa Ibom State.

The Managing Director of NAMA, Nnamdi Udo, said more air control tower personnel would be posted to the state.

Udo said this when he visited Governor Godswill Akpabio at the Government House, Uyo. The Managing Director hailed Akpabio on his developmental strides in the state, especially in the area of aviation.

Udo’s visit also culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state and NAMA for the training of air traffic control cadets in various airports.

Oshiomhole: commissioners coming soon

E •Oshiomhole (right) at the SSS headquarters...yesterday. Inset: the recovered cash.

Court grants Obong’s applications

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T was celebration among supporters of the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, as the Court of Appeal sitting in Calabar granted their application.

Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba and two others granted the Obong’s counsel, Ladi Rotimi Williams (SAN) and Mrs. Nella Andem Rabana (SAN), their requests.

The case was adjourned ttill April 15.

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

The Calabar High Court, presided over by Justice Obojor Ogar, had on January 30, last year, ruled in favour of one of the contestants to the Obong stool, Etubom Anthony Ani. Ani was contesting his disqualification from the first elelction that produced Otu as the Efik monarch.

Williams and Mrs. Rabana filed motions challenging cer-

tain aspects of the ruling of the lower court, which they said ran contrary to the tradition and customs of kingship in Efik land.

But Ani’s counsel Joe Agi (SAN) filed a counter motion, praying that the briefs from the two appeals by the appellants be dismissed for want of prosecution.

When the matter came up at the Appeal Court, the appellants asked for an extension to file their brief, which was granted by the

court.

Justice Garba, after consulting with two other judges, fixed April 15 for hearing on the appeal.

In setting the date, the Appeal Court justices granted the appellants an extension of time to file their briefs.

The court directed that the parties should abide by the judgment after all matters arising from the appeal would have been entertained and judgment delivered.

Edo PDP calls for boycott of council elections

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HE Director of Publicity and Strategy of the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State, Okharedia Ihimekpen, has called for a boycott of the April 20 local government elections.

Speaking in Benin yesterday, Ihimekpen described the elections time-table as a farce.

He denied rumours of infighting within the party, saying Edo PDP remained united under its chairman, Dan Orbih.

“My personal opinion is that all parties should boycott the election because the result has been written.

•ACN: party has lost ground From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

“I’m speaking because I am privy to some information.

“To crown it all, the election itself has already failed, because by the time-table, they were to meet with all political parties, but no party was there, so I urge all political parties to kindly boycott this election.

“The election will not be credible, the election is a farce, the election is a smokescreen.”

But the Action Congress of

Nigeria State Chairman, Thomas Okosun, called on residents to ignore Ihimekpen’s call.

He said: “I do not know about Ihimekpen being PDP’s mouthpiece; I know of Matthew Urhoghide.

“Ihimekpen is entitled to his opinion but what he has said is far from the truth.

“If we believe in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct elections, then our State Independent Electoral Commission

(EDSIEC) should be accorded the same respect.

“Governor Adams Oshiomhole is not EDSIEC; it is independent, just like you cannot say President Goodluck Jonathan is INEC. “I call on those who believe in true democracy and free and fair election to participate.

“PDP has been in the forefront of calls for conduct of local government poll, and now that the time-table is out it is speaking otherwise.

“It shows that PDP is not a serious party in Edo State.”

DO State will get new commissioners next month, Governor Adams Oshiomhole said yesterday.

He spoke at a dinner organised for former commissioners and political appointees at the Government House, Benin City.

According to the governor, the list will be submitted to the House of Assembly when lawmakers resume on January 28.

Thanking members of the defunct cabinet, Oshiomhole said the change in the state was due to their advice and contributions.

“My commissioners and advisers were the least paid in the country because we tried to save money and they did not get full salary for November when they were relieved of their appointments.

“I hereby overrule that decision and direct that November salary be paid to all concerned,” he said.

The former Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Simon Imuekheme said things are moving well in the state because there is a right governor at the helm of affairs.

Teen convicted for ‘stealing’ From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

A

N Elimgbu Chief Magistrate’s Court in Obio /Akpor Local Government of Rivers State has convicted an 18year old boy for ‘stealing’ a tricycle, belonging to Samuel Igbokwe.

The accused pleaded guilty to the one-count charge of stealing and was found guilty by Magistrate Amobi Davidson.

The magistrate, however, did not sentence him immediately but deferred his sentencing to a later date.

He was remanded in the federal prison, Port Harcourt.

The prosecutor, Sgt Malvin Isikaku, told the court that the accused stole the tricycle, marked UJ 242 JRV, last Friday, from where it was parked at the owner’s residence at Elimgbu.

Speaker’s mum’s kidnap condemned

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HE Bayelsa State Government has condemned the kidnap of the mother of the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Kombowei Benson.

Madam Betinah Benson was kidnapped on Monday at Korokorosei, Southern Ijaw Local Government.

The government, in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said prompt action will be taken to arrest the perpetrators.

The statement reads: “The Bayelsa State Government wishes to warn criminals to stay away from the state.

“We have said repeatedly that our government will deal with criminals and it is clear to all that we mean business.

“The kidnap of the Speaker’s mother is most condemnable.

Not only will the kidnappers be arrested, their kind with such criminal tendencies will be smoked out of the state.”

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

FOREIGN NEWS India, Pakistan agree on de-escalation INDIA and Pakistan have agreed to “de-escalate” military tensions in Kashmir after a spate of deadly shootings in the disputed territory, officials say.

Their chiefs of operations along the Line of Control reached the agreement in a 10-minute phone call yesterday.

Pakistan’s military earlier accused the Indian army of killing one of its soldiers with “unprovoked firing” in the territory.

Tensions have risen, following deadly exchanges along the border last week.

The Pakistani army’s director of military operations had agreed the de-escalation after calling his Indian counterpart to “protest strongly” a “ceasefire violation” by Indian soldiers that killed a Pakistani soldier along the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday night.

India has denied the allegation, which comes after separate incidents last week, in which two Indian soldiers and two Pakistani soldiers died.

The Pakistani commander said strict orders had been passed to troops on the LoC to observe a ceasefire that has been in place since 2003, a spokesman for the Indian army, Col Jagdeep Dahiya, told the BBC. The violence has plunged the neighbours into the worst crisis in relations since the Mumbai attacks of 2008, which were blamed on militants based in Pakistan.

Both sides deny provoking the clashes, which have prompted fears a fledgling peace process under way since February last year looks like it could unravel, says the BBC’s Sanjoy Majumder in Delhi.

Two killed in London helicopter crash

Taylor asks for pension

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WO people were killed and 12 were hurt when a helicopter crashed into a crane on a building in central London.

The helicopter hit the crane on top of The Tower, One St George Wharf beside the Thames at about 08:00 GMT. Cars and two buildings caught fire after the burning wreckage fell into Wandsworth Road in South Lambeth. Eighty firefighters tackled the blaze.

The pilot, Capt Pete Barnes from charter firm Rotormotion, was killed, along with a person on the ground.

Barnes, 50 and who lived near Reading, Berkshire, had asked to be diverted to a near-

by heliport because of bad weather.

Metropolitan Police Commander Neil Basu told BBC News it was “miraculous” the crash was not much worse.

Five people were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Seven people were treated at the scene.

It is thought some of the injured were hit by falling debris.

The Civil Aviation Authority said a warning about the crane involved in the crash had been issued to pilots in October and again on January 7.

Part of the crane was left hanging from the side of the

residential building, which is still under construction.

A spokeswoman for Berkeley Homes, the company behind the St George Wharf development, said she would not speculate if a light on the crane, which is meant to be on 24 hours to alert pilots, was on at time of the crash.

Residents have raised complaints about it not being lit.

London Fire Brigade said part of the tail section of the helicopter landed on roof of the building and the main section landed in Wandsworth Road, hitting two cars.

The fire from the helicopter ignited two buildings.

Jon Horne, chief executive

of Redhill Aerodrome Ventures, said the helicopter had left Redhill in Surrey at 07:35 on a scheduled flight to Elstree in Hertfordshire.

He said it was an Agusta 109, a lightweight, twin-engine helicopter, and that just the pilot was on board when it departed Redhill.

Horne said: “We believe it was unable to land in Elstree and was diverting to an alternate location. The next information we had was following the crash in south London.”

Barnes is understood to have piloted helicopters in action scenes for films Die Another Day, Tomb Raider II and Saving Private Ryan.

Obama unveils new gun control plans

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NITED States President Barack Obama has unveiled a raft of sweeping gun control proposals, setting the stage for a showdown with firearms rights advocates.

Obama called for a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines and wider background checks on gun buyers.

The Democratic president also signed 23 executive actions, which do not require congressional approval.

A month after last month’s school massacre in Connecticut, he said gun-control reforms could wait no longer.

He unveiled the proposals at the White House on Wednesday, flanked by children who wrote him letters after December’s Newtown shooting, which left 20 children and six teachers dead.

Obama said: “If there’s even one thing we can do to reduce this violence, if there’s even one life that can be saved, then

we’ve got an obligation to try.”

He urged Congress: •To reintroduce an expired ban on “military-style” assault weapons, such as those used in several recent mass shootings •Limit ammunition magazines to 10 rounds •Introduce background checks on all gun sales; currently private sales and some sales at gun shows, constituting about 40% of the national

total, are exempt •Pass a ban on possession and sale of armour-piercing bullets •Introduce harsher penalties for gun-traffickers, especially unlicensed dealers who buy arms for criminals •Finally approve the appointment of the head of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Obama also signed 23 unilateral orders, including an

•Obama

end to a ban on gun-violence research by a prominent federal agency, as well as a measure promoting responsible gun ownership.

IBERIA’S jailed ex-President and war criminal Charles Taylor appears to have written to MPs demanding an annual state pension of $25,000 (£15,600).

Liberian Senate Secretary Nanborloh Singbeh said the letter would be discussed by MPs next week.

The letter purportedly from Taylor says the withholding of his presidential pension is a “mammoth injustice”.

Last May, a UN-backed court sentenced him to 50 years in prison on 11 counts of war crimes.

He became the first former head of state to be convicted on such charges by an international court since the Nuremburg trials of Nazis after World War II. Taylor, who is in jail at The Hague, is appealing against the judgement by the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone.

It ruled that as Liberia’s president, he aided and abetted Sierra Leone’s rebels during the 1991-2002 civil war.

The BBC’s Jonathan PayeLayleh reports from the capital, Monrovia, that the signature on the letter very much looks like that of Taylor.

However, the letter contains some simple spelling errors, such as “principal” for principle, “cease” for seize and “giving” for given, he says.

Algerian militants hold expatriates

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WO foreign nationals, one of them British, have been killed and more taken hostage in an attack by Islamist militants on a gas facility in Algeria.

An al-Qaeda-linked group claims it is holding 41 foreigners, including US, French, British and Japanese citizens at the facility near In Amenas.

It says the attack is to avenge Algeria’s support of France’s operation against al-Qaidalinked rebels in Mali.

The group says hostages will be freed if France ends its operations in Mali.

Algeria’s state-run APS news agency said Algerian workers at the facility had been released.

The In Amenas gas field is operated by the Algerian state oil company, Sonatrach, along with the British oil company BP and Norway’s Statoil. It is about 1,300km (800 miles) south-east of the capital, Algiers, and about 60km west of the Libyan border.

The Algerian interior min-

istry said a heavily-armed “terrorist group” using three vehicles had attacked the bus carrying workers from the In Amenas gas field at about 05:00 (04:00 GMT).

The attack was initially repelled before the gunmen headed to the complex’s living quarters and took a number of hostages.

Your Sexual Health & You: Novelty Tips, Questions & Answers

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ello everybody and welcome. I want to begin today’s column by talking about the fear of infidelity. I recently got a letter from a woman who doesn’t want her husband to travel for one year to do his Master’s degree programme overseas because she is convinced that he will cheat on her. Now she has a point. Her husband could travel and cheat. But here is the thing about trust and cheating. Except you are with a confirmed cheater, you should not live your whole life in fear. Such fears affect your quality of life, your peace of mind and your emotional well-being. Instead of being scared, be positive, pray and do your best to satisfy your partner. That’s all anybody can do. This reminds me of those of us who habitually go through our partner’s phones and computers in search of evidence of cheating. While we may actually find the evidence we are looking for, we also risk becoming paranoid people who suspect everybody and everything.

That’s no way to live a happy life.

Anybody can be cheated on. Nobody is safe. But until that happens, we must do our best to trust that things will work out between us and our partners. This might sound naïve and even foolish but ignorance is bliss. Believe me; you don’t want to know everything your partner has been up to. It will just drive you crazy. Let us now answer more questions from readers.

Hello Uche. My name is Samuel and I am 59 years old. Six years ago, I lost my wife. I just remarried last year. I am writing you because I have low sex drive. When I was younger, I wanted sex all the time. At my age now, I am okay with having sex once every few weeks. The problem now is that my new wife is just 36 and I worry that I may not satisfy her. I need something – Samuel Dear Samuel, it is normal for sex drive to diminish as adults get older. I recommend you take Max Intense Testosterone Booster.

It is a supplement for men that boosts sex drive by increasing the testosterone levels in the body. It is all natural and has no

stimulants. I also suggest buying your wife a vibrator. The truth is that within a few years, intimacy will become even more difficult for you. So to ensure that your wife does not start looking outside for sex, get her a vibrator and an orgasm gel. Euphoria Blue Dolphin vibrator is very good and so is Orgasmix gel – Uche Good day sir. Since November last year, I have been using the Max Width instant penis enlarger and I am very happy so far. Now I want a more permanent enlargement. Can I combine Max Width with Max Size enlarger? Charles Yes you can Charles. Max Width is a cream while Max size is a capsule. You can also combine your Max Width cream with a penis pump for more permanent results – Uche Dear sir, my penis will stand if I am with my girl but during sex, it will come down. It has not happened before. I need advice on what to do – Olusegun Dear Segun, if you have only had this problem once, then do not panic yet. Men lose their erections sometimes when they have taken alcohol or when they are mentally distracted. But if it continues to happen, then go and see a doctor. Supplements such as Xzen 1200 and Sex Voltz can help you recover full erections but I still suggest you see your doctor as well just to find out the cause of the problem – Uche I had a good time over the festive period with some of your products.

My personal favourite is the Love Stuff All Night Delay Cream for stopping premature ejaculation. Good job guys – Frank You are all welcome. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can reach us on 08191978308 or 08027901621 to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. Zee Virtual Media delivers to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com. Happy holidays - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

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NEWS House halts NNPC’s $1.5b loan proposal Continued from page 2

turbed not because he was the speaker, but because members had worked hard to build the reputation of the House.

“We need to be truly committed to do those things that have earned us confidence before Nigerians. I urge us to ignore the publication and take it as one of those things,’’ he said.

He said that the House as an institution would continue to work for the welfare of Nigerians.

The House also mandated some committees to critically investigate the alleged discriminatory policies against women in the public service.

The committees are Women Affairs, Labour, Employment and Productivity and Judiciary.

They are expected to report to the House within three weeks.

The resolution followed a motion by Yusuf Tajudeen (PDPKogi), which was unanimously adopted without debate when put to vote by the Speaker.

The motion is entitled: “Discriminatory Policies Against Women in the Public Service”.

Tajudeen noted that Section 17(2) of the 1999 Constitution of

the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) states that every citizen shall have equality of rights, obligations, as well as opportunities before the law.

He said Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) also states that “No Nigerian citizen shall be discriminated against because of a particular sex, religion or ethnic group’’.

He said that Section 42 also guaranteed the right to private and family life.

“Article 18(3) of the African Charter on the People’s Human Rights, which Nigeria is a signatory, to frowns at discriminatory practices on grounds of sex.”

The legislator said that some ministries, departments and agencies of government (MDAs) regulated how women personnel could get married. This, he said, infringed on their individual rights.

He expressed concern that single women in some paramilitary services were not allowed to marry within their places of work.

“Female employees are technically barred from marriage within a time-frame in other public organizations,’’ Tajudeen

said.

In another motion, the House urged committees on Environment and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to investigate the devastating gully erosion threatening to cut off some communities in Obowo and Ehime-Mbano, Imo State.

The motion was sponsored by Chudi Uwazurike (PDP-Imo).

Tambuwal said the House would continue to adopt more practical approaches to fight corruption by carrying out effective oversight functions.

“In this regard, we shall continue to adopt a pragmatic and functional approach to ensure that the war against corruption is removed from the realm of rhetorics.

“This will be achieved by exercising absolute diligence in our oversight functions so as to enhance transparency and accountability.

“We are convinced more than ever before that a situation where majority of the citizens continue to live in abject poverty while an insignificant minority corner the commonwealth is not only unjust but unacceptable, ‘’ he said.

ACN, CPC to merge in June, says Buhari Continued from page 2

sign a declaration of intent to fuse their parties into one.

“After signing the declaration, it should not take more than another six weeks for the parties to pursue the matter within their own constitutional context to ensure that the issue is legitimated through the proper procedures and progresses of its own organs. It is not impossible that the new party is pre-

sented to Nigeria by the middle of this year.”

Gen. Buhari vowed that the proposed party would begin to plan the creation of a new security architecture for the country and, possibly, for the entire sub-region and the restoration “of traditional intelligent gathering techniques to shore up a police force that has so obviously failed.

“We do not have money and

we are shunned by most of those who do. We do not have a police force and our supporters are victims of those who do. We do not have the government on our side and we are always short changed by it as it misapplies its federal might not to conduct credible elections, but to rig us out of our mandate. The ones we have on our side are God and the people and those are sufficient for us,” Buhari added.

Jonathan nominates Nebo, Turaki as ministers From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

•Nebo

•Turaki

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday urged the Senate to approve the nomination of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (from Kebbi State) and Prof Chinedu Nebo (from Enugu State) as ministers Although he did not specify the portfolios of the nominees, the ministries of Defence and Power have no ministers since the exit of Alhaji Mohammed Haliru Bello and Prof. Barth Nnaji.

Bello, former as Defence minister hails from Kebbi while Nnaji, who headed the power ministry is from Enugu.

Senate President David Mark informed senators of the request when he read the correspondence from the President to senators.

Turaki, 52, is a lawyer a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). The Masanin Gwandu was the chairman of the Northen Union, a political pressuire group promoted by the late Dr. Olusola Saraki.

Nebo is the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti – one of the newly established universities.

He was Vice Chancellor of University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka.

Jonathan also requested for a convenient date to brief the lawmakers on the proposed programme for the centenary celebrations and to get their in-

put.

In another letter, Dr. Jonathan said: “The purpose of this letter is to request for a convenient date for the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to receive a full briefing on the proposed programme for the Centenary Celebrations, so that your input will also be accommodated in the framework.”

In separate letters, the President forwarded the name of Alhaji Suleiman Barau for reappointment as a Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and also sought the consideration and passage of N253,199,752,409 as the 2013 statutory budget for the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT).

He added that the FCT budget was made up of a capital expenditure of N155,660,399,641.00, personnel cost of N48,034,818,410 and overhead cost of N49,504,534,358.00.

Confusion in PDP over Oyinlola Continued from page 2

lars of error in the judgment of Justice Abdu-Kafarati, the National Legal Adviser said Oyinlola was not a candidate of the South-West Zonal Chapter of the party.

He said Oyinlola was elected at the National Convention of the party.

He added: “The Office of National Secretary of the PDP in the 2012 National Convention was zoned to members of the party from the Southwest geopolitical zone of the coun-

try and not the South-West Zonal Chapter of the appellant (the PDP).

“Oyinlola hails from the South-West geopolitical zone of the country to which the position of the National Secretary of the PDP was zoned “Oyinlola contested and won election for the Office of National Secretary of the PDP at the 2012 National Convention in his own right and not a nominee or candidate of the South-West Zonal Chapter of PDP.

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“Other members of PDP from the Southwest geopolitical zone of the country also contested for the Office of National Secretary of PDP alongside Oyinlola notwithstanding the South-West Zonal Congress of PDP held on 21st March 2012.

“The nullified South-West Zonal Congress of PDP held on 21st March 2012 did not nominate, present or otherwise endorse Oyinlola as candidate for the Office of National Secretary of PDP.”

17-01-2013

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TODAY IN THE NATION

‘‘If there is any government might, this is the time to show it in order to stop the Arepo vandals in their tracks before it is too late’’ THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2012

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

COMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

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IFE is being made increasingly difficult for President Jonathan and his administration by his critics, including some leading members of his own party. Some of them are in open rebellion against him. There is also growing public impatience, discontent, and disillusionment with his PDP government. Last week, “The Patriots”, an old and normally sedate pressure group of some prominent public figures, drawn from all sections of the country, joined others in criticising the government. It issued a press statement attacking President Jonathan for what it claimed was the drift and lack of direction in the nation. The group, which includes Professor Ben Nwabueze, Chief Philip Asiodu, General Alani Akinrinade, and Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the veteran Afenifere leader, among others, made the following specific demands on the Jonathan PDP government; •the convocation of a National Conference to review the Constitution •the reconstruction of the government and the appointment into the federal cabinet of a selfless, patriotic, and energetic team •an end to the huge and outrageous remuneration of holders of public offices •the reduction of government agencies and cost of governance •a more vigorous fight against public corruption through the punishment of those found guilty of it, and •improved public safety and security These demands by “The Patriots” are not new. They reflect the massive discontent in the nation over the perceived failure, or inability, of the Jonathan PDP Federal Government to tackle these long standing national problems.

To be fair, President Jonathan actually inherited some of these problems from his predecessors. Some of his critics did not do any better when they were in office. But he has failed to tackle them effectively. There is a palpable sense of fear and resignation that the nation is heading to the precipice unless the government acts swiftly and with greater determination to tackle the myriad of problems facing the country. Despite his best efforts, President Jonathan appears overwhelmed by these national problems which have lingered for far too long. Of these, the present threat to public order and safety by Boko Haram and the mass unemployment remain the major sources of public concern in the nation. Fuelled by rising oil revenue, the economy has recorded an impressive average annual growth rate of 7% since last year.

But the vast majority of the people remain poor. Some will say they are even poorer today than ever before. The impressive economic growth has not translated into a better life for the people. That is the primary purpose of an elected democratic government.

The bulk of the nation’s wealth remains in private hands, while the majority of the people wallow in abject poverty. In the circum-

DAPO FAFOWORA

FROM THE SUMMIT dapo.fafowora@thenationonlineng.net

Jonathan in the hot seat

•Dr. Jonathan

stances, criticism of the PDP government for its failure to govern effectively is right and legitimate.

The timing of the criticism by “The Patriots” is not without some significance. Right now, the PDP Jonathan government, through its seeming inaction, is highly vulnerable to political barbs. The party leaders are badly divided. Instead of facing the nation’s problems squarely, they have continued with their unrestrained political bickering. The party now has very little electoral appeal. The political situation in the nation remains tense and disturbing. The nation is in ferment as the politicians begin to jockey for positions in anticipation of the Presidential elections in 2015. Though the elections are three years away, the politicians are already on the hustings and have abandoned all pretence of governing. Most of the nation’s problems are increasingly being swept under the carpet, left by the government unattended to. The deepening crisis in the PDP, the ruling party, has made the situation worse. It is as if no one is in charge of the nation now, as the President is deeply involved in the political horse trading now taking place in the PDP. President Jonathan will, undoubtedly, seek his party’s nomination for the 2015

RIPPLES NO ILLEGAL BUNKERER HAS BEEN PROSECUTED- Naval Commander

Yes, that’s NIGERIA...OUR BELOVED COUNTRY

VOL.8, NO.2,374

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan is allowed to grade his priorities as the first citizen of Nigeria. But that priority, while being his prerogative, gives the Nigerian public an insight into how he weighs matters and opportunity to assess how they rank in the hierarchy for the man who steers the affairs of state.

Barely two weeks into the new year, it seems the priority of this president does not chime in with the values that we should hold dear as a country. On the same day, when the President should have appeared with the police to launch code of conduct outlines for the men who defend the civil society against the worst ravages of immorality, President Jonathan decided to look elsewhere. On January 10, he was not there to lend presidential weight to the code of conduct meeting.

Rather he thought his presence in a political meeting was superior in urgency to that of the code of conduct. He weighed politics over values. So he sent Vice President Namadi Sambo to the police scene while he, the President, paddled

‘The deepening crisis in the PDP, the ruling party, has made the situation worse. It is as if no one is in charge of the nation now, as the President is deeply involved in the political horse trading now taking place in the PDP’ presidential elections. It is this quest by him that is directly responsible for the crisis in the party. But it is by no means certain that he will get it. There is a lot of opposition from Northern political leaders who want power to revert to the North. Political alignments and alliances change very swiftly in Nigeria. Tribal politics has again taken the centre stage in Nigeria’s politics. President Jonathan cannot even count on the support of his political mentor, former President Obasanjo, with whom he has fallen out politically. President Obasanjo has recently been one of his worst critics. Under the control of the ACN, the Southwest is playing its cards very close to its chest. It wants to be part of a grand political alliance that can stop the PDP and President Jonathan from winning the 2015 elections. But this remains a major challenge. The party has leant from its previous experience that some of its possible political allies cannot be trusted and lack credibility. For the party, the options are really limited. At best, it can only play a second fiddle if it enters into an alliance with the other opposition parties which, on their own, cannot win any federal elections. The party is on the horns of a dilemma.

In many respects, ‘The Patriots” have hit the nail right on the head with their stinging criticism of the Jonathan PDP Federal Gov-

LAWAL OGIENAGBON

ernment. But to be blunt, some of them have, in the past, been in government before, and have been a source of some of the problems now confronting the nation. One of them helped the Abacha military dictatorship to draft and impose the draconian military decrees under which the nation was ill governed for long. When in office, many of them contributed to the public corruption they now decry. But this should not detract from the quality of their demands, nor be held against them in present circumstances as they articulate the voice of the people.

However, the call of “The Patriots” for a national conference to review the Constitution is questionable and possibly impractical.

Neither the Executive nor the National Assembly is favourably disposed to the idea. Their support for such a Conference is vital if it is to succeed. There is a parallel exercise now going on in the National Assembly. But there is no consensus there on what amendments are deemed desirable, or necessary. There is squabbling in the Legislature over the creation of more states and state police. And re-writing the Constitution, a mere legal framework, will not necessarily solve our problems.

Since the 1959 Independence Constitution, we have had several major reviews of the Constitution. We have moved from the Westminster model to the White House model without being able to solve our national problems. As Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos rightly observed in his recent interview in The Nation, it is not a new Constitution that will solve our national problems of insecurity, increasing poverty, public corruption, poor infrastructure and ineffective governments at all levels in Nigeria. In 2005, President Obasanjo called a National Political Reform Conference, in which I participated, to work out a new Constitution for the nation. Some of the recommendations of the Conference were quite useful, but they were never seriously considered by the National Assembly. That Conference cost the nation billions of naira. But President Obasanjo called it off when he did not get his way on the third term issue. In any case, the Conference hit a brick wall on the issue of a review of the formula for the sharing of the national revenue from oil. Another conference will almost certainly fail over this contentious issue.

If we must have a national conference, then it should be sponsored and financed by those calling for it, and not by the government. It will be another political jamboree. We should not continue to waste our meagre national financial resources on Conferences that are unlikely to solve our problem What the nation needs is good and effective government under a disciplined and committed leadership, not endless political conferences that will not get us anywhere.

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HARDBALL

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Jonathan’s code of conduct

What the code of conduct means is large and far-reaching. It is about professionalism in the police, and how the men and women in uniform can act in accordance to the highest esteem of its citizens in morality. It also means tackling Boko Haram that has intimidated President Jonathan from celebrating national days in the open. He coils inside Aso Rock to do his salutes and pop champagne.

Obviously, Jonathan’s code of conduct is to pooh-pooh code of conduct. It means this is a president who conducts himself without respect to the standards of the highest codes.

If at this stage he places so important a matter below the heres and nows of development, we can say that Jonathan’s priority for 2013 is not governance but politics. That is his code of conduct for this year, and if this is true, it will be tragic. It means as a nation, we have lost 2013 even before it began. Instead of fixing power, he will fix political power. Instead of roads, he will pursue his way ahead of his governors to win the ticket. Instead of people’s welfare, he will empower his acolytes. Welcome, 2013.

away on the murky shoal of politics where his future – meaning 2015 – was putatively at stake.

It is all right for the President to attend a political meeting. That is the mother’s milk of all governance. He has to take care of politics, and to ignore it is to be pharisaic about his interests. But this is January 2013, and the Adamawa crisis, though serious and potentially seismic, cannot be more serious than the moral health and security challenges of Nigeria today. As a writer once said, a statesman thinks of the future stakes, but a politician is obsessed with the insular interest of now.

That was what Jonathan did. He did not only abandon the police meeting, he also flew to Lagos to receive Ndigbo leaders.

Clearly he is playing politics at the expense of governance.

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