January 22, 2015 by The Nation

NIGERIA DECIDES

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MORE ON •NCC stops APC’s plan to raise funds on GSM platform •AND PAGES 2-4,5,7, •Knocks for Fayose, Mbaka•INEC to use 750, 000 ad-hoc staff 46,47&60 •Jonathan in Kano •Buhari in Katsina•‘Why Itsekiri chose APC’ •Kwara: Ahmed dares opponent•PDP, APC decry attack on Jonathan •Those who’ll shape presidential election•Kumuyi advises Nigerians

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TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

VOL. 10, NO. 3103 THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

Shekau claims Baga massacre in video •Cameroon army rescues German hostage

OKO Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has claimed responsibility for the mass killings in Baga and threatened more violence. As many as 2,000 civilians were allegedly killed and 3,700 homes and businesses destroyed in the January 3 attack on the town near Nigeria’s border with Cameroon, said Amnesty International.

But the Military said 150 people were killed. Shekau took the responsibility for the killings in a video posted on YouTube yesterday, the same day International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said she was examining the allegations of mass killings and will prosecute those most responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Nigeria. “We are the ones who fought

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the people of Baga, and we have killed them with such a killing as He (Allah) commanded us in his book,” Shekau says, according to a translation from Arabic provided by SITE Intelligence Group. The video shows weapons supposedly captured from a key military base at Baga. “This is just the beginning of the killings. What you’ve just Continued on page 2

N150.00

Bird flu hits more states •Ogun, Delta, Rivers, Edo, Plateau, Lagos, Kano affected From Yomi Odunuga, Frank Ikpefan, Abuja, Miriam Ekene-Okoro, Lagos and Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

WILL THE CHIBOK GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15 EVER RETURN?

IVE more states have got the H5N1 virus bird flu, the Federal Government said yesterday. Lagos and Kano announced the outbreak last week. The states are: Ogun, Delta, Rivers, Edo and Plateau. The government said over140,000 birds were affected in Ogun, Delta and Cross River. It, however, promised that the disease has not become an epidemic as everything is being done to curtail its spread. Continued on page 2

•INSIDE: ‘N558B PENSION FUNDS INVESTED’ P11 NIGERIA MAY LOSE HQTRS OF MARITIME BANK P11

College tenders Buhari’s School Certificate results examination number was 8200002 and I ‘My passed the examination in the Second Division. Although the ruling party may want to wish this away, the issue in this campaign may not be my certificate, which I obtained 52 years ago; the issues are the scandalous level of unemployment of millions of our people, the state of insecurity, the pervasive official corruption which has impoverished our people...

’ APC candidate accuses PDP of dodging issues T

HOSE pushing for Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s disqualification from the February 14 election have lost their battle. The Government College, Katsina, the secondary school which the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate attended, released his West African School Certificate results. The release of the results in the 1961 exams came a day after the

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

Army claimed it did not have a copy of it in its record. Gen. Buhari told a news conference in Kano, also yesterday, that he had “formally requested” the school (the former Provincial Secondary School, Katsina) to release its copy of the results of the Cambridge/West African School Certificate. Army spokesman Brig.-General Olajide Laleye said on Tuesday that

“neither the original copy, certified true copy, nor statement of result is in Gen. Buhari’s personal file with the Army”. That claim was faulted by the APC. Gen. Buhari expressed “surprise” at the Army’s claim. The results (see copy on page 2) confirm Gen. Buhari’s claim that he undertook the University of Cambridge West African School Certificate Examinations and obtained five credits in English Language, Geogra-

•Gen. Buhari

PDP makes fresh allegation phy, Hausa Language, History and Health Science. The Nation got the results’ photocopy, a statement of result, signed by the principal, dated January 21, 2015 and a photograph of Gen. Buhari and his classmates, including the late Gen. Shehu Yar’Adua. The results show that Gen. Buhari had a pass in Literature in English. The examination centre number is 8280. Gen. Buhari’s candidate number is 002.

The statement of results is printed on the letter head of the Katsina State Ministry of Education. It shows that the examination took place in 1961. The Cambridge print out also shows the result of 17 other candidates at the centre, including the late Gen. Yar’Adua, a one-time Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters. Yesterday in Kano, Gen. Buhari Continued on page 2

•INDUSTRY P16 •SPORTS P23 •EDUCATION P25 •N/HEALTH P44 •POLITICS P46•E-BUSINESS P51

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

NEWS Buhari urges home state to vote him

College tenders Buhari’s School Certificate results Continued from page 1

spoke on the row over his certificate, describing it as sheer mischief orchestrated by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Gen. Buhari told reporters at the Kano State Government House that he initially presumed that the certificate was with the Army, until the military high command said otherwise. Gen. Buhari, however, urged the PDP and President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign team to give priority to issues, such as insecurity, official corruption, poverty and unemployment, instead of mischief and name-calling. Gen. Buhari said: “I only will read the statement and I will encourage you and advise you to do what you know best. I consented to address you this morning because of the general concern of my many supporters and well-meaning Nigerians that the issue be addressed. Otherwise, I would have I have dismissed it for what it is—a sheer mischief, and will not have considered it an issue. “ I assumed all along, all my records were in the custody of the Military Secretary of the Nigerian Army, a position I have been privileged to occupy myself; much to my surprise, we are now told that although, a record of the result is available, there are no copies of the certificate in my personal file. This is why I formally requested my old school— the Provincial Secondary School, Katsina, which is now known as Government College, Katsina, to make available the school copy of the result of the Cambridge West African School Certificate. This will be made available to the Press the moment this is available. “However, let me say for the record that I attended Provin-

•Ge. Buhari (third right seated) the late Gen. Shehu Yar’Adua (second right seated) and their classmates and teachers at the Katsina Provincial Secondary School (now Government College, Katsina) in 1961. PHOTO TAKEN BY ABAYOMI FAYESE AT THE YAR’ADUA CENTRE IN ABUJA...YESTERDAY

cial Secondary School, Kaduna. I graduated in 1961, with many prominent Nigerians, including Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, former Chief of Staff in the Supreme Headquarters; and Justice Umar Abdullahi, former President of the Court of Appeal. We sat for the University of Cambridge WASCE examination together in 1961, the year we graduated. “My examination number was 8200002 and I passed the examination in the Second Division; and although the ruling party may want to wish this away, the issue in this campaign may not be my certificate which I obtained 52 years ago—the issues are the scandalous level of unemployment of millions of our people, the state of the insecurity, the pervasive official corruption which has improverished our people and the lack of concern of the government to do anything other than deification of power with all cost.” A national leader of the APC, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, explained yesterday why the party cleared Gen. Buhari to run. It said the constitution and the Electoral Act stipulate that

anybody contesting the presidential election must be a Nigerian by birth, must be 40 years of age, must be a member of a political party that must sponsor him for the election and have at least, a secondary school certificate or its equivalent. Onu, who headed the APC screening committee, said: “Really, that issue should not create the type of problem we are seeing in the polity. This matter came before us in the Presidential Screening Committee and we had to rely on the constitution of the country. “We have a man who had attended military schools in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, in India and in the United States of America and in America, he attended the the United States Army War College. So, there isn’t any reason to create this type of problem we now have in the polity. “All these are in his file, and so, I really don’t see why we should be thinking in this direction because the problems before the nation are enormous. We should be looking at how to solve the problem of insecurity in a country that is Continued on page 60

Bird flu hits more states Continued from page 1

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Dr. Akinwumi Adesina yesterday said in Abuja that although the reported cases were due to H5N1, the biotype was not immediately discovered. Adesina said: “We are not in a state of any epidemic. Seven states have so far reported cases of the bird flu: Kano, Lagos, Ogun, Delta and Rivers, Edo and Plateau states. The most affected state has been Kano, where the initial case of the bird

flu was found.” In all of these states, different levels of interventions, including depopulation, decontamination and quarantine, are currently ongoing.” The minister said that 140, 390 birds had been associated with bird flu exposures, with 22,173 (15%) mortality recorded so far. He also said about 103,445 birds have reportedly been exposed to the infection in Kano State, with 15,963 (15%) mortality reported. 31,195 and 3,347

(11%) mortality has been reported in Lagos state. According to Adesina, 15 commercial farms and nine live bird markets have been affected in the five states. He said that he has directed a nation-wide comprehensive surveillance, quarantine, depopulation and decontamination of all affected poultry farms and areas in other to curtail the spread. “I can assure you that Nigeria is managing the recent outbreak with strong determina-

LL Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari took his campaign to his Katsina home state yesterday. A huge crowd welcomed the APC train with Party Chairman Chief John Odigie – Oyegun and national leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu among others. Governorship candidate Aminu Bello Masari was also at the rally. The rally was held at the Filin Polo ground where Buhari said if elected, he would focus on tackling corruption, revamping the health sector and addressing insecurity. He urged his supporters to ensure their votes count He also promised to diversify the economy with emphasis on solid minerals and agriculture. He said if these sectors are properly harnessed, there will be employment opportunities. Tinubu faulted the involvement of the army by Jonathan is an attempt to discredit Gen. Buhari. "Whether Buhari has certificate or not, it is him we are going to vote. Please Jonathan should not drag the army into this except if they are Jonathan's army" he said According to him, the Nigerian army recruited and promoted Gen Buhari to all ranks without a certificate wondering why the sudden issue around his certificate. Oyegun urged Nigerians to ensure that their votes count, saying Katsina should vote for APC candidates from top to the bottom He insisted that the issues at stake were not about Buhari but the move to salvage the country from the grip of those destroying it. He said Nigerians had made up their minds to vote for General Buhari

INEC to use 750, 000 ad-hoc staff tion, purposefulness and aggressiveness. “We have put in place a number of measures to contain the recent outbreak, namely: Quarantine of infected premises and restriction of movement of poultry and poultry products into and out of areas around infected premises. “The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is spearheading a rapid response system in close colContinued on page 60

HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it would require no fewer than 750, 000 ad hoc staff to conduct the general elections. Mr Kayode Idowu, Chief Press Secretary to Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja. Idowu said the commission was rounding off the recruitment of the ad hoc staff nationwide.

“Getting that number is not an easy task, but the recruitment is nearly concluded, except in isolated places where we still need to make up with the number.’’ He said applications for the recruitment were conducted via online, adding that the commission also recruited former members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who had ‘’excellent and credible records’’ in previous elections. He explained that the resort Continued on page 60

Boko Haram leader Shekau claims Baga massacre in video Cameroon military frees German in Boko Haram custody

Continued from page 1

witnessed is a tip of the iceberg. More deaths are coming,” said Shekau in the Hausa. “This will mark the end of politics and democracy in Nigeria,” he warned. The country has slated general elections for February 14 and 28. The attack on Baga has sparked international outrage not seen since Boko Haram kidnapped nearly 300 girls from Chibok Girls Secondary school in Borno State in April last year. In Niger Republic, regional foreign ministers yesterday were negotiating how to establish a multinational force to

HE Cameroon military has freed captured German national Nitsch Eberhard Robert from Boko Haram custody. Robert, a teacher, was captured last July in Nigeria but is now safely in Yaoundé, the country’s capital, according to Germany’s foreign ministry spokesman Martin Schaefe The presidency of the Republic of

fight the extremists. Shekau taunts them in the video, saying “I’m ready” for any attacks. Baga was headquarters for a multinational force but Chad and Niger abruptly withdrew

Cameroon in a statement yesterday said: ”a special operation led by Cameroonian armed forces along with security services of friendly nations succeeded” in freeing Robert. Boko Haram kidnapped Eberhard in Nigeria in July, Cameroon President Paul Biya said. He did not detail how, when or where the rescue operation took place. “A special operation of Cameroonian

their troops without explanation and only Nigerians were there when Boko Haram struck, according to Nigeria’s military chief Air Chief Marshal Alex Barde. Yesterday, the African

armed forces and security services of friendly countries” freed the man, he said. Eberhard told journalists he was glad to be alive. “I am happy to see all these people around me, who have rescued me and made sure that I survived, because until the last minute, I did not know whether

Union said defeatin, “dastardly” Boko Haram insurgents requires support from across the continent. African Union chief Mrs Nkosazana DlaminiZuma urged increased backing for Nigeria and affected

Continued on page 60

neighbouring countries. “Boko Haram is a threat not only to Nigeria and the region, but also to the continent as a whole,she said in a statement. “The situation calls for renewed collective African ef-

forts,” she added, issuing a “strong condemnation of the cowardly and dastardly attacks carried out by Boko Haram”. The comments followed a regional summit that opened in Niger on Tuesday to stop the militants, whose insurgency has left 13 000 dead and forced 1.5 million from their homes since 2009. Regional leaders will meet again on the sidelines of the AU summit at the end of month “to urge for enhanced international support”, Mrs Dlamini-Zuma added. Chad sent a convoy of troops and 400 military vehicles on Saturday into neighbouring Cameroon to fight Boko Haram.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

NEWS

NIGERIA DECIDES

Those who’ll •From left: Director, Voter Education, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Osaze Uzzi, Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri and the Director, Admin & Human Resources of the agency, Mr. Ado Solomon at the Capacity Training for NOA staff on the forthcoming general elections in Abuja...yesterday.

•President Jonathan

HEY are men of influence. They account for the political actions of majority of the electorate in various parts of the country. When they sneeze, their supporters catch cold. When they are upbeat, all is agog. In next month’s presidential election, all eyes are on them as analysts make attempts to predict who would wear the crown. In the two major political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), they are men who are qualified to call the shots by virtue of the offices they hold or have held; how deep their pockets are; their experience on the political turf; and knowledge of what resources and devices to deploy in running the race. These steamrollers deserve attention in seeking to understand the contest. •The Senator representing Lagos Central District, Senator Oluremi Tinubu (third left), commiserating with traders who lost their wares in the Balogun Market, Lagos Island fire...yesterday. Listening to her are: one-time Finance Commissioner in Lagos Mr Olawale Edun (third right); former Chairman, Lagos Island Local Government Area, Wasiu Eshinlokun (left); Executive Secretary of the council, Prince Toyese Olusi (second left); Iyaloja, Gbajumo Fed Mcqueen,Alhaja Funsho Awofeso (second right) and Iyaloja, Key Klamp Section, Alhaja Rafiat Olusi.

All Progressives Congress When the party was formally registered in 2013, many doubted if it had enough time to make impact in the 2015 election. Besides, the National Convention to elect the leadership and therefore give it form and structure was not held until late last year. But, the array of men it has attracted from other parties made up for that teething problem. Apart from the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), a splinter group from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and a strong force from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) broke off to team up with the new opposition party, thus making it a reckoning force in the election. The men behind the merger and the building of the party include the following:

Gen. Muhammadu Buhari

•left to right: Group CFO, United Capital Plc, Mr. Sunny Anene; Chief Executive Officer (CEO), United Capital Trustees Ltd, Mrs. Tokunbo Ajayi; Managing Director, Financial Derivative Company Ltd, Mr. Bismarck Rewane; Group CEO, United Capital Plc, Mrs. Toyin Sanni; Managing Director, UBA Securities Ltd, Mr. Jude Chiemeka and Managing Director, Capital Markets, M & A, United Capital Plc, Mr. Kayode Fadahunsi.

•Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Suleiman Abba (left), President, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Najeem Yasin (middle) and NURTW’s Vice President, Alhaji Adegboyega Tomori at the inauguration of the Elections Guidelines for Police Officers in Abuja...yesterday.

He was a General in the Nigerian Army and fought in the civil war, though he was then a very junior officer. He went on to acquire experience in running public affairs as he served as a Minister of Petroleum Resources in the military government headed by Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo (rtd). Before then, he had been posted to the old Borno State. Later, in 1983, following the sack of the lack-luster administration of Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Gen. Buhari became the Head of State and served in that capacity for 20 months. On three previous occasions, Buhari had attempted to return to the Government House as a democratically elected President. In 2003, he fought the battle against his erstwhile military supervisor, Gen Obasanjo. He lost the bid as the senior General was returned by popular votes. In 2007, he came close to winning again as he contested on the ticket of the ANPP. He believed he was robbed of the deserved victory and approached the courts. Even at the apex of the judiciary, it was a close verdict with four giving it to Umaru Yar’Adua of the PDP, and three saying there should be a re-run. Even then, the four Justices who felt Yar’Adua should be retained in office despite finding the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) derelict in discharging its duty.

• Gen. Buhari By Bolade Omonijo, Editorial Board

Again, Gen Buhari took another shot at the presidency in 2011 but lost to incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. Besides, he and his party, the CPC, lacked the capacity to harvest votes that had been carefully cultivated. That election showed Gen. Buhari as the most popular personality in the Northern part of the country. Everywhere he turned, the people followed him and, when he was declared loser, the youth in a large part of the North went on spontaneous rampage. They believed that their hero had been rigged out of contention. If the election showed he was so popular in the North East and West, it also proved that he lacked sufficient support in the entire South. His running mate, Pastor Tunde Bakare, could not complement him electorally. The man lost but picked up some valuable lessons. This election has proved that he has gained acceptance in all parts of the country. While the religion factor was effectively used against him during the 2011 electioneering process, a lot appears to have changed now. The name – Buhari – has become a household name.

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu Is this man truly overrated? He is seen by many, opponents and supporters alike, as a tactician per excellence. He moves, breathes, eats and drinks politics. There is hardly anything he says or does to which partisanship is not read. When he travels out of the country, it is believed he went to make consultations with local and foreign powers. His Bourdillon, Ikoyi, Lagos home has received more diplomats, political office holders and religious leaders than many Government Houses. He is seen as the engine of the ACN wing of the party. He is probably the only member of the 1999-2007 set of governors who still commands so much followership. This is partly due to his sagacity and partly to the location of his sphere of influence - Lagos. The former Lagos helmsman is seen as invincible. As President, Chief Obasanjo sought to crush him. While he succeeded in supplanting the other Alliance for Democracy (AD) governors in the Southwest, he failed in the state considered the most important Lagos. And, thus, Tinubu became the sole survivor of the avalanche. He led the revival of the progressive machine in the Southwest, both at the courts and at the polls. Through judicial processes, he retrieved the mandates from the PDP for Governors Adams Oshiomhole (Edo); Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) and Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti). At the polls, Senators Abiola Ajimobi and Ibikunle Amosun won the race in Oyo and Ogun states. Except for last year’s loss in Ekiti, the political wall of Tinubu has remained impregnable. In Lagos, the most populous city having the largest pool of votes, Tinubu calls the shots. In 2007, despite the conspiracy of foes, he succeeded in handing over to his political ward, Babatunde Fashola as governor. All the political structures in the state revolve around him. In 2015, again, despite threats of defection and disaffection, Tinubu saw in Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, a former Ac-

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

NIGERIA DECIDES

ll shape presidential election

• Sambo

•Tinubu

countant-General of the state, the trait of somebody who would hold out the APC flag in the governorship election billed for February 28. Akinwunmi Ambode won the ticket at the party’s shadow election. In choosing the presidential running mate to Gen. Buhari, Tinubu put forward Prof Yemi Osinbajo, who served under his administration as AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice. He was able to convince those who were initially opposed to his choice. All is pointing towards his holding his flanks in the presidential poll. He is arguably APC’s most formidable leader in the six states in the Southwest.

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar He first appeared on the political platform when the Peoples Front of Nigeria (PFN) was founded by the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua in 1989. He contributed to funding the party and toured all parts of the country with his late leader. Atiku or Turaki, as he is fondly called by his supporters, cannot be discountenanced with in Nigeria’s political calculations. In 1999, he joined the PDP but chose to contest for the governorship seat in Adamawa State. He won. He was busy trying to raise a team for governance in the Northeastern state as governorelect when Chief Obasanjo tipped him as running mate for the presidency despite the interest shown by the likes of the late Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and Prof Jibril Aminu. If Atiku was taken by surprise, he did not betray it. He set to work immediately and is believed to have supplied most of the most hardworking members of the Obasanjo government. He used the vice presidency to firm up his nationwide political structure, using the Yar’Adua political machine as the building block. By the end of Obasanjo’s first tenure, it was obvious that Atiku was a master of the game. Almost all the PDP governors were virtually eating from his palm. It took his intervention to get a return ticket for his principal. In 2007, he contested on the Action Congress (AC) platform to succeed Obasanjo, who would hear none of a Turaki Adamawa bid. Atiku lost as the AC challenge proved too feeble. Atiku was the third runner up behind Obasanjo and Buhari. But, everyone on the scene knew he only needed to bid his time, join in restructuring the party and he would be the man to beat in future. His return to the PDP might have been a gross miscalculation as many of those who had backed him refused to move. He lost the confidence of his friends in the progressive camp and was not fully re-integrated into the PDP. He lost on both sides. It is no surprise why his return to the APC did not generate as much ripples as the previous. His presidential bid lacked the steam of previous attempts and, at the presidential primary election; he was third behind Buhari and Rabiu Kwankwaso. But, the political soldier in Atiku showed as he resisted any attempt to come up with a consensus candidate. The contest went the whole hog and the other aspirants gave credit to the man who has more political battle scars than anyone in the Fourth

•Anenih

•Akpabio

Republic. The Jada-born ‘Political General’ will be 68 this year. He remains a repository of knowledge and a great strategist, who the APC is lucky to have on board. He remains relevant in Adamawa State and is a known name nation-wide. At almost 68, he might not roll out of the APC again as he builds towards future elections. Would he still be contesting the presidential election? This is difficult to say as the factors that would unfold before 2019 are yet unknown. He remains a man of great means. He probably has more personal associates in all parts of the country than any other politician and is so sturdy that no politician would feel safe having the Turaki among his foes. If, Buhari wins, even if he is not contesting at the end of his tenure, he would have a very large say in deciding his successor. Besides, would Nigerians want another septuagenarian? It is too early to speculate on the future. For the present, the Turaki Adamawa is a formidable force in the APC.

Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, an engineer, has managed to construct a political structure that would stand the test of time in Kano State. He was elected governor of Kano State in 1999, defeated by Ibrahim Shekarau in 2003, but bounced back to reckoning in 2011 as he was swept into office by a political movement. It is difficult to understand the Kwankwaso magic. Even his opponents concede that he has posted a stellar performance in his second term, thus consolidating on the popularity that saw him defeating the ANPP backed by Shekarau and CPC backed by Buhari in 2011. Both Buhari and Shekarau were presidential candidates of their political parties, facts that could have swung the governorship race in favour of their candidates. But Kwankwaso won. He is said to have a rare charisma and a touch recognised and respected by the common man in the state. He contested on a packed field and surprised those who had thought he could make no impact. He was second to Gen Buhari and appears set to build on that. Kwankwaso appears to be holding tight his corner, and, with the Buhari magic equally sweeping across the country, his ascendancy on the political plane seems assured. In Kano, he is in charge. However, his impact seems limited to that populous and important state. Senator Chris Ngige Until recently,

•Okorocha

•Ngige

• Aliyu

•Kwankwaso

the Southeast turf was believed to be reserved for the PDP and APGA players. This might have changed significantly given the performance of Dr. Ngige at the 2011 senatorial and 2013 governorship elections. He won the senatorial and put up a stiff fight in a governorship poll where the APC was given no chance. Yet, he has continued to support the party at all times. He is seen as a man of integrity having fought off a battle led by PDP chieftains early in his term as governor in 2007. Within the APC, he is seen as a reliable and dependable leader. His popularity is rubbing off on the APC and could have penetrating effect in parts of the Southeast.

Owelle Rochas Okorocha Equally, Imo State Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha is a man made for the soap box. Every opportunity, before and during electioneering is used to whip up support for his political plan, irrespective of platform. He was in the PDP at the inception of this political dispensation, moved to found the Accord, then retraced his steps to the PDP, before leaving to contest the governorship of Imo on the APGA platform in 2011 election. Today, he is in APC and in fact the leader of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF). He has gained a foothold for the APC in the state. All elections in the state are too close to call among APC, PDP and APGA. Many pundits would say the APC stands an outside chance of winning majority of votes in the presidential election in the state, but the fact remains that only an Okorocha magic could give the party a 35 per cent of the votes in the state.

Peoples Democratic Party The party has many things going for it just as the baggage is sufficiently heavy. It is the ruling party and controls the agencies of coercion; it has raked in so much money that the challenge is how to expend it without attracting public odium and could use public policy to attempt to sway voters. Besides, it has some heavyweight politicians, who could make changes in their areas. They include:

President Goodluck Jonathan The man appears to have learnt so much since he ascended power in 2010, first as an Acting President, then as an accidental President and finally as elected President in 2011. He could be faulted on the count of charisma;

he could be said to have disappointed in crafting relevant policies; he could even be said to be lacking in presidential gait, but what cannot be denied is that he is a legendary survivalist. Starting from Bayelsa where he was made a deputy governor in 1999, he went on to succeed his principal, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha as governor by sheer twist of fate. In 2007, against all permutations, he emerged the running mate to the late President Yar’Adua and fortune again smiled on him as YarAdua lost the ballet to live to a terminal ailment. The man died and Jonathan sprang up. In 2011, incumbent President Jonathan survived a campaign against his re-election bid. First, within the PDP where a vocal group wanted him denied the ticket, and later in the presidential election. Would he survive the swelling plot against his return? If he loses, he would be the first in the country’s history. He has solid support from his kinsmen in Bayelsa State, where the people he identified him as a worthy ambassador on the political field. This is the gospel being spread in the entire Southsouth. The solidarity in the oil-rich region is one factor working in the favour of this man who is the only one so far to have occupied political office as deputy governor, governor, vice president, Acting President by legislative proclamation and President. How far would the good luck carry him?

Chief Tony Anenih He was once reputed as Mr. Fix It. His word, then, was law within the ruling PDP as he was a notable ally of President Olusegun Obasanjo. He was made Chairman of the Board of Trustees after serving as Works Minister in the administration’s first term. He had a mystique built around him until he was roundly defeated in the Edo governorship election of 2009. Many still remember the role he played in the trade-off of the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola’s mandate in 1993 when he was national chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Now advanced in age, not mush remains of that electoral value acquired somewhat, but he remains a major voice in the party, and buoyed by the Jonathan support in the Southsouth, Chief Anenih could still come out of this game claiming some votes in his clime.

Governor Godswill Akpabio The Akwa Ibom State Governor is

•Mimiko

reputed to have performed well in the state. He points to having transformed the state. Although his opponents would call attention to the allocation received from the centre as the secret behind the achievements, he has managed to sell the perception of an achiever to the people of his state. He is today one political enemy many would think twice before acquiring in the state. Besides the perception and the political capital thus accruing, the money available to him is enough to crush any political enemy. However, a bid to impose a ward has divided his camp and may still count against him. But, in the presidential election, Akpabio, who is seen as an unofficial campaign manager of President Jonathan, has the advantage of the Southsouth sentiment serving as the wind behind his sail. He is one of the human capital being effectively deployed by the President. Governor Olusegun Mimiko The Governor of the Sunshine State who was officially a member of the Labour Party until last year is the anchor man of the President’s campaign in the Southwest. He is combining with Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose in this role. The duo might fail to make the desired impact but the party is counting on them to win substantial votes in their respective states.

Governor Babangida Aliyu. The Niger State Governor is also chairman of the Northern Governors Forum. He lost some steam when he played games with joining the train out of the party and then backed out at the last minute. His deputy has ditched him and his party and the last election into the vacant Niger East Senatorial seat showed that the state is tossed up. In the presidential election, Aliyu is unlikely to measure up in the attempt to stop the Buhari train. However, his stay in the party would count for something.

Vice President Namadi Sambo Perhaps, before the APC rally in Kaduna on Monday, it could be said that the Vice President, who once ran the government of the state, could attract sufficient votes on sentiment in the state. That would now be an illusion as almost all those who matter in the politics of the state and party have defected. It remains to be seen, however, how much votes the Vice President could rake in to save the Jonathan/Sambo bid to retain power.

THE NATION THURSDAY JANUARY 22, 2015

NEWS

APC accuses NCC of stopping party’s fund-raising on GSM platform By Musa Odoshimokhe

•Mohammed...yesterday.

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the National Communications Commission (NCC) of stifling its electioneering campaigns. The party said the national agency was preventing its plan to use the Short Messaging Service (SMS), ringing tone and scratch cards to raise funds for its campaigns. Addressing reporters yesterday in Lagos, APC National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, noted that Fedreral Government’s promise to ensure free, fair and transparent elections was being undermined through NCC’s action. The APC spokesman said the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was tactically preventing a tarsparent electoral process. He said APC’s plans to use

Jonathan to boost Kano economy From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has promised to boost the economy of Kano State through intervention programmes in education, agriculture, commerce and industry. The President said his administration would focus more on the empowerment of youths and women in the commercial nerve centre of the North. Jonathan spoke yesterday in Kano at his campaign rally for re-election. A large crowd attended the rally at the Kano Polo Ground. The President and other top Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains addressed the crowd. They included Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido; Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio; the Director-General of Jonathan Campaign Organisation, Senator Ahmadu Ali; PDP’s National Chairman Adamu Muazu; Education M inister Ibrahim Shekarau; Foreign Affairs Minister Aminu Wali; Special Duties Minister Taminu Turaki; Vice President’s wife Amina Sambo and the Senior Special Adviser to the President on School Agriculture, Dr. Baraka Sani. Jonathan said: “I will appreciate all of you for this warm reception. This is a prayer time. So, we are hurrying. I will just summarise. Let me use this occasion to appreciate Northern youths for donating N2 million to me and the vice president to buy our nomination forms.

PHOTO: JOHN EBHOTA

SMS, ringing tone and scatch cards, like other individuals or organisations to promote their products, was being blocked by NCC’s directive to service provisers to “avoid running political/advertisement promotions”. Mohammed said: “It is no longer news that individuals and organisations have been using these new platforms to either pass across messages or promote their products, among others, just like they have done through the traditional platforms, including radio, television and the newspapers. “Not once has the telecommunications regulatory body, the NCC, prevented these individuals and corporate entities from using the last three platforms for these legitimate publicity and promos. ‘’However, there seems to be

HE Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo, has reassured Nigerians of Federal Government’s commitment to provide stable power supply. He listed the government’s steps to achieve the goal. Nebo spoke yesterday in Lagos when he addressed editorial board members and other top officials of the The Nation at the company’s headquarters. The minister hailed the newspaper’s management for sustaining its objective reporting over the years. He said the Federal Government had taken steps to ensure that Nigerians enjoy stable power supply in the months ahead. Nebo listed various projects in thermal, hydro and solar energy which he said the government had undertaken. According to him, some of the projects have been completed while others are ongoing. Nebo said power generation stood at 4,500 megawatts (MW), adding that because of some hitches, it had reduced to 3,500MW. The minister also said the government’s activities in rural electrification, aimed at achieving its Operation Light Up Rural Nigeria programme, was on course. He decried the level of vandalism of gas pipelines, saying it impeded efforts at achieving reasonable power output. Nebo said: “When the current administration came on board, the power facilities were

an orchestrated plot to prevent us, the APC from using the new platforms of SMS, ringing tones and scratch cards to raise funds for our electioneering campaigns. By the way, legitimate fund raising is the norm around the world to finance electioneering campaigns, hence we have not embarked on anything that is out of the ordinary by the measures that have been unveiled by Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola.’’ He added: “But it seems the government of the day is not comfortable with that. While the PDPled Federal Government has been mouthing its commitment to free, fair and transparent elections, it has, on the other hand, been doing everything possible to prevent that. Or, how can you have free, fair and transparent elections, if you won’t even allow the opposition to leverage the existing national telecommunications infrastructure to raise funds for its campaign? How can you have credible elections when the government of the day routinely uses national institutions as a tool to stifle the opposition? “Gentlemen, the NCC has now written to all the service providers to ‘avoid running political/ advertisement promotions that will portray them as being partisan’, and has threatened to sanction any service provider that will flout this directive. “Effectively, the NCC is seeking to block our ability to use the platforms of SMS, ringing tones and scratch cards to raise funds. “By doing so, the same body, a national institution that is warning service providers against running political/advertisements

promotions in order not to be portrayed as partisan, has become a tool of crass partisanship! What an irony. “It is also necessary to note that no regulatory body has barred the use of the traditional platforms of radio, television and print media from running political advertisements and promotions. “Our party takes a very strong exception to the contents of the letter sent by the NCC to the service providers as well as the timing of such directive. There can’t be a clearer example of abuse of office. We are extremely concerned by this brazen act of intimidation and regulatory lawlessness towards legitimate businesses providing perfectly legitimate advertisement services, especially when the advertisers have not breached any law or prevented their subscribers from opting out of such services.” The APC spokesman said the party was appalled that the commission appeared oblivious of the fact that the NCC Act 2003 does not outlaw advertisements. Mohammed said: “In fact, some of the Act’s subsidiary legislation/guidelines do permit different advertorial media, such as mail, licencee’s website, text messages and electronic mail (where permitted by recipients), among others. “Telecommunications providers must, therefore, not be bullied by the NCC into infringing upon the rights of their subscribers to have unfettered access to information and serv-

ices for which they have paid or are paying. “Let it be crystal clear that we would not let the NCC undermine our democratic rights and freedoms by following the Egyptian model of blocking social media platforms or channels, particularly as the operators are not responsible for social media contents. “We are not aware of legislation that prevents any commercial entity from advancing any political aim or engaging in commercial businesses with political parties, apart from making party political donations – which of course the PDP-led Federal Government so shamelessly breached when it recently collected billions of Naira from many commercial interests. “The PDP-led Federal Government has consistently said it is committed to providing jobs for the teeming number of our country’s unemployed, especially the youth. But is it not curious that the same government has now embarked on blocking avenues for jobs to be created? Talk of hypocrisy of the highest order. “The Federal Government and its parastatals should desist from approbating and reprobating at the same time as this gives the NCC away as a very partisan and biased regulatory agency. The NCC should immediately withdraw its ill-advised, ill-timed and ill-intentioned directive which is solely aimed at preventing us, the APC, from legitimately raising funds to finance our campaign, because we have breached no known law by doing that.”

Fed Govt committed to providing stable power, says Nebo

APC to Jonathan: make aviation report public From Tony Akowe, Abuja

HE All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO) has challenged President Goodluck Jonathan to make public the report of Col. Sambo Dasuki panel which investigated the allegations against former Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah. The organisation, in a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said the President should not sweep the report under the carpet, as it had done in previous cases of corruption allegations under his administration. Ms Oduah was sacked for allegedly taking N255 million bullet-proof cars. A probe panel, headed by the National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd), was set up. The APCPCO statement reads: “It will soon be several months now that Mr. President constituted a probe panel to investigate the allegations of corruption against the former Minister of Aviation. “It has been several months of eerie silence from the Goodluck Jonathan administration on the outcome of the probe panel. This is even as information at our disposal gives a pointer to the fact that the probe panel has since submitted its report. “The questions to ask then are: Why is President Jonathan keeping mum on the outcome of the report? Are we saying that these months are not enough to investigate allegation of sleaze against a government official, who is also being investigated by the same government? Does the President expect Nigerians to forget as usual about this investigation?”

Osinbajo woos APC-Diaspora in Canada From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

•Nebo...yesterday.

delivering barely 2,800MW. In fact, the actual daily average did not reach 2,500MW. But today, we have hit 4500MW and I think it is a milestone by any standard. Electricity is not something you just can do overnight. It takes time for any of the projects to really mature. “On a daily average, because of all kinds of downtime, loadshedding, among others, we have exceeded 3,500MW, which is well in excess of 1,000MW over what Mr. President inherited. But we have been picking up, at least for now. Apart from vandalism, we have picked up to 4,500MW, and we have the capacity to do more than that. “The government is working very hard to make sure that gas is available. Also, the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP),

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

which President Goodluck Jonathan inherited, was virtually moribund. It was when he became the Vice President that he started wooing and encouraging the states to come on board and ensure that the NIPP didn’t quite die completely. When completed, all of the 10 plants under NIPP will supply to the grid approximately 4,500MW. Two of the plants (Geregu and Omotosho) have already been commissioned while others are on board and will be inaugurated within this year, by the grace of God. “Also, when the NIPP was conceived, there was no concomitant development and deployment of gas infrastructure to supply gas to the plants to power the turbines. They

are all gas-fired turbines. But working with this administration’s gas master plan, we can comfortably say that essentially all the NIPP plants now have gas infrastructure. In other words, once gas is available, we can power all of them. But that was not the case a few years ago. In the past, there was no mention of connecting those plants to gas. “The Rural Electrification Agency was scrapped because the previous government considered the project as not being useful. But President Jonathan saw the need to keep the agency. So, he reactivated and bonded the agency to make sure that those in rural communities are also given light. The agency now is not only alive but booming.”

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) vice presidential candidate, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, has sought the support of the party’s members in Canada. In a video conferencing with APC-Diaspora members in Toronto, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Edmonton, Calgary and Montreal, Osinbajo said Nigeria was set for a positive change. He said the APC and majority of Nigerians looked forward to the change from the current administration to the party’s progressive government. The progress of Nigeria, he said, had been hindered since the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took over in 1999. According to him, if the APC is elected in next month’s general elections, the party will correct the anomalies the PDP government has caused and restore Nigeria’s lost glory as Africa’s pride. Osinbajo expressed optimism on the effectiveness and workability of his party’s policies in tackling the socio-economic problems plaguing the country. The APC vice presidential candidate said successive governments under the PDP had been characterised by graft and corruption, which had inhibited the nation’s progress and development.

THE NATION THURSDAY JANUARY 22, 2015

NEWS

PDP decries attack on Jonathan

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned Tuesday’s attack on President Goodluck Jonathan’s convoy by suspected thugs. It blamed the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) and its presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhar, for the attack, which occurred during the President’s rally in Katsina. A statement yesterday by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Olisa Metuh, said the attack was an indication that the APC was not ready to eschew violence in its desire to attain power, despite signing a peace pact a week ago in Abuja. It added that the PDP would no longer tolerate such acts of violence on any of its members. The statement said: “This attack on the President and our presidential candidate shows that the APC was never committed to the spirit and letters of the Abuja peace accord, which they signed in the presence of prominent Nigerians and international personalities.

APC condemns attack on President’s convoy THE All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the reported stoning of the campaign convoy of President Goodluck Jonathan in Katsina State on Tuesday. The party says violence of any kind is “totally unacceptable to APC. ” In a statement in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said President Jonathan should be free to campaign anywhere in the country without hinderance. It said although the attack on Jonathan’s convoy occurred a day after the provocative death-wish-for-Buhari newspaper advertorial that was put out in the name of the President, nothing justified the stoning of his convoy anywhere in the country. APC restated its commitment to a continuous enlightenment of its members and supporters to eschew violence before, during and after next month’s general elections, urging other parties to follow suit. “We consider election as a celebration of democracy, not a door-die affair. Whether or not one agrees with the campaign message of any party, engaging in violence negates the very essence of democracy and should be condemned by all,” the party said.

’Party not sincere on peace accord’ From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

“It is unfortunate that while the PDP and other parties are busy ensuring that their members and supporters remain committed to a

peaceful electioneering, the APC has been hatching plots to unleash violence on our candidates and members. “We invite Nigerians, friends of Nigeria and lovers of democracy to rise in condemnation of this dangerous

phenomenon. These early developments demonstrate that the comments and declarations by the leaders of the APC that Nigeria would be thrown into chaos and bloodshed should it lose the elections were real. “We hail the maturity and the ever peaceful disposition of President Jonathan and the leaders of the PDP, even in the face of this unwarranted attack. “The irony, which we wish to place on record, is that the APC, which has successfully completed its campaigns in the Southsouth, including Bayelsa, the home state of President Jonathan, without any incident and has even signed a pact to maintain peace, is turning round to unleash thugs to disrupt the presidential campaign of our great party. “Despite the incident, we assure Nigerians of the resolve of the PDP to ensure peaceful and credible elections where the votes of the people will determine who emerge as leaders in the elections.”

PDP, Jonathan ‘ll win in Benue by 85 per cent, says Mark From Onyedi Ojiabor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

ENATE President David Mark yesterday assured that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and President Goodluck Jonathan would win the general elections in Benue State by 85 per cent. The Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Paul Mumeh, in a statement in Abuja said the campaign train of the President would be in the state today. Mark and Governor Gabriel Suswam said democracy could only thrive if predicated on justice, fairness and equity, rather than rancour and acrimony. The Senate President and the Governor, both vying for the senatorial seats of Benue South and Benue Northeast, spoke at the launch of Mark’s senatorial bid at Och’Idoma’s palace square in Otukpo.

‘Polio: Nigeria may get clean bill in 2017 if...’ From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

IGERIA may be declared polio free in the next two years if it is able to interrupt wild polio virus in July. The country has gone six months without recording new cases of polio virus. The Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Mohammad Ado, who spoke yesterday at the 29th Expert Review Committee Meeting on Polio Eradication and Routine Immunisation, said the last case of wild polio virus was reported on July 24 last year, making it six months without any case of wild polio virus. He warned that “election must not become a distraction to the polio programme. Election should be a campaign.”

‘Nigeria records 40,000 maternal deaths in 2013’ From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Friday Okonofua, has said it was worrisome that Nigeria recorded over 40,000 maternal deaths in 2013. He placed maternal, neonatal and perinatal mortality at 25 per cent of haemorrhage, 33 per cent of abortion, 15 per cent of sepsis, 73 per cent of obstructed labour and eight per cent of other cases. Okonofua spoke at a two-day implementation workshop to assess the impact of intervention aimed to improve the quality of emergency obstetrics care on maternal and perinatal outcomes. He said the World Health Organisation (WHO) gave a grant to Women’s Health and Action Research Centre (WHARC) to deal with the three leading causes of maternal and perinatal mortality in four geopolitical zones in the country, six secondary and two tertiary hospitals.

Ebonyi workers embark on strike Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

HE Joint Public Service Negotiation Council (JPSNC), (Trade Union Side) (TUS),Ebonyi State chapter,yesterday began a three- day warning strike. The union, in a statement, hinged the reason for the strike on the refusal of the government to pay workers the seized September 2011 salaries and the non-full implementation of 2011 minimum wage to the workers. It was signed by the Chairman and the Secretary of JPSNC (TUS), Comrades Nwafor Ikechukwu and Nnubia Ann.

•Participants at the review of the National Defence Policy in Lagos...yesterday.

DHQ, security agencies assure of fair polls THE Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA) yesterday assured Nigerians that it would remain professional, non-partisan and apolitical at all times, especially during the elections. The forum made the pledge in a communiqué after its first meeting for 2015 held in Abuja.

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

It was signed by the Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade (chairman) and Emmanuel Okeh (secretary). The communiqué said: “The spokespersons, who called on politicians to avoid making reckless statements

and inciting comments, called for the cooperation of religious and community leaders in sensitising their subjects and followers on the need to shun violence and thuggery and pledge to support and work with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure free, fair, credible and non-violent elections.

“The forum appeals to Nigerians to strive always for the promotion of peaceful coexistence, tolerance, orderliness and brotherliness. “The forum reassures Nigerians of their readiness to remain neutral, non-partisan and professional before, during and after the conduct of the elections.”

Kumuyi urges Nigerians to vote credible candidates

HE Founder and General Superintendent of Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi, has urged Nigerians to vote for credible candidates. He prayed that there would be no violence during the elections, adding that they would be free and fair. Pastor Kumuyi spoke yesterday at Bori, the headquarters of Ogoni in Rivers State, when he visited the leader of the Ogoni Traditional Rulers, HRM, King G.N.K. Gininwa. The monarch is also the chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rul-

ers.

Pastor Kumuyi, whose church is holding a one-week programme, tagged; “Glorious Day of Divine Visitation”, said his visit to Ogoni land and Rivers State would solve the people’s problems. He said they should not be afraid of the elections because God was on the throne, adding that the visit was for a purpose. The cleric noted that with the church programme being held in Ogoni land, the chal-

lenges of the people would be solved “as long as they accept God as their personal savour.” He said: “The reason for the choice of Ogoni in this programme is because of my desire to be a blessing to Ogoni land. The Lord has laid it in my heart to interact with the people and the community. It is also to share the message of God, His goodness because the gospel is good news. “Let us look at the country, look at where we want the country to be in all rami-

S the general elections approach, Academics Stand Against Poverty (ASAP), West Africa chapter, will on January 27 hold its inaugural public discourse. With the theme : “Political Campaign Funding and the Looming Tsunami of Poverty”, Prof. Akin Oyebode of the International Law and Jurisprudence, University of Lagos (UNILAG), is billed to deliver a keynote address. The discourse, which will take place at the main auditorium of the university at 10am, will also have in attendance other notable speakers, such as ASAP President Thomas Pogge, Innocent Chukwuma of the Ford Foundation, Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye of the Mass Communication department, UNILAG and Dr. Hussein Abdu of ActionAid Nigeria.

Governorship candidate urges oil marketers to get approval

•Visits Ogoni monarch From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

Oyebode, Akinfeleye for discourse

By Jeremiah Oke

•Pastor Kumuyi

fications and then vote conscientiously for candidates we know their records, who can move the country forward. Our votes will count and I believe we will have free and fair elections.”

HE governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Senator Teslim Folarin, has urged the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to ensure it got approval from the authorities before establishing its filling stations. He said he would create an enabling environment for members of the union to operate if elected, adding that he would not prevent them from building fillings stations, because it was a means of creating employment. Folarin, who spoke yesterday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, when receiving a delegate of the Nigeria Petroleum Tanker Drivers, said petroleum business was a legitimate business, which attracted no distraction from the government. He promised the people that his administration would not take an action that would not have a human face because he knew the plight of the masses, adding that he would consult stakeholders before taking any decision.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

NEWS

LASAA orders TAN to remove Jonathan ‘s posters T HE Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency (LASAA) has ordered the T r a n s f o r m a t i o n Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) and its affiliates to remove illegally deployed campaign adverts of President Goodluck Jonathan in the state. LASAA’s Managing Director George Noah told reporters yesterday in Lagos that two outdoor agencies had their contracts worth N350 million terminated due to the flagrant act by supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Noah named the two agencies as Touch Point Nigeria Limited and Clearedge Limited, adding that two advertisers- a Chinese Telecoms Firm and Globacom- have terminated their contracts with the outdoor companies, following

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

the parallel and illegal deployment of the President’s campaign advert. He said the agency was constrained by the developments in the electioneering campaign “to bring to the fore impunity and illegality that pose immeasurable and long term damage to those who erect, operate and maintain billboards in the state”. Noah said as a regulatory body, LASAA was willing to give approval to any party that applied to use any of the authorised places, adding that rather than follow due process, PDP and its supporters engage in unlawful acts of destroying other existing adverts paid for on the streets

poles to paste that of President Jonathan and other candidates. Noah stressed that the development was capable of destroying the outdoor industry, particularly at this time of severe competition from TV, radio and social media. “This illegal and brazen act by agents of the PDP is unjust, inconsiderate and unacceptable,” Noah said, stressing that if not checked it could lead to the lay off of workers and loss of revenues by stakeholders in the sector. Noah said the PDP had deployed policemen in areas where this illegality was going on, adding that the agencies would remove such campaign materials in line with the enabling law setting up LASAA. He said the fact that the

Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) was also putting ‘X’ signs on the campaign materials further confirmed that the advert materials were deployed without complying with the regulatory standard. “What they have done now is to withdraw policemen who help us do our job, and using the same police to deploy the campaign materials in unauthorised locations”. “They are coming to Lagos to disrupt the outdoor business worth about N50billion and which employs about 100,000 people. They have transferred all sorts of people to Lagos State to do their dirty jobs. It is one illegality gone too far.”

BBHS alumni hold award night

APTIST Boys’ High School (BBHS), Abeokuta, Old Boys Association (OBA) will honour some of its alumni who have distinguished themselves in various fields. The Chairman of the editorial and publishing committee of BBHS’ OBA, Prof. Ajao Adelekan, in a statement yesterday, said the awards would be conferred on the beneficiaries, including a hotelier, Otunba Yomi Ajayi-Smith, on Saturday at the school’s main hall during the 92nd Founder’s Day anniversary. Ajayi-Smith is the Managing Director of the Ijebu-Ode Rolak Hotel and Suites. The event would be chaired by the National President of OBA, Ven. Olusola Ladipo - Ajayi.

7,000 for education show

AGOS will host over 7,000 participants for the seventh edition of the African education show -Total School Support Seminar/Exhibition (TOSSE) between June 11 and 12. The event will provide a meeting place for educators and organisations providing innovative products and services for the education community. A statement by Edumark, the organisers of the event, said the theme ‘Inspiring the Future’ is a reflection of the dynamic changes being witnessed by the education sector. Project coordinator Daniel Iyam said: “TOSSE 2015 will address current trends in global education while looking ahead to study what would happen in the future.” About 150 exhibitors from over 20 business segments including: technology, furniture, security, finance, apparel, publishing, insurance, health etc are expected at the event.

Body discovered in Ondo

HE body of a 40-yearold man, Akeem Idowu, has been found in a bush path in Oniparaga, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State. The body was reportedly discovered yesterday with severe wounds on the back. It was learnt that the daughter of the deceased, Waliat, re-

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

ported the incident to the police at the Araromi-Obu Division in Odigbo. Police spokesman Wole Ogodo said his men have visited the scene. The body had been deposited at the Ore General hospital’s morgue for an autopsy.

Alao-Akala: I’ve not collected my PVC

• Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (second left); Deputy Governor Mrs.Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (right); Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Oluranti Adebule and the Special Adviser on Youth and Social Development, Enitan Badru at a valedictory session at the EXCO Chambers, Lagos House, Ikeja, ...yesterday. PHOTO:OMOSEHIN MOSES

Ekiti APC raises alarm over alleged plan look the other way when he to arrest leaders moves against the opposition. He asked them to be releasing

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has raised the alarm on an alleged plan by Governor Ayodele Fayose to instigate the police to arrest its leaders and disrupt the party’s presidential campaign on Saturday. Its Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatubosun, said in a statement that the party had uncovered plans by the governor to coerce the police to arrest APC leaders on trumped-up charges. He said even though the command was not welldisposed to illegal arrests, the police were under pressure to do the governor’s bidding.

“It appears that the commissioner of police has lost control of security management in the state because we have it on good authority that the governor is threatening him to carry out his orders. “From our investigation and the information available to us, we believe the man is overwhelmed by the directives to commit illegalities against the APC and the man appears helpless in the situation he finds himself. “Our investigation has further showed that the gov-

ernor called the commissioner and gave him a marching order to begin mass arrests of APC leaders. “We have it on good authority that the governor warned the commissioner not to sabotage his plan. “Nigerians would recall that a group had raised the alarm after he sought the support of the obas in his illegalities ahead of the presidential election. “He pointedly told the monarchs that there would be crises before and during the election and that they should

statements in his support in times of crises. “Now is the implementation time and the stage is set for mass arrests of our leaders to intimidate them and create fear in the minds of our members to dissuade them from attending the rally on Saturday.” The party called on the police to be conscious of their duties and responsibilities to Nigerians. We urge the police not to allow the governor ruin their career on the platter of “executive lawlessness”.

Ogun, UPN bicker over demolition of billboards HE Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in Ogun State expressed concerns yesterday about the destruction of the campaign billboards of its governorship candidate, Prince Rotimi Paseda, and blamed the Ibikunle Amosun-led administration and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The party alleged that its governorship candidate’s billboard located opposite

Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

Total Filling Station in Sagamu, was taken down and its space now bears the billboard of Amosun and his running mate, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga. UPN’s Communications and Strategy Director Bola Omololu alleged that the demolition was a grand plot by Amosun and his party to intimidate and oppress the opposition.

Omololu explained that this probably informed the billboard’s replacement with that of the governor after money had been paid to the state’s outdoor signage agency. But the government said it did not have issues with the UPN and its candidate. It directed the party and its candidate to channel whatever observation they have to the advert agency handling their outdoor campaigns as it did not relate with individual or

political party in that respect. The General Manager of the State Signage, Advertising Agency (OGASAA), Akinlabi Bandele, said: “The agency that registered that site with us paid for only four weeks and it expired on January 18. “We don’t really have any issue with them (UPN). It is only the outdoor advertising agency that we deal with. They should talk to their agency to find out if they have paid.”

ORMER Oyo State Governor Adebayo AlaoAkala has said he is yet to get his Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC). Alao-Akala, the Labour Party governorship candidate, told reporters yesterday that not having the card was due to lapses from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). “It is a pity that the electoral umpire in-charge, INEC, is not prepared. The umpire is underfunded. As I am talking to you now, I, Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, the governorship candidate of the Labour Party in this state, have not been given my PVC. It is not that I have not gone to ask for it but INEC is yet to produce it,’’ he said. The former governor urged INEC to allow registered voters with either the PVC or Temporary Voter’s Card to participate in the election, adding that INEC could not perform any magic before the

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

election day. Alao-Akala blamed the problem of the electoral umpire on lack of adequate funding by government, saying such should be corrected for proper conduct of elections. Speaking on his agenda if re-elected, he said he was seeking re-election to obey the call of the people. The former governor said the people wanted him back. Alao-Akala described Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate’s comment that he would scrap the First Lady’s office ,if elected as unnecessary. He said such office was not backed by law, adding that there was no budget appropriated to such office. “The First Lady’s office is not an establishment but the creation of whoever is at the helms of affairs,’’ Alao-Akala said.

Ajimobi campaigns in Ibarapa

YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday started his governorship re-election campaign outside Ibadan in Ibarapa zone, with stops in Igangan, Tapa, Ayete, Idere and Igbo-Ora areas. The campaign, which witnessed a tumultuous crowd of party faithful and supporters, began with a visit to the Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Abdulazeez Olawuyi. Ajimobi, who said he deliberately chose to begin the campaign in the area, said it was a measure of his love and respect for the zone. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to changing the policy of violence hitherto inflicted on the state by previous governments. The governor said his administration would continue to bring developmental projects to the state, if given another opportunity to serve again. He underscored his desire to continually respect traditional institutions, stating that as custodians of tradition and culture, they deserved a pride of place in the society. In his response, the monarch expressed the readiness of the Igangan community to work for the success of the governor’s re-election. Ajimobi enjoined the people to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the party was the nation’s only hope of development.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

NEWS Oyo is safe, say poultry farmers From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

OULTRY farmers in Ibadan and environs yesterday urged residents not to panic about the reported outbreak of Avian Influenza (AI) in some states. They said there were no reported cases of the disease in the state. Poultry farm owners have embarked on measures to prevent the spread of the disease. It was gathered that they sensitised members on the need to ensure adequate vaccination of birds and maintenance of good hygiene on the farms. Former State Chairman of Poultry Association of Nigeria ( PAN) Folorunso Ogunaike described the disease as dangerous but confirmed that the flu has not been reported in Oyo State. “As at the moment there is no report of the case of the disease in any part of the state. So, our people should not panic at all. We are safe,”he said.

Campaign fund well distributed, says Akinjide From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

HE Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, has debunked claims that the N250million fund for President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign in Oyo State caused division among party leaders. She said it was “judiciously and transparently disbursed”. Though she did not deny that a peace meeting was held in Yekini Adeojo’s house to pacify members, Akinjide, in a statement in Ibadan yesterday, said she was transparent in the handling of the presidential campaign, adding that no one was left out of the activities. Emphasising that she is the coordinator of Jonathan’s campaign in the state, the minister claimed that she met with stakeholders regularly to work out effective strategy for Jonathan’s victory. “As the Coordinator of President Jonathan`s campaign team in Oyo State, I have been transparent in the running of the campaign. I meet regularly with stakeholders to work out effective strategies to ensure victory for the President. “I state here that there was no division, anger or a silent protest in Oyo PDP over the campaign fund. The party worked as one and stakeholders cooperated. “Funds for the campaign were judiciously and transparently disbursed to all stakeholders; without any protests, disaffection or complaints .”

Rights’ commission faults Fayose, Mbaka

HE National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) condemned yesterday the decision by Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose to sponsor publications capable of inciting citizens. The commission denounced the advertorial sponsored by Fayose, published in two national dailies on Monday, suggesting that the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Muhammadu Buhari, could die in office, as was the case with three former leaders from his Northwest geo-political zone. NHRC Chairman and Executive Secretary- Dr. Chidi Odinkalu and Prof Bem Angwe- said Fayose’s action was not only unlawful, but reckless and unexpected of a person of his status. They also faulted the decision by the Enugu Catholic priest, Rev Ejike Mbaka, to deploy his church’s pulpit as a platform to preach politically partisan messages. Odinkalu and Agwe spoke in Abuja yesterday at a roundtable meeting with media practitioners, as part of its campaign against hate speech by politicians and their supporters. Odinkalu said what Fayose did “beyond being painful, is wrong and unacceptable.” Angwe said: “The publication could have led to a grave consequence, if the reaction in that section of the country gets out of hand. “Can you imagine what the consequences of such publication could have on this country?”

•CAN warns governor not to incur God’s wrath •More knocks for Ekiti helmsman From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja, Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin, Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti, Miriam Ekene-Okoro and Wale Ajetunmobi

On Mbaka, Odinkalu said his action violated the provision of Section 95(3) (b) of the Electoral Act, which forbids the use of pulpits to preach overtly partisan message. He said Mbaka breached the Electoral Act twice, first in favour of President Goodluck Jonathan (when Jonathan’s wife visited his church) and second, during his New Year message. He said the election process was guided by rules and regulations, which every Nigerian must abide by. The NHRC Chairman and Secretary were, however, silent on what measures the commission could take against the two. Odinkalu, who sounded helpless, particularly in relation to Fayose, said: “He (Fayose) is not an ordinary citizen, but one who enjoys immunity against prosecution under the law. He needs proper education.” The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) cautioned the governor against associating the word of God with death. In an SMS, Assistant Secretary, 19 Northern states and Abuja, Rev Cornelius Fawenu, said Fayose’s advert was as sacrilegious as it was blasphemous.

“The misapplication of the scripture for a desperate political end amounts to a desecration of the sacred word of God and therefore against Christianity. “The governor and other politicians should desist from overstepping divine boundary in order not to incur the wrath of God. Christ is life and resurrection. God’s word is for healing and not to be used to issue death threats.” Former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Abubakar Baraje also took a swipe at Fayose. Baraje, Board of Trustees (BoT) member of the APC, said Fayose had through the advertorial made a mockery of the dead and “trying to play God as only Allah is the one who knows the time of the passing of any individual.” He added that the advert could cause anarchy, saying “one would have expected that at the “second coming” of Fayose, we would expect him to be more careful and should have outgrown his carelessness and irresponsible attitude. The lawmaker representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Gbenga Ashafa, called on Nigerians to remain calm. He said politicians must talk about issues affecting the development of the country, rather than attacking personality of candidates. “We have seen its (PDP’s) despera-

Ondo APC condemns road project From Damisi Ojo, Akure

From left: Chief Executive Officer, Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, Yanju Adegbite; Director, Crown FM IleIfe, Diran Odeyemi and State Director, National Orientation Agency, Oyo State, Remi Omowon, at the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) Sensitisation Workshop on Political Broadcasts in Ibadan ...yesterday.

Teachers’ strike’ll be resolved, says Amosun

Ekiti APC alleges gun attacks on state office

GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has said efforts are on to resolve grievances surrounding the strike by public school teachers. “We are committed to improving the lives of workers in this state. This is the reason our salary is higher than other states in the Southwest and paid on time. “When we came on board, teachers salary was a little over N700million but we have increased it to N1.9billion within our three and half years in office. “We are discussing with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to see that all issues are resolved. The lapses that brought about the strike would be addressed,” he added. The governor, who travelled two hours on water to the riverine Ode Omi community, assured that more roads, schools and health facilities would be built within Ogun Waterside to open up the area for more

tion through the verbal and non-verbal diatribe against the person of Gen. Buhari. “They said Gen. Buhari would die in office, if he is elected next month. This statement shows the PDP is desperate and playing God. But we must dislodge the party with our votes on February 14,” Ashafa said. The Ekitipanupo Forum, an indigenous think-tank and intellectual round table, also condemned the advert. In an online statement yesterday by its General Secretary, Kunle Oladele, the group described the advert as “appalling and disgraceful”. It said it was shocked that such an advert could emanate from the Land of Honour, saying “as the representative of Ekiti people home and abroad, we state categorically that the advertisement spoke only the minds of the governor, his aides and the newspapers that published it”. The E-Eleven, a forum of Ekiti stakeholders, condemned Fayose and dissociated the people from the advert. Its Chairman, Femi Ajiniran, in a statement said the Ekiti people “are not in any way against the North; neither are we against any geopolitical zone in the country. “We believe firmly in the principle of equality as espoused in the 1999 Constitution. “The view in the advert is Fayose’s personal opinion as an individual and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), whose interest he sought to protect.”

•Amosun

opportunities. The monarchs, including Lenuwa of Ode Omi, Oba Adenuga Beyioku, Elefire of Efire, Oba Musa Adeniyi as well as Onisin of Ilusin, Oba Taiwo Adesanya, praised the Amosun-led administration for its landmark strides across the state, assuring him of their support.

•Party accuses governor of plotting counter rally for Saturday UNS boomed last night at the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Secretariat in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, APC spokesman Taiwo Olatubosun alleged yesterday. According to him, hoodlums, riding in four Toyota Hilux vans and a car, stormed the building at Ajilosun, on Ikere-Ekiti Road and shot sporadically into the air. Olatubosun alleged that the invaders, believed to be supporters of Governor Ayodele Fayose, tore party flags and campaign posters of APC candidates. The APC spokesman also alleged that the governor has concluded plans to stage a rally at the Fajuyi Roundabout on Saturday, a day the town is to host the presidential campaign of Gen Muhammadu Buhari (rtd). His statement reads: “Shortly before they arrived, streetlights on

Ajilosun Street went off. The hoodlums attacked the security man at the gate. “The Director of the Department of State Security (DSS) and Commissioner of Police have been informed. “In fulfilment of his plot to disrupt the APC presidential rally on Saturday, Fayose has concluded plans to hold a rally at Fajuyi Roundabout to coincide with our rally, where they plan to shoot anybody wearing the APC vest. “Fajuyi roundabout is a major artery to Ekitiparapo Square on NTA road, where APC will hold its presidential rally on Saturday. “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rule prevents two parties from holding rallies on the same day in the same state capital. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held its rally about two weeks ago.”

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has said the rehabilitation of 100 roads project initiative of the Dr Olusegun Mimiko-led administration was belated. It described the move as deception from a government with a rich history of deceit. In a statement in Akure by its Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Adesanya, the APC described the Mimiko-led administration as a drowning government struggling to find direction. It said: “The hurriedly-packaged and poorly-articulated initiative of the Ondo State government to rehabilitate 100 roads is a failed attempt to hoodwink the people to vote for President Goodluck Jonathan . “It is on record that the need to rehabilitate bad roads in Ondo State has been at the fore of public discourse over the years and our party, the APC, has raised related-issues through our statements several times. “Our suggestions have consistently fell on the deaf ears of an anti-people administration. “The questions the people are asking are: Why did it take Governor Mimiko six years to flag-off the rehabilitation of 100 roads when his predecessor, Dr Olusegun Agagu, constructed and rehabilitated over 10,000 kilometres of roads across the state? “The people are aware that Governor Mimiko intends to deceive them with the same template he used at Ilaje and Akoko area when he went there, few weeks to Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency bye-election of 2013, to launch a road project that is yet to start till today. “We can assure Governor Mimiko that the people are tired of listening to the same deceitful lyrics whenever elections are weeks away. The people are wiser and they would reject the PDP, a party whose government has put Ondo people in perpetual darkness for over 15 years. “The people are waiting for February 14 to vote General Muhammadu Buhari as the president.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

NEWS

•Governor Rochas Okorocha with Justice Odili Mary, Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice Pascal Nnadi and others at the Nigerian Bar Association week in Owerri.

Imo governor seeks lawyers’ input in electoral process

MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha has enjoined lawyers to show interest in the electoral processes. He said they should also show interest in the campaigns of the presidential and governorship candidates. The governor spoke at the 2015 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri branch, with the theme: “2015 General Elections in Nigeria; The Task Before the Legal Profession”. He said lawyers should not wait until election cases were brought to them before knowing that they were stakeholders in the electoral processes. Okorocha urged the lawyers to come up with a communiqué that could address the presidential and governorship campaigns and the need for those concerned to talk more

about issues, rather than nonissues to blackmail opponents. Said he: “What can you do for the people? What can you do to change the society, should be the issues and not religion or where one comes from. Indeed, I liken this to a man who is in a boxing ring and wants to face his opponent and instead of rising up to the occasion, all he tells his opponent is, listen I am from so, so place. That is not the issue. The issue is that you must wear your gloves, and give a good punch to him because those sentiments won’t determine the winner.” The governor went on: “I want to urge you today to advise politicians to discuss issues because you handle their cases, the aftermath of the elections. It pains me that even the elite no longer think about

issues. For instance, for me, I said, having done all these infrastructural development, my second tenure, if I return by the grace of God, I will engage in factory, factory, factory, industry, industry, industry, job, job, job, etc.” Okorocha told the lawyers that “in Nigerian politics, there are factors that determine who wins election. I would want you people to speak about such. Unfortunately, the Federal Government has all the power. So, I enjoin you to be independent if you must render judgment without fear or favour. “I wish this honourable house would come up with policy statements on some of these issues. I thank God for the judiciary as the last hope of the common man. Today, Nigeria is going through a

very difficult moment. Many are imagining that there will be no election. Some think there will be no election in Maiduguri and some of these states where there is Boko Haram. But the question we must ask ourselves today is that in the face of all these challenges, who among the candidates can stop corruption, stop Boko Haram and unite Nigeria, which is about to disintegrate? Your answer is as good as mine.” The Chairman of NBA, Owerri branch, Mr. Stanley Chidozie Imo, hailed the appointment of a new chief judge for the state. He thanked Governor Okorocha and the Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Chukwuma Machukwu Umeh (SAN), for their roles in ensuring that the state had a substantive chief judge.

Jonathan seeks Sanusi’s blessing for election

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan sought yesterday the “royal blessing” of Emir of Kano Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi for his presidential bid, saying he is committed to the ancient city’s continued growth. The president said: “I am here to seek your royal blessing and to reassure the people of Kano that PDP is totally committed to developing the country.” Recalling his administration’s success in wiping out Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), he said the country has virtually eliminated polio adding that it would soon be officially declared polio-free by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Jonathan noted the importance of Kano in commerce and industry, saying his administration would work with the people to enhance agriculture and give more priority to processing and export. He sad: “When you talk of Kano, you talk of the Aliko Dangotes. We will work with the incoming government in Kano to produce young Aliko Dangotes, enhance commerce and create jobs,” Emir Sanusi thanked for the President hoping his cam-

•Accept poll result, says emir From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

paign would go on smoothly. He urged politicians to avoid bloodshed , stressing that democracy is all about choice. “Democracy is all about giving people the chance to make their choice and so, there is no need for violence,” he said. Sanusi urged the people to accept the verdict after the election and rally round whoever emerges the winner. He expressed delight that the government was doing it can to provide Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVC) so that all eligible Nigerians could exercise their franchise. The Emir urged the government to redouble efforts at ensuring security before, during and after the election. Praying for the emergence of leaders that would move the country forward and he said he would continue to pray for peace in the country. At the Polo Ground, where he held a rally, he told the crowd that his administration would continue to create young millionaires out of

Kano through innovative measures. He praised Northern Youths for donating N2million to his campaign. Vice President Namadi Sambo told the supporters to ignore the religious campaign against Jonathan and the PDP, saying that as vice president, nobody could claim to be a bigger Muslim than himself who observes all Islamic injunctions. He said contract has been awarded to extend some railway lines in the North to enhance commerce in the area and beyond. Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, who is the Northwest zonal coordinator of the PDP presidential campaign told the gathering that the All Progressive Congress (APC) led Kano State was a government was full of “deceit”. Lamido advised Kano people to vote for PDP. PDP National Chairman Dr. Adamu Muazu highlighted the achievements of Jonathan administration, urging Kano people to vote for him. He said the mammoth crowd at the rally was an indication that the negative pro-

paganda of the opposition had failed. Director-General of the campaign organisation and former PDP National Chairman Dr. Ahmadu Ali, pointed accused Kwankwaso of lying to the people of the state. Nigerian will continue to enjoy freedom, says Jonathan in Dutse Jonathan, who was also in the neighbouring Jigawa Sate, said Nigerians would continue to enjoy freedom under his leadership, if reelected. Freedom, he said, was a good ingredient of democracy which every citizen must enjoy, adding: "Democracy is all about freedom and any democracy without it is not democracy." The President urged Nigerians not to lose hope in their country, promising to conquer terrorism. The PDP government , he said, has established federal and state universities in the state, pointing out that 80 percent of state universities in the country were built by PDP-controlled states. He pledged to continue to assist farmers with fertilizer and soft loans to boost production.

DPR shuts 20 petrol stations in Imo

HE Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) yesterday shut 20 petrol stations in Imo State for refusing to comply with the new fuel pump price of N87 per litre, as directed by the Minister of Petroleum last week. Zonal Controller of DPR Innocent Akpamagbo, who led other officials of the agency to monitor the level

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

of compliance by petroleum marketers in Owerri, the Imo State capital, sealed off 20 filling stations still selling at the old price of N97. He said it became necessary to ensure that the marketers complied with the new pump price, threatening to revoke the licences of the shut petrol stations.

Akpamagbo said the excuse by most of the marketers that they were still selling their old stock was untenable, insisting that the agency would ensure that marketers complied with the new price. He noted: “Whenever there is an increase in pump price, the marketers will immediately adjust their meters to reflect the new

price. They will not wait to exhaust their old stock, as they are now claiming. “So, in this case, they must adjust their pump prices as directed by the Ministry of Petroleum. This is why we are here to ensure compliance.” Akpamagbo urged the public to report any station, which flouted the order, to the agency.

Lagos APC to Mbu: don’t be partisan

HE Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday advised Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Mbu Joseph Mbu not to be partisan. It cautioned the police chief against partisanship in the discharge of his duties as AIG in charge of Zone ‘2’, comprising Lagos and Ogun states. The party hoped that his redeployment ahead of the elections was not for political reasons, warning that partisanship by a law enforcer of Mbu’s ranking would backfire. In a statement by its spokesman Joe Igbokwe, APC said it hoped Mbu’s redeployment was not for political reasons. The party said the partisan role the AIG played when he held the fort as the police commissioner in Rivers State in the face-off between President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Rotimi Amaechi was unbecoming of a police officer. It said the redeployment less than a month to the elections was lending credence to justifiable speculations that would become clearer with the approach of the polls. The statement reads: “There is little room in Lagos for the kind of hatchet role he played for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State. We

therefore advise Mbu to purge himself of the bias and partisanship, which have coloured his career in the police force before he comes to Lagos. ”We warn Mbu that he is coming to Lagos, the hotbed of progressivism and the state that harbours the preponderance of Nigerian intelligentsia. As such, he is advised to do away with such untoward tendencies that have made him susceptible to manipulation by the hierarchy of the PDP. “We want to let him know that naturally Lagos is not tolerant of negative behaviours from cultural savages and people without scruples. So he needs to adjust to the civilised template of Lagos. “We want to remind Mbu that Lagos is naturally placed to deal with such untoward tendencies that marked his controversial tenure as Rivers State police commissioner. Lagos is still home for all cadres of Nigerian elite and will help him define his career if he lends himself to do the selfish desires of the PDP. “We therefore advise him to be objective and fair in dealing with all political interests en route February 2015.”

‘Collect PVCs’

GROUP, Akinwunmi Ambode Komittee of Friends (AA’KON), has urged Lagosians to obtain Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). It said this would enable them vote for credible candidates during the elections. A statement by the body’s Media Director, Elder Cornelius Olopade, said PVC was a weapon needed by the electorate to vote for candidates, who would bring a change that would transform people’s lives. The statement enjoined Lagosians not to sit on the fence. “They should support government agencies and parastatals in sensitising people not to trade away their future and that of their children by selling their PVCs.

By Tokunbo Ogunsami

“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is implored to make PVCs available to enable Lagosians collect them without stress so that they can vote for candidates of their choice. “Let us collect our PVCs to enable us vote for our favourite candidates and ensure the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, and other APC candidates at the polls. “Lagosians are assured of the continuity of good governance started by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, if Ambode emerges victorious at the polls.”

INEC promises more PVCs By Olatunde Odebiyi

HE Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Lagos State, Mr. Akin Orebiyi, has said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was working hard to ensure that voters got their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) before the elections. Orebiyi, who spoke in Lagos, said INEC had opened 245 registration centres for the collection of PVCs in Lagos, compared to the 20 points it had in the local government offices. He said the commission had released the register of voters and the list of candidates for the presidential and National Assembly elections. His words: “We are already receiving non-sensitive materials, such as over 15,000 ballot boxes and over 5,000 smart card readers. We are expecting more. This shows we are preparing for the elections.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Sovereign Wealth Funds are managed conservatively. They don’t borrow money the way banks do, so you can’t compare this business to banking business. This business does not expose itself to that kind of risk. It is not the same thing as private equity •Managing Director/CEO, NSI A, Uche Orji

Glo transforms Overload Promo to Overload Reloaded

Police get ICT centres from Lagos By Lucas Ajanaku

• Gives 400% bonus airtime

LOBACOM has in creased the value of its ongoing Glo Overload promo from 200 to 400 per cent bonus airtime for every recharge of N200 and above in the repackaged promo re-christened Glo Overload Reloaded. Under the promo, a subscriber who recharges with N200 will get a total value of N1000 automatically while any airtime recharge of N500 will automatically give the subscriber a total of N2,500; N1000 will give N5000; N2000 will give N10,000; and N5000 will give a whopping N25,000 value. The telco said billions of naira worth of free airtime and data will be given out in the course of the promotion adding that subscribers will be able to use their main credit to call any network at any time of the day and the bonus airtime for Glo to Glo calls and SMS between 10pm and 8am, depending on the validity period of the recharge denomination, ranging from three to 20 days. The Glo Overload reloaded promo has also expanded the benefits for data subscribers. Previously, it gave subscribers 200 percent bonus data for new data plan or renewal from N2000 and above. For instance, a subscriber got 4.5GB for data plan subscription or renewal of N3,000. However, with reloaded, a subscriber gets 4.5GB of data for data plan subscription or renewal of just N2,500. Additionally, subscribers on the Glo Overload Reloaded Promo platform will also have a chance to become one of the 120 millionaires that the promo will produce. In addition to the 20 millionaires who have already emerged, a total of 100 more winners will emerge in the weeks ahead.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$117.4/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,396.9/troy Sugar -$163/lb RATES Inflation -8.2% Treasury Bills -10.58%(91d) Maximum lending -30% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -3% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $38.4b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

• From left: Communications Production Advisor, Shell Petroleum Development Company, Mr. Andy Ejeneha; Subsea Hardware Engineer of Shell, Mr. Musa Mohammed; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Mr. Ernest Nwapa; Group General Manager, National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), Mr. Jonathan Okehs and Shell’s Business Relations Manager, Mr. Kanu Ijere, during an inspection of Shell’s stand at the opening session of the 2015 Offshore West Africa Annual Conference and Exhibition in Lagos...yesterday

‘N558b of pension funds invested’

NLY 12 per cent, or N558 billion of the N4.7 trillion with pension companies has been invested so far, leaving the remaining 88 per cent idle, the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers has said. Its President and Chairman, Governing Council, Albert Okumagba who spoke yesterday when the Institute visited the new Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Abuja, said there were opportunities for domestic investors to tap from the huge idle funds. He said: “We have opportunities for our own domestic investors. The pension companies have over $25 billion (or N4.7 trillion) which they have taken as money and even though they have room to invest about 25 percent of this

• Stockbrokers Institute’s chief visits SEC boss From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor)

amount, only about 12 per cent of that has been invested.” The CIS chief reiterated what pension fund administrators have been calling for. He said: “If Nigerians that are supposed to be captured by the Pension Reform Act come on stream, we can do multiples of the N4.7 trillion that has been mobilised from the present pension coverage of about eight percent.” Okumagba also lamented that over 60 per cent of the Nigerian stock market was under the control of foreign investors and expressed concerns that the current situa-

tion has given rise to a situation where “the level of participation of our locals is effectively less than three million when ideally over 80 million of our people should be in the market.” He lamented that “the coverage of insurance assets in Nigeria is not up to two per cent of insurable assert”, adding that “if we can increase from two to 20 per cent and then to 50 per cent, you will be shocked at the kind of contribution that insurance can make.” However, he said the CIS “believes that some of the factors that are holding the market down today will soon ease off; issues of security,

election and crude oil prices; once the election are done with, the market will begin to stabilise.” Responding, the Ag. Director-General of the SEC Mounir Gwarzo, assured Nigerians and investors that the commission will ensure that the market remains vibrant to attract foreign and local investors. Gwarzo also said the SEC will develop domestic investment from retail and institutional investors, saying “we will step up to reach out to the market and improve investment. On the international side, what is most important is the enabling environment. Right now, the rules are very friendly and that is why we keep changing them from time to time to suit best practices and attract investors.”

Nigeria may lose hqtrs of Maritime Bank

MARITIME body, the Shippers’Association, Lagos State, has expressed fear over the possibility of losing the head office of the proposed Regional Maritime Bank to another country. The group is also not happy that the Federal Government is delaying the inauguration of the bank. The group, it was gathered, are also worried because since 2011 when the report of the bank’s project management committee was submitted to the Federal Government, nothing has been heard from the government’s side. A source close to the association also said based on the information they received from a member of the Project Management Committee of the bank that the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) may shift the bank’s head of-

By Oluwakemi Dauda

fice to Equitorial Guinea. Contacted, its President Mr Jonathan Nicol urged the Federal Government to inaugurate the project without further delay in order not to lose the bank’s head office to another country. According to him, the maritime community is waiting for the establishment of the regional bank to create jobs and boost the economy. He said: “Under no circumstance should the bank be taken away from Nigeria. If you look at the volume of maritime activities in the sub-region, a large number is concentrated in the Nigeria’s domain. “We have more maritime activities in the country when compared to any other country within the West African sub-region. We pray that the country will not lose the

headquarters of the bank to a smaller nation in the subregion. “With the bulk of cargoes coming into Nigeria, we need a regional bank that will be resident in Nigeria for maritime operators to easily access funds to facilitate business activities. “There is also the need to have funds for replacement of old equipment and other materials in our maritime industry. A regional maritime bank will be of immense help not only to private entrepreneurs but other practitioners.’’ He said when the bank is established, it would also take care of infrastructure challenges and other domestic requirements, adding that it would result in an improvement in the nation’s maritime activities. The idea of a regional bank was mooted at the Bu-

reau of Transport Ministers’ Meeting in Angola in 2005 and Nigeria agreed to host its secretariat. All the necessary approvals had been secured for the commencement of the bank but little has been done. The approvals for Nigeria to host the banks’ headquarters sailed through at the 13th General Assembly of MOWCA in Dakar, Senegal in July 2008 and the resolution of the 14th General Assembly of MOWCA on August 2011 in Kinshasha, Democratic Republic of Congo. All the resolutions and approvals have given credence for the take-off of the bank. The bank’s project is a sub-regional initiative supported by multilateral agencies such as the World Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB) and European banks.

HE Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has built 100 Information Communication Technology (ICT) Centres for the state police command. He started handing over the ICT Centres to Police Stations in the state with two stations in the Ogudu Police Area Command. Speaking on the occasion, the governor said the centres, all equipped with solar power, were built by the government to speed up the judicial process by assisting the Police to decongest their stations of exhibits, especially abandoned vehicles, which usually hamper traffic flow in the state. According to him, each police station is being equipped with two computers, digital camera, Digital Assert Management Systems Software (DAMS), two KW solar installation and specially trained personnel to man the accessories. He said: “From now on, records of all exhibits in our police stations will be captured and stored in the computers’ databases for ease of access and retrieval of relevant exhibits for effective prosecution of all cases.’’ The governor said despite the remarkable decline in crime rate in the state, the government will not relent in living up to its main responsibilities of securing lives and properties in the state. He said with the provision of digital cameras to policemen which will soon be complemented with the provision of the state-of-the-art squad cars fully equipped with computers on board, .the state, in partnership with security agencies, would take wide-ranging crime-reduction strategies to another level. He commended what he described as the invaluable support of the private sector to the government through the gestures extended to the state’s Security Trust Fund, adding that ‘“this gesture should be emulated by all the citizens as they promptly fulfill their civic obligations of paying their taxes as at when due.” He thanked the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kayode Aderanti for embracing the project on assumption of office, adding that ‘’this is the merit in continuity in governance.’’ Mr. Aderanti who conveyed the appreciation of the Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba to the state government, said the Fashola had once again recorded another first in the realm of policing with the ICT project, assuring that his men will reciprocate the gesture by putting the equipment to good use in the ongoing effort to combat crimes and preserve law and order in the state.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

THE NATION

BUSINESS LABOUR

NECA calls for deregulation of oil and gas T

HE Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has described government’s reduction of the pump price of petrol as a right action within a wrong policy framework, calling for the proper deregulation of the sector. In a press statement signed by the Director General, NECA, Mr. Segun Oshinowo, NECA commended government’s decision to reduce the price of petroleum from N97 to N87, adding that this demonstrated that government is sensitive to the welfare of Nigerians. NECA, however, said this action by government is begging the more fundamental issue of appro-

• Employers praise reduction of fuel price Stories by Toba Agboola

priate policy framework that will promote investment in the downstream sector of the oil & gas industry and put a stop to the embarrassing and shameful practice of importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol. “Our expectation therefore, is that government would seize the opportunity of the current decline in the price of crude oil to commence implementation of the policy on deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil & gas industry. This is a unique timing the gov-

ernment cannot afford to miss as full implementation of deregulation, which in time past had led to price increase and reaction by the labour movement in form of industrial action, does not have any negative effect on the masses. “We are indeed, surprised that government’s announcement was limited to just the reduction in the price of fuel (PMS) as one would have expected a far more holistic announcement of a new policy thrust of deregulation of the downstream sector and privatisation of the four refineries, which have now become sink-holes.

“We do appreciate the fact that election is around the corner and government is being unusually cautious on the possible backlash which announcement of deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil & gas industry could have on its electoral fortunes. We, however, do not share the sentiment, given the fact that this is one moment when such a policy announcement would not have any damaging impact on the populace,” Oshinowo said. According to Oshinowo, it is a common thing for government to weigh economic imperatives against political exigencies at moments of political engagement and political process as the coun-

try is currently experiencing. He said government is more likely to accord priority to political exigencies while relegating economic imperatives to the background particularly if the fall-out of the economic imperatives will undermine public perception of the government. “The issue, however, is that the government is not faced with that choice under the current circumstance as the economy stands to gain from the deregulation policy. We, therefore, call on the government to do the needful by coming out boldly and courageously to inform the Nigerian populace that it has deregulated the downstream of the oil & gas sector,’’ he said.

Adopt labour standard, ASSBIFI urges World Bank

•From left: A consultant, Mr Ishaka Aliyu; National President of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mohammed Garba; Professor K. Gary from USA and NUJ National Secretary, Shauaibu Lema, at the workshop in Kaduna

PenCom generates over N4.6tr CPS

HE National Pension Commission (PenCom) said it has generated over N4.6 trillion in the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) since inception in 2004. Speaking at the opening ceremony of a two-day workshop on the 2014 Pension Reform Act (PRA), with the theme “New Pension Act 2014, its Implications and Obligations to both Employers and Employees in Nigeria”, organised in collaboration with Lagos Council of Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC), the Director General (DG) of PenCom, Mrs. Chinelo AnohuAmazu, said the coverage of the CPS included employees in the public service of the Federal, States and Local Governments as well as the private sector organisations with three or more employees. Represented by the commission’s Head of Compliance and Enforcement Department, Mr. Mohammed Bello Umar, the PenCom boss recalled that the pension reform started in 2004 with the passage of PRA 2004, which provided for a uniform pension system for both public and private sectors. She said the CPS has been successfully implemented since then and the fund under management has grown to about N4.6 trillion while membership is over six million. The DG explained that the coverage of the CPS include employees in the public service of the three tiers of government as well as private sector organisations with three or more employees. The PRA 2014, she added, strengthened the powers of the commission to perform its mandate of regulation and su-

pervision of all pension matters, stating that it would further protect and create value for the contributor. She said: “Following the successful passage of the PRA 2014, PenCom is working towards significantly increasing the membership of CPS by expanding the coverage to include the informal sector as well as ensuring that the pension assets are invested in ways that are most beneficial to the economy.” Earlier in his opening address, Chairman of Lagos State Council of NLC, Mr. Idowu Adelekan, called on the Lagos State Government to pay greater attention to the plight of pensioners who retired from local governments, parastatals, etc whose gratuity and arrears of increment in pension since 2006, had not been paid till date. “We have appealed to the state government before now to always put our senior citizens who had dutifully served the state in the fore front and provide for them a happy retirement life. But as we speak, nothing meaningful has changed in the state as far as pension payment is concerned,” he said. Mr. Adelekan also expressed the state NLC’s displeasure in the way and manner the state government set up Pension Board with the exclusion of the NLC in Lagos State, lamenting that this is contrary to what is applicable in other states. He however, noted that the workshop was to enlighten the workers in Lagos with the new PRA 2014 and the changes it has brought.

“The old Act says both the employers and the employees would contribute 7.5 per cent a piece to make it 15 per cent, but in the new Act, the employees now contribute eight per cent and the employers 10 per cent. It is already in operation at the federal level and we want our members at the state to know it, so that workers in the state would not be short-changed,” he explained.

HE Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) has urged the World Bank to adopt a comprehensive labour standard lending requirement in its institutions like those adopted by other multilateral development banks. The Association said that this would correct the major weaknesses in the draft labour safeguard that was recently issued for consultation. ASSBIFI’s National President, Comrade Sunday Olusoji Salako, who made the disclosures to newsmen in Lagos while reviewing the labour standard version proposed for protecting the rights of those who work in bank-financed projects, stressed the need for the World Bank President, Jim Yong Kim, to ensure that the proposal would be to all intents and purposes and not exist only on paper. He said: “The intention of the World Bank to adopt a labour safeguard is a welcome development, but we call for the version proposed would have almost no impact in protecting the rights of those who work in bank-financed projects alone, but would be to all intents apply to contracted workers, to public servants and not purposes exist only on paper” According to Salako, an important feature of all of the other banks’ labour safeguards in the past

has been their application to contractors and sub-contractors, thus ensuring coverage of a category of workers that is highly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. “The World Bank President, by proposing to not protect these workers in its projects, the Bank will perpetuate instances of unsafe working conditions, child labour, unpaid wages and denial of freedom of association that we have seen in bankfunded projects,” he said. He emphasised that the major weakness of the World Bank’s draft labour safeguard is the proposal that the International Labour Organisation (ILO’s) core labour standards only be fully complied with if they are incorporated in national law. “Specifically, the freedom of association and right to collective bargaining provisions would apply only where national law recognises them, thus opening the door to retaliatory measures by project managers against workers who wish to exercise those rights. “We fully hope and expect that the World Bank will catch up to the labour standard provisions adopted by the other development finance institutions over the past years, and not undermine the progress that has been made by adopting a labour safeguard that is full of exemptions and exclusions,” he further said.

Mismanagement of oil, gas led to austerity, says TUC

HE Trade Union Congress (TUC) has said that the impunity of politicians and mismanagement of the fortunes of the oil and gas industry by successive governments in the country led to the ongoing austerity measures introduced by the Federal Government, especially following the slump in oil price at the international market. TUC also called on the Federal Government to review its policies that would create a conducive working environment for employers of labour and workers in the country, stressing that the nation’s labour movement may have no option than to resist any government policies that would inflict more hardship on workers after next month’s general elections. TUC’s President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama, who made the declarations at an interactive session with newsmen in Lagos on the adverse effects of the ongoing austerity measures on workers, noted that the labour movement is aware that government may pretend not to implement some policies that may affect their political interest in next month’s general elections until March this year.

He said: “The impunity of politicians and mismanagement of the fortunes of the oil and gas sector by successive governments in Nigeria led to the ongoing austerity measures introduced by the Federal Government on December 17, 2014 as a result of the slump in oil price at the international market. “The Congress feels at this time that it is important it calls government’s attention to a number of issues plaguing employers and employees relationship to ensure a friendly working environment this year as we are also aware that Government may pretend not to implement some policies that may affect their political interest in next month’s general elections until march this year.” According to Kaigama, Congress laments the way and manner politicians go about their politicking. He said workers’ bravery, doggedness and loyalty to the project Nigeria in the face of gross abuse of human rights, insecurity, terrorism, arson, dislodgment and chaotic situation is an eloquent testimony to the fact that lives of Nigerians are not in the hands of the government nor the Bretton

Wood institutions and their perfect policies. He noted that what is predominant today in the nation’s democratic governance is government’s use of state’s coercive power, especially the police and resort to use of touts and idle youths to molest political opponents and journalists. “In the 1970s, we had political parties with manifestos, and the likes of Awos, Ziks and Tafawa Balewas’ of this world chronicled what they planned to do and how they planned to achieve them. But what do we have today? Are we wiser now.” he queried. In a related development, the Secretary General of TUC, Comrade Musa Lawal stated that government deliberately refused to listen to advice on oil windfall before the oil slump. He said: “The labour movement and some fore-sighted wellmeaning Nigerians have on uncountable times called on government to make utmost use of the excess dollar we got by diversifying the economy. Unfortunately, our politicians are only interested in rushing down to Abuja for monthly allocation. Government of allocation, this is certainly not our idea of social contract.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

THE NATION

BUSINESS INDUSTRY

industry@thenationaonlineng.net

The local content policy seeks to increase indigenous participation in the oil & gas industry. Nearly five years into its implementation, stakeholders say although the policy has made some progress, government must demonstrate enough political will and commitment to address the gray areas in its implementation, particularly the abuse of expatriate quota by foreign operators, if it must stimulate growth of indigenous capacity, reports Assistant Editor CHIKODI OKEREOCHA.

How to boost indigenous capacity

HE Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Con tent Development (NOGID) Act 2010 signed into law by President Goodluck Jonathan on April 22, 2010, was received with so much enthusiasm and expectations by stakeholders across the sectors. The law was seen as providing the needed impetus to build local capacity and adding value to the economy. It was supposed to help Nigerians have greater access in the management of the nation’s natural resources, which have been in the hands of foreign multinationals. Essentially, the NOGID Act seeks to stimulate the growth of indigenous capacity by increasing local participation in the lucrative oil and gas industry by prescribing, among others, minimum thresholds in relation to the utilisation of local manpower, services and goods as avenues of adding value to the economy. In other words, the law is expected to promote the ownership and employment of Nigerians through a paradigm shift in the way service and maintainance contracts, as well as jobs are dished out to non-Nigerians or expatriates by oil and gas operating and service companies, and halt the resultant huge capital flight, which acted as drain tothe economy. About five years down the line, the question remains unanswered whether the NOGID Act has attained its set objectives. This is the crux of the matter, as the assessment of the policy’s performance has become a subject of heated debate amongst stakeholders. While the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), the ombudsman for the local content policy, including Immigrations Department of the Ministry of Interior, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), the Navy and the Marine Police, among others, say the policy has made significant progress, some stakeholders’ assessment of the initiative is unflattering. For instance, an Abuja-based Oil & Gas Consultant, Ifeanyi Izeze, is piqued by what he described as the flagrant abuse of expatriate quota by foreign operators. He decried the rate at which oil and gas operating and service companies flout the local content laws, especially in the area of expatriate quota, insisting that it is largely responsible for the increasing rate of unemployment in the country. Izeze, a Geologist, told The Nation that the implementation of the Act is skewed in favour of foreigners to the detriment of Nigerians. He said the International Oil Companies (IOCs) and other foreign operators have been observing the aspect of the Act that deals with personnel only in the breach and by so doing short-change Nigerians. He said the IOCs have taken advantage of government’s lack of political will to monitor, implement, and enforce the Act to bring in expatriates to take over jobs meant for Nigerians with all the benefits that accrue to the positions, while Nigerians, who in most cases are better qualified are denied such opportunities.

•Maduekwe

•Nwapa

Although, the oil & gas expert described the policy as ‘a laudable initiative aimed at building local capacity and adding value to the economy’, he expressed fears that all the institutions involved in the monitoring, implementation, and enforcement of the Act, especially the aspect of expatriate quota , have been politicised. He said they have all been working at variance with the provisions of the Act by granting all sorts of waivers to the detriment of the nation’s interest. The alleged that the abuse of expatriate quota has also not gone down well with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN). Its President, Comrade Francis Johnson, observed that non-adherence to the principle of expatriate quota and the absence of a definitive provision for job security in the NOGID Act, are major defects that have hampered the efficasy of the law. Johnson, who spoke after he emerged President of the Association at its 4th Triennial National Delegates Conference in Abuja, noted that the Act was framed within the context of growth of Nigerian entrepreneurship and the domestication of assets to fully realise Nigeria’s strategic developmental goals. “How do we derive maximum benefits from oil and gas operations through optimal use of local competences and resources as practiced in Indonesia, Brazil, Norway and Venezuela, for example? Although these countries started oil exploration and production activities after Nigeria, they have recorded remarkable success in their efforts to grow their local content in this strategic industry, he said, wondering why Nigeria’s case is otherwise. For Obiora Akabogu, a Lagos-based lawyer and public affairs analyst, the answer lies in corruption, which he said was the response for the lack of will and commitment by the government agencies and institutions to implement the Act. “The labour leadership has been compromised; relevant committees of the NASS have been compromised and they looked the other way. It’s still part of that general corruption, which will go when the polity is sanitised,” he told The Nation, adding that it takes a lot of political will to achieve genuine local content. He, therefore, called on the oversight committees of the NASS, which enacted the Act, including labour leaders and the Federal Government, to monitor and implement the overseas training aspect of the policy. According to him, Nigerians need to be sent abroad for training before they

can take over from expatriates. He said most of the jobs in the industry require specialised skills and trainings and Nigerians are supposed to undergo apprenticeship for sometime before they can master the jobs. Akabogu urged that Nigerians should be patient and carefully understudy the expatriates to acquire the specialised skills. He said within the Nigerian business environment, an average apprentice undergoes apprenticeship for at least five. “But in this case we are talking about complex technology, which most Nigerian universities don’t offer in their curriculum. Besides, the onus is on the investor to hire hands they deem necessary and such hands are mostly expatriates with the necessary skills. So, it goes beyond economic nationalism,” he said, adding that it is only when Nigerians acquire the necessary skills that adequate sanctions could be meted out to the multinationals where they fail. Incidentally, this is coming at a time some operators are making a case for the policy to be replicated in other sectors. For instance, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) called on the Federal Government to formulate and implement local content policy in the construction industry to check the expatriate quota abuse as it did for the oil and gas industry. Its President General, Comrade Peter Esele, decried the rate at which employers in the construction industry have continued to flout the country’s laws, especially in the area of expatriate quota. He lamented that the practice contributed largely to the increasing rate of unemployment in the country. Similarly, President-General, National Union of Civil Engineering Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers (NUCECFWW), Comrade Amechi Asugwuni, accused the Federal Government of failing to prevail on Chinese construction companies to adhere to the expatriate quota policy. “The non-adherence to the provisions of the local content policy by Chinese construction companies has made human resources/industrial relations practice difficult,” he said, noting that this is why about 90 per cent of Nigerians in the employ of Chinese construction companies are casuals. Operators in the automobile industry are also clamouring for increased local content. The President/Chairman of Council, Institute of Business Development (IBD), Mr. Ifeanyi Obibuzor, noted that although, the National Automotive Policy (NAP) is a beautiful idea, there must be increased local content for it to have the desired impact. He told The Nation on the sideline of the association’s Business Development Week/Summit in Lagos,

But in this case we are talking about complex ‘technology, which most Nigerian universities don’t offer in their curriculum. Besides, the onus is on the investor to hire hands they deem necessary and such hands are mostly expatriates with the necessary skills. So, it goes beyond economic nationalism

‘

that if the auto policy must be implemented for the benefit of the sector’s investors and the economy, more Nigerians must be encouraged to participate. “What is the local content of the auto policy? How many of our engineers are actually participating?,” he asked, pointing out that in some projects worth billions of naira, not many Nigerian engineers are understudying the process for them to take over. According to him, what obtains at the moment is that critical aspects of the jobs in the auto industry are usually done at odd hours when Nigerian engineers are not there to know what is happening or how the jobs are done. While insisting that the practice amounted to defrauding the economy, he said the “government must be awake to its responsibility.” The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of NCDMB, Mr. Ernest Nwapa, said the fact that the telecoms sector is trying to copy not only the Nigeria Content policy, but the implementation model that was used to push it thus far, lends credence to its positive impacts on the industry. According to him, the same thing is happening in the power sector where the Board is in constant engagement with the Ministry of Power to see how to make things happen. Citing Nigerian ownership of the foundation of the oil & gas industry, the exploration and production side of it, and other impacts, Mr. Nwapa, said the policy has been hugely successful. He said, for instance, before now, the nation’s marine sub sector of the oil industry relied completely on foreign vessels. But today, 60 per cent of the vessels operating in the waters are owned by Nigerians. While also noting that the number of Nigerians working in the industry has more than doubled over the years, he said there is a clear evidence that the engineering work being done in Nigeria by Nigerians has increased. The level of investment has also increased. The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, disclosed recently that the Nigerian content implementation has attracted foreign direct investments worth over $500m (N78bn) in the manufacturing of equipment components for the oil and gas industry. She said the equipment components manufacturing initiative of the Board is an effective way to drive industrialisation and is already creating over 1000 skilled jobs in Nigeria. According to her, the initiative, which mandates original equipment manufacturers to partner with their representatives to set up facilities to manufacture or assemble equipment components in the country, ensures the retention of spend-within-the-economy on critical industry equipment such as valves, pumps, electrical and instrumentation products. Between 1956 when oil was discovered and 2010 when the policy came into place, Nigeria reportedly recorded an estimated capital flight of $380 billion to foreign companies and contractors. This was because of lack of indigenous capacity in manufacturing, fabrication and engineering design of production platforms, marine vessels, drilling rigs and other equipment used in the industry. Virtually all categories of contracts in the oil and gas sector were executed by foreign firms. The engineering designs of production platforms were neither done in Nigeria nor manufactured locally. Indeed, things are gradually looking up for the local operators. Already, a number of them are said to have acquired enough capacity to hold their own following the divestment of some International Oil Companies (IOCs) from Nigeria. The IOCs’ divestments are seen by some industry watchers as representing the single largest opportunity for Nigerian operators with the requisite expertise and capital to emerge as major upstream players. Already, a number of local oil companies have taken up the challenge, acquiring several oil blocks across Nigeria’s oil-producing regions. Some local oil companies that have emerged formidable players, The Nation learnt, include Seplat Petroleum Development Company, an independent oil and gas exploration and production company incorporated and operating in Nigeria; Oando Plc, one of Africa’s largest integrated energy solutions providers; Spectra Energy Services Limited, a fully Nigerian owned oil and gas service company, among others. Seplat has since become a leading indigenous oil and gas operator in Nigeria with crude oil production capacity inching closer to 100, 000 barrels per day.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

COMMENTARY LETTER

EDITORIALS

Mbu comes to Lagos •Against the background of the February polls, his appointment is a bad omen

UST a few weeks before next month’s general elections, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Suleiman Abba, has ordered the redeployment of 14 Assistant Inspector-Generals of Police (AIGs) to various departments, zonal commands and formations of the force across the country. It is not surprising that one of these postings in particular, that of Mr Mbu Joseph Mbu, AIG in charge of zone 7 Abuja, to take charge of zone 2 command comprising Lagos and Ogun states, has raised eyebrows. Mr Mbu is one of the most controversial police officers of this dispensation. Given his track record of impunity and hubris, it is inexplicable why Mbu should be entrusted with such a sensitive assignment at a critical period where the police must not only be

‘We welcome Mbu to Lagos. Hopefully, he knows that Lagos is on the radar of the local and international media. Furthermore, Lagos is a very conscious and politically sophisticated state that has always been the waterloo of dictators. If Mbu does not change his ways, the same fate of dismal failure awaits him in Lagos’

impartial but must be manifestly seen in that light. Under Mr. Mbu’s watch as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, the state steadily degenerated to a near state of anarchy. It is surprising that the Nigeria Police Force was seemingly oblivious of, and indifferent to, the grave damage done to its credibility and professional integrity by Mbu’s temure as Rivers State Commissioner of Police. Mbu’s acts of sheer lawlessness in Rivers State are legion. For instance, on his directive, a caretaker committee lawfully set up for Obi/Akpo Local Government Area was prevented from functioning, as the secretariat was sealed up by the police. Again, when five colleagues of Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State paid a solidarity visit to him (governor) last year, they were molested and harassed at the Port Harcourt Airport, with the police looking on. Other acts of temerity recorded in Rivers State during Mbu’s tenure as CP included withdrawal without just cause of security details of principal members of government loyal to Governor Amaechi, blockage by the police of a road leading to the Government House, Port Harcourt, forcing the governor’s convoy to take another route to his official residence, and the forcible prevention of a delegation of people, including traditional rulers from Orashi community from paying a courtesy call on the governor. These are apart from various instances of incendiary rhetoric. In normal climes, any officer with evidence of such brazen partisanship would have been long shown the way out of the force. But when the criticisms against Mbu

reached a crescendo, the police authorities simply redeployed him to Abuja and even elevated him from the rank of CP to AIG. Not surprisingly, therefore, Mr. Mbu saw no need to depart from his chosen path of impunity. He even had the effrontery to boast on his departure from Rivers State, in a veiled reference to Governor Amaechi, that he was the “lion” who had tamed the “leopard”. Thus, in Abuja, Mbu ordered the arrest and detention for almost 24 hours of an AIT reporter, Mr Amaechi Anakwe, who described him as ‘controversial’ on a TV programme. The reporter was taken to court but no charges were pressed. In the same vein, he sought, without success, to ban the #BringBackOurGirls campaigners from protesting against the plight of the abducted Chibok girls in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Against the background of a peace pact between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s presidential candidates, Mbu’s appointment is not a way to implement it. Given his unsavoury and unprofessional track record, no one can be blamed for believing that there are sinister motives for Mbu’s deployment to Lagos at this time. All the same, we welcome Mbu to Lagos. Hopefully, he knows that Lagos is on the radar of the local and international media. Furthermore, Lagos is a very conscious and politically sophisticated state that has always been the waterloo of dictators. If Mbu does not change his ways, the same fate of dismal failure awaits him in Lagos.

Tackling terror •While condemning the bloody incidents, French society must address its racial and socio-economic alienation of immigrants

ESCRIBED as the worst assault in France for decades, the recent terrorist attacks on the satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo, and a Jewish supermarket both in Paris, by Islamic terrorists have sent shock waves within and beyond France. This murderous attack in which 17 persons died demonstrates once again how an act of terrorism anywhere can pose a threat to humanity everywhere. Rising in solidarity with France to show that terrorism cannot and will not be tolerated, over three million people, including President Francois Hollande and 39 other Heads of State, staged a march across France to protest the killings. This is highly commendable. Claiming they were acting in defence of Islam, the attack on Charlie Hebdo was executed to avenge satirical cartoons on Prophet Mohammed by the irreverent magazine. This must have also been the motive for the violent attack on the Jewish deli in a week of mindless violence in Paris. Questions have been raised in some quarters as regards the state of preparedness and alertness of the French security agencies. This is because all the key actors in the terrorism drama, the brothers, Cherif and Said Kouachi as well as Amedy Coulibaly and his wife, Hayet Boumeddine, were well known to the French security agencies, which had cause to place them under surveillance at different times. Even then the French security agencies rose to the occasion with admirable promptness and efficiency. Within days,

the masterminds of the terrorist attacks had been traced and located. And in exchange of gunfire with the security agents in a bid to evade arrest, three of them were shot dead. The fourth suspect, 26-yearold Hayet Boumeddiene Coulibaly, has reportedly escaped from France but with the police hot on her trail. We condemn terrorism under whatever guise. This is another reason why we applaud the protest march by the French president and others a few days after the attacks. No respectable nation will bow to terror. We also commend the global response to the unfortunate incident. However, it is important to trace the root causes of deviant behaviour by the perpetrators of these violent acts. All the terrorists involved in the Paris tragedy were children of French immigrants. Perhaps, one of the key problems has to do with the alienation of immigrants in the mainstream of French society. Still influenced, subliminally, by the ideals of the 1789 Revolution, which espoused the values of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, the French have historically sought to treat people of diverse races equally. Thus, through its ‘assimilation’ policy, France tried to transform its colonial subjects into respectable French citizens enjoying equal status with the colonial overlord. It is this promise of equality and fraternity for all irrespective of race that makes France an attractive destination for immigrants. Unfortunately, the reality is markedly different. A significant number of French immigrants live on the margins of society and are unable to participate reasonably, economically and culturally, in the benefits of a prosperous society.

Some of them then become frustrated, alienated and vulnerable to being brainwashed into anti-social deviants. Across the western world, the problem is fundamentally the same despite its divergent manifestations. An aristocracy of race has been replaced by an aristocracy of class, which underpins gross inequalities between social classes that bodes serious danger to the society. In Nigeria and other parts of Africa, where diverse forms of religious extremism such as Boko Haram thrive, the problem is often one of absolute poverty that leaves millions of people trapped in a level of poverty that makes their current existence meaningless. A necessary condition for tackling the problem of terrorism at the roots is thus to address the problems of poverty and inequality, both within societies and at the global level of the international political economy.

‘We condemn terrorism under whatever guise. This is another reason why we applaud the protest march by the French president and others a few days after the attacks. No respectable nation will bow to terror. We also commend the global response to the unfortunate incident’

Nigeria: The search for humanity

IR: Nigerians readily point to the country’s bad reputation as the result of a foreign conspiracy. It is only logical that this is true. The international media’s focus on Nigeria ranges from the barbaric to the unbelievable – surely no nation is capable of generating so much negative news with such consistency. After all, we are the biggest economy in Africa, and a few of our citizens are the continent’s most wealthy individuals on the Forbes list. We, however, concede to our share of problems – every nation has them. We believe our bad image comes from the fact that stories out of Nigeria are mostly told by foreigners. They tell it wrong. They lack the proper narrative. They surely are incapable of understanding what it means to be Nigerian. What it means to bask in the glory of being the most populous and industrious black nation on earth. For this reason, it is important we tell our stories ourselves. Kill off the conspiracy. Perhaps only then would we reflect that we are a people in need of redemption. A recent survey on Twitter asked its users to describe their countries in one word. The pool of tweets from Nigeria reflected a few predominant words: Corruption, Fraud and Boko-Haram. It is impossible not to agree that these define the worst of our nation. They reflect the concern of all Nigerians – except the nation’s privileged elite. On the surface, they explain the reason why we have the highest number of school age children not enrolled in school; the despicable state of our infrastructure; an unacceptable infant mortality rate and high poverty indices. Security? I wouldn’t add that to the list. We have none. Sadly, these commonplace concerns do not tell the true story. Nigeria is gone. We have lost it. It is lost with our humanity. Ours is a nation without a soul. In this moment, we cannot blame our leaders. The bane is ours to bear. We have given up our collective humanity. As news of the atrocities committed in Baga trickles in, it becomes clear how many lives have needlessly been cut short. Satellite images show tales of absolute horror; entire villages wiped out and bodies litter the streets. The carnage barely made our local news, like many others before it. We continue to dispute the number of actual dead – the government in an attempt to save face revised the figures from about 2000 to “JUST a few hundred in the interim.” Where is the outrage? Where are the millions of angry people on the streets denouncing this massacre, and demanding answers from those charged to protect us? In any society, the entire country would have stood still for weeks, with overwhelming outpour of empathy towards the victims. But this is Nigeria. Nothing shocks our conscience. The best of us are content to wish away these horrid deaths. The average Nigerian justifies it – viewed through a narrow prism of religion or tribe, which somewhat make these deaths acceptable - and our government simply denies them. It has become a daily fact of life. We have grown fatigued to care about the lives of others, or express shock. We seem incapable of feeling empathy when the victims are neither family nor share our faith or tribe. Make no mistake. I too am Nigerian. I too share this trait of indifference. I too whisper a silent prayer, and hope not to be our country’s next victim. I too bow my head in shame. In this, I do not trade blame. Sadly, there will be no quick fixes. There can be none. Without doubt, making a difference is a lifelong commitment. It is a long walk. But I hold faith. That someday we shall shed our shackles of tribal and religious bias, and hold the creed that an attack on one is an attack on ALL. Our resilience as a people makes this possible. Our diversity gives me hope. Perhaps the next time I hear news of carnage; I will make time to join a protest march. Perhaps, the next time I feel the warmth of my bed; I will donate a blanket to an initiative in support of internally displaced persons. Perhaps, next time I hear of a soldier’s death in combat; I will spare a day to visit families of dead soldiers and share their grief. Whatever my actions; I MUST do more. • Ayobamidele Akande, ayobamidele.akande@gmail.com

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Adekunle Ade-Adeleye •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: Insecurity has risen to a level of profound concern in the country and the resultant death toll is comparable only to the civil war. The North, needless to say, is worst affected by the horrendous state of insecurity especially due to the seemingly intractable Boko Haram insurgency. However, the states of Plateau, Nassarrawa, Benue and Taraba have been scorched by a no-less deadly attacks resulting into massive grisly killings and destruction perpetrated by armed marauders suspected of being Fulani nomads. Equally, not a few communities in the Southern Senatorial area of Kaduna State have suffered similar callous attacks with devastating consequences. The attacks are always methodically accomplished. To all intents and purposes, the communities in these areas are under siege. Various attacks have been successfully executed in the past. However, the massacre of September 2014 rudely awakened the world to the threat against the very existence of the people of Sanga L.G.A in Kaduna State. In the wake of the massacre in Fadan Karshi, Ungwan Ganye and Karshi Daji, the military was deployed to hunt down the perpetrators and as well provide security. The semblance of calm and normalcy that prevailed due to the presence of security ensured the gradual return of residents but there was a perceptible diminution of the security operatives as the number of returnees grew. A peace building initiative was launched with the different ethnic groups as well as the Fulani community in attendance. It did restore some measure of confidence in the area. However, the shocking release of suspects not least some persons many victims accused of being accomplices no doubt still

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Case for security in Sanga L.G. Kaduna State rankles. The people of Sanga L.G.A enjoyed an uncomfortable peace until few days to the 2015 when mystery gun men attacked the Tattaura community resulting in the gruesome death of 10 persons. Just before the dust of the killings could settle, another harvest of deaths were recorded in Ungwan Dauda. It was a revolting scene of massive human blood and lifeless bodies. An outcry that resulted almost snowballed into a sectarian crisis which was swiftly quashed by the small number of military officers. The tragedies did prove the peace was

clearly the calm before the storm. There is no telling the communities on the hit list of the armed marauders as the New Year begins. Already, life is somewhat tricky for residents especially with their source of livelihood in ruination. Going to their farms is to all intents and purposes like walking on a thin ice. Many of their produce are laying waste due to fear of venturing to the farms. They are apparently helpless in the face of the new heights that the insecurity has reached in the area. The atmosphere in Sanga L.G.A is patently clouded

with gloom and despondency. The communities in the area are obviously sitting ducks on the strength of the absence of the wherewithal to defend itself against the well armed marauders. Their hope of security and protection is pinned on government which holds the statutory responsibility. It behoves the government to station a rapid response team to attend to the exigencies of insecurity in the area. The issue of justice is paramount. The people are forced to feel that the perpetrators are well protected by their promoters ensconced in government.

Certificate society IR: Oh Nigeria! Can someone spare me the explanation? Yes, the general elections are here. Politicking at the peak and politicians jostling for the juicy package. Intense is the mode of the game and only the hard-hearted can survive the heat. The PHD syndrome is not given any chance to rest. Every aspirant digging deep, searching for opponents’ past records, missive and flaws for a stronghold to campaign. All these define the political terrain of Nigeria. Even as Nigerians are wooed by candidates of the different political parties, one major topic remains: Buhari, Where is your certificate? The opposition are making no mis-

take in blowing to the heavens the absence of certificate for the presidential standard bearer of All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari. Yes, he has spoken. Hear him: “ I assumed all along, all my records were in the custody of the Military Secretary of the Nigerian Army, a position I have been privileged to occupy myself, much to my surprise, we are now told that although, a record of the result is available, there are no copies of the certificate in my personal file. “This is why I formerly requested my old school—the Provincial Secondary School, Katsina, which is now known as Government College, Katsina, to make available the

school copy of the result of the Cambridge West African School Certificate. This will be made available to the press the moment this is available. “However, let me say for the record that I attended Provincial Secondary School, Katsina. I graduated in 1961, with many prominent Nigerians, including Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, former Chief of Staff in the Supreme Headquarters; and Justice Umar Abdullahi, former President of the Court of Appeal. We sat for the University of Cambridge WASCE examination together in 1961, the year we graduated. “My examination number was 8200002 and I passed the examina-

Buhari/Osinbajo: Yes they can IR: The fastest way Nigerians can save, change and make Nigeria great is for everyone of us to begin to practice and promote politics of nationalism, patriotism, national unity, service to humanity, religious tolerance, principle, conscience, morality, as well as see that we condemn politics of ethnicity, tribalism and religious fanaticism because despite our diverse ethnic groups we are one people, one nation, one destiny.

I have observed that at work, school, church, mosque and even in sports/entertainment and NYSC we are one but once politics is mentioned every Nigerian becomes ethnic, tribal and religious fanatics both at local government, state and national levels. The time has come for us to see ourselves as one entity called Nigeria; we should also demand that government provides us with the basic necessities of life which are

shelter, children’s education, potable water, good and adequate food, health care, good roads, employment and a decent wage, good public transportation, security of lives and property, electricity and reasonable comfort. Barrack Obama’s “change” will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the change we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek. Pass this message to your friends and

family members colleagues at work, church, mosque, school e.t.c Nigeria will be up and doing only when citizens like you and I wake up and think accurately in carrying out our activities in the interest of Nigeria. Buhari/Osinbajo have what it takes to save, change and make Nigeria great. • Feyisetan Akeeb Kareem, Lagos

The security of lives and properties should be dealt as an emergency before it begins to take a religious trajectory. It is gradually been accepted that many of these attacks are attempts at deracinating or depopulating the original inhabitants. The states that have contiguous boundaries with the Local Government needs to work closely with the Kaduna State government in tackling the insecurity. It is common knowledge that the killers move in and out of the communities along the boundaries. The restoration of normalcy is what the people of Sanga Local Government Area are craving for. For many of us, the attack on the communities of Tattaura and Ungwan Dauda few days shy of the New Year is a dreadful presage. The government needs to map out effective strategies to check the mindless massacre. • Abachi Ungbo, Barnawa, Kaduna.

tion in the Second Division, and although the ruling party may want to wish this away, the issue in this campaign may not be my certificate which I obtained 52 years ago.” Well said. He has put rest to this certificate brouhaha? But for me, campaigns should ascend the era of petty situations. It ought to transcend certificate or no certificate, phone number or not and other kindergarten reasoning pattern. The country has had fair share of leaders. In our president lies a man with immense educational status attaining a Ph.D from a reputable institution. Yet, many promises are far from being fulfilled. One begins to wonder the role of certificates in leadership. To me, I hope this issue is resolved quickly. I want to hear candidates debate issues. This kind of politicking endears me to the United States of America elections every four years. These persons argue on issues, tackle themselves intelligently and proffer their perceived super model solution to several issues. If this is not done, we might yet have another four years of sentimental leaders grace the corridor of power. •Amakoh Kelechi, Kelechi.amakoh@gmail.com

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

COMMENTS

Time to focus on economy

HE falling price of crude petroleum presents Nigeria a golden opportunity for our leaders to put on their thinking caps to come up with reasonable solution to what has become a recurring decimal in the economic life of our country. Even though the price of crude petroleum is not likely to remain low for too long because of several reasons chief of which is the fact that the fracking gas oil which has reduced considerably American oil imports will become uneconomic to produce if the price of crude falls bellow 40 dollars. Secondly the oil majors that are critical to the global economy and its stability will not be allowed to go down with losses totaling trillions of dollars belonging to the investing public that is invariably western capitalists. In other words, it is in the enlightened interest of the West to settle for oil price at between 70 and 80 dollars a barrel. In the meantime Nigeria and such other oil producing countries like Venezuela constitute the Achilles heels of the previously formidable cartel of OPEC which unlike Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States can call the bluff of the west and engage in price war to drive the fracking gas and oil industry of Canada and the U.S. out of the market. With trillions of dollars in foreign reserves, Saudi Arabia and the the Gulf States can afford to overproduce at any cost or not to produce at all in order to make a point. Nigeria, Iran Venezuela and Indonesia cannot afford that strategy. This is really a pity in the case of Nigeria. Iran and Indonesia are at least semi-industrialized but what do we in Nigeria have to show for all these over 50 years of oil production? We have been talking about diversification until we are blue in the face amounting to motion without movement. It seems we may continue like this unless we are forced or compelled to do something. Some years ago an Israeli ambassador told me when he travelled from Ibadan to Kwara State he dreamed about Israel having the abundance of land he saw on his trip and that the ruinous wars his country was engaged in would not have been necessary and that with that land Israel would have been able to feed the rest of West Africa. Imagine then what the land available all over Nigeria in the hands of a technologically competent country could do for us in our country. I am not excited by the claims of our mobile telephonedistributing minister of agriculture and his claim of agricultural revolution when the whole country is awash with imported rice and other farm products of other countries! But there is no doubt that we must go back to the land. This was the resource that sustained us before hydrocarbon resources. We must support agricultural investment through farm subsidies instead of oil subsidies that are making people rich without working! This will have to be done in such a way

that there will be a stampede to become young farmers. The way it is done is through guaranteed prices for agricultural produce. We have done it here in Nigeria before through the regime of the abandoned marketing boards which guaranteed prices for farmers even when there was a fall in agricultural produce globally. This was how Nigeria encouraged production of cocoa, Palm produce and groundnuts before the curse of oil on Nigeria which led to our people living a life of indolence and living off commissions as compradore agents of foreign multinational companies. Since 1999 when the PDP came into power, we have been told about the plan of power sufficiency. The current president told us that by the end of last year those of us with generators will be begging people to take them off us because by then power will not only be available but would also be cheap . This promise has been fulfilled in the breach! We are daily told of how many thousands of megawatts of electricity we need and how government is going to meet this demand only to be followed the second day on how the power situation has collapsed to 2000 megawatts or less, sometimes worse than where we were in 1999 and after billions of dollars have been spent by the same PDP government that wants to be re-elected. If we are serious about development we should ask serious questions about the urgent need for power for industrialization and reasonably comfortable life free of the environmentally damaging diesel generators that have become permanent feature of our lives whose fumes kill instantly or intstallmentally. Power is key to our survival as a civilized country and the party that can solve this problem should be embraced by Nigeria. We do not need to depend on gas at all so that we are not blackmailed and threatened as we are daily threatened that unless we abdicate power to people for oil and gas producing states we would have no country. There is enough coal and water to give us power forever in this country. Even without oil we can access resources in the international financial institutions like the World Bank and IMF to support our electric power infrastucture. Industrialization and agriculture will get us to where we want to be. We started well on this route when we had several textile mills all over Nigeria supplied by Nigerian cotton growers but we let all this go to waste when we got drunk on oil wealth. Any student of western industrialization knows it was from light textile industries that countries progressed to heavy industries. You can not jump a developmental stage! In all this we have to emphasize power. Indonesia a country with serious spatial difficulty scattered over 2500 islands is joining China as an industrial hub of the world because of her ability to supply its people power which has made small scale industries and enterprises thrive. There is no magic in all this. We just have to work hard. No amount

O WONDER many decent people are running away from politics; it is not that they are not interested in the game, what they are afraid of is the mudslinging. Some politicians are crude; so crude that they are not better than motor park touts, to borrow the words of President Goodluck Jonathan. They use intemperate language unmindful of the damage they may cause. These ill-mannered politicians believe that all is fair and foul in politics. But should it be so? In this age, we should be playing politics without bitterness as espoused by the late Ibrahim Waziri of the defunct Great Nigerian Peoples Party (GNPP), who despite defecting from the Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP) in 1979 remained friends with his former party members and used no curse words against them. Decent people will continue to shun politics if our politicians continue to behave the way they do. What is in politics or the contest for power that a politician will wish another dead? There is no way any same person can defend the advertorial placed by Ekiti State Governor Peter Ayodele Fasyose in The Punch and the Daily Sun last

283 DAYS AFTER

WHERE ARE THE ABDUCTED CHIBOK GIRLS?

of prayers in churches and mosques will help develop our country. Our future is in our hands. And we should not expect miracles. God is not a magician! If we do the right things in this country, there will be jobs for everybody to do and it will not matter who is in or out of government or Jide the ethnic group from Osuntokun which the president or governors come. What we have had in the hands of the World Bank Trojan horse of Okonjo-Iweala in the last 10 or so years is management of prosperity which is not the same thing as economic policy. Paying off our indebtedness to the Paris Club and London club countries and the Bretton Woods institutions does not require neuro surgery because management of an economy in a time of plenty is easy even Joseph did this in pharaonic Egypt. What is the big deal publishing state allocations and investing a mere $1 billion in Sovereign Trust Fund while drawing down billions of dollars in foreign exchange to pay for all kinds of wines and champagne of which we are the largest consumer outside France all in the name of free trade when we do not benefit from dividends of comparative advantage on which free trade is based? What is left of our foreign earnings is then stolen to put it mildly under the regime of market economy and subsidies for oil imports. This is an embarrassment of importing oil by an oil exporting country. Why has it taken us more than 15 years to fix the four oil refineries in the country? The point I am making is that we should have managed our economy better and allow in things that we need rather than pandering to the dictates of the World Bank regime of free trade when we have nothing to contribute to global trade except raw and crude produce. Finally, we have an opportunity to tell our people that the meaning of self government includes taxation. Nigerians for a long time have not been paying taxes. This is the time to tell our people the home truth. A situation where only salary earners are the only ones paying taxes is simply untenable and unhealthy. Every adult must be made to pay taxes no matter how small. This is the only way people will have a sense of ownership of their government.

In bad taste Monday, on the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Alhaji Muhaamadu Buhari. The advert does not show that we have grown politically as a nation. The essence of any campaign is for the contestants to show who is the best among them. It is not a forum for abuse or mudslinging; neither is it one for twisting biblical passages in order to satisfy inordinate desires. Election is not a do or die. You contest and lose to contest again. You do not contest to die; you contest to live and see where you missed it so as to become a better candidate in future. None should know this better than Fayose, the harbinger of the hate advert. And what is Buhari's offence? He is contesting the February 14 presidential election against Fayose's political leader, President Goodluck Jonathan. Fayose wants to remain in Jonathan's good books and as such he is ready to do anything to satisfy his master. But the president should know people like Fayose for what they are - they will support you today because it pays them to be on your side and abandon you when the tide turns against you. Fayose knows that his bread will remain buttered as long as he is on the president's side. Perhaps, he is acting with the benefit of hindsight. A president got him out of office in 2006 because he was found to be cantankerous. Fayose does not want history to repeat itself almost nine years after. To avoid that bitter experience, he has thrown all what he has into supporting Jonathan against Buhari to protect his political future There is nothing bad in his support for Jonathan, but everything about his hate advert against Buhari is bad. His advert, which I find nau-

seating to reproduce here was uncalled for. That is not how to campaign for your candidate. Fayose went too far in that advert and it calls to question the sanity of some of those we call our leaders. Is it not a shame that such a figure is a governor in Nigeria? Fayose could have found better ways of campaigning for Jonathan instead of descending so low with such a cheap advert. It cost money to place that advert but its message was too cheap for such a price. So, has money not been put to shame? What is the point in spending a fortune on an advert only to come up with a message that rankles? Since Monday, Fayose has been under fire for carrying his sacrifice beyond the house of worship. The good he wanted to do Goodluck Jonathan through that advert has turned to bad for him. He is the one to make a choice now - does he want bad luck - as he has brought upon himself with his advert - to remain his portion or will he mend his ways for good luck to locate him? Fayose went overboard in that advert; no wonder Nigerians have been cutting him to size over it. But then he who the gods want to destroy they first make mad. This is what we are seeing in this case. To the leadership of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), the advert was a killjoy. It said : ''You know, sometimes it looks as if life plays a cruel game. The Punch of today has an advert reportedly sponsored by Ayo Fayose. Now going by Facebook (FB) responses alone, the advert has attracted many negative responses... “From a professional standpoint, it's not an issue of whether the advert is good or bad. It is simply unconventional, shocking, controver-

sial, and perhaps even embarrassing, and has certainly annoyed a few people. And by the way, the reference to portions of the Bible introduces a curious twist... “Now I am sure that wherever he is, the president must be wondering about his Ekiti enfant terrible. These are really interesting times!'' Indeed, they are. If they were not, Fayose will not be putting his name on such a despicable advert when we are talking of the Abuja Peace Accord. ow can we ensure a hitch free election with such hate spewed forth from the Fayose advert? It is the worst worded advert I have ever read. It was too provocative and did not do the Abuja Peace Accord any good and I daresay the papers should have erred on the side of caution in carrying it. The media should not be too conscious of money; yes we are in business to make money but we must be wary of the antics of politicians who do not mean well for the country. Otherwise we will allow them to blow up the country with their hate mongering under

Lawal Ogienagbon lawal.ogienagbon@thenationonlineng.net SMS ONLY: 08099400204, 08112661612

the guise of electioneering. There is no better word to describe Fayose than that of APCON - an effant terrible. What an effant terrible!! Will the president and PDP call him to order? I doubt if they will because it pays them to pretend as if they did not see this evil which their beloved son has committed. A free, fair and peaceful election as agreed to under the Abuja Accord starts with those close to the corridor of power not doing anything to breach that pact.

Mbu the 'lion'

MANY are agitated over Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Joseph Mbu's deployment to the Zone 2 Police Command comprising Lagos and Ogun states. And they are rightly so. Mbu, the self-styled lion, parades an unenviable record as a police officer. The atrocities he committed as Rivers State Police Commissioner and AIG Zone 7 Abuja are

still fresh in the people's memory. Was he deployed to Zone 2 to intimidate the highly vociferous people in his command as we get set for next month's elections? Time will tell. Let him have these words of wisdom at the back of his mind : ''If you are sent on a servant's errand, you deliver it as a freeborn''.

‘Fayose went overboard in that advert. It was too provocative and did not do the Abuja Peace Accord any good. A peaceful election will start with those close to officialdom not doing anything to breach that pact’

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

COMMENTS

DP rallies are often swelled up with rented crowd. We have as authority the Ogun State-based PDP mobiliser for the last year Ekiti governorship election who after Fayose’s unexpected landslide victory told Channels Television that PDP should not be expected to invite people to their rallies without making provision for their protection from the vagaries of the weather. He was commenting on PDP policy of ‘stomach infrastructure’, which he admitted was targeted at PVC holders all over the state. It is unlikely the crowd paid any attention to lies dished out by cynical politicians who themselves have little faith either in the electorate or the ballot box. Long before President Jonathan’s combative flagging off of his campaign in Lagos and Enugu, Nigerians were already familiar with his exaggerated achievements in the economic sector, now the largest in Africa, roads rehabilitation, railways, power generation, agriculture and foreign investment all of which have been wildly celebrated by his transformation ambassadors. But I think what Nigerians were not prepared for was the president’s claim of being the champion of the war against corruption and a crusader for the rule of law. Addressing a crowd of supporters at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, Jonathan told the crowd of his success in the war against corruption in the last four years using modern technologies. According to him “There is no government that has fought corruption more than we have done.” The crowd did not bother about proof. But the president all the same went on to provide one. It turned out not to be in the number of corrupt people successfully prosecuted by his regime, but in the fact that Buhari who the president claims cannot remember his telephone number is too old to understand the meaning of corruption. According to him, “Buhari believes that every wealthy Nigerian is corrupt”; and “If a Nigerian businessman has a private jet, then you are corrupt, if you have a good house, then you are corrupt, if you have a good car then you are corrupt”. The president didn’t need to ask Buhari for his definition of corruption. As a lucky shoeless boy fortuitously turned president and now surrounded by many wealthy friends, owners of big cars, private jets, palatial houses some of whom recently contributed a whopping N21 billion in a few hours towards his re-election bid, he knows better. The president’s only misfortune however is even if his crooked logic remains unassailable among the vulnerable 18 years old he has chosen to work with in order to move the nation forward, the group will not determine his fate on February 14 because they hardly vote.

HEN the Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, announced the reduction of the pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS) from N97 per litre to N87 per litre effective from Sunday midnight, it seemed that our N10 billion investment in her globetrotting had not vanished into thin air after all. The incumbent President of OPEC gave us the vaguely validating feeling that we also belonged to the global village. All over the world, pump price of crude had been in free fall, as a result of the battle of wits between OPEC and the Unites States over fracking. Oil price has more than halved in the past months, tumbling from $100 to less than $50. This was our invitation to the party. Now the return of N10 on a N10 billion investment is a woeful loss. N10 can buy no more than a sachet of pure water or a HB pencil or a match box - even though a pickpocket caught in Onitsha, the land of the authentic Azikiwe, would be lucky to escape being lynched for filching N10!. She mandated the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency and the Directorate of Petroleum Resources, to ensure compliance nationwide from the stroke of midnight forward. She closed by saying that she hoped that “everybody will benefit” from the reduction. The reduction should naturally translate to a potential saving of hundreds of naira. Nigerians buy many litres of petrol daily for their cars and their generators. But Madueke made a grave assumption. She assumed that the official pump price regime obtained across the country. But majority of the population buy at higher rates in practically all the states. People are forced to buy at whatever rate they are offered, notwithstanding the difference between it and the official pump price. In the city where I live, a litre of petrol could spike to N160. It’s sold at N97 only in NNPC filling stations. So in a way, the official fuel pump price applies to a few.

Jonathan, Corruption and rule of law Both in Lagos and Enugu, the president also positioned himself as the guardian of the rule of law. Again, the president did not tell his supporters what he has done to enhance rule of law over the last six years. Instead he resorted to Buhari bashing. He reminded them how back in 1984, without adding that Buhari was the head of a military junta, he jailed their fathers and uncles without following rule of law. And in Enugu, how Buhari jailed ‘some prominent Igbo politicians including former Vice-President Alex Ekwueme and former governor of old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo’. The president concluded saying: “I am not going to run the government based on my habits; I am going to run the government according to global best practices.” But that has been the opportunity the president repeatedly bungled these past six years becoming in the process the greatest threat to the rule of law, first by his partisanship in the saga of Justice Ayo Salami who was eased out of office for having the courage to rule against PDP governors that stole their opponents’ victories in Edo, Ondo, Ekiti and Osun and later as an accessory in the undermining of the rule of law in Ogun in 2011, then Rivers, Edo and Ekiti in 2014. Nigerians know that as an impeached former governor who was also standing trial over EFCC alleged financial fraud besides murder charges, Ayo Fayose was not constitutionally fit to run for governorship office. But he was the president’s favourite among about 15-odd candidates. He went on without a manifesto to mysteriously secure a landslide victory over a performing incumbent Governor Fayemi. Haunted by the demon that saw him out of

office in 2006, even as governor elect, Fayose went with thugs to beat up a judge presiding over his eligibility case, shredded his robe and judgment sheets. The protectors of rule of law kept their peace. Then Fayose drove 19 opposition lawmakers out of town and with the help of 300 policemen, ferried seven PDP members in government bus to the assembly where they hilariously impeached the speaker and appointed one of their own as speaker. A few minutes later, the governor appeared on a national television telling Nigerians he has recognized the new Ekiti speaker. The President and his Attorney General, guardians of the rule of law kept their peace. Before Ekiti was Ogun State. In the run up to the 2011 presidential election, President Jonathan was accompanied in his campaign tour of Ogun State by ex-Governor Gbenga Daniel who at the time was ruling his state as a sole administrator after shutting down the state assembly and driving the lawmakers out of town. The president pretended not to be aware of this in spite of strident calls to intervene in what was then a PDP intra party feud. In the battle of supremacy between Governor Rotimi Amaechi and the President’s wife in Rivers State, about seven law makers who publicly swore by the name of the president and his wife threw the state into chaos as they tried to illegally remove the speaker and the governor. The state police commissioner became the de facto governor. It took the president over six months and the intervention of well-meaning Nigerians before a tepid statement was issued in his name calling “on all those who were remotely or directly involved in heightening political tension in Rivers State

to put an immediate end to their actions which are capable of plunging Rivers State into public disorder and strive to settle their political differences without further recourse to barbaric acts of violence”. In Edo State, about seven members of the House of Assembly consisting of suspended members of the ruling party and others barred by a court injunction from entering the assembly premises ignored court order and with the help of thugs took over the house after driving out the majority of members who have since relocated to the government house. The guardians of rule of law maintained their peace. However, in the wake of a recent Abuja Federal High Court order to swear in Bala Ngilari as the Adamawa governor, it took the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Bello Adoke, only a few hours after the ruling, to issue a statement directing the Chief Judge of Adamawa to immediately swear in Ngilari. Akpabio, who is the chairman of the PDP Governors’ and the president’s accomplice in many acts of impunity and politics of subterfuge, was to later tell state house correspondents that ‘President Goodluck Jonathan deserved commendation for his adherence to the Rule of Law and respect for the nation’s judiciary’. But since there is no perfect crime, as they say, Akpabio followed with a Freudian slip. “Ngilari is a PDP man; he is not in the opposition… the interesting aspect is that it is a family business for the PDP,” he said triumphantly. As I watched the president dance with Ayo Fayose in Ekiti last week, just as I have over time observed his apparent support for the rape of the rule of law, confirmed corrupt elements and various acts of impunity, the more I am persuaded President Jonathan lacks the strength of character to sacrifice his private interest for the public good.

‘As I watched the president dance with Ayo Fayose in Ekiti last week, just as I have over time observed his apparent support for the rape of the rule of law, confirmed corrupt elements and various acts of impunity, the more I am persuaded President Jonathan lacks the strength of character to sacrifice his private interest for the public good’

Jonathan's N10 change By Emmanuel Uchenna Ugwu The twin agencies responsible for petroleum price monitoring coexist with a plethora of parallel price regimes. They could not ensure that fuel is dispensed at N97 per litre. They would certainly not to be able to make the N10 reduction a common experience at the present level of their activeness. More to the point, the context of the announcement says a few things about the motivation of the heralds. Alison-Madueke made the declaration after dinner time on a Sunday. No, nothing in the book casts a certain time for such pronouncements. Yet, there was something tangibly awkward about the scheduling. It had to be enacted on a weekend and past dinnertime, when the largest audience possible would be hooked on the news. The court astrologers marked it down to the most apt minute! Then the venue. She published her tidings from the grounds of the State House. Nigeria’s seat of power has not always been the launching pad for a new fuel price regime. The choice and use of the President’s official address for this purpose indicates a clear intention to associate authorship of the reduction with the President. (HINT: What I offer you is not quite the result of the slump of crude price in the global market: It originated from the bosom of the man in residence. This is a gift from the President, an early Valentine gift from a presidential candidate standing for re-election to his people.) Credit to whom it is due, the President’s camp got the stagecraft right. The reduction would have had little impact if the minister had broken the news in her office, as is in a normal press conference. But this was an extraordinary press conference. And who could fail to imagine the quantity of ballots that may be given as payback to the President if

the public is led to believe that the good news sprung from the sheer magnanimity of Goodluck Jonathan! The results of Jonathan’s transformational leadership often escape his faculty of recall, which is why he is often seen on live TV begging a rally to vote for him because he suspects that his main challenger cannot memorize a phone number. With this development, Jonathan, the one whose aides once claimed brought Facebook to Nigeria, may now begin to add that he is the leader who gave us the law of gravity. People often joke that what goes up never gets to come down in Nigeria. The price of goods rise and keep rising. But has he not performed the unprecedented feat of pulling down the price of petrol from a higher altitude? He and his team will put this N10 change under a magnifying glass and describe it exaggeratedly. They will have this branded as a product of never-before-heard alchemy. But the more discerning know nobody did us any favor. We were entitled to the reduction. And that reduction should have happened as matter of cause and effect. In reality, we should have started buying a litre of fuel with less money at about the same time other humans elsewhere began to enjoy cheaper fuel. And that brings us to question of why we were made to lag behind the rest of humanity in this lower fuel price season. Did our President think that we didn’t deserve to share in this global behind? Was he so reluctant that he was left alone, the only leader who would not approve a decrease? Even when President Jonathan came around to “doing it”, he grudged to exercise himself in not-my-will tokenism. He approved only N10 reduction. By his own measure of proportion, even the theft of a sum of money that could have purchased a Peugeot car

doesn’t make a thief. So he settled for the most contemptible amount that appealed to him. On a personal level, the announcement caused me grievous embarrassment. At first, the impression I got was that the government was just out to mock. How could you purport to be responding to the global price and serve the people such deplorable trifle? For one, the margin of reduction does not bear close resemblance to the degree of the fall of crude price. Ten naira does not, in any way, represent the remotest approximation of the percentage that should have been shaved off the fuel pump price if the price adjustment was truly meant to reflect the prevailing market trend. The gesture presents itself as a patronizing appeasement, a concession granted to force silence. It is a callous and conceited reply to the query: Why are Nigerians barred from tasting cheaper fuel even when other people have begun to take it for granted? It was a pacifier shoved into the mouth of a protesting child. You asked for a decrease in fuel pump price: here is it. Will you now keep quiet or research another reason to keep blackmailing the Presidency? The other time, the Jonathan administration ambushed us with a fuel price hike on the dawn of a new year. And the whole country erupted into spontaneous anger. The timing and the scale of the increment melted the divisive identities of the people and united them as clusters of families across the states of the federation. The very air that hung over Nigeria became so agitated with fury and voices. The matter was subsequently resolved in the interest of public peace and motion. The whole country had ground to a halt. But the resolution did not touch the fundamental issues. Three years after, our refineries still run below capacity. We still import finished petroleum products. The fuel subsidy cabal still thrives.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

COMMENTS

MPERCEPTIBLY, slowly, but surely, Nigeria’s real need in the weeks ahead is emerging in the Nigerian political debate. Most Nigerians may tend to focus on elections, but, really, the greater concern of Nigerians is the peaceful survival of Nigeria – while the greatest fear is that this coming election may generate the occasion for bringing Nigeria’s ills to a cataclysmic outcome. We Nigerians have a central duty to ourselves, to the Black race, to Africa, and to the world – and that duty is to make some meaning out of Nigeria. That duty is very huge, though many of us do not quite understand or appreciate it. I was already a fairly well-informed youth in the 1950s, when Africa and the wider world first began to recognize the importance of Nigeria to Africa and the world. My experiences in those magical times remain deeply planted in my consciousness. We Nigerians are not merely one-fourth of the Black people of Africa, the largest country in population in Africa, and the fourth largest country in population in the world. We are also one the most educated populations in Africa. And we are unusually blessed with natural resources – including some of the richest crude oil and gas deposits on earth. Africa and the world see us a potential world power – the Blackman’s only world power since ancient Egypt. At near 80, I still get tears welling up in my eyes when I remember some of my experiences concerning Africa’s expectations about Nigeria. In January 1960, I was leading a Nigerian students’ delegation to a conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The noise of Nigeria’s coming independence was everywhere. After a dinner one evening, the Ethiopian Minister of Education (Mr. Endalkachiu Makonnen) placed his hand on my shoulder, looked seriously into my eyes, and said, “My young Nigerian brother, congratulations for your country’s coming independence. I hope that as you Nigerians prepare for your independence, you are also thinking seriously about your country’s duty to our continent. A lot in our Africa is going to depend on your Nigeria soon”. I shed tears in bed that night – tears of joy for my country, tears of pride in my country. Sadly, as soon as we achieved independence, we began to mess up our country. Even so,

OR many months, some vested interest groups, on realizing the imminent possibility of a successful Barack Obama candidacy for the presidency of the United States, sponsored the throwing of different arrows to puncture same. They either claimed that he was not a bona fide US citizen or was a Muslim, Kenyan or Indonesian or such inanities. Obama refused to answer those ‘issues’ and it was from him I first heard the phrase ‘silly season’ – meaning (in my view) the ‘hot’ period leading up to an election where people get so confused by a myriad of issues and personalities, that they will rather ‘cool off’ and enjoy more salacious jibes and mudslinging. In Nigeria there is no shortage of supplies of arrows and it will appear that even President Goodluck Jonathan whilst he detests ‘opposition’ and social media arrows, has his own arsenal and now fancies throwing a few himself. The problem with throwing arrows is that if an arrow is blunt no matter how poisoned or poisonous the thrower is, the target will suffer at most minor bruises and at times a backfiring may occur. Another problem I see is that Buhari like Obama being of similar frame provide very slim targets and often even the blunt arrow will miss the target! So an angry president in a fit of rhetorical soap box excitability, hollers- ‘when “they” were there how many rifles did ‘they’ buy for the military? ‘they did not buy even a single rifle!’ Does it mean that our President is of the considered view that a stock of rifles bought 30 years ago would have solved the insecurity problem? The criticism of the President on this matter goes beyond ‘buying rifles’ and is based on the non-exhibition of the desired empathy and demonstrable commitment to effectively being a Commander in Chief. It does not help when former President Obasanjo claims in My Watch that our President at least initially felt unconcerned because it was a ‘Northern’ problem. It does not help when highly audible international voices like Hilary Clinton pass a judgment of unseriousness on our President in the war against terror. If it was a matter of rifles, the mountain of rifles seized or returned by the Niger Delta militants in exchange for an amnesty program may have gone a long way if transferred to the Nigerian Army. The

How to preserve Nigeria Africa continued to expect much from us. In early 1980, a group of us Nigerian Senators paid an official visit to Sierra Leone. While bidding us goodbye in his office, the Prime Minister, Mr. Siaka Stevens, went into touching reminiscences, at the end of which he said,” I hope that you Nigerian leaders will always remember that you are not building Nigeria for Nigerians alone but for the whole of Africa”. Such memories will stay with me till my last breath. It has been my destiny to see my country glowing in the horizon, and then declining relentlessly in a self-made darkness – until she is now about to plunge into an abyss. In fact, as I listen in horror to prominent Nigerians exchanging threats of violence, mass murders and mindless destruction, all I can do is to pray two prayers – one, that if it is Nigeria’s destiny to break up, she should break up in peace; and second that the leaders of its successor countries would learn from the sad story of Nigeria and lead their new countries to prosperity. For these reasons, I cannot visualize the coming presidential election in simplistic terms or merely ad-personem. I am daily bombarded by excitable folks who proclaim Buhari as the promised saviour of Nigeria, the hero who will restore a true federation, kill corruption and revive Nigeria’s chance to survive and prosper. On the other hand, I receive mails from other patriots who write sentences like this: “Let‘s get the Caliphate and its candidate Buhari defeated and we gain a breather to pursue the campaign for a True Federalism Constitution that will liberate all our peoples”. These expressions touch my heart, but I know that they make matters look too simple. On the face of it, Jonathan’s credentials are very persuasive. He comes from among minority South-south nationalities who, since independence, have led the fight against the growing excesses of federal power and the aggressive claims and insensitivities of federal rulers. Bright and brave youths who were Jonathan’s kinsmen have sacrificed their lives in the fight. Therefore, when Jonathan rose to

the presidency, most Nigerians who desired a true federation and a stable political life for Nigeria rejoiced – and many brought pressure on him to do what his background so abundantly promised. But Jonathan didn’t respond. Sadly, it became gradually apparent that he was very much in love with the excesses of federal power and money. And all that time, he was hoping to seek re-election. Even when he was finally prevailed upon to summon a National Conference, he chose not to give it any clear direction. So, if Jonathan would not do the great service that he could have done for Nigeria while he was aspiring for re-election, is he likely to do it during a second term when he would no longer need any votes? I know that some highly respected citizens from the Southern states belong to a Southern Solidarity Movement – and that, in fact, the group held a meeting this past Tuesday. But, southern solidarity for what? Just to get Jonathan re-elected? On a blank cheque? Is that how leading citizens should build their country? Nigeria deserves that these eminent citizens should get Jonathan to commit clearly to an agenda which spells out a True Federation and a stable country – as the main pillar of his campaign. Yes, Buhari will fight corruption. There is no doubt about that. Hatred of corruption is apparently his God-given gift. How much he will succeed in suppressing corruption, and for how long in our country’s future, are things we cannot tell. The bigger and more beneficial duty would be to lead our country into a true federation. A true federation will certainly diminish public corruption – apart from giving us a stable country. In terms of restructuring the Nigerian federation, however, Buhari needs to be told that a lot of Nigerians have doubts and fears about him. After independence, it was his kinsmen that wanted an all-controlling federal government. And it is they who, from their position of controllers of federal power, have strategized doggedly for it – in the belief that it would perpetuate their control over Nigeria. Even now, they are still mostly bent on

Rifles, enemies, certificates and Kirikiri By Edo Ukpong current security challenges go beyond the buying of rifles or indeed shooting people with rifles. And even if shooting rifles is a component part of the war against terror, it is ammunition and not rifles that you need to keep restocking! The rifle buying arrow will have the effect of directing people’s minds to a comparative analysis of who might be better equipped as Commander in Chief to tame the insurgency. Buhari’s military background and demonstrable history of battlefield command successes, suggests it is not a comparison the president should invite. He would have been better off outlining concrete all-embracing plans to tame the insurgency including his touted Almajiri schools. Our amiable president, in Ibadan, a city famed for political enmities and violent political eruptions, hollered - ‘I have no enemies, I have no enemies I want to throw into jail!’ If that is an arrow aimed at drawing a distinction with Buhari, it represents a sadly mistaken reading of the mood of not only Ibadan people but of Nigerians generally. Nigerians need a president who is not afraid to make enemies. Nigeria has enemies, so why should our president not have enemies? All the locusts stealing Nigeria dry are enemies of Nigerians. All those election riggers and fixers who deny the people their democratic rights by stealing their sovereignty are enemies of Nigerians. The President needs to understand that in this battle for Nigeria’s survival, the friend of the peoples’ enemy is the peoples’ enemy! The concept of imprisonment is a long standing and pivotal ingredient of the rule of law required for cohesive social coexistence. There is no virtue in denying that fact or indeed in glorifying an attitude of condonation. Is the President saying that Boko Haram and the sponsors are not his enemies? Haba Mr President! These are the real enemies you need to have, not Rotimi

Amaechi! So Buhari does not have School Certificate and he wants to contest against a PhD holder? A mismatch which should be evident to all and guarantee an easy victory for the PhD holder. So why the noise from the PhD holder’s camp? Why not go to court and have Buhari disqualified before or after the election and make the entire election a nocontest? Or could it be the case that the constitutional requirement is to ensure that aspirants to that office are educated up to at least secondary school level. If I was contesting for instance and I am eminently qualified to do so, and it is a fact that I have not bothered to collect my School Certificate from WAEC, am I doomed thereby? What if I swore to an affidavit that I am educated up to at least secondary school level and that I participated in the NYSC programme in 1985 (when Babangida overthrew Buhari!) but that I do not have the NYSC discharge certificate? Will evidence of my participation in NYSC not be sufficient proof of my education up to at least secondary school level? Having duly sworn to the fact of my educational eligibility on oath, is it not incumbent on any objectors to approach the NYSC to confirm or disprove my participation and hence educational eligibility? An aspirant to that office must also be above a certain age. I do not know but I suspect that our dear president does not have a Birth Certificate and therefore will have an affidavit. As it is silly season, if I start shouting that the president is below the minimum age and that he must produce his birth certificate to prove otherwise will I be taken seriously? Or will the retort be- how can someone who contested as Deputy Governor, Governor, Vice President and President not have met the age requirement? Have his opponents or INEC or the general public been sleeping? Lest we mislead some of our people, the constitutional requirement for showing

Gbogun gboro it– as was recently evidenced in the National Conference. But – but, there may be a plus for Buhari even in this. He is an intrepid and stubborn fighter for causes that he believes in. He can, as his fight against corruption shows, rebel against the mainstream of his people’s leadership. If he does become convinced about the value of a rational federation, he will fight for it. It is the duty of his eminent supporters, therefore, to persuade him and to get him to make it the central piece of his election campaign from now on. I wish them success – and I wish Nigeria luck. In short, while struggling to get our candidate elected, let’s struggle to save our country. We can do it.

‘Buhari will fight corruption. There is no doubt about that. Hatred of corruption is apparently his God-given gift. How much he will succeed in suppressing corruption, and for how long in our country’s future, are things we cannot tell. The bigger and more beneficial duty would be to lead our country into a true federation’ education up to a certain level is different from say the requirements for gaining admission into a university. In the latter case, the certificate and the grades matter because it is a competitive academic exercise. There is actually no constitutional requirement that you must have passed secondary school leaving exams! If that were to be the intention, what amounts to a pass would also have been clearly stated. Or is it the case that a certificate showing a parallel F9 result will suffice? In fact, in my view a testimonial from a secondary school that you duly attended the school till the end will suffice and so too will an affidavit in lieu of the testimonial. It may appear somewhat of a watery requirement and easy to meet and the wording is suggestive of that intention. Lastly, Kirikiri! Many years ago I travelled in company of friends to Gashua. Anytime I asked a resident to show me Gashua prison, they got irritable and I kept hearing ‘Gashua is not a prison’. Indeed it is not and residents of Kirikiri must feel the same way. Being home to a nice golf course and significant Navy base, President Jonathan need not read meanings to and take umbrage at ‘sending people to Kirikiri! Indeed I am going to Kirikiri on my own volition this weekend – to play golf. If on my way there and if ‘God does not forbid bad thing’, I drive too fast and knock down an innocent pedestrian and still end up in Kirikiri, that will not be the fault of those whose duty it is to send me to Kirikiri. It will be my fault and nobody should cry for me! If the bad thing becomes so bad that I knock down and kill 10 people, that is more serious wahala (on paper). If the sentence by the judge is 30 years on each of the 10 counts, then my total sentence is 300 years! Running concurrently though the total prison time is 30 years! That is the way the law works and even in Buhari’s time! At the Lagos rally, an aide behind the President (can’t say who) whispered into the microphone, 300 YEARS! And the President collected the arrow and lobbed it! Mr President, you should only listen to a soldier when discussing rifles not law! If not your 300 arrows will miss the Bourdillon Road gathering place of your targets and end up in the nearby Lagos Lagoon! • Ukpong is a Lagos-based legal practitioner.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

THE NATION

EDUCATION

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

January 31 is just nine days away. It is the deadline for registration for the May/June 2015 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). However, some private schools risk not registering their SS3 pupils for the examination for the second year running because of a tax impasse between the Cross River State government and school owners. NICHOLAS KALU reports the row, which also involves the Calabar Zonal office of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the state Internal Revenue Service.

• The school owners protesting.

Cross River govt, proprietors in tax row

INCE Cross River State lost Bakassi to Cameroun and consequently, its oil wells to Akwa Ibom State, thereby stripping it of its oil producing state status and attendant allocation from the Federal Government, it has employed various means to make ends meet in the face of lean resources. One of such means is an aggressive drive to increase its internally generated revenue (IGR) through taxes. Not a few times has the revenue collecting agency been at loggerheads with various businesses in the state over hike in levies and taxes. The government, since the loss of its oil producing status, has consistently lamented economic

hardship. The conflict now seems to have crept into the education sector as proprietors of private schools are lamenting excessive taxation, saying its crippling effects would adversely affect the pupils. The proprietors alleged that the government is hindering them from registering their candidates for the 2015 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) except they pay the exorbitant rates. Also, they alleged that the government was stopping them from registering new pupils except their parents presented tax clearance certificates of up to three years. Last week, to register their displeasure, the Cross River State

‘

They went once again to ask that WAEC should not allow us to enrol until the money is cleared. We are now asking WAEC whether they are now a revenue collector for Ministry of Education. Are you no longer an examination body that covers West African countries?

chapter of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) marched to the Calabar zonal office of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to protest the alleged collusion between the state government and the examining body not to register private schools for the examination. Led by their president, Mrs Offiong Bassey, they protested the arbitrary

CAMPUS LIFE

INSIDE

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-Page 28

Joy, as 125 Kaduna students win foreign scholarship

increase of annual renewal levy and imposition of multiple taxes by the Ministry of Education on private schools. Their grouse was that the ministry arbitrarily increased the levy from N10, 000 to N100, 000 for primary schools and N200,000 for secondary schools in 2010, which was enforced for the first time last year. However, Mrs Bassey said

-Page 37

UNN stops postgraduate courses over students’ protest

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remitting the levy to government became problematic because the government demanded that the schools pay the arrears from 2010. As a result, the amount to be paid by some schools stands between N600,000 and N1.2 million. To compel the schools to pay, Mrs Bassey said the ministry tied it to a •Continued on page 26

•A 10-page section on campus news, people etc

-Page 29

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

EDUCATION

Cross River proprietors in tax row •Continued from page 25 clearance they had to obtain before they could register their candidates for the WASSCE. "We were forced to pay last year. The commissioner went and placed embargo at WAEC against us, that before WAEC would collect our entries, we should pass through the Ministry of Education and clear ourselves. That clearance means when you pay the money to them, they give you clearance to WAEC for enrolment," she said. The NAPPS Chairperson, who is also the proprietress of The Royal Integrated College, Calabar, said many schools that could not raise the funds last year were forced to merge. Unfortunately, schools with high number of candidates were forced to register with public schools and their results have not been released. She said: "So many schools could not pay. Also so many schools had to merge, particularly schools that charge very low tuition. Big schools that collect like N80, 000 per child for school fees did not have any problem, but schools that charge like N6, 000 to N10, 000 could not pay. "Those that could not afford had to merge. So, you see a school harbouring four or five schools and some schools that had high population had to return to public schools. They sent their candidates to public schools and they were accepted. You know very well that the result of WASSCE in Cross River was not released for the public schools since last August. Up till now, no single child that wrote the examination in public schools has received his result because the Ministry of Education owes WAEC. Those in private schools that enrolled their candidates in public schools had problems. Parents kept going to the schools to demand for their children's results. Some of these children made JAMB cut off point, but could not proceed." Mrs Bassey accused the state government of insensitivity in the management of the tax issue. She said as a result, many proprietors suffered untold hardship, with one locked up by the police. She continued: "When we went to Ministry of Education to get the clearance, some, who could not afford N800, 000 pleaded. The only relief they gave us was that we paid half and then used our school letterhead to write when we would pay the balance within the year. That was how so many schools were able to pay. Some schools had to sell their property. A particular proprietor had to sell a portion of his land. "Another proprietor because his school population was high, could not merge with other schools. No school had the capacity to absorb his candidates and that was how the problem lingered until WAEC closed entry. Even when he refunded the money, parents used police to arrest him. He was detained because the children did not write the exam." With the deadline for May/June 2015 WASSCE registration only nine days away, Mrs Bassey said proprietors are jittery as the state government is determined to collect what is left of the debt from last year and has employed the same tactics. The proprietors are also accusing WAEC of conniving with the government to deny candidates of their right to education. "This year, it is about time and there is another WAEC registration ending on January 31 and the state government is demanding for the balance of money from last year and the new one for this year. So, some schools have to pay N400,000,

• Pupils of Zenith Nursery and Priamry School locked in.

N600,000, up to N1.2 million depending on the agreement you had with them. "They went once again to ask that WAEC should not allow us to enrol until the money is cleared. We are asking WAEC whether they are now a revenue collector for the Ministry of Education. Are you no longer an examination body that covers West African countries? Why do you single out Cross River State? Is it that children in Cross River State do not have the right to education, which is their fundamental human right? At the end of this they have to be tested through exam? What is your problem with us WAEC?," she asked. As if this was not enough, Mrs Bassey said the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has also been locking up schools and seizing school buses with children in them because of tax infringement. "This same Ministry of Education now went through IRS and sent all of us letters that before we can enrol students into our various schools, even nursery and primary, we must ask the parents for their tax clearance certificate for three years. And we said Ah! in this system? Where a child has the right to education, a fundamental human right! And you are saying that the punishment of a parent for not paying tax should be meted on the child, depriving that child from going to school! But all we said, fell on deaf ears. The IRS went with padlocks and chains to seal up schools of those who could not show their renewal levy. They locked up schools with peoples' children inside. They also went ahead to use their agents to hijack school buses on the roads with peoples' children inside nursery and primary school children. They hijacked the buses and went to their station with children inside. It is a barbaric way of doing things. "Schools were issued queries for non-payment of the imposed levy. We are again at a crossroad; tied to a stake. We are passing through intimidation and extortion from both the Ministry of Education and the Internal Revenue Service of Cross River State," she said. Proprietor of Aunty Patience Nursery and Primary School, in Calabar South, Elder Edet Obot, described the increment in levy from N10,000 to N100,000 and N200,000 as a huge burden on schools and a big departure from Duke’s administration. He said: "The proprietors have been trying their best to bear with the government of the day. During the tenure of Donald Duke in 2005, the commissioner then tried to increase renewal fees from N5, 000 to N20, 000. There was a minor protest and we appealed to the governor and he immediately called us and asked us how much we would be able to pay because he did not want anything that would hamper the educational development in the state. We said we could increase it by 100 per cent. That

• Prof Offiong

•Mrs Offiong

The tax they are paying is PAYE, which of course everyone pays, and then the registration. What they were paying before in fact a long time ago they were paying N10, 000 and N5, 000 for secondary and primary schools. And that was just like one twentieth of what the child pays as school fees...Many of the private schools have paid up to date. But there are some who have refused to pay and there are some who feel they should run a private school and not pay tax to government is how we started paying N10, 000. We paid it up to 2010 when the current commissioner increased it to N100, 000 and N200, 000 for primary and secondary schools respectively. The school system has been under serious contention because proprietors have not been able to manage the situation. There are schools in Calabar-South where it is difficult for parents to pay fees let alone such huge taxes," he said. Obot added that past attempts to meet with the Commissioner for Education, Prof Offiong E. Offiong, failed. He continued: "We have tried our best to meet the commissioner to no avail. He has refused to give us audience. The governor, I am sure, is not aware of the plight of private schools. Imagine in a state that is educationally disadvantaged, how can people use chains and keys to lock the gates, while other states are driving children into the schools?" Obot also accused WAEC of complicity in the matter. "It is a difficult situation and we believe that the government even at the federal level would interfere because presently if you look at it everybody is now a revenue collector. If you want to register for common entrance examination, tax clearance has to be collected from the parents. And you go to register for WAEC,

they tell WAEC not to register until proprietors show evidence of paying N800, 000 or N1.2 million as the case may be. WAEC complies and we are beginning to think whether this is the real WAEC or not. Because the WAEC that we know is supposed to be a completely independent body that is controlling and conducting education for West Africa and not Cross River. They have reduced their activities to revenue collection, where you go to register your child and they ask you whether you have brought receipts from the ministry and all that. "We know that the World Bank, UNESCO and other international organisations are sending things to boost education. Ask me, upon all these taxes, has any private school benefitted from all these things? They say they send these items to an international child, so, we ask whether the international child is found only in public schools. So we are in a desperate situation because it appears government does not want the schools to exist," Obot said. Also speaking, Mrs Philomena Bassey, Proprietor of Unique School, Calabar, said the pupils are the biggest victims of the saga. "We feel so bad because it is an infringement on the right of the children. They are not even punishing the proprietors per se, but the children. I don't know what kind of

tax law there is in this country that from paying N10, 000 you will go ahead to pay N200, 000 and N100, 000, which is 2000 and 1000 per cent increase. No one should feel good about it because the children are the ones that are affected. “It is an infringement on their rights as citizens. We are not happy about it. All well-meaning Nigerians and lovers of education should stop this ugly trend in the state. This is the state in country that people pay tax through their nose because of bad government. It is not done anywhere. People collect tax everywhere, but in Cross River State it is a menace and is driving people away. We have raw materials here for their well-being, but it ends inside people's pocket," she said. Reacting to the issues, Commissioner for Education, Prof Offiong, said private schools must operate according to laid down rules and regulations. He added that many are complaining because they do not want to pay taxes. He said: "First and foremost, it is the duty of the government to regulate the operation of private schools. It is incumbent on the private schools to make their schools known to government by way of registration and renewal of registration. And by this, it means government has a role to play. Once we have it registered in our books, they are not operating free. They are collecting fees from the students and part of that fees they also have to pay tax and pay registration. "The tax they are paying is PAYE, which of course everyone pays, and then the registration. What they were paying before, in fact, a long time ago, they were paying N10, 000 and N5, 000 for secondary and primary schools. And that was just like one twentieth of what the child pays as school fees. “Now we said for secondary schools it has to be N200, 000 and primary schools N100, 000. And that has been on in the last four to five years. Many of the private schools have paid up to date. But there are some who have refused to pay and there are some who feel they should run a private school and not pay tax to government. Yet, they would make money from it. And we said no. They had gone to the court too, but the matter was struck out. So, we said come back and settle this matter. "Last year I gave many of them waivers and said if you are owing N800, 000 we can allow you to pay N400, 000 then pay the remaining later. This was for people owing over the years. And some of them still do not want to pay a kobo. Some of them also said they own schools in rural areas, but the thing is, government has standardised schools. There is nothing like rural or urban schools. We have made this clear to the general public over and over that a child in the rural area does not deserve a worse education that those in the urban. So, education must be same. If you want to establish a school, whether it is in the rural area, it has to be of standard and I know there would be lot of leverage in opening schools in what people call rural areas. They have a lot of land and it is cheap, so they should take advantage of that and establish a standard school. If you want a business venture where you make money and do not pay tax, well then it means you do not have what it takes to run a school. That is our position." Offiong said schools that have complied are enjoying various programmes by the government. He also said the levy can only be reduced by Governor Liyel Imoke. "We are not stopping them from registering. All the legitimate private schools that have been registered with us, are given all the cooperation. Not just registration in WAEC, but we also invite them for a lot of activities sponsored by the government. So my appeal to them is that they should continue to discuss with us and pay. They say the fees were too high and we said it was beyond the Ministry. They can appeal to the Governor as a •Continued on page 27

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

EDUCATION

Campaign, vote, don't fight, UI VC urges

S the general elections draws near, the ViceChancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole has urged Nigerians to focus on issuebased campaigns, shun violence and vote for credible leaders who would move Nigeria forward. In a release signed by the university's Director of Public Communication, Mr. Olatunji Oladejo, Adewole said with the near-daily reports of political violence in various parts of the country he was worried that the election could be marred by violence. "In 2011, no fewer than 800 Nigerians lost their lives in that year's post-election violence. Electoral violence remains a major concern in the lead up to the 2015 general elections. There are early indications that there may be violence during the 2015 electoral process" he said. Adewole explained that it was to avert violence that the university recently collaborated with the

United States embassy in Nigeria to organise a public lecture entitled: "Electoral Security in Nigeria" recently. At the lecture, which held at the Trenchard Hall of the university, Adewole said: "We owe the society at large a huge responsibility in electoral process. We also owe them the truth. Of course, electoral problems and electoral development are inter-related. But we believe that when there is undiluted accountable process, we will get whatever we want from the election, and the judgment of the electorates would be decided upon." The Guest Speaker, Dr Patrick Quirk, a Senior Conflict and Stabilization Advisor at the United States' Department of States, said Nigeria needs to design a legal framework to make electoral procedures go smoothly, with a view to avoiding conflict and destabilization during the forthcoming elections. Quirk is electoral security expert

with more than 10 years of experience performing conflict prevention assessment as well as designing and implementing democracy and governance, conflict management, and stabilization programmes for the U.S. government and European foreign aid agencies. He urged politicians and others to stand for peace. "It has come to a time when

politicians, civil societies, among other stakeholders, have to come together to make peaceful process of election in Nigeria, and make maximum impact on it. I encourage every Nigerian, including the aspirants, in these challenging times, to take a pledge against violence during election period, and exercise their franchise dutifully as expected," he said.

•Prof Adewole

Why Kogi stopped paying WASSCE fees Governor pledges refund

HE Kogi State government has vowed to deal with the cabal responsible for fleecing the state of over N500 million meant for the settlement of WAEC fees of public school pupils in the state. The government controversially stopped paying examination fees for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) late last year, a decision that drew the ire of some stakeholders. The change forced parents and guardians to scout for the money to meet up with the January 31 registration deadline for the May/ June 2015 WASSCE. The Governor Idris Wada administration explained that it stopped the payment to identify those behind the N500 million scam. Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Jacob Edi, said after finding the culprits, the government would continue the “education subsidy programme”. He also said government would refund all those who paid the 2015 WASSCE fees if they produce evidence of payment.

From James Azania, Lokoja

"The goal was subsidizing WAEC fees for the pupils, but we now discovered that those who were managing it were dubious, so government stopped it," she said. He said the bill which was about N200 million two years ago rose to N500 million. "The stopping is not total. But those who were stealing will be punished. Government has asked those who have paid to bring their tellers so that they will be refunded. "You can't just allow fraudsters to dupe the government and continue to short change the people. They are going to be sanctioned seriously. The suspension now makes more sense so that the cabal can be identified," he said. Asked how the government would catch the culprits, he said he would not disclose the plan to avoid sabotage. "The subsidy was stopped in the interest of the people; machinery has been put in to track those responsible," he said.

EKSU laments MOCPED’s huge indebtedness

HE Management of the Ekiti State University (EKSU) has accused the leadership of one of its affiliate colleges, Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED), Epe, Lagos, of huge indebtedness to the university. In a statement signed by EKSU's Director, Information and Corporate Affairs, Ajibade Olubunmi, the university also complained that MOCPED has failed to present the results of students undergoing degree programmes to the Senate of EKSU for approval. The Deputy Director, Affiliate Colleges, in EKSU, Dr. F. M Osalusi, who noted that the indebtedness spans several years, explained that the EKSU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Patrick Oladipo Aina, had visited the college on debt recovery mission and the results issue without positive results. The statement reads in part: "The Management of EKSU strongly

• Prof Aina

condemns the nonchalant attitude of the Michael Otedola College of Primary Education on the huge indebtedness to EKSU and nonpresentation of students’ result to EKSU Senate for approval. "The Management of EKSU would want to make it clear to the whole world that the problems between students and MOCPED authority were caused by the management of that institution."

• From left: Group Head, Cowry Banking, Heritage Bank Limited, Mr. Davidson Regha; President, Federal Girls Government College (FGGC), Benin City Old Girls Association, 1984 set, Mrs Abosede Ozah Osho, and Group Managing Director/CEO, BGL Securities Limited, Mr. Albert Okumagba, during the presentation of award to the Managing Director, Heritage Bank Limited, Mr. Ifie Sekibo by the association in Lagos.

NGO tests pupils’ knowledge of heroes

DUCARE Trust, a NonGovernmental Organisation, tested the knowledge of secondary school pupils in Ibadan last week with a quiz competition on Nigerian heroes. The NGO hosted the competition called Nigerianna to celebrate Nigerian heroes and heroines in various fields of endeavour. The contest was among 24 schools selected from four zones in Ibadan. Orogun Grammar School, Methodist Grammar School, Cheshire High School, and St Louis Grammar School contested in the grand finale from the zones. The final featured various stages in which the contestants were required to prove their knowledge in current affairs, entertainment, literature,

From Bisola Oloyede, Ibadan

sports and spelling. Methodist Grammar School won, while Orogun Grammar School and Cheshire High School were first and second runners up. Awards of excellence were presented to individual contestants as well. Hassan Olasupo, the contestant from Cheshire High School, who is physically challenged, was awarded the most valuable student. The overall best award was given to the contestants from Methodist Grammar School, Adediwura Yinka and Adedeji Yusuf. The duo in an interview said the victory was expected because of their level of preparation.

"I cannot really say I am surprised. We prepared so hard for the quiz because there was an expectation from us. It was tough, but God helped us," Adediwura said. The Administrator and Programme Officer, Educare Trust, Mr Folorunsho Moshood, said the quiz was organised to promote education and provide an avenue for the pupils to groom, exhibit and develop their talents. "This quiz is to help these students as well as their schools. We want the standard of education to improve. We therefore advise the schools to make good use of the books that have been given to them as a gift from Educare," Moshood said. The quiz was sponsored by members of Educare Trust and Boff and Company, who presented the winners with trophy.

Cross River school owners in tax row •Continued from page 26 body. I don't know if they have done so, but I think that would have been the legitimate thing to do. But for you to expect that you will operate a school and not pay the specified registration and renewal to government is something any government would not accept," he said. Though Offiong admitted that the IRS locked up schools and seized school buses, he said it was not a widespread action. He said: "In the course of monitoring of schools, I have seen one or two, not more than that, which were sealed and I asked IRS and they said those schools were not reemitting the PAYE tax, which they deduct every month from their teachers and workers and that is a serious crime. People, who work and earn income, pay tax and you the employer of labour refuses to remit it to government. So, it is a crime. Well if there are other things the IRS has done, I think basically it is line with the law. There is also an avenue to seek redress if they are not too happy with what IRS has done. There are legitimate ways to do so," he said. On the schools not being allowed to admit pupils without their parents showing evidence of tax clearance for up to three years, he said: "It is

incumbent on every adult to pay tax. So, the issue of perhaps demanding for evidence of payment of tax from parents or guardians is just conventional So, are the private schools saying people should not pay tax?" Defending IRS' role in the impasse, Mr Mike Igbo, Head of Communications, Cross River State IRS, debunked the claims of the proprietors that pupils were locked up in schools and buses were seized. He said: “The impression that the state is not tax friendly is not true. In many other states they employ thugs, but here we are very civilised on how we go about getting revenue. Our members of staff are graduates and some even have Masters’ degrees. We have an image as a tourism destination and a peace loving state and we employ global best practises in our job. "We don't threaten people. We actually wrote to them and gave them adequate notice to clear their liabilities, which run up to two or three years in some cases. The schools were closed last year due to their inability to clear their liabilities of PAYE and renewal fee. Everybody is supposed to pay tax, whether it is a private school or not. "We do not lock up students in schools. We don't just wake up and go and lock schools. Like I said, we

write them and give them adequate time to come to the office and sort themselves out. But they do not comply. We always give them notice. We lock up the schools so that they will pay." Contrary to the proprietors' claims, Igbo, however, claimed that the presentation of tax clearance by parents has not been implemented yet. A parent (names withheld) whose child attends a school that could not meet up with the payment of required levy, accused the government of being insensitive to the plight of the children. The source said whatever issues they have does not have to affect the education of their wards. However, another parent, who gave his name as Charles, said there was nothing wrong in asking the schools to live up to their financial obligations. While he advocated that measures be taken against those who do not want to comply, he is still worried that care should be taken on how it affects the children. When contacted, the Head, Public Affairs Unit, WAEC Headquarters in Yaba, Lagos, Mr Yusuf Ari, said he was not aware of the Cross River case. He said he had forwarded The Nation's query to the Calabar Zonal WAEC Co-ordinator for answers. The response did not come as at the time of filing this report.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

EDUCATION UNILORIN FILE Varsity signs pact with Malaysia THE University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has entered into an agreement with the Universiti Sains Islam, Malaysia (USIM) to share experiences and expertise in capacity building. The UNILORIN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in this regard with his USIM counterpart, Prof. Dato Musa Ahmad, in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan Malaysia. Ambali explained that the agreement is expected to be mutually beneficial in the areas of staff and student exchange, as well as facility development among others. The USIM Vice-Chancellor added that the collaboration came at the right time – when Malaysia in Asia and Nigeria in Africa are emerging as economic powers. “This will go a long way for both Malaysians and Nigerians to best contribute in directing the future relevance of higher education”, Prof. Ahmad added. Ambali, who also spoke at a collaborative workshop on “Leadership for Higher Education” at the university, said universities need to exchange ideas to overcome 21st century challenges. “All the presentations at the workshop have further confirmed the universality of education. It has shown that the challenges of managing higher educational institutions are similar worldwide and require global collaborative solutions,” he said.

Corps member donates signposts A FEMALE National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving at UNILORIN, Miss Abosede Sewedo Panu, has donated six electronic signposts to the University as part of her Community Development (CD) service. The signposts, which cost about N65,000 each, have been erected at strategic places on campus including the Student Affairs Unit and some hostels. Inaugurating the signposts penultimate Saturday, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali (OON), who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Yisa Fakunle, praised Miss Panu for her zealousness and community service. “I want to congratulate Miss Panu and the NYSC for the good corpers they usually send to us. We at the University of Ilorin appreciate the thoughtfulness, the drive and dedication of Miss Panu Sewedo to this project that we are commissioning today,” he said. In his remarks, the Kwara State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. M. A. Amusa, who led 18 other senior officials of the state NYSC secretariat to the event, described Miss Panu as a good ambassador of the NYSC and sought greater collaborations between universities and the NYSC. “The NYSC and universities need to work closer together because it is the universities’ products that we mentor and employ. Likewise, universities absorb our products as staff and postgraduate students.”

LASU launches website to boost pupils’ performance

N order to boost the performance of candidates in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the Lagos State University (LASU) has launched an e-learning website to enhance learning in six subjects. The launch, which held at the institution's faculty of education boardroom, was the intervention stage of the Lagos State GovernmentLASU e-learning and social media project designed to provide lessons for students in English, Mathematics, Biology, Commerce, Chemistry and Physics. Project Director, Prof. Peter Okebukola, said the project has a lot of benefits to the students such as presentation of lessons and past questions through social media. He said: "The intervention phase being launched today will present 72 learner-friendly lessons to students on topics they indicated as difficult in six target subjects; deliver the lessons through mobile phones; social media and e-learning platforms, present SSCE and UTME pass questions and answers on each topic and also highlight common errors students make in school and public examinations on difficult topics in the six target subjects." Okebukola noted that majority of students who have phones now use them for social media thereby necessitating the need to make learning available through the social media. "A good number of secondary school students are addicted to social media interactions offered through

By Ibrahim Yusuff

the platform of face book and twitter. Since students congregate around such media, it is helpful to embed teaching and learning of perceived different topics into their use so that students can be served where their hearts are," he said. In his address, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. John Obafunwa who commended the research team for their feat also described it as an interaction between the gown and town. He urged secondary school pupils to use social media to aid their studies rather than for things that are not beneficial. "I want to believe our secondary school students would appreciate this project and buy into it. The time we waste on social media can be spent updating ourselves. One thing that is very striking here is that we are witnessing another major interaction between the gown and town. If there is anything we should be proud of I think that one is a great

•Prof Okebukola

• Prof Bamiro

achievement, above all, this is something we should be proud of and buy into it" he said. In his message, the Chairman, Lagos State Research and Development Grant Council (LRDC), Prof. Olufemi Bamiro, emphasized the importance of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in improving access to education, adding that the adoption of ICT method by the research team to solve some of the problems in education sector is a commendable effort. Bamiro who expressed optimism about the success of the project noted that the project would set the state on the path of digital revolution.

He said: "The potential of ICT to improve access is made possible by the development of customized educational programmes that can reach students all across the country as being demonstrated by the project being launched today. The research team should be commended for the adopted methodology to address the problem of quality and relevance of the curriculum. "The present project is setting Lagos State on the path of digital revolution that will transcend the present scope of courses and geographical spread. LRDC can hardly wait for the results of the present experiment, which, to my mind is primed to succeed. Its success will set the stage for additional flow of resources in the delivery of education in the state and beyond." In her goodwill message, the Dean Faculty of Education, Prof. Ayo Badejo described the project as a good development and innovation, stressing that it would go a long way to increase access to formal education and make learning pleasurable for senior secondary school students. She therefore urged the research team to extend the project to the pupils in the junior secondary and upper primary schools.

‘A good number of secondary school students are addicted to social media interactions offered through the platform of face book and twitter. Since students congregate around such media, it is helpful to embed teaching and learning of perceived different topics into their use so that students can be served where their hearts are’

Grant winners train pre-school teachers

FTER winning a grant from the Lagos State Government, Lagos Research and Development Council (LRDC) for their research on active model learning approach in pre-primary schools (Montessori Approach) in 2013 a team of lecturers from the Lagos State University, LASU and the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, AOCOED, decided to put their research work into practice. They organised two-day training for Lagos State caregivers/teachers and Early Childhood Development Desk Officers on their research to enable the teachers adopt the Montessori approach in teaching. Speaking to The Nation, head of the research team Dr Tunde Owolabi of the Faculty of Education, Department of Early Childhood Education said pre-school education is very important, describing it as the bedrock upon which future education is built.

By Medinat Kanabe

Explaining how his team got the opportunity to put the workshop together he said: "The Lagos State Government instituted a council called Lagos Research and Development Council (LRDC) to come up with a proposal that will challenge academics in the state to come up with innovations that will improve teaching in December 2013. "Many academics responded by writing proposals which were assessed within and outside Nigeria and about 78 were shortlisted. We won the grant," he said. He noted that since their interest was in early childhood they looked for colleagues in other institutions who share their dream and are equally good in research. "Those we found worthy were from AOCOED so we co-opted them," he said.

The lecturer said the first phase was to identify the classroom characteristics of teachers at the pre-school level in the state; the second was to train the teachers, while the third would be an impact assessment of the training. He noted that they choose early childhood education because it is a trend in education. He said Montessori education teaches pupils with an array of instructional materials which makes them excel in future. Others in his team included Dr Babajide Abidogun and Dr Sheu Akintola of LASU, and Mr Olaogun, Mr Fawowe Sunday, Mr Asimolowo Ademuyiwa of AOCOED. On his part, the former NUC Executive Secretary, Prof Peter Okebukola said if Nigeria embraces Montessori education, she will be rich in values and free of corruption; a place where honesty prevails, where her citizens

are able to feed themselves and have the appropriate human resources for security, health and other sectors. "All the countries we are aspiring to be like got there because they made this change so if we make these changes, we will also get there," he said. The special adviser to the state government on education Otunba Fatai Olukoga, who also spoke said the seminar would have positive impact on the education system of the state and the nation. Provost, AOCOED, Dr Bashorun Wasiu, said education, particularly early childhood education is one of the areas where researches are needed for moulding the lives of children in becoming morally robust and responsible citizens. He called on the lead researchers and other researchers in the team to make use of the opportunity and give their very best during the training.

Yusuf for 156th Inaugural Lecture THE 156th Inaugural Lecture of UNILORIN holds today, January 22, 2015, at the university auditorium. Prof. Badmas Olanrewaju Yusuf of the Department of Religions, Faculty of Arts, will speak on “Utilising the Qur’an, Stabilising the Society” at the lecture to be chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali.

• President, American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, Dr Margee Ensign, with some freshmen during the University's 2015 Spring Pledge ceremony, on Monday.

Come to our rescue, IMSU students urge govt

‘One entrepreneur at a time’ Page 34

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*CAMPUSES *NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

THE NATION

CAMPUS LIFE 0805-450-3104 email: campusbeat@yahoo.com THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

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

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has suspended indefinitely its post-graduate programmes, following students’ protest over alleged fee hike. The students describe the action as outrageous, reports OLADELE OGE.

•The graduate students discussing their fate at the entrance of their hostels after they were ejected by the management on Saturday

PHOTO: OLADELE OGE

UNN stops postgraduate courses over I students’ protest T started as a peaceful demonstration but there are fears it may not end that way. Last December, graduate students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in Enugu State held rallies on the campus to reject what they called “outrageous” increment in their fees. Following the protests and meetings with the Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Benjamin Ozumba, that ended in deadlock, the university, last Friday, suspended all its postgraduate programmes indefinitely. This means post-graduate diploma, Master’s and doctoral programmes have been put on hold. It all started when the school raised postgraduate programmes fees from N69,000 to N145,000. The students, through their spokesperson, Paul Haaga, condemned the hike, describing it as outrageous.

•Fee hike rumpus on campus Haaga said: “We are not against any increment, but it should be reasonable. It is irresponsible to increase fee within nine months from N68, 700 to N145,000 for Sciences, N135,000 for Arts and N32,000 as hostel accommodation, including N2,000 maintenance and N25,000 acceptance fees. Where do they expect us to get that kind of money? I do not think it is a crime for one to further his education in UNN.”

A N20,000 reduction to placate the students was rejected. They are insisting on reverting to the old fee. The school suspensed the graduate programmes when it could not reach an agreement with the students. It directed the graduate students to vacate their hostels immediately, warning them against destroying properties. In a statement, the Public Relations Of-

ficer (PRO), Chief Okwu Omeaku, said the “urgent” decision was taken to avert public disturbance. The statement reads: “In view of the ongoing impasse resulting in the undue postgraduate students’ restiveness, management has directed immediate suspension of all post-graduate programmes till further notice. Students in this category of programme are then directed to vacate their hostels not later than 6 pm today, Friday January 16, 2015. All concerned should please comply to avoid unpleasant consequences.” CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the management copied the area command of the police and army. But the students condemned the decision and their ejection from •Continued on page 30

•NANS alleges foul play in student’s death in US -P32 •EX- CAMPUSLIFE man gets award -P41

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

CAMPUS LIFE

Revisiting the 2009 ASUU-FG Agreement

N 2009, the Federal Government (FG) and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) signed an agreement aimed at revamping our universities after series of strikes. The agreement led to the setting up of the Prof. Mahmood Yakubuled Committee on Needs Assessment of Nigerian Public Universities by the Federal Ministry of Education. The committee presented its report to the former Minister, Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i on November 1, 2012. As a result, the amount of N1.3 trillion was arrived at after identifying and quantifying the myriad of problems facing the university system in the country. The committee’s report revealed that public universities are grossly mismanaged; engage in activities at variance with the National Policy on Education and are lacking in human and material resources. They were accused of being incapable of supplying the nation’s manpower needs and are said to be bogged down by corruption of various kinds and offering poor quality, among others. The crux of that agreement include the funding of the universities to provide infrastructure and facilitate teaching and learning, university autonomy and academic freedom, improved staff welfare and condition of service to attract the best hands and discourage brain-drain, and other matters. Of items identified by the MoU, the government was claimed to have fully implemented two: the review of the retirement age of academics in the professorial cadre from 65 year to 70 years and the re-instatement of governing councils. The remaining seven items bordering on funding of universities, university autonomy and academic freedom, staff welfare and condition of service have, to the best of my knowledge, not been addressed. So how has our varsities fared these past five years since the agreement was signed? I spoke with some lecturers on phone to ascertain if things have really changed and the responses I got was that things have

Pushing Out

only changed minimally. Some of with them frowned at the low level of monitoring of funds released for projects and the withholding of ar08116759750 rears of lectures by some varsity au(SMS only) thorities. The 2009 agreement and the N1.3tr •aagboa@gmail.com arrived figure by the need assessment committee was meant to correct the unacceptable negative image of our public education courses. Only 16 per cent of stuvarsities. The environment was not condu- dents were studying science and science-educive for research and learning, classrooms cation courses; 6.3 per cent, engineering; five were overcrowded to an intolerable level. per cent, Medicine, while 6.6 are studying This is further compounded by dilapidated Agriculture, Pharmacy and Law. The reasons for this lopsidedness were infrastructure, ill-motivated staff and students and, fundamentally, unqualified staff quite obvious. Laboratories and workshops in an era where knowledge is one of the most equipment are either not available, inadequate or totally outdated. Most people who sought after criteria for development. The needs report revealed back then that knew back then laughed cynically when the only about 43 per cent of Nigerian universi- committee revealed that in most cases Keroties teaching staffs have doctorate degrees. sene stoves were used as Bunsen burners A recent report says the figure now hovers while some engineering workshops operate between 30 and 35 per cent. Instead of 75 per under zinc sheds and trees. The super joke cent of the academics being between senior of all was the “Dry Lab,” phenomenon. Due lecturers and professors, only about 44 per to lack of reagents and tools to conduct real cent are within the bracket. It was revealed experiments, “Dry Labs” had to be created that only seven universities have up to 60 per where pictures were shown to students; in cent of their teaching staff with PhD qualifi- essence it was purely theoretical for courses that were meant to be practical! cation. This gloomy picture notwithstanding, I Also, the ratio of teaching staff to students in many universities is 1:100. For instance, it gather that thousands of lecturers are benis 1: 363 at the National Open University of efitting from scholarship programmes from Nigeria; 1:122 at the University of Abuja; and Masters to doctorate levels as a result of the 1:144 at the Lagos State University. This is a agreement. However, a lecturer told me that sharp contrast to what is obtained in Harvard a substantial percentage is finding it difficult University 1: 4; Massachusetts Institute of to cope because of the thorough nature of Technology- 1:9; and Cambridge-1:3. The re- doing things abroad unlike our mediocre port also stated that there is numerically more standards back home. This is the major reasupport than teaching staff in the universi- son why the agreement and the funds to be released may not be a magic wand to hail all ties, instead of the other way round. Our penchant for cutting corners due to ailments because of the level of research degross laxity in monitoring reflected when ficiency coupled with infrastructural decay most institutions did not follow the guide- in the university system that led to industrial lines of the National Policy on Education actions. It is now clear that our varsities have which stipulates 60:40 admission figure in become mere producers of sub-standard favour of science-based programmes. Rather, graduates and lecturers. Now, let’s go back to the N1.3tr issue. Perit was the other way round as 66.1 per cent of students during the period were studying haps we may need clarifications on whether arts, social sciences, and management and the fund is reserved for the rehabilitation of

Agbo Agbo

all the public universities or specifically for those whose needs were assessed prior to the 2009 agreement. Also of concern to me as we revisit the agreement is to ascertain the level of implementation. But before that, it is pertinent to ensure that money is not just thrown at problems and challenges with the hope that things would sort themselves out. I hope that a proper monitoring committee – like the needs assessment committee – is in place to monitor each project and ensure they are implemented to the latter. I also hope that ASUU has not gone to sleep on the issue. This notwithstanding, whatever was agreed between ASUU and the FG is anchored on a robust economy, but events of the last couple of months has shown that there may be trouble ahead with the falling global oil price from an all-time high of $147 in 2008 to the current $45.95 per barrel. Oil, as we are all aware, fuel our economy for now. Our economists did not predict this scenario as the 2015 national budget was ambitiously anchored on oil price of $65 pb and crude production of 2.21 million barrels per day. With the fall, we will be running a deficit budget for 2015. This has given rise to questions of what we did with our oil wealth. Others like the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia wisely invested theirs. An International Monetary Fund report said Saudi Arabia had reserves of $740 billion by November 2014 and $757 billion in its main Sovereign Wealth Fund. The same report also pointed out that Algeria had $192.5 billion and $77.2 billion; even crisis torn Libya had $129 billion (2013) and $66 billion; Russia $378 billion and $170 billion; Iraq $68 billion; United Arab Emirates $58 billion and $773 billion, and Kuwait $34.94 billion and $548 billion. Saudi Arabia unveiled a new $400 billion infrastructure building plan in May 2014. The UAE’s port, road, tourism and aviation infrastructure were rated among the best in the world in 2013 by the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Competitiveness Report. This was a desert about two decades ago. All these were achieved with oil wealth. My point of departure is that the road ahead for our varsities will not be easy as what is set aside for capital projects in the budget hovers around 20 per cent. We have to wait until after the elections to see how things turn out.

UNN stops graduate courses •Continued from page 29

their hostels. They described the action as harsh and ill-thought. On Saturday, university officials moved round the post-graduate hostels to effect the order. The students were ejected from their rooms, with some prevented from taking their personal effects. Some female students, with nowhere to stay in town, described the action as unfortunate. The management, they said, should have given them some days to arrange for their journey back home. During the ejection, CAMPUSLIFE saw university officials throwing out some students’ properties. Some students left peacefully, dragging their bags to motor parks. Those unable to travel on Saturday passed the night outside the sealed hostels. Some set up stoves outside to cook. Mr Emmanuel Anyaegbulem, a post-graduate student at the Faculty of Biological Sciences, said he was shocked by the action. “What we demand is the school fees reduction. We are not asking for improvement in teaching materials across a faculties for the students. We are not complaining about the attitudes of project supervisors who keep students beyond the stipulated period of graduation. We only want a stop to exploitation by the management, but they responded by suspending the programmes. They are throwing away the baby with the bath water,” he said. Last week, the students wrote a joint letter to the management to demand a reduction in their fees, comparing post-graduate tuitions

in notable federal varsities with UNN’s. The students said their counterparts at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, the Anambra State capital pay N88,000 for the first 12 months and N44,000 in the subsequent session. At the University of Ibadan (UI), the students said their colleagues pay N104,000 for doctoral degree in the first year and N54,350 in the returning session. Master’s students in UI, according to them, pay N92,000 in their first year and N44,350 in the returning session. In the letter, the UNN students said they had presented the fees being paid in other federal schools to Prof Ozumba, but said the management was adamant in reducing the high fees in UNN. The letter titled: Delay in the reversal of unconscionable hike in postgraduate fees, reads: “Mr. ViceChancellor, we presented you with facts and figures about tuitions in other federal universities in Nigeria, which show that the UNN postgraduate programmes, particularly school fees, is not student-friendly. “Mr. Vice Chancellor sir, we find retrogressive and suppressive the favourable disposition of your administration to foreign postgraduate students at the detriment of Nigerian citizens in their own country. While the fees paid by foreign students were reduced, Nigerians are asked to pay astronomical fee increased by over 100 per cent. This favouritism is not only unacceptable to us but also condemnable. “Once again, we strongly advise that since the administration is in the

•The stranded students sleeping outside the Post-graduate Hostel

“We strongly advise that since the administration is in the process of reviewing the structure of postgraduate programme to bring it at par with best practices in other universities, the review of the fees should be included. We demand total and unconditional reversal to N75,000 for new students and N68,700 for returning students.” process of reviewing the structure of postgraduate programme to bring it at par with best practices in other universities, the review of the fees

should be included. We demand total and unconditional reversal to N75,000 for new students and N68,700 for returning students.”

The students demanded freedom to constitute the Post-graduate Students’ Union (PGSU) as their mouthpiece. They also demanded reduction in the length of time of their programmes and the period of project submission. They want improvement in the productivity of aged professors on contract in the university. When CAMPUSLIFE visited the office of the Dean, Post-Graduate School, on Monday, a non-teaching official, who did not mention his name, said the dean was not in. He directed our correspondent to the PRO. At the time of this report, Omeaku did not pick calls from our reporter.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

CAMPUS LIFE Imo State University (IMSU) students have sent a ‘save our soul’ (SoS) to the government over the use of the institution’s rear exit gate by criminals, who rob people of their valuables. EKENE AHANEKU (300-Level Medicine and Surgery) reports.

Come to our rescue, IMSU students urge govt

T is the only exit route through which residents of Mbonu Ojike community can access the Imo State University (IMSU). But this shortcut to the university’s rear exit gate has become a criminal’s den. Since erosion washed away part of the road five years ago, it became a nightmare for residents. It is covered with bush and refuse, making it impassable. Students who live in Mbonu Ojike are worried about the state of the road, which also connects IMSU Primary School with the neighbourhood. Motorists, who used to ply the route, are not happy with its condition. Following the years of neglect, criminals are cashing on it to wreak havoc on people. During the day and at night, hoodlums dispossess passers-by of their personal effects, including money and mobile phones. The Mbonu Ojike road is waterlogged because of the overflow of Lake Nwaebere, which extends into the university. Since there is no drainage, the water gets to the university rear gate, worsening the condition of the road. To make the route passable, members of the community constructed a wooden bridge through the bush path. Students and other commuters ply the structure to get to the school. But, the wooden bridge is fragile and users fear that it could collapse.

•The wooden structure built by the residents at the gate

Because of criminals’ atrocities, students and residents have cried to the university and the government to come to their rescue. They are demanding the clearing and rehabilitation of the road. A student, who identified himself as Chibuzor, told CAMPUSLIFE: “I cannot forget the sad experience I had with some boys at the IMSU Primary School gate. I was returning to the hostel with my friends when we were accosted by the boys. They took our phones and money. I was shocked because the incident happened in broad daylight.” A medical student, Chinwe

Alakwe, said she had stopped going to the campus through the rear gate after she was robbed with her colleagues during a football match in the primary school. She said: “It happened like a joke. We were on the field playing inter-departmental football match when we noticed the arrival of a group of buys. Before we knew what was going on, they started collecting our phones. It was a sad experience I cannot forget. I stopped going towards that part of the university after the incident.” CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the university management had made efforts to check the robberies at the

gate. With the measure, some students said the attacks have reduced, but still want the management to make the area passable. Victor Igiri, a 400-Level Optometry student, said: “The Vice-Chancellor has improved security in the area. We did not hear many cases of phone snatching and harassment last semesters. On that, we are happy but we want the management to do more by stopping constant flooding of the area.” Divine Israel, a 200-Level Agricultural Economics student, said there should be concerted effort by the university and the government to get the

road repaired. “It is not enough to leave the burden on the university, rather, the state should direct the Ministry of Environment to see to the problem of flood. The university cannot do it alone; it needs the help of the state to rescue the university community from this problem,” he said. To solve the erosion problem at the exit gate, students believe the government must intervene to end their nightmare. But, if help does not come in time, the students fear that the criminals hiding in the area spot could unleash more terror on the residents, including pupils of the primary school.

Teachers in the Department of Geology of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) have urged their students to use technology to hone their skills. OLADELE OGE reports.

OR graduates of Geology to be relevant in 21st century, they must be conversant with the latest industry techniques and technology. This was the kernel of discussion at a public lecture organised by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) in conjunction with the Department of Geology of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). Speakers agreed that efforts must be made to ensure graduating students undergo compulsory practical training before leaving the school. The lecture with the theme: Unconventional petroleum and other emerging challenges for Nigerian oil and gas industry, was held at the Princess Alexandra Hall. It was designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice. The keynote speaker, Prof Kalu Mosto Onuoha of the UNN Geology Department, noted that majority of geology students always showed interest in oil and gas exploration, stressing that there were other aspects of the discipline requiring expertise. He advised students to drop the habit of choosing area of specialisation without adequate information on the requirements and expertise. He said geologists in the United States had conducted researches in the development and production

Bridging theory and practice gap in geology •Avuru being presented with his portrait sketched by Fine Arts students

of shale gas in the country in the past few years. This development, he said, has raised the possibility that shale gas deposits in other countries could be commercially viable. Onuoha advised education policymakers to introduce curriculum that would harness students’ innovative skills and encourage the use of latest technology to replace theoretical instructions stu-

dents receive. He emphasised that the acceptability and development of unconventional petroleum exploration would have far-reaching implications for energy markets across the world, particularly for members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), such as Nigeria, which depends only on its oil

export. He said shale gas would reduce demand for oil from the OPEC members. The low production, he said, would reduce OPEC members’ revenues from crude oil exports. Noting that pipeline vandalism and oil theft have affected economy negatively, Onuoha said people were unhappy with secu-

rity agencies for their lack of will to arrest and prosecute the criminals. He said: “If Nigerians have been patiently waiting to see the development of oil sector, the government must be fair enough to ensure the country’s resources are managed the way they should be. If vandals and oil thieves had been prosecuted by the security agencies, there was probability that we would not experience the highlevel poverty we are seeing now.” The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Benjamin Ozumba, pledged support for research initiated by SEPLAT Petroleum Company and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) for staff and students of the Geology department. The work would be overseen by the PTDF. Avuru, the Chief Executive Officer of SEPLAT, thanked the vicechancellor for supporting the project, noting that the oil firms were ready to invest in knowledgebased research by students of the department. He implored the students to be productive in their academic pursuit, saying the initiative by SEPLAT would be used to combat unemployment. To appreciate the gesture, students of the Fine Arts Department sketched large portraits of Avuru and the representatives of SPDC, Olufemi Ajayi, presented to them.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

CAMPUS LIFE

NANS alleges foul play in student’s death in US

OW did a Nigerian student, Matthew Ajibade die in police custody in the United States (US)? This is the poser the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) wants the US to answer. The 22-year-old Nigerian studying in the US died, last week, in an isolation cell of the Savannah Police Station in Georgia. According to reports, the late Matthew was said to be suffering from bipolar disorder (mood swing) and died after being locked up by two Sheriff’s deputies with whom he had a scuffle. NANS alleged foul play on the student’s death, demanding explanation from the US. In a statement signed by NANS’ Vice President (External Affairs), Comrade Oluwatosin Ogunkuade, the students’ body condemned the circumstance that led to Matthew’s death, accusing the US police of maltreating the Nigerian. NANS said reports by American media showed the US police were aware of the deceased’s health condition as at the time he was arrested. The body insisted that the late Matthew should have been taken to the hospital for attention, rather than being locked up by two Sheriff’s deputies with whom he had a scuffle. Ogunkuade said: “The attitude of United States police was totally condemnable as the late Matthew

From Hameed Muritala ABUJA

‘The attitude of United State’s police was totally condemnable as the late Matthew was reported to have been placed in an isolated cell, not minding his medical condition. From the reports by American media, we can deduce that the late student was a subject of maltreatment’ was reported to have been placed in an isolated cell, not minding his medical condition. From the reports by American media, we can deduce that the late student was a subject of maltreatment.” He said NANS demanded a thorough investigation and comprehensive report from the US on the cause of the death of the Nigerian. Ogunkuade threatened to mobilise students to picket the United States

HE National Association of Akure Students (NAAS) has expressed its displeasure over the non-payment of its members’ bursary in the last two years by the Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State. The students said the money had been long overdue. In a statement by its Public

•The late Matthew

Authorities say the deceased was placed in an isolation cell because “he became combative with deputies while being booked and his behaviour was deemed danger-

ous.” The late Matthew was born in Lagos but moved to the US to study Computer Science at Savannah Technical College.

•Reservoirs of the motorised borehole built in the hostel

•One of the buses bought for union activities

HE Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Students’ Union President Isaac Ibikunle has given account of his stewardship at a ceremony attended by students and campus journalists. The event held at the conference hall of the Students’ Union building. After briefing, Isaac and members of his executive led students and guests to inaugurate completed projects and inspect ongoing ones. The union’s General Secretary, Olatayo Shittu, debunked the rumour that the union collected

Embassy in Nigeria if the American government did not investigate the matter. The NANS leader said it would negate natural justice if the outcome of the investigation is not fair. He called on Nigerian government to rise to the challenge of Nigerian students being maltreated in foreign countries in their quest to get quality education. Ogunkuade said Matthew’s death presented the tragic picture of what many Nigerians face abroad. The late Matthew was reported to have been arrested for battery, after the police were informed of a domestic violence against the deceased’s girlfriend. When officers arrived at the scene, the late Matthew was said to be holding his girlfriend tightly, covering themselves with a blanket. It was alleged that the girlfriend had a bruise on her face and her nose bleeding. The police reports stated that when an officer tried to separate them, the deceased “started to resist apprehension in a violent manner, and was taken to the ground, so that he could be handcuffed.” The late Matthew’s girlfriend reportedly informed police of his medical condition, handing them a container labeled Divalproex, which contained pills for bipolar disorder or seizure.

OAU Students’ Union inaugurates projects From Afeez Lasisi OAU N18 million from the management. He said: “We expected N18 million from the management from the dues paid by students, but they only released less than N5 million, out of the amount we requested.” Each student paid N300 due and there are more than 20,000 students studying in the school. Isaac said the union embarked on the

project from the money left in the union’s purse by his predecessor and the revenue generated from students. Some of the completed projects are two mechanised boreholes stationed at Angola and Mozambique halls, purchase of two buses for union’s activities, beautification of SUB conference room and building of two pedestrian bridges linking halls of residence, which are yet to be com-

pleted. Isaac said his administration came at a time the union was facing several challenges, including lack of funds. He said: “This administration started with no cash, especially during the series of protests we held. There was a problem of fund because there was no proper arrangement to change signatories to the union’s account. It was after the school fee protest that N1.4 million was transferred from

the last administration’s account to us. First instalment of N2.2 million was paid to the union after our budget was ratified and on December 31, the second installment of N2.1 million was released.” The union, he said, must be accountable to the students by briefing them its progress and challenges. Isaac said he had a responsibility to inform the students on what he had been doing and challenges facing the union.

Akure students give ultimatum to council on bursary From Adelowo Oguntola AKURE Relations Officer (PRO), Ifeoluwa Orimoloye, the association said the council’s management had subjected its members to untold hardship in the last two years, urging

Governor Olusegun Mimiko to prevail on the council to release the funds. Ifeoluwa said: “We condemned the action of the local government for the non-payment of our bursaries which serve as aids to relieve the burden on our parents. It is sad to say that stu-

dents of Akure origin in tertiary institutions nationwide have not been getting bursary for two years. “Students have exhibited maturity by maintaining a high level of understanding with the local government but they must not take our patience for cowardice. We are

peace-loving people and we must the council to do the needful.” The association gave the council an ultimatum on the payment of the bursary. Ifeoluwa said his colleagues would, block the road leading to the council, if the council fails to pay.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

CAMPUS LIFE N10 reduction in oil price shameful, says MSSN

•The medical personnel conducting a test on students

UNICAL students offer free HIV test, counselling

HE Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has organised free HIV/AIDS counselling and test for students. It was organised by the union’s Director of Welfare, John Alawa. The initiative was supported by FHI 360, a non-profit organisation, which provided some of the equipment used in conducting the test. Volunteers were stationed in strategic locations on the campus to ensure that many students benefited from the exercise. Officials of the university’s Medical Centre and the National Youth AIDS Programme (NYAP) were at the male and female hostels and the main library to counsel those, who showed interest. A member of the NYAP team,

From Isaac Mensah UNICAL Kelvin Ezechiode, said the number of students who turned out for the exercise was impressive compared to the past. “The number of students who turned out to be tested this year was quite encouraging, unlike what we used to have,” he said. Alawa, a 300-Level Medical Laboratory Science student, urged beneficiaries to keep to the counselling they had, adding that they must be careful in the way they handle sharp objects in order to stop the spread of HIV. He said: “Youths are the most vulnerable to be infected with the deadly disease because of their exposure to

unsafe acts in their daily activities. As youths, we must continue to undergo the test to ascertain our status. If we want to eradicate the virus from our society, then it is a responsibility on us to make ourselves available for HIV test. A beneficiary, James Edet, said: “Knowing your HIV status puts you in a better position to be careful. The advantage of periodic test is enable infected people know their status on time before spreading the disease ignorantly. The test will also make those who are not infected to maintain their status. So, in any case, to know one’s status is the best thing to do.” The exercise was preceded by an awareness rally round the campus.

HE Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit has described the reduction in the fuel price of petrol from N97 per litre to N87 per litre as shameful. The MSSN said the Federal Government embarrassed the people's sensibilities with what it called “meagre reduction”. In a statement by its president, Kaamil Kaleijaye, the group lamented that despite public outcry, President Goodluck Jonathan allowed corruption to fester in the oil sector. Kalejaiye said: “Despite that it took so much time and complaints to reduce the oil price, it still came to us as a insincere. Why does FG keep destroying the integrity of Nigeria in international community? Where other countries are making their citizens happy with more percentage decrease, the President compounded our sadness with N10 decrease. We must state clearly that as students, we are neither happy nor impressed with the reduction. It is a complete cheat on us. “Even if we want to talk of cost of refining, we should still have the more reduction because if there is a significant fall in oil price, there should also be a significant change in oil price. The Federal Government should give Nigerians what we deserve based on standard and not what their so called ‘cabal’ dictates that should hold.” “The Federal Government,” he said, “have told Nigerians in the past that without subsidy, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) pump price should be N147 but with more than 50 per cent drop in the price of crude oil, the reduction should be around 50 per cent, so a reduction to less than N73 is ex-

•President, American University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola, Adamawa State, Dr Margee Ensign (middle), celebrating with some new students of the university at the 2015 New Students’ Pledge ceremony held on Tuesday.

Ex-CAMPUSLIFE man gets award

FORMER CAMPUSLIFE correspondent at the Rufus Giwa Polytechnics, Owo (RUGIPO), Shola Ilesanmi, has been conferred with an Outstanding Media Personality award by Lilijo Hotels and Gardens in Owo, Ondo State. The hotel said the recipient was being recognised for his excellence. Ilesanmi is a Senior Editor, producer and acting Head of Reportorial at the Ondo State-owned radio station, Orange 94.5fm. The Akure-based station recently won

From Richard Adura-Ilesanmi AAUA News Coverage Station in the Southwest at the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Award (NBMA). Ilesanmi was honoured at the hotel’s maiden awards to commemorate its 100 days of operation in the ancient town of Owo. The founder of the hotel, Elder Ademola Arowele, said the award was to appreciate customers. Ilesanmi said the award was in recognition of his employer’s efforts in developing businesses in the state. He reiterated the Orange FM’s commitment in giving support to firms making the state a place of pride. In a lecture that focused on the contribution of the hotel to the de-

Aviation minister for UNN lecture today

T •Ilesanmi

velopment of Owo Kingdom, Mr Taiwo Olatunji, a lecturer at RUGIPO, said other firms should emulate the hotel’s spirit of social responsibility.

HE Minister of Aviation, Mr Osita Chidoka, is the guest lecturer at the 44th Convocation Lecture of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) today. He will speak on the theme: Rebuilding the Nigerian project: Mapping the building block at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium. The lecture is part of the events marking the university convoca-

By Tajudeen Adebanjo pected.” The leader of the students-based organisation also suspected foul in the reduction, faulting that it has no multiplier effect on other derivatives. He said: “The reduction as a cheat is further proven by the partial and suspicious gesture of the Federal Government which only reduced petroleum prices. Since it is reduction on crude oil, why is it that it is only petroleum that was reduced and no reduction announced for other derivatives of crude oil? Since Kerosene, diesel are also derivatives of crude oil, they should also be reduced. “The government cannot feign ignorance that kerosene is what is mostly used by the masses, hence should reduce it immediately. It is worrisome that Nigerians need to always complain before government do the right thing.” He urged the Federal Government to fix the challenge of missing barrels of crude oil to enable Nigerians enjoy the full benefit of the natural resources. “The Federal Government must stop making Nigerians suffer for its inadequacies. It should account for the daily missing oil barrels and give Nigerians what they deserve,” he stated.

JCI wants credible polls From Hammed Hamzat UI HE University of Ibadan (UI) chapter of Junior Chamber International (JCI) has urged Nigerians to elect credible candidates into various political offices in the coming 2015 general elections. The group made the call at the 26th Annual Tunde Oshobi Public Forum at the Conference Centre of the university. It had as theme: The Nigeria of our dream: 2015 elections as a case study. The JCI chapter President, Tolulope Ogunmuko, said the choice of the theme was to sensitise the people on the need to see their wellbeing through the election. The guest lecturer, Dr Fola Akinosun, an educationist, who is also the flag bearer of Social Democratic Party (SDP) for Oyo South Senatorial race, said Nigeria is endowed in human and natural resources and has capacity to be like China and the United States. He said the country’s greatness had been impeded by bad leadership and corruption. Akinosun said: “Nigeria of my dream is a society where leaders would lead with fear of God, where education would be compulsory and affordable, where employment will be for everyone, where judiciary is going to be independent and police will protect lives and property.” The senatorial candidate urged people to elect honest candidates in the elections.

From Oladele Oge UNN tion, which started on Monday with press conference and inauguration of the centenary Staff Quarters by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Benjamin Ozumba. In a statement the Public Relations Unit, the management said various classes of first degrees would be conferred on over 6,000 graduands tomorrow at the Margret Ekpo Convocation Arena on Nsukka campus. On Saturday, graduate students, including post-graduate diploma, Master’s and doctoral degrees, will get their certificates. Honorary degrees would also be conferred on select distinguished personalities whose name are yet to be released by the management.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

CAMPUS LIFE For four days, youths from some African countries gathered at the Wood Training Centre in Kumasi, Ghana for the 2015 Winter Liberty and Entrepreneurship Camp organised by the African Youths Peace Corps (AYPC). OLUWAFEMI OGUNJOBI (a participant) reports.

‘One entrepreneur at a time’ “T

HE Cheetah generation is the generation of youths that will not wait for the government to do things for them; they are the ones on whose shoulders Africa’s salvation rests.” These words of George Ayittey, a Ghanaian professor of Economics in the United States, reverberated in their hearts. It was in a hall at the Wood Training Centre in Kumasi, the capital city of the Ashanti region of Ghana. The youths who came from some African countries, gathered, last week, to spread the gospel of liberty and prosperity on the continent. They were camped in Accra, Kumasi, Aflao and Ejisu for the four-day event. The youths arrived with what they called “good news” for this year’s edition of Winter Liberty and Entrepreneurship Camp. The participants are members of the African Students For Liberty (ASFL), a group whose aim is to chart a course for peace, liberty and prosperity. The event with the theme: Building Africa, one entrepreneur at a time, was organised by African Youths Peace Corps (AYPC) and sponsored by Washington-based Atlas Economic Research Foundation (ATLAS) and International Society for Individual Liberty (ISIL).

The resource persons, charged the participants to take the gospel of liberty to all rural communities in Africa. When the people embraced the principle of libertarianism, only then would the continent be freed from the shackles of poverty and dependence, they said. Ajibola Adigun, an executive board member at Students For Liberty (SFL), who spoke on Libertarianism in Africa, said the priorities before African countries remained development and economic freedom. These, he said, could not be achieved if African leaders close their countries’ borders and curtail the rights of their citizens to freedom of choice. A free market system, he said would free the continent from want and acute poverty. He described as retrogressive an economic system where resources of the countries are shared among the citizens, stressing that this would encourage laziness and kill entrepreneurship spirit of the youth. He told the participants to open their minds to the challenge of creating institutions that make laws work, urging them to challenge bad ideologies being practised by the leaders and emancipate the people out of poverty. Ajibola, who is also a writer, blamed the rot in Africa’s economic

•Some of the participants after the seminar

and political system on centralised authority and social entitlements. He said: “Our political institutions in Africa don’t respond well to changes. And it is unfortunate that many of us trust the government, whereas it (government) is robbing Peter to pay Paul.” He made a case for mutual respect among humans, adding that the more people value humans, the more it promotes peace and development. Adigun told the participants not to look up to the government for their survival, but to see their salvation in their creativity. Speaking on Free market environmentalism, AYPC President, Kofi Akosah,, said African countries must pull down obstructions at their borders set against free trade to achieve economic prosperity. He said when people enjoyed freedom

to trade, values would be created and mutual respect would be earned. He said closed borders had closed opportunities for the young entrepreneurs to create wealth. “Why do we have so many trade borders connecting African countries, when trade in itself is peaceful? It is time governments handed off economic activities and allow people to express trade freely,” Akosah said. Gregory Diehl, a business consultant at Market Fit, who spoke on Meaningful business development, said as young entrepreneurs must understand the need of the market and calculate risks involved. He said business is for people who want to create values and reap personal rewards at the same time. He charged the participants to fashion workable business pro-

posal that would increase their values and wealth. He said: “It is very difficult to be rich without creating a structure to leverage your efforts. With the right structure in place within the right setting, every action you take will lead to big financial returns.” Other speakers included Patrick White, Ken Van Doren, Susanne Tarkowski and Steve Horwitz, a professor of Economics. It was not all lectures; there was also a discussion, where participants were divided into groups to engage themselves in business plans. A participant, Olamide Ogunsanya, who recently graduated from Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) in Ogun State, said the event opened his mind to motivating ideology that could make his dream come true.

How Nigeria can sustain democracy through free and fair elections was the topic of a debate organised by the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) chapter of the Union of Campus Journalists (UCJ). AFIS ODEYEMI (300-Level Education History) reports.

URVIVAL of democracy topped disscussion at an event organised by the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) chapter of the Union of Campus Journalists (UCJ). Participants, who spoke on the topic: Party politics and democratic sustenance: 2015 general election in focus, brought their oratory skills to bear in the discussion, which is held yearly for freshers. The basement of the main auditorium, where the contest was held, was literally charged as the students expressed their views before guests, including the Director of Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies in UNILORIN, Dr Mahfuz Adedimeji, who declared the contest open. According to the organisers, the contest was also to develop the oratorical and writing prowess of the participants, who were selected from the institution’s nine faculties. Adedimeji, who is also UCJ’s Staff Adviser, said examination could not be a true test of knowledge, adding that the winner should not see himself as the best. He said: “Life is a competition ground where individuals face challenges on a daily basis and achievement is recorded based on individual effort.” At the preliminary stage, students from all faculties participated in the debate but five participants qualified to move to the final stage. Dr Lukman Saka of the Department of Political Science, who delivered a lecture on the theme, gave a professional insight into the topic. He suggested ways the nation could conduct of a free and credible election.

•Members of audience at the event

That democracy may survive Saka said: “For a free fair and credible election to be held this year, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must be fair to all political parties and demonstrate by its intention that it would be non-partisan umpire. This will also reduce the number of legal battle that may trail the process. The February election is crucial to the peace and growth of this nation.”

The political scientist advised politicians not to betray the trust people reposed in them, urging them not to truncate the democratic process because of their selfish interest. He said the security of the country should be a collective effort and common objective of all politicians. During the grand finale, each of the remaining five contestants was given five minutes to defend his

position on the theme. After a tough session, the judges graded the participants based on their appearance, composure, fluency, saliency of points and conciseness. Victory Emmanuel of the Faculty of Engineering emerged the winner of the contest. Damilola Olawuyi of the Faculty of Education came second, while Temidayo Ajibade from the Faculty of Sciences came third.

Prizes, including mobile phones, t-shirts, stationery, were presented to the winners and participants, who dropped out in the preliminary stage. Assistant General Secretary, Kwars State chapel of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mallam Abubakare Mustapha, who represented the NUJ boss, Mr Abdulkareem Abiodun, advised students to get involved more in educational programmes, saying this would boost their academic pursuits. The UCJ President, Taofeek Tiamiyu, a 500-Level Agricultural Science student, said every member of a given society had roles to play in sustaining democracy in the society. “As youths with good strength of number and voting power, we must ensure we constructively constitute to nation-building by conducting ourselves peacefully during the coming general elections. We must not be divided by politics, religion and ethnicity. We share common humanity and country, which we must protect,” he said. Other guests at the event included former presidents of the union, Alao Idris and Wale Bakare, who initiated the Freshers’ Oratory Contest. Highpoints of the occasion were observations by students, and poem presentation dedicated to the life of late Zakariyyah Abiodun Olowo, one of the university’s scholars and immediate past president of the union, and Hammed Adekanmi, who died last year. The participants observed one-minute silence in their memory.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

CAMPUS LIFE

Re: 365 days of NYSC's directionless leadership T

HE attention of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) management has been drawn to an article titled: "365 days of NYSC's directionless leadership" written by one Oluwaseyi Babaeko and published on page 35 of The Nation of Thursday, January 15, 2015. The writer in his somewhat selfdelusional piece, among other things, accused the NYSC management of making discriminatory deployment of Corps members in favour of graduates from well-to-do families with children of the poor posted to rural areas and volatile regions. He also claimed that it had to take public condemnation before the DirectorGeneral (DG) could reverse the posting of Corps members to risk-prone areas. The writer also accused the NYSC management of not visiting families of some deceased Corps members or giving compensation to bereaved families. Of particular note is the claim by Babaeko, who had an accident while going to camp as a prospective Corps member, that he is yet to raise money for hip replacement while also alleging that the DG had not deemed it fit to attend to his case and that of other Corps members that need urgent medical attention. The management could have ordinarily ignored such write-up as an expression of ignorance and self-ridicule by the writer, except for the need to meet the expectations of those who genuinely seek the truth. First and foremost, it should be

IR, let me begin by informing you that recent happenings in the country give me a reason to worry. I believe you would spare time to read this, especially at a time when you have engaged in political campaign in preparation for the next month’s general elections. My president, this letter is simply from a concerned youth who sees light even as darkness pervades everywhere. I am a staunch believer in the transformation of Nigeria from its present state. Our country, which you are highly favoured to lead, is endowed in human and natural resources and as such, it needs good leader to harness these potentials. As you continue your re-election campaign across the country, I will highlight some of my observations. Your campaign train indeed struck the right chord by starting off in Lagos penultimate Thursday. First was your choice of Tafawa Balewa Square as against the National Stadium. Indeed the crowd was massive and your party bigwigs attended. They spoke with unmatched enthusiasm and it was hard to dispel the logic of their rhetoric. You said at the campaign: “Today, I am going to address only a segment of the Nigerian population. I am going to address the people who are voting for the first time, those of you who will attain 18 years this year….I do not want to address old people like me, because we are spent already and I will crave your indulgence Nigerian youths, those of you who are here, and those of you watching us at

noted that Oluwaseyi Babaeko is a mischief maker and bare-fared liar, who has chosen, like in an interview granted in a previous publication, to stand fact on its head. We will address the issues as raised by him. The allegation of discriminatory deployment is laughable as postings are carried out electronically, and our system has default setting that enables random posting of prospective Corps members outside their states of origin. It should be noted that concessional postings are granted only to married women, who wish to serve in their spouses' states of residence and others with proven cases of life-threatening illnesses. A major requirement for issuance of certificate of NYSC, among other things, is the Corps member's presence in his place of primary assignment throughout the service year. We have records of disciplinary actions taken against Corps members who were absent from service locations for certain periods or absconded outright. We challenge the writer to name any absconded Corps member who was given certificate without repeating the service. On posting to risk-prone areas, the NYSC management has never had cause to reverse decision to post Corps members to such areas in response to the so-called public condemnation as claimed by Babaeko. We have repeatedly made our policy clear on this issue; Corps members are posted to all states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory

(FCT), including the crisis areas, in fulfilment of the provisions of the NYSC Act. But Orientation course for those posted to the crisis areas are conducted in safe states, while only Corps members who personally elect to go and serve in those areas eventually report there for the service. Majority of the Corps members are often relocated to safer states while those who choose to serve in the crisis areas are mostly indigenes of the affected states, including married women whose spouses reside there. Contrary to the mischievous claim by the writer, the NYSC Scheme has established procedures for responding to death of Corps members. These include delegation of officials to inform and condole with the bereaved families, conveyance of corpses, payment for burial expenses, official representation at funerals, and payment of death benefits to the next-of-kin of the deceased Corps members. These are statutory steps which the Scheme has continued to take in the unfortunate incidences of death of Corps members. Besides, the loss of Corps members, or any persons for that matter, should be seen as matter that requires to be handled with soberness and not to be made subject of mischief-making by some rascally person. The allegation of not attending to the cases of Corps members who need urgent medical attention is also another irresponsible lie by Babaeko, who is himself a beneficiary of the Scheme's discharge of its obligation

in that regard. Agents of distraction like him need to be reminded of how several newspapers were awash with commendations of the Director-General Brigadier-General Johnson Olawumi's show of care and love when he visited a prospective Corps member of the 2014 Batch 'C' Oluwagbenga Babatunde at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital following the latter's involvement in a road accident while on his way to the Orientation Camp in Bayelsa State. Aside from commiserating with the accident victim, Brig-Gen. Olawumi also directed the payment of his medical bills. He further granted his relocation so as to enhance his recuperation. If the DG could show such concern for a person who had not yet been registered and confirmed as bonafide Corps member, only mischievous minds would doubt his readiness to show similar concern for those that are already serving. Coming to the case of Babaeko himself, we recall that he was involved in a road traffic accident while on his way to the NYSC orientation Camp in Sokoto State as a prospective Corps member of the 2012 Batch 'B'. Contrary to his claim of insensitivity, the first step taken by the Scheme was to move him from a hospital in Kebbi State to the more equipped Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto in order to avail him of the best care available in the circumstance. Another step taken was to relocate

him to Lagos State after due consultation with him on the location of his next-of-kin. This was based on the belief that receiving treatment in an environment where his parents and relations would be within reach would yield some therapeutic benefits. Babaeko's hypocrisy is glaring from his deafening silence about the settlement of his medical bills by the NYSC Management. To cut the story short, following the submission of his bills, the N645,540:00 was paid into his Union Bank's Account No: 0038523282. Specifically, the said amount was credited into his account at 17:47hrs on the September 17, 2013. Though we have sufficient evidence of the transaction, we also challenge the writer to present his bank statement for that period for verification. From the foregoing, one wonders what Babaeko seeks to achieve by writing such misleading, mischievous and frivolous essay. The Director-General has, since assumption of office, remained focused on the pursuit of his vision and agenda for the Scheme and we are proud to report that much has been achieved by this passionate goal-getter. In particular, the issue of Corps members welfare remains top on the management's priority at all times. The DG, the management and entire staff will not be distracted from the on-going efforts to take the Scheme to greater heights. •Management

Open letter to President Jonathan By Kelechi Amokoh home, listen to what I am saying.” These were your words at the start of your campaign. I commend you for your foresight. Indeed, this shows your interest in the youths of this nation. As you spoke, I listened with rapt attention to hear my president highlighting his plans for the youths and the nation. But, your descent into a personal attack negated your intention and I found it rather unacceptable that you said these words: “…somebody who wakes up and tells young people of 23 years old that he wants to fight insecurity. Ask him when he was the head of government, did he buy one rifle for Nigerian soldiers.” This is an unnecessary diversion from issues. Indeed, the president elected in 2011 was one who had no shoes, rode on emotional appeal and good name getting above 22 million votes. Coming out in 2015 requires more of tact, grounded articulations of achievement and policies. You are not the first whose second term bid raised some challenges from the opposition. Barack Obama faced the same issue after his inspiring “Yes We Can” campaign in 2008. His reelection bid in 2012 was not a stroll in the park but for the inspiring speech delivered by his predecessor, George Bush, the Republicans might have car-

By Gbemileke Ogunbodede ried the day. Yes, you might not be the best orator like America’s Obama but indeed you were short of your meek disposition that has endeared me to your personality. I saw a president who was all out to shame detractors from the “change” camp. I saw the attacks targeted at the opposition leaving little time for the marshalling of the transformation agenda strategies. I expected my president to boldly speak from the rostrum without attacking anyone. I do not expect my president to sink low and fight dirty with words. It will only place you on

the same level with unlettered barbarians. You are a learned man with a PhD from a reputable institution and I trust your intellectual capability. I know how you feel when your administration is rubbished with words of mouth. There is every tendency to defend attack, bite and roar in defence but indeed in quietness and confidence lays your strength. These have been your selling point from inception. I therefore urge, as you continue your campaign, Nigerians prefer to hear their cool, calm and composed president speak on consolidation strategies if you eventually win on February 14. I desire to hear how you intend to improve in areas you did not match up. During your tenure, the power sector experienced changes but the needed transformation is yet to be enjoyed by the masses. How do you intend to build on the current megawatts of electricity? The agriculture sector with the technocrat in charge really performed yet there are major issues as to why the nation is yet to reap from this viable sector rather than oil. What are the other viable areas the economy of the nation can thrive on? Unemployment is on the rise despite the YOUWIN and other youth-related initiatives. How well is your strategy to take the young people off the streets and engage

them productively? The Nigeria “beyond-oil” is here. How well is the government of 2015-2019 ensuring the nation suffers no loss as the economy diversifies? We have been told to fasten our belt for this year’s hardship yet we have no commensurate measure from the president. “Corruption is not stealing,” my President was quoted as peddling such spooky theory. No matter the definition, what is not good is not good. How well will my president be man enough to call the bluff of corrupt officials wagging their tails at the corridor of power? Placing them in crates might not be the solution but which solution are you planning? Mr President, all I ask from you is to remember your promise during the inauguration of the presidential campaign organisation that you will “flaunt our achievements in all parts of the country, tell the story of what we have achieved and let the facts and the figures be heard in every nook and cranny of Nigeria.” I am sure somebody provoked you that day. Forget the past, enter action with boldness as you tell Nigerians what you have done and intend to do if they give you the mandate again come February 14. •Kelechi, 400-Level Mass Communication, UNILAG

Blocking the constitutional loopholes IGERIA, which prides itself as Africa’s giant, is faced with myriads of challenges. These numerous challenges raise doubts about this unproven appellation. Our politics has become a platform for impunity, graft and fragrant disobedience to the laws of the land. These factors have, ultimately, reduced our respect among the comity of nations. And one question we all need to ask ourselves is whether our acts show similitude of a giant. Actually, a greater percentage of the Nigerian people see things from a politically sentimental perspective. So, answers to this question might just follow a similar subjective approach.

Constitutionally, Nigeria is presently governed by the 1999 Constitution but recent political happenings in the country show we are not governed by any law. Consider this. In pre-independence period, there were many constitutions used to rule over us by colonial masters. The Richard’s Constitution came into force in 1946 and was suspended in 1950 while the McPherson Constitution and Lyttleton Constitution were operated between 1950 and 1954 respectively. And then, enter the post-independence constitutions. From the above, it is clear that the role of the constitution in governance and democracy cannot be

overemphasised. It is a legal book that states how a given nation should be governed. Therefore, the court, which is seen as the last hope of the common man, should adjudicate on infringement on these letters in our statutory book. Last October, the Speaker of the House of Representatives defected from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). This development once again indicates a loophole in our constitution. Section 68 (g) of the 1999 Constitution is clear on the fate of a member of the Senate or House of Reps who decamps from one party to another. Such member loses

his seat by implication. Though the constitution guarantees freedom of association but the flimsy excuse politicians give for their defection is a source of concern and it is inimical to the development of democracy. In our society, cross carpeting has become a norm in the eyes of political actors; every excuse seems tenable and every step taken is a means of outwitting opposition parties. Tambuwal may have taken the decision for his political survival, the aftermath of that action led to the withdrawal of his security aides by the Inspector General of Police, Sulaiman Abba. Without being sentimental to the issue at hand, the IGP ought to

By Gbemileke Ogunbodede know that Section 40 of same Constitution states that “every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons and in par-

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

CAMPUS LIFE

Insurance boss mentors Delta students

•The hall residents taking part during the drinking contest

Ewa Night excites hall residents

T was all fun at the Eni Njoku Hall of Residence of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) when occupants marked their Hall Week and Ewa Night. Ewa is bean in Yoruba. The week-long event started with a prayer session on Sunday. The celebration continued with different events marking each day. The most exciting of the events was Ewa Night, where students cooked beans in a large pot and share among themselves. Asked why hall held Ewa Night,

From Akinrinwa Omotayo UNILAG the Hall Chairman, Godspower, said: “Many students from different hostels usually come to Eni Njoku Hall’s cafeteria to eat ewa. So, we felt the beans must be delicious to have warranted such a huge patronage. This is why we decided to set aside a day to make ewa available to every student for free.” There was excitement as students came from different directions with bowls, scrambling for the meal.

Despite the crowd, there were leftovers after the students were served. The Week also featured a drinking contest and a pageant to crown the king of the hall. The pageant was for confident and intelligent students. Precious Daniel, who won the contest, said: “I feel accomplished by the achievement and I am encouraged to go higher.” The eventw ended with a thanksgiving and praise night, where campus artistes thrilled the hall residents with songs of praise.

HE Group Managing Director (GMD), Royal Exchange Plc, Mr Chike Mokwunye, has met with members of the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) chapter of the National Association of Delta State Students to boost their leadership and entrepreneurial skills. The interactive session, which was also aimed at opening the eyes of the students to investment in insurance, was attended by the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the organisation, Mr Philip Ashinze, and Acting Group Head of the firm’s Corporate Communication, Mr Wilson Okon-Essien. Mokwunye described the meeting as a welcome development, praising the students’ zeal to learn investment tips. On insurance and investment, Mokwunye said insurance investment would guarantee students’ future against unforeseen circumstance. He said: “As students, you should be able to take education, health and

From Godwin Dike YABATECH life insurance as no one is guarantee of unforeseen circumstance. Despite the high rate of unemployment in the country, you can start still create something that will give you monetary value before you graduate.” Mokwunye advised the students to learn vocations in addition to their academic pursuits, noting that vocational skills would help them discover their entrepreneurial abilities. He charged the students to remain committed, focused and dedicated to their studies and turn away from worldly things that could distract them from attaining their dream. The highpoint of the session was the induction of Mokwunye as a grand mentor to the association. The President of the association, Mark Orgu, said Mokwunye was made the association’s mentor because of his passion for youth development and his successful leadership at the insurance company.

On and Off Campus By Solomon Izekor 08061522600

•Students at the congress

Congress’ outcome causes stir at institute

HEY all demanded a congress but students of Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) in Ogba, Lagos were not happy with the outcome of the meeting, held on the institution’s campus on Thursday. The congress was called by members of Student Representatives’ Congress (SRC), following a growing discontent among the students over certain policies of the management. But, those who turned up at the meeting said the absence of majority of the students cast doubt on the necessity of the congress. The SRC Chairman, Dayo Oladiti, implored those at the congress to express their minds on what they felt should be changed in the school. He listed areas of interest to the attendees where they may ask questions. He said questions that could not be answered would be relayed to the management for clarification. Oladiti addressed some of the grievances of the students, including N5,000 pen-

From Samson Uwala NIJ LAGOS alty for late registration, unhygienic cafeteria, high school fee and additional charges for medical test, among others. Despite the explanation by the SRC leaders, students still felt the congress was not properly constituted because opinions of majority were not taken. A student, Paul Samuel, said: “The congress is a complete nonsense, because majority of students were not present, especially the part-time and Higher National Diploma students.” A student, who did not give his name, said: “The congress is not properly called because every issue we discussed there won’t be referred to the management and those that will be referred would have been manipulated on the way.” Arafat Sadiq said although it was good for students to meet on challenges they face but urged the SRC to ensure a majority are carried along.

Blocking the constitutional loopholes •Continued from page 42

ticular he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any association for the protection of his interests”. Therefore, does it means the speaker is not entitled to his rights anymore? With the provision of the constitution he has the right to move to any political party if his former party is in crisis. These bizarre political events will have a long-term effect on the coming generation. It is imperative to state that most Nigerian youths are brainwashed into believing a lie. And currently, the actors in this political show are contributing to these delinquencies among the youth as they increase the pace at which it grows. The way we play our politics will have a significant effect on legislation and budget. A house divided against itself cannot stand, so goes a saying.

So, if the unity of a legislative house that should make laws to uplift the lives of the citizen is compromised, then what is the hope of the common man on the street? Without prejudice to Tambuwal’s matter in court, it is imperative to state that the loopholes created in our constitution have given room to politicians to commit impunity that distorts peace and sustainable economic and political development. Therefore, the 1999 Constitution must be thoroughly reviewed to checkmate individuals from committing official impunity. The review must be done in a way that will prevent politicians citing on section 40 of the constitution thereby escaping the hammer of section 68 (g). The lacuna in our law that gives room to impunity should be identified and blocked. •Gbemileke, 400-Level Project Management Technology, FUTA

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

EDUCATION

Joy, as 125 Kaduna students win foreign scholarship

ARYAM Nuhu Ibrahim, one the beneficiaries of the overseas scholarship scheme of the Kaduna State government, said until she got her admission to study Medicine abroad, she never believed the phrase, ‘dividends of democracy’. Miss Ibrahim’s story is like many of her colleagues who were selected from the 23 local government areas of the state for the scholarship. With over 1,000 candidates screened, they never expected to be selected. Maryam told The Nation that she never thought she stood a chance. “In fact, I lack words to express my feelings. I have since been nursing the ambition of studying medicine. I have tried Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) severally, but I was given agriculture. As a lady, I felt it is odd to study agriculture, so I did not accept the admission. “When I heard about this opportunity of government overseas scholarship, I just said, let me give it a trial, even though I thought they will only consider people with godfathers. But here I am today; I just received my admission without any form of lobbying. I only have to say, I thank God and Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero,” she said. The scholarship scheme is an initiative of Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero. Shortly after assuming office on December 16, 2012, he spoke of the need to send students abroad on scholarship. Early last year, he made good his promise by giving 29 300-Level medical students of Kaduna State University (KASU) the overseas scholarship to enable them complete their clinical studies at the Kampala International University, Uganda. But the number of students that benefited this year was unexpected as Yero distributed 125 admission letters last week. Speaking at the flag-off of the 2014/ 2015 scholarship awards, the Governor said the state is currently sponsoring 22 PhD, 77 MSc and 26 medi-

•Governor Yero presenting scholarship to one of the beneficiaries.

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

cal students in countries such as Malaysia, Ghana, South Africa, India, New Zealand, Egypt and Uganda. “The candidates were selected after a thorough screening exercise with all the 23 Local Government Areas equitably represented,” he said. Yero said his administration has so far spent N1.4 billion on internal and external scholarships since he assumed office in addition to a recent approval for the disbursement of N119,992,692.00 for new students. Yero said the scheme was initiated to improve the manpower capacity

of the state. “Let me reiterate our determination towards improving the human capital to accelerate socio-economic development of the State. It is in furtherance to this resolve that we established the Postgraduate Overseas Scholarship Scheme with the aim of provision of the required manpower in such critical areas of Medical Sciences, Engineering, and Applied and Natural Sciences,” he said. In his address, the Chairman, Kaduna State foreign Scholarship Implementation Committee and former ABU Vice Chancellor, Prof

‘I lack words to express my feelings. I have since been nursing the ambition of studying medicine. I have tried Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) severally, but I was given agriculture’

Shehu Abdullahi, disclosed that 1,664 students participated in the selection process. He said: “1,664 students applied for the scholarship to undergo programmes. In Human Medicine, 414, Masters 1072, and PhD 178, from the 23 local government areas in the state. Out of the 1,664 applicants, 1,559 were found qualified for the scholarship and consequently short-listed based on laid down criteria for interviews. “Interviews of the applicants were conducted on the 25th and 26th September, 2014. The applicants were interviewed at their senatorial zones and were selected based on their performances and available fund for the foreign scholarship scheme.” Other beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the government and promised to make the state proud abroad. The students are expected to leave Nigeria as soon as possible.

UNILAG seeks help to recover N600m

HE Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof Rahamon Bello, has lamented the paucity of funds to the university occasioned by the incomplete release of approved budget by the government. Bello said this when House of Representatives Committee of Education visited the university last Wednesday. For instance, in 2013, Bello said the university was forced to pay workers from Internally-Generated Revenue because its allocation was short by N600 million and unpaid to date. Responding to the VC's complaint, Chairman of the committee, Honourable Aminu Suleiman, said the case should be investigated. He said the committee was in the university as part of its oversight function and urged government agencies to be patient with its efforts to scrutinize their budgets as it is to ensure that things are done right.

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

In the past, he said this role had helped uncover fraud in budget implementations by government agencies. "That is how bad the situation has always been and we would like to seek the understanding of the public whenever we are spending much time on budget scrutiny, these are the kinds of things we usually discover and we can all imagine the impact of such kind of avoidable wastes on our economy," he said. The committee praised the UNILAG management for maintaining the standard the university is known for. In his presentation, Prof Bello had said the university achieved a lot with the grant it received from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for 2012. Bello said projects carried out with the grant included: Construction

•Suleiman

•Prof Bello

with Furnishing of Creative Arts Building, Module A2 and B, Construction with Furnishing of Block of Offices and Classrooms for the Faculty of Engineering, Construction of Entrepreneurship Centre, and Procurement and Installation of Various Teaching and Research Equipment for the College of Medicine, procurement of various furniture items, including 300 units of classroom student desk and chair for the faculty of social sciences, pro-

curement of various furniture items, including 260units of furniture for lecture theatre in the faculty of engineering, faculty of basic sciences, school of radiography among others. He however said that lack of land was hindering plans to build accommodation for students and members of staff. He also complained that the university was expending at least N40 million on power supply.

Salem varsity matriculates 373 students

T was a huge crowd that witnessed the seventh matriculation of Salem University last Saturday. In his address, the Vice- Chancellor of the university, Prof Joseph Adeola Fuwape, congratulated the 373 students admitted into the three colleges of the university. He disclosed that though they passed the stringent admission process prescribed by the university, they have been admitted as work in progress. However, at the end of their programme, they would be released as positive change

agents. The Vice-Chancellor said for them to become global leaders and change agents that God has designed them to be, they must be focused and strive for distinction in their programmes of study. He urged them to shun distractions, not be complacent and have a strong desire to attain excellence, be determined and diligent to be what God has destined them to be. He noted that the university would continue to set out the modalities to groom them to become global leaders and will inculcate

in them the core values of godliness, confidence, mental empowerment, integrity, accountability, diligence and resourcefulness, sense of priority and synergy. He said that all the university's programme had been fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC). He also said Salem University had been recognized as the Best Web Technology Management institution in Kogi State in 2012 and the best Information Communication Technology (ICT)-driven university with the best

webometric ranking in Kogi state in 2013. He expressed his appreciation to the Chancellor, Archbishop Dr. Sam Amaga, for his support to the university, and the members of the Governing Council, Board of Trustees, and others who have supported the vision of the university. He charged the students to always remember they are on a mission and cannot afford to fail. Highlights of the ceremony were the swearing and signing of the University matriculation oath.

EKSU FILE

EKITI monarchs praise VC THE Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers has praised the Ekiti State University (EKSU) ViceChancellor, Prof Patrick Aina, and his team for the progress the university has made in the last three years. The Monarchs made the commendation during a fact-finding mission to the institution by its committee on Education. The leader of the Education Committee, the Olomuo of Omuo Ekiti, Oba Noah Adejuwon Omonigbehin said they were impressed by the structures they saw in the university during their visit. Oba Omonigehin said: "Things have changed dramatically in this university; words may not be enough to describe our happiness that our University can now rank among notable Universities in Nigeria. could We are highly impressed from what we have seen." Responding, the Vice-Chancellor said that he was happy that the traditional rulers had noticed the positive development in the university. He explained that 99 per cent of the programmes in the university were accredited. He added that the university was ready for the accreditation of its medical programme.

Team inspects medical college AN accreditation team from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, (MDCN) has visited EKSU to assess physical and manpower resources on ground for its College of Medicine. The eight-man delegation drawn from various universities across the country was led by a Professor of Medicine, N. Y. Darkum of University of Jos. The team was received by the ViceChancellor, Prof Patrick Aina, who led other principal officers of the university. Aina said that the College of Medicine was a project that the Ekiti State government and people were passionate about. He promised that no stone would be left unturned to actualize the accreditation of the college. He explained that substantial investment was made to construct a multi-million naira medical library as well as buildings for the Biochemistry, Pharmacology and Physiology departments and an ultra-modern hostel. He added that top academics have been recruited to teach in the college.

Matriculation for sandwich students THE newly-admitted students of the Contact Session Sandwich programme for 2014/2015 academic session have been warned to adhere strictly to their matriculation oath. The ceremony held at the university auditorium, was presided over by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Patrick Aina, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof Ibiyinka Ogunlade. He cautioned them to eschew bad character and disobedience to constituted authority which could jeopardize their academic life. He however commended the students for their tenacity and love for education. Administering the oath, the Registrar, Mr Emmanuel Ogunyemi, told the students that the oath is binding on them and they must live up to the expectation of the university which is repositioning to become a worldclass institution.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

CAMPUS LIFE ELIZADE FILE

Varsity, ACCA sign MoU ELIZADE University, IlaraMokin, Ondo State has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants of Nigeria, (ACCA). Its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Valentine Aletor said the MoU was in fulfillment of the promise that the university would do the needful and lawful to give students an edge. With the pact, in addition to their degrees, Aletor said students would get a globally-recognised professional certification. He urged the students to use the numerous opportunities that the university has provided for them. In her remarks, Head of Nigeria Office of the Association, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Ademola said ACCA was partnering with Elizade University because of its uniqueness. She added that the association was attracted by the aspiration of the university to become a leading citadel of learning in Nigeria, Africa and the entire world. Mrs. Ademola emphasised the readiness of the Association to produce brand ambassadors for both parties.

Minister seeks support for govt THE Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Mr. Edem Duke, has called on Nigerians to support the government in the areas of tourism, education and other sectors of the economy, adding that development should not be left to the government alone. Duke made the call when he visited Elizade University and the Smokin Hills Golf Resort, an 18Hole Golf Resort, in Ilara-Mokin. He said Nigerians should not be quick to criticise the government, but find ways of contributing to the development of the country. The Minister praised the Founder of the University and the resort, Chief Michael Ade.Ojo, for establishing the two institutions. He described the university as “beautiful” and the resort, “amazing”, saying both have brought the town to the limelight. He added that the degree programme in Hotel and Tourism Management by the university would give the students opportunity to use the Golf Resort for practicals. Duke, who was conducted round the campus by Chief Ade-Ojo and principal officers of the Institution, urged the students to make use of the quality facilities to acquire quality education that would give them bright future.

SCHOLARSHIPS APPROACHING DEADLINE Talent for Governance Training Scholarships for Developing Countries Brief description: The overall aim of Talent for Governance is to strengthen local governments in developing countries and Eastern European (non-EU) countries. They aim to achieve this through the training of young civil servants. With the gained knowledge and skills, they can work to alleviate their communities of widespread poverty and a lack of basic services. Host Institution(s): The Hague Academy for Local Governance, The Hague, Netherlands Course starts September 2015 Field(s) of study: Talent for governance is accepting applicants for three Talent Programmes organised on the following topics, based on the training course part of the programme: •Citizen Participation & Accountability - Programme from 1 19 June 2015 (Deadline: 3 April 2015) •Local Economic Development Programme from 7 - 25 September 2015 (Deadline: 10 July 2015) •Fiscal Decentralisation & Local Finance - Programme from 28 September - 16 October 2015 (Deadline: 31 July 2015) •Number of Awards: The amount of placements will depend on the funds and internship placements in Dutch local governments. •Target group: Young civil servants working for

local governments in developing countries or Eastern European (non EU) countries. •Scholarship value/inclusions: The Talent programme will generally cover all basic living expenses during the stay in the Netherlands, travel costs and the training course fee of the chosen training course. The talent must cover any additional costs from their own resources, and also contribute 100 Euros or 200 Euros to their programme costs. Eligibility: You are eligible for applying for this international talent programme if, •work for a local government ( e.g. district, municipality, city, region, province, water board etc.) •work in one of the countries listed on the DAC country list; •be 37 years of age or younger; •have at least two years of work experience in local governance and have the intend to work there for at least two years more; •speak and understand the English language well (all programmes are in English); •be able to write and vocally defend his/her motivation for- and the relevance of the specific programme; •be able to identify an issue/project as a Real-Life-Case within the theme of the programme for which he/she will write a Back-Home-Action Plan during the Talent programme; •have complete support of the employer to participate in the programme and to implement the Back-Home-Action plan when returned home. Application instructions: Please download and read the Rules

and Regulations Talent for Governance 2015 which has, among other, important information on application procedure, accommodation, allowances and criteria) before you start filling in the online application form. The deadline for applications varies per course. It is important to visit the official website (link found below) to access the online application form and for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship. Website: Official Scholarship Website: http:/ /talentforgovernance.com/talentprogramme/what-is-it/

Macquarie ViceChancellor’s International Scholarships Brief description: The Macquarie University ViceChancellor's International Scholarship provides a partial tuition fee scholarship for outstanding students to study an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at Macquarie University North Ryde campus. Host Institution(s): North Ryde Campus of Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia Field of study: Undergraduate and Postgraduate studies in priority areas: Engineering, Environment, Human Science, Media, Linguistics, and Education. Next course starts 2015 Number of Awards: Not specified Target group: International students

Scholarship value/inclusions: The amount is varied up to AUD$10,000 Eligibility: Applicants must: •Be a citizen of a country other than Australia or New Zealand. •Have met the University's academic and English requirements for the course to be considered for a scholarship (must hold a FULL OFFER of admission for North Ryde by the application deadline). •Have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 for Postgraduate applications and minimum requirement of an ATAR equivalent of 90 out of 100 for Undergraduate applications. See the full eligibility criteria at the official website. Application instructions: Applicants must hold a FULL OFFER of admission for an eligible course by the deadline to be considered for the scholarship. Applicants must complete a course application form and a scholarship application form online. The application deadline for Session 1, 2015 intake is 31 January 2015 or 30 June 2015 for Session 2, 2015 intake. It is important to visit the official website (link found below) to access the application forms and for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship. Website: Official Scholarship Website: http:/ /www.mq.edu.au/future students/ international/scholarships and awards/macquarie university international scholarships/vicechancellors international scholarships/

NANS urges ADOPOLY unions to end strike W ORRIED by the stand-off between the authorities of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State and the school’s trade unions, which has paralysed academic activities, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ekiti Axis, has urged the workers to call off their strike. Those on strike include the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) and Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU). The student body also declared its support for the embattled Rector of the school, Dr. Taiwo Akande, saying her opponents want her out to pave the way for an indigene to head the institution. NANS called on well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on the unions to call off their strike "in the interest of Nigerian students who are idling away.” The Association noted that it could no longer continue to tolerate the strike caused by the selfish interest

•Declares support for rector From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

of the unions. In a statement by the NANS Ekiti Axis Coordinator, Adetunji Bankole, the association said the unions' demands for payment of CONTISS 15 could not be met by the rector, but by the Federal Government Adetunji said it has become imperative for the students to call on all local trade unions to reconsider its present adamant stand on the continued closure of the institution. "Our recent investigation at the Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja, National Board for Technical Education, Kaduna and about eight different Polytechnics in Nigeria

showed that the stoppage of CONTISS 15 the striking Trade Unions are fighting for was a directive from the Federal Government and not a decision of the Rector. We have spoken to student leaders of various polytechnics and have realised that no polytechnic in Nigeria is still paying CONTISS 15, then why should the striking workers waste students’ time and resources? Why can't they face the Federal Government and stop tarnishing the image of the Rector", he said. The students also dismissed the call for the removal of the Rector from office because, according to them, it is ill motivated and giving a dog a bad name in other to hang it. “We also advised all those clamoring that the Rector should resign due to Ekiti Agenda to kindly resist from such act and stop politicising the Institution on ethnic basis as the institution is Federal Governmentowned. As we are talking, there are

so many Federal Institutions in other states that have Ekiti indigenes as their heads, so what are the trade unions talking about?", Adetunji asked. NANS then supported the continuation of the Rector in office because of her students oriented programme and praised her maturity in handling the matter.

it is to justify the trust bestowed on you and see it as a challenge. The college has an image to protect and so are you here. Your studentship in the next couple of years will go down into the annals of history. "The decision you take here will

definitely affect you for the rest of your lives. Please take advantage of the faculty, the intellectual energy of the college and tap from their wealth of knowledge and experiences. Get close to them as individuals and develop interpersonal relationships."

•Dr Akande

Ondo College matriculates 7,385 students

HE Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo in Ondo State, has matriculated 7,385 students for 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 academic sessions. Speaking at the matriculation, the Provost, Prof Olukoya Ogen explained that 3,985 degree and 3,400 NCE students were admitted for the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 academic sessions. Ogen urged the new students to concentrate on their primary assignment and shun social vices that may retard their studies. He noted that one of the pressing goals of the college is to be upgraded to a university, saying their contributions in terms of initiatives, academic performance and achievements would go a long way in helping to facilitate the process.

•Principal officers with some of the students. From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

He said: "Be assured that Management is working assiduously towards making this college internationally relevant through infrastructural and personnel devel-

opment and through the introduction of modern ideas in line with world best practices. "Please have it at the back of your mind that your admission is one of the best things that have happened in your life and the best you can do with

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

EDUCATION

NUT warns against pay cuts

NMC lauds Kaduna over WASSCE result

•Union urges govt to improve security

HE National Union of Teachers (NUT) has vowed to resist the Federal Government if it makes any move to disrupt teacher's salaries and other welfare benefits according to the law. NUT National President, Comrade Michael Olukoya, who disclosed this at the annual Solemn Assembly organised by NUT in Abuja, said he learnt at a teachers' council meeting that the allocation to the Federal Ministry of Education has been cut. As a result, Olukoya said payment of workers would become difficult, which could lead to crisis. He said: "If not for prayers by now teachers in the country would be planning for strike. We need prayers more this year. The price of crude oil is not encouraging. What is the implication of this to us as teachers, as workers and as education practitioners? That is why we need prayers. Few days ago we attended a meeting at the teachers' council and during the meeting we were made to know that the allocation to the Federal Ministry of Education has been grossly cut. They do not know how to pay the workers. When they are struggling to pay the workers then

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

do we now think of infrastructure? "Our leaders, the political elites, have not promised us hardship but everywhere we have hardship in action. As we are talking many of our states have not paid salaries. This 2015 we have a lot of challenges." The NUT President warned that the union would resist any attempt to tamper with the welfare of members. "We as labour must tighten our belt to ensure that we look at our leaders face-to-face because if all we are hearing is true then it is not going to be well especially for public education. NUT is strategizing. Anything that will disturb the welfare of our members, we shall rise to say no and ensure that it is stopped. We will keep our eyes opened and our ears on the ground. All these formed our NEC meeting,” he said. With many teachers and pupils killed or kidnapped by the Boko Haram, particularly the abduction of the Chibok girls nine months ago, Olukoya accused the Federal Government of playing politics with security.

‘We as labour must tighten our belt to ensure that we look at our leaders face-to-face because if all we are hearing is true then it is not going to be well especially for public education’

•Olukoya

Government, he said, should provide more funds for all security operatives to fight the sect. "We want our security operatives to be up and doing to ensure that our schools are secured; our teachers are safe, so that we can move education to the next level. You will understand that since this Boko Haram issue started teachers and pupils are the most affected. We do not like it and it is a challenge and I want all the security operatives to redouble their efforts. On the part of the executive enough of playing politics with the issued of security, let there be enough funds for all security forces to acquire the needed weapons to battle Boko Haram," he said. Prayer were made for the peace, progress and stability of the NUT, improved living conditions of all workers in the country, safe return of the 219 Chibok girls, religious tolerance, peace and harmony and for God's guidance and protection of leaders of the various tiers of government and for the peaceful conduct of Feb general elections in the country, among others. Prayer sessions are also expected to be conducted by state chairmen of NUT across the country.

No plans to sack Oyo teachers, says Ajimobi By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

•Ajimobi

OVERNOR Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has assured public school teachers that they will not be sacked. The governor gave the pledge last Saturday while speaking with teachers at a programme tagged: Teachers for Good Governance in Ibadan. He urged the teachers to disregard claims by opposition parties that his administration would lay off teachers if he is re-elected as governor next month. Ajimobi said the sack rumour was untrue. He noted that after employing 5,300 teachers last year to fill vacancies in the state's teaching service, he would not sack the same teachers in less than a year. Rather than sack teachers, he said he would recruit more teachers and train them. "We recently recruited about 5,300 teachers into service. This is unprecedented. But, the uniqueness of this is in the fact that unlike in the past where they will recruit like 500, 1000, maximum 2,000, we recruited a higher number at once," he said.

He explained that the new teachers were picked from their neighbourhoods unlike in the past where people were recruited in Ibadan and sent to Ogbomosho or Oke-Ogun to teach. He lamented that this had resulted in broken homes and several divorces. "The teachers came to appeal and we decided that wherever we are going to appoint anyone, the person must come from that locality. This is to encourage the teachers," he said. Under his administration, he said teachers have benefited from various welfare packages. For instance, he said salaries were promptly paid - with them even getting 13th month salary at the end of the year. He added that graduate teachers in primary schools were also encouraged. "Not only that we have provided them with enhanced salary packages, when you train the teachers and encourage them with welfare packages and all, they tend to give their all in their teachings," he said. Giving account of his stewardship in education, Ajimobi said that many classrooms have been rehabilitated. He also spoke of plans to build model schools in each senatorial district, which will have state-of-the-art equipment, laboratory, recreation centres, and emphasise practical education. He also said the government has improved quality by getting university teachers to monitor schools. "We have also introduced supervisory roles with the University of Ibadan; Lecturers go round and su-

pervise the teachers and students. Regarding infrastructure, the governor said the state has provided classroom furniture and equipment for the schools. He also said that some school buildings are being demolished to be replaced by better structures because of their strategic location. He said critics that have argued that the state should build new schools in fresh locations did not consider accessibility.

HE National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Abuja has commended the Kaduna State governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, for the general improvement in performance of candidates in the Senior School Certificate Examination conducted by the West Africa Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examination Council (NECO) last year. In a congratulatory letter to the governor signed by the Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Centre, Prof. Adewale Solarin, the centre praised the state for coming third behind Lagos and Edo States in West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). A total of 36,614 candidates sat for the SSCE in Kaduna State. Lagos state had 67,219 candidates, while Edo had 37,042. Kaduna state had the best result in the North, while Kano State was second in the region and 10th overall in the country. Prof Solarin praised Yero for investing in education and urged him

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

to do more. The letter stated: "It is obvious that one of your deep concern in governance is in human capital development, and we are glad to collaborate with you. We are confident that your tenure will see to the emergence of new programmes especially in the area of improving the performance of Mathematical Sciences in the education sector. "Our prayer is for the Almighty God to continue to grant you His divine wisdom, strength, long life and courage to contribute your invaluable quota in making the Ministry of Education and the entire Kaduna state greater as well as to wish you a successful first tenure in office and beyond," he said. The Centre noted that in the last two years, the state has improved access to education by constructing and rehabilitating 187 schools as well as improving manpower quantity and quality.

Academy helps school

F the management of Anglican Primary School, Ogudu, Ojota had known, they would not have gone to banks or societies to seek help to renovate a part of the school that had become dilapidated but go to Poise Graduate Finishing Academy, Ilupeju from the onset. Students of Stream 27 of the Poise Acedemy recently discovered the school and renovated the portion that had gone bad, floored four classrooms and painted it as part of their graduate project. Speaking at the inauguration of the project, the Head Teacher of the school, Mrs Faitimehin Yemi thanked the students for the "marvelous work" they did. "l never believed this kind of a thing can happen in this school. Government schools need people to come to their aid. We have been soliciting all around even went to banks and different societies in Lagos, but unfortunately no one came to our aid. "We are very excited about this gift that has been presented to us today. Immediately the NGO declared their intention of wanting to help us renovate the school block, I told my assistant head Teacher to get across to the School Board Management Committee (SBMC) Chairman to be part of the programme, or to go to PTF but it was going to take time. So we decided to go through SBMC because without the permission of the SBMC chairman there is nothing

By Medinat Kanabe

that can be done," she said. She said she has been in the school for five years and hoped that one day the state of the school would change. "When I came today and saw the painting, I was grateful that my school is this neat, l cannot express how happy l am. This shows that Nigeria is moving forward in as much as some people can come together and do this kind of a thing," she added. She noted that the children in the school are from less privileged homes and need help. "The government knows people are suffering but they cannot say ‘When I it out and you have come to came today the aid of these ones. The chil- and saw the dren were happy when l painting, came out of the I was car and they were saying grateful 'come and see'. Thank you for that my putting a smile school is on their faces. I am very grateful and in fact, this neat, l God will bless cannot exyou for what you have done press how at Anglican primary school," happy l am’ she said.

•ICAN President, Mr Chidi Ajaegbu, with students of Ronik Nursery and Primary School, Lagos during a visit by the ICAN president to Ronik Polytechnic Ejigbo, Lagos.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

EDUCATION

ASUU seeks visitation panel for LASU •Union accuses VC of highhandedness

HE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Calabar Zone has urged the Lagos State government to constitute a visitation panel for the Lagos State University to investigate the alleged ‘gromy impunity and recklessness of its management. In a statement signed by the zonal co-coordinator of the union, Dr Nsing Ogar; the secretary, Dr Charles Obot and branch chairmen, the union claimed that if the state fails to intervene, the crisis in

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

the university may degenerate further. "We believe that without this being done, the situation in LASU will deteriorate to the level that meaningful academic work would no longer be guaranted," the statement reads. The union's claim is in light of the withdrawal of PhDs of 17 academics by the Senate of the university last month, including that of the ASUU-LASU Chairman, Dr

Adekunle Idris. The union accused LASU ViceChancellor, Prof John Obafunwa, of adopting 'repressive tactics' to silence his perceived enemies and claimed he was persecuting ASUU members because they fought on the side of students for tuition fees reduction. "The zone condemns the highhandedness of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. John Oladapo and the LASU administration, which if not checked, has the tendency of being replicated in public universities in the country with its attendant terrible consequences," it said.

• From left: Vice Chancellor, Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, Prof Valentine Aletor, The Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Mr. Edem Duke (middle) and the founder of the university, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo during the minister's visit to the university.

Insecurity robs researchers of funding

N Ambassador to Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AHF) in Germany, Prof Odunayo Adeboye, has said insecurity has restrained the foundation from sponsoring researchers in Nigeria. Adeboye disclosed this at a workshop organised by HumboldtKolleg themed: "Harvesting research outcomes: a practical plan to confirm achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)", held at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State. He said the organisation erroneously believed that all parts of Nigeria are affected by the Boko Haram insurgency. As a result, he said, they are reluctant to invest their money in a crisis-ridden country. He added that the rigorous proposal screening process and nondelivery of stewardship by Nigerians have also affected sponsorship to this part of the country. Apart from these, as well as the unfavourable research environment, Adeboye said Nigerians are intelligent and capable of delivering. The Nigerian Ambassador to the foundation said research cannot be conducted without power and other infrastructural facilities, adding that there are discoveries, but are not done to benefit people. In his welcome address, the convener, Prof. Simeon Olatayo, said in 2000, leaders of member countries of the United Nations

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

adopted the millennium declaration which set out a series of clear commitment, goals and targets to achieve human development. He said the MDGs are designed to provide a framework for accountability, donor coordination and resource mobilisation, and provide opportunities to researchers to work on real-life development problems. He noted that addressing these problems require multidisciplinary approaches that combine the natural sciences, the life sciences, technical and socialscience approaches. "The challenge is to integrate social, economic, political and institutional concerns into research strategy," he said. Olatayo further said the conference hopes to harvest different approaches to achieve MDGs and stimulate collaboration and research interests among concerned experts such as Educationists, Sociologist, Economists,Agronomist, Agricultural Engineers, Civil Engineers, and Environmental Scientists. The guest lecturer, Prof. Adetanwa Odebiyi of the Sociology and Psychology Department, Lead City University, described research outcome harvesting as an evaluation approach; a participative tool enabling stakeholders to identify, formulate, verify and

‘The organisation erroneously believed that all parts of Nigeria are affected by the Boko Haram insurgency...As a result, they are reluctant to invest their money in a crisis-ridden country’

make sense of outcome. She said a major factor limiting effectiveness of academic researches is a weak bridge between researchers and policy makers adding that, the weak link is attributed to communication, priorities, and openness. Prof Odebiyi added that research provides information about trends and risk factors concerning a phenomenon; while a research environment affects research practices and outcome with a caveat that available resources for research in a society depends on political system.

LASPOTECH holds retreat

HE 9th Management Retreat of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) ended last week. The three-day retreat held at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) in Topo Badagry, featured lectures, discussions and appraisal of the activities of various departments and schools last year and strategies for better performance in the New Year. The theme of the Retreat was "Enhancing Productivity and Economic Growth through Time Management and Leadership Styles: Polytechnic Education System in Focus.” The Lagos State governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), represented by the Special Adviser on Education, Hon. Fatai Olukoga, expressed his joy at the progress experienced in the polytechnic in the last three years. He also commended the management and members of staff of the polytechnic for their efforts and urged them to be united and embrace team work.

EDUTALK

with

Oyo teacher policy worth second look

HE new policy of the Oyo State government to recruit teachers and post them to schools within their neighbourhoods may not be a Kofoworola bad idea. Belo-Osagie Governor Abiola Ajimobi said the policy was introduced last Kofosagie@yahoo.com year when the state recruited 08054503077 (SMS only) 5,300 teachers following complaints that the transfer of teachers to schools in other towns was causing divorce rates to soar. Other states may gain from the policy since in most cases teachers posted far from their areas of residence are usually less committed. During my service year in Ebonyi State, many teachers posted to the secondary school I served in Ezza South Local Government Area, did not live in the surrounding communities. To be precise, apart from corps members, no other teacher lived in the school’s host community. The Principal came from Abakiliki, which was about 30km away. I learnt a teacher came from as far as Enugu. She was in school only once in two weeks. At a point in my service year, when the ministry of education reshuffled teachers, corps members were virtually running the school because apart from the principal and one teacher, others were sent elsewhere. The principal lamented that the new teachers redeployed to the school were either longdead workers or just did not show up. A riverine community in Ojo area of Lagos State once complained that teachers from ‘offshore’ played truancy. They only visited the school once in a week. The only means to reach the community was by boat. It was not attractive at all to teachers living in developed parts of the state. Some years ago a unity school teacher I know was redeployed from Lagos to the Southsouth, where his services was not needed like his former school. After ‘floating’ for about a year, he sought ways to get back to Lagos and he succeeded. Generally, teachers in the city centres regard posting outside as redeployment to Siberia. And anyone familiar with Siberia knows its connotation as a place of dryness, suffering, and isolation, where previously successful people are sent to ‘die’. They expect no progress from such deployment and as a result lack motivation to work properly. Sometimes, they work for a few days in the week and disappear. If teachers are recruited from the host communities of their schools, this may change. We may argue that this may not be possible in the hinterland, where many people are not well educated. That challenge can be addressed if government decides to engage tertiary institutions in the area in teacher-training with the aim of recruiting their students on graduation to serve in schools in surrounding communities. If members of the communities are also aware that graduates could easily get jobs as teachers if they are qualified, they may be motivated to choose to study education in the university or college. It is not as if teachers will or should not be reshuffled. It is just that the reshuffling should be done considering where the teachers live. If there are teachers closer to the schools, they should be sent there instead of redeploying those who leave from very far. Reshuffling teachers from very far should be considered on the basis of expertise and need. If the teacher has excelled in a particular school and trained others to do same, his services could be required to transform low-performing schools in other parts of the state. In such a case, the teacher could be redeployed. However, to motivate such teachers, the government should provide them with generous allowances – to relocate, get accommodation – and if it is in the hinterland, extra cash could be just in recognition of the sacrifice they have to make. Actually, some governments make provision for such allowances. Unfortunately, the money never comes when needed, if it comes at all. All such hiccups affect teacher motivation and should be stopped.

‘Other states may gain from the policy since in most cases teachers posted far from their areas of residence are usually less committed. During my service year in Ebonyi State, many teachers posted to the secondary school I served in Ezza South Local Government Area, did not live in the surrounding communities. To be precise, apart from corps members, no other teacher lived in the school’s host community. The Principal came from Abakiliki, which was about 30km away. I learnt a teacher came from as far as Enugu’

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

THE NATION

NATURAL HEALTH E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

Lifestyle changes ’ll prevent cancer A

LTERNATIVE health practitioners, such as naturopaths and energy therapists, among others, have identified lifestyle changes as a definite way to curtail cancer. This was the position at a health seminar on cancer in Lagos. It was organised by the Committee of Concerned Women and Sunshine Foundation, with the theme: Lifestyles that prevent cancer. A naturopath, Dr Godwin Ihesie, enjoined the people to eat right, adding that unhealthy food, such as processed food can affect their overall health and as such predispose them to cancer. Poor eating habit, he noted, can trigger the disease. “Many do not know what to eat,” he added. Ihesie said people should take water, which is a natural endowment to detoxify their system. “It helps to clean the colon as it will flush out unwanted materials from the system,” he said. Being inactivite, he said, may trigger the disease as it can make people become obese and consequently put them in danger of some cells becoming cancerous. He advised people to engage in regular exercises to burn unwanted fat, stressing that this would promote their health. The alternative medicine practitioner said God has arranged food in seasons and as such there are protective food and energy food. Protective foods are vegetables and fruits, which nourish the liver. “Carrot and mango are good. They help the kidney and urinary system. Also, they strengthen people’s im-

Stories by Wale Adepoju

munity. “These fruits and vegetables have the neecessary antioxidants that people need to build their immunity.” Ihesie said during those seasons when there are different fruits and vegetables, people are able to strengthen their immunity. “So, my advice is for people to consume fruits in season as they help boost immunity. They also remove toxins and free radicals from the system,” he said. Ihesie said cancer can afflict people when there is disharmony in their system. Explaining this, he said, cancer is a cell that has lost information in a system, and as such becomes rebellious. “Any cell that has lost its link with the medium gross matter can ail the body,” he said. The naturopath identified the liver as the only organ that can help an individual prevent cancer in any organ in the body. He, however, said people often abuse it, especially with tobacco smoke, which is its number enemy.

“When tobacco smoke is mixed with atmospheric oxygen, it produces more than 200 other dangerous chemicals. Ihesie said the foundation of cancer is laid at infancy. He said more than 99 per cent of women who have had emotional trauma develop breast and cervical cancers. “Emotional trauma will further ruin the activities of the liver,” he said. An energy therapist, Mrs Chinwe Emegokwue, said ideally no part of human body should be painful. According to her, pain is a sign that an organ is diseased or that there is weakness. She said people should take control of their thoughts because they determine their words. That is, through thoughts people frame their words and as such habit is formed and it becomes people’s belief. Their belief then becomes their destiny. Mrs Emegokwue described energy medicine as a way of balancing the energy. She said energy therapy complements other therapies, stressing that this makes it a self

‘God has arranged food in seasons and as such there are protective food and energy food. Protective foods are vegetables and fruits, which nourish the liver. “Carrot and mango are good. They help the kidney and urinary system’

help therapy of some sort. The energy therapist said by being angry or having animosity can make people can develop negative energy, which can affect their wellbeing. Besides, it makes us to have negative energy, which gives rise to negative vibration because man is an energy field. “Negative vibrations kill our cells. And gradually we are digging our grave without knowing,” he Mrs Emegokwue said every part of man’s body is liable to the disease, especially when there is negative energy flow. This, she said, can also cause blockage to the intestines, especially the small one. Being worried can result to stomach upset and then progress to ulcer. She described the large intestine and the lungs as the region of confusion is the body, adding that when there is order within the human system the man will feel free and well. She said too much of concentration leads to stress, stressing that it sometimes put people in trouble. The energy therapist said stretching by people can help them remove the blockage, which causes stress. She advised people to remove negative energy from their system before going to bed. Explaining the steps, she said people must first raise some heat by rubbing the palms together and then touch their body, especially their heads to remove the negative energy. “Also, people need to sleep very well. By resting adequately they will be able to maintain their physical and spiritual wellbeing,” she added.

Practitioners to renovate Badagry herbal hall •Association urges members to register

HE National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP) is renovating the Traditional Medicine Practitioners’ Hall in Badagry to produce herbal drugs. Its Lagos State chairman, Dr Yekini Akande, said this became necessary because most practitioners could not afford the cost of production. “So, this is why we are renovating the three-pillar Traditional Medicine Practitioners Hall. We want our practitioners who may not be able to build their own factory to begin herbal production in the facility as soon as possible,” he said. Akande said the needs assessment showed that the hall was constructed on one and a half plot of land with six rooms and a large sitting room of 30 by 80 feet. “It is presently dilapidated and as such needs renovation,” he added. He said there was a letter from chairman of Badagry Local Government and traditional ruler of the area backing the plan of the association. The chairman urged the practitioners to register with the association in the states where they reside. “This is important because we want to work with the government,” he said. According to him, there are many unregistered traditional medicine practitioners operating without the necessary authorisation from the board and our association. Akande urged people to patronise only accredited centres, adding that quacks are operating under the guise that they are registered with the association. The association, he said, has spoken to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Con-

trol (NAFDAC), about its desire to have a centre. “It then gave us the go ahead to get a befitting place for laboratory and manufacturing of herbal products,” Akande said. “NAFDAC, Advertisers’ Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) and National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) have been supporting us to promote our profession”,he added. Having a common production centre, he said, would help promote traditional medicine. The chairman said there are practitioners who have efficacious herbs that can be developed into herbal drugs, which the Federal Government can export to other countries. “However, the encouragement is not there. Everybody has been doing his own thing but now we need to work together for a common good. This will be of benefit to us all. And the country will be better for it. “In some advanced countries, traditional medicine is on the front burner. But it is a different case in Nigeria. We practically have to struggle for everything,” Akande said NANTMP Secretary, Dr Lambo Adebisi said the practitioners need the help of government, adding that they cannot do anything without it. “The government did not tell us not to have association but we have to get registered with the parent body, which is NANTMP and the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB). “So unregistered members are quacks because they are not under any association, and as such cannot be monitored,” Adebisi said.

•Akande (second left) presenting a certificate of proficiency to the treasurer of the association, Princess Adejumoke Adediran; Secretary Dr Lambo Adebisi (left), Public Relations Officer Chief Muyiwa Ogunremi (middle) and ExOfficio Chief Omobolanle Ifamola watch.

•Cross section of participants at the event.

PHOTOS: WALE ADEPOJU

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

NATURAL HEALTH

A review of some 2015 friends of Nature (2) N

KEM BREDAN Nkem, this is your season. I can see Dotun Akintoye smiling and Yemisi John nodding in agreement. Wither Charles Akintobi! Young and flying, Nkem, you have no need for any long talk about health problems. You’d rather we talk about plants, fruits and herbs and their health benefits. Begun last Thursday, this series should fulfill your desire. It is, as was stated, a review at the beginning of every year of the health products on the Nigerian Alternative and/ or Traditional Medicine Market which have been found beneficial in health care (prevention of illnesses) and sick care (managing illness or curing disease). Some of the features of last Thursday were chickweed and Chlorella. This week, the African Bush Mango leads the way. African Bush Mango. My friends who are sons and daughters of Ibadan, the SouthWestern Nigerian city said to be African’s second largest in the 1960s and 1970s, do not know what they have on their hands. For the African Bush Mango was the staple supper of their forebears. And that’s why they are called “Ibadan omo a j’oro sun”. Have I let a cat out of the bag? Surely, I have. Omo a j’oro sun means one who eats oro before bed at night, as a meal or night cap snack. And oro is the Yoruba name for the African Bush Mango. It is the seed of this fruit which gives us our draw soup, which the Yoruba call apon (d: d) and the Igbos Ogbono (d:d:d:). Welcome to a medicinal world of this fruit and uses of its seed fradiant health. Medicinal Uses

ESEARCHERS say the African Bush mango, also called the African Wild Mango, helps to lower blood sugar, reduce weight, lower blood cholesterol, prevent constipation, clear micro-organisms in the intestinal tract, among other health benefits. The African Mango grows lustfully in West Africa. An American doctor I believe is Dr. Al Sears travelled to the Cameroun to observe, the effects of African Bush Mango on the health of a group of communities where the African Bush Mango is a culinary staple. He found that they hardly grew fat and hardly fell ill. He took the African Bush Mango back to the United States and formulated it into a health product, which he gave to some obese staff in his clinic abdominal bulges disappeared soon after. Next, he gave free samples to some of his patients and observed similar results. This encouraged him to package a product and sell it in the American market. According to a publication of Nature’s Gift for Life, a natural medicine marketing company, the African Bush Mango stimulates the production of leptin, a hormone which supports the burning of fat. Besides, leptin helps to suppress appetite. By not eating much, and by having high leptin blood levels, one is saved the possibility of eating too much, thereby accumulating too much sugar and too much fat which, burning too slowly, leads to weight gains and obesity. Besides, the African Bush Mango delays emptying time of the stomach. This prevents blood sugar spikes which may cause food cravings, elevated blood sugar and, ultimately, diabetes. Nature’s Gift for Life reports some clinical studies which encourage the consumption of African Bush Mango for its stated health benefits. It says: “There was a clinical study done back in 2005 that tested the effectiveness of African Bush Mango on weight loss. There was a total of 40 participants, 28 of the participants took 300mg of African bush Mango extract for one month while the other 12 were given a placebo. The results of the study were that the people who took the extract were able to lose about five percent of their body weight. The subjects who were given a placebo only lost one percent of their body weight. “Recently, there was another study done. Half of the participants were given African bush Mango extracts while the other half was given a placebo. The results of the study were that the participants who took the extracts were able to lose seven pounds in just a month. The results this study can be found in the Journal for American Health and Disease. Further research also seems to suggest that African Bush Mango is most effective when combined with cissus quadrangularis. In a study of the anti-cholesterol properties of African Bush Mango, it was found to lower blood levels of High Density Lipoprotein (LDL), the bad cholesterol which may cause coronary heart disease, hypertension and even strokes. There is an increasing wave of these diseases in Nigeria today because of poor diet, negative lifestyles and stress of all sorts. While reducing LDL blood levels, African Bush Mango has been shown to simultaneously increase blood levels of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), the good cholesterol, which helps to clean out the arteries. African Bush Mango has a high soluble fiber content which some researchers say is what actually lowers blood cholesterol content. In a 2009 study, one group of volunteers was given 150mg of African Bush Mango extract. The other group was given a placebo. Bad cholesterol and blood pressure decreased in the group given African Bush mango while the placebo group recorded no significant decrease. Herbalist use the leaves, bark, fruit, kernel (ogbono) and roots of the African bush mango tree for various ailments. Sheila Smith, writing on African Bush mango seed extract, which in 2011 was one of the most popular over-the-counter food supplements in the United Kingdom for weight loss says: “The Bush Mango seed extract used for weight loss is rich in proteins, fiber and antioxidants. Bush Mango extract

contributes to weight loss in four major areas. It raises the level of adiponectin in the blood, which improves the action of insulin in the body. Secondly, it reduces the level of glycrol-3 sulphate phosphate, which is responsible for high triglyceride level. Your body stores some glycerides as fat while other excess triglycerides thicken the blood, which can lead to clotting, blockage and possibly heart attack and stroke. Thirdly, Bush Mango extract reduces the blood Concentration of Reactive-C Protein. The result of this action s increased leptin entry into the brain which improves the signaling you when you are full and you should stop eating. And, lastly, it inhibits the amylase responsible for converting starch to sugar. By stopping this conversion, starch is extracted instead of contributing to the body’s fat sties after turning to sugar”. A prophet has no value in his land, it is said. So is the African Bush Mango in Nigeria. If, as researchers are telling us, it prevents hypertension, diabetes, strokes, high blood, high cholesterol levels, it reduces weight, resolves constipation, is anti-pain, kills intestinal germs and is an antioxidant, that is can prevent disease and prolong life, why do we not make it a national staple soup and spend less on medications? We are poverty – stricken in Nigeria because we live in the midst of God-endowed wealth but we cannot see this wealth. Other countries which have studied African Bush Mango and found it can resolve many health challenges have begun to cultivate this tree in plantations. Now they are making lots of money selling extracts of the seed to the rest f the world, including West Africa, particularly Nigeria and the Cameroun, where the African Bush Mango grows naturally and luxuriantly. And, now, ladies and gentlemen, you can get African Bush Mango extracts to buy in Lagos in either capsule or liquid form. Nkem bredan Nkem, over to you. Diatomaceous

OW would you feel eating earth? Well, I’ve been eating it every day for some time now. And, recently, my wife joined me. She has learned not to take it with water. For this increases her bowel motion and she does not like using public toilets because many of them are sub-standard. Now, she’d rather sprinkle it on food. When I wish to double my stool bulk in the morning, I take popcorn snack before the bed the previous evening or night and cap it up with half a teaspoonful of Diatomaceous in a 75cl bottle of water. The following morning, I get up from the water closet seat feeling the relief of a woman who has just had a baby! Don’t ask me how, as a man, I know how women feel after being delivered of a baby. A woman I give Diatomaceous and asked to take popcorn before taking it with water told me this was how she felt Also, called D.E. Diatomite, this is the edible form of earth. It occurs naturally as a “soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into fine white to off-white powder”. It is 96 percent silica which, I believe, makes it first choice remedy beyond, say, horsetail, where a high silica remedy

is required for therapy. As you may have known, silica is important for digestion, good nail, skin and hair and helps to form strong connective tissue without which the body would be formless and collapse. There are two basic types of Diatomaceous. The first is called food grade edible earth. The other is used as an insecticide. On no account should this be consumed by humans. Diatomaceous Earth comprises fossilized remains of diatoms. Diatoms are hard-shelled algae. It has been used until now as an abrasive in cleaning products, including toothpaste. After cleaning the teeth with your choice toothpaste, you may put a quarter teaspoonful of Diatomaceous in your mouth and, with the index finger, run it over your teeth and gums many times before rinsing it out. You should have a cleaner, fresher mouth and whiter teeth. It is also used to reunforce in plastics and rubber, liquid absorbents, anti-black in plastic films activator in blood clotting studies, and a thermal insulator and a component of dynamite, according to some authorities. Diatomaceous earth has many medical or health uses just coming to light in Nigeria. Because it has a negative charge, it is said to attach to and remove from the body things like chemicals, viruses bacteria, heavy metals and even radiation. Even during pregnancy and nursing, food grade diatomaceous is considered safe. So Versalible is Diatomaceous that some people use it to 91) destroy bed bugs (2) heal toenail fungi (3) deworm pets (4) eliminate fleas (5) overcome food intolerance (6) promote hair growth (7) reduce blood pressure and high cholesterol level. Many people use food grade Diatomaceous for detoxification. Because it can cause lots of toxins to be released into the bloodstream, they say it is better to start with one quarter or a half teaspoonful in a glass of water on empty stomach once a day, and then gradually work up to one teaspoonful or one table tea spoonful a day. Dr. Darbara Hendel says that it was established in 1940 that life could not exist without silica and water. Silica plays an important role in many functions of the body, especially the Obsorbtion of Calcium and other minerals absorption of calcium and other minerals. Dr. Hendel says “silica is the most important trace element in human health”. The average human body is said to hold about seven grammes of silica, many people are thought to be silica deficient. For example, silica is said to be crucial for calcium absorption. A deficiency would, therefore, cause calcium deposition in soft tissue and joints leading, for example, to frozen shoulders, arthritis and hardened blood vessels. Thus, many people who are calcium deficient and take calcium supplements while being silica deficient run the risk of their calcium supplementation acting negatively in their bodies. Other reported benefits of silica and Diatomaceous include normalisation of blood pressure, cholesterol, osteoporosis weight loss, cosmetics, hair, nail, teeth and gums, energy, bacteria, mucus, anti-aging, urinary infections and headache.” Many researchers believe that a transmutation process converts silica to calcium when calcium is deficient. This should be good news for women who suffer from oesteoporosis. Diatomaceous benefits are so many, according to researchers. I’d only like to add detoxification, briefly, to the ones already listed. According to Dr. Kaayla T. Daniel, Ph.D., CCNJ and Galen D. Knight, Ph.D., in their article, mad at a hatter: “There is no better product to detoxify heavy metals and radiation from your body than with food grade Diatomaceous Health. Generally, silica has been reported to stop coughs, upper respiratory system infections, Lung problems, inflammation, urinary and kidney infections improve urine excretion by about 30 percent, eases lower back pain in the elderly, helps female discharges, abscesses, ulcers in the genental area, Servis and mastatis, especially in breast-feeding mothers, mouth odours, regulates blood pressure and high blood pressure, decrease vertigo headache, earache, insomnia. As for diabetes, it is said to promote pancreatic secretions which help glucose combustion. I can personally confirm this. There was a time by random blood sugar hit 136. The following day, I challenged my blood sugar mechanism with the same breakfast which shot up my random and took Diatomaceous over it. To my surprise, the random that day was 100md/gl. There is a lot more Diatomaceous is reported to do which time and space do not permit. So, what else can I say than to say…. Welcome to the world of people who use Diatomaceous or food grade Edible Earth to maintain their health.

2015: Jonathan, Buhari, the Rich and the Poor (4)

IGERIA is at a cross-roads. Wither will it go? Left or right, backward or forward? Mother Nature abhors standstill. It is either hither or thither progress or retrogression! Already, Nigerians who believe the country has been hurtling downhill in her economy, social life and morality wish to dispense with the Ebele Jonathan Administration. They want change! There are other Nigerians who believe that the devil you know is better than the one you do not. To such people, it is better to let President Jonathan continue in office for another four years. Between the two poles, even the blind can now tell where the wind will blow in a free and fair election. But as I said last Thursday, other than some evident lapses of the Jonathan Administration, there would appear to be no serious issues raised so far in the campaigns to help fence-sitting voters decide which camp it is better to be. To summarise what President Jonathan’s crit-

e-mail: femi.kusa@yahoo.com or olufemikusa@yahoo.com

ics hold against him, his government has been slack and has allowed government functionaries and institutions to become loose cannons. The net results have been indiscipline, corruption a national hurtle downhill. Thus, the last six years have witnessed no governance, but ruling. There is a gulf between these words. In governance, there is a scheme, an act or a script which weaves a nation together into one organic being. This act is founded on, thorough planning. We had a semblance of this in the four year national development plans. We can all see it in the desire of the United States to become self-sufficient in petrol provision. Currently, Nigeria is short of cash, hasn’t paid federal and state civil servants for five whopping months, yet the country is burning money in the oil fields through gas flaring! In ruling, power is deployed not as an engine which moves the country forward, but to maintain the leader in office, harass or distroy opposition.

Tel: 08116759749, 08034004247, 07025077303

THE NATION THURSDAY JANUARY 22, 2015

people cannot abandoned PDP ‘ Plateau for whatever reason, we can’t destroy the house we built because of certain disagreement ‘

Ndoma-Egba: Cross River can’t complain about marginalisation Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN) represents Cross River Central in the Senate. In this interview with NICHOLAS KALU, shortly after a reception was held for him in Ikom, his home town,the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain reflects on the senatorial primaries, which he lost, and the implications of losing the position of the Senate Leader for the Southsouth state.

OW do you feel about this reception, despite the fact that you lost the senatorial re-nomination? First of all, I am deeply touched by this show of affection. Given our environment, where you are in a kind of situation I am in, yuo just take their leave and move to greener pastures. But, to see them, I am deeply touched. I have told them that I remain in the PDP, which is the party that has given me the opportunities and I will remain a loyal member. Secondly, I remain in politics. I am not leaving politics. This is just a bend on the road. It is not the end of the road. So, I will remain in politics to lend my voice to the people and continue to contribute my quota. I am not bitter about the exercise at all. I don’t have the capacity for bitterness. These are all worldly things. I have made peace with myself and everybody Many feel there are danger signs to democracy, due to what transpired at party primaries? What was your perception? The first thing I noticed after the primaries of the major political parties, which are the PDP and APC is that there was a lot of traffic outside PDP to the APC and there was no corresponding traffic from the APC to the PDP. It just shows one thing which is that the processes in one party were more acceptable and the processes in the other party were less acceptable. Where the process is transparent, people are bound to accept the result, but where it is not transparent, it will bring dissent and resentment. So you now begin to manage tension and resentment to a level that should not be. So our challenge is to make sure the parties enjoy internal democracy, because the parties are the vehicles through which democracy is delivered. So, if you don’t have internal democracy within your party, then you cannot give what you don’t have. People

must have the opportunity of competing fairly. All of us must advocate internal party democracy. I think we are all beginning to see the price may have to pay for the impunity in the party. Why has the National Assembly refused to legislate on internal democracy? You know we have been tinkering with the legal infrastructure for some time. If you recall some time ago, INEC had a major role to play in party primaries. People complained about the dictatorship of INEC in that process and so we now decided to reduce the role of INEC to mere observation. But it now appears that we did not get it right. So we just keep tinkering. So the essential thing is that the basic legal infrastructure for internal party democracy is there. It is an attitude thing. We have not just developed the right attitude to say let there be a level playing ground and a fair chance for all to compete. What is your reaction to the PDP chairman, Adamu Muazu’s comment on using and dumping members? It is the party itself that should act. The president himself is the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The party has its leadership and I am sure people were aware of the goings on in the party. The party just appeared to be helpless at that point in time. I just hope that helplessness would not be at a high price to the party. But the time has come for us to advocate for internal democ-

racy in political parties. That is the way to go because clearly the impunity is not sustainable at all. The way we are going, it can only take us for a short distance. How do you feel about the opposition gaining momentum in the Cross River State? Well we would have to work far harder than we have done in the past. The new strength of opposition is from members of PDP, who felt short changed and just moved there to seek an avenue for fulfilling their aspirations. So, it is us in the PDP that have given strength to opposition. And I tell you what my worry is. In the past two or so election, there was hardly any opposition party that was able to field candidates in all positions. Today, we have several that have candidates for every position, which means that they are getting more confident and more daring. So, I just pray we are not arrogant about the way we deal with the situation. We must go right back to the fundamentals. We must begin to engage ourselves and make peace. We must work harder and make sure anybody that has left for one grievance or the other is brought back to the fold. This is not a time for arrogance. We must go back because these people who are now in the opposition or those so disaffected saying they will not vote are our members. We must begin to engage them in a very constructive and sincere way. What exactly has Cross River lost in a

‘A few months ago you followed me round the state where we inspected only 41 out of 75 projects that are ongoing in the state. I am worried whether or not they will be able to secure funding for them. A lot of them may end up being abandoned’

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

“That was why the first national chairman of the party was given to a plateau man as the pioneer national leader of the party. The party went into political contest with other parties in 1999 to earn it a major national victory and made it a rulling party in Nigeria. “Given these indisputable facts, even if every one abandoned the party, Plateau people will remain in the party because the party is our baby.” The PDP chieftain said: “The elders forum under my leadership will take it upon itself to embark on a reconciliatory mission in the state to make sure the opposition parties will not take advantage of the little disagreement among the party stakeholders as a result of the last governorship primaries. “We have resolved to vote Senator Gyang Pwajok as the party’s governorship candidate, we will vote President Goodluck Jonathan again and all other candidates of the party in the general election because we can’t afford to be in opposition against the party we

sensitive position as the Senate Leader? Well, a few months ago you followed me round the state where we inspected only 41 out of 75 projects that are ongoing in the state. I am worried whether or not they will be able to secure funding for them. A lot of them may end up being abandoned. That is the immediate implication. Two, the position of Senate is quite a conspicuous position. Because as Senate Leader you are the liaison with the executive and you are the liaison with the party. You sit as the chairman of the party’s caucus. So, we lose that visibility. The voice gives you some mileage which we are losing. But, for me, it is the loss of the argument against marginalisation. It means that we as a state can no longer complain about marginalization. Because they will ask, you are marginalised? When we give you, you reject it. When you take what happened elsewhere, Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Chief Whip, Deputy Chief Whip and my deputy were unopposed. It was only Cross River that said, no, we don’t want. How do you tomorrow turn around and make any argument for marginalisation when the nation had given you an opportunity and you say you don’t want.

‘North Central is for Jonathan’

Why Plateau can’t vote against PDP, by Sango ORMER Minister of Sports Mr. Damishi Sango has declared that the people of Plateau State will vote for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the general elections because the ruling party was conceived and delivered in the state. Sango spoke when he led a group of senior citizens on a courtesy visit to the governorship candidate Senator Gyang Nyam Shom Pwajok in Jos. He said: “We are here as members of Plateau Elders Forum to express our support for the ruling party PDP and all its candidates for the general election next month. Sango added: “Plateau people cannot abandoned PDP for whatever reason, we can’t destroy the house we built because of certain disagreement. “We want to let the world know that Plateau is the home of PDP, the ruling party was conceived in Jos by the founding fathers in 1998; the name of the party and its logo and colours were selected and designed in a meeting of stakeholders in Jos.

•Udoma-Egba

•Sango

labor to build” adding that the socalled disagreement in the party is a family affair.” Senator Pwajok said, “The visit of the elders forum has brightened my hope in the election. I thought I have been left alone in this struggle but I now know the young and the old are behind me and I feel encouraged. “I pledged not to let Plateau people down after supporting me to become governor”

OVERNOR of Niger State Babangida Aliyu and his Benue State counterpart, Gov Gabriel Suswam, have said that the North Central region will vote the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and President Goodluck Jonathan in the general elections. The governors made the declaration during the flag off of campaign for Senator Gyang Pwajok, the Plateau State governorship candidate of the party. Aliyu, who is the Chairman of the Northern Governor’s Forum said: “We will vote PDP and President Jonathan in this election because we will not want desperate politicians to take over the affairs of the country and truncate the ongoing transformation of a President Jonathan. “From the campaign so far, the opposition party have not convinced Nigerians that they are bringing any meaningful change better than we we currently enjoy under President Jonathan. “The PDP has done a lot in transforming the country and would continue to do so” Gov Suswam in his own remarks said: “The people of a north Central will ensure total victory for the ruling party, so we

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

are here to inform People of plateau state to come out en-mass come February 14 to vote for President Goodluck Jonathan” Senate President, David Mark, who chair the occasion expressed assurance that the ruling party will win the election transparently because president Jonathan has so far demonstrated quality leadership to people of the country. “We in the North central are like a family and we would deliver our President as he has the interest of the country at heart and would continue transforming the nation if re elected” Senator Mark, who cautioned youths against playing politics of violence, said: “Youths of the North Central should do us a favor by resisting all forms of violence during the election. We want to make this election the most peaceful and credible in the country. So make sure you get your Permanent Voters Card (PVC) so that you won’t be disenfranchise at the Polls” Senator Pwajok, called on people of the state to work for victory of the PDP in the forthcoming elections.

THE NATION THURSDAY JANUARY 22, 2015

says Lagos is the most in‘Agbaje debted state. But, I say Lagos is the most populated state. Agbaje lacks the experience for the job

‘

Ikuforiji, Ajomale: Agbaje should vie for councillor •Fashola says Fed Govt owes N51b for road construction L

AGOS State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman Otunba Oladele Ajomale and House of Assembly Speaker Hon. Yemi Ikuforiji have said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Mr. Jimi Agbaje should have vied for elective offices at the local government and state levels, instead of jostling for governorship. They said, if Agbaje, a pharmacist, has served as a councillor, legislator and commissioner, he would have garnered the experience required for the job of governor. The APC governorship flag bearer, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, urged Lagosians to vote for experience, stressing that there is no evidence that Agbaje is equipped for the task of the number one citizen. The party chieftains spoke at the rally hosted by the Kosofe, Lagos East District, held at the Gbagada Playing Ground, Oworonsoki, where Governor Babatunde Fashola complained that the Federal Government has not paid the N51 billion owed to the state for the construction of federal roads. Fashola had harsh words for President Goodluck Jonathan at the rally. He said, judging by his poor performance in the last six years, he has been tested, but cannot be trusted. He said since there is economic downturn, many people are migrating to Lagos, thereby making the task of providing social amenities for the highly populated state difficult. Fashola, who described Agbaje as an inexperienced apprentice, said: “Nigeria is in “one chance” vehicle in the hand of the PDP. Agbaje says Lagos is the most indebted state. But, I say Lagos is the most populated state. Agbaje lacks the experience for the job. That is what Ambode has. Ambode was in government before me at the grassroots. When the Federal Government seized the council allocation, Ambode as the Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, designed a fianancial strategy that the local governments to survive.” The governor also frowned at the visit of the President to Borno State for campaigns, despite his refusal to pay condolence visit to the parents of abducted Chibok girls. He said: “If any of those children is his child, he will not be contesting election. There is no place in the world where a sitting president will be contesting for election when over 250 children are missing. We are in a one chance bus. Buhari will save us from one chance, if we vote for him.” Party faithful came from Ketu, Ojota, Mile 12, Somolu, Bariga, Oworonsoki, Akoka, Anthony and Maryland for the rally hosted by Kosofe APC chieftains led by Pa Abiodun Sunmola. The party chairman, Oladele Ajomale, presented flags to the House of Assembly candidates for Kosofe Constituency 1 and 11, Hon. Bayo Osinnowo and Hon. Tunde Braimah, House of Representatives candidate Hon. Rotimi Agunsoye and senatorial flag bearer Senator Gbenga Ashafa. Oshinowo, who thanked the supporters, enjoined them to troop out to vote for the party at the polls. He said: “You have not disappointed us since the day of Asiwaju. Tinubu handed over to BRF. BRF will hand over to Ambode. Nigeria is sick. It needs a surgeon, Buhari.” The rally was witnessed by Deputy Governor Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire, Secretary to Government and Ambode’s running mate, Dr.

•From left: Paster Ojelabi, Hon. Kalejaye, Hon. Ikuforiji and Hon. Enilolobo at the rally By Emmanuel Oladesu Group Political Editor

Oluranti Adebule, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, former Speaker of House of Assembly Hon. Joko Pelumi, the campaign team leader, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, Majority Leader of the House of Assembly Hon. Jibayo Adeyeye, former Special Adviser on Environment Hon. Sesan Olanrewaju, Environment Commissioner Mr. Tunji Bello, Mr. Denge Anifowose, Hon. Paul Kalejaye, Information Commissioner Lateef Ibirogba, his Transport Ministry counterpart, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi. Abdullahi Enilolobo and Chief Chris Ekwilo. Also at the ceremony were Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the Publicity Secretary, Comrade Joe Igbokwe, his deputy, ace footballer Obafemi Martins, Abiodun Salam, Mr. Bolaji Ariyoh, Sulaimon Akeem Oris, Hon. Fuad Oki, Kayode Tinubu, Ademorin Kuye, Dele Onabokun, Bayo Ajisebutu, Alhaji Kabiru Ahmed, and Alhaji Mumuni Oyekanmi.

Thanking the supporters for their commitment, Sunmola said that Kosofe are prepared to vote for APC candidates. But, he urged the people to collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), which he said, are now available at the wards. The footballer, Martins, said: “Asiwaju has tried for Lagos and Nigeria. BRF has tried for Lagos. PDP has neglected Lagos. APC is the saving grace. We need continuity in Lagos.” Ikuforiji, who spoke on the succession struggle in Lagos, said that Agbaje is unfit to succeed Fashola in May because of lack of experience. He stressed: “When Tinubu became governor 16 years ago, people wondered how he would do it. The Federal Government seized the allocation. But, Lagos survived. He is a special person. Eight years ago, BRF became governor. He made a difference. He became a model governor. “We can’t vote for someone who is coming to learn the ropes. If the candidate of the PDP wants power, let him go and start from the council. After that, he can go to the House of Assembly. Our next governor is Ambode. He has learned. he is

tested. he is trusted. He is humble. I know him. He will perform. as you vote for Ambode, vote for Ashafa, Agunsoye, Osinnowo Perper and Tunde Braimah. Also, you should vote for Buhari on February 14. Before then, ensure you collect your voter’s cards.” Echoing the Speaker, Ajomale said: “The governor of Lagos is like the President of another country. If Agbaje wants to be governor, he should first of all go to the council.” Ambose, who rode into the venue with Fashola in a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), flayed the Federal Government for its belated effort at reducing the fuel pump price, saying that cannot be substituted for the provision of jobs. “ He added: “Is that what we want? What about the missingN20 billion? What about the subsidy scam? We should have used the missing billions for roads, hospitals and jobs. If the audit report in the subsidy scam is released, Nigerians will be shocked.” The flag bearer promised to take Lagos to a greater height by setting up an Employment Trust Fund to enable youths access money for busi-

ness. Urging Lagosians to vote for experience, he said that it is counterproductive to vote for a trial and error candidate. Ambode added: “Now is the time to reject liars. It is not fuel reduction that is the issue. We need jobs. help is on the way.” Fashola chided the Federal Government for wrong prioritisation, wondering why the President could allow companies to raise more money than state governments, which have to provide social amenities for the people. He also lamented that Nigeria is the only member of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) importing fuel. The governor, who predicted failure for the PDP in Lagos, added: “What has the Federal Government done for us that we should vote for them? Lagos has been Performing the functions of the Federal Government. We construct Federal roads. We buy weapons for the police. We built the Immigration Office at Ikeja. The Federal Government is still owing Lagos State N51 billion for road construction. “Agbaje displays ignorance. He said he has bold ideas. That is ‘bold inexperience’. He promised to provide internet services. He forgot that we cannot have internet without electricity. He said Lagos is the most indebted state. We are borrowing and using the money to develop Lagos.” Fashola also frowned at the insinuation that the APC is fielding a sick presidential candidate, saying that Gen. Muhammadu Buhari is hale and hearty. He stressed: “Buhari is not sick. He was the only APC presidential aspirant who sat down during the primaries for 24 hours. Buhari does not drink. We know those people who go abroad and when it is time for them to speak, you will not see them. “Buhari contested three times and he was rigged three times. Now that they know that he will win, they are saying that he is sick. PDP should pack and go. We are marching on to Aso Rock with your votes.” Fashola, urged Lagosians to avoid violence during the electioneering, lamented the shoddy distribution of the voter’s cards. He said: ‘Don’t fight. get your PVCs at the wards. India delivered 800,000 million voter’s cards. We are only 170 million. But, they cannot deliver in Nigeria. When APC wins, we will ensure that Nigerians get their voter’s cards in time. We will make sure that people get the cards as they are 18 years.”

‘Jonathan’s govt has failed’ By Leke Salaudeen

•Raji

HE Special Adviser to Lagos State Government on Information and Strategy, Alhaji Lateef Raji, has advised President Goodluck Jonathan to resign because his government has failed Nigerians. Raji, who spoke at the All

Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Oshodi, said a government that cannot protect lives and property, that lack capacity to contain oil thieves and a regime that has legitimised corruption has no business to remain in office. The Special Adviser reiterated that Dr. Jonathan has no business to remain in government because, under his watch, Nigeria is losing 400,000 barrel of crude oil per day to oil thieves. He also said the President has failed to rescue the Chibok girls almost 300 days after they were abducted and the ill-equipped soldiers being killed on daily basis by the Boko Haram insurgents. According to him, General Muhammadu Buhari procured more arms for the military when he was

Head of State between 1984 and 1985 than Jonathan, who has been in power in the past six years. Raji faulted the claim of the Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Mr Jimi Agbaje, that the state spends three per cent of its budget on education annually. He said In 2014, the state spent 15 per cent on education and this year, we are spending 16 per cent on education as approved by the State House of Assembly. Raji told the party supporters that PDP and Jonathan do not deserve the votes of Lagosians because they did nothing for the state. According to him former Minister of Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe didn’t construct a single road in Ikorodu, his constituency, for the years he spent in office. He said members of the PDP now

dole out money to police to arrest Okada riders operating in the streets to create the impression that it was Lagos State Government that was behind it. Further investigation, he said, has shown that the opposition have recruited fake KAI officials to arrest people indiscriminately and asked people to be vigilant. Former Vice Chairman of Oshodi/ Isolo Local Government, Mr Kayode Tinubu was confident that APC will win in Lagos State based on its antecedent. Tinubu said the party has performed from local government to state level. “We have tested candidates that are marketable. We have never suffered any defeat since the beginning of this dispensation so APC will win in February. The visibility of PDP is minute because most of their leaders have joined APC.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

e-Business

I have achieved all my goals, says NCC chief T

HE Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Eugene Juwah, has given himself a clean bill of health, saying over the last five years that he has led the regulatory agency, he has achieved his six-point agenda. Juwah, who spoke after being conferred with the Public Service Award at The Sun 2014 Awards in Lagos, said he had touched each of the six items and is satisfied that he has acquitted himself well. The six-point agenda Juwah

Stories by Lucas Ajanaku

rolled out when he assumed office include consolidating on the achievements of his predecessors; taking drastic measures to improve quality of service (QoS); enhancing broadband implementation; improving competition among telecoms players; providing diversified choices for consumers at good quality and price; as well as improving the regulator’s presence in the international space. “Well I have made a lot of pronouncements in the newspapers

about my six-point agenda, I have fulfilled that, I have increased subscriber base, I have increased teldensity, I have increased direct foreign investment, I have increased competition, I have increased our present international arena so most of the things I came with I have achieved,” he told The Nation after the awards in Lagos. The EVC was however silent on the vexed issue of QoS which affects the subscribers mostly as they spend money to buy air time and subscribe to data services for which they so hardly get value for.

Reacting to the award, he expressed excitement particularly as it came from the fourth estate of the realm which chief trade is criticism of people in government. He said he had no problem with that because it is their duty to hold public office to account for their deeds, adding however that public officers should be given an opportunity to say their side of the stories before they are published. “We regulate a sector that affects the lives of over 140million Nigerians; a sector that is a primary enabler of every other sector of the

country’s or life generally. There are weakneses in the sector as exemplified in the quality of service but the transparency we maintain in regulating the sector as a purely independent regulator are some of the reasons the international community is very interested in the Nigerian market; why investors continue to put more money in spite of discouragement by the activities of some states and local councils; and indeed why the industry continues to grow geometrically with no signs of slowing down,” Juwah said.

MainOne unveils N7b data centre

•Left to Right: Vice Chancellor of University of Ilorin, Prof. Abdulganiyu Ambali; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services) of the University, Prof Yisa Fakunle; Globacom’s Chief Commercial Director, Mr. Prabhat Aggarwal; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Tech & Innovation), Prof Gabriel Olatunji and Head of Public Sector department, Globacom, Mr. Babatunde Amunikoro after the signing of an integrated telecommunications partnership between Globacom and the University.

Naira devaluation worries Globacom

IGERIA’S wholly indigenous telco, Globacom, has expressed worries over the devaluation of the naira and the uncertainties hanging surrounding the forthcoming general elections in the country, lamenting that naira devaluation was bound to affect the carriers’ bottom line as the customers disposable income to spend on telephony will be constrained. Its Sales Director, Ken Hall, on the sideline during the presentation of cheques to the first batch of 20 lucky millionaires in its ongoing Glo Overload 120Millionaires promo, the policy of the government will affect not only the telco but every player in the economy. He said: “It is a worrisome trend because it does affect everyone’s bottom line. It is not just Globacom. The whole of the

By Oluwaroyin Adeleye

economy in Nigeria is going to be impacted one way or the other but you have got to be optimistic and I think it is going to be a temporary thing. “There is a lot of uncertainty around. Let’s just hope that elections go well and I am sure they will go well and people will be more confident to continue doing business in the country.” Asked to comment on the effects of a new Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that requires sourcing of foreign exchange for the purchase of ICT equipment, generators and others needed for effective functioning of the telecoms sector, from the interbank market only, Hull said the telco has no problem with that as the telco will continue to follow government’s directives. He said: “We have no problem

with that. Whatever government regulations are, Globacom has got the expertise to stick with those regulations and still achieve what we need to achieve. It is the wish of government to go through the interbank system. “The CBN has its reasons for doing that and we applaud and support those reasons and we will abide by the rules.” He said since inception 12 years ago, the telco has always made it a point of duty to bond with its customers by rewarding them for keeping faith with the brand. “We have always been very motivated to be at home with our subscribers after all, Globacom was made by our subscribers. Were it not for our subscribers, we won’t be where we are today so this promo is just one in so many promos we have done to reward them.

Improper management of e-waste harmful, TN and Ericsson have said say MTN, Ericsson electronic waste or e-

waste not recycled properly is an under acknowledged environmental hazard around the world, lamenting that Africa, particularly West Africa, is one of the more highly affected continents.This is because large quantities of endof-life materials from around the world end up at dumps in the subregion. The two firms said they have partnered to jointly step up awareness campaign about the health hazards improperly managed e-waste potentially has on man and the environment. Ericsson said it has partnered the telco under the Ecology Management Programme, to launch the first electrical and electronic equipment waste (e-waste) collection and awareness drive in Benin. This campaign is

geared towards creating awareness and minimising the potential environmental impact associated with the disposal of decommissioned electrical and electronic equipment in the country. This project provides a sound platform for raising awareness and discussing these issues and proffering solutions to how best they could addressed. MTN Benin CEO, Malik Melamu, said global e-waste level is expected to increase 33 per cent by 2017. He said: “Research shows that the world’s e-waste level reached 48.9 million tons during 2012 and is expected to increase 33 per cent by 2017. With our company’s commitment to being socially responsible, this challenge has caught our attention. We are leveraging on Ericsson’s wealth of experience in electronic waste management to not only evacuate the waste but also edu-

cate the general public and all key stakeholders about the importance of proper disposal of the growing electronic waste in the country and the world.” According to the firms, a collection depot with a 20-foot container has been opened at Stade de l’Amitié de Kouhounou, Cotonou, Benin Republic. It will be operational for one month with the invitation to the general public to use the opportunity to properly dispose off all forms of electronic waste. MTN will dispose off all e-waste including old equipment purchased from Ericsson and at the close of the campaign, collected e-waste will be transported to an Ericsson-approved recycling partner in Durban, South Africa.

ROVIDER of innovative telecom services and network solutions for businesses in West Africa, MainOne, has unveiled its Tier III Lekki Data Centre to address the growing demand for colocation, cloud and disaster recovery services in the subregion. It cost the firm N7 billion. In a statement, the firm said the facility designed to international TIA 942 standards, will be managed under a new subsidiary branded as MDX-i. Speaking during the inauguration of the infrastructure, Chairman of MainOne, Fola Adeola reiterated the company’s commitment to nurture the growth and impact of the Internet ecosystem through the provision of high-quality infrastructure to power businesses and governments across West Africa. Its Chief Executive Officer, Ms Funke Opeke said: “We are delighted to launch West Africa’s largest and best-connected data centre. “This reaffirms our capabilities in

meeting the needs of business for reliable connectivity and data centre services in a dynamic and fast paced global economy.” The Minister of Communications Technology, Dr. (Mrs.) Omobola Johnson, who performed the commissioning of the facility, said the launch of MDX-I data centre facility is a notable accomplishment that complements initiatives required to further drive the realisation of the National Broadband Plan of the Federal Government. She said: “Availability of world class Data centres in Nigeria is critical infrastructure required for the implementation of our Broadband initiatives. The accomplishment by MainOne is indeed significant as it provides an outsourcing and cost effective model to further drive ICT adoption.” MDX-i’s Tier III Lekki Data Center is the first of many planned data centers by the company in Nigeria. It is a N7 Billion investment and has capacity for 600 racks.

Etisalat sends three to Dubai for engineering studies

TISALAT Nigeria said it is sponsoring the top three students from the first year of the Etisalat Telecommunications Engineering Programme (ETEP) at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria for intensive training at the Etisalat Academy, Dubai. Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility at Etisalat, Oyetola Oduyemi, said further training at the Etisalat Academy would reinforce the students’ practical knowledge of telecoms engineering and also provide them with a competitive edge. He said: “At Etisalat, we believe that the right education has the potential to impact every aspect of life, so education remains central to our CSR interventions; this is why we are sending the three best students from the Etisalat Telecommunications Engineering

Programme class of 2014, to the Etisalat Academy in Dubai, to expand their horizons and give them further exposure to the cuttingedge technology driving the telecommunications industry. “As the programme continues, we plan to train between 15 and 20 students yearly to give Nigerians an opportunity to learn from the best in the field. We will also develop local expertise to sustain the programme by sponsoring lecturers from ABU to study for a PhD in Telecommunications Engineering at the Plymouth University, United Kingdom (UK).” The Etisalat Telecommunications Engineering Programme, organised in conjunction with the University of Plymouth, UK and Huawei Technologies Limited, is the first programme offering an MSc in Telecommunications Engineering in West Africa.

‘Our phones are certified by NCC, others’

RENCH phone brand, Wiko Mobile, said its range of 11 mobile phones launched in the Nigerian market are certified not only by the Nigerian Communications Communication Commission (NCC) but also by international regulators. The firm said it obtained “Type Approval” for the various ranges of phones to operate as terminal equipment in the Nigerian telecoms network. Wiko said NCC’s Director, Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Engr. Haru Alhassan, signed the approvals on behalf of the NCC executive vice chairman since September last year ahead of the formal introduction of the phones into the Nigerian market. Wiko products approved by NCC include Highway,

Highways-Signs, Bloom, Rainbow, Lenny, Goa and Sunset. Others are Riff, Luib3, Kar3 and Fizz. Its Channel Marketing Manager, Mr Adebayo Abodunde Adams, said in a statement that Wiko is proud of its quality standards as attested to by Nigerian and global bodies, contrary to a mistaken report in a national daily alleging non-accreditation of Wiko phones by NCC. He said: “Quality and style have been the basis for the wide and rapid acceptance of Wiko phone range in both the Nigerian and other markets across Europe, Middle East and Africa. We at Wiko are conscious of our heritage and comply with regulatory standards as well as corporate governance codes in our operations.” All Wiko phones have the CE marking.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 21-01-15

SEC, stockbrokers mull domestic investment to stem stock market fluctuation

ECURITIES and Exchange Commission (SEC) and stockbrokers yesterday committed to developing a strong domestic participation in the Nigerian capital market to further unlock the potential of the market and stem the extreme fluctuations usually occasioned by foreign influence. This commitment came as the stock market was yesterday overwhelmed by profittaking transactions. After a sustained upswing in recent trading sessions, Nigerian equities recorded an average day-on-day decline of 0.20 per cent yesterday at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). The marginal decline pushed the average year-to-date return to -14.13 per cent. Members of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) paid a courtesy visit to the acting director general of SEC, Mr. Mounir Gwarzo at the Commission’s head office in Abuja. Both SEC and CIS agreed that the development of more inclusive domestic investors’ participation would help to stem the extreme influence of foreign dominance on the Nigerian capital market and further position the market to contribute better to national development.

By Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

Gwarzo said that the new management of SEC would strive to develop domestic investment from retail and institutional investors as part of efforts to enhance the vibrancy of the capital market. According to him, the Commission would continue to ensure that the market remains vibrant in order to attract investors both locally and internationally. “We will step up to reach out to the market and improve investment. On the international side, what is most important is the enabling environment. Right now the rules are very friendly and that is why we keep changing them from time to time to suit best practices and attract investors,” Gwarzo said. He noted the need for increased investors education both for retail and institutional to improve the level of investment from the domestic side. In his remarks, president, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mr. Albert Okumagba noted that more than 60 per cent of the Nigerian stock market is being controlled by foreign investors. According to him, the current situation were over 60

percent of the market is controlled by foreign investors give serious cause for concern. “The level of participation of our locals is effectively less than three million when ideally over 80 million of our people should be in the market. Our coverage of insurance assets in Nigeria is not up to two per cent of insurable assert, if we can increase from two to 20 per cent and then to 50 per cent, we will be shock at the kind of contribution that insurance can make,” Okumagba said. The insurance sector is the largest yet the most inactive sector on the stock market. He added that increased pension coverage, which is now at about eight per cent, would boost capital market noting that if Nigerians that are supposed to be captured by the pension reform act come on stream, the pension industry can do multiples of the N4.7 trillion that has been mobilized so far. “We have opportunities for our own domestic investors, the pension companies have over $25 billion which they have taken as money and even though they have a room of about 25 percent to invest only about 12 per cent of that has been invested,” Okumagba said.

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 21-01-15

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

MONEYLINK

CBN stops dollar sales to BDCs

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday, stopped, with immediate effect, sale of dollars (forex) through the Retail Dutch Auction System (RDAS) and interbank to Bureau De Change (BDC) operators. A circular to authorised dealers signed by CBN Director, Trade & Exchange, Olakanmi Gbadamosi, however said the weekly sales of forex to BDCs will be sustained by the CBN based on the liquidity needs of the market. He explained that the regulator took the decision based on ongoing review of developments in the foreign exchange market and the need to check speculative demand in the market. Both the interbank and RDAS funds, he said, should be used for strictly funding of Letters of Credits, Bills for Collection and other invisible transactions. However, this is subject to appropriate documentation as provided by extant regulations. The RDAS and interbank funds, the he said, should no longer be sold to BDCs and other authorised dealers. “In continuation of the review of developments in the foreign ex-

•Emefiele Stories by Collins Nweze

change market and to curb speculative demand in the market, both the RDAS and interbank funds should henceforth be used, strictly for funding of Letters of Credits, Bills for Collection and other invisible transactions. It is also subject to appropriate documentation as provided by extant regulations,” Gbadamosi said. The CBN also reviewed upwards,

the Net Foreign Exchange Trading position from 0.1 per cent of the shareholder’s fund unimpaired by loses, to 0.5 per cent of the shareholder’s fund unimpaired by loses. Currencies Analyst at Ecobank Nigeria, Olakunle Ezun told The Nation that the CBN by the circular has not only stopped selling dollars through the specified channels to BDCs, but also stopped banks from doing same. He said the circular followed CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele’s directive that the regulator can only meet all legitimate transactions of dealers. He explained that before now, BDCs relied heavily on banks in souring their forex, and that with the policy directive; volume of dollars to the operators will shrink. The CBN two weeks ago, given approval to additional 102 BDCs, bringing the total approved operators to 2,544 since the recapitalisation deadline elapsed in July. The CBN had in June announced a new minimum capital requirement of N35 million for the operation of BDCs in the country, up from the N10 million it was previously.

Entrepreneur praises Emefiele on reforms

N Entrepreneur and auto dealer in Lagos, Adejare Adegbenro has commended the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele for his reforms in the apex bank. Adegbenro, who is the Managing Director/CEO of Balmoral International Limited, said in less than a month in office, the cashless policy became effective nationwide on June 30, though, spearheaded by his predecessor. He described his reforms as ‘having human face.’

The cashless policy started in January 2012, in Lagos as a pilot exercise before moving to Rivers, Kano, Ogun, Abia, and Anambra States as well as FCT, Abuja. The businessman, who is also a grandson of the late elder statesman and frontline nationalist, Pa Alfred Rewane, was particularly happy with Emefiele’s achievements in redirecting the activities of the Bureau De Change (BDC) in line with his ongoing reforms. He said: “His record of success arguably remains unprecedented.”

The current sanity in the operations of BDC in the country, according to him, is a welcome development from the unorganised system with the attendant leakages and impunity that has become the order of the day. Hr praised the CBN’s Governor’s courage and wisdom in the way he handled the initial protest and resistance that greeted his efforts at sanitising this sub-sector of the economy, adding that he supported Emefiele’s decision to block the leakages.

United Capital unveils financial markets report

NITED Capital Plc has released its Nigerian Economy and Financial Markets 2015 report. The report provides a detailed review of the Nigerian market in 2014 with projections for the year. It discusses the outlook for different sectors, inherent opportunities as well as strategies for navigating the financial market. The report is an invaluable tool for investors covering Global economic review and outlook, Africa update and outlook, oil price dynamics and Nigeria 2015 outlook, domestic macro-economic trends and outlook, capital market review and outlook as well as specific sector reviews and recommendations. “We are pleased to release the

Nigerian Economy and Financial Markets 2015 report at United Capital. The report contains extensive research on capital markets, providing an in-depth analysis of various market groupings and industry trends that have shaped our predictions,” Group CEO of United Capital Plc, Toyin Sanni said. The report, he said, investigates the impact of the global economic and trade activities within advanced economies. It further dissects the impact of global financial activities on the Nigerian economy which is set to face one of the most difficult times in history, as global crude oil prices, a key anchor for fiscal strength and macroeconomic stability, continues on a downward trajectory in 2015.

Sterling Bank backs Social Media Award

TERLING Bank has reiterated its commitment to support social media projects. The bank, which sponsored Social Media Awards Africa holding in Lagos on Saturday, said the Chairman of the Award Advisory Board and founder, Social Media Week Toby Daniels has arrived in Lagos for the ceremony. Others include Fred Swaniker, Founder, African Leadership Academy and Eric Chinje, Chief Executive Officer, African Media Initiative (AMI). Other eminent members of the Jury & Advisory Board expected to come in on or before Friday are: Ken Banks, Founder, kiwanja.net; Hetal Shah, Director of Operations, Mara Group of Companies; Francis Ebuehi, Vice President VAS, Airtel Nigeria; Dr.Kasirim Nwuke; Louis Onyango Otieno, Director, Legal & Corporate Affairs, Microsoft Africa and the 45 prospective winners. The event which is a premier conti-

nental initiative seeks to recognize and reward creativity, excellence and impact the usage of social media across Africa. The event will bring together social media influencers, experts, enthusiasts and policy makers to explore and forge new developmental paths for social media in Africa. SMAA was unveiled at a closed event last September to a cross section of media professionals and social media influencers in Lagos, Nigeria. Nomination into the four categories opened on October 1, 2014 at www.smaafrica.com until midnight October 27, 2014. The voting phase, which was part of the process led to the emergence of 45 Finalists. A total of 923 nominations were received during the nomination period as follows: Personality Based (468), Platform Specific (266), Institutional (115) and Indigenous (74).

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

125.78 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.63 1.39 1,734.04 1,101.29 112.61 121.16 1.67 1.29 1.32 0.95 1.17

125.70 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.62 1.33 1,734.04 1,100.53 112.00 120.30 1.62 1.28 1.32 0.93 1.17

O/PRICE 34.14 2.17 0.69 20.40 0.81 4.00 2.93 3.78 0.61 6.17 1.65 160.10 20.72

C/PRICE 35.84 2.27 0.72 21.28 0.84 4.10 3.00 3.85 0.62 6.25 1.67 162.00 20.96

CHANGE 4.98 4.61 4.35 4.31 3.70 2.50 2.39 1.85 1.64 1.30 1.21 1.19 1.16

LOSERS AS AT 21-01-15

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

PORTPAINT 3.89 IKEJAHOTEL 2.96 DANGFLOUR 3.69 AGLEVENT 1.25 WAPIC 0.57 WEMABANK 0.96 ZENITHBANK 17.50 CUSTODYINS 3.80 ACCESS 5.10 SEPLAT 305.00 NAHCO 5.00 OANDO 16.40 LEARNAFRICA 1.29

C/PRICE 3.70 2.82 3.52 1.20 0.55 0.93 17.10 3.72 5.00 300.06 4.92 16.14 1.27

Transaction Dates 13/01/2015 3/12/2014 1/12/2014 ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Inflation: December

CHANGE -4.88 -4.73 -4.61 -4.00 -3.51 -3.13 -2.29 -2.11 -1.96 -1.62 -1.60 -1.59 -1.55

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

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

CBN EXCHANGE RATES January 14, 2015

Monetary Policy Rate

GAINERS AS AT 21-01-15

SYMBOL UACN EVANSMED NEIMETH ASHAKACEM NPLMCRFBK UPL MANSARD UBA COSTAIN NASCON AIRSERVICE 7UP GUARANTY

RETAIL DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM (RDAS)

Currency

Buying (N)

Selling (N)

167

168

13.0%

Foreign Reserves

$35b

US Dollar

Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

$45

Pounds Sterling

261.9395

263.508

Euro

206.2617

207.4968

171.546

172.5732

Yen

1.3838

1.3921

CFA

0.2944

0.3144

242.3484

243.7996

Yuan/Renminbi

27.1505

27.314

Money Supply (M2)

N16.42 trillion.

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

N17.2 trillion

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

Swiss Franc

16.5%

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

WAUA Tenor

13-01-15 Rate (%) Rate (%) 14-01-15

Overnight (O/N)

10.54

11.17

Riyal

44.4906

44.757

11.94

12.18

SDR

243.2856

244.7424

13.08

13.33

14.03

14.17

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

FOREX RATES

R-DAS ($/N)

165.29

Interbank ($/N)

162.75

Parallel ($/N)

185.50

Jan. 13, 2015

Rates

T-bills - 91

13.65

T-bills - 182

13.88

T-bills - 364

13.65

Bond - 3yrs

13.81

Bond - 5yrs

13.85

Bond - 7yrs

13.83

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

SHOWBIZ

Kunle Afolayan’s October 1 gets Netflix deal

HESE are exciting times for award-winning Nollywood filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, who is breaking new grounds with his movie, October 1. Only last weekend, he received the Nollywood Man of the Year diadem, given by organisers of The Sun Awards, but the movie director, who has his hands full with several movie-related projects, says this is just the beginning. In an interview with The Nation, he revealed that his latest flick, October 1, has bagged a distribution deal with Netflix, one of the biggest global online distribution platforms. Making the revelation in his Ikeja office, an excited Afolayan said: “I am happy and delighted to announce that October 1 has gotten a deal with Netflix. Netflix covers the whole of Europe and America. That means the film will be exposed to the word. It is a distribution deal. Netflix is an SVOD platform, an online platform that you can watch on your television. Their application is everywhere. They are one of the most recognised SVOD platforms around the word.” He also added that with the new deal, the movie will be subtitled in 10 different languages. Afolayan further revealed that October 1, has also been selected in some major

By Medeme Ovwe

film festivals around the world, with some international premieres in view. “It is going to the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles which I should be attending in the first week of February. It has also been selected for the Luxor Film Festival in Egypt. I am also going to be attending that,” he said. It will be recalled that the film, a psychological thriller, featuring veteran broadcaster, Sadiq Daba, actress Kehinde Bankole, Ademola Adedoyin and Kunle

• Kunle Afolayan

Afolayan himself, received 13 nominations, the biggest in this year’s edition of Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). The nominations include top categories such as Best Movie (Drama), Best Movie of 2014, Best Art Director, Best Actress and Best Cinematographer. The film also came tops at the last edition of Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), having won Best Feature Film, Best Actor and Best Screen Play laurels. The sky is the limit for the filmmaker, who is already in pre-production stage for his next movie, which he said is another thriller, a contemporary film with a lot of commercial appeal. “There is another series I am about to do, and it will be in partnership with the Lagos campus of the Nigerian Law School. We are going to reveal this officially when the time comes. It is going to be something that is very big. We will be taking court cases in Nigeria and converting them to stories. It is a law and order and crime kind of production,” he revealed.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2015

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

NEWS JTF plans compensation for families of slain soldiers

Asari-Dokubo opposes calls for postponement of elections

HE leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteers Force (NDPVF), Alhaji Mujahid AsariDokubo, has opposed calls for the postponement of next month’s polls. He said the elections should be allowed to go ahead, adding that all eligible Nigerians should be allowed to vote even without the Permanent Voters Card (PVC). He said: “From what INEC has done so far, it is not because of the violence. So many people have not collected their PVC. Look at the ojoro that is going on in INEC. Twenty of the 27 local governments in Borno are in the hands of Boko Haram, but more people have collected PVCs in Borno than in Abia State where there is no crisis. “For me, let every person be allowed to vote without PVC. If we are going to use the PVC, then INEC is not ready. But I am not calling for

From Tony Akowe, Abuja

the postponement of the election. We will win the election decisively. On the February 14, there will be “failbuhari” and Jonathan will win decisively. “However, my concern is what happens after the election because we know they will do what they are known to do every time. But this time, they will cry. So all Igbo people who are there, if you don’t come back home and you want to continue to be there and something happens to you, there is nobody to be blamed. If you have a child who is a youth corps member and you allow him to be there, you will not hold anybody responsible.” Asari-Dokubo condemned the reported stoning of the President in Katsina. He criticised President Goodluck Jonathan for signing the Abuja accord with other presidential candidates, saying having sworn

to an oath as the President of the nation, he should not have allowed himself to be dragged into signing such document. He warned that his group would respond to the attack on the President proportionately. He said: “There is an establishment pattern of pre-andpost election violence in the North. In the 1950s, when Awolowo was campaigning in the North, he went with helicopter and he was mobbed. People said he was flying over their houses and peeping on their wives. That has continued and everywhere in the country people say leave them alone, we don’t want any trouble but the rule of the game has changed. “For every action, there would be an opposite and equal reaction. I knew that the signing of the accord was useless and that the President subjected himself to sign such an accord, for me it was out

•Asari-Dokubo

of place. “The President is an humble person, he does things that even surprise some of us and make us sometimes to be very angry. “To be very frank, on that day they were signing the accord, I was very angry, signing with who? The President has sworn to protect every Nigerian. So why would he after taken a constitutional oath, subject himself to another oath that would be stronger than the oath he took when he took office after being elected voluntarily by the people of Nigeria?”

‘Count us out of threat against Tinubu’

IGER Delta Civil Society Coalition (NDCSC) yesterday said its members had nothing to do with a statement credited to an activist, Mr. Tony Uranta, banning former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu from coming to the Niger Delta. Addressing reporters in Benin, the Edo State capital, the Chairman of the Niger/

From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

Delta Civil Society, Comrade Anyakwee Nsirimovu, said: “ Without prejudice, but for the avoidance of any doubt NDCSC wishes to remind UNDEDSS that, to the best of its knowledge, no such collective policy, resolution nor directive exist in the Niger Delta; and that Niger Delta is a peaceful and law-abiding

part and parcel of Nigeria, where the Constitution allows unfettered right to citizens to freedom of movement, expression without let or hindrance; and frowns seriously at official or individual censorship and unjustified punishment with recourse to due process for expression. “NDCSC is most categorical stating in very clear terms

that freedom of movement and expression is not the property of any political system, ethnic, person or ideology. It is a universal human right, defined and guaranteed in international human rights law. NDCSC is committed to the task of ensuring that its international definition and full guarantees are recognised and respected by all entities in Nigeria.”

HE military may compensate the families of soldiers attached to the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield, who were killed by pirates and oil thieves in the Niger Delta. Commander, JTF, Maj.Gen. Emmanuel Atewe, spoke yesterday when he inaugurated a residential building for soldiers at the 343 Artillery Regiment, Elele, Rivers State. Maj.-Gen. Atewe, who observed a minute’s silence with top military officers and soldiers for the deceased soldiers, promised to visit the families of the late soldiers. “I will personally visit the bereaved families of our soldiers that were killed a few

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

weeks ago during operations,” he said. Six soldiers attached to the security outfit were murdered in Bayelsa State last December. Maj.-Gen. Atewe advised the beneficiaries of the building to keep it clean. He said: “This is the second time I am coming to commission projects. I commend you and request the young officers to emulate your exemplary leadership. I am happy the building is standing. To those who worked with the commander to bring down the cost of the renovation, God will reward all of you.”

Peterside’s campaign organisation condemns detention of APC chieftains

HE Greater Together C a m p a i g n Organisation of the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the arrest and detention of party chieftains. The campaign organisation of the governorship candidate, Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, described the development as worrisome. The campaign organisation, through its Director of Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, said the police was using “undemocratic style”. The campaign organisation said: “What is happening is a part of a ploy not only to intimidate APC members (in Rivers State), but to also provoke them into retaliatory measures, for which more clampdown will be launched by the already biased police.” Peterside’s campaign team also stated that the APC was committed to fair and issuebased campaigns, while berating the members of the PDP for being shy in selling the party’s programmes and manifesto to Rivers people. It said: “This attitude of PDP members stems from the fact that it has nothing other than violence to propagate. We are worried that PDP is synonymous with violence and unfortunately, that it achieves in connivance with the police, a na-

‘

In the face of these unpleasant moments in Rivers State, our stand is that the police should revert to their constitutional role of maintenance of law and order in an impartial manner. Their support for PDP aggravates the spate of attacks on APC members and supporters...

’

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

tional institution serviced with the taxpayers’ money. “In the face of these unpleasant moments in Rivers State, our stand is that the police should revert to their constitutional role of maintenance of law and order in an impartial manner. Their support for PDP aggravates the spate of attacks on APC members and supporters. We hold this view that would this force take its stand to serve all, the attacks will seize and ongoing campaigns in the state will be hitch-free.”

‘Why Itsekiri chose Buhari/ Osinbajo over Jonathan’ •Coalition of Civil Society Organisation in support of reduction of the fuel pump price in Abuja ... yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Security agencies probe threats against Jonathan’s wife

ECURITY agencies have launched investigations to unmask the youths behind repeated threats to attack the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan. Two youth groups, under the aegis of the Bayelsa Youth Vanguard (BYV) and the Mangrove Boys of Bayelsa (MBB), in different statements in Abuja and Yenagoa barred the First Lady from attending a Presidential rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Yenagoa on February 5. The youth, who accused Mrs. Jonathan of instigating political crisis in the state and working against the Governor Seriake Dickson, vowed to embarrass and disgrace her at the rally.

•Bayelsa warns troublemakers From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

But it was gathered on Wednesday that the police and the Department of State Security (DSS) had begun investigation to track persons issuing the threats. A security source, who pleaded anonymity, said the headquarters of the two security agencies were taking the matter seriously. “They have started their investigations from Abuja and very soon they will establish the veracity of the threats”, he said. Also Bayelsa State Government for the umpteenth time condemned the threats emanating from the youths in

very strong terms. A Government House statement signed by Dickson’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson described the reports as the handiwork of the opposition. He referred to the groups as faceless and said they only exist on the pages of newspapers and should not be taken serious. The statement, however, reassured the First Lady and other Nigerians expected to attend the proposed grand rally of their safety. It said the state government and the various security agencies were on the alert to deal decisively with any acts

of lawlessness, brigandage and mischief. The government warned that any individual or group found to have perpetrated such acts, whether before, during or after the rally, would be made to face the full wrath of the law. “The government will not relent in the performance of its duties by ensuring the provision of adequate security as well as the protection of the life and property of all residents of the state and would do exactly same, even on February 5, 2015. “The government reassure the First Lady, every member of her delegation of their safety and urged them to disregard the reports”.

N Itsekiri pressure group in Warri, Delta State yesterday gave reasons why their kinsmen would rather vote for the presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in next month’s election despite intense lobby to support President Goodluck Jonathan by Chief Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo). The Itsekiri Consolidated Movement (ICM), at a news conference in Ubeji-Warri yesterday evening, addressed by its Chairman, Ortisegbegbemi Besidone and Public Relations Officers, Franklin Metsese, said their interests would be better served in the APC. “In as much as we believe Tompolo has the constitutional right to campaign for President Goodluck Jonathan and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa/ Kingsley Otuaro, his cousin,

From Shola O’Neil, S’South Regional Editor, Port Harcourt

we want to assure Tompolo that his voyage is set to hit the rock, particularly on Jonathan’s re-election bid.” The group went on: “Tompolo has to explain why he and his Gbaramatu brothers are laying claim to lands belonging to Itsekiri (Omadino and Ugborodo communities) particularly the area where the EPZ is situated and till date, despite claiming not to be waging war against Itsekiri. “Tompolo is yet to tender an apology to the 14 abducted reporters, including a Channels TV Camera man, Itsekiri-born Senior Correspondent of Daily Independent Newspaper, Mr. Emma Arubi and six Ugborodo indigenes, who were humiliated as well as tortured almost to the point of death by his militants.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

NEWS

I didn’t ask IBB to beg defectors, says Aliyu

IGER State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu yesterday said he had never asked former military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida to beg his deputy and other defectors to return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The Deputy Governor, Ahmed Musa Ibeto on Monday with over 300 elected and appointed officials of the state, defected from the rul-

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

ing PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Aliyu spoke in Minna when he hosted members of Federation of Advocates for Fair, Credible and Peaceful Election, led by elder statesman Tanko Yakassai. He said it was not unusual to see politicians defecting during electioneering period and that those who defected

had the right to do so. According to him, “They said I went to beg IBB for those who defected. I have passed the stage of begging anybody. Every politician is free to decide on which party they want to belong to. Let me however plead that nobody should victimise anybody for the political decision they make.” He said: “I have no reason to hate my deputy governor over his decision to move to

the opposition party. We have had good working relationship since 2007 and it will remain so even after we leave government in May this year. “By now people have made up their minds on the party they will cast their votes for. We must, therefore, accept the results of the forthcoming elections. Do not be annoyed with your brother based on his new found political interest. Power belongs to God and he chooses who to give”. Yakassai said the members of the group were in the state to call on the governor to ensure that elections were conducted peacefully in the North.

I’ve no hand in violence, says El-Rufai

HE governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has said his party has been cleared of allegations of destroying campaign posters levelled against it by the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP). El-Rufai, who spoke through Samuel Aruwan and Major Yahya Shiko (rtd), the spokesperson and director of administration of his campaign committee at a briefing, yesterday, said if the PDP had any problem with him, it should be issue-based and not his person.

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

Aruwan said: “We have been vindicated that neither my principal nor APC member destroyed PDP posters during our rally on Monday, but some of the aggrieved members of the PDP who were not happy about some people that were nominated for the caretaker committee. They just took advantage of the rally to register their grievances. “As you can see, was it APC members that went to the State House with knives and destroyed property? We are not training thugs in APC. “What happened yesterday at the initial venue of

swearing-in of caretaker committee chairmen for the 23 local government areas of the state was a clear indication that PDP needs to put its house in order. “We don’t sponsor adverts that incite any personality or sponsor anybody to cause disharmony in the state. Our position is clear. We only campaign based on issues that affect us as people of the state. “What is the state of education, health, infrastructure and security? People are being killed in Southern Kaduna and Birni-Ngari without serious step to stop the killings. It is not about personality, but issues. “My principal has made it

clear that within the past seven years, Kaduna State has collected over N700billion. Do we have anything to show for that? The development on ground, does it commensurate with N700billion. “We should run government based on transparency, accountability and people’s needs. These are the changes APC is bringing to the state. We want the good people of Kaduna State to take us for our word and see to it that APC emerges through their votes.” He said the party accords the office of the governor much respect, noting that the party or any of its member has no basis to insult the governor.

•Wife of the Chairman, Kwali Area Council, Mrs Abigail Daniel Ibrahim (middle), participating at a training workshop on skill acquisition at Kwali Town Hall in Abuja ... yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Ahmed challenges opponent on achievements

WARA State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has challenged the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDPs) opponent in next month governorship elections, Senator Simeon Ajibola, to tell Kwarans his achievements as a-three term senator representing Kwara South. Speaking during a campaign rally at Isin, Isin Local Government Area, Ahmed, who is the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

(APC), said his opponent could not point to any tangible project or programme he attracted to the state since he became a Senator. The governor said: “Let him tell us what he has done for Kwara instead of playing on sentiments that cannot sway people. People want someone with the experience and capacity for good governance. “Senator Bukola Saraki has attracted an environmental

project to the state. Other members of the National Assembly have attracted projects to the state. Ask Senator Ajibola what projects he has attracted to Kwara State.” Ahmed also challenged Ajibola to identify how many bills he sponsored or debates he contributed to in his three tenures in the Senate. He said his administration had made significant development in all sectors, including youth, SME micro credit for small business owners and

farmers, rehabilitation of general hospitals and supply of transformers to hundreds of communities across the state. He promised to create 5000 new jobs, establish an Independent Power Project, overhaul 120 schools and embark on new road projects if re-elected. He urged the people to collect their Permanent Voter Cards and ensure that they turn out en-masse to vote for the APC at all levels, adding that only the party could bring about the desired change in the country.

APC chieftain to Yuguda: you can’t win election again

CHIEFTAIN of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Adamu Lar, has said Governor Isa Yuguda’s senatorial dream will not be realised. Lar spoke yesterday at a news conference in Bauchi. He said: “Governor Yuguda cannot win any election in the state again.

From Austine Tsenzughul Bauchi

He should get ready to hand over to the APC governorship candidate, Mohammed Abubakar, who will conquer the PDP governorship candidate, Hon. Auwal Jatau, come February 28, 2015.” Yuguda is vying for the Senate against a retired Controller of Customs, Malam Ali aWakili.

Lar, who is also the Bauchi South vice chairman of the APC, said: “My advice to Governor Yuguda is based on the truth that he has damaged and ravaged the state economy so very irresponsibly, and does not deserve any office in the state anymore. “Besides, the governor has for the whole of his second tenure refused to democratically

conduct local government election and by so doing, he has deprived the people of development and due representation at grassroots level.” He went on: “The poor people of Bauchi State will not forgive him for misusing the development funds. Yuguda will be leaving Bauchi poorer than when he took over from Ahmadu Muazu, now the national chairman of the PDP.”

‘APC’ll win Benue’

DIRECTOR with the defunct Atiku Campaign Organisation (ACO), Hon Shima Ayati, has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) will win next month’s polls in Benue. Speaking at the flag off of the APC campaign in Zaki Biam, Ukum Local Government Area, Hon Ayati, stated that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has failed the people. Ayati allayed fears that former Vice-President Atiku

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

Abubakar has abandoned the presidential candidate of the APC, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari. He added that Atiku is abroad for medical checkup . He advised the PDP to focus on issues rather than base frivolities. Ayati hailed the leader of the APC in Benue State, Senator George Akume, for providing sterling leadership for the faithful.

Plateau workers give 14-day strike notice to Jang

LATEAU State civil servants have given the state government a 14-day ultimatum to resume dialogue with them or they will withdraw their services. The workers said the ultimatum became necessary as a result of government’s failure to address pending issues relating to wages and workers’ welfare. The chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Jibrin Bancir, spoke at a news conference held at the NLC secretariat in Jos yesterday.

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

Bancir said: “It is sad to note that despite all efforts and persistent pressure mounted by the organised labour, the state government has not done anything tangible to address and resolve the contentious issues. “We are compelled to take this course which is within the ambit of the law to issue the ultimatum which is a warning to our employer that we will soon withdraw our services since they do not care for welfare.”

We’re committed to peaceful election in Niger, says APC

IGER State Deputy Governor and the leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Ahmed Musa Ibeto, has said the party is committed to peacefully conduct itself before, during and after next month’s elections. He spoke yesterday while inaugurating the party’s state campaign council and the state governorship campaign team in Minna. Ibeto said with the array of political giants defecting to

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

the party, next month elections would be won by the party. “We know the calibre of people we have in the party now and we know we have the massive support of the people. We shall conduct ourselves peacefully. This is the covenant we have with Nigerlites, that we shall abide by the Abuja accord signed by our leader, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari,” he said.

Ishaku begins campaign on Mambilla Plateau

HE governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Taraba State yesterday began his campaign at the Mambilla Plateau. Canvassing support from the crowd, Darius Ishaku said the venue for the rally was deliberate, because of President Goodluck Jonathan’s efforts to complete the Mambilla Dam project. He said the Mambilla Hydroelectric Dam project had been on the drawing board since 1960.

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

It was when Jonathan came on board that the project came to fruition, he said. He said the dam would generate about 3050 megawatts electricity. “This can employ many youths in Sardauna and other parts of the state,” he said. Ishaku told the people that after voting for Jonathan on February 14, they must vote him on February 28, because he was the one the president sent to work on the dam project.

Wammako warns Lamido over APC governors

OKOTO State Governor Alhaji Aliyu Wammako has warned Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido against disparaging the characters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors. The governor spoke on Tuesday in Dutse, the Jigawa state capital during the APC presidential campaign. Wammako cautioned his Jigawa counterpart on making unguarded comments against personalities that who left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for a better party. He said: “Abusing leaders of prudent integrity will not make the Jonathan led PDP government to trust him and

From Ahmed Rufa’I, Dutse

it cannot auger well for democracy in Nigeria. “Sule Lamido should respect himself by stopping the unguarded statements against our leaders because his age is above that level. He is not a small boy; as such we did not expect him to be abusing us. He should avoid such comments to be made by small children.” Wammako, who is also the campaign coordinator of the Buhari/Osinbajo presidential ticket in the Northwest, explained that Nigerians were fed up with the untold hardship the PDP-led government has thrown them into.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

NEWS PDP accuses Buhari of perjury

•President Goodluck Jonathan (second left); his vice Namadi Sambo (right); Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman Adamu Mu'azu (left) and the Emir of Kano Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi when the PDP Presidential Campaign Team visited the Emir before the presidential campaign in Kano...yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

•All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders (from left) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, Governor Musa Kwankwaso, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and Chief John Odigie-Oyegun during their camapign in Katsina...yesterday.

INEC to use 750, 000 ad-hoc staff Continued from page 2

to former NYSC members was because the corps could not provide all the needed personnel from current members in the scheme. Idowu added that INEC was also considering recruiting third-year students of tertiary institutions to meet the needed number. He disclosed that the training of ‘’master trainers’’ among the

ad hoc staff, who would train the others, had commenced. He explained that the commission preferred NYSC members as ad hoc staff for the conduct of elections to avoid the experiences of the past where election workers compromised. “When civil servants were being used, the general tendency was that if you employ the service of civil servants of state government, they had their jobs

to protect. “If they are threatened, they could compromise easily, but in the case of youth corps members, they are on national duty. “They are neither familiar with the terrain nor stakeholders in the environment they operate. “They also have their certificates to collect and that is why their engagement is through a Memorandum of Understand-

ing (MoU) with NYSC. “If the corps members or students in the exercise compromise, sanction awaits them because they are still within a system and under a country,’’ he said. Idowu, however, stated that no NYSC member on election duty had been sanctioned, revealing that they had so far maintained credible records.

Nigerians’ll continue to enjoy freedom, says Jonathan

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday promised Nigerians that they would continue to enjoy freedom as contained in the law of the country under his leadership, if re-elected. Jonathan, who is the Presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) made the pledge at the PDP campaign in Dutse, Jigawa State. He said freedom was a good ingredient of democracy which every citizen must enjoy, adding that ``democracy is all about freedom and any democ-

racy without it is not democracy.’’ The President urged Nigerians to be united and not lose hope in the current challenge bedevilling the country, assuring them that Nigeria would soon overcome terrorism. He further enjoined the people of the state to vote for all PDP candidates in the forthcoming elections, stating that his party had worked at all levels to develop the country. Jonathan added that PDP government had established

federal and state universities in the state within four years. According to him, 80 per cent of the state universities in the country are built by PDP-controlled states. He also pledged to continue to assist farmers in the state in terms of supply of fertiliser and provision of soft loans to boost production. Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa said he would work for the unity of the country and would not support or vote on sentiments. Lamido recalled that in the

2011 elections, he was called all sorts of names because he supported President Jonathan but said he would not be deterred. He urged the people of the state not to be intimidated or harassed by anybody but vote for the PDP. The National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, urged supporters of the party in the state to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to enable them to cast their votes. He urged them to vote for PDP candidates throughout the elections

‘Bird flu now in Ogun, Delta, Rivers, Edo, Plateau, Lagos’ Continued from page 2

laboration with the state governments’ ministries of Agriculture. At the moment, we have been able to contain the disease in Kano and Lagos states by joint teams of federal and states’ staff in these areas. The reported cases in Delta and Rivers states are being monitored. “I wish to assure Nigerians that Nigeria will successfully control the bird flu outbreak. We have successfully controlled it in the past and have activated all the necessary protocols and measures to ensure successful control this time as well,” Adesina added. The Lagos State Government said it had begun the depopu-

lation of poultry farms to contain the spread of the disease. Commissioner for Agriculture Mr. Gbolahan Lawal, said over 2000 birds affected had been depopulated. He said: “Today, we also visited the farm` for re-inspection with our team of veterinary doctors and the farm has been quarantined.” He urged farmers to join cooperative societies as this will enable them access soft loans and other benefits from the government. Lawal said there are so many benefits for farmers if they are members of cooperative societies. He cited the recent empowerment, which was held in the four redemption centres at

Ikorodu, Epe, Badagry and Agege, where various cooperatives were given inputs depending on the enterprise. Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture Emma Chindah said in spite of the outbreak of Avian Influenza, no human infection had been recorded. Hundreds of birds, he said, have been destroyed. The birds were from a private poultry farm in Port Harcourt and were destroyed after a laboratory test outside the state confirmed positive symptoms of Avian Influenza. Chindah said the privatelyowned poultry farm, where the virus manifested, had been quarantined and decontaminated.

The commissioner said: “Samples that were taken from a private poultry farm for laboratory test outside Port Harcourt turned out positive to the Bird Flu virus. To forestall the virus from spreading, we have destroyed hundreds of birds. The poultry farm has also been quarantined and decontaminated. “We have no record of any human infection. There is no need for people to panic, because the Rivers State Government has taken appropriate measures to contain its spread. “We advise that members of the public who want to eat animals and eggs should thoroughly boil them before they are eaten.”

HE presidential campaign organisation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, of perjury. Addressing a news conference in Abuja yesterday, the Director of Media and Publicity of the organisation, Mr. Femi FaniKayode, urged Buhari to withdraw from the contest and apologise to Nigerians. Fani-Kayode was reacting to claims by the Army that although Gen. Buhari obtained the West African School Certificate in 1961, copies of his certificate could not be found in the Army’s records. But the PDP insisted that the APC flag bearer had committed a “grave criminal offence” under the law and constitution The statement said: “Information reaching us now has shown that the presidential candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari, has disclosed today in Kano at a press conference that the affidavit he swore to in which he claimed that his credentials were in the custody of the military was not true after all. “The implication…is nothing but perjury and we all know that this is a grave criminal offence under our laws and constitution.

From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

“We urge Buhari and his party to do the right thing and tender an unreserved apology to the Nigerian people, throw in the towel and report to the nearest police station for interrogation and prosecution. “Anything less than that would be an insult to the collective intelligence and integrity of the Nigerian people. We also urge the Nigerian Armed Forces to consider the possibility of stripping him of his rank and privileges, given the fact that he was never qualified to join the Nigerian army as a commissioned officer in the first place because he never had the prerequisite qualifications which was a school certificate. Given this, at best Buhari should never have been anything more than a non-commissioned officer.” The President’s campaign organisation also blamed Buhari and APC supporters for the reported attack by suspected thugs on the convoy of President Goodluck Jonathan during his campaign rally in Katsina on Tuesday. “We consider that action despicable, barbaric, shameful and highly reprehensible. It shows very clearly the violent nature, disposition and character of those individuals that were involved and the presidential candidate that they support.

Cameroon military frees German in Boko Haram custody Continued from page 2

I would survive or I would not survive. It was for me a big problem. Because it was darkness, total darkness, and you see nobody around you. Then this is a big problem to say OK, I will survive or not survive,” Eberhard said. Eberhard was flown in from Cameroon’s Far North Region to Yaounde shortly after noon Wednesday in a military plane. He said he was grateful to all those who worked to secure his release. The German ambassador to Cameroon, Klaus-Ludwig Keferstein, also thanked Cameroonian authorities, particularly because “we could find a solution to this problem of hostage taking,” he said. Eberhard spoke amid heavy security and mentioned that he was teaching at a vocational school in Gombe, Adamawa state, Nigeria, before the insurgents took him hostage

in July. He has been taken to the residence of the German ambassador in Yaounde. The ambassador said initial medical care will be given to him in Yaounde before he is flown back to Germany for more medical attention. Biya said he was thankful to all those who “directly or indirectly helped in the achievement ... and particularly the German government for their precious contribution.” He did not specify how Germany participated. The German Foreign Office did not immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment. Chad sent about 2,500 troops last week to help Cameroon fight Boko Haram. Boko Haram was designated as a foreign terrorist organisation by the U.S. State Department in 2013. The militant Islamic group seeks to establish an Islamic state in Nigeria and has ruthlessly targeted civilians.

College tenders results Continued from page 2

the largest and most populous black nation in the world, the largest economy in Africa and you have flags that are unknown to the constitution flying in our territory. That is a very serious challenge for the nation. “We have unemployment, we have an economy that has not been managed properly. I am a chemical engineer and it pains me that for 16 years, we abandoned our refineries and import petroleum products. We are the sixth largest exporters of crude oil in the world. “Then we import refined petroleum products. You have all these chemical engineers and so, what else do you need? We have four refineries and we can’t even keep them running for 16 years. This is very disturbing.” Activist-lawyer Dr. Tunji

Ababyomi said the logic of Section 131(d) of the 1999 Constitution focused not on certificates but on educational level. He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN): “A certificate where available may well prove the education level of the citizen desirous of becoming President, but without it, he can still meet the educational qualification by other modes of proof. “Buhari’s written profile, with or without the presentation of any certificates, supported by his deposition, puts it beyond doubt that he has been educated beyond School Certificate level or its equivalent,’’ he said. Abayomi argued that it was constitutionally “trivial and definitely unwarranted’’ for anybody to insist that Gen. Buhari must produce his certificates.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

Abandoned vehicles

‘How hoodlums almost burnt me alive’

T was 2.20 am when this reporter’s phone rang yesterday. On the line was a rights activist and founder, Open Channels Bible Church, Darlington Ajitemisan (56). He sounded distressed as he wailed on the phone: “Please, I may not live to see this morning ... I’m in the greatest pain. Please I’m dying; my spirit is crying. In case I don’t make it, please tell my aged mum I love her and my youngest son, Ovie ...” When the reporter met him by 7 am at his ‘K’ Close, 34 Road Gowon Housing Estate home in Egbeda, a Lagos suburb, he was a sorry sight. Half-nude, he writhed in pains on the floor as sympathisers gathered to console him following an alleged harassment hoodlums. The hoodlums, he alleged, torched his house and church, which according to him, he bought over 24 years ago. They brutally beat me like a common criminal,” he added. Ajitemisan said: “On Tuesday, I was sitting behind my house about 8 pm when a boy, Okpara, said I wasn’t going to be alive today (Wednesday). He poured urine on me, beat me and attempted to remove my tooth. I reported to the nearby police station immediate-

• The church ... yesterday. INSET: Ajitemisan By Basirat Braimah

ly and I was advised to visit the hospital. But, since hospitals were on strike, I went home to sleep. “I kept wondering if it was Christmas again because all I saw in my sleep were fireworks. It later dawned on me that my house was burning. I came out of bed in pains because I was still brooding over last night’s torture. They poured petrol all over my house. They wanted to roast me. They kept saying I must die, adding that if I thought I was strong, I will not see tomorrow. There was total darkness at that time; I didn’t know what

to do. I managed to scream for help until neighbours gathered to put out the fire. Now, I am no longer myself; my life is not safe.” He claimed the hoodlums stormed his home a few days earlier with a prominent businessman and 19 armed policemen in order to eliminate him and take over his property. Though he said he reported the matter to the police the next day, he alleged that the case was not treated with despatch. The businessman, Ajitemisan said, had signed some papers at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), promising not to threaten him again. But his men, the pastor

claimed, had continued to “torment me on my land.” “Within three days, they erected a fence round my property. An official from the FHA who demanded to know their mission on the land was dealt with mercilessly. I don’t know why they are doing this. We took the case to an Ikeja High Court where we were advised to settle it amicably. The land is mine. I bought it over 24 years ago. My ministry is 23 years old. I had to relocate my family because of situations like this. I am fed up; they beat me every day. My neck is damaged. If I hadn’t escaped through the kitchen, I would have been dead,” he added.

HE Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police, Zone 2, the Commissioner of Police Lagos State Command and the Chairman/Operating Officer of (Tow To Go) Automotive Service Ltd, Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2, Ikeja, Lagos, have warned owners of abandoned vehicles to remove them. The affected vehicles are parked at Zone 2 Command Head-quarters; Ifako Division; Gbagada; Apapa Division; Area B; Tolu Division; Shagamu Road Division; Ikorodu; Shasha Division; Trinity Division; Oko-Oba Division and Tow To Go Automotive Services Ltd. They are to come with their original documents to remove or forfeit them. They are: Tuareg Volkswagen Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) marked: NR 310 KJA; Honda Accord car: FT 506 KRD; Toyota Corolla car: EPE 500 AD; M/Benz car: UX 30 KJA; Mazda car: EE 79 LSR; car marked: DE 412 APP; Honda CRV SUV: CG 299 AAA; V/wagon buses: SM 630 XA: EPE 716 XH and XR 343 KRD; Toyota Camry car: GGE 366 AG; M/ Benz car: DM 971 LND; Omega car: EQ 660 AAA; Ford car: EA 915 SMK; Toyota Rav4 SUV: JJJ 440 AC; Ford SUV: RU 195 KJA; Toyota Corolla Saloon car: TB 970 KJA; Toyota Hilux: XR 115 JJJ; Vanagon bus: XL 271 KRD; Toyota Sienna bus, Nissan Quest, V/wagon bus and Iveco Ford truck, all unregistered.

Five suspected car thieves held

IVE armed robbery suspects, who specialised in snatching posh cars, especially Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs), from parking lots posing as buyers have been arrested by the police. Onyebuchi Egenti (38); Peter Adebayo (38); Aziza Akwaebo (23); Bright Ekeocha (25) and a receiver of stolen vehicles, Dedavi Raoul (45) are in the custody of the Lagos State Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). Sources said they were arrested by the police from Area ‘H’ Command in Ogudu and transferred to SARS. A source said Akwaebo and Ekeocha were first arrested for snatching a Toyota Kenzatta car at Ojodu Berger last December 13, after

By Ebele Boniface

which they were confirmed to be members of the gang. When SARS operatives stormed their hide-outs Egenti, Adebayo and Raoul were arrested; charms and dangerous weapons were recovered from them. Egenti, who claimed that he only witnessed the transaction, said: “I did not join them in committing this crime. The one I participated in was an armed robbery on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. I want to resign from armed robbery work if I regain my freedom.” Ekeocha, who hails from Owerri, the Imo State capital, said: “I reside at 4, Dosunmu Road, off College Road in the Fagba Area of Iju, Lagos. I brought buyers for car

dealers. I was a manager in a car shop; I left due to poor salary. I was earning N17, 000 per month. I would wash cars and attend to customers. The owner of the car lot was Mr. Old Soldier. He promised to give me N100, 000 commission for a Venzer car worth N4.3 million whenever I got a customer for it, but when I brought one, he refused to give me the N100,000 commission. I got annoyed. “I had another buyer for another car. Mr. Old Soldier and he agreed to pay me N150, 000 on phone, but when we met physically, he gave me only N5,000. When I decided to take vengeance, I narrated the incident to one Ifeanyi and we agreed to form a gang that would be stealing and snatching exotic cars and SUVs from car lots in Lagos.”

•The suspects...yesterday

FOREIGN NEWS

Russia has 9,000 troops T in Ukraine - Poroshenko

USSIA has 9,000 soldiers and 500 tanks, heavy artillery and armoured personnel carriers in eastern Ukraine, President Petro Poroshenko has said. He urged Russia to withdraw its troops and comply with a ceasefire plan, amid escalating fighting between Ukrainian troops and rebels in the east. Russia has repeatedly denied claims its soldiers are fighting with the rebels in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Talks on de-escalating the crisis are due to begin in Berlin shortly. Foreign ministers from Ukraine, Russia, France and Germany will take part in the meeting in the German capital. More than 4,800 people have been killed and some 1.2 million have fled since rebels took control of parts of Luhansk and

Donetsk regions in April. This followed Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula in March. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, President Poroshenko said the Russian troops in eastern Ukraine were backed by heavy weapons including tanks and artillery systems. “If this is not aggression, what is aggression?” he asked. Heavy fighting has continued between Ukrainian forces and rebels in the Donetsk region Two residents hide from rocket fire in a bunker as civilian casualties mount in eastern Ukraine Pro-Russian separatists have seized parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions Mr Poroshenko again called on Russia to comply with the ceasefire agreement reached in September in Minsk, Belarus.

That deal envisages the pullout of heavy weapons by both sides from the line of separation and the exchange of prisoners. It also stipulates that control of the Ukrainian-Russian border, parts of which are currently held by pro-Russian rebels, would be returned to Ukraine’s authorities. Mr Poroshenko is now cutting short his Davos visit and returning to Kiev in view of the worsening situation in eastern Ukraine.

HE Japanese government says it is doing all it can to free two hostages the Islamic State group is threatening to kill unless it receives $200 million, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said yesterday, vowing never to give in to terrorism. Abe returned to Tokyo from a six-day Middle East tour slightly ahead of schedule and convened a Cabinet meeting soon after. “We are fighting against time, and we’ll make an allout effort and use every diplomatic route that we have developed to win the release of the two,” he said. Abe said he was consulting with leaders in the region. A convoy carrying Japanese

Japan tries to free hostages Vice-Foreign Minister Yasuhide Nakayama left the embassy in Jordan’s capital Amman on Wednesday for an unknown location in the city. Jordan’s King Abdullah II later met with him, according to Jordan’s Petra News Agency. The Islamic State group demanded the $200 million ransom in a video posted online Tuesday that showed a knifebrandishing masked militant standing over the kneeling captives. It gave a deadline of 72 hours, which the video’s release time suggests would expire sometime Friday. Abe and other Japanese officials have not said directly whether Japan will pay ran-

Yemeni President held up by rebels

EMENI President Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi still considers himself in power, a Yemeni official briefed on the political situation told CNN on Wednesday, after two days of turmoil that have led to talk of a coup. A rebel unit with a tank stood guard outside Hadi's residence in the capital, Sanaa, on Wednesday, and a militiaman told CNN that "the people" are now president of Yemen. But the official, who confirmed that Hadi was

still in his residence when they spoke Wednesday afternoon, said "no one has asked him to step down." Houthi rebels -- Shiite Muslims who have long felt marginalized in the majority Sunni country -- overtook the presidential palace in Sanaa on Tuesday, marking what a government minister called "the completion of a coup." There were also reports of clashes near the President's residence.

som for the captives, 47-yearold freelance journalist Kenji Goto and 42-year-old Haruna Yukawa, the founder of a private security company. This image taken from an online video released by the Islamic State group’s al-Furqan media arm … Government spokesman Yoshihide Suga confirmed Japan believes the threat is authentic. “Japan’s aim is not to kill the Muslim people, as the militant group claims it to be,” Suga said. “We strongly urge them not to harm the two Japanese and release them immediately.” Abe has limited choices, among them to openly pay the extremists or ask an ally like the United States to attempt a risky rescue inside Syria. Japan’s military operates only in a self-defense capacity at home. But officials are adamant that Japan will continue to provide non-military aid to the region. “We will never give in to terrorism,” Abe said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

NEWS NIGERIA DECIDES

•From left: Benue State ex-Governor and Senate Minority Leader George Akume, All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial candidate for Benue Zone ‘A’, Senator Barnabas Gemade with his wife Victoria, Benue APC Chairman Abba Yaro and the party’s Senatorial candidate for Benue Zone ‘C’, Daniel Onjeh at the inauguration of the APC campaign in Zakibiam, Benue State...yesterday.

•Ogun State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the February 28 governorship election, Senator Ibikunle Amosun addressing a crowd of supporters during his ward-to-ward reelection campaign at Ibiade, Ward 3, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area...yesterday.

•The Senator representing Lagos East District, Senator Gbenga Ashafa with members of the Association of Market Women and Men in the Zone at Ikosi, Ketu, Lagos. The Senator visited to sensitise the traders on how to collect the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). •Lagos People Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Mr Jimi Agbaje speaking with the people of Ifako/Ijaye Local Governmet Area at a Town Hall Meeting and Interactive Session ...yesterday. With him are his running mate, Alhaja Safurat Abdulkareem (second right), Chairman of the PDP in Ifako Ijaye, Mr Ben Akinsanya (left) and Secretary, Lagos PDP, Alhaji Wahab Owokoniran.

•Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda (second right), Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Yaroyaro and the party’s flag bearer in the state Alhaji Auwal Jatau at the PDP governorship campaign in Darazo Local Government Area, Bauchi...yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

PHOTO: NAN

•Senate President David Mark (right), Benue State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Terhemen Tarzoor (middle) and Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam at the Benue South PDP Senatorial campaign inauguratioon in Otukpo, Benue State...yesterday.

•A crowd of All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters at the presidential campaign at Filin Polo Ground, Katsina, Katsina State...yesterday.

•Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi being welcomed in an open-roof bus by a crowd of party faithful to Igangan, Ibarapa Local Government Area...yesterday.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

SPORT EXTRA

Siasia names squads for Tunisia, Super 4 N

IGERIA U-23 coach Samson Siasia has named two squads for a series of test matches in Tunisia as well as the Super 4, which kicks off on Saturday in Abuja. Siasia will handle the team to

Tunisia, while assistant coach Fatai Amoo will be in charge of the team for the Super 4. Meanwhile, the 36-man delegation to Tunisia is expected to depart the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Thursday

• Siasia

IGERIA’S U- 23 national team popularly known as Dream Team VI thrashed visiting John Utaka Football Academy 6-0 in a friendly match played at the main bowl of the Abuja National Stadium yesterday. The friendly match packaged by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to test the readiness of the U- 23 national team for the two friendly matches away to Tunisia was watched by pocket of fans and NFF chieftains which included the Deputy General Secretary of the NFF Emmanuel Ikpeme and NFF’s Director of Competitions Sanusi

night aboard an Emirates Airline. Team secretary Sirajo Hassan, said the delegation will be led by Kachalla Babagana Kalli and is expected to return to the country on January 30. THE 21 PLAYERS FOR TUNISIA GOALKEEPERS: Daniel Emmanuel Shinkut, Akande Abiodun Asimiyu, Bala Yusuf Mohammed. DEFENDERS: Okorom Stanley, Obanor Erhun, Oduduwa Segun Tope, Sani Faisal, Amuzie Stanley, Sincere Muenfuh Seth. MIDFIELDERS: Azubuike Okechukwu Godson, Effiong Emmanuel Etim, Obochi Peter Eneojo, Godwin Savior Amunde. FORWARDS: Odibo Godwin, Tiongoli Tonbara, Omofoman Freedom, Etebo Oghenekaro Peter, Ajayi Oluwafemi Junior, Adetunji Sunday, Peter

Onyekachi Samuel, Ewenike Achibi Chibuike. SQUAD FOR SUPER 4 Usman Mohammed, Newman Doubra, Solomon Ayoleke, Ikenna Nwobusi, Faisal Sheriff, Iroha Chukwuebuka, Christopher Madaki, Chijioke Omeke, Olawale Doyeni, Moughara Dede, Temitope Jayeola, Michael Ibe Okoro, Edmund Chinedu, Ubakanma Peter, Sunday Lawrence, Eze Chisom, Chinedu Obasi and Osita Simon. Others are Oyeleye Adenyi, Izumi Okoronkwo, Josemaria Oteze, Jonah Usman, Daniel Amackson, Andrew Michael, Emmanuel .S. Daniel, Baker Ebiabowei, Ola Adeyemo, Akande Abiodun, Jonathan Osondu, Ichull Lordson, Austine Amutu, Abubakar Danbala, Ibrahim Adamu, Yahaya Adamu and Zaradeen Usman.

Dream Team maul Utaka club 6-0 • Leaves for Tunisia tonight From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja Muhammed. The Dream Team VI opened scoring as early as the fifth minute when Plateau United’s striker Godwin Saviour scored from a fine build up from the midfield. Peter Onyekachi who is about to join Enyimba FC from Abia Warriors scored a brace in the 65th and the 71st minute which represented Dream Team VI’s fourth and sixth

goal of the match. Nath Academy of Lagos striker Godwin Odibo scored the third goal for the Samson Siasia’s tutored side in the 40th minute after Junior Ajayi of Shooting Stars has scored the second goal for national U- 23 team two minutes earlier. Bayelsa United forward Tiongoli Tombara scored the Dream Team VI’s fifth goal in the 66th minute. In a chat with NationSport shortly after the friendly match

the Coach of the team Samson Siasia confirmed the team’s departure for Tunis tonight and expects his boys to do well in the two international friendly matches against the host team. “Yes my boys have done well in this match but this shouldn’t be a true test of the strength of the team since we played against an academy team. The true test should be the two friendly matches against the host Tunisia and I am confident that the team will do well over there”, Siasia disclosed.

Osaze tips Cote d'Ivoire to win AFCON

ECUPERATING Nigeria striker Osaze Odemwingie has tipped Cote d'Ivoire to lift the AFCON 2015 in Equatorial Guinea after several close calls. Cote d'Ivoire struggled to draw 1-1 with Guinea in Malabo on Tuesday, but Osaze said they have the quality to be African champions after they last won the tournament in 1992. The Stoke City striker, who is acting as a pundit during ITV's coverage of the AFCON

2015, said he believes the Manchester City duo of Yaya Toure and Wilfried Bony can lead the Elephants to glory in the absence of Didier Drogba. "Most people will say Algeria or Cote d’Ivoire. I would probably say Cote d’Ivoire if Yaya and Bony were fit enough because I think the fittest team will win it,” reasoned Osaze. "I know Yaya sometimes struggles to play in the heat, and sometimes Bony, but they are the best players in the tournament."

other shooting chance from a 25-yard free-kick, but Aristide Bance saw his thunderbolt beaten away by the keeper. Two minutes later the host nation almost scored on the

• Supports Project T.H.E.S.E

POPULAR Nigeria international, Obafemi Martins, has endorsed the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, saying the Epe-born Chartered Accountant and lover of sports has the best programme for youths and sports as a lucrative vocation in Lagos State. Martins, who currently plays for the Seattle Sounders FC, said he was impressed with Ambode's vision as contained in his party’s manifesto, to use the combined sectors of sports, entertainment and tourism to get the teeming youths of Lagos gainfully employed. The 31-year-old Super Eagles’ players said he was happy to identify with the APC campaign rally at Oworonshoki playing ground on Monday because ''I believe a sports-loving governor is what Mr. Ambode represents''. Project T.H.E.S.E stands for Tourism, Hospitality, Enter-

tainment and Arts, Sports all representing Excellence. It is one of the highlights of Ambode's vision to make Lagos a ''clean, secure and prosperous'' city-state. At a charity football match organised in his honour in Ikorodu penultimate Sunday, in which Ambode himself played, the former Accountant General of Lagos State said youth empowerment and sports development would be paramount in his administration if elected as the governor. ''Community sports centers and special scholarships for students who exhibit outstanding sporting skills will be encouraged in my administration. This will guarantee a new vista for job creation for our youths and our state will remain the Número Uno as far as sports is concerned in Nigeria'' said Ambode, who was an exemplary Cricket and Hockey player at the Federal Government College, Warri.

• State of the art courts arrives Nigeria • Toure against Constant during their AFCON clash

counter-attack when Armando Sipoto Bohale broke behind the Burkina Faso defence, but failed to beat the keeper in a one-on-one. In the 39th minute the action

moved to the other end of the park when Alain Traore met a deep ball into the box from the right with a fine 14-yard volley, but the Equatorial Guinea keeper produced a good save, touching his rasping effort onto the post. The half ended 0-0.

Two-match ban as Gervinho apologises for red card VORY Coast forward Gervinho has been given a two-match ban following his sending off against Guinea in the team’s 1-1 draw on Tuesday.

Martins endorses Ambode

FIBA Africa Zone 3 set for 2015 calendar

AFCON host in another stalemate QUATORIAL Guinea and Burkina Faso played to a goalless stalemate in their second 2015 African Cup of Nations, Group A match at the Bata Stadium on Wednesday. The draw is the host nations second in the tournament while Burkina Faso picked up their first point. It was an extremely cagey start to the game with both sides defending deep which resulted in very few chances in front of goal. The first decent shot on goal came in the 19th minute when a 24-yard free-kick from Burkina Faso’s Alain Traore struck the left-hand post. Ten minutes later Equatorial had their first threatening shot on goal and it also came from a free-kick on the left-side of the 18-yard box which saw Ivan Bolado Palacios curl a shot goalwards, but the keeper produced a good diving save. On the half hour mark Burkina Faso fashioned an-

• Martins and Ambode

Gervinho apologised after striking Naby Keita and will now miss his country's final Group D fixtures. "I want to apologise to the Ivory Coast nation, my team-

• Gervinho

mates, the fans and the African Nations Cup organisers for this expression of anger," he wrote on Twitter. "It is not like me and it does not have its place on a football pitch." Gervinho, 27, will now be unavailable for the Ivory Coast's up-coming games against Mali and Cameroon and will only feature again in the tournament if his side reaches the quarter-finals. The former Arsenal forward appeared to slap Guinea defender Keita in the 58th minute of the match in Malabo in an off-the-ball incident. Ivory Coast were a goal down at the time but fought back to earn a draw despite their numerical disadvantage.

IBA Africa Zone 3 led by Col Sam Ahmedu (Rtd) of Nigeria in an effort to commence its activities in 2015, has taken possession of two state of art basketball courts, courtesy of one of its major partners, for the Zone's inaugural 3 x 3 championship billed for March 2015. According to a release made available to the media by the Administrative Secretary of the Zone, Joseph Apu, the courts are just one of the several equipment available for a very competitive year for countries in the Zone. The courts currently being branded and marked in Lagos is the Sport Court Mobile/ Portable Synthetic Court which will also be moved from country to country during the Zone's annual 3 x 3 Tour subsequently. President of the Zone, Col Ahmedu, stated that the facilities which also include fibre glass uprights, Table - Top and Wall Mounted scoreboards, as well as short clocks, is to ensure that countries within Zone 3 which comprises Nigeria, Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana, Cote d’ Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Niger and Liberia benefit from them. “These synthetic floors you see here are just a part of many

other things that will follow. Equipment is a major aspect of developing the game and we’re committed to ensuring that we have the right tools for the development of the game in the Zone. “One major factor affecting the performance of national teams and clubs in the Zone is that of lack of competition and we believe that with the cooperation of national federations we will be able to achieve a better performance for our teams by providing many competitions for players in our Zone. That way, players will be ready and fit for the task ahead and as such readily improve on the general positioning of teams in the zone at continental championships.”

• Ahmedu

TODAY IN THE NATION ‘Fayose went overboard in that advert. It was too provocative and did not do the Abuja Peace Accord any good. A peaceful election will start with those close to officialdom not doing anything to breach that pact’ THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

S the Abuja Accord still alive? When the 11 presidential candidates signed a pact to ensure that next month’s elections are peaceful, we all clapped for them, hailing their patriotism. Now we know we have been deceived. The accord has been shredded. There has been so much anxiety in the land, fuelled by politicians whose language drips violence. But do we need to be told that such conduct paves the way for the manifestation of the savagery we are all so eager to avoid? In other words, it is not initially all baton, bullets and blood. No. These are merely the corollary of a brutish thought process that evokes the foul language that precedes trouble. Almost everybody is guilty, but the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gets the trophy. Instead of leading a solid fight against the fundamentalist Boko Haram, a group that keeps assaulting Nigeria’s military might and the quality of its political leadership, the PDP has laid the blame at the doorstep of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) and its leaders. Some Christians have been bamboozled with wild tales of how APC and its leaders have been backing Boko Haram – all in a desperate battle to win votes. At what point did APC begin to romance Boko Haram? Are those politicians accused of starting it all not in the President’s company? Are they not members of his party? If APC is backing the sect, why did it attempt to kill its presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, in Kaduna? Borno, an APC state, continues to be troubled by the sect, which has killed and kidnapped thousands of its citizens, including the over 200 Chibok girls whose whereabouts remain unknown since April 14, last year when they were snatched off their dormitories and hussled off to nowhere. Apparently frustrated that the Boko Haram smear campaign has fallen flat on its face, the PDP reached into its bag of old, dirty tricks. From nowhere the news came that the report of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), the intervention agency Gen. Buhari once chaired, which its purveyors claimed indicted him, would be made public. Just before the report was splashed on newspaper pages, former President Olusegun Obasanjo knocked the bottom off its bucket, dismissing it as a document that was of no importance. Gen Buhari, he said, passed the test of integrity that the probe was all about. Obasanjo, it should be noted, set up the panel that conducted the probe. But the hatchet men were not done. They soon devised other forms of mudslinging, saying Buhari had no certificates. Haba! This is the first time the former Head of State’s academic qualifications are being challenged. To the idlers and jokers, it was no point that the man had contested elections three times on the same rules set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Constitution. In their warped view, it is no use visiting the schools Gen. Buhari claimed to have attended to confirm whether he was actually there or not and then, armed with iron-cast evidence – if the General lied – challenge his eligibility to run. Enter the military. Army spokesman Brig.Gen. Olajide Laleye, at an elaborate press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, said the NA Form 199 A, which Gen. Buhari filled after his commission as an officer, shows that he got the West African School Certificate in 1961. “However, neither the original copy or the

VEN before Ayo Fayose’s puerile and morbid advert, it was disaster waiting to happen. And that disaster was not the message but the medium: the medium that exposes itself to ridicule, for the sake of lucre. Shit money no dey smell, goes the cynical Nigerian saying in the streets. But this was one of those cases that it really does! Still, the Fayose coarse, crude and ghoulish thinking was not the first. To recap, Fayose, the supposed Excellency that nevertheless rules Ekiti with the vulgarity of a motor park tout, let go a shocking advert, that exposes an alarming thinking process — a well and truly heart of darkness that calls for an urgent shrink. He suggested that since some previous Nigerian military heads of state and an elected president, who came from the Northwest died, in office, he wondered what would happen to Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, the All Progressives

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL. 10, NO. 3103

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

GBENGA OMOTOSO

EDITORIAL NOTEBOOK

gbenga.omotoso@thenationonlineng.net

•Editor of the Year (DAME)

Days of bile and vile

•Brig.-Gen. Laleye...Tuesday

Certified True Copy (CTC) nor statement of result is in his personal file,” Gen. Olaleye said. The army, he said, will not be party to any controversy surrounding Gen. Buhari’s eligibility for any political office. Really? Hasn’t the PDP and its henchmen railroaded the army into this season of bile and vile that is nothing but politics to them? If the papers are not with the army, where are they? Why is PDP bringing up this matter now? Does the law say a candidate must tender his papers on the eve of the election? Thankfully, Government College, Katsina released its copy of Gen. Buhari’s certificate yesterday––to the dismay of the PDP and its itinerant drummers. Perhaps unknown to the PDP, many see this as part of the desperation to keep alive its dream of ruling Nigeria for 60 years- in the first instance - a dream that is collapsing so fast, like a structure erected on sand. In fact, to Gen. Buhari’s growing army of fans, the certificate matter is no issue. “Let Buhari present a NEPA bill as his certificate, I will still vote for him,” a former soccer star is quoted as saying. That is the level of the emotional attachment that many have to the wind of change that Gen. Buhari symbolises. Isn’t it too late to stop him? No, the PDP and its errand boys think. It was obvious the certificate issue would not fly. So, off to town they went to procure an “Oluwole” – oh! that home of master forgers on Lagos Island- health report that states that Gen. Buhari is ill, proclaiming the piece of paper as a bulletin issued by the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, which they actually misnamed. Femi Fani-Kayode, who before getting the job of spokesman of Dr Goodluck Jonathan’s Campaign was busy –

broke, some insist – answering money laundering charges in court, broke the false news of Gen. Buhari’s “illness” . The General’s handlers said he was fit as a fiddle and stressed that he would not fiddle with government cash if voted into office. Gen. Buhari defended his fitness, challenging a reporter to a session of jogging. Apparently buoyed by the fake health report, a governor – governor indeed – assaulted the public’s sensibility by issuing an advertorial suggesting that if voted into power, Gen. Buhari would die in office. It was a classic case of adult delinquency and buffoonery taken too far, even by the awful standard of the advertiser and his masters, who disowned the document as an exclusive device of his. Now, many are recalling the curse of the Great Zik of Africa on “those who make a mockery of old age” when in 1981 the former Senate President, the late Dr Chuba Okadigbo, pilloried the old man – all in the name of politics. Okadigbo said his complaints were “the rantings of an ant”. Zik replied in a moving dirge. He wrote: "My boy, may you live to your full potential, ascend to a dizzy height as is possible for anyone of your political description in your era to rise. May you be acknowledged worldwide as you rise as an eagle atop trees, float among the clouds, preside over the affairs of fellow men.... as leaders of all countries pour into Nigeria to breathe into her ear.But then, Chuba, if it is not the tradition of our people that elders are roundly insulted by young men of the world, as you have unjustly done to me, may your reign come to an abrupt and x close. As you look ahead, Chuba, as you see the horizon, dedicating a great marble palace that is the envy of the world, toasted by the most powerful men in the land, may the great big

LAWAL OGIENAGBON

hand snatch it away from you. Just as you look forward to hosting the world's most powerful leader and shaking his hands, as you begin to smell the recognition and leadership of the Igbo people, may the crown fall off your head and your political head fall off your shoulders.None of my words will come to pass, Chuba, until you have risen to the very height of your power and glory and health, but then you will be hounded and humiliated and disgraced out of office, your credibility and your name in tatters forever...” When, many are asking, will PDP begin to discuss issues? Will Dr Goodluck Jonathan stop theorising about “stealing” and “corruption” and go after all those who have robbed the treasury, some of them part of those running his campaign? How will he convince Nigerians that he has done all that is humanly possible against Boko Haram? Will there be jobs for all? How? Will he restore the dignity of the Judiciary? Can we ever get power right and save industrialists the fortune they pour into diesel drain? The song about debasing – sorry, an error there - rebasing of the economy, petrol queues, railway, rice and cassava bread and all that sounds like an old lullaby that can no longer lull us all to sleep. Let’s sing a new song, Your Excellency. To many Nigerians, this season of vile and bile has provided a massive canvass for the exhibition of their amazing creativity. Since the government suddenly reduced fuel price from N97 to N87 last Sunday, the action has become a subject of jokes on the Internet. There is a caricature of the President – bowler hat, a short sleeve shirt and a pair of shorts - filling a motorist’s car at a petrol station. In another posting, Dr Jonathan is pictured in a pensive mood, his left hand on his chin. Behind him is former President Olusegun Obasanjo, his tongue sticking out mockingly, saying to the President: “Even if you reduce fuel price to N10, they won’t vote for you. Huuuu!” There is also the portrait of a man laughing hysterically and saying: “So, because we said we need change, GEJ has given us N10 change”. What do you say of the onomatopoeic contraption of Buhari’s name to FeBuhari to push his choice for the February 14 election? In Yoruba, fe means love. You are simply being urged to love Buhari and show this on February 14, the all-lovers day that is also the election day. What a coincidence! See you at the polls.

Bonjour Mbu Joseph Mbu

T is only fit and proper to welcome Assistant Inspector-General of Police Mbu Joseph Mbu to Lagos where he is to take charge of Zone 2, which comprises Lagos and Ogun states. Mbu’s belligerence is well known. So, for Lagosians who may want to be familiar with the new helmsman’s style, a word of caution. Mbu dislikes rallies and protests without police permit, although the courts have said you don’t need a permit for such gatherings. If in doubt, ask the #BringBackOurGirls campaigners. He, being a peaceful and cultured officer, does not like being described as “controversial”. If in

doubt, ask Amaechi Anakwe of AIT, who spent time in detention for describing the gentleman as controversial. With Mbu, no office is sacred. If in doubt, ask Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi or simply recall the officer’s lion and leopard allegory, which he told with remarkable relish. When Mbu is at work, never accuse him of partisanship, of singing Abuja’s song. Never. He is a thoroughbred professional. So, fellow Lagosians, there you have it. Before I am charged with tardiness, may I quickly say bonjour officer. •For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

•Hardball is not the opinion HARDBALL of the columnist featured above Fayose: The medium, not the message Congress (APC) presidential candidate, should he triumph on February 14. Still, isn’t Second Republic President Shehu Shagari from the Northwest? Is he not alive? By Fayose’s morbid illogic, that was his brilliant way of pitching votes for President Goodluck Jonathan! Only a Fayose could proudly boast of such base thinking! The outrage was instant; and virtually the whole of Nigeria’s population recoiled in outrage — the whole of Nigeria, except Fayose and his ilk. What is more? The enfant terrible of Ekiti politics declared he had no apologies! Indeed, it’s real fun watching a lunatic display. But whoever prays his child is the looney stealing the show in the market square? Still, Fayose’s mis-advert was only the latest in

the mercantilist gifting of media space (for hefty lucre, of course) to advertisers. In contemporary newspaper parlance in Nigeria, it is called “wraparound”. The malady started with some corporate players, baiting the cash-parched media with naked cash, to part with media spaces in the most unlikely of spaces. The banks pioneered this practice, followed by telecoms, and others. But the first real shock came with the third term agenda by former President Olusegun Obasanjo or, in any case as he claimed in his latest memoirs, My Watch, his associates who he knew were behind the third term move, but did not stop them. A nation that had sheer revulsion for that selfserving gambit woke up one morning to see an audacious pro-third term advert, “wrapped-

around” the front and back pages of a prominent national newspaper, with the newspaper’s masthead even giving it some tacit support! Then, all hell broke loose. Such was the resentment against that newspaper that the market negatively reacted, causing other newspapers to be wary of such “subversive” adverts. Still, that blew over — and now, it is Fayose’s with its ghoulish content and demented temper. How could any newspaper worth its editorial sanity lend its corporate face to such advertising lunacy? But the logic: if in strict principle, you make your front page available for any advert when you know news ought to be there, how can you in all good conscience lament that a Fayose has virtually plastered your face with rotten eggs? Newspaper players had better take an industry stand on such ads, before another Fayose blights them with another crudity!

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