The Nation January 23, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Subsidy cash: EFCC invites fuel importers

Policeman, soldier killed in Bauchi

NEWS – Page 6

NEWS

Page 4

•Police, community disagree

•Firms to produce evidence of supplies

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Death toll may hit 250 in Kano bombings

•A survivor of the attacks rests at a hospital bed in Kano ... yesterday. SEE ALSO PAGES 2,3,4&5

Jonathan vows justice

T

•A survivor of a bomb attack sits on a hospital bed in Kano ... yesterday.

PHOTO: AFP

HE President was in Kano – scene of Friday’s multiple explosions in which more than 150 residents died – yester-

day.

He saw the devastation in Nigeria’s second largest city, mourned the dead, comforted the injured and promised to go after Boko Haram (Western education is sinful) sponsors. The sect launched the attacks in which the death toll is expected to hit 250, according to a hospital doctor.

Although the figure of 178 dead was released on Saturday, the doctor told the AFP news agency that the final toll was likely to be about 250.

“Although the bulk of the bodies were brought here [the main hospital], others were deposited at three other hospitals,” the doctor said.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Sultan: it’s unacceptable

I counted at least 25 explosions ... Then it went ‘deathly quiet. Kano is a bustling city ... I’ve lived here for years and it has never been quiet, even at night. But after the bombings stopped, the only noise you could hear were dogs barking.

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

The scale of the carnage makes this by far the deadliest strike claimed by Boko Haram, a sect that started out as a clerical movement opposed to western education but has become the biggest security menace in Nigeria.

“We have 178 people killed in the two main

’

hospitals,” the senior doctor in Kano’s Murtala Mohammed hospital said, citing records from his own and the other main hospital of Nasarawa.

“There could be more, because some bodies have not yet come in and others were collected early.”

Continued on page 4

•JOBS P15 •SPORTS P24 •POLITICS P25 •CITYBEATS P31 •CEO P50

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

2

NEWS EXPLOSIONS IN KANO, BAUCHI NEW YEAR MESSAGES

Ohanaeze urges governors to evacuate Igbo from North

T

HE Kano State chapter of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo has urged governors of the five states in the Southeast to evacuate their indigenes in the North.

The group, in a statement, said this has become necessary since the Boko Harm insurgent group appears bent on destroying the country.

It said: “There is no gainsaying the fact that our people are now are living with naked fear and apprehension. Though there are few of us who may like to stay and defend ourselves, the majority of us, particularly, women and children, numbering over three million are jostling to leave the North (Kano), because unfolding events indicate that the North (Kano) is no longer safe for easterners.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Kano, thereby, calls on the governors of the Eastern States and Igbo speaking States in the Southsouth to provide means of transportation with adequate security to evacuate our brethren who would want to leave because human life is precious and should be protected as such.”

The statement, by its president, Chief Tobias Idika, reads: “In about a month ago, the dreaded Islamic

By Wale Adepoju

terrorist gang called Boko Haram issued a threat message ordering all Southerners to vacate the North or face annihilation. Though the three day ultimatum they gave had elapsed with some pockets of attacks in Borno, Niger, Yobe States etc. Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Kano foresaw the wreckage that took place in Kano on Friday.

“If we can recall, Kano was the first base of Boko Haram insurgence following their first onslaught in April 2007 when the Boko Haram elements invaded Kano through the Panshekara axis and engaged security agencies in a series of attacks that claimed lives and government properties.

“Since then, they have continued to put an eye on Kano with malicious concentration on non-natives. Ohanaeze Ndigbo Kano can also state without fear of contradiction that the January 20, 2012 attack on Kano remains the only biggest coordinated attack by the Islamic terrorist group where about nine locations were bombed and lives (including one Mr. Ibe, an insurance broker was killed) and property lost!

“In this light, Ohanaeze Ndigbo

Kano is convinced that there is a planned Jihad on non-natives in Kano, particularly, the Igbos. Security report reaching us indicates that there is a serious plot by the Islamic terrorist group to invade Sabon Gari Kano, an enclave predominantly dominated by the Igbos.

“We are also aware that this Islamic group serving the interest of some Islamic clerics, Northern traditional rulers and ruthless politicians, have a big plan to bomb churches, public places, hotels and selected private homes within Sabon Gari Kano.

“For the fact that in the January 20 attack on Kano, even journalists were not spared with the killing of the Channels reporter, Eneche Akogwu, by the Boko Haram terrorists, means that nobody’s live is protected in Kano. Ohanaeze Ndigbo Kano, with a deep heart, uses this opportunity to commiserate with the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Muhammed Garba and all journalists in Nigeria. The killing of Eneche Akogwu brings to two innocent journalists who have fallen victim to the wicked attack and agenda of the Islamic Boko Haram in recent times.”

• Commander, 33 Artilery Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Agbo Robinson (left), and the Bauchi State Commissioner Of Police, Mr Ikechukwu Aduba, speaking with reporters...yesterday

SSS, police tighten security in Niger

P

OLICE and the State Security Service (SSS) have beefed up security around their headquartres in Niger State.

The Nation learnt this is not unconnected to the multiple attacks on security formations in Kano on Friday.

Roads leading to the state offices of the two security outfits, which are located at Dutsen Kura area of the state capital, have been condoned off.

The dual carriage way that leads to the police headquarters has been collapsed to one lane; visitors are

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

not allowed to drive in their vehicles to the premises of the police headquarters.

Aside the massive speed breakers mounted on the road leading to SSS office, the road has been declared no thorough fare to members of the public, thereby forcing civil servants working at the Federal Secretariat, which is situated beside the SSS office, to assess their offices through alternative route.

Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) have also been directed to beef up

security around their stations and barracks.

Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Maishanu, met with Senior Police Officers (SPOs) on Saturday to review the security challenges being faced by the command. At the meeting, it was decided that roads leading to police stations should be restricted.

Police Public Relations Officer in Niger State Mr. Richard Oguche (ASP) said the development was part of measures to curtail any insurgence by the dreaded Boko Haram group.

International Criminal Court urged to stop killings

T

HE Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), in The Hague, Netherland, Luis Moreno Ocampo, was yesterday urged “to urgently intervene to stop the mass killings and injuries to several innocent Nigerians, including a journalist, across the country.”

Making the call was the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) in the wake of weekend’s multiple explosions in Kano and Bauchi states at the weekend.

More than 200 innocent residents were said to have died in the explosions believed to have been masterminded by members of the deadly Boko Haram sect.

In January 22 petition signed by its lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SERAP asked Ocampo to “use your good offices and position to investigate the complicity of some security agencies regarding allegations of mass killings across Nigeria, and continuing attacks against innocent Nigerians, which may amount to crimes against humanity within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.”

The petition, contained in a statement signed by the organisation’s Executive Director Adetokunbo

Mumuni, said Nigeria ratified the Rome Statute of the ICC and deposited its instrument of ratification on September 27, 2001.

According to the organisation, it was unacceptable that those suspected to have planned the unending attacks on innocent Nigerians have not been brought to justice. The petition reads: “While several citizens continue to be killed and injured, key suspects have reportedly escaped from police custody apparently with the complicity and/or negligence of some security officials.

In fact, the government itself has claimed that some of its agencies may be supporting or sponsoring the killings and attacks.

“The government has therefore shown itself to be unwilling or unable to thoroughly investigate and bring to justice suspected perpetrators and sponsors of the unnecessary killings.

“This is a clear abdication of the international legal obligations assumed by the government under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

“This situation amounts to a denial of the victims’ access to a fair, effective and prompt system of jus-

tice. This violates United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions imposing obligations on all states to put an end to impunity and to prosecute those responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.”

The organization SERAP noted: “A cycle of violence has had a deleterious effect on development and has been a core source of instability and insecurity in many parts of Nigeria.

“Pursuant to the Rome Statute, the Prosecutor has power to intervene in a situation under the jurisdiction of the Court if the Security Council or states parties refer a situation or if information is provided from other sources such as the information SERAP is providing in this case.

“SERAP believes that substantial grounds exist to warrant the intervention of the Prosecutor in this case, especially given that the Nigerian government has shown itself to be unwilling or unable to genuinely, fairly and effectively investigate or prosecute suspected perpetrators and sponsors of crimes against humanity and other crimes under international law, which are within the ICC’s jurisdiction.”

• Protesters in Abuja marching against insecurity the country ... yesterday

Senator, Rep condemn reporter’s death •Activists urge Jonathan to stop violence

S

ENATE Minority Whip Ganiyu Solomon and chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Anti corruption, Ethics and National Values, James Faleke yesterday condoled with Channels TV over the death of its reporter, Enenche Akogwu.

Solomon described the incident as becoming too frequent, calling on the Federal Government to take decisive action against the Boko Haram insurgency.

He said: “It is a sad irony that the FG which deployed soldiers to Lagos with immediate alacrity has not been able to take any decisive action on the Boko Haram issue while Nigerians are being killed. FG should know this is time for action,’ Solomon said.

Faleke said the Federal Government seems not to be sincere in its handling of the Boko Haram issue while displaying unnecessary power show at seemingly innocous matters.

He said: “The Federal Government can deploy soldiers against innocent Lagosians but it has not been able to take decisive action on the Boko Haram issue. It shows that

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

the FG likes chasing shadows. A young man killed so callously in the line of duty is rather unfortunate.

May God grant his family and employers the fortitude to bear the loss.”

The Human Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) yesterday urged President Goodluck Jonathan to stop the killing of innocent citizens.

The group, in a statement, said the incessant violence in parts of the North should not be allowed to continue.

The group said it was shocked that well-coordinated bomb attacks could be carried out in a metropolitan city like Kano in broad daylight without good and quality counter security measures in place.

It blamed the judiciary for not helping the fight against terrorism by handling terrorism related cases like civil matters.

The group said it was time the United Nations Security Council provided protection for unarmed civilians endangered by the incessant bloody attacks of Boko Haram.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

3

NEWS EXPLOSIONS IN KANO, BAUCHI

Soldiers take over Kano streets SOLDIERS were manning checkpoints in Kano, but a round-the-clock curfew imposed after the violence following Friday prayers was relaxed to a nighttime curfew yesterday, although streets remained largely deserted.

The attacks sent residents fleeing in fear or kept many indoors.

“How can I go out while such a huge number of the people have been killed? I have to respect the dead,” said food trader Shehu Lawan.

In an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), President Goodluck Jonathan said arrests have been made. He said: “Some arrests have been made. Some died in the process. Some were suicide bombers.”

He added: “There must be people who are sponsoring them.

Terrorists all over the world have their source of income.

“We are also looking into those areas to make sure that the so-called Boko Haram ... those who are encouraging them, those who are sponsoring them, shall be brought to book.”

Asked about the number of Boko Haram members, he said: “Nobody can say for now, because you know that they are not organised armed forces.”

eft), Aduba,

• A protester in Abuja ... yesterday

PHOTOS: ABAYOMI FAYOSE

yesterday

Governors mourn slain Channels’ man

S

TATE governors yesterday condoled with Channels Television over the death of its reporter, Enenche Akogwu, in Friday’s explosions in Kano.

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola condoled with the people of Kano State and the management of Channels Television.

The governor expressed sadness at the death of Akogwu.

In a condolence letter to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the station, Mr John Momoh, the governor said: “This, indeed, must be harrowing times for you, the management and staff of your respected organisation as well as the family of Mr Akogwu. Please remember that you are in my thoughts and prayers.”

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, in a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Peter Okhiria, said: “Akogwu’s death is a sad loss not only to his family, the Channels Television and the Nigeria Union of Journalists, but to the entire nation going by the report that he was a dedicated and hardworking reporter who won an award from his organisation, just last year”.

Oyo State Governor Abiola

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna, Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo, Ugochukwu Eke and Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

Ajimobi, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, said the masterminds of the explosions were bent on destroying the country.

He said: “The multiple bomb blasts in Kano are an indication that the masterminds of this incessant violence have an eye on bringing this nation to its knees. It should be a wake-up call on all of us to resist their evil machinations with the last pint of our blood. It has gone beyond ethnic or religious divide. These are the enemies of Nigeria whom we must resist, lest they bring down a nation that our forefathers were martyred to bring to reality.”

The Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr Mu’azu Aliyu, also commiserated with the family of the late reporter.

Aliyu said: “The untimely death of the hard working journalist has created a void in his media organisation.”

Aliyu called on security agencies to double their efforts in the discharge of their responsibilities of protecting the life and property.

Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi condemned the strings of bomb blasts in Kano and other parts of the country.

Fayemi, described the growing spate of bombing and insecurity in the country as unacceptable, and called on the Federal Government to urgently come up with ways to end the orgy of violence and wanton destruction of lives and properties.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, the governor said the Federal Government should focus more on cutting off the oxygen of sustenance of the group, through a well coordinated security strategy.

Fayemi said: “What it requires is a careful, diligent and comprehensive intelligence gathering and detection capacity aimed at the masterminds of the attack - the sponsors of Boko Haram (BH) and their international links with Al-Qaeda, GIS in Algeria etc, not a focus on the foot soldiers.

He said: “Protection of lives and properties of the citizen is a major task for the government. Citizens should be free to live and ply their trade in any part of the country without any fear of being killed or maimed and any group or indi-

vidual that want to circumvent government’s effort in this regard should be dealt with effectively. This is not the time for rhetoric, this is time for action.”

Taraba State Governor Danbaba Suntai said: “I also condole with families of the late journalist and all those affected in the bomb blasts.”

The governor said the incident should not dampen the courage that journalists are known for; rather they should “continue to be brave, focused and relentless in defending the truth”.

He condemned in-to-to the spate of violence and killings in parts of the North, noting that “democracy and press freedom are the ultimate ingredients for development”.

Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media, Dr Muideen Akorede, was quoted as saying “I am deeply saddened by the wanton and senseless killing of innocent Nigerians in this dastardly and gruesome attack. It is tragic that traditionally Kano city which was the scene of a recent display of uncommon solidarity between Muslims and Christians has been turned into a theatre of death by this wicked and cowardly act of

terrorism.”

Abia State Governor Theodore Orji urged the security to stop violence so that previous life such as the Channels’ reporter’s would no longer be wasted.

The governor urged journalists not be deterred from doing their work.

Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva commiserated with the families of victims of weekends' attacks in Kano, praying that God will stand by them in "these trying times."

The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Doifie Ola, said: "We pray that God will give these families the courage and the fortitude to bear these loses. We mourn with them. We mourn with the Government and people of Kano State. They should all be consoled that God, the ultimate comforter, will stand by them in these trying times".

On Akogwu , Sylva said: "It is highly regrettable that what Akogwu got back for his love for country and duty was this brutal and callous end."

Sylva advised security agencies not to be deterred but to "re-double their efforts to bring an end to the carnage that has taken over our land."

4

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

NEWS Soldier, policeman, eight others killed in Bauchi

I

•President Jonathan (middle) flanked by Kwankwaso (left) and Alhaji Bayero ... yesterday

PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

T was a dawn of bullets yesterday in Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi State.

Eleven people, including a soldier and a police officer, were killed.

The killings came two days after the Friday Boko Haram mayhem in Kano, which recorded the highest ever in the history of the sect’s strikes.

More than 150 died.

But the Police and the community disagreed on the hoodlums’ mode of operation.

Bauchi State Police Commissioner Ikechukwu Aduba said the hoodlums killed 11 persons.

He said the hoodlums were in Tafawa Balewa to rob a bank, but were confronted by

Death toll may hit 250 in Kano bombings Continued from page 1

President Jonathan vowed to wipe out Boko Haram, saying the Federal Government would not rest in its oars until the menace of the group is exterminated.

The President spoke at the palace of the Emir, Alhaji Ado Bayero.

According to him, Kano has been peaceful, but the insurgence of the Boko Haram has caused fear among residents.

Dr Jonathan said: “The people doing this are not spirit. They are among us. I seek the cooperation of all towards getting those involved in the havoc arrested. I assure Nigerians that the government will intensify its security in Kano and all over the country to unravel the misery behind this act.

“What is good for us as a nation is to look at our neighbours, to know what they do to enable us fish out these miscreants because if we don’t, one day, it may be against us. We will not rest, until these terrorists are wiped out.”

He urged Nigerians to be watchful of bad elements, who continue to disrupt peace and stability, adding: “Nigerians should do everything possible to make sure that miscreants in our midst are immediately reported to security agents. It is the responsibility of all Nigerians to fight militancy.”

Replying to the Emir’s demand for increased security in Kano, the President promised to order the deployment of more security agents in the state, in addition to providing them with modern equipment.

The President said: “Any dangerous attack on any community is an attack on Nigerians. In some years back, none of us will believe that Nigeria will be involved in suicide bombing mission.”

He urged traditional rulers and patriotic Nigerians to educate their people on the danger of terrorism.

The Emir, in an emotional voice, condemned the perpetrators of the attacks, adding that Kano is plunged into apprehension. He urged the Federal Government to do everything to address insecurity.

The President visited the affected areas, including the badly torched Zone 1 Headquarters to assess the damage.

He also visited the Army Specialist Hospital where some of the injured are being treated.

He promised that the Federal and state governments would assist the injured and relatives of the dead.

Sultan: it’s inhuman, unacceptable

T

HE Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, yesterday described the Boko Haram attacks on Kano as “most inhuman, unfortunate and unacceptable”.

He spoke through a statement by the National Secretary of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI).

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) also bereted the Boko Haram (Western education is sinful), saying: “enough is enough”.

The northern socio-political organisation described the Boko Haram co-ordinated attacks in which almost 200 people died as a “brazen insurrection against constituted authorities”.

The National Secretary of JNI, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, quoted the Sultan as saying: “The senseless killing of fellow human beings and wanton destruction of property, which occurred in Kano city on January 20, is most unfortunate, inhuman and unacceptable.

“This is not only sad but disheartening. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.

“Life is sacred and, therefore, must be respected, preserved and protected at all times.

“Security agencies must fish out the perpetrators of these dastardly acts and make them face the full wrath of the law, regardless of their status, so as to serve as deterrent to others.

“The security agencies must also take proactive measures to stop the re-occurThe President’s plane landed at the Malam Aminu Kano Airport at about 3.09pm.

He was accompanied by Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Azubike Ihejirika, among other officials.

The President, accompanied

by Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwanso, arrived at the Emir’s palace after the 4.00pm prayers. He spent about 15 minutes with the Emir, who received him alongside members of the Emirate Council, including Alhaji Wambai Kano and Alhaji Abass Sanusi.

“The message I had for the people of Kano is the same message I have for all Nigerians: A terrorist attack on one person is an attack on all of us,” President Jonathan said in a post on his official Facebook page after the

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos and Tony Akowe, Kaduna

rence of such acts before they happen in order to create a sense of security and safety in the citizenry.”

The Sultan added: “It is evidently clear that Nigeria is passing through a trying moment of general insecurity of overwhelming magnitude, resulting in the wanton destruction of innocent lives and property and causing pains, sorrow and untold hardship.

“The recent Kano incident is perhaps the worst in terms of the loss of lives and property. JNI and NSCIA note that these painful calamities are repercussions arising from the departure from the ways of Allah the Most High.

“Injustice, greed and corruption led to the negative attitudes of rancour and bickering along religious and or ethnic divides. JNI and NSCIA call on all Nigerians to lean back to the ways of Allah by embracing each other, shunning violence and corruption and putting all hands on deck to make peace reign in all national affairs for sustainable security and development of Nigeria. These attitudinal changes should be coupled with fervent prayers to Allah, the Most High, to deliver the Nigerian nation from the clutches of Satan, the accursed.”

The ACF said in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Anthony Sani, in Kaduna that Nigerians must wake up from their slumber and assist the government in containing the

visit.

Authorities have lifted a daytime curfew imposed in Kano after the bombings, which hit eight government sites Friday.

But an overnight curfew remained between 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Shell-shocked residents wandered the streets, looking for loved ones. Others hid behind barricaded doors, too scared to leave for fear of more attacks.

“That’s the scary part, not knowing,” said Faruk Mohammed, 27, who lives near one of the bombed police stations. “We don’t know what’s going to happen next, no one thought this would ever happen here. There’s a general sense of despair.”

The attacks paired bomb blasts with shootings on various

“brazen insurrection against constituted authorities” by the group.

Reacting to Friday’s attack on facilities of security agencies in Kano which killed several people including a Channels Television Cameraman, the ACF asked the group to immediately put an end to such dastardly act, pointing out that the violent killing and destruction of property of fellow Nigerians is unacceptable.

Asking Boko Haram to embrace the due process of law to address perceived injustice, the ACF told members of the group that “enough is enough of the killings in the name of God or revenge”.

According to the Forum, “it is very disheartening for the nation to be revisited with multiple bomb explosions in Kano and Bauchi states, which have claimed many lives as well as property in Kano and unknown losses in Bauchi State.

“More distressing is the reported claim

by Boko Haram that the sect did all these in revenge for the arrest and detention of their members by the security agencies in Kano. This is depressing because it is against tenets of any religion or faith to kill innocent people and call it revenge.

“There is no provision for a ‘head for an eye’ in the scriptures of all faiths or religions. It bears repeating that violence as means to address perceived grievance has never worked anywhere in the world. It is often counterproductive.”

sites, including police stations, the passport office, state security headquarters and the immigration office.

During the attacks, assailants entered a police station, freed detainees and bombed it, authorities said.

They later canvassed the area in a car led by motorcycles, spraying targets with gunfire.

“I counted at least 25 explosions ...,” Mohammed said.

“Then it went deathly quiet.

Kano is a bustling city ... I’ve lived here for years and it has never been quiet, even at night.

But after the bombings stopped, the only noise you could hear were dogs barking.”

Two churches and a security checkpoint were attacked in the neighboring state of Bauchi, the

•Sultan Abubakar

state police commissioner said in a statement. At least 11 people, including police and army personnel, were killed in the checkpoint attack, the commissioner said. There were no casualties reported from the church attacks.

Police said they suspect Boko Haram was involved in the checkpoint attack.

Ki-Moon condemns Kano mayhem

U

NITED Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon condemned Friday’s multiple attacks in Kano.

A statement from the office of the UN Secretary General said: “The Secretary-General is appalled at the frequency and

intensity of recent attacks in Nigeria, which demonstrate a wanton and unacceptable disregard for human life.”

Ki-Moon also expressed “his hope for swift and transparent investigations into these incidents that lead to bringing the perpetrators to justice”.

Yesterday, Armed police

drove by the hospital in a pickup truck with a body wrapped in a white burial shroud. Children outside the hospital sold surgical masks. Once used only for the heavy dust in the sprawling city, the masks are now being used by residents going into the hospital’s overflowing mortuary.

Soldiers in bulletproof vests carrying assault rifles with bayonets stood guard at roundabouts in areas where the sect had attacked. At the regional police headquarters in Kano, which sustained particularly heavy damage, soldiers refused access to AP reporters.

From Onyedi Ojiabor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

a combined team of armed soldiers and police.

Aduba who spoke to reporters in his office, said, “A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) was killed in a nearby hotel in the town”, but did not give details.

He said: “An Army Lance Corporal was killed at the Bununu check point, eight civilians whose identities are yet to be known were also killed by the rampaging hoodlums.”

On whether any of the invaders was killed, the police boss said: “At three o’clock in the morning, it was dark and nobody could say what happened at Ganjuwa. These hoodlums go about with their diggers and shovels and I cannot say whether they bury their dead immediately, but we caught one of them with bullet wounds.”

Aduba said the police have stepped up investigation of 10 Improvised Explosive Device (IEDs) found at the scene of crime. He said six persons have been arrested.

Also yesterday, three explosions occurred by the perimeter fence of Our Lady of Lauretto Catholic Church at 2:30a.m. and at ECWA Church Railway at 5a.m. in Bauchi metropolis. But there was no loss of life, but nearby buildings were affected.

Mr. Zhadi Bukata, a spokesperson for the Sayawa Elders and Sayawa Community in Tafawa Balewa Local government Area of Bauchi State said the Police Commissioner’s media briefing was misleading.

Zhadi said: “The family of Joel Galadima, himself, wife Rauta Galadima, Lumi Galadima, Simon Galadima and their children were attacked and killed in their house in Tafawa Balewa yesterday at about 2:40 am.”

“We have just buried the other five killed by the invaders. And the DSP that was killed was a Divisional Crime Office of Toro local Government Area in Bauchi who was on relief duty because the Divisional Police Officer is on leave,” he explained.

He also debunked claims by the Police Commissioner that the hoodlums came to rob a bank, saying: “Nobody went near a bank. People were attacked in their houses”.

“The family of five that was killed lived more than two kilometers away from the bank and there is no way anybody can go to rob a bank and will go into private houses killing the occupants.’’

“Please come to Tafawa Balewa and see the destruction these people caused. The Police Commissioner is being very economical with the truth on this attack. If he has any truth, why did he not give you the name of the acting DPO?” Zhadi queried.

A similar attack on a village on the outskirts of Tafawa Balewa on January 10 claimed three lives.

The slain police officer has been identified as Ola Adeleke, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).

Adeleke hailed from Ogun State and was Head of the Computer Section of the Lagos State Police Command before he was posted to Bauchi State last year.

He was sent to Tafawa Balewa Local Government on relief duty three weeks ago.

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

5

NEWS EXPLOSIONS IN KANO, BAUCHI

Days of terror in Kano, Bauchi The Boko Haram insurgent group launched a series of bomb attacks in Kano and Bauchi states at the weekend, leaving about 200 people dead and property worth millions of naira destroyed.

• A rescue worker inspecting the burnt-out wreckage of cars and motorcycles destroyed by multiple explosions and armed assailants in Kano...yesterday

•Security personnel inspecting a burnt police station in Kano

• A man inspecting the wreckage of motorcycles destroyed by multiple explosions and armed assailants in the Marhaba area of Kano

•A crowd of people gathered as President Goodluck Jonathan visited the burnt office of the Assitant Inspector General of police in charge of Zone 1 ...yesterday

• The perimeter fence of ECWA Church, Railway, Bauchi, after an attack by Boko Haram militants...yesterday

•Soldiers waiting at the airport near Kano for the arrival of President Goodluck Jonathan ... yesterday

• Front view of the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospitaal in Kano, where 162 bodies were deposited PHOTOS: AFP

• Tour Lady of Loreto Catholic Church, Bauchi, after an attack by Boko Haram militants... yesterday

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

6

NEWS ICPC to float toll-free calls for whistle-blowers From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

THE Acting Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr. Ekpo Nta, yesterday said the commission may introduce toll-free calls for whistleblowers.

Nta said the commission may explore the possibility of training Certified Private Investigators in higher institutions.

Nta, in a statement in Abuja , said these plans were issues raised at the ICPC Board Meeting last Thursday.

He said: “Arising from its Board Meeting held on Thursday, 19th January 2011, the Commission noted that the recent fuel subsidy protests, government’s explanations, National Assembly’s public hearings/interventions has thrown up an agreement by government, organized labour, civil societies, women, students and youth groups , and indeed street urchins, that corruption poses ‘... a serious threat to the stability and security of societies, undermining the institutions and values of democracy, ethical values and justice and jeopardizing sustainable development and the rule of law” as opined by the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNAC).’

“ICPC specially commends the Nigerian print, radio and television media for providing the platform for the current unprecedented and sustained national discourse on the issue of corruption these past weeks.

“ICPC is indeed very delighted and sincerely hopes that the gains from all these discourses will sustain an emerging beneficial partnership between government, labour, Civil Societies and citizens and anti-corruption agencies to stem or eradicate corrupt activities.

“To this end, we have proposed in our 2012 budget the novel idea of instituting and funding toll-free calls to assist concerned citizens report infractions of the ICPC Act in reliance of Section 6(f) of our Act mandating us to ‘enlist and foster public support in combating corruption’.”

EFCC invites 38 oil marketers over N1.3tr •Interrrogation subsidy cash begins today

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HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited 38 oil marketers who allegedly benefited from the controversial N1.3trillion subsidy incurred last year by the Federal Government.

The interrogation of the marketers will begin today in Abuja in batches.

The invitation of the marketers has caused anxiety among some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chiefs who are ex-board members of the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA).

The invitation of the marketers followed preliminary screening of oil import records retrieved from the PPPRA last week by the EFCC. A source in the anti-graft agency, who spoke in confidence, said: “Those invited are all those on the list released by the Senate Committee probing the management of oil subsidy cash.

“All the marketers were served letters of invitation on Friday. They are expected to come with records of their oil imports and the amount of subsidy cash they enjoyed.

“Once we get their records, we will compare these with those of the PPPRA before we engage international security agencies in verifying where they bought products and how they shipped the refined oil.”

The Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the invitation.

He said: “We will start interacting with the marketers from Monday (today) but it might be in batches.

“They are to appear with documentation and supporting evidence in respect of all transactions.”

Findings however confirmed that relevant desk officers in PPPRA will be

THE AFFECTED OIL FIRMS OANDO NIG. PLC INTEGRATED OIL AND GAS MRS A.A. RANO A-Z PETROLEUM A.S.B: ARCON PLC AFRICAN PETROLEUM AMINU RESOURCES CAPITAL OIL CON OIL: AVANTE GUARD AVIDO: BOFFAS AND COMPANY BRILLA ENERGY D. JONES PETROLEUM DOWNSTREAM ENERGY DOSIL OIL AND GAS INCO RAY ETERNAL FOLAWIYO ENERGY FRADO INTERNATIONAL FIRST DEEPWATER OIL HEDEN PETROL HONEYWELL PETROL AMP ASCON CHANNEL OIL FORT OIL ENAK OIL & GAS BOVAS & CO. NIG LTD OBAT OIL AP IPMAN INVESTMENT LTD ACON ATIO OIL AMP EMAC OIL From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor Northern Operation, Abuja

part of the interrogation process to corroborate the veracity of the marketers or claim otherwise.

As of press time, the

N228.506b N30b 224.818 b N1.14 b N18.61 b N3.16 b N24.116 b N104.58 b N2.3 b N22.4 b N37.96 b N1.14 b N3.64 b N3.67 b N960.3 m N14.86 b N789.648 m N3.375 b N1.988 b N5.574 b N113.32 b N2.63 b N257.396 m N693 m N12.2 b N11.417 b N5.271 b N1.308 b N8.582 b N19.684 b N5.685 b N85 b N104.5 b N10.9 b N24.1 b N64.4 b N11.4 b N19.2 b

probe has caused anxiety for some stalwarts of the PDP who had served on the board of the PPPRA at one time or the order.

A source added: “The EFCC probe may go beyond 2011. That is why some PDP members, who were once

on the board of the PPPRA, are worried about the ongoing investigation.

“In fact, some members of the National Assembly in the Sixth Senate, who had link with the PPPRA, might also be invited at a later date. Some people benefited from subsidy without importing products.

“Some marketers were also allegedly used to raise subsidy invoice for products that were not shipped to Nigeria .”

It could not be ascertained in what order the marketers will be quizzed by the commission.

The Chairman of the Senate ad-hoc Committee looking into fuel subsidy regime, Senator Magnus Abe, had recently released the list of the affected 38 companies.

The firms and the amount of money they received last year alone are as follows: Oando Nigeria Plc, N228.506billion; Integrated Oil and Gas Plc, N30billion; MRS, 224.818 billion; A.A. Rano, N1.14 billion; A-Z Petroleum, N18.61 billion; A.S.B, N3.16 billion; Arcon Plc, N24.116 billion; African Petroleum, N104.58 billion; Aminu Resources, N2.3 billion; Capital Oil, N22.4 billion; Con Oil, N37.96 billion; Avante Guard, N1.14 billion; Avido, N3.64 billion; Boffas and Company, N3.67 billion; and Brilla Energy, N960.3 million.

Others are: D. Jones Petroleum, N14.86 billion; Downstream Energy, N789.648 million; Dosil Oil and Gas, N3.375 billion; Inco ray, N1.988 billion; Eternal, N5.574 billion; Folawiyo Energy, N113.32 billion; Frado International, N2.63 billion; First Deepwater Oil, N257.396 million; Heden Petrol, N693 million; Honeywell Petrol, N12.2 billion; AMP, N11.417 billion; Ascon, N5.271 billion; Channel Oil, N1.308 billion; Fort Oil, N8.582 billion; Enak Oil & Gas, N19.684 billion;

Bovas & Co. Nig Ltd, N5.685billion; and Obat Oil N85billion.

Abe also named AP, N104.5billion; IPMAN Investment Limited, N10.9billion; ACON, N24.1billion; Atio Oil, N64.4billion; AMP, N11.4billion; and Emac Oil, N19.2billion.

In 2006, only MRS, Total and Oando were listed as beneficiaries of the fuel subsidy cash recognised by the Federal Government.

The three companies were said to have been listed as “major marketers.”

But in 2007, AP and Mobil joined and were listed under the category of majors.

The same year, NIPCO was introduced and listed under the category of petrol depot owners.

A new category of “independents” included some marketers who had no depots.

AITEO Energy Resources and Triquest Energy were added in 2007, bringing the total to eight beneficiaries of the fuel subsidy.

The list of subsidy beneficiaries increased sharply in 2008 to 23, made up of six majors.

In 2008, Conoil joined, and NIPCO was joined by Capital Oil and Folawiyo Energy, under the category of depot owners.

The list of “independents” also increased from two in 2007 to 14 in 2008 as AITEO and Triquest were said to have been joined by Triquest Oil services, IMAD Oil & Gas, Integrated Oil and Gas, Rahamaniyya, AMG Petro Energy, Brittania, ACORN, A-Z Petroleum, SHIELD Petroleum and MAJOPE Investment Limited.

And in 2010, the beneficiaries of the subsidy payment under the category of major marketers remained six, the depot owners remained two. But the list of independent marketers went up to 28 with the inclusion of many relatively known companies.

Rights Commission sympathises with Channels From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

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•BIR THD AY BO Y: Ondo State Chief Judge, Justice Olaseinde Kumuyi (third left) being assisted by his wife Lade, Governor •BIRTHD THDA BOY Segun Mimiko (second left), Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Kiladejo (left) and Deputy Governor Alli Olanusi to cut his 60 th birthday cake in Akure…yesterday.

HE National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has commiserated with the management and workers of Channels Television over the death of its correspondent, Mr. Enenche Akogwu, in Friday’s bombings in Kano.

A statement signed by Mr. Lambert Oparah quoted the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Prof Ben Angwe, in a letter to Channels Television Chairman Mr. John Momoh as describing Akogwu’s death as a big loss not only to Channels TV, but to Nigerians.

According to him, journalists reflect the opinion of all stakeholders in the society and should not be targets of attacks.

The death of Akogwu, he said, “poses a serious challenge to journalists who are performing their legitimate duties.

He called for a thorough investigation on the matter to reassure journalists of their safety.

Angwe, who also sympathised with the families of the late journalist, noted that the continued violence in some parts of the country is a serious threat to our democracy and national development.

He urged all stakeholders to consider the fact that Nigeria operates a democracy and that one of the cardinal elements of a civilised society is the respect for human and fundamental rights of citizens, especially the right to life and dignity of the human person. Angwe called on the management and staff of Channels TV to see Akogwu’s death as a challenge to continue the good work.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

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NEWS Religious leaders raise peace forum

Boko Haram pushing for war, says minister

From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

GROUP of Christian and Muslim leaders, The Abuja Interfaith Peace Building Forum, has inaugurated a parley to foster peaceful co-existence and unity among members of both faith and reduce insecurity in the country.

The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. John Onaiyekan and the Chairman Board of Trustees (BOT), Muslim Consultative Forum, Gen. Abubakar Mamman, held the inaugural meeting at the National Mosque in Abuja.

Onaiyekan said the forum would address incessant religious crises in Nigeria.

The cleric said the nation has suffered huge human and material losses in recent times, adding that there is need to end these through appropriate strategies and peace-building efforts.

He noted that a concrete structure must be established to sustain the attainment of their goals.

He said: “There is no doubt that we are living through very critical times. That is, times for serious decisions about where we are going as a nation.

“The purpose of creating a standing forum for mutual relations and cooperation has become urgent in the light of frequent religious crises bedeviling our country presently.

“The house would devise better ways of living together as brothers and sisters, Christians and Muslims since we have no other option than to live in peace.”

Gen. Mamman said the forum would create platform for mutual understanding and relationship in view of unusual events that have happened between the two religious groups.

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•Lam Adesina to Jonathan: dialogue with North’s leaders

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INISTER of Interior Comrade Abba Moro has said the Boko Haram attacks in Kano constituted a declaration of war against the country.

The minister urged Nigerians to defend the nation, adding: “This is not religion; it’s not ethnic, but a senseless war. It’s man’s inhumanity to man.”

Describing the attacks as one too many, Moro said: “It’s time to stop Boko Haram, no matter what it takes.”

The former Oyo State Governor Lam Adesina has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to dialogue with northern leaders to end the activities of the sect.

He addressed reporters at the weekend in Ibadan, the state capital, on his 73rd birthday ceremony.

In a statement by his Assistant Director, Press, Ben Goong, the minister urged

‘Education is solution to sect’s crisis’ ENATE Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba has said the solution to the security challenges that Boko Haram poses to the nation could only be solved through effective education for members of the sect.

Boko Haram, from which the group derives its name, in Hausa, means Western education is sacrilege.

Addressing reporters in Calabar, the state capital, at the weekend, the senator, representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, noted that the solution to insecurity occasioned by the sect’s activities is proper education.

Ndoma-Egba said: “The solution to the security challenges in the country? I don’t know what the solution is because if we knew, the problem would have stopped by now. But I think first of all, if we get as many people as possible to benefit from education, then less

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Nigerians to provide information on the activities of the sect, saying: “Patriotic surveillance and information-sharing remain the best strategies in confronting the

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HE Nigeria Baptist Convention (NBC) has called for the prosecution of the InspectorGeneral of Police Hafiz Ringim over the escape of Boko Haram suspect, Kabiru Umar (aka Kabiru Sokoto) from police custody.

Sokoto is the alleged mastermind of last Christmas Day bombing of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Madalla, Niger State.

It described the act as a “further provocation of Christians in the country”.

The Baptist Convention said the prosecution of Ringim and others involved in handling Sokoto’s case would pacify the Christians and other Nigeri-

Minna

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From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

ans who have lost their loved ones to the activities of the sect.

Its General Secretary, Rev. Dr Olasupo Ayokunle, who addressed reporters in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, noted that Sokoto’s escape from police custody was a serious embarrassment.

He said: “It was an indictment to the government of President Goodluck Jonathan and an attempt by the police authority, whoever’s interest they are serving to discredit the administration and make it look ineffective.

“The escape of the prime suspect is also a further provocation of the Christians of this

solidarity visits over the violent protest in which public and private property were razed or vandalised during the anti-fuel subsidy removal protest.

Aliyu said: “We have three years to reposition our party; otherwise, all we see happening now is a warning that people want to eject us out of office.”

The two groups had pledged their support to the government and the people of the state.

Colonel Aminu Kontagora, who led the elders’ forum, condemned the protesters’ attacks on some towns in the state, pledging the forum’s support for the governor.

He said: “As elders of the party in the state, we want to express our support for the government. Our party is in

control at the state and national levels and we support the policies and programmes of the government.”

The governor said the PDP should go the extra mile to retain the trust the electorate placed on it.

Lamenting the level of indiscipline in the party, Aliyu noted that some of its members took part in the Labourled protest against the policy of their party.

He said: “We have to rise up as a party. It is sad that some members of the PDP were in the protest. If you belong to a party, even if the party makes a mistake, you don’t have to join protesters. That was why I asked the party leadership to query those involved.”

House of Representatives Deputy Chief Whip Mhuktar Ahmed, who led the delegation of lawmakers, commiserated with the governor over the violent protest.

Kano blasts: Family calls for Indian victim’s body 23-year-old Indian Kewal Rajput was killed in the coordinated bombings and gun attacks in Kano by the Boko Haram sect in which over 180 people were killed.

As the news reached his family in the Dahod District of Gujarat in India, they did not know how to react.

Rajput came to Nigeria nine months ago to work in a chemical company. He was filling

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evil.”

He appealed to security agencies to increase their surveillance, particularly in public places, churches and mosque, to prevent further

attacks from the sect.

Moro noted that what is required to deal with the sect is not only military might but also a patriotic sense of surveillance and intelligence sharing by Nigerians.

Baptist Convention: prosecute Ringim over Sokoto’s escape

From Jide Orintunsin,

HE Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu has warned that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would destroy itself in the next three years, if it is not repositioned.

The governor spoke at two different fora at the weekend in Minna, the state capital, when he hosted the state PDP Elders Council and members of the House of Representatives from the state.

The two groups were on

and less people would be available for brainwashing. I believe that what is happening is brainwashing because Muslim and Christian clerics have condemned what is happening.

What is happening certainly cannot be justified by any of the religions, whether Islam or Christianity.

“This is just a case of people being brainwashed into criminal acts but hiding under the guise of religion. Their motives certainly are not religious, because Muslims have also been their targets. When you begin to attack churches, it means the motive is no longer religious. You are just trying to provoke a situation deliberately to achieve predetermined political aims. For me, it is all politics. The solution is education.”

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja and Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

Let’s reposition PDP to avoid resentment, says Aliyu

•Aliyu

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

He said public places, security formations, churches and mosques have become clear targets of the sect, saying the combined efforts of security agencies, including private guards, would stop the sect’s menace.

Moro urged Nigerians to give useful information on the activities of Boko Haram to security agencies to enable them track down the sect members.

Condoling the families and relations of the victims and those injured in the attacks, the minister said he felt their pain, anger, frustration and agony.

He prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest.

Moro appealed to Nigerians to remain calm in the face of the unwarranted provocation by the sect.

Adesina, who is the leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Oyo State, urged the President not to pretend that such a dialogue could resolve the sect’s menace.

in for the company’s driver when he was caught in one of the blasts. His family has urged the Federal Government to get his body back.

Six other Indian nationals, including two children, belonging to two families, were injured from shrapnel and debris from the blasts. They are receiving treatment in a hospital.

nation, who had received enough bastardisation from the wicked killers masquerading in the name of Boko Haram. It shows that the police are not faithful in the service to their motherland. The police officers are a danger to all of us.”

On the N50million monetary reward for anyone

with information on the whereabouts of the suspect, Ayokunle said no seriousminded Nigerian would want to gamble with his life because of such money.

He said: “Afterall, they had arrested the man before he escaped. The fact that nobody got injured during the fracas that occurred at his town was

a further confirmation that the escape of the suspect was well planned and executed. If they want to do a good job they know what to do, they should stop asking Nigerians to give them information.

How can police authority send 10 imbeciles to follow a man involved in such high profile killing.”

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

NEWS Ajimobi to revamp farms

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YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has said his administration would improve the agricultural sector.

He lauded the foresight of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who established the Fasola Farms in Oyo, Oyo West Local Government Area.

Ajimobi spoke at the weekend during a tour of the farms.

Decrying the “gross under-utilisation” of the farms, he said: “There is no doubt that Fasola Farms is an asset to Oyo State.

But only 20 per cent of its capacity has been utilised.

“This is another symbol of the degradation and the belowzero performance of the past administration. But I have told the management that we must run it as a business; this is not a Red Cross Society.

“I commend the foresight of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo for establishing this farm. It is not only an asset, but also a blessing to Oyo State. It has indeed stood the test of time.”

Legislative summit postponed

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HE Regional Collabo rative Legislative Summit scheduled for January 25 and 27 at the Premier Hotel, Mokola, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, has been postponed till February 13 to 15.

The organisers, Vintage Press Limited and CEEDEC Resources, said the postponement was informed

by the involvement of lawmakers in crucial national issues, triggered by the epileptic nature of fuel distribution following the withdrawal of petrol.

“We believe the shift would give room for a conducive atmosphere to achieve the goals of the programme, the organisers explained.

ACN rejects soldiers in Lagos

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HE Lagos State chap ter of the Action Con gress of Nigeria (ACN) has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to order soldiers out of Lagos and deploy them to fight members of the Boko Haram sect.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, the party said: “On Friday, nearly 200 Nigerians lost their precious lives in series of bomb attacks by Boko Haram in the Kano. We think these heinous crimes against humanity should deeply worry and engage the Federal Government, instead of continuing to play ugly and untidy politics with the presence of soldiers in Lagos.

“The prevailing situation in our country today calls for serious engagement, networking and coopera-

tion among all genuine Nigerians to deal with the common enemy, rather than to dissipate energy on things that tend to divide us.

“While we sympathise with the families of the victims, including the Channels TV man, Mr. Akogwu, who were brutally murdered in Kano by Boko Haram, we think the Federal Government should stop handling the organisation with kid’s gloves. They have declared war on Nigeria, forming a parallel government and the government must redeem its battered image now.

“An unusual problem requires an unusual solution.

The problem at hand requires a radical approach to get things straightened out. We advise the President to reorganise Nigeria’s security agencies and deploy or sack the service chiefs, if necessary.”

Four suspected ritualists held in Ondo From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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HE Police in Ondo State at the weekend paraded four suspected killers of a 25-year-old man, Adeoye Dowo.

Samuel Olatunji, Dayo Araromi and Lekan Holo allegedly killed the victim, who had a hunch back, for money rituals.

The fourth suspect, Oluwatosin Elebile, is an herbalist.

The late Dowo was reportedly lured into a bush in Ago Alaye, Odigbo Local Government Area, where his hunch back was removed.

Also paraded was a five-man robbery gang, which allegedly killed an Inspector of Police in Emure, Owo Local Government Area.

LP leaders sue Akure North Exco

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EVEN leaders of the Labour Party (LP) in Akure North Local Government of Ondo State have sued the party’s executive in the council for alleged impersonation.

The case is before the Federal High Court, sitting in Akure, the state capital.

The plaintiffs: Adeleye Olurotimi, Olasehinde Olaniyi, Ariyo Olugbenga, Joshua Afolayan, Lanre Olowokorun, Alafe Akinlolu and Sunday Ayilara, prayed the court to declare them the validly elected executive of the party.

They urged the court to declare the activities of the defendants - Prince Sanya Adebayo, Prince Oluyede Tunji, Mr. Gabriel Ogundeji,

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Mrs. Adekanye, Mrs. Funke Adeside and Mr. Abiodun Adefila – illegal and an impersonation.

The plaintiffs also sought a perpetual order of injunction restraining the defendants from further parading themselves as executives of the party and an order directing the LP state chairman, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the defendants as the party’s executive in the council.

They said they were duly elected, while the defendants never participated in any election.

No date has been fixed fors hearing of the case.

•Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi (right), former Governor Lam Adesina (left) and Commisssioner for Youth and Sports Dapo Adesina, when Ajimobi and the state executive council visited Adesina on his 73rd birthday... at the weekend

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Lagos Assembly condemns tear-gas of Nwabueze, Braithwaite, others

HE Lagos State House of Assembly has con demned last Thursday’s use of teargas on elder statesmen, who were peacefully protesting the deployment of soldiers in Lagos by the Federal Government.

In a statement by the Chairman of its Committee on Information, Security and Strategy, Mr. Segun Olulade, the House said: “For policemen, paid by the public, to

By Oziegbe Okoeki

have tear-gassed protesters led by notable Nigerian statesmen, such as 83-year-old Prof. Ben Nwabueze (SAN); Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu; a two-time minister, Mr. Tunji Braithwaite; Chief Missioner of the Ansar-ul-deen Muslims Imam AbdulRahman Ahmad; Prof.

Adebayo Williams; activistlawyer Festus Keyamo; Comrade Wale Okunniyi of the Pro-

National Conference (PRONACO) group; notable journalist Funmi Iyanda; amongst others, is a brutal and provocative act that should not be repeated.

“It is equally unfortunate and ungodly that the mobile policemen who engaged in this unholy act did not show any compassion to a number of the protesters, who fainted on the road and had to be revived later by awe-stricken

passers-by.

“As true representatives of our people, we call on Mr. President to hearken to the voice of the people, who actually put their lives on the line for him to emerge as our President (only last April) and apologise to Nigerians for publicly embarrassing our country in the eyes of the international community with the inhuman treatment of our highly revered statesmen.”

Ex-Attorney-General Ajibola’s house risks demolition

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BUILDING under con struction at the Olusegun Obasanjo Hill Top Estate, Oke–Mosan in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, owned by former World Court Judge Prince Bola Ajibola, may be demolished this week on the orders of the state government.

It was learnt that the building contravenes the “construction regulations” of the Ministry of Urban and Regional Planning.

Sources said the ministry

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

served Justice Ajibola a contravention notice and “stop work order”, but the order was not obeyed.

When The Nation visited the site at the weekend, workers were busy.

The General Manager of the State Urban and Regional Planning Board, Mr. Stephen Adewolu, said there was no evidence that the structure has an approved building plan and it would be demolished this

week.

Adewolu said: “The building under constriction has been marked for demolition. They (the authorities) are coming on Monday or Tuesday to demolish it.

“We served him (Justice Ajibola) a contravention notice before the building was marked, but they kept working on the site. The law says before you start a construction, you must have a copy of the approved plan at the site for the town planning authorities to

verify.”

Asked how the authorities intend to enter the fenced property, Adewolu said both the perimeter fence and the structure within are “illegal” and would be brought down.

It was gathered that the developer would be required to bear the financial cost of the demolition.

Ajibola could not be reached for comments. He did not reply his telephone calls and an sms message was also not replied.

Commercialisation key to growth , says Aviation Minister

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HE Minister of Avia tion, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah, has said the commercialisation of the industry is a top agenda of the Federal Government.

She said: “The option of commercialisation is an agenda all stakeholders in the industry will have to reconsider to decide on the best way to run our organisation.”

The minister spoke in Abuja at the closing of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency’s (NAMA’s) Corporate Realignment Retreat.

She said: “Efficiency and effectiveness are key performance indicators that readily indicate the growth of an organisation.

“They remain some of the best business indices used to measure performance in this century.

“So the challenge is that if we remain the way we are,

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

are we running an efficient and effective organisation?

Are we self-sustaining? Can we measure up to the standards of other air navigation service providers and business models worldwide?”

Princess Oduah told the top management staff of NAMA to reflect on these questions and determine the way forward.

She said some experts in the industry have raised the issue of safety as an impediment to commercialisation, but opined that there must be a meeting point, as other global models still maintain the highest industry safety standards.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ms Anne Ene-Ita, the minister urged stakeholders to key into the transformation agenda of the present administration, which she said is all inclu-

sive and envisions a new Nigeria.

She said: “The President’s transformation agenda requires sacrifices on everyone’s part, as it requires us all to be resolute in foregoing the immediate or shortterm satisfaction, pleasure and comfort for the more distant but enormously valuable gains.”

The minister urged

NAMA staff to see the retreat as the elixir for better performance.

The Managing Director of NAMA, Mr. Nnamdi Udoh, spoke on the need to attain global standards in service delivery.

The participants included the managing director, directors, general managers and airspace managers of the nation’s airports.

Businessman killed in Osun

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businessman in EsaOke, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, Mr. Adeyeye Ajayi (60), was killed at the weekend by unknown persons.

It was learnt that the late Ajayi’s assailants arrived at his home in Oke Temidire at about 8pm on Friday and macheted him to death in his sitting room.

A source said the hoodlums operated for almost an hour,

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

shooting intermittently into the air to scare people.

The late Ajayi is survived by eight children and a wife.

He was a mattress distributor. Youths in the community described him as “a philanthropist and peace loving man.”

Commissioner of Police Solomon Olusegun, who confirmed the incident, assured residents that the culprits would be apprehended.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

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NEWS

Ex-militant’s home bombed in Bayelsa

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HERE was another explosion in Bayelsa State yesterday.

The country home of an exmilitant leader, Africa Okpansisa (alias General Africa), in Ologbobiri Community , Southern Ijaw Local Government was bombed.

This is coming barely 24 hours after the twin explosions that rocked Yenagoa, the state capital.

Sources said some armed

From Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa

persons visited the community and destroyed the electricity line connecting the community generator before setting off the explosion.

The gunmen, it was learnt, used dynamite to destroy the home’s gate.

Though no deaths were recorded, five persons, including three mobile policemen, were injured.

No group has claimed responsibility for the incident.

Okpansisa is a supporter of Governor Timipre Sylva but it was not clear if the attack was politically-motivated.

Members of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) on guard at an oil facility prevented the invaders from causing more havoc in the community, it was learnt.

JTF’s spokesman Lt. Col Timothy Anthigha said the

timely intervention of the soldiers saved Ologbobiri from what could have been a severe attack.

According to him, one soldier was injured.

He flayed the rumour that JTF lost a gun boat.

Police spokesman Emokpae Eguaveon said he was yet to be briefed on the development by the Divisional Police Officer.

PDP suspends rally in Bayelsa From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

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HE Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) National Campaign Committee for the 2012 governorship election in Bayelsa State has suspended the grand campaign rally originally planned to take place in Yenogoa, the state capital today.

The committee, which is under the chairmanship of Vice President Namadi Sambo, said a new date would be announced later.

The statement issued yesterday by PDP’s National Publicity Secretary Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali reads: “This is in view of the sad events that took place in Kano on Friday.

“On behalf of the National Working Committee (NWC) and party members nationwide, the Acting National Chairman, Abubakar Baraje, condoles with President Goodluck Jonathan over the shocking events.

“Our hearts go especially to Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the government and people of Kano State over this harrowing experience.

“May the souls of all those who died rest in peace and may God give their families the strength to bear the loss,” he said.

Free transport for Enugu pupils

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From left: Chime, Orji, Elechi, Obi and Okorocha...at the meeting yesterday

PHOTO: NAN

Southeast govs to meet on Igbo killings in the North

S

OUTHEAST governors are to convene a meeting of stakeholders from the zone to take a stand on the safety of Igbo in the North.

Rising from a meeting at the Enugu Government House, which lasted for about three hours yesterday, the governors said next week the leaders in the zone would meet and make their position known.

Addressing reporters after the meeting, which was attended by Governors Sullivan Chime (Enugu), Theodore Orji (Abia), Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Martins Elechi

•6,000 illegal refineries destroyed by JTF in Niger Delta

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From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

barge, with its content, be handed over to the police.

“As a law-abiding agency of the Federal Government, the Navy has no option, but to obey court orders and injunction, when faced with one.”

The Joint Task Force (JTF) destroyed 6,000 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta, last year.

JTF spokesman Lt. Col. Timothy Antigha, at the weekend, said the task force arrested 150 persons for their alleged involvement in illegal bunkering.

“Five vessels and four barges used in the illicit act were seized.”

Antigha spoke while handing over seven suspected oil thieves and five

‘As a law-abiding agency of the Federal Government, the Navy has no option, but to obey court orders and injunction, when faced with one.’ trucks, loaded with petroleum products, to the State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The suspects are Babayo Dauda, Mohammed Abdullahi, Bukar Alima, Jeremah Umaru, Ali Salisu, Ibrahim Abdullahi and

Ikechukwu Ukaegbu.

The JTF’s spokesman said another seven suspected oil thieves were arrested at Waterlines area of Port Harcourt and Oyigbo, during a raid conducted by the security outfit in January.

Antigha said: “During an operation on anuary 18 and 19, the JTF arrested seven suspects, illegally dealing in refined petroleum products at Waterlines in Port Harcourt and Oyigbo.

“They are part of a gang that refill and sell these products to the public.

“These products are below the standard of the NNPC (Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation) and the Department of Petroleum Resources.

“The suspects will be handed over to the NSCDC.”

Police rescue expectant doctor in Enugu

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HE police in Enugu State have rescued Mrs. Chidinma Okwor, an expectant doctor who was abducted 12 days ago.

It was gathered that Mrs. Okwor was rescued from a spot close to the Nike Lake Area, Enugu.

The kidnappers were said to have abandoned the expectant mother when they discovered that the police were

From Chris Oji, Enugu

catching up with them.

They had allegedly demanded a ransom of N40 million.

The Commissioner of Police, Dan’zumi Doma, said Mrs. Okwor was rescued by his men at the weekend.

He assured her family that the perpetrators would soon be apprehended.

Mrs. Okwor, a mother of four and

senior registrar in the Department of Radiology of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Ituku/ Ozalla, was abducted in front of her home on Nike Road, Enugu.

Following her abduction, her colleagues took to the streets in protest.

A statement by police spokesman Ebere Amaraizu said the victim has been re-united with her family.

From Chris Oji, Enugu

make commuting for pupils easier, convenient and affordable.

According to Ugwoke, the government also approved N238 million for the repair/ renovation and upgrading of infrastructure at the School of Health Technology, Oji River and School of Public Health Nursery /Health Technology, Nsukka.

He said of the amount, N121million would cover construction of classrooms, administrative office, library, hostel blocks, water boreholes and ICT centre at the Oji River while the balance is to be spent for the same projects at the school of Public Health Nursing Nsukka through direct labour.

Abia votes N10b for loans

From Chris Oji, Enugu

(Ebonyi), the Chairman of the forum, Governor Peter Obi (Anambra), said the governors were concerned about the security and were ready to take definite steps on the matter.

“We deliberated on only one thing–the security situation in the country and as it affects us in this zone and we have decided to call a meeting of Igbo political leaders to discuss the issue, and at that time our position will be made known to the public,” Obi said

Navy hands over seized vessels to owners HE Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB), Bonny Island, Rivers State, has handed over two seized vessels: MT Arcturus No. 2 and MV Lady V to their owners.

A 75-metre barge, with its content suspected to be crude oil, was also handed over to the police, as forfeiture to the Federal Government.

The Officer in charge of FOB, Bonny, Navy Captain Akinga Nasu Ayafa said the two vessels and the barge were seized at Bonny Channel in Rivers State, for illegal transshipment of crude oil.

The naval officer said: “After investigating the case, the police following the advice of the AGF, directed that the two vessels be handed over to the owners, while the

HE Enugu State Government has introduced free transport services for primary and secondary school pupils in the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Chuks Ugwoke, said the service would be provided by the governmentowned Coal City shuttle buses.

Ugwoke said the buses would operate in all parts of the state at 6.30am to 8am and from 3pm.

He added that the buses will only pick up pupils in school uniforms.

The commissioner said the gesture was in line with the Sullivan Chime-led administration’s initiative to improve the quality of education and

From Ugochukwu Eke, Umuahia

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HE Abia State Government has set aside N10billion to service its debts.

This was made known by the Commissioner for Finance, Nick Eleri, when he explained the breakdown of the budget at the House of Assembly.

Eleri said: “The report from the Debt Management Office shows that the debt profile of the state is within the acceptable debt threshold. Consequently, the government will give foreign and domestic debt serving a facelift.”

In the budget breakdown, the Office of the Governor is to receive 33 per cent of the total budget.

Education got 19.06 per cent and the Ministry of Petroleum received the least allocation of 0.13 per cent.

Court to decide on autopsy for HE Warri High Court Onokpite Jan 27

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3, headed by Justice C. E Achenefu, will on January 27, rule on whether or not to carry out an autopsy on the body of the former governorship candidate of the Citizen Peoples Party (CPP), Ogbe Onokpite.

The counsel to the Onokpite family, John Edmund Odohisi, said: “We are praying for an autopsy or corona inquest to be conducted so that at least we know the cause of his death.

“Fortunately, the police’s lawyer said they are not objecting to it.

“Our prayers are that the man was killed extra judi-

From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

cially; killed in violation of his fundamental human right to life under Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution and the court should declare so.”

The counsel to the police, G. C. Elemuwe, said they are not objecting to the plaintiff’s prayer for autopsy but the decision lies with the court.

The deceased’s brother, Lawrence Onokpite, said the autopsy would reveal the truth about the cause of his brother’s death.

Anambra to build bridge

A

NAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi has flagged off the reconstruction of the Obibia Bridge on NTAEnugu–Agidi Road.

The project, awarded to Nigercat, is part of the Awka Township roads project being executed at N1.6 billion.

Obi said it would be completed before Easter, adding that the government has paid the contractor.

He assured that all certificates generated on the project will be promptly paid.

The governor, who said the road would be temporarily closed to facilitate early completion of the project, enjoined the people to endure the brief inconveniences.

He noted that the state has the best road network in the country and stressed the need for support in encouraging the use of public resources for the collective welfare of all.

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Transportation is one of the biggest problems facing Nigerians. But with the concerted effort of the states and local governments, the transit buses would help ease the problem.

-Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga

Senate invites DPR, NOSDRA, Chevron over spill

Fed Govt inaugurates agric committee From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

From Adekunle Jimoh,

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Ilorin

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HE Senate Committees on Environment and Ecology and Petroleum Upstream have summoned the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Chevron and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to a meeting.

This was contained in a statement by the media aide to Senator Bukola Saraki (Senate Chair on Environment and Ecology), Akintoba Fatigun.

Saraki said: “We just received briefing that the Chevron offshore rig incident, which was initially reported on January 12, 2012, as a gas explosion does not tell the full story.

“In fact, it has now emerged that the incident might have triggered a significant oil spill, which has already hit the shoreline as observed by surveillance with consequential impact on the environment.

“In view of this and the consequential impact on the impacted area, the Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology in collaboration with the Senate Committee on Petroleum Upstream has invited the Managing Director of Chevron, Director-General of National Oil Spill Detection and Responds Agency (NOSDRA) and Department for Petroleum Resources (DPR) on the need to work out an initial impact assessment of the contamination and begin immediate clean up of the area.

“The Committees wish to assure all Nigerians and indeed the communities within the areas of impact especially Koloma towns 1 and 2, Fishtown and Frupa that it will take all necessary steps to ensure that measures necessary are taken to protect the communities and the wider Nigerian environment and resources.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$107/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber -¢159.21pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N6.503 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -10.5% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending-22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $33.01b FOREX CFA 0.2958 EUR 206.9 £ 242.1 $ 156 ¥ 1.9179 SDR 238 RIYAL 40.472

• From left: Engagement Programme Students from Harvard University – Paul Chong, Chuma Ajene, Maxeme Tuchman and Executive Director, Sterling Bank Plc, Lanre Adesanya, during a growth strategy collaboration training at the bank… at the weekend

NNPC: refineries to operate T 90% capacity in 2013

HREE out of the four refineries in the coun try will achieve 90 per cent production capacity by December 2013, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has assured.

The refineries are Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Warri refineries.

Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC) Austin Oniwon gave this assurance at the weekend while speaking with reporters in Abuja.

He admitted that the nation’s refineries were not doing well but said the NNPC has designed a refinery revitalisation working plan using the original contractors that built the refineries.

From Nduka Chiejina, Asst. Editor (Abuja)

Oniwon told reporters that by the fourth quarter of 2012, Port Harcourt refinery will start the projected capacity production to be followed

by Kaduna refinery by the first quarter of 2013 while Warri refinery will come on stream by the fourth quarter of 2013.

“The three refineries will be able to produce 20.3 million litres of PMS, 9.2 million litres of kerosene and 15.3 litres of diesel as compared to the average national daily consumption of 35 million litres of PMS, 10 million litres of kerosene and 12 million litres of diesel,”

the NNPC boss said.

He assured that his work plan is achievable, and tasked Nigerians to be on the lookout and monitor the implementation. Oniwon added that the public should hold NNPC management accountable on the promise.

He said the coming on stream of three greenfield refineries will make Nigeria to be self-sufficient in petroleum products, as well as become a net exporter of petroleum products - all of which he said, are in line with the objectives of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

The NNPC chief reiter-

ated that the incessant pipeline vandalism across the country had hampered the efficient distribution of petroleum products. He said: “In December 2011, we had to shut down the Port Harcourt refinery because the pipeline supplying crude to the refinery was severely vandalised.”

Oniwon also disclosed that if the pipelines are left intact and not vandalised, the bridging cost of N5.80 will not be borne by Nigerians and it will go a long way in revamping the Pipeline Product Marketing Company (PPMC) depots across the country.

‘Economy lacks capacity to create new jobs’

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ESPITE Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Prod uct (GDP) of $240.7 billion last year, the country still lacks the capacity to engage new employees.

The Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company Limited (FDC), Bismarck Rewane, stated this in his Economy Review for January 2012.

He said the economy expanded by 7.25 per cent last year, and is growing at a pace faster than the global and regional average of three per cent and 5.2 per cent.

Rewane, however, said Nigeria‘s sustained growth is still not fast enough to make an impact on the level of prosperity and unemployment.

He explained that despite these positive indexes, the country’s unemployment rate is rising. Unemployment in the country increased to 23.9 per cent last year and may

By Collins Nweze

continue in 2012 and 2013.He said fixing Nigeria’s infrastructural gap and improved foreign direct investment (FDI) will be needful in addressing the problems.

“The economy seems to lack the absorptive capacity to engage those currently unemployed and those expected to be disengaged next year. The official figure is quite alarming but we suspect this figure could be higher. Without speculating, the unemployment figure does not reflect Nigeria‘s present situation; in fact, conditions in the labour market may be slightly worse,” he noted.

The increase in the number of unemployed coupled, with the relatively high inflation level of 10.5 per cent, he said, pushes Nigeria‘s misery index upward to 34.4 per cent.

The misery index climbed to

32.9 per cent in 2010; and with the higher redundancy rate this, he said, could increase to 40 per cent. It said the number of individuals that are employed in positions, which have no correlation to their level of education, in light of prevailing market conditions are swelling.

The FDC boss noted: “Economists have queried how the economy continues to expand at an annual average of 7.25 per cent but the situation in the labour market tells a different story.

“It is assumed that every economy has a natural rate of unemployment or a non-accelerating inflation rate of unemployment, at which point it is assumed demand for labour equals supply. It is obvious Nigeria‘s labour market is out of balance. The cause of this disequilibrium is multi-factoral.”

Data from the Nigeria Bu-

reau of Statistics suggests that 2.1 million graduates joined the Labour market in 2010.

However, this he said, does not take into account the number of students who study abroad and return home every year seeking employment.

Rewane said the prevailing economic conditions in Europe and America have forced many to return home, swelling the labour force and also the national unemployment rate. He said it is clear that if the trend continues the potential for a social breakdown could increase. “The second factor is the lack of skilled personnel, which many recruiters and employers have cited as a barrier to employment. Some analysts believe this argument now forms the basis of many employers refusal to hire local graduates,” he added.

HE Federal Govern ment has inaugurated a-16 member Strategic Communication Committee to create awareness and sensitise the public on effective implementation of the agricultural value-chains of its transformation agenda.

The committee, headed by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Ezekiel Oyemomi, was set up at the weekend in Abuja to ensure that useful communication get across to farmers in the country. This is to further assist in realising the Agricultural Transformation Agenda of the government.

In his opening remarks, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, explained that the committee would be responsible to enlighten small, medium and large scale farmers including other stakeholders on quick access to seedlings, credit facilities, fertiliser and the value-chains.

He added that there has been a huge communication gap among the stakeholders, stressing that the strategic communication would be of immense benefit to all farmers because some are still ignorant of the agricultural transformation agenda.

Dangote assures on job creation

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HE President of Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has stated his determination to create wealth through job creation.

In a statment, Dangote assured that he will continue to invest heavily in the manufacturing sector with a view to creating wealth and empowering the youths in the country.

Meanwhile,Dangote Group is the official partner and major sponsor of the upcoming 33 rd edition of the Kaduna International Trade Fair.

The Director-General of the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCIMMA), Mallam Usman G. Saulawa, who spoke to reporters, said the Dangote Industries Limited has been a reliable partner since 1980s.

He said the trade fair would be declared open by President Goodluck Jonathan, and will run between February 24 and March 1, 2012.

Saulawa commended the economic contribution of the Dangote Industries and extolled its job creation effort in Africa.

He said Unity Bank, FirstBank Nigeria Plc Thailand, Malaysia, Turkey, India, Pakistan and some African countries are also billed to participate in the fair.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

BUSINESS NEWS

Why Petroleum Industry Bill is stalled, by Senate

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HE Senate has said all interests in the contro versial Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) should be articulated in a bid to secure a quick passage of the Bill.

Chairman, Senate Joint Committee investigating the management of fuel subsidy regime, Senator Magnus Abe, disclosed this in an interview with reporters in Abuja at the weekend.

Senator Abe, who also gave an overview of the progress recorded in the fuel subsidy probe, said his committee has invited petroleum product importers to hear their own side of the story on the subsidy controversy.

He noted that if key actors in the oil industry, the Federal Government, National Assembly and other Nigerians put the interest of the country first, finding a common ground to pass the PIB would not be difficult.

The lawmaker added that the interest of investors in the industry should not be left out, saying that beyond promoting the interest of Nigerians, effort must also be made to ensure that those who participate in the industry get fair returns for their investment.

He said: “Quite frankly, there is no way you would make such a revolutionary reorganisation of the oil industry in this country without going through challenges.

“I think it would be naïve of any Nigerian to think so.

From: Onyedi Ojiabor, Asst.

Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

I know for a fact that there a lot of interests, economic interests, political interests, social interests that are tied into the oil sector.

“In dealing with a subject like the PIB, which seeks to reshape the industry, re-create it and quite frankly, remake it on a commercial basis and take out a lot of the wastes and a lot of the unnecessary patronage that is associated with the industry, I don’t think you can achieve that without some level of turbulence.

“I think you would have some of those challenges, but the important thing is that if those key actors in this, namely the Federal Government, the National Assembly, our own people, if we all put the interest of Nigeria first, finding a common ground and passing a law that would actually enable the petroleum industry to develop to the benefit of the Nigerian people would not be too difficult an assignment.

“I know that oil industry players would have their own interests, which they would like to see written into the law but we are Nigerians; the resource belongs to us and it is the interest of our people that we should promote over and beyond anything else.

“And you also have to remember that in promoting the interest of our people,

• Summons importers you must make sure that those who participate in the industry can get fair returns for their investment because if they don’t get it, then even trying to get something for your own people would be useless.”

Abe said the country can borrow from existing models in other societies that have worked.

He said:”You can take the case of Malaysia, which has Petronas, that of Brazil,

which has Petrobas, even the Libyan Oil Company. All these are reforms in their oil sectors, which have resulted in national oil companies themselves becoming major economic and big time players in the industry. They are even investing in other societies outside their countries and bringing home profit from their investments.

“Instead, our own Nigeria National Petroleum Corpo-

ration (NNPC) is a source of debts. It is a source of patronage. It is a source of waste. It is a source of mismanagement of the oil industry.”

The PIB, he said, is supposed to take care of the inefficiency in the management of oil resources in the country.

He noted that anytime attempt is being made to change a situation some people are benefiting from, there is bound to be challenges.

He further said oil importers were invited to give the

committee the opportunity to disclose some of the concerns that have been expressed by not just members of the committee but also by the Nigerians.

Abe said the invited importers included those the committee has concerns about and others picked at random, “not because we have any issues with them but because we want to give as many companies as possible an opportunity to have their say and to also, have an opportunity to speak on the issue.”

•From left: Director, Fisheries, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Bamtefa; representative of International Finance Corporation (IFC), Mrs. Asieduwa Okutu; Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Prince Gbolahan Lawal; IFC’s executive Mr Zano Mataruka; Director, Planning and Statistics, Mr Jab Sanuth and Director, Agric Services, Dr. Olayiwole Onasanya, during a courtesy visit by the IFC executives to the Commissioner in his office at Alausa.

Dankwambo seeks govt’s intervention on jobs, transportation OMBE State Gover nor Alhaji Ibrahim

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Dankwambo has sought the intervention of the Federal Government to enable it tackle to transportation and unemployment challenges in the state.

The governor stated this during a meeting with the Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr Olusegun Aganga, in Abuja.

He said the state government wants to key into the g o v e r n m e n t ’ s industrialisation policy and the recently inaugurated mass transit scheme to create jobs and generate wealth.

He said: “The state government is ready to partner the

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

Ministry of Trade and Investment on the development of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, especially in skills acquisition.

“The state government had embarked on the construction and rehabilitation of urban and rural roads to facilitate the smooth operations of Federal-Assisted Mass Transit Buses.

“This is the first time we are having a co-ordinated mass transit programme that will address the transport challenges across the

country, create jobs and generate employment for our people.

“We want to key into this scheme through the Gombe State Transport Corporation. Already, we have embarked on massive construction and rehabilitation of 43 roads across the state to facilitate smooth operation of the mass transit scheme in the state.”

Reponding, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr Olusegun Aganga, said the ministry was ready to partner the state government on attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the state.

Court judgment boosts Union Bank’s recapitalisation

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HE Union Bank of Ni geria Plc‘s recapitalisation was further boosted last Friday with the Appeal Court‘s dismissal of the suit filed by some aggrieved shareholders to stop it by challenging the authority of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to protect the financial system by the actions taken in August 2009.

The decision of the court, according to a statement from Union Bank’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Francis Barde, has again reinforced the validity of all the actions taken by the Board and Management of the bank towards the capitalisation of the institution. It also reinforces the opportunity towards existing shareholders to take up their rights in the ongoing

By Taofik Salako

Rights Issue.

He said the bank took the route of recapitalising by giving opportunity to the existing shareholders, core investor and Asset management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), which brought its negative share capital to ground zero.

“The rationale for this combination was not only to retain the brand and corporate name of Union Bank, the Board of Directors was guided by the need to imbue the bank with quality management, professionalism, skills, clean funds and tranparency offered by the option. ”The Rights Issue is the last phase of union bank‘s recapitalisation processs,

for which reports indicate that the offer would be oversubscribed. Many existing shareholders who have yet to receive their rights circular have been asking for them in order to take advantage of the opportunity to increase their stake in a bank that promises to be one of the biggest players in the Nigerian banking industry,” he explained.

In their desperate attempts to stop the bank‘s wellthoughtout plan to recapitalise, Barde said: “These aggrieved shareholders had approached the Appeal Court after the High Court, also sitting in Lagos, had struck out the suit on the ground that the plaintiffs failed to raise questions for determination in their originating summons.”

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

13

ISSUES

•

• The protesters during the strike

What next after the big protest?

For one week, the nation stood still following a strike over the January 1 fuel subsidy removal. The nation is still reeling under the hangover of the protest, which was suspended last Monday by organised Labour, an action that set it on a collision course with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

Despite the end of the strike, there is still tension in the land. DUPE OLAOYE-OSINKOLU writes.

• Story on page 14

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

14

ISSUES • Continued from page 13

ans for their patience while the strike lasted. “ I am, indeed, happy that Nigerians will now appreciate the beauty of democracy”, Wogu said after the strike was suspended.

He added: “Deregulation as a pro-people policy is an accepted policy of government, despite what has happened. People have vented their anger and input, in moving the nation to the current position that has been taken and accepted by everybody, that the pump price should be N97. Deregulation should be taken and completed within the shortest possible time.”

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HE Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota, was built by the Lagos State government as part of its efforts to beautify the metropolis. The park is strategically placed. Those leaving or coming into Lagos cannot miss it. With the statue of Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), the people’s lawyer after whom it is named, erected on its green lawns, the park was a beehive of activities between January 9 and 13 during Occupy Nigeria protest.

The protesters came from far and wide daily to protest the January 1 fuel subsidy removal, which triggered a jump in the pump price of petrol from N65 to N141 per litre. Even before the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) declared a nationwide strike beginning last Monday, the people had without any prompting protested the petrol price hike in Ilorin, Kano, Kaduna, Ibadan and Benin, among other cities.

These protests served as dress rehearsals for the “mother of all strike in which NLC and the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) collaborated. While NLC held sway in Abuja, the CSOs took charge in Lagos during the weekly protests. The protests were well-organised and peaceful despite the enormous crowd in attendance daily. The protesters major demand was a return to the old petrol pump price of N65 per litre. So, when NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) suspended the strike after President Goodluck Jonathan reduced the price to N97 per litre, the protesters were not satisfied. They wanted the strike to continue until the price is reverted to N65.

NECA’s stance

What next after the big protest?

Beyond labour The Joint Action Front (JAF), a pro-labour umbrella group for some civil society groups and professional bodies including the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) did not wait for labour before reacting to subsidy removal.

JAF president Dipo Fashina, Femi Falana, Bamidele Aturu, Seun Anikulapo-Kuti, Alhaja Ganiyat Fawehinmi and NLC Vice-President, Isa Aremu, walked from Yaba to Gani Fawehinmi Park, which the protesters have renamed Freedom Square, with thousands of aggrieved Nigerians.

The success of the protest was widely acknowledged and many decided to join subsequent protests. Thus, the stage was set for the collaboration of NLC, TUC and the CSOs for the nationwide strike.

From time immemorial, Labour has always worked with the CSOs to face a perceived common enemy – the government. However, the union has always been terminated during the honeymoon. As it turned out, the subsidy struggle was not an exception.

Suspicion The masses’ grouse now is: “Why did labour, after starting well dump its allies?

TUC President, Peter Esele, said labour consulted widely with its allies. But JAF Secretary Abiodun Aremu said Esele was economical with the truth.

Reacting to labour’s decision to

• Esele

• Omar

suspend the strike Aremu said: “The JAF - the pro-labour partner of NLC and TUC in the Labour and Civil Society Coalition (LASCO) and its allies of NMA and NBA, Ikeja and Lagos branches, and the various Strike Action Committees-dissociate self from the declaration by the President of the NLC and TUC for the suspension of the Strike/Mass Action that commenced on January 9 as a joint initiative of the NLC, TUC and JAF. “We strongly deplore the suspension of the Strike/Mass Action as endorsed by Presidents of NLC and TUC as a betrayal of this legitimate demand by Nigerians that fuel price must revert to N65 as a condition for negotiation.”

The Convener of Save Nigeria Group (SNG), Pastor Tunde Bakare, expressed disppointment at the way the leadership of the NLC and TUC suspended the strike without consulting the group and its al-

lies and without the reversal of petrol pump price to N65 per litre.

Afrobeat musician Femi Kuti, described the suspension of the strike as a shock to the SNG. He said labour backed down on its promise to fight for the pump price of petrol to N65 per litre.

Besides, he said a sit-at-home order would have been acceptable, rather than the suspension.

“The sudden suspension of the strike by NLC and TUC kicked against the spirit and enthusiasm of Nigerians,” he said.

NLC’s defence NLC, however, maintained its stand that Labour tried its best for the workers and masses.

While suspending the strike, NLC President Abdul Waheed Omar, said: “First, the Federal Government that chorused continuously that its decision to increase petrol (PMS) price to

N141 is irreversible and irreducible, was forced to announce a price reduction to N97. We, however, state categorically that this new price was a unilateral one by the government.”

That unilateral claim is the bone of contention. Labour’s allies wonder why it suspended the strike despite such unilateral decision by the government.

Labour is justifying its action with its agreement with the government on reduction of the cost of governance.

Expectedly, the government praised labour for suspending the strike. Labour Minister Emeka Wogu hailed organised labour, the leadership of the National Assembly and Nigerians for their patriotism.

Wogu thanked labour for coming to dialogue with the government at the instance of the National Assembly. He thanked the leadership of the Senate for its timely intervention and Nigeri-

‘

Every crisis always presents an opportunity for progress and improvement. One basic lesson from this crisis is that Nigerians are tired of excuses for failure of government. If the public outrage and placards are anything to go by, we are con vinced that the generality of Nigerians are asking for and finally insisting on good governance

’

The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), at the onset of the crisis, faulted the government for “being hasty in the implementation of fuel subsidy removal policy.”

It said the government behaved like a king handing down instructions to his subjects, adding that it should not be hasty in implementing the policy. NECA denied alleged support for the policy when the government invited some industrialists and later referred to them as Organised Private Sector (OPS).

In a statement, NECA disassociated itself from the 42 representatives of the OPS at the meeting with government. But it made an intriguing submission: “Any attempt to postpone or phase the removal of the subsidy will either postpone the evil day or create a bigger subsidy, which may take the entire economy into the abyss, except we can keep the exchange rate of our currency fixed and hope in future for a stagnant or reduced price of crude oil.

“The fact is that it does not make economic sense for us to continue to fund the import and consumption of fuel. The finances of the country will burst sooner than later if we do not face this issue once and for all.”

Reacting to protests and mass action, however, NECA said: “Every crisis always presents an opportunity for progress and improvement. One basic lesson from this crisis is that Nigerians are tired of excuses for failure of government. If the public outrage and placards are anything to go by, we are convinced that the generality of Nigerians are asking for and finally insisting on good governance.

“They are asking for and demanding transparency and accountability in government. They are desirous of a caring and sensitive government, and one that will put the interest of the populace first before the comforts and perks of office holders. Nigerians are saying they will no longer accept corruption. We expect the government of the day to take note of these expectations and ensure that they serve as a guide in its future engagements with the governed.”

Other matters arising include the N18,000 minimum wage that is yet to be implemented by the Federal Government, 14 months after it signed it into law. Prices of commodities have already gone up, because of the hike in petrol price, an action which may spark another workers protest for payment of the wage.

Meanwhile, the CSOs are still hopeful of getting a reversion of fuel price to N65 per litre, with or without Labour. That, for majority of Nigerians will be a welcome development but is it achievable?

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

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

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• A tele-conferencing table

For many companies, tele-conferencing has become a valuable option of holding crucial meetings and securing the safety of their key management staff. The idea helps companies place premium on their workers.

AKINOLA AJIBADE reports.

In search of workers’ safety T

ELE-conferencing is a concept that is gaining recognition among com panies globally. The idea ensures that workers participate in the decisionmaking process, irrespective of their geographical locations. It allows them to interact, share ideas, and provide information that would aid their performance without having any physical interface.

Tele-conferencing is a process whereby a group of people hold discussions at different locations and speak to each other through telephones and video connections. It is the live exchange and mass

articulation of information and machines, through a telecommunication system. Developed in Europe and the United States in the 80s, it has become the most sought after concept.

It has assisted companies in organising crucial meetings at a short notice, thereby saving their top shots from the stress of having to fly over a long distance. Also, it has enabled organisations to speed up the work process, provide two-way communication flow, and allow visual and audio presentation of data, illustrations, images, among other information needed to stimulate the

growth of companies.

On the whole, tele-conferencing has helped companies save time, and further direct energy into more pressing issues. Though teleconferencing is still new in Nigeria, the system holds much prospects for companies that want to maximise the outputs of their workers.

Recently, MTN Nigeria launched its own tele-conferencing product. The product was powered by Cisco, an information and technology (IT) backbone service provider. According to the company, the teleconferencing package was introduced to en-

hance organisational efficiency and further reduce the cost of hotel bills, and flight tickets spent on workers.

The Nation learnt that a number of bluechip companies have subscribed to the product to hasten work process, and achieve results within the shortest possible period. Since the product was launched two years ago, MTN has been able to attract clients from the nation’s corporate world. The reason is because the introduction of the product was timely, • Continued on page 16

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

JOBS

In search of workers’ safety • Continued from page 15

in view of the needs of companies to hold important meetings or seminars without usual delays of catching flights.

A former Project Director with British Telecommunication (BT), Ms. Ireti Bakare-Yusuf, told The Nation that tele-conferencing promotes efficiency in an organisation. Ms Bakare-Yusuf said the idea has been saving workers from risking their lives through travelling.

She said she got the opportunity to work as a project director for Celtel Nigeria Limited about four years ago via the digital world. Bakare-Yusuf said she had a lot of her work executed by e-mails, and “Conference Call”. Conference call is a process whereby certain assignments are carried out through technological processes.

She said: “One day, I just got a call from someone in the then Celtel Nigeria, which later became Zain and now, Airtel Nigeria, to come and work for them. This is someone I never met, don’t know, and as at then, had no clue about. He told me that they got my details via the British Telecommunication (BT) website. So, we got talking via the teleconference for a while.

“Through that, I got to know a bit then, about the person and they got to know much about me. Thereafter, they sent me travelling necessities which got me coming down to Nigeria sometime in 2007. And I worked with the company for about two years handling their Africa businesses.”

She said: “Tele-conference and indeed, the digital or technology world, which seeks to connect two or more people together in different locations of the world, is fast becoming a viable tool in getting to assess people for jobs or businesses at a faster pace than imagined. For instance, I am still the Project Manager for another firm I would not want to mention here. But in agreement with my firm, I do not have to travel to other African countries unless it is absolutely necessary. I do travel though if I have to; but often, I connect with other staff across Africa via my laptop, iPad, iPod or other gadgets...”

Also, the Managing Director, New Horizons Computer Learning Centre, Mr Tim Akano, said tele-conferencing is becoming the in-thing across the world. He said organisations are now using it to enhance the performance of their workers. He said companies, irrespective of their size can use the technology to improve the efficiency of their workers.

“For instance, a newspaper can use teleconferencing to hold meetings with all its correspondents across the country without them meeting physically at a particular city such as Lagos or Abuja. It enables people to ask questions and get answers that would spur the growth of the company. Through this, workers are passing information across the airwaves in well packaged and coherent ways,” he said.

Akano said tele-conferencing is a fast, cheaper, and safer means of creating efficiency in a work place, arguing that compa-

• Akano

• Ms Ireti Bakare-Yusuf

nies have no choice than to embrace it in the interest of the safety of their workers.

In a related development, a computer engineer, Mr Thomas Ajadi, said teleconferencing is still new in Nigeria compared to countries such as the United States.

Ajadi said the idea would be of help to companies that are in search of quicker and costeffective services. He said the world is a global village, in which organisations are using technological devices to promote efficiency.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

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HE Board of Forte Oil Plc (formerly African Petroleum Plc, has appointed Mr Akin Akinfemiwa and Mr Owotuga Babatunde Julius as Acting Chief Executive Officer and Acting Chief Financial Officer.

Akinfemiwa, according to a statement from the company, was the Director, Trading and Business Development of Fineshade Energy Limited.

He is a seasoned and experienced International Petroleum Products Trader with focus on oil and oil products futures, swaps and derivatives trading.

Akinfemiwa started his petroleum products trading and marketing career with the Oando Group having worked with the Group Deputy Managing Director. He held other leadership roles within the Group, working as a senior derivatives and products trader, where he was responsible for establishing and developing the futures and derivatives desk. He was

Forte Oil appoints acting CEO influential in developing strategic trading and supply relationships for Oando in the West African sub-region He left Oando for Fineshade Energy Limited to assume the role of Head Trading and Business Development before being promoted Lead Director at Fine shade Energy, all in recognition of his leadership skills and contributions to the rapid growth and expansion of the company’s business.

Prior to this, Akin had worked with FSB International Bank Plc as a Business Process Analyst and sub-team leader on the company’s Business Transformation Project in 2001.

An alumnus of the Said Business School, University of Oxford, United Kingdom, Akin

holds a B.Sc. Honours in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Ibadan and also a Master of Business Administration (Information Technology) from the University of Lincolnshire and Humberside, United Kingdom.

Owotuga was at Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) where he had responsibilities for the Corporations Assets and Liabilities Management function and also doubled as the Assistant Treasurer. The Africa Finance Corporation is a $1 billion private sector-led Development Finance and Investment Bank. Prior to this, he was a Finance manager in the same corporation.

In this role, Julius set up the Financial Control function of the institution. He was

also responsible for Human Resources and Administration at the corporation’s start up.

He joined the AFC from Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited where he was a Finance Manager with responsibilities for the finance aspect of the bank’s expansion project. Before this, He was at KPMG where he led assurance engagements within the Nigerian financial services industry. He also consulted for a number of institutions on IFRS and Risk management while at KPMG Professional Services. Prior to his time at KPMG, Julius worked in the foreign operations Group of MBC International Bank.

He holds a BSc in Accounting from the University of Lagos and he is an executive MBA student of a top business school in the United States. He is also a Chartered Management Accountant and Certified Treasury and Financial manager.

CAREER MANAGEMENT

10 home-truths about job hunting (II) T

HE year 2011 will ended. I expect every job seeker that has not been successful so far to be getting ready for a successful 2012. It is normal to feel wearied.

At any rate, never give up: no retreat, no surrender!!

In the light of this, let us continue what we started last week: telling ourselves some home truths.

Placement and orientation are programs intended to familiarise the new employee with his new work environment, the people and the culture. He is given the details of the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Do you now know what the employer goes through? Recruitment error will result in an expensive waste for the company and a dent on competence of the manager responsible for recruiting. For these reasons, the employer is really interested in conducting a successful recruitment and selection process.

How does a typical job search go?

Put your CV together; wait until you hear about a job opening somewhere or give it to as many people/ organisation as possible or responding to newspaper ads and then wait.

By Olu Oyeniran

There is something really wrong about this passive way of job search.

This is a subject for another day.

Home truth No 3: Most candidates don’t understand the precarious position of the prospective employee.

Home truth No 4: Nobody owes you a job This not new to regular readers, but it can’t be said too frequently.

If you desire a good job, you need to get up your butt and go after the job you desire. Invest your time, energy and money (even the little you have- you make GSM call, don’t you?).

Let me add further, most job seekers expect the job search to be easy, simple and quick; and when things are not going that way, they give up, often too soon.

The moral here is that though you may be unemployed, you still have a job to do: to get yourself a

job. You will need to put in all you have and be focused. To get a good job takes imagination, initiative and focus.

It means that you must be committed to implementing the skills you will acquire reading this column, attending seminars, reading relevant books. You know what you want, and must be ready to work for it. Are you?

Home truth No 5: Job-hunting success is directly proportional to the amount of intelligent job-hunting effort The more you try, the more likely you will find the job you want, and quickly too. Even if you are a career/job changer, you need to schedule and make time out consistently to pursue your job search.

Home truth No. 6: Successful job-hunting requires a willingness to change tactics If something is not working, move to another strategy. But do you have a job search strategy?

These apply to everybody in the job market.

In your efforts to get a job, you will probably encounter some barriers and hurdles. Common barriers include: • I am not experienced/too experienced; • I am too young/old; • The economy is bad and so is unemployment; • My course is not marketable; • I don’t have connection; and • My skills are obsolete etc.

Think again, is these real barriers or excuses? It is often easy to blame external factors for failure to get what you want. The real barriers are generally internal doubts and fear, resistance to change and our perception. Perceptions, may be stronger than reality- it influcuces our altitude and actions towards a given object or situation, whether it is right or wrong.

I am sure the question floating in your mind is “where are the jobs?

You are already on your way to uncovering the job market. The next step is to analyse the job and

business environment. There are opportunities in education/training, agriculture, accounting/banking/finance, insurance, manufacturing, health care service, government, civil-society/social/Professional organisations, oil/gas, media/publishing sectors of the economy.

All you need to do is to develop special interest in specific job market/segment that holds promise and potential of a good job for you.

10 per cent unemployment probably means that 5-6 million graduates are do not have jobs. That is some figure. But also means that 85 to 90 per cent are employed somehow. Or better still, you have at least 80 per cent chance of succeeding at getting a job. That is not bad!

Olu Oyeniran is the Lead Consultant, EkiniConsult & Assoiciates.

Website: www.jobsearchhow.com E-mail: oluoyeniran@yahoo.com Tel 08083843230 (SMS Only).

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

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LABOUR

RATTAWU faults govt on CNN, T W BBC office invasion

DG seeks staff support

ORKERS in the electronic media have registered their displeasure at the invasion of the Nigeria offices of Cable News Network (CNN) and British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) over their coverage of the Labour strike and mass protests.

The workers, under the aegis of Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), said the action was undemocratic.

In a statement signed by the National President, Oluwayemisi

Stories by Dupe OlaoyeOsinkolu

Abel Bamgbose, said the Federal Government must tread softly as its actions are undemocratic and complicating the image of the country in the international community.

“While we appreciate that the security and the stability of the country is paramount and not ne-

gotiable but the media (local or international) should not be used as the atonement of the sin of those in authority.

“We, therefore, condemn the invasion of the CNN and BBC offices and wish to advise the government not to harass the media while doing their legitimate job.

We also want to thank the media for the unbiased coverage of the just suspended industrial action

by the organised Labour. Both Labour and Government were given access to the media with balanced report.

The union also condemned deployment of soldiers to Lagos, Ibadan and some states in the North, even when Labour had suspended rallies and street protests saying there is no justification for sending soldiers to streets.

HE newly appointed Director-General of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Michael Omeri has said he would work hard to achieve the goals of the agency.

He enlisted the support of the staff to enable him achieve the aim of taking the agency to greater heights.

Said Omeri: “Even if I am bringing all the knowledge in the world to this place, I cannot be the director-general without you, the staff’’.

He said he would build on the foundation of his predecessor, pledging to do his best on the new appointment.

The former Director-General, Alhaji Idi Farouk acknowledged that the agency was blessed with committed workers ready to work even in difficult environment.

He said the agency was constrained by poor funding but pledged to support the new Director-General whenever he was called upon.

Spain braces for labour reforms

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• Subsidy protesters at Agbotikuyo protest zone, Agege Lagos.

PHOTO: DUPE OLAOYE-OSINKOLU.

Shutdown threat: PENGASSAN takes stock

• Ogun

T

HE petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has said its threat to shut down the petroleum sector would have crippled the economy.

Its President, Comrade Babatunde Ogun, said the asso-

ciation was disappointed that the Federal Government did not meet Labour’s demands but expressed satisfaction at the turn out of people, especially the youth, to protest the fuel subsidy removal.

He said had the shutdown been carried out, it would have affected the economy negatively.

In a statement, Ogun said: “We knew we had no other choice than to threaten a shutdown of the crude oil production platforms if the situation remained unchanged. As responsible leaders we were fully aware of the consequences of the action we were set to take. In fact, we understand the import of our announcement on the international prices of crude oil which immediately rose by $2 within hours of the announcement.

“Let me tell you that the shutdown would have not only denied the country of earning revenues and slow the benefit of governance, we know that the energy sector including PHCN would have shut down and even our hospitals and other social

amenities would have failed.”

He, however, said the oil workers were glad the shutdown had to be suspended.

“We are glad that the shutdown had to be suspended to give room for peaceful negotiations. We are aware of the socialethnic and religious tension that pervaded the land already, and we were not ready for people with narrow interests to hijack our activities to unleash mayhem on the country. Nigerians, these threats are very real!”

Ogun said PENGASSAN’s announcement jolted the Presidency to come to the negotiating table. “Please note that only negotiation can move the country and our hard-earned democracy forward.

“Nigerians will remember that President Goodluck Jonathan, rising from the highest executive decision making platform, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, made a firm resolution that there was no going back on his unpopular decision to suddenly remove fuel subsidy. The Federal Government was not

even ready to enter into serious negotiation with the Labour unions.

“Twenty-four hours after this stance, the leadership council of PENGASSAN and I agreed to pressure the President to listen to the voices and see reasons with the citizenry. We knew we had no other choice than to threaten a shutdown of the crude oil production platforms if the President continues to be obstinate. As responsible leaders we were fully aware of the consequences of the action we were set to take.

In fact, we understand the import of our announcement on the international prices of crude oil which immediately rose by $2 within hours of the announcement.

“Most critically our announcement jolted the Presidency to come to the negotiating table. To us that was the most satisfying result we had desired. Please note that only negotiation can move the country and our hardearned democracy forward,” he said.

PAIN’s new government will push ahead within weeks on labour reform aimed at tackling the European Union’s highest unemployment rate after unions and employers failed to meet a deadline for agreeing how to modernise a rigid system that harms them both.

It is difficult to see how the reforms can help Spain’s immediate battle with a chronically-weak economy and a jobless rate that has soared to 23.5 per cent in recent months, leaving some 5.4 million out of work.

But Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy drove home the need for action by releasing the latest unemployment figures two weeks early this week and says he will do what is needed to loosen up the system and enable freer job creation.

To do so the government will have to take aggressive measures to worsen wages and conditions for employees that unions warn could prompt a national strike. From what signs the government has given on the shape of the reform, on the other hand, economists say it may also fail to please employers and risks not doing enough to generate meaningful improvement.

In a speech in Malaga last week, Rajoy called the headline unemployment number - equivalent to almost one in four of the economically active population - “astronomical” and said his government would “wage war” on unemployment lines.

“This is in keeping with the change of government,” Santiago Sanchez, chief economist at Juan Carlos III university in Madrid, said.

“The previous government looked for positive statistics to highlight its management (of the economy) .. and this one is rooting out the worst ones to justify its tough austerity measures.”

Elected in a landslide in November, Rajoy gave worker and employer representatives until last Friday to agree on a broad sweep of reforms as he tried to draw a line under some 18 months of largely fruitless talks. They missed the deadline.

The government also faces credit agency pressure, with Standard & Poor’s warning it could cut Spain further this year or next following Friday’s two-notch downgrade if reforms were delayed or “insufficient to reduce the high unemployment rate.”

Job creation in Spain has been crippled by a stagnant economy, a tough austerity programme and exceptionally generous redundancy deals. Critics say the labour market is shackled by complex and rigid agreements on collective bargaining, statutory redundancy payments and temporary contracts.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

COMMENT

Poor, though rich •Again, Nigeria ranks among the poorest in the world HE citizenry must have gotten accustomed to this kind of sad news.

In fact, it is no longer news that Nigeria is consistently at the bottom of the rung among the poor countries of the world. We too are weary of writing about it year-on-year, but what did the hapless chick swooped away by the hawk say? It said its wild protestation is not so that the predator would let go but just so that the world would be placed on notice about its imminent doom. We keep writing about the inability of Nigeria to stand tall in the comity of nations not because we expect that our leaders would be pricked to action but merely to put our plight on record.

Again, another international survey, the

T

‘Every Nigerian – both the leaders and the citizenry alike – must be concerned about this state of affairs in the country. Nigeria ought to rank among the Newly Industrialised Countries (NICs) like Brazil, Malaysia and India, but successive Nigeria’s governments in the last three decades have bungled attempts to get the country on the path of growth and development’

Legatum Prosperity Index, has listed Nigeria among the bottom 15 poorest nations of the world. According to the survey recently released, the last dozen on the list of 110 countries assessed, are African countries. They are: Tanzania, Rwanda, Cameroun, Uganda, Zambia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and Central African Republic. This poor rating has been the trend for nearly a decade now, even with the UN Human Development Index (HDI). While we are aware that there may be errors in certain details in studies like this, we concede that the findings are not too far from the reality.

Income is still quite low as about 60 per cent of the population live on less than two dollars a day; and this condition is more severe in the rural areas. Unemployment rate is high as about 50 per cent of Nigeria’s youths are without jobs, while the enabling environment that could drive investment and entrepreneurship (like steady power, security and transport infrastructure) is dismal. All the recipe for stunted growth and underdevelopment seem to abound here.

It is quite instructive that Nigeria, a major oil exporting country is the only one such on the misery list. In fact, it is noteworthy that most of the countries on that list, like Zimbabwe, Sudan, Rwanda and Uganda are crisis-ridden and their cases may be understandable. But not so for Nigeria which has enjoyed relative stability and peace in the last decade under civilian governments. It is in fact unsettling that Nigeria is yoked among coun-

tries such as these in the study of any development indices. But even as Nigeria continues to wobble, Africa is not without its bright spots with Ghana and Botswana highlighted in the report as models and examples that Africa can excel in spite of its peculiar adverse conditions.

Botswana is showcased as a possible African model of what sustained African prosperity might look like. It is said to have a remarkably high penetration of mobile phones: over 96 per 100 persons, significantly more than the regional average of 41, while Ghana is rated as the fastest growing economy in sub-Saharan Africa because it has the lowest cost of moving goods from point A to point B. The report also concludes that Ghana is the most optimistic in terms of the entrepreneurship sub-index of all the 110 countries.

Every Nigerian – both the leaders and the citizenry alike – must be concerned about this state of affairs in the country.

Nigeria ought to rank among the Newly Industrialised Countries (NICs) like Brazil, Malaysia and India, but successive Nigeria’s governments in the last three decades have bungled attempts to get the country on the path of growth and development. The result has been abject poverty in the midst of plenty and missed opportunities. Endemic corruption and inept leadership have also been the bane of the country.

We hereby challenge the present leadership and the elite to seize the opportunity of this survey to seek ways out of the woods for Nigeria.

Arms, arms everywhere •Suspects in the latest seizures must be made to face the full weight of the law CRITICAL factor fuelling the alarming state of insecurity in Nigeria today is the dangerously large number of illegal arms circulating throughout the country. It is with these illegal weapons that sundry criminal elements have unleashed an unprecedented orgy of violence in recent times. In carrying out their dastardly acts, armed robbers, kidnappers, aggrieved militants, perpetrators of ethno-regional and communal conflagration, religious (Boko Haram) zealots, assassins and political thugs, among several others, have often utilised arms and ammunition far superior to those of legal law enforcement agencies.

The ease with which violent crime is perpetrated all over Nigeria today is partly a function of the prevalence of arms everywhere, most of which are beyond the purview and control of the Nigerian State.

Yet, one of the defining characteristics of any viable state is its manifest monopoly of the means of coercion within its territorial jurisdiction. A state that cannot effectively contain the violent activities of violent groups and individuals in its area of authority is verging dangerously on the fragile borders of inefficacy and ultimate disintegration.

It is against this background that we are alarmed at the rate at which illegal weapons of diverse categories continue to filter through our porous borders to compound the country’s security woes. Not long ago, it was reported that a lorry-load of arms and ammunition destined for Nigeria was intercepted and impounded in

A

Ghana by that country’s Police Service.

Acting on a tip-off by a resident, the Ghanaian authorities seized hundreds of pump action and double action guns as well as type AA and BB cartridges, among others. Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, disclosed that interactions with the driver of the impounded lorry indicated that this was the second trip they were making in recent times. The disturbing reality is that many more of such trips could have been successfully made before the gun runners ran out of luck.

On June 17, 2009, one Ukranian plane fully loaded with arms and ammunition was impounded by security agents when it made a technical landing at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, at about 2.00 am. On October 18, 2010, a lorry-load of arms was impounded in Onitsha, Anambra State. In an illegal arms importation scandal that caused a serious diplomatic rift between Nigeria and Iran, 13 containers of illegal weapons arrived Lagos from the Middle East country through the Apapa ports in July 2010. The unsuccessful attempt to convert the containers to diplomatic cargo and tranship them to The Gambia led to the discovery of the illegal imports. Yet, in none of these cases is there any evidence that the apprehended suspects were conclusively prosecuted in accordance with the country’s laws.

Given the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the country, it must no longer be business as usual in dealing with illegal arms imports. The latest Ghanaian

saga must therefore be used as an opportunity to demonstrate that Nigeria will no longer be an easy port of call for arms smugglers. We expect all those implicated in the unsavoury incident to be speedily prosecuted in a court of competent jurisdiction. The setting up of the National Task Force to combat illegal importation of small arms, ammunition and light weapons into Nigeria (NATFORCE) does not appear to have had much impact in containing the problem. It has become imperative for government to re-organise, modernise and properly motivate all agencies responsible for the security of our borders in order to check the illegal arms importation menace that has become a threat to the country’s existence.

‘Given the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the country, it must no longer be business as usual in dealing with illegal arms imports.

The latest Ghanaian saga must therefore be used as an opportunity to demonstrate that Nigeria will no longer be an easy port of call for arms smugglers. We expect all those implicated in the unsavoury incident to be speedily prosecuted in a court of competent jurisdiction’

Hosni Mubarak’s unfair trial in Egypt

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INCE TAKING power 11 months ago, Egypt’s ruling military council has perpetrated a host of injustices. It has subjected some 12,000 civilians to summary military trials, in which 8,000 have been convicted. It has imprisoned bloggers and liberal activists while shielding police and troops who have shot and killed protesters. It launched raids against American and U.S.-financed non-government groups involved in human rights and democracy promotion.

To all that must be added this: The generals have also staged a trial for their former president, Hosni Mubarak, that in every respect has been a travesty.

Mr. Mubarak, who is 83 and reported to be gravely ill, has been transported from a military hospital to a cage in a Cairo courtroom several days this month for prosecution on both civil and criminal charges, ranging from premeditated murder to economic corruption. His co-defendants include his two sons, his former interior minister, four senior police officials and a businessman. Scores of lawyers crowd the courtroom, purporting to represent the families of his victims.

This would be a process of massive complexity if it were scrupulously carried out; thousands of witnesses have been listed by the prosecution and defense. Yet the judge has allotted just a handful of days this month and next to completing the trial, including five sessions for Mr. Mubarak’s defense. The prosecution has already wrapped up its case — and has demanded that the former president and his interior minister be given the death penalty.

Mr. Mubarak is likely guilty of serious crimes, including complicity in the death of protesters during the popular revolution against his government last year. But the prosecution has presented almost no hard evidence to establish his guilt. Instead they have delivered flowery speeches denouncing Mr. Mubarak’s regime, along with what amounts to conjecture. The president, they say, must have been asked for permission to fire on protesters; or should have done something to stop it; or is ultimately responsible as president for any crimes committed by his regime.

Even some Egyptian human rights activists, to their credit, are dismayed by the shoddiness of this case. “The prosecution’s position could motivate the emotions of the people, but it has no effect in terms of legality,” Gamal Eid, an attorney working for families of slain protesters, told the Wall Street Journal. “Mubarak is a criminal, but from a legal point of view there is very weak evidence.”

Observers in Cairo expect the result of this political case will be a political verdict. Mr. Mubarak will escape the death penalty but will be handed a long term in prison before being returned to his hospital bed. With this, the military council will hope to satisfy an increasingly restless public and pave the way for its own immunity from prosecution under the civilian government due to take power later this year. For all concerned — the generals, Mr. Mubarak and Egyptian society — this would be an injustice.

– Washington Post

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

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu

•Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon

•Advert Manager Robinson Osirike

•Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina •Group Political Editor Bolade Omonijo •Group Business Editor Ayodele Aminu •Abuja Bureau Chief Yomi Odunuga •Sport Editor Ade Ojeikere •Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni

• Gen. Manager (Training and Development) Soji Omotunde •Chief Internal Auditor Toke Folorunsho •Senior Manager (sales) Akeem Shoge

•IT Manager Bolarinwa Meekness •Press Manager Udensi Chikaodi •Manager, Corporate Marketing Hameed Odejayi • Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

20

9EDITORIAL/OPINION

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IR: I rarely take wine, and so my family was astonished when I dramatically opened a wine and called for the celebration of mysterious escape of Kabiru Sokoto, the alleged mastermind in the bombing of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church. Before the real facts begin to emerge as usual, should we not celebrate the consistency of Nigerian Police Force for sustaining the systematic unbreakable tradition of corruption that Nigeria scores above average?

I congratulate the Nigeria Police.

Should we not celebrate the refusal of President Goodluck Jonathan to fire the Inspector General of Police, who came to his current position through a familiar game of ‘scratch my back, I scratch your back’? I congratulate the President.

Should we not celebrate the fact that CP Zakari Biu was suspended over the escape of Kabiru Sokoto instead of being kept in police custody for further interrogation?

Thanks to IGP, Hafiz Ringim, whose affinity with the Boko Haram sect is becoming clearer and indis-

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Nigeria Police has done it again! putable, should we not celebrate that the security of CP Zakari Biu has been beefed up and tagged ‘house arrest’ in case victims of the bomb blast go for retaliation? What a wise ministerial decision. Caleb Olubolade deserves an award as the wisest Minister of Nigeria.

Should we not celebrate the ‘escape’ of a handcuffed criminal in the midst of 10 armed policemen because of the alleged ‘protest’ of some unarmed youths?

Kudos to the Police. They have proven to be faithful servants.

Should we not celebrate the fact that the Police succeeded in shooting a film that the entire world now watches? I congratulate the Nollywood unit of the Police Force

for taking Nigeria Police into the Guinness Book of Records. My suggestion to make the celebration worth it: immediate arrest or at best, removal of IGP; the immediate investigation into the relationship between the IGP and the killer squad, Boko Haram; the immediate detention of CP Zakari Biu and the 10 armed police men accompanying Kabiru Sokoto to Abaji for thorough interrogation; the immediate dismissal, if not arrest of the so called Minister of Police Affairs (MPA), Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade (rtd); directives to the security agencies to investigate the communication they made within the past five days.

Until these or similar steps are

taken by the Federal Government, majority of Nigerians will have no choice but accept that this movie acted by the Nigeria Police where the face of the major character, Kabiru Sokoto, cannot be captured by any modern kind of camera was written and directed by the Federal Government in an attempt to hide its complicity in the Christmas Day bombing of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State. I do not see anything provocative or funny in this screenless escape movie of Kabiru Sokoto, the alleged suicide bombers’ kingpin, I only see a revelation.

• Churchill Malaika.

Ekpoma.

As Super Eagles misses action at Nations Cup

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IR: It is no longer news that Super Eagles will not be at the Africa Cup of Nations to be co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon from January 21 to February 12. Lovers of football in this great country would have to bear the pain of not seeing the so called “Giant of Africa” at the Mundial; the Super Eagles themselves would have to settle down in front of their TV screens to watch their colleagues display.

The truth must be said that missing out of Africa’s premier football competition is the biggest flop of all. This is where the continent of Africa showcases her football talents to the entire world. It is the avenue for the whole world to truly behold what African football is made of. The failure of the team and the coaching staff to put their heads together in the last minutes

of the match against the Guineans cost the entire nation the excitement of the Nations Cup. So many reasons have been given

by Nigerians for the disaster that rocked the nation’s football in the past year. They include; untimely discipline from the coach Samson Siasia; lack of commitment on the side or the players by not reporting early to camp, ‘big boy attitudes’ on the field of play and the like; use of players who are short of club appearances, and, the lackadaisical attitude of the technical committee of the Nigerian Football Association.

We will continue to give reasons or excuses for the failure, but we all should note that the national team of Libya made it to the same Nations Cup amidst the crisis that rocked that nation last year. In fact, Libya has been rewarded with the

fame of playing the opening match of the tournament.

Yet we will not stop giving excuses. We will not stop going back to the drawing board even when the chalk in which we’ve been using has been exhausted!

Now the question is; have we put in place necessary measures to prevent the re-occurrence of this disappointment? All right, the coaching crew has been changed successfully, and work has started with the selection of some home based Eagles. But two questions remain unanswered: one, have we addressed the issue of the lack of seriousness on the part of the players?

Two, will the technical committee work on the past mistakes and use them as a stepping stone to achieve the desired success?

The coaches, the players, the technical committee and the Nigerian

Football Federation must know that time is not on the side of the country any more as the next edition of the Nations Cup is just in a couple of months, and that the football lovers in the country will no longer accept any excuse if the nation fails to qualify for the next edition.

Nigerians have renounced their support for the Super Eagles in other to spare themselves from the fear of more heart breaks and disappointments. Nonetheless, the country remains our own and if the football circuit of the country will need the fans to give them a second chance, then let the right things be put in place.

• Yemiojo Samuel Lagos

Whose Neighbour to Neighbour?

S

IR: I have read some publications in recent time in regard to salient national issues of which the removal of fuel subsidy is one of them. But there is a particular scenario that disturbs or is disturbing me. It is the issue of one Neighbor to Neighbor organization that is supposed to be a non-governmental organization, as we all know. We can also remember that this organization was constituted to facilitate the grassroots aspect of President Jonathan’s campaign.

Unlike every political organization that is supposed to be silent after elections period, Neighbor to Neighbor has gone beyond their scope of establishment to the point of becoming one of the state agencies as they have to speak the mind of the government on every national issue such as fuel subsidy removal issue.

I came across their numerous adverts in several newspapers condemning the recent street protest against subsidy removal and I wondered whose agents are they?

Who finances them?

I think our leaders should discourage this act of hiding under groups to sell their unpopular policies to the public. We should build a leadership structure that discourages laziness in totality. While we are complaining and condemning the high cost of running the government, it is appalling that some baseless groups are still feeding fat on our commonwealth all in the name of “NGO”. And we know the writing and whose wall it is being written. May the good Lord deliver Nigeria

• Monehin Fanegan Igbotako, Ondo State.

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

EDITORIAL/OPINION

The supremacy of the people in democracy

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N interesting phase of Nigeria’s democratic experience began penultimate week when the country rose in unison to protest the sudden and huge increase in the price of petrol. Organised labour, civil society organisations, traders, students, housewives and the masses of Nigerian people trooped to the streets to protest this policy of government capable of stifling their economic life and strangulate their businesses. This is within their democratic rights which are fully backed by the constitution.

As a government, we identified with the people and supported them fully. Our election mandate is to guarantee freedom for all and life more abundant; thus eliminating pains and promoting their happiness to the highest level. This is the sacred duty of any elected government to its people.

While the protest lasted, I must thank the good people of Osun for the maturity displayed, for their peaceful disposition and for the democratic expression of their will through civilized means. It is now confirmed beyond doubt that the people of the State of Osun have no equal in civilised democratic behaviour.

I must not fail to commiserate with the family of the lone casualty of the ugly incident at Jaleyemi Area of Osogbo and express my deepest sympathy to those run over at Olaiya Junction by the vehicle of the immediate past governor in the state, Brig. Olagunsoye Oyinlola rtd. I understand that the two incidents were not unconnected since the hoodlums that had gone to meet the former governor were alleged to have attacked people with machetes. The police authorities have been charged to aprehend the culprits and bring them to justice.

Lagos witnessed the largest turnout of protesters, in what has now become the hallmark of the people’s power. The protesters were organised, peaceful and made a resounding statement of democracy with their presence on the streets.

The tumultuous crowd at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Square was an unsurpassable exhibition of democratic expression as they sang, danced, cried and articulated their position on the contentious policy of government.

‘It is unfortunate, however, that a young man was killed by an overzealous and murderous police officer in far away Ogba.

There were no reports that he was armed or constituted a risk to public peace other than he was among millions of disenchanted citizens protesting against an unpopular government policy’

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FEW weeks ago there was the usual hullabaloo by the Senate on the perceived non- performance of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) despite the huge public funds pumped into the organization over the years. Some of us felt with the probe, a new vigor would emerge for the scheme to achieve the set goals. However, as usual, nothing is heard anymore probably due to the advocacy of the NHIS and of course the lobbying. Since that pronouncement and today, Dr. Dogo Mohammed has spent more money than in the last three years on advocacy and self publicity.

Insiders marvel at the amount of rot, ineptitude and stagnation within the organization which was only partially ameliorated by the last Council (board) which is the first and only board that has been objective since the inception of the scheme, thanks to Prof. Eyitayo Lambo and his team.

During the era of former President Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR) the NHIS scheme was effectively kicked off when Prof. Lambo was Minister of Health and Dr. Mohammed Lecky was the Executive Secretary with a mandate for the insurance of all Federal Civil Servants. That mandate was backed with cash and relevant process to ensure that funds were provided for health of staff and families of Civil Servants and that the scheme would not be politicized nor changed by subsequent administrations.

The move by the previous government, and not the current one nor the leadership of Dr. Dogo Mohammed, is what has ensured that over 95% of Federal Civil Servants are enrolled.

If that be the case, then what is the achievement of the NHIS management that has a budget of almost two Billion Naira on recurrent expenditure per annum in the last five years under the headship of Dr. Dogo Mohammed?

In the Tribune newspaper of January 17, Dogo’s achievement is reported as putting in place of blue prints and launching of several schemes for which NHIS has spent

By Rauf Aregbesola It is unfortunate, however, that a young man was killed by an overzealous and murderous police officer in far away Ogba.

There were no reports that he was armed or constituted a risk to public peace other than he was among millions of disenchanted citizens protesting against an unpopular government policy. We are comforted that the officer involved is being made accountable for his action and we hope that the matter will be followed to a logical conclusion.

Strangely, there was an ugly twist of events last Monday as the Federal Government deployed troops to the streets of Lagos, apparently to stem further protests by the people and stifle their democratic voice. This is as dangerous as it is alarming.

What the Federal Government must know is that democracy is a system of government in which sovereignty resides absolutely with the people. Its most popular definition is the government of the people by the people and for the people. In a democracy, sovereignty, which is the supreme authority of the state, belongs to the people. In classical time, it resided with the emperor and in medieval time, it was with the nobility and royalty. In our pre-colonial era, the monarchy was the repository of sovereignty. However, in democracy, the people are supreme.

This point must never be lost on any elected political leader who must constantly be reminded that he or she is holding office in trust for the people. We must shun the perverse notion that all there is to democracy is periodic election, whichever way it comes bye. Yes, a free and fair election is a necessary, but not a sufficient, condition for democracy. It is the first condition and thus only the beginning of democracy.

After election, the policy choices and programmes must reflect the will of the people.

As political leaders we do not have any authority over and above the people. If the people feel they are not heard enough, it is their inalienable right to speak through other legitimate means like peaceful protests and the government must listen to them. Any government that tries to muzzle the people stands the grave risk of provoking them to speak by other means that may undermine democracy which must seriously be avoided by all means.

Deployment of soldiers to quell legitimate and peaceful protest is therefore clearly undemocratic and a dangerous policy of militarisation of society with grave consequences. Soldiers by training, orientation and temperament are not suited to maintaining law and order in a civil environment. It is usually done, if it must be done at all, as an extreme measure in a vanquished and occupied territory after a war in order to forcibly pacify the subjugated people. This is never directed at citizens in the homeland.

Soldiers are for the defence of the territorial integrity of the country and can only be deployed in extreme circumstances

of insurrection, natural disaster and any such crisis beyond the capability of civil authorities. Lagos has not got to that point and certainly none of the states in Yorubaland where soldiers have been deployed.

However, it amounts to hypocrisy of the highest order to canvass for votes through open rallies, processions, carnival, dances and so on and then employ repressive means to suppress the electorate, who as protesting citizens, have adopted the same methods to express their grievances against the government.

There is no insurrection or external aggression in Lagos or any part of Yorubaland warranting the deployment of the military. There were pockets of abuses which were clearly contained and for which the security agencies were quickly mobilised. Indeed, the State of Osun was the first to recognise the possibility of abuse and had taken corrective measures before other states followed suit. The police are the civil authority invested with maintaining peace, law and order and the Federal Government should demonstrate sufficient confidence in them by encouraging them to be on top of the situation at all times.

We are asking that the soldiers be removed from the streets of Lagos and other affected states in Yoruba land. We must be guided by history. The first military misadventure in government began with their deployment in the Western Region in 1965. Once they were out, like a genie in a bottle, they could not be restrained again. The rest is history. We must assiduosly work at depenning our democracy and restraining the military to their barracks and strict professional duties.

I must thank those who contributed in one way or the other to the sustenance of the democratic order by ensuring that the voice of the people was heard peacefully. For this we thank the well disciplined members of the security agencies, who maturedly conducted themselves in a way that ensured that harm was not done to the protesters or ordinary citizens throughout the period of the protest.

As your government, we are conscious of the challenge that the increase in the price of petrol will constitute to the already traumatised people. We are going to do everything possible to ensure that the pains and sufferings induced by the current situation are assuaged.

Our feelings are with those who, one way or the other, are affected by the crisis. Those whose streams of income were stemmed abruptly, those whose economic activities were disrupted and those who suffered any loss physically, materially and emotionally. We want to assure you that we never cease to be concerned about your plight.

We shall more than ever commit ourselves to your welfare and ensure that all the people of the state reap the benefits of good governance.

• Ogbeni Aregbesola is governor of the State of Osun and delivered this address on Wednesday January 18.

The forgotten Senate probe of NHIS

By Abubakar Sadiq over N200 million, yet all the launched schemes are those already being run by HMOs. So what value has the NHIS added?

An analysis of the last five years shows a management that lacks knowledge and idea of how to move health insurance forward in Nigeria. The object of the NHIS which is to achieve universal coverage has been a colossal failure yet the current leadership would want to claim success, whereas statistics don’t lie.

When the scheme was launched in 2005 with a mandate for the insurance of all Federal Civil Servants, coverage of all concerned with their families was a fait accompli because Obasanjo backed it with instrument which ensured that funds would always be available. No wonder 95% of civil servants and their families are the only Nigerians who enjoy health insurance by the effort of government.

This was achieved under the leadership of Dr. Mohammed Lecky before he was eased out of office. The current leadership has only been able to add a paltry 1.6 million enrollees under the MDG scheme for pregnant women and children under five, an average of 320,000 people per annum.

Whilst other nations in the bid to encourage health insurance would give incentives to people who operate health insurance with as much as 25% incentive even to NGOs, NHIS under its current leadership has instead insisted on a new share capital of N400 million for a business that gives not more that 20% profit before removal of operational costs.

The main concern also includes charging the HMOs for investing in improving health indices for Nigeria. What irony?

The National Assembly need not look too deep into the accounts of NHIS to understand how money was being wasted.

A look at consultancy costs would show several scam contracts, majority of which are below levels requiring ministerial or board approvals. The House should quickly investigate how much has been spent since the dissolution of all parastatal boards and now. A shock awaits the audit team.

The other area to look into is the area of travels. The Executive Secretary was the most travelled public servant in Nigeria.

A mere look at his passport would give a quick insight into his spending on international travels even without an accounting audit.

When Dr. Dogo Mohammed was removed by the President in line with the policy on the need for directors that have spent 10 years in office to retire, he took the President to court as if he had a special assignment he needed to fulfill in the interest of Nigerians. He won the case and insiders now understand better why he needed to remain at all costs.

The last scam which was also aimed at polishing the image of the scheme was at Isanlu, Kogi State Community Health Insurance Scheme launched by the President. Unfortunately, the President did not attend. The NHIS hijacked a well articulated community scheme to showcase as their product and at an initial stage refused to involve the Ministry of Health because according to the NHIS helmsman, his reporting line was to the Presidency and not Minister of Health. Of course the people involved with the launch, including NHIS personnel knew they were claiming credit for the effort of

Prof. Lambo and his Isanlu people.

Dogo in his self appraisal is quick to point at his publicity stunt particularly on NTA which the average Nigerian does not watch. However, this has not resulted in conversion to more lives covered. This can best be described as “all action, all noise, no movement”. What a colossal waste of money that could at worst have yielded interest which could be spent on insuring the venerable when their scheme effectively commences.

In the Tribune interview, Dogo stated that at a time money was not allocated to the MDG scheme. He did not explain that his budget could not be defended by the Minister of Health who was not aware of the details of operations of the NHIS because he refused to give report to a Minister or permanent secretary he felt were inferior to him.

Over the years, it has been observed that those who are appointed to head the NHIS are Ministry of Health staff who spend two years to understand the scheme and spend the later years in enriching themselves. We hope the Ministry and the Presidency would this time around shop for the right candidate who is knowledgeable to deliver as Dogo leaves office in March.

• Sadiq writes from Abuja

‘The National Assembly need not look too deep into the accounts of NHIS to understand how money was being wasted. A look at consultancy costs would show several scam contracts, majority of which are below levels requiring ministerial or board approvals’

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION

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HEN news filtered last week of the arrest of a prime terrorist suspect in the attack of the Catholic Church in Madallah, Niger State which killed more than 45 people on Christmas day, many heaved a sigh of relief. The enthusiasm generated by the arrest of one Kabiru Sokoto in connection with the attack was to be expected.

Before then, Boko Haram had operated with such invincibility that cast serious doubt on the capacity of our security agencies to live up to their statutory duties.

Coming on the heels of the frustrations expressed by President Goodluck Jonathan that Boko Haram had infiltrated the executive, legislative and security hierarchy of the state, the arrest could not have come at a better time. It was largely expected that this singular arrest would throw more light into the Boko Haram debacle.

This is more so given the other component of the report that Kabiru Sokoto was arrested in company of an Air force officer at the Borno State Governor’s lodge in Abuja while preparing to flee to London. Given all these, we had thought that our security agencies were gradually getting to the heart of this deadly terrorist cell.

But all this optimism was to give way to anguish, frustration and utter disappointment a few days latter. The direct opposite took the center stage. The same police authorities that celebrated Sokoto’s arrest came out shamelessly to inform a bewildered nation that Sokoto had escaped from their custody.

According to the story which they sold to members of the public, Police Commissioner

‘More fundamentally, the issues raised by the Borno state government are very serious and weighty and bring to the fore the inherent dangers and contradictions in the arrest and escape saga of Kabiru Sokoto. It is a test case President Jonathan must handle with all the seriousness it deserves’

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N scope, sweep and significance, the recent somewhat continuing protests against the removal of the so-called oil subsidy by the federal government featuring over 110% jump in the price of petrol are the most magnificent in our history comparable only to the anti-annulment upheaval of June, 1993. Over 25 lives were lost, most if not all of them, in direct encounters between law enforcement and protesters while official sources put the loss of revenue occasioned by the strike at N300billion. The protest themselves, a spectacular outpouring of angst and anger invented like those of 1993 novel rebellious communication outlets; took on sometimes aspects of a carnival in which star musicians and comedians regaled an unprecedentedly huge audience with antiestablishment lyrics as well as employed the emergent social media to rail at, mock or denounce state officials.

The political volcano had all the makings of a bourgeoning class war featuring a vivid and gargantuan interrogation of what is perhaps best described as a process of attempted reforms without reformers. Interestingly too, Nigerians in the Diaspora took up the gauntlet as they made common cause with a civil society beleaguered by what is in some respects a syndrome described famously by Cameroonian scholar Mbembe as the infinite capacity of the post-colonial state to inflict pain on its hapless subjects.

It is necessary to recapitulate the germane dimensions of this extended subversive dialogue because Professor Paul Collier of Oxford University writing in the Financial Times of Monday completely in my view misread the protest which he described as a “tea partystyle folly” as a case of the poor demonstrating for the retention of the privileges of the rich. Collier argues that fuel subsidy benefitted only the rich and that if the poor knew enough they would applaud rather than berate its removal by government. It should be noted in response to this argument, that a number of influential commentators including the former Minister for Petroleum Resources Prof. Tam David West maintains that a subsidy only exists in the context of the inability or feigned inability of the state to run its own refineries as well as the exploitative sleight of hand in which the cost of produc-

Emeka OMEIHE 08121971199 email: EmekaOmeihe@yahoo.com

Escapee Boko Haram suspect Zakari Biu had sent a team with Sokoto handcuffed to his Abaji residence for a routine search. Youths in the town spotted Sokoto, confronted the police and freed him. Police attempt to re-arrest him led to the death of a 28-year old student of the Federal Polytechnic Nassarawa. And that was the shameful story.

The high echelon of the police is not enthused by this puerile account of events leading to the escape of such a high profile suspect. The Inspector-General of Police Hafiz Ringim has been queried by the Minister of Police Affairs. Biu has also been suspended from duties and the authorities have promised to prosecute him and his team of investigators if a criminal case was established against them. The turn of events has attracted serious outrage and opprobrium. In the face of this, there have been several speculations and theories as to what might have transpired in the Sokoto saga.

The first theory is that it is part of the grand design by the sponsors of the Boko Haram terrorist group to cover up their devious tracks. By this, it is being suggested that the purported confrontation by the youths leading to the freeing of the suspect, fits into a script written by the key sponsors of terrorism to evade justice. They had reasoned that with Sokoto in the hands of the police, some of them may soon be exposed. The way out, this theory goes, is for them to work with one of their own and facilitate the suspect’s escape. By this, both Ringim and Biu are being suspected either through acts of omission or commission to have facilitated the escape of the suspect.

That is why Ringim was queried while Biu suspended from duties and they will have to face the law if acts of culpability are established against them.

More seriously, the circumstances of the suspect’s escape do not tie. They do not and cannot impress any one. Questions are bound to be asked as to why such a high profile suspect could be moved out of police cell without adequate security arrangements. We have not been told either that the youths that purportedly overpowered the police were armed. We have also not been told how long it took the youths to mobilize and the police response in the face of such obvious threat.

How come unarmed mob acting instantaneously subdued the police, unchained the suspect and he escaped into the thin air without any trace? And the police team had the effrontery to return to their office with such a sordid tale. This is not only confounding but incredible. Obviously, there is more to this fairy tale than ordinarily meets the eyes.

In the face of these puzzles, the inevitable conclusion is that the escape of Sokoto was made possible through high level conspiracy within the police echelon. After all, President Jonathan had told the nation that Boko Haram is omnipresent in all strata of our civic structures. This is a clear evidence of that claim.

The other theory which is being canvassed by the Borno state government is that no arrest was really made. They argue that the purported arrest of Sokoto in the Borno state Governor’s lodge in Abuja was just a decoy by those who are bent on painting the state governor black.

Fuel subsidy protest: a postscript

By Ayo Olukotun ing and refining petrol, is computed by reference to the opportunity cost in terms of import price equivalent, rather than as should have sensibly been the case, the actual cost of producing and refining petrol within Nigeria. Take along with this the stupendous racketeering and swindle which characterize the oil sector teeming with well-heeled importers, state officials, and colluding regulatory agencies and you begin to get a drift of the Pandora’s Box which led Nigeria to the tragic dark alley which occasioned last week’s social tornado. In the aftermath of the protests, government has promised to sanitise the oil industry and bring to book both corrupt officials and the profiteering importers; although the question naturally arises whether this promise should not have been the first order of business in a policy universe which announces itself as a transformatory agenda.

Over time, and as a result of the advent of a succession of chaotically inept governments which are long on promises but short on performance, Nigerians have come to regard the relatively low price of petrol as the only welfare benefit they derive from a state which has practically orphaned them by denying them such amenities as good roads, potable water, regular electricity, healthcare, and a host of others which are more or less taken for granted in other countries including some in Africa which do not have oil.

It is this context of a monumentally underperforming political and military elite, in which hard currency goes into the private pockets of rotating and recycled power mongers, while the people are fed with attractive slogans and promises which come to naught that provides the backdrop for the recent social upheaval. As I argued in a recent article entitled Mathematics of Distrust, a long suffering people, used to violated pledges cannot be blamed for not trusting that government

would honour a deal in which they are asked to pay astronomically more for an essential commodity in exchange for a doubtful arrangement in which they are offered palliatives which only scratch the surface of their woes. Admittedly, the Jonathan government alone is not to be blamed for this accumulated and vexed distrust of official rhetoric but if its sometimes severe reaction to popular protest is anything to go by, it is yet to grasp the relationship between governmental performance, accountability and social trust. For example, as the crisis snowballed from syndicalist dispute with government into more generalized, eruptive social discontent, government officials continued to talk down at protesters and engaged in lecturing a clearly intemperate and distraught nation on the wonderful benefits it will derive from projected ameliorative measures.

Even in the best of circumstances, and in the most propitious governance clime, a price jerk of almost 120% on a vital commodity would be considered outrageous if not extremely disdainful of the populace. In the extremely distressing milieu in which life has become raw and nasty for most Nigerians, the strange New Year gift of an intolerable new price regime was regarded as a declaration of war on Nigerians. Indeed, so bizarre were some of the policy pronouncements and actions including for example, the gratuitous deployment of soldiers to Lagos that one of our brilliant columnists wondered aloud if there were some in power who were secretly working for the dismemberment of Nigeria as presently constituted.

I have also myself queried the rationale behind government taking on the big fight of removing so-called petroleum subsidy at a time when the activities of Islamic insurgents were bringing the nation perilously close to

Hear the Borno state commissioner for information Inuwa Bwala: It justifies our suspicion to the effect that there may be a grand conspiracy intended to either embarrass the Governor or to eliminate him. Could the arrest and escape stories not be a phantom arrangement after all, he queried?

Bwala who queried how a suspect under escort and in handcuffs could overrun more than a platoon of armed policemen, found it curious that the whole drama was headed for the Borno State Governor’s lodge in particular.

The issues raised by the Borno State government are clear. They are saying that the purported arrest of Kabiru Sokoto in connection with the Madallah bombing was a figment of the imagination of those who are bent to settle scores with Governor Kashim Shettima. In their thinking, there may have been nobody like Kabiru Sokoto, a mastermind of the Christmas day terrorist attack at the Madallah Catholic Church. By the same logic, his purported arrest at the Borno State governor’s lodge in Abuja may have been a subterfuge that fits into the imagination of the planners of that comic drama. They want to be faulted on these conclusions. And the only way to do so is to produce and prosecute the said Kabiru Sokoto.

They are saying that the burden of proof that a terrorist suspect, Kabiru Sokoto was arrested in their lodge rests squarely on the shoulders of the police. They also say though vicariously, that if the police cannot re-arrest and prosecute Sokoto, the state government deserves an unqualified apology from them for dragging its image to the mud. These conclusions cannot be faulted. The police it was that raised hopes in the arrest story, only to crash them moments later via the escape drama. So who is deceiving who?

More fundamentally, the issues raised by the Borno state government are very serious and weighty and bring to the fore the inherent dangers and contradictions in the arrest and escape saga of Kabiru Sokoto. It is a test case President Jonathan must handle with all the seriousness it deserves. It is a clear signal for him to undertake a comprehensive reorganization of the security agencies and dilute its composition such that no section of the country has overriding control over them.

The way Jonathan goes about this, will make the difference in the direction this country moves in the days ahead.

the brink of cataclysm on the scale of a civil war. Obviously, we would not get answers to all of these puzzles; but it is clear that more stamina, more thoughtfulness and more innovativeness would have to be brought into governance in the wake of the recent social uprising. Urgent for instance is the need for government to abandon a creeping authoritarian temptation to which it has become increasingly prone before and during the anti-subsidy removal protest, if only to guarantee the survival of our besieged democracy.

Instead of spending time and money on adverts which convey no further information than the predictable exploitation of popular protest by opposition politicians -as if that is not what their business is – government should concentrate on tackling the fundamental malaise and deprivation which ignited the protest and brought the country to the brink of anarchy. The Jonathan government has a fighting chance of proving its critics wrong that the Kolade committee is no more than another time buying arrangement; beyond that it should push itself and the nation hard in the direction of affordable and reasonable petroleum prices by getting the refineries to work and bringing to book as it has promised, the racketeers that brought us to this sorry pass.

• Olukotun is a Professor of Political Science at Lead City University, Ibadan

‘In the aftermath of the protests, government has promised to sanitise the oil industry and bring to book both corrupt officials and the profiteering importers; although the question naturally arises whether this promise should not have been the first order of business in a policy universe which announces itself as a transformatory agenda’

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

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MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

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NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS

Kuffour bemoans $2m winning prize

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HE winner of the Africa Cup of Nations gets a $2 million reward, an amount former Black Stars defender Sammy Osei Kuffour says is "sad".

“How can you give a country $2m?

CAF should do something about it,” he said adding that “I was really sad when I heard Zambian Football legend Kalusha say that the prize money for winning the Africa Cup of Nations is $2m on the Super Sports programme, Soccer Africa, the last time.”

Kuffour is also among the starstudded list of former African greats doing 24-hour anlaysis and punditry for us here at SuperSport for the tournament. The 2001 UEFA Champions league winner said the African soccer governing body must put its house in order and make sure the prize money is raised higher to a respectable standard. He was speaking on a local Ghanaian TV station, eTV. The winner of the 2010 UEFA Champions league earned •31, 500,000 in bonuses and prize money alone and Kuffour feels CAF must take a leaf from Uefa.

“Somebody wins the UEFA Champions league and gets more than $100m and when you win the Africa Cup of Nations, you get $2m!

At least it should be more than $10m that is my personal view. Now we have a lot of sponsorships from Orange, DSTV, the TV rights and everything.”

This would not be the first time that eyebrows have been raised about the prize money given out to winners of CAF organised competitions. Many clubs who participate in the CAF Champion’s league and the confederations have long complained about the issue of the $1m prize money since according to them, it’s

inadequate to even cater for the expenses the teams incur in the run up to the finals.

Meanwhile, the Ghanaian government is spending $5.6million on the national teams preparations, bonuses and other expenses towards the tournament in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

HE pronouncement of Justice Donatus Okorowa of a Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday declaring the NFF as an illegal body has elicited various reactions from stakeholders as a member of the Executive Board Johnson Effiong has threatened to challenge the legality of the National Sports Commission(NSC), while accusing the leadership of the Commission of been behind all the efforts to draw the country's football backward. "I want to be quoted anywhere, this ploy is handiwork of those at the helm of affairs at the NSC. They have never seen anything good in the NFF as constituted now, and are doing everything possible to discredit us in the eyes of all Nigerians. Why is it that it is only when we have any important qualifier at hand that this issue would crop up. I want to tell Nigerians that it is the NSC that does not want our football to move

F

• Kuffour

Dolphins players set for showdown

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NFF to challenge T ruling

Angry Dalglish threatens Liverpool axe

UNPAID MATCH BONUSES LAYERS of Nigeria Premier League (NPL) champions, Dolphins are threatening to down tool this week, SuperSport.com can report.

The players of the Port Harcourtbased club are demanding payment of all 20 outstanding match bonuses from last season's campaign.

The match bonuses stem from league and Cup games in which Dolphins were knocked out at the quarterfinals.

The players have unanimously agreed to go on strike if the Rivers State sports commissioner fails to keep his promise of paying the outstanding match bonuses.

"What is most annoying is that before we travelled for our away game against Sunshine Stars in Ijebu-Ode last season, the commissioner addressed us and told us the money is ready but he didn't want to give us before the trip because of the distractions it could cause," an aggrieved player said under

COURT SACK

the condition of anonymity.

"He said we will get it as soon as we return and up till now, nothing. Since November last year."

The players are also disenchanted over the fact that more than two months after winning the league there has been no word from the Rivers State government about a reception.

"It is a sad situation that we played all through last year and did not even go for Christmas yet we can't get paid what we suffered for last year.

"That is why we have agreed that we will stop training and stop playing if we don't get our match bonuses owed since last season," the player said.

In the course of last season, Dolphins' players downed tools on three occasions before they eventually got their contract fees.

Dolphins are expected to start their CAF Champions League campaign in three weeks.

U-17 FEMALE WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS FALLOUT:

URIOUS Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish threatened to wield the Anfield axe after accusing players of failing to represent the club properly in Saturday's shock 31 defeat at Bolton.

Dalglish insisted that his side was more interested in the forthcoming week's clashes against Manchester City in the League Cup and against Manchester United in the FA Cup than they were in Saturday's mission at the Premier League strugglers.

Liverpool face a League Cup semifinal second leg with City on Wednesday in which they hold a 10 lead.

While victory in that game would put Liverpool on the brink of their first trophy since winning the 2006 FA Cup, an even more high-profile cup tie awaits on Saturday.

United visit Anfield in the fourth round of the FA Cup for the first meeting between the two bitter rivals since the much-publicised race row which ended with Luis Suarez being handed an eight-match suspension.

However, despite the importance of those games, Dalglish was in no mood to forgive his players for failing to perform against a Bolton side with the worst home record in English football.

"The most disappointing thing for me is I don't think we were ready to play the game," said Dalglish.

"I don't think the approach was correct, I don't think the way we went about our work was correct.

The foundation of the club has always been built on respect for other people, built on the philosophy that the next game is the most important one, not the one that's two or three down the line.

Kenya played under protest Stefano Okaka

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HANKS to a brace (27th and 77th min) by Patience Okieme, the Under 17 Female National Team of Nigeria defeated their Kenyan counterparts 2-0 in the first leg of the World Cup qualifiers.

This result did not go down well with a majority of the Kenya Public. They claimed the Nigerian girls were overage. In fact, the match was delayed for five minutes before kick-off as Kenyan officials protested vehemently to the Match Commissioner.

Flamingoes Coach Peter Dedevbo insists his charges are within the

stipulated age bracket, and the players could be checked by an independent party. However, he has admitted that the Flamingoes are older than their rivals. ''Most of our players were 15 years old in 2010 meaning they are within the age-bracket required for this competition. The complaints do not hold any meaning. ''The Kenyan girls are clearly younger than our girls and they appeared to be determined to play it safe not to avoid defeat. But kept together for a long time, they are capable of going far,'' said Dedevbo.

arrives Parma

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ARMA have officially announced the acquisition of the Italian-Nigerian footballer Stefano Okaka.

The 22-year-old striker, who played at Bologna on loan last campaign, comes from AS Roma. The form of acquisition of the player is a loan deal with Parma having the right of redemption at the ed of the 2011-012 season.

The official presentation of the player will be communicated to the public in the coming days.

From Patrick Ngwaogu, Abuja forward. I am going to court in Uyo today to challenge the legality of the NSC also. An illegal body cannot be calling one illegal".

Also various stakeholders have directed the NFF to immediately appeal against that judgment saying that it is a ploy to derail all the programs of the Federation in the year. According to FCT FA Chairman, Musa Talle, "we don't want any disruption in the running of our football again. People should leave us to develop the game. The trauma that the none qualification for the on going Nations cup in Equatorial Guinea/Gabon caused us is enough lesson. We want our League to develop, and no genuine sponsor will come into the League with all these rancours". He advised the NFF to appeal against ruling of the High Court immediately.

OCCUPY GLASSHOUSE:

NFF alerts the Police • Emergency executive board meeting holds today • Rebel NFA body warned to avoid Glasshouse • Appeal of court verdict, a must, says Musa Amadu

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plan by members of a renegade body seeking to forcibly occupy the national secretariat of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in Abuja has been uncovered.

NationSport learnt that the Federation has already notified the Police of the group’s intention and has warned the rebel NFA to keep away from the Glasshouse premises.

The NFF has also called an emergency executive board meeting which will hold today.

It appears that the NFA’s occupation plan is motivated by Friday’s Abuja court judgment rendered by Justice Donatus

By Ade Ojeikere

Okorowa which declared the board of the Glasshouse illegal.

However, under the law, the Federation has 90 days grace to file an appeal against the decision of the court during which the status quo remains, so argued the General Secretary of the NFF, Musa Amadu, himself a Barrister-at-Law. The Glasshouse scribe noted in particular that despite rendering the judgment, the learned judge did not make any consequential order thereto.

Amadu confirmed that the

Balotelli’s penalty sinks Spurs

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late, late penalty from Mario Balotelli gave Manchester City a priceless 3-2 win over Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

The Italian striker was felled by Ledley King and referee Howard Webb had no option but to point to the spot.

After a mundane first half, with chances at a premium for both side, City took a 2-0 lead in three second half minutes, thanks to Samir Nasri and Joleon Lescott.

Jermain Defoe quickly reduced the arrears and then Gareth Bale with a stunning strike - had appeared to save a point for the London side, before King's late

mistake and Balotelli's spot kick.

City were on top in a goalless first half, but neither Sergio Aguero nor the brilliant David Silva could find their way past an inspired Brad Friedel.

If both teams seemed to be afraid of losing in the first half, all caution went to the wind in ten second half minutes.

First, Silva played in Nasri, with the former Arsenal man hammering the ball past Friedel.

Three minutes later, it was 2-0.

A City corner found its way to Lescott and the England defender somehow fumbled the ball over the line, under pressure from Scott Parker.

Tottenham looked down and out but quickly hit back. Stefan Savic a liability in the City defence - sold Joe Hart short and Defoe picked up the loose ball before rounding the 'keeper and squeezing home.

The visitors were delirious on 64 minutes when Aaron Lennon cut inside Micah Richards and played the ball to Bale, whose arrowed a first time shot past Hart.

Spurs had a great chance to win it late on when Defoe just failed to convert Bale's cross at the far post - Savic again allowing the Welshman in - and they were made to pay by Balotelli's penalty, the last kick of the game.

• Manchester City striker, Mario Balotelli celebrates after scoring the winning goal against Tottenham yesterday.

Glasshouse would indeed file its appeal today. “The appeal of the court verdict is a must,” he insisted.

Schalke 04 fans excite A Ogbuke FTER his debut for Schalke 04 on Saturday, Nigeria striker Chinedu Ogbuke mets with the club fans yesterday to thank them for their rousy welcome.

Ogbuke who moved to Schalke 04 on loan from another German side Hoffenheim was given a starting shirt in a 3-1 victory against Stuttgart at the VeltinsArena. He played for 76 minutes received lot of support fron the fans before he was replaced by Ciprian Marica.

"The mood here ( Schalke 04 fan club house is incredibly good. I

Pardew furious with Ameobi, others

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EWCASTLE boss Alan Pardew was on Saturday livid with Nigeria-born striker Shola Ameobi and his teammates after his side conceded five second-half goals to lose against Fulham.

“We lacked mental discipline in that second half and it cost us. Hopefully it won’t happen again. I can’t think of any period in any game where we were as inefficient as we were today for 25 minutes.

“Whether we felt an injustice from the penalty or an injustice that they happened to be level with us, I don’t know because we switched off in that period and it cost us three goals. We talked about the fact that the wind was with us and balls in behind would hold up. But without criticising individuals

in our team, our second-half display in that period wasn’t what we have been doing all year," Pardew stated.

The Magpies had been cruising at half-time thanks to a goal from Danny Guthrie. Danny Murphy fired them level before a Clint Dempsey brace put the Whites two goals up.

Hatem Ben Arfa grabbed a consolation before Dempsey completed his hat-trick and Pardew bemoaned the inefficiency of the Magpies.

“We couldn’t have been in a better place at half-time in terms of how we controlled the game and got the goal.

But the Premier League is such that you can’t switch off and I thought the first goal for them changed the course of the game really," the coach added.

By Bimbo Adesina

have never seen so crazy fans such as here on Schalke experienced. I'm totally pleased," Ogbuke said.

Schalke signed Ogbuke on loan till end of season with an option of a further extension. On joining the club, the Nigeria international accompanied his new teammates to their winter break camp in Qatar which started on January 4.

The forward had been with Hoffenheim. where he was under contract through to 2014, since 2007 having previously played in Norway. He has made 65 appearances, scoring 13 goals but recently lost his place. Schalke are currently third in the German Bundesliga table, with same points with league leader Bayern Munich and second place Borussia Dortmund but seperated with goals difference.

• Ameobi

3SC barred from Obafemi Awolowo Stadium

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HOOTING Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan has been ordered to look for an alternative venue for its home league fixtures after Wednesday's match against Gombe United.

Acting Secretary of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) board, Tunji Babalola, who stated this explained that

the board took the decision following what it described as the 'television unfriendly' state of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium pitch after watching last Saturday's league encounter between 3SC and Rising Stars of Akure that was live on Supersport television.

"Anybody that watched the league match between 3SC and Rising Stars would agree with me that the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium pitch was an embarrassment to the Nigeria Premier League. The pitch looked horrible and television unfriendly. Such a pitch cannot add value to our league" Babalola explained.

"We would have stopped 3SC from playing its next home match at the same venue but we considered the fact that the notice would have been too short for the club to make alternative arrangement before Wednesday. We, however, expect Shooting Stars to communicate us on the alternative venue for its subsequent home fixtures before or by Thursday latest" he stated.

Meanwhile, the NPL has warned that it would not hesitate to clamp down on any stadium already approved to host league matches whenever such a stadium falls below the acceptable standard due to poor maintenance.

Onuoha's QPR transfer in doubt

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EDUM Onuoha's £3million transfer from Manchester City to QPR is in doubt after Everton expressed an interest in the defender.

Hoops boss Mark Hughes said at the weekend he expected to make at least one new signing on Monday and it was thought the Onuoha deal was the closest to completion.

However, the 25-year-old, who is not part of Roberto Mancini's plans at the Etihad Stadium, has now been given another option.

Everton boss David Moyes has registered his interest and a move to Goodison Park is likely to prove attractive to the player, reports the People.

Onuoha, who spent last season on loan at Sunderland, is said to be keen to stay in the north-west, even though he could expect a larger salary at Loftus Road.

QPR are working on a host of other deals, as Hughes looks to build a squad capable of avoiding relegation.

Chelsea centre-back Alex, Spurs midfielder Steven Pienaar, Fulham striker Bobby Zamora and Birmingham goalkeeper Ben Foster, who is currently on loan at West Brom, are among the Welshman's targets.

Emenalo makes new Hazard check

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HELSEA are intensifying their pursuit of Lille star Eden Hazard.

The Daily Star Sunday says the French club say they will sell the Belgium winger during the current transfer window.

Chelsea’s technical director Michael Emenalo watched Hazard, 21, play in Marseille last weekend.

Hazard has claimed he would prefer to join Barcelona or Real Madrid. But he could be tempted by a move to a big club in England, with Manchester United also keen.

• Emenalo

AHEAD 18TH NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL

Lagos to inaugurate 36 sport associations tuesday

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ETERMINED to grab the available laurels at the forthcoming National Sports Festival (NSF), the 18th edition, the Lagos Ministry for Youth, Sports and Social Development has resolved to inaugurate the 36 sports associations that was recently constituted.

NationSport gathered that the event slated to hold tomorrow at the Sir Molade Okoya Thomas’ Multipurpose Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, has become necessary to help the state prepare in earnest for the biennial event.

The honourable Commissioner for Sports in the state, Wahid Enitan Oshodi disclosed yesterday that the associations which were reconstituted late December last year needed to be inaugurated to enable them commence the organisation of competitions to discover budding

By Innocent Amomoh talents that will represent the state.

Having warned that the performances of the various associations will be monitored by the state government, Oshodi also informed that they will be appraised every six months and that members of the boards may be changed from time to time.

He said: “Each Sport Association would be issued with guidelines on the effective running of the Associations in order to realise maximum result at the long run with the athletes so discovered. The Athletes are to be the ‘focus’ in this new dispensation.”

Lagos will be hosting the NSF from November through to December 2012.

25

MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Amaechi, Sekibo and politics of Rivers East Early this month, a rerun election was held for Rivers East senatorial district. Although the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) Senator George Sekibo was returned, there have been speculations on the interest of Governor Rotimi Amaechi in the politics of the district. Senior Correspondent BISI OLANIYI brings to the fore the undercurrents.

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HE last has not been heard about representation of Rivers East Senatorial Zone. Although a rerun election was held last early this month which confirmed Senator George Sekibo as the people’s choice, the dust raised is yet to settle. Some of his opponents have vowed to challenge the result legally.

But, beyond the election result, there have been speculations that Sekibo may be holding the seat till 2015 when another election will be held. Like Ahmed Yerima (Zamfara), Bukola Saraki (Kwara), Danjuma Goje (Gombe), Bukar Abba Ibrahim (Yobe), George Akume (Benue), Abdullahi Adamu (Nasarawa) and Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna), Amaechi who is from Rivers East, is generally believed to be working towards representing the zone in the 8th Senate.

At an interactive session with reporters at the ‘Brick House’, Port Harcourt, prior to the 2011 governorship election, the governor, who hails from Ubima in Ikwerre Local Government Area, said he would not seek re-election.

He said he preferred to lecture in an unnamed university, in view of the stress associated with serving the people as governor, in the volatile Niger Delta state.

Most Rivers people took Amaechi seriously, thinking that he would opt for lecturing at his alma mater, the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Studies in 1987.

A few months to last year’s elections, however, the governor changed his mind. He told reporters that people were mounting pressure on him to seek reelection, in view of his impressive performance.

Amaechi defeated the candidates of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Dr. Abiye Sekibo, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Sir Celestine Omehia,his cousin, who alleged massive rigging.

Observers contend that the governor is eyeing the senatorial seat to retain his hold on politics of the state beyond 2015. Rivers East Senatorial District consists of Ikwerre (where Amaechi hails from), Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor, Emohua, Ogu/Bolo, Okrika, Etche, and Omuma LGAs. Senator Sekibo was first elected in 2007. He was reelected in 2011. But he was sacked by the tribunal.

He also lost at the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt, which ordered rerun election within 90 day, which he won on Thursday, January 5, 2012.

Action Alliance’s (AA) candidate for the senatorial district, during the April 9, 2011 election, Mr. Leslie Chizi Michaels-Atata, a lawyer, from Ndele in Emohua local council caused the rerun.

Michaels-Atata, who is also a senior Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and AA, filed a petition at the election petitions tribunal, against their exclusion by the Independent National

• Amaechi

Electoral Commission (INEC) during last year’s poll, in spite of the order of the Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja.

On October 24 last year, the Justice Veronica Umehled election petitions tribunal, sitting at the Rivers State High Court Complex, Port Harcourt, nullified Sekibo’s election, but the PDP’s candidate proceeded to the appellate court in Port Harcourt, for the tribunal’s decision to be upturned.

The Justice Mohammed Dattijo-led, three-man tribunal of the Court of Appeal, on December 7, 2011, sacked Sekibo and upheld his October 24 nullification by the election petitions tribunal, with rerun election ordered within 90 days.

When INEC fixed January 5, 2012 for the rerun, Michaels-Atata protested to the electoral commission’s Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, urging him to postpone it to late February or early March, and to hold it on Saturday, not Thursday, in order not to disenfranchise his teeming supporters, who travelled for Christmas and New year celebrations and were yet to return, but he was ignored.

In spite of the low turnout INEC declared the PDP candidate as winner with a wide margin.

Sekibo, who earlier expressed optimism of emerging victorious, defeated 11 other candidates, with leaders of the opposition political parties alleging massive rigging by the PDP members, while the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in Rivers, Mr. Aniedi Ikoiwak, described the poll as free, fair and credible.

The Returning Officer, Dr. Otu Ekpenyong, while announcing the result in Port Harcourt, disclosed that Sekibo polled 472,224 votes, while AA’s candidate had 14,371 votes.

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN’s) candidate in the senatorial district, Lasbery Amadi, an engineer,

‘The next general elections may still be more than three years away, but members of the PDP inner caucus are not leaving things to chance. Not much is being done on the surface but, in Rivers East, the jostle for relevance in the post - Amaechi years has begun. One thing is clear - the governor will have a large say in whatever permutation appears before 2015 in his senatorial district’

• Sekibo

polled 18,109 votes.

Others are: All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) 138, Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) 413, Labour Party (LP) 179, United Nigeria Peoples Party (UNPP) 141, Hope Democratic Party (HDP) 224, APS 1,249, NSDP 134, PAC 431 and PPN 213.

Michaels-Atata protested the result of the rerun election, wondering why the bogus figure could be announced for Sekibo, in spite of the low turnout.

The state Publicity Secretary of the ACN, Jerry Needam, also said the election was marred by irregularities and massively rigged in favour of the PDP, in the affected eight LGAs. Amaechi had shown special interest in the rerun election, since he was perfecting strategies to replace Sekibo in the Senate. his calculation was that, if Michaels-Atata or any opposition candidate, his hope may me dashed.

The Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, also from Rivers East senatorial district, is interested in representing the district. He was Amaechi’s Chief of Staff and chairman of his campaign organisation before his current appointment.

Before the April 2011 elections, while Abe, who is currently the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), was Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Ikuru showed interest in representing the Rivers South-East Senatorial District.

Abe, born in 1965 and a former Commissioner for Information in Odili’s administration, was also interested in proceeding to the Senate in 2011, while Ikuru decided to shelve his ambition and continue as Amaechi’s deputy.

Abe was the Minority Leader of the Rivers House of Assembly (1999-2003) on the platform of the All Peoples Party (APP), later the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), before defecting to the PDP, with Odili making him information commissioner, while Amaechi was Assembly Speaker.

When Amaechi was betrayed by most of his trusted friends, whom he said would enter his bedroom and pray with him, a few persons, including Abe, stood by him, in spite of the difficulties encountered, which made the former Speaker (Amaechi) to relocate to Ghana, until peace returned to reign in the state.

The next general elections may still be more than three years away, but members of the PDP inner caucus are not leaving things to chance. Not much is being done on the surface but, in Rivers East, the jostle for relevance in the post - Amaechi years has begun.

One thing is clear - the governor will have a large say in whatever permutation appears before 2015 in his senatorial district. His hands have been strengtherened and his profile further boosted by his chairmanship of the Club of 36 Governors (the Nigerian Governors Forum). So, soon, the countdown has started.

26

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

POLITICS Moyosola Niran-Oladunni is a governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State. He spoke with Deputy Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU on preparations for the poll.

‘PDP ‘ll abide by zoning in Ondo’

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HY are you in the Ondo State governorship race?

I have made my interest known to the people of Ondo State that I want to serve them in 2013. I will contest the governorship election in the state on the platform of the PDP. And I believe my party will give me the mandate. I have the ability and capability to lead the people of the state. My antecedent speaks for me. I am not a professional politician that will pay attention only to elections and less attention to governance. I am the kind of leader the people of the state need as a symbol of change. Dearth of noble cause is not the problem, but the dearth of good people. Good people run away from politics because of its demand. But we have the audacity of hope that when we get there, people will start to experience a new beginning.

How would you cope with intarparty crisis in Ondo PDP? The party is united, the party is one the way we are now. I can assure you it is the party that is aware of the challenges ahead and prepared to tackle them frontally for the benefit of the people. We had our challenges and we have come together to solve our problem.

Right now, we are cohesive and everybody in the party is moving towards the election.

Can PDP beat Governor Mimiko who wields the power of incumbency?

I don’t think I am going to face the so called challenge of the incumbency because the factor of incumbency is not there. If the incumbent is studying the situation well, he will resign and not contest the election because he will fail woefully. And I am very sure the incumbent is reasonable as a teacher, he must have read the mood of the people and he will step down. He has no option than to succumb to the mood of the people and back down from contesting. I learnt he is being urged on to contest, but I know him as a reasonable person and a realist who will not try to thread the path of defeat. He will not listen to the professional sycophants. I am sure he will like to be part of the movement to move the state forward. I think he will not contest the election.

What is the manifestos you are offering to the people of Ondo State?

We have to run a cohesive programme with the private sector which is my major constituency. I will not be a governor that will be running to Abuja every month cap in hand for federal allocation. I want to rejuvenate the economy of this state. I want to assure you that I will create 10,000 jobs within the first year of my tenure. I will make education free at both primary and secondary schools. I will ensure free primary and secondary health care free in Ondo state. We will ensure we get back to land by making agriculture the main stay of our economy. We will make sure that we are self sustaining state.

Could you shed light on the zoning formula in Ondo State?

It is unfortunate most politicians don’t talk of morality. A lot of people believe there is no morality in politics. I don’t belong to that school of thought. If we look at it, if you don’t believe in morality in politics, you will find it difficult to lead. What we are saying is that it is the turn and the right of the people of Akoko Northeast of the state where I come from to produce the next governor of Ondo state. One, it is the turn of Ondo North senatorial district to produce the next governor. And in the Ondo north Senatorial district, we have three federal constituencies. The Akoko North, Akoko South and the Owo federal constituencies. And out of the three constituencies, the Owo constituency has produced a governor before. The Akoko South has also produced a governor before. It is only the Akoko north that has not produced a governor before. Presently the Akoko South federal constituency has the Deputy Governor. They have a Senator and they had also produced a governor before. Owo has produced a governor and Senators before. It is only fair if we say it is our turn to produce the next governor, we are talking morality. If we want to be fair to one another, if we want to produce vibrant leadership. And we are very qualified and we have our right to aspire to the office of the governor.

When you get to Akoko north Federal constituency, you also find out that it consists of ten local governments. Akoko north west has produced two former Ministers in the past. They have produced a Senator before and Inspector-General of Police, they had Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), governor. Now, we are saying it is the turn of Akoko north east to produce the next governor. It is only proper, it is only moral and it is only proper for us to be given the chance and that is why I am championing the cause.And God’s willing, we • Niran-Oladunni shall be successful.

Storm hits PDP over Imoke’s campaign

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S activities leading to the gu bernatorial elections in Cross River State gather steam, two different groups from within the ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are already at each other’s throat over who spearheads the campaign of Governor Liyel Imoke.

The groups are Legacy and Destiny. Legacy was formed last year, while destiny was formed towards the end of last year.

Legacy Group headed by one Mr Jarigbe Jarigbe from the northern senatorial district of the state is made up of prominent members of the party across the state, while Destiny Group coordinated by the deputy chief of staff, Mr Joe Edet is driven by of members of the state executive council.

Both groups, apparently struggling to catch the governor’s attention with their efforts so as to remain relevant if he returns, have been trading words behind the scenes.

Members of the Legacy Group which had been on ground for longer, said they were in the fore as they had already established themselves long ago. A top official of Legacy Group described

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

Destiny Group as impostors who only seek relevance in the governor’s cabinet if he returns.

“Where were they before now?

They don’t have any electoral value. We shall see who wins,” he said.

Also a top official of Destiny Group emphasized they were in charge of the governor’s campaign.

“There is no other other campaign organisation. Legacy would die after the elections. We are for the future. Our own is for the next four year,” he said.

Both groups which do not seem to want to arrive at an agreement have been carrying out their campaigns separately only presenting a façade of tolerance to avoid any embarassmanent for the governor as they pursue their agenda.

For instance the Legacy Group bought the nomination for Imoke while the Destiny Group escorted him to Port Harcourt, Rivers State for his screening.

Last year when Legacy Group was inaugurated, Director General of the group, Mr Jarigbe Jarigbe, had said there is no faction within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in

Cross River State.

Then there were rumours that the group is a splinter cell from the party made up of party stalwarts pursuing their own agenda and trying to challenge the party.

On the proliferation of groups campaigning for Imoke’s second term and how they would avoid conflicts then, he had said, “There are no diverse intent. We are all working for Senator Liyel Imoke and people have their own ways of doing their things. You remember during the Goodluck/Sambo presidential elections, we had over 800 support groups for him. But the main was based on one goal, delivering for the PDP and delivering for your principal. So the proliferation of groups does not mean that we are at loggerhead. Without saying it there is no vacancy in government house. Senator Liyel Imoke’s legacy would see him through. He is a good material and does not need too much of marketing.”

Political observers said that the development showed that those in office do not have the interest of the people at heart and advised the governor to be wary of the kind of people he surrounds himself with.

Subsidy: ‘Govt must urgently fulfill promises’

By Dada Aladelokun, Assistant Editor

• Muse

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HE Federal Government should ensure that all the variables needed to cushion the pains of the fuel subsidy removal on ordinary Nigerians are fully implemented.

Senator Adekunle Muse who represented Lagos Central District in the 6th Senate said this in an interview with The Nation on

the outbursts that trailed the controversial removal of fuel subsidy by the federal authorities early in the year.

“Primarily, the objective of governance in any polity is the welfare of its people. Once you take the interest of the people from governance, it becomes something else. And I’m positive that the Senate under its President, David Mark, deems it an inviolate commitment to work with the executive to ensure that Nigerians, especially the masses, enjoy the fruits of the current experiment,” Muse said.

Muse said that the government must acknowledge the fact that no matter how laudable it considers the subsidy removal, it had come with varied agonies on the populace especially as far as inflation is concerned.

This is why the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration must find ways to ensure

that the development does not totally wreck the economies of individual families in the country.

“We have been hearing of increase in the prices of foodstuff and other consumables arising from an automatic jerk-up of the costs of transportation within the country because of the subsidy matter. This accounts for why the government must not wait any further to hatch all the promises it made as regards cushioning the pangs of the policy,” he added.

To complement such efforts, the Senator advised that government must take deliberate and urgent steps to cut down on wastages on its spending. “We must urgently eschew the current culture of extravagance as exemplified in our lifestyles as leaders at every level and arm of government.

We must begin a new regime of prudent if we are genuinely committed to building a better Nigeria,” Muse said.

• PDP governorship candidate for Bayelsa State, Mr Henry Dickson (right), addressing party leaders during the inauguration of the Gubernatorial Campaign Committee in Abuja. Facing him are Vice President Namadi Sambo (left), Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal (second left) and others.

SKILLS

PROJECT

NGO trains 150 slum girls

Council builds link road

Lagos

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Ekiti

MONDAY JANUARY 23, 2012

FEAST Monarch hails boat festival

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Rivers

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Page 27

Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

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HE withdrawal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government has pushed up the cost of foodstuff, putting consumers in grief.

People who spoke to Newsextra said prices of goods and services have hit an all-time high, making it difficult for people of modest means of survival.

Some consumers expressed disgust and worry about the situation, saying that if it persists in the next few weeks, the nation’s economy would be worse for it.

Mojid Alabi, a Lagos commercial bus operator who shuttles between Mushin and Oshodi, said: “In most places the price of a sachet of pure water which used to be N5 has suddenly doubled. I never noticed this until my vehicle broke down recently and I needed some water to fill my radiator. I had to pay N100 for 10 sa-

•A food seller in Lagos

Subsidy: Consumers lament high cost of goods

By Paul Oluwakoya

chets of pure water used to top the radiator. In the past this would have cost me just N50,”.

Some packaged water vendors, however, who blamed their suppliers for the hike in price of the commodity.

Another bus driver Mr. Fatai Akaani, rationalised his new fares: “It is not our fault; it is the wicked government that does not know the situation of the people. When I buy petrol at N171 per litre, how do you expect me to charge passengers the same price as before the increment?

We have to change our charges.

Oshodi to Mushin during afternoon rushing time is now N70 and not N50 again.”

Besides, most barbing shops have also increased the cost of haircut from the usual N150 and N200, to new prices of N250 and N300.

“It has become necessary for me to adjust the price if I still plan to remain in business,” argued Tayo, a barber at Mustapha Street, Mushin.

Tayo said he now spends about N780 to fill his small generator, instead of the usual N320 it used to •Continued on Page 29

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VERY year, people facing sundry challenges get help from a women group in Ebenezer Anglican Church, Nnewi, Anambra State. The Women of Ebenezer have picked up bills for the poor. They have sheltered a good number, and have given hope to many.

This year was the turn of Mrs Ezinwanne Onwuasoeze, a widow of over seven years. In the course of her widowhood, she lost a child, even as she struggled to raise her remaining three male children. All she had for shelter was a mud building surrounded by glitzy buildings of the rich.

Then one day, the mud house collapsed following a heavy downpour.

Mrs Onwuasoeze wept, naturally, but when the Women of Ebenezer Anglican Church built her a three-bedroom bungalow, she wept again, for joy.

The women were never consulted to assist the widow when her mud house collapsed some years ago. She never went about asking for help from the church because according to her, “there is too much hunger and problem in the land”. She simply packed her bags and left for Ozubulu to live in her parents’ house.

She lacked words to show appreciation to the women, and prayed God to bless them. She still does her petty trading in palm nuts at the Eke Amangwu Nnewi market in order to cater for her children.

Mrs Onwuasoeze was a devoted member of the church. In spite of her challenges, even living far away in her parents’ hometown, she remained committed to church activities, always giving her best. That was what moved the Women of Ebenezer to help her.

“Mrs Onwuasoeze is so committed in the church,” said Mrs Nkiruka Chukwuma, wife of the Vicar Ebenezer Anglican Church, Nnewi. “When her family house collapsed, she left to her fathers’ house but yet she did not miss

•The Women of Ebenezer

Inset: the widow’s house

Women group rehabilitates the poor From Odogwu Emeka Odowgu, Nnewi

any church function. We were surprised by that and when it comes to our yearly ritual of uplifting our fellow women especially those challenged like widows, we remembered her dedication and commitment to the things of God and decided to attend to the most pressing need she had, which was accommodation.

“And in that challenging moment some other Christian blocks de-

Builds N2m home for widow manded that she abandon her faith to join theirs before they would assist her. But in spite of all the enticement she refused to listen to them. All this information came when we had already nominated her to benefit from our yearly largess to widows. She was not the only one we nominated but because hers was a house, so pronounced everybody is now talking about her

but we have started business for people and have done much more things for others and still doing”.

Mrs Chukwuma concluded thus: “Our widowhood programme is a yearly project and we don’t play with it. We request monies from those who are indeed wealthy among us and in the society at large to assist those who have nothing but are dedicated in the service of

God. We call it Widow’s Seminar.

The house started one year ago precisely May, 2010 when the foundation stone was laid by the Vicar of Ebenezer Anglican Church Nnewi, Reverend Wilfred Olisa Chukwuma.”

Chairperson, Home and Abroad Meeting of Ebenezer Anglican Church, Nnewi, Mrs Chinyere Osinike said the project was executed with love hence they were able to complete it quickly.

“We did it out of love for Christ •Continued on Page 28

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

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Women group rehabilitates the poor •Continued from Page 27 who charged us to look after the welfare of the widows,” she said.

“Nobody said anything against it when the idea was mooted but they all rallied round and assisted the poor woman abandoning their own personal concerns for the betterment of another individual. Remember everybody has his or her own problem especially in a rustic village like this. So we give all the glory to God”.

Mrs Osinike prayed God to remember all the families of the women who laboured to ensure that a fellow woman was not put to shame.

Project Manager of the house, Mrs Ifeakandu Monica was happy that it was completed in record time.

“I am happy not only because we have completed the house which I built as if I was doing it for myself. I abandoned all I was supposed to be doing in my house to be the contractor and site engineer of the house even when I did not go to school.”

Dedicating the house recently, the Vicar, Reverend Chukwuma commended the women for positively impacting the lives of others, and urged that more people in hopeless conditions should be given hope.

“This is a landmark celebration because this widow, Mrs Onwuasoeze, has been relieved of over 60 per cent of her worries; her children’s too. I appreciate all that contributed in one way or the other to ensure that this project is dedicated today. I pray for God’s elevation in their families and businesses in Jesus name.

“A good Christian would always be remembered by God if the per-

•The Vicar, Rev Chukwuma dedicating the house son must wait on the Lord. This woman here did not know she was going to be in her own house this year but today she is a proud house owner and that is God for you.”

Newsextra gathered that there were some challenges while building the house. At a time, thieves invaded the compound and stole all the aluminum materials but the women went into prayers, and the rogues brought the items back.

Many high-rise buildings surround the poor widow’s compound. A neighbor had this to say about the condition of the woman:

Her husband died some years back and later her mud house collapsed because probably she could not cope with the patching her late husband used to give it to avoid collapsing. We helped her by keeping some of her property in our house

“Her husband died some years back and later her mud house collapsed because probably she could not cope with the patching her late husband used to give it to avoid collapsing.”

On why no assistance from them till the women of Ebenezer Church came to her rescue, he said: “No we have assisted her. We helped her by keeping some of her property that can be destroyed by the rain in our house”.

Mr Emenike Ben who works in the Teaching Hospital Nnewi confirmed that the major problem facing the woman now was how to purchase a meter to enable Power Holding

Company of Nigeria not to disconnect her house.

Another neighbour in the village who came out of her massive compound when Newsextra visited, Mrs Oge Emenike, a Catholic, commended the Anglican Communion women for their profound humanitarian gesture to a widow.

About the widow, she said: “I have done my best for her as much as I could. Again, whenever I am around because I work in Nnewi North Local Government, I would plead with the PHCN not to disconnect her light and I have done that time without number. I explained to them that the building was built by a church and

not the woman. I also thank the woman who supervised the Project Monica; she really worked with the fear of God”.

The Lord Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, The Right Reverend Professor Godwin Okpala and wife, Mrs Eugenia N. Okpala, Nnebuife were happy that the clergy and wives in Nnewi diocese are indeed committed and dedicated in the gospel of reaching out to the needy in the society. They described the gesture as encouraging and worthy of emulation.

•Odogwu wrote in from Nnewi

‘Fuel protests targeted at corruption’

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PORT HARCOURT, Rivers State-based lawyer, Mr. Anthony Richard, has said that the protests against fuel subsidy removal were targeted at flagrant abuse of office, corruption, political pressure and ineffective bureaucratic system.

Richard, who is also an inter-

•Traffic along Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos after the subsidy removal strike

PHOTO: RAHMAN SANUSI

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

national mediator, in an interactive session with journalists at the Rivers State capital, called on the Federal Government to immediately enforce corporate governance and set a benchmark for best practices in the petroleum industry in order to forestall a repeat of the nationwide protests.

The legal practitioner said: “The problems confronting the oil sector have been there, even before the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

“Nigerians protested massively because of their confidence in President Jonathan’s administration’s ability to carry out policies that will benefit them.

“The protests showed the dilemma encountered in any economy in transition. Nigeria’s liberalisation policy must not sacrifice social needs.

“It is in the best interest of Nigerians and the country that the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, must quickly come out with strategic policies on corporate governance and code of best practices for the petroleum sector.”

Richard also stated that if the issues of corporate governance and code of best practices were not adequately addressed, there would be more problems with the post-Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) regime.

The lawyer assured that the nation would enormously benefit from enforcement of corporate governance and code of best practice for the petroleum sector, saying it would lead to accountability, transparency and due diligence, while recommending national consensus in resolving the fuel subsidy impasse.

THE NATION

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MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

‘Subsidy removal good if well managed’

By Chinaka Okoro

•Mr Ekong

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INDFUL of the economic, social and infrastructural gains that Nigeria and Nigerians would benefit from full removal of subsidy on petrol, former Travel Manager in the Travel Department of Daily Times of Nigeria (DTN), Mr Sunday Ekong has said that for the country to realise her Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in all sectors of the economy, certain ‘painful’ but economically viable policies and programmes must be put in place.

He praised President Goodluck

Jonathan for exhibiting boldness in his attempted full deregulation of the country’s downstream sector of the petroleum industry. He stated that “the money that would accrue from the subsidy removal would be used to better the lot of Nigerians as promised by Mr President.”

Though he said government should have put the palliatives in place and sensitise and prepare Nigerians’ minds towards full removal of the subsidy on petrol on an agreed date before taking the action, he maintained that the steps taken by government, in the first place, was courageous and portrays it as government that has the future of the country in mind.

He described President Jonathan as a listening President, noting that his reduction of the pump price of petrol from N140 to N97 indicates that he has the interest of the people at heart.

Mr Ekong further said that “the President’s action gives the people the opportunity to make inputs in any policy and programmes that affect them, even as he said that the action gives the people a sense of belonging as against being taken for a ride. These are great democratic gains in terms of giving the masses the chance to exercise their funda-

mental human rights.

Mr Ekong, who was a senior staff of the defunct Nigeria Airways and Lufthansa German Airlines, noted that “government and Labour (the people) have shown a very high sense of commitment, sacrifice, compromise and good faith in championing the cause of the country’s wellbeing. Their actions and reactions simply complement each other’s resolve for the common good.

“If the implications of government’s action concerning fuel subsidy removal were interpreted and implemented as intended, Nigerians would have been the prime beneficiaries. And if the government would be sincere and convince the people to have course to believe its action, government will come out justified, healthier and best for it at the end,” he said.

On whether subsidising petrol is an action that is draining the purse of government which prevents it from putting in place socio-economic and infrastructural facilities for the well-being of the people, Mr Ekong posed series of questions in a bid to unmask the problem.

“Is fuel subsidy any cause for worry in the Nigerian economy? If yes, why is it a step for which the government is demonised in trying to eliminate it? Is President Jonathan any beneficiary of the subsidy windfall or is he part of the cabal or syndicate? If yes, why has he become the first Nigerian Head of State to champion its removal? Who are the Merchants of Venice that the pound of flesh of the Nigerian people is their right? Can government find alternative means for their supplies or can government make direct im-

If the implications of government’s action concerning fuel subsidy removal were interpreted and implemented as intended, Nigerians would have been the prime beneficiaries

portation or produce it?” he queried.

He praised government for the mature manner it handled the eightday protests over fuel subsidy removal, even as he commended the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, Civil Society Organisations and the masses for their relatively peaceful approach to the remonstration .

Condemning the deployment of soldiers to Lagos by the Federal Government, Mr Ekong disclosed that it is an action that seemingly portrays government as paying lipservice to the issue of people’s freedom of expression and association.

He added that the people have the fundamental right to complain and object to any policy that tends to be in their disfavour.

“The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) provides for Nigerians the fundamental right to peaceful protests. We therefore question the sincerity of the Federal Government’s avowed commitment to true democracy if it could brazenly deploy soldiers to the streets of Lagos and other states to coerce and intimidate innocent and defenceless citizens of this country. I urge government to order the immediate leave of soldiers off Lagos streets if really we are in a democratic dispensation,” he said.

Subsidy: Consumers lament high cost of goods •Continued from Page 27 cost him before the oil subsidy removal. “So there is the need for us and our customers to share the extra cost,” he stated.

Cyber cafe operators have also jacked up their prices in response to the recent happenings. Some of them have started charging between N150 and N170 per hour, as against the old price of N100.

Tobi, a student and also a cyber freak, decried the recent situation, adding that “it would further impoverish the youths financially and intellectually. It simply means as time goes on, we would not be able to visit the café as frequently as we used to, thereby denying us access to knowledge and social networking services.”

Madam Ayike, a housewife and mother who spoke with the reporter, finding lamented that a kilogramme of turkey which used to be N600 before the removal of oil subsidy has risen to N800, while the price of one big fish that was sold between N120 and N150 in the market now goes for N300 and N350.

Joined in the complaint, Mrs Amao also a trader, explained that prices of such basic food items as pepper, tomatoes, rice, beans, yam, onions, vegetables, cooking oil, amongst others, have risen by between 80 to 100 per cent. Mill services are now rendered at a minimum price of N80 against the former N40-N50 price.

Another aggrieved consumer and breadwinner, Mr. Bayo Kolawole bitterly queried: “This is just unacceptable; it is shocking, it is sudden, and it is unreasonable. How does govern-

•Traders at Ojuwoye Market, Lagos ment want us to cope with the untold hardship? No power, no infrastructure, things were tough enough for the family man and now the surge

This is just unacceptable; it is shocking, it is sudden, and it is unreasonable. How does government want us to cope with the untold hardship? No power, no infrastructure, things were tough for the family man; now the surge will affect every area of our upkeep and commitments

PHOTO: PAUL OLUWAKOYA

will affect every area of our upkeep and commitments. Now school fees have increased especially the boarders, education is now for the privileged. It is highly unfair.

“This is definitely a higher cost of living, prices of everything have gone up and we are still on the same salary scale. How can we possibly survive this thoughtless decision of a selfish government? They can afford it but ordinary Nigerians are finding life very tough.”

Some even if a removal of subsidy was inevitable, a gradual withdrawal should have been considered.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

30

Amosun’s wife to reward best students S

•Governor Amosun

TUDENTS with the best results in the 2012 May/June West African School Certificate Examinations (WASCE) in each of the 20 local government areas in Ogun State will soon have cause to smile, courtesy of an all expenses-paid reward trip sponsorship that the governor’s wife, Mrs Olufunso Amosun, has put in place.

The initiative aims at encouraging students in all the state-owned schools to take full advantage of the free qualitative education scheme that the Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has introduced into the state.

The programme is tagged ‘UPLIFTing SS3 Results in Ogun State’.

Each student with the best WAEC result from each of the 20 councils in the state

Islamic scholar urges tolerance

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HEIK Yusuf Alibawa, a Sokoto-based Islamic scholar, has enjoined Nigerians to be tolerant with one another to ensure rapid transformation of the country.

Alibawa told journalists in Sokoto that, religious tolerance and understanding would ensure smooth implementation of developmental programmes at all levels of governance.

He said that Nigerians irrespective of tribal, religious and political differences must be seen to interact with one another for the overall growth of the nation. “ We have all that it takes to reach the promised land, if only we will exhibit high

Sokoto sense of political tolerance and understanding in all that we do”, he said.

He explained that peace is central to any nation’s socio-economic and political development.

Alibawa called on parents not to allow their children to be used as miscreants to destabilise the nation.

He also called on stakeholders to support the on-going transformation agenda of the Federal Government, for the common good of the country.

Council chief helps poor students

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ESPITE came the way of some indigent youths of Ifelodun Local Council Development Area of Lagos State recently as the Council Chairman,Hon.Shuaib Ajidagba gave out 500 University Matriculation Examination(UME) forms to students in the council area.

At the event witnessed by Action Congress of Nigeria( ACN) party chieftains and community leaders,Hon.Ajidagba said the gesture was to eradicate illiteracy and hooliganism in the council area.

“We are not unmindful of the fact that there are numerous brilliant but indigent youths in our council area.Therefore,what we are doing today is not only to assist and encourage parents but to also pass a message that we can only use education to reduce illiteracy and criminal activities by our teeming youths to the barest minimal.

“Furthermore, our administration has decided to invest massively in the education sector by embarking on projects that would provide conducive learning environmment for our students.These include the ongoing construction of an ultra modern library and vocational centres,provision of 30 set of computers in public primary schools including 500 benches and desks, 120,000 exercise books and General Certificate of Education(GCE) forms and rehabilitation of a block of classroom at the L.A Primary School among others.”

One of the beneficiaries, Master Kolawole Fayabale, thanked the council chief for the gesture, adding that his commitment toward the uplift of the masses has demonstrated that better days await residents of the council area.

“I never knew I could benefit from Hon.Ajidagba’s kind gesture until my name was mentioned by the compere of today’s event.Therefore,I want to thank him for

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Ogun

will be accompanying Mrs. Amosun on an all expense paid recreational trip to United Arab Emirate.

The overall best student of the 20 will be further rewarded with a cash gift towards aiding him or her in the payment of the already subsidised tuition in tertiary institutions in the state.

The governor’s wife has secured sponsorship for this initiative from various sponsors who feel the cause is a laudable one.

Travel arrangements for the winners of the programme will be scheduled to ensure that they do not interfere with the plans by some of them to secure admission into higher institutions in the next academic session.

•Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, (second right), the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Omowale Kuye (right), High Chief Lekan Alabi, the Ikolaba Olubadan (second left) and the Osi Olubadan, Chief Lekan Balogun, at the launch of a book entitled; Ibadanland: Facts and Figures, in Ibadan

Council urges fight against cultism

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HE Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Ijebu North Local Government Area, Mr Kunle Ogunlana, has condemned all cult activities in schools and called on all teachers, parents and guardians to monitor and ensure that they inculcate discipline in their children.

Ogunlana made this call at a stakeholders forum on National Campaign Programme

on Cultism for Secondary School Pupils in the council area at Abusi Edumare Acadamey in IjebuIgbo.

He stressed that stakeholders in the education sector in the council need to combat cultism headlong.

The council chief further said: “Cultism constitutes a great challenge towards educational

Lagos

By Kunle Akinrinade

having it in mind to help an indigent student like me and I pray that God will continue to strengthen him.This is a testimony that the people of this council area would enjoy better days during his tenure.

Aregbesola hailed

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prominent leader of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Osun State, Alhaji Fatai Oyedele Diekola, has lauded various developmental projects of Governor Rauf Aregbesola and assured the residents that all these are the tip of the iceberg.

Diekola made this observation when Osun Progressive Circle paid him a courtesy call in his country home for the New year. The president of the group, Uncle Tajudeen Olabiyi ,praised Diekola for his selfless actions and praised the governor for bringing succour to the people of Osun State especially the rail transportation he provided free during the New Year, which was timely.

Diekola condemned in totality, the fuel increase of the Federal Government and Peoples Democratic Party wondering why Federal Government who proposed April for like in fuel suddenly created hardship in the New Year. “The People Democratic Party has no feelings for the less privileged in the society,”he said.

He praised Osun State government under Governor Rauf Aregbesola for providing uncommon and selfless leadership. He said: “Ogbeni is indeed an element of progressive change in Osun State”.

• Otunba Ogunnusi (middle) during the congulate visit

Lawmaker donates to family of slain boy A

LAWMAKER representing Ifako/ Ijaiye Federal Constituency, Otunba Abayomi Ogunnusi, has visited the family of Late Ademola Abiodun who was felled by the bullets of Police during the fuel subsidy removal protest.He donated N500,000 to the family during the visit.

It would be recalled that tragedy struck penultimate Monday when a young man, Abiodun was shot deadwith four others seriouslly injured.

According to a witness, “Ademola was a street soccer lover and he was part of the youths who usually played the game in the neighbourhood. On the day of the incident, he had just returned home when he learnt that some youths were playing

football at their usual place, so he hurriedly joined them in the game. A few minutes into the game, a police team, led by the embattled Divisional police officer of Pen Cinema Division , Segun Olubunmi to scare away the youths. The DPO allegedly fired sporadically into the air but the youths were not moved and this allegedly angered the errant DPO who then fired directly at the youths, killing late Ademola while three others sustained gun injuries”.

Since the unfortunate incident, condolence messages have been sent to the family of the bereaved. While the case is still under investigation, members of the constituency have rallied round the family and lent their support in many ways.

NGO seeks collaboration on women empowerment

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•One of the beneficiaries, Master Kolawole Fayabale receiving his JAMB form from Hon. Ajidagba

ALAM Umar Danballaji, the Coordinator, Progress and Development Initiative (P&Di), an NGO in Katsina State, has called for increased collaboration between stakeholders on women empowerment.

He made the call during a courtesy visit by officials of the NGO to the office of the Pan African Development Education and Advocacy Programme (PADEAP-Nigeria), also an NGO in Funtua.

Danballaji stressed the need for women empowerment initiatives in the rural areas, and urged government at all levels, organisations and wealthy individuals to support women empowerment schemes.

He explained that the promotion of selfreliance among women was another way

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of reducing malnutrition, which could also contribute in eradicating diseases and ensuring healthy growth in children.

Danballaji said that women deserved support to encourage their maximum contribution to the socio-economic development of the nation.

He said that through small scale businesses, women could generate income that would help in the up-keep of their families.

Danballaji said that his NGO had trained 60 housewives on baby clothes making, sewing, knitting and home management, beside business management techniques in 2011.

He said that 20 women were selected from each of the three senatorial districts for the programme, adding that the programme would be expanded in 2012.

advancement of our leaders of tomorrow.” He then advised pupils to shun the act, just as he expressed seriuos dismay over the recent unrest in Ijebu-Igbo and Ago-Iwoye which was allegedly caused by the activities of rival cult groups.Many lives were lost and properties destroyed He reminded the participants that the Action Congress of Nigeria at the state and council levels have good programmes for the citizenry in education and health sectors.

The guest speaker at the occasion,Dr Olufemi Micheal, urged the government of all the secondary schools in the country,”so that these children can grow hating the menace and be taught why it is wrong to belong to cult groups whether on campus or in the larger society.

Dr.Olufemi said cultism has become a cankerworm that has eaten deep into our educational system and that,if urgent steps are not taken,it will assume a very dangerous dimension capable of destroying our nascent democracy.

The researcher further said that,cultism has nothing good to offer except violence and destruction,adding that their activities are not only exclusively kept away from the knowledge of others but such are carried out at odd hours of the day and often times,clash with accepted norms,tradtition and values of our society.

Amongst the dignitaries at the occasion includes,other members of the caretaker commitee,the head of local government Administration,Pastor Odusanya Oludare,representativies of ANCOPPS, NUT and Zonal Education Officer respectively.

NGO trains 150 slum girls

O FEWER than 150 girls have been trained and more than 50 empowered by the Awesome Treasures Foundation. Mrs Chinyere Udeh one of the leaders of Awesome Princess Foundation disclosed this to journalists in Ilupeju Lagos recently.

She also said that the NGO is planning to help more girls denounce prostitution and other vices which are common to girls living in the slums. She said this at the end-of-theyear party held for the young awesome princesses at the premises of the organisation.

“Awesome Princess is one of the outreach groups within the Awesome Treasure Foundation set to reach out to the youth in their despicable surroundings and mould them to be useful to themselves and become agents of change. We have reached out, in the last five years, to about 150 girls from the slums. A lot of these girls are from the slums in Orile which habours a lot of vices.

We talk to them about the dangers they face daily because most of them are from poor backgrounds. The girls are exposed to prostitution, rape, child trafficking and others in their neighbourhood,” she explained.

Peace Michael, one of the Awesome Princesses was grateful to God for the help

F

By Kehinde Falode

that came her way through the NGO as she would have lost her baby whom she had while in Benue State. “I got pregnant when I was 16 years old and this made me come to Lagos. On getting there, I could not locate the person I would stay with. This made life unbearable for me. After a short while, someone introduced me to Mrs. Ude in Orile who welcomed me into her home and took care of me and my pregnancy. Indeed, she was God-sent. She continued to help even after I was delivered of my baby boy and introduced me to her group.

All I need now is a job so that I can get my life back and take care of my baby,” she said. Mrs Udeh also said that what thrills her is the change that occurs in the lifestyle of these innocent ones as a lot of them are now in secondary schools and institutions of higher learning. They will become somebody in life and then help others as well. She said: “So far, we have trained more than 50 of these girls in trades like baking, millinery, fashion designing and other skills that will make them earn a living while

•Mrs Orelope-Adefulire, Lagos State Deputy Governor preparing for their future. It is not easy doing these but in Awesome Treasure, we believe in catching them young in order to prepare them for greatness so that they will positively affect Nigeria in line with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) declared by the United Nations. Our founder, Mrs Jumoke Adenowo, an Architect, is passionate about changing lives.”

Briefly

Cleric advocates prayer

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IGERIANS have been urged to pray to experience economic and political development. The advice was given by the Senior Pastor of Anthony Village Four Square Gospel Church, City of Refuge, Rev Adekoya in a special programme tagged.” Deliverance through prayers”.

Adekoya observed that idolatry has been given undue attention, saying most of the traditional rulers are now holders of higher degrees and a such spiritual things are taken to the back seat.

According to him: “We need intercessors for Nigerians in order not to run into trouble”.

He said the nation is not having it easy because Christians were not praying as fervently as expected. No doubt, corruption is gaining ground, becoming endemic. He stated that with prayer and for the sake of the teeming population of Christians, “God will save this country once again”.

Aspirant promises develpoment ORMER Chief of Staff to the Chairman of Northern Political Summit, Prince Bulus Audu, has given hope to residents of Takun Local Government Area in Taraba State,saying their current challenges are surmountable.

According to Audu, who is currently the chairmanship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Takum Local Government of Taraba State, the residents currently face hunger, disease, illiteracy and unemployment.According to him, over 70 percent of the Takum people live under abject poverty.

He wondered why Takum with its various minerals resources is not developed. He said there had been no government presence in the area and therefore, “There has been consistent lack of focused leadership. Education which is the foundation for any development is not taken seriously; there is infrastructural decay and our healthcare system virtually none existing.”

He said he decided to offer himself to serve his people to correct these problems of underdevelopment.

Audu promised to transform Takum into an industrial area, making use of the natural resources the area is endowed with.

On the issue of funding the projects he said: “Revenue drive shall be taken seriously, as we know that the I n t e r n a l l y •Audu

Lagos

Generated Revenue (IGR) shall in no small measure further ensure dividends of democracy. We shall not curse the darkness, but we shall light the candle that will guide us through that darkness to a safe and sane future for Takum. The times demand a new invention, innovation, imagination, and decision. We shall put in place a comprehensive database for revenue collection and management.”

He promised that salaries would not be a problem in the local government saying: “Takum is commercially viable, the internally generated revenue (IGR) as an addition to the allocation, shall catapult and transform our land to a safe haven where developmental projects are carried out along side prompt payment of salaries. I believe employees deserve their wages promptly”.

Audu praised Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai for initiating and sustaining peace in Takum. “I intend to build upon that platform in ensuring that peace is finally restored in Takum”,he said.

He also promised to tackle the problem of youth restiveness. “Our government will productively engage the services of our youth in developmental processes; for it is the absence of this that makes our youth a ready-tool in the hands of mischief makers.

“The government that I propose will provide leadership that will help us discover true unity in our diversity, and ensure equitable distribution of our common wealth; so that together we may contain the growing pockets of ignorance and prejudice, and the unanswered questions of poverty”.

From left: Chairman, Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area, Hon Abiodun Mafe; Lagos State Police Commissioner, Mr Yakubu Alkali; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Ademorin Kuye and Mosan-Okunola Vice-Chairman Princess Opeyemi Akindele during the handing over of two vehicles to the police at the council secretariat, Ipaja, Lagos

‘Be role models’

A

CALL has gone to women to be role models and nurture children that would lift their families and the country to greater heights.

The call was made by Sister Salome Omatseye of God’s Kingdom Society Women Fellowship during the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacle organised by the church in Warri, Delta State recently.

According to her, the greatest challenge a Christian woman faces today is how to give her children a thorough upbringing in a hostile and unfriendly environment.

The event which attracted worshippers all over the world, was full of daily testimonies of wonderful events. It lasted one week.

Omatseye, a founding member of the church, urged Christians to be compassionate and friendly towards widows, orphans and less privileged in the society ,saying their suffering is becoming unbearable.

By Charity Williams

According to her, the society is unfriendly toward this group of people who are daily faced with the challenge of survival. She challenged Federal Government and general public to support the church’s to create an enable environment to develop talents among the less privileged .Omatseye urged leaders to be honest and selfless.

In a similar vein, the Chairman, Executive Board God’s Kingdom Society, Brother Godwin Ifeacho has condemned same sex marriage. He said it was introduced by the Western world to Nigeria.

He said the act is against the holy scripture anyone practising it would not enter the Kingodm of God. His advised Nigerians to reject the act as it is barbaric The cleric noted with dismay that Nigeria and other parts of the world are sinking more into the abyss of sexual immorality, looting of treasury, abuse of power in spite of the spread of the gospel.

•Mrs Omatseye with Brother Ifenacho at the event

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

CITYBEATS THE NATION

31

E-mail:- ynotcitybeats@gmail.com

•A woman buying roasted plantain

PHOTO:TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

Living with the pains of subsidy removal

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OR many families, especially those in the low income bracket, the increased financial burden occasioned by the rise in petrol price, which resulted from the removal of subsidy, existence has become more harrowing. In the last six days, these families have been incurring extra cost on feeding and transportation of their school going children. A father of three, Mr Suleiman Adigun, puts it poignantly.

"I suddenly realised that my three children, who are in different secondary schools, would need an average of N1,500 for transportation and feeding at school. In five days, it would cost me N7,500 and for a term N90,000. If this is added to the other running costs, such as fueling our car, feeding and clothing, among others, the reality of the new pump price of petrol amidst the prevailing hardship is bad,” he said.

On January 1, following subsidy removal, petrol price jumped from N65 to N141 per litre. But the price was reduced to N97 per litre by President Goodluck Jonathan following a nationwide strike.

A teenager, who identifies himself as Damisi, isn’t as lucky as Adigun’s children.

Damisi, who was seen loitering around Mushin, said he could not go to school because he could not afford the fare. Living in a dingy one room in Mushin, Damisi attends a public school at Costain, EbuteMetta, Lagos.

He said: "My parents couldn't afford the

By Yinka Aderibigbe and Muritala Omikunle

N170 I need for transportation to school daily. That is why I have not been able to go to school since Tuesday when labour suspended the strike."

Asked if he would be able to report in school this week, Damisi, a Senior Secondary II (SSII) pupil, answered in the negative. A

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lot, according to him, depends on his parents.

With a father working as a casual labourer in a plastic making company and a petty trader mother, there is no basis for such hope.

Families are learning new ways to cope with the development.

The new petrol price has brought untold hardship to many who were living in deplorable conditions even before the increase.

My parents couldn't afford the N170 it would take me to get to school daily.

That is why I have not been able to go to school since Tuesday when labour suspended of the strike

Man spends five years without trial ‘Let society police leaders’ A MIDDLE AGED MAN, BUSAYO Festus, who has been held at the maximum Security Prison, Kirikiri, Lagos since 2007 for alleged stealing has asked the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) to treat his file to enable him face trial.

Busayo said has celebrated four Christmases behind bars and does not wish to be there for the fifth year.

The suspect claimed he bought a phone from a friend, not knowing that it was stolen. The three of them involved were arrested and kept under bars for some period.

His words: "I have been here in Kirikiri for four years. I was accused of stealing a phone but in the real sense of it, I did not steal the phone. I bought it from a friend and I did not know that he actually stole it.”

A SOCIAL commentator, Prof Basil Fadipe, has urgedNigerians to begin to police their leaders if they ever hope to get the nation on the path of rapid development.

Fadipe, a West Indies based consultant and clinical surgeon, who was in the country on a short break, advised Nigerians to build on the gains of the recent protest against the removal of subsidy on petrol to champion the cause of reforming the nation.

“Until Nigerians begin to ask critical questions and put their leaders on their toes, nothing would change in the country. Let us begin to insist that no leader or policy maker or implementer lives beyond his allocated income. Let us make them accountable for the failures we are recording in all spheres; let them begin to tell us periodically why what they promised us have failed to work and to give us new timelines to make things better,” Fadipe said.

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The price even with its reduction to N97 has not translated into a reduction in the cost of living for them.

A woman, who simply identified herself as Mama Chioma, relives her experience with high in cost of transportation. She had to send recharge card numbers to her husband, who was stranded in the village to enable him to raise fund for his return journey. Unfortunately, nobody in the village was able to buy the high denominations she sent.

“He told me that nobody in the village could buy anything higher than N200 recharge card. He had to sell his television to get transport money back,” she said.

Most commercial bus drivers said the high cost of transportation may not be unconnected with the refusal of marketers to dispense fuel.

"Though the government has announced a reduction, the product not readily available,” SEE PAGE 32

Group empathises with Nigerians THE National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos chapter has empathised with Nigerians who are faced with the hardship brought by government policies taken without due consultation with the people.

The council, however, insists that governments at all levels should identify and prosecute the so-called "cabal" without further delay.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Prince Taofeek Oluwafemi Gbadebo, the council urged security agents to kill corruption and not the poor masses.

"We condemn in strong terms the extra-judicial killings of Nigerian youths during the various protests and rallies across the country and demand that the perpetuators be brought to book.”

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

32

CITYBEATS Living with the pains of subsidy removal • Continued from page 31

He said: "The direct effect of the removal has seen the price of a sachet of water popularly called pure water, jump to N10, while the costs of food items, clothing, and accommodation have also jumped astronomically. Unfortunately, there may not be a commensurate increase in the wages and allowances of many workers, which would, ultimately, leave the people poorer."

Raji did not also foresee a return to normalcy in the nearest future.

But Joshua Achema said the increase may not be all that bad.

a driver said.

Mama Ibrahim, who sells pepper and other items at Obawole Market, on College Road, Ogba, Lagos said like consumers, retailers are also feeling the pains of the increase in prices of food items.

According to her, some of her colleagues have reduced what they buy because of the current exhorbitant cost. “Those of us who used to buy six baskets of pepper and tomatoes, among others, could hardly afford to buy three now, at the current rate as the prices have skyrocketed.”

Mrs Julianah Oluwalana, a housewife, decried the high cost of food items. According to her, what takes her an average of N3,000 to prepare in the past, now costs between N5,000 and N8,000.

A media consultant,, Rotimi Raji, described the subsidy removal as “fraudulent” and meant to further pauperise the masses.

‘

He, however, said there might be spiral effects of the high petrol price in the cost of housing adding that landlords may soon begin to demand an increase in rents.

A micro-business owner, Mr O. Paul, who runs a barber shop, said he has been buying petrol for between N800 and N1,200 per gallon at the black market to power the small Tiger electricity generating set he uses.

Angela, who sells Gala and other snacks at Oshodi Motor Park, said though the manufacturers have not announced an increase in price, the

The direct effect of the removal has seen the price of a sachet of water popularly called pure water to jump to N10, while costs of food items, clothing and accommodation have also jumped astronomically

’

sellers are bearing the brunt as the cost of transportation is eating into their profit.

"We are expecting that, ultimately, the manufacturers will increase the price and this will be transferred to consumers,” Angela said.

Mr Tunji Ogundipe said the removal of subsidy and the attendant protest which led to a slash in petrol price from N141 to N97 per litre is a blessing in disguise. According to him, the development has brought to the fore a number of other issues plaguing the nation.

According to Ogundipe, it is clear that Nigerians are bothered about other issues among which are corruption and misgovernance, and are saying they can no longer subsidise the ostentatious lifestyle of their leaders.

He, like the President, believes that the current pains would soon be over. According to him, the pains will go the moment the

product becomes readily available.

He said: "Many commuters are ready to cut down the cost of transportation as part of their own contribution to making life more bearable for the people.”

Prince Adekunle Adetona wondered what the Federal Government thought could be done with the 1,600 mass transit buses launched as part of its palliative measures.

Adetona, who said the vehicles approximate to about two buses for each of the 774 local movements across the country, added that this could hardly scratch the surface in mass transportation demands of the nation.

He said: "In Lagos State alone, despite injecting about 2,500 buses into the BRT scheme, the government has yet to cover the metropolis,” Adetona asked what impact the 40 buses (to be allocated based on the number of local governments in the state) would make.

HechargedPresidentGoodluckJonathan to be more creative if his transformation agenda is to be taken seriously.

‘Better days await residents of Agbado/Oke-Odo’

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HE Supervisor for Agriculture, Rural and Social Development in Agbado/ Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area, Princess Uzamat Akinbile, has promised better life for rural dwellers and youths.

Princess Akinbile explained that the policy thrust of her tenure is massive transformation of the rural populace and youth development.

“My vision is to transform the rural communities in our council area in line with the policy thrust of this present administration under the leadership of our chairman Dr Augustine Arogundade.

“I believe that there is need for the over 100 community development associations and market leaders in our council area to be put on the r i g h t Council pedestal as official sets partners in progress . I eyes on also want transforming to say that we shall communities give adequate ori-

By Kunle Akinrinade

entation to our youths, in our quest to make them the focal point of our turn-around agenda.

We shall work closely with agricultural agencies to put smiles on the face of our farmers and produce sellers. Therefore, better days await residents of Agbado/ Oke-Odo in terms of provision of social amenities, agriculture, youth and infrastructural devel-

law and order. The people have every reason to protest in the most peaceful manner they did and I think there is no justification for the deployment of soldiers to Lagos.

“The presence of soldiers in the state constitutes danger to the peace loving people of the state considering the conduct of soldiers in the state in recent times,” she added.

• Princess Akinbile

Abacus programme unveiled for children

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HE Smart Intellectual Programme (SIP) Nigeria has held a seminar on Abacus whole brain development programme for children at Mafoluku, Oshodi.

The organiser of the event Mr Sam Rajwani, said this was aimed at building memory skills, increasing concentration levels, enhancing comprehension skills, photographic memory, listening skills, all-round academy, speed and accuracy, fantastic arithmetical skills, creativity and imagination, reducing gadget dependency, improving self confidence, and

•Abiola answering quantitative question from Mr Sam

1. Fire and Safety Services Control Room Phone Nos: 01-7944929; 080-33235892; 080-33235890; 08023321770; 080-56374036.

opment.”

She berated the deployment of soldiers to Lagos State and the indifference of the Federal Government to the call by residents for their withdrawal, adding that the presence of soldiers portends danger for the peaceful atmosphere in Lagos State.

“It is disheartening that President Goodluck Jonathan deployed troops to Lagos State when there is no break down of

By Muritala Omikunle

removing mathematics phobia.

He said the Abacus programme is basically for children within the ages of four to 14 years.

In his lecture, Rajwani explained that the brain is divided into two parts which are the left and the right.

He said the right brain, which is the focus of Abacus programme, holds information much longer than the left brain. Citing an example, he said the ability to remember faces which could last longer than having to remember

opportunity to discover geniuses among the children.

A boy, Abiola, captivated the participants by demonstrating some skills in the Abacus programme as he calculated and gave answers faster than a calculator could.

According to Rajwani, the purpose of the seminar was to train Nigerian youths to extend the knowledge to many more children in the country.

He concluded that Abacus programme deals with the right brain which sustains information more.

• Cross section of participants

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names is the function of the right brain while the left brain holds the names.

Speaking further, Rajwani said children within the ages of four to 14 have brains that are developed to 80/90 per cent, which helps them to remember information forever.

A Nigerian trainee, Miss Ayodele Tolu Ayokunnu, said it was possible for an adult to understand the technicality of the programme in five days unlike a child who will need two hours per day, for three years to fully understand it.

She said the programme was an

3. LASTMA Emergency Numbers: 080-75005411; 080-60152462 080-23111742; 080-29728371 080-23909364; 080-77551000, 01-7904983 4. KAI Brigade Phone Nos: 080-23036632; 0805-5284914 Head office Phone Nos: 01-4703325; 01-7743026

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6. Health Services – LASAMBUS Ambulance Services Phone Nos: 01-4979844; 01-4979866; 01-4979899; 01-4979888; 01-2637853-4; 080-33057916; 080-33051918-9; 080-29000003-5.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

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CITYBEATS FROM THE GRASSROOTS

Fire razes shops at Ejigbo

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ROW of shops at Jakande Estate Bus stop, Ejigbo was last Wednesday razed by fire but no life was lost.

When CityBeats arrived at the scene, fire-service men from Oshodi, EgbedaIdimu and Isolo, were seen battling to put out the fire.

According to an eye witness, who preferred anonymity, the fire was first noticed in one of the shops.

The eye witness, who claimed to be a member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Jakande unit, said the fire, which started

By Duro Babayemi

from one of the shop s spread to others razing all of them.

“The incident started at about 7:20pm. There was no l i g h t . A l l t h e s h o p s were using electricity generating sets and the fire started from a faulty generator, which sparked and caught fire, when the owner wanted to switch it off,” he said.

He added that the damage was done before people could rush to the scene to assist in putting it off adding that the efforts was slowed down

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All the shops were using generating set to power electricity and we gathered that the fire started from the generating set of one of them which sparked as the owner wanted to switch it off

’

because of lack of water to put it out.

Mr Taiwo Onadeko, a n official of the state traffic agency at Jakande bus stop, who witnessed the incident confirmed that the fire started from a boutique shop.

According to him, a generating set caught fire as the owner tried to put it off when electricity was restored.

“When the shop owner could no longer control it, he called for assistance from other neighbours. Before they could rally together to put out the fire, it has spread to other shops,” he said.

Onadeko said he had to call the fire service, who he said were held down by traffic gridlock.

“Before they arrived at the scene, the fire has razed eight shops,” he added.

‘Flying doctors are friends of the disabled’ ...I was able to A

N emergency air evacuation services provider, Flying Doctors Nigeria Limited, has donated millions of Naira to "Friends of The Disabled", a charity organisation based in Lagos.

According to its Founder/ Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ola Orekunrin, "Friends of The Disabled," is an NGO that will continue to do very good work to support people and children with special needs and it is really a pleasure to be able to contribute towards their noble goals."

Orekunrin said the donation was coming on the heels of a charity event (the Crystal Summer Ball) held in Manchester, England a few weeks ago to raise funds for 'Friends of The Disabled' and 'Global Giving', two charities, in England and Nigeria.

Hosted by a Nigerian medical practitioner and former beauty queen, Dr. Helen Saliu-Lawal (ex- Miss New York, ex-Miss Black Britain), the event was

I

SOLO Local Council Development Area has sworn-in members of its executive committee to pilot the affairs.

The ceremony, which took place on January 8, was held at the hall of the council secretariat on Osolo Way, Isolo.

Members of the executive include the Vice-Chairman, Soji Balogun, Mrs. Helen Ogunmakinwa; Alhaji Ismail Kayode Folorunsho, Mr Adebogun Oyegoke, Elder Jimi Samuel Ogunlolu, Salisu Adeshina, Mr. Olasoji Babatunde Adebayo and Alhaji Jamiu Omotayo (a supervisory councillor in the chairman's office).

Also included in the new council cabinet are two Special Advisers: Mrs. Wakilat Taiwo-Agbabiaka and Ms. Fracesca Udogwu while Alhaji Segun Jubril is the Secretary to the Local Government.

The council chairman, Shamsudeen Abiodun Olaleye enjoined the exco members to brace up for the challenges ahead as the council has kick-started the transformation of the council area with laudable programmes and projects that have impacted positively on the lives of the people of the council area.

PHOTO: CHINAKA OKORO

HE council Chairman, Oshodi Isolo Local Government Area, Bolaji Idris Ariyoh, has inaugurated its executive council members.

According to him, the inauguration is to pave the way for rapid development of the council.

Ariyoh said road rehabilitation, improved health care and primary education is at the heart of the council, adding that they will be achieved with the cooporation of the new members.

"During our campaign we promised better governance.

To achieve this, we need to bring together people who will help to actualise our promises on work for

‘We are here to set new standard’

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

"We have set a standard and we expect that you would complement our efforts at bringing the dividends of democracy to our people.You must, therefore, brace up for the

• Cross section of appointees

attended by a bevy of personalities from the entertainment, sports, media, medicine and beauty care industries.

Money raised at the UK event was further supplemented by funds from the Flying Doctors Trust Foundation, the charity arm of Flying Doctors Nigeria Limited. Orekunrin made the donation to the 'Friends of The Disabled' charity on behalf of Dr Saliu-Lawal and the Flying Doctors Trust Foundation.

Orekurin and Saliu-Lawat met in medical some school years ago in England and their continued support for charitable causes has largely been due to their on-going friendship and interest in charitable causes.

Said Saliu-Lawat: "I came back home for my medical elective in my final year of

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witness first-hand the dire conditions young disabled Nigerian's live in

’

medical school and I was able to witness first-hand the dire conditions young disabled Nigerian's live in.

"Many of them can be found begging on the streets, homeless and rejected by their families, and it was then I vowed to raise funds and awareness on my return home."

The donation will go towards several FOTD community programmes, including teaching about 3,000 children sign language and providing 427 disabled individuals with free education via vocational and literacy skills training.

Council inaugurates executive

T

• The affected shops

By Oyeyemi GbengaMustapha

challenges," he said.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Chairman, Alhaji W. A. Raji, advised the new members to see their appointment as a privilege and are, therefore,

expected to complement the good works of the council boss.

"Our party has a standard and we expect you to uphold this standard. The people of Isolo LCDA want transformation and we hope you will not disappoint in this regard," Olaleye said.

By Amidu Arije

development, road construction, improved health care, education, agriculture, women empowerment, youth empowerment and poverty alleviation for the people of Oshodi," he said.

He noted that the appointment was made on merit and urged the new cabinet members to be hard working and dedicated.

"From now on, develop the ability to withstand stress, foster good relationship."

Speaking on the issue of fuel subsidy removal, Ariyoh stated that the move is wrong and ill-timed.

"I don't support subsidy removal; even itfsubsidy is going to be removed if should not be now. The removal is ill-timed. Boko Haram issue is there. That is what the president should be tackling, he should be able to secure the lives and property of every Nigerian.

Subsidy is secondary. It can come later; security should be the priority of the government," he said.

The newly appointed Secretary to the Local

Government, Mr Adeola Daoud Olajobi, assured the chairman of his support as well as the commitment of other executive members to make the council grow.

"The most important thing we want to do is to rehabilitate our roads, because all our roads are in a bad state at the moment. We are also going to improve on the education sector, because it is very important," he said.

He assured the chairman of his willingness, dedication and loyalty to duties.

"The head cannot stand without the body, there must be cordial relationship and willingness and loyalty to the executive chairman," he said.

Other appointed executive members included Chief of Staff , Mr Akin Moyosore Fadeko; Supervisors for Education, Mrs Badmus; Health, Mr Yusuf Tunde Adesanya; Agriculture, Waheed Adeyinka; Environment, Felix Adewale Ajayi and Special Advisers on Women Affairs is Nike Adekola; Special Duties, Olayinka Ojerinde and Corporate Partnership, Demola Olaojo among others.

MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

34

CITYBEATS

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “The path to deepening our democracy lies in returning to true federalism. The idea that Corporate Tax goes to the Federal Government, while those companies are corporate citizens of states and should rather have paid to those states should be rejected. Let the people have control over their resources. ” Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, speaking at the Eighth Gani Fawehinmi Annual Lecture in Lagos.

Foundation appeals for support

W

ELL-meaning Nigerians with a heart for the downtrodden have been invited to join hands with a non-governmental agency, HEWS (Health, Education, Work and Shelter) Foundation to improve the health and wealth status of fellow citizens.

HEWS Foundation is a charity committed to helping poor people with pressing needs to live healthy lives, get good education, decent shelter and gain the power to lift themselves and others out of poverty.

The call came from the Founder/President of the NGO, Remi Adeseun, at a media parley in Lagos.

According to Adeseun, HEWS Foundation in its first year of operation has provided free Cleft Lip/Palate surgery to 30 indigent Nigerians in Ondo, Ekiti and Lagos States.

"These lucky beneficiaries were born with congenital birth defect known as Cleft Lip/ Palate (which is like a hole in the face/mouth with missing portions of the lips, teeth, soft and hard palate). In addition, we have granted micro-credit facility to parents of five beneficiaries as well as two education grants/scholarships," said Adeseun.

He noted that during this period of HEWS Foundation's intervention and provision of free Cleft Lip and Palate surgeries, "we have found a nexus between poverty, illiteracy, and high rate of school drop outs among this group.This discovery has given more impetus for the need to increase our involvement and support in the provision of micro credit, grants and scholarships. This is with the larger objective of improving the overall wellbeing of the child and invariably that of the parents, as opposed to, simply treating the Cleft Lip/Palate conditions.

"The Foundation in 2012, seeks to expand its scope of assistance to Nigerians to include work placement programme and increase the range of health interventions to

• From left: Media Consultant to the NGO, Kingsley Obom-Egbulem, Adeseun, and Mrs Oshodi-John. PHOTO: OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

include free/subsidised dialysis treatment for chronic kidney failure, provision of medical consumables to teaching hospitals for accident and emergency victims. In addition, HEWS Foundation will champion various community programmes including civic orientation projects, recycling projects, providing facilities for minors and senior citizens."

He said as a nation, there is the need to encourage more broad based participation of individuals and organisations in charitable programmes and galvanise the public to support community participation by rendering their widow's mite towards ameliorating poverty and poor living standards of many Nigerians.

"It is obvious that government from the

local to the federal level cannot do it alone and we all need to give a helping hand to others. We, therefore, call on organisations and public-spirited Nigerians to step up and fill these apparent gaps through the donation of their TIME (Time, Ideas, Money and Energy) to help achieve the goal of building a knowledge based-community network of healthy and well spirited citizens right from infancy to adulthood," he said.

The Vice-President of the Foundation, Mrs Shola Oshodi-John, said: "There is a need to make the connection of being our brothers and sisters keepers not only in terms of how much we need to give but also the thoughts and care. Most countries that are thriving today got to the top by building a strong not-for- profit social sector that are solution providers, because charitable contributions not only increase our quality of life but are

• Mafe (middle) with the appointees

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HE Chairman of Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Abiodun Mafe, has called for discipline and dedication to duty. He spoke during the swearing-in of council’s executive members.

Mafe said hard work and commitment to duty is the yardstick for growth and development of the council, adding it is the tool towards realisation of delivering the dividends of democracy to the people at the

Council chair urges hard work

By Shehu Bello

grassroots.

"This event is to swear-in people of honour who have been part of my government and have done tremendous work for this community. The community has seen tremendous growth since I came

to office as we try to develop the community to our best capacity and I can tell you that we have giving the police two vehicles for more policing duties. We have also built roads, health centres and we intend to do more in the coming years," he said He urged them to be moderate in their actions.

key to the development of future leaders and an enviable country that every Nigerian would be proud of. Therefore, as Nigerians, we can no longer afford to sit on the fence or ignore this sector. We must all work towards creating a caring tradition amongst us.

"This is because philanthropy has brought immense benefits to some countries such as the United States, Britain, Germany amongst others, in the field of education, science, technology and culture to mention a few and the society at large. At this critical stage of our nation's history, we must emulate and imbibe the culture of philanthropy. HEWS Foundation looks forward to collaborating and partnering individuals, organisations, local and state governments in any area of our programmes with a view to providing assistance as part of our communal, corporate social responsibility to Nigerians at large."

The council chair urged the people of the council to be dutiful to their responsibility as the council would not fail to continue implementing people-oriented programmes and projects.

"Note that I run an open door policy. My office is always open to suggestions and complain on how to move this council forward.

"This is where we all live and we must do everything within our power to make this community habitable for us all," he said.

Speaking shortly after the inauguration, the Secretary to the Local Government (SLG), Prince Akintola Falade, thanked the council boss for his maturity and large heart.

He described his reappointment as the will of God and promised to serve his community better.

Also speaking, the Supervisor for Councillor and Chieftaincy Affairs, Tunji Baale, promised not to disappoint the people of his community.

He vowed to work closely with the traditional chiefs at the council.

"I have been having a cordial relationship with the Baales of this council and the people of this community. You can see that when my name was called, you will acknowledge with me the joy in the atmosphere that was greeted when my name was called,” he said.

Other appointees were Akin Fadairo Supervisor for Agric/Rural Development, Akeem Akintola - Supervisor for Education; Alhaji Mooshood Bello Supervisor for Project; Bosun Oduntan Supervisor for Works and Housing; Jumoke Oguntola - Supervisor for Health; Mrs Aramide Opaleye - Supervisor for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and Yele Samuel - Supervisor for Market and Revenue Generation.

SEND YOUR STORIES AND PICTURES TO CITY BEATS at ynotcitybeats@gmail.com OR SEND AN SMS TO 08033054340

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

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Ekiti council builds link road

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ESIDENTS of Owodunni Street in Ado-Ekiti have a lot to be thankful for as the local government has commenced the upgrade of the link road between them and Fajuyi-Adebayo Road in the state capital.

The road, which is about 1.2 km long, has been a source of worry to the inhabitants of the area who had remained cut off from the main town. Vehicle owners park their vehicles at a distance and trek to their houses.

In a chat with Newsextra, Senior Technical Officer (STO) in charge of road maintenance in the local government, Mr. Olutoye Ademola, said indiscriminate building of houses has always stood in the way of rehabilitating the road.

He said: “What we experience whenever the local government attempts to embark on any grading or construction of road is worrisome as most people have built houses up to the last stretch of the road and the rule has been that they should leave a minimum of 30 metres to the main road.

“There was virtually nothing the local government could do in such circumstance. Even, in the present case of Owodunni Street, the chairman had to come to see the community and meet all parties to ensure that no one would say his or her house or land had been collapsed or encroached upon.

In his response, Alhaji Ilesanmi Alobo noted that several efforts had been made in the past to ap-

O

NDO State Governor Olusegun Mimiko has re-affirmed his administration’s determination to positively affect the lives of the downtrodden through good programmes.

Mimiko, who stated this in his office during a courtesy call by new defectors from opposition parties in the state to Labour Party, (LP), urged political leaders to ensure that they make meaningful impact on the lives of their people.

The governor explained that the year 2012 must be one in which every well-meaning individual in the state must care for their neighbours, especially the less privileged.

He urged the defectors, among whom were the former senatorial candidate of the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) in the state, Mrs Esther Olunife Olotu and the Auditor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Alhaja Funmilola

•The road under construction From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

peal to the local government to work on the road but which was never successful.

“We made so many contacts and wrote so many letters. Nothing

came from all the efforts. This road had been like this since we came here. I thank the local government chairperson for this great consideration. I want to appeal that the drainage be done on the two sides of the road for it to last.”

The caretaker chair of the Local Government, Mrs. Funmilola Adeyemo, who was on hand dur-

ing the grading, disclosed that the local government had just started grading some roads and the case of Owodunni Street is especially touching.

“From my assessment, I have decided to construct drainage along with the present effort and we are not stopping here,” she said.

“There are about 25 other roads

already earmarked for immediate attention across the local government.

“As we are here, work is going on on some other ones as well and we will want to do all before the next rainy season sets in. All we want is the cooperation of the people. Once there is cooperation, there will be development.

Mimiko urges politicians to assist the poor From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Oluwadare with their supporters, to see themselves as members of the party with equal opportunities.

The new members, Mimiko said, must see themselves as agents of transformation and societal change, adding that the LP government has changed the orientation of the people and rekindled their interest and confidence in governance.

He noted that more windows of opportunities would be opened this year for youths in the state in the areas of agriculture, renewable energy and information communication technology (ICT).

“I want to thank you for your decisions to join Labour,” the governor

said. “This is a party that has impacted positively on the lives of our people. Your coming into the party is an indication of your belief in the party and your resolve to be part of the wheel of progress.

“I want to implore you to reach out to other people so that they can come into the fold. You must not listen to hearsay because I’m sure you will receive many phone calls. What must be paramount in your minds

is your conviction to be part of us and to jointly develop our state.

“I also want you to make sure that you render help to your neighbours.

You must assist those people around you whom you know are in need of help. This should be our motto for this year,” Mimiko said.

In their speeches, Mrs Olotu and Alhaja Funmilola Oluwadare attributed their defection to the Labour Party to the unprecedented achieve-

ments of the Mimiko administration in the state.

They vowed to work assiduously with their followers for the success of the party in the state.

The state chairman of the party, Chief Olu Ogidan had earlier received the defectors into the party at an occasion witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Alli Olanusi and leaders of the party across the state.

Six rural communities to get link roads

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HEERY news has come for six From Chris Oji, Enugu communities in Udenu local council of Enugu State. The state cils. governnment will soon embark on Governor Sullivan Chime who mass road construction in their counvisited the area recently told the people that his administration will partner with Udenu Local Government Council in constructing the 21 kilometre ring road that connects the six communities of the council area.

The 21 kilometre road links Imilike-Ani, Ezimo, Imilike-Agu, Ogbodu-Abba, Obollo-Ettiti and Amalla communities, all agrarian communities in the hinterlands of Udenu local government.

That will facilitate agriculture, trade and communications among the gate way communities.

Chime who made the pledge at Obollo-Afor during a tour of the council area said his government is committed to rural development in which accessibility through roads construction is a priority.

He added that Udenu rural roads are to receive the same attention as obtained in other council areas of the state. He asked the council to consider the project done in this fiscal year.

Chairman of the local government council, Dr. Godwin Abonyi, who was sworn in for a second term, stated that the local government council is celebrating their peoples •Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Suraj Adekunmbi presenting books to students at the trust, acceptance and total commitdistribution of textbooks to public schools

ment to the person of Chime.

Abonyi said that Udenu Local Government Council appreciates the state government’s Visit Every Community (VEC) committee which recently visited all the communities in the local government and made promises to the people but that it is particularly interested in partnering with the state government to see that the road is constructed since the council cannot execute the project alone.

“Today, the PDP chairmanship and councillorship candidates have no opposition because Sullivan has conquered opposition and galvanized Enugu state into one formidable political family,” said Abonyi.

The council chairman pledged before the governor that he and his team in Udenu will continue to respect the social contract they entered into with their people and pledged that their incoming second term administration was striving to do even much better than they did in the past two years of their first term.

“At the local government level in the past two years, we have been able to deliver democracy dividends to our people in areas of human capital and infrastructural development more than the local government area witnessed since her creation over 15 years ago,” reported Abonyi.

THE NATION

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MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

•Enugu State Governor Sullivan Chime with members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Enugu State chapter

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HE Enugu State Government has commended the state chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), for its decision to review downwards the transport fares in the state, following the removal of subsidy on fuel.

The state governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime gave the commendation in Enugu when he received the executive members of the union who were at the Government House on a solidarity visit.

Chime described the union’s decision to reduce the transport fare in the state as a welcome development, a show of their understating of the issue about the removal of subsidy on fuel and the importance they attached to the present efforts to cushion its effect on the people.

The governor used the occasion to thank the union and Labour in the state for their understanding and support during the strike and protest over the removal of subsidy on petrol, describing the action as a show of maturity, which made the state to be very calm and

Chime hails transporters for cutting fares From Chris Oji, Enugu

peaceful.

He stated that the action of government in the process to remove subsidy on fuel was in good faith and not to inflict pain on the people but rather to check fraud in the oil sector of the nation’s economy.

He took time to explain to the union members the idea behind the subsidy removal on oil, pointing out that all the three tiers of government contributed to pay for the subsidy for all Nigerians and some of her neighbouring countries.

He said that with the removal of the subsidy many more people would be encouraged by government to import fuel while private refineries will be established so that market forces will determine the pump price of the product, to the benefit of the masses.

Earlier in an address read by

the Secretary of the Union, Mr. Anthony Asogwa, the union informed the Governor that members were in the Government House to declare their solidarity and support to his administration.

The union applauded the governor for his developmental stride in the state during his first tenure in office.

“We are pleased to note that during your first tenure in office, His Excellency has succeeded in walking where even angels fear to tread by embarking upon and

executing projects and programmes that have direct bearing on the good people of Enugu State” The union recounted some of the governor’s achievements as effective healthcare delivery, provision of electricity and renewed efforts to return our standard of education to its envious past as well as the provision of good network of roads which had increased the lifespan of their vehicles.

The transporters also praised the governor for the introduction

Chime described the union’s decision to reduce the transport fare in the state as a welcome development, a show of their understating of the issue about the removal of subsidy on fuel

of the Coal City Cabs and the Coal City Shuttle Mass Transit, which they said have alleviated the problems of commuters in the state.

They, however, appealed to the governor to consider its members for appointment into Development Centres, Boards of Parastatals and fulfill its promise to donate an official car to the executive of the union.

The union also requested the governor to allocate a space to it in the proposed ultra-modern new mass transit terminal, free of charge, as obtainable in all the states in the country as against the whopping charge of over N459 million by government agent.

The union also used the occasion to thank the President Goodluck Jonathan for giving the national headquarters of their union 400 commuter buses to cushion the effect of the sharp increase in the pump price of petrol as a result of removal of oil subsidy.

Monarch celebrates coronation anniversary

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

•Oba Oluwademilade

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HE people of Adiyan community in Ogun State are in happy mood. They have decided to roll out the drums in celebration of the first year coronation anniversary of their traditional ruler, the Aladiyan of Adiyanland

Oba Ezekiel Sunday Onifade Oluwademilade.

Exactly a year ago, the monarch was presented with his staff of office by then administration of Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

“We are celebrating not only the elevation of our king but also the man who has brought so much development into this town and whose reign has brought peace and tranquility into the community,” Prince Mukaila Oniyide, secretary of the publicity committee of the anniversary committee said.

Speaking on his ascension of office, Oba Oluwademilade told reporters that he has always been a community leader in the community given that fact that his forefathers were the founders of the land.

“I was the Balogun of this community during the reign of the last

Baale and I have been active in the communal activities of this town,” he said.

It was on account of his active participation in the community development programmes of the town that when the former Baale died, he was made to act in his place despite his vehement protestations that being an acting Baale may hinder his community development activities.

The icing on the cake was the elevation of the Baale to Oba by the Gbenga Daniel administration.

“We were invited to the state secretariat at Oke Mosan alongside other elevated Baales and there I was presented with all documents relating to my new status while we proceeded to the palace of the Alake of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty Adedotun Gbadebo,” he said.

Oba Oluwademilade was not made the traditional ruler for mere

convenience sake. “This is a man that has been contributing to the development and progress of this town even before he became an Oba. He personally donated three plots of land he bought for the construction of the community’s general hospital,” Hon Jimoh Tairu, a former Supervisory Councillor in Ifo Local Government and Bobagunwa of the town said.

When it was time to build the town’s primary school, the monarch also came to the rescue of the town using his influence in the church to ensure that the church donated its land for the construction of the school.

Apart from these, he also contributed money and materials to aid the development of the community. He was an active donor to the fund raised in rehabilitating and grading the only road linking the community to the rest of the state.

He is also involved in the struggle to get compensation from the government for the use of the community’s land for the construction of the Adiyan Waterworks which provides water for some parts Lagos State.

The main road linking the community to the outside world is another major source of worry to the monarch.

“That the road is partially motorable now due to communal efforts. We contribute money to grade it regularly. Sometime ago, we spent more than N9million to construct drainage on the two sides of the road as instructed by the state government. But after constructing the drainage, government has not done anything on the road and we have to grade it again. Government should come to our aid. We need government’s presence here,” the monarch said.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

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A society without a past is one without a future…Such a past is usually reflected in the institutions, artifacts and proper understanding of the values handed down to us by our ancestors and predecessors. People should build on what they have and not seek to destroy them

•King Douglas Jaja

I

MPRESSED with the just-concluded Opobo International Boat (OIB) race, the royal father of the community, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja has said, “the festival is beginning to experience better days.”

Jaja, who spoke in Opobo, Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State during the opening ceremony of the boat festival, observed that within six years, the festival has attracted growing international interest in the creativity, potential and cultural resources of Niger Delta people as more countries are expressing the desire to participate in the boat fiesta.

Despite the seeming earlier rejection to fund the festival and the general cash-crunch in the system, the Opobo King vowed that the festival, which is now a “national cultural festival” will not die because the sons and daughters of the land alongside their friends are now rising to the challenge by contributing ideas, connections and even cash to make the festival realise its full potential.

For this reason, he urged Nigerians to learn to renew their institutions and values as “a society without a past is one without a future.”

“Such a past,” he said, “is usually reflected in the institutions, artifacts and proper understanding of the values handed down to us by

T

•The Ghanaian boating team at the feast

Monarch sees better days ahead for boat festival From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

our ancestors and predecessors.

People should build on what they have and not seek to destroy them,” he said.

The monarch used the opportunity to commend partners of this year’s OIB such as Moni Pulo Limited; Nigerian Breweries Plc; Flour Mills, Port Harcourt and Hamilton Technologies.

Others were Niger Delta Amnesty Programme; Cadbury; Stanbic-IBTC Bank; ANAP Foundation as well as Akwa Ibom State Government.

Some of the events competed for during the boat festival were One Man Canoe Race; Five Man Canoe Race; Open Sea Swimming; 15 Man Canoe Race; Marathon Boat Race and the Regatta.

Other events that added colour to the festival were the Sea Scooter Boat Ride; and the War Canoe display. The dancing troupe from Benue State Arts and Culture used the event as a showcase for their Cat dance while the Akwa Ibom Council for Arts and Culture as well as the Abara Cultural Troupe from Bonny, Rivers State also per-

HE text messages sent to many people across the country suggesting there was anarchy in Yobe was the handiwork of mischief makers, said the state Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Lawal Tanko.

The text messages had created the impression that all churches in Damaturu, the state capital, had been burnt down, while many Christians were being killed. Tanko debunked the messages.

In a statement made available to our correspondent, the CP said residents in the state, particularly Christians, should disregard the information, even as he described it as false and a design by mischief makers to either create fear in the minds of the people or foment trouble.

The statement read in part: “The attention of Yobe State Police Command has been drawn to malicious text messages in

formed.

There were also the Birierebo Dance Group and Ama Asati Cultural groups from Opobo which entertained guests.

At the finals of the regatta which was competed for by six houses, the Kalaomuso House took the first position; the second position went to Owujie House while the Fubarakuro House took the third position.

In the Open Sea Swimming competition, Joseph Quao who came all the way from Ghana took the first position while the second and third positions went to Chinasa Peterside and Joshua Ogolo respectively. They are indigenous to Opobo.

In the five man canoe race, the Biriye group took the lead; Ukaonu took second position while the Ghana team which was the defending champion came third.

The Marathon Boat race was won by Biriye team, followed by the Jaja team while Ukaonu team took the third position.

However, in an interview with Newsextra, Mr. Boniface Unogwu, the Deputy Director/Troupe Manager of Benue State Arts and Culture expressed delight for be-

ing part of the OIB festival.

Unogwu, whose troupe had always been invited to the festival, advised that “more riverside communities along the coastal areas of Nigeria and West Africa be invited for the boat regatta because it is already an international event.”

On his part, Mr. Emem Tom Okon, the Head of Department of Performing Arts, Akwa Ibom Council for Arts and Culture said: “On the whole, I like the spirit behind the OIB because they have been able to go on and on. I appreciate the fact that they have been able to sustain the festival despite the economic crunch.”

However, Okon advised that singing competition, arts exhibition, dancing and essay competitions be included in the festival with prizes. This, he said, would attract scholars from secondary and tertiary institutions.

On the part of the sponsors, Mr Cyril Arebun, the Marketing Activation Manager of Cadbury, Eastern Division Enugu explained that his organisation participated in the boat festival because it is part of their corporate social responsibilities.

While promising his company’s continued support for OIB, Arebun also advised on the need to be part of what is happening in the society, pointing out that “not minding that our business is not based here, but we must support it.”

Also speaking, Mr Dominic Awoleye, the Sales Executive of Nigerian Breweries said that Star, which is one of his products, is a support brand as the occasion is a cultural one for Opobo.

Awoleye added that “anything that unites us as Nigerians that is where you see star.” He also appreciated the fact that Opobo people are coming together to identify with their culture.

In his closing remarks, Mr Bobo Brown, the Chief Executive Officer of GRAIN consulting, the consultants to OIB commended the sponsors of the festival especially the King of Opobo for the canoe marathon race which he said would place the town on the international map of canoe race.

The canoe marathon race, Brown said, tests endurance and urged all the participants at the event to keep hope alive as OIB is getting better by the year.

Yobe police chief dispels attack messages From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

circulation to the effect that all churches in Damaturu have been burnt down and

many Christians killed.

“This text is not only false but also a handiwork of mischief makers who are working in concert with enemies of the state to fan the ember of disunity and vio-

The attention of Yobe State Police Command has been drawn to malicious text messages in circulation to the effect that all churches in Damaturu have been burnt down and many Christians killed…This text is not only false but also a handiwork of mischief makers who are working in concert with enemies of the state to fan the ember of disunity and violence in the state

lence in the state.”

It added that “we are determined to get to the root of the source of this mischievous information and in no distance time, we will get all those involved.”

The police chief insisted that Christians and Muslims in Yobe State have been living happily with one another. He therefore appealed to them to continue to live in peace and harmony so as to make meaningful contributions that will move the state forward.

He used the forum to express the readiness of his command to deal ruthlessly with anyone or group whose activities are not consistent with the law, just as he assured law-abiding citizens in Yobe State of police preparedness to protect lives and property of residents.

MOTORING

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THE NATION

MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

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

0803-4693-984 tajudeen1423@yahoo.co.uk

email:- motoring@thenationonlineng.net

The Nissan Murano has always stands out from the crowd. While familiarity has made its rounded design seem somewhat less radical than when it was introduced nearly a decade ago, the Murano’s look is still distinctive enough to turn heads, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO with agency additions.

Nissan Murano: Attractive styling, high-quality materials

•Nissan Murano

torque. This engine is mated to a CVT and a choice of standard front-wheel drive or an available all-wheel-drive system.s Auto expert, EPA estimated fuel economy is 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined with front-wheel drive.

T

HE 2012 Nissan Murano sees only minor changes, including a new Platinum Edition option package for top-of-the-line LE models and a new seven-inch monochrome screen on the entry-level S trim level.

Thankfully, there is more to the 2012 Nissan Murano’s appeal than just its sheet metal. The combination of the strong 3.5-litre V6 and continuously variable automatic transmission - one of the best CVTs in the business - with a sporttuned suspension results in a crossover SUV that is more enjoyable to drive than the norm. The Murano’s five-passenger interior also earns points for its attractive styling, high-quality materials, upscale design, lively performance and many standard features.

The Murano has a couple of minor drawbacks, however, including compromised rear visibility and a maximum cargo capacity that is a bit smaller than its rivals.

Safety All Murano models feature standard antilock brakes, traction and stability control, active front head restraints, front-seat side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

An international body, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Murano its highest rating of “Good” in both the frontal-offset and side crash tests.

Interior design and special features •Interior of the car

Body styles The Murano is a midsize five-passenger crossover SUV available in four trim levels: S, SV, SL and LE. The entry-level S comes well-equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, variable intermittent wipers, deep-tinted rear privacy glass, keyless entry/ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver seat, a reclining 60/40-split rear seat, a seveninch monochrome screen, cruise control, a tiltand-telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker stereo with a six-CD changer and an auxiliary audio input jack.

The SV adds automatic headlights, foglights,

a panoramic sunroof, roof rack side rails, power front seats (eight-way driver and four-way passenger), a seven-inch colour display, a rearview camera, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, Bluetooth and an upgraded audio system with satellite radio and iPod integration.

Stepping up to the SL trim, one finds rain-sensing wipers, heated outside mirrors, a power liftgate, leather upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel, driver seat memory, an autodimming rearview mirror and a nine-speaker Bose audio system with digital music storage.

The LE trim adds 20-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, heated rear seats, a power tiltand-telescoping steering column and wood in-

terior trim.

Optional on SL and LE models is a navigation system that includes voice recognition, real-time traffic and weather, Bluetooth streaming audio and increased digital music storage. Those two trim levels can also be had with a twin-screen headrest-mounted rear DVD entertainment system. New for 2012 is a Platinum Edition option for LE models that bundles exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels, a special Sapphire Black paint colour and the navigation system.

Powertrains and performance The SUV is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 that produces 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of

Inside the Nissan Murano’s cabin one will find an attractively styled space that rivals that of its upscale Infiniti FX cousin for quality of materials and assembly. The Murano also gets high marks for the intuitive operation of technology features including the navigation system, rear seat video entertainment setup and iPod interface.

There is also seating for five passengers, including a backseat with abundant head and legroom and seatbacks that recline for greater comfort. Behind those rear seats is 31.6 cubic feet of cargo room, a number that is on par with the Murano’s competitors. Folding those rear seatbacks down creates a nice flat load floor with 64 cubic feet of room, which falls a tad short of the space available in other midsize five-passenger SUVs.

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

47 PUBLIC NOTICE FULANI PEACE INITIATORS OF NIGERIA This is to inform the general public that the above mentioned organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE APPOINTED TRUSTEES ARE 1.

Dr. Aisha Muosa Lawal Chairman 2.

Ambassador Umaru Farouk Kaoje Member 3.

Dr. Hadiza Nuhu (OON) Member 4.

Major Aliyu Elhafiz Member 5.

Mallam Sale Bako Member AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1) Educate and encourage Fulani children and youths and women on peace building and mitigation.

2) Design programmes that will generate mass employment for youths and other vulnerable groups especially in economic empowerment.

3) To train displaced Fulani’s in skill ventures and entrepreneurship.

4) Create awareness heightening amongst target groups towards human towards human capital development and equip them with the orientation towards the formation of cooperative adventure for self-reliance.

Any objection related to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot402, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within twenty eight (28) days of this publication.

Signed: Bar. MURIANATU SAIDU SANI.

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

PERSONAL FINANCE

Email: taofad2000@yahoo.co.uk

Investor’s Worth

A don’s formula for building nest eggs

A

PROFESSOR of Agronomy, Dr. Lekan Are, stands tall as one of the largest individual investors driving leading Nigerian public companies.

There are three major shareholders in University Press (UP) Plc- two institutional shareholders and one individual shareholder. University Press, the multi-billion printing and publishing company’ is the second most capitalised printing and publishing company and one of the foremost and oldest publishers in Nigeria.

With some 11,000 shareholders, about 93 per cent shares of UP are held by Nigerian shareholders. However, only one Nigerian individual shareholder stands out as a major investor; in addition to another Nigerian institutional investor. And that is Dr. Are, a man of unquenchable passion for knowledge who has over the years staked his money on his passion and built up investments in UP. With 6.21 per cent equity stake, Are is the only individual shareholder with more than five per cent equity stake in UP. Oxford University Press has the largest stake of 8.47 per cent while Cashcraft Asset Management Limited, a Nigerian investment firm, holds 8.29 per cent equity stake.

UP is one of the steady mid-size companies in the stock market. With a market

D

capitalisation of about N1.5 billion, UP’s unbroken record of cash dividend payment for more than two decades and regular bonus issue make it a cash cow for investors.

The impressive performance of UP year-on-year has continuously translated into several millions of Naira in •Dr. Are passive incomes for Are. Average dividend per performance and shareholdshare in the past six years ers friendly dividend policy stands at 34 kobo. UP had of UP, he has also been the distributed dividend per major growth driver behind share of 25 kobo in 2006 and the company. Under his diincreased this to 30 and 35 rection as the chairman of kobo in 2007 and 2008 respec- board of directors, UP has tively. Dividend per share grown to become the corpoincreased to 40 kobo per rate icon in the printing and share in 2009, the same rate publishing industry. that was retained for the 2010 Turnover has risen from business year.

N692 million in 2007 to about The company has just dis- N2 billion in 2011 while totributed 35 kobo per share tal balance sheet size has infor the 2011 business year. creased from N795 million to Within the same period, the more than N2.4 billion. company made three bonus With several awards from issues on the basis of one new many Nigerian and internashare for every five shares tional institutions including held by shareholders, which the Nigerian Stock Exchange in every instance automati- (NSE), World Bank, Nigerian cally increased the Social Insurance Trust Fund, shareholding of every share- Nigerian Publishers’ Assoholder by 20 per cent with- ciation and Nigerian out any cash consideration. Bookfair Trust among others, So, by increasing cash divi- UP’s performance reflects its dends and declaring bonus operational strengths. shares, UP’s shareholders For those looking for workhave been smiling home ing formula for building suswith bulging pockets while tainable nest eggs, then Are simultaneously growing provides evidence-based extheir investments. ample of value investment Although Are has been the that reassures of stable stream single largest individual of incomes, irrespective of the beneficiary of the impressive market situation.

Ask a Broker

V

ALUE investment is an investment approach that emphasises the inherent fundamental values of a company in investment decision-making.

Value approach looks at companies with strong balance sheets although their secondary market valuations

What is value investment? may belie these strengths.

In other words, a value investor scouts for undervalued stocks with good fundamental outlook rather than following the stock market trend. Value investment ap-

proach however requires rigorous fundamental analysis and it mostly suits mediumto-long term investment horizons. Most analysts consider value investors as quintessential investors.

Ways and Means

Mortgages and homeownership

H

OUSING is one of the primary needs of human beings.

Given the importance of housing as a central need of human beings, governments all over the world make provision of housing a core economic development issue.

In the advanced economies, governments promote housing by facilitating development of an effective mortgage market, driven largely by the private sector.

However, after 52 years of independence, Nigeria is yet to develop a vibrant mortgage market and houses continue to be provided largely through individual savings.

With a population of more than 160 million people, Nigeria’s average annual housing need is estimated at about 2.5 million housing units. The huge gap between actual production and requirement presents a huge opportunity but also

remains a major challenge.

Housing is a capital intensive project that often time requires life-long savings to achieve. But with innovative financial products, lowincome newcomers and existing homeowners can rest under their own roofs as well as build a good portfolio of real estate investments.

One of these financial products is the Stanbic IBTC Bank home Loans, a threevariety bouquet that meets the requirements of a juststarter as well as an avid property magnate. The first of the three varieties is the mortgage finance for already completed house with valid titles. The second variety known as equity release allows a property owner to borrow on the back of his property so that he can buy or build another one. Under the plan, Stanbic IBTC Bank gives as much as 80 per cent of the recent valuation of the house to enable the owner

Understanding dispute resolution mechanism in the investment market (1) mechanismintheinvestmentmarket(1)

build or buy another house.

Besides, a house owner can use his house to borrow for other non-real estate businesses, subject to a ceiling to be determined by the bank.

The third product under the Stanbic IBTC Bank Home Loans known as off plan building loan provides mortgage finance to anyone that wants to buy a house under construction. With a deposit of 20 per cent of the cost of the project, the bank will provide the balance of 80 per cent to complete the project.

During the construction phase, the beneficiary will only pay interest on the loan and upon completion of the project; the outstanding balance will be converted into mortgage finance under the first product.

The bank only requires a proof of status as an employee or self-employed person with traceable cash flow for anyone to benefit from these products.

ISPUTE is a common factor in every human environment.

However, the mechanism for resolution of disputes shows the fairness, responsiveness and responsibility of the system to all stakeholders.

From unauthorised trades to non-receipt of dividends, delay in receipt and payment of cheque, wrong lodgement, errors in details, wrong posts to absolute frauds, the capital market grapples with hundreds of disputes every year.

For instance, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) received of 417 complaints against stockbrokers in 2009.

It had carried over some 249 unresolved complaints into the year too.

These all fall within the investor-broker dispute segment. There are other dispute segments including brokerbroker, operator-regulator, investor-regulator and regulator-government disputes, which all indicate that the market must have a robust dispute resolution mechanism to address all grievances in a way to uphold the integrity of the marketplace. As a trust-driven system, integrity is the backbone of the capital market and the main driver of investors’ confidence. Beside ensuring that the victim in a dispute is duly compensated for any infraction, the dispute resolution system must eschew rancor, undue negative attention and partisanship just as it must be fast, efficient and accessible.

Dispute resolution is an allembracing concept and it entails not only the formal legal channels but also informal alternative semi-legal channels.

With this, dispute resolution entails several processes including negotiation, mediation, arbitration, reconciliation, collaboration and litigation. Beyond the formal litigation court, dispute can also be resolved using what is known as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism, which typically uses processes and techniques that fall outside of the formal litigation court. ADR mostly embraces the five processes of negotiation, mediation, arbitration, reconciliation and collaboration. While the inevitability of the formal litigation system in some instances is without gainsaying, most experts suggest the ADR processes as first steps to resolving disputes because they are less expensive, less rancorous and quicker techniques.

The extant laws guiding the operations of the Nigerian capital market including the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Investment and Securities Act, Trustees Investment Act, Nigerian Investment Promotion Act, Pension Act and Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act provide for both alternative dispute resolution and formal litigation. The Investment and Securities Tribunal (IST), which has adjudicatory powers equivalent to that of the Federal High Court, is a specialpurpose formal litigation court for the capital market.

Also, all the Self-Regulatory Organisations (SROs) pro-

By Taofik Salako

vides rules and regulations for resolution of disputes involving their members. These SROs include the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Abuja Securities & Commodities Exchange (ASCE) and Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) among others. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the apex capital market regulator, provides a final-step alternative dispute channel and also serves as the primary stage for formal litigation.

But with many disparate and overlapping rules, the dispute resolution mechanism in the capital market has become a vast web that intrigues both operators and investors. To protect the interests of all stakeholders in a transparent and efficient dispute resolution system, SEC has undertaken the development of a framework for Complaints Management in the capital market.

The new framework, which draft is currently under exposure for comments by all stakeholders, details how to lodge complaints, where to lodge complaints, what to lodge complaints with and what responses to expect from the various points.

The new framework also details the processes for resolution of disputes involving an SRO, a member of an SRO, SEC, other operators, and investors among others. The framework also espouses the concept and use of ADR, the Administrative Proceedings Committee (APC) of SEC, security enforcement agencies and other agencies in timely resolution of dispute.

According to the framework, any complaint against an SRO’s by its members, listed companies or the investing public should first be lodged with the SRO. Then, the SRO should resolve the complaint within 10 working days of receipt and where the SRO is unable to resolve, the SRO should forward a report to SEC within five working days stating reasons why it was unable to resolve the complaint. SEC would then review the report within five working days of receipt of the report and thereafter direct further action.

On the other hand, all complaints arising from market related activities of members of an SRO would first be made to the operator, which will move to resolve the complaint within 10 working days of receipt of the complaint. In the event that the operator cannot resolve the matter, it would

‘To protect the interests of all stakeholders in a transparent and efficient dispute resolution system, SEC has undertaken the development of a framework for Complaints Management in the capital market’

refer the matter to its SRO. The SRO would then deal with the complaint within 60 working days.

Where the SRO cannot resolve the matter, it would forward a report of the complaint to SEC within five working days stating reasons why it was unable to resolve the complaint. SEC would then within five working days review the report and direct on further course of action.

In the event of a complaint against an operator that does not belong to any SRO, the complaint would first be made to the operator for resolution within 10 working days. Also, any complaint against an issuer or a quoted company should first be made to the company, which would endeavour to resolve the complaint within 10 working days.

Where the operator, issuer or public company could not resolve the complaint within the stipulated timeline, it would then forward a report to SEC within three working days stating reasons why it was unable to achieve resolution.

SEC will thereafter review the report within five working days of receipt of the report and direct further action.

To guide complainants about the organ responsible for resolution of a specific complaint, the framework outlines complaints to be handled

by SEC to include insider trading, market manipulation, corporate accounting fraud, securities frauds and appeals against decisions of SROs, members of SROs, issuers and public companies. Upon receipt of any complaint, SEC is expected to review such within five working day and direct required course of action. Complaints to be handled by SEC are expected to be dealt with within 60 working days. But where the relevant department of SEC is unable to resolve the complaint, it would within 48 hours forward a report to management stating why it was unable to resolve the matter and its recommendations.

With emphasis on timely and amicable resolution of dispute, all capital market operators, especially registrars and stockbrokers, SROs, issuers and public companies among others are required to have an in-house complaints resolution mechanism in line with best practices set out by SEC. In the absence of an existing internal dispute resolution system, operators and players in the market are expected to submit a work plan for the development of this mechanism within the timeline to be stipulated by SEC. To ensure that SEC keeps track of all complaints, the new framework requires that complainant should forward a copy of complaint made to the SROs, operators, issuers and public companies to the apex capital market regulator. Besides, the SROs, operators, issuers and public companies are required to provide monthly status reports of complaints received, resolutions, and pending cases to SEC, which will establish a database and monitoring process to track disputes and resolutions.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

THE CEO The port is critical to a nation’s growth, especially in the maritime sector. But our ports seem not to play this role as expected. The Managing Director, Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Omar Suleiman, in this interview with OLUWAKEMI DAUDA, explains the challenges facing the ports.

‘NPA loses N16b yearly to fuel subsidy’ H

OW have you fared in the past one year?

Well, I must say that when you are appointed to head an organisation, and knowing full well that the position is sensitive, you come with a different mindset, different expectations and different things you want to do to move the sector forward, reduce corruption and make the ports attractive and more competitive for business in the sub-region.

How do you intend to achieve that?

Everybody has his own agenda; but we came in here with an attitude for a change. We came in here to get things done in our ports and woo the business community. The last one year has been interesting.

We have people who do not want to change at all, so they do everything to sabotage good efforts. But it has to do with your own determination to succeed. We had many things we set out to do. We have achieved so many of them; some are still in progress, one of which is the training of our workers in tandem with current challenges of port reform for maximum benefit to the country.

Why did the government reduce the number of agencies at the ports?

Ever before my appointment, one of the challenges of the ports was the multiplicity of security agencies which negates the benefits of the concession programme. Government cannot just wake up one day and send all the affected agencies out of the ports without good reasons. Some of the reasons include the unacceptable number of days spent on cargo clearance, the high cost of doing business in our ports and corruption, among others. The Presidential Committee working on the issue must have studied the nitty-gritty of the concession programme with a view to streamlining it before advising government to reduce the number of agencies at the ports.

But was it a good decision?

Yes. it was. It was a bold move taken by President Jonathan to make our ports work and compete favourably with those of neighbouring countries. And don’t forget also that, before the agencies were removed from the ports, there were complaints that goods destined for the country were being diverted to ports of neighbouring countries because of the number of days it took to clear them in our ports. While it takes about two to three days to clear goods in Ghana and Cotonou, it takes about 39 days to do same in our ports because of corruption and the huge number of the agen-

• Suleiman

cies.

How are you handling corruption at the ports?

As you know, the port is a multiagency operation. NPA has set up an anti-corruption agency, which comprises the Customs and other operators, including shipping companies. It is something we are try-

PHOTO: OLUWAKEMI DAUDA

ing to bring to the barest minimum and that is one of the reasons for the concession. This is to make other people do the job other than the government agencies. This will enable us to check corruption. We have anti-corruption bodies, which are still working with other agencies; their work is to reduce cor-

ruption to the barest minimum.

Corruption is why cargo clearance takes very long, leading to an increase in the cost passed on to manufacturers and shippers.

How will you rate the performance of NPA so far?

NPA and the seaports have made remarkable progress since I as-

‘While it takes about two to three days to clear goods in Ghana and Cotonou, it takes about 39 days to do same in our ports because of corruption and the huge number of agencies at the ports’

sumed office and this can be seen in the type and number of vessels now calling at our ports. For instance, the Mearsk Line, one of the concessionaires, on July 28, last year, for the first time in the nation’s maritime history, brought in a vessel with 4,500 containers (TEUS) and named the vessel after a Nigerian city, Maersk Calabar. The ship is 250 metres long with a draught of 13.5 metres, the maximum size allowable in West African ports. The other issue that is important to us is the port access road, including Tin Can Island access road – the service lane and the one linking Kirikiri. All the Tin • Continued on page 50

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51

THE CEO

‘NPA loses N16b yearly to fuel subsidy’ •Continued from page 51

Can Island access roads have been addressed. We have taken care of the Lilipond Road too at Apapa; the most difficult one was the 1.6km road and we were able to get the Federal Executive Council to award the contract few weeks ago. We went further to award the port rail track contract. The construction is currently going on. The whole idea is to make it easy to move cargo out of the seaport through the rail.

What are you doing to decongest the access roads?

There have been complaints of the number of overtime containers at the ports. Recently, the government gave us the mandate to move them to Ikorodu. We have agreed with the Customs that, at the end of every week, they will give us the list of overtime containers and we will move them to Ikorodu.

On the access road that we are clearing from Mile 2 to Apapa Leventis, we will continue. The ser-

vice lane around the Tin Can Island has been cleared. We must have moved over 500 trailers out of that place recently.

What are you doing to activate dormant ports outside Lagos?

The dormant ports is an issue of preference of shippers or cargo owners. The cargo owners always dictate where their cargo should go.

All NPA needs to do and what we are doing now is to improve the port infrastructure and make it attractive. This will also make the clearance process attractive to importers. They can sign the Bill of Lading in Calabar, Warri or Port Harcourt. The best NPA can do is to update the infrastructure in terms of logistics inside, outside and on the sea to make it attractive for people to carry their cargo there. And on deep seaports, since I came in, we have overcapacity at the ports. Our ports are designed to handle cargo of about 40 million.

In 2010, we handled 80 million and last year, 100 million. The ports are

‘Our ports are designed to handle cargo of about 40 million. In 2010, we handled 80 million and last year, 100 million. The ports are over stretched. We have exceeded their designed capacity. The port designs are the old designs of maximum of 13 or 14 metres draught’

• Suleiman

PHOTOS: OLUWAKEMI DAUDA

over stretched. We have exceeded their designed capacity. The port designs are the old designs of maximum of 13 or 14 metres draught.

Now for you to measure up and remain relevant, we need to attract bigger cargo of 10,000 TEU, to draw about 16m or 17m draught. But our ports are not designed for that. So, we need deep ports and that’s the only way the shipping cost will be reduced. That is why we are campaigning and working hard and government is responding to us to see that we have a deep seaport to make the nation remain very relevant in the shipping business in West and Central Africa.

What dredging programme do you have for the ports?

For Lagos and Bonny, Port Harcourt channels, we have a management company working for us and it has given us a lot of improvement in our channels. The maintenance of the channels and the ports is important and the company is doing very well in this area. In future, for all other channels, we are not going to dredge them as we did in some of the channels before; we should be able to put a proper management structure in place as part of the contract. We have also done a lot in deepening our channels and the removal of wrecks. And by June, we were able to get a bigger vessel of 13-metre draught into the port, which has given us an economy of scale.

Are other government agencies creating problems at the ports?

Well, one major thing we have done is getting the government to reduce the number of security agencies at the ports. The multiple agencies gave us a lot of problems. Many people said the Nigerian ports were too expensive. And the major problem is cargo clearing. We got government to see reason and to reduce the number of agencies at the ports. This is not the first time it will be happening. In the past, those ejected had always found their way back into the ports; but with this administration’s commitment, it is going to work this time. Those agencies will be invited when their services are required.

What is NPA doing to ensure that terminal operators do not violate agreement?

We are putting pressure on terminal operators to follow strictly what we signed with them on the development plans – in terms of cargo handling equipment, mounting of warehouses in certain areas at the container terminals.

Things have improved; vessels are not staying at the port as long as before; the waiting outside the bar has reduced and turnaround time has become even less than a day.

In which other areas do you have problem?

One thing that is still a problem is the dwell time; and we are not in control of that; there are other agencies of the port. The dwell time is still at least 20 days. We are saying ours is 48 hours clearance; the average is about five days and if we are able to achieve that it means, at the end of the year, the dwell time will be about five days and that will make our ports the most competitive in the subregion How about the 48-hour cargo clearance programme?

The 48 hours clearance is something we are hoping to achieve and one of the best things the government has done is the 24 hours port operation clearance of cargo, which has started in all the ports; the Customs now works 24 hours.

• Suleiman

NPA has been working 24 hours but the clearance and other things are still waiting. Now that we have 24 hours clearance, we hope that the movement of cargo will be faster and, in a short time, we will be able to achieve that.

What is NPA doing to ascertain the level of risk on the channels?

Adequate surveys are being carried out by the NPA on the channels to ascertain the level of risks and dangers posed to navigation by wrecks and derelicts in the waters. And NPA is doing this so that it would not fail in its core responsibility of ensuring safe navigation for local and foreign port users.

If NPA fails to remove the wrecks, what happens?

We have to do it, because it is normal to find that wrecks that are close to the port entrance area become an impediment for ships to berth. If we fail to remove them, they become a problem to navigation and other vessels apart from the fact that they can cause accident. The need to perform these functions is also in line with the requirements of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for Ports and Harbours Authorities under Chapter V of the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention.

How far have you gone on Ibaka port?

On the Ibaka port, the Akwa Ibom State government has given us the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the land. We have consultants working there already to bring out the necessary design of the breakwater. After we get the breakwater, we are going to start the key design. It is then we will design the financial model or business model. Again, we have many countries interested to partner the NPA on this project. China, Poland and Korea are some of the

countries that have come forward.

What is the progress on the Calabar Port channel dredging?

I can confirm that we have gone far on that.

You want NPA to be restructured why?

As at today, the management structure of NPA is still what we were running six years ago before concession and you will agree with me that we are no more operators. Port operation is no more the Nigeria Port Authority business. Our own now is regulation, inspection of concessionaires to see that they comply with the agreement and provide proper infrastructure platform for business such as dredging to be carried out.

But the structure we are having is what we had about seven to 10 years ago. In fact, it is the structure we inherited in 1954 when the port authority law was enacted.

Therefore, we need to look at that immediately to have a system that can respond to the needs and aspirations of concessionaires because that is lacking.

You are one of the people that supported the removal of petroleum subsidy, despite Nigerians outcry against it. Why? Yes, I supported its removal because NPA is losing N16 billion ($100 million) annually to petroleum subsidy.

How? Subsidy is depriving NPA of funds that should have been used for development of port infrastructure and it has not been beneficial to the common man. It is the rich and the middle class that are presently enjoying it. But since Mr President has reduced the petrol pump price to N97 per litre, we must all abide by it. My personal concern is how to make our ports the most competitive in the sub-region.

‘I supported subsidy removal because NPA is losing N16 billion annually to subsidy. Subsidy is depriving NPA of funds that should have been used for development of port infrastructure’

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EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 20-1-12 2ND-TIER SECURITIES Company Name JULI PLC SMART PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC. Sector Totals

No of Deals 6 1 7

Quotation(N) 2.76 1.09

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 504 1,325.52 50,000 54,500.00 50,504 55,825.52

AGRICULTURE/AGRO-ALLIED Company Name LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 29 17 20 66

Quotation(N) 0.71 24.25 8.67

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 4,360,184 3,171,888.20 42,684 988,847.52 84,789 698,693.36 4,487,657 4,859,429.08

Quotation(N) 2.17 6.16

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 205,000 444,850.00 1,162,660 7,157,917.93 1,367,660 7,602,767.93

Quotation(N) 0.50 1.28

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 528,196 264,098.00 8,927 11,403.34 537,123 275,501.34

Quotation(N) 4.87 2.22 4.00 1.37 9.05 13.61 7.75 3.68 0.92 2.30 9.57 0.56 0.53 12.10

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 5,972,823 29,158,849.37 22,110,317 49,059,188.72 14,820,575 58,495,503.60 11,034,215 15,429,806.03 2,920,438 26,530,154.86 7,368,708 101,218,906.33 76,621 596,324.60 28,721,152 102,021,682.90 4,037,839 3,882,753.91 18,021,640 41,446,345.07 26,834 244,189.40 6,000 3,240.00 2,428,112 1,276,325.06 11,322,407 136,929,846.09 128,867,681 566,293,115.94

Quotation(N) 230.00 5.70 94.05

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,147,228 264,164,061.45 5,000 27,100.00 2,927,994 280,730,894.40 4,080,222 544,922,055.85

AIR SERVICES Company Name AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 40 44

AUTOMOBILE & TYRE Company Name DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC R. T. BRISCOE (NIGERIA) PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 7 9 16 BANKING

Company Name ACCESS BANK PLC DIAMOND BANK PLC FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC FIDELITY BANK PLC FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA PLC GTBANK PLC STANBIC IBTC BANK PLC SKYE BANK PLC. STERLING BANK PLC UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC. UNION BANK OF NIGERIA PLC UNITYBANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC ZENITH BANK PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 81 61 42 46 331 368 12 106 34 123 10 2 33 257 1,506 BREWERIES

Company Name GUINNESS NIGERIA PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC NIGERIAN BREWERIES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 50 1 79 130

BUILDING MATERIALS Company Name ASHAKA CEMENT PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTHERN NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 30 29 15 32 106

Quotation(N) 11.41 5.85 118.00 45.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 189,347 2,149,396.96 465,302 2,727,586.20 143,752 16,950,874.00 345,540 15,571,011.40 1,143,941 37,398,868.56

Quotation(N) 8.47 15.22 8.59

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 8,988 74,000.76 412,977 6,285,509.94 12,996 106,177.32 434,961 6,465,688.02

CHEMICAL & PAINTS Company Name BERGER PAINTS NIGERIA PLC CHEMICAL AND ALLIED PRODUCTS PLC NIGERIAN-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 7 29 6 42

COMMERCIAL/SERVICES Company Name RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 6 6

Quotation(N) 2.40

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 379,000 913,190.00 379,000 913,190.00

COMPUTER & OFFICE EQUIPMENT Company Name NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 3 9 12

Quotation(N) 9.31 2.94

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 12,002 116,816.32 10,892 30,497.60 22,894 147,313.92

Quotation(N) 1.47 6.43 5.89 29.40 5.52 0.57 29.17 29.60

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 10,501 14,849.10 5,676 34,680.36 38,790 217,224.00 144,328 4,226,369.85 13,098 68,764.50 561,555 320,663.03 761,804 22,074,806.53 360,905 10,669,622.38 1,896,657 37,626,979.75

CONGLOMERATES Company Name A. G. LEVENTIS (NIGERIA) PLC CHELLARAMS PLC JOHN HOLT PLC PZ CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC SCOA NIGERIA PLC TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC UAC OF NIGERIA PLC UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 8 7 6 36 6 24 94 64 245 CONSTRUCTION

Company Name JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC ROADS NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 25 1 26

Quotation(N) 32.05 8.69

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 32,706 1,064,628.40 266 2,311.54 32,972 1,066,939.94

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Company Name CUTIX PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 3 3

Quotation(N) 1.62

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 212,000 341,900.00 212,000 341,900.00

FOOD/BEVERAGES & TOBACCO Company Name 7-UP BOTTLING CO. PLC CADBURY NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIGERIA PLC HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC P. S. MANDRIDES PLC NATIONAL SALT COMPANY NIGERIA PLC NESTLE NIGERIA PLC NORTHERN NIGERIA FLOUR MILLS PLC UTC NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 11 41 65 52 43 19 3 9 90 3 6 342

Quotation(N) 46.00 11.85 5.62 4.64 62.00 2.97 5.66 4.10 419.50 21.48 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 8,018 357,951.56 432,212 5,086,695.50 969,787 5,543,743.82 860,178 4,018,803.66 211,776 13,101,574.80 661,000 1,925,395.80 6,289 33,834.82 484,030 1,985,864.60 136,271 58,157,593.71 2,037 43,078.50 966 483.00 3,772,564 90,255,019.77

Quotation(N) 0.67 0.95 23.00 2.74 1.03 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 7,744 4,956.16 649,515 619,394.40 70,351 1,588,190.80 189,600 512,434.78 18,136 17,773.28 3,540 1,770.00 938,886 2,744,519.42

HEALTHCARE Company Name EVANS MEDICALPLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXOSMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC UNION DIAGNOSTIC & CLINICAL SERVICES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 6 15 14 11 4 1 51

HOTEL & TOURISM Company Name IKEJA HOTEL PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 4

Quotation(N) 1.56

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 10,057 15,688.92 10,057 15,688.92

INDUSTRIAL/DOMESTIC PRODUCTS Company Name ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION INDUSTRIES PLC B. O. C. GASES NIGERIA PLC VITAFOAM NIGERIA PLC VONO PRODUCTS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 6 4 19 1 30

Quotation(N) 11.15 6.85 5.00 2.88

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 11,910 126,246.00 8,895 58,890.75 252,150 1,261,392.50 873 2,514.24 273,828 1,449,043.49

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY Company Name CHAMS PLC STARCOMMS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 3 3 6

Quotation(N) 0.50 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 101,800 50,900.00 500,000 250,000.00 601,800 300,900.00

INSURANCE Company Name AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INSURANCE PLC GUARANTY TRUST ASSURANCE PLC N.E.M. INSURANCE CO. (NIG.) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC.

No of Deals 29 13 8 9 4 2

Quotation(N) 0.54 0.72 2.31 1.30 0.50 0.53

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 627,206 333,790.83 2,343,077 1,698,433.02 2,150,250 4,964,940.00 82,606 107,542.35 40,000 20,000.00 10,500 5,355.00

Investors swoop on low-priced banks’ stocks

T

HREE low-priced banks accounted for more than one third of turnover on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) last week as investors began countdown to the 2012 earnings season during which majority of quoted companies are expected to release their audited reports and accounts and dividend recommendations for the 2011 business year.

The boards of directors of two banks are expected to meet this week to deliberate on the 2011 earnings reports and dividend recommendations, falling in line with expectations that the first batch of earnings reports and dividend recommendations might trickle in early February.

The trio of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Skye Bank Plc and Diamond Bank Plc accounted for 36.4 per cent of total turnover last week. Market considerations of the three banks ranged between N2 and N4.

Diamond Bank Plc, which closed the week at N2.22 per share, recorded the highest turnover of 123.4 million shares valued at N256.36 million in 204 deals. Skye Bank, which closed at N3.68 per share, followed with a turnover of N77.86 million shares valued at N290.85 million in 371 deals.

At a closing price of N2.30 per share, UBA placed third with a turnover of 65.75 million shares worth N158.81 million in 566 deals.

Market analysts said several investors were anticipating that the banking subsector might consolidate on the relative successes of the banking reforms which have seen significant reduction in non-performing loans and injection of funds into many banks.

Quoted companies have gen-

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

erally showed strong fundamentals amidst declines in share prices, which technically translates into potential higher yields for investors.

Skye Bank, which had distributed N5.3 billion cash dividends for the 2010 business year, reported profit after tax of N9.37 billion in third quarter 2011 as against N8.55 billion in third quarter 2010. Gross earnings stood at N73.29 billion in third quarter 2011 as against N66.17 billion in the comparable period of 2010.

Also, UBA, one of Africa’s most diversified financial services group with operations in 19 African countries and three global financial centers- London, New York and Paris, has been leveraging on its strategic positioning in Africa as well as its large retail network in Nigeria to grow incomes across business lines.

UBA’s third quarter operational report showed a total balance sheet size of N3 trillion and 52 per cent growth in net profit. The report showed appreciable growths in profit and loss and balance sheet items of the bank.

The report indicated that total assets rose from N2.27 trillion in December 2010 to N2.94 trillion in September 2011, showing off UBA’s continued ability to execute big ticket transactions across the continent.

The report showed gross earnings of N133 billion in 2011 as against N136 billion in comparable period of 2010 while profit after tax rose from N6.6 billion to N10.1 billion.

Diamond Bank had made tough decisions in 2011, which analysts said could stabilize

earnings in the new business year.

Desirous of emplacing a clean balance sheet, the bank has used 2011 to address legacy issues, making a whooping provision of N20.2 billion in the third quarter. Although this simmered pre-tax profit to N425 million, increased deposits from N412 billion to N529.34 billion as well as growth in shareholders’ funds from N106.6 billion to N111.31 billion are indicative of the long-term growth strategy of the bank.

Total turnover last week stood at 733.55 million shares worth N5.21 billion in 12,782.

Banking subsector of alone contributed 494.9 million shares worth N2.55 billion through 6,240 deals.

Insurance subsector followed on the week’s activity chart with a turnover of 92.2 million shares valued at N74.8 million in 452 deals.

However, the market was largely bearish with the benchmark index, the All Share Index (ASI), dropping by 0.1 per cent to close at 20,820.32 points as against its opening index of 20,840.97 points. Aggregate market capitalisation of all equities dropped from week’s opening value of N6.567 trillion to N6.561 trillion.

There were more losers than gainers with Guinness Nigeria leading 33 other stocks on the losers’ table. Guinness Nigeria lost N5 to close at N230. Nestle Nigeria Plc followed with a loss of N3.88 to close at N419.50 per share.

On the upside, Lafarge WAPCO Cement Nigeria Plc led 30 other gainers with a gain of N1.85 to close at N45.50 per share. Dangote Cement Plc followed with a gain of N1.49 to close at N118 per share.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 20-1-12 PRESTIGE ASSURANCE PLC. STACO INSURANCE PLC UNIC INSURANCE PLC. INTERCONTINENTAL WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Sector Totals

5 3 1 12 86

0.86 0.50 0.50 0.51

416,150 300,000 2,134 1,370,100 7,342,023

357,877.50 150,000.00 1,067.00 693,151.00 8,332,156.70

Quotation(N) 0.57

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,930,000 1,128,850.00 1,930,000 1,128,850.00

Quotation(N) 0.78

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 3,252,849 2,489,359.86 3,252,849 2,489,359.86

Quotation(N) 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 80,000 40,000.00 80,000 40,000.00

LEASING Company Name C&I LEASING PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 14 14 MARITIME

Company Name JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 46 46

Company Name DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 2

MEDIA

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Company Name NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 3 1 4

Quotation(N) 1.12 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 65,000 72,800.00 1,800 900.00 66,800 73,700.00

Quotation(N) 1.66 12.71 13.28

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,022,972 1,670,835.96 1,206 14,568.48 600 7,572.00 1,024,778 1,692,976.44

PACKAGING Company Name NIGERIAN BAG MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLC BETA GLASS CO. PLC GREIF NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 38 6 1 45

PETROLEUM(MARKETING) Company Name BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC CONOIL PLC ETERNA OIL & GAS PLC. FORTE OIL PLC MOBIL OIL NIGERIA PLC. OANDO PLC TOTAL NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 6 12 47 6 12 101 12 197

Quotation(N) 0.50 59.00 31.50 2.74 12.18 133.91 21.00 188.10

Quantity Traded Value 1,800 10,069 14,543 6,596,047 6,568 8,999 1,083,434 18,281 7,739,741

of Shares (N) 900.00 564,367.45 453,175.28 17,574,181.79 79,122.87 1,173,606.50 22,701,172.13 3,423,879.00 45,970,405.02

PRINTING & PUBLISHING Company Name ACADEMY PRESS PLC. UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 6 7

Quotation(N) 2.20 3.25

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 10,000 20,900.00 80,282 261,666.50 90,282 282,566.50

Quotation(N) 12.60

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 36,998 463,164.80 36,998 463,164.80

REAL ESTATE Company Name UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 8 8

THE FOREIGN LISTINGS Company Name ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Sector Totals Overall Totals

No of Deals 46 46

Quotation(N) 10.25

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 816,920 8,410,392.70 816,920 8,410,392.70

3,097

171,490,798

1,371,618,319.47

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

55

MONEY LINK

CBN: bank customers won’t pay for using PoS

B

ANK customers will not incur charges for using Point of Sale (PoS) machines, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said. In a statement, it said the cost of such deals will be borne by merchants, that will pay 1.25 per cent of the transaction fee. The fee is distributed to different parties for playing different roles in ensuring that the PoS system works well.

The statement issued over the weekend, indicated that the fees would enable the parties to recover the cost of the PoS; support, as well as maintain the connectivity. It explained that where the merchants do not use the PoS, they will still be charged a penal fee of 20 per cent of cash transactions in excess of the cash limit policy. Merchants are also advised to recognise that there are other ways in which the PoS terminal can benefit them, such as selling other services and earning commissions.

For instance, mobile credit can be

Stories by Collins Nweze

sold through the terminals, or used to collect bill payment for firms, such as the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). Also, training will be provided by the acquirer’s payment terminal service provider (PTSP). Part of the deployment process is to ensure a practical training of how to use the PoS for the merchant and their staff.

“However, if the PoS or mobile phone is stolen, the money for the user is safe as the devices do not hold the money. In terms of infrastructure, the CBN is working with Nigeria Communication Commission and telecom firms to ensure that there are dedicated communication links for the PoS system. Also, all PoS must have a minimum of two Sims of any of the GSM providers. However, this does not guarantee 100 per cent connectivity, but does increase the uptime of PoS system. In terms of power, there is minimum of 24 hours battery life, and

UBA promo produces more winners

U

NITED Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has unveiled Osagie Abiodun, a customer in its Abuja Main branch, as the fourth millionaire to emerge in the ongoing UBA Lion King Savings Rewards Promo.

Abiodun emerged star prize winner of N1 million cash at the weekly draw held at UBA Head Office in Lagos at the weekend in a savings package to delight existing and prospective customers of the bank.

Other savings accounts customers that emerged winners in the draw observed by representatives of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), include Udo Sunday Ekpo, Israel Emmanuel, Aziegbemi Charles, Haladu Rukayya, Eke Hyginus, Chinemerem Favour and the Nigerian Association of Agric Students with accounts domiciled in various business

offices of the bank spread across the country. They all won the sum of N100, 000 each, while 30 other customers won consolation prizes of N50, 000 each.

The Divisional Head, Group Retail Banking, Chidi Okpala, said the promo, meant to inculcate proper savings culture in Nigerians will see a total of 1,038 customers rewarded during the campaign.

He said within the next six months, seven UBA customers would win N5 million each in the Super Grand Draw, while 1026 savings account customers will win cash prizes ranging between N50, 000 to N1 million in 23 weekly draws.

To qualify, he advised existing customers to make a one-time minimum fresh deposit of N10, 000 in their account, while new customers are required to open accounts with a minimum of N25, 000 only.

the PoS is minimal as many Nigerians can use a mobile phone, needed to make mobile payments. Biometrics is also being installed in some ATMs and PoS to further check fraud in the industry.

“Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement Systems (NIBSS) has also introduced NIBSS Instant Payment that enables people to transfer funds immediately between two accounts within same banks, or in different banks. This is currently being offered by a few banks. The apex bank has already issued a circular to break exclusivity of card. Within Nigeria, all cards will be accepted at any terminal. The PoS, going forward, will accept both VISA and MasterCard at ATMS or PoS terminals,” the CBN said.

The banking watchdog said that it has released guidelines and standards for PoS operations. It also appointed NIBSS to serve as a central aggregator

they can sometimes come with car chargers,” the statement said.

However, in terms of security of platforms, it said that ATM fraud was prevalent when Nigeria was using magnetic stripe cards. But last year, Nigeria migrated all their cards to chip and pin which is more secured, and drastically reduced the fraud level. With chip and Pin, the chances of fraud are reduced, provided a customer keeps his PIN secret.

Besides, the CBN Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Fraud Prevention Committee, comprising banks, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), InterSwitch and ValuCard, among others, deliberate monthly to make e-payments more secured. Also, the Nigerian Electronic Payment Fraud Forum has been inaugurated to share strategy for fraud prevention.

“The literacy required in operating

T

HE Asset Management Cor poration of Nigeria (AMCON) at the weekend said it is not aware of any kerosene fraud in Capital Oil’s operations. An online media had reported that “the Federal Government through the AMCON has given Capital Oil, owned by Ifeanyi Uba, 60 days to pay back N5 billion being rogue proceeds he made from Kerosene subsidy or risk arrest and prosecution.

It also reported that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) allocated Capital Oil 75 per cent of kerosene supplies to distribute to the entire country at N50 pump price and that the company illegally made over N60 billion from payments from kerosene subsidy.

But in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos, AMCON said: “Nobody has approached AMCON

with regard to any subsidy fraud relating to Capital Oil or indeed any other person or companies.”

The Corporation however acknowledged that it has acquired some loans from various banks relating to Capital Oil and Gas. The statement reads in part:” We have read with dismay the various stories relating to AMCON and Mr. Ifeanyi Uba, Chairman of Capital Oil and Gas Company of Nigeria.

“AMCON wishes to state that it has indeed acquired some loans from various banks relating to Capital Oil and Gas. “The Corporation, pursuant to its normal processes, is in confidential discussions with Mr. Ifeanyi Uba relating to Capital Oil’s obligations, the purpose of which is to ensure settlement terms acceptable to both parties.

“AMCON is not aware of any Fraud – Kerosine or otherwise in re-

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

GAINERS AS AT 20-1-12 SYMBOL CAP NAHCO PRESTIGE AIRSERVICE SMURFIT MAYBAKER CUSTODYINS CUTIX WAPCO WEMABANK

O/PRICE 14.50 5.87 0.82 2.07 1.04 2.62 2.21 1.55 43.76 0.51

C/PRICE 15.22 6.16 0.86 2.17 1.09 2.74 2.31 1.62 45.50 0.53

CHANGE 0.72 0.29 0.04 0.10 0.05 0.12 0.10 0.07 1.74 0.02

LOSER AS AT 20-1-12 SYMBOL FIDSON CILEASING UPL CONTINSURE DANGSUGAR FIDELITY TRANSCORP UBA IBTC GUARANTY

O/PRICE 1.00 0.60 3.40 0.75 4.81 1.42 0.59 2.38 8.00 14.00

C/PRICE 0.95 0.57 3.25 0.72 1.37 0.57 2.30 7.75 13.61 0.71

Amount

Offered ($) Demanded ($)

MANAGED FUNDS

OBB Rate Call Rate

lation to Capital Oil’s operations.

“Nobody in the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has approached AMCON in regard to any subsidy fraud relating to Capital Oil or indeed any other person or companies. ‘Finally, we wish to reiterate that AMCON’s role is limited strictly to enforcement of debt obligations through professional restructuring and appropriate legal channels.”

AMCON has also invested N3.14 trillion ($19.6billion) so far in the purchase of non-performing loans and recapitalisation of banks. With the bad debts taken over by the corporation, it now has assets spread across the country, including real estate properties and shares that were used as collateral for loans. AMCON also has shares in nearly all the banks and several quoted companies, the statement, added.

DATA BANK

Tenor

NIDF NESF

for all PoS transactions. In addition, 96 Payment Terminal Service Providers companies were licenced to maintain/support PoS. With all these, the apex bank said the PoS and other electronic payment platforms are supposed to be up and running at all times.

We are n’t aware of fraud in Capital Oil, says AMCON

FGN BONDS

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

•CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

Amount

Exchange

Sold ($)

Rate (N)

Date

450m

452.7m

450m

150.8

08-8-11

250m

313.5m

250m

150.8

03-8-11

400m

443m

400m

150.7

01-8-11

EXHANGE RATE 26-08-11 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD

147.6000

149.7100

150.7100

-2.11

NGN GBP

239.4810

244.0123

245.6422

-2.57

NGN EUR

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

Bureau de Change 152.0000 (S/N)

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

Parallel Market

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NSE CAP Index

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N)

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

(S/N)

153.0000

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Aug ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

8.75%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 9.4%

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 118.85 98.43 0.76 1.04 0.88 1,642.73 8.24 1.39 1.87 7,351.90 193.00

9.08 1.00 118.69 97.65 0.73 1.04 0.87 1,635.25 7.84 1.33 1.80 7,149.37 191.08

ARM AGGRESSIVE KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND THE LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY THE DISCOVERY FUND • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED

CHANGE 0.05 0.03 0.15 0.03 0.17 0.05 0.02 0.08 0.25 0.39

• STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 24 Aug, 2011 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 26, Aug, 2011 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous

Current

04 July, 2011

07, Aug, 2011

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

56

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

57

NEWS Fashola’s 1,700 days in office holds today

NANS seeks lasting solution to ASUU strikes

T

L

AGOS State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) will today mark 1,700 days in office.

The event, according to the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Lateef Ibirogba, will hold at the Lagos Television (LTV) Blue Roof.

Ibirogba said the governor would render the accounts of his stewardship to Lagosians at the event.

He thanked Lagosians for their supports towards the development of the state.

Ibirigba said the govern-

•Fashola

ment would not rest on its oars to formulate and implement people-oriented policies.

Group urges govt to return soldiers to barracks

T

HE Committee of the I n d i g e n o u s Association of Lagos State has said the continued deployment of soldiers on the streets of Lagos is an arrogant display of power by the Federal Government.

In a statement signed by Justice Ishola Oluwa (rtd), Dr. Rasheed Ojukutu and others, the group said the recent broadcast by the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), indicated that the decision was unilaterally taken without his consent.

According to the statement: “We wish to re-emphasise that soldiers as arbiters in a somewhat peaceful environment is antithetical to the basic principle of democracy and urge government to return them to the confines of their barracks.”

The group said the protest carried out in Lagos following the removal of fuel subsidy was done in a peaceful manner, a clear departure from the previous

Ex-Deputy Speaker Nwuche loses dad

F

ORMER Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Prince Chibudom Nwuche, OFR, has lost his father, Eze Clifford Cheta Nwuche, the EzeIgbuUpata 11 of Upata Kingdom of Rivers State. He died in London on Sunday, January 8, 2012.

Nwuche said burial arrangements and dates will be announced later.

Ogun Lands Commission resumes sitting

By Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

O

GUN State Lands Commission of Inquiry will resume sitting tomorrow to hear fresh, adjourned and pending cases.

Since its inaugural sitting over a month ago, the commission has 150 cases out of the 172 petitions received from the public.

The Land Commission of Inquiry submitted an interim report to the government on December 16.

According to Mr. Tunde Kassim, its media officer, venue of the public sitting remains the conference hall of the Oba’s complex, Abeokuta.

By Musa Odoshimokhe

ones which used to take a violent nature.

HE National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government to put in place a permanent measure to meet the demands of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and its sister unions.

NANS made the call in a statement signed by its National President, Adakole Ochai. The Education Minister has assured that ASUU would call off its strike this week.

O

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

Ochai urged ASUU to consider the suffering of Nigerian students and make sacrifices where necessary.

He hailed the 7th National Assembly for passing the bill on the review of the retirement age of professors from 65 to 70 years.

The bill, NANS noted, is a move in the right direction towards offering a permanent resolution to ASUU’s plight.

The statement reads: “We wish to appeal to ASUU to consider the impending doom on the successor generation and make sacrifices where necessary to avail the Nigerian students the opportunity of getting back to school within the shortest possible time.

“We are aware that this strike is to emancipate the academic community, but desired change is a process.

We appeal to the Federal Government to put into con-

sideration our tertiary institutions and the national secretariat of NANS in the distribution provided by the Federal Government to cushion the effect of the pressure.”

Applauding President Jonathan’s decision to appoint Mike Omeri as the new director-general of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), NANS hoped that NOA would sensitise the masses on further policies of the Federal Government.

Mimiko calls for action on Boko Haram

NDO State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, yesterday called for a decisive action by security agencies to stem the rising wave of attacks on innocent citizens by members of the dreaded

Boko Haram sect.

Decrying the co-ordinated explosions in Kano State and the attacks on worship places in Bauchi State, the governor urged well-meaning Nigerians and leaders of thought to devise a strategy of assisting

the security operatives.

Mimiko reminded those behind the dastardly acts that human life was sacred and that nobody had a right to take the life of a fellow being.

Commiserating with the

families of the victims, especially those of the late correspondent of the Channels Telivision, Enenche Akogwu, the governor extended the condolence of Ondo State to the people and governments of Kano and Bauchi states.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

58

NEWS Benue NLC, ex-police chief slam lawmakers over boycott

Plateau NUJ urges security agencies to find killers

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

T

HE Benue State council of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and former Lagos State Police Commissioner Abubarka Tsav has condemned the state lawmakers for walking out on Governor Gabriel Suswam during a budget retreat in Obudu Cattle Ranch in Cross River State.

The lawmakers ignored the plea of Speaker Dave Iorhemba.

After a tea break, the lawmakers returned to Makurdi, leaving the governor and his Executive Council members in confusion.

It was learnt that the lawmakers’ were protesting the governor’s alleged refusal to buy each of them a Prado Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).

Addressing reporters in Lokoja, the NLC state Chairman Comrade Simon Ancaver described the lawmakers’ action as unacceptable to Benue workers.

He urged the Assembly’s leadership to apologise to the governor.

The Labour chairman noted that for the lawmakers to have pocketed their allowances for the retreat and still boycotted it meant they were not interested in the development of the state.

He said the retreat was to deliberate on how best this year’s budget could be implemented for the overall benefit of the residents.

On the N97 per litre price for petrol, Anchaver said it was fixed by President Goodluck Jonathan.

He said Labour is not against deregulation, adding that certain conditions must be put in place, such as good roads, electricity and more refineries to locally refine petroleum products, before the removal could be meaningful.

Tsav described the lawmakers’ action as irresponsible, dishonourable and an act of cheap blackmail.

In a text message circulated in Makurdi, Tsav noted that for democracy to thrive in the state, the executive and legislature must work together to achieve good results.

He said: “If members of the House of Assembly did not want to take part in the retreat, they shouldn’t have claimed their allowances and they shouldn’t have gone to Obudu in the first instance.”

“But to claim the allowances, attended the retreat and then walk out on the governor, because he did not buy each of them a Prado SUV, is irresponsible and disrespectful.”

The former police commissioner noted that the lawmakers have not passed any bill since their inauguration, describing them as selfish and greedy.

Tsav added that the lawmakers should put the interest of the electorate before theirs.

The Nation learnt that Suswam and the lawmakers have settled their differences following a closeddoor meeting at Plaza Hotel.

HE Plateau State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) yesterday urged security agencies to apprehend those behing the death of Mr. Nansok Silas, a worker of Highland FM in Jos, the state capital.

In a statement, NUJ Chairman and Secretary Katdapba Gobum and Isaac Shibayo said the killers of the journalist must be brought to justice.

The statement reads: “The Plateau State Council of the NUJ deeply regret the gruesome death of one of its members, Mr. Nansok Silas who, until his death, was an editorial staff of Highland FM, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Jos. “The cause of the death of the amiable young man is still shrouded in mystery, considering the circumstances surrounding his demise. Silas closed from work at about 9pm on Wednesday… only for his body to be discovered the following morning in a shallow pit on the road linking Ray Field to Zaramaganda area of Jos South Local Government Area.

“Information by those within the vicinity of the gory incident revealed that his body was discovered by a woman who went to the scene to dispose refuse close to the shallow pit. He immediately alerted security men at a road block, less than two hundred metres to the spot of the incident...”

T

• Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi (second left); Deputy Governor, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka; Executive Director, Public Sector (South), First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Mr. Urum Eke (second right); and Group Head, Public Sector, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Akure, Mr. Oladele Bakare, during the visit of the bank’s executives to the governor in Ado-Ekiti.

ACN berates Kwara over N10b loan

T

HE Kwara State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has criticised the plan by the Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed-led administration to secure N10billion credit facility from a commercial bank for infrastructural development.

The party said the action is “sheer profligacy and mindless disrespect for the Kwara public, the decision of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government in the state to borrow N10billion to, as they claim, sponsor some phoney developmental projects”.

It noted that “the hurried manner with which the PDPdominated House of Assembly rushed to approve the request, without any thorough debate or committee works, raises many questions”.

In a statement by its Chairman Kayode Olawepo, the ACN said: “The new N10billion from GTB has al-

A

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

ready been included in the 2012 budget even before seeking the prior approval of the House of Assembly; so the House was railroaded into approving it when lawmakers discovered the amount during budget approval discussion. The repayment period is said to be 42 months at the rate of 15 per cent interest. The new loan, tagged: “Legacy and Continuity Loan”, is, in the words of the PDP government, for the completion of the same set of projects which President Goodluck Jonathan had commissioned, and for completion of some road projects and Ilorin Urban System for which billions of naira had been sunk during the Bukola regime.

“The people of Kwara cannot be subsiding irresponsible and unaccounted borrowings for which commen-

surate benefits have not been received by the people.

While the act of the borrowing is always known, the spending of the money borrowed has always been shrouded in secrecy. It is on this basis that we reject outright the request and House approval for another N10b loan for phoney projects! It is dubious and indefensible.

Both the PDP state government and GT Bank must be called to account.

“And in the event that the Ahmed government goes ahead with the plan, we invite all the anti-graft agencies to probe into these matters.”

Olawepo said: “In the first three months of Ahmed’s government, between April and June, Kwara alone got more than N16b as federal allocations. Triple that amount has accrued to the state since then; yet, the dearth of infrastructure, for which Kwara is notorious,

remains just as bad. We cannot pin those huge funds down to any appreciable capital projects executed by this administration.

“Yet the exact debt profile of Kwara remains the exclusive knowledge of PDP power brokers, no thanks to the immediate past administration, which, perhaps for the first time in our country, refused to give any handover note. Apart from the undisclosed debt profile, the Kwara people, through this administration, are currently servicing the repayment of N17b bond the Saraki administration raised in the guise of providing infrastructure.

For the record, the Bukola administration claimed to have obtained the bond to execute the following projects within a period of two years beginning from 2009: Kwara State Truck Plaza; International Aviation College; Asa Dam Mixed Use Development; New Secre

Disquiet over alleged plan to influence Kogi tribunal’s verdict

GROUP, Youth Coali tion for the Defence of Democracy (YCDD), has raised the alarm over an alleged plan by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to influence the judgment of the pending Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and its governorship candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu, had sued the PDP and its governorship candidate, Captain Idris Wada, who was declared winner of the January 2 election before the election petition tribunal.

The party is alleging that the

From Mohammed Bashir, Lokoja

election was rigged by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the PDP. Though the tribunal is yet to begin sitting, the group, in a statement in Lokoja, the state capital, by its Chairman and Secretary, Suleiman Ozovehe and Dr. Ayo Babatunde, alleged that it has information of a secret meeting by three individuals suspected to be connected with the yet-to-be inaugu-

rated tribunal.

It alleged that the meeting was meant to clear the way for PDP’s victory at the end of the post-election legal battle.

The group also alleged that “after the secret meeting, some Ghana-must-go bags, stuffed with money, exchanged hands”. It described the development as very disturbing.

The statement reads: “We want to warn that the people of Kogi State should not be taken for granted. When the election petition tribunal is inaugurated, the people will

expect from them nothing short of transparent, unbiased, free and fair hearing and sound judgment based on facts without fear or favours. We have put adequate machineries in motion to monitor proceedings at the tribunal and any attempt by anybody or group to influence the judges shall be resisted by all means.”

The group urged the Chief Justice of the Federation to ensure that only men and women of impeccable character are appointed into the tribunal.

It added that any biased or “bought judgment” would not be accepted by Kogi residents.

Dankwambo seeks Fed Govt’s assistance on jobs, transportation

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OMBE State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo has sought the intervention of the Federal Government in tackling transportation and unemployment challenges in the state.

The governor spoke in Abuja at a meeting with the Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga.

He said the state government wants to key into the Federal Government’s industrialisation policy as well as the recently inaugurated mass transit scheme to create

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

jobs and generate wealth.

Dankwambo said: “The state government is ready to partner the Ministry of Trade and Investment on the development of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs), especially in the area of skill acquisition.

“The state government has embarked on the construction and rehabilitation of urban and rural roads to facilitate the smooth operations of federal-assisted mass transit buses.

“This is the first time we are having a coordinated mass transit programme that will address the transport challenges across the country, create jobs and generate employment for our people. We want to key into this scheme through the Gombe State Transport Corporation.

“Already, we have embarked on massive construction and rehabilitation of 43 roads across the state to facilitate smooth operation of the mass transit scheme in the state. We are ready to

contribute in any way the Federal Government wants us to contribute to ensure that the mass transit programme succeeds.

“The Federal Governmentassisted mass transit programme has a multiplier effect in reducing the transportation cost and creating jobs for our people. The way we are looking at it is that if we are given 100 buses, we will give each bus to three youths who will work in the morning, afternoon and night shifts.”

Jang urges council chiefs to work for peace From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

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LATEAU State Governor Jonah David Jang has urged local government chairmen to work for peace and security at the grassroots to sustain the prevailing peace in the state.

The governor spoke at the Government House in Jos when he inaugurated the chairmen of the 17 local government areas’ management committees.

He said: “I want to let the new council leaders know that peace and security are the priority of my government and every stakeholder, especially at the grassroots.

You must adopt the policy.”

Jang urged the council chairmen to get their priorities right as they assume office, saying they should strive to complete ongoing projects in their areas.

The governor said: “The state government desires to conduct elections before the end of the tenure of the elected chairmen and councillors. But they need to reconstitute the Plateau Independent Electoral Commission, which will take some time.”

He said the state independent electoral commission law provides for the management committee to fill the lacuna in the local government areas pending when elections would hold.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

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NEWS Activists mobilise for fresh protest

No plot to demilitarise Military School, says govt

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HERE is no document from the office of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) or Chief of Naval Staff, attempting to demilitarise the Nigerian Military School (NMS) in Zaria, the Federal Government has said.

The government debunked the allegation in a preliminary objection to a suit by an ex-student of the school, Ayuba Abdul, at the Federal High Court.

The plaintiff is seeking a declaration that it is not within the authority of the COAS, the Nigerian Army Council (NAC) and the Nigerian Army (NA), to de-militarise or decommission the NMS, Zaria.

Joined as defendants are: President Goodluck Jonathan, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), COAS, the

From Dele Anofi and Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

NAC and the NA. Abdul is asking for a declaration that the proposed demilitarisation of the school is contrary to the spirit, letters and intent of Section 220 of the 1999 Constitution.

He also asked for an order directing the relevant authorities to forthwith mobilise and post students who have duly passed out from the school to various units and formations within the Army.

Abdul urged the court to restrain the defendants, agents, privies or assigns from taking any step towards the demilitarisation or decommissioning the school pending the determination of the suit.

But counsel to the govern-

ment, Ameh Ebute said that the case was baseless and unjustified because the plaintiff only made allegation without supporting it with proof.

Ebute said: “There is no document from the office of the Chief of Army Staff or Naval Staff, trying to demilitarise the Military School in Zaria. So, it is just a mere allegation without any document in support. And if that is the case, I don’t know where he got his information that the Federal Government intends to reduce the status of the military school in Zaria, but so far, there has been no document.

“The case will not have any headway because this honourable court, the FCT High Court, has no jurisdiction since the President, the AGF, the COAS, Chief of Naval

By Eric Ikhilae

A

•AGF Mohammed Adoke

Staff and the Chief of Air Staff, are all party in the case.

“It is only the Federal High Court that has jurisdiction. So, that is the preliminary objection we have raised in our motion to which he is yet to respond,” Ebute said.

Justice Salisu Garba, has fixed February 1 for hearing.

ACN alleges plot to hand over maritime security to private firm

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday raised the alarm over the plan by the Federal Government to transfer the nation’s maritime security to a private firm owned by an ex-militant warlord. It wondered whether or not this is part of the agenda by a group that has been championing parochial nationalism in the wake of the fuel subsidy debate.

In a statement in Lagos by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party queried the rationale behind the memo that was presented to the Federal Executive Council this month, seeking the council’s approval for a so-called strategic concessioning partnership between Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Global West Vessel Specialist Agency (GWVSL) ‘’to enforce regulatory compliance and surveillance of the entire Nigerian Maritime Domain’’.

The action raises more serious concern when viewed against the background of the

government’s decision to withdraw a bill before the National Assembly, that would have created a Maritime Security Agency (MASECA) to carry out the same functions now being outsourced to a private firm under a suspicious concessioning plan. ‘’Let us say here that while there is nothing wrong in the use of concessions to provide and maintain infrastructure, it is totally unacceptable – even unprecedented especially in a

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fragile federation as ours - for any government to hand over the security of its entire maritime domain to a private firm. It is unconscionable that a decision that will have farreaching implications for trade, security, ports and shipping will be taken so lightly, without a rigorous national debate. ‘’It is particular dangerous for a country like Nigeria, where 70per cent of all her resources - including oil - are on water.

The security implications

are so grave that no nation seeking to remain one, indivisible entity will try it. It takes the provision of maritime security out of government’s direct control, and encroaches on the role of the military (the navy in this case) to protect the territorial integrity of the nation. ‘’We are particularly worried about the web of intrigue involved, and will like to pose the following questions: What informed the withdrawal of the bill to create MASECA as a government agency that would have handled maritime security?”

IPI mourns Channels reporter

HE Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute(IPI) has described as shocking, the news of the killing of Mr. Enenche Akogwu, a reporter with Channels Television.

Mr. Akogwu was shot in Friday’s bombings in Kano.

The institute, in a statement, urged the Federal Government to bring the mastermind of the dastardly act to justice.

The statement reads: “IPI condemns this unwarranted brutal killing of an innocent jour-

GROUP, the Joint Action Front (JAF) has urged Nigerians not to give up in their fight to compel the Federal Government to reverse the price of petrol to N65 per litre.

JAF, which partnered with labour and other groups during the last week-long strike, said it was planning another phase of the protest, having fully reviewed the last exercise.

It also urged Nigerians not to relent in their effort to ensure altitudinal change on the part of those in authority, who allegedly perpetrate acts of corruption and fritter away the nation’s wealth.

The group said government’s sudden resort to violence and militarisation, the heightening insecurity and worsening economic environment were sufficient reasons why the people should demand for a system change.

JAF, in a statement by its Secretary, Abiodun Aremu, urged Nigerians to begin mobilisation and formation of Action Committees in the workplaces, schools, neighbourhoods, social spaces, town associations and worship centres.

This, it said, was to prepare them for the next phase of protest rallies and mass action in order to ensure not only the reversal to N65 but a struggle to rid Nigeria of this class of looters and profiteers.

nalist and calls on the government to make good its promise to find and bring the killers to justice.

“IPI condoles with the family of the slain journalist and all the families of all those who lost their lives in the senseless orgy of violence in Kano on Friday.

We also send our condolences to Channels Television and indeed the entire media community over the loss of this courageous journalist who died in the line of duty.”

NAFDAC officers for drugs centres

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HE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) will deploy regulatory officers in its Mega Drug Distribution Centres.

NAFDAC’s Director General Paul Orhii stated this during the International Conference on Drug Counterfeiting organised by the United States Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), in Washington DC. Orhii said officers posted to the mega centres will be provided with the hand held drug testing device known as TRUSCAN in order to track down drug counterfeiters.

He lamented that over 270 million people in Africa lack access to safe and good quality medicine just as drug counterfeiters have targeted developing countries because of their weak regulatory system and porous borders.

According to him, the Nigerian Open Drug Market will be dismantled once sufficient Mega Drug Distribution Centres are built nationwide.

The Director General observed that distribution of free drugs particularly antimalarias by international do-

nor agencies will pose serious public health challenge to developing countries in the near future because of current damage to production capacity of local drug manufacturing companies inflicted by freely donated drugs.

His words: “What happens when the donor agencies eventually pull out?. Free drugs could reduce drug counterfeiting temporarily, but in the long run it will kill incentive of local drug manufacturers”.

In her opening remarks, the CFR Senior Fellow for Global Health, Dr Laurie Garrett pointed out that drug counterfeiting is growing worse because of globalisation but regretted that there is no sufficient data on how worse the problem is.

Garrett explained that shortage of Life Saving Medicines and companies using cheap and low active pharmaceutical ingredients because of profit have compounded drug counterfeiting problem.

She noted that prevalence of under formulation of drugs put at 30-60% in Nigeria, Burma and Bangladesh have led to drug resistance and serious public health challenge in those countries.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

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NEWS Uduaghan to fund co-operatives DELTA State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has promised to reinvigorate and fund cooperative societies to make them viable.

Uduaghan made the promise at a meeting with Oshimili Multi-Purpose Cooperative Union in Asaba, the state capital.

He said the government would, through cooperative societies, open channels of investment for public officers, especially in agriculture and commerce.

The governor said cooperative societies would be used as a launching pad for diversification of investment .

The governor said his administration was interested in empowering cooperative bodies to serve as palliative organs for workers.

“We will reposition cooperative societies in the state.

We will release fund to make them viable so they can meet the needs of their members,” Uduaghan said.

Uwazurike hailed From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

THE Southeast Revival Group (SERG) has hailed the nomination of the leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Ralph Uwazuirike, as the Eze-Igbo-Gburugburu.

Uwazuirike succeeds the former Biafran warlord, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, who died last year.

A statement in Abuja by SERG National Coordinator Willy Ezugwu said: “We view the choice of Ralph Uwazuirike for the Eze Ndi Igbo by the Nri Kingdom as the result of the tenacity and doggedness with which he pursues matters that affect the Igbo.

“SERG urges all persons of Igbo descent to support the new Eze-Igbo-Gburugburu to ensure the continual development of the Southeast and the welfare of Igbo.”

MOSOP to decide on exploration From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

THE Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has declared that crude oil exploration in Ogoniland will be collectively decided by the Ogoni people at the appropriate time, when the conditions are right.

The Chairman of MOSOP Provisional Council, Prof.

Ben Naanen, said yesterday that attention was being given to protection of the environment and natural resources of Ogoni.

Naanen, who is of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), said: “The environmental and health disaster in Ogoni, resulting from oil exploration, as scientifically demonstrated in the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP’s) Environmental Assessment of Ogoniland, is already a well-known international issue.

“At the moment, the people are much more concerned about the poverty and marginalisation, exemplified by their exclusion in the distribution of the benefits of the Niger Delta struggle.”

•Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment Tunji Bello speaking during an inspection of drainage maintenance at Ogunmokun Street, Elere Market, Agege…at the weekend. With him are some government officials

Court bars Okorocha from concession of Imo Hotels A

N Imo State High Court has restrained Governor Rochas Okorocha from concessioning the multimillion naira Imo Hotels Limited in Owerri.

Justice I.O. Agugua granted the interlocutory injunction in a suit by GEE Plaza Hotels Ltd. A Certified True Copy of the court ruling was made available to reporters by an Abuja lawyer and counsel to the plaintiff, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN).

Justice Agugua stopped the governor from collecting tenders from any investor for the concession of the hotel as advertised in the papers.

“The defendants by themselves or through their agents, servants or officials are restrained from howsoever and in whatsoever manner from concessioning Imo Hotels Limited, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

“The defendants are to maintain the status quo as prayed in prayer 2 of this application,” he held.

The judge ordered the claimant to sign an undertaking to indemnify should

it turn out at the end that he ought not to have made the order.

In the originating summon, the plaintiff claimed it paid and owned 60 per cent controlling share, worth N500 million of Imo Hotels Ltd. The defendants are: the Imo State Government, Okorocha, the Attorney General and Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

The governor, through the office of the SSG had invited tenders for the concession of the hotel.

The plaintiff urged the court to restrain the defendants from interfering with its rights and interests in the hotel through the planned concession, being the owner of controlling shares in the hotel.

According to Awomolo, the government in March 2005 sold 60 per cent of the total share of Imo Hotel to a company, Binex Hotels Limited.

On May 26 of the same

‘The total amount paid by the applicant is in the region of N380 million out of a total investment portfolio of N500 million. What happens to the balance of N120 million?’ year, Binex, through a Share Purchased Agreement, sold its 60 per cent stake in the hotel to his client, GEE Plaza Hotel Ltd. Awomolo claimed that a Deed of Assignment sealing the transaction was signed by Binex Hotel and the government, which authenticated the transfer of the 60 per cent share capital of the hotel to his client.

The lawyer said consequent upon the agreement, his client assumed control and management of the hotels and has continued to invest in the venture.

“The applicant has contracted the renovation and

‘Apo Six’ lawyer criticises escape of Boko Haram suspect

HE ‘Apo Six’ lawyer, Amobi Nzelu, at the weekend criticised the escape from custody of a Boko Haram suspect, Kabiru Sokoto, who allegedly masterminded the Christmas Day bombing at St Theresa’s Catholic Church in Madalla, Niger State.

He likened the scenario to the Apo Six killing in 2005 when a police officer was alleged to have killed six Igbo youths coming back from a party in Abuja.

The police officer, he said, was allowed to escape from

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From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

further development of Imo Hotels Limited to expatriate and local contractors.

“The applicant has reached out to business partners and investors who have agreed to collaborate and build the hotels to international standards.

“That these business partners and investors will see the applicant as unserious, unreliable to do further business with, if the defendants are not restrained,’’ the lawyer had said.

In a counter-affidavit filed on behalf of the defendants, K.C. Nwokorie, a chief state counsel in the Ministry of Justice, contended that there was no valid contract between the plaintiff and the defendants.

Nwokorie said the initial investor, Binex Hotels, had not fully paid its investment in the hotel.

“The total amount paid by the applicant is in the region of N380 million out of a total investment portfolio of N500 million.

“What happens to the balance of N120 million?’’ he said.

He had contended that the suit was lacking in merit and urged the court to dismiss it.

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

custody and a police constable who was crucial to the case was allegedly poisoned.

He said it is only when Igbo are killed that the suspects are allowed to escape.

Stressing that majority of the victims of Boko Haram attacks are Igbo, he declared that the Igbo will not accept anything short of producing Sokoto to face the law.

According to him, Sokoto was allowed to escape because he has a lot of information at his disposal that will nail many highly placed Nigerians.

He said: “The man who allegedly masterminded the Christmas Day bombing has escaped from police custody.

“The question is why is it only when Igbo are killed that the culprit escapes from police custody?

“Nobody has the monopoly of violence; you don’t

hold the people down for a long time, if the Igbo are not secure in this country we should be told what is happening.

“People should not frustrate the good work of President Jonathan. He can’t be everywhere at the same time.

“If there is any uprising today in any part of the country the victims are Igbo.

“There is need for the Federal Government to protect us, we are vulnerable, we are an endangered specie in this country.”

NSITF board for inauguration From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

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HE Minister of Labour and Productivity, Emeka Wogu, will tomorrow inaugurate the Board of Directors of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).

A statement by the funds’s Assistant Director (Press), Sam Oloowokere, said the step would enable the Federal Government fulfill its promise of better working conditions for workers.

The statement noted that the Employees’ Compensation Act, which repealed the Workmen’s Compensation Act of 2004, provides for the establishment and maintenance of a solvent compensation fund managed in the interest of employees and employers.

‘Shell, clean up our areas’ From Polycarp Orosevwotui, Warri

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OMMUNITIES in Gbaramatu, Egbema and Ogulagha Kingdoms of Delta State have called on the government to intervene in the dispute between them and Shell over the Bonga oil spill.

The communities said the areas were adversely affected and enjoined Shell to send relief materials to them.

In a statement by Secretary Mike Tiemo and Treasurer Schandos Tortos of the Gbaramatu, Egbema and Ogulagha communities, they appealed to the government to prevail on Shell to send relief materials to the affected communities.

The communities also demanded that Shell cleans up the environment and pay compensation.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

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FOREIGN NEWS Arab League extends mission in Syria

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HE Arab League is expected to extend its mission in Syria for another month - despite criticism that it has failed to stop a 10-month government crackdown on protesters.

League ministers meeting in Cairo are also expected to approve an increase in the number of observers.

The 165-strong mission expired on Thursday, but reports of political violence across the country continue.

The Syrian government is expected to agree to the league’s extension.

The BBC correspondent in Cairo says Syrian officials are likely to be pleased with the league’s decision because they are not afraid of the monitors.

Our correspondent says there appears to be no appetite for a radical change of course, and no viable alternative to the observer mission.

The league’s foreign ministers are meeting in Cairo to discuss the conclusions of Syria mission chief Gen Mohammed al-Dabi.

The opposition Syrian National Council has formally

asked the league to refer the crisis to the United Nations Security Council.

The Syrian government will on balance be happy with the Arab League extending its mission. After a great deal of reluctance to accept the monitors, they now see that if anything it seems to be working in its favour.

The Syrian government has been quite content to see this mission extended, whereas it’s been the opposition pushing against it.

Exactly the opposite to the way it was when there was the original proposal to send the mission.

That’s because the Damascus government doesn’t fear the league’s monitors. Syrian officials at least won’t be seeing what they really don’t want, which is a referral to the UN Security Council and a resolution against them.

Meanwhile, Syrian rebels said that army deserters had briefly taken control of much of the Damascus suburb of Douma on Saturday night after fierce fighting with the security services.

British warship to be recovered from seabed, 300 years after

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HE wreck of HMS Victory, a predecessor of Nelson’s famous flagship, was found near the Channel Islands in 2008.

The British warship, which went down in a storm in 1744 killing more than 1,000 sailors, could contain gold coins worth an estimated £500 million.

The Sunday Times says the Maritime Heritage Foundation is set to manage the wreck’s raising.

It also reports that the charity will employ Odyssey Marine Exploration to carry out the recovery.

The American company found the ship four years ago, with the ship’s identity confirmed by a bronze canon.

The guns and other reclaimed artifacts will be displayed in British museums; however under the laws of salvage, Odyssey is likely to receive the bulk of any treasure found, according to the newspaper.

A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said: “Efforts to protect key parts of British Naval history, such as the wreck of HMS Victory 1744 are very welcome and we hope to make an announcement shortly.”

The chairman of the foundation, Lord Lingfield, is a relative of Admiral Sir John Balchin, who was onboard the warship when it sank.

The Tory peer, formerly known as Sir Robert Balchin, told the newspaper that he would not profit from the ship’s cargo.

Libya NTC deputy chief Ghoga resigns

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HE deputy head of Libya’s ruling National Transitional Council (NTC) says he has resigned amid growing protests against him.

Abdel Hafiz Ghoga told AlJazeera Television that he was resigning in the national interest.

Several hundred protesters stormed the NTC headquarters in the second city, Benghazi, on Saturday.

Observers say it was the most serious show of anger at the new authorities since Col Muammar Gaddafi was ousted.

Ghogha, an NTC spokesman, has become a focus for protesters demanding more openness from the NTC. They accuse him of being

an opportunist, who switched allegiances from the regime of Col Gaddafi as the uprising gained strength.

“My resignation is for the benefit of the nation and is required at this stage,” Ghoga told Al-Jazeera.

“Unfortunately, the consensus has not continued to maintain the highest national interests. The atmosphere of deprivation and hatred has prevailed... I do not want this atmosphere to continue and negatively affect the National Transitional Council and its performance,” he added.

The NTC headquarters in the eastern city of Benghazi from where the uprising against the Gaddafi regime began - has been the focus of protests in recent weeks.

The protesters want more transparency from the NTC But Saturday night’s protest turned violent, with the AFP news agency reporting that some protesters threw homemade bombs while others armed themselves with stones and iron bars before ransacking the building.

Many protesters believe the revolution that toppled Col Gaddafi is being taken away from them by people only interested in the money, the BBC’s Gabriel Gatehouse in Libya says.

The head of the NTC, Mustafa Abdel Jalil, spoke to protesters on Sunday and urged them to have more patience.

“We are going through a political movement that can take the country to a bottom-

less pit,” he said. “There is something behind these protests that is not for the good of the country.”

“The people have not given the government enough time and the government does not have enough money. Maybe there are delays, but the government has only been working for two months. Give them a chance, at least two months.”

According to Reuters news agency, when asked if Mr Ghoga would step down, Abdel Jalil said he would not.

Our correspondent says Mr Ghoga’s resignation adds to a current feeling of instability and flux in the country, and a sense that the NTC is not really in sole control.

Yemeni president bids farewell, due in US for treatment

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EMEN’s veteran President Ali Abdullah Saleh says he is to travel to the United State for medical treatment, though he has not confirmed when he will leave.

Officials said he made the announcement in a “farewell speech” a day after Members of Parliament approved a law giving him immunity from prosecution for his time in office.

The law was part of a deal under which Saleh would relinquish power and leave Yemen.

There are conflicting reports about whether he has now left the country.

The capital, Sanaa, saw renewed protests against the immunity law on yesterday.

Demonstrators want Saleh to be tried for offences they say he committed, including a crackdown during a yearlong uprising that left hundreds dead.

Reports said government forces had closed runways at the main airport serving Sanaa, demanding the removal of Air Force commander Maj Gen Mohammed Saleh the president’s half-brother.

Witnesses told Reuters news agency that air traffic

‘I ask for forgiveness from all my people, men and women, for any shortcomings during my 33-year-long rule’ was halted, and riot police with water cannon surrounded the protesters.

“God willing, I will leave for treatment in the United States and I will return to Sanaa as head of the General People’s Congress party,” Ali Abdullah Saleh told party officials, according to the state news agency Saba.

“I ask for forgiveness from all my people, men and women, for any shortcomings during my 33-year-long rule,” he said.

One official, who was at the early-morning event which brought together senior political, military and security officials, quoted Saleh as saying: “Today, I leave the country in your hands.’’

The president’s aides told the Associated Press news agency that Saleh also announced the promotion of

Vice-President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi - who is set to replace him as president - to the rank of marshall.

The bill approved on Saturday grants Saleh full and irrevocable immunity from prosecution for anything he did while in office.

However, Saleh’s top officials get limited immunity, and could still be prosecuted for actions deemed to be terrorism, or for corruption.

Angry protesters carried

banners on Sunday urging MPs to reverse their decision on Saleh’s immunity.

“It is our duty... to execute the butcher”, chanted protesters in Change Square - the hub of the democracy movement over the past year, AFP news agency said.

Security forces controlled by the president and his family, as well as armed loyalists, have been accused of killing anti-government protesters

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

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www.thenationonlineng.net

MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.7, NO. 2014

TOMORROW IN THE NATION ‘Now that injustice is clearly an ill-wind that blows no one any good, why not explore restructuring to redefine the terms of a new union?’

OLAKUNLE ABIMBOLA

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

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HERE was no art by which Nigerians could read Jonathan’s construction in the face before last year’s election.

He was a man in whom they built an absolute trust. I parodied Shakespeare.

President Jonathan has now come undone.

He no longer has any qualms about apologising for his brutal follies. He can do whatever he wants and Nigerians can protest as much as they want. He is the emperor, the King Kong of Nigerian politics, and whoever wants to challenge that will answer to his police chief, if it is a matter of law and order. If the matter is more serious, they will answer to his soldiers. If it is a matter of the constitution, his rubber stamp judges will dispense his justice. If it is a matter of bread and butter, he will deploy his two maidens of the economy, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Diezani Alison-Madueke.

In all of this, we shall not have repose from the Inspector-General of Police. In spite of the escape of Boko Haram suspect Sokoto, I don’t think Jonathan will fire IG Ringim. We shall not move around because the army chief has deployed soldiers everywhere. And no bread and butter for us because the maidens have withdrawn our subsidies. Even the labour warriors were compromised to yield to N97 for petrol without the people’s consent.

After the anti-subsidy fuel strike was inauspiciously abbreviated by labour leaders, the President went on air without repentance. He gloated at our expense and accused those who expressed dissent as subverts. He said nothing about the dead and other casualties from the shrapnel of his policemen.

He said nothing about the suffering that N97 as cost of petrol will inflict on the ordinary poor.

But in spite of the draconian state of things, President Jonathan still speaks with an even voice, still affects the face of the meek that will inherit the earth and still carries the image of a man with a shoeless past. But Nigerians now see soldiers everywhere, now see their cost of living soar and their diminished comfort almost disappear. Jonathan now haunts us at every turn.

He wants to be a president on his own terms, not on the terms of the people. He still carries the air of a gentleman with the rule of a tyrant. So, Jonathan is our version of the gentleman tyrant, or gentleman dictator. This is a contrast to the quote from a novella, Daisy Miller, where a character said: “I have never allowed a gentleman to dictate to me or interfere in anything I do.” It is a story about etiquette. It is different in our politics today. Stalin was once described as a gentleman dictator until blood started dripping from his fingertips. Cromwell was also described as a gentleman dictator. They have lots of company.

There is no longer an illusion of who the

RIPPLES

SAM OMATSEYE

IN TOUCH

intouchsam@yahoo.com 08054501081(sms only) •Winner, Informed Commentary 2009& 2010 (D.A.M.E)

A gentleman dictator

•Dr. Jonathan

president is. Instead of authority, he wields power. In place of constitution, he imposes impunity. He has replaced decency with brutal force. Competence collapses under the weight of his ineptitude. The deployment of soldiers in Lagos in the aftermath of the strike just woke up some Nigerians to what has been with us since he became president: Jonathan prefers brigandage to the rule of law. In the issue of Justice Salami’s ouster, some Nigerians saw it not as a case of law and decency, but partisanship. Even after the judicial body recommended his restoration, President Jonathan ignored what was right. Later, The Nation Newspaper was invaded over a story, and editors and reporters locked up without evidence or charges. The outrage was tepid across the country.

HARDBALL

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Kano: See what a ‘little’ injustice can promote

B

Y Saturday night, the death toll from last Friday’s Boko Haram attacks on various security targets in Kano had shot up to more than 160. There are fears the toll could rise higher. Having mastered the Northeast, as it were, the violent sect is gradually extending its area of operation to the Northwest, with Kano as the first major port of call.

Boko Haram has, until now, not harvested as many deaths in a single operation as it reaped in Kano a few days ago. The scale of the Kano killings is horrendous, worrisome, and it indicates very dark days ahead for Nigeria’s security and stability. Indeed, the entire northern part of Nigeria appears to be dissolving into one huge inferno.

While the sect frantically pursues its senseless acts of carnage undeterred and unfazed by moral and religious arguments, the authorities themselves are unsure what to make of the sect and its killing frenzy. They are torn between accepting the socio-economic argument, which puts the attacks down to poverty, particularly among youths, the religious argument, which puts the attacks down to the sect’s promotion of Sharia in the North, and the political argument, which links the attacks to sinister political motives. Many Nigerians, however, see elements of all these factors in the sect’s operations.

The government’s inability to come to a Yes...many have developed HYPERTENSION! Subsidy Removal: GOVT HAS ADDED TO NIGERIAN’S WOES, Says Activist

Not long after, in Bayelsa State, he deployed the army, air force, police and navy in order to crown a candidate of impunity, Seriake Dickson, as the PDP candidate. Many even in Lagos shrugged it aside as a local incident.

Yours truly called it military rule in Bayelsa.

Most Nigerians underestimated the potential for evil in this presidency.

Now, the gorilla of impunity has swaggered into Lagos, Kano and Kaduna, and many Nigerians are beginning to realise that this democracy is under stress and under threat.

What we have with President Jonathan is what some political theorists call an imperial presidency. It was a term that was bandied about in the 1960’s in the United States, but was popularised by a presidential scholar and biographer, Arthur Schlesinger, with his book of the same title. The imperial presidency is so called because the president acquires imperial powers outside the purview of the constitution.

The first modern president so accused was President Franklin Roosevelt, who introduced the executive office of the president, expanded powers outside the constitution and hired staff without the consent of Congress. But it was such powers that emboldened Nixon to undertake the Watergate wiretap and Reagan to fall into the Iran-Contra Scandal. But the first such culprit to me was President Andrew Jackson, who used his powers to dislocate and kill many native Indians, a chapter most American historians play down.

Imperial presidency is tyranny with a cute name, although Americans try to check their president. We have copied the system without much safety net. A man unilaterally removes a subsidy before a budget is looked at

by the National Assemby, deploys soldiers for a partisan purpose in his home state, backs the ousting of a judge, tries to legislate a seven-year single term from which he can benefit, keeps a bumbling security team while the nation burns and many die, and the nation seems to call their president a meek man.

The man has lied to us. He has imposed force on us. He has put down a policy to further pauperise us. The economy is, perhaps, the most vexing to Nigerians. The oil subsidy debate raged, and in this column I made the point that it was not oil subsidy but corruption subsidy. Now, it is clearer.

New revelations from the NNPC and Ministry of Petroleum show that we do not have proper documentation for our crude oil outflow and PMS inflow from importation.

The National Assembly heard last week that subsidy was paid for 59 million litres of fuel, while Nigerians consumed 35 million litres. That is good initial insight. It meant we gave about N700 billion away to scammers. Who were these scammers? Let Jonathan tell us and bring them to book.

Rather, he sent out his hireling, Atedo Peterside, a member of his economic team, to go on Channels TV to blame Lagosians as beneficiaries of subsidies.

Peterside does not understand economics.

He should understand that Lagos is the engine of the economy and needs to consume fuel to power the economy. I am not surprised since he wanted to justify his inclusion among Jonathan’s brain trust. Is he not a Lagosian? Why is he now playing Pilate?

The deployment of soldiers in Lagos led to another terrible incident: eminent Nigerians were teargased, including Professor Nwabueze, Kalu Idika Kalu and Tunji Braithwaite. The president ought to apologise to these men. This is a virtual declaration of emergency in Lagos. There was no mayhem in Lagos, if there were scattered incidents of thuggery. People gathered at the Gani Fawehinmi Square in the august tradition of democracy: to speak, to dance and sing for freedom. How did that warrant military rule?

The places where he declared formal emergency and where violence happens, the soldiers have not prevented violence day after day. It is part of the bumbling of intelligence. They are deploying soldiers with poor intelligence. In the North, they have poor intelligence. In Lagos, it is a case of deliberate false intelligence.

This is not only an imperial presidency, but a presidency of ineptitude. Those are the consequences of a gentleman tyrant.

reasonable conclusion on Boko Haram’s driving force and the general incompetence it has shown in apprehending the sect’s masterminds have hamstrung it from fashioning a realistic approach to the problem – whether to negotiate, fight or concede ground. The sect itself has suggested how it can be placated, but its proposals have galled both the government and the country. Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan, on whose table the buck stops, does not appear to be tired of commiserating with families which have lost loved ones to the Boko Haram crisis or visiting the injured in hospital. Every time an attack took place, the president always promised the culprits would be apprehended. That promise has been left largely unfulfilled. But even when arrests are made, the suspects either escape or are set free by their comrades through daring jailbreaks.

Nigerians can only wonder what might have been, had security agents not executed the sect’s leader, Mohammed Yusuf, when he was arrested in 2009. The sect has put its violent streak down principally to what it described as injustice to its late leader. If after that extrajudicial murder and the outcry that attended it, the government had done the right thing of bringing the offending security agents to book, the country would have considerably narrowed down the list of the sect’s grievances.

Now, the Boko Haram phenomenon has clearly become a huge and complex problem, which the government’s inadequate and inexpert security and intelligence apparatuses are finding hard to grapple with. In addition to the initial reluctance of the northern elite to recognise the danger constituted by the sect to the North’s security and stability, with Nigeriennes and Chadians seeming to overrun the region, the sect itself has elongated its demands, has become quite bold and audacious, and has now infiltrated many state governments in the North and even the security agencies.

The Kano killings should impress it on government the urgency of dealing with this menace firmly and intelligently. Worse attacks could still come, as the sect has promised. After all, Boko Haram gave advance notice of the Kano attacks, premising them on the refusal by the state government to release detained sect members. The latest killings also indicate how rapidly the government has allowed the country’s security to deteriorate. If it cannot halt the precipitous descent to anarchy, it should at least not expand the theatre of unrest and in the process radicalise local populace as it has seemed to do by needlessly and unconstitutionally deploying troops to abort popular and peaceful protests.

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