The Nation January 27, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

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VOL. 7, NO. 2017 FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

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Boko Haram: Police arrest 180 Chadian mercenaries

UR Y THE DEAD: Parishioners of St. Theresa Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger •GETTING SET TO B BUR URY State, digging graves for 20 of the 26 victims of the Christmas Day Boko Haram bombing ... yesterday

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HE Police have arrested about 200 people, mostly Chadian “mercenaries”, after last week’s Boko Haram attacks in Kano, a police source told AFP yesterday.

But there seems to be no respite for residents, with an explosion at a Sabon Gari bus terminal yesterday.

Five people were injured and the area was evacuated, the army and the police said.

The deadliest violence to hit Kano came last Friday,

•TOP: A Gobison luxury bus affected by the blast •BOTTOM: An Ezenwanta luxury bus shatered by the bomb

Five injured in Kano blast President: no basis for talks From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

when co-ordinated gun and bomb attacks by Boko Haram killed at least 185.

“Many arrests have been made since the attacks,” the police source said on condition of anonymity, referring to the Friday assaults.

“We have arrested around 200 attackers and 80 per cent of them are Chadians. They came in as mercenaries.”

Of the suspects, 180 are believed to be Chadians. There were indications they had been paid to participate in the attacks attributed to Boko Haram, the source added.

A United Nations (UN) report on regional security released on Wednesday said there was evidence suggesting the Nigerian group had Chadian members who had received training from AlQaeda’s North Africa affili-

Anxiety as five governors know fate today

Road Park in Sabongari, predominantly occupied by southerners.

The blast occurred around 1:pm, as frightened residents were making frantic efforts to get out of the beleaguered city.

An eyewitness, a retired naval officer, told our reporter that the explosives were packaged in three bags which the transporters at the park believed was a luggage

belonging to a passenger.

The eyewitness said when nobody claimed ownership of the luggage, the attention of people around was called to the content of the bag, was later discovered to be explosives.

One of the bombs exploded, injuring five people and scaring away hundreds of passengers, most of Continued on page 4

Why Jonathan chose Abubakar

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From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

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SEVEN-member Supreme Court panel chaired by Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Dahiru Musdapher will today decide whether the tenure of five governors ought to have elapsed since May 29.

The judgment is in an appeal by the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) governorship candidate in Adamawa State, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The governors are Ibrahim Idris (Kogi), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Continued on page 4

ate.

But a Nigeria specialist with the International Crisis Group (ICG) said it was unlikely the sect had such a high number of foreigners in its ranks.

“I was shocked to hear that myself. Personally, I don’t believe it,” said Kunle Amuwo of the ICG. Five people sustained various degrees of injuries from the explosion at the new

•Abubakar ... yesterday

CTING InspectorGeneral of Police M o h a m m e d Abubakar got the job based on merit and professional excellence, Presidency officials said yesterday.

President Goodluck Jonathan chose Abubakar because there was no report indicting him before the Police Service Commission.

A Presidency source, who

•I will be different, says police chief From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

gave an insight into the appointment, said the government did enough checks and discovered that Abubakar has a high moral pedigree to occupy the office.

The source, who pleaded not to be named because he was not permitted to speak

on the matter, spoke against the backdrop of the controversy generated by the recommendation of the Justice Niki Tobi Panel on the Plateau crisis in 2001.

The panel recommended that Abubakar, who was then the Commissioner of Continued on page 4

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

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NEWS BOKO ATTACKS AND NATIONAL SECURITY NEW HARAM YEAR MESSAGES

How to curb Boko Haram,

by Zamfara governor G

OVERNOR Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State yesterday recommended the training of personnel in all the security agencies in intelligence gathering and implementation as a way of curbing rising the Boko Haram insurgent group.

Yari spoke with reporters at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos on his way overseas.

According to him, the mere removal of service chiefs cannot be the solution to the country’s security challenge.

He said: “Personally, I want to say the removal of a service chief does

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

not improve security in anyway. But let the security men do their jobs, most especially when it comes to the issue of intelligence gathering. In Nigeria today, we know the security situation and in other words to me, I don’t put blame on the security personnel. Some counties support their security agencies by giving them the required information and by supporting them to do their jobs.

“For instance, in those days, we heard of bombings in the Middle East and in Nigeria, we never expected this kind of challenge even in the next

40 years.

“I don’t expect it in Nigeria because the general belief is that the country is one either one is Christian or the other a muslim.

“We can understand the bombings in Iraq because of domination of one sect. For instance, Shittee sect has more than 90 per cent domination, but in Nigeria, the situation is not like that.

“Therefore, in Nigera, the issue of security goes beyond changing of security chiefs; there are lots of things to be done.First, our security must be trained to meet the challenges of today and that is the most important.”

Abubakar: North’s CAN kicks as Arewa youths hail Plateau worried T T HE Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday faulted the appointment of Mohammed Dahiru as the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) by President Goodluck Jonathan.

It said Abubakar’s appointment will not in any way end terrorism in the country, even as it rejected the appointment, describing it as unacceptable to its members.

However, some Northerners, under the auspices of the Arewa Youth Forum (AYF), described the Acting police boss as a detribalised Nigerian, adding that rather than congratulate him, they sympathise with him in view of the enormous responsibility ahead of him.

In a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary of the CAN in the North, Sunday Oibe, the religious body alleged that the Acting IGP was indicted by the Justice Niki Tobi Commission of inquiry into the Jos crisis of 2001 and recommended his retirement from the police force.

But, legal experts have said Abubakar was not called to defend himself against the panel’s recommendation, which the authorities never acted on. Besides, he has been promoted and given sensitive jobs since then.

The statement noted that members of CAN in the North are not safe in the hands of the new police chief because of his records as a Police Commissioner in Plateau State.

The statement reads: “For him to be appointed as the acting IG of Police, we wonder whether President Goodluck Jonathan knows what he is

From Marie-Therese Peter, Jos

HE Chief of Staff to the Plateau State Governor, Mr. Gyang Pwajok, yesterday faulted the appointment of Mohammed Abubakar as the acting Inspector-General of Police.

Pwajok said Abubakar was indicted in the White Paper of the Justice Niki Tobi-headed Commission of Inquiry into the civil disturbance that engulfed Jos in 2001 while the acting IGP was commissioner of police.

He stated that failure to implement the white papers produced by various commissions of inquiry and “allowing people who have security experience to create insecurity” was dangerous to the peaceful existence of the country.

A former military administrator of Delta State, Col. John Dungs (rtd), also expressed skepticism over the appointment.

His words: “I don’t think that a person indicted is in the best position to act as an IG; probably he has changed.”

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

doing. To us, the appointment of Abubakar is an extension of terrorism in Nigeria.

“Christians in Northern Nigeria will not feel safe following his antecedents as the commissioner of police in Plateau state as documented by the Hon. Justice Niki Tobi Commission of inquiry into the bloody killings the crisis in Jos in 2001.”

The AYF asked the new IGP to establish a clear departure from the recent past by making men and officers of the Force more responsive and proactive to security issues in all parts of the country.

Its National President, Gambo Ibrahim Gujungu, said despite the mounting security challenges faced by the former IGP Hafiz Ringim, he did his best within the period, but failed to show the skills that could have earned him commendation

from the government Gujungu said the forum would have congratulated the new police boss, “but considering the task ahead and increasing insurgency from all parts of the Northwest, now was the time to sympathise with him and call on Nigerians to rally around the police with a view to achieving ultimate peace in the land.”

He described Abubakar as a detribalised officer, who has held sensitive positions and was never found wanting. He said the acting IGP’s zeal, discipline were enough to ensure a successful tenure and crime free Nigeria.

He appealed to the Federal Government and the Boko Haram sect to dialogue.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us and we should not allow any outside forces to come in and destabilise us”, he said.

•FIRST D AY AS IGP: Abubakar arriving at the police DA headquatres... yesterday PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

•GOOD BYE: Ringim plumping hands with senior officers... yesterday PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

Suswam urges support for police chief

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ENUE State Governor Gabriel Suswam has urged Nigerians to support the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Dikko Abubakar.

Suswan, who was at the State House, Abuja, to attend the monthly National Economic Council (NEC) commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the singular act of pick-

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

ing Abubakar as Hafiz Ringim’s replacement.

He, however, warned that it was not just enough to remove the former IGP, but that his successor must be proactive in tackling the security challenges facing the country.

His words: “ I think it is not enough

just to change the IGP. We hope that the new police chief himself becomes proactive, appreciating the security situation the country has found itself in and taking necessary steps that will address some of this issues. Yes a new IG has just been appointed, but the question would be, is he ready to apply himself to the security situation as we found ourselves now?”

‘Ringim’s sack a distraction‘

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OR the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), the sack of former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Hafiz Ringim by the Presidency is inappropriate and a distraction from the actual solution to the security challenges facing the country.

The group, in a statement by its chairman, Moshood Erubami, yesterday, described the sack as an idle response to the challenge, saying such decisions have not yielded the expected result in the past.

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

It urged President Goodluck Jonathan to strengthen the intelligence unit of the police and also carry out a complete overhaul of the nation’s security system.

The group said: “The removal from office of Hafiz Ringim is an idle decision which cannot achieve the desired result until the intelligence gathering of the police is greatly enhanced.”

•A victim of the Kano explosions at the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital ... yesterday PHOTO: NAN

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

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NEWS BOKO HARAM AND NATIONAL SECURITY

Goodluck Jonathan (You’ll need it) His election ignited hopes that Africa’s most populous country might be changing direction. Yet nearly a year on, Nigeria appears closer to civil war than a new economic dawn, says Daniel Howden

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• ROYAL VISIT VISIT:: Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero with some victims of the explosions at the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital... yesterday.

With him are his traditional council members PHOTO: NAN

• Wreckage of yesterday’s blast in Kano

PHOTO: NAN

The Abubakar I know, by Igini

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yesterday

AYESE

ROSS Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner Mike Igini yesterday described the acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar as one of the finest officers he has ever met.

Igini, in a statement, said Abubakar gave a good account of himself during the last general elections in Cross River State.

His statement reads: “The appointment of AIG Abubakar as the Acting Inspector General of The Nigerian Police is one made when it is most needed given that human life has become a bleak episodes characterised with uncertainties on account of Boko Haram insurgency and the attendants threat to democracy and the unity of Nigeria . Speaking as electoral umpire, who worked closely with him prior to and during the 2011 elections, while he was the AIG of the zone in Calabar, I found his professional commitment to providing security services to enable free, fair and ultimately acceptable democratic elections exemplary and without question.

“As the zonal coordinator of police services in the zone, he showed exemplary leadership in committing officers and other cadre of personnel under his command to diligent pursuit of the ideals of democratic elections unblemished by undesirable, needless and politically motivated action of arrest of contestants or key political members of parties on flimsy allegations prior to or on the eve of election- a very common occurence during elections that has tarnished our collective image during previous elections in Nigeria’s democratic experience. With every sense of responsibility based on what he did in Calabar , l found him to be one of those rare breed of intelligent and disciplined officers who took no pleasure in unnecessarily fawning on political actors who should consider themselves servants of the public.

“In a particular instance at the joint security briefing of all political groups prior to the General Elections in Calabar, he showed himself to be one who would not allow his job to be undermined, as he called errant speakers, including leaders of political groups to order, and expressed in no unmistakable terms the readiness of the zonal police service under his command to defend the right of electors to freely express their voting rights unfettered by any undesirable conduct by any political groups or their agents. During the elections, he stayed committed to these ideals, along with the Commisioner of Police in Calabar, the Director of The State Security Services in Calabar and their operational staff.

“M.D Abubakar, CP Sampson Wudah, State Director SSS, Mustapher Sani are some of the finest and highly committed officers of the law that I have been privileged to know and worked with during the 2011 elections. It is my hope that he will bring this diligence and commitment to his new office, particularly now that the country and democracy is under the threat of centrifugal forces.”

HERE were some unlikely guest speakers at Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan’s Independence Day ceremony last year. Among the assorted ministers, governors, generals and praise singers for the recently elected leader were Michela Wrong and Richard Dowden, two writers both renowned as stern critics of dysfunctional government in Africa’s giant.

They were as surprised as the rest of the hall that Westerners had been invited to lecture Nigeria’s elite on their assorted failures. And neither of them was short of material.

Mr Dowden, the director of the Royal Africa Society, reminded the audience that oil had been a curse to Nigeria since its discovery in the 1950s, comparing the country’s relationship with crude to that of King Midas’ with gold. Ms Wrong, in her own words, “castigated” the hall over endemic corruption.

When they had finished a government official predictably dismissed the pair for their “distorted view” of Nigeria and turned to her boss expecting him to concur. But he didn’t. “She was then mildly ticked off by Jonathan,” says Ms Wrong, before the academic-turned-politician delivered a “rambling, unscripted speech, also chided the rest of the dignitaries for not putting more testing questions or staging a real debate on national issues, confining themselves, instead, to singing his praises.”

This was the Goodluck Jonathan who ignited hopes that Africa’s most populous country might be changing direction after he won a flawed but improved election. Those, who like author Ms Wrong, met the president for the first time at the “Nigeria in Transformation” celebration last September found someone “extremely approachable, who clearly finds ceremony and protocol wearisome and comes across as a learned and amiable university professor rather than a head of state”.

The appointment of an economics team that included World Bank luminary Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and respected banking reformer Sanusi Lamido Aminu Sanusi spurred hopes that sub-Saharan Africa’s largest oil producer and the continent’s second biggest economy might be about to make good on its vast potential.

And yet four months on, Nigeria appears closer to civil war than an economic breakthrough. Boko Haram – the northern Islamist insurgency bent on imposing Sharia law across the country – has taken its death toll to 935 in the past two years, according to Human Rights Watch.Its most recent attacks in the northern city of Kano last Friday were the group’s largest yet, claiming at least 186 lives.

As Nigeria’s regional and religious faultlines are ripped open, the government seems impotent and respected voices such as Nobel laureate and political activist Wole Soyinka have publicly stated that “Nigeria is at war” and that the Somalia scenario of complete statal collapse is possible.

Mr Soyinka looks beyond the important economic factors that have nurtured extremism in the country’s majority Muslim north such as unemployment, misgovernment, wasted resources, marginalisation and corruption, to attack the politi-

‘

Professor Collier compared the mass of fuel protesters to the US Tea Party movement, saying they had been duped by the profiteers into rallying against their own economic interests

‘

cians who have long appeased fanatics to stay in power. Powerful northern governors, he argues, have curried favour with a murderous sect for their own political gain and turned a local rebellion into a threat to the nation. The presidency has in turn appeased the governors in order to retain their support. “How many of the hundreds of cases of impunity need one cite, with their corresponding gestures of appeasement? Where does one begin?” he asks.

Adding to the impression of a nation under siege has been a wave of mass strikes since the new year in response to the removal of fuel subsidies, which might seem innocuous to outsiders but for many Nigerians represented the withdrawal of the only government benefit they received.

Nigeria’s near total reliance on oil has meant governments don’t need to manage the broader economy to bring in revenue and power has been held by a rent-seeking elite for whom gaining office and staying there is the objective.

Nigeria, like many of its dysfunctional counterparts such as Gadaffi’s Libya, Mubarak’s Egypt and Bashir’s Sudan, used price controls on fuel or food to dampen public unrest at the absence of economic progress. The irony of Africa’s leading oil producer having to import nearly all of its fuel is lost on nobody in the country itself.

While Nigerians got cheap fuel, a cabal of politically-connected fuel importers looted the subsidy system of billions of dollars of public money, the Nigerian Senate concluded recently.

The argument for the withdrawal of the subsidy, which cost the government of $7.67bn last year was clear and has been backed by development economists such as Paul Collier at Oxford’s Centre for the Study of African Economies. He argues that the subsidies represent a cash transfer from Nigeria’s overwhelming poor majority to its wealthier consumers and fuel profiteers, and that the money would be better spent on social programmes.

Professor Collier compared the

•Jonathan

mass of fuel protesters to the US Tea Party movement, saying they had been duped by the profiteers into rallying against their own economic interests.

Whatever the motives, there’s little doubt that the removal of the subsidy was mishandled. The announcement caught people by surprise and petrol doubled in price on New Year’s Day with a devastating effect on inflation and the poor. The Senate report on the cabal of fuel importers which named names – several of them very close to President Jonathan – led to no action.

Those who demanded an account of how much had been stolen and asked where the savings from previous decisions to remove subsidies from diesel and kerosene had gone were ignored.

With oil workers set to join the strike, the government crumpled and reinstated half the subsidy at a cost of $4bn.

In both crises, the President has been accused of dithering. After Boko Haram blew people up in their churches on Christmas Day, he took a week to visit the scene. On the fuel issue, he appeared to hide from public view before performing a U-turn and buying off opposition to the reform. Those in the West who hailed Mr Jonathan as a reformer now deride him as “indecisive”, saying he takes weeks over minor matters.

The Christian whose rise to power from the restive oil-producing Niger Delta was credited with soothing tensions there now finds himself under attack from all sides. The concessions this month to the fuel protesters echoed the flawed amnesty for Niger Delta rebels that saw militant leaders bought off with state contracts.

Soni Daniel, a Nigerian political commentator, is among those who believe that Mr Jonathan is losing the groundswell of good will that he had: “The removal of the subsidies was a calculated deceit. What is the assurance that they will use the money for the benefit of the common man?”

- Culled from The Indepedent of London

4

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

NEWS

T

HE President yesterday challenged Boko Haram, the violent sect behind the spate of bombings in the North, to identify themselves and state clearly their demands as a basis for talks. But he acknowledged that military confrontation alone will not end their insurgency.

In an interview with Reuters at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Dr Goodluck Jonathan also said there was no doubt that Boko Haram had links with other jihadist groups outside Nigeria.

The sect killed more than 500 people last year and more than 250 in the first weeks of 2012 in gun and bomb attacks, Human Rights Watch said this week. Coordinated attacks in Kano killed 186 people last Friday in its most

•Former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (left), wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, and others during the engagement between Oluwole Popoola and Adetoun Nelson (daughter of Mrs. Kemi Nelson) in Lagos ... yesterday

Police chief promises break from the past

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CTING Inspector General of Police, M o h a m m e d Abubakar, took over the reins at the Force Headquarters yesterday, promising a break from the past. His predecessor Hafiz Ringim rated himself high, saying he gave the country his very best. Abubakar was decorated with his rank.

Ringim, who handed over to Abubakar, denied being sacked

by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Abubakar said he was not new to the emerging security challenges and the difficulties facing the Police in the fight against terrorism and other related problems.

Abubakar said: “I am just taking over. I want to be fully briefed about the challenges and difficulties facing the Police today.

“As you know, I am not a new comer to the challenges and I cannot run away from the fact that I know some of the challenges. But I do know the fact that we have a very challenging and uphill task ahead.

“However, I want to assure Nigerians that this administration will be different from past administrations because officers and men of the Police will belong to the same family.

“We shall focus on areas of interest which we know that the police are lacking; training and retraining programme, welfare scheme and the challenges of fighting crime in this country. We shall go to every nook and cranny of this country as what is expected of the police in respect of fighting crime and criminality.

“This administration will not tolerate any act of indiscipline, corruption and I intend to lead by example. Therefore, officers and men would be positioned, posted based on their competence and their ability to perform. Individual officers will be assessed based on their performance and not on who they are” Abubakar explained that the police under him would fight crime in all its ramifications; “whatever name you give it, either Boko Haram or armed robbery.

Why Jonathan chose Abubakar Continued from page 1

Police in Plateau State, should be dismissed from service.

But the presidency said the new IGP has a clean record at the Police Service Commission.

The source said: “The truth of the matter is that Niki Tobi Panel was set up by the Plateau State Government under ex-Governor Joshua Dariye. You need to appreciate the delicate nature of Plateau politics because of the ethno-religious polarisation.

“Each time the state raises a panel on Plateau unrest, the report usually follows a pattern. And when the Federal Government sets up its panel, the report takes a different dimension.

“Most of the Commissioners of Police posted to Plateau State in the last 12 years have always been accused of one thing or the other.

“In the specific case of this new IGP, there is no record that the report was forwarded to the Inspector-General of Police or the From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

“I cannot do this job without my officers and men. There is no commander without troops.

Therefore, we shall do what we shall do and you will be there to see what we shall do. But we need prayers because whatever you want to do, you need to pray.

“We have worked in some other places. We demonstrated it and we intend to demonstrate it here and we intend to do more. But take note that there is one big problem we have: the police is going to undergo serious restructuring. You are aware of the police committee set up by Mr. President.

“We are going to work together with them to ensure that Nigerians have the police force that they deserve; that will respect the rule of law; that will be honest, that will be committed, fair in the discharge of its responsibilities.

“Training is one area that we are lacking. We know we are lacking in training. And we intend to focus on it very seriously. We are going to place our police colleges and training institutions on a very serious tasking challenge for them to be able to train our officers and men.

Police Service Commission.

“The man was not at any time queried; he was not sanctioned in any way. The principle in law is that an indictment is not a conviction as pronounced by the court in the case of Atiku v. INEC. “The report is over 12 years and what they are quoting in that report is only a recommendation.

“Since that recommendation, the same man being criticised had been Commissioner of Police in Kwara, Kano and Lagos.

He has been an Assistant Inspector-General of Police in about four zones.”

The source said: “I am not aware of any report indicting him; no disciplinary action has been taken against him; and he has not been accused of any misdemeanour.

“He is a man of sterling records and with a track of professional achievements.

“This is a man that is recommended even by his own colleagues and the rank and file for his competence, professionalism and discipline.

“That is the kind of man that is needed at this time. He is disciplined and highly respected by his own colleagues.”

“I am going to declare a state of emergency in all the training institutions so that we can look at the facilities, the staff and what they have on the ground.

We cannot take policemen to institutions that are bad, that are tattered. Empowerment is lacking and so you cannot produce good police officers from there”.

Ringim said notwithstanding the negative public perception of his tenure in office, he gave the job his best.

“I have done my beat within the period that Mr. President graciously appointed me as the IGP. I told you I was going to do my best and to some extent, I did the best I could. I gave this challenge the best shot and I sincerely believe that I succeeded to a very large extent “Anyone can contest that. I will not be bothered. But I sincerely believe that under my leadership, the Nigeria Police Force creditably discharged its functions and its obligations” Insisting that he was not sacked, Ringim said: “Because of the fact that I needed to go for retirement, which letter I wrote to the President and which approval I also received from the Distinguished Senator Anyim Pius Anyim (SGF), it became necessary for the Presi-

dent to appoint a new IG and that IG is Mr. Mohammed Abubakar.

“I took time to brief him.

Briefing a new IGP is not an easy matter considering the task ahead of him. But that being the case, we have successfully discussed and I have briefed him on what I know so far to be his duties and responsibilities. I have placed him on notice of the enormous responsibility that lies ahead of him” “In this regard I will pray that God Almighty would afford the gentleman that sits on my left (Abubakar) also the opportunity and wisdom to steer the ship of the NPF better. I want to thank you for your patience”.

•Ringim ... yesterday

Anxiety as five governors know fate today Continued from page 1

Timipre Sylva (Bayelsa), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto) and Liyel Imoke (Cross River). They are all members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Other members of the panel

are Justices Mahmud Mukhtar, Walter Onnonghen, Chukwuma Ene, Ibrahim Coomasie, Olufunlola Adekeye and Mary Peter-Odili.

The appellants are challenging the decision of

the Court of Appeal, Abuja, which upheld the decision of an Abuja Federal High Court that extended the tenure of the five governors beyond May 29, 2011.

Two of the three legal experts-Amicus Curiae

(friends of the court) – invited by the apex court have called for their removal. They are a renowned constitutional lawyer, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN) and Olukanyinsola Ajayi (SAN).

Continued on page 10

Jonathan: no basis for talks with Boko Haram deadly strike to date, prompting Jonathan to visit surviving victims.

“If they clearly identify themselves now and say this is the reason why we are resisting, this is the reason why we are confronting government or this is the reason why we destroy some innocent people and their properties ... then there will be a basis for dialogue,” said Jonathan.

“We will dialogue, let us know your problems and we will solve your problem but if they don’t identify themselves, who will you dialogue with?”

Jonathan, who won an election last year that observers said was Nigeria’s cleanest since the end of military rule in 1999, has been criticised for dealing with the insurgency in the North using purely military means.

But in this interview, he made it clear there was a need to bring development to the remote, semi-arid corners of the country where high youth unemployment has provided easy recruits for extremists.

“Military confrontation alone will not eliminate terror attacks,” he said, adding that an “enabling environment for young people to find jobs,” was also needed.

“Our commitment is to make sure our irrigation programmes are all revitalised so most of these young people are engaged in productive agriculture and ... will not be free for them to recruit,” Jonathan said in an ornate diplomatic meeting room adorned with pictures of Nigeria’s heads of state since independence in 1960.

Wearing a dark grey kaftan and his trademark fedora hat, the former zoology lecturer and governor of Bayelsa State in the oil rich southeastern Niger Delta cautioned that the Boko Haram crisis would be much harder to resolve than the Delta conflict, which was largely defused in 2009 under an amnesty he helped broker.

That was because the Islam-

ist militants do not have a clear public figurehead or negotiable aims, he said.

“If anybody invited Osama bin Laden (to talks), he wouldn’t have appeared ...

Boko Haram, if you invite them, they will not come.

They operate without a face, they operate without a clear identity, so it is difficult to interface with such a group.”

“That is the greatest difference between Boko Haram ... and the Niger Delta issue,” he said.

Boko Haram was formed in 2003 in the remote, northeastern city of Maiduguri. It launched an uprising against the government in 2009 that security forces crushed in days of fighting with the sect that killed around 800 people.

The sect’s leader Mohammed Yusuf was captured and died in police custody during those battles, triggering vows of revenge from surviving members of the sect which they now seem to be honouring in increasingly lethal attacks on security forces and authority figures.

Jonathan added he was confident that a final version of a long delayed bill aiming to completely overhaul the oil industry would be put before the national assembly by the end of February.

•Dr Jonathan

Boko Haram: Police arrest 180 Chadian mercenaries Continued from page 1

whom were fleeing Kano because of security concern.

Two luxury buses, one belonging to “God Bless Ezenwata” with Lagos registration number xx 449 JJJ and the other owned by Gobison Motors” with Anambra registration number SJ 600 NSA were affected by the blast. Their windscreens were shattered.

A detachment of the Kano State anti-bomb squad was deployed to detonate the remaining bombs. Passengers’ luggage were searched before boarding after the incident.

Some of the victims were rushed to a nearby hospital. One of them Lawrence Nwanyi, is on admission after falling unconscious as a result of the blast.

The incident has caused an uneasy calm in the city that is already experiencing a heavy security presence.

All the buses in the park were evacuated, shops were closed and security men cordoned off the scene of the blast.

OUR ERRORS •In the editorial published in yesterday’s edition on page 57, Borno and Yobe states were inadvertently referred to as states in the Northwest instead of the Northeast. Also the former governor of Yobe State was reported to have apologised to members of the Boko Haram sect. It was the governors of Bauchi, Borno and Gombe states who apologised.

•Justice Mohammed Uwais was inadvertently referred to as former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation. Uwais is a former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). The error on page 57 of yesterday’s edition is regretted.

- Editor

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

NEWS

10 burnt to death in Bauch road crash EN people were burnt to death on Wednesday night when a J5 Peugeot passenger bus somersaulted on the Darazo-Kari-Maiduguri Road in Darazo Local Government Area Bauchi State.

One person survived the accident with severe injuries.

An eyewitness told The Nation that the bus was on a high speed when it suddenly tumbled, landed on its side and caught fire. Its 10 pas-

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From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

sengers were said to have been burnt beyond recognition.

The eyewitness added that efforts by sympathizers and men of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), who were called to the scene, could not save the passengers.

It was learnt that the bus was heading to Adamawa

State from Jigawa State, conveying domestic animals with the passengers.

The Bauchi State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Zakariya Mamman, confirmed the incident.

He said the accident occurred at about 10.45pm when the driver lost control due to the high speed.

The sector commander added that the survivor is receiving treatment at the Darazo General Hospital in Bauchi.

Zakariya urged drivers to obey traffic rules and regulations, adding that most road accidents are caused by reckless driving.

He said: “There is the need to always maintain speed limit while driving.”

The sector commander said the commission would not tolerate reckless driving on the highways as it would ensure that drivers comply with traffic rules and regulations to save travellers’ lives.

HE Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Kolawole Taiwo has said the first duty before the Acting Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar is to go rid the nation of the menace caused by the Boko Haram sect.

“Abubakar is coming at this point when all Nigerians are becoming hopeless about our security. There is a gang running after everybody. We cannot even move around freely in our country. Therefore, if he can tame

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Kano

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and this is why we work strongly with donor agencies like the World Bank, to feel the gaps,” Obi said.

He said Anambra State preferred the assistance of the World Bank in areas of needs and not in areas other donor agencies were already

working to avoid overlap.

Listing the areas of needs, the governor included the menace of erosion as a major issue affecting the state.

He thanked the bank for what it is doing in the state.

Obi noted that education, poverty reduction and

Jonathan may sack more police chiefs, other security agencies’ heads

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RESH facts emerged yesterday that President Goodluck Jonathan may overhaul other security agencies after sacking former InspectorGeneral of Police Hafiz Ringim.

It was learnt that more heads may roll in the Police Force as part of the President’s envisaged reform of the nation’s security agencies.

Embattled Police Commissioner Zakari Biu and five others may be dismissed from service over the escape of Boko Haram suspect, Kabiru Sokoto.

A top Presidency source, who spoke in confidence with The Nation, noted that the President intends to overhaul the security agencies.

The source said: “The retirement of ex-IGP Hafiz Ringim is just the beginning of an overhaul of the nation’s security agencies. Nigerians should expect more changes

• Biu, five others may be dismissed •Police Service Commission awaits disciplinary committee’s report From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

soon; the President has said we cannot continue with the old way of doing things.

“The expected overhaul will certainly cut across all security agencies. But more attention will be paid to the police, especially the need to rid it of bad eggs.

“The era of corrupt officers and policemen being indulged in service is gone.

Just wait for the reforms being anticipated by the President.

“The intelligence units in all security agencies will also be re-organised to make them proactive. What we have now is a near total collapse of our intelligence units, except that of the State Security Service (SSS), which

is still vibrant.”

Responding to a question, the source added: “I may not be exact on when the President will announce the overhaul but it is very, very soon.”

There were strong indications yesterday that Biu and five others may be dismissed from service over Sokoto’s escape.

It was gathered that the Police Service Commission may meet next week over the fate of Biu and five others.

A top source in the commission said: “There is nothing like court martial in the police force. What has been happening is that Biu and other policemen have been appearing before the Force Disciplinary Committee.

“The committee is expected to forward its findings to the Police Service Commission for appropriate sanctions. The commission may meet next week to consider the report because its chairman, Mr. Parry Osayande, has just returned from leave.

“With the situation at hand, Biu and his cohorts either risk dismissal or retirement from the Nigeria Police. We will look at their case on merit.”

Section 30 of Part 1 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution says: “The Police Service Commission shall have power to (a) appoint persons to offices (other than the Office of the Inspector-General of Police) in the Nigeria Police Force; and (b) dismiss and exercise disciplinary control over persons holding any office referred to in sub-paragraph (a) of this paragraph.”

I’m not Boko Haram sponsor, says Yuguda

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AUCHI State Governor Isa Yuguda yesterday said he has never sponsored the Boko Haram sect.

The governor was reacting to a report alleging that he as well as some other northern governors reached an agreement to pay N10million monthly to the

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

sect and provide training grounds for its members.

Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for series of bomb blasts that have caused the death of many innocent Nigerians.

Yuguda spoke in Abuja at the launch of Information Train magazine by the office

of the Political Adviser to the President, Ahmed Ali Gulak.

Other speakers at the event included Senate President David Mark; Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba; and Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

Yuguda said there was no truth in the allegation, adding: “They create stories that are not true.”

them, then he would earn more than an average mark and would do a great thing for us,” he said.

The lawmaker was reacting to the appointment of the new IGP and the areas he needs to address urgently.

From Kolade Adeyemi,

HE World Bank yesterday said it found Anambra attractive for almost all its projects because of the strong commitment of Governor Peter Obi not just to governance but also to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The bank’s Sector Leader Prof. Folusho Okumade spoke when the governor visited the new World Bank Country Director in Nigeria, Marie Francaise Marie-Nelly.

Obi, who was accompanied by the Commissioner for Planning and Budget, Prof. Chinyere Okunna, and the Permanent Secretary, who is also the State Liaison Officer in Abuja, Dr. Beatrice Okonkwo, said the visit was to welcome the new Country Director to Nigeria and continue with the cordial relationship between the bank and the state. * Obi (right) with Marie Francaise Marie-Nelly during the visit.

The governor noted that the visit would reach the destination.

As part of the ANIDS strategy, the governor said the state plans properly, budgets properly, executes properly and gets feedback from the people.

“In the process of doing this, we encounter budgetary gaps

By Oziegbe Okoeki

Kidnappers abduct German in Kano

Why we are in Anambra,

by World Bank

enable the bank and the state to review the projects they were implementing for the benefit of the residents.

Obi told Marie-Nelly that Anambra had chosen the MDGs as its destination and formulated the Anambra Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS) as a compass to

Lagos Deputy Speaker urges new IG to go after Boko Haram

The governor urged Nigerians to disregard the threats by some groups that southerners should leave the North or that northerners should leave the South.

“If you read the Nigerian Constitution, you will know that there is no reason for anybody to tell you to leave where you are staying,” Yuguda said.

improved health care delivery were other areas his administration was focusing on.

Marie-Nelly noted that Anambra was doing well as one of the best in FADAMA and other projects in Nigeria.

GERMAN engineer, Raupach Edgar, was yesterday abducted in Kano.

The German, who works with popular construction firm, Dantata and Sawoe, was reportedly abducted by some gunmen.

An eyewitness told The Nation that the foreigner was kidnapped at a construction site on KanoZaria road, about 25 kilometers to the state capital.

The construction company is among those handling major projects on the Kano-Zaria road.

It was learnt that Edgar was inspecting a bridge on the road when the kidnappers struck.

Two gunmen, according to an eyewitness, rode in an Opel Vectra car. They allegedly hand-cuffed and bundled him inside the booth of the car and zoomed off towards Zaria.

Federal roads: Fed Govt to reimburse N350b to states From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

TATES are to get N350billion refund on what they spent in repairing federal roads in their domains, it was learnt yesterday.

Already, a special provision has been made by the Federal Government for the money.

But the payment will only be made after verification and harmonisation of claims by the Federal Ministry of Works.

The decision was reached at the end of the monthly National Economic Council (NEC) presided over by VicePresident Namadi Sambo at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa.

Addressing reporters after the meeting, Abia State Governor Theodore Orji, with Governors Mutalla Nyako (Adamawa), Ibrahim Shema (Katsina) and Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo), said the NEC has mandated the Federal Ministry of Works to speed up work on the verification and harmonisation of claims.

He added: “A special provision is being made by the Federal Government to raise the money for the payment which stands at over N350 billion. To ensure proper maintenance of federal roads, states are encouraged to continue with routine maintenance of such roads, provided they comply with new procedures for such intervention.”

Orji said the N350billion includes outstanding requests that have not been honoured in the last eight years.

The meeting also agreed on joint funding of Agricultural Transformation Initiative.

Mimiko said the council adopted strategies for deeper cooperation between the federal and state governments to improve agriculture, boost production, ensure food sufficiency and provide employment opportunities.

Orji said: “Following a comprehensive presentation on Agric Productivity Enhancement Practices, jointly made by Adamawa, Ondo and Plateau states, each state has been asked to submit proposals on their comprehensive agriculture plans to enable them access funding from Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS), administered by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“The ministries of Agriculture, Water Resources and the CBN are collaborating towards funding the necessary agricultural developments in the states with available funds.”

Shema said the council resolved that the Federal Government should partner states to ensure completion of ongoing dam and other agricultural projects and the full utilisation of existing ones to boost agricultural production.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

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NEWS Kogi tribunal: ACN applies to inspect materials •Strikes out Justice Party’s petition From Mohammed Bashir, lokoja

THE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday filed a motion to be allowed to inspect electoral materials used in the December 3, 2011 governorship election in Kogi State.

It applied to the state Election Petition Tribunal through its governorship candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu. The petitioners sued the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over alleged electoral malpractices during the poll.

ACN urged the tribunal to restore its mandate, insisting that it won the election.

Counsel to the petitioner, Chief Charles Edosonwan (SAN), said the party wants to ensure that the matter is concluded on time to avoid a waste of time.

But counsel to the PDP, Umoru Mohammed, said the respondents intend to exhaust the time allotted them by law to respond to the motion.

The tribunal adjourned till February 6.

Immigration deports illegal aliens from Niger From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

OFFICIALS of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Minna, the Niger State capital, yesterday raided the town in search of illegal aliens, mostly from Niger and Chad.

The raid took place in some suburbs of the state capital as early as 7am.

Among those arrested were sachet water hawkers, popularly called Mai Ruwa; commercial motorcycle (Okada) riders; and gate keepers (mai guard). They were taken away in buses belonging to the state headquarters of the service at Keteren-Gwari, Minna.

The raid came four days after two Nigeriens were arrested in connection with the burning of a Christian missionary building, The Bethany Home, in Minna.

Property worth millions of naira were destroyed in the attack.

Last week, Governor Babangida Aliyu complained about the influx of illegal aliens into the state, especially the Nigeriens. He alleged that some of them entered the country illegally and were used by some disgruntled elements to foment trouble.

When our correspondent visited the Immigration office at noon yesterday, its officers were screening and examining the documents of the aliens. They were sorting out the indigenes from the aliens, apparently to deport those without valid papers.

Tambuwal didnt demand amnesty for Boko Haram, say Reps H

OUSE of Representatives Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal did not ask for amnesty for members of the Boko Haram sect nor asked the Federal Government to enter into dialogue with them, it was learnt yesterday.

House spokesman Zakari Mohamed addressed reporters in Abuja.

He said Tambuwal was misquoted in a statement credited to him that the Federal Government should open dialogue with the sect

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

to grant its members federal amnesty.

There were reports that the Speaker, who spoke Hausa language during his visit to Kano last week, urged President Goodluck Jonathan to begin dialogue with Boko Haram members to end their vicious attacks.

Mohammed said Tambuwal, being a strong be-

liever in the corporate existence of Nigeria, may have been misquoted.

He added that what the Speaker meant was that issues that led to the Boko Haram insurgency in the North should be urgently addressed.

He said: “Tambuwal only meant that issues like poverty, youth unemployment and insecurity, which caused the problem, should be tackled.”

According to him, the

Speaker felt the pains of last week’s attack on Kano, like every other Nigerian, adding that this was why he visited the families of victims.

Mohamed said the Speaker believed that issues on security of life and property of Nigerians must be addressed in accordance with law and order.

He added that Tambuwal would not have made the statement attributed to him.

On the appointment of the new Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the House spokesman said the President’s decision must have been done after due consultations.

He urged Nigerians to support the new police chief to enable him succeed in his mandate.

According to him, the House supports the appointment, as it often called for the overhaul of the police force under Ringim.

He described the new IGP as a man with a proven track record.

On the ongoing investigation into the management of removal of petrol subsidy, Mohammed said contrary to what happened in the past, the current probe would not be business as usual.

He assured that the National Assembly is ready to mount pressure on the Presidency to take action against any indicted agency that participated in the implementation of subsidy in the oil sector.

Yobe budgets N5b for airport From Duku Joel, Damaturu

HE Yobe State Government will spend N5billion this year to build an international airport, Governor Ibrahim Gaidam has said.

The governor spoke in Damaturu, the state capital, when he presented this year’s appropriation to the House of Assembly.

He said: “Providing social amenities, suitable to Damaturu as the state capital, has been one of our priorities.

To this end, N5 billion has been earmarked for the construction of the Damaturu International Airport.”

Gaidam noted that the provision of the airport is in fulfillment of his campaign promises to the residents.

He added that an international market would also be built in Damaturu to enhance the revenue generation of the government.

The governor said Keke NAPEP tricycles and mass transit buses would be procured to augment the fleet of buses for easy movements of goods and services at subsidised rates following the ban on motorcycles in the state.

According to him, the government will provide solarpowered street lights in Damaturu, Potiskum, Jakusko and Jaji-Maji.

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• Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun (middle); Head of Service, Mrs Modupe Adekunle (left); and Special Adviser/ Director-General of the Bureau of Lands and Survey, Mrs Ronke Sokefun, at the inspection of Hill Crest Estate in Abeokuta…yesterday

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Spanish firm to invest N70b in rice production in Kwara

PANISH firm, Vaoslar Consortium, will, in the next four years, invest 280million Euros (about N70 billion) in the production of rice in Kwara State.

The firm and the state government yesterday in Ilorin, the state capital, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the fouryear investment on large scale production of rice on the alluvial arable land of the state.

Under the agreement, 70 million Euros would be spent yearly over the period.

Spokesperson of the consortium Reuben Gome said the topography of the proposed site could produce 40,000 tonnes of rice annually.

It was learnt that Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) Plc would

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From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

provide the financial backing for the government.

Gome said: “The surface area of Kwara is similar to a particular state in Spain where we plant rice in large quantity. About 40 years ago, we carried out an agrarian revolution in that state in Spain. What is amazing in the whole event is that before the revolution of rice plantation, people were migrating from the state. But few years later, when the boom started, they rushed back.

“In Kwara, the land is good and agric practices here are not toxic to the environment.

These practices will unite the people and provide employ-

ment as well. But it is worrisome that the potentials have not been fully tapped. One other thing we are going to do is eliminate intermediaries. They are not good in modern agriculture.”

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed said Kwara State, in line with the content of the MOU, would provide 500,000 hectares of arable land along the settlements of River Niger. The catchments local government areas are: Pategi, Edu and parts of Ifelodun.

According to him, it is in the interest of his administration not to deviate from his predecessor’s agricultural path.

The governor added that the benefits from large-scale agriculture would, among others, reduce unemploy-

ment in Nigeria.

Ahmed said the project would impact local farmers with “modern farming skills” that could turn them into commercial farmers from their present subsistence farming.

He urged traditional rulers to maintain peace in their domains to enable the residents enjoy the benefits in the investment.

Ahmed said: “It is our vision to key ourselves into the programmes of our predecessor, especially in the area of commercial agriculture. Seventy per cent of our people live in rural areas and mainly practise subsistence farming.

We, therefore, sought the support of the consortium to assist us in moving the sector forward beyond the point we met it.”

Imo indigenes won’t attack northerners, says Okorocha

MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha has assured the Hausa community in the state that there would be no reprisal attacks on them.

The governor urged Nigerians to be their “brother’s keeper and not our brother’s killer”.

He spoke yesterday at the Government House in Kano during his condolence visit to Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso over last Friday’s bomb attacks by the Boko Haram sect.

Okorocha praised Kwankwaso for the wisdom he used in curtailing what he said could have snowballed into a disaster.

The governor said: “I came to Kano for an on-the-spot

•Visits Kwankwaso over Kano bombings Vice-President’s wife weeps over Kano bombings

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ICE-President’s wife Hajiya Amina Namadi Sambo yesterday wept in Kano when she visited the Emir, Alhaji Ado Bayero, over last Friday’s multiple bomb blasts in the state.

Unable to control her emotion over the incident, Mrs Sambo wept profusely as she condoled with the emir.

In an emotion-laden voice, she said: “I pray to God to make this incident the first and the last that will happen in the state and the country.

“I was shocked and worried over the bomb From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

assessment of the degree of destruction caused by the sect. What I saw on ground did not reflect the picture

blasts and prayed to God to grant al-jannah fir’daous to those who died and to the bereaved families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Mrs Sambo prayed for the quick recovery of those receiving treatment in various hospitals.

Bayero thanked the Vice-President’s wife and her entourage for the visit, assuring her that the monarchs and other leaders would continue to pray for peace to reign in the country.

She was accompanied by wives of some governors, security chiefs and ministers.

painted to me through phone calls as well as from those who relocated to Imo State from Kano.

“I want to commend you for the application of wisdom to

tackle this unfortunate incident. Nigeria remains our country and we believe in the entity of Nigeria. We do not have any other country in this world other than Nigeria.”

Okorocha noted that his mission was to reassure Igbo residents in Kano, especially those from Imo State, that they should remain peaceful in Kano.

The governor said they are not Igbo in Kano but Igbo of Kano.

He told Kwankwaso that everywhere the Igbo are found, they contribute to the economic and political development of the area.

According to him, his Kano State counterpart will find the Igbo an asset in the development of Kano.

Okorocha said he was in Kano to condole with the Igbo as well as restore their hope in the peaceful co-existence among their northern compatriots.

THE BIG PROTEST

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

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NEWS

Flooding: Lagos begins repair of 300 drains

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HE Lagos State Government has begun the repair of 300 drains to prevent flooding as the raining season approaches.

Commissioner for the Environment Tunji Bello spoke to reporters yesterday while inspecting the projects around Surulere.

Bello said 623 school drains were affected by flood last year, but the government is repairing those that are worse hit.

He said 100 of the school de-flooding projects have been completed and assured residents that the others would be completed before the rains begin.

Bello said the repairs would curb flooding and erosion.

He said: “The government is committed to tackling the challenges of flooding. We are concerned about drainage channels and canals, especially those around

Septuagenarian seeks compensation for demolished shops From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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SEPTUAGENARIAN resident of Akure, the Ondo State capital, Mr. Ade Ajayi, has urged the state government to compensate him for the alleged wrongful demolition of his shops at Oyemekun Road, last year.

Ajayi told reporters yesterday that the shops were not marked for demolition, but were mistakenly demolished by officials of the state government.

He lamented that while many owners of demolished buildings have been compensated, he is yet to get anything.

Ajayi said several attempts to get his compensation have failed.

He said: “I cannot adequately express my grievances on this matter, especially when it seems that my compensation is not forth-coming. The destruction of my shops was deliberate, as they (the shops) had more than enough space from the road.

“The demolition looks selective. While some shops that are closer to the main road were spared, my four beautiful shops, where I earn my living, were ruthlessly destroyed” The septuagenarian urged Governor Olusegun Mimiko to intervene. He said: “I appeal to the governor to quicken the compensation, so that I can spend it now that I am alive. I have been protesting against the wrong demolition for some time now, and justice delayed is justice denied.”

By Miriam Ndikanwu

schools. We are rebuilding and repairing them to free the schools from flood, to enable our children learn in a conducive atmosphere.”

The commissioner also inspected work on the System 5, phase two, canal repair at Babs Animashaun and landscaping at Abebe.

He said System 5 is one of the longest of the six channels under the Lagos Mainland master plan developed in 1974.

Bello said the 7.7km channel, when completed, would serve as a major collector from various channels across different local governments.

He said the Abebe landscaping and beautification would restore the lost glory and beauty of the old Lagos.

Bello said the governor granted approval for the beautification of nine sites, some of which are at various stages of completion.

•A project site in Surulere.

He said: “This used to be a ram market and all manner of trading activities. We are not only rehabilitating the

INSET: Bello( middle) and site engineers Mahmood Waheed (left) and Paul Bamidele ...yesterday PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

drainage channels, but the landscaping, which when completed will position the place as a relaxation spot.

“Most of these projects will have an impact during the raining season. Some will take 18 months to be

Lawmaker sues LP, Ondo Assembly over defection

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HE member representing Akure North/ South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr. Ifedayo Abegunde, yesterday approached the Federal High Court, sitting in Akure, the Ondo State capital, over his defection from the Labour Party (LP) to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Abegunde is seeking an interlocutory order of injunction restraining LP, the Ondo House of Assembly and other defendants from taking any step against his defection, pending the hearing and determination of the original summons.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Emergency, Disaster and Preparedness, resigned from LP on Tuesday.

His motion in court was supported by an 11-paragraph affidavit deposed to

by Funmilayo Oladejo.

In the originating summons Civil Form 3 (03R9),

LP: people will reclaim their mandate

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HE Labour Party (LP) in Ondo State has said it will reclaim its mandate from the member representing Akure North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr. Ifedayo Abegunde, who dumped the party for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) on Tuesday.

In a statement by its Publicity Director, Mr. Koye Odogiyan, LP said: “The move by the opportunist lawmaker is a clear manifestation of a disposed conscience.

“Not only has he suddenly realised that he has committed political perfidy, he is now obviously and desperately looking for an artificial and temporary means of illegally holding on to the peoples’ mandate, which he has corrupted and abused.

“How can he deny the people who collectively entrusted their mandate from reclaiming it after he has defected? Notwithstanding his recourse to interlocutory injunction, his recall from the National Assembly remains an exclusive and inalienable right of the people of his constituency.

“Nobody, no matter how highly placed, can deny or prevent them from exercising this right. The restive and restless lawmaker should be told in no unmistakable term that the game is up.

“Beyond his current effort of shadow-chasing, he should be prepared to face the action of his people. Time will definitely tell.”

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Abegunde urged the court to determine whether or not, in

view of the provisions of Section 68 (1) (9) of the 1999 Constitution and the imbroglio, fractionalisation and division

bedevilling LP in the state, he is not entitled to dump the party.

He is seeking a perpetual order of injunction restraining the defendants from taking any step concerning his defection.

Abegunde said: “For more than 60 times, I summoned reconciliatory meetings between the warring factions without success, until the former LP Chairman, Dr. Olaiya Oni, resigned.

“After his resignation, two parallel chairmen, Mr. Olu Ogidan and Mr. Kunle Odidi, emerged. The battle for authenticity is before the Federal High Court, sitting in Akure.

“The extant acrimony led to the sack of the party’s executive in Akure North Local Government, which prompted the institution of Suit No FAC/AK/CS/2012.”

The lawmaker urged the court to grant the application.

No date has been fixed for hearing.

Lagos-Ibadan Expressway: Illegal buildings’ll go, says Amosun •Oyo to partner Bi-Courtney From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta and Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

•Ajimobi

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GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun yesterday said illegally built structures on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway will be demolished.

At a Town Hall meeting with allottees of plots located at Hill Crest GRA in Abeokuta and on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Amosun lamented that even after his administration froze development on the axis, some people continued to erect structures.

He said: “Law and order has broken down there. I cannot be part of it. I will not take

any land under the guise of overridden public interest only to transfer it to self, Mr. A or Mr. B. “Everyday you pass through that road, you see people developing the land, even after you have advised them to stop work. The unfortunate aspect of it is that many of these developers have not perfected their approval documents. Yet, they don’t bother to come to the government to perfect their papers.

“That is unacceptable. We won’t allow lawlessness. But since they flouted the order, then, when we start checking the records, we will not hesitate to demolish whatever they may have put on the land.

Any structure that is illegal

there will have to go.”

Amosun said a government White Paper on land allocation and management would be published soon.

He said the White Paper would spell out land allocation plans of the government and it would be gazetted.

Amosun said the area the immediate-past government earmarked as Hill Crest GRA is inaccessible, adding that non-existing plots were allocated to thr unsuspecting public.

He said: “What we found on ground is a haphazard arrangement where anything goes, and you can get anything so far you know someone up there. There was no definite pattern or plan.

“But we will establish a standard practice, where people will go to the Bureau of Lands and get things done without

knowing anyone. The template will be system-driven.”

Also yesterday, Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi urged the concessionaire of the road, Messrs Bi-Courtney, to repair collapsed portions.

Ajimobi spoke in his office at Ibadan, the state capital, while receiving the company’s Chairman, Dr. Wale Babalakin.

He said his administration would partner Bi-Courtney on infrastructural development under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

Ajimobi said: “We are exploring partnering your company in infrastructural development, under a PPP arrangement.”

Babalakin assured the governor that work will begin on the road soon.

completed, but we assure the people that what we have done so far will curb flooding.”

Ekiti for PPP on water supply From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

THE Ekiti State Government has said it will adopt a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement in the provision of water.

Speaking yesterday with journalists at a press conference, The Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Mr. Kayode Jegede, spoke with reporters yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

He said PPP is necessary to develop and sustain infrastructure.

Jegede said N1.2 billion has been earmarked for water expansion by the State Water Corporation, while N193 million will go to the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA).

He said the government has developed a master plan to redirect and refocus water and sanitation. Jegede said the project would gulp N30 million, out of which N18 million will go to consultancies and ancillary logistics, while N12 million will be spent on contingencies.

He said Ero Dam, which was built in 1985, would be completely overhauled.

The SA said PPA will ensure efficiency and productivity in the sector, assuring workers that their jobs are safe.

He said: “This programme is to prepare a framework to ensure effective water supply and not an attempt to sack any worker.

“In this programme, all the workers of the State Water Corporation and the Bureau of Public Utilities will be optimally utilised to achieve our aim, and those that have no requisite expertise will be transferred to other ministries, departments or agencies.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

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NEWS Don’t incite us, MASSOB warns From Ogbonnaya Obinna, Abakaliki

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HE Information Director of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Uchanna Madu, has said the harassment of its members by security forces should be stopped.

Madu said the group would carry out deadly attacks, if the ‘persecution’ of its members continues.

He condemned the continuous killings of Ndigbo by the terrorist group, Boko Haram.

“The soldiers claimed that they didn’t kill any MASSOB member in Onitsha. If the military fails to release the bodies of the MASSOB members killed and hand over those arrested to the police, the movement would be forced to resort to violence.

“We believe in the non-violent approach to issues but they are pushing us to the wall, they are provoking MASSOB to become violent and if we decide to resort to violence this time, even the military cannot curtail our attacks.”

Enugu labour leaders get bail

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N Enugu high court yesterday granted bail to a labour leader , Osmond Ugwu.

Justice Pearl Enejere granted Ugwu and Raphael Elobuike bail.

She set the bail at N50,000 each and two sureties.

The duo were on October 24, last year, arrested by the police for their role in leading workers to protest against the non-payment of the new minimum wage.

There had been several

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The general public should take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE I, Mrs. Iyabo Jegede, wish to inform the General public that the original title documents of the property at 4, African Church Street, Ladipo Estate, Shogunle Oshodi, belonging to my husband, late Mr. Sikiru Ibikunle Jegede are missing and could not be traced. If found please return to the above address.

From Chris Oji, Enugu

attempts to arraign the duo but this was frustrated by Justice Afam Nwobodo, who consistently failed to appear in court.

Nwobodo, husband of the Chief of Staff in the Government House, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo, withdrew from the case, as he did not want his ruling to be termed biased.

Ruling on the bail application filed by counsel to the defendants, Justice Enejere said: “The prosecution has not placed any material evidence to deny Ugwu and Elobuike bail.”

The prosecuting counsel had earlier argued that Ugwu, if granted bail, would pose a security threat to the state, but the court said it did not see any reason to deny the defendants bail.

However, the judge’s anger was vented on civil servants in court who went up in joy as soon as she announced the bail.

She immediately ordered their arrest.

The intervention of some Lagos lawyers and a lawyer, who represented Amnesty International, Vincent Obeta, saved the situation.

The judge rescinded her order after they pleaded with her.

“By Friday (today) we would have formally completed the bail processes and they would be free to go home,” Malachy Ugwummadu, lead counsel to the defendants, said.

•Obasanjo (left) greeting Anyaoku. With them is the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Bartho Okolo.

Anyaoku calls for national conference

F

ORMER Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral Emeka Anyaoku yesterday renewed the call for a Sovereign National Conference.

Anyaoku spoke at the 41st convocation lecture of the University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka, Anambra State.

The lecture was delivered by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The former Commonwealth Secretary spoke against the backdrop of bombings in the North and “growing fissiparous tendencies”.

He said: “We must never forget the advantages offered by the nation’s demography.

“There are advantages for development of the self and actualisation of the collective.

“But I must warn about the seriousness of current developments, especially the continuing threat to the security of the citizenry and integrity of the state.”

These developments, Anyaoku said, have brought “added urgency to the need for a national conference to discuss the root challenges to the cohesion and unity of Nigeria.”

The ex-Commonwealth scribe also urged northern leaders “to recognise the agony and anger of relatives of victims of the

Obasanjo: let’s return to ‘reward and punishment’

F

ORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday advocated a return to the reward and punishment system in schools.

Obasanjo was the guest lecturer at the 41st convocation of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

He said teachers’ salaries in tertiary institutions should be paid according to the performances of their students and the grading of their institutions.

According to him, the reward and punishment method would encourage students, teachers, administrators, schools and communities to work harder.

He cited an example from Kenya where ranking order of performance for candidates and schools were announced publicly.

In the paper, entitled: “Education and Development”, the former President said education remained the major agency for both personal and national socio-economic development.

He added that investment in human capital development plays a critical role in longterm productivity growth at both micro and macro levels.

Obasanjo said Nigeria had immense resources, pointing out that as at last year, the nation had 37.2 billion barrels of proven oil reserves making it the largest oil producer

bombings” by the Boko Haram sect.

He recommended that the region’s leaders should convene a meeting with the Federal Government to address the challenge posed

by Boko Haram to the security of the nation.

The diplomat also spoke on the controversies around

From Chris Oji, Enugu

in Africa and the 11th largest in the world.

“The assessment of our performance in meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) shows that we are likely to miss the education targets.

“Although we now have more institutions of higher learning than at any other time in our history, we are still far from having adequate provisions at lower levels of study.

The former President said despite the achievements of the country’s education sector, four problems persist: inaccessibility to education, inequality, lack of purpose and irrelevance.

Obasanjo extoled the virtues of the late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe for his vision in establishing the country’s first indigenous university.

“The University of Nigeria occupies a special place among the 133 public and private universities in Nigeria today, not only because of its superior achievements, but because of the peculiar circumstances of its founding by a rare group of leaders who were operating at regional levels but were driven by nationalistic instincts.”

Obasanjo, which he described as not unusual.

“It is a common phenomenon all over the world that national leaders become subjects of controversy in their nations in the first 10 years after leaving office.

Obasanjo fits the pattern.”

Anyaoku said in the future, dispassionate chroni-

clers of the nation’s history would “judge as truly outstanding the contributions of Obasanjo to our still faltering steps towards building the Nigeria of our dreams.”

The convocation holds today and tomorrow at the Margaret Ekpo Convocation Arena.

Court hears Sylva’s application today

A

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N Abuja Federal High Court will today hear the application by Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva, seeking to be joined in a suit filed by Seriake Dickson.

Justice Gladys Olotu had, last week, granted an exparte order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Dickson as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate.

In the motion on notice, Dickson urged the court to declare him the lawful candidate of the PDP. When the matter came up yesterday, his counsel, Joe Kyari Gadzama (SAN) told the court that he needed time to study the file.

Gadzama insisted that under the rules of court he was

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

entitled to seven days within which to respond to Sylva’s joinder application, submitting that his time was still running.

But Sylva’s counsel Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) argued that the application for adjournment was a deliberate ploy to delay hearing of his application because they had already gained an advantage by “the extraordinary order of mandamus issued by the court.”

Fagbemi said he was convinced if all the facts of the subject had been brought before Justice Olotu, including the pendency of the subject at the Supreme Court, she would not have made the order.

“It is clear that the use to

which the plaintiff sought to put this order was far beyond your contemplation when you granted it,” he said.

He reminded the court that time had already been abridged in the matter and therefore Gadzama could not rightfully lay claim to seven days to respond to his joinder application.

Sylva’s counsel also advised INEC to conduct itself in a manner that will not portray it to be in collusion with Dickson.

“INEC is their allied force and sadly so. They have a right to say they are not objecting. But they must not give the impression of a collusion. “INEC did not file any objection, and it confessed it has been served. I do not want to think it advised the plaintiff to come to court,” he

•Sylva

said.

The Judge struck out Dickson’s preliminary objection to Sylva’s joinder application, following its withdrawal by Gadzama and adjourned hearing till today.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

9

NEWS Judgment today in Obongship tussle From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

T

HE rescheduled judgment in the four-year legal tussle for the throne of the Obong of Calabar comes up today.

The judgment, which had been fixed for January 11, was postponed due to the nationwide strike on the petrol subsidy removal.

Former Minister of Finance Etubom Anthony Ani and four others had, in April 2008, sued the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu and seven others challenging the verdict of the Etuboms Council in the selection and proclamation of Otu as the Obong of Calabar.

Justice Obojor Ogar of the Calabar High Court adjourned the matter till January 11 for judgment.

Ani had, in his claim by his counsel, Joe Agi, sought a declaration that “the presentation and/selection of the fourth defendant (Otu) is contrary to natural justice, equity and good conscience.”

He also sought a declaration that the Etuboms Traditional Rulers Council’s refusal to entertain his complaint violates his right to fair hearing.

The ex-minister prayed the court for an injunction restraining the government from recognising and/or giving a staff of office to Otu. Otu’s counsel Ladi Williams, who was represented by Ms Rebecca Tanga, asked the court to dismiss the applicant’s claims, saying “ he was not qualified to be the Obong of Calabar.”

He said the applicant was given fair hearing in the process of selection.

Anambra works on roads for Ojukwu’s funeral From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

A

NAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi has started the reconstruction of Nnewi roads for the funeral of the late Ikemba of Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

The roads are Igwe Orizu, Nnobi road, Onitsha road and the popular Nkwo triangle.

It was gathered yesterday that the postponement of Ojukwu’s funeral to March 2 was to give room for the completion of the projects.

The rehabilitation began last week, and the projects were awarded to three companies.

SAGEZ is working at Ojukwu’s compound, Master Holdings is working at Orizu Road and Consolidated Construction Company (CCC) is working on Obama to Nnewi road.

A Government House source said: “It would have been an insult to the state if those roads remained like that during Ojukwu’s funeral.

“We should hail the governor for his quick intervention, Ojukwu was the Igbo leader and for roads leading to his home not to be in good condition, what will the visitors say about the state.

T

Hearing on Feb 7 in Akpabio’s, Udoedehe’s dispute

HE Akwa Ibom State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal yesterday adjourned further hearing till February 7 in the case between Governor Godswill Akpabio, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and two others.

ACN governorship candidate John Akpanudoedehe and his running mate, Ime Umanah, are challenging the declaration of Akpabio and his deputy, Nsima Ekere, as the winners of the April 26, last year, governorship election.

The three-member panel, headed by Justice Kwajafa, entertained arguments from ACN’s counsel Kola Awodein (SAN) and the respondents’ counsel, Bayo Ojo (SAN).

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

Justice Kwajafa is expected to rule on the application on the next adjourned date.

Ojo is praying the court to dismiss the petitioners’ application on the grounds that the 180-day time-limit allowed by the Constitution for filing of petitions had lapsed.

In his application dated January 6, Ojo cited Section 285 (6) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to support his argument.

He said the tribunal lacked the requisite authority, nay judicial power to extend the time beyond the 180 days as

prescribed by the Constitution.

But Awodein urged the tribunal to ignore the arguments, saying to accept it would amount to disobeying the decision of the Supreme Court.

He said the Supreme Court was conscious before giving its judgment that the petition should be heard on its merits anew by the lower court.

Awodein urged the tribunal to consider the section holistically rather than relying only on Section 285 (6) only to deny the petitioners justice and fair hearing in the matter.

Justice Adam Onum had, on July 18, last year, dismissed

the petitioners’ application based on technicalities.

Justice Onum held that the petitioners failed to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act on steps required for applying for notices for a pre-hearing session.

Dissatisfied with the ruling, the petitioners proceeded to the Court of Appeal sitting in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

But Justice Jafaru Makailu affirmed the decision of the lower court on September 9.

However, the Supreme Court, led by the Chief Justice, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, on November 15, last year held that the petition should not have been dismissed on technicalities.

He ordered a re-trial of the matter on its merits.

UNITAR trains 500 Rivers youths From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

THE United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) has trained 500 youths from Rivers State in skill manpower.

The Head/Resident Representative of UNITAR, Dr Larry Boms, said this when he visited the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Otelemaba Amachree.

He said the training would enable the youths take advantage of the local content when it kicks off.

Boms said UNITAR has assisted the government in the improvement of local and state administration by building capacity of local actors, community leaders, civil servants as well as non-governmental organisations in local administration and participatory budgeting.

Ambulances for Bayelsa, Delta

•Minister of State for Education Nyesom Wike (middle); Chairman, Forum of Education Commissioners, Prof Offiong Offiong (left); Director, Basic and Secondary Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Mabel Ozumba (second left); Lord Mayor of Portsmouth City, United Kingdom, Cheryl Buggy and the Principal of Highbury College, Portsmouth, Stella Mbubaegbu, after the minister’s meeting with the Portsmouth Mayor in Portsmouth

Robbers kill woman in Port Harcourt

R

OBBERS have killed a woman in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Silva Jones, a graduate of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), was shot in the headand taken to Teme Hospital, where doctors put her on a life–support machine.

She died later in the night just as plans were on to move her to the University of Port

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).

A man who was with her, Emmanuel Hanson, said: “I was going to my duty post at the printing press, opposite the demolished Njemanze waterfront around 7:30 pm , when I met Silva on the way.

“Just as we got to the main gate, two boys walked

up to us and brought out guns, asking us to cooperate.

“They collected my two phones, money and bag.

When they discovered that there was no money in the bag, it was dropped.

“Silva was reluctant to release her handbag.

“This angered the boys.

One of the robbers shot her in the head and she collapsed.

“She was rushed to Teme Hospital, where she died.

“After the robbery, the hoodlums started shooting sporadically to scare away passers-by.

“They disappeared into the demolished dark waterfront.”

Commissioner of Police SuleimanAbba confirmed the incident, saying: “I have directed the DPO, Mile One, to strengthen security in the area.”

Edo shuts NTA, national museum

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HE Edo State Board of Internal Revenue has sealed off the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) over alleged non-remittance of Pay As You Earn (PAYE) worth about N20million.

It also sealed off the National Museum at the King’s Square for allegedly collecting revenue for social events at the museum ground worth N6million.

Workers of both companies came to their offices to meet the gates locked.

Theystood outside for hours.

A worker of the NTA said the premises was shut at about 5am, adding that the non-remittance of PAYE was for a period of five years.

Chairman of Amalgamated Union of Public Cor-

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

poration and Trade Recreational Employment, Benin Museum chapter, Ehi Omokhua said no letter of notice was served before the museum was shut.

Omokhua said the museum has not defaulted in its payment of tax revenue.

“The government had stopped the collection of revenue for social events.

“Where do they expect us to get remittance to pay? We see the closure as barbaric and autocratic in a democratic dispensation,” he said.

But the Chairman of the Revenue Board, Oseni Elamah, said they have evidence that the museum officials have been illegally collecting funds from people.

His words: “They are il-

‘They are illegally collecting revenue they are not supposed to collect. The land belongs to the government. They collected revenue throughout December. They are lying.’ legally collecting revenue they are not supposed to collect.

“The land belongs to the government. They collected revenue throughout December. They are lying.

“ They collected N200,000 from Imasuangbon.

“They collected money from Guinness. What is their business with collecting revenue? They don’t have the right.”

On the sealing off of NTA, Elamah said it was in respect of tax deducted from workers and not remitted to the government.

Elamah said the board has warned NTA but the management did not comply.

He said: “It is not the only federal agency in the state but it is blackmailing us.

“It is not performing its civic responsibilities to the state.

“Our effort is a continuous process. Some of the hotels are yet to pay us the five per cent consumption tax they collected.”

MANAGING Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Christian Oboh has ordered the release of a water ambulance each for Bayelsa and Delta states.

Oboh gave the directive when he visited the commission’s warehouse at Oroworokwo, Port Harcourt.

The NDDC chief, who decried the abandonment of the two new ambulances, said the commission cannot afford to have them waste away when there are those in need of them.

“We have people in the riverine areas who need to be conveyed to hospitals quickly.

“From what I can see, we don’t really need them here, so we will try to put them to use and release them to the states that need them.

He said the NDDC would partner with ministries of health in the other states that need water ambulances.

Elechi sacks council boss Ogbonnaya Obinna, Abaklaliki

EBONYI State Governor Martin Elechi has sacked the Co-ordinator of Ngbo West Development Centre in Ohaukwu Local Government, Joseph Ozibo, for gross misconduct.

A statement by Elechi’s Chief Press Secretary, Onyekachi Eni, said Ozibo was relieved of his appointment, for gross misconduct.

The governor directed the co-ordinator to hand over all government property in his possession to the Administrative Officer of the centre.

According to the statement, a substantive coordinator would be appointed.

This brings to five the number of development centre co-ordinators sacked. The state has 64 development centres.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

10

NEWS Tinubu, others to hold talks on state of the nation

By Emmanuel Oladesu

ACTION Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, other prominent oposition leaders and members of the human rights community are holding consultations on the state of the nation as part of their efforts to salvage the country, it was learnt yesterday.

Sources said Tinubu, who returned from abroad during the week, is expected to hold preliminary meetings with civil society and labour groups. The meetings would appraise the crises confronting the country.

“This broad consultation is aimed at assisting him to appraise himself fully of developments that took place while he was away. It will afford him an opportunity to rob minds and solidarise with political and civil society leaders that took part in the recent protests against petrol subsidy removal, and more importantly, explore ways by which the gains of the demonstrations can be leveraged for advancing a more democratic and just society”, added the source.

During the subsidy crisis, Tinubu issued a statement chiding President Goodluck Jonathan for breaking his social contract with Nigerians. He said the removal was ill-timed, anti-people and insensitive, adding that the move was politically and economically unjustifiable.

“The consultations going on now is a logical followup to the views earlier expressed. It is to be noted that the former governor, taking a cue from his party, is opposing the deployment of soldiers in Lagos by the Federal Government”, said the source.

Tinubu, added the source, is also expected to brainstorm with the ACN governors over the regional economic agenda of the Southwest, with a view to fast-tracking its implementation process.

Jega: N47.3b small for 2015 polls From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

UNLESS more funds are made available to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), it may be difficult to guarantee a hitch-free election in 2015, commission chair Prof.

Attahiru Jega, said yesterday.

Jega, who spoke during the commission’s budget defence before the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters at the National Assembly, said poor budgetary allocation could mar the elections.

According to him, because of the insufficient envelop given to INEC by the Budget Office, the commission may likely abandon some of the important projects aimed at laying a solid foundation for the conduct of the general elections and possible by-elections in 2015.

Babangida: I won’t seek elective office agains

F

ORMER Military President Ibrahim Babangida yesterday pledged to defend the country’s unity with his blood.

He spoke at the ninth yearly Daily Trust Dialogue in Abuja.

Babangida said he would resist anybody or group which tries to break up Nigeria.

Babangida, who was the chairman on the occasion, also said he will never seek any political office again.

He said: “There is always what you call the struggle for self determination and is quite easy for people to come out with. This same country we fought the war for almost

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

three years for the purposes of living together. I carried a bullet in my lap. So, nobody will talk to me about cessation or breaking away. If you do, I will call a tailor, take my measurement, get back into khaki to go and fight even at age 71.

“I have always argued that there has never, and I don’t think there will be conflict in this country between a Muslim and a Christian, or there is no such phrase like Muslim North and Christian south. Wherever you go in this country, you will find in the north that Christians is as

much as we have Muslims in the South.

“But I think emphasising Christian North , Christian South , Muslim North , we should not make it part of our discourse in this country and I think the media is guilty in this regard. Even if people say it, you ignore it because you know that it’s not true. So, don’t even write it.”

He went on: “Anything that touches on our sensibilities as people, anything that touches on our unity as country, I will want to suggest that those are what I’ve always referred to as a settled issue in our politics. We should not encourage those

sorts of things.”

“Some people will say if anything happens to President Jonathan, forget about Nigeria, forget about whatever you want to call it. I know those saying this will say yes, we are supporters of the president, but I believe the President is a sensible person. So why waste your time to say the world will come to an end if anything happens. This is our son. Of course, he is your son, he is our President.”

On his decision not to seek political office, he said: “I can also understand that a man who has been out of public office for nearly two decades but who declares himself to

•Abia State Governor Theodore Orji(left); Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina; Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi and Deputy Governor, Central Bank, Kingsley Moghalu, at the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja…yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

be a presidential aspirant must also be ready to answer endless questions from the press not only on what he intends to do in the future, but also about some events and episodes of the past. Never mind that many of the events of the past that the media relishes in asking questions about are rumours, hearsays, conjectures, concoctions, innuendoes, not to say “the fertile imaginations” of some people.”

Minister warns Rectors, Provosts From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

THE Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’I yesterday cautioned Rectors of polytechnic and Provosts of Colleges of Education against writing directly to President Goodluck Jonathan over any issue.

Prof. Rufa’I emphasised the need for the heads of institutions to follow protocol adding that: “this goes to the Vice President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).”

Speaking at a meeting in Abuja with the Rectors and Provosts, the minister said: “There should be no point in time in your own capacity as Rectors and Provosts that you write to President Goodluck Jonathan. Anything you want from Mr. President you can write to the minister through your Executive Secretary. And that will have a covering letter to the president and it will be forwarded to him.”

Anxiety as five governors know fate today Continued from Page 4

But a former AttorneyGeneral of the Federation (AGF), Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN) advised the apex court to uphold the decision of the Court of Appeal.

At the last sitting, the governors and the PDP yesterday accused the amicus curiae of whipping “dangerous sentiment” which, they said, cannot be backed by law.

Adopting their written briefs, Marwa’s counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), urged the court to allow the appeal and set aside the verdict of the two lower courts.

Justice Adamu Bello of the Federal High Court, in his consolidated judgment ruled that the tenure of the governors started in 2008 when they took a fresh Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office after their victories in the rerun elections conducted

by INEC. The rerun elections were conducted by INEC after the Appeal Courts nullified their victories in the April 14, 2007 general elections.

The Judge held that since the 2007 elections were nullified and set aside by competent courts, the oaths of office and allegiance subscribed to by the governors had been nullified.

Following the judgment, which was upheld by the Court of Appeal panel of five Justices chaired by Justice Muhammad Garuba, governorship elections did not hold in the five states, on April 26 this year.

INEC subsequently fixed governorship election in Kogi State for April 4, 2012; Adamawa- 30th April, 2012; Bayelsa-27th May, 2012; Sokoto- 28th May, 2012 and Cross River for 27th August, 2012.

By the provision of Section 180(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the Governor of a State shall vacate office at the expiration of four years from the date when he took the oath of allegiance and oath of office.

Section 178 (2) of the Constitution as amended provides that: “An election to the office of Governor of a State shall be held on a date not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder of the office.”

Sensing that INEC was lukewarm in pursuing the appeals, the former Military Administrator of Lagos State applied to be joined as an interested party. His prayer was granted.

Olanipekun told the sevenmember panel of Justices chaired by Justice Musdapher that “the issue of second oath is subsidiary, not relevant and it is of no moment”.

He argued that “the judgment of the two courts is dangerous”, adding that “if not corrected it will become a judicial albatross. It could be an ill-wind that will blow us into the lagoon”.

He urged the court to allow the appeal and set aside the judgment of the lower court.

Nyako’s counsel, Mr. Kanu Agabi (SAN), who argued

otherwise, said: “A governor whose election has been annulled is not an elected governor. Once an election is annulled, the oath is annulled.

The word second oath is a contrivance of the appellants.”

“Prior to the amendment, the time spent in office by a governor following an invalid election does not count as part of his tenure,” he added.

The PDP National Legal Adviser, Olusola Oke, who represented the party, said: “oath is a condition precedent to becoming a governor. The oath must be predicated on an election. The election is a foundation of the oath. Oath cannot precede an office. Can it be said that the oath taken in 2007 is relevant to the election won in 2008? The answer is No! “A tenure of four years cannot be predicated on two elections. The fear expressed by the appellants has been cured by the 2010 Amendment Act.” But INEC counsel A.B. Mahmud (SAN) argued that Section 180 (2a), as amended, “is to give the meaning intended by the 1999 Constitution on tenure of office”.

To him, it was the ambiguity created by Section 180 of the 1999 Constitution that necessitated the clarification in the 2010 Amendment Act. But counsel to Idris, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) argued that “oath of office is a consequence of election; election is not a consequence of oath of office”. “The oath is

an accessory to the super structure. The election contemplated in the Constitution is a valid and legal election. Once a given election is nullified, the affects are the same.”

Fagbemi said the 1999 Constitution, as amended in the 2010 Act cannot be visited on the rerun elections conducted in 2008 since it does not have a retrospective effect.

Expressing reservations on the position taken by the amicus curiae, he called the attention of the court to the language used in their brief of argument.

“The submissions of the amicus curiae are sentimental.

If you saw the brief, the Respondents (five governors and PDP) are already condemned to death. Their duty as an amicus curiae is to analyse the issue as a nonpartisan party, not to take a position on it; you leave the rest for the court to do. Your lordships should not be persuaded by their submissions.”

Toeing the same line, counsel to Sylva, Chief Ladi Williams (SAN), said the only law applicable for determination of the governors’ tenure is the law in existence when the cause of action arose.

According to him, the 2010 Amendment Act was not in existence then so it will be wrong to use it in determining the case.

Counsel to Imoke, Paul Erokoro (SAN), also argued that the 1999 Constitution did not envisage a four-year of split tenure. Since the

elections of the governors were nullified, he argued, they never existed in the eyes of the law.

Counsel to Wamako, Mr. S. I. Ameh (SAN), urged the court to discountenance the argument of the appellants and dismiss it as “it is completely devoid of merit”.

Earlier, the amicus curiae gave their legal opinions on the issue.

Akinjide said the oath of office subscribed to by the governors in 2007 cannot be the rallying point in calculating the four-year tenure.

Ajayi maintained that the Constitution centres on the date of the election and not the validity of the action.

Sagay said since all the actions taken by the governors before their elections were nullified remain valid, the time spent should form part of their fouryear tenure.

Referring to past military heads of state who came into power through coup, Sagay pointed out that they are still referred to as past leaders.

“Today, they sit in the council, enjoy pensions. They set most part of the laws in use today.

Those governors contested, declared to have won elections, sign bills and budget into existence, appointed commissioners and must have recommended judges to the National Judicial Council as well as awarded contracts.”

“If you say those acts are valid, that time should be reckoned with”, Sagay submitted.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

11

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Interest rates may rise, says CBN

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IGERIAN interest rates may need to rise this year if the government pushes ahead with an expansionary budget, central bank governor, Lamido Sanusi, said yesterday.

“If we do have an expansionary budget plus the fuel subsidy removal, I think the likelihood is more for an increase than a cut,” Sanusi told Reuters at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

In the face of strikes and demonstrations, Nigeria this month agreed to partially reinstate a subsidy on fuel but Sanusi said the action would still have an inflationary impact by pushing up the cost of transport, food and other goods.

Earlier, Sanusi told CNBC Africa television that the bank would not raise interest rates at its first rate setting meeting of the year next week in direct response to removal of the fuel subsidy, as it was a first round effect.

The finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala had last month said she wanted interest rates to be lowered in 2012, after budget plans were read to the national assembly.

Since then, however, pressure has grown for a more expansionary budget with the Senate calling last week for a higher oil price benchmark that would have the effect of giving the government more money to spend and leave less for savings.

No oil block has been sold since I came into the office.

What we did was to build the National Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), an exploration production arm of NNPC and to transfer NNPC interest in certain blocks NPDC. -Diezani Alison-Madueke, Minister of Petroleum Resources

Nnaji: govt to stop power generation investment in 2014 N • Says PHCN not liquidated T

Nigeria raises N89.76b bonds

HE Federal Govern ment will by end of 2014 stop construction of power generating stations, the Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji has said.

He also said the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) contrary to some reports, has not been liquidated.

Nnaji, who addressed the media yesterday after meeting with members of Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) , however, didn’t disclose the outcome of the meeting with the workers but said the government will by end of 2014 stop direct building of power generating plants.

He said that by 2014 it is expected that all the power plants being built under the National Integrated Power

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

Projects (NIPP) that would give the country over 4,000 megawatts (MW) would have been completed. The minister said subsequent power plants would be built by the private sector.

Nnaji said that PHCN in compliance with the power reform programme has ceased to exist but it has not been liquidated as that can only be done by a court order, which currently has not been executed.

He said that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) wrote to PHCN that it is not recognised as a market participant hence the transfer of the PHCN staff at the head-

quarters. However, it is only officers below the position of general managers that were affected, he added. The minister noted that leaving the staff of the head quarters made no sense as there was no provision for their salaries, therefore, they were distributed among the successor companies.

Nnaji assured that the redeployment of the workers from the headquarters to the successor companies will not affect their salaries, allowances or entitlement in any way.

He said the existing thermal plants of the PHCN will be wholly privatised, the hydro will be on concession while the transmission will

be owned by government but managed by the private sector.

Nnaji also said that the management has completed the biometric identification exercise and identified some illegality and ghost workers. He said those affected would not be paid their salaries and entitlements.

The President of SSAEAC Mr. Bede Opara in his response, told the Minister that the workers at the headquarters must not be tinkered with as moving them or redeploying them negates the agreement reached with the workers.

“We have agreed that all labour matters must be resolved and workers get all their benefits before any of the properties are transferred.

‘Non-oil sectors to boost Nigeria’s growth’

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

IGERIA raised N89.76 billion ($561.46 mil lion) at an auction of government bonds on Wednesday, its first debt auction this year with yields higher than at its previous auction, the Debt Management Office said yesterday.

The debt office according to Reuters News said it auctioned N19.76 billion in the 10-year bond due to mature in 2018 and 35 billion each in the bonds maturing in 2019 and 2022 respectively.

Two of the instruments on auction are re-openings of previous issues, while the one maturing in 2022 is new.

The paper maturing in May 2018 was issued at 16.98 per cent, compared with the 15.93 per cent marginal rate at the previous auction in December, while the bond maturing on October 2019 was sold at 16 per cent, higher than the 15 percent previously.

The marginal rate for the fresh issue was set at 16.39 percent.

Total subscription at Wednesday’s auction stood at 109.35 billion naira.

“The original coupon rates of 10.70 percent and 7.0 percent for the May 2018 and October 2019 respectively will be maintained, while the coupon rate for the January 2022 is set at 16.39 percent,” the debt office said in a statement.

Nigeria, Africa’s secondbiggest economy after south Africa, issues sovereign bonds monthly to support the local bond market, create a benchmark for corporate issuance and fund its budget deficit.

• Dr Kingsley Chiedu Moghalu, CBN Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability and Dr Kalu Idika Kalu, former Minister of Finance at the public hearing on subsidy regime by the Ad-hoc Committee of the House of Reps...Tuesday.

Falana flays NNPC’s $196m demurrage over deductions HE Nigerian National payment instance, made in 2007, 2008 and 2009 Petroleum Corpora

T

tion (NNPC) paid $196 million at an average of $6.6 million per month for demurrage on imported fuels between 2007 and 2009, lawyer activist, Femi Falana has said.

Falana said that landing cost of imported petroleum product could be less than the Petroleum Product Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) template.

He also said that the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF) should account for over N500 billion it spent between 2006 and 2011) from equalisation of prices of petroleum products and marine transportation.

Falana, who appeared before the House of Representatives ad hoc committee probing the management of subsidy regime, said both NNPC and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other agencies in their category have continually flouted the constitution by not subject-

From: Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

ing their budget to the National Assembly.

He said that the government ought to have earned huge revenues from local refining of petroleum products rather than wasting over N4 trillion on fuel subsidy due to ‘reckless importation’. He said what this amounted to was that Nigeria subsidising incompetence, corruption, mismanagement and inefficiency that have characterised the importation by the so-called oil cartel.

Falana said the NNPC is in the thick of the corruption, “NNPC collected not less than 59 per cent of the total subsidy fund of over N4 trillion while 41 per cent was paid to other marketers from 2006 to 2011.

Variations between NNPC claims and the verifications by PPPRA led to over deductions of several billions of naira. For

were over N35 billion.

“The sum of $136 million at an average of $6.6 million per month was paid by NNPC for demurrage on imported fuel products from 2007 to 2009.

Whereas payment for import of petroleum products was to be effected within 45 days of the submission of Notice of Readiness (NOR). This was deliberately delayed for upward of 250 days leading to payment of huge interests by the NNPC,” he said.

Falana noted that rather than use its storage faculties of 18,000 cubic metres that were in good condition, NNPC preferred to lease third party facilities, which for five years it paid colossal amount of money for.

The activist also indicted the NNPC for refining millions of litres of fuel in Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire only to collect subsidy claims as if they were imported from Europe.

He also regretted that the

• Falana

NNPC could have shortchanged the nation through allocation of 445,000 barrels of crude per day to Warri refinery, Port Harcourt refinery and Cote d’Ivoire through swapping to Duke Oil, owned by the NNPC and 60,000 barrels to Tranfigura of the United Kingdom.

Falana who noted that fuel is sold beyond the official price in many parts of the country, which is illegal according to the PEF Act, implored the committee to direct the PEF to refund over N500 billion it ‘spent illegally’ .

N

IGERIA’s economy is expected to grow around 7 per cent this year and next thanks to solid performance in industries outside of its bedrock oil sector, a Reuters poll showed yesterday.

The forecasts, based on a poll of 11 analysts, paint a strikingly positive outlook for Africa’s most populous nation of 140 million people, which has started 2012 on a decidedly shaky footing.

President Goodluck Jonathan was forced to row back on the removal of costly fuel subsidies after a wave of strikes and protests, and Islamist group Boko Haram has dramatically stepped up a three-year insurgency.

The group, whose name means “Western education is sinful” in northern Nigeria’s Hausa language, has killed nearly 1,000 people since 2009, including at least 178 this week in a series of gun and bomb attacks in Kano, Nigeria’s second-biggest city.

“The political battle to end the petrol price subsidy in January is in many ways a microcosm of the wider political battle within the political elite over the reform process,” Citibank said in a note.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

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BUSINESS NEWS

‘Nigeria loses $40m to poor quality cashew’

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IGERIA loses $40 million (about N6 billion) annually to rejected poor quality cashew nut meant for export, the President, National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), Mr. Tola Faseru said.

Faseru told our correspondent that as a result of poor quality, the prices of Nigerian cashew nuts in the export market are discounted by between 20 per cent and 30 per cent causing exporters to receive low prices from buyers from India and Vietnam, which are the world major buyers of the commodity.

He said that because some Indians go to local markets in the country and buy directly from the source (local farmers), the nuts reaching the exporters or processors are often un-dried and un-graded.

This development, he said, leads to an increase in the cost of drying, cleaning, removal of spoilt, void, damaged or immature nuts in the warehouses.

In some situations, Fasure said part of the consignment may be regarded as unsuitable for export, after having been transported to Lagos. He noted that since the nuts are

By Daniel Essiet

bought on the basis of weight (80Kg bags), some farmers don’t dry the nuts before selling in order to obtain a higher weight. This practice has greatly affected quality of nuts supplied.

According to Fasure, the normal moisture content of the nuts should be less than 20 per cent to be fit for trade, but most of the moisture content of supplies arriving Lagos from the producing areas is reported to be above 20 per cent.

Besides, Fasure also noted that the variety of the cashew nut can also be a factor that determines the price of a cashew nut. In some situations, Fasure said that the association is taking steps to address the problem in order to make Nigerian exporters maximise their revenues from exporting the commodities. He said one of the steps is to regulate the market and stop the Indians from going into the villages to buy directly from the farmers. This development, he noted, would enable the association to ensure that the farmers allow the nuts reduce their moisture levels through drying before bringing them for sale.

• Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu, Commisioner for Information and Strategy, Mrs. Oluwande Muoyo, Commissioner for Budget and Planning, and Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, Commissioner for Finance, at the Ogun State 2012 Budget Breakdown Session in Abeokuta…yesterday.

Ogun earmarks 55% of budget for capital projects

I

N a bid to fast-track infrastructural develop ment in Ogun state, the government has earmarked 55 per cent of its budget in 2012 for capital projects. This represents an 18 per cent increase over the previous year’s allocation.

The state commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mrs. Oluwande Muoyo disclosed this yesterday during the breakdown session on the budget to major stakeholders in the state capital, Abeokuta.

For the 2012 fiscal year, she said the state government will spend

N200billion. Out of this, capital projects will gulp N110billion while N90billion is for recurrent expenditure.

The commissioner explained that the increase in the allocation for capital projects was to allow for massive Infrastructural development, which is one of the five cardinal programmes of the Amosun administration.

“The CAPEX/Recurrent Ratio for 2012 is 55:45 as against 37:63 in 2011. This is to pursue our objective of aggressively rebuilding Ogun State through priority

for investment spending” she said.

While 33 per cent of the budget will be funded from internal sources, 67per cent will be funded from projected inflow from the Federation Account (35per cent) and capital receipts (32per cent).

A further breakdown of the budget shows that 67per cent of the budget will be spent on the administration’s 5-cardinal programme (education, rural & infrastructural development / employment generation, housing & urban renewal,

healthcare and agriculture/ industralisation.)

Education takes the lion share of N42.4billion, representing 20 per cent of the entire budget, while housing and community amenities will gulp N29.1billion.

The commissioner noted that the state government intends to pursue an aggressive Internally Generated Revenue for 2012, with an expected IGR of over N100billion. This the government expects to achieve by widening its tax net, especially the residency rule, improved collection mechanism and blockages of leakages in the system.

13 FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

Vol 3 No. 159

Nigerite Limited is the premium brand in the real estate sub-sector. With over 50 years in the country, the firm has, indeed, come of age. Owned by the Etex Group of Belgium and Odua Investment Limited of Nigeria, Nigerite has, through constant innovation, consistent maintenance of quality in its products and visionary leadership been able to weather the storms in the manufacturing sector. In this interview with WALE ALABI, the company’s Executive Director (Marketing), Mr Toyin Afolabi Gbede, speaks on the factors that make the Nigerite brand competitive.

‘Why we are committed to giving back to society’

professionals while same are pasted in our distributors’ and dealers’ outlets to further sensitise end users on how to identify these products.

Recent innovative products in our portfolio

Nigerite Limited, a foremost building components manufacturer, has launched the Ultraspan light gauge steel roof truss system that will reduce environmental problem caused by deforestation. The product is designed in response to global calls for the protection of the environment by reducing activities that contribute to the depletion of natural resources such as wood used in supporting both the ceiling and roof of a building. To ensure that Nigerian consumers are offered superior quality products, we also introduced Ecotile, Twintile and Gemstone for lovers of steel based roofing tiles. These brands are made from superior metal alloys that take into consideration our saline humid climatic conditions of our coastal areas, finished with coating that are UV resistant hence does not witness sudden discolouration known with most metalbased roofing tiles prevalent in Nigerian roofing market today. Our Twintile are made of two-ply metal, sandwiching a polymer to reduce heat gains in building.

In the beginning

N

IGERITE Limited is the largest company in Africa engaged in the manufacture of fibre cement roofing and ceiling sheets, sandcrete roofing tiles (CreteTile French and CreteTile Mission) and vinyl floor tiles. It was incorporated in Nigeria on April 29, 1959 as a joint venture between Etex Group of Belgium and Odua Investment Corporation Limited of Nigeria. The brand ‘Nigerite’ at over 50 years is known for its excellent products and services.

Nigerite, a building component solutions company, provides gainful employment for over 700 Nigerians. We manufacture, market and install well-known brands, such as SuperFlat sheets, Superlightweight SuperSeven and LiteSpan. Others are CreteTile French and CreteTile Mission, Duke/Duchess Slates, EcoTile, TwinTile, Gemstone roofing tiles, Kolor 7, Kolor Short SuperSeven, Short Super Seven, Kolor SuperLightweight, Kolor LiteSpan and UltraSpan light gauge steel truss system. Also, from our stable are Decorceil, Acoustile, Fascia Board and Floorflex tiles.

At the inception over 50 years ago, Nigerite started operations with fibre cement brands such as Superflat sheets, Super T, SLW and S7. Some of the prime properties at Ikoyi are still adorned with these brands. As an upward mobile brand, we are the first building materials company to introduce red coloured roof in Nigeria. Villatile roofing sheets took the market with a bang and thus became a very successful brand sought after by the upper economic class.

Nigerite has, thereafter, pioneered the first roofing slates – Duke and Duchess slates, Sandcrete (non-fibre) compressed tiles, CreteTile French and CreteTile Mission, light gauge steel roof truss system “Ultraspan”. And before the end of the year, we will be launching the panelised system homes “Building System Home (BSH) in our attempt to revolutionise low cost housing delivery system.

The market share Nigerite is the market leader. Our brands cut across all economic segments – the low, medium and high-ends. In the roofing category, we are the undisputed market leader in low-end market with 35per cent market share, 29per cent market share at the medium end and 15 per cent market share at the high-end. All together, our roofing brands controls 27.3 per cent market share. In ceiling, our brands collectively controls 28.7 per cent market share, while we control 54.7per cent share in the PVC flooring market.

Between Nigerite and competition As a member of an internationally renowned group, Etex of Belgium with over 90 subsidiaries across 40 countries the world over, we always ensure our brands are in tandem with world standards hence we ensure international quality control standard in our production process. The major factor that distinguished Nigerite from competition is the company’s unique brand offering. Nigerite brands are positioned as global brands, preferred by consumers for its values and unique benefits. The brands help in defining the unique lifestyle of her teeming consumers.

Nigerite is the only building materials manufacturer in Nigeria that positions at least a brand in every economic segment. That means, no matter one’s economic status, the company knows that shelter is a basic necessity of life and

Revolutionalising the building process

•Gbede

therefore, there is a product ready from our stable that will best meet every Nigerian’s housing needs, be it roofing, ceiling and flooring. As a result of the company’s unique brand offerings, Nigerite expends a substantial portion of its resources on strict quality control management to comply with international standards on all its brands. The achievement of all these enviable preferred brands in the market today did not come by accident. This has come through continuous process improvement, efficient deployment of our resources (human and machine), increased capacity, unrelenting expansion of our footprint and systematic building of a global brand with unique and refreshing identity, new growth plans and deployment of excellent corporate and marketing communication campaigns.

Beating fakers in their game Consistently, Nigerite is reaching out to specifiers in the building industry as well as end users on how to identify Nigerite products, particularly its Litespan, SLW, S7 and SFS. Furthermore, handbills and posters are given to these

‘As a result of the company’s unique brand offerings, Nigerite expends a substantial portion of its resources on strict quality control management to comply with international standards on all its brands.

The achievement of all these enviable preferred brands in the market today did not come by accident’

In our determination to contribute meaningfully to the housing industry, Nigerite Limited is perfecting its research that promises to revolutionalise the building construction in the country. We have done extensive work on the “Building System Homes (BSH)”, a panelised system of building affordable houses within two weeks. In fact, the BSH will be introduced when we are satisfied with ongoing testing. The system will definitely revolutionalise the housing industry in Nigeria because it will cut down on wastages and give low income earners an opportunity to building quality houses. Continually, we are engaging in research and development and, in no distant future, we shall be introducing some products that will greatly revolutionalise building process and reduce construction time by 75 per cent, especially areas of affordable housing.

In line with our continuous development, the company will soon be introducing Superlightweight, Super Seven and Litespan, our fibre cement roofing sheets which hitherto had come in standard grey colour in three new attractive colours in an effort to add colour to the Nigerian landscape.

Nigerite Limited is about the only Nigerian building manufacturing firm that offers full complementary installation and maintenance services including roof installation and PVC floor tiles laying services to customers at competitive rates. Nigerite Limited is assisting customers to resuscitate their old and ageing roofs through its Roof Maintenance Service. Roofs, generally, being the most exposed part of the building, are subject to severe weather condition, such as solar radiation, acid rain, humid air, dust, deposit of debris from polluted air which eventually generate organic growth on the roof surface.

Impact of technology A member of a multinational, the firm is operating with latest technology in the production of its products. Our SM5 machine inaugurated in 2008 is the largest and most sophisticated of its type in Africa is equipped with the state of the art technology with robotic operation.

In the marketing mix We employ all the basic marketing mix, such as price, product, promotion and place in reaching our target market. We have been able to strategically segment the market and, thus deployed uniquely designed marketing communication effort at reaching each member of the segment.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS) Nigerite Limited, having been operating in Nigeria for over 50 years is highly committed to “giving back to its immediate community. As such, we spend reasonable amount of money and materials in donations to public schools, restoration of historic structures, palaces of traditional rulers, etc. We also organise on a continuous basis, not less than 20 training programmes, workshops, seminars, etc. as part of our skills acquisition programme to help improve the skills of carpenters.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

14

AGRO-BUSINESS

Govt to boost forex with cocoa production T

HE Federal Government is to increase cocoa production to boost foreign exchange (forex) and create employment.

The Cocoa Transformation Team Leader, Dr Peter Aikpokpodion, said in Abuja that Nigeria used to contribute 18 per cent of world cocoa production before it dropped to seven per cent.

He said countries like Cote d'Ivoire hitherto unknown in cocoa production, now provides one-third of the world’s cocoa, while Ghana has increased its contribution to almost 20 per cent.

Aikpokpodion said the nation needed to increase local production to enhance its share in the global market.

According to him, cocoa is the single largest non-oil foreign exchange earner beside oil.

The neglect of the agric sector, he noted, has affected the cocoa industry. For this reason, he called on the government to focus more attention on the commodity to improve income generation.

Chairman, Cocoa Association of Nigeria, Robinson Riman, said cocoa is the second highest foreign exchange earner after oil.

To improve the situation,Riman said his association was working to increase cocoa purchases by foreign buyers.

He called on the government to promote public-private sector partnership in cocoa production

•Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akin Adesina

By Daniel Essiet, Agric Correspondent

to help the nation to compete favourably with others in West Africa.

On challenges, he noted that there are many aged cocoa farmers and there is the need to provide incentives to encourage youths to take over from them.

Country Manager, Solidaridad in Nigeria, Alex Akin, said one of the objectives of his organisation was to alleviate poverty by increasing the income of farmers.

This, he said, is by introducing ways to improve their livelihood

and general working conditions.

He called for professionalism in the agric sector. “The farmers can get certified by undergoing training on the processes involved. At the end of the day, it is very beneficial, which means additional income for the workers which they can use to improve themselves and their communities. There is a premium and, besides, the farmers will become professionals in managing their farms.”

He said the capacity of the farmers needed to be enhanced in terms upgrade in modern agricultural practices. “All these are will be taken care with training, with international standards emphasised. The standards for the farmers are ready. The essence of this is to bring efficiency into the system. At the end, cocoa production will increase.”

He said his organisation was investing in developing and expanding farmer training to support the cocoa sector.

Also, last year, the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH) unveiled a $13.5 million initiative to support the African cocoa sector.

The new African Cocoa Initiative (WCF/ACI) will invest in sustainable cocoa programmes in West Africa.

Expert canvasses measures to stem unhealthy fishing

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DON, Prof Martins Antehkai, has urged the Federal Government to impose measures to discourage unhealthy fishing practices.

Antehkai, a professor of fisheries at the Lagos State University (LASU), urged the government to prohibit charter agreements with foreign fishing operators allowing such practices.

He said the nation’s fish population was in decline and that factors other than climate change, including over-fishing and the destruction of breeding environments, may be responsible.

He said fishing is a key factor in the country's food security contributing as much as 70 per cent of animal protein in rural and urban areas.

Calling for a strategic plan to restore depleted fish stocks to a sustainable level, Antehkai urged the government to monitor foreign fishing vessels in its territorial waters.

He noted that the nation needs strict fishing policies, which punish individuals and companies by levying huge fines, limiting catches and regulating fishing methods.

One of the government’s most important tasks, he said, would be stringent enforcement of restrictions on overfishing. This would allow fish populations to recover.

• Prof Antehkai

He called on the government to take a more active role in promoting the industry, by identifying missed opportunities and encouraging investments.

Antehkai called on the government to revamp the fishing industry to ensure sufficiency of fish catch to meet the demand of the consuming public.

He asked for support for fishermen to get new engines, sonar equipment, echo-sounders, searchlights, safety jackets and all, to ensure safety at sea as well as encourage sustainable fishing to support the population.

Council distributes N23.7m food items

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HE Kwami Local Government Council in Gombe State has distributed food items worth N23.7 million to its citizens to alleviate the hardship following the hike in the price of petrol.

Its Chairman, Alhaji Yau Marafa, said at a news conference that the items comprised 2,070 bags of maize and 1,035 bags of polished rice. He said the items were distributed to the 207 polling units in the area, adding that each unit got 10 bags of maize and five bags of rice “to be shared to everyone”.

He said the gesture was a directive from the state government that local councils should distribute food items to their citizens.

Marafa said a committee consisting of traditional rulers, security agents and elders was constituted to ensure smooth distribution of the items.

In his remarks, Alhaji Danladi Mohammed, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, commended the state government for the initiative, saying it would go a long way in cushioning the economic hardship on the beneficiaries.

‘Support sugar cane farming’ • Cassava bread on display.

Adopt yield-enhancing technology for agric, the agricultural sector in Nigeria, HE IFAD Country govt told the UN agency had decided to inProgramme Officer in Nige-

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ria, Dr Ben Odoemena, has advocated the adoption of yieldenhancing technology to make agriculture competitive.

Odoemena said agriculture would not be competitive without improved productivity.

He explained that increased productivity would reduce the cost of labour as well as the unit cost of output, thereby leading to product availability and affordability.

“You cannot make Nigerian agriculture competitive without improving productivity because once productivity is increased, the cost of labour drops.

“The unit cost of your output will also drop, thereby making you very available to the consumers.

“If consumers cannot access your products at a price they can afford, then, certainly, you are not competitive and you are out of business.

“So, to do this, we need yield- enhancing technologies.”

He listed the ingredients of the technology required as the application of fertilisers as well as agronomic practices in terms of time of planting and harvesting, among others He also said the adoption of integrated pest management would help Nigeria to achieve agricultural competitiveness.

He said considering IFAD’s active involvement in the development of

crease the level of policy dialogue with the state actors for increased participation in IFAD-assisted programmes.

Odoemena also underscored the role of the organised private sector in developing the agriculture sector. He said the agency was strategising to ensure the participation of banks, input manufacturers and credible dealers.

“We also want to increase the level of policy dialogue and discussions with the state actors to see how they can increase their level of participation.

“Basically, IFAD will not do the development alone, so government participation has to also be upscaled for us to show results,” he added.

T

HE Federal Government has been urged to support private investors to establish sugar mills ifthe government’s dream of realising a ‘green revolution’ is to become a reality.

Speaking with The Nation, a professor of agricultural engineering, Ayo Ogunlela, said sugar is an important agricultural export and the industry can employ so many Nigerians .

Ogunlela, who of Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering Department, University of University of Ilorin (UNILORN) said encouraging Nigerians to take up sugar cane farming on a massive scale will make an emphatic contribution to the development of agriculture.

Ogunlela,appealed to more Nigerians to engage in sugarcane farming “and thus benefit from

the existence of a reliable market for their crop.

The expert said sugar cane farming will guarantee a regular supply of sugar while protectingthe market from extreme price fluctuations. He said increase in cane production will bring down sugar prices.

Ogunlela said reviving the sugar industry could create thousands of jobs and cut millions from s import bill.

He said the sector will bring opportunities for farmers” and “enhance security of sugar supply for food processors and consumers”.

With expected growth, Ogunlela said sugar manufacturers can export tonnes of the surplus commodity. The don said sugar cane industry is big one and providesdirect employment for many Nigerians and small planters.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

17

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

One of the high profile losses at the April 2011 senatorial poll was Kaduna North that former Governor Ahmed Makarfi reportedly lost to Yusuf BabaAhmed of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). Correspondent TONY AKOWE reports the travails of the former governor who had occupied the seat between 2007 and last year and was chairman of the Finance Committee.

‘How Makarfi regained his senatorial seat’

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N Friday, January 13, 2012, the news broke that the Court of Appeal sitting in Kaduna had affirmed the decision of the National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal that declared Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi as winner of the April 28, 2010 senatorial election for Kaduna North Senatorial district. The argument advanced by those who started spreading the news was that the 60 days stipulated by the 1999 Constitution as amended for appeal from the lower tribunal to be disposed off had elapsed without the appeal against the judgment heard by the appellate court.

The Nation learnt that Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), who was declared winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to file an appeal before the appellate court within the stipulated time.

Even as at January 12 when the time for the appeal was said to have lapsed, no appeal had been filed before the Court of Appeal by the Senator who had to wait until the 21 days allowed by the Electoral Act 2010 to respond to a petition filed against him at the tribunal to lapse before rushing to seek for an extension of time to file his response. In what now looks like a habit for the Senator who once served in the House of Representatives between 2003 and 2007, he failed to file his appeal, only to file an application afterward seeking an extension of time by the court to file his appeal against the judgment which sought to evict him from the National Assembly.

However, January 24, the court sat to deliberate on the application for an extension of time. Abass Ibrahim, counsel to Senator Baba-Ahmed, tried to convince the court to grant an extension of time to file an appeal against the judgment of the lower tribunal, blaming the delay on the anti-fuel subsidy strike and the subsequent curfew imposed on Kaduna metropolis by the state government.

He told the court that, although the 60 days allowed by law ought to have lapsed on January 12, it should consider the nationwide strike and the 24 hour curfew imposed on the state during the fuel price protest in its decision. The court, has pleaded, should ensure justice, not merely looking at it technically, as the court has jurisdiction to hear the appeal”.

But, Senator Makarfi’s, counsel, Yunus Ustaz Usman, argued that the appellant was responsible for the delay since he had 60 days to file an appeal. Usman, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, argued that it was out of place for the appellant to blame the strike when he were responsible for the delay, considering his failure to file the appeal within the stipulated time. He argued that the provision of Section 285 of the 1999 Constitution stipulates that“irrespective of the prevailing circumstances, as far as the 60 days has lapsed, the Court of Appeal no longer has jurisdiction to hear the appeal.” Usman cited the case of Bugaje vs Shema which was struck out on similar grounds and affirmed by the Supreme Court.

The appellate court in its judgment delivered at about 7.00pm on Tuesday, said it lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the application in view of constitutional provisions. Delivering the judgment which lasted 22 minutes, the Presiding Judge, Justice Amina Augie said that by

• Makarfi

the provisions of section 285; sub-section 7 of the 1999 constitution which proscribe the time frame of 60 days for the hearing of an appeal from election tribunal by Court of Appeal, the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the application, pointing out that the Nigerian constitution is very strict about the 60-day period. He averred that even if the court decided to entertain the appeal, there was none before the court yet, saying, “what is before the court as we speak are applications for extension of time to file the appeal proper and application to regularise the appellant’s appeal before the court. We can only say the court has an appeal before it when there is an application for appeal and record of proceedings of the previous judgment”. By this judgment, the former governor is set to take seat in the nation’s upper legislative chamber.

Some political observers are quick to note that Datti Baba-Ahmed displayed a rather nonchalant attitude to the case, initially reportedly playing hide-and-seek with service of the petition by Makarfi who, though congratulated his opponent, felt there were irregularities in the election. Makarfi had to apply to the tribunal for substituted service when it became obvious that time was running out and he was granted permission to paste the petition at Baba-Ahmed’s last known address.

‘With the suspension of the conduct of PDP congresses and the seeming no love lost between the Vice President, Mohammed Namadi Sambo and Makarfi, political watchers in the state are of the view that the return of Makarfi to the senate will further open the battle for position within the party in the state’

This prompted a response from the CPC candidate, but his response was later said to have been filed out of time. Sources told The Nation that even though Makarfi sought to upturn the results announced by INEC, he told his lawyer to avoid any form of technicalities in the case and allow it to be determined on its merit.

So, with this, the lower tribunal allowed the case to go on with the former governor as the first of his two witnesses. He claimed massive thumb printing and stuffing of the ballot boxes with unsigned and unstamped ballot papers and asked for a recount of the votes cast in selected polling units in about seven of the eight local government areas that make up the district. Even though this was opposed by respondent in the petition, many believed that they were only preparing a ground for appeal since they knew that allowing a recount of the ballot will not be in their favour. In its unanimous judgment delivered on November 14 which lasted for about five hours, the lower tribunal nullified the election of Datti Baba-Ahmed and ordered a withdrawal of his Certificate of Return by INEC and issuing same to Makarfi.

However, relying on the provisions of section 143 (1) of the 2010 Electoral Act, Datti Ahmed continued to enjoy his stay at the Senate. The section stipulates that: “If the Election Tribunal or the Court, as the case may be, determines that a candidate returned as elected was not validly elected, then if notice of appeal against that decision is given within 21 days from the date of the decision, the candidate returned as elected shall, notwithstanding the contrary decision of the Election Tribunal or the Court, remain in office pending the determination of the appeal”.

Not many are surprised that Makarfi is reclaiming his seat at the Senate in view of his political followership across the state. His loss during the election is viewed by many as a big loss to the PDP and the state in view of his contribution when he was there. Unconfirmed reports have it that Baba-Ahmed has not been forthcoming even with his party and partly contributed to frustrating his case both at the lower tribunal and the Appeal Court. It is believed that he felt he had some godfathers within the PDP who were not favourably disposed to Makarfi’s return to the Senate and did everything possible to frustrate that. Even though this could not be confirmed as at press time, there is no doubt that the return of Makarfi to the senate has placed the state at a vantage position with well experienced people at the upper chambers of the National Assembly. While he was there between 2007 and 2011, he occupied the prestigious position of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, bringing his wealth of experience as a Chartered Accountant to bear on the financial dealings of the senate.

With the suspension of the conduct of PDP congresses and the seeming no love lost between the Vice President, Mohammed Namadi Sambo and Makarfi, political watchers in the state are of the view that the return of Makarfi to the senate will further open the battle for position within the party in the state. But going by his disposition to issues, Makarfi is not likely to engage in frivolities and power tussle within the party in the state.

Between 2007 and 2011, Makarfi refused to comment on state matters as it affected the governance of Kaduna state, preferring to speak only on national issues in other to avoid being accused of undermining the government in the state.

Even though they maintained a cordial public relationship, it was clear to many that the relationship between Sambo and Makarfi was not cordial and effort was made to reconcile them. Some Makarfi loyalists were quick to accuse Sambo of being behind Makarfi’s defeat at the senatorial election, an accusation that Sambo’s aides have always denied, insisting that there was no way the Vice President could have worked against the success of his party at any level. The Vice President’s aides argued that rather than being accused of working against any of the candidates of the party during the last election, he should be commended for doing so much to ensure that party emerged victorious during the last elections against all odds.

Apart from this, some believed that the apparent wave of change brought about by the new CPC spirit across the north contributed immensely to Makarfi’s initial loss at the pool which was however not well managed by the CPC and its candidate. One school of thought believed that a senior member of the party in the north who is not favourably disposed to Makarfi actually sponsored Baba-Ahmed against Makarfi in a bid to stop his return to the senate. But aides of the former governor dismiss this claim, adding that Makarfi has always been a party man and will always remain loyal to the party at all levels. This was displayed throughout the proceedings at the tribunal as PDP loyalists constantly take over the tribunal whenever the petition was being mentioned.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

The fantastic four • Nigerian quadruplets bagging Master’s degrees same day in the same university seems like a fairy tale that has come alive

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HAT is the next act in this surreal drama? Are they going to get married on the same day?

Give birth to their babies on the same day?

The world will sure be excused if it expects more drama from this fairy tale Nigerian family. The Ogunsanya quadruplets (two boys and two girls) are the media buzz this week across the world. The Nigerian kids raised in England are variously described by the media as the ‘fabulous foursome’ or ‘the fantastic four’ as news broke early in the week about their record-breaking act. The foursome graduated same day with Master’s degrees from Warwick University, England.

The fact that these four young people are from the same womb is amazing enough; that they grew up together under the same roof and carried on their studies together up to graduate school without any of them faltering is an occurrence that does not happen all the time. The joys of their parents will surely know no bounds.

“Our parents are four times as proud of us,” one of the boys said.

Described as quite brilliant, the quad, originally from Lagos, have been living in the UK since the age of seven when they began boarding school, before they all proceeded to Warwick University.

According to them, they were attracted to Warwick by the strength of the courses on offer and because they are a close-knit family. While the first girl, Toks has a Master’s in Manufacturing and Engineering, her three siblings gained Masters in Science (M.Sc) in Management from Warwick Business School. “We are all gravitated to similar courses because we have all been interested in business and management and our father is a successful businessman in Nigeria,” they

said.

Talking about their parents, they noted that they supported them financially and encouraged them all the way, emphasising that without their parents’ help and guidance, they wouldn’t be here today. For sticking together and winning together in an extraordinary way, the fantastic quad already have top jobs waiting for them as they graduate. While one is headed to a major bank, (Santander), another is already tapped by a conglomerate while the other two are joining major accounting firms. The feat of the Ogunsanya quad is too good to be true, it is so awe-inspiring that one is almost pushed to exclaim, blessed is the day they were conceived and the womb that bore them!

This beautiful story of the Ogunsanya’s is the story of Nigeria albeit, a story of what might have been. Though her negative tales get more publicity simply because bad story makes better news, Nigerians who have been alienated at home, are scattered all over the globe doing great feats in their private worlds.

And these ramify every spectrum of human endeavor: from academics to medicine, sports and space science.

We shudder to contemplate what might have been if these great Ogunsanya ambassadors had remained in Nigeria.

In the first place, most multiple births in Nigeria are greeted with woe cries because what ought to be blessing in overabundance is often multiple sorrow for such ‘unfortunate’ parents. First, the costs of raising such number of children are enormous for parents anywhere; costs both financial and psychological. But unlike in well-ordered climes where such parents find some succour in government, there are no such opportunities here.

What this means is that where such multiple births are not afflicted by malnutrition, they often are imperiled by opportunistic ailments which retard them ruinously in the event that it doesn’t kill them altogether. The Ogunsanya quad is, therefore, a metaphor for the amazing potential Nigeria is capable of unleashing upon the world if only her leaders would choose to order the country properly and harness her resources to ensure the greatest good is done to the greatest number.

The fabulous Ogunsanya four are not only the joys of their parents, they are our pride, a reminder that something good can still manifest in our broken nation, Nigeria. As they raised their mortarboards as if to salute the world, we see in their radiant faces, the face of a new Nigeria waiting to unfurl.

‘The Ogunsanya quad is, therefore, a metaphor for the amazing potential Nigeria is capable of unleashing upon the world if only her leaders would choose to order the country properly and harness her resources to ensure the greatest good is done to the greatest number.

The fabulous Ogunsanya four are not only the joys of their parents, they are our pride, a reminder that something good can still manifest in our broken nation, Nigeria’

Lesson from Cross River

• Unlike neighbour Bayelsa, the state PDP governorship congress held without interference

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THER things being equal, Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State will fly the flag of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the April 23 governorship election in the state, having won the primary conducted on January 23. The governor and Ambassador Soni Abang, the immediate Nigerian envoy to Mali, had earlier appeared before the Senator Teslim Folarin-led zonal screening committee penultimate week in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and were both cleared to contest in the party’s gubernatorial primaries.

Announcing the result of the primaries held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, the Chairman of the PDP Electoral Panel, Senator Ahmmed Sana, said of the 747 accredited votes, Senator Imoke pulled 737, Ambassador Soni Abang got three votes while seven votes were voided.

Although Ambassador Abang has

‘Chairman of the PDP Electoral Panel, Senator Ahmmed Sana, said of the 747 accredited votes, Senator Imoke pulled 737, Ambassador Soni Abang got three votes while seven votes were voided. Although Ambassador Abang has alleged that the process was hijacked, such allegations are not unusual; nonetheless, the state PDP deserves commendation for successfully holding the special delegates congress’

alleged that the process was hijacked, such allegations are not unusual; nonetheless, the state PDP deserves commendation for successfully holding the special delegates congress. We have seen a lot of party primaries that were made’ do-or-die affair’, with lives lost and people injured. We have seen situations where there was manifest meddlesomeness in the process ‘from above’, leading to arrival at preconceived destinations by hook or crook.

Here, the shenanigans going on in Bayelsa State in the same process of determining the state’s flag bearer for the governorship election readily comes to mind. As of now, no one can say with certainty who will contest the governorship election even though the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has included the name of Mr. Seriake Dickson on its list of candidates for the February 11 governorship election.

Dickson is the candidate seemingly favoured by the powers-that-be. The commission claimed to have done so based on a court order. But the incumbent Governor Timipre Sylva has gone to the Supreme Court with the intention of stopping Dickson. This is the kind of unsavoury result that occurs when processes are truncated simply because some people in authority do not like someone’s face. We wonder what that has got to do with party primary, which is a vehicle through which parties are supposed to choose candidates for general election.

We salute the maturity of the Cross River State delegates and the contenders.

This is particularly so that they did not

resort to violence during the event, in spite of initial challenges. For instance, congresses in the whole of Bakassi Local Government were cancelled when there was an issue regarding the status of Bakassi as to where the ward congress should hold. And, in order to maintain the integrity of the process, the party took adequate steps to cancel the result in two wards in Boki Local Government Area, and one ward in Yakurr Local Government Area where there were some problems. In many instances, such congresses would not be cancelled, thus making nonsense of the outcome of the congress. Another thing that went for the primary was the impressive attendance by members, which was an indication of wide acceptability of the process.

In a situation where delegates’ views count, selling the candidate, at least on the platform of the party on which it is contesting becomes easier. A rancorous congress would have set the tone for defeat even before the election is held.

The truth is that, in any contest, there are bound to be losers and winners.

While winners are expected to be magnanimous in victory, the losers should take consolation in the fact that there is always a next time. And where they cannot wait, they should avail themselves of the various legal avenues for redress. That is part of the beauty of democracy.

We commend the peaceful nature of the congress to the gladiators in Bayelsa and other places, especially in states where elections are to hold this year.

People do not have to lose lives or limbs at party primaries.

Navigating the Supreme Court’s GPS ruling

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Y a surprisingly unanimous vote, the Supreme Court this week ruled that police must obtain a warrant before attaching a tracking device to a car or other vehicle. The decision is a welcome affirmation of the constitutional right to privacy in an era of advanced technology. But the majority opinion’s rationale was needlessly narrow.

Whether there is a broad right to freedom from new kinds of intrusive electronic surveillance remains to be answered.

The case involved the conviction of Antoine Jones, a suspected drug dealer in the District of Columbia who was arrested after being monitored for 28 days by a global positioning system device surreptitiously attached to his Jeep by law enforcement agents without a warrant. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia issued a broad ruling in Jones’ favor, holding that the blanket electronic surveillance of a suspect violated the 4th Amendment’s ban on unreasonable searches and seizures. Although it would have been legal for the police to follow his car through the streets, the appeals court ruled, prolonged GPS monitoring “reveals an intimate picture of the subject’s life that he expects no one to have - short perhaps of his spouse.”

At the Supreme Court level, however, Justice Antonin Scalia focused not on the prolonged search but on the physical attachment of the GPS device to the Jeep. “The government physically occupied private property for the purpose of obtaining information,” Scalia wrote. Ever the advocate of interpreting the Constitution according to its original intent, he added: “We have no doubt that such a physical intrusion would have been considered a ‘search’ within the meaning of the 4th Amendment when it was adopted.”

The majority opinion is good news for Jones, but its emphasis on property rights is a throwback to the days before the court embraced a different test for deciding if a search was illegal: whether, as Justice John Marshall Harlan put it in a 1967 case, there is a “reasonable expectation of privacy.” As Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. noted in his concurring opinion this week, the 1967 case, which involved the placement of listening devices on the outside of a telephone booth, “did away with the old approach.” (Scalia acknowledged the existence of the “reasonable expectation” test but did not apply it to the Jones case.)

The difference between the Scalia and Alito approaches is important. As both Alito and Justice Sonia Sotomayor pointed out, not every wireless surveillance will involve a physical interference with property. As wireless technology and cars become more sophisticated, Scalia’s test will become more and more irrelevant.

– Los Angeles Times

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

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION

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IR: Funny how times flies and things change. About this time last year the name Goodluck Ebele Jonathan took the airwaves. His face was the most popular on television, newspapers, billboards and other forms of communication. He was the man of the moment. An epitome of the proverbial grass to grace story that inspired many to believe in fate and divine intervention.

Today the story is different. The man who was loved by all has become one of the most disliked figures in the country. The Jonathan who many Nigerians rated high and stood in the sun to elect is now considered as a mistake. The army of protesters in various parts of the country over the removal of the fuel subsidy was a clear indication that Jonathan has become very unpopular. Even in the Niger-Delta region where he polled almost a hundred percent of the total votes cast, he is now being spewed out like a poison from the mouth.

Looking back at Jonathan’s meteoric rise to power and the things that have happened afterwards, Nigerians should take a chunk of the blame. He did not happen to us by chance, we made him happen. We should hold ourselves responsible for giving our mandates to a man with no antecedents or leadership qualities.

Jonathan won the election not because he was the best candidate or had a blueprint of how to move the nation forward. Even though he had been in the saddle for almost a year before the election held, he made no visible impact in the lives of the people. There was virtually nothing on ground that could be pointed to as an achievement of his administration, yet people voted overwhelmingly for him.

His campaign was no more than a jamboree where people ate, drank, danced and got expensive

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

Lessons Jonathan taught us souvenirs. Rather than convince the electorates with a thorough plan and profound vision that will take the country to the next level, he reeled out a needless rhetoric of how he went to school without shoes and how he has always been lucky all his life.

Knowing the power of religion, he got pastors to subtly endorse him. Those who could not openly tell their followers to vote for the

man with the breath of fresh air used other mediums to whip them into line for Jonathan.

While all these were happening, those who knew Jonathan called on Nigerians to be cautious. But like bees attracted to a honeycomb, no one listened. But as the saying goes, a man’s character is like smoke that can never be hidden; the real Goodluck Jonathan is gradually manifesting himself to Nigerians.

He is proving to be the mistake many hoped to avoid when they elected him.

Less than a year in office as an elected president he is yet to record any worthwhile achievement.

From the calibre of people he assembled to work with him, the tenure elongation proposal, Bayelsa primaries conundrum, sovereign wealth fund and now fuel subsidy removal, he has become the exact

opposite of what Nigerian desired when they elected him.

With Jonathan at the helms, we are on a ride to nowhere. The economy is collapsing, power is worse, education is derelict, healthcare is shabby, insecurity is rife and our unemployment rate is growing larger by the day.

Although no one likes to be blamed, we must all take the blame as a nation. Bad leadership is a product of bad followership. One of the lessons to be drawn from Jonathan’s failure is looking before we leap. Anytime we have an opportunity to elect representatives for public offices, we must look beyond the face, religious and ethnic sentiments. We must elect leaders based on merit only.

• Vincent Nzemeke Lagos

For Enenche Akogwu and others who died in Kano

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IR: The inspirational spirit displayed by late Enenche Godwin Akogwu of Channels Television should be commended by every Nigerian that cherishes hard work and sincerity. He was a hero and should be seen so. Godwin Akogwu gave his best to Channels Television and Nigerians and paid the utmost price in the process.

He was Channels Television’s Kano State correspondent, who doubled as a reporter and cameraman covering the multiple explosions in Kano, when he was attacked by members of Boko Haram and was subsequently cut down in the line of duty.

A 2005 graduate of Mass Communication from the Benue State University, and one of the best and fearless young reporters in the country, his reportage undoubtedly added quality to Channels Television coverage.

Akogwu’s hard work won him Channels Television’s 2011

Chairman’s Award. I plead with the journalism community and other Nigerians that their jobs attract some measure of risk not to be discouraged by the death of Akogwu and those innocent Nigerians. This death should spur

you to do more and better as anything you do will always be noticed. Nigeria is all that we have and we have a duty to make it work.

Adieu! Godwin Akogwu and those that died with you. May God

grant the immediate members of their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, and, indeed all of us as they were part of us.

• Eyeke Solomon Eyeke.

University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Insecurity, prize of unprepared leadership IR: It was a profound disappointment to us to watch our fellow beings roasted and killed with impunity and there is nothing our federal government can do about them except monotonous promises and lamentations.

We must say sincerely that the present insecurity scenario is a gift to us for our failure to scrutinize leadership before they are foisted on the people and the best proof of this is the clumsy and intolerable presence of accidental powerspowers got suddenly, powers got by chance, powers got anyhow, untrained and yet unprepared to meet the peoples’ expectations

S

which are the obvious ailments in the Jonathan Presidency.

These signs were there before the 2011 elections but we chose to ignore them. The Nigerian people and the rank and file of our security agencies may have to live with the present scenario until the nation has leaders that can be seen to be restraining, putting up and making efforts at positive directions.

Today in Nigeria, resolutions of the National Assembly can be unflinchingly ignored; the security agents of states can be trampled upon by militant groups, while the people remain conquered by the political class.

Poverty, ignorance, disease and low education are prominent in the country, while the political class live in opulence. But let no one be deceived by the heavy and impregnable armour with which he is clad because before very long, things will surely explode with unpleasant consequences if the National Assembly members continue to tolerate the egregious nonsense emanating from the Jonathan Presidency.

• Akin Malaolu General –Secretary Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012 16

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EDITORIAL/OPINION

Reality Bites E

Olatunji Ololade

ND of the working class heroes…

I have been reading your editorials for a very long time now.

I must admit that you are a fearless writer in a country where yellow is orange and where people always have reasons to fear. To say that 80 per cent of Nigerians are cowards is an understatement. Sad thing is how many have access to your column?

Sadder still; how many are aware of events about the Arab spring. To be aware, they need electricity to be connected to the outside world via CNN or more. When the negligible light is available, they will rather watch African Magic on DSTV. So how the hell can they be able to borrow a leaf from the Arab spring?

Mark my word, fuel subsidy will be removed and nothing will happen as usual. Nigerians will only blow hot air. After one week of strike action, the outcry will fizzle out.

Nigerians can’t sustain strike neither do they have the heart for a fight to free themselves from the yoke of bad leadership. 08064286736.

More of this instructive article on “End of the working class heroes,” will be good for all – both the ruling class and the working class. Thank you so much. 08023012584.

Hello Olatunji, if your editorial is all I read in newspaper, I will be very okay with it. After all, I only buy The Nation on Fridays. The country lacks people who romances with the truth in the media. Keep up the good work. The liberty of this country is in your editorial. Udoh from Jos. 08032033374.

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Olatunji, ride on. Please tell the Nigerian leadership that “enough is enough!” about oil subsidy corruption. Imagine cost of fuel in Nigeria being the highest among oil producing nations in the world.

Besides, it is toxic and damaging to our car engines and the Nigerian Standards Organisation (NSO) is doing nothing about it. Let the government stop unfair charges. Let the government confront the oil cabal or mafia and ensure total transparency in the oil sector.

Engineer Victor. 08037364525.

I have waited for too long to have this stark realities told by you today on Page 21 of The Nation; 2015 may be too long and far away…but sure, obo ti pa ara re (the monkey has killed itself). More ink to your pen.

08037144300.

The end 1 and 2 Sir Ololade, the picture you paint in your “The End 1” is too scary but true. Like a movie, you recreated the dreadful pictures of the civil war and the horrors that television brought into our living rooms from other lands. Shall we be allowed to see 2015? And will they allow us elect the ones you envisaged? I am waiting for the second part! E.U. Ukairo. FSTC Uromi, Edo state.

07032345312.

Only pain! Only misery! Only five years of hell as a graduate in Nigeria.

Only hope and prayer that this prophecy is averted because it will be bloody. But that’s what satan their master want from us. Maybe it’s a necessary evil. Phillip. 08033817094.

Mr. Ololade, are you a prophet

USTAINABLE development is one of the critical, challenging and fundamental issues Nigeria – and indeed, most developing countries – faces today. It is the panacea to poverty and key to good quality life. Sustainable development gingers and engenders durable growth, economic progress, prosperity and dignity of human life. It must, however, be affirmed that only meaningful and viable economic reforms can guarantee transformational and sustainable development; without reforms there cannot be transformation. This is because effective structural reforms create value, growth and investment opportunities in the economy by stimulating entrepreneurship, accelerating the pace of industrialization as well as efficiently allocating and harnessing economic resources for sustainable development.

The development experience in Nigeria since independence has been that of a blighted development on a knife-edge: one of hope and despair, dreams and frustrations, expectations and disappointments, pains and hardships, poverty and hunger, sufferings and miseries. The way and manner in which the government confronts and tackles the prevailing socio-economic challenges will be crucial not only in determining the viable and sustainable development of the economy, but, more importantly, the future of Nigeria.

The effectiveness of economic policies and development initiatives employed by successive governments, over the years, to manage the economy has increasingly been called into question. This is because, in spite of the various economic policies, programmes and strategies espoused and adopted by governments to enhance economic development – indigenization, nationalization, import licensing/ substitution, austerity measures, structural adjustment programme, deregulation privatization/ commercialization, liberalization, and now transformation – there has not been any appreciable transformational change. Indeed, attempts by one government after another to solve the persistent macro-economic problems of failing output, slow/low growth, rising inflation, high level of unemployment, huge budget and balance of payment deficits and the seeming difficulties in ensuring the smooth adjustments of economic structures to changing world production patterns, through demand management policies have failed. This is because restrictive policies have only been able to marginally reduce inflation at the expense of increased levels of short-term unemployment, while expansionary polices designed to accelerate the rate of growth have been

Readers’ parliament (9) because I can see you are seeing a vision in “The End (1).” Do we need to sit down and watch those things happen?

Chinedu Osumili.

08130239474. UNN. Hi, Olatunji, just read your article: “The End 1” and it is a terrific read. I look forward to your articles. Very firebrand and passionate. Thumbs up. 08180661079.

We must overcome this criminal government. 07036662806.

Re: The End (2); fine piece. It frightens me that I am not the only one thinking along these lines.

Akinyode. 08033705338.

Behold Nigeria’s Nostradamus!

You sound between a prophet and a perfect prognosticator. I have been keenly following your lamentation right from “The End 1.” Do we need to go to the planets to verify the authenticity of the truths that are tormenting you to explosion? You are speaking of what even our western neighbours know as the inevitable truth. But you err by aiming straightforward for the truth.

Winston Churchill said you don’t do that. I however encourage you to keep on telling the truth. Soji Ojediran. Ibadan. 08063939858.

Did Jonathan read the piece titled: “Farewell Umaru, Jonathan has come to us at last” of May 14, 2010?

The answer is “no!” I think the Egyptians are more politically conscious than the oppressed Nigerians. PDP and Jonathan are one ideologically. Thank you. Amos Ejimonye. Kaduna. 08039727512.

Sir, I am a passionate reader of your “Reality Bites” indeed. And I must commend your journalism prowess and equally pray for you not to be lured by better pay to the presidency like some people we know. 07067416008.

I love your “Reality Bites” column.

No doubt that a thoughtful and committed group of people can re-

strategize Nigeria and give voice to the silenced. 08062704585.

Ebele Baba and his 40-something cripples (Economics according to Sanusi Lamido Sanusi) You tried by calling them cripples.

I see them as blind men. Feyi Kareem. 08094418491.

In a nutshell, your write-up is informative and brilliant even if our happy-go-lucky president is reeling punch-drunk on the canvas.

Olumide. 08035874105.

I think you are right. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is blindly trailing behind Okonjo Iweala. It’s a huge surprise that government is silent on corruption hence no policy will work. According to Muhammadu Buhari, government should spare the masses and fight graft. Dr. Onoh.

Enugu. 08072027158.

Olatunji, Sanusi is speaking to himself and IMF. His economics is childish and porous. Ask him how long it will take to fix a refinery and the answer will end. Harris.

07034935307.

The self-styled Marxist (Lamido) despite his puritan leaning is as elitist as they come! I am surprised that nobody in civil society has done the math on how the commoner who buys PMS for his electricity generator, takes public transportation and uses kerosene to cook will have anything left out of N18, 000 minimum wage. It’s not rocket science…brilliant piece today.

F. Patrick. Abuja. 08186054747.

Great write up! Sanusi Lamido Sanusi makes me sick. 08032131438.

Sanusi and company do not have new solution to Nigeria’s problem. we need new economic models to solve our problems. KOKS from Calabar. Cross River state.

08184141004.

Thanks Olatunji; Sanusi’s

Economic reforms and sustainable development

By Kayode Oluwa

increasingly transmitted directly into the price level, with negligible effects on output. This policy dilemma has, therefore, necessitated the need for our policymakers, advisers and development planners to develop alternative new approaches, strategies and models of development in addressing and solving the seeming intractable economic problems of the country. This is even more so, when it is realised that most countries, particularly in Europe, are now introducing “austerity measures” and structural reforms to address their economic problems. Many leading economists and analysts, as well as some world leaders, have predicted that most economies - both developed and developing – will be confronted with severe economic recession during the year 2012. Hence, in order to address the challenge of rebuilding our economy, especially in the face of the looming global economic crisis the government must institute broad-based economic reforms to tackle the key elements of macroeconomic indices and fundamentals, if its transformation agenda is to achieve meaningful results.

Foremost, it must be said that no country ever gets developed without a pre-conceived, creative vision – a definite, conscious, purposeful and deliberate plan and programme – which will give direction under which economic and business activities will take place. Hence the formulation and adoption of the vision 20:2020 by the government is commendable and indeed a good starting point for economic reforms.

However, for the reforms to be meaningful, the government must put in place the right structures, legislations, regulations, policies as well as infrastructures, all of which will create the enabling and conducive environment for businesses to operate. For an economic system to function properly, optimally and efficiently and for businesses to thrive and flourish, policies have to be clear, precise, unambiguous, transparent, consistent reasonably stable and must be effectively and explicitly communicated to business operators, entrepreneurs and investors, so that they will not only play by the rules, but

also have clear expectations as to the performance of their investments by being able to know, evaluate and measure approximately the relationship between the potential risks vis-à-vis the potential returns on their investments.

Another major obstacle to growth and sustainable development which must be addressed is the continued rage and high level of inflation which implicitly engenders low level of direct investments. During the past few years, the economic environment, owing to the lingering recession, has not been favourable for corporate profits. Companies have had to face rapidly rising production costs, while slow-growing or stagnant markets and intensification of competition have placed severe constraints on their capacity to raise prices. Increases in overhead/ operating costs and other costs of production have combined to reduce profitability of many businesses.

The rate of return on investment is now seemingly low – and this is aptly and evidently reflected in the low share (quoted) price of many companies on the stock (exchange) market –it is doubtful if businesses can function very well under the present debilitating economic milieu. It would be naive to expect a businessman to invest in a business project that would not yield a profitable return. Some people may, however, argue that in spite of the prevailing economic adversities, many companies have been recording [or is it announcing?] increased profits every year. The point must be made that in reality most of the so called profits are mere ‘paper profits’ that have been artificially swollen and superficially bloated by high inflation rates. In evaluating real profits, it is necessary to recognize that money profit increases reflected in part the average rise in the level of prices. Money profit levels also reflected the continued widespread corporate use of historical cost accounting methods ill–adapted and ill–suited to the existing inflationary situation. It is, therefore, glaringly and patently clear that inflation targeting by way of a significant reduction in the rate of inflation with a view to ensuring relative price stability must remain a priority issue for businesses to achieve real profitability, expand their existing investments

predecessor at CBN also enthralled us with his dramatics until the bubble burst. They think Nigerians are dumb as they are. Iff not, why have they failed to answer the simple question of about why Nigeria is the only oil producing nation that imports refined products? How sane is a leadership that wants to extort money from its citizens in order to provide their basic needs? 08033013597.

Well articulated! 08023600373.

I can’t blame those that do not know that Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has penchant for playing to the gallery.

He cares less for the poor…Ben Oluyemi. 08080996134.

Dear Olatunji Ololade, I just read your piece now on Sanusi Lamido Sanusi…al I have to say is that thank God you are out there for us. Your ink will never run dry. Your Godgiven power of thought and courage will keep increasing as far as you use it to serve humanity and the truth. 08029952832.

• To be continued.

‘Sir Ololade, the picture you paint in your “The End 1” is too scary but true. Like a movie, you recreated the dreadful pictures of the civil war and the horrors that television brought into our living rooms from other lands.

Shall we be allowed to see 2015? And will they allow us elect the ones you envisaged?

I am waiting for the second part! E.U. Ukairo. FSTC Uromi, Edo state.

07032345312’ For SMS only 08038551123

and explore/engage in new investments and business ventures. This is because inflationary pressures usually force the government to cut back aggregate demand from time to time, through demand management techniques, thereby creating recession which keeps industry on a low level of capacity utilization.

In conclusion, the prospects for economic transformation, prosperity and sustainable development will depend to a large extent on the political will, strength of character and strong commitment of the leadership, more than the mere vision statements or contents of the economic reforms in terms of bold, pragmatic and effective implementation of the reform programme / transformation agenda.

“The finest eloquence is that which gets things done” Therefore, as the economy presently founders and teeters on the brink, the government should move away from rhetoric’s and propaganda and go ahead to implement creative, comprehensive and far-reaching structural reforms under the framework of what I call ‘positive adjustment programme’ [PAP]. The agenda thrust and focus of the positive adjustment programme will essentially be to address and tackle the developmental issues and challenges of job creation/employment generation/youth empowerment, agriculture/food production, education/manpower development, health care delivery, housing, infrastructure development including power/water supply, integrated transportation system (including roads, air, waterways and railways), integrated rural development/poverty reduction, financial sector/ capital market development as well as good governance and general security all of which have the proclivity to either promote or undermine future growth and development. The reform programme should ensure a fundamental paradigm shift and re-adjustment in the nation’s economic structure and texture by rectifying structural rigidities, distortions, imbalances and inequalities in the economy, through the avoidance and phasing out of domestic policies which tend to inhibit or retard structural adjustment to lasting changes in product and factor markets.

To achieve a decisive economic recovery, inclusive growth and sustainable development, the reform programme should emphasise and focus on outward looking development strategies with special bias for export expansion and the encouragement of the private sector as the fulcrum and engine of growth.

• Oluwa is president, Academy for leadership and change management, Lagos.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

22

EDITORIAL/OPINION THE men with muckrakes are often indispensable to the well-being of society only if they know when to stop raking the muck.’

Theodore Roosevelt (1858 - 1919) The compulsory retirement of Hafiz Ringim from the exalted office of Inspector General of Police (IGP) is long overdue. The disgraced former number one cop made no pretension ab initio, about his lack of capacity and capability to lead the Nigeria Police Force.

INGIM’S 16 months of visionless stewardship witnessed highly impulsive turbulence. Things that were thought to be possible only in the advanced and the Arab countries started occurring in the country. It is quite unfortunate that we saw to be happening, avoidably but sequential bombings of the Force Headquarters and the United Nations House, both in Abuja. Also bombed among others was St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State on the Christmas Day. Last weekend too, an evil coordinated attacks on police and other security formations in Kano State in which over 200 persons were massacred, with many others severely injured occurred. The notoriously unscrupulous Islamic sect called Boko Haram had once again audaciously claimed responsibility for the barbaric act of wanton destruction of lives and property.

The name Boko Haram evokes terror in the psyche of Nigerians irrespective of age.

The prayer on every lip is that the nation should quickly get rid of the group and its nefarious activities. While the people, the eventual victims of Boko Haram terror are praying, some few powerful individuals strategically positioned in the country are just apathetical to the criminal activities of the sect. They might as well be equally complicit to the Boko Haram criminality being inflicted on the entire nation.

Otherwise, how can it be explained that Kabir Umar a.k.a Kabiru Sokoto, a suspected Boko Haram sect kingpin fingered in the Madalla bombing escape under suspicious circumstances from police custody in Abuja.

What this connotes is that Ringim as former IGP was either not taking the Boko Haram impasse to be something serious or that he knows more about the operations of

R

I

F there is a modicum of honour left in Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, she ought to leverage on it and resign her position forthwith. The simple reason for this proposition is that her activities in public office so far have portrayed her as lacking the ability and capacity to handle such immense responsibilities she is – as it has turned out -burdened with. In the event that she would not tow the path of honour as she has vowed not to, then the President must take what is obviously a bitter pill and wield the axe.

Had the President in the first place, listened to the yearnings of the people, he may have avoided the turmoil and deaths brought upon the nation by Mrs Alison-Madueke and her oil ministry since the beginning of the year.

For instance, on July 1st last year, as the President was engrossed in the complex job of forming his cabinet, I had written in the end piece of this column thus: “Diezani really shouldn’t come back yet: delectable Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke seems to be among the favourites of President Jonathan’s ministers to return to her job. Her name is on every list of would-be appointees favoured by the president. It really would be a pity if she returns. There are so many sordid allegations swarming around her like flies that picking her, in spite of these, would do the President little good.

“She needs to be left out to go clear all the debris of serious corruption allegations against her as the immediate past oil minister. Insisting on her will thoroughly diminish the Jonathan Presidency before it had a chance to take off.”

One would not lay claim to any prescience in this case because the handwriting was bold on the wall. Since Mrs Alison-Madueke was appointed to the federal cabinet in 2007 by the Umaru Yar’Adua administration, nothing of significance can be said for her unless you want to recall her weeping act at the damaged Ore-Benin highway or the astronomic rise in kerosene price. She started out in the Ministry of Transportation, then Mines and Steel and later, Petroleum Resources when President Jonathan served out Yar’Adua’s term. She returned mid last year, after the general elections back to the oil ministry. This is therefore, her fifth year in the federal cabinet,

A nation without reputable IGs the sect which a particular powerful clique known to him would not want exposed to the public if Kabiru Sokoto was arraigned in court. That was why Zakari Biu, a supposed Commissioner of Police sent by Ringim to effect the arrest of the suspect would claim that Sokoto had bolted away- under questionable circumstances that would soon unravel.

Apart from being a friend of President Goodluck Jonathan when he was deputy governor of Bayelsa state, no other noticeable achievement should have qualified Ringim to be the head of the nation’s police. He was Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 9 Police Headquarters, Umuahia where abductions, kidnappings and killings were the order of the day. But the president over looked that by going ahead to appoint him as the nation’s number one cop- not minding what becomes of the security situation of the country afterwards. He also did not show circumspection while appointing him especially when Ringim’s predecessor, Ogbonnaiya Onovo, was removed from the number one cop seat for his failure to reduce the rising spate of insecurity at that period in time.

Some have argued that not any better result should have been expected from a man whose only academic attainment was an

advanced diploma in public administration.

Surprisingly too, the certificate has no link whatsoever with security matters handling or administration. Yet, the president made him the second person, after Tafa Balogun (another disgraced former IGP), to be promoted to the position of IG from the rank of AIG. The infamous conducts and demeaning performances of these two AIGs promoted IGs should serve a note of warning to Mr Jonathan and future presidents to look beyond the AIG rank while considering officers to be appointed IGP. Beyond the issue of rank also is the seeming curse that has riddled the tenures of successive IGP in the country. Whether through insecurity, partisan discharge of security duties or other compromising vices, former IGPs had left office in circumstances other than noble.

This situation of infamy was the same from the eras of Sunday Adewusi, Etim Nyang, Musiliu Smith, Tafa Balogun, Mike Okiro, Ogbonnaiya Onovo and now Ringim as IGPs. The sad thing is that none of these former police chiefs was sanctioned for violations committed while in office. Tafa Balogun’s case had a semblance of sanction- but in a way that made mockery of the whole essence of the judicial system for he still had access to a large chunk of his alleged loot under the curious system of the doctrine of plea

EXPRESSO STEVE OSUJI

SMS O8055001684 email:steve_osuji@yahoo.com

Diezani and the NNPC mess about two of which has been spent in the Petroleum Ministry.

What this means is that the flurry of mess and sleaze currently unfolding in Nigeria’s oil industry have largely happened under her watch over this period. Even at that, Nigeria was rolling with her mindless punches until she became reckless and decided to reach for the jugular of the people. As if under a strong influence, she was emboldened to dare the unthinkable. She was reported to have singlehandedly ordered the agency under her, the PPPRA, to yank off the so-called fuel subsidy on January 1st, 2012, throwing the country into a cataclysm from which it is still reeling.

She was said to have committed this act that is akin to a kamikaze without the knowledge of most of her colleagues in the Council some of whom were on vacation. According to a front page lead story in The Punch of January 14, 2012, “it was the Minister of Petroleum Resources that instructed the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to announce the total removal of the subsidy on January 1, 2012.”

The newspaper quoting a Federal Executive Council member wrote that, “many ministers and security chiefs were surprised that fuel subsidy was removed on Jan 1. They thought that with the insecurity in the land and the Christmas Day bombing (in Madalla), the fuel subsidy removal would be delayed.

“The first FEC meeting was supposed to hold on Jan 11 (2012) after the New Year

holiday, but an emergency meeting was convened on Jan 4 so that members could be briefed. Many Ministers had to join the campaign to justify the government action because of their loyalty to the President. We are part of this government, we cannot do otherwise.”

By way of defence however, Mrs AlisonMadueke was reported to have told the Council that she took the decision because the Federal Government did not make any provisions in the NNPC budget for fuel subsidy payments from January 1, 2012.

Further, the ensuing events in the wake of the thoughtless January 1 announcement have lent credence to what may be described as the Diezani dare-devilry and greed.

Having driven the Nigerian people to a state of extreme provocation and making them rise as one against the President, the cost of her silly, uppity action has continued to escalate and ravage the country and of course the Presidency. The wind has blown and we have seen the nakedness of our government’s chicken. We have seen bewildering banditry and bare-faced looting. Even a motor park council could have kept better records of their extortionate acts.

Now Nigerians are awake to the demonic corruption that had festered Diezani’s Petroleum ministry; we have found out that most of the N1.3 trillion surreal ‘subsidy’ were accumulated in the brief period of Diezani’s reign; it has been revealed that while Diezani and her ‘cabal’ were importing

bargaining. This seems to be why successive IGPs don’t care a hoot about how they managed the security situations during their different tenures. Something has to be done earnestly if the nation must see an end to the volatile state of insecurity ravaging the nation.

To serve as a deterrence to Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar, the new IGP and others that will come after him, the result of the investigative panel reportedly set up by General Owoeye Azazi, the National Security Adviser (NSA) to investigate culpability or otherwise of Ringim and others involved in the Sokoto escape saga that is expected to be submitted today should be made public forthwith. There should be no sacred cow or paddy-paddy approach in applying the recommendations of the panel

by Mr Jonathan.

The corruption of the Police Force is something that can not wither away on its own except this administration purged itself of the hypocrisy of feigning ignorance about the root cause of the problem. The two most important tasks before the new IGP are: How to stop the rampaging Boko Haram and also the immediate convocation of a conference of stakeholders to determine the future of the police in the warped federation called Nigeria. Will MD Abubakar be the first reputable IGP in the country? Only time can tell!

‘Some have argued that not any better result should have been expected from a man whose only academic attainment was an advanced diploma in public administration.

Surprisingly too, the certificate has no link whatsoever with security matters handling or administration’ and ‘subsidizing’ 59 million litres daily, only 35 million was Nigeria’s daily consumption and the balance of 24 million was being diverted; we have witnessed how our oil minister denied authorizing payments for the so-called fuel subsidy. We have in a short while, seen and heard so much especially from the House Ad-Hoc Committee on fuel Subsidy Regime Monitoring. Our eyes are sore; our ear drums are almost damaged.

Now instead of Madam oil minister to shut her face in shame and seek a hiding place, she seeks to censure herself. Isn’t this a magical place, a fairy tale country where a thief conducts a self-probe. Now she sets up a rash of task forces (at whose cost?) to do routine chores her ministry staff ought to have done two years ago; task forces many of whose members are part of the problem ab initio.

For instance, one of the members in cahoots with an erstwhile managing director of NNPC, Mr Funso Kupolokun, embarked on a mirage called NNPC Project PACE. Whatever happened to the hundreds of millions of naira poured into that scam?

On a final note, President Goodluck Jonathan must move quickly to reclaim his Presidency and the country. He must consider a quick reshuffle of his team; embark on extensive rapprochement with his opponents and work frantically to soothe the pains of the populace. The country is fractured and distraught under his charge; he must reach the healing balm. Meanwhile, Diezani’s choking, Delilaic fragrance must be dispelled from our atmosphere. Oil is the soul of the nation and therefore, must be put in the care of a steady pair of hands.

LAST MUG: Tear-gassing Nwabueze, Idika Kalu, Braithwaithe, others: what harm could these elder statesmen possibly have caused us by marching peacefully on the street?

Firing teargas at them has surely given more impetus to their case than they would have garnered had they been left to wear themselves out. Reasoned and peaceful protests cannot be inimical to any government and when accomplished, elderly citizens take to the streets, a government should worry. The least it can do is listen to them very carefully, not view them as enemies of state.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

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NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

2012 LONDON OLYMPICS GAME

RACIAL CHANTS

45 athletes qualify to QPR warns fans after signing represent Nigeria

T

HE President of Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Solomon Ogba has confirmed that 45 Nigerian athletes have qualified for the 2012 London Olympics Games.

According to him, these include 24 relay team qualifications and 19 individual qualifications. “we have been able to qualify Nigeria for all the relay events 4 x 100m (men and women), 4 x400m(men and women), 100m (women), 200m (women), 100m (men) and 200m (men), 400 m hurdles (women), Long jump (women), High Jump (women), triple jump (men), 400m hurdles (men), 100m and 110m (hurdles). These qualifications are on A and B standards”.

He said with the standard been displayed by the athletes, there is every possibility that track and field can make the 80 % of the total Nigerian contingent to the Olympic games. He said that their target is to ensure that Nigeria surpasses its performance in the last games held in Beijing, China.

He appealed that athletics should be given better funding and more attention to Olympic Games.

He said that they are going to run their programmes in two stages to

From Patrick Ngwaogu, Abuja ensure that the country maintain its placing the relay events. He emphasized that Nigerians in London would stone them if they did not perform well in the Games “we know very that London is like Lagos. People will stone us there if we did not perform well. To this end, we have to leave no stone unturn to make sure that we prepare very well for the games”.

The former Delta State Commissioner for Sports said that the AFN has reposition itself to return the country to its place in world athletics, and zonal coaches have been appointed to head the six geopolitical zones of the country with a head coach in Abuja. Ogba said the Coaches are “North West – Ado Maude (Kano), Charles Yayock (Kaduna), North EastMohammed Kolo (Maiduguri), Grace Ishaku (Bauchi), North Central- Steve Nuhu (Jos), Olu Sule (Abuja), South West- Falilat Ogunkoya (Ijebu Ode), Yusuf Alli (Lagos), South East- Tom Uwakwe (Owerri), Uchenna Emedolu (Enugu) and South-South – Gabriel Okon (Port Harcourt), Tony Osheku (Oghara).

2012 AFRICA JUNIOR TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIERS

Nigeria loses millions over Boko Haram crisis •NTF insists on repeat bidding

F

OLLOWING the withdrawal of the hosting of the 2012 Africa Junior Tennis Championship(AJC) qualifiers for West and Central Nations from the country, the Nigeria Tennis Federation(NTF) has rued its loss. The NationSport scooped that the tennis tourney which is sponsored by the International Tennis Federation(ITF) would have afforded Nigeria an opportunity to get tennis equipment from the ITF worth millions of naira free as hosts.

ITF announced on Monday that the tennis tournament will now be hosted

by Togo as Nigeria was not safe enough to host the tournament. But the NTF has insisted that it would not relent on its oars as it intends bidding for the qualifiers again next year.

In a chat with the NationSport, NTF Vice-President, Yemi Owoseni stated: "We will bid again next year. It is a very unfortunate incident . After all the preparations but really safety is

By Stella Bamawo uppermost. We intend going with our players to Togo though and we are sure of success in the different categories we are taking part in."

Meanwhile, with the development, Nigeria has been forced to reduce the number of players from twenty-two to eleven as the host nation, while the technical crew made of Coaches Mohammed Ubale, Babatunde Abe , Margaret Oladunjoye and Benson Isicheli have been in camp in preparations for the qualifiers.

Meanwhile, the world governing tennis body is retaining the date of the competition, February 6-12.

It would be recalled that Nigeria has been thrown into mourning, while a state of emergency has been declared in some states in the Northern part of the country over the resurgence of religious fanatics who have threatened the stability of the country.

Ibrahim promises more success

N

EW CELTIC signing Rabiu Ibrahim has told Neil Lennon that his contract-winning appearance in a practice game was only a taster of better things to come.

The 20-year-old Nigerian signed a threeand-a-half-year deal after impressing the Hoops boss in a match against St Johnstone at Lennoxtown during a trial period.

Lennon claimed it had taken him only an hour to make the decision on the former PSV Eindhoven midfielder.

Ibrahim was not short of confidence when he met the media at Celtic Park on

•Ibrahim

Thursday, claiming he has more in his locker for Lennon and the Hoops fans.

"I was very happy and I feel flattered for him to say that about me," said the Nigeria Under-23 player.

"I treated it as a normal game, I played the way I am supposed to play.

"It wasn't my best, my best is yet to come.

I found it easier because of the players, they are very good players who know what to do."

Ibrahim, whose work permit application has been cleared, is looking to make an immediate breakthrough into Lennon's side.

He said: "I will work very hard for me and for the team.

"It depends on the coach. We haven't discussed that yet but the gaffer has been encouraging me in training and has made me feel at home. He has the final say but of course I am ready, that's why I am here You always want to aim for the highest and to be the best player.

"My immediate goal is to play for Celtic and work hard for the team and try to win trophies, starting with the league this season."

Q

UEENS Park Rangers (QPR) last night issued a warning to fans about offensive just hours chanting after signing who— thisa player weekend was banned for singing a homophobic song last year.

AC Milan left-back Taye Taiwo agreed to join the Hoops on loan for the rest of the season.

QPR hope the Nigerian will receive international clearance in time to make his debut in the FA Cup showdown with rivals Chelsea on Saturday.

Both clubs on Wednesday appealed for fans to watch what they chant during the fourth-round tie.

The match takes place just four days

Levante, Hannover eye Kalu Uche

I

T has been reported on transfermarkt.de, Kalu Uche is on the radar of German Bundesliga outfit, Hannover.

The 29-year-old forward is now a free agent following the expulsion of Xamax from the Super League.

The Xamax owner has told the players to leave if they are interested.

Kalu Uche also has admirers in Spain. Espanyol and Levante are interested. However, the later can not afford his high wages, and may have put his case in the drawer.

The Nigeria international scored 39 goals in 172 games in the colours of Almeria.

Haruna set for Dynamo Kiev exit

S

OURCES close to Olympic National Team captain and Dynamo Kiev central midfielder Lukman Haruna have disclosed to allnigeriasoccer.com that the player is attracting interest from top clubs like FC Groningen ,Inter Milan and PSV Eindhoven.

Haruna disclosed in a telephone conversation that he heard about the rumors linking him to the clubs with six days before the end of the transfer window.

The Under-17 World Cup winner revealed that his number one aim now is to get back to play 90 minutes football with Kiev and not sitting on the bench or making substitute appearances " I want to play full games for Dynamo Kiev. My focus is not on transfer rumours for now but to play 90 minutes football,'' Haruna told allnigeriasoccer.com.

Haruna is currently in Malaga , Spain for pre-season training with the Ukrainian vice-champions.

before Blues’ skipper John Terry appears in court to answer a charge he allegedly racially abused QPR's Anton Ferdinand during October's fiery Prem clash — a claim JT denies.

If Taiwo plays, he will have to behave better than he did after scoring the winner to help Marseille beat Montpellier 1-0 in the French League Cup final last April.

Following the final whistle he grabbed a microphone and led fans in an expletive-ridden homophobic song about their bitter rivals Paris St Germain.

French chiefs fined him £17,000 and banned Taiwo, 26, for one game.

The FA Cup tie will be the first time the sides have met since the TerryFerdinand row broke.

Ferdinand has not decided whether he shall shake hands with JT.

Taiwo

Hundreds of police will be on duty, which has been made a noon kick-off in a bid to avert trouble.

Rangers chairman Tony Fernandes and his Blues counterpart Bruce Buck yesterday issued a joint-statement saying: "Discrimination has no place in football or society.

"Hatred and abuse is not what being a fan of QPR or Chelsea is about.

"The clubs will work with the police to ensure anyone using discriminatory or inflammatory language is identified and the strongest possible action is taken against them."

•Walid Salem (R-8) of Iraqi Olympic, vies for the ball against Kalu Uche of Switzerland's club Neuchatel Xamax FC during the qualifying round of the Dubai Matchworld Cup 2012

Agent: Mikel not leaving for Juve, Inter J

OHN OLA Shittu, the agent of the Nigeria international John Obi Mikel , has hinted that the Chelsea midfielder will soon come back to full form.

Mikel suffered muscle injuries in the away match at Spurs in December but, will be back soon to play good football, Shittu told allnigeriasoccer.com in a chat. ''Mikel is a great player. He's got so much talent that he has played under all Chelsea coaches since he arrived the club.

Once he recovers from injury, he is going to show the Chelsea Coach the stuff he is made of,'' says Shittu to allnigeriasoccer.com.

With transfer deadline day around the

corner, Shittu says Mikel remains a Chelsea player despite rumors linking him with a switch to Juventus and Inter Milan. ''It is true Mikel got offers , but

presently Chelsea are okay with his performances.

The Chelsea management love him . For now, I can assure you he is not leaving the club,'' Shittu concluded.

Oparanozie suspends move abroad •Wants to regain form in the league

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ELTA QUEENS of Warri goal poacher, Desire Ugochi Oparanozie has placed an embargo on any propose move abroad for now as she concentrates on regaining her form for club and country.

Desire’s wish to team up with a club in Turkey somewhat last year was scuttled at the last minute on age grounds and in a rare chat with NationSport recently, the Super Falcons’ striker said that another trip abroad was on the card for her and ought to have travelled last week but she considered it a distraction to her career at least for now.

She noted that what was vital for her now was to continue playing regularly with her present club hoping to rediscover those killer instincts of her in front of goal before thinking about a career overseas.

“I don’t have it in mind to travel out of the country for now. I want to remain with Delta Queens for now and rediscover myself before I can start talking about travelling abroad.

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri In fact I would have travelled out last week when one of my reprsentatives intimated nme of another club that is need of my services. I however turned it down for now. I want to concentrate on my game back home before that for now,” Desire informed NationSport.

The Imo-born player who was also a graduate of the U17 Women’s World Cup which she attended in New Zealand in 2008 nonetheless congratulated the Flamingoes; the nation’s U17 national team, for recording a 2-0 away win over their Kenyan counterpart in the first leg of the African Qualifiers for the 2012 Azerbaijan U17 World Cup. She stressed that the victory was the right tonic the female national teams needed to bounce back in 2012 after a stormy 2011 which saw them exiting at the qualifying stages of all the competitions they entered for, notably the All African Games and the Olympic Games.

Mensah to miss only a game

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HANA SKIPPER John Mensah will only miss one Africa Cup of Nations match over his red card against Botswana, while officials revealed on Thursday that his injury is not as serious as first feared.

Ghana officials said that they have received confirmation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that Mensah will only miss Saturday's match against Mali following his dismissal in Ghana's opening 1-0 victory over Botswana.

The Lyon centre-back also suffered a thigh injury during the Botswana game on Tuesday, but a scan has revealed that his muscle problem is not serious enough to keep him out of the rest of the tournament.

"He will be fine. But how soon he gets fit will depend on a blood clot in his thigh," said Ghana team doctor Percy Annan.

Ghana and Mali each won their

IGERIA-BORN Nedum Onuoha has joined his compatraitor, Taye Taiwo at Queen Parks Ranger (QPR) on a fee of N630 million (£2.5m) for four and a half deal.

The Manchester City defender was supposed to join have join QPR last week but his mother and agent revealed that a deal was not even close.

The 25-year-old had been little more than a fringe player at City and now links up with former manager Mark Hughes at Loftus Road.

"Hughes told the club's official website: "Nedum is a player I know very well. " "He did very well for me at Manchester City and played a number of games, probably more than under any other manager.

This was the right time for me to join a club like QPR," Onuoha added

on the club's official website.

"The manager obviously played a massive factor in my decision to come here. I've worked with him before and he always wants players around him who are open and honest.He wouldn't have come here if he didn't believe that there was a squad of players here that can achieve the goals he has. The ambition of the owners was really appealing. This is my club now and I'll give everything to help us succeed."

Hughes added: "It's important that we are able to attract good players here.

"Nedum had other options but his experience with myself and the other guys here was a big factor in why he has come to us. I am pleased about that."

N

opening Group D games on Tuesday and clash at the Franceville Stadium on Saturday.

•Mensah

Tunisia favourites in Niger battle

T

UNISIA can all but seal their place in the quarterfinals of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations with a victory over Niger in their second Group C clash at the Stade d'Angondjé in Libreville on Friday.

The Carthage Eagles will secure their place in the knockout stages with a win over the west Africans, coupled then with a failure by Morocco to defeat co-hosts Gabon in the later game.

Onuoha completes N.6b QPR deal N

Olisadebe scores on league debut IGERIA born striker Emmanuel Olisadebe made a scoring debut for his Greek second division club Veria FC. The 33-year-old scored his team's winning goal in the last minute against AO Thrassyvoulos Fylis in a Football league game played on Wednesday.

Today's 1-0 victory took Veria FC to second on the log, two points behind table toppers Platanias.

Olisadebe played for Poland at the 2002 World Cup. The ex Jasper United scored 11 goals in 25 appearances for the Poles.

2012 AFRICA NATIONS CUP

•Zouhaier Dhaouadi

But even if both Tunisia and Morocco end up successful, the former will still have their destiny in their own hands, needing just a single point from their final encounter against the Gabonese next Monday.

Niger looked well off the pace in their opener against Gabon, losing 2-0 and offering up many more chances.

Against a more clinical side they would have suffered a much greater loss, while up front they looked fairly toothless as well.

Tunisia's players have spoken of how they are expecting a physical encounter tonight, but know little else about their opponents. They say though, that confidence in the squad is high after their superb 2-1 victory over regional rivals Morocco first time out.

"We don't have much of an idea of what they're like, we've been preparing for them by watching videos of them … but the win against Morocco has given us confidence," striker Zouhaier Dhaouadi said.

Niger coach Harouna Doula claims his side have analysed their shortcomings against Gabon and will not make the same mistakes against Tunisia.

Niger suffered a blow when they lost teenage prodigy Moutari Amadou to a broken leg sustained against Gabon.

He has already left the country to start his rehabilitation in France.

Angola coach hails players’ attitude

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NGOLAN national coach Lito Vidigal has hailed the attitude and professionalism of his players at the 2012 African Nations Cup. The Palancas Negras defeated Burkina Faso 2-1 in their opening encounter in Malabo and face Sudan tonight.

“My players are extremely fantastic and they work well in all dimensions.

In this case I congratulate them for what they have done to dignify the flag of all Angolans,” he said.

But the Angolan mentor knows that his side will have to produce a better display in their next match against Sudan on Thursday evening than they did in their match against the error prone Burkinabe, whose two defensive blunders presented Angola with victory.

A victory against these Sudanese will more than likely guarantee qualification to the next round and head into their last Group B fixture against tournament favourites Cote D’Ivoire with less pressure.

Vidigal was not underestimating the 120th FIFA ranked Sudan, who are 35 places bellow them.

After all, Sudan only narrowly lost to the Ivorians in their last outing.

“They are a good side, organized and arranged good. We have to respect all adversaries in this championship.

Therefore, the only thing that I promise is to continue to work with excellence so that we can reach our goal.”

Vidigal, who came under heavy criticism from his Burkinabe counterpart for his team’s apparent “anti-football tactics”, quipped that his side are in the tournament to win regardless of the brand of football they display.

“The type of football that we carried through in our match against Burkina Faso was to effect. The players executed our plans to perfection and if it means that we play like that to win the title then I do not mind,” he continued.

Vidigal seemed to stress that in football it is the results that matter, not the style of play and his players were excellent exhibitors of football.

TODAY'S MATCHES •Onuoha

Niger v Tunisia Gabon v Morocco

•Lito Vidigal

APPEAL

INVESTMENT

CRIME

A case for second Niger Bridge

N57.8b spent on Tinapa

Police dismiss two corporals for robbery

Anambra 27

Cross River

FRIDAY JANUARY 27, 2012

37

Lagos

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Page 25

Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

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OPE has come for abandoned and vulnerable children in Anambra State. A non-governmental organisation, Ministry of God’s Own People, founded by Mrs. Hephzibah Chika Ibeneme, has given them food items, clothing, educational materials and toiletries. No fewer than 13 orphanages benefitted from the gesture. The children were also treated to a lavish party at Justice Agbakoba Park, Onitsha, the commercial nerve of the state.

The gesture did much to enliven the children who never felt love from their biological parents. The party especially gave them a sense of belonging.

Welcoming guests to the occasion, the organiser, Ibeneme, a former member of the state House of Assembly, said the Ministry of God’s Own People was established through divine inspiration based on the need to help the helpless.

“Having seen the hazards and problems experienced by a lot of babies who have neither parents nor people to take care of them, we, in this vision, decided to be mothers and fathers to them wherever they may be. Our name was inspired by the Holy Spirit. She explained that all beings are God’s own people no matter their condition and this inspired us to come to their aid whenever the need arises.

“Through this, we intend to fight corruption, especially child trafficking, abandonment, and inability to care for the needy in their different categories. These are people who are unable to understand why they are in this situation and today we’ve come to give succour and hope to them.

“This we will always do to help them have good living, education and above all, the fear of God. When these are provided, they join their friends who are opportuned to live well,” she said.

She said the NGO aims to help the needy and educate the public on the need to help the helpless.

Mrs. Ibeneme also appealed to government at all levels to partner with her NGO as their effort is one of the demands of the society from government, even as she pointed out that any good govern-

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EWLY sworn-in executive committee members of Agege Local Government Area, Lagos, have been told to work hard in order to meet the expectation of the people.

Chairman of the council, Mr. Jubreel Abudul-Kareem urged the new appointees to work towards meeting the achievements recorded by the last administration.

AbudulKareem inaugurated 12 Supervisors and Special Advisers as members of the executive.

The event was graced by royal fathers, party stalwarts and religious leaders.

The council boss assured the people of continuous selfless service that endeared the council authorities to the people.

•The motherless babies and their guardians

Relief for 13 orphanages NGO pledges to fight vice From Emeka Attah, Onitsha

ment with love of the people in mind will appreciate God in many ways.

Also speaking at the event, a

Catholic nun from the Immaculate Heart Sisters Congregation, Rev. Sister Mary Alphonsus Therese Ebebe described the NGO’s gesture as a worthy initiative.

Solicits support for the needy She said: “It is not easy to give out.

Everybody will say I don’t have.

Even the millionaires say in their hearts that they don’t have enough yet, so they can’t give out. This ini-

‘Nothing but service will do’

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

“We will continue to fulfill our promises; that is why we have put together a formidable team to transform the standing dreams to reality.

The council, he said, achieved a lot and recorded good successes in making governance accessible to the people.

He congratulated the new appointees, reminding them that it is a call to service.

“You must get set to address the challenges facing the council from time to time. The dream of making Agege Local Government a model among

others is a task that must be accomplished,” he said.

The council boss appealed to the new appointees to show a sense of dignity when dealing with matters concerning the weak members of the society.

He urged them to be moderate in

their actions, moderate in public appearances and shun all acts reminiscent of insensibility.

“Let me advice that I am aware that you have all come very highly recommended. You have emerged from a difficult pack of suitably qualified men and women.

You have been chosen to hold one of the most sought after offices in our country today. I advise you to quickly set forth to very diligently work to earn and justify your place in the Executive Council

tiative is like what the early white missionaries did. Even from their meager salaries, they saved and •Continued on Page 26 “You have been chosen to hold one of the most sought after offices in our country today. I advise you to quickly set forth to very diligently work to earn and justify your place in the Executive Council.

“It may not be a spectacular pay but the opportunity for 12 persons is a rare privilege and a lifetime opportunity in a densely population,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the appointees, the Supervisor for Health Abiodun Ogunji thanked the chairman for the opportunity given them to serve.

Ogunji promised that the team would imbibe the culture of hardworking and commitment to service.

THE NATION

26

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

Relief for 13 orphanages •Continued from page 25 sent aids to us but here in Nigeria, majority will continue to accumulate wealth without giving some out.

So, those who have decided to keep giving should be commended.”

Also speaking, Divisional Chairman, Red Cross Society, Idemili North Local Government Area, Mr. Tagbo Uchenna, an engineer, described the gathering as something in line with the initiative of the founder of the Red Cross Society.

“The late South African reggae star, Lucky Dube said in one of his songs, ‘if this children lack parental care, who’s going to tell them this is wrong or right? When children lack this basic care, they may turn around in the society and become armed robbers and may not care whether you are a Christian or Muslim before they shoot anybody.

“Likewise, if they become terrorists, they can terrorise anybody anywhere. But if we are able to let them know that the world doesn’t hate them and that they are like every one of us here, they will be happy and can turn out to be the best they can be for the good of the society,” he stated.

He described the best benevolence as the help one can render to somebody who cannot even say thank you in appreciation. He challenged Nigerians to visit motherless babies home often.

Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Technical Matters who incidentally was the principal guest of honour, Nze Sullivan Akachukwu Nwankpo, described showing love to orphaned children as a worthy act and a reminder that those who are not in the same situation like them are not supper humans but it has just pleased God to do it that way.

“When you see these kids or people who are in challenging circumstances, it should humble us to know that when you are so successful, rich or so wonderful in what you do, it is just a gift and there is nothing in you that qualifies the person to deserve that kind of position. To me, this is worth reflecting on in order to understand that we are all equal,” he stated.

Continuing, he said: “Anyone who has a better opportunity or position of authority should know that he or she holds that in trust for others and that you can as well be an orphan, a lame person or a dead person at any particular point in life. It is a reflection for us to see how small we are so that we can be a little bit small in our world to contain other people too.”

The Ministry’s Coordinator for Anambra Central Senatorial District,

•Dr. Patricia Iroele and Ibeneme with the kid performers

Anyone who has a better opportunity or position of authority should know that he or she holds that in trust for others and that you can as well be an orphan, a lame person or a dead person at any particular point in life Dr Oluchukwu Patricia Iroele, said that helping the less-privileged is a divine project. She also described her encounter with Hon. Ibeneme as the meeting point of destiny.

“Vision is like a magnet. When you have the same vision with somebody else, you will easily get attracted to each other when you meet.

That was what happened between Hon. Ibeneme and me. I had a similar vision and have been into it. We have been touching interior parts of Enugu and Ebonyi states until we

came in contact,” she said.

She also said they are not undaunted by challenges of funding because He who sent them on the

mission will make them accomplish its purpose.

“This is pure religion. People don’t want to give out but everybody wants to take. This is a serious area in life; the area of feeling the pains of another person. Finance doesn’t come so easily but we live and execute this by faith. Jesus taught us to live by faith and if we don’t give by faith, we cannot reap by faith. People are already buying into the vision and all over they have started giving today. We remember Mother Therese of Calcutta and you cannot talk about charity without mention-

ing her name.

“This is a vision of God which came from above and we are moving above with it. We are taking this to heaven on a serious note because whatever we sow, we shall reap. We are taking this to Anambra, all the states in Nigeria, Africa, and the rest of the world and finally we get to heaven with it,” Dr. Iroele said.

It was a beautiful sight as children from different orphanage homes that attended the party took part in song performance on stage, dance competition, and choral performances.

Honour for NDDC-trained welders

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TOTAL of 91 Niger Delta youths trained by the NDDC in welding and drilling technology in Turkey have been certified international welding special-

•AbdulKareem (right) congratulating the newly sworn-in Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Idowu Akerele. With them are the Vice Chairman, Hon. Olanrewaju Odueso (second right) and Leader of the House, Hon. Gbolahan Sanusi

ists and drilling technicians.

Forty of them were trained in comprehensive international welding inspectors’ course while 51 benefited from the safety quality and maintenance training.

The programme is fallout of the partnership arrangement between the commission, Nigerian Institute of Welding.

Presenting the certificates, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Christian Oboh said the training was in furtherance of the commission’s capacity development programme designed to make youths of Niger Delta employed in the oil and gas industry.

“Gone are the days people say the region lacks power, with this type of training Niger Delta youths will

be able to take up such opportunities that exist in the oil and gas and other related industries” he said.

Dr Oboh who disclosed that the move was in line with the transformation agenda of the government, promised that the programme would be sustained “I will appeal to the Board to double the number that we trained in 2012”.

Speaking further the Chief executive officer assured that the commission will not stop at training but also engage the graduants at the OPTS level. We will support every effort to ensure that the knowledge you acquired is not wasted and announced cash award of N500, 000 each to the two grandaunts who distinguished themselves during the training.

THE NATION

27

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

A case for second Niger Bridge From Emeka Attah, Onitsha

•Rev. Fr. Onukuba

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HE Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese has appealed to the Federal Government to muster courage and construct the sec-

ond Niger Bridge from the proceeds of the oil subsidy removal.

Making the call in Onitsha, the Archdiocesan JDPC Coordinator, Very Rev. Fr. Martin Onukuba said that the reactions of angry Nigerians on the removal of subsidy on petrol by the Federal Government was as a result of the betrayal of trust by successive governments in Nigeria in the provision of basic infrastructures and failure to make life meaningful for the citizens.

He also regretted that the construction of the second Niger Bridge has been a campaign gimmick by political office holders in the past, adding that the existing Niger Bridge has been over-burdened.

He therefore called on President Jonathan to build and consolidate trust among Nigerians

by taking firm decisions and matching words with action in pulling Nigeria out of economic doldrums, infrastructural decay, and underdevelopment.

“The much-talked about second Niger Bridge has been a recurring issue for so many years and we don’t know whom to trust again. The most scandalous in the whole thing was the revelation that the contract was

never signed in the first place even when a former president once came to flag off the project.

This has been a promise and since we’ve heard it over and over again, we urge the government to now actualise the project.

“Let this be our first benefit from the subsidy reinvestment empowerment programme for a lot of reasons.

“Commuters spend long hours

The much-talked about second Nigeria Bridge has been a recurring issue for so many years and we don’t know whom to trust anymore.

The most scandalous in the whole thing was the revelation that the contract was never signed in the first place even when a former president once came to flag off the project

on the present bridge, consuming lots of fuel even in this regime of high price of fuel. The long queue weakens the bridge the more. This is apart from the harassment from all manner of people in uniform within that area.

If we are talking of palliatives, the smooth and easy passage of travellers from across the River Niger should also come in.

“While we appreciate government’s plan to bring back railways, we also should think about this bridge first because if this is done, the people of Southeast and Nigerians will give more support to government’s programmes,” he said.

Also reflecting on the lessons learnt from the protest over subsidy removal, the cleric said that it has shown that Nigerians are now more conscious of their rights and the power of their voices in a democracy. He therefore advised political office holders to perform because their mandate renewal during elections henceforth will be determined by their output while in office.

“F

ROM the Koloama River, the huge flames could be sighted deep in the Atlantic Ocean, and the gas is still burning emitting dangerous gases and other toxic chemicals into the environment. The Koloama River directly empties into the Atlantic Ocean.”

Those were the words of protesting residents of Koloama Clan in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State where offshore oil was first discovered in Nigeria.

They came in thousands expressing concern for their health which they said has been endangered by the effects of the gas explosion in the area.

Angry also that that both federal and state governments appear to be indifferent to their plight, residents of the oil-rich clan, including community leaders, traditional rulers, youths, women young and old, stormed the premises of the Nigeria Union Journalists (NUJ) Yenagoa, the state capital, to present their grievances.

Recently, a Chevron rig wellhead on the sea near the Koloama community exploded. Two people were said to have died, while many others sustained injury in the incident. Since then, local residents have been worried about their well-being.

The protesters carried placards, some of which read: “Chevron should evacuate us from the area,” “Inhabitants of Koloama Community are dying,” “Federal Government should intervene,” “Chevron are killers,” “Federal Government save Koloama Community from extinction,” among others.

Addressing journalists on the matter, Chairman Koloama Council of Chiefs, Chief Andrew Akpaingolo, accompanied by other chiefs including E. J. Francis a renowned lawyer, lamented that the massive explosions shook houses to their foundations in Koloama 1, Koloama 2, Tamazo and Odobia communities in the clan.

Devastated by the effects of the ravaging gas on the people which is threatening their health, members of the clan demanded that they should be evacuated from the area without delay, and flame resulting from the explosion which is still at its peak, should be put off.

They decried that health centres in the communities are filled up with people suffering from effects of the explosion; aquatic life totally destroyed as the rivers are totally polluted.

“With the health hazards, we

•The protesting youths

Community protests Chevron gas explosion From Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa

should be evacuated from the communities and the people should be resettled without delay,” demanded the people who stressed that “officials from Chevron and government should visit the communities to assess the damage caused by the explosion.

Chevron, members of the clan further demanded, should take immediate steps to contain the spread of the pollutants on the water, stop the raging flames and clean up the environment.

Mr. Tiwei Idowei, chairman Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, also lamented that since the incident occurred, no Federal Government or Chevron official has visited the clan to ascertain the ex-

tent of damage done to the health and means of livelihood and the environment of the people.

“As the chairman, I have not seen anyone in my council since the incident occurred. No NNPC official, no Chevron official has visited the communities so far,” he lamented, even as he recalled that similar incident occurred in the gulf and drew world’s attention in condemnation of the incident. But here, the people have not taken the laws into their hands.

“If not for chiefs and elders of Koloama clan, we wouldn’t have been calm like this. My people would have acted otherwise but for the community chiefs who calmed frayed nerves.

“NNPC, Chevron should come

and ascertain the extent of the damage, evacuate the people and send relief materials,” Idowei added.

“We are worried because it was explosion in the course of seismic activities by Shell D’Archy while

exploring oil and gas in the area that led to the wiping away of ancient Koloama,” the chiefs added.

Also speaking in his capacity as the chairman of the state Maritime •Continued on Page 39

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

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•Governor Uduaghan

NDDC begins work on mega projects

HE Niger Delta Development Commission has begun work on the second batch of the 29 mega projects sited across the region.

Two of the projects are in Abia State, eight in Akwa Ibom, two in Bayelsa, one in Cross River and seven in Delta State. Edo State has one, Imo and Rivers have four each .

Speaking at a meeting between officials of the commission and the projects contractors and consultants, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Christain Oboh said the commission has put all machinery in motion to ensure the effective implementation of the projects.

Dr Oboh, who was represented by the Executive Director, Projects, Engr Edikan

‘Treat corps members as your children’

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HE Rivers State Coordinator of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs. Josephine Okuonghae, has urged leaders of communities in the state to always treat corps members as their children. They have also been advised to adequately protect them to avoid incessant kidnap cases.

She declared that the NYSC would no longer tolerate acts capable of endangering the lives of corps members.

Okuonghae stated these in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, in an interactive session with reporters.

Two corps members and their female visitor were recently kidnapped in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State. They were later rescued by security operatives. Last year, five corps members were also kidnapped in Etche and rescued by soldiers in neighbouring Abia State.

The Rivers NYSC coordinator said: “The youth were posted from different parts of Nigeria to serve in Rivers State. They should be commended.

Rivers From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

“When corps members are posted to communities to serve, we always inform the leaders and the local government chairmen, as the chief security officers.

“The rescued corps members are in good health. In the Etche kidnap incident, the leaders of the communities assisted in ensuring their rescue from the kidnappers’ hideout, in collaboration with security personnel.”

Okuonghae also stated that emphasis was being placed on the safety of the corps members in Rivers State, even as she urged their parents, guardians and relatives to be assured that the youth are well protected.

She added that Rivers State is peaceful, with Governor Rotimi Amaechi always assuring residents that investors trooping to the state confirmed the prevalence of peace.

Cross River invests N57.8b in Tinapa Resort T HE Cross River State government has invested N57.8 billion in the Tinapa Business and Leisure

Resort.

The state Commissioner for Finance, Rev Takis Caifas, made the disclosure when the Special Committee of the Cross River State House of Assembly on Tinapa headed by Hon. Otu Enyia, met with the management of the resort, Union Bank officials and other stakeholders on the floor of the House on how to revive the resort.

At the forum, Tinapa Business Resort and Union Bank of Nigeria Plc disagreed over the debt owed the bank by the resort.

According to the bank, through their counsel, Olaniran Obele, the state government had borrowed N10 billion

Delta Eshett, warned the contractors against indulging in sharp practices that will impede the successful execution of the projects.

“Where contractors choose to circumvent laid down procedures and execute their projects below expectations, they shall be demolished at their own expense” Oboh warned.

The NDDC boss frowned at incidents of variation, warning that where requests for variation are not justified such projects shall be determined, re-advertised and re-awarded to serious contractors.

He implored consultants and resident supervisors to ensure that their staff were not only qualified but always around to monitor progress of work by contractors.

“Where consultants choose to send inexperienced or non engineers to supervise engineering projects, such contracts shall be terminated without notice, same fate applies to consultants in other fields” Oboh further warned.

Also speaking, the Director, Projects Monitoring and Supervision, Arch Alex Okenwa stated that for smooth implementation of projects, contractors must work with the Directorate of Community and Rural Development particularly in areas of site handover and takeover to avoid friction with benefitting communities.

A

HE Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has said that it will devote more attention to the development of non-crop farming as part of efforts to make agriculture attractive to youths in the country.

• Anambra State Governor Peter Obi at the flag-off of Obibia Bridge at Enugu Agidi

A Vehicle owners warned THE Lagos Police Command has warned owners of vehicles parked at the Festac Division of the state to remove them immediately or forfeit same through auction.

They are: 1.Toyota starlet saloon car – BB492AAA 2. Accidented LT35 Bus – XQ59GGE 3. Accidented LT Bus XG259LSR

•From left: Alhaji Shuaib; Ogun State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Arc AbdulAkeem Adegbite and a senior lecturer, University of Lagos, Dr Tajudeen Yusuf during distribution of Zakat at NUT Hall, Abeokuta, Ogun State

Foundation to distribute N30m zakat

humanitarian organisation Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation (ZSF) will, on Sunday, give out N30 million worth Zakat proceeds to the successful 180 beneficiaries across Lagos State at the Multipurpose Hall, Lagos State Secretariat Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

A statement signed by ZSF Executive Director Alhaji Abdullahi Shuaib said the beneficiaries had undergone screening interviews.

Shuaib said dignitaries expected at the event are Governor of Zamfara State Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari; his Lagos counterpart Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN); Seriki and Baba Adini of Egbaland and Secretary-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs who is also the chairman of the Advisory Board of the Foundation Dr Abdul-Lateef Adegbite among others.

Shuaib added that some of the materials to be given out are tricycle (i.e. Keke Marwa), sewing machines, sealing machines, a set of computer system, grinding machines, wheel chairs, digging and packing machines, among others.

Other areas of disbursement, he said, include healthcare, education, accommodation, debt-relief and welfare supports.

“As you are aware, the Zakat proceeds are meant to enhance the living standard of the masses as well as serve as a means of redistributing wealth so that socio-economic balance would be achieved in the society.

“The better welfare and improved living condition of our people are the focal points

which interest has over time accumulated to about N22billion.

The Managing Director of the Resort, Bassey Ndem, however said though they applied for 10 billion, they got only N8billion, but was not clear on the interest that had accrued.

The parties at the forum agreed to sort things out among themselves.

Chairman of the panel, who also represents Boki II State Constituency, said they were not set out to witchhunt anyone

•Governor Imoke but to see how every stakeholder could work together to make the resort blosom as was originally planned.

Govt to introduce non-cropping farming T

By Emmanuel Oladesu

around the fortunes of a near comatose nation.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, the Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Council, Comrade Ayodele Adewale enjoined the newly inaugurated supervisors and special advisers to ensure the interest of the people they serve should and influence all their policy-making actions and processes.

In his words, “I will like to welcome you all to a new dawn. It is going to be a hectic season for all as we are all aware of the enormous task ahead of us in terms of repositioning our dear local government.

Your appointment today is a call to dedicated duty and you must ensure a patriotic resolve to serve your people and your father’s land.”

Cross River

• Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom (middle) signing the contract for the international terminal building of Ibom Airport. With him are the Managing Director, Alcon Nig. Ltd., Chief Gianfranco Falcioni (left), and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Assam Assam in Uyo

Council inaugurates exco FTER an unexpected delay, AmuwoOdofin Local GovernmentArea has finally inaugurated its new exco to pilot the affairs of the grass root government for the next three years.

The newly appointed supervisors and Special Advisers include, Hon. Valentine Buriamoh, as Supervisor for Works and Housing, Murisiq Babalola Danmole, as Supervisor for Health, and Mrs Angela Iwuoha as Supervisor for Education and Library services. Others include, Supervisor for Environment Services and Waste Management, Prince Shina Ado, Resources, Rural and Community Development, Engr.

Ajibola Jenmi, Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Olajumoke Adesanya. Mr Solomon Henu, as the Special Adviser on Chieftaincy, Boundary and Culture Matters while Naji Fatima Bako is the Special Adviser on Market and Revenue Generation.

The Vice-Chairman of the Local Government, Alhaja Kudirat Dada was also appointed to oversee the Budget and Economic Planning Department.

The list of the newly sworn-in exco reflects the Comrade Ayodele – led administration’s policy of accommodation, unity, and integration, as it accommodates all across religious and tribal divide.

Beyond this, the list underlies the dire need for the emergence of credible individuals in government to establish a responsive government that is overtly ready to turn

37

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

of the foundation’s activities which cannot be compromised,” Shuaib stated

S

A Deputy Director in the ministry, Mr Akaya Ali, disclosed this in Lokoja at the opening of a four-day workshop for selected farmers from states in the North Central zone and the FCT. Ali said that the initiative was informed by the need to attract youths to agriculture and improve the revenue of farmers, especially during the dry season.

He listed non-crop farming enterprises to include bee keeping, snail farming, grass cutter keeping and rabbit farming, which had been discovered to have high revenue generation potential.

He said the development informed the decision to train farmers on non-crop enterprises so that they could remain on the farm all-year round.

Ali blamed the dwindling fortunes of agriculture on years of neglect, adding that the ministry was working toward reversing the trend by introducing non-crop farming.

The director said that each of the participants would be given start-up equipment and other incentives after the training, to enable them to adequately utilise the knowledge acquired.

While highlighting the challenges bedevilling the sector, he urged state governments to come up with fresh ideas on how to revitalise the sector. “ If you look at agriculture from production to the food on the table of the consumers, a lot of problems are involved; inputs are not available, credit to buy the inputs, harvesting material are not available to farmers, hence agriculture is no longer appealing.’’

According to him, the Agricultural Transformation Agenda of the present administration aims at making agriculture more appealing to youths in order to become more productive.

Hausa traders return to Asaba

OME Hausa traders and artisans, who left Asaba, the Delta State capital, for their states in December last year after the Christmas bomb attack at a church in Madala in Niger State are returning to the town. The traders are also returning to other towns in the state.

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State had earlier appealed to the traders not to leave the state, assuring them of adequate security of lives and property.

A visit to the Hausa community in Asaba revealed that some of the traders that left had returned, and were busy selling their wares in the market.

Some of them who spoke to journalists, said that they had to return when they realised that there was peace in Asaba and that their fear of a reprisal attack was baseless.

Malam Hassan Usman, a trader at the Abraka Market in the town, said, “I decided to travel home when we got the information that we were going to be attacked.

“But we came back last weekend when we realised that there is peace in Asaba and we have started our normal businesses.’’

Malam Haruna Bello, a trader at the Asaba Ogbeogonogo Market said, “I ran out of Asaba

Delta out of fear thinking the Ibo people will attack us.

“But decided to come back Monday when my brother whom I left behind told me that there is peace in Asaba.

“As you can see, I have started selling my onions and people have been buying from me.’’

Meanwhile, it was observed that only few of the mobile shoe shiners were seen on the streets of Asaba.

This is an indication that some of them are yet to return from their trip home in December.

Some residents of Asaba, especially civil servants, who patronise the shoe shiners, are already feeling their absence.

Mr Kingsley Akuna, a civil servant, said that he had to buy a polish for his shoes since he could not find the mobile shoe shiners on the streets again.

According to Akuna, “I have to go and buy polish this morning since I cannot get shoe shiners around who are mostly Hausas to do the job for me”.

•From left: Former Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Lagos State, Chief Enock Ajiboso;former member, Federal House of Representatives Hon Olakunle Amunikoro; Chairman, Orile Agege Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Hon. Taofeek Adaranijo and his vice Hon Johuson Babatunde at the swearing in of Secretary to the local government and supervising councillors at Orile Agege LCDA in Lagos PHOTO: BOLA OMILABU

Southeast governors hailed on security

A

NAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi and his counterparts in the Southeast have been praised for ensuring security in the region since December last year The former governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Okey Muo-Aroh, said this while speaking with jounalists.

Aroh, who is currently gunning for the post of National Publicity Secretary of the party said for many years, the Southeast zone had not witnessed such

Anambra From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

a hitch-free yuletide in the area.

He hailed them for exhibiting what he referred to as togetherness during the Federal Government, labour imbroglio over removal of oil subsidy.

However, the PDP Chieftain warned that Nigerians should not mistake the

silence of the governors for cowardice.

He said: “I must commend Governor Peter Obi and the Southeast governors on the way they have handled BokoHaram killings and more especially the way they handled security during Christmas period and beyond” “Their matured way of handling these issues should not be taken as being cowardly, rather, Nigerians should listen to their silence” Aroh said.

Local govt prays

M

EMBERS of staff of Mushin Local Government Area and those of the Christian Fellowship of Nigeria recently offered prayers for a smooth and progressive 2012.

The programme tagged:Divine Exchange, was meant to usher the members of staff to Christ.

According to the President of the Fellowship, Brother Tunde Adeyemi, “only prayers and praises can prevent death, calamities and failure. In the year 2011, many things happened in the local government; including death of members of staff. Our wish and prayer to God is that no member of staff will die this year.

Mushin Local Government will continue to grow from strength to strength”.

The chairman of the council, Hon. Olatunde Adepitan who was at the occasion, appealed to them to work hard to justify their wages; eschew bitterness, laziness, lateness and all vices.

• From left: Hon. Adepitan, Hon. Emmanuel Bamigboye and the Council Manager, Mr Sunday Oduwole at the event.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

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PEOPLE THE NATION

A FIVE-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

It was a celebration of life when the remains of the late Mr Oluseye Ogunjuwon, a veteran journalist, were interred in Lagos after a funeral service at the Cathedral of Christ, St Jude, Ebute-Metta. NNEKA NWANERI writes.

•From left: Governor Fashola; Adebola Olagbaju and Prince Oyekan

H

E lived a good life and got a befitting funeral in Lagos last Friday. Oluseye Ogunjuwon, a veteran journalist, died at 72. His funeral was a celebration, with the who’s who in Lagos gathering to pay him last respect. They rallied round relations of Baba Jeje, Ogunjuwon’s pet name, for the funeral.

Governor Batabunde Fashola led his deputy, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Oluranti Adebule; Chief of Staff Olanrewaju Babalola; Head of Service Adesegun Ogunlewe; Special Assistant on Central Business Districts, Mrs Derin Disu; Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Prince Rotimi Oyekan; Culture and Home Affairs, Oyinlomo Danmole and Senior Special Assistant on Health, Hon Toyin Hamzat to the ceremony.

Fashola’s involvement stemmed from his father’s longstanding relationship with the late Ogunjuwon. They met and became friends at the defunct Daily Times Newspaper, where both had worked. Giving Ogunjuwon a befitting burial, the governor felt, was the least he could do for his daddy’s friend.

Joining Governor Fashola and his cabinet at the ceremony were Senator Gbenga Ashafa; Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chairman, Hon Kehinde Bamgbetan; his Itire-Ikate counterpart, Hakeem Bamgbola.

Others were the governor’s mother, Mrs Bunmi Fashola and his sister, Yinka; Chairman Drain Ducks Hakeem Apatira; Alhaji Biodun Oki; Otunba Fatai Olukoga and representatives of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu.

Farewell to ‘a rare gem’ The funeral service at the Cathedral of Christ, St Jude, Ebute Metta, was presided over by the Archbishop and Dean, Church of Nigeria, Rev Adebola Ademowo, who praised the deceased for living a good life. He described him as a stickler for time; a meticulous man who always wished others well and was, nicknamed Baba Jeje; a gentleman, because he went about his life peacefully.

“His life is a lesson for us all to learn. We are here to bid him farewell,” the cleric said. He gave a message of hope, quoting 1 Thessalonians 17. “The resurrection of Jesus is a pointer to our resurrection as children of God on the last day. Our history begins with the cross and ends with the resurrection. No resurrection, no Christianity,” he stressed.

Rev Ademowo enjoined all to live live a life of triumph, faith, victory and resurrection. “Ev-

erything does not end here. Life is continuous just as Baba Jeje has gone after a glorious life to rest with Christ. After then, we live forever with our maker. Life is a gift of God given to us by the owner and giver to cherish. Do not undermine your spirituality,”he said.

There were also prayers for the deceased and his family. The Diocesan Bishop, Rev Adebayo Akinde, on behalf of the parish, condoled with the bereaved family, thanking God for Ogunjuwon’s life.

Students of the CMS Grammar School, Lagos, the deceased’s alma mater, sang the school’s anthem in his honour.

Interment followed immediately at the Ikoyi Vaults and Gardens. Guests, converged on the Harbour Point, Victoria Island, for the reception.

Shades of blue and white as most of the guests

turned out in sparkling white attires with blue headgears for women and caps for men. The hall itself was a harbour for relaxation, as the colours in which it was decorated complemented guests’ attires.

The lavishly decorated hall was inviting, as guests stepped out from their chauffeur-driven Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and other exotic cars to take their seats.

They had a swell time with scintillating music by Juju Queen, Lady Ayo Balogun, wafting in the air. Her band’s dexterity and beautiful rhythms combined to give guests a perfect weekend delight as they danced and danced.

The guests, besides loosening up, exchanged pleasantries and engaged in small talks.

A nephew of the deceased, Dele Aina, described him as a good man, who, after retirement from journaslit relocated to England.

“He was such a wonderful person, very quiet, a good giver, an easy-going person. His nickname was given to him because he was a very careful person and gentle. He was an intelligent man. I will like to follow his footsteps and live a good life,” he said.

The late Ogunjuwon was born on Lagos Island. He attended Olowogbowo Methodist School, Lagos and completed his secondary school education at CMS Grammar School, Bariga.

Having worked at the Daily Times, he later moved to the defunct Republic as a Senior Editor, where he retired and relocated abroad.

•More pictures on page 30

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

30

SOCIETY •Continued from page 29

•Mrs Orelope-Adefulire and Hon Danmole

•Hon Tayo Ayinde (left) and Senator Ashafa

•David Akinsola (left) and Wale Olasunmade

•Biodun Olaleye and wife Bose

•From left: Mrs Fashola; Lara Fashola and Titilola Ayinde

•Mr Babalola and Mrs Adebule

•Mr Ogunlewe (left) and Mr Tunde Humpe

•Hon Bamgbola

•Hon Arole Fancy (left) and Commissioner for Works and Housing Hon Bosun Jeje

•Hon Disu and Alhaji Mutiu Are

•From left: Col Tade Adewale (rtd) Prince Kunle Adeyeba and Hon Bamgbetan PHOTOS: ADEJO DAVID

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

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SOCIETY

The expansive Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos was beehive as drug manufacturing giant Emzor Pharmaceutical Industry Limited held a dinner in commemoration of its 25th anniversary, reports WALE ADEPOJU.

•From left: Senator Tinubu; Hon Chukwu; Dr Okoli; Senator Ekweremadu; Mrs Orelope-Adefulire and Dame Fashola

F

IRST, it was the traffic gridlock at the Onikan Round About, then the deafening noise from the siren clearing the way for eminent personalities who were trying to gain access to the Shell Hall, Muson Centre, venue of the dinner to mark the 25 th anniversary of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industry Limited. The night was part of the activities to mark the silver jubilee of the drug company.

Security operatives ushering dignitaries to the event ensured safe passage of the convoys.

The arrival of the Deputy Senate President and Speaker, ECOWAS Parliament; Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who was dressed in local fabric aroused people’s curiosity. He was received by the Founder, Emzor Pharmaceutical Industry Limited, Dr Stella Okoli.

Ekweremadu’s entry was imme-

Celebrating silver jubilee in style diately followed by Lagos Central Senatorial District Senator, Oluremi Tinubu; Health Minister, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu and his counterpart in the Ministry of Science and Technology, Prof Ita Okon Bassey Ewa. The arrival of Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs Abimbola Fashola were greeted with songs from the life band who had been entertaining guests.

Others in attendance were the officiating minister on the occasion, Pastor J.T Kalejaiye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG); Director-General, National agency for Food and

Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Dr Paul Orhii; Prof Pat Utomi; Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Joy Emordi, Managing Director, Bank of Industry, Ms Evelyn Oputu, among others.

The musical vibration in the hall drew the attention of guests to the importance of the occasion.

The accompanying bright light and aesthetics enhanced the atmosphere of praise and worship.

An elated Dr Okoli was full of thanks to the eminent persons in attendance. She went down memory lane on how her small scale business on Fola Agoro grew to become a household name in the pharmaceutical industry.

She attributed the success story to God who she said made it possible, but stressed that she chose to see opportunity where others see challenges.

“We started with four products but today we have over 70 of them,” she said.

An ecstatic Mrs Fashola described the event as beautiful, colourful and befitting of a truly silver jubilee.

She enjoined everybody to relax and enjoy the evening as Lagos is known for giving pleasure as the Centre of Excellence. She praised the company for touching lives, particularly in Lagos State.

Prof Chukwu hailed the company for taking a plunge when others were undecided.

•Dr Orhii

“It has supported the local industry. If she had failed, we may not have a sustainable health care,” he said.

Pastor Kalejaiye urged the gathering to have a heart of gratitude.

He said the company had a heart of gratitude which was why it was giving back to the society.

“The ungrateful,” he said, ”is a great fool. After thanksgiving doors of opportunity would be opened.”

The cleric urged government to provide job for the youth.

Mrs Orelope-Adefulire said many had dreams but could not realise them.

“It is one thing to have a dream; it is another thing to actualise them.

Emzor has been promoting Millennium Development Goals in Nigeria and indeed Lagos State.

The celebration went into the night with music and dancing.

‘She’s woman of my dream’ The Riato Hotel, Benin City in Edo State was throbbing, when former Miss Mercy Ikpesi Odior, a security expert and her beau, Emmanuel Ehizogie Amomoh, an oil merchant tied the nuptial knot, reports OSAS ROBERT.

T

HEY met as students at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State and fell for each other in a relationship that culminated into marriage after eight years of courtship.

The bride, former Miss Mercy Ikpesi Odior, a security expert and her beau Emmanuel Ehizogie Amomoh, an oil merchant both from Edo State would forever relish the day they were declared husband and wife.

To the lovebirds, it was a dream come true.

Decorated with a blend of green and cream colours, the hall at Riato Hotel, Benin City was filled to capacity.

Families, friends, and well wishers defied the long journey to witness the joy of the couple.

Guests stood on their feet to welcome the couple into the hall. The lovebirds responded with beautiful dance steps.

It was a gathering of successful Nigerians from all works of life, stunningly decked in various local and foreign attires.

With so much to eat and drink, the occasion started with an exchange of marital vows between the bride, Mercy and the groom, Emmanuel at the Oredo Local Government Council of Benin City.

Excitement filled the air as the duo completed the solemnisation rites.

Afterwards, group photographs were taken as usual to mark the day.

Donned in a cream blazer and a pair of black trousers, with a olivegreen shirt and a bow tie to match, Emmanuel thanked God for making the day a reality.

“It is indeed, my happiest day; A dream come true,” he said.

“Words,” he said, “cannot explain the way I feel. That I am married to the lady of my dream is a thing of joy. We met way back in school during our Pre-Degree programme days at the Ambrose Ali University Ekpoma, and since then we started this relationship which today culminated into marriage. I look forward to a blissful married life with lots of prosperity.”

For Mercy, there is nothing more a young lady could ask for at this time

•Former Miss Odior and her husband Amomoh at the wedding.

when so many of her mates are still looking for the right men “I have waited for this day and thank God it has finally come,” she said.

“I am so excited that this day has

finally come to pass. When a young lady passes out of school and gets a job in this society of ours, the next thing to think about is how to settle down with the man she loves. I thank

God for his mercies towards me,” she enthused.

She urged spinsters to put their trust in God while searching for soul mates.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

32

A gathering of old students Old students of Nawair Ud-Deen Grammar School, Obantoko, Abeokuta, gathered at the Nawair-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria Central Mosque, Mushin, Lagos, for the sake of their alma mater. AMIDU ARIJE reports.

F

OR most of them, the last time they saw was when they parted ways some 28 to 30 years ago. Some had even worked together in the same ministry without knowing that they were school mates at the Nawair-Ud-Deen Grammar School, Abeokuta. But, thank God for the reunion of the Old Students Association of Nawair Ud-Deen Grammar School(NUDGOSA) that brought them together and made them to know the hidden facts about themselves.

No wonder their happiness knew no bounds when they gathered at the Nawair-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria Central Mosque, Mushin, Lagos.

They hugged each other amid laughter and backslapping. They shone in various dresses with nice pairs of shoes as they were ushered in, and introduced.

Their profiles revealed their years of graduation. One of the pioneering students of the school, Alhaji Musiliu Atunnishe, who also doubled as the chairman, Lagos State Chapter of the old students association, received a loud ovation as he was ushered to the high table alongside other dignitaries.

With the distinguished guests seated, the opening prayer was said by Imam Adbul Lateef Oderinde, an old student of the school.

Representing the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babtunde Fashola, was the Commissioner for Local Government Services Commission, Alhaji Obafemi Sunmonu.

The chairman on the occasion was former Minister of State for Agriculture and Water Resources Alhaji Najeem Adewale Awodele, represented

by Abdul Fattah Abdul Salam, an alumnus of the school.

Another alumnus and Bursar of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Mr Lateef Adekunle was also in attendance.

Other old students included a university lecturer from the Department of History and Diplomatic Studies, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ogun State, Dr Rasheed Ajetunmobi, who was also the guest speaker on the occasion; Fadeyi Mukaila Olalekan, a Magistrate; Adeoye Adeosun; Alhaja Yemi Bada; Coordinator, Lagos State chapter of NUDGOSA, Hon Olayiwola Olawale; Secretary, Ishaq Oladipo and Mrs Taiwo Ogunsekan, among others.

Among the wellwishers was the Dean of Engineering, UNILAG, Prof Musbau Ajibade Salau.

While delivering his lecture, Ajetunmobi made a clarion call to NUDGOSA to take an active part in the life of their alma mater.

“It is a clarion call for all students residing in Lagos State to come together and work as a team to develop better social interaction and be able to help one another in need as well as help our alma mater to raise its standard beyond the present state, because we know that government cannot do everything alone. Those of us who have benefitted from the school should be able to plough back what the school had invested in us,” he said.

Awodele challenged the alumni to work harder to bring more members into the fold.

“We must all work hard to bring development to our alma mater. We should contribute to the development of the school, and you must work hard to bring more members into this fold,” he said.

Olawale was very happy with the success of the event amid many challenges.

“We are gathered here for the reunion of our school. It is meant to bring us together. We realised that not all of us know ourselves. So, we decided to come up with the reunion to bring us together to know ourselves because it will give us a better chance to assist ourselves,” he said.

A member of the 1990 set, Mrs Bosede Akinbami, was very elated for witnessing the day. She promised to make her children attend the school when they grow.

“When next I am coming to this world, I will like to go back to Nawair-Ud-Deen Grammar School because everything in that school is okay.

When my children grow I will like them to go to the school, because it is a nice place to be. I am very delighted and elated meeting my old friends.

I am even happier to see my teacher here, today,” she said.

Alhaji Sunmonu tasked everyone to contribute immensely to the development of the school.

“I will like to remind the members of the association that whatever they are today the school moulded them, because when they entered the school none of them knew where the world would take them to. But, as time went on, they left the school, they started to realise their potentials; this is payback time for them. It is good they are coming together and as they come together, they must try as much as possible to contribute immensely to improve the standard of the school,” he said.

He urged members of the association to be good ambassadors for generations to come.

The highlight was the presentation of awards to some members and donations for the development of the school.

•Dr Ajetunmobi (left) and Atunnise

•Adeoye (left) and Fadeyi

‘We are gathered here for the reunion of our school. It is meant to bring us together. We realised that not all of us know ourselves. So, we decided to come up with the reunion to bring us together to know ourselves because it will give us a better chance to assist ourselves’ •Hon Olawale (right) and Alhaji Kareem

MARITAL BLISS

WEDDING

Former Miss Chidinma Racheal and her beau Chidozie Francis during their wedding in Lagos

•Mr Anu Adegbitan and wife Blessing after their wedding.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

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SOCIETY An elder of The Apostolic Church, Shomolu Area, Lagos, Emmanuel Olalere Oladunjoye, turned 70 on January 21. He was joined by family members, friends and the congregation, at the Shomolu Headquarters of the Church for a thanksgiving. HAMEED YEKINI reports.

•The celebrator (middle) flanked by (from left) Foluke Amosu; Olayinka Oladunjoye; Deaconess Debora Oladunjoye; Baby Samuel Oladunjoye; Olaide Oke; Femi Oladunjoye and Bukola Oyetunji

•Dr Remi Folorunsho (left) and Caleb Yinka Adekunle

F

OR Elder Emmanuel Olalere Oladunjoye, January 21 was a day of double joy: he joined the septuagenarian club and launched his dream project - a foundation aimed at improving the standard of education of the less-privileged.

Oladunjoye, decked in a white lace Agbada with his wife in Iro and Buba of the same material, radiated joy through out the event. His children and grandchild were not left out; they completed the happy family in their uniform Ankara dress.

While the church hall was decorated with purple and brown, the cake was superbly decorated in shades of purple and cream.

In attendance were the clerics of the church, Pastor Lawrence Ojo and Pastor Paul Oloruntoba; members of the church presbytery; the choir; family members; in- laws and well wishers.

The event began with an opening prayer by Pastor Ojo, who ushered the celebrator into the hall. He asked a member of the congregation to read I Corinthians Chapter 1 verse 12.

Oladunjoye expressed gratitude to God for His mercy upon his family. He urged the congregation to have faith in God, saying: “With God all

•Mr Gboyega Adepitan

•Hon Joseph Falode (left) and Pastor Seyi Oyewande

70 hearty cheers to a worthy elder things are possible. If not for His mercy, we will not be here today but because he has already planed today and scheduled it for us, that is why we are here.”

He listed the challenges he has faced and how he survived them. He also spoke about how he lost her first wife, Emily, and how he latter married the present wife and what inspired him to establish Emmanuel Oladunjoye Foundation.

“Many children want to go to school but there is nobody to sponsor them. I am saying this because I am one of the victims. I am from a very poor family. My parents could not afford to send me beyond Modern School. And, before I could

complete my education, it was with pains,” he said.

He continued: “Since I have gone through this pain, I have vowed to give my children the best education and I thank God that I was able to fulfil that. As for the foundation, I am happy that, today is the day that I have been hoping for.

I thank God that I am alive to celebrate two things at a time. But I believe I am not the one who commenced the foundation, it is God’s wish.

“My prayer to the Almighty God is to grant me more years and give me good health to continue glorifying Him. My message to my children and people is to have faith in God and love

everyone. They should try and help people when they know that people around need them. Most of you are not doing it for today but for tomorrow,” he said.

The celebrator’s son, Olayinka, described his father as a loving and caring man who loves his children and puts God first in whatever he does.

“He is hard working, caring and loving. He is a man of the people and man of God. There is no where you will go in The Apostolic Church throughout the nation that you will not hear people mention his name for the wonderful things he has been doing for the church,” Olayinka said.

He continued: “My dad hates being disappointed when he expects much from you. He’s equally disappointed when you fail to live up to standard; he hates lazy people.”

Oladunjoye’s daughter, Mrs Olubukola Oyetunji, noted how fashionable her father is. “He is very fashionable. He is a simple man to move with. Once you meet him, talk and relate with him for few minutes, you will get to like him. He is a pleasant and respectful man. As regards age, he respects everyone regardless of their ages,” she said.

FUNERAL OF ABIMBOLA ADUKE ODUNEWU AT HOLY CROSS CATHEDRAL, LAGOS

•From left: Mr Totin Akonilafe; Mrs Morayo Akonilafe, Chief Alade Odunewu; Oyindamola Awosika; Ayotola Awosika, Ebun Awosika; Shalewa Akonilafe; Akanni Odunewu and Segun Odunewu

•Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire PHOTOS: SOLOMON ADEOLA

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

36

COMMENTARY

FEMI ABBAS ON

I

N the life of every nation, like that of every individual human being, there must be a time of tribulation. Such a tribulation is a test of faith and that of steadfastness. For an individual, passing or failing it depends very much on the strength of his faith and for a nation, the competence or otherwise of the leadership at the helm of affairs. Nigeria as a country is not an exception in this.

For the past six years or thereabout, Nigerians have been forced to grapple with the intensity of an unprecedented insecurity culminating in bomb blasts continually but devastatingly killing and maiming human beings in their scores. This carnage which first began in 2006 with a major threat to the existence of Nigeria by some war mongering South-South youths has come to climax the decades of crises in the country engendered by economic, political, ethnic and religious motivations.

And since the crises have constantly been engineered by government’s insensitive policies, it is instructive that the attitude of the same government towards those crises can hardly be suggestive of any serious readiness to proffer a permanent and sincere solution to them. The language that rents the air this time is ‘Boko Haram’.

That language has virtually become a spectre putting both the government and the people on the run and giving them a fierce chase of their lives.

From whichever angle it may be perceived, Boko Haram is now a huge balloon of smoke oozing out of a protruding chimney and destructively polluting the air which everybody in Nigeria today is forced to inhale willingly or unwillingly.

But unfortunately, rather than finding out the fireplace beneath the chimney that gives vent to the oozing smoke, the government just insists on dispelling the smoke even as the fire keeps burning.

Granted that Boko Haram was inherited by the current regime just as the SouthSouth militants’ menace was inherited by Yar’Adua regime that preceded this, nevertheless, the late President YarÁdua did not allow it to overwhelm Nigerians before finding a solution to it.

The current government’s idea of Boko Haram seems to be quite different from what that disturbing body really is. Boko Haram has become like a huge elephant surrounded by thousands of blind men.

One can only describe the part he is able to touch on the body of the mammoth animal and not the whole of it. Without diagnosis, only a quack doctor will proceed to treat an ailment in a patient. And that is what the Federal Government is currently doing in respect of the Boko Haram’s carnage.

However, some serious-minded and sincere individuals who are convinced that the problem posed by Boko Haram is beyond just a surface scratching have begun to dig deep into the tap roots of that obnoxious body. One of such individuals is Jean Herskovits a female Professor of History at the State University of New York, USA. She has been writing on Nigerian politics since 1970. The other is a well known and highly respected Nigerian Catholic Bishop Mathew Hassah Kukah of Sokoto Diocese. But since both of them hold and have similar opinions on the issue, ‘The Message’ decided to bring the latter’s opinion because of Nigerians’ familiarity with his person.

Below is the verbatim text of his public address on Boko Haram which was entitled ‘AN APPEAL TO NIGERIANS’. This address has since been published in The Guardian of January 17. It goes thus: “On the occasion of the Carol of Nine Lessons organised by NTA and Radio Nigeria on December 10 last year, I was invited to deliver the message. I chose to speak on the theme, Do Not Be Afraid as a means of encouraging our people against the backdrop of fear and frustration that was mounting at the time. Since then, it would seem that things have gotten progressively worse in our country.

In the course of my reflections, I sought to encourage my fellow citizens not to be frightened by the events of the time. I insisted that despite these tragic and sad events and the situation of our country, we needed to conquer fear. I argued that the message of Christmas was a message about the good news of the birth of the Prince of Peace, Emmanuel, (God-with us) and the Saviour of the world. Against the backdrop of other developments in the country at that time, I concluded by calling on the Federal Government not to

Femabbas@yahoo.com 08051101861

Beyond Boko Haram

•Kukah

carry through its plans for the removal of fuel subsidy.

Since then, things have gradually snowballed well beyond what one had either feared or hoped. On Christmas day, a bomb exploded at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, in Niger State, killing over 30 people and wounding a significant number of other innocent citizens who had come to worship their God as the first part of their Christmas celebrations. Barely two days later, we heard of the tragic and mindless killings within a community in Ebonyi State in which over 60 people lost their lives with properties worth millions of naira destroyed and hundreds of families displaced. In the midst of all this, on New Year’s Day, the President announced the withdrawal of fuel subsidy and threw an already angry and frustrated nation into convulsion.

Right now, I feel that perhaps like the friends of Job (Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar), who came to visit their sick friend and found the burden beyond comprehension, we find ourselves in the same situation.

For, as we know, when they came and found Job in his condition, they spent seven days and seven nights, and uttered not a word (Job 2:13). Right now, no one can claim a full understanding of the state we are in. However, even if we cannot understand the issues of the moment, our faith compels us to understand that God’s hand is in all this. The challenge is for us to have the patience to let His will be done.

The tragedy in Madalla was seen as a direct attack on Christians. When Boko Haram claimed responsibility, this line of argument seemed persuasive to those who believed that these merchants of death could be linked to the religion of Islam.

Happily, prominent Muslims rose in unison to condemn this evil act and denounced both the perpetrators and their acts as being un-Islamic. All of this should cause us to pause and ponder about the nature of the force of evil that is in our midst and to appreciate the fact that contrary to popular thinking, we are not faced with a crisis or conflict between Christians and Muslims. Rather, like the friends of Job, we need to humbly appreciate the limits of our human understanding.

In the last few years, with the deepening crises in parts of Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, and Plateau states, thanks to the international and national media, it has become fanciful to argue that we have crises between Christians and Muslims. Sadly, the kneejerk reaction of some very uninformed religious leaders has lent credence to this false belief. To complicate matters, some

of these religious leaders have continued to rally their members to defend themselves in a religious war. This has fed the propaganda of the notorious Boko Haram and hides the fact that this evil has crossed religious barriers. Let us take a few examples which, though still under investigation across the country, should call for restraint on our part.

Some time last year, a Christian woman went to her own parish Church in Bauchi and tried to set it ablaze. Again, recently, a man alleged to be a Christian, dressed as a Muslim, went to burn down a Church in Bayelsa. In Plateau State, a man purported to be a Christian was arrested while trying to bomb a Church. Armed men gunned down a group of Christians meeting in a Church and now it turned out that those who have been arrested and are under interrogation are in fact not Muslims and that the story is more of an internal crisis. In Zamfara State, 19 Muslims were killed. After investigation it was discovered that those who killed them were not Christians. Other similar incidents have occurred across the country.

Clearly, these are very troubled times for our country. But they are also very promising times. I say so because amidst this confusing debris of hate, anger and frustration, we have had some very interesting dimensions. Nigeria is changing because Nigerians are taking back their country from the grip of marauders. These stories, few as they may be, are the beginning of our song of freedom. Christians are now publicly crossing the artificial lines created by falsehood and bigotry.

Let us take a few examples of events in the last week alone: In Kano, amidst fears and threats of further attacks on Christians, a group of Muslims gathered round to protect Christians as they worshipped. In Minna and recently, in Lagos, the same thing repeated itself as Christians joined hands to protect Muslims as they prayed. In the last week, Christians and Muslims together in solidarity are protesting against bad governance and corruption beyond the falsehood of religion. Once freed from the grip of these dark forces, religion will be able to play its role as a force for harmony, truth and the common good.

Clearly, drawing from our experiences as Christians, we must note that God has a message for us in all this. To elicit what I consider to be the message, I will make reference to three lessons and I know there are far more.

First, these times call for prayer. At the height of our confusion during the Abacha years, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria composed two sets of prayers; one, Against Bribery and Corruption and second, for Nigeria in Distress. Millions of Catholics have continued to recite these prayers and we must remain relentless in the belief that God hears our prayers and that God’s ways are not our ways. We know that our Muslim brethren and millions of other non-Christians feel the same and are also praying in a similar way for our country.

Two, these times call for solidarity of all people of faith. We are a nation of very strong believers and despite what anyone else may say, millions of our Christians and Muslims do take their religion very seriously. However, you might ask, if that is true, why do we have so many killings in the name of God and of religion? My answer is that we have such killings because we live in an environment of a severely weak architecture of state which allows evil to triumph. It is this poverty

that produces jealousy and hatred which leads to violence.

We live in a state of ineffective law enforcement and tragic social conditions.

Corruption has destroyed the fabric of our society. Its corrosive effect can be seen in the ruination of our lives and the decay in our society. The inability of the state to punish criminals as criminals has created the illusion that there is a conflict between Christians and Muslims. In fact, it would seem that many elements today are going to great extremes to pitch Christians against Muslims, and vice versa, so that our attention is taken away from the true source of our woes: corruption. As Nigerians, Christians and Muslims, we must stand together to ensure that our resources are well utilised for the common good.

This is why, despite the hardships we must endure as a result of the strike, the Fuel Subsidy debate must be seen as the real dividend of democracy.

Three, religious leaders across the faiths must indeed stand up together and face the challenge of the times by offering a leadership that focuses on our common humanity and common good rather than the insignificant issues that divide us. We therefore condemn in very strong terms the tendency by some religious leaders to play politics with the issues of our collective survival. Rather than rallying our people, some of our religious leaders have resorted to divisive utterances, wild allegations and insinuations against fellow adherents of other religions. In the last five or so days, text messages have been circulating across the country appealing to some of our worst demons. We are told that many senior clerics either believed or encouraged the circulation of these divisive and false text messages. We must condemn this for what it is; a grand design by enemies within our folds who are determined to destroy our country. Whatever they may call themselves, they are neither true Christians nor Muslims.

For those Christians who have reacted in fear, they require conversion. If we wait for these evil men or women to decide when we shall stand for Christ, then we have surrendered our soul to the devil. If we fear to stand up for Christ now, let us remember that He has already said: Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will acknowledge before my father in Heaven, Whoever denies me before others, I will deny him before my father in Heaven(Mt 10: 32). Again, Jesus warns that rather than fear at times of uncertainty, adversity or upheavals, we should be confident. He said: When these things begin to take place, stand erect; hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand (Lk. 21: 28). Furthermore, St Paul has assured us that; If we die with Him, we shall live with Him. If we endure with Him, we shall reign with him( 2 Tim 2: 11-12).

Surely, those who are asking us to go under our beds, to flee in the face of persecution must be reading a different Bible.

These are difficult times but they are also times of promise. Our country has turned its back on all forms of dictatorships. Our hands are on the plough and we are resolutely committed to democracy. Like a Catholic marriage, we may not be happy but we cannot contemplate a divorce. God does not make mistakes.

Although the freedom and growth promised by democracy are not here yet, we must remind ourselves that a better tomorrow is possible, a more united and peaceful Nigeria is possible. The challenges of the last few days have shown the resilience of our people and their commitment to democracy and a better life.

We believe this is possible. The government must strive to earn the trust of our people. All sides must take lessons from the demonstrations and resolve to build a better and stronger nation. Let us hold on to the words of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI when he told the President, religious, traditional rulers and people of the Republic of Benin in the Presidential Palace on the 19th of November: Do not cut off your peoples from their future by mutilating their present....There are too many scandals and injustices, too much corruption and greed, too many errors and lies, too much violence. All peoples desire to understand the political and economic choices which are made in their name; they wish to participate in good governance. No economic regime is ideal and no economic choice is neutral. But these must always serve the common good”.

THE NATION

38

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

CRIME WATCH

Police dismiss two corporals for robbery T

WO police corporals attached to Abattoir Police Station, Oko-Oba on the outskirts of Lagos have been dismissed by the police for their alleged involvement in robberies. The suspects were arrested by operatives of the State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja.

They are being interrogated for their alleged involvement in four robberies operations in the metropolis.

It was gathered that the suspects, Abya Cashe (36), Isaac Abel (39), and nine other members of their gang were arrested on January 3, masterminds of four robberies.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Ade Adetaramin Adegbehin led the arrests.

The suspects robbed a lawyer and his family at Lambassa where they also allegedly raped the victim’s wife and another woman in the house after they forcibly gained entry into the premises at about midnight. The lawyer was wounded as the gang used a machete to slash his head and arm.

In their confessional statements to the police, the policemen-turned criminals, who were tried in an orderly room and dismissed before being handed back to SARS for prosecution, blamed their involvement in the crime on greed and the devil.

Narrating his ordeal, Abya said: “It is not as if I do not have salary but the devil pushed me to be involved in robbery. I am the one who gave them the guns they used for the operation. I got to know the gang through one Ogechi.

“Ogechi is my neighbour at Agege. He told me about the gang and I became the one supplying them gun. I have given them gun for four robbery operations but I did not go with them in their last operation at Lambasa.

I told Corporal Isaac to go with them and when they came back, they gave me a laptop and a wristwatch.

“I feel bad about my involvement in the crime. It is the devil’s handiwork.”

Isaac, who said he was lured into armed robbery by Abya, also blamed the devil for allowing him to buy the idea, which the gang members said would get him rich in fast.

He said: “I have participated in two robbery operations with the gang. Abya was the one who gave me gun to escort the robbers to where they robbed. In that operation

By Jude Isiguzo

last year, we went to a boutique at Apapa where we stole jeans, shirts, and other valuables. In this last operation we went at Lambasa, it was also Abya that gave me his gun. I feel bad about the crime. I was not threatened nor is it because I lack money but it is just devil that pushed me into robbery. Bad friends like Abya also influenced me but I blame myself for listening to him.”

The other suspects are Emmanuel Effiong (29), Mike Noah (36), Ratty Edet (28), Momodu Lawal (26), Ogechi Sunday, (31), Josiah Oriabura (38), Uchenna Okorie (23), Abdulraza Aliyu (29), and Adamu Garuba (30).

Edet is alleged to be the brain behind recruiting gang members and pointing out victims to be attacked. He confessed to the crime, stating: “I was working as a solar energy contractor but I was not properly remunerated. I had to survive. So, that was how I went into robbery. I liaise with Ogechi to recruit other members but it was the police corporal that provided us with the guns.

“When we went for the robbery at Lambasa, the gang wanted to rape a lady but I stopped them. I felt pity for her and I don’t know what came over me to collect her number. After the operation, I called her and that was how the police trailed and arrested me and other members of the gang.”

Josiah, a father of one, said poverty led him into robbery and that he was sorry for disappointing himself and members of his

•Abya Cashe

•Isaac Abel

family who held him in high esteem before the incident.

“I am married and I have a daughter but it became difficult for me to eat, despite that I have school certificate and a college of technical education certificate. I was frustrated and started driving commercial bus. But I still could not fend for my family.

“My wife started bothering me and it was Ogechi that introduced me to robbery. I have robbed with them three times and I got only N20, 000 in all the operations. I stopped robbery on New Year day as I told God to help me to change into a better person in 2012.

“So, I did not go with them to rob at Lambassa. It was after the others were arrested that they mentioned my name and I was arrested. I feel bad about everything. I

wish I had not met Ogechi even if it means remaining poor forever,” Josiah said.

The operatives also recovered guns, machetes, laptops, wrist watches and other dangerous items from the gang.

Police say they are on the trail of the buyer of the stolen cars and other items stolen by the gang. The said suspect allegedly learnt about the other suspects’ arrest following a newspaper publication of the arrest of four members of the gang. He is said to be in possession of seven exotic cars and other valuables.

A police source who requested anonymity said: “We arrested 11 suspects in three days and their confessions indicted a car dealer.

But before we could storm his house, he called a suspect and said he had escaped following a newspaper publication about the arrest we made. It is sad that we were not allowed to conclude our investigation before the story was published. Now the major suspect has escaped with seven cars but we are on his trail and we will arrest him.”

Last year, four policemen attached to the MOPOL 20 Squadron in the state masterminded series of robbery operations in the state but they were arrested at a checkpoint somewhere around Iyana-Ipaja while returning from another successful robbery operation.

The suspects, who said they have been terrorising Lagosians since 2010 have since been arraigned in a law court.

When we went for the robbery at Lambasa, the gang wanted to rape a lady but I stopped them. I felt pity for her and I don’t know what came over me to collect her number. After the operation, I called her and that was how the police trailed and arrested me and other members of the gang

Fake soldier arrested

By Jude Isiguzo and Ebele Boniface

•Joseph

A

FAKE soldier arrested for armed robbery by operatives of the Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS) Lagos State Police Command, has denied any involvement in any robbery, insisting that he is a smuggler and that he only wears the uniform for free and safe passage at the border.

However, the officer in charge of SARS in the command, Mr Abba Kyari, a Superintendent of Police (SP), has maintained that his men arrested the fake soldier during an armed robbery operation at a filling station at Ajangbadi.

Kyari explained that some of the victims of

the alleged robbery operation said the vehicle which the suspect allegedly parked in front of the filling station at the time the incident took place was the same vehicle the robbers who killed one of the security guards at the place came in.

He also said that when they saw the car, they deflated its four tyres and alerted the police.

They also saw a bag containing eight pairs of military trousers and shirts, boots and belts in the car, and suspected that the person who parked the car must be a member of the gang that attacked the filling station recently.

Kyari said though he would report back to the Commissioner of Police, Yakubu Alkali, the suspect would be charged for robbery if linked to the robbery attack at the filling station. But, if not linked to the robbery incident, the suspect would be charged for impersonating military officer; both depending on the outcome of their investigation.

The suspect, Joseph Chinukwe (37), who is indigenous to Ogborokiti in Delta State and a graduate of Electrical Engineering from the University of Ife (1999 – 2000 set), challenged the officer and men of SARS to conduct a proper investigation to avoid labeling an innocent man an armed robber.

He claimed that he bought the said car with his money and that he has been using it as a commercial vehicle to move passengers and their contraband goods from Seme Border to Ajangbadi.

Narrating his involvement in the incident, the suspect said: “I was going back home between 9:00 and 10:00 p.m. on the said day when

my 505 saloon car developed a fault. I had to park by the road side and took okada to my house. I was still on my way when my wife called to say that she saw my car at Ajangbadi Police Station with all the four tyres deflated because policemen said they saw soldier’s kits inside it and that they suspect it was the same car that armed robbers who attacked a filling station in the area came in.

“She told me that she heard that a guard was even shot dead by the robbers and millions of Naira carted away. The incident occurred a week before the day I parked my car at that same spot were the armed robbers parked on the day of the operation.

“I was not part of any robbery operation. I only went to the police station to claim my car but when I got there, they arrested me. If I was a member of the gang, I would not have gone there in the first place.”

On why he was so bold to defend himself he said: “The SARS we have now is doing the work the way government and people want it. They do thorough investigation. If you are an armed robber, they will find out and if you are innocent, they will find out unlike before when you are arrested by SARS you might not be given this chance to defend yourself. So, justice flows here. I know they will find out the truth.”

On how he got the army boots and the uniform he said: “It was on the day I parked near Vespa Market along Badagry Road to buy shoes for my children. One soldier carrying a bag, boots and army uniform and vest came close to my car and started harassing me and asking why I used an army sticker on my windscreen.

“In order to intimidate him, I told him that I

I started using the uniform for fayawo. I started using it for smuggling in order to get free pass. I have been using it for two months now. I used to hang the uniform in my car. I smuggle rice with it. I am not an armed robber. I am a smuggler.

I used army uniform to beat security. I am not a soldier. am an army officer of the rank of a Lieutenant in Nigerian Army. The soldier bowed. I then asked him to drop the bag. As I pretended as if I was calling my superiors in the cantonment on phone, the soldier ran away abandoning his bag. I then put the bag in my car. It had been in my car since I took it from the man.

The way the man behaved made me to know that he was not a real soldier; he might be one of those people who hawk force uniforms.

“I started using the uniform for fayawo. I started using it for smuggling in order to get free pass. I have been using it for two months now. I used to hang the uniform in my car. I smuggle rice with it. I am not an armed robber. I am a smuggler. I used army uniform to beat security. I am not a soldier,” he said.

THE NATION

39

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

P

OVERTY reduction has ranked high among the projects to be pursued this year by Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha.

Other issues equally important are infrastructural development and employment, among others.

This was contained in the N174b budget the governor presented to the state House of Assembly for approval.

Okorocha presented the proposal to the Speaker and members of the House at the Assembly Complex, New Owerri, recently.

Twenty-Seven per cent of the budget represents 47,065,426,000 to recurrent expenditure while

Okorocha tackles poverty the remaining 73 per cent of N127, 250,972,000 is for capital projects.

The budget proposal has a projection of over N88b for recurrent items, N86b for capital receipts and a receipt of over N50b from the Federation Account.

The budget, which is tagged “Budget of Rescue” emphasised that the state government would, in the 2012 fiscal year, aggressively pursue poverty reduction, infrastructural development, provision of employment for the citizens as well as commercial-

The state government would, in 2012 fiscal year, pursue aggressively poverty reduction, infrastructural development, provision of employment for the citizens as well as evolve the commercialisation of the state ministries, agencies and parastatals

ising the state ministries, agencies and parastatals.

He added that 2012 budget would also aim at enhancing the internally-generated revenue of the state, reduce recurrent expenditure, pursue erosion control and free and compulsory basic education, improve healthcare and provide adequate infrastructure for the people.

Another unique feature of the budget proposal is the “Imo Multi-city Development Programme” which provides for the upgrading of infrastructure in the following towns: Umuaka, Nworieubi, Anara, Ahiara, Okpala, Mgbidi and Akokwa.

The budget also proposed the relocation of the state university, dualisation of roads leading to the three cities of Orlu, Okigwe and Owerri and their massive infrastructural development, construction of a state-of-the-art hospital in each of the 27 local government areas of the state, construction of four new markets at Owerri and zonal markets in

Orlu and Okigwe and the electrification of at least 10 communities in each local government area.

In his address, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Ben Uwajimogu noted that the State House of Assembly is in synergy with the governor in every effort to rescue Imo from the shackles of poverty and underdevelopment.

He added that in demonstrating this, the House had recently passed over 10 people-oriented bills, including the approval for a four-year capital development plan which is today manifesting in the massive road construction, building projects and free education for the people of the state.

Hon. Uwajimogu assured the state that the House would support the executive in efforts to meet the needs of the people through the enactment of good laws and effective oversight functions for good governance.

Reacting to the presentation,

grown proportionally as a result of oil production in the country.

The Chief Whip expressed reservation over the slow manner the company was going about containing the gas fire, informing that the state legislature was keenly monitoring all efforts being made by all stakeholders. He pointed out that there has been no significant effort by the oil company operators to control environmental problems associated with the oil and gas industry in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta.

Chevron confirmed the incident, saying that an extensive search and rescue effort continues for two contractors who remain missing after the incident after the fire aboard the K.S. Endeavor, a drilling rig offshore Nigeria operated by FODE Drilling Nigeria Limited.

While Chevron’s highest priority remains the rescue of the missing contractors, the company has said

it continues to devote the necessary resources to resolve the rig incident in a responsible and timely manner.

K. S. Endeavor rig was drilling a natural gas exploration well for Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL).

The well is located in the Funiwa Field approximately six miles (10 kilometers) offshore and in approximately 40 feet (12 meters) of water.

Chevron reports that 152 workers on the rig and an associated barge were safely evacuated. They are now onshore and have been given medical examinations. Two remain hospitalised due to minor burns, while others are being held for further observation.

“While a full investigation is still underway, Chevron said initial indications point to the possible failure of surface equipment during drilling operations that led to a loss of well control. The well contin-

•Okorocha

Hon. Simeon Iwunze representing Isiala Mbano State Constituency thanked the governor for his elaborate presentation. He, however, noted that the budget should take into cognizance income and utilisation of the fuel subsidy deductions accruable to the state from the Federal Government.

Community protests Chevron gas explosion •Continued from page 27 Workers’ Union, Chief Sese Lloyd noted that the incident has seriously affected the aquatic life of the area as fishes were seen floating dead.

“Shortly after the incident, I went there. I discovered that fishes were floating because the water has been polluted, the aquatic life of that terrain has been affected,” Sese decried stressing: “I was in Koloama to see things for myself. When you are in the community, the gas from flame is all over the community and being inhaled which is not good for their health.

“With little fire in any part of the community, it could go in flames.

That is the danger facing them right now. So, they should please evacuate them immediately before the whole community goes in flames,” the maritime union chairman advised.

Commenting on the incident, the lawmaker representing Southern Ijaw Constituency 4, in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Konbowei Friday Benson, who is also the Chief Whip of the Assembly, noted that the people in the affected communities have complained of having breathing problems and skin lesions.

Hon. Benson, who also is the chairman, House Committee on Environment, Oil and Gas, decried the negative impact of such heavy gas leakage on the surrounding communities, even as he pointed out that gas flaring releases large amounts of methane, which has a

•Site of the gas explosion high global warming potential.

He appealed to both the federal and state governments to quickly come to the aid of the people by sending relief materials and medicare to the affected communities. He also urged youths of the affected communities to remain calm.

The lawmaker regretted that while gas flaring in developed countries has been minimised, it has

While a full investigation is still underway, Chevron said initial indications point to the possible failure of surface equipment during drilling operations that led to a loss of well control

ues to burn and the rig has partially collapsed. “At this time, the company cannot estimate how long the fire will continue to burn.

Chevron is mobilising the Transocean Rig Baltic to commence drilling a relief well. Chevron said the time required to complete the relief well is uncertain, but could extend for some period. Chevron is deploying additional drilling experts and well control specialists to Nigeria to assist with well control efforts and the relief drilling process.

“A small sheen is visible in close proximity to the well, which the company continues to evaluate. The sheen is estimated at approximately 13 barrels. Production from Chevron’s North Apoi platform remains shut since it is situated in close proximity to the incident. Total production from the platform was approximately 2,000 barrels per day,” Femi Odumabo, the general manager said.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

40

Your coming on board today is not for luxury but a call to serve your people judiciously and with the best of your ability. We expect to see renewed zeal to co-ordinate the affairs of the LCDA

•Hon. Bolaji Robert (middle), his wife, Olufemi (fifth right) and the new executive council members

C

HAIRMAN of Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area, Lagos, Mr. Bolaji Kayode Robert has inaugurated his executive council. The nine-man team comprises the secretary to the local government, six supervisors and two special advisers.

The ceremony attracted dignitaries including traditional rulers, two of whom were Oba Momodu Ashafa, the Onijanikin of Ijanikin and Oba Josiah Aina, Oloto of Oto. Chieftains of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and other political leaders in the council also graced the occasion, as did market men and women.

But to the council chairman, the inauguration of the team was more than a grand occasion. It was a call to service to the people. Robert made that much clear in his address.

“Your coming on board today is not for luxury but a call to serve your people judiciously and with

Council inaugurates team

By Yetunde Balogun

the best of your ability,” he told the council officers. “We expect to see renewed zeal to co-ordinate the affairs of the LCDA.” He said the officers must put the people first in their dealings at all times. Robert told them that residents of the council expect much from them.

He said the executive council members cannot afford to fail the people who voted in the leadership of the council. Therefore, public office holders must acquit themselves well by justifying their mandate.

The council chief said: “You must be committed to the actualisation of our dream of rapid transformation. You should generate useful,

productive ideas that can accelerate economic growth, development of the rural communities and most importantly subject yourselves to the constituted authority within the LCDAs.” Robert also appealed for humility and loyalty, saying with those virtues the council leadership will be able to deliver on its promises to the people.

He urged members of the executive council to operate an opendoor policy and always listen to the people they serve.

“This new administration has outlined a number of areas and better initiatives are to be worked on, particularly roads, health, meaningful developmental programmes, poverty alleviation and education. People deserve more and

•Legal Officer, Eredo Local Council Development Area, Lagos, Mr Festus Koledoye (left), administering the oath of office on the new executive council members of Eredo LCDA at the council secretariat.

PHOTO: DAYO ADEWUNMI

we will not rest on our oars to deliver to them one after the other the essence of democracy,” he said.

The monarchs who attended the occasion offered valuable advice to the newly sworn-in executive council members, urging them to be dedicated to their duties.

Those who were sworn in included Hon. Bode Makinde, Secretary to the Local Council; Hon. Olufemi Musa, who doubles as the Vice Chairman and Supervisor for Health; Hon. Aishat Asiribo, Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; Bashiru Sanni, Supervisor

for Environment and Waste Management; Prince Waliu Ashafa, Supervisor for Education, Hon. Kola Abiola, Budget and Statistics, Hon Abdulahi Abiola Ishau, Agriculture, Alhaji Wasiu Raji, Special Adviser, Works and Housing, and Hon. Abu Olalekan Special Adviser Market and Revenue Unit.

The secretary to the Local Government while performing his first duty, promised on behalf of other members, to dedicate themselves towards lifting the profile of OtorAwori LCDA. “I will not only work with you but work for you to achieve your laudable goals from this moment till the end of the tenure,” he said.

Lawmaker presents T scorecard HE member representing Isiala Ngwa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Chinenye Ferdinand Ike has assured his people of continuous and quality representation at the House, even as he pledged that they will get all that is due to them.

Speaking at his country home during a thanksgiving service to appreciate God’s mercies to him and his family, Ike said that he attributed his success at the polls and the tribunal to the special grace of God who stood by him during his trying period.

Ike said that because of the successes he recorded at both the elections and the tribunal, he has no option but to serve his people with all his heart, while assuring them that more dividends of democracy will always come their way through his representation.

He used the occasion of the thanksgiving service to highlight some of his contributions to his constituency within the last six months of his second term, which he said included reconstruction of UmudaUmuakwu-Ohuhu Nsulu Road.

The lawmaker noted that the road had been ravaged by gully erosion,

From Ugochukwu Eke, Umuahia

stressing that the people from that area had been finding it difficult to come out with their farm produce.

“Things have changed since the road was worked upon.”

Ike said that through his efforts, the rehabilitation work has been carried out on Omoba, Amapu Ntigha and Amuzu Umuobiri regional water schemes, saying “this included the procurement and distribution of 40 electric transformers to some communities in our constituency.”

He also said that he attracted the Obikabia-Okpuala Ngwa, Umuikaa solar energy lights, stressing that the light will help to ensure that criminal activities are reduced around such places.

In his sermon, the Bishop of Isiala Ngwa Diocese, Rt. Rev. Owen Azubuike said that God has brought laughter to the house of Hon. Ike and his family and urged him to always appreciate God with thanks at all times.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

43

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

44

SHOPPING

F

OR many Nigerians who joined in the protest against the removal of fuel subsidy, it was a fight for their survival.

They kicked against the skyrocketing costs of living brought about by the increase in the cost of petrol. The protest crippled social and economic activities nationwide.

With the benefit of hindsight, they knew that if petrol price was allowed to remain at N141 per litre, it would push up prices of goods which will never come down again.

On the eighth day of the protest, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) called of f the strike following a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan, who unilaterally reduced the price to N97.

Though people are happy that things are now normal, they would have preferred that government reverted to the old price of N65.

Before and during the strike, the cost of transportation and food stuff rose abnormally. With the end of the strike, there has been slight reduction in the cost of transportation. Generally, the prices of goods and services are still on the high side.

As shoppers are lamenting the soaring prices, traders cry of low patronage.

The most prevalent is that of food stuff, which is a must buy for all. In the markets visited by The Nation Shopping, traders complained of low patronage. For them, sales in the month of January are usually low as people are still recovering from their Yuletide spending. The is further made worse by the increase in the price of pet5rol which began on the dawn of the New Year.

A food stuff dealer at Daleko Market, Mushin, Lagos, Mrs Shola Arowomotin, said: “Patronage is poor. This is January.

You know, people buy a lot during Christmas. Many also travel and come back

by January. So, we usually do not expect many sales in January but, my sister, this time, it is worse than ever. Prices have gone up and customers are complaining that they do not have money. This fuel thing is affecting every body.”

For Mrs Kemi Kafaru, another food stuff dealer on all kinds of cooking oil and food seasoning, it pays to buy in large quantity.

She said: “Things are very hard now.

Transportation is high. But, you know, I am selling in large quantity. It is more expensive for people buying in small quantity.”

At the major food stuff market, a bag of royal stallion rice formally N7,800 now sells for N8,000; royal umbrella formally N8,800 is now N9,000; Elephant gold and Warrior formally N7,500 are now N7, 700.

Species of beans formally N8,000 and N10, 000 are now N9,000 and N12,000. A derica of rice formerly N100 is now N120.

A five-litre keg of groundnut oil formerly N1,600 is nowN1,800 while a 25litre gallon formerly N6,700 now sells at N7,000. These prices are about the cheapest one can get as they are more expensive at lesser markets and neighbourhood stores.

A shopper, Mrs Chinwe Chukwunyere, said: “We are trying to adjust but I tell you, it is not easy at all. We the masses are wearing the shoe of this increase in prices so we know how much it hurts. We need to monitor the government to ensure that they begin to utilise the income they generate from the removal of subsidy to better our lot.

Another shopper, Mr Humphrey Cole, noted that it was time for Nigerians to rise up against corruption. He said: “ The strike achieved a measure of success as it threw some light into the misappropriation of

Shoppers lament soaring prices

• Oshodi Market.

• Cooking oil.

money paid on previous subsidy. Each time the price of fuel goes up, the costs of goods and services follow. I need to transport myself from one place to the other and meet the basic needs of my dependants and I. Solid steps should be taken towards fighting corruption and waste by public officials; this way, the government will be more accountable.”

• A seller displays her wares.

Care for some cat fish?

For those who love to eat healthy food, fish is a delicacy to shop for. It is rich in amino acid and protein and much more when it is fresh cat fish.

BISOLA SABA writes.

F

ISH is an aquatic creature. It is a good source of protein, rich in all the essential amino acid, more digestible and contains less fat.

Shopping is not restricted to clothing, electronics, provisions and cosmetics; it also involves foodstuff such as fish, meat and pepper. Shopping for fish is not new in the society, particularly among women who prepare varieties of soup in their various homes. So, there is need for shoppers to make their choices regarding different fishes available in the market such as Cat fish, Titus, Mackerel, Argentina, Kroca, Stock fish and others.

The Nation Shopping came across a

cat fish farm at Ikotun, Lagos. The fish is scientifically known as Pangasiidae.

The farm is neat, well-organised and inviting. with various sizes of cat fish such as brood stock, fingerlings and table size cat fish, displayed in the fish pond. Also available in the farm are smoked cat fish and life turkeys.

Manager of the farm Mr Lekan Muhammad spoke excitedly on shoppers’ patronage and the cost of the fishes. He said: “I sell predominantly in wholesale at affordable prices. So, I am patronised by restaurant owners and cat fish dealers at various shops and markets. The price for the fish depends on the

size. The amount for the smoked fish is different from that of the normal cat fish because of the processing.”

One of the workers in the farm told the Nation Shopping how much she enjoys smoking the fishes. “Though it is quite stressful smoking fish, I enjoy it because it keeps me busy.

We smoke fish for customers and companies so if you have any buyer for us, we will be glad to offer them quality service” she said.

A restaurant owner who patronises the farm said: “I like buying my cat fish here because it is not far from my restaurant and the cat fish sold here are not just any kind, they are fresh ones and they are sold at affordable prices.”

• Smoked cat fish.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

SHOPPING

Abuja Cake Convention: Better days ahead Organisers of the Abuja 2011 Cake Convention will call for registration next month. This year’s edition promises to be better, writes TONIA ‘DIYAN.

T

HE Abuja Cake Convention which created heavy traffic at its venue in Wuse, Abuja, caught the attention of every passer-by who demanded to know what it was about.

It was a convention with a difference, creating networks between cake vendors and their customers.

It was an avenue to make key industry contacts and solidify relationships with current customers. It created a competitive platform for cake vendors to showcase their creativity, skills and styles.

The objective of the convention was achieved as cake vendors were able to advertise their products and communicate their new designs, products and services to cake lovers.

All the cakes on display were very good and attractive, as such, brides, grooms, hoteliers and cake lovers went hunting for cakes.

It was an opportunity for cake makers to enhance their brands and products visibility, thereby increasing sales.

Some of those who showcased their crea-

• Cake with the theme of a sleeping baby.

• People at the cake convention.

tion were Kay’s Pastries, Aunty- lo- catering, Inspiration cakes, Mila cakes, Flourishing cakes, Etsumore eateries, Decency cakes and bridals.

The Chief Executive Officer, Divine -IMode Concepts Limited, Mrs Irosa Okodugha, who organised the event, expressed her joy at the success of the exhibition saying: “It was an event for both cake lovers and vendors to remember. The next one promises to be better and cake lovers, vendors, eateries and all are advised to pick up their registration forms and be part of it. It would be a life time experience”, she added.

She mentioned of her passion for creativity and her impacting lives through events creation, management and corporate branding and how she came up with the idea to bring cake lovers and vendors together.

All the shoppers, who spoke with The Nation Shopping, had something pleasant to say about the convention. They promised to partake in the next one, emphasising that they enjoyed themselves beyond expectations.

Shopping Right with

Facing the storm

N

IGERIANS are left to grapple with the rising costs of transportation, goods and services despite the strike to compel government to revert to the former price of N65 per litre of petrol. Suffice to say that the masses feel betrayed as President Goodluck Jonathan unilaterally brought it down from the proposed N141 to N97 per litre, a stance which Labour conceded to.

Of course, Nigerians had toured this route of fuel subsidy removal and hike in prices several times with past administrations, which is why many believe that the death of corruption in several sectors of the economy is past praying for. With the new price, one can surmise that the end of removal of subsidy and inflation has not yet come, which in JANICE NKOLI IFEME turn portends a grim future for the people.

The question is – Is the removal of subsidy tion of the fact that they truly elected him. tantamount to hardship for the people? No it This is why he must brace himself, live up to should not be. his responsibility as a president in a true dePerhaps the gain of the strike that crippled mocracy. economic and social activities was that it proI can still hear my Social Studies and Govvided an avenue for the people to speak out ernment teachers ringing into my ears that and say enough is enough to corruption and democracy is the government of the people wastage by government. Besides, by the upby the people and for the people. If it is of the rising, Nigerians are receiving insight into people why are they treated as slaves to it? If the vices prevalent in the oil sector. it by the people why are they treated as alThe public sitting at the House of Repreiens? And if it is for the people, why then can sentatives and the probe of the Economic and they not be heard? Why can’t things work in Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have their interest? brought striking While the governrevelations.

‘This aptly justifies the fury and agment’s position is Nigeria was consuming 35 million gravation of a people who are com- that the subsidy reis not doing litres per day while ing back from the streets in protest gime any good to the the country was imagainst the removal of fuel subsidy country’s economy, porting 59 million litres on a daily baand now facing the storm of the con- the Nigerian people, the civil sis, leading to an exsequent price hike. A lot of them are especially society coalition, becess supply of 24 homeless, hungry and jobless. lieve that the whole million. Subsidy process of subsidy is payments on the exThey are the real casualties’ fraudulent and a cess alone amounted major source of corto N667 billion in 2011.

In other words, the Nigerian government ruption. By their protests, they can no longer wasted N667 billion annually to subsidise afford to bear the consequences of the ineffimillions of litres of petrol that Nigerians ciency government. never needed, with much of the amount enTrue to the president’s words to enthrone riching corrupt oil officials and marketers. transparency in the oil sector following the If that was not enough, the problem of acfuel subsidy protest, facts about the abuse of countability stares us in the face again. The the fuel subsidy regime are emerging. The Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory system is so porous that the ‘masterminds’ of Agency (PPPRA) presented fresh figures on ‘book cooking’ have over the years remained the importation of fuel and subsidy different smugged in their acts. I imagine that they from those given to the Senate last year, adwill be saying to themselves: ‘what do they mitting that the agency made mistakes in its think they want to do? Catch us in the act? computations last year. On the other hand, Impossible! We have been in this game over while lamenting the spate of sharp practices time and no one can stop us. In fact it is our in the oil industry, Petroleum Minister, Mrs birthright.’

Diezani Allison-Madueke said the 35 million But this is just the beginning of the scrulitres per day was a generic figure presented tiny. Will any thing substantial come out of for planning that have been done for many it? Many are already shrugging their shoulyears, noting that the figure has been increasders at the whole exercise. If the EFCC caring ever since. ries out its duties as it did in the banking However, the fact remains that government sector, there might be hope that the perpetrasubsidises several million litres of petrol that tors would be unmasked and the anomaly are not accounted for, which are believed end decisively put in check. The level of distrust up being smuggled out of the country with in the system poses a serious challenge to the fraudulent officials reaping heavily at the exEFCC probe as many already believe it must pense of the nation. be a scam. For them, even if the result of the This aptly justifies the fury and aggravaEFCC probe is properly done, it will likely tion of a people who are coming back from be swept under the carpet. the streets in protest against the removal of Can the president prove them wrong by fuel subsidy and now facing the storm of the insisting that transparency and justice must consequent price hike. This is definitely not reign? This is where President Goodluck in their best interest. A lot of them are homeJonathan must not lie low. Nigerians are waitless, hungry and jobless. They are the real ing for a great change. He had earlier excasualties. pressed the desire to make that change. Will I urge Mr President to embrace practical and he succeed? Will he be honest and daring honest solutions that would uplift the lives enough to take the bull by the horns? The of the masses. The disappointment expressed whistle has been blown. The race has just beby the people during the protest is an indicagun.

Write to us, express your views, observations and experiences. Let’s have your comments about shopping. Your comments, questions and answers will be published first Friday of every month. With your full name and occupation, send e-mail to: janicenkoli@yahoo.com SMS - 08033349992

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

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54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 26-1-12

Market Index rises 0.84% as equities gain N55b T

HE bullish rally at the Nigerian stock market gathered momentum yesterday as gains by highly capitalised stocks prodded the positive overall market position.

The All Share Index (ASI), the common value-based index that tracks all equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), rallied 172.25 points or 0.84 per cent to close at 20,797.81 points as against its opening index of 20,625.56 points.

Aggregate market capitalisation of all equities rose from N6.500 trillion to N6.555 trillion as two out of every three price changes ended on the positive.

The uptrend was boosted by gains recorded across the sectors including those by Access Bank, Dangote Cement, Fidelity Bank, UAC Nigeria and Unilever.

Total turnover stood at 196.98 million valued at N2.19 billion in 2, 3701 deals.

Banking stocks dominated activities with Zenith Bank emerging top with 61.36 mil-

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

lion shares valued at N736.32 million in 219 deals.

First Bank, Fidelity Bank, United Bank for Africa and Access Bank also recorded significant turnover.

On the price movement tables, Diamond Bank Plc led the gainers with N0.11 or five per cent to close at N2.31 per share, followed

by Unilever Plc with N1.48 or five per cent to close at N31.08 per share.

First Bank Plc gained N0.45 or 4.91 per cent to close at N9.61 per share, while NAHCO Plc added N0.31 or 4.90 per cent to close at N6.64 per share. Dangote Sugar Plc closed at N4.73 per share, up

by N0.22 or 4.88 per cent.

On the flip side, Goldlink Plc dipped by three kobo or five per cent to close at N0.57 per share, while Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc shed N0.35 or five per cent to close at N6.65

per share.

Cutix Plc dropped N0.07 or 4.96 per cent to close at N1.34 per share, while Presco Plc depreciated by N0.43 or 4.96 per cent to close at N8.24 per share. Fidson Healthcare Plc lost N0.04 or 4.60 per cent to close at N0.83 per share.

Market analysts have said that local investors may not provide the liquidity needed to grow the stock market, but a shift of foreign money into Nigeria could offer support to the market.

In 2011, foreign portfolio investment inflows stood at N478.6 billion, while outflows was N312.7 billion and net inflows N165.9 billion.

The Chief Executive Officer of the NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema said that local investors preferred debt products offering double-digit returns in 2011 and over 70 per cent of investment in equities were owned by foreign investors.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 26-1-12

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

55

MONEY LINK

CBN: Banks’ assets, liabilities decline to N19 trn T

OTAL assets and liabilities of the deposit money banks (DMBs) amounted to N19.1 trillion last October, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said.

This indicates a decline of 3.20 per cent below the level at endSeptember 2011.

Funds sourced mainly from increased capitalisation and loan recovery as well as disposal of unclassified assets were used, largely, in the purchase of Federal Government securities and increased foreign assets holdings.

The data, contained in the CBN Economic Report for October, said N9 trillion of DMBs’ credit to the domestic economy fell by 6.7 per cent below the level in the preceding month. “The breakdown, on a month-on-month basis, showed that credit to states and local governments and credits to the core private sector rose by 8.2 and 9.8 per cents, respectively, above their levels in the

Stories by Collins Nweze

preceding month.

“However, the CBN’s credit to the commercial banks, largely, loans and advances, rose by 24.9 per cent to N2.6 trillion at endOctober, while specified liquid assets of the N4.2 trillion, representing 31.2 per cent of their total current liabilities. This level of liquid assets was 11.2 percentage points above the preceding month’s ratio and 1.2 percentage points above the stipulated minimum ratio of 30 per cent for fiscal 2011, the report stated.

The loan-to-deposit ratio was 49.6 per cent and was 30.4 percentage points below the stipulated maximum target of 80.0 per cent. Total assets and liabilities of the discount houses according to the CBN, stood at N335.9 billion, showing an increase of 5.9

per cent over the level at end-September 2011. The development was accounted for by the rise in claims on state government, fixed assets, claims on banks and other assets. The increase in total liabilities was attributed, largely, to an increase in other liabilities.

Meanwhile, investment in Federal Government Securities was 49.1 percentage points below the prescribed minimum level of 60 per cent. At that level, discount houses’ investment on treasury bills declined by 55.1 per cent below the level at the end of the preceding month. Total borrowing by the discount houses was N34.5 billion, while their capital and reserves amounted to N49.6 billion.

At N326.04 billion, total estimated expenditure for October 2011 fell below the monthly bud-

Yelwa advocates increased IGR in states T

HE Chairman, Fiscal Re sponsibility Commis sion, Aliyu Jibril Yelwa has canvassed for an increase in Internally General Revenue (IGR) profile of states and local governments.

Yelwa, who spoke when he received officials of Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSCA) in his office, said there are so many untapped revenue sources in both states and local governments which, if fully utilised, could make them entirely independent and less depen-

dent on Federal allocations.

In a statement made available to The Nation, Yelwa said corruption and bad governance had made it impossible for the governments to impose legitimate taxes on the citizens, adding that there was need to carry out an intensive research on how to redress the situation.

He also called for a more aggressive tax regime in the country so as to boost the revenue profile of the country.

get estimate and the level in the preceding month by 17.5 and 22.7 per cent, respectively. A breakdown of total expenditure showed that the recurrent accounted for 64.1 per cent, while the capital and transfer components accounted for the balance of 20.4 and 15.5 per cent, respectively. Non-debt-obligations accounted for 69.2 per cent of the total recurrent expenditure, while debt service payments accounted for the balance of 30.8 per cent The report noted: Growth in the key monetary aggregate trended downward. On month-onmonth basis, broad money (M2) fell by 3.5 per cent, due largely to the 33.9 per cent decline in other asset (net) of the banking system.

Similarly, narrow money (M1) fell by 3.4 per cent below the level at the end of the preceding month. Relative to the level at end-December 2010, M2, however, grew by 5.7 per cent, owing

E

COBANK has intro duced Rapid Transfer, a product meant to assist stakeholders and customers transact business with ease from any part of Africa to another.

Ecobank Head, Cards & eProducts, Mike Ogbalu said the product will be helpful to students going back to school and traders across Africa as it will guide against loss funds to border bandits.

According to a statement, Ogbalu said Rapid Transfer is a most suitable and accessible

In his own speech, the Acting Executive Director, of Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSCA), Dr. Ebere Uneze, said reliance on oil revenues by states at the expense of other viable sources of revenue was not sustainable.

He added that the Centre was ready to collaborate with the Commission to embark on an up-to-date Fiscal Studies that would positively impact on the revenue profile of State and Local Government tiers of government.

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

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

Amount

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

DIAMONDBNK UNILEVER FIRSTBANK NAHCO DANGSUGAR AIRSERVICE STERLNBANK PRESTIGE LIVESTOCK JAPAULOIL REDSTAREX ASHAKACEM

Current Before

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

2.20 29.60 9.16 6.33 4.51 2.07 0.91 0.97 0.74 0.76 2.30 10.50

2.31 31.08 9.61 6.64 4.73 2.17 0.95 1.01 0.77 0.79 2.39 10.91

0.11 1.48 0.45 0.31 0.22 0.10 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.09 0.41

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

0.60 7.00 1.41 8.67 0.87 10.98 0.53 0.75 0.51 3.57 5.11

0.57 6.65 1.34 8.24 0.83 10.52 0.51 0.73 0.50 3.50 5.01

0.03 0.35 0.07 0.43 0.04 0.46 0.02 0.02 0.01 0.07 0.10

Date

450m

452.7m

450m

150.8

08-8-11

250m 400m

313.5m 443m

250m 400m

150.8 150.7

03-8-11 01-8-11

147.6000

149.7100

150.7100

-2.11

NGN GBP

239.4810

244.0123

245.6422

-2.57

NGN EUR

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

(S/N) Bureau de Change 152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N)

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

153.0000

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Aug ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

8.75%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 9.4%

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 118.85 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 • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE

LOSER AS AT 26-1-12

GOLDINSURE IBTC CUTIX PRESCO FIDSON CADBURY CILEASING CONTINSURE UNITYBNK SKYEBANK CCNN

Rate (N)

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD

Parallel Market SYMBOL

Exchange

Sold ($)

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

(S/N)

GAINERS AS AT 26-1-12

Amount

EXHANGE RATE 26-08-11 Currency

7.9-10% 10-11%

Amount

Offered ($) Demanded ($)

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Cash to Cash; Cash to Account; Account to Cash; Account to Account; and Cash pull.

The product allows users to transact businesses in the local currencies of the countries involved and funds received are made available for payment within five minutes of delivery period. It is available to both customers and non-customers of the bank across Africa. He advised users of the product to source for foreign currencies before a transfer is made within the bank’s network in Africa.

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

payment solution for economic activities across Africa.

“Rapid Transfer has progressively captured and migrated regional transactions from the informal sector to the formal sector. The bank is also offering gifts to reward the loyalty of customers who avail themselves of the product,” he said.

Ogbalu, encouraged Nigerian businessmen, parents, students, faith based organisations and others engaged in cross border transfers to use the product. He explained that transfers could be made in the form of

DATA BANK

Tenor

OBB Rate Call Rate

largely, to the rise in domestic credit (net) and foreign asset (net) of the banking system. Reserve money (RM) increased by 24.0 per cent over its level in the preceding month.

Ecobank calls for use of Rapid Transfer

FGN BONDS

NIDF NESF

• CBN Gov. Sanusi Lamido

• 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

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

57

NEWS

‘Payments to Akingbola’s firms irregular’

A

LAGOS High Court, Ikeja was yesterday told that payments alleged to have been made to the four companies in which the former Managing Director of Intercontinental Bank Plc, Dr. Erastus Akingbola and his wife, Anthonia, have interest are irregular and not normal.

The chief inspector of the bank, Mr. Abdulraheem Jimoh, who was led in evidence by the counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), spoke at the resumed trial of Akingbola and his associate, Mr. Bayo Dada.

The four companies are Tropic Securities Limited, Tropic Property Limited, Tropic Finance Limited and Bakinson Nigeria Limited.

Akingbola, his wife, Anthonia and Dada are on trial for allegedly coveting N18.6 billion belonging to Intercontinental Bank Plc for their personal companies.

The witness further told the court that payments ought

E

not to have been made to these companies because the bank was not in any way indebted to them.

Jimoh said a team of investigators, of which he was a member, “found out that the payments were irregular to the extent that there was no document to show that there were underlining transactions and there was no loan facility from the bank to suggest that the payments were drawn from a loan facility.”

He said Akingbola and his wife are signatories to the accounts in Fidelity Bank, First Bank and Associated Discount House into which money was paid.

Ukata said they are also signatories to the account with Access Bank.

He told the court that the accused persons moved funds out of these accounts.

At the last hearing on November 15 last year, Jimoh told the court presided over

by Justice Habeeb Abiru how Akingbola and his aides illegally siphoned N18.6 billion

into the account of some companies where he has interest.

Jimoh in his testimony explained that a letter dated May 8, 2009 and signed by the General Manager of Tropic Security, Dada, was received by the bank requiring the payment of N10billion for shares purchased by the bank; and the letter listed how payments are to be made to the four companiesTropic Securities Ltd, Tropics Property Ltd, Tropic Finance Ltd and Bakinson Nigeria Ltd. He told the court that the sum was transferred from the bank’s vault in trenches through cheque movement at different times.

EFCC had alleged that Akingbola conspired with his wife, Anthonia (now at large) and Dada to steal over N47.1 billion belonging to Intercontinental Bank Plc while he was the Chief Executive Officer.

Justice Habeeb Abiru has set aside February 28 and 29 and March 14 and 15 for further hearing in the matter.

Fawehinmi calls for overhaul of security system

LDEST son of the late fiery lawyer and human rights activist, Gani Fawehinmi, Mohammed, has called for a total overhaul of the security.

Mohammed Fawehinmi who spoke in Lagos, described as regrettable, the recent bombings which have resulted in the death of about 185 Nigerians.

He said there has been in-

Church holds anniversary

T

By Adebisi Onanuga

HE Tabernacle of Prayer Evangelical Ministry (TOPEM), Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State holds its second anniversary tomorrow.

The anniversary with the theme, “Strength and honour are her clothing, she shall rejoice,” will take place at the new auditorium of the church on Adebayo/Housing Road, Ado-Ekiti.

The General Overseer of TOPEM, Evangelist Folashade Oluremi Omodara, is expected to serve as the chief host of the event.

The anniversary will feature prayer, thanksgiving, choir ministration, drama, among others.

Expected to minister at the service are Deacon Dapo Omodara, Pastor Ebenezer Jaiyeoba, Pastor Sola Oyewole, Evangelist Toyosi Omope, Prophetess Ayo Adedeji, Evangelist Samuel Ohiomoba and Mrs. Ade Awopetu.

Gospel artistes such as Precious Oyediran and Deji Omodara are expected to perform at the event.

By Joke Kujenya

creasing tension and insecurity since the advent of the President Goodluck Jonathan administration.

Reacting to a report by the Kano State Police Command that the casualty figure of the January 20 bomb explosions is still on the rise, he noted

that the bombings have truncated the nation’s security.

Fawehinmi noted that before President Jonathan came into the nation’s seat of power, there were glaring signals of discontent among some politicians as a result of the bomb explosions that occurred on October 1, 2010.

Nigeria to partner other nations on technical education

M

INISTER of State for Education, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has said the Federal Government would build international partnership to enhance the nation’s technical and vocational education.

Speaking at a meeting with the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Cheryl Buggy and Leader of Portsmouth Council, Gerald Vernon-Jackson, in Portsmouth, United Kingdom, Wike said such international collaborations would be vital for the revival of technical education in Nigeria.

He said vocational and technical education need the input of experts.

Wike said: “We want to ensure that we tap from the experience of international technical and vocational schools to revive our technical schools to become relevant in our educational system.”

The minister said head teachers of Federal Science and Technical Schools have liaised with experts at Highbury College, Portsmouth to build the capacity of their teachers for more result oriented technical education.

“Many social challenges will be resolved when we make our technical and vocational education functional to absorb idle youths and make them productive in the economy,” he said.

The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth City, Cheryl Buggy, noted that education was the best legacy any government could bequeath to her people.

She lauded the Nigerian government for working towards encouraging technical education to create employment opportunities for youths.

The leader of Portsmouth Council, Gerald Vernon-Jackson, said Highbury College has developed a system that will assist Nigeria to achieve her objective.

The Minister was accompanied on the visit by the Executive Secretary of Universal Education, Dr. Ahmed Modibo, Director of Basic and Secondary Education, Mabel Ozumba and principals of two Federal Science and Technical Colleges.

Pa Alamutu passes on

T

HE World Christian Council has s announced the death of Pa Isaac Alamutu, who died in his residence at GRA, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

According to a statement by the Chairman of the council, Primate Ayoola Omonigbehin, funeral service will be held today at the Methodist Church, Abeokuta.

He described Pa Alamutu as a devout Christian.

The pastor-in-charge, Abiodun Ademuyiwa, said the death of Alamutu was a shock to all members.

Osile of Oke-Ona, Oba Adedapo Tejuosho, described the death as a great loss to the Christian world.

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FOREIGN

NEWS Belgore committee moves to reduce cost of governance

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HE Justice Alfa Belgore- led Presidential Committee on Subsidy yesterday began sitting on the implementation of the deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil industry.

It placed the priority on how to reduce the cost of governance.

Besides, the committee, which adjourned deliberation till next week, said the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and her Petroleum Resources counterpart, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, would attend the deliberation.

At the inaugural sitting were: the Trade Unon Congress (TUC) President Peter Esele; Minister of Labour and Productivity Emeka Wogu; Governors Peter Obi (Anambra); Babangida Aliyu (Niger); Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Abdulwaheed Omar.

Oshiomhole, who addressed reporters on the outcome of the meeting at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja Abuja, said the committee also spoke on good governance.

The governor noted that since the protest over the removal of petrol subsidy has been called off, the committee would examine the subsidy to ascertain the cost and consumption, among other issues.

He said: “I think both the Federal Government and the organised Labour appreciate that since the strike and protest have been called off, a lot of issues have been raised, not only by Labour but also by the public on good governance.

“The issues are on the cost of governance, of what is subsidy, how much is in it and who is responsible for what. All these issues have not been resolved. And it is in the interest of Nigerians that they are resolved to the satisfaction of everybody.

“If we can find answers to all these, the oil sector will be the better for it. But right now, I think the issues are far from complete, and it will really be appreciated by people, not just about price.”

Kenya’s Finance Minister Kenyatta resigns

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ENYA’s Finance Minister, Uhuru Kenyatta, has resigned following a ruling that he will face trial for crimes against humanity.

It comes days after the International Criminal Court ruled that he should face prosecution over post-election violence in Kenya in 2008.

But he will remain deputy prime minister, according to a statement issued by President Mwai Kibaki.

The cabinet secretary, Francis Muthaura, has also

stepped down.

The pair are among four prominent Kenyans named by the ICC, who all deny their roles in the post-election violence of 2007-2008.

The attorney general had said they did not have to resign, stating their future would be decided after the outcome of their appeal to stop the International Criminal Court trial from going ahead.

Mr Kenyatta, son of Kenya’s founding President Jomo Kenyatta and a man

who has been ranked as one of its richest citizens, is accused of crimes against humanity, including murder and persecution. Mr Muthaura faces the same charges.

The pair are allies of President Mwai Kibaki, who appealed for people to stay calm after the ICC ruling confirming the charges.

Activists had been campaigning for them to be barred from public office.

A BBC correspondent in Nairobi said it was not clear whether Mr Kenyatta would

abandon his presidential ambitions.

More than 1,200 people were killed in weeks of unrest between December 2007 and February 2008 and some 600,000 people were forced to flee their homes. Many still remain homeless.

The violence began as clashes between supporters of the two rival presidential candidates - Raila Odinga and Mr Kibaki - but it snowballed into a bloody round of score-settling and communal violence.

Papua New Guinea military coup fails

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MILITARY coup has been averted in Papua New Guinea after government troops regained control of an army barracks, the country’s prime minister said.

Analysts warned, however, that peace may not last long, as the failed mutiny risks escalating political tensions in the lead-up to general elections this year.

Soldiers loyal to the former prime minister Sir Michael

Somare stormed the Port Moresby barracks early Thursday morning, demanding the resignation of the prime minister, Peter O’Neill, and putting his highest military commander, Francis Agwi, under house arrest.

“The commander is now released. He’s not under house arrest,” O’Neill told journalists. “As a result, the government has taken full control of the defence headquarters.”

The mutiny is the latest development in a longstanding saga involving O’Neill and his political rival Somare, who also claims to be the rightful head of this mineral-rich South Pacific nation.

Somare served as Papua New Guinea’s first prime minister after independence from Australia in 1975, and again in 2002 until August 2011, when he was deposed by parliament while receiving medical treatment

abroad.

The country’s Supreme Court ruled last month that Somare had been illegally removed and called for his reappointment.

Soldiers working on behalf of Somare told O’Neill on Thursday that he had seven days to fulfill a Supreme Court order reinstating Somare as prime minister or be forced to suffer “actions … upholding the integrity of the constitution”.

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www.thenationonlineng.net

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

WHO SAID WHAT

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 7,

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

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HE fuel subsidy crisis has once again highlighted the plight of the poor and the dispossessed. All arguments lead in their direction, while the outcome has always been against them. The poor have always been the reason government does what it does, even when such negates the welfare of the poor. On the other hand, the organised labour and civil society have always justified their intervention by appealling to the interest of the poor, even when they end up compromising those interests.

In addition to the security of life and property, the welfare of citizens is an important rationale for the existence of any government, a function it performs through the management of the economy, generating jobs and controlling inflation, benefiting the poor, the needy and the sick, and protecting everyone from the uncertainties of life.

The pervasiveness of poverty makes it difficult for citizens to be effective keepers of their brothers and sisters as many used to and as many advanced countries still experience with charitable organisations. In the circumstance, through poverty alleviation programmes,governments care for those who, through no fault of theirs, find themselves on the wrong side of the economic divide.

Despite the tremendous wealth of natural and human resources of their country, Nigerians are down there among the poorest in the world, principally because citizens have not been the focus and object of governmental activism, contrary to the rhetoric of poverty alleviation.

In the last three decades, Nigeria has spent a better percentage of its resources fighting poverty. From the civil administration of President Shagari to the military administrations of Generals Buhari, Babangida and Abacha, enormous amounts of money were invested in poverty alleviation. Yet, on the eve of President Obasanjo’s second coming in 1999, the World Bank’s report revealed that the Human Development Index (HDI) of Nigeria was 0.416 and 70 per cent of the population was living below poverty level.

So, how can anyone justify the amount of resources purportedly invested in poverty alleviation with such a dismal result? And how are citizens expected to believe the argument that frames the removal of oil subsidy as a panacea for poverty. These are the fundamental questions.

Since 1999, the Federal Government has supposedly used poverty alleviation programme as a tool to combat the scourge of poverty. The government policy was contained in the Act of the National Assembly signed into law by President Obasanjo in 2001. It was the report of the World Bank cited above that prompted the

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

All in the name of the poor

•Obasanjo

administration of President Obasanjo to zero in on poverty alleviation as its priority economic policy. To do this, it set up three presidential panels: Presidential Panel on the Rationalisation and Harmonisation of Poverty Alleviation Agencies, Presidential Technical Committee on the Review of all Poverty Alleviation Programmes, and Committee on Youth Policy and Youth Empowerment Scheme.

The National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) was the outcome of the rationalisation of the three panels. NAPEP was in turn developed into four schemes, each with a different focus: The Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES) concerned with employment opportunities for the youth, Rural Infrastructure Development Scheme (RIDS), which was to provide rural areas with their infrastructural needs, including transportation, energy and communication, and Social Welfare

And CURRUPTION!...another fORM OF TERRORISM

Services Scheme (SOWESS) to provide basic social services, including qualitative primary and special education, primary health care and the economic empowerment of farmers.

Finally, there was the Natural Resources Development and Conservation Schemes (NRDCS), with the charge to achieve sustainable development of agricultural, mineral and water resources, and to protect the environment. The Obasanjo administration fixed 2010 as the target date for NAPEP to wipe out poverty from the Nigerian landscape. It is fair to infer from what we witness daily in our neighbourhoods throughout the country that the poor are still very much around, and that the programme has failed woefully.

The definition of insanity is replicating an action or policy over and over, despite repeated failure to achieve set goals. But that has been the pattern since 1999. The Federal Government has the resources and as the Leviathan of national life, it must be in charge even of programmes that can be better handled by states and local governments. The poor live in the states and in the local government areas which ought to be the first responders to the afflictions of the poor.

It doesn’t help matters that we have a unique presidential politics, which in the name of electoral ascendancy, poisons the relationship between a central government and state governments under the control of different political parties, thereby making essential cooperation in implementing poverty alleviation programs impossible. The idea of implementing the program in the states through the Federal Government Controller of Works in each state, thus marginalising the state and local government authorities was red meat to the states. In the end, an investment of more than N10 billion went down the drain.

The goal of creating 200,000 jobs in a country of 140 million people with unemployment at more than 40 per cent was a huge joke. Instead of creating any tangible jobs, the programme created millionaires and billionaires in the hierarchy of the ruling party.

HARDBALL

RIPPLES NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PROMISES TO FIGHT TERRORISM-News

NO. 2017

‘The issue of security goes beyond changing of security chiefs; there are lots of things to be done. First, our security operatives must be trained to meet the challenges of today.’

A

GOVERNOR ABDULAZIZ YARI

This leads us to the case for the deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector, which the Jonathan administration has presented as the much-awaited saviour of the poor. In fairness to Jonathan, he did not invent this rhetoric. As we may recall, the pump price of gasoline was N20 in 1999. The Obasanjo administration justified the series of increases with exactly the same arguments that are now being rehashed and they have uniformly led to sharp increases in the cost of transportation, food, shelter and other necessities of life. These are the costs that the poor cannot avoid to bear, but which their income cannot afford because for those who are fortunate to have some wage income, there has been no increase in wages.

The majority of the poor are without any wage income.

Furthermore, energy production and distribution has worsened since 1999, such that artisans, including barbers, hair dressers, welders and roadside mechanics must depend on their own power generating sets, thus increasing the cost of their services which they pass on to their consumers, the majority of whom are poor, and the cycle of poverty thus continues unbroken. Yet, we are told that the objective of deregulation is to benefit the poor.

To break the vicious cycle of poverty in the midst of riches, the country can do with a leadership that not only has the knowledge of what it requires to lead effectively, but also the heart to feel the pain of helpless citizens of this country. Sloganising about the greatness of the country is meaningless. A landmass is not great in itself; it is the commitment of patriotic citizens that make a nation great. But that commitment is only achievable when citizens know that political leaders place the highest policy priority on the interests and welfare of citizens.

Such a leadership will lead the country to strengthen its educational system to give necessary tools to the youths to make them productive citizens, who will raise the productive capacity of the economy to meet the basic needs of our mounting population.

A well-educated citizenry will solve the myriad problems of technological development, whether in power, agriculture, including food technology or transportation.

Furthermore, gainful employment that is secured when education is extended to a majority of the population reduces the potential of insecurity caused by unemployment.

On the other hand, if only a few make it while a super majority suffer in silence, it’s a short step to anarchy and chaos. If and when the country is led down that path, no army can stop the peoples’ resistance.

•For comments, send SMS to 08057634061

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Hurrah! It’s dialogue with Boko Haram

FTER many months of vacillation over whether to negotiate with the Boko Haram sect or fight it to the bitterest end, President Goodluck Jonathan, speaking to Reuters news agency on Thursday, has finally put all of us aficionados of principled leadership out of our misery. In the interview, Jonathan spoke of his readiness to enter into dialogue with the sect if they would put a face to their group. Said he: “If they clearly identify themselves now and say this is the reason why we are resisting, this is the reason why we are confronting government or this is the reason why we destroy some innocent people and their properties ... then there will be a basis for dialogue.” As if to drive home the new and firm position of the government on the topic of the sect and dialogue, Jonathan reiterated to the sect, “We will dialogue, let us know your problems and we will solve your problems, but if they don’t identify themselves, who will you dialogue with?”

As if addressing those who have long opposed dialogue, among whom were this column, and only three days ago, the Chief of Army Staff, the President declared that “military confrontation alone will not eliminate terror attacks.” Apart from dialogue, he added, an “enabling environment for young people to find jobs” was also an

imperative. Much more than Hardball or any other proponent of firm measures, the most bewildered person in the country today after the president’s declaration in the Reuters interview must be Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, who at a seminar on national security in Abuja on Tuesday advised against negotiation with the Boko Haram terror merchants. With the president’s new and final position, it is clear that while the Kano attacks that left nearly 200 people dead pushed the army leadership into fury and defiance, it has lured the presidency into subdued compromise.

At least, finally, we now know where we are headed. The destination is dialogue, and it hardly matters anymore that the sect consistently unleashes the most unimaginable terror attacks against Nigerians, Christian and Muslim, northerner and southerner. All the President requires from them is to put a face to their group and come out for negotiations. In the Reuters interview, Jonathan wants the sect to list their demands. If the President had paid any attention to his surroundings, he would have recalled that the sect never hid their demands. Among other things, the sect wants all their detained members to be released before dialogue. They also want Sharia to be imposed in a large swathe of the North. The President must have no illu-

sion that he has a tough, probably galling negotiation ahead of him.

This column would love to wish him luck in walking the tight rope. Since we may not be told when the sect would reach out to the government with some sort of face, pretty or ugly, it is important to warn the president to remember what the constitution says about some of our rights, which he may want to bargain with.

Going by his handling of the fuel subsidy issue, his disregard for the appropriation act in exceeding spending limits on subsidy and his unconstitutional deployment of troops in Lagos last week, Jonathan has an unmanageable enthusiasm for governing without any constitutional and bureaucratic restraint. If he is capable of listening, let him also be told of the dangers of setting dangerous precedent in negotiating under duress, sending signals to other lawless groups that violence pays and that the only language the government understands is force.

Though Jonathan said he was unsure his invitation to Boko Haram would be honoured and also doubted whether some politicians were using the sect for subversion, it is enough that he has indicated the final position of his government. And so dialogue it is. But let him remember that when a people sow the wind, they cannot but reap the whirlwind.

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