January 30, 2015 by The Nation

NIGERIA DECIDES

Newspaper of the Year

•AND MORE ON

•Kano Emir Sanusi: don’t vote for persecutors PAGES 2-7,10&60 •APC claims PDP shopping for injunction to stop Buhari •Buhari didn’t jail elder statesman Ajasin, says family •PDP hires ex-INEC chief, ex-REC as polls consultants

•Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 10, NO. 3111 FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

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•INSIDE: GOVT INAUGURATES N60B STEEL MILL IN SAGAMU P11 POWER DOWN BY 127 MW P11 Boko Haram in 130 villages, towns •Chad ‘captures’ Nigerian town From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

OKO Haram is occupying more than 130 villages and towns in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, Human Rights Watch said yesterday. The sect killed an estimated 3,750 last year, the global rights body said. It claimed that 1,200 civilians were killed last year in the crises between nomadic pastoralists and farming communities in some states in the North-Central. These disclosures were contained in the HRW World Report 2015, which Continued on page 4

Court: no troops for elections From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

FEDERAL High Court sitting in Sokoto yesterday ruled that it is unconstitutional for the military to be deployed for election purposes. Justice Mohammed Rilwan ruled that other than for the purposes of protecting the nation’s territorial integrity, no constitutional provision allows for the deployment of the military for elections. The suit challenging the deployment of military for election duties was instituted by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Continued on page 4

•President Goodluck Jonathan (right) with Adamawa State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Mr Nuhu Ribadu during the presidential campaign rally in Adamawa…yesterday.

•ALL FOR B UHARI: All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Gen. Muhammadu BUHARI: Buhari speaking during the presidential rally at Mapo Hall, Ibadan...yesterday With him (from left) are Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, Buhari’s running mate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Rivers State Governor and Campaign Director-General Rotimi Amaechi, APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and APC National Chairman Chief John OdigieOyegun. •TOP: Part of the crowd at the APC rally in Ibadan...yesterday. PHOTO: FEMI ILESANMI

Tompolo: I insist Nigeria ’ll break if Jonathan loses

WILL THE CHIBOK GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15 EVER RETURN?

Dokubo attacks Danjuma Minister: Jonathan ‘ll concede if...

ORMER Niger Delta militants seem unrepentant on their widely condemned stand that there will be trouble should President Goodluck Jonathan lose the February 14 election. Among those who condemned the former militants’ stand is one time

From Shola O’Neil, Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt and Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

Defence Minister Lt.-Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, who said war mongers should be arrested. But yesterday, former Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) leader Government Ekpe-

mupolo (aka Tompolo) restated the threat he issued along with other exmilitant leaders in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The threat, said to have been issued in the presence of Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson and the Special Adviser to President Jonathan on Ni-

ger Delta, Mr Kingsley Kuku, has been widely condemned. Tompolo attacked Gen. Danjuma, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and all perceived enemies of President Continued on page 4

•CITYBEATS P10 •SPORTS P16 •POLITICS P17 •SOCIETY P41 •MONEYLINK P54 •FOREIGN P60

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

NEWS

NIGERIA DECIDES

Has Jonathan f •From left: Head, Roofing and Ceiling Business Unit, Nigerite, Christ Adegbile, Chief Finance Officer, Nigerite, Alli Gbolahan Tijani, Chief Operating Officer, Nigerite, Mr. Bart Verlincten and Managing Director, Nigerite, Mr. Frnk Lebris at a press conference by the company at Ikeja, Lagos...yesterday. PHOTO JOHN EBHOTA

•Jonathan

• From left: Principal, Agidingbi Senior Secondary School, Mr. Bakare Olufemi, Tutor-General, Mrs. Iyabo Osipeso, Pastor Niyi Oshinubi, the Pastor in Change of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Isreal Assembly, Pastor Femi Onasanwo and Pastor Dapo Awosika at the inauguration of a clinic at Senior Seconday School, Agidingbi, Lagos. PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

•General Trade Director, West African Milk Company (WAMCO), Mr. Adewale Arikawe, Marketing Director, (WAMCO),Tarang Gupta; Managing Director, Rahul Colaco; Corporate Affairs Director, Ore Famurewa and the company’s Sales Director, Wilco Djiken at the inauguaration of Friesland Campina Wamco Our- Happy-Mums-Healthy-Families products in Lagos...yesterday. PHOTO: DAYO ADEWUNMI

•From left: Director, Academy Press Plc, Mr Wole Olaoye, Dr Olusoji David Popoola of the College of Arts and Social Sciences, Igbinedion University, Director, Academy Press Plc, Tunde Dabiri, Chairman Academy Press Plc, Chief Simeon Olusola Oguntimehin and Managing Director of the Press, Mr Gbenga Ladipo at thwe Customers’ Forum 2015 in Lagos...yesterday. PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

IGERIA is in a fix. In 16 years of uninterrupted civil rule, roads remain death traps. The Federal Government, under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), takes credit for the horror and carnage. Nigeria has been worse for it in the last six years of the President Goodluck Jonathan administration. Citizens have given up hope on the possibility of virgin roads being built. Their main worry is that the existing ones have not been rehabilitated. Potholes, gullies and erosion stare tax payers and other road users in the face. According to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), although accidents occur through human and technical errors, many roads contribute to the high rate of deaths because many inter-state roads are eyesore. Also, the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) has generated darkness more than light in the last 10 years, despite the billions of dollars sunk into the power sector. Even, President Goodluck Jonathan and party leaders go to campaigns with generators in anticipation of power outage. The turn-around maintenance of the railway, aptly described as relics of colonial legacy, is being over-advertised to the gullible as an achievement. But, to discerning Nigerians, it is shadow-chasing and window-dressing. Is the President really fighting the infrastructure battle? Is the Transformation Agenda truly on course? As the nation warms up for general elections, the people are in sober reflection. The broken promises on infrastructural development are eliciting condemnation. The gap between expectation and reality has created a hollow in the record of Jonathan. The Commander-in-Chief has been tested. On the podium, he is reeling out fresh promises on infrastructural development. But, can he be trusted? The Federal Government’s score card has been anything but impressive. In its progress report, it could only cite few projects, including the Apapa-Osodi Expressway; BeninOre-Sagamu Highway; Enugu-PortHarcourt dual carriage way; KanoMaiduguri Expressway; Abuja-AbajiLokoja dualisation; Akure-Ilesa and Enugu-Abakaliki Road. None of them have been completed. During the PDP presidential rally in Lagos, Ondo State Governor Segun Mimiko showered encomiums on the President for embarking on the rehabilitation of the

• Fashola By Emmanuel Oladesu Group Political Editor

Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The implementation of the project, however, has progressed at a snail-like speed. The All Progressives Congress (APC), which has challenged the PDP to a debate on the state of the infrastructure, has doubted the Federal Government’s commitment to complete the rehabilitation on schedule. Decrying government’s hypocrisy, APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said: “The latter-day construction of the LagosIbadan Expressway is a vote-winning gimmick that has back-fired as the project has only progressed at snail speed, apparently for lack of the much-needed funds, while Nigerians have continued to die and suffer daily on that road.” Following the neglect of federal roads in some states, governors have filled the gap. But, the Federal Government has not reciprocated to reimburse them for taking on the responsibility. At a rally in Apapa, Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola said the Federal Government is still owing the state N50 billion, which was used to re-construct and rehabilitate federal roads in the nations former political capital. His Oyo State counterpart, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, said that President is indifferent to the infrastructural decay in the Southwest. He said all efforts to get reimbursement for federal roads tarred by his administration havealso been futile. Their counterpart in Kwara, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed recently asked the Federakl Government to refund the billions of naira the state government invested to fix federal roads. In some opposition states, the Federal Road Maintenance Authority (FERMA) has been on collision course with state authorities trying to patch the roads. Skirmishes have been recorded. The bone of contention is that states have been rehabilitating federal roads without approval. This has created strains on inter-governmental relations. One of the dark sides of the neglect of infrastructural renewal is the loss of the complementary gains of employment for skilled and unskilled labour. A huge construction site is bound to raise the level of economic activities in the environment. The effects impact positively on artisans, peasants, vendors, raw material suppliers, labourers and others in the in-

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

NIGERIA DECIDES

an fought infrastructure battle?

• Mohammed

formal sector. In its ‘2014 Report on Democratic Governance,’ a pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), attributed the failure of the infrastructure battle to lack of prioritisation by the Federal Government. Flaying the government for the imbalance in the current and capital expenditure, the group said the review of budgets has shown that it is only committed to the welfare of salaried political office holders. It warned that the scenario may continue for years. “While the Federal Government slashed capital expenditure in the proposed 2015 Budget from N1.2 trillion to N627 billion to allow for economic realities in the face of dwindling revenues, the recurrent expenditures was retained at N2.6 trillion, almost 80 percent of the estimated budget,” ARG said. In his New Year broadcast, Dr. Jonathan raised the hope of Nigerians. He promised to rejuvenate the ailing economy. The President said his administration would work assiduously to ensure that Nigerians enjoy 18 hours of electricity supply daily. In fact, he said that his government would boost power transmission with $1.5 billion. “We shall boost investments in transmission to ensure power generated is pr=operly distributed. We have mobilised an additional 1.5 billion dollars for the upgrade of the transmission network in 2014 and beyond,” the President told Nigerians in the broadcast. Many Nigerians did not take the Commander-in-Chief seriously. In February 2011, he had made a similar

•Mimiko

promise, which he failed to fulfill. During the campaigns, President Jonathan said: “If I am voted into power, within the next four years, the issue of electricity will become a thing of the past. Four years is enough for anyone in power to make significant improvement and, if I can’t improve on electricity within this period, it then means I cannot do anything, even, if I am there for 100 years.” Apart from insecurity, the greatest tragedy that has befallen the economy is irregular power supply. Like his predecessors - Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and the late Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua -, the Preident appears not to be getting it right. Critics have alleged that corruption will not make the sector to thrive. They also argued that generator importers, who are friends of the government, are frustrating the move to revive the sector. Between 2010 and 2013, 168 powerrelated contracts were awarded. The total cost was in excess of N1 trillion. On September 3, 2014, the Minister of State for Power, Mohammed Wakil, announced that the contract for the design, manufacturing, supply, installation and commissioning of 2x60 MVA, 132/33 KV Sub-Station at Amasiri, Afikpo and 132 KV Line Bay Extension, Abakaliki, which was awarded on December 1, 2010 to Messrs Techno Electric and Engineering Company for 5, 155, 455.22 dollars has been re-awarded for 5,835,368.47 to Messrs North China Power Engineering Limited and NCEP Limited. To the consternation of Nigerians, it took more than three years to know that the project had been abandoned. Although the min-

• Wakil

ister said that the company has been blacklisted, he was silent on the 15 per cent mobilisation fee paid to it. In 2010, the Federal Government came up with the Roadmap for Power Sector Reform. Its short and mediumterm goals were to deliver an average annual generation capacities of 5755 MW by April 2011 and 14000 MV by December 2013. But, power generation in December 11, 2014 stood at 3, 800 MW. In fact, the highest generation recorded since 2010 was 4,517 MW. That was on December 23, 2012. Since then, power generation, transmission and distribution have reduced to 4,200 mega watts. Yesterday, government admitted that power supply has further gone down by 127.67. The Ministry of Power said that the energy sent out by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), which previously stood at 3.791.66 MW, has been reduced to 3,669.99. It is a wide departure from the promise of a glorious dawn by the President. Explaining the reduction, the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Executive Director (Gas and Power), Dr. David Ife, attributed it to the vandalism. Owing to lack of regular electricity supply, artisans, peasants and informal sector operators have continued to spend much of their capital on petrol and diesel to power their generators. The manufacturing sector is on crutches. More manufacturers have closed shops and relocated to neigbouring smaller countries. How can government create jobs when the manufacturing sector is ailing? How can the sector break through when

the cost of doing business is exorbitant? How can home industries grow when they are not protected? How can production be boosted in a country of imports and disdain for exports? As the opportunities for self-employment are blocked by the recurrent power outage, the manufacturing sector, which a developing country should rely upon for employment generation is in the cage. Thus, young graduates compete for non-existing white collar jobs in the civil service and the service sector. Since annual population growth and new entrants into the job market at all levels and spheres far outstrip existing job opportunities, job creation and poverty reduction are not keeping pace with population growth. This implies that the number of under-employed and impoverished Nigerians continues to grow. In the last three years, the Federal Government has also flaunted its achievement in the transportation sector. President Jonathan has rated his administration high in railway revival. But, critics have faulted its claims. The endless promises to expand the rail lines have not been fulfilled. Besides, the states have been denied approval to the Right of Way (RoW). The governments of Lagos and Rivers states that have been promoting Light Rail to ease the transportation headaches of Nigerians resident in their domains have not been supported by the Federal Government, which hold on tight to the Railway Act of 1955. Recently, the Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA) applied for the RoW for the construc-

tion of its redline Light Rail project from Iddo to Ifo, Ogun State, with a capacity to carry one million passengers per day. Although investors were ready to invest over $1 billion in the project, the Federal Government withheld the approval. Although Lagos is the economic hub, many thought that the Federal Government had labeled it an “enemy state.” Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, who frowned at the lack of approval, lamented that over 30,000 jobs that would have been generated by the projects were lost. The APC spokesman strongly believes that new economic activities would have sprung up along the vicinity of that corridor of the new rail, if the President had granted the right of way approval. Nigerians have also given up hope on the refineries. Nigeria is the sixth largest producer of oil in the clud of the Organisation of Oil Exporting Countries (OPEC). But, without fuel importation, it cannot survive. The old refineries are on their knees. The achievement of the administration in this critical sector is the regular importation of fuel for domestic distribution and consumption. The aviation sector is still crying for attention. The former Minister of Aviation, Mrs. Stella Oduah was dropped, following allegations of misappropriation. Airports are still struggling to meet international standards. What is also the state of infrastructure in federal institutions? During its protracted strike, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) complained that students and lecturers were still operating under excruciating conditions. Also, polytechnic and colleges of education teachers have decried the neglect of the institutions. Apart from the non-payment of statutory allowances, they emphasised that the atmosphere was not conducive for academic activities. Libraries and laboratories are in sorry states. Lecture theatres are not enough. Staff offices are in short supply. Last year, hospitals were paralysed by doctors’ strike. The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) cried out that the government has neglected the health sector to its peril. The bone of contention was the poor state of the hospitals. Some of them have been reduced to mere consulting clinics, they maintained. Drugs, beddings and other medical infrastructure are beyond the reach of patients. During the industrial action, many patients died because they were neglected. Today, Nigerians patronise private hospitals more than public ones. The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has been on industrial action for about three months. Although the Federal Government, in concert with state governments, prevented the spread of the Ebola virus, many Nigerians still die of other diseases due to lack of adequate medical attention.

2015 poll: Uneasy calm as PDP hires ex-INEC chair, REC as consultants

ETERMINED to win the February presidential election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has hired a former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and a former Resident Electoral Commissioner as consultants. Also, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) will henceforth coordinate what the party has described as “strategic electoral matters”. The consultants are those who have their loyalists in INEC’s critical units. It was also learnt that the consultants have the ears of some senior INEC officials, whose sources said had been working to undermine Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega. A source, who spoke in confidence, said:

From: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

“These consultants have been engaged to study the election process and get involved in the way the state and the PDP react to issues on INEC. “The consultants have also been mandated to sniff around, identify the weak points in the voting process and advise PDP on how to join issues with the election management body. “We are also suspecting that they want to study the system and how it can be subverted. In fact, their coordinator is expected to relate with some top members of INEC management. “I think they just want to rig the election. This is why they have hired those who are used to muddling up the nation’s electoral process as consultants.”

Another source claimed that the consultants had been targeting two areas - the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and the deployment of Smart Card Readers (SCRs). The source said: “You can see that already some parties have been influenced to call for the postponement of the general election. “They want to explore legal and constitutional loopholes in the Electoral Act to create distortion in the voting process and create a stalemate in February. “The danger at hand is that some of these former staff of the electoral commission have their stooges in sensitive positions in INEC who can easily be used for dirty jobs. We want to appeal to Nigerians to be vigilant and pay attention to their plot.” Meanwhile, there have been reports of mass

burning and invalidation of bought PVCs in the North. Some of the states are Kaduna, Kano, Adamawa, Sokoto and Kebbi, which are rated as the strongholds of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). The PVCs were bought massively from eligible voters by some politicians at N20, 000 per card A source said: “These politicians have been buying PVCs from their holders. What they do is to either burn some of the cards or technically invalidate them. When the invalidated PVCs are presented at the polling units, such voters will not be able to vote. “This is a sad development which Northern leaders and politicians must address. Voters should be educated not to sell their PVCs.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

NEWS NEMA gives relief materials to Nigerian refugees in Niger Republic

•Some of the Nigerian refugees in the Republic of Niger during the presentation of relief materials to them in Diffa region… on Wednesday

PDP wants to stop Buhari with kangaroo court injunction, says APC T HE All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday alerted Nigerians of alleged plans by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to stop its presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, from contesting the election athrough kangaroo court injunction. Its Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the plot has confirmed that the ruling party is jittery and afraid of imminent failure. He spoke to reporters in Lagos that a rash of court cases have been instituted in an unrelenting effort to frustrate APC and Buhari by elements he described as compromised fronts. Mohammed warned against the consequence of compromising the courts, saying that it is dangerous for democracy. He added: “At the last count, at least four cases have been filed by those who are undoubtedly fronting for the PDP and the Presidency, and all are working towards the same goal: stop Buhari, scuttle next month’s elections. We expect more cases to be filed in pursuit of this ignominious objective.” Mohammed recalled that

By Emmanuel Oladesu and Tony Akowe, Abuja

Buhari emerged as the APC candidate at a transparent primary election in Lagos, adding that he has met all the requirements to run for the Presidency. He said although the PDP expected the APC to be enmeshed in controversy over the choice of a vice presidential candidate, the emergence of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) as Buhari’s running mate has been hailed by Nigerians. The Publicity Secretary also said that Buhari also triumphed over his foes who had fuelled the speculation that he has no secondary school certificate. He lamented that the PDP and the Presidency, which manipulated court workers to embark on strike to stop the courts from hearing cases that could be detrimental to Dr, Jonathan, have also manipulated the same elements to end the strike so that the cases against Buhari could commence. Mohammed said: “This

stop-Buhari-at-all-cost campaign is being pursued simultaneously with the push to postpone next months elections, ostensibly because of the low level of PVC distribution, but in the real sense, an implementation of the mindset of the Presidency never to hand over to Gen. Buhari, and then, of course, set up an interim government .” He added: “It is in view of the multiplicity of court cases at this late hour that we have decided to alert Nigerians to the execrable plan of the PDP and the Presidency. We have also decided to appeal directly to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) to stoutly defend the independence and integrity of the judiciary at this critical moment, to avoid a repeat of what transpired in 1993 when unscrupulous elements constituted themselves into the infamous Association for Better Nigeria (ABN) that was used to annul the 1993 general elections, thus aborting the Third Republic and throwing the country into a deep and pro-

longed crisis. “The rumour mill is spinning fast. Stories abound of a huge war chest of 100 million dollars being earmarked to grease the palm of any pliable Judge who can disqualify Gen. Buhari and halt the electoral process. We do not know whether or not this allegation is true, but we do know that Nigerians do not want to return to ‘Egypt’. We have been down this road before with disastrous consequences, and we do not want to tread that path again. Never before has so much been deployed just to stop the candidacy of just one man! “While we are at this, may we also alert Nigerians and the global community to the systematic denial of visas to foreign journalists wishing to cover next month’s election. A regime that has nothing to hide or fear will not hesitate to allow international coverage of what is undoubtedly one of the most important elections in the world this year! Information reaching us indicates that most of the foreign journalists who applied for visas to travel to Nigeria, Continued on page 60

PHOTO: NAN

HE National Emergency Management Agency ( NEMA) has delivered 540 metric tonnes of assorted relief items approved by the Federal Government to Nigerian refugees in the Republic of Niger. They are taking shelter in various locations in the Diffa region, having been displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency. A statement by NEMA spokesman Sani Datti, said the items, which included food and non-food items, were meant to provide succour to Nigerian refugees and were handed over to the governor of Diffa Region for onward distribution to the beneficiaries.

Court: no troops for elections Continued from page 1

Assembly, Bello Goronyo, representing Goronyo Constituency. Justice Rilwan added that”

for the federal government to do so, it must have taken recourse to the National Assembly, which would enact such law”.

Boko Haram in 130 villages, towns Continued from page 1

was released to the media. The report said: “In April, Boko Haram’s abduction of nearly 300 schoolgirls in the town of Chibok focused unprecedented global attention on the group’s abduction of women and girls. “It continues to seize and control territory in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states, where it holds more than 130 villages and towns. In responding to the group, government security forces have been implicated in grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. An estimated 3,750 civilians were killed by Boko Haram attacks in 2014. “Boko Haram has indiscriminately killed civilians, abducted women and girls, forcefully conscripted young men and boys, and destroyed villages, towns, and schools, Human Rights Watch said. “The conflict has resulted in

the deaths of thousands of civilians and the displacement of 981, 416 residents within Nigeria as well as more than 150,000 people who have become refugees in neighboring countries.” The HRW faulted the military for not investigating alleged killing of 600 detainees who fled during the attack on Giwa Military Barracks in Maiduguri. “During a Boko Haram attack in March on the Giwa Military Barracks and detention facility in Maiduguri, security forces allegedly killed more than 600 detainees who fled during the attack.”No member of the security forces has been brought to justice for these and previous violations of human rights, including the massive deaths and destruction of property from a military raid in Baga, Borno State in April 2013. Despite repeated pledges by the military, these incidents are yet to be Continued on page 60

Tompolo: Nigeria’ll break if Jonathan loses election Minister: Jonathan ‘ll concede defeat if he loses

Continued from page 1

Jonathan, who he insisted must win to avert a crisis. He said: “Gen. Danjuma and his cohorts should know that I remain resolute on my position in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, that President Goodluck Jonathan must win this election for Nigeria to continue to stay together.” Besides, Tompolo, in the statement signed by his Media Adviser, Mr Paul Bebenimibo, in Warri yesterday, accused the former Army chief of being behind the stoning of President Goodluck Jonathan in Katsina and Bauchi states. Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda said Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members were behind the stoning of the President’s convoy in Bauchi. Tompolo warned that Nigeria was already on the brink of disintegration in the wake of the expiration of the 1914 amalgamation treaty, hinting that the defeat of President Jonathan could be the final nail on the coffin. Said he: “Gen. Danjuma should be reminded that the devilish treaty that brought the

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan will concede defeat if he loses next month’s Presidential election, Minister of Interior Abba Moro said yesterday. Moro who spoke to reporters in Abuja on internal security of the country gave the assurance that there will be enough security before, during and after the elections. Reacting to one-time Minister of Defence Gen. Theophilus Danjuma’s call for the arrest of former Niger Delta militants for threatening to cause trouble should President Jonathan lose the election, Moro said: “President Goodluck Jonathan is ready to conduct a free, fair and credible election. In the unlikely event of him losing the election”, he would be democratic enough to concede defeat. “So if Jonathan who is the main contestant in this election, who is the President of this country, who is the leader of the PDP can come out to say that he was going to ensure a free and fair election, I do not see where supporters of either Mr. President

Southern and Northern Protectorates together in 1914 expired last year. Danjuma and his likes, such as Gen. Buhari, Gen. Obasanjo and Mr. Bola Tinubu, should be grateful to President Jonathan who

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

or any other political party for that matter, would derail the cause of this democratic movement.” Cautioning against inflammatory remarks and actions that may plunge the country into avoidable crisis, Moro said: “It is reprehensible for people to threaten this country with mayhem and violence should their candidate lose the elections.” He said the government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is working effectively to ensure that only qualified Nigerians have access to the polling booth and vote during the elections. His words: “Following information reaching us particularly on the February 14 election that people are moving from their placing because of fear of election violence. This government is determined to ensure peace and security in Nigeria before, during and after the elections wherever anybody fines him or herself or reside. ”President Jonathan will ensure that

has been keeping this country together. ”If not for President Jonathan, Nigeria would not have been any more. Danjuma and his cohorts should be reminded of

there is peace and adequate security is provided for Nigerians to perform their civic responsibility to use the ballot to elect their leaders. The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) is adequately mobilised. I can tell you that the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense (NSCDC) too are ready to do their job. “I can assure you that in spite of the anxiety that is trailing the campaign, Nigerians do not have any cause to worry. I urge all Nigerians to be law abiding. This election will come and go Nigeria will remain so we must do everything within our power to maintain and secure our democracy. ”A lot of activities are on now. All Nigerian security agencies are at alert and I want to state that no foreigner will be allowed to vote. The Federal Government is also working with INEC to ensure that only qualified Nigerians will be allowed to vote.” On the attack on the president during the campaign in Bauchi, Moro said: “What the governor of Bauchi State said is out of context because the PDP cannot attack the PDP.”

the saying that ‘those who live in glass house should not throw stones’. ”The call by Gen. T.Y Danjuma (rtd) to arrest me and other agitators for a better living for the people of the Niger

Delta region is an indication that he is behind terrorism in the North eastern part of the country as well as the stoning of President Jonathan’s convoy in Kastina and Bauchi states, because he has never con-

•Moro

demned those acts, even though Boko Haram attacked churches and mosques in his home town. ”Is Gen. Danjuma not aware of the peaceful atmosphere when Gen. Buhari visited Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa (home state of the President) states for campaign? Why is it that President Jonathan’s convoy was attacked in Kastina and BauContinued on page 60

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

NEWS

PDP’s 16-year rule is a nasty experience, says Buhari •Tinubu, Aregbesola tell Jonathan: go, you now have enough shoes

HE presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), urged Nigerians yesterday to reject the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the next election for failing the nation. Buhari, who said this during his campaign rally at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital yesterday, described 16 years of PDP governance as “nasty.” Flanked by the party’s national leaders, who addressed a crowd of supporters and residents, Buhari said insecurity and corruption were the hallmark of the PDP governance. He said the vices and many others that characterised the PDP government had brought untold hardship to Nigerians. His words: “The 16 years experience of the PDP is a very nasty experience. The insecurity, corruption, destruction of infrastructure, among others, particularly at the centre, have brought a great suffering to Nigerians. We must vote PDP out. “They spent over $20 billion on power, yet we have no power. Their governance has made Nigerians poorer.”

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

The APC presidential candidate said he was convinced that Oyo State people were ready for change. He urged the electorate to get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC), go to the polling centre early enough on election days and stay back to ensure they monitored their votes. Buhari promised to develop other sectors of the economy, including agriculture, by specifically paying attention to cocoa and other farm produce. He also promised to develop mining, promote smallscale industries, provide security and focus on youth development through job creation, if elected. Earlier, the national leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, praised Nigerians for enduring President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration for six years. He said the APC government would develop all sectors of the economy to allow Nigerians to realise their potential. He said Nigerians should vote for the APC candidates in the election, having expe-

rienced true transformation under the leadership of Governor Abiola Ajimobi in the last three and a half years. He also urged the electorate to get to the polling units early and monitor their votes. “Go and collect your PVCs to enable you vote PDP out. It is your possession. Don’t let poll robbers rob us again. Jonathan has ruined our economy. He came and said he did not have shoes. We have bought shoes, shirts and ties for him now. Enough is enough. “For six years, he gave us excuses that there is no money; it is time for him to go. And again, we have somebody here whose tenure has witnessed an unprecedented development in the history of Oyo State. Ajimobi has performed very well. “So on the day of the elections, get to the polling centres early enough, vote and record the voter card number, and wait till they count your votes. With your support, we shall send PDP packing,’’ Tinubu said. The party’s National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, led the crowd to reject efforts to postpone the

February election. He also led them to reject interim Federal Government. “All those who have ears, let them hear. And for those who have eyes, let them see. A word is enough for the wise,’’ he said. He presented the party’s flag to the state governor, who is also the party’s governorship candidates. Ajimobi quoted the late famous British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, saying: “ We do not know whether if we change, things will improve; but for things to improve, we must change. I, therefore, urge you to turn out in large numbers on the day of election to vote out PDP and vote for APC at all levels,.” Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola said Nigerians were now wiser and would not again fall for Jonathan’s shoeless sloganeering of 2011. “Jonathan was also here (Mapo Hall) before our visit today and without any doubt, we cannot compare this crowd from the airport, to the scanty crowd that witnessed his campaign. The large presence of Yoruba here today is an indication that we have embraced change.

“Yorubas have signed for change. Four years ago, he (Jonathan) said he had no shoes; we have bought enough shoes for him now. Let him retire home and leave us to repair the damage he had done in the last six years,’’ he said. Also speaking, Rivers State Governor, who is also the Director General of the party’s presidential campaign, Rotimi Amaechi, said that it was intriguing that Jonathan could go to the South-South and tell the people that he did not do anything in the zone as alleged. He punctured criticism of Buhari’s age, saying a younger Jonathan had been unable to deliver, hence the need for a more experienced person to take over management of the affairs of the country. “Age comes with experience. If a 57-year-old man was given the opportunity for six years and yet proved incapable of fixing the country, we need the experience of a 72year- old man. “They said $20 billion oil money was missing. But the President said it was $10 billion; yet they could not trace it. It is mere fiction for him to

say that he wants to create 20 million jobs. This is somebody who could not create one million jobs in six years. What miracle does he want to perform? That is what they call fiction,’’ he said. For the umpteenth time, Odigie-Oyegun warned against the rumoured postponement of the general elections and the enthronement of an interim government. Also present on the occasion were Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; the party’s former Interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande; a former governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Deputy National Chairman (South) Chief Segun Oni as well as Buhari’s running mate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. They were received by crowd, who endured about six hours of standing. Popular Fuji maestro, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, thrilled the crowd all through the day. The train moved to the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1 and Alaafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111 after the rally.

President: Those accusing me of sponsoring Boko Haram are mad From Barnabas Manyam, Yola

•Rights’ activist Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin (middle) leading others to protest the death of Mrs. Folake Oduyoye, who was allegedly detained for non-payment of hospital bills in Lagos University Teaching Hospital...yesterday.

Jonathan, Sambo to Buhari: you lied on Mambilla dam

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan and his deputy, Namadi Sambo, attacked the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate General Muhammadu Buhari yesterday, calling him a liar. They spoke during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential rally in Jalingo, the Taraba state capital. The rally took place at the Jolly Nyame Sports Complex, along Jalingo-Yola Road. Jonathan and Sambo accused Buhari of lying that the Mambilla hydroelectric dam project in Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State had been moribund and would be revived, if APC won the February 14 presidential election. Buhari, on Wednesday during his rally in Jalingo, told the people of Taraba that he would revive and complete the Mambilla hydroelectric power dam to engage the youth, who, he

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

said, because of idleness, were engaging in violence. But, Jonathan said he had released $1 billion of the $1.5 billion contract sum, through counterpart funding for the Mambilla dam project. “The contractors are already on the site. The Mambilla dam is the best in West Africa. We shall develop it with top grade infrastructure for all African presidents to be going there to holiday. I believe this would generate revenue for the state,” Jonathan said. Sambo said Buhari was “ignorant” for saying he would revive the dam project. “It is not true; let me correct his ignorance. I am sorry there could be nothing like revamping the Mambilla dam. It is already on course,” Sambo said. He asked Tarabans to vote Jonathan because, besides the Mambilla hydroelectric power

project, the Kashimbilla dam in Taraba, which is to generate about 40 megawatts and irrigation scheme for more than 10 thousand hectares of land, is also on the verge of completion. Sambo said Jonathan had approved N30 billion for the Kashimbilla dam. “The dredging of River Benue is also on course and very soon, you will see boats and ships coming to Taraba State,” he said. He asked Taraba people to vote for Jonathan because “Jonathan has not failed Nigerians.” For Taraba governorship election, Sambo told the people to vote for his architect colleague, Darius Dickson Ishaku. “Ishaku will design, construct and develop Taraba with the support of President Jonathan. It is very clear that on February 14, you will return President Jonathan,” he said. Jonathan’s Campaign Direc-

tor General Amadu Ali also attacked Buhari. He said: “Don’t listen to people coming here to make fake promises. I mean fake promises. You don’t deserve change. Adamawa, Bauchi and Gombe are PDP and these states are doing well.” He said Jonathan and his team was in Taraba not to campaign, because since 1999, the PDP had won the soul of the state. Senate President David Mark also claimed that Jonathan was not coming to Taraba to campaign because Taraba” is already PDP and a Goodluck Jonathan state”. “Taraba should vote and return all the PDP senatorial candidates, all reps and house of assembly members. You are voting for PDP because of the massive projects done by the PDP government. “The youth will vote Jonathan because he has given them a federal university, which is located in Wukari,” he said.

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has described those accusing him as the sponsor of Boko Haram as mad people, saying only “a mad man” will level such accusation against him. He said this while speaking in Yola during the continuation of his presidential campaign, insisting that the Federal Government was determined to fight insurgency and root out Boko Haram from the country. The president also announced the recovery of Michika Local Government Area from insurgents today. He said Federal troops liberated Michika Local Government, adding that soldiers would proceed to capture Madagali and other areas still under insurgency. He called on the people of Adamawa State to vote him into office, promising to liberate the country from insurgency. Amid shouts of “sai Buhari” at the Muhammadu Ribadu Square, the President vowed to do more, if re-elected on February 14. The National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Adamu Muazu, announced the lifting of the suspension placed on Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and Chief Joel Madaki. He called on the two men to work hard for the unity of the PDP in Adamawa State.

Buhari thanks supporters From Tony Akowe, Abuja

THE All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO) has quoted the party’s presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, as expressing gratitude to Nigerians for the reception accorded in all the places he had visited for campaign so far. The Director of Media and Publicity of the organisation, Mallam Garba Shehu, said this in a statement made available to The Nation. The statement thanked the citizens for having confidence in the party’s presidential candidate to right the several wrongs bedevilling the country. The APC campaign team added that the huge reception Buhari’s campaign trains have received in all the states visited across the country so far, indicated how desperately Nigerians were yearning for change. The party quoted Buhari as saying: “This is to appreciate the people of this great country for the wide acceptance to vote for change in the coming election. The issues of corruption, insecurity, lies, weak economy among several atrocities and damage that have been done to the country are enough reasons for change. “The saying that you can fool the people sometime, but you can’t fool the people all the time is applicable here. After nearly 16 years of democracy, what we have today is unacceptable: our youths are roaming the streets with no job and poverty visible everywhere; the missing $20 billion oil money, the missing Chibok girls, the ill-equipped military to fight insurgency, corruption in high places, lack of vision and clueless regime of governance are not acceptable to Nigerians. These are more than enough reasons to fire up the vortex of change in the minds of our people.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

NEWS

Kano Emir to electorate: don’t vote for persecutors T

HE Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has urged voters to make a credible choice in next month’s elections by not allowing their votes to fall into the hands of those he described as persecutors. According to the monarch, making a bad choice will be a recipe for disaster. Sanusi spoke when the state Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) governorship candidate, Bashir Ishaq, visited him in his palace yesterday. The emir said leadership

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

required commitment and sacrifice, stressing that one was at liberty to vote for a candidate of one’s choice. But, he advised: “You should make sure that you do not allow your votes to fall into the hands of persecutors; you should not concede your votes to those you know would oppress you.”

The Kano Emirate Council, he said, is a non-partisan traditional institution that is never known to be dancing to the whims and caprices of any political party. The monarch, who spoke at length on the need to avoid violence in the name of politics, also advised politicians to accommodate one another’s views without prejudice. The PDM governorship candidate said he was con-

cerned about the abysmal decline of education at primary and secondary levels, adding that with his foray into the race, he was determined to deal with the rot. He stated that he was also willing to establish an independent power station in the state in the face of the nation’s appalling economy, stressing that with adequate power supply, the state’s economy would remarkably improve. Ishaq said the sector would also receive his priority attention because of expectations placed on the government for

Welfare: Union leader scores NLC president low From James Azania, Lokoja

•Alhaji Sanusi

a robust healthcare system. He added that he was willing to come up with a unique concept of governance for the state.

Court adjourns Atuche’s trial By Joseph Jibueze

HE Federal High Court in Lagos adjourned yesterday the trial of a former Bank PHB Plc’s (now Keystone Bank) Managing Director, Mr. Francis Atuche, till February 27. Atuche is on trial with a former defunct Spring Bank Plc Managing Director, Mr. Charles Ojo, on an amended 45-count of alleged N125 billion fraud. Justice Saliu Saidu adjourned for mention after Ojo’s lawyer, Mr. Osahon Idemudia, said he needed more time to prepare his client’s defence. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lawyer Mr. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) did not oppose the request. EFCC re-arraigned Atuche and Ojo on charges of acquiring Bank PHB’s shares using depositors’ funds. They pleaded not guilty to the 45 counts of conspiracy, reckless granting and approval of loans and money laundering, between September 1, 2006 and 2009. Atuche was accused of applying N3.5 billion, being proceeds of unlawful loans granted to Tradjek Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Futureview Financial Services Ltd, in payment for his acquisition of shares of Bank PHB. The prosecutor claimed that he used various companies as fronts with an intention to conceal the ownership of the loans. EFCC said he collaborated with different companies to conceal the genuine origins of the N3.5 billion used to acquire the bank’s shares.

CAC declares three-day prayer for elections

•From left: Representative of the Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA) and its director, Admin/Human Resources, Mr. Ado Solomon; Director, Political and Civic Education, Mrs. Ngosi Ekeoba and Project Manager, Mr. John Abbah, at a workshop on Voter Education for NOA 36 Directorates funded by the European Union (EU) through Democratic Governance for Development II, in Abuja...yesterday.

NMA petitions security agencies over attacks on members •Doctors accuse striking health workers of disrupting services THE Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in the the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has petitioned the police and other security agencies over attacks on its members. It insisted that security agencies should investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of the attacks. Chairman, NMA Abuja chapter, Dr. Fatina Zaragoza Mairami, and the Chief Medical Director, National Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Jaf Momoh, who spoke with reporters in Abuja yesterday, accused some members of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) of try-

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

ing to disrupt services in the hospitals. The NMA also accused the striking health workers of carrying out the attacks on its members and health facilities within the FCT. It called on the Federal Government to provide a 24hour security for doctors to enable them render uninterrupted clinical services. Dr. Mairam said: “We don’t want to wait until our

colleagues are killed and that is why we are demanding for a 24-hour police protection for our members.” The doctor stressed the need for security agents to address the situation before it degenerates, adding that if it was not properly address and those behind the attacks brought to book, it could collapse the healthcare system. She noted that within the FCT, members of NMA in three health facilities - the National Hospital, Gwarimpa General Hospital and the University of Abuja Teaching

Hospital - were attacked. On the incident at the Gwarinpa General Hospital, Mairami claimed that the striking JOHESU members used tear-gas, which affected Dr. Eucharia Anunobi, who is asthmatic. The NMA FCT chair noted: “With the use of tear-gas, we felt it was out of hand since in the first place, tear-gas was not supposed to be at the disposal of an individual.” She announced that the individual who was in possession of the tear-gas was identified and had been picked up by the police.

APC to boycott NEDG-organised debates

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) said yesterday that its presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, will not attend the public debates organised by the Nigeria Election Debate Group (NEDG). It alleged bias and a campaign of calumny against its presidential candidate, the interest of the party and its other candidates by some of the key organisers of the debates. But the party’s candidate, however, promised to attend others without the toga of government’s control. Spokesman of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Mallam Garba Shehu, said in a statement made available to The Nation in Abuja that the debate was fraught with fundamental errors from the out-

THE National Vice President incharge of the Northwest, National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), Sikamfa Ali Mshelinga, has scored the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Abdulwahab Umar, low on workers’ welfare. Flanked by the leaders of Kogi State chapter of NUEE, Mshelinga alleged that under the NLC president, whose final tenure ends on February 12, workers in several states were not paid the National Minimum Wage (NMW), while others worked under inhumane conditions. “For the eight years that he (Umar) has been there, nothing has been done. Are you talking about the N18,000 minimum wage that many states have not complied with or in the many banks and other organisations treating Nigerian workers like slaves? All these have to change,” he said. He canvassed for the election of the Deputy President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajero, as the next president, asserting that since after Adams Oshiomhole vacated the leadership seat of the umbrella labour organisation, nothing inspiring had happened.

•Buhari’s campaign team accuses organisers of bias From Tony Akowe, Abuja

set. The APC claimed that the organisers were mainly agencies and allies of the incumbent Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) administration. The statement said: “A salutary inspection of the composition of NEGD brings into focus the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), National Television Authority (NTA), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and the Africa Independent Television (AIT), owned by a PDP chieftain.” The party added that “the avalanche of inflammatory statements, misinformation and blatant lies being propagated by some of these media

against our party and candidates, contrary to the Koffi Annan brokered Abuja Peace Accord, and the failure of these aggressors to desist and apologise,” left the APC campaign with no option than to steer clear of any premeditated smear campaign that could be inimical to its “prospective electoral success”. Shehu explained that the decision to boycott the debate should not be seen as disrespect to Nigerian voters or an alibi for the party to dodge public scrutiny. But, he said it must be viewed as an honourable way of not being party to any activity that could distract, demean, denigrate or derail the fastmoving train of the party.

He described the APC as a party of progressive intellectuals, genuine technocrats, successful businessmen and women as well as eminent and courteous people of honour, who would never condescend to the level of “sadistic gutter propaganda” in the “name of political exigency and crass opportunism”. He lamented that many government-controlled media have clipped the wings of APC’s promotional advertisements on one excuse or the other, adding that, until a court upturned their decision recently, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) shutdown some telecoms portals for soliciting legitimate campaign funds from members of the

public for APC. “Aside, elements close to sitting President Goodluck Jonathan have commissioned series of derogatory and death threat advertorials against the person, family and associates of the opposition leader, General Muhammadu Buhari, to which the APC had sent letters of complaint to the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of State Security, Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the erring media that published or aired such offensive adverts or documentaries. ”None of our letters of protest has been attended to by the authorities. So, whatever the incumbent president wants to do with the instrument of state

HEAD of the general elections, the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Worldwide has announced a three-day prayer programme for the nation, beginning from February 4 to 6. The programme will hold at Odo-Owa, Osun State, the birth place of first General Evangelist of CAC Worldwide, Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola. The theme is: “Prince of Peace with signs and Wonders”. This year’s programme, being organised by the Church’s Evangelical Committee, according to its chairman, Pastor Johnson Ayo Olabisi, would be devoted to pray for the nation before the crucial elections. “We know that God owns Nigeria. We are handing the nation over to its owner to take absolute control of our affairs and give us His best,” he said. He added that the programme would feature many anointed men of God to be led by the President of CAC, Worldwide, Pastor Abraham Olukunle Akinosun, the General Evangelist of the mission, Prophet S. K. Abiara and others within CAC and outside the mission.

to harass members of the opposition into humiliating submission would not work. The APC/Buhari campaign is now a people’s movement. The more they try to undermine it, the more popular we are with the populace. “We are not shadow-chasers or moonwalkers. The APC is concerned mainly with the lack of unity and security in Nigeria; plus the growing decimation of lives, property and territory of our great country due to preventable insurgency; the slumbering economy; decaying educational system; absence of jobs; poor public health; and the cancerous institutionalisation of corruption in our national life. You can’t fool the people all the time. Nigerians will vote out their oppressors on February 14,” the APC said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

NEWS More knocks for Afenifere leaders

HE Director of the Buhari/Osinbajo Campaign for Lagos Office, Abiodun Faleke, has taken a swipe at the Yoruba group, Afenifere, for endorsing President Goodluck Jonathan. He accused the leaders of speaking for themselves and not the Yoruba as a race. Faleke, who chairs the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption, Ethics and National Values, urged the leaders to pray that God rules in their affairs. Faleke said it was unfortunate that the Pa Reuben F a s o r a n t i led Afenifere endorsed the cPresident, who had branded them as ‘rascals’. According to him, next month’s general elections would be decided by Nigerians, who are ready to take their destinies in their own hands. “The leaders are daydreaming to think they can

help President Jonathan with mere endorsement. In anyway, who are such leaders to decide for the Yoruba? Can they ask God to govern their lives the way the President is directing the affairs of this country? “What is going on is beyond the APC and Buhari. It is a revolution in a different form. It is a train on a full speed. It is either you clear off from its path or the train sweeps you away.” Also, the Coalition of Oodua Self-Determination Groups (COSEG) has condemned the endorsement. The COSEG, in a statement by its Chairman, Dayo Ogunlana, said: “It is unbecoming of the Afenifere to come out to declare the support of the Yoruba for Jonathan in the forthcoming election. That declaration was a costly mistake. It was more than a slight on the rest of the Yoruba. It was most improper.

•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola talking to an European Union (EU) election observer, Santiago Fisas Eveou, when the EU team visited the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja. PHOTO: MOSES OMOSEHIN

500 LASTMA officers for APC rally

HE Lagos State government has said it will deploy 500 officers of the StateTraffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to mange traffic today at the presidential campaign rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Commissioner for Transportation Kayode Opeifa, in a statement yesterday, said the rally would attract huge traffic on Funsho Williams Avenue, Eko Bridge, Ikorodu Road, Surulere and the Teslim Balogun Stadium, venue of the rally. “The Lagos State government will deploy all possible traffic management measures, including 500 LASTMA personnel, for this particular event to ensure minimum disruption to motorists and party members coming for the rally. The early morning traffic will not be affected likewise the afternoon traffic.

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

“Priority will be given to pedestrians and mass transit vehicles conveying people to the rally. Vehicular traffic (non-rally related) would be diverted from Funsho Williams at Ojuelegba towards Itire to link Ogunlana Drive to connect Eko Bridge via Bode Thomas, Eric Moore and Adelabu as at when necessary. “While from Eko Bridge, traffic would be diverted to Ojuelegba, Agege Motor Road and Ikorodu Road via Costain, Eric Moore, Bode Thomas, Adelabu and Ogunlana Drive, Itire Road, Mabo, Fashoro and Bishop Street all in Surulere or better still motorists are advised to use the Third Mainland Bridge.” He urged commuters to tune in to Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1 FM for traffic information every 15 minutes to get update on the traffic situation.

Boroffice: Buhari ordained by God

• Boroffice

He decried the threat by some ex-militants to wage war if President Goodluck Jonathan failed to win the next month election, stressing that their utterances could cause anarchy in the country. The lawmaker wondered why the Presidency had remained silent on the “explosive” statement.

Two pupils drown in Osun From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

•It’s not true, says aide From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

“What is Fayose doing with all these PVCs? The governor has asked teachers to submit copies of their PVCs front and back. He wants to repeat the electoral fraud he perpetrated in the June 21 governorship elections, which is still being contested in court. “We urge our teachers not to patronise this evil plan. Ekiti teachers should extract a written commitment from Fayose to restore teachers 27.5 per cent peculiar allowance, 20 per cent core subject allowance and 20 per cent rural posting allowance introduced by Fayemi to show that he is serious and not that he is using them for electoral gains. “Your PVC is the only power you have to decide your future. Once you submit the photocopy of your PVC, it will be cloned and will become useless to you on Election Day. Be warned! Don’t

give the photocopy of your PVC to anybody for any amount.” The APC spokesman warned artisans to be wary of Fayose’s directive asking them to bring their PVCs in exchange for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) loan for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, stressing that the programme had been processed by the Fayemi administration. He said it was fraudulent for Fayose to now use the loan to deceive the artisans into collecting their PVCs. “The public should know that the loan will be paid back and it is not for political patronage so they should not be deceived by this. On no account should they submit their PVCs or the photocopies,” Olatunbosun warned. But the Special Assistant to the Governor on Information, Youth and Sports, Lanre Ogunsuyi, who denied the

allegation, said Fayose does not need to buy voter cards before winning election for President Goodluck Jonathan. The aide said the governor enjoyed enormous goodwill and support from the people. Ogunsuyi said: My principal does not need to buy people’s love. You will recall that even before he was governor, his souvenirs were being bought by supporters. “He has no reason to buy voter cards from the same people, who have demonstrated their love for him in the governorship election. “Since assuming office, he has been showing his love for the people through ‘stomach infrastructure’ , construction, payment of salaries and searching for jobs for the unemployed youths in federal agencies and the N2 billion SMEs loans for youths, market women and artisans. They are going to support President Goodluck Jonathan come February 14.”

Epe’ll become the economic hub of Nigeria, says Ambode

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

HE senator representing Ondo North, Prof Ajayi Boroffice, has said the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will emerge victorious in next month’s election. The Asiwaju of Akokoland said the credibility of the APC’s presidential candidate, Gen Muhammadu Buhari and the masses-oriented programmes would give the party an upper hand. He urged supporters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards(PVC) to enable them participate fully in the election. Boroffice called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain unbiased in the dispensation of its assignment in the interest of peace.

APC accuses Fayose of buying PVCs

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has accused Governor Ayo Fayose of buying Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). The party claimed that the governor was wooing students and artisans with money, warning them not to surrender their cards to the governor and his agents. The APC, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, said: “News reaching us now is that Governor Ayodele Fayose has started visiting artisans and students, demanding their PVCs in exchange for cash. “Recently, the governor visited the School of Health Technology, Ijero; College of Education, Ikere; State University, Ado-Ekiti and some other institutions where he deceived students to surrender their PVCs for cash.” Olatunbosun reminded the students that the challenge before them goes beyond immediate pecuniary advantage.

HE bodies of two pupils of the Ife-Oluwa Middle School in Osogbo, Osun State, have been found floating in a river close to their school at Ijetu. Both pupils in junior class 2 were said to have drowned while allegedly swimming in the river. It was gathered that a woman, who had gone to fetch water, discovered the bodies of the pupils, who were reportedly missing since Monday. Men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps took the bodies away to a morgue. According to the Head, Disaster Rescue Team, Olufemi Awofade, the parents broke down in tears on seeing the bodies. He said after recovering the bodies their parents called Osun worshippers to perform certain rites before they were buried at the river bank in accordance with Yoruba tradition.

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, has said Epe will become the business hub of Nigeria when the projects in the division are completed. Speaking at the APC rally in Epe, Ambode said the APC government would complete the Economic Processing Zone (EPZ), the local airport, roads and the sea ports in the division. Ambode thanked the party leaders for the good work they have done for the state, noting that he would consolidate on what his predecessors had done to make Epe a beautiful city. He added that youth unemployment would be tackled by opening up economic activities in the division. “We thank Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Governor Babatunde Fashola and other leaders of the party. I see today as a thanksgiving day in Epe because the leadership of the party had done well for conceding to Epe the governorship slot. “I am particularly grateful because other party members who contested the governorship ticket with me are here, they have been supporting me throughout the campaigns. “You have seen what the government has been doing,

By Musa Odoshimokhe

right from the construction of roads, to the EPZ, there is a plan to construct a local airport in the zone and sea port. “I want to tell our youths that your time has come, by the time we complete the projects, there will be employment for you. The youth will use their talent to create jobs. Government will support the youth by ensuring we create the enabling environment for them to be productive,” he said. He promised that no part of Lagos State would be left out of the development drive. “Epe, Badagry and other parts of Lagos Sate will witness the same level of developments just like the government has been doing. “All hands have to be on deck to achieve the develop-

ment that Lagos desires. Whatever is left unaccomplished in the lifespan of this administration would be completed in due course,” he said. Ambode promised to be with the people of Epe, urging them to vote for the APC during the election because Epe is the progressives’ enclaves.”I will do everything possible to make life comfortable for you.” Governor Babatunde Fashola urged the people of Epe to vote massively for the APC, adding the people desired a change in leadership at the centre. He said General Muhammadu Buhari would revive the ailing economy which the people of Epe would benefit from in abundance. He urged the people to collect their Permanent Voter Cards

in order to effect the change the country is looking for. He said: “As I am talking to you right now three states of the 36 states have almost been overran by insurgents. What we have at the centre is a display that they lack the capacity to secure Nigerians. “There is no electricity in the country. It is unfortunate that what the people would have used to support their economic life is being spent to buy diesel to fuel their generators. He said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) desperation is manifested in the campaigns of calumny it has embarked on. “They have started showing the pictures of Buhari’s late wife. Is that the type of leaders you want to follow, all in the name of politics?

Four PDP leaders join APC

HE camp of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State was depleted yesterday with four prominent leaders from Akure South Local Government leading thousands of their followers to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The leaders are former Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Interest, Ifedayo Ologunmeta, former Chief of Staff to the Akure South Chairman, Tayo Dada, PDP Ward Auditor, Abayomi Akinbode and Femi Balogun. Speaking on behalf of the defectors at the

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

APC State Secretariat in Akure, Ologunmeta said they decided to join the APC because two of their indigenes emerged as National Assembly candidates. Ologunmeta said in the history of the town, no Akure son or daughter has been elected senator. The former Mimiko’s aide lauded APC for allowing an Akure indigene, Chief Tayo Alasoadura, to emerge as its senatorial candidate, urging indigenes to vote for APC candidates.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

NEWS Buhari didn’t jail Ajasin, says family From Damisi Ojo, Akure

The family of the first civilian Governor of Ondo State, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, has said former military Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, did not jail the former governor. The family said the former head of state only invited the late Afenifere leader for interrogation. Buhari is the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The Ajasin family cautioned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to stop using their father’s name to campaign against the progressives’ party. The family also said they had forgiven Buhari for the arrest of the former governor in 1984. Its spokesman, Chief Tokunbo Ajasin, who spoke to reporters in Akure yesterday, maintained that his father forgave Buhari long before his death. The younger Ajasin cautioned politicians, particularly those seeking for elective positions, to base their campaigns on issues rather than irrelevances. Ajasin said the Buhari administration did not jail his father as being speculated but only invited him for interrogation as required by military traditions and policies. He said there was no judicial pronouncement or ruling where his father was sentenced to prison or indicted. According to him, “It will be totally wrong for anybody to say that Gen. Buhari jailed my father. No, that is not correct. It was true that my father was detained under Buhari’s military regime with other former governors. “Two panels of enquiry were consequently set up to look into the allegations against my father and others, but the panels found my father innocent and exonerated him. “What Buhari did then was part of military policies and tradition. Though many Nigerians were not happy with that but my father forgave Buhari before his demise. “As far as the issue is concerned, the Ajasin family had forgiven Buhari as well. As Christians we should learn to forgive always. The bible says the Father forgives us as we forgive those who offend us.”

‘Reduce lawmakers’ earnings’

FORMER editor of Daily Times, Areoye Oyebola, yesterday called for a 70 per cent reduction in the salary of lawmakers. Oyebola made the call at the public presentation of his book, “Black man’s dilemma” in Ibadan. He said as long as a senator receives N20.4million and a House of Representatives member N25m monthly, with a general allowance of N18million per annum, Nigeria would not grow. “This is a sin and crime against humanity. The earnings should be reduced by 70 per cent because it is four times the US President’s salary. “What type of backward, terrible, senseless, greedy human beings has God concentrated in Nigeria?” The former editor advocated a mental revolution across Africa in order to enthrone transformation of the continent.

•VOTE ME ME: Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun addressing the crowd at his re-election campaign in Ifo, Ifo Local Government Area...yesterday.

Stop politics of frivolities, Amosun tells Osoba

GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun yesterday advised the leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Chief Olusegun Osoba, to engage in “politics of facts” rather than resorting to “frivolity” Amosun said the politics of sentiments and frivolity would not benefit anybody, including Osoba, adding that on his part, he has vowed not to indulge in such. Osoba, at a political rally in Ago - Iwoye, Ijebu North Local Government, claimed that

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

the government had neglected Ijebu people. But addressing chiefs and traditional heads from Odogbolu Local Government Area yesterday, the governor said no part or division of the state was left out in the infrastructural and urban renewal effort of his administration. He urged the ex - governor to be factual with his claims. “I will only urge our leader, Chief Osoba, to let us play politics of facts. I have vowed

not to engage in politics of sentiments and frivolities, but, that of facts. “But, because that allegation has been made, it is important to clear the air for our people. We should not be playing such politics. To gain what? “We have bridges in Abeokuta, Ijebu, Sagamu, Ota. Others are also coming up at Ijebu Igbo and Ilaro. We have our model schools in all the sections. In fact, that of Ogun East is more than other sections. Of the six in Ogun East, four are ready. “ And we are saying we have

not done anything. We have our roads every where also, across the four sections. So, where is the discrimination Chief Osoba is talking about? Where is the marginalisation? “There is no apology for doing much in the state capital, because we are all members of the state capital where we are going to have headquarters of our industries, so we have to improve it. It cannot be the same, but, our presence is also felt in other sections, which, Chief Osoba himself, had once acknowledged.”

Fashola: revealing Agbaje’s tax status not personal

AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola said yesterday that revealing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Jimi Agabaje’s tax status was for economic reasons. He said issues of tax were beyond personal relationships. Fashola, who spoke in Epe yesterday, said: “I don’t hate Agbaje .Revealing the unpaid taxes of Agbaje’s pharmacy was not personal but was for economic reasons. I didn’t say you did not pay two years Land Use Charge, (LUC) you did. But you have four years unpaid LUC. If you have paid all your LUC, please publish your receipts.” The governor said corrup-

•’Declare your tax status’ By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

tion and siphoning of public funds retarded the nation’s economic growth and transformation. “The Burj Khalifa in Dubai was built with $1.5 billion. This administration has lost $20 billion. The money lost by this administration could be used to build 10 of those structures. “We are the only oil producing country that is importing oil products. And they spent over N2 trillion importing fuel. A group, Support Group for Ambode 2015, has challenged

Agbaje to declare his tax status. The group, at the inauguration of its local government mobilisation committees, said: “Lagos State has been able to reduce dependence on federal allocation because Lagosians pay tax. “It is embarrassing that a man who seeks to govern Lagos has been found wanting in this civic duty. To whom much is to be given, much should be expected.” The Chairman, Demola Seriki, urged the committees to focus on a door-to-door and house-to-house campaign. The chairmen include Jide

PVCs: PDP accuses INEC, APC of collusion

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said there is a “deliberate attempt” by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disenfranchise its members and supporters in Lagos State by refusing to release their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to them. In a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, the PDP said the party has observed that INEC officials were working “hand in gloves” with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to frustrate the distribution of the PVCs in PDP strongholds as well as to non-indigenes in the state. The PDP described the development as “unacceptable, illegal and part of the criminal plot by the APC to hold on to power”. The ruling party reiterated its

From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

commitment to peaceful and credible elections, adding that “we will not accept any attempt to scheme us out in any state or states controlled by the APC”. “The APC has been jittery over the increasing popularity of President Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP governorship candidate, Olujimi Agbaje. Stating that INEC had refused to check the trend despite repeated concerns raised by its state chapter and other well meaning Nigerians, the PDP said the onus now lies on INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega and the leadership of the commission to prove their innocence by intervening and ensuring that all eligible voters in the state receive their PVCs.

Oni (Oshodi-Isolo); Sesan Olanrewaju (Shomolu); Mrs. Adenrele-Ogunsanya (Ikorodu); Enoch Ajibosho (Agege); Samuel Ifemade (Amuwo-Odofin); M.M.Hassan (Ojo); M.K.O. Akindele (Ikeja); Segun Dawodu (Lagos Island); Bode Oluwole (Lagos Mainland); Rilwan Alesh (Eti-Osa); Tunde Balogun (Apapa); Hakeem Dickson (Surulere) and Kamal Bayewu (Ajegunle-Ajeromi). Others are Monday Whenu (Badagry); Yomi Adedo (Ifako-Ijaiye); Rasaq Amao,(Mushin); Francis Adebisi (Alimosho); Laja Adelaja (Epe); Babatunde Surakat-Idogun (Ibeju-Lekki) and K.K. Eleshin (Kosofe).

Buhari gets Olubadan’s blessing From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

HE presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday received the royal blessing of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Odulana Odugade. Olubadan, who was represented by High Chief Owolabi Olakulehin, Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, said there was a need for change in the country, adding that the change Nigeria needs is Buhari. “We welcome you to Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. We pray that your pursuit will be successful. We know Buhari and he is honest, straight forward and sincere. We need change in this country and we pray to God to make it happen because we know he will transform this nation.“ According to the Olubadan, by February 14, we would be celebrating your victory by God’s grace. Those on the APC entourage include Buhari’s running mate, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, his Rivers State counterpart, Rotimi Amaechi, Osun State Deputy Governor Mrs. Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, former Ekiti State Governor Otunba Niyi Adebayo, APC National Chairman Chief John Odigie- Oyegun, among others.

Pipeline vandals arrested in Ondo From Damisi Ojo, Akure

THE Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ondo State yesterday paraded three suspects for allegedly vandalising a pipeline belonging to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) at Omotosho on the Ore-Sagamu road. Acting Commandant Adewoye Oyedokun gave their names as Paul Christopher, Kingsley Omosore and Akeem Kamoru. Oyedokun said the suspects were arrested on Tuesday by its anti-vandals unit, following a tip off. The Acting Commandant said the criminals had successfully siphoned 1,550 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) stored in 62 (25-litre) kegs. The suspects, according to him, had confessed to the crime, adding that a local welder who helped them drilled the pipeline was also arrested.

‘PVCs may be distributed at polling units’ THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is considering the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) at polling units. The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Akin Orebiyii, said this after a meeting with the State Council of Obas and Chiefs in Ikeja. Orebiyii said that over 1.7 million PVCs of eligible voters, who registered in 2011, had not been claimed by their owners since the distribution began. “We have received four million cards and about 2.3 million people have come out to collect their cards while 1.7 million have not been collected. “We are still expecting 600,000 cards from 2011 registration and for 2014; we have outstanding of about 1.4 million, totaling about 5.9 million registered voters. “Shortly, these outstanding cards will arrive and we will add them to the ones we are distributing. “We are also thinking of moving, if possible, away from the 245 Collation Centres to the 8,465 Polling Units so as to reach more people.”

THE NATION FRIDAY JANUARY 30, 2015

NEWS

Okonjo-Iweala: Soludo worst CBN Governor

INANCE Minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala responded to former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Prof Charles Soludo’s criticism of the Nigerian economy in which he described the economic team as traders. In her reply, the minister described Soludo as the worst governor of the apex bank in the nation’s history. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala in a statement from her office noted that “the consolidation of the banking sector was a good policy idea of the Obasanjo administration but Soludo went on to thoroughly mismanage its implementation leading to the worst financial crisis in Nigeria’s history.” She alleged that after Soludo’s consolidation, “the regulatory functions of the Soludo-led CBN were very poorly implemented. Her words: “As Governor, he failed to adequately supervise and regulate the now larger banks – an anomaly in Financial Sector Supervision. In his time, there was very little sepa-

•Minister says N5.67 t needed to clean up former apex bank chief’s mess From Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor)

ration between the regulators and the regulated which is a violation of a key requirement of Central Banking success. “This led to infractions in corporate governance in many banks as loans and other credit instruments running to hundreds of billions of naira were extended to clients without following due process, and several of these loans could not be paid back. “This massive accumulation of bad debts or non-performing loans as they are called in the banking sector meant that our banks were ill-positioned to deal with the global financial crisis when it hit.” The minister further accused Soludo of bringing the banking sector to its knees thus making sector to need a massive bailout by tax payers. She said: “This bailout was done by his successor (now the Emir of Kano) who cleaned up all the bad debts and transferred

them to the newly-established Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON), from where they are managed today. “Soludo’s single-handed mismanagement of the banking sector led to an incredible accumulation of liabilities that will cost tax payers about N5.67 trillion (being the total face value of AMCON-issued bonds) to clean up. “This amount is more than the entire Federal Government 2015 Budget, constitutes the bulk of Nigeria’s ‘contingent liabilities’ mentioned in Soludo’s article. It is only in Nigeria where someone who perpetrated such a colossal economic atrocity would have the temerity to make assertions on public debt and the management of the economy.” On Soludo’s comments on the mismanagement of the economy and the imposition of the austerity measures, the minister lamented that “the fall in oil prices, a global phenomenon over which Nigeria has

no control, has given every charlatan the opportunity to attack the economy, and by extension the managers of the economy.” Thorough examination of the facts on performance under the Jonathan administration, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala said, “will also reveal that at a time when global economic performance was mediocre, with GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth averaging about three per cent per annum, Nigeria’s GDP growth – averaging about six percent per annum – is indeed remarkable. “Even more interesting is the fact that the oil sector did not drive this economic performance but the non-oil sector (agriculture, manufacturing, telecommunications, the creative economy and so on), which shows that the current Administration’s diversification objective under the Transformation Agenda is working.” She also took on the former CBN chief over his comment on inflation, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala

argued: “This government managed to control inflation, which he Soludo, was not able to do during his time at the helm of monetary policy in Nigeria. When he left the Central Bank in 2009, inflation – which hurts the poor and vulnerable in the society the most – was above 13 percent per annum. Now, inflation is at single-digit, at eight percent per annum. “This administration managed to stabilise the naira exchange rates, such that between May 2011 and the end of 2014, official exchange rates against the dollar rarely moved out of the N153 to N156 band. It is only with the recent dramatic fall in oil prices and the consequent impact on our foreign reserves that the exchange rate has become quite volatile. “The drop in oil price has been heavy and rapid impacting all oil producing nations significantly. Nigeria is no exception and appropriate fiscal and monetary policy measures are being put in place to man-

•Dr. Okonjo-Iweala

age this situation.” She alleged that a careless remark by Prof. Soludo when he was the Chief Economic Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo when he hypothesised “a possible naira devaluation, condemned the naira to a free fall towards the end of 2003 so much so that not even the assurances given by the then CBN Governor, Mr. Joseph Sanusi or the President that any plans to devalue the naira existed only in the head of the professor could halt the fall of the naira from N128 to the dollar in the official market to about N140 between September and December 2003.”

Ex-Beauty Queen plans oil-palm seedlings as Valentine gifts for Nigerians

ITH Nigeria firmly in the height of general election campaign for the 14 February 2015, Valentine’s Day presidential election, Mrs Nigeria Diaspora, Olapeju Olayemi, is using her pet project to distribute oil-palm seedlings to Nigerians as valentine’s gift. Ondo State born beauty queen, who won the 2014 Mrs Nigeria Diaspora pageant in London and who is the advocate for Green Nigeria in the Diaspora, is promoting oil-palm farming in Nigeria through her pet project. The first scheme of the project is tagged ‘Palm Valentine’. Addressing stakeholders at the event in Owo, which comprises of government officials, captains of industries, clergymen, representatives of schools, and community people, Ms Olapeju said that the concept of palm valentine is to re-define valentine’s gift from flowers, chocolates, greeting cards and expensive dinners to gifts of oil-palm seedlings for planting to symbolise love. “The planting of trees will fulfil the exact history of St valentine’s day which began in 270AD with Julia and her friend, the legend Martyr, St Valentine. Julia planted an almond tree near St. Valentine’s grave when he was executed by the order of oppressive Roman Empire, Emperor Claudius, because he was preaching the gospel of Christ.” “The climatic condition of Nigeria cannot favour the growth of almond tree which we are now replacing with oil-palm tree, an evergreen tree that grows in warm regions. Planting of oil-palm trees will enable Nigeria to expand in its oil-palm production and change the agricultural economy of the nation. It will also provide job opportunities for the unemployed as we have demonstrated through the numerous people employed on the farm here. “ We want to bring back oil-palm boom in Nigeria as oil-palm used to be one of Nigeria’s cash crops and the country used to be one of the leading producers of oil-palm products in the world she explained. “The discovery of crude oil and the civil war adversely affected the production of oil-palm in Nigeria and this initiative is an ideal podium to create the awareness for oil-palm farming. Malaysia, she said, took the

Politicians have a date with Nigerians on February 14. To them, the presidential election will take the shine off this year’s Lovers’ Day. But Miss Nigeria Diaspora, Olapeju Olayemi, feels there must be a departure from the past anniversaries of the Valentine Day. She has concluded plans to gift out oil-palm seedlings to Nigerian, using the platform of her pet project.

• Cheif Akinnigbagbe (right), Ms Olapeju (second right) holding basket of oilpalm seedlings and members of the ‘Plant An Oilpam Tree Everyone’s Association’ at the inauguration of Palm Valentine in Owo, Ondo State.

oil palm seedling from Nigeria in the 1970s and the country is now the leading producer of oil-palm products in the world. Now the decline in the production of crude oil petroleum necessitated the need for every Nigerian both at home and in the Diaspora to begin oil-palm farming in Nigeria. We don’t need licence like petroleum for the production and it is an economic tree she emphasised. According to Ms Olapeju, the maiden edition of the palm valentine will be celebrated on the 14 February 2015. She added that the distribution of palm seedlings exercise will be carried out from February 1 2015 in all the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory. “We want people to have the palm seedlings in their possession before the February 14 Valentine’s Day, so that they can present it as gift to their love ones on Valentine’s Day for planting as symbol of love and friendship”. “It will be distributed freely to government offices, private companies, schools and residential homes through

door-to-door supply and will be documented. The distribution of palm seedling for planting will be extended to Palm Sunday period”. “The polybag oil-palm seedlings will be placed in the pre-nursery by the people that received the gifts and field planting will be done by them on May 27 to celebrate Children’s Day when we plan to hold National Palm Awards and Miss Palm Advocate.” She, however, stated that planting can also be done in June and July and that the seedlings for the pre-nursery planting could be obtained from the Nigeria Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) so as to ensure that the sprouted nuts are high-yielding varieties that can begin fruiting within two to three years after planting. Ms. Olapeju stated further that she was inspired by the federal and state government’s agriculture schemes and by NIFOR oil-palm projects. Specifically, the former beauty queen said she wanted to take after her late father, Revd. Canon Boaz Olapeju, who

as part of service to humanity, set up an oil-palm tree plantation for charity to care for orphans and scholarship for indigent but brilliant children in his Idoani community. To ensure the provision of enough seedlings for the public and members of the Plant an Oil-palm Tree Everyone’sAssociation, Ms Olapeju said her NGO will establish oil-palm nurseries in some states as the plant is very resilient and can grow in many parts of Nigeria. She said: “The scheme will be a private-public driven initiative. We therefore need support from government, top industries, public spirited individuals and institutions to prudently co-pilot this laudable project through partnership, sponsorship, donations of lands, polybags, seedlings, project vehicles and farming machineries.” In a remark, the former Commissioner for Agriculture in Ondo State, Chief Julius Akinyele Akinnigbagbe, commended Ms Olapeju for her initi-

ative to promote oil-palm farming in Nigeria. Disclosing that every part of oilpalm tree is money, the former commissioner said: “Palm oil is for consumption; palm kernel oil is used for cosmetics; palm wine is extracted from the male inflorescene of oilpalm tree; the leaflets of oil-palm trees are used for making thatch for roofing houses, fences and baskets. “The mid-ribs of the leaflets are used for brooms; the soft tissue around the apical bud is edible; the bunch refuse is used for making soap and the shell from cracked oil-palm nut provides for fuel and local heating and it is used in Germany for heating. Commenting on the national palm award, Akinnigbagbe said that Nigeria is endowed with hard working farmers who have demonstrated exceedingly in oil-palm farming and contributed to the national economy and they deserved to be celebrated / and recognised for their phenomenal contributions.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

CITYBEATS APC to police: O Find our chieftain’s killer By Basirat Braimah

THE police were yesterday urged to ensure that justice is done over the gruesome killing last Thursday in Agege, a Lagos suburb, of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Eyitayo Peters, by yetunknown gunmen. Peters, APC’s Assistant Organising Secretary in Ward ‘G’, Orile Agege, was killed when some youths attempted to steal Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) agents at the Methodist Primary School, Tabon-Tabon. Addressing reporters on the pre-election security situation in Agege yesterday, APC’s Secretary in the local government area, Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, described the development as antagonistic to the principle of democracy. He said: “We are still awaiting the result of the autopsy conducted on the late Peters. However, we urge the police to do the needful by ultimately ensuring that justice is done on the matter to serve as deterrence for many others, especially in the opposition, who believe in shedding blood instead of sharing ideas. “Apart from Peters, others who sustained gunshot injuries are now in hospitals undergoing surgeries. This is not good for our democracy as far as APC is concerned. We have remained calm in line with the directive of the national leadership of our party. Peters won’t die in vain. We want our members to remain calm as we are doing our best possible to protect their lives and property.”

UTDOOR advertisers yesterday in Lagos protested the alleged invasion of their franchised sites by politicians. They are angry by what they called the illegal display of campaign posters on their sites. Clad in white and black attires and armed with placards with various incriptions, the protesters took off from Ikeja Under-Bridge at 11am to Maryland Bus Stop. They were joined by civil society organisations (CSOs) during the protest. Some of the inscriptions read: “Stop the illegalities, impunity, intimidation and disrespect for rule of law, Outdoor industry is dying”; “Enough is enough”; Enough of impunity”; “No to intimidation”; “We say no to lawlessness; and Don’t destroy: The law must be obeyed.” Lagos State Sinage and Advertising Agency (LASAA) Managing Director, George Noah, who joined the protesters, said the march was necessary to condemn the reign of impunity. Noah said the politicians’ action, especially by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), “is illegal and inconsiderate on the group, which is just doing its honest job.” According to him, Lagosians must come to term with the law giving LASAA the authority to control and reg-

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

Outdoor advertisers protest illegal display of campaign posters

•The protesters... yesterday By Mariam Ekene-Okoro and Basirat Braimah

ulate outdoor advertising in the state. LASAA, he said, would continue to fight for the rights of practitioners and stakeholders in the outdoor business. Noah said: “We are telling them that you cannot come to Lagos State with impunity and disturb the business of honest hardworking men and women, who toil day and night to ensure that they make a decent living.

“We are telling them that Lagosians are watching them. They think that in the name of electioneering, they can come, cheat people and break the law because they want people’s vote. Lagosians are watching them and they can decide. Today, outdoor advertisers say no to impunity.” He accused PDP loyalists and Federal Task Force officials of mounting posters on streetlight poles already paid for by some companies. This, he said, led to the termination of about N350 million contracts by Globalcom

and Chinese telecoms giant, Huawei, among other companies. Noah said the agency would not rest until the Federal Government stopped this act of impunity, adding that the agency, as the coordinating and outdoor regulating agency in Lagos, has gone to court over the matter. he said the ruling party never consulted the agency for advert space, stating that it amounted to impunity to just paste posters and banners on the streets and on electricity poles erected and maintained

Sanitation holds tomorrow

Mentally-ill woman gives birth at bus stop

By Safiyyah Abdur-Razaq

MENTALLY-ill woman has been delivered of a baby girl in full public glare at a Lagos bus stop. Shortly after the delivery at Kola Bus Stop on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, the woman identified herself as Simbiat. To prevent some people from taking the baby away from the mother, some

by the state government without permission. “It is bad business. At a time we in this country are trying to attract foreign investments, we are sending bad signals to foreign investors because we are telling them that even if you sign a contract, a government or political party can come and move against it. That is the dangerous signal we are sending,” he said. Some of the protesters said the implication of their invasion was taking a toll on the industry.

•Simbiat with her baby By Tajudeen Adebanjo

good Samaritans rushed her to the nearby Primary Health Care Centre. The light-skinned beautiful baby bubbled with life at the centre. There, Simbiat told the Ojokoro Local Council Development Area

•Mrs Hassan-Olajokun admiring the baby

(LCDA) officials led by the Executive Secretary, Mrs Fausat Hassan-Olajoku, that she is from Amukoko area of Ilesa in Osun State. She said a police officer impregnated her. She kept telling the nurses that they should not allow the police to

take her baby away. The council chief promised to rehabilitate her through the Social Welfare Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, from where she will be taken to a psychiatric hospital. Mrs Hassan-Olajoku donated some clothes and other materials to her.

HE first environmental sanitation of the year will hold in Lagos on Saturday. There will be restriction of movement during the exercise, from 7am to 10am. Bello urged Lagosians to clean up their surroundings and de-silt their drainage channels. He advised them to get rid of waste generated during the Christmas and New Year holidays through the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and its accredited Private Sector Participants (PSP). The commissioner warned residents against patronising itinerant cart pushers, he said who collect refuse and discharge at unauthorised places and water paths. Bello said a combined team of operatives from the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Brigade, police, Lagos

Court sentences heroine dealer to life imprisonment

29-year-old man, Abiodun Elemoro, was yesterday sentenced to life imprisonment for dealing in heroine. Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court convicted him on onecount charge of dealing in 30.5 grammes of the banned narcotic. Elemoro, who pleaded guilty, was arraigned last April 26 following his arrest by National Drugs Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) officials at Palm Church Street on Lagos Island. He dealt in the narcotic drug without lawful author-

•Two plead guilty to drug trafficking By Joseph Jibueze

ity, contrary to Section 11(c) of NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The convict confessed that he made between N3,000 and N5,000 daily from the illicit trade. In his mitigation plea, Elemoro urged with the judge to temper justice with mercy. He said he was an orphan, with a nine-month old child. Sentencing him to ife imprisonment with hard labour, Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia said it would deter oth-

ers from treading that path. She ordered NDLEA to destroy the substance if there is no appeal against the judgment. In a related development, Umeh Henry has confessed to Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court that he is a drug trafficker. Henry was charged with trafficking 15grammes of cocaine. NDLEA’s prosecutor, Mr. Vembe Emmanuel, said the accused was arrested last October 6 during the inward clearance of the Emirate Airlines from Brazil via Dubai at the arrival hall of the Mur-

tala Mohammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos. Henry, whose wife and little baby were also in court, pleaded guilty. The court adjourned till February 4 for a review of his case. NDLEA also arraigned Obijiofor Jones before Justice Idris for allegedly trafficking 1.82 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine, a drug similar to Cocaine. According to the prosecutor, Mr. Abu Ibrahim, Jones was arrested last May 31 during the outward clearance of Ethiopian Airlines flight to Malaysia. His case was adjourned till February 3.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

NCC gives MainOne, IHS Infraco licences • Explains delays in 2.6GHz spectrum licence By Lucas Ajanaku

WO technology firms, MainOne Cable Com pany and IHS Towers, an independent mobile telecoms infrastructure provider, have emerged winners in the bid conducted by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the issuance of licences for the first two infrastructure providers (InfraCos) pursuant to the implementation of the Open Access Model of the regulator. Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Eugene Juwah who spoke yesterday at the fourth Industry Stakeholders Forum orgnaised by the Ministry of Communications Technology at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, said the two firms have won the bids for the Lagos and North Central Zone. While MainOne won licence to provide broadband infrastructure in Lagos, IHS Towers won to provide same services to the North Central Zone. The NCC plans to licenece seven InfraCos, one each in the six geo-political zones of the country while Lagos would have one. With the licensing of the first two, the Commission said the process of licensing the five others would be started. Meanwhile, the EVC has blamed inability to get the right value for the 2.6gigahertz (GHz) spectrum for the delays in auctioning the spectrum which it started last year and later suspended. Juwah assured that all the issues around the spectrum have now been resolved, promising that the auction will take place soon. He said the Open Access Model will promote healthy competition, affordability and global best practices in regulatory activities. The Federal Government had promised to grant tax holidays of between five and seven years to the InfraCos. The tax holidays, which will come with other incentives is designed to support them during rollout of broadband services to their various zones. Principal Partner of KPMG, Mr. Joseph Tegbe, a consultant to the licensing process, was also quoted to have told an audience that the investors would be encouraged to veer into areas which many consider to be less commercially rewarding through calculated subsidy, and that grants may be given out to further boost their interest in such areas. He said: “They will also be granted pioneer status as part of the incentives to boost their interest in investing in such areas or zones that may look unattractive.

There is nothing wrong in having a robust renewable energy programme in the country. In fact, government has taken a step in that direction by introducing the: ‘Light Up Nigeria’ scheme. - Director-General, National Power Training Institute of Nigeria, Rueben Okeke

Govt inaugurates N60b steel mill in Sagamu

HE Federal Government yesterday commissioned a N60billion integrated steel mill in Sagamu, Ogun State as part of productive activities thrown up by the sectoral implementation of the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP). The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, who commissioned the mill, built by the Standard Metallurgical Company (SMC) Ltd, said government was committed to repositioning the steel sector to access a substantial share of the global wealth, estimated at $10trillion. He said with the implementation of the right policies under the NIRP, the number of functioning steel rolling mills in the country had increased to over 21 from less than five a few years ago. “Before this administration came on board, we had less than five functioning steel rolling mills and no cold rolled steel mill, but today, there are more than 15 functioning steel rolling mills producing reinforced bars; about three functioning cold steel mills producing cold rolled flat sheets; and about three producing or about to commence the production of wire coils. This is a visible evidence that our policies are working,” Aganga said. According to him, steel is at the heart of any country’s economic development and is one of the most important materials widely used for both domestic and industrial

• From left: Aganga; Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arch. Musa Sada; Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru; and Mr. Saade, at the commissioning … yesterday. By Lucas Ajanaku

purposes throughout the world, hence the priority given to the sector in the NIRP. He said: “In addition to accelerating the industrial development of a nation, a vibrant steel sector contributes to the growth of the Gross Domestic Product and exploitation of Nigeria’s abundant natural resources. “A vibrant steel sector also generates economic activities in downstream industries, creates job opportunities and acquisition of technical skills, helps in the transfer of technology and provision of machine parts and tools. This particular project is being executed with 100

Power supply dips by 127.67Mw

HE energy sent out by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) that stood at 3,791.66megawatts (Mw) on January 25 this year dipped to 3,669.99Mw on January 27, the Ministry of Power has said. The market, according to the statistics released yesterday, recorded a loss of 127.67Mw in two days. Despite the 5,500Mw wheeling capacity of TCN, it was unable to evacuate 76.21Mw from the 3,746.20Mw generated. In the penultimate data, the electricity market recorded 3,864.00Mw energy generation, which dropped by 117.8 Mw in the days under review. In terms of peak generation, there was a loss of 158.3Mw following a drop from 4,291Mw to 4,132.7Mw on January 27. The ministry’s statistics of January 18 showed that the TCN evacuated 3,562.75Mw, an indication that power transmission increased by 228.91Mw within seven days. Generated energy that was then 3,636.29Mw increased by 227.72 Mw on January 25, while the peak generation was 3,986.6Mw

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

following a 304.4Mw increase. The supply in the electricity market has always been characterised by fluctuations as a result of irregular gas supply to the power plants. Before last week’s boost, the power plants had grappled with challenges of gas supply shortage following the vandalism of Trans Forcados Pipeline. Executive Director of Gas and Power, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. David Ige lamented that the vandalism always results to shutting down of the power plants. He said: “We have varied production effects from the vandalism in terms of crude oil, condensate and gas, and it runs in thousands of barrels daily. “And when you shut down production of gas from the western axis where we produce close to 1000 million cubic feet per day of gas and every day when you shut down that, it is not just the cost of shutting it down but the consequential cost of the power plants that are sitting idle and so many other costs, and so the cost is huge.”

per cent locally-sourced raw materials.” The Managing Director of SMC, Dr. Mohammed Saade, commended the government for supporting the steel sector, noting that the entire project would boost economic growth. “SMC has a multi-phased Integrated Iron and Steel Complex with an estimated annual

capacity production of two million tons of long and flat steel finished products, which is being executed in multiphases over a 10-year implementation programme. The project is being executed with 100 per cent raw materials from Nigeria,” he said. Aganga noted that the establishment of the Phase I of SMC’s steel mill and the

ground breaking of the Phase II of the project would complement the company’s existing investments in the agribusiness sub-sector of the country. He pointed out that the mill ranked among the largest private sector investments in the steel sector in Nigeria. He said: “I am assuring existing investors like SMC and prospective ones of government’s support in the pursuit of self-sufficiency in local steel production. The implementation of game changers in the sector is already opening up a lot of downstream sector activities with the attendant massive job opportunities and economic empowerment for our engineers, technicians, artisans and fabricators alike. “To date, a number of sectorial policies have been developed under the NIRP. The Sugarcane to Sugar under the National Sugar Master Plan (NSMP) has attracted over $3 billion in investments. The National Automobile Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) has attracted over 22 OEMs including Nissan, Hyundai while Peugeot and Volkswagen have re-commenced operations in Nigeria.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

FRIDAY JANUARY 30, 2015

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Buhari/ Osinbajo: Change in the offing I

N one of his writings, the present writer had advised the All Progressives Congress (APC) to perish the thought of a Muslim/Muslim ticket and also to look beyond the Southwest in picking the running mate to its presidential flag bearer. The best materials for vice presidential candidate at that time were Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Governor Babatunde Fashola, both of whom, unfortunately, are Muslims. At the time, I gave that advice, I did not take into consideration the need to factor in the strengths of the legacy parties that metamorhorsed into the APC. They are: the action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Congress for progressive change (CPC), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and a faction of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). The largest group in the merger was the ACN, which should have produced the presidential candidate. But, for shrewd political reasons, the slot was zoned to the North. Eventually, the party settled for Buhari, a man Nigeria needs more that he needs Nigeria. In fact, if there were no Buhari, the APC would have invented one. Tinubu is believed to be instrumental in the emergence of Buhari, who was the leader of the second largest group in the fold. He is the most qualified for the job. It was in recognition of its role in the formation of the APC and the support for Buhari that made it imperative for the APC to zone the slot the running mate to the ACN, who were dominant in the Southwest. It was for the purpose of justice, equity and fairness, so that members of the defunct ACN would not lose out in the whole arrangement. Not doing so might have offended the sensibilities of the Southwest, which commands an intimidating number of eligible voters. Tinubu then came out with a masterstroke. He came out with a distinguished professor of law and a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who is not only a devout Christian, but also a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) as a running mate to Buhari. That was the clincher. For the first time in the history of Nigeria, we are on the verge of getting a professor in the Presidency. This turned out to be a popular choice because it has received the backing of Nigerian intellectuals, including men and women in the law profession, captains of industry and other intellectually-oriented groups. What came to my mind after the announcement of Prof. Osinbajo as Buhari’s running mate was that Asiwaju Tinubu had once again exhibited his penchant for picking competent people into high political offices, as he did in the case of picking Fashola to succeed him. Fashola has turned out to be the most successful governor in the federation. Therefore, Asiwaju and other leaders of the APC should take the credit for the choice of Osinbajo as Buhari’s running mate. Nigeria needs both of them at this time of her chequered political history. According to Tinubu, “when America was in big trouble, she turned to General Dwight Eisenhower; Britain turned to Sir Winston Churchill and France to General Charles de Gaulle, in their most difficult times. Tinubu therefore sees Gen. Buhari as “the person Nigeria needs, and must turn to at this critical time of her travails in order to liberate her from her current state of stupor, corruption, insecurity, impunity and general hopelessness, as the above leaders did for their countries. It is a known fact that Buhari and Osinbajo

•Buhari

•Osinbajo

By Moses Makinde

are disciplined, religious, honest, humble, transparent and not obsessed with power and material wealth. Buhari and Osinbajo are known to be incorrupt and incorruptible, with no skeletons in their cupboards. Both of them have reached the highest levels of their careers: the one an army General and the other a Professor and a SAN. Buhari had been Garrison Commander, Military Governor, Head of State, Chairman of Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) among others. Both of them are happily married with children and live a peaceful, honest, simple and decent lives. In the United States, for example, these are part of the qualities required for persons who aspire to rule the country. Throughout his career in the public service, Buhari never looted the treasury like others before and after him. He is not known to have acquired wealth and property at home or abroad. While our public officers have many mansions in choice locations in Nigeria and overseas, Buhari is reported to have only two houses; one in Kaduna and the other in Daura, Katsina, his home state. As for Osinbajo, we all know that people of his kind, intellectuals like the present writer, are not known for amassing wealth and property, but are interested in the pursuit of intellectual satisfaction and peace of mind. This shows that Buhari and Osinbajo are a perfect match for the nation. They are not the kind of people who worship money, wealth or indulge in extravagant life. Buhari’s stance against indiscipline and corruption, the twin evils that have brought Nigeria to the present sorry state, is legendary. In order to prevent Nigeria from collapsing like a pack of cards, the APC has in its wisdom carefully fished out Buhari as a man who could fix Nigeria by rescuing her from imminent collapse. Buhari has kept a low profile for more than 30 years in the public domain, and has earned the enviable reputation as an honest, disciplined, incorrupt and incorruptible man, and a man of integrity. Under his previous short regime (1983-84), indiscipline and corruption were fought with vigour. If Buhari had ruled Nigeria for 4 years at that time, the twin evils of indiscipline and corruption would have taken their hurried flights from Nigerian social and political space. He now wants to be president, definitely not for self aggrandizement but to deliver Nigeria from the re-

gime of indiscipline, corruption and impunity; and this is precisely what he would do because he is himself self disciplined. As Awolowo said, “in order to discipline others, you must yourself be self disciplined”. And so, like Awolowo’s doctrine, we are on our way to the regime of mental magnitude. Fortunately, Buhari has an able vice-president in the waiting, and from whose intellectual prowess he could tap to his own advantage, his government and Nigerians as a whole. Professor Osinbajo, in my judgement, has some of the characteristics of President Barrak Obama. Like president Obama, Osinbajo has a great capacity for hard work. He is smart, eloquent and has the look and features of Obama. Our prediction is that Buhari plus Osinbajo means the change – perhaps radical change – that Nigeria needs at this time for a just, corrupt-free, safe and sane society, the greatest good of the greatest number of Nigerians (egalitarianism) and life more abundant for all. They are the best ticket to lead Nigeria, at this time of her need, to the Promised Land instead of the Desert.

Ugly Campaigns While the APC continues to campaign on the incontrovertible issues of corruption, insecurity, impunity and unemployment, the PDP continues to chase shadows on the mundane issues of certificate, age and health of its opponent, as if those are the issues Nigerians are interested in instead of rebutting, with superior arguments, the serious issues of corruption, insecurity, impunity and unemployment that have confounded Nigeria for six bad years!. A party which lacks confidence in itself is usually jittery and hence is prone to making mistakes (I have called these necessary mistakes) that turn the electorate against the party. This is precisely the position of the PDP in its attempt to distract voter’s attention from serious issues to mundane ones by such logical fallacies of argument: argumentum ad hominem (“attack against the person” instead of arguing on the issues), and ignoratio elenchi (irrelevant argument) . All this is happening simply because PDP has no answers to the pertinent issues of corruption, insecurity and unemployment raised by the APC in their vigorous campaigns. The whole world was aghast at Ayodele Fayose’s crude and uncultured advert on the life and probable death of Buhari that is bet-

When America was in big trouble, she turned to General Dwight Eisenhower; Britain turned to Sir Winston Churchill and France to General Charles de Gaulle, in their most difficult times

ter forgotten for the primitive mentality of its sponsor, and Femi Fani-Kayode’s miserable rantings and orchestrated political howlers on the mundane issue of certificate that has been beaten to death, as if that is what Nigeria needs to fight corruption, insecurity and unemployment that a masters or “Doctorate” degree holder had entrenched during his corrupt regime. As one female electorate said about PDP’s gaffe about certificate:”Na certificate we dey chop? “ Unfortunately, the issue of certificate on which Fani-Kayode had spent so much expenditure of energy has backfired, like that of Fayose, his compatriot in noise making. Both of them have succeeded in offending the sensibilities of many Nigerians, especially the sensibilities of northerners and the military whom Fayose and Fani-Kayode have unwittingly attacked, first, that all the past three northern presidents had died in office, with the implication of death-wish for Buhari and, second, that the northerners are incapable of producing a graduate even in the military, as President of Nigeria, and so Buhari must be ridiculed with the school certificate saga. Rightly, prominent northerners have kicked against these wicked innuendos. From now till the time of election, the PDP would make more mistakes that are necessary for its own downfall. Surely, those who are too clever sometimes overreach themselves.

Conduct of Election From all indications, the 2015 elections would be like the 1993 election which M.K.O Abiola won fairly and squarely. With the same enthusiasm that accompanied the “ Hope 93” election, the INEC must try to meet, if not surpass, the standard set by Prof Nwosu in the conduct of the freest and fairest election in Nigeria in 1993. Like in 1993, the general enthusiasm of the electorate is so great that voters would troop out to vote in order to put an end to their sufferings caused by the thieves in Jonathan’s administration. On the conduct of the coming election we dare say that rigging would be difficult for a party that has seen the handwriting on the wall. Incidentally, rigging is difficult, if not impossible, where a party and its candidates are popular, as anybody attempting to rig in those areas would be on a suicide mission. All the parties should appoint strong, competent and reliable people as party agents for all polling units and collation centres. Electorate must be educated, as Aregbesola did in the last election in Osun State when he displayed to them how to fold their ballot papers so as to prevent their thumb prints from disappearing into the PDP’s logo. Now, the electoral law has stated that ballot papers must be counted and the results announced at every polling unit and collation centre before all the results are sent to Abuja where the INEC would only perform the ceremonial function of announcing the already known results from the polling units and collation centres. That the results are known to everybody and even in the internet before they make their ways to Abuja is made possible by information technology through the prompt recordings of results at polling units and collation centres on smart phones of various technological devices. Were it not for those technological devices, an entirely different result would have been announced in Abuja during the August 2014 gubernatorial election in Osun State where announcement of result was embarrassingly delayed for hours for possible dislocation. It was a rigging aborted by the aid of modern technology. This means that it is now possible for Nigerians to know the winner of the election even before its final announcement in Abuja, and the loser would congratulate the winner as it is done in civilized countries, including our neighbour, Ghana. If the election is free, fair and credible, the loser should congratulate the winner even before the final results are announced at least for a change, in the 2015 elections. Nigeria deserves this civilized political culture. Makinde is the Director General of Awolowo Centre for Philosophy, Ideology and Good Governance, Osogbo, Osun State.

THE NATION FRIDAY JANUARY 30, 2 015

countries, people are allowed to ‘ Invoteother with their national identity cards. I have a temporary voter card, which nobody has said is deficient. Those who do not have PVCs should be allowed to vote with their temporary voter cards

‘

A huge crowd of supporters welcomed the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, and his campaign team to Akure, the Ondo State capital. DAMISI OJO and LEKE AKEREDOLU report.

Day Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, others united for Buhari in Ondo

N the History of Ondo State, January 24,2015 would remain indelible in the minds of many people. That day, racial discrimination was totally put on hold as Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo and other tribes welcomed the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, and his running mate, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, (SAN), to Akure, the state capital. In the annals of political campaigns and rallies in Ondo State,it was a special day as the 5000 capacity crowd Democracy Park could not contain the surging crowd. Many hanged on the veranda of adjoining buildings to catch a glimpse on the former Head of State. In spite of the late arrival of the visitors,anxious party members and supporters waited patiently till around 4.30 pm when the campaign train hit the Democracy park like the biblical triumphant entry. Security operatives had a hectic time in controlling the crowd. People were shouting ‘sai Buhari’, waving their brooms and dancing to the tunes of Saidi Osupa and his band boys. The crowd defied the scorching sun food and drink vendors made brisk business. Before the arrival of Gen Buhari and his entourage from Ado-Ekiti, the APC National Leader and former Lagos State Governor had arrived earlier to cheer up the excited crowd who had waited anxiously for more than eight hours. They later came in a long convoy Gen Muhammadu Buhari,Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, National Chairman, Chief John Odigie Oyegun and other party leaders. The APC leaders flayed the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and urged Nigerians to vote out the party, which they said, represents corruption and maladministration in the February general elections. They noted that the PDP government has brought untold hardship to Nigerians and assured that the APC would bring about change. Tinubu who addressed the APC supporters at the Democracy Park, Akure said the party presented Buhari as its candidate to fight corruption, stressing that the former Head of State is not too old to rule the country as being insinuated by the PDP.

•Crowd at the rally

Tinubu mentioned some prominent world leaders, including the late Dr Nelson Mandela, former President of South-Africa who ruled their countries in their old age. He said age has nothing to do with efficiency and leadership. The APC National Leader recalled that former Ondo State Governor, Adekunle Ajasin ruled at over 70 years. He said the legacies of his administration are reference points for successive administrations. He said: “Leaders who ruled their countries and liberated them ruled at old age. nelson Mandela ruled South Africa at over 70 years. The man who liberated the United States of America ruled the country at over 70 years, so, if we are presenting Buhari, a 72 year old man to liberate us in Nigeria, it is not a sin.” Tinubu who described the APC campaign as “common sense revolution”, described Buhari as a brilliant, intelligent, brave and honest person, who has solution to the prob-

In spite of the late arrival of the visitors, anxious party members and supporters waited patiently till 4:30 pm when the campaign train hit the Democracy Park like the biblical triumphant entry lems confronting the country. He challenged President Goodluck Jonathan to present his score card for the last six years. He asked him to show the refinery he promised to build in Ondo state when he was canvassing for votes four years ago. The former governor maintained that Nigeria needed a courageous man like Buhari to conquer terror, adding that the current administration has failed woefully in all sectors of the economy. Buhari said that the PDP has killed the economy through corruption and maladministration, adding that his government will restore the hope of the masses.

The former Head of State promised he would end corruption and revive the economy. He promised to create jobs through farming and mining. The National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Oyegun, and Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State urged Nigerians to collect their Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) and vote out the PDP. Aregbesola noted that Ondo State had been delivered from the captives of the oppressed with their support for the APC. Dignitaries at the event include former governors of Ekiti, Adeniyi Adebayo, Segun Oni and Kayode Fayemi, Chief Pius Akinyelure, Mrs.

Jumoke Anifowose (nee Ajasin), Abike Dabiri, Victor Olabimtan, Senator Olorunmbe Mamora, Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, Oyewole Fasawe, Sola Iji, Niran Sule and Bola Ilori. Others include Isaac Kekemeke Senator Ajayi Boroffice, Ifedayo Abegunde, Ganny Dauda, Henry Bello, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, Dr. Paul Akintelure, Adegboyega Adedipe, Ade Adetimehin, Others are Eni Omosule, Tayo Alasoadura, Benson Enikuomehin, Lebi Morayo, Gboyega Adedipe, Tunde Imolehin, Abayomi Adesanya, Charles Titiloye, Erelu Modupe Johnson- Akindele and Mrs Funmilayo Olaseinde-Vincet. Highlight of the rally was the defection of some PDP and Labour Party member (LP) to APC. Among them were Femi Agagu, former Chief of Staff to the former Governor Olusegun Agagu, and former Speakers of the Assembly, Hon, Victor Olabimtan and Taofik Abdusalam.

Cleric urges politicians to focus on issues

HE Bishop of the Bible Life Church, Prof. Leonard Umunna, has urged politicians to focus on issue-based campaigns, instead of attacking personalities. “Politics should be based on issues,” he said. Umunna faulted the attacks on the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari ,over his certificates and age. He recalled that the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe contested for the Presidency in their old age. “Let us deal with issues so that Nigeria is not consumed,” he said. Umunna said campaigns based on ethnic sentiments must also be avoided. He said: “Sentiments and ethnic politics have not led us anywhere but backward.” The priest, who spoke with reporters in Lagos, rejected the call

By Joseph Jibueze

for the postponement of the general elections, saying that it is unnecessary. He blamed the country’s economic woes on inept leadership. According to him, Nigerians will have an opportunity to choose a leader who would make a difference next month. Urging voters to make a wise choice, he said: “We’re suffering from inept leadership. We do not select the right people. A good leader brings honour to his people and there is no loser in a winning team.” On the collection of Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), Umunna said the cards should be used along with the temporary voter cards inorder not to disenfranchise those who are yet to collect theirs. “In other countries, people are allowed to vote with their national identity cards. I have a temporary

voter card, which nobody has said is deficient. Those who do not have PVCs should be allowed to vote with their temporary voter cards,”he said. Umunna added: “Not having a PVC should not stop a person from voting. There are many people who registered, but were told that their PVCs were not ready or available due to no fault of their own. “My church was used as a registration point, yet many of those who registered there had gone to the PVC collection centre without finding theirs. “Till now, I don’t have a PVC ,even though this church was a registration point. Some have gone to the local government, but who is giving you?” Umunna said Nigeria cannot develop, until a truly people’s constitution is enacted. “Nigerians should give themselves a godly con-

stitution,” he added. The cleric predicted that the elections will not be marred by violence, adding: “There will be peace in the country. There shall be no bloodbath.” He also dismissed rumours that Nigeria could be Islamised or turned to a Sharia state, if Gen. Buhari is elected. Umunna said: “Our constitution does not allow for the Islamisation of the country.” He urged the six geo-political zones to rise up against insurgency in the Northeast. The priest said: “Those in the South should wake up and speak up against insurgency. Let us look at the root causes.” The bishop urged the Federal Government to take proactive measures to protect Nigerians abroad from being convicted and executed for crimes without fair hearing.

•Bishop Umunna

Speaking against the background of Nigerians said to have been executed in Indonesia, Umunna said: “Let our government be proactive to ensure that our citizens get a fair hearing before being convicted.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

COMMENTARY LETTER

EDITORIAL

Dickson and ex-militants’ threats

Power show •The tango, between the federal and Rivers State authorities, over the use of a Port Harcourt stadium, gave due process no bounce

UST as well Goodluck Jonathan, President of the Federal Republic, has held his Rivers State presidential campaign rally at the Adokiye Amiesimeka Stadium, Port Harcourt. Failure to do so would have been unimaginable. Unimaginable — not by presidential might, but by law. Unfortunately, both sides resorted to impunity, as distinct from decency and common sense (at best) or reasoned law (at worst). It was a big minus for Nigeria’s democracy. To start with, on what basis might the Rivers State government prevent the president and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from using that stadium for their campaign, when Governor Rotimi Amaechi had allowed Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, presidential candidate of his own All Progressives Congress (APC), access to the facility? It was impunity, pure and simple — if all the reasons given did not deter the use of the place by Gen. Buhari, yet they were supposed to be cogent enough to deter President Jonathan from enjoying the same privilege. That was not good enough, and the Rivers State government should be better guided next time, lest it takes one-sided decisions that question its claim to equity and fair play. But to right this wrong, what did the president do? He also resorted to strongarm tactics, drafting soldiers to yank off the Rivers State government’s feeble hold on the place. The symbolism of this, even if it could be not unfairly argued it

was impunity tackling impunity, was well and truly sinister. For starters, Nigeria operates a federal system — more by the breach perhaps! In such settings, both the federal and state governments are coordinates, even if the Federal Government is responsible for the country as a whole. To therefore throw in the army to seize a state facility, simply because the federal side controls that force, is a grave abuse of privilege. In a sense, it is tantamount to a coup — what is a coup, after all, but the treason of over-powering and shunting aside the legal authority of a state government? Given Nigeria’s peculiar experience with military rule, the Jonathan Presidency ought to have been more circumspect; and avoid settling a partisan issue, with the willful throwing-in of the army, a key state organ which ought to be neutral in partisan disputes. It also stinks of self-help and crass personalisation of state institutions — a charge Governor Amaechi is no less guilty of. If the president misused the army to press his own right to use the stadium for electioneering — just as his rival party did — the governor too stands fairly charged for unfairly trying to block the president and his party from a facility owned by his state. Both parties did no justice to democracy, which basic credo is due process and fair play. The scandal in all of this is the concept of Nigerian civil rule sans civility. Civility is basic mutual respect, even with fierce partisan differences. It is the building block, on which the law, which powers

due process, is erected. Civil rule without civility is akin to a democracy without democrats. That that is Nigeria’s fate, even after 16 unbroken years of democracy, is indeed nothing to crow about. Fela, the epitome of a musical icon as an iconoclast, did a number, “Power show”, mocking the devil-may-care impunity of Nigeria’s best-forgotten military era. That the president and a state governor have resorted to power show, to press the right to pitch for people’s vote, en route to an election which is the quintessence of choice, is a monumental irony. Both high officials of state must, in future, aspire to better conduct — if fellow Nigerians, who take their cues from their leaders, must perceive them as democratic ambassadors.

‘That the president and a state governor have resorted to power show, to press the right to pitch for people’s vote, en route to an election which is the quintessence of choice, is a monumental irony. Both high officials of state must, in future, aspire to better conduct’

UNILAG union is back • An opportunity to revive the conscience and culture of old

HE idea of banning student unionism in universities, ordinarily, is antiintellectual. After all, that platform should provide an opportunity for competition and cross-fertilisation of ideas. Again, a ban, other things being equal, is also anti-social; because, universities are centres for learning and moulding of character. That is why before a degree is awarded, a recipient must be found worthy in learning and character. Considering that a student union should be an avenue for the development of character, it is strange that the University of Lagos banned student unionism in the institution, for the past 10 years. One plausible reason for such an anomaly may be that most of the student unions across the country have been hijacked by reactionary elements, within or

‘Considering the enormous advantages from a purposeful student unionism, we are excited that the University of Lagos has restored life to that veritable training ground. What is expected is that the students and the union officials should be on guard against dubious infiltrations and interests’

outside the citadels of learning. The result is that now, many of the unions have turned to outposts for political interests, such that the unions are now more concerned with lucre, than the pursuit of the welfare of their members and the larger society, as we witnessed in the past. Indeed, in many institutions, the unions have become like a cult, foisted on the students by external forces, most times from government houses. Against better judgment, instead of student unions being breeding grounds for moulding socio-political behaviours, many have become a den for delinquent and antisocial behaviours, with many of the leaders unabashedly turning to promoters of oppressive regimes. The result is that many of the students have no interest in the existence of the unions. Indeed, for many students, student unions are no better than clogs in the wheel of academic development, considering that most times, they are either in the forefront of organising or promoting one meaningless strike or another. The cause of these delinquent behaviours within the student union is largely the quest for corrupt enrichment, just like in the larger society. Many of the union leaders see their positions as an opportunity to acquire material wealth, at all cost. So, once they are ‘elected’, they are driven by no other interest than the desire to hobnob with political leaders, even at the detriment of their primary constituency, the students. With such untoward desire, many student elections are no better than the ones in the larger society. But despite these anomalies, student unionism remains a veritable training ground

for leadership. It should be an opportunity to tame political temperaments; an opportunity to exhibit and hone political skills; an opportunity to test sportsmanship and character, particularly when under pressure. It should also provide the basic requirement of allowing an aggregation of the interests of students, visà-vis that of the university authorities. Where appropriately organised, the ideas distilled from a student union will help the school authorities and government, organise a better society. We recall with nostalgia, the good old days, when the voice of students represented the voice of the masses. One of such critical interventions of the student union was the ‘Ali Must Go’ march, which shook the military government of General Olusegun Obasanjo. Another was during the anti-Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) riots, and the June 12 debacle, which witnessed a mobilised citizenry march in defence of the economy and political impulses of their country, against the duplicitous regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. There were other great marches, against the obnoxious policies of government, which showed the meteor of genuine student unionism, in Nigeria. Considering the enormous advantages from a purposeful student unionism, we are excited that the University of Lagos has restored life to that veritable training ground. What is expected is that the students and the union officials should be on guard against dubious infiltrations and interests.

IR: Reading through the newspapers of January 25, I was shocked that Governor of Bayelsa State, Dickson Seriake, assembled the Niger Delta ex-militants at the Government House, not to ask them to peacefully work for the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan, but to threaten the rest of Nigerians that should Jonathan fail to win the election, they would return to the creeks. This is totally unacceptable. The group also said that they will retaliate the ‘attack’ Jonathan’s campaign rally received in Katsina and Bauchi states. Governor Seriake and Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State are both of same party, the PDP. Governor Yuguda in all sincerity confirmed that it was PDP supporters that pelted objects on President Jonathan and his entourage at their recent rally in Bauchi. Unfortunately Governor Shema of Katsina State kept mute on who actually perpetrated the Katsina act. Information filtering has it that it was the handiwork of PDP members who felt sidelined. Widely reported in the media was an appeal by General Buhari to all APC supporters not to take laws into their hands by causing any disaffection at the PDP presidential campaign rallies. Furthermore, the governor of Borno State personally signed a press statement urging Borno people not to do anything negative to the entourage of President Jonathan. We are all witnesses to the fact that Jonathan had a peaceful rally in Borno State. When Buhari came to Bayelsa, he had an issue-based campaign. These truths should be enough for Governor Seriake to caution his people on the planned retaliation. Therefore it beats one’s imagination that Governor Dickson could assemble and urge the ex-militants to employ violence should Jonathan fail to win. I would rather the governor address the heat that the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, is giving him. Governor Dickson sacked some of his aides suspected to be stooges of the First Lady. A group that is supposed to be campaigning for Jonathan’s re-election was banished from the state by the governor just because of Dame Patience. Dame in retaliation has urged the group to flood Yenagoa streets with campaign posters for one of her supporters for governorship of Bayelsa State slated for 2016. What an irony! Governor Dickson has earlier advised Jonathan not to campaign in Bayelsa as that would amount to waste of time and resources, even when he had disbanded a group campaigning for the President’s re-election? Things are cooking over there in Bayelsa. Dame Jonathan’s town, Okirirka, has witnessed two different attacks with explosives against the opposition, APC. The first was the bombing of the APC secretariat in Okirika and the other was last Saturday’s bombing of campaign ground of the APC Rivers State governorship rally. If one may ask; why is it so difficult for President Jonathan to caution his wife? • Chief Allagoa George, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: The Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) makes elaborate provisions for the regulation of the finances of political parties and the electioneering expenditure of candidates and political parties. The provisions range from offences in relation to political party finances, period to be covered by annual report, power to limit contribution to a political party, limitation of elections expenses of candidates, election expenses of political parties, and disclosure by political parties. The Electoral Act by section 91 provided limitations in respect of campaign expenses of candidates running for different positions from the presidency to the councillor. It further provided for sanctions for spending above the limitation. A candidate who knowingly acts in contravention of the finance ceilings commits an offence and on conviction is liable. But this seems to be the end of the road in terms of the provisions as no reporting obligation was placed on candidates by the Act - before, during or after

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Campaign finance and candidates’ reporting obligations the elections. The foregoing raises several posers such as; how will INEC come to the conclusion that a candidate has spent above the ceiling when he is not bound to report? Was the omission of reporting obligations by the legislature a deliberate mischief in the law? This is a great lacuna in a candidate-centric system where the bulk of campaign expenses revolve around the candidate. On the other hand, the Act placed reporting obligations on political parties. However, INEC has taken steps to provide reporting obligations for candidates. It relied on S.153 of the Act which states that: “The Com-

mission may, subject to the provisions of this Act, issue regulations, guidelines, or manuals for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions of this Act and for its administration thereof”. INEC has made provisions in the Guidelines and Regulations for Political Parties 2013. The Guidelines deal with the key issues of campaign office, fund raising by candidates and disclosure, books of accounts, anonymous contributions, audited returns. INEC has also designed reporting forms for candidates including forms to document costs of electronic and print media, campaign personnel, bill board advertise-

Ogun: Between politics and personality

IR: Two of the major factors that will return the current Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, to power on February 28, are his exemplary performance in office and politics of accommodation. When former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently endorsed Amosun for second term, he gave his reasons, which, in my reckoning, are the same as those given by former United States’ Secretary of State, Colin Powell, while endorsing President Barack Obama for second term. Just as Obasanjo belongs to a rival party so is Colin Powell. The fact is, there comes a time when even politicians must rise above politics and place public interest above political interest. There has been a huge deficit in governance in Ogun before 2011, indeed in Nigeria. Citizens had lost hope in the ability of politicians to

restore the glory of the state. They seemed to try their luck in 2011 by casting their votes for the opposition candidate, Amosun. Then within three and a half years, the ray of hope has suddenly become full illumination. What again does common sense teach us? Does it make sense to leave certainty for uncertainty, judging from where we are coming from? Now that Amosun is in power, all opposition candidates move freely and air their views on the state television station. That was practically impossible in those days. So we must all appreciate Obasanjo for doing what is expected of any rational person at this juncture of the history of Ogun. Declared the ex-president, “So, my people, I am not talking about other elections. I have come to tell you that in order to appreciate what this personality (Amosun) has been able to

do in the last three and a half years, let us give him our votes.” Obasanjo went further, “In 2011, we were not together. We were together before and I did campaign against him. See what he has been able to do in the last three and a half years in the state. I cannot sacrifice performance for party. “What happened in 2011 was politics, and we can all see the difference between politics and personality.” Therefore, I restate the call made recently that what Ogun needs at this juncture is continuity. Let us ignore the selfish and opportunistic declamations of the “tried and failed” politicians. Let us reward diligence, integrity, public spiritedness and sterling achievements. Let’s give thumbs up for the personality of Amosun. •Soyombo Opeyemi Abeokuta

ment, banners, hand bills and posters, door to door campaigns. Others issues to be captured in the forms include costumes, public address system, generators, hiring of vehicles, video coverage and photography, chairs, canopies, tables, branding of vehicles, consumables like food and drinks. Further, podi-

ums, stage platforms, hire of entertainers such as comedians and musicians, venues decorations, dressing are included in the reporting form. These are positive developments. The only thing remaining to ensure that the candidates comply with these rules is the political will to enforce same. This is an opportunity for civil society including the media to ensure that the laws are respected. The trend of events after the February elections will show whether INEC will be ready and willing to enforce the guidelines. • Eze Onyekpere Wuse Zone 6, Abuja

Why Ajimobi deserves a second term

IR: Predictably, the Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi will be returned to office for a second term in an expectedly keen governorship election contest. The interesting thing about this election is the fact that it has presented us with a unique opportunity for a multi-layered assessment of the governor’s signature achievements in the last four years. What is more interesting is that this assessment has brought to the fore that good governance, coupled with integrity and resourcefulness, can break the yoke of political spells like a second term jinx; that political god-fatherism and monetary inducements to sway voters in Oyo state politics is fast eroding in the face of evolving sophistication of the electorate who are hardly swayed by monetary inducements. The people are now more than ever politically mature and well informed to determine conscientiously who leads them with their votes. This is why the consensus of opinion across the Oyo State political

spectrum and even beyond is that the tested and trusted Abiola Ajimobi deserves a second term as governor and his continuity agenda will be most appropriate and beneficial to all and sundry in Oyo State. Indeed, a seamless transition of the Ajimobi administration to second term in office would provide a continuum of progress, stability, sustainability and consolidation of an unchanging quality of people oriented programmes, policies and projects. In the spirit of good governance and purposeful leadership that characterized his first term in office, Ajimobi has pledged to work with conscience and integrity for the good people of Oyo State, to continue to uplift their socio-economic wellbeing and ensure that a lot of them move from the lowest rung of the ladder to at least the lower middle class by reducing the poverty level considerably . • Gbenga Alli, Akuru, Oluyole Ibadan

Extension,

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015 16

COMMENTS

Nigeria never forgets (1) • (Tragicomedy of Ngozi-Okonjo Iweala and her voodoo economics)

Email: tunji_ololade@yahoo.co.uk 08038551123, 08111845040

T wouldn’t be fair to say that Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has a patriot’s heart and the soul of the Nigerian ruling class. Whatever that translates to, this is not to trash Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s Finance Minister but to mourn the flightiness of genius within the footholds of power. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was supposed to be that unsullied force of hope that would endow Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s presidency with the elusive humanity it still lacks. The alumnus of Harvard University and M.I.T (U.S.A) was supposed to appreciate in stature and candour until she becomes one of Nigeria’s near perfect choices for leadership. Her current charge as Nigeria’s finance minister is to represent every faction of the socio-economic divide but whatever decision she’s making even as you read, OkonjoIweala isn’t coasting along Nigeria’s stormy clime, she is cruising outside it. She is gutsy though. Quite brash too. And Okonjo-Iweala never sells herself short. While her peers treaded predictable and dishonorable paths into the presidential cabinet, Iweala meandered along two parallel tracks: one befitting a celebrity and the other, designed for a messiah. It is often hard to tell where one stops and the other begins yet nothing was as lucid as

the bulky Minister of Finance’s selfassuredness. That towering bust of over-confidence however, becomes her Achilles heel. Okonjo-Iweala believes she is a realist even as she sounds off as the most unrealistic of fantasists. Inifinitely enabled by the President, Okonjo-Iweala brims with mystifying narcissism that’s at once dictatorial, dull-witted and condescending; consider for instance, her participation in the fuel subsidy removal. In the wake of the exercise, Okonjo-Iweala assured that Nigerians would derive clear and quantifiable benefits from the measure. Some of the benefits she promised Nigerians included construction, completion and rehabilitation of refineries, rails, federal highways, ICT and water projects. She promised that the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), an offshoot of the subsidy removal scheme would provide for an efficient and more effective mass transit network, artisanship training scheme for youths, improved public works and social services, health care etc. She said government would provide 1,600 buses to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal and in the face of 70% unemployment and 70% poverty rate, OkonjoIweala brazenly claimed, recently,

‘ It wouldn’t be fair to say that Ngozi OkonjoIweala has a patriot’s heart and the soul of the Nigerian ruling class. Whatever that translates to, this is not to trash Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s Finance Minister but to mourn the flightiness of genius within the footholds of power’

HEY may shout and cry about anything that catches their fancy to denigrate you, but the people’s General, the incorrigible advocate of transparency, the one whose names sends cold shivers down the spine of those who have something to hide from the people of Nigeria, keep on moving with your message of change. For no political conspiracy can stop you from marching to victory again. And so tomorrow Saturday January 31, Ilorin, nay the entire people of Kwara, welcomes you to Garin Alimi and the state of Harmony. The stage is set, the people are anxious. They are ready, in deed, eagerly waiting to see the General again. And for those familiar with the dynamics of politics in Kwara State, no one would forget how the Leader, Senator Bukola Saraki, believing he was relating with one whose words are his bond, mobilised support for President Goodluck Jonathan on a similar campaign visit in 2011. But now things have changed. The people of Kwara, still strongly backing the Leader, have shifted and moved; they have CHANGED, as the APC slogan commands, and hence today are out in their thousands to welcome the General who by the grace of God will lead the next government in Nigeria. We embraced change because PDP was sinking. Sinking with corruption, ineptitude, cluelessness, injustice and insecurity. The leadership is sensitive to the deplorable plight of the mass of the people. They are dividing us along ethnic and religious lines while appropriating our commonwealth for the benefit of a few. For six years, no single life-touching, soul-saving project in our state. Jonathan decimated the Governors’ forum with his hypothesis of 16 being greater than 19 and egregiously aiding and abetting the then party chairman to desecrate our party’s constitution. We left because we could no longer tolerate their gross impunity. Now that they admitted that their generation has failed Nigeria (I reject to be part of the failure), Buhari deserves to be President again, nothing less. All over the federation, from the far north down south, the generality of Nigerians have been demonstrating their love and acceptance for the man who can be described without equivocation as the man of the moment. People see in Buhari, the kind of leadership Nigeria needs at a time like this: a leader with courage of conviction, a leader with compassion, a leader with example in fighting corruption, and a leader with credible track record when

that the government created 1.6m jobs in 2013. Really? In the face of contradictory realities, Okonjo-Iweala stubbornly maintained that the country’s economy was in good shape. She substantiated her claims using the country’s recently rebased Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of about $432 billion compared to that of South Africa which stood at $370 billion at the end of 2013 thus touting Nigeria as the biggest economy in Africa. Now that the economy has collapsed with the fall in oil prices, can it be correctly inferred that OkonjoIweala is a liar? Nigeria’s economy has declined from bad to worse and the country’s currency suffers continual devaluation. In desperation, the finance minister announced recently, her measures to halt Nigeria’s economic decline; these include reduction in budget benchmark, special tax on luxury goods, a $2bn withdrawal from ECA, etc. Okonjo-Iweala promises to diversify the economy and stabilize the currency but how can she achieve these without a functional conscience, mechanized agriculture, cutting-edge technology and viable industrialization? Recently, the 2015 budget was presented to the National Assembly and in its wake, BudgIT, a financial intelligence services group and Premium Times’ contributor, maintains that the 2015 budget projections appear overly optimistic. “Technically, it costs $21.06 to produce a barrel of Crude Oil in 2014 under the JVC agreement (Joint Venture Corporation), up from $11.31 per barrel in 2009 – while the average operating cost of getting a barrel of Crude oil from the ground, which was previously at $6.38 in 2009, is now $9.94. Nigeria appears to be gradually outpricing itself from the Crude oil market and urgently needs to review its petroleum laws. Nigeria has also not been able to optimise

revenue from the oil and gas industry because its pricing model is outdated and without the PIB, bold reforms have not been adopted.” According to the October 2011 Central Bank Monetary Policy Committee Document , “A substantial part of oil production (about 40 per cent) is currently in deep offshore wells. Based on the terms agreed in the 1990s when oil price was under US$30, royalty from oil wells deeper than 1,000 metres is zero per cent and the nation is paid only 20 per cent of the profit by oil companies after deducting their expenses. As a result, the country has had limited benefits from high oil prices and increasing output, with most of the gains going to multinational oil companies under an inequitable fiscal arrangement.” Recent estimates, stresses BudgIT, showed that Nigeria produced an average of 1.902million barrels per day in December 2014 with over 35m cargoes still unsold. The Economist magazine puts the operating cost of extracting shale oil at $10-$20 per barrel for large fields. If the price war is anything to go by, the conventional oil producer will be looking at keeping oil below $50 per barrel and hoping the Shale oil lobby in the USA does not have its way with subsidies. As it is, the Crude oil price is already trading below the budget estimates through fiscal year 2015, pegged at $65 per barrel. Current realities establish that the fundamental deficiencies that plague our economy can’t be corrected through Okonjo-Iweala’s entrenchment of IMF prescriptions of structural adjustment, with one eye on fictitious growth projections that have no relevance to the lives of the citizenry. Okonjo-Iweala’s penchant for ignoring a people-centred development agenda in favour of shallow, simplistic prescriptions founded on cutting spending (spending to cut spending is what

she does actually); removing support for social services – education, health, etc. while increasing cost of basics such as power, fuel and piling up more debts for the country is akin to motion without movement; a recipe for disaster. Yet, the illogicalities of fuel subsidy removal are incalculable and Okonjo-Iweala and company can still offer no convincing explanation – statistical or otherwise – to show that Nigerians had always enjoyed fuel subsidy while it lasted or its removal. They forced upon Nigerians such harsh irrationality even in the absence of more sensible and humane options like revivifying our refineries, checking monumental corruption within the NNPC, PPRA and the government in general. Funny how Okonjo-Iweala wouldn’t advise or ‘order’ Mr. President to slash the outrageous salaries and expenses of Nigeria’s serving state officers – the two of them inclusive. Funny how she awed him to submission and acceptance of the dangerous illusion that once subsidy is removed or the downstream sector is deregulated, the Nigerian economy would begin to thrive. In her extraordinary and World Bankinformed economics, the effects of the subsidy removal would be proactively cushioned by instantaneous palliatives or safety-nets spread over the long term. Today, Okonjo-Iweala’s genius and patriotism is in doubt; the eerie coincidence and vicious intensity of the government’s desperation to remove fuel subsidy which festered in cahoots with the World Bank’s fabled position on issues of subsidy resonates quite worrisomely even as you read. Yet Mr. President is unperturbed even as her presumed genius, crippled by untenable economics and hubristic yearnings is unleashed over 160 million Nigerians. • To be continued…

GMB: Welcome to Kwara By Abdulwahab Oba providence gave him the opportunity. Nigeria needs someone who can stand up in the international community and command respect. We need someone whose word is his bond and not someone who only makes promises without fulfilling them. We need a man of the masses, not a man for a few whose pastime is plundering our collective resources. Truth be told, Nigerians are tired of empty promises, we are no longer ready to follow a leader who gropes in the dark on grave issues of national security, we need a leader who can stand firm, who will take security intelligence with the seriousness it deserves and not someone who will be dancing on the grave of innocent citizens killed by terrorists because the nation refused to equip those who have signed their lives away to protect the people. And that is why all efforts to denigrate Buhari have failed; because the people know that they were orchestrated to cover the glaring failures of the incumbent. And that is why other efforts still on their agenda will fail, because the reality has dawned on Nigerians that we have been taken for granted these past years but now we have an opportunity to take our destiny in our hands. This is our time and this is Buhari’s time as history beckons to a man of destiny. With the support of the people, the genuine change that Nigeria needs will surely come. General we take solace in your promise to “end the impunity of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), a party that has proved clueless in every manner. It has failed to deal squarely with the great security challenge that has faced this nation within the last five years. And it has remained touchy and impervious to all constructive criticism and without concern for human life and for the suffering going on in the land”. ýThey wish you dead because your hands of justice know no bound. But we shall not curse them. You shall commiserate with their family when they eventually pass on. Buhari’s is the face of hope; he is the symbol of integrity and no matter how much they try to splash mud on his garments, he will continue to come out clean, and even

better shined than before. What he has to offer is what Nigeria needs now and that explains the massive support the retired General has been receiving all over the nation. And that is why Kwarans from all walks of life will converge on the state capital tomorrow to welcome the man of the moment; the man on whose shoulder destiny will put the shape of things to come for our dear fatherland. We have been choked for long, we have endured much pain and disappointments, we have been deceived as a people and now we are holding our destiny in our hands. We are not going to give in to political rapists who will just enjoy the pleasure of our bodies and leave us bruised and traumatised. Yes, they may boast they have the resources, but we have our votes. They cannot buy our conscience. We will give our votes to those we know will use it to love us and bless our union. In Kwara we will give our votes to Buhari/ Osinbajo. And that is why we will be trooping out in numbers on Saturday to welcome you, our General. Our mothers, our fathers, our brothers and sisters today queue behind the Leader, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki to welcome your Mai Gaskiya to the State ýof Harmony. Welcome to our midst, the man of the moment. • Abdulwahaab, chief press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, writes from Ilorin.

‘We embraced change because PDP was sinking. Sinking with corruption, ineptitude, cluelessness, injustice and insecurity. The leadership is sensitive to the deplorable plight of the mass of the people. They are dividing us along ethnic and religious lines while appropriating our commonwealth for the benefit of a few’

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

COMMENTS ‘The ultimate test of man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard’ - Gaylord Nelson

HE Nigerian political sphere is replete with mind-boggling wonders. But quite sadly, the surprises of the polity are not usually for the larger interest of the people but to serve the greed of the few power mongers around. When all seemed to be going reasonably smooth for the coming February elections, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki, in a manner akin to what happened in previous notorious administrations, called for a shift in the scheduled February elections. It was during his recent appearance at the London think-tank, Chatham House, where he reportedly delivered a lecture titled: “Nigeria’s Insecurity: Insurgency, Corruption, Elections and the Management of Multiple Threats.” Dasuki, at the question and answer session, scandalously sought the postponement of the February elections by three months. His reasons: “INEC had distributed 30 million cards in the past year but had another 30 million to hand out.” He further pointed out that despite the fact that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman had assured him that the commission would meet up with the February date, he (NSA) still ‘thought it will make more sense to take more time and there was a 90-day window during which the election could legally take place. It costs you (INEC) nothing; it’s still within the law.’ Since the NSA spoke, it was as if other puppeteers of President Goodluck Jonathan were waiting for a man of his standing to set the template before they start parroting same. Except for the leading opposition party, All Progressives Congress(APC), and perhaps another party, the others without insignificant political presence have queued into the shameless call for a shift which obviously was meant to scuttle the impending electoral loss awaiting the president and his ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the coming general elections. The United States, through her Secretary of State, John Kerry, had told the Nigerian government that the general elections must hold as scheduled. Rather than re-echo this, it is frightening to note that our president merely stated the cliche that the ‘May 29 handover date is sacro-

08110000117

PDP circus show begins

• Dasuki

• Jega

sanct.’ What a nebulous response to a serious challenge! So, it means that even if the elections are shifted, the May handover date will stand. One can’t but laugh! This column wants to know what kind of handover the president wants to do because his statement is pregnant with frightening imports. But the truth is that Nigerians will take nothing other than handover to a democratically elected president and governors come May 29th. Any contrary thing could be an invitation to avoidable anarchy. And this reminds of Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679), an English philosopher best known for his political thought. He was concerned with the problems of social and political order. He talked about how human beings could live together in peace in order to avoid civil conflict. Hobbes advocated obedience to an unaccountable sovereign (under the presumption that the sovereign would be reasonable

UR national atmosphere is saturated with politics. Ordinarily as in other climes these should be exciting and interesting times. In our dear country though, politics is far from ordinary and in the true sense of the word the strain of politics played in Nigeria is an uncommon variety. It is a strain of politics that rather than produce wholesome excitement produces a mix of confusion, unpredictability, intrigue, fatigue and condensates into a palpable atmosphere of loathing, worry and fear. It is a strain of politics which leaves keen stakeholders in a state of breathlessness, not because of physical exhaustion but because of the sheer effort the brain needs to make to keep up with and make sense of the dynamics that are in constant evolution, the summersaults that are unending due to uncommon mechanical propulsion and the intrigues that are on an industrial scale. Akwa Ibom is not only the richest state in Nigeria in terms of financial muscle, it is also the richest in terms of political drama and intrigue and the impending elections promises to also make it the most unpredictable state in Nigeria. Senator Ita Enang is an intriguing personality in his own right but also represents the contribution of Akwa Ibom politicians to Nigeria’s political drama. On the defection of the new PDP senators to APC and the refusal or inability of the Senate President to read a common letter, Senator Ita Enang a trained lawyer thundered that their senate seats were automatically and immediately vacated on account of their defection to another party. Last week, Senator Enang announced his defection from PDP to APC! In accordance with his own interpretation and application, he will vacate his senate seat but not before May 29! As a proud citizen of Akwa Ibom State, I have made up my mind on which of the competing tendencies will have my support in the upcoming elections and my mind has been formed as follows; On the gubernatorial platform are two gladiators - Udom Emmanuel (Udom) and Umana Okon Umana (Umana). Udom a banker of repute and choice of outgoing Governor Akpabio is the candidate of the PDP (as of time of writing). His public service record consists of 18 months stint as Secretary to the State Government as preparation for promotion to governor. Umana a seasoned ‘politocrat’ has held both civil service and political appointments. These include Director of Budget, Commissioner for Finance and as Udom’s shunted predecessor as Secretary to the State Government. Up until the end of last year and even remotely, the thought of supporting Umana never crossed my mind. I am convinced and have posited in different public and private fora that Governor Akpabio’s regime has engaged in squandermania and hence mismanagement of the state’s resources resulting in the absence of meaningful sustainable development commensurate with available resources. Umana has nursed the ambition to be governor of Akwa Ibom for sometime now and this irritated me to no end. In fact anytime I saw him together with Akpabio (who was then supporting him) my

and responsible). And that this could be a person or group empowered to decide every social and political issue. Failure to do this according to him could lead to what he called a “state of nature” that is anarchical where the life of the people is ‘brutish, nasty and poor.’ But looking at the past and current situations in the country, it is doubtful if Hobbes contemplated human beings, especially politicians, as purely selfinterested or egoistic. This poser has been the speck on the theory of this founding father of modern philosophy because it gives no reverence to the need for good ethics, morality and conscience as parameters for leadership obedience by the governed. This postulation becomes more germane through the way and manner that otherwise men of honour are clamouring for a shift in the February elections which to this column, is quite damning. Yours sincerely wonders if public morality and the larger public interest have impact on a politician’s or public office holder’s decision on public affairs. The impunity against morality and character going, especially on this clamour for election postponement by the ruling PDP has underscored the fact that conscience as the inner voice that warns us in our overt conducts that

somebody may be looking is lacking in the party and the government it runs. The directing minds of the parties behind this condemnable scheming have no feelings for the groaning Nigerians that are tired of the misrule of the PDP and President Jonathan. What the presidential surrogates behind the plot are doing is to lay the perfidious ending for the president except reason prevails. Let the president be reminded that they did same thing to military despot Ibrahim Babangida as Head of State before he was ignominiously forced to step aside; late tyrant Sani Abacha suffered similar fate from his bootlickers, while the same set of politicians/aides deceived and encouraged former President Olusegun Obasanjo to pursue a well-designed orchestrated disgraceful end. One will perhaps be correct to state that Obasanjo ended abysmally with the ultimate collapse of his Third Term agenda through which billions of state funds were reportedly disbursed as alleged gratification to politicians perceived to be strategically positioned to bring that inordinate ambition to fruition. Again, President Jonathan must realise that Nigerians no longer want him but CHANGE. Except he wakes up from his deep political slumber, he may not be realising earnestly that these same set of choristers/political bigots that destroyed former leaders are presently goading him to an avoidable political precipice. It is high time he realised that his game is up because he has demonstrated in six years of being at the saddle that he does not have the capacity to rule this country. What the country needs most at this crucial period is a party that could inspire the country to do what she is capable of being. The elections must hold as scheduled because there is no sincerity of purpose, truthful justice and realistic reliability in this odious call for election postponement by the PDP and the president’s henchmen. This column is almost certain that the words of gratitude of presently suffering Nigerians and the future generations will not be kind on these political jesters in PDP and other atmospherefouling political parties of negligible consequence. This circus show by the PDP and President Jonathan on election shift is unacceptable. It is a sad repeat of the better-forgotten history that has, sadly, taken the country to nowhere.

Uncommon choices in Akwa Ibom By Edo Ukpong irritation increased at the audacity of the two of them thinking they could engage in a baton exchange. A baton that does not belong to them! To be honest even after he was sacked by the governor and evicted from office by Akwa Ibom’s amiable but dutiful first lady, I said good riddance! Riddance? Not in Nigeria’s politics! The APC (where my sympathies lie) ends up producing Umana as its governorship candidate. To me Umana is like the mosquito that survived all the insecticide and my hand claps and remains in my net. What are my options? Udom is the candidate foisted on the PDP by Governor Akpabio. Several friends who know Udom closely have sought to assure me that he is a sound professional, God fearing and that he will govern the state with prudence and decorum. I do not doubt them and in truth, Udom’s magnificence is not the issue for me. The issue for me is the democratic growth and well-being of Akwa Ibom in particular and Nigeria in general. It is trite that power resides with the people. It is when this residency is established, demonstrated and practiced that the people enjoy the dividends of democracy or good governance. This is so because if the people sleep on their right to choose who governs them and allow their sovereignty to be hijacked by any individual or cabal, the beneficiary of that process is answerable not to the people but to the individual or cabal. To put it in simpler terms, if Governor Akpabio succeeds in ‘making’ Udom the governor, it will set a precedent that access to the states resources can be utilized to rob the people of their sovereignty. This will set us as a people back a very long way and may indeed become accepted as ‘the way it is’. That is not the panacea for development or indeed societal well being. So for me it is more important to make the point that power resides with the people. Thwarting the governor’s machinations is the best way to set the state on the path of democratic governance and progress. The question that arises from the above will be ‘so what if the people go out and vote overwhelmingly for Udom?’ My answer will be consistent with my position because if Udom wins in a free and fair election, he will be the peoples’ choice and this realization will make him answerable to the people. However the process that threw him up as the PDP candidate has already and fatally flawed his hopes or claim to any legitimacy. Democracy is a building block process and everybody knows what happens to anything with a flawed foundation! In any event that process is suggestive of the fact that his backers will use similar means to ‘make’ him governor. This strongman syndrome is another manifest problem with our democracy which must be defeated. Talking to Akwa

Ibomites, there is that air of resignation that their votes have not counted in the past and may not count this time. If only for the sake of our peoples psyche, I will support the tendency that will deal a fatal blow on the strongman syndrome and consign it to the dustbin of history for our peoples good! Many things have been said about Umana especially the fact of his complicity in the mismanagement of our resources, a complicity which cannot be wished away by his supporters. The defence of Akwa Ibom having been run as a ‘one man show’ is neither here nor there. After all the option of principled resignation exists. What is important for me is the knowledge and consistent with my postulations that the process is a determinant factor in the attitude to governance. There is a difference between the Umana that Governor Akpabio would have ‘made’ governor and the Umana that emerges as governor in spite of Governor Akpabio. Obviously Umana would have happily like Udom, benefited from that process, but that is not the point. The point is that if Umana is destined to be governor as earlier ordained by Akpabio on God’s instructions then in God’s miraculous ways, the circumstances may have been redesigned to give Akwa Ibom fresh air even from such an unlikely source! My senatorial district is another interesting race. It is between the Almighty Governor Akpabio on the PDP platform and Inibehe Okori on the APC platform. Going by the understanding amongst the component sections and in the spirit of rotation, the senate seat, I understand is zoned to the Abak sector. Inibehe is from Abak, Governor Akpabio is not. Going by his own professed adherence to zoning philosophy and his stated reason for dumping Umana, Akpabio ought not to be in that race. But this is our uncommon politics and who cares about the gander if the goose is happy. However and happily Inibehe Okori is not running on the basis of ethnicity. A suave and highly successful businessman with impressive local and international connections, it will be a contest in the real sense of it. Again and in keeping with my earlier postulations, a defeat of the strongman syndrome in a democratic process will be beneficial to the deepening of our democracy. This attitude of the ‘big boys’ seeing the senate as their VIP relaxation home must change. Our dear Governor Akpabio will be on some serious pension come June, that should be enough without adding the senate seat to it! We need vibrancy and a new style and a new face for Akwa Ibom which Inibehe represents. Akpabio is better placed running the Akpabiosm Institute which given his deep faith and impressive knowledge of the Bible should be rechristened ‘AKPABIOSM INSTITUTE OF BIBLE AND GOVERNMENT STUDIES • Ukpong, legal practitioner writes from Lagos

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

Newspaper of the Year

A SEVEN-PAGE PULLOUT ON SOUTHEAST STATES

Obiano urged to fix roads

Police tackle housing deficits in Aba

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

Community celebrates Army captain

•PAGE 37

•PAGE 26

PAGE 25

•PAGE 39

Ndigbo rally at Ojukwu memorial

T was just as well that on the day an elaborate memorial event was organised in Anambra State in the memory of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, speeches of Igbo unity echoed. Some of the best regarded masquerades thrilled the crowd, as did various cultural dancers who displayed dazzling foot work at the Dr. Alex Ewueme Square, Awka, where all the 21 local councils of the state were represented. Dignitaries from the region were there including those who served in the military alongside the late leader. Ojukwu led Biafra during the Civil War and after his long exile, returned to lead Ndigbo once again. Until his death, he was still a force to reckon with, many coming to seek his advice on political issues. Yet, as the event wore on, dignitaries seized the opportunity to rally the entire Igbo people to unite and forge ahead. The event was organised by the state governor, Chief Willie Obiano. Former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme and his wife Beatrice; Col. Ben Gbulie, the man dubbed Air Raid because of his exploits during the Civil War and Chief Joe Achuzia, former Secretary General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, among others, were all present. There were some aspects which tended to portray the event as one to appease the spirits of some fallen Igbo leaders. The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, however, distanced himself from that perspective. The Bishop said, “I heard that our celebration today is under-

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•From left: Governor Obiano; Dr Ekwueme; Dr Okeke; Chief Umeh and others at the event

We must come together to re-unite the people of the Southeast. The future of Ndigbo is guaranteed in one indivisible Nigeria. We are planting a tree of forgiveness in the minds of both the dead and living heroes of the war. We are a people of faith; those people died courageously and that is why we are offering them this final burial

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

stood by some people as a way of placating the spirits of departed and forgotten Igbo sons and daughters who are now blocking the progress of the Igbo nation, [and that] to open up the path of Ndigbo to peace and prosperity, these aggrieved spirits need to be celebrated. “This interpretation is indeed very far from our Christian belief about death and life after death. It also violates the challenge from the Book of Job to continue to trust God and know that in the mystery of God’s love and justice, vir-

•Col. Gbulie (right) with other war veterans at the memorial

tuous and upright people could suffer.” Ezeokafor did not end his homily without imploring the people of the state and indeed Nigerians to exercise their civic responsibility of voting for candidates that they were convinced in con-

science that would work for the betterment of the people in 2015. But he warned politicians and the society to desist from any act that would truncate the process. He also prayed for God’s intervention during the general elections.

Governor Obiano described the remembrance of the Biafran fallen heroes as a unifying factor for Ndigbo “We must come together to reunite the people of the Southeast,” he said, adding that, “the •Continued on page 26

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

Police tackle housing deficits in Aba T

HE Aba Area Commander of the Abia State police command, Assistant Commissioner of Police Peter Wagbara has started addressing the accommodation challenges in his jurisdiction. Dilapidated structures are being rehabilitated. The commander’s quarters are also being rebuilt and expanded to accommodate more people. The woeful housing profile of the police is well documented. Their barracks built decades ago can only house a limited number of personnel. Even those inadequate facilities are filthy in most cases, with all kinds of negative behaviour associated with them. As a result, a good number of police personnel live outside the barracks, exposing themselves to undue danger and indignities, such as rent issues. A police source recalled how a friend and course mate from Police College Enugu was gruesomely murdered by men of the underworld immediately after their posting. The source said his friend would not have been killed in the manner he was if he were appropriately housed in the barracks. The source also said he too has been living outside the barracks for over 20 years. “My friend and course mate after we passed out from the police college in Enugu was posted to one of the communities in one of the southeastern states. When he got there, he told me that there were no quarters for them and so he had to go and rent an apartment outside the station. “One day when he was sleeping, some armed men attacked his area and when they got to his house and upon discovering that he was a police officer, they inflicted bodily injuries on him before riddling his body with bullets. “They didn’t get any arms because we book and sign out our guns from the armoury as soon as we are through with the day’s duty. You know that police or security agents are usually seen by the bad boys as their rivals. That was how I lost my bosom course mate. “If he was living in a police barracks such things would not have happened even though I have lived outside the barracks after my train-

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•Offices at the Aba Area Command being roofed

The woeful housing profile of the police is well documented. Their barracks built decades ago can only house a limited number of personnel. Even those inadequate facilities are filthy in most cases, with all kinds of negative behaviour associated with them. As a result, a good number of police personnel live outside the barracks, exposing themselves to undue danger and indignities, such as rent issues

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

ing till date. It has not been easy living in the midst of civilians. Are you talking about the continued harassment of the landlord, co-tenants or the community that one lives? It is not easy but there is nothing one can do owing to the nature and health condition of most of the police quarters.

•The new Area Commander's office “Sometimes, the sewage is full and nobody cares to evacuate it, making some people to even defecate in nearby bushes. I even find it difficult as I am talking to you to visit some of my friends who stay in the quarters,” the source said. To address the issue of accommodation in his command, the Aba Area Commander, ACP Peter Wagbara on resumption of office started with the reconstruction and

expansion of office of the Area Commander and the rehabilitation of Area Commander’s quarters in Aba which was abandoned for more than 10 years after it was burnt. The Nation gathered that while several attempts by Wagbara’s predecessors to renovate the house failed because of “paucity of fund”, they resorted to paying heavy hotel bills throughout their stay

which Wagabra was not comfortable with, hence the renovation of the ACP’s quarters, renovation of offices and one of the residential quarters for officers and men under his command through the assistance of public spirited individuals. It was gathered that the renovation work on the residential quar•Continued on page 27

Ndigbo rally at Ojukwu memorial •Continued from page 25

•Area Commander's quarters 10 years after it was burnt

future of Ndigbo is guaranteed in one indivisible Nigeria.” Again, he said the event was equally about planting a tree of forgiveness in the minds of both the dead and living heroes of the war. Obiano said, “We are a people of faith; those people died courageously and that is why we are offering them this final burial. Ndigbo have become the most successful set of people in the entire black race.” From the list compiled by the state government, Anambra lost over 5,600 people during the war,

•Col. Achuzia

while the Anglican Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Alex Ibezim put the number of Ndigbo at 3m who lost their lives during the war.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

OOKING at the collapsed bridge, it is difficult to imagine that it was once a major reason two communities in Imo State thrived. Umualum and Umuoma towns in Nekede, Owerri West Local Government Area of the state, with a population of over 100,000, once kept the state in good supply of food. Few people cultivated yam and cassava better than they did, and they also had a good measure of fish to throw in. They packed their produce and catch, went over the bridge and, in about ten minutes, were in the capital Owerri to sell. Even when the farmers chose not to move their harvests out, their clients crossed the bridge and came to Umualum and Umuoma to buy. The two communities prospered and residents were happy. That was 20 years ago. Since then, the Otamiri Bridge has broken and the economy of the communities has also collapsed. Now, the bridge, brownish with dust, has almost fallen into the Otamiri River. At great risk to themselves, some residents place planks on a side of the structure and try to cross to the other side of the river, wisely avoiding the parts that have no supporting steel of any kind or are completely overgrown with weed. Even then, accidents do happen. The bridge now provides little boys something to play with. They strip off their clothes, climb to the top of the railing and plunge into the Otamiri River. They splash around for a while and go home. The economy of Umualum and Umunoma communities has nosedived. The traders have all vanished and the communities are disconnected and abandoned, thanks to the erosion that washed away the Otamiri Bridge, the only link to the riverside communities. Bemoaning the development, the traditional ruler of Umuoma, Eze Morrison Eke, said his community has been cut off from other ones, especially the state capital which was formerly a journey of less than 10 minutes. He stated that since the collapse of the bridge, about 20 years ago, the villagers have suffered untold hardship and accidents trying to

•The bridge

How broken bridge wrecked Imo communities

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

cross the precarious bridge. “There is no other link road to the communities aside from the Otamiri Bridge and since it collapsed we have lost the once buoyant economy and now we are barely surviving because we have no other place to go”. The troubled monarch, appealed to the State and Federal Govern-

ments to come to their aid and rehabilitate the dilapidated bridge, which he said a lot of economic and geographical hardship on the people. According to some of the villagers, who spoke with The Nation by

the bank of the Otamiri River, “it used to be a beehive of activities in this area when the bridge was functional many years ago because transportation on car, buses, tricycle and motor cycles were all easy. Fishermen sold their fish

Police tackle housing deficits in Aba

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•Continued from page 26 ters at its completion would provide accommodation for over 100 policemen. One other key area that received a facelift is the communication or control room of the Area Command which has been equipped with modern communication gadgets which has made communication with patrol teams more effective and that according to sources at the Aba Area Command helped in checking crime in commercial city especially, during the Christmas festivity where no crime was recorded in any part of the command during the period. Some of the police officers who spoke to our correspondent thanked Peter Wagbara for seeing the need to rehabilitate their dilapidated quarters which would go a long way to solve their accommodation problems when completed as they equally called on the police authority to build more quarters for them in order to save them from being exposed to preventable dangers. A police officer living outside the barracks who would not want his

along the bridge and people come from far and near to patronise them and also to buy farm produce”. They lamented further that, “we were formerly the highest producers of yam and cassava but since there is no longer means to transport the produce to the markets, the farmers have been discouraged. We are appealing to the Federal Government to come to our aid because we have no other place to go be-

•Ongoing renovation work at one of the police quarters name in print told our correspondent that the dangers of living outside the barracks contribute to the level of their performance and productivity.

According to him, most policemen resident outside the barracks don’t perform optimally because of the dangers of being attacked by their

host community, armed robbers and hoodlums who would trace them to their homes to unleash terror on them.

•Continued on page 28

Bemoaning the development, the traditional ruler of Umuoma, Eze Morrison Eke, said his community has been cut off from other ones, especially the state capital which was formerly a journey of less than 10 minutes

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

Is Ohanaeze falling apart? ‘ A

PEX Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo is embroiled once again in a major crisis which has split it in two. On Monday, a caretaker committee set up by the Imeobi or elders’ council of the organisation inaugurated a probe panel headed by the retired Col. Ben Gbulie to investigate alleged cases of financial misappropriation against the leadership. The Imeobi led by the elder statesman, Chief Mbazuluike Amaechi had earlier this year allegedly sacked the Chief Enwo Igariweyled executive for “overstaying” their tenure. The caretaker committee put in place has Chief Ralph Obioha as chairman. During the inauguration of the caretaker committee which held on January 15, Chief Amaechi stated clearly the reason behind the action thus: “Their term of office expired on the 7th of January 2015 and right now Ohanaeze has no elected team of leaders. Nature, they say, abhors vacuum and it is in order to make for continuity ad interim, that your committee is constituted. “Article 11 of Ohanaeze Consti-

Let us insulate Ohanaeze Ndigbo from outright partisan politics. It is a purely socio-economic and cultural organisation and not a socio-political one,” he said, pointing out, that any of the candidates of the parties contesting for presidency who wants the support of Ndigbo should come forward now and discuss details of his plans, with specific reference to time frame, on how to realise Igbo presidency after his own time

From Chris Oji, Enugu

tution clearly states: “There shall be a President-Ceneral of Ohanaeze elected by the General Assembly for a term of two years. “Chief Igariwey and Dr. Joe Nwaorgu who are co-captains of the ship that they wish to wreck...have been spreading the blatant falsehood that the Consti-

tution was amended to be for four years. “I hear that they issued a press release to say that I am not even the Chairman of the Elders Council of Ohanaeze. I hold no grudges against them because both of them are JJCs (Johnnie Just Come) in Ohanaeze. Both of them came into office by the defective policy of zoning and rotation which invari-

•Children enjoy a good splash in Otamiri River

How broken bridge wrecked Imo communities •Continued from page 27 cause this is our ancestral home”. Apart from the farmers and traders, students also share in the plight. The Federal Polytechnic Nekede is situated in the area and the fact that cheap and affordable houses abound in Umuoma and Umualum communities, the population of students is high in the area. Chijioke Obinna, a student of the Polytechnic who lives in one of the communities, lamented that, “since the wood and steel used in building the bridge are now weak and dilapidated, it takes courage and caution for one to trek across the bridge without falling into the river”.

He added further that, “we are more than 60 students that live in the two communities and we have to cross the bridge everyday to go to school. We are also joining the indigenes to appeal to the authorities to fix the bridge and reconnect the communities with the other parts of the state. They shouldn’t wait until major disaster happens”. An indigene, Mr. Stephen Njoku, noted that indigenes of the affected communities who live outside no longer visit home due to the collapsed bridge, adding that “even though there is perceived Federal Government’s presence around the bridge, little has been done to help the plight of the people”. The lawmaker representing Owerri West in the state House of

Assembly, Hon Innocent Eke, who enumerated efforts made by the State Assembly to alleviate the plight of the people, stated that, “since it is an ecological fund project that requires counterpart funding, the state government has paid its counterpart fund and in no time the Federal Government will commence work on the ‘Otamiri’ bridge”. He appealed to the people to be patient with the Government, adding that palliative measures will continue until the collapsed bridge is fixed. As the waiting game continues, the residents of the two communities will continue to live under the fear of lurking disaster, which may happen at any time, going by the deteriorating shape of the bridge which is begging for urgent attention.

ably produce mediocrity in leadership. For the benefit of all, I had been the Chairman of the Elders Council even before Ohanaeze started having elected officers. In that capacity I had resolved the misunderstanding between Eze Ozobu and Prof. Nwabueze when they were President and SecretaryGeneral of Ohanaeze respectively. In that capacity, I constituted and headed the Committee that resolved the dispute between Ndi Eze Igbo and Eze Ilomuanya Group of Traditional Rulers during the tenure of Uwechue. In that capacity I traveled to Warri and Asaba to resolve the misunderstanding in the Delta Branch of Ohanaeze.” The executive would not accept such a decision taken by the Elders Council. They headed to court to stop the Imeobi from conducting fresh elections to replace them on the tacit grounds that their tenure was yet to expire. The court actually granted them an injunction. This same scenario played out in 2011 during the tenure of the late Ambassador Ralph Uwechue. Uwechue’s tenure was extended then due to the pending general elections. The Imeobi allowed the exco then to continue in office for another two years with a view to guiding Ndigbo through the elections. Based on that concession given to Uwechue’s exco the Igariwey team argued that the constitution was amended for tenure extension to four years. Their argument was based on the extension of the Uwechue’s tenure which was a gentleman’s agreement. Moreover, there was no document to back it. However, the probe panel set up on Monday is to investigate alleged financial deals involving the sums of N350m and 150,000 dollars said to have been donated to the organisation by “friends” of President Goodluck Jonathan for two specific projects earmarked for execution to better the lot of Ndigbo. Also listed for probe is the disbursement of the N25m donated to the organisation by the Anambra State government for the hosting of the 2014 Igbo Day Celebration held in Awka, capital of the state, which has allegedly disappeared. As at press time the Chief Gary Enwo Igariwey-led national executive of Ohanaeze Ndigbo said to have been replaced by the caretaker committee has not handed over to the committee appointed by the Elders’ Council (Imeobi) of the organisation. Docuemts made available to the panel included the bank statement of the Ohanaeze Foundation at Diamond Bank, former PresidentGeneral’s report on Ohanaeze Foundation and Ohanaeze Centre for Effective Leadership and the issue of a N25m donated by Anambra state government and how it was disbursed . It was learnt that the said N350m scam was not unconnected with the alleged ill-fated Ikenga Transport outfit meant to ease transportation problems in the Southeast and make the organisation earn revenue for other projects but which fizzled out after its first set of fleet of vehicles were procured and launched. On the 150,000 dollars, it was gathered that the money would have gone for the execution of a noble plan of Ohanaeze to begin a leadership training platform for the middle age people of the area selected specifically for grooming for future Igbo presidency.

•Chief Ralph Obioha, Ohanaeze caretaker committee chairman Chief Obioha, disclosed that it was allegedly misappropriated since it was shared by certain leaders of the apex body. A document signed by Uwechue seemed to clarify how the 150,000 dollars was shared by persons including the principal officers at that time as well as the women and youth wings of the organisation with the highest individual recipient getting 15,000 dollars and the least member of the National Executive Committee getting 5,000 dollars. It was also noted that attempts to endorse President Goodluck Jonathan for next month’s general elections did not go down well with many members of the organisation. There were counter moves by many who argue that Ndigbo did not benefit much from Jonathan administration given their support for the president. Chief Obioha said: “The development has created a huge crisis of confidence for Ohanaeze and the effect of the government interference creating confusion in the normal running of the machinery of Ohanaeze. “Let us insulate Ohanaeze Ndigbo from outright partisan politics. It is a purely socio-economic and cultural organisation and not a socio-political one,” he said, pointing out, that any of the candidates of the parties contesting for presidency who wants the support of Ndigbo should come forward now and discuss details of his plans, with specific reference to time frame, on how to realise Igbo presidency after his own time. He maintained that it was risky and dangerous for the leadership of the Igbo nation to endorse any candidate at this point in time without extracting such a solid assurance from such a candidate, especially now that the electioneering so far has thrown up two leading candidates in President Jonathan of the People’s Democratic Party and Gen. Muhammad Buhari (rtd) of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). Since its inauguration, the caretaker committee was yet to conduct its business in the national headquarters of the organisation.

Newspaper of the Year

AN EIGHT-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHSOUTH STATES

ELECTRICITY

•Ikoku

THEY waited on the government to provide them with this basic amenity to no avail. All appeals and complaints they made seemed to fall on deaf ears. The Ikpa-Omin and Bakoko community in Calabar Municipality of Cross River State, had been without electricity for the past three years. •PAGE 35

•Dan-Abia

•PAGE 30

PAGE 29

EKPOR O/OGU EKPORO/OGU

NDDC PR OJECTS PROJECTS THE first two weeks of 2015 witnessed an unusual flurry of activities in the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC. It was not unconnected with the determination of the management team led by the Managing Director, Bassey Dan-Abia to hit the ground running in the New Year.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

•Ibiebele

THE people of Ekporo and Ogu neighboring communities in Eleme and Ogu/Bolo local government areas of Rivers State are ready for the return of peace to the crisis-ravaged area. Both communities have resolved to end the killing and selfinflicted devastation to pave the way for peace. •PAGE 31

How kidnap suspects’ escaped from Warri prison

•The wall scaled by the suspects

N the dead of a December night last year, four kidnap suspects awaiting trial woke up from their cell at the Okere Prisons in Warri, Delta State. Quietly they broke through the ceiling and landed down into the open courtyard of the prison. From there they managed to scale the nearly 100-feet high electric fence and jumped down into the dark night and the waiting arms of freedom. Revelations afterwards have shown that the escape was not so straight forward as that. An alleged foreplay between the escapees and

From Shola O’Neil, S’South Regional Editor

the prison official that climaxed in the drama of that night remains an interesting subject of debate within, not just within security circles in the state, but among curious civilians and purveyors of rumour in the area. The works of investigators who have tried to deconstruct the audacious escape were hampered by the lack of eyewitness. They have merely relied on scrap of information gathered from the thin trail left behind by the escapees - bits and pieces of bro-

Niger Delta Report’s hope that the mystery had been solved necessitated a visit to the facility on Monday, over a month after the incident. But the silence of official and prisoners alike was as deafening as the morning af-

ken blocks, ceiling, tattered ropes, sharp and blank objects. The suspects were far gone, possibly out of the state, before the staff on duty woke up from their slumber to see what had happened.

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It is the stuff that movies are made of...The reason this is really interesting is the height of the wall that the prisoners scaled

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ter. The officers in charge of the prison, Mr Emma Omiede, a Deputy Comptroller of Prison refused to speak with our reporter. He said he had nothing to say about the incident and referred our reporter to the State headquarters of the service. The Delta Command Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Celestine Kalu, who was contacted by our reporter, said: “I don’t know anything about prison break; you should ask the prisons official.” • CONTINUED ON PAGES 33

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

Project monitoring as catalyst for NDDC T

HE first two weeks of 2015 witnessed an unusual flurry of activities in the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC. It was not unconnected with the determination of the management team led by the Managing Director, Bassey Dan-Abia to hit the ground running in the New Year. This was evident in its crisscrossing three states of Ondo, Abia and Akwa Ibom, monitoring NDDC projects and insisting on executing them according to specifications. The Chief Executive unequivocally stated that the era of the top echelon of the commission sitting in air conditioned offices day-in and day-out was over. He said: “the new NDDC requires that we move out of the office to inspect projects. We cannot stay in the office to develop the Niger Delta. We need to regularly monitor our projects to ensure that our contractors are working according to our specifications. I need to confirm that the papers I sign in the office are true reflections of what is on the ground.” The people from the oil-producing area of Ondo State had often lamented that notwithstanding the level of intervention made by NDDC since its creation in 2,000, oil bearing communities in the state have had little to cheer about the commission in terms of major capital projects that would significantly change their lives for good. Perhaps, it was the need to assuage the feelings of these people that informed the choice of Ondo State for the commencement of the inspections. The first port of call was the multi billion naira Ugbo-Oghoye Road in Ilaje Local Government Area of the state. The 21.4-kilometre regional road, with 4 bridges, would connect communities that were hitherto inaccessible by road. There was excitement in the air as the NDDC officials were taken through the sand-filled portion of the road to the point where the pilling for the first bridge was on-going. The project manager of the contracting firm, Engr. Sciandrello Emmanuel was happy to announce that Barr Dan-Abia was the first NDDC chief executive to visit the project since they mobilized to the site in 2011. Barr Dan-Abia, observed that the project was strategic and regional because it would link up with the Koko-Oghoye Road in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State. He said that the communities should thank President Goodluck Jonathan for making it possible for the commission to undertake such a gigantic project. The NDDC chief executive did not fail to underscore the enormous challenges posed by the deltaic environment, prompting him to call on other Nigerians to show more understanding of what it takes to develop the Niger Delta. He said: “This Ilaje area is a typical Niger Delta terrain and I wish other Nigerians will appreciate the peculiar problems we encounter in the region. With this kind of setting, people should not be surprised that the cost of executing projects is usually high. However, we look forward to driving on this road to Ayetoro in no distant time.” Barr. Dan-Abia commended the people of Ilaje LGA for their patience and understanding, especially for providing the enabling environment for the contractors to do their work, which he observed was progressing satisfactorily. On hand to throw light on the construction work was Mr. Augustus Owowa, the project consultant, who

From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

gave graphic details of what it took to cut through virgin swamp land. “We have to fill up to 4 metres with sharp sand to stabilize the soil. Here we are working on the first bridge and we have drilled 63 metres deep, yet we are still coming up with clay soil. Such challenges will invariably lead to variations in the design,” he said. If the Ugbo-Oghoye road is filling the swamps with hope and anticipation, the 10.5-kilometre IgbokodaOrere Ara road is a dream already realized. The 7.3-metre-wide asphalted road with side drains, has already opened up new areas for development as the road has been completed. The joy and excitement of the people was written all over their faces. Barr. Benson Amuwa, the representative of Ondo State on the NDDC board was not an exception. He conveyed the satisfaction of the people for the road which has linked Igbokoda, the commercial nerve centre of Ilaje, to Orere Ara and other neighbouring communities. He further said that several other communities in the area were looking forward to the commencement of the second phase of the project which would take the road to Orere Ara town and beyond and thus give the people the full value of the first segment that had been completed. Barr. Amuwa also led the inspection of the 3-kilometre Ugbonla township roads also in Ilaje LGA. He said that the road, laid with interlocking stones had brought life back to the town, The Ugbonla Monarch, Oba Henry Ogunfeyimi, expressed delight that the NDDC had raised the status of Ugbonla and made it to stand out as far as basic infrastructure was concerned. He said he was particularly impressed by the quality of the 3-kilometre Ugbonla township road which he said had become a model for other rural communities. “We thank the NDDC for giving us the necessary amenities that are now attracting our people to come back home. We are particularly grateful for the internal roads and the solar-powered street lights,” the Oba said. In Akwa Ibom State, the NDDC team inspected several projects which included roads in Etinam, Ibiono and Itu local government areas. At the 15kilometre Ikot Isong-Ikot AkpabioEdemekpo-Ndoneyo Road, Barr.Dan-Abia expressed satisfaction with the quality of work on the completed section but regretted that the road was being threatened by erosion. He said that a ravine that has developed at a point along the road was not anticipated and was not factored into the design. He promised that appropriate action would be taken to protect the road from the threatening erosion. The NDDC boss remarked that the Akwa Ibom State Government had raised the bar in terms of quality roads. “The NDDC cannot afford to do anything less. Although we are not competing with the state government, we will push our contractors to march the Akwa Ibom standards,” he said. At the 10.1-kilometre Ididep-Ikot Odiong-Ikot Ibiono Road and bridge project, Barr. Dan-Abia said that by overcoming the challenges of hills and valleys along the road, the NDDC had demonstrated its capacity as an interventionist agency. He added: “The road traverses several communities in Ibiono which is one of the largest local government areas in Akwa Ibom State. Again, the road links up to the busy Calabar-Itu

•The transformer donated by the philanthropist

Cross River community smiles again

HEY waited on the government to provide them with this basic amenity to no avail. All appeals and complaints they made seemed to fall on deaf ears. The IkpaOmin and Bakoko community in Calabar Municipality of Cross River State, had been without electricity for the past three years. After futile attempts to get help from government, they had to resort to self-help provided by one of their own. Philanthropist and community leader Ebenezer Ika-Bassey Okene, following appeals by members of the community, came to their rescue by providing a transformer to light up the community. Niger Delta Report spoke with Okene, a businessman, who trades on palm oil on why he decided a a project which normally would be considered a huge one for an individual. According to him, “I chose to do that because I have seen the suffering of my people. I have seen the government of the state are not helping the issue of my own people in this community. So for me to relieve government I decided to relieve a part of their load by handling my people with the little strength I have. “The community is now benefiting from the light they have been crying out for over the years now. We wrote to local government, house of assembly and other relevant agencies, no way. So I said let me see what I can do for my people.” Elated members of the community expressed relief at the development which they said would make life a whole lot easier for them. One the residents, Mr Eze Nnanna Ikoku, said: “I have been in this community for over 20 years. For the past three years we have been suffering because of no light and our businesses have been going down. The cost of running our business was so high because we had to be running strictly on petrol. And to run a business a day you have to buy petrol worth thousands of naira every day. At the end of the day you don’t get anything. “But since the cry of the people got

•The University of Uyo Teaching Hospital hostel

Road.” The NDDC team also inspected the 12.4-kilometre Oko Ita-Itu-Mbak Atai-Oku Iboku Road, in Itu Local Government Area. The project consultant, Engr. Eyo Peters, said in spite of the challenges of delays in the payment of compensation to some of the property owners along the road, all other things were in place to facilitate the completion of the road very soon. In Abia State, the team visited the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. There, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Henry Edeoga, appealed to the NDDC management to speed up action on the 522-bed modern hostel it is building for the university. He said that the university had expected that the hostel would be ready for hand over late last year and had, therefore, admitted 6,000 students on the assumption that they would be fully accommodated. “The students have been on my neck over the accommodation problem on campus. They even threatened to pack into the hostel even as the remaining work on the building is going on,” the VC said. The Vice Chancellor thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for directing the NDDC to urgently complete on-going projects before embarking on new ones, noting that the university hostel projects deserved to be given priority. He also gave kudos to the NDDC Managing Director for coming personally to supervise the project to facilitate its completion in the shortest possible time. Dan-Abia assured the Vice Chan-

‘ The NDDC cannot afford to do anything less. Although we are not competing with the state government, we will push our contractors to march the Akwa Ibom standards

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cellor that the contractor would be funded adequately to ensure that the work on the hostel was completed as quickly as possible, noting that the commission had completed and handed over similar hostels in Imo State University, Federal University of Science and Technology, Owerri,

•From right: Dan-Abia, Mr. Okon Jonah, site manager and Engr. Etim Inyang Jnr, the representative of Akwa Ibom State on the NDDC board during the inspection of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital hostel.

University of Benin and the Delta State University, Abraka. “The university hostel projects are very dear to us,” the MD said. The Secretary to the Abia State Government, Prof. Nkpa Agu Nkpa, commended the NDDC for helping to address the accommodation chal-

lenges facing many universities in the Niger Delta. He said that he was directed by the state governor, Chief Theodore Orji, to join the VC in appealing to the NDDC to quicken the pace of work at the university hostel in Umudike as the only university of agriculture in the region.

The NDDC inspection team had earlier visited similar hostel projects at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital which was virtually ready for commissioning, as well as the one at the permanent site of the University of Uyo which has also reached an advanced stage.

•Ikoku

•Bassey

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

to our leader Ebenezer, we made our position known to him and he promised us until last December he brought a new transformer to us and it was powered and the whole community rejoiced and our businesses are waxing stronger now so that we can make N1000 and run expense of N100. You can now have N900 as your saving for the day. From this we can pay our revenue at ease compared to when we were buying petrol all the time and at the end we end up borrowing to pay government revenue. “As things are now, people within Ikpa-Omin and Bakoko communities will run businesses and other services successfully if it has to do with light. So at this point I want to say our leader has tried for his communities.” A fashion designer in the community, Princess Nsa Victor Bassey, was also grateful that the development was going to improve her business. Bassey, a widow, said: “He is a brother to all of us. He has done so

•Okene

much about the well-being of this community. Concerning the light we were in darkness for years and with his help we now have steady power and secured it. May God continue to bless him.”

Group hails NDDC chief Dan-Abia

HE National Convener of Journalists-for-Humanity, Mr. Nkeneke Efo, has praised the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Barrister Bassey Dan-Abia, for being focused and committed to his job. In a release in Uyo, Efo said Dan-Abia’s NDDC intervened in roads repairs and rehabilitation and made the roads passable during the Christmas season. “Of particular note is the spoilt section of the Abak-Ikot Abasi Road which it awarded to Messrs Base Engineering. The place was so bad that commuters had to divert to the East-West Road through Mkpat Enin which was also bad but this changed as the NDDC worked on the road just before Christmas. We commend the intervention of the Managing Director who has shown that he is in the

Commission to work and not for show.” Efo also said the NDDC under Barrister Dan-Abia is embarking on several other road projects, some of which was abandoned by his predecessors. “In giving Barrister Dan-Abia kudos, I also appreciate a focused Chairman of the Commission, Senator Bassey Ewa Henshaw, who is always on the move to make sure the core reason for the creation of NDDC is achieved.” He said if Dan-Abia maintains his focus, the Commission will be one of the greatest performance indices of the federal government in due time. The National Convener further advised government agencies to take a cue from the Barrister Dan-Abia led NDDC by putting in their best for the common man whom they were placed in the position to protect.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

Warring Rivers communities First circuit in Nigeria set forgive Edocondition for peace T HE people of Ekporo and Ogu, two neighboring communities in Eleme and Ogu/ Bolo local government areas of Rivers State, have for several years been fighting over the ownership of a boundary land. However, Niger Delta Report gathers that hope for return of peace to the crisis of ravaged area has brightened, as both communities have resolved to end the killings and selfinflicted devastation to pave the way for peace. The Paramount Ruler of Ekporo Community, His Royal Highness, Chief Samuel Obe, like most of his subjects, has great expectation and hope about the deal. He said after several killings, destruction of property and bitterness between the two communities, the Police Committee has succeeded in creating a congenial atmosphere between the two rival communities. He said as the traditional ruler of Ekporo, he is representing his people in the peace deal while the Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Council of Chiefs, Chief Mark Derefaka is the representatives Ogu. The monarch noted that both parties have agreed to meet, on peaceful resolution of the misunderstanding. He said: “But the position of both communities will serve as panacea to enduring peace and security in the area. One of the position is that the State Boundary Adjustment Commission should be prevailed upon to critically and expeditiously look into the land dispute in conjunction with the representatives of the two communities and their Local Government Chairmen, with a view to arriving at a consensus and permanently laying this land dispute to rest in the interest of all. All necessary arrangement should be made for the people of Ekporo to return to their community and settle down. “The remains of persons who lost their lives in the communities as a result of the crisis that are still in various mortuaries must be urgently buried with security agents to be present to monitor the burial ceremonies on both sides. This will help to calm down frayed nerves. The two Local Government Councils Eleme and Ogu/Bolo should undertake to bear the cost of befitting burials for the dead on each side.” The monarch said some of the basic things demanded by Ekporo people include: the end of series of attacks on them and their lands which have been allegedly grossly trespassed and forcefully taken by the Ogu people. “They claim that their sons were

From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

murdered in the seventies and nineties and last year, 2013. They stated also that in the course of the crises, their houses, farm lands and crops were destroyed. We want immediate arrest of the persons listed in their several petitions before the Rivers State Police Command and commencement of full scale and thorough investigations of same. We want immediate stopping and removal of building and other structures on Ekporo land by the Ogu people. Utter displeasure over use of the name “kporo” while referring to Ekopro (Ancient) community by Ogu people. (4) The establishment of a special security post for the safety and protection of Ekporo people.” Conversely, the Ogu people, through Chief Derefaka, demanded that firstly, one Inspector Franklin Nwiba of Ekporo who allegedly Pastor John Isaac and kidnapped others should be arrested and prosecuted. Secondly, that Ekporo should finance the burial of Pastor John Isaac while the three kidnapped Ogu people should be released to them. “Ekporo should stop disturbing Ogu whenever they are carrying out developmental projects and to confine themselves to settlement 99 and not to encroach on settlements 96, 97, 98, 100, 101. (4) That Ekporo should be made part of Ogu/Bolo LGA for permanent peace to reign. Since settlement 99 is Okirika territory on Ogu land. Ekporo to respect the Federal Supreme Court Judgment of 1958, and finally, that any peace agreement reached in this discussion panel should be signed by both parties for permanent peace to reign in the area.” After listening to both parties the committee recommended that all necessary arrangement should be made by government through the assistance of security agencies for the people of Ekporo to return to their community and settle down. They also agreed that the remains of persons who lost their lives in the communities as a result of the crisis, that are still in various mortuaries must be urgently buried with security agents to be present to monitor the burial ceremonies of both sides. It was noted that the two local government councils – Eleme and Ogu/ Bolo - should bear the cost of befitting burials for the dead on each side. And that the ongoing inter-community peace discussion process be closely monitored by the Rivers State command Intelligence Bureau and the progress reported to the Com-

•HRM Obe

•HRM Ibiebele

‘ The State Boundary Adjustment Commission should be prevailed upon to critically and expeditiously look into the land dispute in conjunction with the representatives of the two communities and their Local Government Chairmen, with a view to arriving at a consensus and permanently laying this land dispute to rest in the interest of all

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missioner of Police for necessary action. NDR though noted that the stern proviso by both parties, has led to concern that the return of total peace may yet be a long way away. A source close to the both sides re-

vealed that the positions canvassed have been the same over time. But this has failed to dim the hopes of indigenes of both communities, particularly those who have been living in exile and pains since October 2013 when the last crisis broke out in the

area. The Amanyanabo of Ogu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty N.D. Ibiebele Nimenibo, Loko IX, was also optimistic about the deal as he revealed that his kingdom has continually sought for the peace. “Why can’t we seek for peace, my daughter is married to an Eleme man that means nothing could make me not to accept peace deal by anybody to return peace in the area. Each time there was crisis I will always plead with the youths of my kingdom not to return evil for evil even when Ekporo people are the ones causing trouble against my people. The last attack that took place in the community I went to the media houses to announce that the people of Ekporo should come back to the community. Ekporo is a neighbouring community before now we lived like brothers. As the king of my kingdom I can testify anywhere that their fathers before the war and immediately after the war, we were living as one and peaceful neighbours.”

Evbuotubu prays for completion of Storm Water Project

VBOTUBU Iguediayi Community in Egor Local Government Area in Edo State could be accessed either through Owina, Ekehaun or Siluko roads in Benin City, the state capital. It is a boundary community between Oredo and Ovia North-East Local Government Areas. It is one of the satellite towns in the state and is expected to expand as population increase in the urban. Areas. However that dreams is being stymied by poor access roads leading in and out of the community. Residents of the area usually pray for the dry harmattan season to come early because it is the time when they are able to heave a sighs of relief from their difficult terrain. Niger Delta Report gathered that driving in and out of the community is a difficult task because all the roads leading to and from the community are in a bad state. During the raining season, it is takes dex-

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

terity and good knowledge of the ditches and ‘pools’ on the road to reach the community. Two major roads leading to the community from Benin City, the state capital and Iguobazuwa and other towns have collapsed. The perennial flooding and lack of access roads have also made it difficult for farmers in Evbuotubu to convey their farm produces to the markets. Apart from the major roads, all other link roads are impassable. Last year, the chairman of the local council, Mr Victor Enobakhare, released N500,000 to the community leaders. The money was used to provide temporary relief for the embattled community. It was gathered that fund was deployed to grade and sands fill three earth road and streets. The relief didn’t last long as the first two rains of the season washed away the ef-

fort. A residents in the area who gave his name as Sam said “government has abandoned the Community for a long time. When the Comrade Governor came on board 2008, he visited the Community and promise to fix the major road leading to the Community but that promise has not been fulfilled as we are still expecting him to do so”. However, our checks showed that the N30bn Storm Water project currently being done by the state government would helped solve the perennial flooding problems in the locality. Besides, the major roads leading the community are to be tarred upon the completion of the gigantic project. Government sources said Governor Adams Oshiomhole preferred to tackle the problem with a lasting solution rather than fall prey to past experiences when the roads are done but are soon washed away due

to the perrenial flooding in the area. “It is better to treat the ailment rather than the symptoms”, our source stated. The Storm Water project is expected to tackle flooding and erosion problems not only at Evbuotubu but also at Upper Siluko, Uwelu, Uwasota, Adolo and its environs. Already, the flooding experienced at the notorious Teacher’s House axis at Upper Siluko has disappeared while over 50 landlords that abandoned their houses many years ago within the vicinity may soon return home due to the improved condition brought about by the project. Chairman of Evbuotubu Community Development Association, Mr. Sunday Osaro Evbonaye said government attention was also needed to repair many other deplorable link roads within the community, which were ravaged by years

of constant exposure to flood water. He disclosed that that community added N3.5m to the N500,000 given to them by the local authorities for grading of earth roads. Mr. Osaro Evbonaye said cars given to youths of the community as part of youth empowerment have already broken down due to the bad road. He said the poor state of the roads contributed to developers’ unwillingness to acquire land in the community adding that plans were under way to open up an abattoir and a burrowed pit in the community with a view to creating employment opportunity. However, a top government functionary who spoke with our reporter on telephone, explained that the stae governor was determined to fulfill his promise to the people of Evbuotubu, stressing that the community is part of suburbs that would be changed by the multibillion naira project.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

NIGER DELTA REPORT COVER

Untold story of kidnap suspects’ Delta escape from Warri prison

2015: Stakeholders in Niger demand a violence free election T

HE Niger Delta Peace and Security Working Group (NDPSWG), a coalition of about 40 civil society organisations working in nine Niger Delta states, concluded a one-day workshop tagged, “Stakeholders Responsibilities During the 2015 General Elections in Nigeria”, on Tuesday. The event was held at the office of the Foundation for Partnership Initiative in the Niger Delta, an NGO funded by American oil giant, Chevron Nigeria Limited, which facilitated it. At the workshop, stakeholders brainstormed on how to avoid a repeat of 2011 election’s crisis in 2015, which was mostly characterised by violence and bloodshed. It attracted the representatives of civil society groups, representatives of NGOs, Chief Security officers (CSO) of various groups and organizations and the representative of political parties. Some of the stakeholders noted that although the gathering was a good idea, they said it was not timely considering that the general elections were just few weeks away for the resolutions taken to make a strong impact on the electorates and key players in the election exercise. Yet, it was generally agreed by speakers and attendees that the effort of the facilitators (PIND) should be commended. Stakeholders and keyplayers in the process were urged to make use of the available opportunity to educate the public on the possible ways to eradicate violence from the election and the society. In his remarks PIND team leader, Mr. Michael Gonzalex, explained that the essence of the stakeholder gathering was to proffer solution to save lives by bringing stakeholders together, from Chief Security Officers (CSO) NGO and government partnership into one forum so that we can discuss issues relating to election violence. “This forum (NDPSWG) met in October last year to work on 2015 election scenario. Over 50 NGOs came together to analyze the 2011 election violence. So we said something must be done to minimize the 2015 election violence that is why we are here. The forum today is to bring the critical stakeholders from the local communities in the Niger Delta region to create awareness and hopefully to save lives during this election period.” The Chairman, National Association of women Journalist Mrs Lillian Okonkwo, in a paper titled “Violence During 2011 Election”, reminded the stakeholders that the 2011 election was characterized by high incidents of rape, intimidation, assassination, physical attacks, fights, clashes and counter-attacks, stating: “Youths in gangs were mobilized to disrupt the campaigns of opponents; there was power tussles between political chieftains leading to deaths. Political attacks of candidates and their supporters. There was also destruction of billboards, party offices, cars, houses, business establishments. Don’t forget, there was sexual harassments and threats to the lives of female aspirants/candidates.” Mrs Okonkwo also noted that in 2011 election there was less awareness in the area of health or how to

Stakeholders and Nongovernment Organisations in the Niger Delta gathered in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Tuesday to discuss how to achieve a violence-free election in Nigeria. South / South Regional Editor SHOLA O’NEIL and PRECIOUS DIKEWOHA report

•The representatives of the NGOs that signed the resolution

take care of those affected in election violence. She insisted that government must deploy health personnel at various wards and LGAs to take care of victims of attacks during and after election. “That there must be ambulances, emergency units in all the local governments in the state including wards in case of violence. Look, violence is inevitable, there must be attack on the opponents, there must be ballot box snatches, it may be INEC officials or party supporters but it must occur. We should be proactive, and deploy medical personnel in all the areas where violence is likely to occur. In 2011 a lady was kidnapped a day before election, she said she was tied and later released after the election. Of course, violence is not only physical attack. Secondly we must protect the journalist; there must be life insurance for all journalists who intend to cover the 2015 election.” Another speaker, Egondo Ogbalor of Community Initiative for Enhanced Peace and Development who spoke on “Conflict Drivers and Area at Risk” indentified youths’ unemployment, poverty and monetary inducement as factors that contribute to election violence. She also said the emergence of strong opposition party and the struggle for political supremacy has in many time led to violence. She revealed that large amount of light weapons in the region and the increase in cultism/gang membership in our various communities must be identified as a serious factor of election violence. “Apart from these factors we have looked at various factors like gender, health, peace building, governance, youths and economic development. On the issue of gender we are asking what security measures are there for female electoral officers, observers, and candidates? What measures are political parties putting in place to protect the interests and lives of female candidates? “Health is very important but how ready is the health system to respond to the increased turnover of patients who may be victims of electoral violence? What should the health system do differently? How will services be provided in rural areas? On the issue of peace building what structures are in place to address post-election violence at the

•Mrs Okonkwo

•Egondo Ogbalor

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there must be ambulances, emergency units in all the local governments in the state including wards in case of violence. Look, violence is inevitable, there must be attack on the opponents, there must be ballot box snatches, it may be INEC officials or party supporters but it must occur. local levels (i.e., riverine and village communities)? “It is also important to look at the governance, what measures have the LGAs put in place to forestall violence in the forthcoming elections? What roles will local governments play to reduce electoral malpractice (e.g., ballot box snatching, voters intimidation, etc.)? We should also ask what are youth organizations doing to prevent youth involvement in electoral violence and lastly is economic development and we want to know what measures are in place to secure businesses from disruption as a result of postelection violence, arson and looting?” Mr. Terry Lacey, team leader Market Development in the Niger Delta, in his contribution noted that idleness is one of the factor that make young people see violence as an avenue to earn a living. He said if the Nigeria government could diversify the economy and invest heavily in agriculture, many youths would be engaged and their attention re-direct from violence to productive ventures. Lacy said: “The focus is to look at the market structure in the Niger Delta region and look at ways to develop critical sector like agriculture that could employ more youths to redirect their thinking from violence. We are looking at how Rivers State will produce ten thousands tons of fertilizer annually. Now the question is how do we bring this development so that young people will embrace it? If the youths will generate more income in this area, them they will disregard some of the things they see as

‘

worrisome. If the youths are properly engaged making money for themselves they will feel a little better about their communities and they will be interested to contribute to community development. “If the youths are jobless they will see crime as an alternative, until the youths think positive about their country they will not stop crime. Nigeria is doing better than other African countries, though she suffered bad publicity from the local media which affect her international relation. If we want violence free election the Nigeria newspapers must play a critical role to protect the image of the country.” At the end of the workshop, stakeholders agreed, after reviewing the 2011 elections, that the violence experienced in 2011 was postelection and that there is the need to put measures in place to prevent a re-occurrence. They called on all stakeholders especially youths not to allow themselves to be used to perpetrate violence during and after the 2015 elections. They noted that if the measures put in place do not totally forestall violence in 2015, then adequate proactive response mechanisms must be put in place to minimise unnecessary loss of lives and property and provide remedy for the wounded and traumatized especially the marginalized and vulnerable. Participants pointed out that as it was in 2011, the early warnings signs were very visible but that responses were reactionary, poor, ineffective and limited, adding, “And in 2015, the early warning signs are ominous and the Peace Accord signed by the Presidential candi-

dates of the parties must be enforced.” They commended the move by the initiators of the peace accord, but urged them to put measures in place to ensure compliance. They called on the relevant government agencies to put measures in place to prevent the outbreak of violence during elections. They suggested the need for the government to revisit the Justice Uwais Panel report on elections in Nigeria and explore the potentials of implementing some of the recommendations especially the establishment of the Electoral Offences Commission. It was also observed that there is dearth of adequate response mechanisms for the wounded in case of mass violence and called on the authorities to support and encourage the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) with adequate logistics to be able to play this role since the corps has shown that it is capable of responding to such complex emergencies and to minimize the pressure faced by the police. It was agreed that INEC, NEMA, NOA and other relevant agencies should establish and educate the public on who and what agencies to contact in the case of emergencies during elections since movement is restricted during the period, remarking that many lives have been lost due to delays in responding to these emergency situations. Participants called for the establishment of Emergency Health Response Teams (EHRT) as was the case during the Ebola outbreak to help manage those that may be wounded in the outbreak of violence. They decried instances of insufficient

•Mr. Terry

preparation and response by public and private emergency medical service providers in the area of staffing, establishment of treatment centers, supplies and ambulance services. Participants observed that in previous elections where there has been violence, female voters, female election observers, female electoral officials, and female candidates and party officials have been targeted through rape, sexual harassment and intimidation. They called on law enforcement agencies to put in place measures to protect women during elections especially in the case of the outbreak of election violence. They also called on politicians and their supporters to minimize hate speech, inflammatory and inciting statements that motivate violence and hate and to focus on issues of good governance, development and sustainable peace. There were also specific findings which include call on governments to employ resources in a non-partisan manner and avoid abuse of state resources for party interests. “Given the inadequacy of security in terms of numbers, efforts should be made to effectively deploy the few numbers to hotspots. The security of women should be brought to the forefront via developing security protocols, instituting community-based security arrangements, and creating situation rooms for reporting threats and seeking advice and redress.” The resolution noted that NGOs can use their media and other election programs to sensitize women on security issues. There is a need to set-up emergency health units to attend to victims of election violence. NGO networks could be used to ensure adequate supplies of blood and other items for the units. “All relevant groups – youth, organizations, governmental and nongovernmental – should be adequately sensitised against election violence. There is a need for value re-orientation. The poverty of today is the poverty of the mind. Poverty and unemployment can no longer be accepted as an excuse for violence. Encourage a network of security agencies, chamber of commerce, and trade unions, etc. to form a security task force for the elections.”

•Warri prison

Continued on pages 29

NE of the soldiers deployed to the area after the incident said the story surrounding the jailbreak was “very fascinating and confusing. It is the stuff that movies are made off. When we were younger we watched films like ‘Bangkok Hilton’ and recently ‘Prison Break’ and I tell you this is the closest to those films. “The reason this is really interesting is the height of the wall that the prisoners scaled. What you see from the outside is even shorter than what it is from the inside because the inside of the prison is set on a lower ground. How they still managed to climb and come down on the other side is what makes it more interesting.” Our source who craved anonymity, said the warders on duty that night later explained that after breaking out of their cells, the suspects made a long rope out of bed sheets and any other clothing items they could lay their hands on. With the rope, they made several futile attempts to climb out into freedom. The bits of ropes they left behind for bewildered prison officials told only a part of the story. Undeterred by the failure of the Tarzan routine, the felons were believed to have devised a more successful means: Using bundles of firewood, bricks and other available objects, they built a pile high enough to help them scale the high wall. The task, which could have taken up to two hours, was done without any of the guards on duty getting wind of it. By the morning the four alleged kidnappers who

were arrested for the abduction of the son of a prominent politician in the state, had successfully escaped. Looking at the prison walls from the Okere Road, as this reporter did, it was difficult to comprehend how dozens of security operatives, including soldiers and mobile policemen on an Armoured Personnel Carrier and their colleagues from the NPS, slumbered away while those they were meant to guard escaped out of the Okere Federal Prison in Warri. “The feat achieved by the suspects is almost unmanageable and the story is too good to be real,” a resident of neighbouring Oki street told our reporter. The circumstance of the escape gets even more implausible, considering that security was beefed up around Federal Prisons in the country in the wake of recent attacks by Boko Haram Islamic set on such facilities and other incidents involving the Okere Prisons in recent times. Our investigation revealed that the incident was the second break from the heavily secured prison in barely three years. It would be recalled that a couple of prisoners escaped from the prison in July 2011, by blowing up a hole through the prison wall with suspected IED (improvised explosive device). That incident was followed by a daring attack on prison warders conveying suspected members of a kidnap ring to the court for trial. The suspected who successfully broke free were members of a gang alleged led by the notorious Kelvin Ibruvwe. The smash-and-grab operation was carried

out in March 2013, two warders and at least four other persons were killed in that incident. None of these incidents above match the derring-do of the absconders of the December night prison break and none of the stories match it either in terms of the intricacy of plot or the fairytale ending. while all but a couple of the dozens that escaped in 2011 were arrested, the four men who slipped out of the ‘Okere High College’, as some residents of the city refer to the corrective facility, are yet to be found. There are suspicions of collaboration by some workers at the prison, particularly why the suspects were allowed to live in a cell that made it easier for them to escape. A retired staff of the prisons expressed surprised at how easily the prisons escaped, and also hinted that there was possible connivance with warders either on or off duty at the time of the break. “The cells that were supposed to be kept would have made it near impossible for them to contemplate or even successfully hatch the escape plan. This is because for one, the cell due them would have been one of the most secured cells considering the enormity of their alleged crime and the maximum sentence,” our source added. Our findings further revealed that some officials of the Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS) attached to the prison usually collect gratifications from crime suspects and those awaiting trial and in return allot to them choice cells and undue privileges such as the use of GSM telephone, meals cooked specially for them.

A former prisoner there told our reporter, “It is like a hotel; when you pay a certain amount of money, there are certain facilities and privileges that you are entitled to. This might not be the same as those who merely pay for the basic amenities in the hotel. So, although all prisons are equal, some are more equal than others.” Our source who asked not to be named to avoid stigmatization, revealed some prisoners live like royalty in detention. He said a very notorious thug who was in the prison for several years was so comfortable within the facility that ran his private businesses and executed more crimes from detention. “The man (names withheld) one of the notorious hoodlums from Uvwie area of the state. He was allowed regular visit by his girlfriends and other family members and he made telephone calls to top politicians and about anybody.” Meanwhile, in response to the incident, the prison authority and security operative in the state have thrown a very suffocating security ring around the infamous prison. A blockade, about 500km long, covers the entrance to the prison. The busy Okere Road has been closed to traffic from Essi Junction to the Robert Road U-Turn point. Traffic flow onward Okere Post Office is restricted to a single lane on the other side of the road, much to the chagrin of angry residents and motorists who are forced to sluice through the available single-lane are fuming silently. A taxi driver likened the situation to “shutting the gate when the goat had already escaped.”

‘Obaretin community needs help’

BARETIN village is one of the hundreds of villages located in Ikpoba-Okha local government area of Edo State. It is a community that is need of government attention as some of the few projects in the community were done through self-help. Basic amenities such as school, health center and market are lacking in the community. Chairman of Youth Association in the community, Osabouhien Uhunmagho, in a chat with Niger Delta Report said the community has written severally to local authorities on the need to provide them with a market and a health centre. Osabouhien said a large expanse of land has been made available where the above amenities could be sited if the local or state government were ready to fund the projects. He said the community resorted to self help by grading access roads, streets and lanes to enhance the rapid development of Obaretin. According to him “We have tried our best to develop this community and it has not been easy. We need help here. There were no good structures as in mapping out roads, streets, lanes when I became chairman but we

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

were been able to bring bulldozer to address the problems. “I have made sure we provided vast expanse of land were government can build police station, school and health center to cater for the needs of the people. I have just spent about six months in office and we are doing our best to attract government attention.” Osabouhien however said the community has tried to improved welfare of its residents through the provision of empowerment materials especially for the women and elders. In his words, “All the youths, elders and women were all given land to build their own houses. Six elders were given cars while ten youths and three women benefitted from the car gift. I have made so much impact that the elders, the youths and everybody are happy and proud of me.” “I strongly believe that by the time I would have spent three or four years, I would have completely transform my community. I am not after the money but what I am able to attract to my community in terms of development during my tenure.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

•Senator Chris Ngige inaugurating an electrification project

•Governor Liyel Imoke inspecting an electrification project in Obudu

Ayamara foundation leads campaign for non-violence in Bayelsa

OLLOWING the threats of war emanating from different quarters including the Niger Delta a member representing Sagbama/ Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Dr. Stella Dorgu, has deployed her foundation, the Ayamara Foundation Movement for GEJ (AFMG) to spread the gospel of peace in the Niger Delta. An astute and loyal supporter of President Goodluck Jonathan, Dorgu who hails from Sagabama, the local government area of Bayelsa State’s Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, does not want any blood shared on the altar of politics and electioneering. She believes that an election is not war. It should rather engender peace and stability. So, Dorgu has been busy touring homes of people in the eight local government areas of her state to educate youths, men and women on the need to ensure a violence-free poll next month. While urging them to vote for their kinsman, President Goodluck Jonathan, Dorgu told them that on no account should they take

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

to violence before, during and after the elections. She has also seized the opportunity to carry out voter education; enlightening the people at the grassroots on thump printing, Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and electoral process. Besides, Dorgu through her Ayamara Foundation has been able to engage youths in her campaign for peaceful elections. The youths are always led to the communities by the President of the Bayelsa West Democratic Youth Front for Good Governance (BWDYF), Mr. Afamukoro Ebiks. Recently, the foundation took its violence-free elections to Sagbama and Yenagoa local government areas and was received by appreciative people in the communities. The campaign excited traditional rulers, women and youths in the local councils. Ebiks who led the team urged the communities to play a key role in the

forthcoming election by ensuring they collect their PVCs. He reminded the traditional rulers of their roles in the maintenance of peace and order within their domains insisting that they are expected to double their efforts during the election period. According to him peace begins when people are allowed to freely exercise their franchise without intimidation. He, however, asked the traditional rulers to educate the people on qualities they should look out for before casting their votes. During the programme tagged, “Non-violence voter’s sensitisation campaign”,Ebiks explained that the major aim of the campaign is to enlighten the people on why they should get their PVCs, mobilize and vote, protect their votes and ensure they do not sell their future. He said the era of “sidon look” and voter apathy in the state were gone declaring that now is the period for people to participate in the election of their leaders. He maintained that patriotism in a country starts by en-

gaging everyone in all the process of elections. Also as the team criss-crossed Asamabiri, Elemebiri, Abuto, Kaiama, Odi, Adagbabiri and Sagbama main town in Sagbama Local Government Area, the National Secretary Izonebe Student, Mr. Oweifiye Success, admonished the student community to eschew violence and resist desperate politicians. He said the aim of desperate politicians is to deceive and mortgage their future. “This is the time to say no to bigotry and nepotism”, he exclaimed. The team, after Sagbama, turned their attention to Yenagoa. Armed with t-shirts and other materials with a message of peace boldly inscribed on them, the facilitators held town hall meetings in some of the suburbs of the capital city. They were accorded warm reception. Success said: “The aim of this campaign is to sensitise the youth to promote a peaceful election in the state by not engaging in violence so that

our votes can be counted . It is also to teach the people especially youths on how they can cast there vote peacefully without engaging in acts capable of promoting violence. Reiterating the foundation’s stance on non-violence, Ebiks added: “This is a movement for nonviolence. We want to preach peace in the state because the time for violence is over so, let us come out with our Permanent Voters Cards and vote for Mr. President again. “Nobody should carry machetes and guns. All we want that day is for you to come with your voters cards and cast your votes”. Reacting to the activities of the foundation, a resident from Epie community, Mr. Longlife Gilbert commended the efforts of the NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO). He said the door-to-door strategy adopted by Ayamara was good particularly to persons who lack have access television and radio.

Chevron inaugurates women facility for Ekpan community in Delta

S part of its corporate social responsibility to its host communities, the management of Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, operators of the NNPC/Chevron Joint Ventures, last weekend inaugurated the Ekpan Women Development Centre in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State. The facility was constructed under CNL’s Project Specific Agreement (PSA) with the Urhobo host community and is aimed at sustainable development of the host community through its women folks. The Secretary to the Delta State Government, Mr Ovouzorie Macaulay, who was a special guest at the occasion, described the centre as an edifice that would be a moneyspinner for the community and urged the people to put it to the best use.

From Shola O’Neil, Warri

Macaulay, who was represented by Mr Vincent Omorie, described the ceremony as a dream come through for the people, urging them to “own the project; it can also be put into other commercial purposes. It should be driven to enviable height. He assured that the government would continue to intervene on behalf of the community and other host communities in the state. Earlier in his remark, the General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA), Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr. Deji Haastrup, said NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture believes very strongly in partnership and is resolutely committed to en-

hancing partnership with relevant stakeholders to achieve the goal of sustainable development of communities around its areas of operations. Haastrup, who was represented at the occasion by Mr Trust Inimgba, said, “This achievement is a testimony to the company’s Tradition of Care for communities around its areas of operations and the value it places on women development as bedrock of the development of any society. I salute the Chairman and Members of the PSA Board, and members of the Project Review Committee for their commitment and selfless service.” While noting that NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture had continued to contribute to adding value to the lives of people around them, the Chevron’s

PGPA GM encouraged the Ekpan people to put the facility to good use and maintain it for the benefit of the community. In the same vein, Mr. Haastrup commended the Delta State Government for the continued support, which he said facilitated the successful completion of the project and also the Ekpan traditional and community leaders for their commitment and support in actualizing the objective of the PSA. He added that without their support and cooperation, it would not have realized its mutual dream of providing the facility for the use of the women. He specifically thanked the Secretary to the Delta State Government, Comrade Ovouzorie Macaulay, who

he said has shown high visibility throughout the planning and implementation of the project. Speaking on behalf of the beneficiary community, Mr Godwin Omasibro, Chairman of Ekpan Development Committee, commended the management of the American oil firm for judiciously and sincerely funding the project, which he described as “a befitting gift for developing the women of the community. “We sincerely cherish the commitment of the company to our wellbeing and socio-economic development and we promise to ensure that the centre being handed over to us today lives up to its primary objective of facilitating sustainable development of Ekpan community.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

NIGER DELTA REPORT COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

HEN you assumed office last year after Brother Johnson (AIG Tunde Johnson Ogunsakin) was promoted, I wrote you a letter. I remember ending the latter by saying; I sure will write you again. The time has come. Rivers State, where you are the Commissioner of Police, is a place the American Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle, has visited twice in the last few weeks. His mission: how to ensure elections in the state is peaceful. Permit me to quote copiously from my column last week to bring you to speed on the situation in your station. For weeks now, men without spine, men of brawn—and please permit me to add— who lack humanity and conscience have put Rivers State, the Lagos of the Southsouth, on the spot. It is either they are shooting guns or they are throwing bombs. And when they do it, they hide their face. They act under the cover of the dark and daylight. Aside guns and dynamites, they also use machetes and other dangerous weapons. Heads have been broken. Necks have been twisted. Arms have had hot leads pumped into them. And there was a woman whose back was reshaped with bullets. It is simply a tale of blood. The other day, I received the picture of a man on a hospital bed somewhere in dear Rivers. Blood was gushing out of the middle of his head. It looked as though his skull was broken. His name, I found out, is Emenike. In the picture, he looked dead. In fact, he was reported dead and condolences were sent to his friends and families. The picture was to illustrate a story for the next day’s edition of this paper. But, we simply could not use it. It was gory. My Editor, Gbenga Omotoso, cringed on seeing the picture and simply screamed: “we can’t use this. It is gory.” He was not the only one attacked that day. Others were too. They were at a meeting when they were swooped on by men of low moral standing, men who are so-called because of their physical possessions. It is baffling why anyone will agree to be anybody’s thugs. Poverty of the mind seems to be the only reason I can think of. Regular poverty does not explain to me why a man, whose children are probably abroad having the best of education or attending one British or American international school in Lagos or Togo, will turn another man’s children into thugs after arming them with guns, dynamites and machetes and some miserable cash that cannot take him out of poverty. These little tin gods sit on their wooden thrones and dish out evil instructions. There is an interesting ring to the violence in Rivers. Jerry Needam, who speaks for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, alleged that the Chief of Staff to Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Chief Tony Okocha ordered political thugs and APC supporters to attack a former chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government, Timothy Nsirim

OLUKOREDE YISHAU

ABOVE WHISPERS

•A weekly intervention on Southsouth people and matters

olukoredeyishau@gmail.com

Dear Oga Bature

‘

Sir, whatever happens during and after the elections in Rivers will form a chapter in your biography. So, it is your responsibility to ensure you are fair to all. I hear weapons have been amassed to cause trouble in the state. It is your duty to frustrate the plans of the evil ones. Do not allow the agents of the devil to have their ways. Cage these men who will arm another man’s child with guns, dynamites and cudgels to kill and maim— all in the name of politics •Bature

at a function in Rumueme. Needam described the alleged attack on as “criminal, barbaric and animalistic”. Nsirim, he claimed, was physically battered by Okocha and sustained major injuries all over his body and had his clothes torn to shreds. “The PDP

LAST WORD

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

‘

The Comrade governor (Adams Oshiomhole) has done very well.If I compare the Edo State of today with what it was when he took over the mantle of leadership, I will say he deserves commendation .He has touched all the sectors and you don't need to be told about the infrastructural development

‘

––– Edo APC Rep candidate Gideon Obhakhan

‘

therefore, calls on the Inspector General of Police, IG and the Rivers Commissioner of Police, CP to arrest and prosecute Tony Okocha. The party also describes Okocha as lawless, blood thirsty and one if not tamed, would cause crisis in Rivers State, ahead of the general elections,” he said.

But Nsirim’s father who is the King of Rumueme community, Nyeweli Omunakwe Nyeche Nsirim, accused his son of using thugs to disrupt the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally. According to him, the APC stalwarts in the community had duly obtained the blessing of the chiefs of the community to organise their political rally. He described as false the claim by the PDP that Okocha and other APC supporters attacked the former council chairman. The question I ask is: Is the traditional ruler lying against his son? It is gratifying though that Police Commissioner Dan Bature has condemned acts of violence. He even called a meeting of the leaders of the major political parties in the state. The PDP and APC traded words at the meeting. Bature has vowed to unleash the law on offenders. We are watching. One thing is clear, the bulk of those at the receiving end of the madness in Rivers are of the APC. The PDP says the APC is the one throwing the dynamites and attacking its own to buy sympathy. Really? Several APC supporters on their way to the official flag off of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential campaign in Port Harcourt were attacked by masked gunmen near Harry’s Town, in Degema and Sakpenwa, in Tai. The cowards were not bold enough to do it without hiding under face masks. They left many unconscious and in their pool of blood and fled into anonymity to spend the filthy money from their cowardly masters. Ask Aadum Pya-Alu , Deemua Beatrice, Sorbari Npebee, Barbe Jack, Victory Vinam and Wisdom Akpogbara and they will tell you tales that not only touch the hearts but break them. Pya-Alu’s leg shot by the cowards tell all the story; Beatrice’s back-arm can never forget the day hot leads were pumped into it; Npebee, who was shot in the head and neck, is lucky to be alive to tell the story; and elated is Jack for not dying as a result of the gun-attack on his stomach; so is Vinam, who was shot in the leg; and Akpogbara must be thanking God that the bullet he received on the head for daring to identify with Gen. Buhari’s aspiration did not kill him. One wonders what they think about the police’s claim that they were victims of armed robbery, yet their valuables were not taken. Sir, whatever happens during and after the elections in Rivers will form a chapter in your biography. So, it is your responsibility to ensure you are fair to all. I hear weapons have been amassed to cause trouble in the state. It is your duty to frustrate the plans of the evil ones. Do not allow the agents of the devil to have their ways. Cage these men who will arm another man’s child with guns, dynamites and cudgels to kill and maim— all in the name of politics. Shame them and see to it that the people’s will prevails. Bye for now Oga Bature.

BY MIKE ODIEGWU, PORT HARCOURT

Dickson, TAN and First Lady

HE Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN), a campaign group for President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid, is enmeshed in controversies with Governor Seriake Dickson. Keen observers expected TAN and the government to work harmoniously on the Jonathan project. TAN, at the national level, is known for its passionate and fierce campaign for Jonathan’s re-election. The group is believed to have been founded to explore, expound and express the benefits of the President’s Transformation Agenda. Dickson is not only the kinsman of Mr. President, he is also a Jonathanian advocate who from the inception of his administration vowed to pursue Ijaw national interest with the protection and projection of Jonathan’s Presidency the key element of the Ijaw affairs. In words and deeds, people believe that Dickson has not deviated from his averred support for the President. Despite similarities of purpose, TAN and Dickson have been living like cat and mouse Where then is the missing link? In fact, the subject of acrimony is the fate of the Creek Haven, sobriquet for the state’s Government House, in 2016. The governorship election holds in the state in 2016 and it is expected that the governor will be seeking a reelection. There are reasons within the state government to believe that TAN has an ulterior motive in Bayelsa beyond the purpose of galvanising support for Jonathan’s reelection in February. The group is said to be working to ensure that the governor does not return to the Creek Haven. The

group’s body language is also confirming the suspicions of the governor and his camp. First, was the sudden entrance of the group into a state considered by many people as lacking meaningful opposition to challenge Jonathan’s reelection. Curiously, the group has started gaining ground and setting up permanent structures in the state. Already, it has secured an edifice as its secretariat along the Isaac Boro Expressway in Yenagoa. The group is also making plans to inaugurate the secretariat. If the reelection of the President is the reason for TAN’s coming into the state, what then does it need a permanent structure for a secretariat especially considering the fact that the Presidential election is next month? This is the question agitating the minds of the camp of Dickson. Besides, the camp of the governor also reasons that TAN’s agenda in the state is a suspect following the sudden change in the group’s leadership structure. Initially, when Jonathan’s re-election was its only mission, the group was headed by the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Local Government Commission and former Speaker of the old Rivers State House of Assembly, Chief Talford Ongolo. But Ongolo and some loyalists of the governor woke up one day to discover that they had been unceremoniously stripped of their functions. The restructuring of TAN’s leadership undoubtedly became an issue and fueled the existing suspicion. Matters came to a head when it was reported that the interest and ambition of the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, was the reason

behind TAN’s rebirth. Dame Patience is said to have an ambition to remove Dickson and replace him with her friend and domestic aide to the President, Mr. Waripamowei Dudafa. Her sudden resignation as a super Permanent Secretary in the state’s civil service, her alleged influence in the posting of the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Valentine Ntomchukwu, to the state and her other underground activities are said to be geared towards realizing this ambition. Therefore, TAN is said to be the first lady’s vehicle to drive her Dickson-must-go ambition. On this premise, TAN is suspected to be repositioning itself for the task of leading anti-Dickson’s campaigns, formulating and executing strategies to outsmart the governor and kick him out of his seat. Since the TAN imbroglio started, there has been sharp division in the state chapter of PDP. Opponents and enemies of the governor have run to TAN to form a formidable force with the First Lady against Dickson. The group is now headed by the First Lady’s associate and former deputy Governor, Chief Werinipre Seibarugu. The governor issued a pack-and-go order to TAN. Before pronouncing the order, the governor had accused TAN of subversion. But TAN fired back at the governor saying he lacked the powers to order its exit from the state. It is only hoped that the gladiators will not use the innocent blood of the masses to settle their political scores. • This piece was first published last week.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

‘

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

ESIDENTS of Uzoakwa, a community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, want Governor Willie Obiano to rehabilitate one road that has giving them a headache. It is the Ezego-Ose-Akwa Road built by the late Chief Victor Nnamdi Okafor, popularly called Ezego. The philanthropist died 17 years ago, leaving his kinsmen heartbroken. But there is another worry: the road he built has collapsed in different parts and no government has looked in the direction of the community with a view to fixing it. The community has been crying for help. None has come. The community alleged that since the demise of their son, who was known for his philanthropy, some of his gestures, among which were the construction of inter-connecting roads in the communities, among others, successive administrations have continued to neglect them. They said the Uzoakwa Road is their only link to the busy Onitsha-Owerri Expressway. According to them, the rehabilitation of the road started in 2013, in the twilight of the administration of the state’s immediate past governor, Peter Obi before it was abandoned half-way. They now want Governor Obiano to urgently come to their rescue by completing the project before the next rainy season. The community alleged that the contractor handling the project had rehabilitated the Ezego Junction part of the road, but stopped work near the community’s popular Uzo-Igwe market. The flowers and street lights which the late Ezego provided when the road was first constructed had been vandalised, as

The flowers and streetlights which the late Ezego provided when the road was first constructed have been vandalised, as the dark nature of the road especially at nights sends shivers down the spines of first-time visitors to the community

•The abandoned Ezego-Ose-Akwa Road

Obiano urged to fix road By Emmanuel Udodinma

the dark nature of the road especially at night sends shivers down the spines of first-time visitors to the community. This is even as that the Project Description Boards, PDBs,earlier mounted at strategic sections of the road, had been uprooted. Residents who spoke said that the abandonment of the road had aggravated the erosion and flood menace on the Ose-Akwa section of the road. Even the popular entrance to the

once beautiful Ezego Crescent has lost its glory, as the heavenly trees and flowers that used to welcome visitors are now withered. Apart from this, Ezego’s magnificent country home, is decrepit just as some parts of the glass house have started falling off. The uncompleted duplexes inside the compound are still at the same level he left them. Also Speaking,a resident Sebastian Chime, said the abandonment of the road showed the level of marginalisation the community had been subjected to by

several administrations of the state since the demise of their son. Chime said: “The rehabilitation of this road to me was politically motivated. It was during the end of Governor Peter Obi’s administration that he promised to fix this road for us, prompting us to vote for his anointed candidate, Obiano. “Given what our people had suffered owing to erosion menace, our community leaders assured him (Obi) of our support, so that was how the rehabilitation of the road started. But

shockingly, the job was abandoned half-way in January 2014, and since then, we have not seen them on site. “This situation gives us much worry, because Peter Obi who gave the contract has left the reins of power, so it behoves on the incumbent Governor Obiano to come to our rescue by completing the project.” Similarly, Chief Hyacinth Nzomiwu, who also, lamented the situation said: “It will be a betrayal on our people, if Obiano continues to abandon the road this year. We assured his predecessor, Peter Obi of our full support for him (Obiano), which we fulfilled at the election that brought him in. So, we expect him to do for us, what he is currently doing for his Aguleri people and other nearby communities in his ancestral home.”

FTER the success of the maiden edition, candidates vying for office in Abia State will take on one another and seek to convince the electorate to vote for them. The event, according to its organisers, Modern Communication Limited (MCL), is billed to hold in Umuahia, the capital, and Aba, the commercial nerve, in February. It will feature candidates of various parties contesting for various elective positions in the state. The General Manager (MCL), Mr. Ogwo Agu at a press briefing, disclosed that the essence of the media chat which would be transmitted live on their terrestrial network stations in Umuahia and Aba. He said the effort was part of the company’s social responsibility in providing a platform for the candidates seeking various elective positions in the state to present publicly their programmes. He said the programme would also provide the opportunity for the electorate to ask the candidates questions. He also said a team of seasoned media professionals, captains of industry, civil rights activists would be on hand to seek answers from those who lead the state. Questions, it was said, will be asked in virtually every sector of the economy. Agu added that invitations had been sent to the expected candidates. Agu disclosed that the media chat featuring candidates for

•Mr. Ogwo Agu (second right) with members of the MCL team at a briefing in Aba

‘ to debate again in Abia Candidates From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

National Assembly positions from the Umuahia zone would hold on February 6 while that of the Aba zone would hold on February 7. He said that the debate sessions for governorship candidates would hold on February 20 and 21 in Umuahia and Aba, expressing the hope that the event would not only serve as any eye opener for the electorate in choosing whom to cast their votes for, but also add

Abians want the best in 2015 and we will never look back in giving them the best; that is why we are soliciting the assistance of journalists and our colleagues from other media to help us make this year’s event worthwhile

value to the building of a healthy democratic process in

the state. The MCL General Manager

who described the maiden edition of the programme as a successful one stated that participation in the exercise which they hope to sustain was free for all the candidates and added that they were acting according to NBC (Nigeria Broadcasting Commission) and INEC election guidelines. “Abians want the best in 2015 and we will never look back in giving them the best; that is why we are soliciting the assistance of you journalists, our colleagues from other media to help us make this year’s event worthwhile,” he said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

•From left: Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Boboye Oyeyemi; Mrs Chidinma Chidoka; Minister of Aviation and Guest Lecturer, Chief Osita Chidoka; Vice Chancellor, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Benjamin C. Ozumba; Mrs Chinelo Ozumba and Chief of Obosi, at the 44th Convocation of UNN with the Theme: Rebuilding the Nigeria Dream; Mapping the Building Blocks, at the Main Hall.

•Head, EFCC Southeast zone, Nwanjinma Okeanu (left) with the commission’s spokesperson, Mr Wilson Uwujarem at a news briefing in Enugu

•Anambra Commissioner of Police Karma (middle) with new Resident Electoral Commissioner E C Nwatalari and some senior police and INEC officials

•Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime (right) and the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi during the party’s campaign flag-off at Oji PHOTO: OBI CLETUS River Local Government Area

•Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha inspecting a newly completed headquarters office complex for Community Government Council

From Left: President, Exam Ethics Marshals International (EEMI), Mr John Nebo; Director of Studies, Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT) Graduate School of Professional and Legal Education, Prof. Gab Agu and chairman, ESUT Senate Exam Malpractice Committee, Prof. Alexnader Nnaji, at EEMI conference in Enugu

•Senator Chris Ngige (middle) cuts the tape to commission the Ifiteani Union Primary School in Agulu, Aniocha Local Government Authority. With him are residents of the community and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) PHOTO: OBI CLETUS

•Beneficiaries at a Sure-P free healthcare programme at Afikpo, Ebonyi State

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

Community celebrates Army captain T

HE newly promoted Major Chris Nwaogu and family wanted a quiet ceremony. That wish was not granted by the community residents who felt the decoration of their kinsman was too significant to be marked in whispers. That was why the Conference Room of 144 Battalion in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State was filled to capacity when Nwaogu was decorated with his new rank. Other junior officers and men of the Nigerian army serving under the command were also not left out in the celebration as they were on hand to cheer up their boss. Speaking after decorating Nwaogu with the new rank of Major, Lt. Col. Rasheed Omolori, the Commanding Officer (CO) 144 battalion congratulated him for being among five soldiers under him that got promoted since he was posted to Aba as the head of the battalion. Omolori who could not hide his joy on the progress the command have witnessed since he assumed office in 2014 disclosed that the former second in command of the battalion Abdulsalam was recently promoted and decorated with the rank of a Lt. Col and had since being decorated at the 14 Brigade, Ohafia by the brigade commander among others that were promoted. “Major Nwaogu is the fifth officer that is getting promotion since I arrived here five months ago. In

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

other words, it is five months, five promotions; I am a lucky man. Generally, we are happy that all these are happening in our battalion.” He admonished the newly promoted officer to make hard work, loyalty and commitment his watch words, reminding him that as a senior army officer, much responsibility was expected from him. Omolori welcomed him into the fold of the senior officers and reminded him that the new rank was not for pleasure but a challenge to show more commitment to duty as there was strict competition in the army now and as such only very brave and committed officers would make career in it. A former member of the House of Representatives and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Abia Central Senatorial District, Hon. Iheanacho Obioma who were among friends and personalities that graced the event said he was at the event to rejoice with the family of Chris Nwaogu and expressed delight in Major Nwogu’s promotion which he said was as a result of his dedication, loyalty, commitment and hard work to his service to the nation. He said he was proud of the officer who he described as a friend and brother and thanked the commanding officer of the battalion for his quality leadership which he

‘

•Mazi Jude Nwosu, MD, Crunches Fries (left); Chris Nwaogu (middle) and Hon. Iheanacho Obioma, APC chieftain contesting for Abia Central Senatorial District

Major Nwaogu is the fifth officer that is getting promotion since I arrived here five months ago. In other words, it is five months, five promotions; I am a lucky man. Generally, we are happy that all these are happening in our battalion

stated was responsible for the promotions that had come their way in such a short period. Another guest at the event and

MD of Crunches Fries Mazi Jude Nwosu corroborated Hon. Ihenancho’s position and added that he wouldn’t have been there to see

Nwaogu decorated if he (Nwaogu) weren’t committed to his work and prayed that God would take the officer he described as his friend to a greater height in life. Responding, Major Nwogu thanked all that came to rejoice with him and promised that he would not let anybody including the army authority down. According to the Ubakala, Umuahia South born military officer, “I want to say that I came from a military background, my father having served in the Nigerian Army and my elder brother is serving in the Nigerian Air Force. We have never disappointed and I will never disappoint this time around,” he assured.

Abia police step up violence-free campaign T

HE police in Abia State are not taking any chances in the run-up to the elections. They have been touring the state, speaking with just about anyone they think can help ensure a credible ballot. The state Police Commissioner, Adamu Ibrahim told our reporter on the phone that his personnel were not relenting in the effort to ensure a peaceful poll in the over

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

184 wards in the 17 local governments in the state, saying, they have started interfacing with various political groups to that effect. Ibrahim said, “We have been planning and preparing for the election for a very long time and not now. The preparation is ongoing. Even

this week, I am going to meet with party officials to still enlighten them on the need for violent free elections in the state.” He warned politicians to desist from making and issuing inflammatory statements and the youths avoid being used and dumped by politicians, saying that police and other sister agencies would not take it lightly with any person or group

that would want to foment trouble before, on the day or after the elections. “Youths should desist from being used as thugs by politicians or otherwise they will be flushed out. During the Christmas period, I asked the parents to warn their children to stay clear from thuggish acts, otherwise, we will not spare anybody arrested. “That is why I asked parents to warn their children to avoid being used by politicians as thugs. I want citizens of Abia State to keep on cooperating with police and other security agencies in the state to ensure that 2015 election will be hitchfree. “We are synergizing with other security agencies to ensure that the elections will come and go without any hitches and to deal with all political violators in the process. “We are calling on all abiding citizens of Abia State to assist us. A peaceful atmosphere is the best atmosphere for elections so that each vote of the electorate will count”. Continuing, the Abia Police boss

‘

said “I am using this opportunity to warn politicians against inflammatory statements in their political rallies or any other gatherings. “We are going to call all the candidates for a meeting where we will make our positions known.” adding “We are not relenting in ensuring that property and life of residents were secured. “Our primary concern is to make sure that security of Abians and that whoever that is residing in Abia would be properly protected during and after coming election. All our plans are marshaled towards ensuring that 2015 election is conducted in a free, violent free and secured atmosphere”. On what his office is doing to address logistic issues in the command Ibrahim said “Logistics are daily issues. We are not relenting in all spheres. The ability to manage what you have on ground to achieve what you want is what matters. I assure you that with what we have, we will work to achieve optimum use to achieve the expected result”, he assured.

He warned politicians to desist from making and issuing inflammatory statements and the youths avoid being used and dumped by politicians, saying that police and other sister agencies would not take it lightly with any person or group that would want to foment trouble before, on the day or after the elections

•The abandoned Osa-Akwa stretch of a road at Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

PEOPLE THE NATION

A FOUR-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

Former Miss Elfreda Ekinedonose, a medical doctor from Edo State, got married to her heartthrob, Johnbosco Obinna Onunkwo, an engineer with Agip Oil, in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. NWANOSIKE ONU reports. The groom’s father was Senator Chris Ngige’s secondary school teacher.

•Senator Ngige clinking glasses with the couple, Elfreda and Johnbosco

Destined for each other F

ORMER Miss Elfreda Ekinedonose and Johnbosco Obinna Onunkwo met at lunch sometime last year. Their eyes locked and they got talking. That was how they became friends. Their friendship grew and before long, they became an inseparable pair. Last December 14, Johnbosco led his heartthrob, Elfreda to the altar of Mater Misericodiae Catholic Church in Rumuomasi in Aba Road, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, to exchange marital vows. Their friends, family members, the high and mighty witnessed the union. It was a union that broke cultural boundaries. The groom, an electrical and electronics engineer with Agip Oil in Port Harcourt hails from Umuchu in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State; the bride is a medical doctor and a native of Eguare, Ekpoma in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. From the way they constantly looked into each other’s eyes, as they headed to the lectern where the bride took the first Bible reading from Genesis: 2: 16-24 and the groom, the second reading from Romans 8: 31-35, 37-39, it was obvious they were in love. Rev. Fr. Aloysius Ezeoke, who represented the Catholic Bishop of Awka, the Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor was the officiating priest. It was co-officiated by the parish priest, Rev

‘It was a union that broke cultural boundaries. The groom, an electrical and electronics engineer with Agip Oil in Port Harcourt hails from Umuchu in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State; the bride is a medical doctor and a native of Eguare, Ekpoma in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State’ Monsignor Cletus Mbarikatta. In his homily, Rev. Ezeokafor, enjoined the couple to respect each other and not allow a third party to come between them. The reception, was at Astech Arcum (A1), Event Centre on Stadium Road, PortHarcourt, where guests were treated to sumptuous local and continental delicacies with choice drinks. The hall was decorated with golden fabrics mixed with coral and aqua colours; the chairs and tables’ overlays were adorned with silver and wine apparels. The arena was designed with wine linings, coated with silver fabrics, which were the colours of the day. Before the hall was a decorated seat positioned for all to see. On the couch was boldly written in gold “love for the couple”. There was no turn-table music, but popular

crooner and brand ambassador, Flavour, supplied the scintillating popular ‘Ada-Ada’ song to usher the couple into the gathering. The groom, a Rotarian, who holds the traditional title of Akaekpuchionwa 1 in his community, looked cute in a navy blue suit, with a black tie and white shirt. Elfreda looked dazzling in her flowing gown, laced with silver beads. At the event were an array of comedians, such as Okey Bakassi and John Okafor who anchored the event. After the cutting of the five-layer cake, the senator representing Anambra Central Zone, Dr. Chris Ngige, proposed the toast. He wished the couple a happy married life. Everyone soon took to the dance floor with Flavour dishing out some of his popular songs. The couple danced in front of the mu-

•Senator Uba

sician. While the young Onunkwo kept stooping low, Elfreda twisted her waist to the delight of guests who watched in admiration. The couple’s parents, Sir and Lady Simeon Onunkwo and Mr and Mrs Worthy Gabriel Ohiowele will remember the day for good. The groom’s father, it was revealed, taught Senator Ngige in secondary school. At the ceremony were Nollywood actor Victor Osuagwu and Board of Trustees (BOT) member of Anambra Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Chris Uba, among many others.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

SOCIETY Last December 27, Mr Joseph Abiodun Falode, father of Joseph Adeyeye, Controller of Publications at “The Punch,” clocked 70. The family went to church to praise the Almighty and then later hosted their friends to a reception in Idimu on the outskirts of Lagos last week. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

70 hearty cheers for a lay reader

T 70, his dance steps seem remarkable. Many watched in admiration as Pa Joseph Abiodun Falode danced into St Paul’s Anglican Chruch at Idimu, a Lagos suburb. He seemed to be on top of the world as he sang praises to God. It was at a Holy Communion service, anchored by the Vicar of Idimu Archdeaconry, Venerable Taiwo Arowolo to mark Falode’s 70th birthday. The Bible reading was taken from Philippians 4:413. It was followed by singing of hymns, which ushered in the Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West Rt Rev James Odedeji, the officiating minister. When Bishop Odedeji mounted the podium, he thanked God for the couple, whom he had known for 25 years as caregivers and committed Anglicans. “The celebrator I know has been a consistent member of this church and has been instrumental to the founding of as much as five archdeaconries through his influence and intellect,” he said. The senior cleric enjoined all to thank God for all He had done for them. He appreciated Falode on behalf of the church, advising him to begin to be more conscious and committed to the heavenly race. “Indeed, 70 children cannot play for 70 years. Many born same day and year as Pa Falode are in the cemetery, while he is in the sanctuary of God,” he said. Those younger than 70 were asked to rise, stretch their hands to the celebrator and sing him the “happy birthday song”. After the service, guests moved to D’Cubicle Events Centre, on the LASU-Igando Expressway for the reception. Falode was ushered into the hall with music. His family members, friends and associates were there in large numbers. His wife, Caroline, was beside him. They were in attractive golden attires, the colour of the day. There was a question and answer session for guests. Mrs Falode decribed her husband as quiet and strict. Falode moved to Lagos from Ilesa in Osun State in 1963. In the 70s, he arrived Idimu, a small settlement of farmers with about 60 houses. He began the St Peter’s Church along with 12 adults and 15 children and was consecrated as the lay reader, a position he holds till date. At the ceremony were The Punch former chairman Chief Ajibola Ogunshola; Managing Director Mr Ademola Osinubi and Editor Martin Ayankola; Managing Director, Vintage Press (Publishers of The Nation) Mr Victor Ifijeh; the Editor, Gbenga Omotoso; Managing Director, Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) Mr Ola Oresanya; Managing Director, The Sun Mr Femi Adesina; Deputy Editor-inChief, The Guardian, Mr Debo Adesina and former Managing Director, New Telegraph, Gabriel Akinadewo.

•From right: The celebrator, Pa Falode; Bishop Odedeji; Mrs Falode and Ven Arowolo

•Mr Osinubi (left) and Mr Adesina

•Mr Lanre Idowu

•Mr Azubuike Ishiekwene and his wife, Rume

•Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Austin Akika

•Mr Dimeji Olona (left) and Mr Festus Ogunmuditi

•Mr Oresanya (left) and Mr Chidubem Obiodu

•Mr Eddy Odivwri (left) and Mr Akinadewo

PHOTOS: DAVID ADEJO

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

SOCIETY

Alaafin’s ‘chief guard’ joins octogenarian club The Sagbua Alaafin of Oyo, Chief Adebayo Makinde, marked his 80th birthday with a thanksgiving service at the First Baptist Church, Ikeja, reports JOSEPH JIBUEZE.

T 80, Chief Adebayo Makinde, the Sagbua Alaafin of Oyo, is still very strong. Apart from a few grey hairs, he walks straight. When he talks, his voice does not shake. He also moves about without a walking stick. What is the secret of his good health? He attributed this to living a simple life, eating only twice a day and not eating once it is past 6pm, and exercising daily, including cycling, walking and stretching. Most importantly, Makinde believes life is in God’s hands. “It’s God who gives good health. I live a simple life apart from being a strong believer in God through Christ,” Makinde said. Having attained the age of 80, Makinde wanted a quiet thanksgiving service in his church, without fanfare. But his children would not have it. To them, their father had done so much for them, and the least they could do was honour him with a befitting birthday party. And so it was. From the handicapped, widows and orphans, testimonies abound about Makinde’s caring and selfless nature. He believes in the aphorism: “givers never lack”. To many, his life is worth celebrating. A thanksgiving service was held at the First Baptist Church in Ikeja. Although it was a Saturday, the street and adjoining crescents were lined with assorted cars. Their owners, gaily dressed men and women, all headed to the church, also known as the “Prevailers’ Sanctuary”. The church was filled to the brim. A “worship in praises” was held, followed by a processional hymn, prayer of thanksgiving, Bible readings, choir ministration and a sermon by the President, Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Supo Ayokunle. The preacher said it is not many people that live up to 80 after going “through thick and thin.” “So, we’re celebrating not only the goodness of God, but His mercies,” he said. He said just as God led His people the Israelites out of danger, He would continue to safeguard His worshippers from bad leadership. “We don’t have sensible leaders who value Nigerians. It’s like giving leadership to someone who has been discharged from a psychiatric hospital. “A majority of those leading us are psychiatric patients - impossible people. Do they know who we are? How can leaders behave like animals in the midst of men? How can they embezzle so much? “Our God knows what we’re passing through. Our life will be sustained by our attitude and our cheerfulness. “Enemies will not see the road as you escape. God will make a difficult journey easier. The Lord that turned Chief Makinde’s poverty to greatness will bless the rest of us,” he said, to a loud chorus of amen. Reception followed at the Balmoral Event Centre in Ikeja. The beautifully decorated hall was classy, draped all round with hanging grey linen. Chairs were covered with orange cloth, while the tables, each num-

•The celebrator, Chief Makinde flanked by his wives Adedoyin (left) and Wemimo (right) to cut the birthday cake.

Prince Tunde Ponnle and his daughter, Mrs Yetunde Daramola

•Chief Toyin Matthew (left) and Chief Nurudeen Ashade

bered, wore white overlays. Neon lights blinked. There was a lot to eat and drink as gorgeously dressed men and women, mostly in red headgear, danced to the Messiah Band tune. A member of the 19-man team of organisers, Chief Richard Oma Ahonaruogho, a lawyer, was the master of ceremony. His lively handling of the event gave it colour. The celebrator’s friend, Prince Tunde Ponle, who chaired the event, describing the day as special. He praised the family for honouring Makinde in his lifetime. He wished him a longer life. “We’re still going to enjoy this man for a long, long time to come,” he said. Ponle thanked Makinde, for influencing his life positively, a sentiment re-echoed by several people who showered praises on the octogenarian. “The celebrant is my mentor. I’ve always looked up to him and wish to be like him. He’s humble; he’s humorous; he laughs. He has managed his wives as if he’s managing half a wife,” he said.

Wishing Makinde longer life and good health, Ponle said: “We want to see you celebrate 90. We want you to go beyond 90. We’re all here to rejoice. Congratulations and many happy returns,” he said. Other guests also paid tributes to Makinde. Rev Amos Omorisimi described him as an embodiment of hardwork and a man who has great passion for others and always ready to help in times of need. “Truly, you’re a gift to the world and a blessing to this generation,” the cleric said. Makinde’s wife, Wemimo, called him “a father in a million”, adding: “You are a wonderful husband, my mentor, my spiritual adviser and micro-financier.” His second wife, Adedoyin, said of her “darling husband”: “Our monthly food allowance always includes provision for unforeseen guests...your pharmacy has become a lifeline to many who cannot afford to pay for their healthcare.” A former Nigerian High Commissioner to Zambia, Chief M.O. Ogunmola, recalled that Makinde has kept a single personal driver for

•Chief Mamman Osuman SAN (left) and Chief Richard Ahonaruogbho

• Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu and wife Olori Bosun

over 30 years. “He is a very tolerant man,” he said. Makinde said he was excited to witness the honour done to him by his children, some of who schooled and live in Canada, Europe and America, while still alive. “I feel great. I didn’t expect anything like this, but I thank God. And I thank my children who organised this event. “At 80, that I’m able to see a thing like this alive - there is nothing greater than that. To be alive and witness all that people have said about me, I feel great; I’m happy.” On how he is prepared to face challenges that may come with old age, Makinde said no difficulties in life would be greater than what he had survived in his lifetime. “What other challenge will I have? I was almost crippled at one time, but God healed me. So there’s no other challenge I can face that can be greater than that. “That’s why I’m very happy now and celebrating God in my life. There are not many people who are as fortunate as I am to pass through difficult periods and come out stronger.

“If they tell you I’m 80, with the way I look and the way I move, you cannot believe it. I thank God.” His advice to the youth is: “First be honest in all you do. Second, hold fast to God. There’s nothing God cannot do for you. No matter the problem or the challenges, God is able to solve it for you.” Makinde, born in Lagos on January 14, 1935, attended the Baptist Academy and obtained the best result among his classmates in 1955. He subsequently obtained a diploma in Pharmacy and began his career at Kingsway Chemists, a subsidiary of UAC. Makinde later set up the defunct Jollitters Industries. He has been running Sata Pharmacy Limited since it was established in August 2007. A philantropist and former President of the Rotary Club of Ogba, Makinde is fondly called “Sagbua of the Century,” having been the first Sagbua Alaafin of Oyo in modern times (since 1982). In the makeup of the government of the Alaafin, the Sagbua is a senior member or officer of the ‘military’ arm.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

SOCIETY The remains of Deaconess Alice Ajoke Olanrewaju, mother of Oluwasesan Olanrewaju, former Special Adviser on Environment to Lagos State governor, were interred penultimate Friday at Atan Cemetery in Yaba, after a funeral service at the United African Methodist Church (UAMC), Ebute-Meta. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

•Hon Olanrewaju and his wife Mosunmola

•Mrs Bose Peters (left) and Mrs Labiran

A life well spent

T was a celebration of life well spent. The funeral of Mrs Alice Ajoke Olanrewaju was celebrated by her children led by Oluwasesan Olanrewaju, former special Adviser on Environment to Lagos State government. Deaconess Olanrewaju died last November 25. She was 98. Some of the guests, who came to pay their respects, wore the uniformed Ankara fabric with orange head gear for the occasion, while others looked gorgeous in their choice outfits. The funeral service held at the United African Methodist Church (UAMC) in Ebute-Meta, Lagos State and the church auditorium with its gallery were filled to the brim. Many, who came late, sat outside the church. The officiating priest, Bishop of Mainland, UAMC, Rt. Rev Matthew Olakitan began the service by asking the congregation to stand while other priests proceeded to the church’s entrance to usher in the remains of the late Deaconess Olanrewaju. Doja Funeral Home, Pall bearers, brought in the late Deaconess’remains in a brown casket which was followed by the priests as they went to the altar amid the rendition of ‘For all the saints, who from their labour rest’, hymn. Family members followed the procession. The choir later led the hymn ‘God moves in mysterious ways’ and Rt. Rev Joseph Adedayo of UAMC, Oke-Aarin, took the lesson from Book of Psalm, Chapter 90, verses 1-17. In his sermon, Rt. Rev Matthew Ayinde of UAMC Ebute-Meta, said the gathering was to celebrate a good soul, which was the reason her children were dancing and rejoicing. He prayed that the children will live well as their mother did. He said: “Mama served God well and God will give the children the grace to also serve him well. He read from 1Kings, Chapter 2, verses 2 to 3. He told the congregation that they would also die someday either rich or poor. “You must consider where you are going to spend your eternity. If Jesus comes today to take us, where will you go? Change your ways and follow God,” he said. After the service, some of the guests moved to Atan Cemetery in Yaba, Lagos where Deaconess Olanrewaju’s remains were interred around 2:22pm. The congregation and guests later moved to

Federal College of Education, Akoka, Lagos, for the reception. The hall and the additional tents were decorated in Orange and White, and they were filled to capacity. Virtually all the children and the grand children did not sit down throughout the reception.They were moving round tables attending to guests. Oluwasesan, son of the deceased, said his mother was everything to him when she was alive. “Mama was caring and loved all her children, grand children and great grand children. She did a lot for us and we really thank God for her. She rallied round everybody even to the detriment of her own well being. She took care of all,” he said. He added: “My most memorable moment with her was when I was in school and she will give me lots of food stuff. She even did same for my children when they were going abroad to further their studies.” The daughter of the deceased, Mrs Olufunmilayo Labiran, a retired Nurse from the University Teaching Hospital (UCH), Oyo State, described her mother as a disciplinarian. Referring to her late mother using the present tense, she said: “She is generous and a good giver. She gives to everybody even at her own detriment. I will miss her prayers. “ The late Deaconess Olanrewaju’s granddaughter, Yewande Olanrewaju, described her grandmother as wonderful, one in a million woman, who would not discriminate. “Grandma has been supportive since my father, Pa Emmanuel Olakunle Olanrewaju died,” she said. Obanikoro of Lagos, Oloye Adesiji Ajayi Bembe, who graced the occasion, said the deceased late husband was his uncle. He said the late Deaconess was a good mother who loved all without discrimination. The Ojora of Lagos, Oloye Nurudeen Olubiyi Agoro, said the deceased was a nice woman and worthy of emulation. “She served God to her last moment,” he said. Special Adviser to Governor Fashola on Education, Otunba Fatai Olukoga, said the deceased loved children and was kind to all. He said she had a good heart and did well for her children and everybody around her.

•Wife of former Lagos State Governor Mrs Abimbola Jakande

•Former Lagos Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Mr Francisco Abosede

•Otunba Olukoga (left) and Senator Ganiyu Solomon

•From left: Oloye Agoro; Oloye Ajayi Bembe and Ambassador Musiliu Obanikoro PHOTOS: DAVID ADEJO

BRIEF

RETIRED Permanent Secretary/Tutor-General in the Lagos State Ministry of Education Alhaja Teslimat Mosunmola Akinwade is dead. Alhaja Akinwande who passed on in London penultimate Monday was 55. At a prayer held for her in her Agege residence same Monday evening, a former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA) and LAHA Chief Imam, Hon. Abdulhakeem Abdullateef said the nation has lost a great woman. He described her as a committed and devouted Muslim. “Alhaja Akinwade,” he said, “had a keen taste for decency, honesty and integrity in following the injunctions of Allah and the traditions of Prophet

Ex-Lagos Perm Sec dies in London By Safiyyah Abdur-Razaq Muhammad. She was a community “We are all going to become developer who brought about history one day and after a while, peaceful co-existence among people would stop talking about us. members of her community and she Always seek repentance no matter always interacted well with the how much your sins are. Allah needy. She was also committed to always forgives for His mercy learning more about her religion. prevails over His wrath,” he said. She was a role model to a lot of The deceased former Personal people” Assistant, Mr Sulaiman He prayed Allah to forgive her sins Ogunmuyiwa described her as an and grant her Jannah (paradise). extraordinarily good person. Abdullateef urged Muslims to “I worked with her from 2005 to always do good deeds bearing in 2009 and I cannot think of any fault mind that death is certain. in her actions. She was always ready The former lawmaker told the to assist people and touched lives of congregation that the purpose of many. Her humility in discharging creation is to worship Allah.

her duties was unequalled,” Ogunmuyiwa said. The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Lagos State Area Unit in a condolence message also prayed Allah forgive her, shower His mercy on her and place her among the righteous. A statement by the Amir (President) Kaamil Kalejaiye said:“Alhaja Akinwande is no more but her righteousness and doggedness for Islam and Muslim remain and will be remembered; what do you want to be your remain after your demise? My brethren, let fear Allah and be righteous both in the open and secret.” Kalejaiye called on people in governance to emulate the deceased’s simple lifestyle and accountability.

•The late Alhaja Akinwande

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

SOCIETY Standard Insurance Consultant Limited chairman Dr Ahmed Salawudeen celebrated his 70th birthday at Goshen Beach Estate, Lekki, Lagos, penultimate Friday, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

HE breeze from the cool beach behind Dr Ahmed Olaniyi Salawudeen’s house was soothing. Those who made it to the upper part of the building enjoyed the breezed throughout their stay. Many who could not make it upstairs watched through big screens inside the compound. Although Dr Salawudeen planned a low key birthday, his philanthrophy attracted many to the ceremony. The Standard Insurance Consultant Limited chairman celebrated his 70 th birthday at his residence in Goshen Beach Estate, Lekki, Lagos penultimate Friday. People came from far and wide to celebrate with him. The celebrator’s staff were on ground to handle things. They attended to guests with courtesy: They were in uniform shirts with the company’s name. The guests in their simple but classy outfits struggled for space in the expansive compound. They came in dainty cars. Being a Friday, the programme started with Missioner of Ansar-udDeen Society of Nigeria (ADS) Mushin Branch, Imam Hassan Katibi delivered opening prayer. A recitation from the Holy Quran was read by Ustadh Idris AbdulKareem, followed by special prayers led by Alhaji Sulayman Jamiu, ADS Ebute Meta Branch missioner. The highpoint of the gathering was a lecture by an erudite scholar, Sheikh Muhydeen Ajani Bello. Though the firebrand preacher was not in his usual best, his lecture still held the gathering captivated. According to him, his relationship with the celebrator dated back to 1997 when the duo met in Ibadan. He described Dr Salawudeen as a simple person whose affluence hardly noticed when relating with people. He recalled how the celebrator stunned some lawmakers in Abuja with highest donation few years back during fund raiser for a mosque project. Many, he said, at that occasion wondered how a man in his simple Buba and Sokoto could outshine the politicians in Agbada at the function. He admitted that celebrating birthday is not in line with Sharia (Islamic law). Sheikh Muhydeen as he is fondly called said the essence of celebrating a birthday should be on the level of positive impact made on people. According to him, longevity of life is meaningless without better achievements. Shortly after his lecture, special prayers were offered for the celebrator and his family. He thanked Allah for preserving the life of Dr Salawudeen all through his years of sojourn in overseas. “He hardly stays in the country, always moving from one country to another. I am sure it’s because of the birthday that made him return to the country and will not be surprised if he leaves the country tomorrow (Saturday),” he said.

70 garlands to a philanthropist •Mrs Salawudeen

•Dr Salawudeen (left) receiving a gift from Alhaji Sanni and Sheikh Bello (right)

•Chief Adigun (right) and Mr Fred Ishie

•Nigeria Council of Registered Insurance Brokers president Mr Ayodapo Shoderu (left) and Dr Teslim Sanusi

•Staco Insurance Plc Chief Executive Officer Mr Shakiru Oyefeso (left) and Olaseni Alakija of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA)

•From left: Folashade Famuyiwa; Hakeem Fasetire and Sina Elusakin

Guests afterwards showered the celebrator with gifts including big frame; caricature of his portrait, cards, designer Quran, among others. The gathering later adjourned for Salatul Jumah. They reconvened for a reception where the occasion chairman Alhaji Ade Sanni eulogised the celebrator. Alhaji Sanni, the ADS National Vice President, prayed Allah to continue to bless Dr Salawudeen. He enjoined those present to emulate him. The reception featured toast to the celebrator, cutting of the cake and special dance between the celebrator and his wife. Congratulating the celebrator, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba

Samuel Odulana wished him long life and prosperity. According to the monarch, Dr Salawudeen "has done a lot for Ibadan but refuses to accept chieftaincy titles. If we talk of developments, he has done many things for Ibadan." Represented by Managing Director of Sahara Engineering and the Aare Ago of Ibadanland, Chief Olalere Adigun, the royal father described him as a fantastic person. Chief Adigun who has been a friend with Dr Salawudeen when they met in Germany 46 years ago, described him as a respected and gentle man. ADS Northern Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Adebayo Ibrahim described the celebrator as a man that add

•From right: Dr Feyi Soyewo; Alhaji Abayomi Adigun and Alhaji Muibi Adebanjo

•Alhaja Sinatu Salawudeen (left) and Dr Tutu Sere-Arije PHOTOS: SOLOMON ADEOLA

•Alhaji Basheer Shittu

value to humanity. "I have been relating with him for over 20 years and it has been very

exciting. He is not a member of Ansar-ud-Deen but a devoted Muslim. If everybody could emulate him, the society will be better for all," Adebayo said. The celebrator's wife, Mrs Tolulope Salaudeen, wished him many more happy years in good health and abundant blessings. "We have been together for 39 years; he is a dynamic man, a disciplinarian, tough but kind-hearted and generous person," she said. The Iseyin-born celebrator gave thanks to Allah for making the day a reality and given him good health. He described the day as good and wonderful. According to him, the philosophy of life is that all things come from Allah, hence his desire to assist humanity.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30 2015

COMMENTARY

FEMI ABBAS ON

“H

AVE you not seen how Allah has presented the parable of good deed like that of a fruitful tree which roots are firmly planted in the earth while foliage sprout gorgeously into the firmaments of the sky, yielding (edible) fruits every season by Allah’s permission? Allah addresses humans in parables that they may be mindful (of their deeds)” Qur’an 14 verse 24. It was a gathering of who is who among the Muslim leaders of the Southwest Nigeria last Sunday. The venue was the International Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan. And the event was that of the General Assembly, the first of its kind since the body came into existence seven years ago. Present at the Assembly were leaders and delegates of the Muslim State Councils /Communities, Muslim traditional rulers, representatives of the League of Imams and Alfas, including the Chief Imam of Ibadan as well as the Chief Executives of all prominent Muslim Organisations and professionals in the region. Chaired by the Acting President of MUSWEN, Justice Bolarinwa Babalakin JSC (rtd) CON, CFR, LLD who officially declared the whole day session open, the Assembly considered some important issues affecting the Ummah and summarised such issues in a communique that captured the thoughts and feelings of the Southwest Muslims about Nigeria thus:

Communique “The first General Assembly of the Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria was held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, under the Chairmanship of MUSWEN’s Ag. President, Justice Tijani Bolarinwa Babalakin JSC (retired), CON, CFR, LLD. MUSWEN is the umbrella body for all State Muslim Councils/ Communities, Muslim Organisations and Muslim professional bodies in the Southwest of Nigeria. The General Assembly was well attended by eminent Muslim men and women leaders from the six states of the Southwest Region.

Observations Given the current economic, political and religious situation in Nigeria, MUSWEN, through an appraisal at its first General Assembly observed as follows: •That the Southwest of Nigeria has a preponderance of Muslim population which forms a great workforce that helps in maintaining the perennial peace of the region despite constant unwarranted provocations from certain quarters. •That the situation of insecurity in the country today has reached such a dangerous stage where some ethnic groups and individuals are openly threatening the already fragile peace in the land without minding the implications and consequences of such threats.

Religious leaders and politicians •That some religious leaders in the country who are supposed to use their good offices to douse any religious tension as ordained by our various faiths refuse to live above board by clandestinely fueling unnecessary antagonism and mutual suspicion among the populace through their inflammatory utterances to the detriment of peace and tranquility. •That the public conducts of some politicians especially in the Southwest of Nigeria has become a serious embarrassment and big threat to the peaceful coexistence of the people in the region. •That majority of Nigerian youths, today, especially those of the Southwest, who possess qualitative education and physical ability to contribute meaningfully to the region’s economic fortune are jobless for no fault

femabbas756@gmail.com 08115708536

MUSWEN’s General Assembly of theirs.

Resolutions Consequent upon the aforementioned observations therefore, MUSWEN’s General Assembly, resolved as follows: 1.That the Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria totally condemned the bloody and destructive activities of Boko Haram insurgents who are masquerading under the garb of Islam to perpetrate unprecedented atrocities in some parts of the country. Islam stands for peace in all its ramifications and the perpetrators of such atrocities can only be called renegades as their actions are grossly antithetical to the tenets of Islam. 2.That the Federal Government should quickly devise a means not only of addressing the fundamental causes of insecurity in the land (i. e joblessness, poverty and corruption) but also of rescuing the Chibok children criminally abducted by Boko Haram insurgents and thereby bring relief to the distressed parents of those children as well as all the internally displaced people in the Northeast region.

Special prayer 3.That all Muslims in the Southwest region should organise a special prayer in all Mosques on Sunday, February 1, for a successful conduct of the forthcoming elections and peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians now and in future. 4.That all Muslims in the Southwest region should endeavour to obtain their permanent voter cards in order to participate effectively in the current democratic process through the forthcoming general elections.

Self-arrogated groups 5.That certain non Muslim groups in the Southwest who have been parading themselves as the representatives of the region under different names and disguises to the exclusion of the multitudinous Muslims, (as demonstrated in the case of nomination of delegates to the last National Confab where Muslims were totally marginalised) should stop such arrogation henceforth in order to sustain the existing peace in the region.

Dwindling economy 6.That in view of the current dwindling income from Nigeria’s mono economic standing represented by petroleum, a veritable and effective agricultural policy aimed at engaging millions of idle Nigerian youths as a way of curbing unnecessary restiveness among those youths becomes a matter of urgent necessity. 7.That to further advance the country’s economic tentacle, both the federal and state governments should immediately embark on massive training and provision of tools for Nigerian youths of various categories to enable them become entrepreneurial in their own right through artisan-ship thereby propelling their economic wherewithal if only to minimise the spate of idleness that engenders insecurity in the country.

INEC’s neutrality 8.That the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) should maintain neutrality in the coming general elections and ensure impartial conduct of those elections starting with distribution of the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) while politicians should cooperate with INEC by maintaining peace and tranquility in the country before, during and after the elections.

New leadership 9. That the General Assembly of MUSWEN has elected the erstwhile acting Deputy President, Chief (Dr.) Saka Olayiwola Babalola, CON, FFP, DSC (Honoris Causa), popularly known as Chief SOB, as MUSWEN’ substantive President for a renewable three years tenure. Some Committee Chairmen were also elected while the ratification of the Board of Trustees and membership of the Central Working Committee (CWC) was also done along with the affirmation of the adoption of MUSWEN’s constitution. All the Chairmen, Secretaries of Muslim Organisations as well as the elected and ratified Committee Chairmen are automatic members of the CWC.

‘MUSWEN’s vision is of a united and effective voice for Muslims in the region under a strong, veritable and collective leadership. This had eluded the region for a very long time but the right time has come.The overall aim is not just to raise the profile of the Muslims in this part of the country but also to imbue the Muslim youth of the region with the necessary Islamic ethics that will enable them live as true Muslims as ordained by the Qur’an and Sunnah’

Departed souls 10.That in its deliberations, the General Assembly of MUSWEN remembered and prayed for the souls of the Muslim leaders who have departed this world, including Professor Aliu Babatunde Fafunwa (the first President of MUSWEN); Alhaji Abdul Azeez Arisekola Alao (the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland and Deputy President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) who was also a trustee of MUSWEN; Sheikh Mustapah Ajisafe, the President of the League of Imams and Alfas in the Southwest region as well as a host of other demised prominent Muslim leaders. The communique was jointly signed by the new President, Chief (Dr.) S. O. Babalola, CON, DSC and the Executive Secretary, Professor D. O. S. Noibi, OBE, FIAC, FISN.

About MUSWEN For those who did not know, Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) is the umbrella body for all Muslim organisations and institutions operating in the Southwest geographical zone. This is the area comprising the present Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states. The idea of forming MUSWEN as the umbrella body for the Southwest Muslims started in March 2004 at the instance of ‘The Companion’, a Lagos based Organisation of Muslim business and professional youth elite. The body was inaugurated in Ibadan on August 10, 2008 with the attendance of virtually all the front line Muslim Obas and Chieftains. His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto was the Special Guest of Honour on that occasion where all Muslim organisations in the Southwest were duly represented not as guests but as full members. Their presence indicated their commitments.

Vision MUSWEN’s vision is of a united and effective voice for Muslims in the region under a strong, veritable and collective leadership. This had eluded the region for a very long time but the right time has come. The overall aim is not just to raise the profile of the Muslims in this part of the country but also to imbue the Muslim youth of the region with the necessary Islamic ethics that will enable them live as true Muslims as ordained by the Qur’an and Sunnah. The present situation of Muslims in which youths are still largely not educated at a benefiting level is quite unfortunate and intolerable. It is in order to end this gloomy situation and ignite a glow of hope that MUSWEN came to life as a formidable platform for the Muslims of the South West to prove their mettle. But why is MUSWEN so named and why is it restricted to the Southwest of Nigeria? The history of Islam and the conditions of the Muslims in the Southwest Nigeria are so unique that they require a special and appropriate attention. The presence of Islam among the Yoruba people who inhabit the area now called Southwest that even extended to the present day Kwara and Kogi dates back to centuries before the advent of Christianity and the coming of the British colonialists in 1842. Islam, being a religion of literature and education, had thus brought civilisation to West African for the first time, which tremendously impacted on the language and culture of the Yoruba people. At that time, Yoruba language was committed to writing in Arabic alphabets. Arabic, therefore, became the language of literacy and the medium of communication and scholarly discourse among Yoruba Muslim scholars. It is rather a matter of concern and even an irony that the same Muslims are now far behind their Christian counterparts in Western education. How did this irony come about? How can it be reversed? These questions will be answered in this column at another time In sha’Allah.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

MONEYLINK Sterling Bank pays $15,000 to SMAA winners

CBN demands daily forex NOP reporting from banks T HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday mandated banks to report their foreign exchange Net Open Position (NOP) everyday. The NOP is the ratio of dollars banks can hold relative to shareholders’ funds. Before now, banks were required to compute the NOP on a monthly basis using the Gross Aggregate method. The circular announcing the new change was signed by CBN Director, Banking Supervision, Mrs. Tokunbo Martins. The diretive takes immediate effect. She said henceforth, the NOP of foreign currency assets and liabilities (on-and-off-balance sheet) of a bank should not exceed 0.5 per cent of its shareholders’ funds unimpaired by losses. Some of the policy shifts, analysts said, are meant to stabilise the naira after it was devalued by eight per cent last November and has since, remained volatile, hitting N208 to dollar last week in the black market. But the naira is likely to steady next week on dollar sales by oil companies, while East African currencies are expected to be supported by their regulators. The naira is likely to trade around

Stories by Collins Nweze

its present level next week on the back of expected month-end dollar sales by some energy companies and intervention by the CBN. The local currency has remained volatile in the wake of falling oil price and the exit of offshore investors in local debt and equities last year. The local currency traded around N189.90 to the dollar on Thursday (in the official market), the same level it closed a week ago. The naira was however weaker than its Wednesday’s close of N186 after dollar sales from the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) buoyed the currency. The NNPC sold around $350 million to some lenders on Wednesday, while the local unit of Royal Dutch Shell sold undisclosed dollar amounts on Thursday, keeping the local currency stable. Most oil companies in Africa’s top crude exporter sell dollars to obtain local currency for their domestic obligations.

“We expect that the local currency will derive further support from the usual month-end oil companies’ dollar sale in the coming days,” Citibank said in yesterday’s research note, reports from Reuters said. Sub-Saharan Africa Economist at Renaissance Capital and co-Author of the Fastest Billion Yvonne Mhango, said the CBN has shown absolute commitment to dealing with dwindling fortune of the naira. The official devaluation of the naira, she said, allows the Retail Dutch Auction System (RDAS) to move within the range that straddles the interbank foreign exchange rate. “While the market’s reaction to the RDAS move in the near-term will be important, we think that these measures deal as comprehensively as possible with the challenges facing Nigeria. “While Nigeria cannot do much to influence the oil price, the combination of measures sends a powerful signal to all stakeholders on the CBN’s intent to do what it can to preserve macroeconomic stability,”

T •Emefiele

she said. Head, Equities Market at FBN Capital, Olubunmi Ashaolu said the CBN has by the policy, set clear cut objective on its monetary policy direction, adding that the stock exchange positive reaction was an indication that local and foreign investors now understand where the naira is heading. “As long as there is clarity and good investment climate, the equities market will benefit,” he said. He advised government to improve infrastructure, noting that such action would make Nigeria’s investment climate more attractive for foreign investors.

Bank PHB shareholders seek N58b compensation from CBN, Keystone Bank, others

OME shareholders of the defunct Bank PHB Plc have sued the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at the Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged illegal transfer of their shares to Keystone Bank without compensation. The plaintiffs are demanding N38.6billion from the defendants being “fair compensation” to them for the value of their investment in Bank PHB Plc. They also want N20billion as damages for the loss of value of their investments in Bank PHB.

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

By Joseph Jibueze

The plaintiffs are praying for an order setting aside the alleged unlawful nationalisation, compulsory acquisition and expropriation of their investments in Bank PHB. Keystone Bank, Attorney-General of the Federation, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) are other defendants in the action. The plaintiffs said NDIC on August 5, 2011, wrote the Managing Director of Bank PHB informing

126.59 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.63 1.39 1,737.59 1,104.62 112.91 121.16 1.67 1.29 1.32 0.95 1.17

126.46 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.62 1.33 1,737.59 1,103.85 112.30 120.30 1.62 1.28 1.32 0.93 1.17

O/PRICE 36.00 3.00 5.98 1.00 20.29 8.70 3.44 2.02 0.94 0.52 81.05 20.80 27.00

C/PRICE 38.75 3.20 6.28 1.05 21.30 9.13 3.61 2.10 0.97 0.53 82.50 21.16 27.45

CHANGE 7.64 6.67 5.02 5.00 4.98 4.94 4.94 3.96 3.19 1.92 1.79 1.73 1.67

LOSERS AS AT 29-01-15

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

FLOURMILL ZENITHBANK TRIPPLEG DIAMONDBNK RTBRISCOE CONTINSURE VITAFOAM TRANSCORP STERLNBANK STANBIC ABCTRANS NEM DANGFLOUR

39.00 17.02 1.86 3.95 0.65 0.91 3.79 2.90 2.50 27.00 0.55 0.55 3.00

37.05 16.17 1.77 3.76 0.62 0.87 3.63 2.78 2.40 26.00 0.53 0.53 2.90

CHANGE -5.00 -4.99 -4.84 -4.81 -4.62 -4.40 -4.22 -4.14 -4.00 -3.70 -3.64 -3.64 -3.33

court to declare that the action amounted to unlawful compulsory acquisition of their investments and is, therefore, unconstitutional, arbitrary, null and void. They also want the court to hold that the purported nationalisation of their investments without being paid compensation is unlawful and contravenes Section 44 of the 1999 Constitution. Nine of the shareholders sued for themselves and on behalf of others whose names were on the register of members as at October 2, 2009.

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

Inflation: December

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

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

CBN EXCHANGE RATES January 14, 2015

Monetary Policy Rate

GAINERS AS AT 29-01-15

SYMBOL CAP IKEJAHOTEL DANGSUGAR TRANSEXPR ASHAKACEM UAC-PROP REDSTAREX FCMB WEMABANK WAPIC WAPCO INTBREW OKOMUOIL

him that the bank’s assets and liabilities had been transfered to Keystone Bank. According to the plaintiff, the letter entitled: “Re: Exercise of intervention powers by the NDIC” purports to vest Bank PHB’s assets and liabilities, including the plaintiffs’ investments, in Keystone Bank. They said NDIC did so without any form of adequate compensation being paid to the shareholders. The plaintiffs are praying the

HE winners of the Social Media Award Africa have received $15,000 as prize money from Sterling Bank Plc. The prize money was handed over to the winners at the SMAA presentation tagged: ‘Night of Virtual Wonders’ designed to reward excellence among social media practitioners in the African continent. Each of the winners went home with $1,000. Already, the award is generating interest among institutions across the Continent as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs), African Media Initiative has indicated interest and confirmed training for all the finalists. It’s Chief Executive, Eric Chije commended the bank for appreciating excellence and contributing to the continued growth of social media, both in Nigeria and on the African continent. The 15 winners include Ben Kiruthi (Kenya), Blogger of the Year Award; Ayari Yassine (Tunisia), Social Media Personality of the Year Award; Michael Hlatshwayo (South Africa, Social Media Hero; Barefootlaw (Uganda) Facebook Page of the Year; Jimi Tewe (Nigeria), Twitter Handle of the Year and The Love Tour KE (Kenya), Influencer of the Year. Others are Republic of Rwanda Ministry of Youth and ICT, use of the social media for Government/Public Sector segment; DHL Africa for Private Sector; Stand to End Rape Nigeria for Non-Profit Organization; Adforumco (Nigeria) for Start-up/ MSME; KCB Group (Kenya), Financial Institution; Afrinolly (Nigeria) for App of the Year; #TheNiteTalk (Kenya) for Hashtag of the Year; Raha 2.0, Brand of the Year and Nigeria Trade Hub,(Nigeria) for Best Rated Platform.

Currency

Buying (N)

Selling (N)

167

168

13.0%

Foreign Reserves

$35b

US Dollar

Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

$45

Pounds Sterling

261.9395

263.508

Euro

206.2617

207.4968

171.546

172.5732

Yen

1.3838

1.3921

CFA

0.2944

0.3144

242.3484

243.7996

Yuan/Renminbi

27.1505

27.314

Money Supply (M2)

N16.42 trillion.

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

N17.2 trillion

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

Swiss Franc

16.5%

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

WAUA Tenor

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

Overnight (O/N)

10.54

11.17

Riyal

44.4906

44.757

11.94

12.18

SDR

243.2856

244.7424

13.08

13.33

14.03

14.17

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

FOREX RATES

R-DAS ($/N)

165.29

Interbank ($/N)

162.75

Parallel ($/N)

185.50

Jan. 13, 2015

Rates

T-bills - 91

13.65

T-bills - 182

13.88

T-bills - 364

13.65

Bond - 3yrs

13.81

Bond - 5yrs

13.85

Bond - 7yrs

13.83

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

THE NATION FRIDAY JANUARY 30, 2015

NEWS •All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Lagos, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle), addressing party supporters at the Lagos East Senatorial rally in Epe, Lagos yesterday. With him are: Lagos Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (third right), his wife, Abimbola (second right) Lagos APC Vice Chairman Lagos, Cardinal James Odunmbaku (Second right), Fashola’s deputy Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire fourth (left); Ambode’s running mate, Dr. Oluranti Adebule (third right) and other party chieftains at the rally.

•All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) flanked by Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiohmole (right) and the Eribo of Benin Kingdom, Chief John Oviasogie, when the APC candidate visited the Oba of Benin in his palace before the presidential rally in the city...yesterday.

•Lagos People Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje (left), the party’s State Chairman, Captain Tunji Shelle (rtd) and House of Representatives candidate, Oghene Ogho (left), at the PDP governorship rally in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos... yesterday

•Taraba PDP Chairman, Mr Victor Bala (middle), presenting the party’s governorship candidate, Mr Darius Ishaku (left) and his running mate, Alhaji Haruna Many, to the electorate in Bali, Taraba.

•From left: All Progressives Concress (APC) National Secretary, Alhaji Mai-mala Buni, Senator Danjuma Goje and the party’s National Treasurer, Bala Gwagwarwa at the APC governorship rally at Kaltungo, Gombe, Gombe State.

•Senate Minority Leader, Senator George Akume and the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) waving the party’s flag to his supporters at a rally in Zakibiam, Benue State...at the weekend. * Abia State Governor Theodore Orji (second left), National Vice Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southeast, Col. Austine Akobundu (left), Abia PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu (second right) and his running mate, Ude Okochukwu at the inauguration of the party’s campaign at the Umuahia Township Stadium, Umuahia, Abia State.

•Osun State Deputy Speaker, Mr. Akintunde Adegboye (fifth right); former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr.Kolapo Alimi (forth left); former Commissioner for Justice, Mr Wale Afolabi (forth right); Mr. Adebukola Atobatele (left); former Senior Special Adviser to Osun Governor on Legal Matters, Mr. Ibraheem Lawal (second left) and other lawyers staging a street procession organised by Osun State lawyers in support of the Muhammadu Buhari/Yemi Osinbajo presidential bid in Osogbo, Osun State.

•Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang (left), with the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Senator Gyang Pwajok at the PDP rally in Riyom Local Government Area... yesterday.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

NEWS ‘Obasanjo, Danjuma are misinformed’

•Head of Sales, PZ Wilmar, Ademola Aramide-Atolagbe presenting a car key to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Folyad Ventures, Mrs. Oluyemi Adenuga, at the presentation of prizes to winners ’National Devon King’s Cruise Promo’’ in Ibadan...yesterday. PHOTO: TAYO JOHNSON

Buhari: no power after PDP spent $20 billion

RESIDENTIAL candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC)

Gen. Muhammadu Buhari has urged Edo State residents to vote out President Goodluck Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on February 14. General Buhari said it was important to sweep away the PDP before the PDP sinks the country. He spoke at a campaign rally in Benin City, where a mammoth crowd welcome him and listened attentively. Gen. Buhari stated that he was committed to solving insecurity in parts of the country as well as providing gainful employment for youths, adding that it was “extremely dangerous for the nation-state,” to have 60 per cent unemployed youths. The APC presidential candidate noted that every household in the country was suffering from the effect of PDP’s misgovernance. He said the PDP lacked accountability in the management of resources and promised to focus attention to solving major challenges in the country.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

According to him, “when PDP came into power, NEPA or the Power Holding Company of Nigerian, both of blessed memory, were producing about 3,000 to 4,000 megawatts. Today, after PDP has expended $20 billion, we are producing less than that.” “With this amount of lack of accountability, there is no way Nigeria can survive. So before they kill Nigeria and kill us, we better vote out the PDP. We hope that on the election day, you will come out enough en masse and make sure PDP is constitutionally killed from Nigeria,” Gen. Buhari said. He continued: “APC government, by the will of God and Nigerians, from May 30, this year, we will make sure that we remove insecurity from the Northeast to Badagry, from Sokoto to Cross River and from Daura to Port Harcourt. We are going to remove insecurity. “There is nothing that nothing that we can do without security. So, priority is to firstly secure this country.” National Leader of the APC and former Governor of Lagos, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urged Edo people to embark on “common sense revolu-

tion” because the ruling PDP government failed to provide jobs for over 50 million unemployed youths, Tinubu promised that the APC, when voted into power, would revive the nation’s refineries. The former governor, who urged Nigerians to vote for Buhari “certificate or no certificate” described the party’s candidates as men of distinction and integrity. Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole said the story of Nigeria would change when Buhari is voted into power. Oshiomhole named insecurity, dead refineries, importation of petroleum products and lack of power supply as issues that would define the election. Earlier, Governor Ameachi explained that it was the desire of the party to match words with action, rather than the failed promises of the present administration. “Any government that runs on promises is not worthy to be re-elected because as a government running for a second term, you must show what you have done before. We cannot continue to leave on promises,” he said.

Fashola to open C & S conference

AGOS State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) will on February 5 lead other eminent Nigerians to open the annual conference of the Cherubim & Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria. The event holds at St Moses Orimolade Cathedral, EgbeIkotun, Lagos, the general headquarters of the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim & Seraphim.

C & S Unification Church of Nigeria is the umbrella body of C & S churches in Nigeria and overseas. A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the church, Superintendent Apostle (Dr.) Michael Adeyemi, said the conference with the theme: “I will heal your land”, would afford the delegates the opportunity to discuss on how to move the church forward and take a

position on the state of the nation. It noted that the development on the proposed Moses Orimolade University (MOU), which was being built by the church at Omu-Aran, Kwara State, would top the agenda of the spiritual parley, to be presided over by the Supreme Head (Olori), C & S Unification Worldwide, His Most Eminence, Prophet/Dr. Solomon Adegboyega Alao JP.

HE Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan On Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Kingsley Kuku, has said comments by former President Olusegun Obasanjo about him and the programme he ran were due to lack of facts. He also denied declaration of war by some leaders of Niger Delta ex-militants. According to Kuku, the reaction of former Defence Minister, Gen Theophilus Danjuma, on the purported declaration of war was based on ‘misinformation’. He promised to visit the two leaders soon to present the facts before them. Speaking yesterday in Abuja at a national discourse on

From Dele Anofi, Abuja

how to stop insurgency in the Northeast, the presidential aide said it was important not to react too quickly to the comments on national issues by former leaders because such comments might be from uniformed perspectives. He said: “I don’t respond to leaders about me because they may not have the facts of their accusation. “When former President Olusegun Obasanjo had to write a few things about me, as a person and the programme I run in his book, I found it difficult to respond to him because I understood very clearly that he didn’t have the right information. “Knowing Baba very well, I know the moment you pass the

right information to him, he ends up in the next two, three days fighting for you. “I owe him the responsibility of putting the facts together and take to him later. I owe him an explanation”. Kuku regretted that Gen Danjuma’s reaction to the reported declaration was hugely affected by the social media. He, however, asserted that there was never a declaration of war at the Yenegoa meeting two Saturdays ago. “Gen Theophilus Danjuma’s call for the arrest of some Niger Delta ex-militants due to call for war was due to lack of appropriate information. “I’m sure he is just reading social media, maybe he likes Facebook, Twitter and maybe WhatsApp.”

Fed Govt appoints Udeme as APCON chair

HE Federal Government has appointed the Group Managing Director of SO&U, Udeme Uffot, as the chairman of Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), The Nation learnt yesterday. His appointment followed calls by the advertising practitioners under the aegis of the Head of Advertising Sectorial Group (HASG) to President Goodluck Jonathan to rescind the appointment of Prince Ngozi Emioma, who was said to have been appointed in violation of the provisions of the law guiding the appointment of APCON chairman. In a letter to the Minister of Information by the Secretary to the Federal Government dated January 28, made available to The Nation last night, the Presidency said the appointment of Uffot should

By Adedji Ademigbuji

be effected immediately in pursuant to the provision of Section 2 (1) (a-d) of the Advertising Practitioners Act. Uffot was appointed by the presidency among other contenders: Ade Akinde, the chairman of Advertising Standard Panel; Funmi Onabolu, former president of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) and the Chairman of Media Link, Mr. Akinbobola Babu. When The Nation contacted the erstwhile chairman of the council, Mr. Lolu Akinwunmi, he said the decision of the Federal Government to rescind the appointment of Ngozi is because his appointment contravenes APCON’s laws. Akinwunmi said with the appointment of the new chairman, the new council would continue the reform which

created crises in the industry. He said the new council would key into the reform, as some of them were part of the committees that drafted the reform aimed at standardising advertising practice. Uffot, confirming his appointment, told The Nation that he was challenged when he received the news of his appointment. “Although I’ve not seen my letter of appointment, I was informed a few minutes before you called me,” he said. Speaking on the APCON reform, Uffot said there is a lot of work to be done, adding that it requires sacrifice. “I need wisdom to deal with this. With the experience of the council members, the APCON reform will continue. It’s a challenge and an opportunity to make a change. The APCON reform followed due process. We will sanitise the system,” he said.

PZ Wilmar rewards partners with cars, Z Willmar, producers of our new refinery in Ikorodu, cash prize atLagos Devon King’s Oil, has rewhere over 1,000 work-

warded three of its distributors in the National Devon King’s Cruise promo launched in October/November last year. The winners of the promo, FOLYAD Ventures, Akure received a Hyundai SUV Tucson, its runner- up, JamesVic Ltd, Ado-Ekiti got a Hyundai Accent saloon car, while Vicmart Ventures, Ibadan collected N2million cheque. Other prizes won by the business partners included tricycles, motorcycles, generators, mobile phones, among others. The Head of Sales, PZ Wilmar, Mr. Ademola Aramide-Atolagbe, said the promo

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

was to encourage customers, who had met their target in the sale of ýDevon King’s Oil. “PZ Wilmar, through its partnership with business partners, has created a strong presence for Devon King’s nationwide. King’s oil is no more imported again. At present, the joint venture investment in vegetable oil refinery and palm oil plantation stands at over N15billion, providing over 5,000 direct and indirect jobs in the country. Aramide-Atolagbe said: “We are now manufacturing it

ers have been employed.” He went on: “Motivating our partners is our vision. We put them first in all we do because they are our easy reach to the consumers.” Ademola-Atolagbe said the reward train would move to Benin, Abuja, Kaduna, Kano and Josý. The winners thanked the firm for fulfilling its promise, saying the quality of its product is its selling point. They said: “This reward items will encourage us to do more because the company has kept to its promise. This will increase our partnership with them.”

Election flakes starring: Ndigbo, Kerry, Dasuki, Tompolo, Amaechi, etc Continued from Back page What is Sambo doing in Chatham House, London telling the world how unprepared Nigeria is for the upcoming election and the need to postpone? Why would he make such sensitive political statement abroad? Would Britain’s chief of security come before a Nigerian audience and suggest to it that a forthcoming general election in Britain be postponed? Dasuki’s London bombshell has only led us to the suspicion that he is flying a kite for a jittery PDP that fears defeat at the February 14 election. We expect our security guru to reassure us about the debacle in the northeast of Nigeria. Need we remind him that the Boko Haram has grown in strength under his watch? What on earth was Dasuki doing in London the same period the gang was almost over-running Maiduguri, capital of Borno State!? A man whose house is up in smoke cannot be delivering lectures abroad unless he knows something we don’t know. Tompolo, Dokubo, Boyloaf and all that bluster Looking at these boys, it is apparent they were not born during the Biafran war or they were not old enough to make it into even the Boys Company. This must explain why they are always full of fitful noise and hot air. Someone must tell these boys that

wearing a huge frown and screaming at the rest of us is a telling sign of cowardice and fear. We are not impressed. No proper, well-groomed adult would invoke war. No real man who has witnessed real war would insist on war ever again. War and violence are the cheap commodities of idiots and untutored people. We must keep reminding AsariDokubo and his cohorts that Nigeria remains one entity under a constitution; election will hold on February 14 as scheduled, Nigerians will exercise their rights to vote their choice and the winner will preside. No band of boys bearing a few AK47s can change that. One’s real worry about the persistent threats of ex-militants like AsariDokubo, Government (Tompolo) Ekpemuopolo, Victor (Boyloaf) Ebika- bowei, Eris (Ogunboss) Paul and the rest of them, is that in their rascality, they are showcasing the innate weakness of president, Goodluck Jonathan. They are showing us that the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian armed forces requires an alternate ‘army’ to stand erect. It is sad that this last threat was made right before an elected governor of Bayelsa State, SeriakeDickson in Government House. Recall too that Mr. Jimi Agbaje, the PDP guber candidate for Lagos State had echoed this threat earlier in his campaign. It was indeed a rude shock that a man of Agbaje’s supposed

MACHINE 88 (JOBS)

enlightenment would mount a rostrum and threaten Nigerians to vote his candidate or be damned! Misguided youths who ought to be chided and called to order are now in the counsel of our leaders, governors and presidents. Does that explain why the ship of state is adrift? But have you noticed thatthese so-called ex-militants have become so fresh-skinned and bloated that I would wager they don’t want to go into the creeks anymore lest they drown. Besides, have you seen any billionaire fighting in any creek! Other flakes One, what is Governor Isa Yuguda and Mohammed Bala doing throwing stones at each other from the same (glass) house? What does that say of the PD.Two, that was quite maladroit of Governor ChibuikeAmechi to seek to bar the PDP from using the stadium in his state for campaign. If the stadium is good for his party, it must be good for the other party as well. No excuses, no explanations would hold water. Three, is it for real that a certain NdudiElumelu claimed he bribed some folks in PDP headquarters N750 million to swing the PDP Delta State governorship ticket for him? How come, a mere House of Reps member? Why, there so much money in this country and some of us are cooking our leather shoes to eat at the next meal?

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

NEWS Emerhor to boost monarchs’ role, restore power supply •APC candidate campaigns in Aniocha

ELTA State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, has promised to improve the state’s economy through prudent management of funds. Besides, he promised to concentrate on the development of the local governments by injecting additional funds into their allocations. Emerhor spoke yesterday at a campaign rally at Issele-Uku, Anoicha North Local Government Area. The APC candidate berated the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for squandering the state’s funds and enriching its members while the economy suffered. If voted into power, he said, his administration would ensure that state funds are used to develop the state to the benefit of the people. Emerhor said an effective collaboration with international development and multilateral institution, as agents for economic growth on capital-intensive projects financing, would create a stronger economy for Delta State. The APC candidate noted that PDP’s misrule had pushed Nigerians to seek an alternative government that would have their interest at heart. He said the political tide sweeping through the country was in favour of APC to form the next Federal Government. Emerhor urged Delta residents to vote for APC candidates in all the February elections. The APC candidate noted that the people of Issele-Uku had been cut off from the national grid, adding that his administration would restore electricity to the area, if voted into power. He assured the people that an APC government would bring massive socio-economic development to Delta State through proper collaboration with the 25 local governments. At the palace of the Obi of IsseleUku, Emerhor said traditional rulers would form part of his government. He condoled with the monarch, whose father passed away last year.

Okowa to empower youths From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

ELTA State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has said his administration, if elected, will give priority to youth empowerment. Okowa spoke yesterday when he campaigned in Warri. The PDP candidate said 70 per cent of the state’s population consisted of youths. According to him, today’s politics has a huge youth participation, thus the need for government at all levels to factor this into its programmes. Okowa hailed youths, particularly those of Warri and Effurun, for allowing peace to prevail in the two towns. The PDP candidate noted that “youths have agreed to peace, particularly in Uvwie and Warri” adding that “it is time to empower our youths”. He said: “Not only that, we will empower our women too through our micro-credit scheme by providing more funds. “We will develop the roads. We will complete uncompleted projects in Warri and Uvwie. “The Ekpan General Hospital (in Uvwie) will be taken to a new height. You know I am a medical doctor and I am the chairman of the Senate Committee on Health. In fact, Delta is due for health insurance.”

Thugs fire shots at Rivers APC campaign

HUGS suspected to be working for the Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) shot sporadically yesterday and attempted to take over the venue of the campaign of All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, in Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. Residents said thugs shot all Wednesday night in Omoku, ahead of the rally, apparently to prevent the APC members and Peterside’s supporters from giving the party’s governorship candidate a befitting reception. Omoku hosts the Federal College of Education (Technical) and many oil companies. It was learnt that the thugs attempted to take over the venue of the APC’s rally, but the policemen chased away the hoodlums. The campaign eventually took place without any incident.

•Police promise tight security From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

Rivers PDP Chairman Felix Obuah is an indigene of Omoku. A former Governor Peter Odili, a chieftain of the PDP, hails from Ndoni, also in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. Reacting to the incident, police spokesman Muhammad Kidaya Ahmad, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said: “The planned attack by hoodlums on the venue of APC’s campaign in Omoku was repelled by policemen, who took over the venue. The rally successfully took place. We will not allow attacks at venues of political rallies. “I wish to assure Rivers people of adequate protection of their lives and property.” Ahmad said tight security would be provided at the venues of rallies of all political parties.

He warned thugs to desist from attempting to cause a crisis or be ready to face the full wrath of the law. The National School, Okrika, venue of Peterside’s campaign, was bombed on January 24, with property worth millions of naira either burnt or destroyed. The injured are receiving treatment in hospitals in Port Harcourt, the state capital. The Okrika rally was later suspended to avoid exposing APC members to danger, although the party faithful said they would not submit to intimidation. APC’s secretariat in Okrika was bombed at Abam-Ama at 3:14am on January 11. Another secretariat of the party in coastal Ngo, the headquarters of Andoni Local Government Area, was also bombed at 3am on January 16. PDP’s thugs were accused of lead-

ing the attack, but PDP State Chairman Felix Obuah denied the allegation. The APC leadership yesterday addressed the media at the Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt on the political development in the state. The briefing was attended by a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Prof. Tam David-West; Rivers APC Chairman Davies Ibiamu Ikanya; Peterside; his running mate, Okorie Honourable Asita; representative of Rivers Southeast Senatorial District, Magnus Ngei Abe and the DirectorGeneral of Peterside’s Greater Together Campaign Organisation, Chief Victor Tombari Giadom, who is also Rivers State Commissioner for Works, among other personalities. Video clips of the attacks, shooting, maiming and killing of APC members, as well as bombing of the venues of the party’s rallies across the state’s 23 local governments of the state were also shown during the news conference.

‘Bayelsa received N17.5bn in two months’ From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

•From Left: Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Prof. Keniye Ebeku; Chairman, Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Blueprint Committee, Mr Isaac Okemiri and retired Senior Lecturer, Nigerian Law School, Mrs Onimim Jack, at a news conference on the allegation of plagiarism in Port Harcourt...yesterday. P HOTO:NAN

Forum to First Lady: justify 2.4m votes’ demand from Rivers A GROUP, the Nigerian Democratic Awareness Forum (NIDAF), has urged the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, to tell the people of Rivers State where the 2.4 million votes she boasted would be given to President Goodluck Jonathan will come from. The group noted that either Mrs Jonathan had no knowledge of how many people had their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the state or had a secret agenda to influence the rigging of next month’s elections. On Wednesday, during the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) presidential rally in Rivers State, Dame Patience Jonathan told the party’s supporters that the state would give the President 2.4 million votes on February 14.

•Alleges plan to rig Feb elections

From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

Addressing reporters yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, the group’s leader, Comrade Obiajunwo Dike, said Mrs Jonathan’s comment showed that the PDP planned to rig next month’s general elections. He said when PDP dominated Rivers State in 2011 elections, the state could not give Jonathan 2.4 million votes. Dike wondered how the state could produce such huge votes for one party when two strong parties are currently contesting for the

state’s votes. He said: “With the desperation in the mind of the PDP, I know that Dame Patience Jonathan was speaking the minds of PDP in Rivers State. But it is time to ask the First Lady to explain to Rivers people how she is going to get 2.4 million votes for her husband. “We are calling on the police, the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) and other security agencies to investigate this comment because this is not the first time she has been boasting that PDP must win in Rivers State, even without proving how the winning is going to be.”

Beheaded octogenarian: Police hunt for suspects

HE police in Edo State have launched a manhunt for the fleeing gunmen who allegedly killed an octogenarian, Pa. Osayande Goodluck Uwumarogie, at Irhirhi Village, Oredo Local Government Area, near Benin City, last Tuesday. The command has apprehended two suspects in connection with the killing. Police spokesman, Joseph Edogiawerie, a Deputy Superinten-

From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

dent of Police (DSP), broke the news yesterday to our reporter. He said the case had been taken over by the Homicide Department of the command’s headquarters in Benin. The spokesman urged the public, particularly families and kinsmen of the deceased to provide information

that could enhance the investigatio. Pa Uwumarogie, deputy head (Odionwere) of Aruogba community in Oredo Local Government Area, was shot and his head severed. His assailants went away with his head. He was said to have escaped from his ancestral home in Aruogba community when hoodlums unleashed terror on the community last November.

REC: over 14,000 PVCs snatched by hoodlums

HE Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dame Gesila Khan, has said over 14,000 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) had been snatched by hoodlums. But she assured that they would be replaced by INEC. Khan, who assumed duty on January 5, noted that the snatched PVCs would be “useless and meaningless” since card readers would be used during the February 2015 elec-

tions. She said it would be impossible for thugs to use the snatched PVCs to vote. The REC urged the thieves to return the PVCs to avoid disenfranchising the owners. The REC, who spoke yesterday on Rhythm FM in Port Harcourt, said anybody arrested for snatching PVCs would be prosecuted.

AYELSA State Government yesterday declared that it received N17.5 billion in November and December 2014. Deputy Governor Rear Admiral John Jonah (rtd), who read out the figures at the monthly transparency briefing in Yenagoa, the state capital, said the state received N13.5 billion and N14 billion for November and December. In November, he said, the state received N2.6 billion as statutory allocation and N8.5 billion as derivation. The state got N262 milion from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); N1.2 billion from other sources and N708 million from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in October. But Jonah said bank loans took N6.09 million; civil servants’ salaries, N3.9 bilion; political appointees N437 million; 18 per cent minimum wage arrears, N125 million; monthly overhead N877million and standing approval N242 million. He said the balance was N2.01bn adding that the recurrent payments stood at N1.3 billion and capital payments N423m. For December, he said the balance of funds was N4.3 billion. Of the N14 billion received in the month, N2.2 billion was deducted at source, leaving the state with a net inflow of N12 billion. The IGR, he said, stood at N630 million, adding that other sources contributed N4 billion and ecological funds accounted for N2 bilion. He said the gross inflow comprised statutory allocation of N2.3bn, derivation N7.4bn, SUREP N1bn, Excess Crude of N1.08 billion as well as NNPC refunds amounting to N1.6 billion, among other items. On FAAC deductions, the deputy governor noted that, the state’s pending bond repayment cost N1.2bn; commercial agricultural scheme N266m; fertiliser for 2015 farming season N2m; foreign loans N12m and refunds of arrears on derivation to Akwa Ibom State N131m, which was 16th of 24 installments. Bank loan repayment was N7bn, Federal Inland Revenue Service, N90 million, overhead payments N909 million, civil servants salaries N4bn and political appointees’ N425 million. The payments, N4.05 billion in all, include recurrent payments, which took N3.6bn and capital N445 million.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

NEWS

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2014

Military alleges sabotage in Boko Haram attacks on Monguno, others

HE military has accused some locals of sabotage in Boko Haram’s attacks on Monguno, Konduga and Maiduguri in Borno State. Also, the military has uncovered increasing use of childsoldiers, teenage-female suicide bombers and animals as shields to frustrate troops. Investigation revealed that the military has been carrying out a review of the Boko Haram attacks on Borno State in the week and the insurgents simultaneously invaded the three strategic towns. Although the initial clues suggested pre-emptive attacks against troops by Boko Haram, the military had uncovered other factors. It was learnt that the military was uncomfortable with the roles of some locals in Monguno, Konduga and Maiduguri.

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

It was gathered that the military was concerned that some of these locals or natives of these towns were used by Boko Haram to spy on troops and their locations. A top military source said: "Senior military officers knowledgeable about military tactics and operations concerning plans to launch the 'wipe off' attack on terrorists infested locations in the NorthEast claimed that the attacks on the three towns could be a further confirmation of allegations that there were Boko Haram moles in high places. "It is common knowledge that the military were preparing a comprehensive onslaught on the Boko Haram terrorists in an operation meant to rid the entire region

of insurgency in time for the February general elections. "The weekend's multiple strike by the insurgents was meant to slow down or even prevent and divert the attention of the military from commencing the determined operation against them. "Some residents of the affected community were also blamed for aiding and abetting the terrorists by providing information about troops' movements and wonder how the military can succeed in the fight against terrorists when those they are supposed to be defending are the real enemies. "The recent retreat of soldiers from Monguno occurred following betrayal of the troops by some locals who leaked

some information to the terrorists and subsequent attacks from strange locations within the community. "The multiple attacks by Boko Haram on Maiduguri, Konduga and Monguno in Borno State early in the week was a desperate and diversionary attempt to both preempt a massive onslaught and create avenue for escape for insurgent commanders." Asked why troops could not fish out such moles, the source said there was no way troops can turn against suspected civilians because they are bound to observe international rules of engagement. The source added: "Unfortunately, troops do not have the same leeway to operate

like terrorists because they are bound to observe international rules of engagement. "Attacks or retaliation by the military on suspected areas occupied by civilians could be tagged as human right abuse and negating international conventions on rules of engagements." Responding to a question, the source claimed that Boko Haram insurgents have changed tactics by the manner in which they struck in the three towns. The source said military also uncovered the massive deployment of child soldiers, teenage-suicide bombers, and animals by the insurgents. The source added: "But the most callous aspect of the at-

Candidates promise good governance

Candidate to replicate Israeli agric model

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

WARA State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Senator Simeon Ajibola, yesterday said he will replicate the Israeli commercial farming system, if elected in next month’s election. The PDP candidate spoke in Bode-Sa’adu, Moro Local Government Area, at the launch of his rally. He promised to tap into the abundant land resources in the state to actualise the plan. The event was witnessed by party big wigs, including the party’s former governorship aspirants and Niger State PDP governorship candidate, Alhaji Umar Nasko. Ajibola promised a more efficient local government administration and focus on the welfare of workers and pensioners, if elected. He scored the current commercial agricultural programme in the state very low. Addressing supporters at the rally, Ajibola promised to ensure that if elected, his administration would employ enough teachers for schools. The PDP candidate regretted that most schools in the state were currently poorly staffed. He said: “Kwara will become a food basket by providing enabling environment for all farmers under our government. We shall encourage and support commercial agriculture across the state. We shall go and copy from the nation of Israel which though does not have good land like ours or enough land like we do here are doing well in the area of agriculture.

tacks was the conscription and deployment of child-soldiers, teenage-female suicide bombers and animals to frustrate troops. "The increasing use of child fighters and women in their campaign of terror in the recent encounter is quite baffling. They used animals, armed children and occasional women to confront the soldiers while their commanders operate from the back and mostly in the armoured vehicles." The top source denied allegations that the military deliberately failed to protect civilians in Monguno, Konduga and Maiduguri. The source said: "Allegations that the military failed to protect civilians despite being aware that terrorists were about to attack the towns are faulty if the evidence was that civilians were already moving from the places that were eventually attacked."

•Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Mohammed Sidi (second right) aarrying a baby at the presentation of materials to Nigerian refugees in Niger Republic...on Wednesday. With him is Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Mike Omeri (right) and Secretary General, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Mr Bello Diram. PHOTO:NAN

Jonathan's convoy stoned in Taraba, Adamawa

WICE at two state capitals yesterday, President Goodluck Jonathan's convoy was attacked. The President led the campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Yola, the Adamawa State capital, and to neigbouriing Jalingo, the Taraba State capital. His convoy was attacked in both places. Windshields and windows of many vehicles in the convoy were shattered in Yola, according to Associated Press, which could not confirm if anyone was hurt. Police used tear gas and whips to disperse the mob. Soldiers guarded billboards and posters of Jonathan. Pro-

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

testers shouted that the troops should instead be fighting the Boko Haram insurgents that are holding part of the state. "Why are they using soldiers and other security operatives? They should be deployed in Sambisa and fight with Boko Haram, not with innocent civilians," one youth yelled as he tore down a poster of a smiling Jonathan. Sambisa Forest is where the insurgents have camps and where they are believed to be holding some of the 276 schoolgirls abducted from a boarding school in the remote town of Chibok in April - a mass kidnapping that brought

international outrage. Yola is housing tens of thousands of people driven from their homes in the five-yearold insurgency. The President's convoy was attacked when he visited the Emir of Muri, His Royal Majesty Alhaji Abbas Tafida, in his palace in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital. As usual during campaigns, Jonathan, on arrival, was driven to the emir's palace to seek the royal blessing. While the President was discussing with the monarch, hoodlums reportedly hauled pebbles at his motorcade. Also, while Jonathan was campaigning at the Jolly Nyame Sports Complex, on

Yola Road, the hoodlums reportedly invaded the PDP secretariat on Barde Way. The two policemen at the PDP office said they were overpowered by over 300 hoodlums, who invaded the secretariat. They damaged over 10 vehicles belonging packed on the secretariat premises. Questions were being asked on the identity of the hoodlums. Many said they were APC thugs, but another source said they were aggrieved PDP thugs. It was learnt that some PDP youths, on Wednesday, threatened to disrupt Jonathan's rally yesterday, because they were "abandoned".

Over 5,000 PDP members join APC in Kwara

VER 5,000 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in Asa and Ilorin West local government areas of Kwara State have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The defectors announced their action when the campaign train of Governor Abdulfath Ahmed, led by Senator Bukola Saraki, toured the local governments. A strident critic of the Saraki political dynasty in Ilorin and associate of Mohammed Dele Belgore (SAN), Dr. Saad Omo’ya, topped the list of the defectors. The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) history teacher served as the director-general of the 2011 campaign organisation of the then governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Belgore. The sudden appearance of Omo’ya threw the cam-

•Belgore’s associate tops list From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

paign crowd at Alanamu ward into a frenzy and wild jubilation. The academic had followed Belgore into the PDP when the Saraki group joined the APC. Dr Omo’ya told the crowd that he decided to run from the PDP, which he described as a burning fire, and seek shelter in the APC, which he said has enough water to quench the PDP fire. He said: “Don’t be surprised to see me here. I have been working with the late Olooye (Sola Saraki) in the 1970s, but due to differences in understanding, we changed parties. When we moved to the (defunct) ACN and you asked us to join the APC, we thought we could move away (to the PDP), not knowing that we were

moving into a big fire. “So, I decided to come out of the fire to where there is water. We will ensure victory for the APC; we will fight with all we have to ensure our victory.” Addressing reporters in Wara Osin, another defector, Hajia Aminat Abdullahi, said PDP leaders had no plans for the party’s members. “Our party leaders are selfish and uninterested in the progress of the people. All they do is use us for their purposes and dump us afterwards,” she said. At Ajikobi Ward, the home base of Senator Bukola Saraki, about 500 PDP members defected to the APC and tore their former party’s membership cards in the open. The same was repeated at Wara Osin/Egbejila, Badari, Ubandawaki, Ajikobi, OjuEkun/Sarumi and Alanamu wards, all in Ilorin West Local Government Area, where the campaign berthed on Tuesday.

ANDIDATES of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Labour Party (LP) Ado-Odo/ Ota Local Government Areas of Ogun State have pledged honesty, transparency, total commitment and accountability, if elected. Biyi Otegbeye of the SDP, Solomon Orisabiyi, of the LP and Olayiwola Taiwo of the PDP are for contesting for the Senate while Ogunola Babatunde, of the SDP and Tunji Akinosi of the PDP are House of Representatives candidates spoke yesterday at a debate organised by The African Foundation for Environment and Development (AFED), in conjunction with about 40 trade associations and groups in the local government. The debate enabled the indigenes to interrogate the candidates on their manifestos for the development of the local government, if elected. The chief organiser, who is also AFED Executive Director, Adeshola Afariogun, said the event was meant to expose the candidates to the electorate to enable them vote for the best among them. He said the local government was important in Ogun State and in Nigeria because of its industrial estates. Afariogun said the local government is the most populous, industrialised and the second most industrialised local government in the country. The organiser said AFED was established with a focal point on democracy and good governance. He added that the organisation tackled health, environmental and agricultural issues. Afariogun said AFED was also concerned local government administration, especially in the implementation of policies and programmes. He said the organisation was interested in building effective governance and service delivery at the federal, state and local government levels. The aspirants promised to tackle infrastructural deficiency, unemployment, outages, ineffective healthcare system and dwindling educational standard.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

FOREIGN NEWS AU deploys 50-man team to monitor polls

R Dlamini Zuma, the Chairperson, African Union Commission (AUC), has appointed former Mozambique President, Joaquim Alberto-Chissano, to lead a 50-member election observers to Nigeria’s general elections in February. Reports showed that Zuma gave the approval yesterday in Addis Ababa ahead of Nigeria’s general elections expected to hold between Feb. 14 and Feb. 28. Reports equally indicated that the country’s Presidential and Parliamentary polls are to hold on Feb. 14, while that of

Governorship and State legislators will hold on Feb. 28 across the 36 states of the federation. Chissano is to be assisted by the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Dr Aisha Abdullahi. Reports had it that the commission had earlier deployed a team of 15 long-term electoral experts to the country under the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM). Zuma said the long-term experts would remain in the country until March 11 to observe all the critical stages of the electoral process.She said

Chad ‘captures Nigerian town from Boko Haram’

C •Dr. Zuma

the 15-man long term observers are expected to be joined by Chissano’s short-term observers team, who were selected from different AU member states.

HAD’s army has driven Boko Haram militants out of Malumfatori town in north-eastern Nigeria, a senior official from Niger Republic has told the BBC. The reported capture of the town, which lies near the borders of Chad and Niger, followed two days of fighting. Both ground and air forces were reported to have been used in the assault. Niger officials said Chadian ground forces moved into the town after crossing Lake Chad. It is not known if the operation was approved by Nigeria. Boko Haram insurgents have carried out some cross-border attacks on Nigeria’s neighbours

in recent months, attacking villages and military bases. The group has seized dozens of people and taken them back to north-east Nigeria, where it controls a swathe of territory. The Nigerian authorities say they are doing all they can to tackle the militants but neighbours, including Niger and Cameroon, have said more must be done. Chad has already sent troops to Cameroon to help it counter Boko Haram incursions and last week Nigeria said the Chadian army would be fighting on its territory. The Nigerian military has confirmed that Malamfatori is within the Area of Operation (AOR) covered by the Multinational

Joint Task Force (MJTF) of which Chad has always been a part. The Defence Headquarters disclosed this on its official twitter. It said the Nigerian Air Force has also been conducting air mission in the area in the past two days now. The tweet concluded that the operation “is all part of the ongoing efforts against terrorism.” People who fled the area, told the BBC, they had seen military planes bombing the town, which is on the shores of Lake Chad. Some of those who left the town during the fighting are reported to have crossed into Niger.

NEWS Tompolo: Nigeria’ll break if Jonathan loses election Continued from page 4

chi states without any provocation? “Who is Gen. Danjuma if not for the oil wealth he is enjoying from the Niger Delta? He should be rather arrested for being behind terrorism in the North. “Where was Danjuma when Mallam Ciroma Adamu threatened to make Nigeria ungovernable, if President Jonathan defeated the All Progressive Congress Presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammedu Buhari? Where was this so called statesman when the APC campaign Director General (DG), Mr. Rotimi Ameachi threatened to form a parallel government if President Jonathan wins the 2015 elections? Where was this hypocrite when Dr. Junaid Muhammed, Muhammedu Buhari and Atiku Abubakar all said in separate interviews that the nation will boil if Jonathan won the election in 2011? “Is it the interest of Nigeria Gen. Danjuma is protecting or his oil bloc in the Niger Delta? Is it the interest of Nigeria Danjuma is protecting or his 50 million dollars donation to Gen. Buhari for his campaign? ”Let Gen. Danjuma and his cohorts know that they will not see any Ijaw man, the Igbos and others to fight on their side if the war that they are planning broke up,” he added. The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), in a statement circulated by its spokesman, Eric Omare, said the former defense chief’s call fell short of such expected from a statesman, expedition viewed against the background of the fact that he failed to comment while President Jonathan’s campaign train was consistently attacked in some northern states. The IYC, which claimed to be in the meeting in the Bayelsa state’s Government House where the threats were alleg-

edly issued, also described the reports of threat as misleading as such was never part of the meeting’s resolutions. The group however called on security agencies in the country to ignore the calls from General Danjuma and the opposition All Progressives’ Congress (APC) for the arrest of the former militant leaders as they were borne out of misleading reports. “We are surprised that General Danjuma swiftly called for the arrest of Tompolo, Asari and other Niger-Deltans, whereas he has neither condemned nor called for the arrest of those who have been consistently attacking the convoy of President Jonathan in the northern part of the country. General Danjuma’s call is not deserving of an elder statesman who is supposed to be unbiased rather than his obvious bias against the Niger-Delta people. Only yesterday, in Gombe State a supporter of President Jonathan who was pasting his posters was attacked and seriously brutalised. Why has General Danjuma not condemned this dastardly act if he is really an elder statement? “There was no time at the meeting the Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson, with youth leaders and ex-Niger Delta freedom fighters where it was resolved that Niger Delta people would destabilise Nigeria, if President Jonathan fails the February 14, 2015 presidential election. This did not form part of the resolutions of the meeting, which were read out by Hon. Kingsley Kuku for Governor Dickson to transmit to Mr. President. “The meeting was called by the Governor of Bayelsa State, to solicit support for President Jonathan from Niger-Delta youths and ex-freedom fighters. However, the meeting frowned at and its dissatisfaction with the persistent attack on the campaign convoy of President Jonathan in some northern states when General

Buhari, his main opponent, was protected and campaigned freely in the south during his campaign tour. Hence, the meeting condemned in the strongest terms the attack on President Jonathan and resolved that nobody can intimidate President Jonathan out of the presidential race. At the meeting, all the youth leaders and exNiger Delta freedom fighters resolved to put their grievances aside and agree to work for the re-election of President Jonathan. “Therefore, the report on exmilitants threatening to destabilise Nigeria in the event of President Jonathan losing the 2015 election is not part of the resolution of the meeting. The meeting could not have discussed that as we are confident that President Jonathan would win the February 14, 2015 presidential election. “We, therefore, call on Nigerians and the security agencies to disregard the call for arrest of Tompolo, Asari and others, which is based on a misleading report. The accusation levelled against President Jonathan by the APC is also unfounded,” the statement said. A former Minister of Defence (State), Dr Rowland Oritsejafor, called for caution over threats on the outcome of next month’s election, stressing that President Jonathan does not support violence. Oritsejafor, who spoke to reporters in Warri, Delta State, remarked that that the initial threat was reportedly issued at the Bayelsa State Government House does not mean that it was the position of the Governor Seriake Dickson, or that of the PDP. He said, “I can be invited to Aso Rock and then I make a statement; does that mean that the president supported what I said? Let us be very clear, PDP is a peaceful government with well-respected and responsible people. There is no way the PDP would support violence.

“Some people are making statements. I cannot come and defend those statements because I don’t know from where they are coming and I wasn’t there. However, as far as PDP is concerned, we will pursue peace and it is in our interest to pursue peace. “So why would we want to invest in violence when we have opportunity to show what we can do? You can hear the President going round, it is all about what he has done and he keeps rolling them out.” Pressed for reaction on the failure of security agencies and the Federal Government to take action on the threat, Oritsejafor conceded that he “would be worried if nothing is being done about it, but I don’t have the information and you have to be very careful when it comes to security.” “You don’t know what they are doing, except you have done your investigation. If nothing is being done, that is unfortunate and I need to find out,” Oritsejafor added. The leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, also yesterday, replied Gen. Danjuma in an abusive manner calling for his and other ex-militant leaders’ arrest for making provocative and inflammatory statements on Jonathan’s re-election. Dokubo-Asari, an indigene of Buguma, the headquarters of the Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State and a former President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), spoke yesterday by the telephone, said: “Danjuma is a big... “How can a … call for my arrest? “I was misquoted. I did not make any provocative statement in Yenagoa and I did not threaten anybody. President Jonathan has already won the election.” In Dokubo-Asari’s view with the “impressive” performance of President Jonathan, there is nothing to worry about.

Boko Haram in 130 villages, towns, says HRW Continued on page 4

investigated. “Government security forces have responded to the Boko Haram violence in a heavyhanded way, leading to serious human rights violations. “ Suspects are routinely abused, tortured, and held incommunicado in abusive detention conditions without charge or trial. “Local vigilante groups as-

sisting Nigerian security forces were allegedly implicated in the recruitment and use of child soldiers, and ill-treatment, and unlawful killing of Boko Haram suspects.” The report said more than 1,200 people were killed in the clashes between nomadic pastoralists and farming communities in some states in the North-Central in 2014. The report added: “In the

North Central states of Nigeria, communal violence, fuelled by competition for power and access to land between nomadic pastoralists and farming communities, killed more than 1,200 people in 2014. “Nigerian authorities made scant effort to investigate or prosecute those responsible for the violence.” The Nigeria researcher at Human Rights Watch, Mausi

Segun, said: “With elections around the corner, citizens should ensure that Nigeria’s human rights challenges are at the centre of the political discourse. “Unmitigated violence is a threat to the nation’s stability and to the well-being of all Nigerians, not just those in the North.” “Nigerians should be putting pressure on their govern-

‘PDP wants to stop Buhari with kangaroo court injunction’ Continued from page 4

from different parts of the world, for the elections have been kept in abeyance under the guise of security clearance. This is totally unacceptable, and it is another indication that this Administration has a lot of skeletons in its cupboard as far as the forthcoming election is concerned. We ask local and international observers to take note of this, and to immediately take the Administration to task with a view to ameliorating the situation. “We will like to ask the PDP and the Presidency: Why are you so frightened by Gen. Buhari’s candidacy for the office of the President? Why are you so terrified of facing Gen. Buhari at the polls? Why have you been engaging in a clandestine campaign to postpone the elections, when on the other hand you claim to be ready? If Gen. Buhari ran in 2003, 2007 and 2011, and there was never an issue with his meeting the pre-requisite qualification, why have you made it an issue now? Is it because you have realized that he is poised to shellack President Jonathan at the polls? Why is an interim government an option when Nigerians are willing and eager to vote next month? “While we will continue to appeal to our members and supporters to remain calm, we call on them, and indeed all Nigerians, to be vigilant, knowing that eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. We urged the CJN to be a bulwark against the abuse of the courts just to achieve a predetermined end. “We call on the international community to take note of the multi-faceted campaign to stop Gen. Buhari at all cost and scuttle next month’s elections to pave the way for an interim government that will benefit no one but the PDP, the Jonathan Administration and its cronies.” The Presidential Campaign Organisation of the APC also alerted of an organised plan to use the court to scuttle the forth coming elections to pave way for the declaration of a six month state of emergency in the country. The organisation, in a statement in Abuja said the Jonathan-led government has prepared Judge to rule that the APC Presidential Candidate lied on oath that his certificates are with the military and therefore disqualify him from participating in the elec-

tion. The statement signed by Director of Media and Publicity of the campaign, Mallam Garba Shehu, said the counter arguments by the APC candidate’s counsel on the issue would not matter because the particular Federal High Judge has been prepared to do a dirty job. He added that the calculation of those planning the evil was the pronouncement of disqualification of the APC candidate is expected to precipitate spontaneous violent protests across the country. Which will then enable President Goodluck Jonathan who is the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate to declare a six-month state of emergency. Shehu said further that the three-week long strike action by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) was embarked upon on the prodding of the PDP-led Federal government as a way to stymie any higher Court upturning of the lower Court pronouncement which ruled on President Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the February 14 election. He alleged that the same trade union has been procured to open the Court to allow for this Court Pronouncement in disqualifying General Buhari from contesting the elections. “We are aware of the intense desperation of the PDPled Federal government of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan in desiring to retain political power at all costs despite his and his party’s overwhelming rejection by the Nigerian people, ahead of the 2015 general election. The APC Campaign organisation called on the International community to prevail on this obviously agitated presidency not to plunge the Nigerian State into avoidable intractable crisis.

•Mohammed

THE NATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.10 NO. 3111

TODAY IN THE NATION ‘It wouldn’t be fair to say that Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has a patriot’s heart and the soul of the Nigerian ruling class. Whatever that translates to, this is not to trash Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s Finance Minister but to mourn the flightiness of genius within the footholds of power’

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

EFORE going into today’s topic, I like to respond briefly to a comment posted by an online reader on “Riding out the gathering storm (2)”. The reader was apparently shocked that I made the following statement: “However, if voters don’t care about issues of restructuring and constitutional amendment, we cannot force them and we must be reminded about the inviolability of Lincoln’s wisdom: Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.” The reader commented as follows: “Really? You are sure you believe this? This is a terrible world. But history will record this.” To which I can now respond that it is shocking to me that any democrat can be shocked about a statement that only re-establishes the fundamental principle of democracy, namely, that power belongs to the people and they may choose to use it to their own benefit or detriment. What exactly is so bizarre about this belief that makes this “a terrible world” is beyond my understanding. And why it would be an embarrassment to have history record it is truly incomprehensible to me. It should be noted that the quoted passage starts with “however” which indicates that some thought has gone before. That thought is the following: “Fifth, if restructuring is an important issue for the polity, it is not too much to ask the presidential candidates to explain their positions on it to the voters before they (voters) head for the polls. Hopefully, candidates will have opportunities for debate on issues because such is an occasion for the electorate to get to know more about their prospective leaders.” It was on the basis of the same belief in the inviolability of the people’s will that it was widely canvassed that the report of the national conference must be subject to people’s referendum. In light of this, an approach that would have been productive is to have restructuring as a ballot item in the general elections. This is how democracies give voice to the people. It is especially important in this case in view of the fact that ordinary citizens were not directly involved in the selection of the conference participants and huge populations were left out. Oke-Ogun is an example. That restructuring is good for the polity cannot justify its dictatorial imposition on the people. I can defend this principle anywhere anytime. Enough said! The 1999 constitution doesn’t recognise zones as administrative units. The North has especially insisted on this fact when it is

E: Southeast sinking with Jonathan? This question I raised here last week and it turned out it is a sore, delicate point. By noon of last Friday, I had received a deluge of text messages that would have crashed my phone if it were of Chinese mode. While a few saw my point and concurred that Ndigbo must vote with wisdom and open mind, a good number cursed and abused me. One went as far as calling me an ‘Osu’! Gee, what blind passion we exhibit in debates. Their concern, or rather grouse, as I could discern include the claim that Goodluck Jonathan is their ‘brother’; that North has ruled for too long; that General Buhari is a Muslim extremist; that Jonathan must have his second term as others have had and that Buhari being instrumental to making the polity ungovernable should not benefit from it. To reiterate the point of my article and give omnibus answers to the points raised, I say that Goodluck Jonathan is no more a ‘brother’ of Ndigbo as Muhammadu Buhari. As an instance, Igbo properties were hijacked in Kano during the civil war as they were in Port Harcourt. Two, has the constitution banished people from up the Niger from participating in the polity just because Northern generals ruled during our years of interregnums? That Buhari is an extremist is sheer propaganda orchestrated by his opponents. He is just an average Nigerian persona who would seek to allow his people a little edge at any given opportunity. That is human nature. Lastly, that Buhari might be even remotely linked to the Boko Haram carnage in the Northeast of Nigeria is as insensible as it is insensate. It will take an extremely foolish and irrational person to unleash or even condone such killings and destruction of his people as we have witnessed. Need one remind that he too was almost killed; mosques (including the Central mosque in Kano) have

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

Campaign clowns, zonal zealots and partisan priests (2) convenient. This time around, there appears to be a competition between the South and the North in the recourse to zonal zealotry. There is a “my zone or nothing” mentality in the air surrounding the 2015 presidential election. It is against logic. It is against reason. It is against morality. And the presidential candidates are not oblivious of the contradictions in the message of their zonal zealots. The North cannot by itself produce the ballots that would make GMB president. The South by itself cannot re-elect GEJ. So what is the point of the zonal endorsements and the threats that have been issued ad nauseam? And do these zealots know what damage they are doing to their “candidates”? Can any of the candidates afford to be tagged a “northern” or “southern” president? There is a long history of the North-South dichotomy and rivalry, occasioned by the “divide and rule” policy effectively adopted by the British. Pre-independence suspicions mushroomed into post-independence conflicts with wounds still fresh and raw. Innumerable conferences have failed to produce a lasting solution. We don’t have one country and at every point we make it clear that we are irredeemably divided. The North seek a president that is of their stock and the South want one of their own. With the way things are, one of them will have her wish. But will Nigeria have her wish? Where is the president that is of Nigerian stock? According to media reports, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) declared that: “It is

the policy of the ACF to support any northerner in any presidential election.” This is not good news for GMB because what it implies is that the North does not support him because of his qualities, which many Nigerians have espoused, but simply because he is a son of the North. Furthermore, it follows that even if any political party presents ANY NORTHERNER no matter his qualities or qualification, the North will support him. On her part, the South-South has gone further than just endorsing GEJ. At a January 23rd meeting hosted by the Bayelsa State Government, with the governor in attendance, Niger Delta militants threatened to “unleash violence on the country and take back Niger Delta oil, should Mr. Jonathan lose re-election.” This means that where the zone’s wish is unfulfilled because her “son” loses, Nigeria will be punished for acceding to the dictates of democracy that the minority may have its say, but the majority will have its will. Candidates know or ought to know better. However, I have not seen a clear statement from either of the major party candidates dissociating himself from the excesses of zonal zealots as contained in the above-stated declarations. Is it a tacit support for zonal hegemonists? Priests have also found their way into partisan mudslinging. To be sure, this is not an equalopportunity malaise across the religious divide. And it is surprising that the religion that claims to speak to the whole of life including the spiritual and the secular has been the less aggressive in this election cycle. The only

STEVE OSUJI

EXPRESSO

steve.osuji@yahoo.com

•Columnist of the Year (NMMA)

Election flakes starring: Ndigbo, Kerry, Dasuki, Tompolo, Amaechi, etc been bombed during prayers, Emirates have been sacked and emirs killed in cold blood. It will be unfair to blame these heinous acts on Buhari. The questions many chose to shy away from or deflect are whether Jonathan has the requisite capacity to run this country; whether he has tackled some of the problems confronting the country today adequately and whether he has performed well in office to deserve our votes once more? Let’s not also forget that a northerner picked an Igbo man as vice president shortly after the civil war and that there are probably more Igbo who have found home across the North than in the South.More important, Ndigbo must eschew primordial sentiments and vote wisely in the overall interest of the country. John Kerry to Nigerian leaders: behave or be busted No, that is not exactly the message though that is how it eventually came across in the media. It is the problem with this thing called

news-peg. It was a most timeous and significant visit. I want to see it as the most symbolic move the US has made in Nigeria in a long while. John Kerry, the powerful US Secretary of State, visited us over the weekend. He met separately with the two front runners in the presidential election of February 14. He spoke pointedly to them on the need to conduct a

OLA TUNJI OL OLADE OLATUNJI OLOLADE

prominent voice of Islam that has come out this time is Alhaji Gumi, and he has been as balanced as anyone can reasonably expect. Yet Islam is non apologetic about its incursion into all the areas of life of the believer. On the other hand, however, Christian priests have thrown caution to the wind in their campaign for and against the major presidential candidates. There is Father Mbaka of the Adoration Ministry who was for Jonathan before he was against Jonathan, making him the flip-flopper on the altar. And there is Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, CAN President, who has not hidden his partisanship in words and action. Then we have the Prelate of the Methodist Church, Reverend Samuel Chukwuemeka Uche, who conveniently forgot the meaning of his calling and the example of the Master that he chose to follow who reminded us that His Kingdom was not of this world. The Prelate, who has nothing to say about Niger Delta militants’ intention to declare war should the President lose, calls on the Federal Government to arrest and prosecute Governor Rotimi Amaechi and others for exercising their constitutional right to free speech and suggesting that they were prepared to form a parallel government should APC lose in an unfair election. The Prelate conveniently chooses to forget that we are in a democracy and freedom of speech is a right under the constitution. Not satisfied with his assault on free speech, the Reverend also “tasks the government to quickly come up with legislation that would enable the authorities to jail for no less than 12 years any presidential candidate that “misbehaves.”” For good measure, the legislation, from presentation to presidential assent, must take no more than two weeks. It doesn’t matter that we don’t have a definition of “misbehaviour”. Prelate Uche also delves into the Boko Haram tragedy by painting whole populations with the terrorist brush with the observation that “95% of those fighting our country are of Fulani and Kanuri origin.” He then asks: “Why are they aggrieved? Two, who are their sponsors?” Boko Haram has volunteered information on the first question. They want to establish their own brand of Islam and their victims have been both Christians and Muslims, majority of who are also Fulani and Kanuri. Instead of demonising entire groups, our priests should empathise with terror victims some of whom may belong to their denomination. With priests as partisans, pray who needs politicians? •For comments, send SMS to 08111813080 peaceful election. And he urged “all of Nigeria’s candidates to do what is best for their country no matter the outcome on election day.” That is quite profound if the candidates truly understand the import of the statement. But when he closed on this note: “So let me be clear: Anyone who participates in, plans, or calls for widespread or systematic violence against the civilian population must be held accountable, including by ineligibility for an American visa,” it became the news and overshadowed the import of the message. But any Nigerian patriot must commend the US for this timely intervention disregarding how it rubs off on us at the moment. SamboDasuki ricochets in London Let me confess upfront that Col. SamboDasuki, the National Security Adviser, NSA, had long disappointed most of us who thought the world of his prowess. We were benumbed enough that his tenure has had little impact on the rampaging terror group, Boko Haram, now he seems to dabble into extraneous matters and throws so many spanners in the works.

•Continued

on page 57

To Gov. Amosun, game-changer at 57

HIS is a salute to Ogun State’s man of steel and bulldozer, Governor Ibikunle Amosun, as he turned 57 last week. He is one of the few examples of what a long time four years can be and what far-reaching achievements can be crammed into a term of office. He also debunks the myth that some states are not viable because they get little allocation from the Federation Account. The outstanding, if not astonishing performance of Amosun in Ogun seems so

unassailable that even his opponents seem flat-footed and flailing. Anyone who knew Abeokuta, Ota and other towns of Ogun only needed to return there and marvel. Ogun people should never have any difficulty reelecting their governor to complete the job he has started. This is wishing the game-changer many more active years ahead. •For comments, send SMS to 08111526725

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