July 12, 2013

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VOL. 8, NO. 2544 FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

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CRISIS IN RIVERS

Amaechi: we’re under siege Presidency behind crisis, say CPC, CNPP It’s federal might, says Aliyu Yesterday, they were shooting tear gas into Government House. When we were meeting with the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) today, the Police claimed that it was inadvertent —Amaechi

R

IVERS State is under siege, Governor Rotimi Amaechi said yesterday.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NFG) spoke when the Senate Committee on State and Local Government Administration investigating the crisis in the state visited him at the Government House, Port Harcourt, the state cap-

From Bisi Olaniyi and Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

ital.

He said: “Yesterday, they were shooting tear gas into Government House. When we were meeting with the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) today, the police claimed that it was inadvertent that they shot tear gas into Government House. So, I asked one ques-

We are constrained to state once again that there is absolutely no factual basis for suggestions that some of the politicians involved in the current dispute are acting at the behest of the —Jonathan President tion, supposing, it was live bullet and it hit me; they said, ‘nooo, governor was not outside,’ but I said, ‘I was outside, you can check’.”

To Amaechi, the “sudden” withdrawal of soldiers and the Amoured Personnel Carrier (APC) attached to the Government House is “shocking”. According to him, in the last two months, security commanders in the state have not held meet-

ings with him.

“We are under siege here.

For two months now, we have not met with security men.

Security Commanders in the state don’t come to me any longer. They are either scared or they don’t deliberately want to see me. They withdrew soldiers attached to me yesterday.

And this morning, they withdrew the APC attached to Government House,” Amaechi

My colleague was with the governor during what amounted to a siege.

Anyone who said no teargas was not thrown into the premises is either ignorant or is lying... The democratic ground ... is being eroded —Soyinka said.

Earlier, the chairman of the committee, Senator Kabiru Gaya, said it was delegated by the Senate to investigate and find a solution to the disturbances rocking the state.

“Your Excellency, yesterday, the 10th of July, 2013, the Senate had a meeting or session where a motion was raised by Senator Magnus Abe on the state of the situation in Rivers

State. And the motion was discussed. We had two hours in the closed door session to discuss how best to sustain our stable democracy. How best we could have the legislators perform their functions without undue interference,” Gaya said.

He noted that the Senate had condemned the fracas at the House of Assembly.

Continued on page 2

Blame Jonathan if Rivers governor is killed, says Soyinka •Writer lashes First Lady

By Joseph Jibueze

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan will be vicariously liable if Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi is killed, Nobel laureate Prof Wole Soyinka warned yesterday.

He said despite the Presidency’s denial that Jonathan is not behind the protracted trouble Continued on page 2

INSIDE •Progressive governors: it’s an assault on democracy PAGES 2,4, •It’s anarchy, says NLC 5,19,60&63 •Amaechi’s ADC flown abroad •IG: enough of nonsense •PENGASSAN threatens strike •Jonathan’s rivers of shame (Editorial)

•The scene of the collapsed building...yesterday

PHOTOS: ABIODUN WILLIAMS, ISAAC AYODELE AND MUYIWA HASSAN

Seven die in Lagos building collapse Toddler among victims •SEE PAGE 59 Baby trapped in Kaduna

•Rescue workers taking away one of the victims...yesterday

•A wailing woman...yesterday

•SPORTS P23 •NIGER DELTA P25 •SOCIETY P29 •BRANDS P33 •POLITICS P43

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

NEWS Blame Jonathan if Rivers governor is killed, says Soyinka Continued from page 1

in the state, the President’s handwriting is on the wall.

•President Goodluck Jonathan (second right) cutting the tape to inaugurate the Nigerian Chancery building at the embassy in Beijing, China…yesterday. With him (from left) are: Nigerian Ambassador to China Aminu Wali; Governors Theodore Orji (Abia); Peter Obi (Anambra); Isa Yuguda (Bauchi) and First Lady Dame Patience.

PHOTO: NAN

DHQ restores GSM in Adamawa

T

HE Defence Headquarters has ordered the restoration of GSM services in Adamawa State.

It also set to subject the report of its fact-finding team on Yobe killings to analysis.

Defence Spokesman Brig.Gen. Chris Olukolade said the restoration of GSM followed consideration of various appeals and the need to ease the situation in this Ramadan season.

The statement said: “The Defence headquarters has authorised the restoration of GSM services in Adamawa State.

This is sequel to positive indications in the ongoing security evaluation of the situation in the states affected by the State of Emergency.

“This development is in line with the planned phased restoration of the facility in response to the reality of the situation in the states. Accordingly, the services will be subsequently restored in the other states as soon as the evaluation indicates sufficient clearance for the release.

“This measure is also in consideration of various appeals and need to reassure the pub-

•Set to analyze report on Yobe killings From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

lic that the measure is purely for security reasons, as well as the need to ease the situation in line with the Ramadan season.

On the fact-finding team to Yobe over the killing of 29 pupils, the statement said the outcome of the trip would be presented to the DHQ for due analysis and action of the DHQ The statement added: “The leader of the DHQ team, Major General Obinali Ariahu, informed the governor that the team was in the state to assess the deployment of the JTF troops as well as their requirements to carry out their task in forestalling any breach of security in the state. He conveyed the sympathy and condolences of the Chief of Defence Staff to the Government and people of Yobe State on the loss of lives occasioned by the terrorist attacks on the school and other locations.

“The General informed the Governor that the Team had visited the scene of the incident at Mamudo as well as various

troops’ locations in the state.

“He said the outcome of its fact-finding mission especially as it concerns the attack on the school would be presented for due analysis and action of the DHQ with a view to enhancing the capacity of the forces to prevent or respond to similar occurrences in the future.

“Continuing, the team leader expressed the appreciation of the military authorities for the understanding and support of the state to the JTF. He assured the people of the state that the forces would remain committed to discharging their duties with due efficiency.

“The team had earlier interacted with community leaders, Local Government officials, education authorities as well as teachers in Mamudo and environs to obtain necessary information. It also interviewed commanders and troops in the area.

“The DHQ Fact Finding Team has since returned to Abuja to brief the Chief of Defence Staff.

Yobe State Governor Alhaji Ibrahim Geidam, commended

the Federal Government and the Defence Headquarters for the interest shown in the security of the state by promptly sending a high-powered Fact Finding team to the state after the weekend terrorist attack on Government Secondary School, Mamudo.

“Speaking while receiving the Defence Headquarters Fact-Finding Team in his office in Damaturu on Wednesday, the Governor noted that the gesture was the first of its kind in response to a disaster in the state.

“He also declared that the Joint Task Force deployed in the state was doing its best in addressing the security challenges.

“Continuing, the Governor remarked that the incident in Mamudo was an unfortunate and painful disaster.”

“He said such places would require extraordinary protection. He therefore called for appropriate strategies to tackle the peculiar reality of the security challenges in such localities. “

“The perception out there in the world is that he (Jonathan) bears a vicarious liability with what is happening in Rivers State,” Soyinka said.

Soyinka and activist-lawyer Mr Femi Falana (SAN) jointly addressed a news conference in Lagos on the state of the nation, particularly the political crisis in Rivers.

Soyinka said he had first hand information from his colleague who was in Rivers State Governor’s Lodge when a tear gas was thrown into the premises.

“My colleague was with the governor during what amounted to a siege. Anyone who said teargas was not thrown into the premises is either ignorant or is lying,” he said.

The dramatist accused First Lady Patience Jonathan, whose office he called an “unconstitutional appendage”, of contributing to the crisis.

He said Mrs Jonathan “cannot be a First Lady without first learning to be a lady.”

“She is getting away with murder because she has the backing of her husband,” Soyinka said.

He urged President Jonathan to call his wife to order, saying:

“Please curb the excesses of your wife. Too much is too much. The vulgarity has become intolerable.

We have now reached the bottom of obscenity and it’s got to stop.”

Describing the five lawmakers who claimed to have “impeached” the Speaker as “the five fingers of the controlling hand”, Soyinka said democracy in the state had been threatened.

“We’re sitting down here, pretending nothing is happening.

The democratic ground on which we are supposed to stand is being eroded,” the playwright said.

He added that if not the President, then there must be those around him who want Amaechi out by all means.

The poet chided Rivers Commissioner of Police Mbu Joseph Mbu, describing him as “a political policeman in Rivers State”.

He said the governor had rejected the police chief, yet the powers that be have refused to remove him.

“Are we waiting for a smoke bomb to be thrown into the Governor’s Lodge before we take action?” Soyinka asked.

Either that, or there could be an “accidental discharge” similar to the case of the “Unknown Soldier” only that in Amaechi’s case, it will be “the Unknown PoliceContinued on page 60

Jonathan: I’m not involved

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan is worried about the untoward political developments in Rivers State. He has urged those involved in “regrettable acts of political violence” to show greater respect for the Constitution and the rule of law.

In a statement yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, President Jonathan urged members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and all other political gladiators in the state to put the interest of the state and the nation above their personal egos and ambitions that “seem to have gotten in the way of their expected commitment to uphold the principles of democracy and good governance”.

He urged those remotely or directly involved in heightening

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

political tension in Rivers State to immediately stop their actions, which he said, are capable of plunging Rivers State into public disorder.

He urged them to settle their political differences without further recourse to barbaric acts of violence.

The statement said: “President Jonathan expects all members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, irrespective of their current affiliations or loyalties, to comport themselves with greater restraint while efforts continue to resolve existing differences and restore internal harmony to the state branch of the party.

“The Presidency has also notContinued on page 60

Rivers is under siege, says Governor Amaechi Continued from page 1

“I will also say the state was under the situation of violence, and there were disturbances in Rivers State. Therefore, this committee was mandated by the Senate to come and investigate, and also invite other members, including stakeholders. After this visit, we have to discuss with you (Amaechi) Your Excellency to know what happened from your side. We also need to talk with the Assembly members on both sides, including the Commissioner of Police, the SSS and the JTF. We have already asked the Commissioner of Police to meet us this evening and DSS,” Gaya said.

Also yesterday, Amaechi spoke of his determination to protect Nigeria’s fledging Democracy, saying he is ready to pay the supreme price for it to be sustained.

The governor, who spoke in Port Harcourt through his Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs Ibim Semenitari, said: “Naturally, the governor is worried that his security has been withdrawn. But like he has said in the past, he is willing to pay the price for democracy. If that is the case, so be it.”

There are reports of the re-

P

Presidency behind crisis, say CPC, CNPP

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan got some bashing yesterday for his alleged complicity in the Rivers State crisis, which the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) described as a sign of executive recklessness. The President is behind it all, CPC said.

The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) said: “Dr. Jonathan cannot sit by and watch in glee while men who answer to him and his wife are igniting crises of such proportion.

Niger State Governor Babangide Aliyu, who is also the chair of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), alleged that with the backing of the federal government, Rivers State Commissioner of Police Mbu Joseph Mbu has virtually taken over the security functions from the democratically elected governor.

Aliyu alleged that concentration of too much power at the centre is responsible for the untoward actions of the police chief.

Speaking while receiving Ambassador Zubairu Dada, Federal Commissioner of the

turn of militants, a situation which has compounded the security. This “is most worrisome”.

With only a handful of policemen and State Security Service (SSS) men left with him, he believes the situation is unpredictable, considering the speed at which events are unfolding.

“Although I feel safe at this

•Aliyu: Mbu has federal backing From Yusuf Alli, Abuja and Jide Orintunsin, Minna

Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), yesterday in Minna, Aliyu maintained that as long as the centre is still powerful without the devolution of power to states and local governments, there will always be problems as being witnessed in Rivers State.

“There can hardly be progress in a country if things continue this way,” Aliyu said.

He also frowned at the revenue allocation formula that gives over half of the nation’s receipt to the Federal Government.

“There is too much money for the federal government to swim in. That is why it can use the resource which should be used for the provision of social amenities for the people to fight” he said.

CNPP Secretary General Chief Willy

time, you never can tell what may happen even this night,” Amaechi was quoted as saying.

Moments after the angry thugs took over some strategic streets in Port Harcourt in violent protest on Wednesday, soldiers attached to the governor were been withdrawn.

But the Army has exonerated itself from the withdrawal

Ezugwu, in a statement yesterday, said: “For five lawmakers to attempt claiming numerical superiority over a larger group of 23 or 27 lawmakers is totally irresponsible and must not only be condemned but sanctions, including criminal prosecution, must also be applied to serve as a deterrent to other would-be trouble makers.

“It is totally appalling that President Goodluck Jonathan can sit by and watch in glee while men who answer to him and his wife are igniting crises of such proportion at a time when the nation is battling armed insurrection in some areas and widespread armed kidnapping in others. The body language of the President is beginning to suggest that he is a willing actor in the western written script that Nigeria would disintegrate in 2015 or how else does one explain his failure to call his men to order.”

The conference also asked the National Assembly to “investigate the role played by the police in aiding criminality in Rivers State, particularly when video evidence

of the soldiers, saying it is not aware of such a development.

The spokesman of the 2 Brigade Command, Bori Camp, Port Harcourt, Major Michael

Continued on page 60

Etete, said: “I don’t know what you are talking about. I don’t know where you get your information from. But all I can tell you

CORRECTION Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso and not the Pro-Chancellor as reported in our yesterday’s edition. –Editor

•Amaechi

right now is that I don’t know whether the soldiers have been withdrawn.”

Although normalcy has returned to Port Harcourt including the Rivers State House of Assembly complex which was the theatre of “war” on Tuesday, some people are still apprehensive of what may happen next.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

4

NEWS CRISIS IN RIVERS

IGP Abubakar •Anxiety as SSS summons Amaechi’s CSO

T •Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwakwanso (right) receiving a dummy cheque from the Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BoI) Ms. Evelyn Oputu (left), during the signing of a Memoraudum of Understanding (MoU) between the bank and the government in Kano...yesterday. With them are Commissioner for Commerce Alhaji Danbarau Nuhu (second left) and Kano State Accountant-General Dr. Danjuma Muhammed.

•From left: Product Manager, Fidson Healthcare Plc Mr. Femi Ajala, Promotion Coordinator Mrs. Yetunde Adesola, General Manager, Marketing Mr. Ola Ijimakin and Corporate Service Manager Mr. Oladimeji Odunyebo, during Astymin Brilliance PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS Reward news conference in Lagos...yesterday.

• From left: American Consular-General in Nigeria Mr. Jeffrey Hawkins; Country Director of ENACTUS Nigeria Ms Adesuwa Ifedi; Deputy Managing Director, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Plc Mr. Segun Odusanya and Divisional Head, Human Resources and Change Management Ms. Felicia Obozuwa, at the FCMB sponsored ENACTUS National Competition for students.

•Chairman, Senate committee on Privatisaton Senator Gbenga Obadara (left), Director-General Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE) Mr. Benjamin Dikki and BPE’s Director of Oil and Gas Mr. Allwell Ibe, during the presentation of BPE’s 2013 approved workplan to the committee in Abuja... yesterday.

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

,

HE Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar has read the riot act to the political actors and police personnel drafted to provide security in the crisis- ridden Rivers State.

In a statement by Deputy Force spokesman Mr. Frank Mba yesterday, Abubakar warned both the political actors and police personnel found acting out of order would not be spared, regardless of their positions or connections.

The IGP has set up an investigation panel to identify the police personnel that were present during Tuesday’s mayhem at the Rivers State House of Assembly and the firing of tear gas into the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

The panel is headed by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of Operations, Mr. Philemon Leha.

Leha has been mandated to investigate the circumstances surrounding the impasse.

Abubakar charged the warring parties to seek civilised and decent means of resolving their differences, devoid of any form of violence and confrontation.

He reminded the people that the maintenance of peace remained paramount to the well being and development of the state, adding that the police needed the maximum cooperation and understanding of the people to optimally discharge its statutory responsibility.

“While the Force continues to do everything within its constitutional powers and means, to provide a safe, impartial and conducive atmosphere for legitimate social, political and economic activities to thrive in the state, it will not tolerate any form of lawlessness or acts amounting to threats to public safety and public order.

“The success of our democracy depends on our collective efforts and contributions”, the IGP said, adding: “We must as a people, manage our differences to the advantage of our growing democracy for the good of all”.

Abubakar assured the people of police’s readiness to ensure their security at all times, imploring them not to further heat up the polity through hateful, inflammatory, and unguarded statements and actions.

He enjoined them to consciously work towards the enthronement of peace, stressing that they must seek civilised and decent means of resolving their differences, devoid of all forms of violence and confrontation.

“The police high command uses this medium and opportunity to remind the citizens of the state, irrespective of their ideological leanings, of the need to play by the rules.

“The Force will not spare anyone found to have fallen foul of the law, irrespective of placement and status”, Abubakar said.

He enjoined the people to go about their legitimate businesses without fear of intimidation.

The State Security Service (SSS) yesterday summoned the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to Amaechi to Abuja for interrogation on his alleged role in Tuesday’s fracas at the House of Assembly and why he allegedly exposed the governor to danger.

The invitation was said to be

• Amaechi From Yusuf Alli and Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

based on alleged video footage which captured the CSO as having pushed someone in the Assembly.

But the summon has fueled anxiety that the CSO, allegedly regarded as loyal to the governor, might be recalled from his beat.

The CSO is expected to appear before a panel on why he did not advise the governor against going to the tension-soaked Assembly Complex, knowing the inherent danger.

A reliable source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The CSO was invited to the SSS Headquarters on why he was allegedly involved in the fracas. The camera captured him pushing someone with his pistol exposed, a trend which was unusual of the service.

“What if one of those aggrieved had removed the pistol to attack the governor or any of those fighting.

“The opinion of the service is that the CSO should have been with the governor to protect Amaechi from any harm and not seeing him in the middle of the fracas.

“The job of a CSO is to protect his principal (the governor), you cannot even leave your principal an inch.

“The camera showed security lapse which exposed Amaechi to danger. The CSO should have advised the governor against going to a place where he could be injured or killed.”

Asked if the purported action of the CSO was meant to defend the governor from danger, the source added: “When he comes to Abuja, he will be able to explain why he acted in that manner.

“No one is withdrawing the CSO now but it is a routine thing to seek clarifications from officers on duty. The SSS wants its officers to be strict to their mandate or schedule of work.”

But there were fears that the summoning of the CSO was a subtle move to recall him from the governor.

Another source added: “I think this is a fresh ploy to withdraw loyal security details from Gover-

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

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NEWS CRISIS IN RIVERS

to politicians, police: enough of nonsense ‘ The Force will not spare anyone found to have fallen foul of the law, irrespective of placement and status...The police high command uses this medium and opportunity to remind the citizens of the state, irrespective of their ideological leanings, of the need to play by the rules.

• Ikuru

• Abubakar

‘

• Mbu

Lagos Assembly flays Jonathan, Mbu over Assembly fracas

M

EMBERS of the Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday blamed President Goodluck Jonathan and Commissioner of Police Mbu Joseph Mbu for the crisis rocking the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Majority Leader Ajibayo Adeyeye, under matter of urgent public importance, brought the matter to the notice of his colleagues calling on the House to demand Mbu’s redeployment and the creation of state police.

The House passed resolutions condemning the “barbaric and illegal impeachment” of the speaker by five lawmakers.

The House urged Jonathan “to rise to the occasion by doing what is right and consider the ways and nor Amaechi. They are desperate to leave the governor bare so that hoodlums can deal with him.

“It is clear to everyone that the CSO had been loyal to the governor and protective. Some forces in Abuja and Rivers State had been

By Oziegbe Okoeki and Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

manner Nigerians stood by him to ensure that all obstacles to his assumption of office were removed”.

The House also called on the National Assembly to save the legislative arm of government and also and consider the adoption of the state police system as proposed by some stakeholders.

Leading the debate, Sanai Agunbiade said even though the Constitution made provision for removal of a Speaker, members ought to follow the laid down procedure.

He said: “This abracadabra going on in Rivers State poses grave danger to our democracy which we

all fought for. We have suffered for the emergence of democracy in this country, it should not be allowed to be truncated. It is wrong signal to the upcoming 2015 general elections.”

Segun Olulade (Epe II) said the crisis was an offshoot of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) election, saying if adequate measures were not taken, it would continue to escalate.

Olulade said: “When the crisis of the NGF began, the President was outside the country. Now the same thing is happening, Mr. President is also in far away China.”

Abiodun Tobun (Epe I) demanded that the Rivers police chief should be sacked rather than

redeployed, saying: “The CP’s action is a dereliction of duty.”

The Pilot Group (TPG) condemned the incident, which it called “a show of shame.”

The group said: “It portends an impending doom where the state will be witnessing another era of restiveness, kidnapping, armed robbery, assassinations and other forms of criminality previously but painfully witnessed in the past.”

The group’s spokesman, Mr Festus Egbe who spoke in Port Harcourt yesterday, called on authorities to find out where the security details of the Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru were when he was attacked at the assembly’s premises.

uncomfortable with the diligence of the CSO. “We have got information that they want to withdraw the CSO and redeploy him for being loyal to his principal and doing his duties according to his conscience. He

is a thoroughbred and non-partisan officer.

“As for the governor and his aides, the invitation of the CSO is just a smokescreen of a hidden agenda to deal with Amaechi.

“It was obvious that an unseen

force is behind the invitation of the CSO for a purpose. The SSS should instead investigate who has been pulling the string from China on how to cripple Amaechi’s security.

“The threats to destabilise Rivers are worst than the era of the late

•IKuforiji

Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha.

At least Abacha made a pretence but those calling for Amaechi’s head do so with impunity because of the backing of some forces in government.”

PENGASSAN threatens strike over crisis in Rivers legislature

T

HE Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has threatened to suspend operations over the crisis rocking the Rivers State House of Assembly.

PENGASSAN’s President Mr Babatunde Ogun, in a statement issued in Lagos yesterday,warned that if politicians cannot conduct themselves in a manner expected of them, the union would not hesitate to withdraw the services of oil workers to ensure their safety.

He said: “The state of fear that pervades Rivers is a threat to the lives and safety of oil and gas workers and the entire industry.”

It said the crisis was an indication that the government may not be able to guarantee security and protect the lives and property of the people.

It condemned the violence in the assembly on Tuesday, describing it as ‘a slap on Nigeria’s democracy and the Constitution.’

The statement said the crisis could lead to a breakdown of law and order that could affect not only the state, but other parts of the country if not nipped in the bud.

The violence, it said, showed that some politicians lacked respect for the Constitution and elementary democratic decorum.

“That is why we would not

risk the lives of our members and may have to withdraw them until the situation is under control”, he said.

The statement said it was regrettable to note that those trying to subvert democracy never fought for it.

“Several people, especially labour leaders, died for our democracy to be achieved.

Some of us were incarcerated during the struggle to attain this democracy.”

The statement urged all those involved in the crisis to take cognisance of its root causes and pursue peace by reconciling their differences.

A former member of the assembly, Mr. Chidi Amadi, yesterday described as hasty, the House of Representatives resolution on the matter.

The House of Representatives passed a resolution on Wednesday, urging the National Assembly to allow it take over the legislative functions of the Rivers assembly immediately.

Amadi, who represented Obio/Akpor constituency II on the platform of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Rivers from 1991 to 1993, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt that the House of Representatives should have allowed a committee it set up to investigate the crisis first.

He said the lower chamber of the National Assembly should have monitored events in the Rivers assembly before passing the reso-

lution. ”The events at the National Assembly, taking a cue from the first point of departure, the lower house, the House of Representatives, I want to say that the resolution of the House of Representatives was quite disappointing.

“Yes, the lower house of the National Assembly, the House of Representatives, has every right to review the happenings in the Rivers State legislature.

“But, not to say that, at the first attempt to look into this issue, a resolution was reached to take over the affairs of the assembly.

“From all that happened, we were aware, we heard on the news - the former

speaker of the assembly, Tonye Harry even affirmed that no one was removed and then asked the media to come the following morning that the assembly was going to sit.

“From other members of the assembly, we also heard that the business of the day, which was to pass the motion from the executive arm as per the budget modification was taken,`` Amadi said other members of the assembly assured that the business of the state legislative arm would go on.

He hailed the Senate for exercising restraint on the matter and advised the legislators in the state to calm down and not ignore the issue of governance.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

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NEWS Al-Mustapha: Court to deliver judgment today

Senate, NCC disagree on irregularities in SIM card registration T

HE Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday disgreed with the Senate over alleged irregularities in the just concluded SIM Card registration.

The Chairman, Committee on Communications, Senator Gilbert Nnaji, at a meeting with the Commission in Abuja alleged that the SIM Card registration was bedeviled with both “technical and operational” complaints.

Such complaints, Nnaji said, include non- harmonisation of the Commission’s data with that of the operators; pre-registered SIM Cards; money-forSIM-registration racket; stoppage of face shot capture; inappropriate background for face shot capture and non-resilience of data capturing machine.

He said: “All these have made industry experts to question the sanctity of the exercise with regards to the data collated.”

The lawmaker said that the Committee is “perplexed” to

NLNG v NIMASA: Court to rule on applications today

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

notice that the regime of poor quality of service still prevails in the industry.

He said: “Quality of service still remains frustrating. Service providers have become either helpless or careless in arresting the situation.

“The Commission needs to look further into this issue even if it requires imposing sanctions that include outright ban on further sales of SIM cards and stoppage of allocation of new number ranges to the operators until such affected operator is certified to have satisfied the regulator.”

He said that the Committee has also observed that the Commission has not embarked on sufficient public education on the Mobile Number Portability (MNP).

He said: “It is our belief that the average man on the street should know the A- Z of what it entails to port and the benefits he stands to gain thereof.”

‘Quality of service still remains frustrating. Service providers have become either helpless or careless in arresting the situation’ Nnaji bemoaned a situation where two service providers dominate the telecommunications market.

He said: “These two GSM service providers alone control 62 per cent of the public terrestrial transmission infrastructure which is a bottleneck resource in the provision of voice and data services.

“They dominate the mobile voice market which is evident in the disparity in the on-net and off-net retail tariffs; and also dominate the wholesale leased lines and transmission capacity market.

“We are also aware that the

affected service providers are yet to comply with the Commission’s directives to redress the situation.

“Is it that the Commission cannot walk the talk; or what steps are being taken to protect other competitors and subscribers alike?”

But the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Eugene Juwa, an engineer, said the information available to the Committee on the registration exercise was not “correct”.

He said the Commission has harmonised all its data with that of the service providers.

Juwa said subscribers were being called upon by service providers to update their data at the instance of the Commission who had declared such entries invalid.

He added that the registration is going on seamlessly and that it is coming o a point where subscribers who have not properly registered would be called upon to do so or risk deactivation.

He observed that the NCC

By Precious Igbonwelundu

T

•Mark

developed and made available the service providers the Quality of Service Regulation since 2012.

He said the NCC has continued to monitor the service providers to ensure needed improvements in the quality of service across the country.

He however blamed inadequate investment by one operator, alleged cutting of optic fibre backups, terrorists attacks on base stations and nonissuance of permit to service providers to build base stations by state governments.

Juwa said: “We are addressing these issues with stakeholders and the quality of service will improve tremendously towards the end of the year.”

Court dismisses EFCC’s suit against Sylva From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

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By Joseph Jibueze

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FEDERAL High Court, Lagos, will rule today on objections raised by the Attorney-General of the Federation and others in the dispute between the Nigeria Liquefied and Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

NIMASA’s lawyer Mike Igbokwe (SAN) yesterday told Justice Mohammed Idris that his client told him of the intervention of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim in the dispute.

Igbokwe had said: “My Lord, I was reliably informed by my client that at about 12 midnight on Tuesday, there was a meeting between the SGF, NIMASA MD and Shell MD, who is also a board member of NLNG. “The MD of NLNG was linked to the meeting via teleconference and after discussion, it was agreed that they (NLNG) should get their lawyer to vacate the interim order and proceed to pay the money they are owing.

“I need to know if I’m on the same page with NLNG’s lawyer on this, otherwise I will proceed with my motions which are ripe for hearing,” Igbokwe stressed.

But NLNG’s lawyer, Wale Akoni (SAN) claimed ignorance of the meeting, insisting that the instruction from his client was to the effect that he should go on with the court case.

“I must say I’m taken aback by this practice. I don’t have any instruction to vacate the order.

“The instruction I have is to move an application seeking to vary the order and I must say that we only agreed to pay under protest so that our vessels can be released,” Akoni said.

Replying, Igbokwe said Akoni’s comments only show that they were not on the same page, and stressed that he was ready to move his motions.

HE Court of Appeal, Lagos division will today deliver judgment in two separate appeals filed

by Major Hamza al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha and Lateef Sofolahan.

Sofolahan was an aide to the late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.

Al-Mustapha and Shofolahan are challenging a death sentence handed them by Justice Mojisola Dada of a Lagos High Court for masterminding the assassination of Alhaja Abiola.

Three justices to decide their fates are Justice Amina Adamu Augie (presiding), Justice Rita Pemu and Justice F O Akinbami respectively.

While Al-Mustapha’s appeal was anchored on four grounds that of his co-convict (Shofolahan) was on five grounds.

•Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr Adebiyi Mabadeje (representing Governor Babatunde Fashola) (left) cutting the tape at the launch of Lagos State Government Procurement Journal and the website at Alausa, Ikeja...yesterday.

With him are Head of Service Mr Adesegun Ogunlewe (second left); Special Adviser on Education, Otunba Fatai Olukoga (second right) and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties, Mr Aderemi Desalu.

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

Edo sues Fed Govt for alleged illegal local govt deductions T

HE Edo State Government has sued the Federal Government over alleged unauthorised deductions made in the joint account with its local governments sometimes in 2007 and 2011.

The suit filed before the Federal High Court, Abuja was initiated by the state’s Attorney General and its 18 Local Governments against the Incorporated Trustees of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Minister of Finance and the Accountant General of the Federation.

The suit is challenging the constitutionality of the deductions, which the plaintiffs argued, were done without their consents.

The reliefs sought by the plaintiffs include an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants and their agents from further tampering with, or taking steps to tamper with, or in any manner howsoever, from making deductions at source from the allocation or amount standing to the credit of the local governments in the Federation Account or

•Claims N50b damages From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

in the “State Joint Local Government Account” without their prior consent and/or authorisation.

They also seek an order directing the defendants to refund to the Plaintiffs all deductions made at source without their prior consent and/or approval from their share of revenue from the Federation Account between the months of March, 2007 to July, 2007, and the months of April, to August, 2011, calculated at N865,094,834.34. 6.7.

The plaintiffs are also claiming N50billion representing general, aggravated, punitive and exemplary damages against all the defendants jointly and severally for the alleged illegally deductions.

They are seeking: •A declaration that having regard to the provisions of Section 162 (3), (4), (5), (6), (7) and (8) of the 1999 Constitu-

tion, the defendants are not legally competent to make deductions at source from the Federation Account, for any purpose whatsoever, any amount standing to the credit of the local governments, which is their share of the amount distributed among the Federal, State and Local Government Councils without the prior consent and authorisation of the 1st Plaintiff. that having regards to the clear and unambiguous provision of Section 162 (6) and (8) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as altered, the Defendants cannot legally tamper with the amount standing to the credit of the 2nd to 19th Plaintiffs which allocation is to be kept in the “Edo State Joint Local Government Account” and is meant to be distributed amongst them on such terms and in such manner as may be prescribed by the Edo State House of Assembly.

•A declaration that being members of the ALGON, without more, does not entitle the 1st defendant, in collaboration with the 2nd and 3rd Defendants, to unilaterally invade and tamper with the 2nd to 19th Plaintiffs, allocation from the Federation Account, or “State Joint Local Government Account” under the thin guise of deduction at source for alleged liabilities to third parties, without the prior consent and/or authorisation of the 1st Plaintiff and the Edo State House of Assembly.

•A declaration that the provisions of the Constitution of the 1st defendant (ALGON) does not entitle the 1st defendant in collaboration with the 2nd and 3rd Defendants to invade and tamper with the 2nd to 19th Plaintiffs’ allocation from the Federation Account, or from the “State Joint Local Government Account” under the thin guise of deduction at source for liabilities to third parties, without the prior consent and/or authorization of the 1st Plaintiff and the Edo State House of Assembly.

FEDERAL High Court in Abuja yesterday dismissed a suit brought against former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The commission had by the suit got an order of temporary forfeiture of about 48 property traced to Sylva.

Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed, while granting the order last December allowed the EFCC to continually apply for the extension of the order.

Yesterday, the judge, in a ruling, rejected an application

by EFCC for the extension of the lifespan of the order on the ground that since the commission has filed a formal charge against Sylva before another judge of the same Federal High Court, it would be neater if the application for extension of the interim forfeiture order was made before the new court.

“It would appear that EFCC is instituting a multiplicity of suit against the accused. This court cannot allow any process that amount to an abuse and it is hereby dismissed,” Justice Mohammed held.

In the charge before Justice Adamu Bello of Court Three, Sylva is being prosecuted by the EFCC over alleged money laundering related offences.

When the case came up on Monday, his lawyer, Okunade Olorundare (SAN) fold the court about a new application

by Sylva, seeking to be allowed permission to travel abroad.

His new application was filed about a month after the court refused an earlier application he filed seeking to be allowed to accompany his wife on a medical trip outside Nigeria.

In the new application, Sylva is praying the court to release his international passport deposited as part of his bail conditions. He also wants to be allowed to travel on ground of ill-health.

Justice Bello has fixed July 15 for hearing of the application.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12 2013

7

NEWS Stockbroker get 30 years for stealing N17.5m

By Adebisi Onanuga

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USTICE Adeniyi Onigbanjo of a Lagos High Court, Ikeja, yesterday sentenced a 37year-old stockbroker, Ayoola Coker, to 30 years’ imprisonment for stealing N17.5 million belonging to his clients.

Justice Onigbanjo passed the judgment after Coker pleaded guilty to the theft charges preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The anti-graft agency had charged Coker on a 15-count of stealing N17.5 million belonging to his clients.

The judge sentenced the accused to two years’ imprisonment on each of the 15 counts.

Coker will spend two years in prison because the judge directed that the sentences should run concurrently from December 1, 2011.

Justice Onigbanjo convicted Coker on all the 15-count charge of stealing, issuance of a dud cheque, forgery and uttering preferred against him.

Reps probe JAMB’s N21.3b UTME fees

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HE House of Representatives has begun investigation into the revenue remittances of the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) to government’s coffers.

The probe will focus on JAMB in the last three years (2011-2013).

JAMB reportedly got appropriation of over N6 billion from the national budget and within the same period generated over N21 billion from the sale of its forms to candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions without commensurate remittances.

The probe followed the adoption of the prayers of a

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

motion by a member, Ibrahim Ebbo.

Following the adoption of the prayers of the motion, the House mandated its joint Committee on Education and Finance to probe JAMB’s revenue generation and remittances.

The joint committee is expected to submit its report to the House within two weeks.

Ebbo said in 2011, a total of 1,493,604 candidates bought forms and sat for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) organised by JAMB at the

cost of 4,600 per candidate, translating to N6,870,400.

The board’s appropriation was N2,021,235,070 in the national budget of the same year.

The lawmaker also said 1.5 million candidates sat for the UTME last year, amounting to N6.9 billion generated through sale of forms; 1,644,110 sat this year and N7,562,906,000 was generated through the sale of forms.

The board also reportedly got N2,370,273,304 and N2,377,397,191 for the two years from federal budgets.

“JAMB has been generating huge sums of money annually from potential candi-

dates seeking admission into tertiary institutions. This is in addition to other charges, such as checking of results and change of courses. There is no record of remittances; yet, JAMB continues to get appropriation from the National Assembly,” Ebbo said.

According to him, the probe will ascertain if JAMB was actually remitting the right sums to the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation in line with extant laws.

Deputy Leader Leo Ogor supported the motion. He noted that government agencies have been consistently breaching the constitution.

He said the investigation should be thorough.

PROCEEDINGS were stalled yesterday in the N10.2billion suit filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Mohammed Adoke (SAN) against former lawmaker, Dino Melaye, following the AGF’s late response to the issues Melaye raised in his defence.

Hearing had been scheduled for yesterday, but Justice Olasumbo Goodluck of the Abuja High Court, Jabi, adjourned till October 3 after he was told that the AGF just served his response on the defendants late on Wednesday.

Rain stalls ruling From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

Covenant Varsity holds eighth convocation July 24

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HE Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, will hold its eighth convocation ceremony on July 24.

The ceremony, with the theme: The Release of Eagles, 2013, will begin with a special convocation assembly in the morning at the university’s chapel.

A statement yesterday said the event will be chaired by the Chancellor, Dr David Oyedepo, who is expected to unveil a special convocation exhibition, showcasing research products of the University.

A world media briefing on the state of the university will be addressed by the Chancellor at noon at the African Leadership Development Centre, (ALDC).

It will be followed by a hooding event for the School of Post Graduate Studies, a convocation rehearsal, and a special convocation service, to be conducted by Pastor Abraham Ojeme, of Living Faith Church.

On July 25, a convocation lecture will be delivered by a former Executive Secretary, National Council for Tertiary Education, Ghana, Dr. Paul Effah.

Other events of the day include: a convocation cocktail, college hooding events for award of special prizes and a special gospel concert/variety night.

The award of first and higher degrees/presentation of prizes will hold on July 26.

It will be presided over by the Chancellor of the University, Dr. David Olaniyi Oyedepo, at the University Chapel. The keynote Speaker is the Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu O. Nebo, will speak on: Transformational Leadership and the Quest for Global Relevance.

The post-convocation activities include the Chancellor’s special release assembly for the 2013 Batch of Eagles, and the alumni investiture/presentation of convocation gifts and souvenirs on July 27.

A thanksgiving service will hold at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, on July 28.

Adoke’s N10.2b libel suit stalled

•From left: Chairman, Conference 57, Hakeem Sulaiman; chief host and Lagos State Commisioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affiars, Prince Ademorin Kuye; Managing DIRECTOR, LASACO Assurance Plc, Mr Olusola Ladipo Ajayi; representative of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Chairman, Mr Teslim Animashaun and Mrs Awoyinka Oluwafemi, a beneficiary, during the presentation of insurance benefits to the next of kins of deceased SUBEB workers at PHOTO: DAYO ADEWUNMI Alausa, Ikeja.

‘Nigerian leaders dragging us towards Egypt’

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KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has warned that the political leadership in Nigeria may push the nation towards the type of military intervention that occurred in Egyptian.

He said this would happen, if the nation’s leaders continue to depend on the military to restore peace and order in trouble spots.

The governor spoke yesterday at this year’s annual conference and 10th anniversary celebration of the Institute of Strategic Management Nigeria (ISMN) with the theme: Strategy and Lead-

By Seun Akioye

ership: Panacea for Our National Malaise.

Fayemi noted that the continued use of soldiers to quell violence in 32 states was a recipe for disaster, if the trend continued.

He said: “Even though I don’t support the Egyptianstyle military take -over, I see our leadership drawing us in that direction. Any student of civilian/military relations knows that the more you are involving the military in civilian affairs, the more trouble you are creating for yourself.

“As we speak, the military is involved in the affairs of our country in too much a manner. We need to be more strategic and look for how to send the military back to their barracks. The National Security Adviser said a week ago that the military is in 32 states helping to provide security; it is a recipe for disaster.

“What we are telling the military is that we have no capacity to take care of ourselves. If we can ask them to come and rescue us, they might as well rescue us completely. I think we have to caution ourselves and help

our military return to the barracks.”

On the theme of the conference, Fayemi said strategic leadership is about anticipating and answering development questions on the future.

The governor also identified poverty of ideology as one of the major factors why Nigeria lacks strategic thinking on national policy development.

He called for the restoration of strategic planning in developing national policies in Nigeria,saying this can be achieved by creating a strategic mindset in governance.

Boko Haram: CAN rejects Jonathan’s dialogue committee

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan’s peace moves to ensure that the committee on dialogue with Boko Haram sect gets national support suffered another setback yesterday.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) maintained its stand against the constitution of the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North.

It threatened not to accept any recommendation on the dialogue.

CAN President, Pastor Ayo

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

Oritsejafor, spoke at a meeting with the 28-member reconciliation committee in Abuja.

Also at the meeting were the newly elected Vice-President of CAN and Head of the Baptist Convention, Rev. Olasupo Ayokunle; Primate of the Anglican Communion, Very Rev. Nicholas Okoh; CAN’s General Secretary, Rev. Musa Asake; heads of Blocs of CAN, national directors, executive members of Christian Lawyers Fellowship and other

national and state officers of the association.

The committee’s Chairman, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki, highlighted the terms of reference of the committee and solicited CAN’s support as a critical stakeholder in the peace process.

He said: “We are not only soliciting your understanding; we are also soliciting your support and that of the Christian community in Nigeria.

We are not only soliciting advice and suggestions on how to go about the work of this committee, we’re most funda-

mentally, sir, seeking your cooperation and that of the Christian community in Nigeria.”

Turaki explained that the meeting was called to interface with the umbrella Christian body to aggregate opinions and information that would form the fulcrum of the committee’s recommendations to the Federal Government.

But Oritsejafor insisted that Christians did not have confidence in the composition of the amnesty team and would not accept any recommendation from it.

THE scheduled ruling on the case involving three Lebanese being held for alleged terrorism and some suspected pension thieves were stalled yesterday following the effect of previous night’s rain on the judge’s office.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja, told parties in the cases that he needed time to sort out files and other documents as his office, with those of the court’s Chief Judge (CJ) and other offices, were affected by the rain.

“I am so sorry. We will have to adjourn this ruling till tomorrow morning. All my office is soaked, including the Chief Judge’s office. The rain entered my office and affected some things,” the judge told lawyers yesterday.

He promised to deliver the rulings today.

Ex-deputy governor seeks injunction against police

By Precious Igbonwelundu

A FORMER Lagos State Deputy Governor Sinatu Ojikutu has approached a Lagos High Court, Igbosere, seeking an order to restrain the InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP) from restricting her movement and inviting her on alleged fraud.

Joined in the suit are: the Commissioner of Police, the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) and Cajetan Okekearu, the second and third defendants.

Ojikutu, through her lawyer, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), prayed the court to declare that the land on Plot 24, Block 4, at Lekki Residential Scheme, Phase 1 and described in the contract of sale of October 6, 2011, entered into by the claimant and the third defendant, belonged to the late Mr. Sampson Adebisi Ojikutu.

She averred that by virtue of the Letters of Administration obtained at the Probate Registry of the Lagos High Court, the claimants were beneficially entitled to the land of which the claimants received N130 million from the third defendant.

The claimants are praying the court to declare that the first and second defendants are not empowered under any known law to interfere with any civil matter arising out of a breach of contract, in particular, the contract of sale dated October 6, 2011.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

8

NEWS Man beats wife to death in Ilesa

Reps urge IGP, Army to probe murder of Ibadan traders

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

MIDDLE-AGED man, Mr. Wale Agbaje, at Iroye Street in Ilesa, Osun State, yesterday allegedly beat his wife, Jumoke, to death.

It was learnt that the couple was fighting over an undisclosed issue when the man allegedly hit his wife on the head with a brick.

Their neighbours were said to have rushed the woman to a private hospital near the couple’s home, but she died before getting to the hospital following the injuries she sustained.

Investigation showed that the couple frequently fought and disturbed the peace in the neighbourhood.

When the news of the woman’s death was announced in the community, the man was reportedly mobbed but was saved by security operatives.

He has been arrested by detectives from ‘B’ Division Headquarters of the Nigeria Police in Ilesa.

A police source, who preferred anonymity, confirmed the incident.

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Amosun to Nigerians: return to agriculture

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GUN State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun has urged Nigerians to return to agriculture.

He said the redemption of the country lies in the sector.

The governor spoke yesterday in Abeokuta when he received in his office, the Yewa Descendants Union, United Kingdom/ Ireland chapter, led by its President, Mr. Segun Ebo. Amosun said the golden era of the nation was when agriculture was its mainstay.

He lamented that the neglect of the sector had led to poverty, unemployment and backwardness.

“This is why our administration is attaching importance to agriculture. We are not just encouraging our people to return to farming, but also providing the right environment, such as purchase of land, clearing and preparing equipment on a

massive scale for mechanised agriculture, revival of Farm Settlement Scheme, opening up of the rural areas through road construction, among others,” the governor said.

He said the 107km IlaraIjoun-Oja Odan-Ilase Road, which cuts across four local governments in Ogun West, would boost agricultural activities in the area and reduce the cost of living in the state.

According to him, the newly-introduced luxury buses would begin to ply Ogun West roads soon.

Amosun hailed the union for its plan to hold the first Yewa Day in the United Kingdom, saying it was a way to create awareness about “our culture and give back to our roots.”

Mr. Ebo lauded the achievements of the Amosun administration, noting that “we have come home and have seen what the governor told us when in the UK.”

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HE House of Representatives has urged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar and the Army to investigate the murder of 10 Ibadan traders by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State.

The lawmakers also enjoined the IGP and the military authorities to ensure that the culprits were apprehended and brought to justice to act as a deterrent to others.

The House of Representatives urged the Federal Government to tighten security in Borno State, especially in public places, such as markets, churches and mosques, to prevent a recurrence.

The resolutions followed the adoption of the prayers of a motion moved by Ajibola Muraina (PDP-Oyo) by majority of the lawmakers.

•’Fed Govt should cater for displaced persons’ From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi

The House also advised the Federal Government to compensate the bereaved families.

Muraina, presenting the motion entitled ‘Gruesome Killing of Ibadan Traders in Borno State by members of Boko Haram’, gave a recap of how the traders were attacked and killed by persons suspected to belong to the Boko Haram sect.

The lawmaker said 10 of the traders were murdered and millions of Naira were stolen from them.

He expressed concern that the attack occurred despite the emergency rule in the state.

Muraina said it was sad that

no measures were in place to safeguard the life and property of citizens in Borno State.

He enjoined his colleagues to support the motion to tighten security in the North.

The motion was not opposed and was adopted by the House.

When the Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, who presided, put the motion to vote, it was supported.

The House of Representatives also urged the Federal Government to address the plight of internally- displaced persons in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states.

It enjoined the National Refugees Commission to take measures to protect the rights of the citizens in the affected

areas.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion brought to the House by a member, Abubakar Wambai (PDP-Adamawa).

Wambai, presenting his argument, said the United Nations in its report on the affected areas noted that over 6,000 internally- displaced persons have fled to Niger, Chad and Cameroun.

According to him, the people still live in fear despite that the military seems to be operating by the rules of engagement.

He said the situation was worsened by the disruption of mobile telephone services, which is causing economic and social difficulties.

The legislator said the situation in the affected states would degenerate if the trend was not curbed.

Arisekola, others endorse Ajimobi for second term T HE Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola Alao and the Iyalode of Ibadanland, Chief Aminat Abiodun, were among personalities, who, yesterday, endorsed Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State for a second term.

The endorsement took place during the inauguration of Access to Basic Care (ABC) Foundation, the pet project of the governor’s wife, Florence, in Ibadan.

The foundation is aimed at providing the highest quali-

ty and most effective healthcare service, as well as expanding the presence of healthcare delivery in the rural areas and providing innovative and community-based healthcare service to the indigenes.

It has facilities for services, such as basic healthcare, immunisation programmes, family planning and ante-natal, treatment of sexuallytransmitted infections, breast and cervical screening, ultrasound, ECG, minor surgeries and diagnostic services, among others.

Personalities at the event hailed the brilliant performance and monumental achievements of Governor Ajimobi, saying with the feat he had achieved, they had no choice but to support him for a second term.

Alhaji Arisekola-Alao described the governor’s achievements in the last two years as unprecedented in the history of Oyo State.

He said: “I want to tell you that we had never witnessed such a monumental achievement in Oyo State. It is amazing that this man (Governor Ajimobi) has turned Oyo State around and we are all proud of it.

“We had thought it was

only roads that Governor Ajimobi was constructing until we saw Mokola Flyover Bridge and other development projects springing up in all the nooks and crannies of the state.

“I could recollect that the last bridge in Ibadan was built

by General David Jemibewon when he was the military governor of the old Oyo State.

Since then, no other governor, whether civilian or military, had built any flyover in Ibadan or anywhere in the state.

“We are teaming up with Governor Ajimobi and supporting him for a second term so that the development being experienced will continue.”

Alhaja Abiodun said Oyo indigenes have no regret in voting for Governor Ajimobi in 2011.

“He has made positive impact in the lives of the people.

We have never witnessed what we are witnessing today in Oyo State. We will continue to support him and ensure his second term in office,” she said.

Other speakers, including Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, the Chief Medical Director of University College Hospital

•Ajimobi

(UCH), Ibadan, Prof. Temitope Alonge and the wives of the Governors of Lagos, Osun and Ekiti states, also lauded the initiative of Mrs. Ajimobi and praised Governor Ajimobi for taking the state to a greater height.

The Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Oladipo Akinkugbe, lauded the initiative and urged the founder to ensure accessibility and affordability by the poor people and the neglected rural majority.

Akinkugbe, an emeritus Professor of Medicine, also enjoined Mrs. Ajimobi to ensure the sustainability of the project.

Governor Ajimobi described the project as another fulfilment of his administration’s promises to the people to use his office to change lives and make impact.

Driver arraigned for hitting FRSC officer

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HE driver of a Toyota Camry car, Mr. Abiodun Agbaje, has been arraigned before a Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ore, Ondo State, for allegedly knocking down an officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Yussuf Salahudeen.

Agbaje, who was driving the car with registration number DV 863 GGE, allegedly knocked down the FRSC officer on the Lagos– Benin Expressway, Ore in Odigbo Local Government.

The accused reportedly committed an offence contrary to Section 10 of the FRSC (Establishment) Act of 2007 and punishable under Section 10(4) (J) of the FRSC (Establishment) Act of 2007.

Speaking with reporters, the state Sector Commander, Mrs. Aderonke Daniel, said the driver was allegedly driving recklessly on the

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

highway.

She said the victim did not die but sustained serious injuries and is receiving treatment in hospital.

Mrs. Daniel urged motor-

ists to avoid reckless driving and other traffic offences, saying with a normal speed, it would be easy for a driver to control his vehicle.

The case was adjourned till July 22.

LAUTECH inaugurates new Governing Council today

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HE inauguration of a new Governing Council for Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso holds today.

National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the Chancellor of the institution, while the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council is Prof. Wale Omole.

In a statement yesterday, the Acting Registrar of the institution, Rev. Jacob Agboo-

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

la, said:” Following the constitution of the new Governing Council of LAUTECH by Visitors to the university, the executive governors of Oyo and Osun states, the public, workers and students of LAUTECH are hereby informed that the inauguration of the new Governing Council will hold on July 12 at 10am in the Council Chamber, Senate Building, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

9

NEWS

The students protesting yesterday. Inset: The DPO of Sango Police Station, Ibadan, Mrs. Akinfenwa.

PHOTO: FEMI ILESANMI

UI students call on Education Minister to resign

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VER 1,000 students of the University of Ibadan (UI) yesterday stormed Ibadan streets, protesting what they described as the deteriorating condition of education.

The protest, led by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Comrade Babatunde Badmus, started from the university gate around 8am in the presence of over 50 policemen led by the Sango District Police Officer, ASP Sybil Akinfenwa, who brought 10 vans.

He said his men were there to ensure law and order.

The students disrupted traffic and carried placards with inscriptions, such as: ‘Adieu to education sector in Nigeria’, ‘Say no to poor education standard’, ‘Nigeria, dwarf or giant of Africa,’ ‘Nigeria giant of Africa- Ghana budgets 31 per cent for education, South Africa budgets 25 per cent, Nigeria budgets 8.4 per cent,’ ‘ASUU don’t betray this struggle with earned allowances, unionism must be restored to all tertiary institutions,’ ‘We want 26 per cent budgetary allocation for education’.

Vehicular movement from UI to Mokola roundabout was grounded for over five hours, as the students barricaded roads, singing solidarity songs.

•Traffic in Ibadan disrupted From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

At Mokola roundabout, they hijacked four intra-state buses belonging to the state government (Ajumose Shuttle buses) and rode in them back to their campus.

In a communiqué read by Comrade Badmus, the students said the purpose of the protest was to condemn government’s lack of seriousness in the funding of education.

Their words: “The United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recommends that a minimum of 26 per cent of the budgetary allocation in developing countries should be devoted to education, but instead, the Nigerian government allocates less than 10 per cent.

“A report by the World Bank in 2012 on the annual budgetary allocation of 20 countries shows that Nigeria is in the last position with the allocation of 8.4 per cent of its annual budget to education, compared to Ghana, which occupies the first position with the allocation

of 31 per cent of its budget to education.”

Supporting the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike and calling for an early resolution, the students’ leader urged the Federal Government to honour the agreements it signed with ASUU. He enjoined the Federal Government to ensure that the budgetary allocation to the education sector is increased to 26 per cent in line with the UNESCO recommendation.

Badmus said the communiqué represented the views of faculty presidents, presidents of departments, hall chairmen and chairpersons, chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Joint Campus Committee, Oyo State and members of the Union of Campus Journalists.

Said he: “We want ASUU to prioritise the revalitisation of the quality of education. We decry the unnecessary establishment of mushroom tertiary institutions. The existing ones are being neglected.

“The late Chief Obafemi Awolowo invested

Ekiti begins recruitment to fill vacancies in civil service

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KITI State Government has begun recruitment to fill vacancies in the civil service.

The exercise, which started on Tuesday, has attracted thousands of applicants from the 16 local governments, who have besieged the Civil Service Commission (CSC) headquarters on the premises of the Old Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti.

According to findings, people submitted applications in response to an earlier announcement on the electronic media in the state.

The Chairman of CSC, Alhaji Sulaiman Afolabi Ogunlayi, said the aim of the government was to “create a level playing field for candidates, who desire to secure employment in the civil service.

Ogunlayi said the move to fill the “consequential vacancies in the civil service” was to maintain a manageable level of professionals and workers in the employ of the state.

Allaying fears of partiality, the CSC chairman said applicants would write a test to determine their suitability.

He urged candidates to sit for the test, which would be organised at centres across the state.

Said he: “The aim is to employ more hands to fill consequential vacancies across the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). Those employed in the old Ondo State in

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

the 70s are retiring and they would have to be replaced.

“It is, however, not going to be a one-off thing, as vacancies would often be filled from the pool of successful candidates whose list would have been compiled from this ongoing exercise.

“The current exercise covers all cadres, including medical doctors, lawyers, architects, accountants, higher executive officers and clerical officers, who are being classed into two, namely junior and senior cadres.”

Candidates yesterday lamented what they described as “shoddy and improper treatment arising from needlessly long queues, which led to sharp practices by smart candidates.”

Some of them, who spoke

with The Nation, said the process could be less troubling “if it had been made non-physical.”

Shade, one of the applicants, said she came from Ikere-Ekiti and had not processed her application.

Said she: “If the Internet has been used and candidates are made to process applications online, this problem would not have occurred. All I can see is improper planning.

“You may not believe it, but there are cheats here. Some would come and would want to have their way. This has created problems.”

Another candidate said: “I’m from Igbara-Odo-Ekiti. I want to obtain employment form.

The situation I am witnessing is abnormal to put it mildly.

Government is trying, but I think it can be made better.

It should have been done

so much in education, but President Goodluck Jonathan is non chalant about the funding of education. Instead, he takes pride in jetting out when pressing national issues that need his attention arise.

“Our leaders enrol their children in private universities outside the country and cripple public universities to deprive the children of the poor the right to education. We will resist this.”

Calling for the resignation of the Education Minister, Prof. Ruquayyat Ahmed Rufai, Badmus said she must resign with immediate effect because she lacked a clue to the problems in the education sector.

The students said besides ASUU’s demands, the Federal Government must embark on the building of modern hostels and facilitate the establishment of research laboratories by investors in the universities.

They urged modernisation of decayed facilities and obsolete style of teaching in tertiary institutions.

The SUG president said if their demands were not met, they would head for Abuja next week and ground activities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Osun monarchs rally support for Aregbesola From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

T •Dr. Fayemi

online. Three applicants collapsed during recruitment at the teaching service commission. This should serve as a lesson.

Another applicant said: “Can you imagine I’ve been here since 6am? The stress is too much.”

Admitting the problems, the CSC chairman said there was no cause for alarm as the exercise would last one week.

He said: “The recruitment has just started. We will attend to everybody before its expiration.”

RADITIONAL rulers in the Osun Divisional Conference of Obas have rallied support for Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

They urged their subjects to support the Osun State Governor in his determination to transform the state.

The Obas, in a communiqué signed by their Chairman, the Orangun of Ila, Oba Kayode Oyedotun and Secretary, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrasheed Olabomi, after their meeting at the Akirun’s palace in Ikirun, said Ogbeni Aregbesola deserved to be supported because of the developmental projects his administration is embarking upon.

They said they have watched with interest, the governor’s passion and action in giving the indigenes a new lease of life.

They listed some of his achievements since assuming office on November 27, 2010 as the introduction of Opon-Imo (Knowledge Tablet), the hosting of Oduduwa Children’s Day, reduction in unemployment in the state and poverty reduction.

The monarchs, who described the Opon-Imo as revolutionary and the first anywhere in the world, said Governor Aregbesola brought children from the Yoruba-speaking states and beyond together to celebrate their ancestry through the Oduduwa Children’s Day. They noted the governor’s effort in reducing unemployment, saying according to the record of the Federal Office of Statistics, Osun State has the lowest rate of unemployment.

The traditional rulers also referred to the Federal Office of Statistics that said Osun has the lowest rate of poverty, coming second after Niger State.

Lagos canvasses review of law on death penalty

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HE Lagos State Government yesterday suggested a review of the nation’s law on the death penalty and execution of condemned prisoners.

Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, who suggested this, said it was time the country made up its mind whether or not it wanted to retain the death penalty in its statute books.

Ipaye spoke to reporters

By Adebisi Onanuga

during the monthly media briefing on Law and Order, held at Alausa, Ikeja.

He said the death penalty has been a subject of debate without a decision taken on the matter.

The Lagos Justice Commissioner urged that an investigation committee be set up on death sentence with a view to determining whether or not the death penalty has served as a deterrent to

criminals.

He said the committee should consider whether there had been an increase or a decrease in armed robberies during the period of moratorium by the governors, who suspended the execution of convicts on death rows.

Ipaye said the outcome of the investigation would help Nigerians take a stand on the issue, which has put the country in limbo for some time.

The commissioner, who admitted that penalty is part of the country’s law, said the governors have a right to be hesitant in signing execution warrants after convicted prisoners must have exercised their right of appeal to the Supreme Court.

He said the governors also have a right to exercise their discretion in the granting of amnesty to the convicts under the prerogative of mercy.

Ipaye denied media reports that under-age persons were kept in prisons across the state on the order of a magistrate’s court for 390 days.

The commissioner, who insisted that the report was not true, said investigation into the matter showed that 115 persons were arraigned at the Special Offences Task Force Magistrate’s Court and that they were above 18 years, contrary to what was reported.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

10

NEWS RAMADAN KAREEM

SOLAT TIME (Lagos Only) Fajr Zuhr Asr

– – –

5:16 am 12:51 pm 4:18 pm

Magrib – 7:07 pm Ishai – 8:20 pm (Source: Islamicfinder.org)

Ramadan 3rd, 1434AH

Ekiti deputy governor urges harmony

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

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KITI State Deputy Governor Prof Modupe Adelabu has urged Muslims in the state to pray for continued peace and harmony as they observe Ramadan.

In a statementby her Special Adviser on Media, Bunmi Ogunmodede, the deputy governor reminded residents that on-going socio-economic development across the state can only be sustained in a peaceful environment.

She urged Muslims to, in the spirit of the season, extend their love to the less-privileged during the Holy month.

According to her, the society would become a better and safer place to live in when the gap between the rich and the poor is bridged.

Noting that residents have been living together in love and harmony, Prof Modupe urged all to shun any act that

•Prof. Adelabu

could compromise peace in the state and avoid yielding the ground to trouble makers.

She said: “We have lived together as brothers and sisters in the state irrespective of our religious beliefs. We should not give any room to agents of disunity to destabilise our state.”

“Our Muslim brothers and sisters must use this long period of fasting to strengthen the existing love and tolerance with prayers.”

RAMADAN GUIDE

•Egyptian supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood and Egypt’s ousted president Mohamed Morsi break their fast outside Cairo’s Rabaa alAFP PHOTO/MARWAN NAAMANI Adawiya mosque during the second day of fasting ... yesterday.

NOA boss: let Ramadan unite Nigerians

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HE Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Mike Omeri has urged Muslims in Nigerians to build on the mutual relationship existing between them and people of other faith for the continued peace, security and progress of Nigeria.

Omeri said the fellowship of

WITH FEMI ABBAS

F

OR the first few days at the beginning of Ramadan every year, there is tendency for some people to forget that they are fasting. Thus, naturally, it is possible to accidentally eat or drink out of forgetfulness. This often occurs to Muslims who hardly fast outside the month of Ramadan.

If it happens to you, there should be nothing to worry about. As soon as you remember, just recondition yourself to the regulations of Ramadan and continue your fast. Do not tell anybody. Let it remain a secret between you and your Lord. It does not matter whether you finished eating or drinking before you remember or you were reminded of fast. In Islam, actions are judged according to intentions. And who else judges both actions and intentions other than Allah, the All-seeing, the All- knowing. Even in the daily SALAT, provisions are made for rectification of forgetfulness in terms of Sujudus-Sahwi. But the forgetfulness in Ramadan accommodates neither drunkenness nor sexual intercourse nor cheating of any kind while Ramadan lasts.

As a Muslim, you are not supposed to drink any intoxicant in the first place, Ramadan or no Ramadan. To be drunk, therefore, in Ramadan, under the pretext of forgetfulness is a confirmation of hypocrisy or infidelity.

As for sexual intercourse which can only occur legitimately between a husband and his wife, it is unlikely to be done out of forgetfulness. At least if the husband cannot remember Ramadan, the wife should. Sexual intercourse cannot be done unconsciously.

But if sex occurs in your dream and you suddenly wake up to discover that you are already wet, all you need to do is to clean up with Janabah (purification) bath. And, then, you continue your fast. However, to bail yourself out of any doubt or ambiguity, you may fast for one day after Ramadan as atonement for the doubtful act.

Nigerians, irrespective of religious affiliation is important in building the country of our dream.

He enjoined Muslims to break their fast with people of different faith “as an effort to bridge and foster peace” in the nation.

He assured Nigerians that the atmosphere to be created in such

an engagement would promote peaceful coexistence among all regardless of the faith of anyone.

“The arrival of the holy month of Ramadan should be seen as a blessing to our nation at this period; principles of Ramadan fast as they relate to societal cooperation should be imbibed and exploited,” Omeri stressed.

Ogun begins Essay Competition

e-mail: femabbas@yahoo.com Tel: 08122697498

Breaking in error

From Bukola Amusan,Abuja

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HE Second Edition of the Ramadan Essay Writing/Quiz Competition for public students in Ogun State began yesterday in four centres across the State.

The Essay/Debate competition, which has topics “Child Right: Islamic Perspective” and “Perceived Decay in the Education System, Who is to Blame: Parent, Teachers or the Government?" witnessed a large turnout of pupils in all the four centres - Remo Secondary School, Sagamu (Remo); Muslim College, Ijebu Ode (Ijebu); Yewa College,

P

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

Ilaro (Yewa); and African Church Grammar School, ItaIyalode, Abeokuta (Egba).

Organised by the Wife of the governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun and those of Ogun State Government Functionaries Association (SOSGFA), the competition involved schools across the 20 local government areas and was designed to assist the school children to have a good understanding of Islam and cultivate their interest in religious ideas.

Mrs Amosun enjoined the

pupils to reflect on the teachings of Allah and live together in peace and social harmony, saying "the Second Edition of Ramadan Essay/Quiz Competition would build on the success of the maiden edition held last year."

She said the Second Edition would feature Poem Writing for Primary School Pupils. "This requires pupils to write and submit their poem to the Education Secretaries in each of the Education Zones within the first two weeks in the month of Ramadan on the theme: 'Ramadan!

The Blessed Month,'" she said.

Kano Ramadan Fair: Customers decry rising prices

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USTOMERS have decried the high prices of commodities at the ongoing Ramadan Commodity Fair in Kano, organised by the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture.

Malama Asiya Nasidi, a customer, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that some of the items on display were more costly than they were sold outside.

She said: “I was disappointed when I saw prices of some items because there is no much difference in the prices and some are even more expensive here.”

Hajiya Balaraba Sani, another customer, said only few items brought in by some companies were affordable.

Hajiya Sani called on the organisers of the fair to check the prices of the items to make them affordable to customers.

A civil servant, Malam Muhammad Abdussalam, said people were only buying few items at the fair because of the high prices.

Prices of foodstuff increase in Ibadan

RICES of foodstuffs in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, have increased as Ramadan begins.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commodities affected by the price rise include perishable and non-perishable ones.

A NAN survey in two major markets in the Ibadan metropolis - Oja Oba and Bodija - showed that the increase in price resulted in reduced purchases, as traders complain of poor patronage.

Staple foods, such as `garri’, beans, millet, corn, vegetables and yam were affected by the

price increase.

However, the prices of rice, vegetable oil, palm oil, meat, onions, tomatoes and salt remain stable.

Also, prices of fruits and beverages are stable.

At the Oja Oba Market, a measure of bean, which formerly sold for N250, now costs N350.

A measure of `garri’, which had been selling for between N100 and N120, now goes for between N150 and N200.

Also, a measure of corn, which was sold for N150 last week, now costs N200, while a

measure of millet that sold for N200 is now selling for N300.

At the Bodija Market, five tubers of yam, which formerly sold for N800, now go for N1, 500.

Mrs Fatima Lukman, who sells rice and beans at the Bodija Market, attributed the increase to alleged killing of some traders in Borno State by suspected Boko Haram members.

According to her, many traders in Ibadan have stopped going to the state to buy beans and some other foodstuffs.

Mrs Idayatu Sanni, who sells

rice at Oja Oba Market, told NAN that the price of the commodity had remained relatively stable.

According to her, a 50kg bag of long grain rice is being sold for between N10,000 and N12,000.

She said, the price of a 50kg bag of short grain rice reduced from between N8,000 and N9,000 to between N7, 500 and N8,000.

NAN reports that the price of vegetable oil also reduced as 25 litres of the product now sells for N6,000 instead of N6, 500.

(NAN)

RAMADAN DIET

“Whoever stands in the night prayer during Ramadan out of Iman (faith) and seeking His (Allah) reward, then all of his previous sins will be forgiven” –– Prophet Muhammed Sponsored by ALHAJI JUBREEL & ALHAJA SHERIFAT ABDULKAREEM, Chairman, Agege Local Govt Area, Lagos

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

‘ATMs to hit 70,000 in five years’

By Lucas Ajanaku

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LOBAL leaders in in formation technol ogy (IT) solutions providers, Wincor Nixdorf AG, yesterday said the number of automated teller machines (ATMs) deployed to serve customers in the country would grow from its current 11,000 pieces to 70,000 pieces over the next five years.

President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the firm, Eckard Heidloff, who spoke in Lagos during the formal opening of its representative office in the country, said Nigeria holds huge growth prospect on the continent, adding that her population of over 165 million and vast human and material resources make the country the leader of the continent. He said the growing banking sector presents vast interest in new technologies for the country.

He said opening a representative office in Nigeria is not an attempt to compete with its dealers, but an attempt to be closer to the customers and get on-the-spot feed back on how they could better be served.

“Nigeria is one of the most strongly growing economies in the world. Here we’re the market leader in our business, and needed to be directly available to our customers in order to support and advise them. This step is an expression of our commitment to the importance of the Nigerian market, and at the same time, the continuation of our global expansion strategy,” Heidloff said.

At the moment there is an average of about 18 hours per day of constant power supply to different parts of the country. This feat was brought about by the implementation of the integrated power sector reform programme anchored on the power roadmap.

- Minister of Information, Labaran Maku

Nigeria-China annual trade hits $13b, says Jonathan T

HE annual bilateral trade between Nigeria and China has risen to over $13billion in 2012, from $2billion in 2002, President Goodluck Jonathan has said.

He disclosed this yesterday at the Nigeria-China Business Forum, organised by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, in Beijing.

He said the trade between the two countries account for nearly one third of the trade between China and West Africa, adding that it will continue to grow bigger, indicating the importance of Nigeria to China in the regional market.

Jonathan said that it was in recognition of the strategic trade link between the two countries, that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently converted some portions of Nigeria’s foreign reserves from the United States Dollars, to the Chinese Yuan.

Beyond trade, the President said that China has been instrumental to supporting Nigeria with financial arrangements and investment in strategic infrastructural projects, such as rail, road and free trade zones, among others.

Consequently, he said Ni-

• Calls for diversification of economy From Group Business Editor, AyodeleAminu, in Bejing, China

geria is presently strengthening its investment and economic ties with China because of the latter’s’ involvement in the financing and construction of key infrastructural projects in Nigeria.

Besides, he said the persistent increase in the bilateral trade volume between the two countries within the last few years, has made it imperative for the duo to amplify their relationships.

Emphasising that Nigeria and China are the two largest economies in their respective regions; the President said that since Nigeria and China started diplomatic relations, the bilateral relations between the two countries have continued to wax stronger as the years progressed.

Jonathan said that the nine Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) signed

between Chinese and Nigerian companies, would lead to stronger economic ties between the two countries.

Maintaining that Nigeria’s current robust, stable macroeconomic environment had strategically positioned it as the preferred investment destination in Africa and globally, he said the country is currently the preferred destination for Chinese companies in Africa.

He said: “Our tax policies are quite robust and the business environment we have in Nigeria is exceptional. I want to specially commend the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment for the spectacular work done in putting together such a wonderful and world class event. I also want to thank investors for their interest in Nigeria, which is now the number one investment destination in Africa.”

Earlier, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, OlusegunAganga, said one of the major achieve-

ments of the forum was the huge commitment by Chinese investors in terms of investing in key sectors of the Nigerian economy. For example, he noted that the largest coal to power company in China is interested in coming to invest in Nigeria. ”Also, many big companies who are into power generation and transmission have indicated their interest in investing in Nigeria. In addition to these, we have held discussions with China Development Bank in the area of Small and Medium development. In fact, the momentum is very high in terms of investors’ interest in Nigeria,” he added.

The event, which had over 300 Chinese investors, culminated in the signing nine MoUs between Chinese investors, Bauchi State Government and private investors respectively.

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan said Thursday in Beijing that the increasing exploitation and utilisation of shale gas and other alternative sources of energy by the United States and other advanced nations of the world has made it more urgent for Nigeria to move faster towards the diversification of its

Reps summon FIRS over N13.3b tax evasion

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

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

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MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N10.6 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -9% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending -22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $48b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

economy.

Speaking in an interview with China Television, President Jonathan said that the increasing utilisation of alternative sources of energy was a matter of concern for Nigeria and other oil exporting nations.

“That is why we have to increase the pace of diversifying our economy and moving our country away from dependence on the oil and gas industry.

“We must work towards greater industrialisation, add more value to our agricultural products, develop our solid minerals potentials and other sectors of our economy before the time comes when crude oil may no longer be dominant as a global source of energy,” the President said.

At a meeting with the Nigerian community in China, President Jonathan commended the National Assembly for its ongoing process of expanding the coverage of the Local Content Act to sectors other than oil and gas, saying that the move will further stimulate domestic industrialisation and contribute significantly to the desired diversification of Nigeria’s economy.

Responding to concerns raised by a member of the community about Nigerian professionals having to compete with expatriates from China and other countries for employment opportunities in Nigeria, the President said that Nigeria’s immigration laws and expatriate quotas provide adequate protection for Nigerian workers.

• Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) (middle) during the reviews of year, 2013 2nd quarter budget performance appraisal at the Lagos State House Alausa, Ikeja...yesterday. With him are Secretary to State Government, Dr Oluranti PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES Adebule (right) and the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Abiru Adetokunbo.

Fed Govt appoints liquidator for NITEL, M-tel • Directs BPE to keep N59.55b of Egbin power plant’s sales proceeds • BPE to list National stadium, others for privatisation

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HE Federal Govern ment yesterday ap pointed a liquidatorOlutola Senbore and Co., for Nigerian Telecommunication Limited. (NITEL) and its GSM subsidiary, M-tel.

The Minister of State for Finance, Yerima Ngama, said the move is intended to prepare both firms for their eventual sale. He spoke alongside the Director-General of the Bureau for Public Enterprises, (BPE), Benjamin

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

Dikki at at the 5th meeting of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) chaired

by Vice President Namadi Sambo..

He explained that the liquidator for NITEL, M-tel was picked at the end of analysis done on the five prequalified candidates, who were picked from the initial eight candidates that submitted bids.

Ngama said: “We are also happy to announce that at last, a liquidator has been appointed for NITEL and M-tel after several bids were received from about eight companies.

He also disclosed that the Council has approved the BPE to set aside N59.55 billion out of the proceeds of the sale of Egbin Power plant for some of the activities of both the bulk trader and BPE itself.

“For the bulk trader, N50 bil-

lion has been set aside and this will be the guarantee for the signing off of the power purchase agreement so that the generating companies will feel comfortable that they will have money to actually pay them.

And also to proceed further with the privatization of the Power companies, the BPE also needs some money to continue with the several consultancy work, the sum of N9.55billion has been set aside to meet these expenses.” he stated

HE House of Reps Committee on Fi nance has summoned the Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Kabir Mashi, over N13.3b tax.

The summon followed the failure of the FIRS boss to honour an earlier invitation by the Committee to brief the lawmakers on the evasion of Education Tax by Exxon Mobil Producing Nigeria Limited.

The committee was seeking facts on a recent verdict by the Lagos Zone Tax Appeal Tribunal that ordered the oil company to pay N13.3billion Education Tax to the FIRS. Mashi was given till next Tuesday to present himself, while the meeting between the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) was also fixed for the same day.

The NCC is to explain its inability to remit internally generated funds to the Consolidated Revenue Account.

12

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

BUSINESS NEWS

Senate probes alleged expatriate quota violation

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HE Senate Committee on Employment, La bour and Productivity has started investigation into alleged expatriates quota violations by oil and construction firms in the country.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Wilson Asinobi Ake, said the Committee has summoned the companies to determine their level of complicity or otherwise.

Among the companies that appeared before the committee on last week, are Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Setraco Nigeria Limited, B. Stabillini and Company Construction Nigeria Limited, PW Nigeria Limited, CCECC, Sarplast Nigeria Limited and Bullet International Nigeria Limited.

Others are BNL Nigeria Limited, Salini Nigeria Limited, Gilmor Engineering Nigeria Limited, Gitto Constrozio Generali Nigeria Limited, Arab Contractors Nigeria Limited, and SCC Nigeria Limited, among others.

Ake told the firms that it is worrisome that companies were in the habit of violating the laws of the land by non-compliance with labour laws that contained provisions on safety, security and welfare of workers in their respective work places.

He noted that the Immi-

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Asst.

Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

gration Act, 2004, makes it mandatory that the companies that recruit expatriates’ personnel in engineering or technical sector, must also recruit Nigerians with relevant qualifications to understudy such expatriates within a specific period of time, in line with the policy on transfer of technology, expertise and succession plan.

He insisted that such positions were not meant to be occupied permanently by expatriates as it is currently the case with most of the companies in the oil and construction industries in Nigeria.

He said the action became necessary following complaints about non-compliance with the country’s employment policies, as well as other laws regulating the operations of such firms in the country, adding that the meeting was part of efforts to verify some of the complaints leveled against the companies by members of the public.

Ake said the Committee had received numerous complaints against some of the companies violating the expatriate quota laws, the Local Content Act, as well as the general neglect

of safety and the security of their workers, observing that certain jobs which ordinarily should be given to Nigerians were at the moment, being outsourced.

He observed the the Employee Compensation Act, 2010, is explicit on the welfare and safety of workers, but regreted that it was not being complied with.

Ake frowned at the neglect of the safety, security and welfare of workers, most of whom, he said were made to work under very strenuous and risky conditions without commensurate welfare package to cushion the negative effects on the workers and their families.

He warned the companies to desist from conveying their staff to work places in trucks meant for cows.

He said that such attitudes are in goss violation of the requirement of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

He added though the affected companies pledged to make amends, the Committee however notified them that it shall soon embark on factory inspection visits to companies in fulfillment of its oversight functions in order to ascertain the claims of what those companies told the Committee.

Fed Govt to begin payment of PHCN exit workers next week • Expects investors to pay balance of 75% by September 21

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HE Federal Govern ment will commence the severance payment of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) exit workers next week, the Director-General, Bureau of Public Enterprises ( BPE), Benjamin Dikki, has said.

Dikki, spoke yesterday while receiving the Senate Committee on Privatization that visited the organisation as part of its oversight function.

His words : “Presently, agreement has been reached with the workers on all aspects of the payment of the terminal benefits. Actual payment is expected to commence by mid-July.”

The Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo, had promised President GoodluckJonthan that the Ministry would have completed the payment before the end of June, 2013. But the Federal Government

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

seemed to have shifted the commencement of payment scheduled to begin on June 17, to mid July.

Dikki explained to the lawmakers that a Committee under the Chairmanship of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, was setup to drive the implementation of the agreement signed between the Federal Government and Labour in December, 2012. He said a technical -sub-committee was set up to determine the correct number of bona-fide staff and obtain their bio-data.

He said the sub-committee will determine the components of staff entitlements including severance, gratuity, pension and repatriation, among others.

Dikki said the Bureau was jointly managing the sale of the 10 National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) power plants with Niger Delta

Power Holding Company (NDPHC), adding that in order to expose investors with the transactions, road shows were held in Lagos, London, Hong Kong and New York.

“The road shows attracted a large number of potential investors. This is a clear indication of a global interest in the emerging Nigerian power market,” he said, adding that the deadline for the submission of Expression of Interest on the NIPP power plants, is July 19th, 2013.

Continuing, he said, “the bidders were subsequently given 21st of March, 2013 as deadline for the payment of the initial 25 per cent of the purchase consideration. By the deadline, all the preferred bidders duly paid 25 per cent of the purchase consideration amounting to $387. 964 million and N20.

365 billion. The balance of the purchase consideration must be paid on or before 21st September, 2013.”

ITF laments non-payment of dues

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HE Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Governing Council’s chairman, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro has tasked industrialists in the country on the need to update their financial responsibilities to ITF to enable the agency carry out its activities effectively.

Senator Obanikoro who was in Kano with his team on assessment tour of ITF facilities in the state yesterday, frowned at the attitude of some industrialists who he said have refused to live up to their responsibilities in terms of remitting the required fund made for the development of ITF. “I want to strongly advice that those who are committed to us should stand by us at the time of our need. I recognise that business men are in business to make money, but sometimes you also take cognizance of the responsibilities to our businesses.

The situation that we have here will not remain with us forever. In fact, we have improved in the recent past and I do believe that if we can sustain the tranquility that we now, the economy will grow better.

“In terms of those who are not contributing, my advice is that every corporate citizen must be responsible and responsive. Any corporate citizen that is in violation of the law, to me cannot be seen as responsible and responsive; and I know that the intention of every business person is to be responsible and responsive—so I am using this medium to appeal to those who are either out of knowledge and are avoid-

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

ing payment or deliberately not paying to have a rethink,” Obanikoro stated.

He also charged ITF staff in Kano to brace up and take their responsibilities seriously, noting that, “I am in a hurry to deliver on our mandate. We need all the help to move on. We must all work together as a team. Collectively there is nothing we cannot achieve. Team spirit is very germane to achieve our goals and defend what we stand for.

“We cannot go through the slow lane; this bureaucratic bottle neck must be removed. Nigerians are yawning for actions and positive dividends of democracy. We cannot achieve this if we are using a locomotive engine.

We must be on the fasttrack. We must get things done in due time.

“Kano is very strategic and very important in the scheme of things to the extent that the most successful business man in Africa today (Aliko Dangote) is from Kano. We can turn things around as a nation, as one people, we have all it takes to turn things around,” he stated.

The chairman after touring facilities at the ITF office and the Industrial Skills Training Centre (ISTC), expressed satisfaction over the facilities on ground and the performance of the students, but pointed out that there was need to create a data base to would store the names of both the past and present students of the agency, with a view to moni-

toring their activities and ensure that the knowledge they acquired is used to develop the society.

He promised to alleviate the challenges facing the ITF Area Office, “based on our observations, we are equipped to intervene in all our findings. As a Governing Council, we will sit back and make some decisions on how best to improve all these facilities that we have visited. But be rest assured that we are progressive in every sense of it.”

Briefing the Governing Council on the activities of ITF Kano Area Office, the Area Manager, Alhaji Hassan Mohammed Hassan noted that the Area Office has completed seven out of 10 Scheduled Courses and seven out 10 unscheduled courses achieving about 70 per cent of its target for the year 2013.

He identified challenges facing the Area Office to include security challenges, massive closure of industries in the state, inadequate power supply and massive importation of goods such as textile materials from Asian countries.

He, however, noted the achievements of the Area Office to include staff welfare, discipline among staff and students as well as establishing cordial relationship with its clients in Kano and Jigawa states, adding that, “the ITF has put in place several measures to key-in to the Federal Government’s Transformation Agenda; and we in Kano Area Office are doing everything possible to key in to these objectives of Mr. president.

Shell shuts 24 inch Trans Niger Pipeline

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HE Shell Petroleum Development Com pany of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) operated Joint Venture yesterday shut in the 24-inch Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) as a result of a confirmed leak on the line at the Bomu- Bonny section at Owokiri.

With the 28 inch TNP already shut in for removal of

illegal oil theft connections, a total of about 150,000 barrels per day of oil have been deferred.

Details of this latest incident including cause and size of spill are unclear at the moment, but the TNP has been variously targeted by crude oil thieves in recent months and shut down several times to enable the re-

moval of theft points, said Tony Okonedo, SPDC’s Corporate Media Relations Manager in a statement.

The relevant authorities have been notified of the incident and SPDC is mobilizing to respond as quickly as possible with a joint investigation visit (JIV) and repairs, preparatory to clean up, Okonedo added.

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AGRO-BUSINESS HALF YEAR REVIEW

Still a long way to go How did the agriculture sector fare in the first six months of the year? It did well, some argue; others say things could have been better. The government pursued its cassava bread policy; introduced the phonefor-rural farmers scheme to promote cheap fertliser. Good initiatives but the impact has yet to be felt, reports, DANIEL ESSIET.

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ERFORMANCE of the various value chains of the agriculture sector differed during the first six months of the year.

This was partly due to improved rains and market trends compared with a year ago. Agriculture performance, however, was not immune to developments in the global economy.

During the period under review, the Federal Government continued with its Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GES) to drive the growth of the sector, boost food security and sustain projections made in the sector.

To industry watchers, agriculture and agribusinesses are underperforming. Export is falling while import of food products is rising. Post-harvest losses were high especially for perishable products due to poor storage infrastructure. For instance, Lagos State Government disclosed that 40 per cent of farm produce, especially vegetable harvested within the state are lost.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mr. Gbolahan Lawal, who disclosed this at the inauguration of Eko Farmers Mart, Ajah and Surulere, said: “This has contributed to the huge gap between the farm gate price and market price of agricultural produce without guarantee for quality products in the state.”

He said that a lot of people are involved in bringing the produce from the local producers in the hinterland to markets in the urban centres with each adding their profit margin to the products. He added that transportation difficulty also contributed negatively to the landing price of agricultural products.

Risks Notwithstanding the robust growth in areas such as cashew production, significant downside risks still remained in the sector within the period under review. Meteorologists had predicted that the first half of the year, would be more vulnerable to climate change.

Other risks include rise in sea-level and devastation to coastal areas. Some farm settlements are clinging to river banks and cluster in low-lying areas with poor drainage, few public services, and absence of protection from storm surges, sea-level rise, and flooding. The meteorologists said that Nigerians face a future where climate change threatens food supplies, while extreme weather puts their homes and lives at risk.

The challenges are enormous, from the poor state of roads to the lack of agricultural markets, rural credit, warehouses, irrigation and cold storage. The agricultural processing industries that once existed in cotton, fruit pulping and groundnut oil no longer operate. This is because of neglect by successive administrations.

Food prices Because of the large share of household spending on food, the poor were particularly vulnerable to food price increases.

• Adeshina

Prices of staples such as soya bean, maize and cassava went up. Maize prices rose significantly in February and are well above their levels a year ago. Flooding and other weather factors kept soya bean and maize prices high in the early part of the year.

Programme Coordinator, Farmers Development Union (FADU), Mr. Victor Olowe said he expected the weather variations to become more frequent as the climate changes, making it important for the government and the private sector to invest in weather tolerant crops, systems and standards for increased food.

Despite the efforts of the government through GES, farmers still had limited access to agricultural inputs such as fertilisers and higher-yielding seeds and extension services.

The Director, African Region, Cassava Adding Value to Africa (CAVA), Dr Kola Adebayo, said improvement of infrastructure for food transportation is necessary to reduce logistics costs.

He said Nigerian farmers and agribusinesses could ensure reliable food market if they have access to more capital, electricity, better technology and irrigated land to grow high-value nutritious foods.

According to him, poor transport and storage infrastructure are among the factors holding back growth in the sector.

Chief Operating Officer, Centre for Cocoa Development Initiative, Inc., Robo Adhuze urged the government to invest in the agricultural sector to confront the challenges of climatic unpredictability.

Training The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, during the period under review, promised that 80,000 farmers would be trained as part of its 2013 Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme. It is, however, not clear the number of farmers that benefited from the initiative The programme, which is part of the government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda, aims to reduce agricultural input costs, such as fertilizers and hybrid seeds, and enable growers to increase their yields.

World Bank’s assistance The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors during the period, approved two International Development Association (IDA) credits totaling $300 million to boost government’s efforts to expand the agriculture sector while also providing food security and improved nutrition to the rural poor.

The first is the IDA credit of $100 million meant to fund the Agriculture Sector Development Policy Operation, the first of two projects that would support the government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda. The operation include efforts to strengthen policies and capacity to raise yields, promote market access among farmers, and improve overall management of the country’s rapidly expanding agriculture industry.

The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Marie- Francoise Marie-Nelly, said: “Nigeria has an enormous opportunity to promote a vibrant, competitive and technology-propelled agricultural sector, which today employs 70 per cent of the population.

“This new project focuses on providing opportunity to Nigeria’s growing ranks of agribusiness entrepreneurs in a way that will generate higher incomes for farmers while

• Lawal

• Olowe

also enhancing expansion in the industrial sector, ensuring food security and enhancing foreign exchange earnings.”

The second IDA credit of $200 million will be used to fund the Third National Fadama Development Project (Fadama III). These funds will support smallholder farmers, organised in clusters in six states, activities designed to increase their production of food staples including cassava, rice, sorghum, and processing them for delivery. The funds will also link the farmers to better-organised markets and to small and large-scale food processors.

“The Fadama Development Project is an innovative approach to leverage private sector investments and to establish business linkages between large investors and smallholder farmers,” said Jamal Saghir, World Bank Director of Sustainable Development for the Africa Region. “It will assist the Nigerian Government in its efforts to expand employment, raise household incomes and enhance skills and capacity,” he added.

tween the Ministry of Agriculture, Dizengoff West Africa Nigeria Limited, Olude Gamu Limited and Mantrac Nigeria Limited.

The Commissioner said the Dizengoff’s contract was worth about N189.8 million for the procurement of 30 MF 275 tractors, 50 Baldan AF-3 Baldan ploughs, 15 Baldan SPA-20 harrows, two Baldan 4-Row planters with fertiliser applicators. The firm, he said, would also supply two Jacto Boom Sprayers 400l and two Bladan RPU-1500 slashers.

AfDB’s $150m The African Development Bank (AfDB) said it has earmarked $150 million to support rice value chain under the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) of the Federal Government.

Chief Operations Officer of the Bank, Dr. Patrick Agboma, disclosed this at the opening of a two-day stakeholder’s workshop on AfDB Pre-Appraisal Mission on the Bank’s Rice Value Chain Development Programme (RVCDP) in Abuja.

He explained that AfDB in 2012 pledged $500 million to support Rice, Cassava, Aquaculture and Sorghum of the ATA.

$250m fertiliser plant Consul- General of the United States to Nigeria, Mr. Jeffry Hawkins disclosed plans by the United States government to establish a $250 million fertiliser plant in Edo State. The Consul-General said the fertiliser plant is being planned by the Overseas Private Investment Corporation of the United States Government.

Benue, India partnership Benue State government said it would partner India in agriculture, poverty alleviation and other areas of economic interest. This was made known during a dinner hosted by the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mahesh Sachdev, for Governor Gabriel Suswam at the Indian High Commission in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, the High Commissioner said India’s choice of Benue State for the partnership was informed by the abundant human and natural resources the state is blessed with. He said: “Benue State has the potential of becoming the ‘bread basket’ of Nigeria.

“Being a tropical country with fertile land and plenty of unregulated irrigation that can be managed, I think Benue shares a lot of these conditions with India which can be turned into fruitful use for the benefit of both.”

Ogun’s N.5b agric equipment Ogun State government signed a N500 million contract with three agriculture firms for procurement of modern land clearing equipment. The contract signed at the office of the Commissioner for Agriculture, Ayo Olubori in Abeokuta was be-

$250m nitrogen fertiliser loan Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) said it would give $250 million loan to a nitrogen fertiliser plant to boost agriculture, infrastructure, energy and financial services in the country. The venture, which is backed by the United States OPIC, is part of the President Barack Obama administration’s efforts to enhance Africa’s private sector. The Edo State’s Greenpark nitrogen fertiliser project is a re-engineered ammonia/urea plant from Kenai, Alaska, that has been out of operation since 2007.

US State Department spokesperson, Victoria Nuland, said: “It is going to use gas captured from a gas field nearby, thereby helping with greenhouse gas emissions. And it’s going to provide a reliable and secure source of lowcost fertiliser and nearly a 1,000 construction jobs and projects around the area, 500 of them direct and the rest around the country.”

Natural gas is the primary feedstock for nitrogen fertiliser and can account for up to 95 per cent of total production costs. With 36 million British Thermal Unit (MMBTU) of natural gas needed for each metric tonne of ammonia, commercially sustainable longterm access to low-cost natural gas feedstock is one of the biggest obstacles to expanding nitrogen fertiliser production.

Greater access to low priced natural gas and lower labour costs means most nitrogenbased fertiliser production is currently centred in the Middle East and Asia. China’s Nitrogen Fertiliser Industry Association, for example, reports year-on-year growth of nearly 14 per cent.

“Despite the country’s immense agricultural potential, there is a consistent lack of physical, social, and economic access to sufficient and nutritious food,” stated the OPIC assessment of the Greenpark project. “Poor agricultural output and widespread poverty have resulted in extensive and persistent food insecurity, with as many as 70 per cent of Nigerians estimated as food insecure.” The Greenpark Petrochemical Company plant is Nigeria’s second synthetic nitrogen project.

Dry season farmers to get N1b loan Dry season farmers in Sokoto State are to get various loans totaling N1 billion to boost food production, Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Arzika Tureta said.

Disclosing this during the 2nd Meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRBDA) in Sokoto, he said that the money would be sourced from the account of Federal Government Agricultural Credit Scheme.

“The disbursement of the low interest credit facilities, which were guaranteed by the State Government will soon commence,” he added.

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COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

Jonathan’s rivers of shame •The dreary drama in the Rivers State House of Assembly takes away from presidential dignity

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HE theatre of the absurd unfold- longed to a coterie of lawless persons than any other evidence, the ing in Rivers State should give who loved chaos and bloodletting desperation of the president. After any patriotic and peace-loving more than the reign of civility. These defying the rules of aircraft landing, Nigerian a sense of foreboding. With men associate with President the necessity for peace, he and his impunity in the air, the constitution Jonathan, and it must make any level- proxy governors defied the purity of arithmetic by making 16 superior to in peril and official stamp from the headed Nigerian bow in shame.

A fellow militant, Ateke Tom, 19 votes. He executed that anomaly high office of the presidency, the moral legitimacy of this republic is reenacted that mayhem on Wednesday purely in bungled bid to remove with sporadic shootings in Port Governor Amaechi as chairman of fast sliding downhill.

By the week and recently by the Harcourt. This wave of events has re- the NGF. He also inspired the day, the conflict between Rivers State turned the city to the pre-Amaechi era factionalisation of the group such Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and when citizens had to raise both hands that his loyalists now formed a President Goodluck Jonathan, imbues in the public to demonstrate they did parallel forum.

The Jonathan we know today difthe nation with nausea. Respect for not bear arms. A president who law has swapped places with brig- planned to transform a country now fers by a wide gulf from the apparandage, and the average Nigerian takes credit for the reverse by taking a ently meek, shoeless sheep who marwatches as the President engages in city from peace to violence against his keted a humble visage to credulous a bestial war of proxies. foe who took the city from violence to Nigerians. This same president kept meek exterior when The recent development the plot to oust his has all the trappings of déjà home state governor, vu. In a dawn meeting that Timipre Sylva, began passed as a mockery of a to seethe. He denied it legislative session in the serially until he burst chambers of the Rivers out in a supine speech State House of Assembly, of defiant hubris. That five men loyal to the followed his deployMinister of State for Edument of armed forces to cation, Nyesom Wike, impose a governorship held an impeachment procandidate in his state. ceeding to dislodge the leThe nation kept silent gitimate speaker. They as impunity answered also had the temerity to impunity. elect one of them, Now the same forBapakaye Bipi, as the mula seems to unveil speaker. in Rivers State, and The so-called session conthe president’s distinued with the usurper pleasure derives from a speaker making a speech as series of disagreements the new face of the legisthat ordinarily could lature. In the midst of this make both sides disafarce, Governor Amaechi gree without anyone with 27 other lawmakers being disagreeable. broke through the security The presidency has condoned by Mbu Joseph cited the row over oil Mbu, the state commiswells on the border sioner of police. The with Bayelsa State, his Amaechi loyalists held the support of former govday as they delegitimised ernor Sylva, among the kangaroo action, reafother matters. firmed the legitimacy of How that should ac• Jonathan the speaker, Otelemaba count for the mayhem Dan Amachree, and passed peace. on the streets of Port Harcourt and the budget the governor presented.

The same president condones, if he lead to the hauling of teargas canisBut the triumph of Governor Amaechi turned out to be a deft po- encourages, a police commissioner who ters into the state house will be diflitical move. If he had remained in his acts like a lord to the citizens and a ficult to defend.

We ought to remember that the sort cosy office and allowed the 27 other toady to the presidency. Mbu watched lawmakers alone to go to the assem- as his men backed the gang of five as of drama in the Rivers State House bly premises, it might have embroiled they performed one illegality after of Assembly tore apart the old the state in an intractable and poten- another. We cannot forget the sins of Western Region legislature in the tially gruesome battle of survival with this so-called security officer who First Republic. The region descended ominous implications for this fragile barred traditional rulers from paying into a sanguinary chapter known as democracy. With the ouster of the a visit to the governor. The same fel- we tie. Those outside the region speaker, the next move would have low played an ignoble role in trying ignored it as a local rumble until it to a chain of events that rebeen to dislodge the governor in a to restore a local government chairman led sounded in the civil war that cost us that the legislature had ousted. The brash impeachment process.

30 months of peace and a million inspector-general of police, We cannot isolate what happened lives. this week outside a series of dramatic Mohammed Abubakar, has acted as It should propel us to call for sanface-offs between the governor and though he does not control the police ity in Rivers State, and the president the president, as well as his proxies, or, as it is speculated, Mbu has grown should rein in his men for transformin the past few months. The first open so powerful because he takes orders ing the state into a conclave of vioshow of power was the order to strand only from the presidency. lence and pursuit of parochial interThe Nigeria Governors’ Forum ests not in sync with our aspirations Governor Amaechi’s aircraft. The (NGF) election has showcased, more presidency failed to cloak it as a matas a people. ter of technical procedure without political undertone. Findings from ‘We ought to remember that the sort of drama in the Rivers investigations have exposed not only State House of Assembly tore apart the old Western Region the imbecilities of the aviation aulegislature in the First Republic. The region descended into thorities but also revealed them as couriers of malicious orders. a sanguinary chapter known as we tie. Those outside the We also witnessed other developregion ignored it as a local rumble until it led to a chain of ments. A known brigand marched events that resounded in the civil war that cost us 30 months through the streets in the name of protests, and caused fellow citizens to of peace and a million lives’ quake with fear. This same fellow be-

FROM OTHER LANDS

Bible holds lessons for future of energy – The Genesis message about preparing for harsh times should be applied to fuel production

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HE writers of Genesis understood the commodity cycle very well. When the pharaoh dreamt of seven fat cows being eaten by seven lean ones, it was a warning to prepare in the good times for harsher days to come. It is a Biblical lesson that energy policy makers would do well to relearn.

In the global oil market, we are in the fat years. Not only is the US enjoying a fully fledged oil boom, but production is set to grow in Canada and Kazakhstan, Iraq and Brazil. It is tempting to think that we are entering an “age of abundance”, in which concerns about oil security are behind us.

The recent surge in US crude to $104 a barrel, driven by concerns about the Suez Canal, has been a reminder that that attitude is dangerously complacent.

As the FT series this week on the outlook for oil has shown, the expected sources of increased supply all face substantial challenges.

In the US, the new reserves being opened are less productive than the shales of North Dakota and south Texas that have powered the boom so far. In Iraq, poor contract terms and infrastructure are deterrents to fresh foreign investment. In Brazil and Kazakhstan, the oilfields are more challenging than anything that the industry has faced before.

As demand in emerging economies continues to grow, eventually oil markets will tighten.

When the cycle turns from abundance back to scarcity again, the transition will be easier if oil consuming countries are ready for it.

First, that means developing their own production. While the US record is outstanding, Europe’s is woeful. Shale oil may never take off in Europe, but muddled and obstructive policies are stifling whatever potential it might have.

Second, it means pushing for greater fuel efficiency. Enthusiasts for efficiency may often overstate its benefits, but the evidence is clear that improved fuel economy can cut oil consumption.

Third, it means backing alternatives to oil.

Biofuels may have turned out to be a dead end, but natural gas and electric vehicles have much further to go. Taking a long-term view means supporting renewable and nuclear power, even when in the short term they are uncompetitive against fossil fuels. Energy strategy along those lines would both help curb greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce the economic impact of the next oil shock.

When the lean years come again – which they will – governments will not be forgiven for having ignored the pharoah’s dream.

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

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu

•Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon

•Advert Manager Robinson Osirike

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

•Deputy Editor (News) •IT Manager Adeniyi Adesina Bolarinwa Meekness •Deputy Editor (Nation’s Capital) Yomi Odunuga •Press Manager •Group Political Editor Udensi Chikaodi Emmanuel Oladesu •Group Business Editor Ayodele Aminu •Sport Editor Ade Ojeikere •Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni

•Manager, Corporate Marketing Hameed Odejayi • Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: Like a recurring decimal, the clamour is again loud and high-sounding that YewaAwori must produce the next governor of Ogun State. The agitation is not new in the state. It has been on since the Second Republic, but it gained prominence during the aborted Third Republic. During the days of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), fierce arguments were canvassed on why a politician from the Yewa-Awori axis of the state should be allowed to lead the state. Happily, it found a listening ear. The late Professor Afolabi Olabimtan was in pole position to clinch the ticket.

Suddenly, as if possessed, an array of politicians from the axis rushed to grab the same ticket. All

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Ogun West: Before another misadventure efforts to placate them to drop the ambitions failed. SDP leaders then decided to conduct a primary to choose its flag-bearer among the 11 politicians jostling for the ticket.

Among the ticket-chasing pack was a certain politician from Ogun Central by name Olusegun Osoba.

The insistence of Osoba in that race altered the political calculation.

Alarmed by the danger, elders from Ogun West made spirited effort to appeal to the aspirants from the zone to allow just one or two aspirants from the area contest the primaries. They laboured in vain. Like a raging bull, 10 Yewa-Awori aspirants charged into the battle and were worsted by Osoba for the SDP ticket.

At the dawn of civil rule in 1999, the scar of the SDP defeat was still fresh in the minds of Yewa politicians to contest for the ticket and since the choice of who becomes the Ogun state governor was made

by Afenifere leaders, Osoba had little opposition.

By 2003, the agitation had become deafening. Otunba Gbenga Daniel

Who pays Rivers’ retirees terminal benefits?

IR: Sequel to the failure of previous efforts to achieve any positive result, it has become compelling to use this platform to bring to public attention the untold hardship Rivers State Civil Service retirees of July 1, 2007 to January 1, 2011 are going through concerning the non-payment of already worked out federal share of their terminal benefits (gratuity and monthly pension) for over six(6) years now without any known justification.

Based on the extant procedure, any service by any person in any state Civil Service up to March 31, 1976, is the responsibility of the Federal Government in terms of payment of terminal benefits upon retirement.

Suffice to say that the retirees, who had completed 35 years of meritorious service, never expected that a proportion of their terminal benefit will get embroiled in uncertainty at the end of their service period.

The federal share of terminal benefits have become problematic in the aftermath of the enactment of the Pensions Reform Act of 2004, and the subsequent coming into force of the contributory pension scheme from July 1, 2007. The Act removed anybody with less than three (3) years of service from participation in the contributory pensions scheme who will continue to draw pensions under the old arrangement. Despite circulars Nos. HCSF/C503/11/96 of 28 th June,

2004 and TRY/N/10XB.10/2004; OAG7/TS/026/VOL.IV/284 of 28th September, 2004 on the “Implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme in the Federal Public Service”, which were never addressed to any state government, the contributory Pension Scheme was not in place when the retirees of July 1, 2007 to January 1, 2011 left the Rivers States Civil Service on retirement. In fact, the scheme was only introduced in 2012. Besides, the exemption provision of the Act, to all intents and purposes, covered all the affected retirees.

Everything considered, we believe that the Rivers State Government has the responsibility to pay

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IR: The birth of All Progressives congress (APC), is a clear signal that Nigeria is about to walk on the right part of a true democratic state. Now that we have an alternative political party to provide succor even if only for the flavor of change, I expect Nigerians to whole heartedly embrace this party as a beacon of hope for a new Nigeria as this is our dignified specific.

All over the world, countries that practice true democracy are where democracy is rotated by elections among major political parties. This gives flavour to policies of divergent views which brings about possible ways to move nations forward. Ac-

the outstanding Federal Share of the terminal benefits of retirees.

Letters of 15th June, 2011 and 13th August, 2012 addressed to His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State, the Hon. Commissioner of Finance, The Head of Service of Rivers State, and the Rivers State Accountant-General by this author were neither acknowledged nor any reply given till date.

Meanwhile, some retirees have died without enjoying their benefits. In addition, the retiree’s benefits, initially computed up to October, 2011 or thereabout when it was rumoured that a team from Federal Establishments Abuja, was coming to Port Harcourt, to screen

the retirees, have since shot up. The team has not showed up till date.

The nagging question is, who will pay the Federal Share of the terminal benefits of Rivers State Civil Service retirees of July 1, 2007 to January 1, 2011?

We hereby make this Save Our Souls (SOS) to all those concerned to initiate action and take urgent steps to pay the retirees who have been suffering from short payment of their monthly pension. As the saying goes, a stitch in time saves nine. The living should enjoy the fruit of their labour.

• Elder Daso Josiah Koko (JP) Port Harcourt.

from Ogun East effortlessly secured the PDP ticket. Daniel eventually won.

During his second term, Daniel made a heavy weather of his desire to hand over to a Yewa-Awori man.

However, the sincerity behind the assertion soon became questionable when five of his close aides jumped into the race for the sole PDP ticket. The contest became rowdy.

Daniel’s PPN picked Gboyega Nasir Isiaka from Imeko while PDP settled for General Adetunji Olurin from Ilaro. But like what happened in the SDP days, another Egbaman, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, picked the ACN ticket. He dusted the two Yewa contestants in the race.

Ahead 2015 gubernatorial election, the agitation is again reaching a crescendo. Politicians and interest groups are again asking that Ogun West be allowed to produce the next governor of Ogun State.

They are arguing that Senator Amosun should spend just four years and quit.

Having failed to win the coveted seat in 2011, the noble way forward for Yewa-Awori is to plan for 2019.

With the political realities on the ground and the approval rating of Senator Amosun, if agitators go into the 2015 political battle, they will be worsted again and it will be the fourth time that will happen.

They would suddenly wear the toga of ‘serial losers’ or ‘perpetual agitators’.

• Tolulope Obalanlege Ota,Ogun State.

APC’s wind of change cepting otherwise means we are not ready to move on with the rest of the world. When a political party rules for almost two decades without meaningful development, and the opposition is not strong enough to unseat that incumbent even when crisis persists like what we have seen with the PDP, the people are simply in chains.

So, if men with a history of progressive abilities from their different political platform as we have seen comes together to create an opportunity for freedom for all, we can only make the most desired change possible by queuing behind them. Any alliance to wrestle power and redefine hope for a Nigeria of

our dream should be welcomed.

Change is a consistent solution that always comes. Looking at the space and time, the APC seems to be the unstoppable bulldozer for this change today and if APC can put one of Nigeria’s important political defects in check, the imposition of candidates which is an all important issue beside this great birth, a new dawn will truly be born!

This PDP led administration has succeeded itself at the centre for 14 years of our democracy. What we see at every new dispensation is claims of obliviousness of bad policies of the outgone by same recycled politicians from same political party. I’m not being contemptuous

here: First dispensation, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan was Deputy Governor. Second dispensation he was governor; third dispensation he was vice president/president and now in this current dispensation he is president. Same people with glaring inability to govern have held on to power since 1999. In reality, our economy is in shambles because with ideas so synonymous, nothing can be an additional value.

The world has passed the stage where governments like that of the PDP with lots of lapses and failed policies year after year can be allowed to remain in power.

• Iluogwikphe R. Ogbhemhe, Port Harcourt.

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COMMENTS

Our gods are not to blame

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HINK continuously of those who are truly great, men and women who by their deeds fight for fairness and the good of all; think of those who wear on their hearts’ sleeve and domicile in the inner recesses of their souls, irrepressible zeal to make our lives better and worthy of our dreams …there are no such men and women alive, are there? For if there are, Nigeria would be 21st century version of Eden or Al Jannah; and men and women on whose watch our country so evolves and appreciate would be everything and even gods.

Our people are quite insane, they wouldn’t know how to create a heaven or sustain the like of it but they create gods by the dozen. I do not speak of divinity that manifests only in far-fetched miracles and dreams; I speak of individuals that we quite desperately and misguidedly deify as our vanities dictate.

Being rich is the closest you get to being god in Nigeria. Add an

impressive root and very intimidating academic record to the mix and you have yourself a 21 st century hero or god. Of what calibre are our idols? Who really, is the Nigerian god? Who is an example of a quintessential idol? Allison-Maduekwe?

President Goodluck Jonathan?

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Reuben Abati, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala or the rampaging law makers of Rivers State? Do their deeds make them worthy of hero-worship or blind deification?

To what would these individuals owe our reverence of them? Some would say it is their brilliance and extraordinary achievements in their chosen callings. Anyone could be brilliant from time to time but intelligence is what we have to affect all of the time. How intelligent are our ruling class? How intelligent is President Goodluck Jonathan, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi? How intelligent are other members of the Nigerian ruling class?

‘The answer lies as much in their utterances as their deeds. Alas! Transcendent moments and heroic acts are rather deeds of an exalted intelligence, something which Nigeria’s incumbent ruling class pitifully lacks. But despite its protests and dissatisfaction with the status quo, the Nigerian citizenry equally lacks that towering immensity of intellect and strength of character that remains prime requirements in the constitution of a progressive race’

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HE captivating story of how Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State is deeply committed to the development of the state is daily being told by everybody, particularly by rural dwellers in the state. The story is fascinating not just because the indigenes want to showcase mere political promises made to them by their governor. The truth is that the governor has vowed to ensure that the development of Ekiti is more evenly distributed so as to make the state a model place in the country.

To make true this commitment, last week, the governor distributed N300 million worth of cheque to eighty-two communities to enable them undertake certain projects. Last year, as part of his rural development programme for the state, the governor held series of meetings with community leaders and their traditional rulers. The idea as canvassed

by Governor Fayemi then was to use the representatives of the rural people for Self-help programme embarked upon by the state government.

The essence was for the people to use the money to complete abandoned projects in their local places. Besides using the money to also provide boreholes and complete some road culverts to avert flood erosion in the future, the governor advised them to see the projects as their own. “We must ensure that the rural places work. The ideal thing therefore is that the essential infrastructural facilities have to be in place so that our people would feel the impact of democracy,” the governor said.

He also assured that more money would be distributed shortly to other communities that have not received. With the grants-in-aids programme through which more developments are expected to spread to more places, the governor assured his people that more new projects would be put in place subsequently even in far rural settlements with high population density.

Ekiti State has come to serve as a model state where rural development is given priority attention because the leadership has chosen to do so. It was to facilitate this decision that the government promptly established an appropriate and relevant ministry to carry the people along. Now, with the Ministry of Rural Development and Community Empowerment, the concept is to make concerted efforts to eradicate poverty and wipe away tears from the eyes of the poor rural folks.

Fayemi’s unalloyed interest in the welfare of the rural people is part of what makes democracy tick and equally deepens people’s love towards what is good. The governor made that resolve clear when he told the mammoth crowd

By their citizenship, do they provide the pathways to empowering the Nigerian youth...the disillusioned school drop outs of Umukegwu, Akokwa, Urualla, Apongbon, Idumota, Agege, Agbor, Sankwala, to mention a few? Do they teach the youth particularly, to evolve beyond the greed, selfishness and idiosyncrasies of their generation? Do they teach us to accept truths we cannot change, like the fact that we collectively make our world as gory and burdensome as it is by turning a blind eye to their tedious politics?

Do they teach us to make peace with our guilt and conquer our riotous demons? Do they teach us that at the end, we get to choose what to make of our own lives and our own world?

The answer lies as much in their utterances as their deeds. Alas! Transcendent moments and heroic acts are rather deeds of an exalted intelligence, something which Nigeria’s incumbent ruling class pitifully lacks. But despite its protests and dissatisfaction with the status quo, the Nigerian citizenry equally lacks that towering immensity of intellect and strength of character that remains prime requirements in the constitution of a progressive race.

Our lust for heroes and gods illustrates a fable; it is not of latent strength but disintegration rather it reveals the weakness and shallowness of the Nigerian adult’s awfully preadolescent mind. Such mind is inherently incapable of creating leaders worthy of being called gods of unconditional love and compassion. All we are capable of are gods of impoverishment and gods of war.

The Nigerian hero is a human sound bite. He is essentially a halfformed mammal, animal to be precise. Take for instance gods and goddesses we have created as our ruling class; they are no longer exclusively Nigerian or humane.

Rather they have been turned up-

side-down and inside-out; they have been scrambled, corrupted and fertilized by ghastly manifestations of self love, tribalism, wantonness, perverted education and sense of worth.

“All gods are homemade, and it is we who pull their strings, and so, give them the power to pull ours,” says Aldous Huxley, English writer.

However, the manner in which the Nigerian electorate worships its ruling class and celebrates its bestiality makes it impossible for the latter to affect the necessary humaneness, tact and humility that are prime requirements of occupants of exalted public office. Having made super humans of them, they begin to delude that they are untouchable and unquestionable.

They begin to parade themselves as gods and see the electorate on whose strength they ascended to their exalted positions as lesser creatures.

They seek the exaggerated safety and coziness of fortresses they build around themselves to protect their ill-gotten wealth and ostentatious lifestyles. Suddenly it becomes taboo for them to hobnob with the working class. It becomes abominable for their wives, daughters and cooks to visit the same grocer or shop in the same market as the masses.

Shamelessly, they clear our public coffers of our collective fund without any inhibition and in response; we celebrate them and grovel at their feet for crumbs of what is rightfully ours. Whenever they intrude our world, they leave behind pungent memories and pains. Whenever they come to town, we must be kept in traffic for them to move freely; whenever they are ‘guests of honour’ at our functions, we are treated with little or no honour. Apology to Kayode Oteniya.

The chief quality of a true leader is the apparent sincerity in his manners. The speeches he makes are

never mere platitudinous enterprise and his developmental programmes are never extraordinary elephant projects; his politics and humanity are not only heard but concretely seen and felt.

Really there is prime merit in everything about him, and his life generally, radiates truth. His life is what we may call a great sober sincerity. A sort of temperate authenticity that is not only blunt but uncompromising. His fervor is undomesticated, bordering on the wild and forever wrestling naked with the elements that be for the love of the good and the truth of things. In that sense, there is something of the savage yet humane in him like all great men.

He is one in whom one still finds human substance. He relishes no opportunity to tell any colourful story of himself anywhere; usually, he stands bare and grapples like a giant, face to face, heart to heart, with the naked truth of things. ‘That, after all,” according to Thomas Carlyle “is the sort of man for one.”

And such is the type of man we should value above all others. He is the man who as Norman Mailer, an American writer, puts it, would argue with Gods and awaken devils to contest his vision. When he dies, his death would be felt nationwide as something more than a historic calamity; women would weep and men would fight back tears as if they had heard of the death of a very dear friend or Saint.

The creation of such honorable man and god would be our noblest work. But we seem incapable yet of such honorable task. We could start by stripping ourselves of the greater vanities and portentous contradictions. Unhappy the land that has no heroes, says Andrea; No, unhappy the land that needs heroes, responds Galileo in Bertolt Brecht, late German playwright and poet’s “The Life of Galileo.” Regrettably, the meaning is lost on all.

Ownership society in Ekiti

By Patrick Dada that gathered at Oye-Ekiti, for the ceremony that “As part of the efforts of the present administration to bring development to the rural communities where over 75 percent of the people reside, the Ministry of Rural Development and Community Empowerment was created in January.”

It is evident that this ministry is meant essentially to serve the purpose of the people. Part of the promises of the government is to use this avenue to revive and shore up cooperative societies to reach out more effectively to the grassroots.

With this, it is clear that more farm settlements will be established while many moribund ones rehabilitated to provide more jobs for the people. When completed, the state, no doubt, will serve as one of the food baskets of the nation.

Adedoja Ibikunle, a retired teacher who turned up for the Oye-Ekiti ceremony, wondered aloud when he said: “when God wants to bless you, He does not need too much promises from your leader to do so. He does it in the simplest way possible. You can see the simplicity of the governor, his lovely gestures and the humble disposition of the people around him… This is gradually becoming the Ekiti of our dreams when it was created.”

Ibikunle’s optimism truly represents the views of many Ekiti indigenes whose love for what is good have never been in doubt. Over the last few years, it is mainly children who spread the news most often. They take the news to the people, to their schools in different dramatic ways. This is what has livened up their otherwise drab lives, simply because they can feel the changes in their own parents who provide their daily needs. In essence, their rural areas are no longer drab, dull and dry. They can feel it and children do not spare a situation when it portends good omen for them and their folks.

What with more funds to the tune of N3.2billion which will soon be disbursed through the same channel for agricultural developments and purposes, the government, is keen on providing more jobs for the youths. The provision of farmlands and settlements will also ensure that more rural roads are constructed to facilitate the movement of food crops from local places to the urban cities.

The joy of most rural people in Ekiti State is that the government of Fayemi will leave the state far better than he found it. When the governor assumed office a few years ago, he made it point blank that Ekiti State would no longer be perceived as one of the most backward states in Nigeria.

Using the meagre resources at hand, the governor has made the state far more better than he met it. People can now breath fresh air of freedom and progress.

From the way he has been creating and sustaining big and mouthwatering projects in the state, one wonders whether it is an oil-producing state where there is excess money for projects. However, the Fayemi’s administration has made it obvious that no matter the amount of revenue generated by a state, a good leader can still use it for meaningful development and purposeful recreation.

Leadership, in the real sense of it, does not consist of mere promises to hoodwink the people and win their votes. Leadership comes with total submission to the will and sentiments of the people. It is the electorate who should be in the position to sing the praises of their leader because they can feel the impact of what he has done.

Today, Governor Fayemi doesn’t have to say it. All he has been doing to elevate the state are there for everyone to see.

That’s why school children also sing his praises. They too can feel, see and enjoy the good things that happen in the state, things no one can conceal or deny or even sideline in any way.

• Dada writes from Ado-Ekiti

‘The essence was for the people to use the money to complete abandoned projects in their local places. Besides using the money to also provide boreholes and complete some road culverts to avert flood erosion in the future, the governor advised them to see the projects as their own. “We must ensure that the rural places work’

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

22

COMMENTS ‘Revolution means democracy in today’s world, not the enslavement of peoples to the corrupt and degrading horrors of totalitarianism.’—President Ronald Reagan EVOLUTION means democracy in today’s world, not the enslavement of Since Egypt’s military coup of last week that witnessed the summary sack of democratically elected President Mohammed Morsi from power; barrages of condemnations have trailed that incident that is nothing but a military usurpation of power. That occurrence, now euphemistically referred to as a ‘revolution’ was a consequence of the alienation of several Egyptians by Morsi’s Islamic Brotherhood led government. The people of Egypt are now being compelled to celebrate what history has proved to be their country’s meretricious military leadership.

Yours sincerely in this column took a swipe at incorrigible Egypt, bemoaning in the process, the fact that that Arab country had become the newest casualty in the field of globally loathed military adventure in political power. Most of my readers sent abusive text messages asking why l was weeping louder than the ‘bereaved’ Egyptians that protested and gleefully demonstrated against the reign of Morsi. Some tagged the putsch as a revolution that Egypt really needs at this point in her history.

They seem to have forgotten that the first military coup in Africa, master-minded by late Gamal Abdel Nasser happened on July 23, 1952. That coup that could not achieve anything for Egypt was erroneously tagged the ‘ revolution of July 23rd.’ But sixty-one years after, it is sad to note that Egyptians still rely on the same military to rescue their country from their own avoidable tyranny when the entire world is drastically moving away from such infamous interventions.

Like yours sincerely observed last week, military coup has become the nemesis of most countries and people that had the misfortunes of witnessing it. It becomes worse whenever it emerges as a false revolution akin to what is currently happening in Egypt today. Let me, at this juncture; ask what distinguishes a revolution from a coup?

The word revolution, put more concisely, means an elemental change of power occurring within a somewhat pithy period. The human history is replete with revolutions varying only in terms of motivating ideology, modus and time-span. It could be described as the ultimate social leap emanating from condensed mass sullenness and rage of the subjugated in a society which usually ruptures into a mass movement meant to overturn existing social order and replace such with a new epoch.

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IAFRA is dead, long live Biafra! This is the feeling on gets upon reading General Godwin Alabi-Isama’s recent interviews and upcoming book, The Tragedy of Victory. I have the rare privilege of interviewing the ebullient retired general and skimming through a review copy of his civil war memoir, to be presented to the public in Lagos on July 18 at the NIIA, Victoria Island. The Tragedy, according to Alabi-Isama, is the on-the-spot account of the Nigeria-Biafra war as prosecuted in the Atlantic theatre that is, the seas and rivers front of the war. He was involved with the 3Marine Commando (3MCDO) as Chief of Staff of the command and serving under such illustrious commanders as Brigadier Benjamin Adekunle, Generals Alani Akinrinade and Olusegun Obasanjo.

Alabi-Isama’s is a 670-page tome with the unique feature of containing hundreds of photographs taken during the war. It must represent one of the most captivating accounts of the Nigerian conflict coming from someone who was only a 27-year-old who played a major role in such a historic moment of a nation’s life. Here are some points to note: DEBUNKING OBASANJO: Before AlabiIsama’s book, the only other book telling the war story from the federal government point of view is My command, written by General Olusegun Obasanjo. According to AlabiIsama, his numerous war photographs and the need to put the lie to My Command prompted him to pen his account. He thinks Obasanjo’s book is an exercise in selfglorification, vain, misleading and full of lies. He never minced words in saying it. Page by page, he punched holes into Obasanjo’s book pointing out the inaccuracies, overclaims and outright lies. In his opinion, Obasanjo was cowardly, of low IQ and obdurate to boot especially in comparison with the other commanders he had served.

A particular narrative in the book (page 409) is of how Obasanjo took over the command of the 3MCDO from Adekunle on May 16, 1969 just a few months to the end of the war tends to sum it all up. It is sub-titled: “Obasanjo’s first battle experience – a fiasco: Briefing over, Col. Obasanjo was ready to go as

07011117777

When a revolution becomes bastardised

•Mohammed Morsi It has been historically proven that a few days of revolutionary upheavals could dismantle brusque rulers and systems that hitherto seem unconquerable and immovable. The impact of the word revolution could possibly be felt as far back as the 15th century when the coinage “The Glorious Revolution” was famously used to describe the removal of King James II of England: “The French Revolution” for the overthrow of the French Monarchy and “The American Revolution,” for the winning of America’s independence from Britain.

Unlike a military coup, a revolution is not an aberration which is why most informed men still lustfully relish some revolutions around the world including the American revolution of 1776-87, French revolution of 1789-94, the US Civil War of 1861-65 and the European revolu-

tions of 1848. Also being talked about till today is the Russian revolutions of 1905 and 1917, the German revolution of 1918-23 and that of China that occurred from 1925-27 among others.

The positive transformations that happened in these countries have led to increased clamour for more revolutions believed to be capable of truly liberating the oppressed people in tyrannised societies across the globe. The revolutionary clamour by the aggrieved class in the society who are colossally poor and officially trampled upon with impunity is what some people are misconstruing to be calls for military intervention. This is a gross misconception of what revolution stands for and also a sharp contrast to what a coup means.

A coup d’état, also known as a putsch, is an illegal and furtive deposition, usually by the military, of a legitimate government. It is considered successful when the usurpers establish their forceful dominance. Thus the emergence of the new phenomenon described as “democratic coup d’état” by so called military usurpers that purportedly respond to popular uprising by toppling perceived unpopular civilian regimes for doubtful purposes of holding free and fair elections for civilian leaders is anachronistic.

What happened in Egypt is unfortunate and should not be a yardstick for encouraging military interventions in power around the continent. The Egypt’s case is particularly sad because when the once marginalised Islamic Brotherhood under disgraced Hosni Mubarak’s system, through Morsi, finally had a chance to rule, they blew it forgetting that they were elected into

EXPRESSO STEVE OSUJI

SMS 08111526725, email:steve.osuji@yahoo.com

Gen. Alabi-Isama’s Biafara

commander of 3MCDO, but his very first move was a disaster. In complete disregard to our advice, he planned an attack from the same problematic Sector 1 under Lt. Col.Godwin Ally. The target was again Ohoba, a town about 40 kilometres south of Owerri where Adekunle’s conventional war tactics had resulted in heavy casualties earlier on. Obasanjo did exactly what Adekunle had done by reinforcing failure. The pity of this failure, however, was that Obasanjo himself was not there at the war front to experience the tragedy. He ordered Lt. Col. Godwin Ally to counter-attack.

He saw them advance, but turned back and travelled to his HQ in Port Harcourt, a distance of about 240 kilometres away. Obasanjo had no operational HQ in the field which we call command

post in the army. He had no map of the operation, there was no intelligence report as to the strength of the enemy and their reinforcement capability, or how far behind their reserves were. He just thought that the troops would simply get up and capture the place. The atmosphere everywhere was abysmal…”

A FEDERAL STORY: Beyond demystifying Obasanjo’s image as the great general and war hero who ended the conflict, the book is also largely a story about the federal side of the war. It offers us a rich detail of command structures, positions, operational strategies, tactics and a fresh insight on how the then head of state, General Yakubu Gowon prosecuted the 30-month war. More than any other book on the Biafran war, The Tragedy regales us with interesting details of battles, encounters, skirmishes, environments and even the atmospherics of war. The book is dotted with numerous juicy tidbits that will be of interest to Nigerians, young and old. It is indeed the account of an officer who was truly in the thick of it from the beginning to the end particularly in the marine sector. And with the benefit of hindsight, he is able to point out some of the blunders made in prosecuting the war from both sides.

COMMANDO WOMEN, CANNIBALISM AND PARTIES GALORE: The beauty of Alabi-Isama’s book is that the author has numerous photographs to corroborate his story. When he talks about commando Women, there are pictures showing the likes of Mrs Florence Ita-Giwa, Ndi Okereke-

power on a slim majority. It is equally regrettable that Morsi and his brotherhood family in government forgot the essence of national unity and reconciliation that should have been paramount on their now ousted regime’s agenda.

Morsi naively sequestered power for his Brotherhood family members and refused to share it with any group, not even with other Islamist groups in that country. Despite these obvious pitfalls, the removal of Morsi from power should have been better handled through constitutional means such as impeachment and others- not through military intervention.

How can one be sure that the current interim prime minister who is a protégé of the Western powers and new interim president, a former Chief Justice of a constitutional court that is disparagingly presiding over a country without constitution and their bravado displaying military cohorts will not further plunge Egypt into deeper totalitarianism and economic ruin? Egypt needs reforms to fix her decrepit and corrupt institutions that Morsi glossed over contrary to the key demands of the January 2011 revolution in Tahirr Square.

The countries in Africa do not need a coup which overtime merely creates new gluttonous bureaucratic and power elites without necessarily fixing systemic rots and the prevalent endemic corruption. Military usurpers mask their malevolent and egotistic intents by portraying their usurping actions as a temporary and unfortunate necessity. They promised heaven and earth but ended up disappointing the people in the end. In Africa and particularly Nigeria, virtually all military governments came into power forcefully under people’s ululation but quit the stage infamously.

This must have informed the experience and observation of that great Nigerian nationalist, Papa Obafemi Awolowo(1909-1987), when he said: ‘Democracy is in my humble view the best form of government and the rule of law, man’s triumph against arbitrary use of power.’ What this means is that the military only understands dishing out orders that are antithetical to democracy and the rule of law. Most societies have encountered disappointments under military dictatorships. Whatever the condition, let us all have faith in periodic elections during which inept and corrupt leaders can be voted out of power.

What Africa needs is genuine electoral reforms that could engender electoral revolution that is capable of compelling civilian leaders to govern well- not the military induced civilian leadership being encountered presently in Egypt.

Onyiuke, Margeret Ekpo and Cecelia Ekpenyong, to name a few in the thick of war ‘actions’. They were called 3MCDO ladies and were engaged in various odd duties including ‘intelligence’, cooking, party girls and whatever other uses soldiers put beautiful women in war zones to. And talking about parties, the book records so many scenes of dancing and frolicking one would wonder whether the Nigerian men in the war zones missed anything. Indeed, the impression is that war is ‘sweet’.

There are other stories of cannibalism, ‘drinking’ garri with urine, a snake (perhaps an anaconda) swallowing a soldier and the troop thinking it to be witchcraft, etc.

NDIGBO, THE POGROM, THEN AND NOW: Alabi-Isama admitted that yes, Igbo were slaughtered and that their may have been a pogrom but he rationalizes it to be the result of the killing of other tribe’s leaders in the first coup. He thinks that in a feudal system that the north was, when the leaders who won the bread are killed there is no telling the consequences. He admitted that in pre-war Nigeria, Igbo dominated everything – the civil service, trade and commerce as well as the armed forces and to have killed the leaders of the other tribes in a coup was unbearable for the feudal populace of the north. Though he did not state it so directly, his narrative shows that there was clearly Igbo envy at that period and the coup was only a needed excuse to seek to decimate and even terminate Ndigbo.

The Tragedy is indeed a rich and refreshing angle in the Biafran story which every Nigerian must read but there will be a lot of questions he may be called upon to answer on the ‘Igbo question’.

‘He thinks Obasanjo’s book is an exercise in self-glorification, vain, misleading and full of lies.

He never minced words in saying it. Page by page, he punched holes into Obasanjo’s book pointing out the inaccuracies, over-claims and outright lies’

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

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FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

Pages 25

Website: http://www.thenationonlineng.com

Dad ‘beheads son in Akwa Ibom’ From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

C

HILDREN are sources of joy for their families.

Couples who get married are often subjected to intense questioning by family members, friends and inlaws, if the ‘fruit of the womb’ took long in coming.

When they come, there are various celebrations, especially for those who have the wherewithal. Naming ceremonies, dedications and birthday parties are elaborately celebrated.

Continued on page 27

We are starving, cries wife of slain Bayelsa policeman From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

T

•Angela Ekpo and her baby

Bakassi... Tales of sorrow, tears from nursing mothers

They did not plan to leave their homes in the oil-rich Bakassi Peninsula, but circumstances beyond their control forced them to relocate to a camp, where these nursing mothers spoke exclusively with NICHOLAS KALU, Calabar.

“S

INCE I gave birth, on May 4, to this my baby girl, we have not stepped foot into any hospital for any kind of medical attention,” 35-year old Sarah Ekpenyong said.

The two-month-old baby, sucking at her nipples inside a dilapidated room, is covered in rashes and dirty old wrappers. The mother, gaunt from malnutrition and hardship, laments that the baby’s temperature was high.

It was observed the baby was breathing with difficul-

Inside

ty even as she sucked away.

Ms Ekpeyong is one of the over 2,000 Bakassi returnees who are huddled up in classrooms in St Marks Primary School, Akwa Ikot Edem in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, which serves as a temporary camp.

She is one of the six women who have given birth in the camp. There is no access to any kind of healthcare and the residents have been surviving “on the grace of God”.

The nursing mothers share

a damp and dingy room behind the classroom, where the other refugees are huddled up. With the windows broken and doors in a bad shape, these babies and their mothers are exposed to the elements and mosquitoes.

She said: “You can see my baby is covered in rashes and she is not feeling fine. I cannot go to the hospital because I have no money.

“The government should help us with drugs and money to take care of them. Since I gave birth to my baby, I

The killing fields of Warri North Page 40

have not been to the hospital and the baby has not even had any medical attention.

She has just been surviving on breast milk and the grace of God. No government agency has come to give us medical assistance. All my children are suffering from the cold and no one to take care of them. We don’t have any money. Feeding has been very difficult. The children are suffering from cold, catarrh and malaria.”

The other nursing mothers had similar tales of woe.

Angela Ekpo, 25, who gave birth on May 22, said her baby had been having stomach aches and had been crying all the time. “We have no doctor, no nurse. I am feeling pains all over my body and I can only manage and pray that me and my baby get better,” Ekpo cries.

Christiana Efefiong, 29year-old, gave birth on April 28 and also had no medical attention either for herself or baby.

Tompolo rebuilds hospital damaged by military Page 37

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

HE anguish of Christiana Owolo Ukam may be the reason why most policemen conceal their weapons, remove their uniforms in dexterity and flee at the sight of any danger.

They are afraid that dying for Nigeria does not worth it.They know that immediately they pay the supreme price protecting the country, nobody, not even the country they die for, comes to the aid of their families. Their children, wives and dependants are left to wallow in penury.

If he had the premonition that a mission he was conscripted into by the retired former Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, Mr. Kingsley Omire, would consume his life, the late Owolo Ukam, would have preferred to be tagged a disobedient corporal.

Continued on page 39

•Mrs. Ukam

My life in the barracks, by Edo Speaker Page 37

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

26

NIGER DELTA REPORT

Dickson’s N.262b security wall to For Bayelsa State, security is a major issue.

Governor Seriake Dickson, through a war chest of N.262 billion is tackling securityrelated challenges.

Report by MIKE ODIEGWU, YENEGOA

I

N the dark days of November 2011, six persons were murdered within six days in different parts of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The murders left residents of the city in shock and fear.

Among those dazed by the killings was Ezekiel Okoro, whose search for the proverbial green pastures after completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) duties took him to the city.

After experiencing another torrid day in which gunshots rang through the city for over an hour, the 32-year old felt he had had enough. He packed his bags and hurried out of Yenagoa, vowing never to return.

But in March, Okoro was back in the city on an invitation from a friend who conCONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

Regina Ene, a birth attendant who delivered the women, lamented the terrible conditions of the nursing mothers.

“There is nothing to take care of the children. No doctors, nurse, no hospital. They have just been surviving on their own in this dirty environment as you can see. They have no bathing pails, no napkin, no pampers, no baby food, no crib, no powder, and baby cream. In fact, they have nothing. It is only God that has been keeping us. The babies even drink rain water or water gotten from the stream which is about two hours away. There is no good drinking water. We are really suffering.”

Information from the Red Cross official in charge of the camp, Eyo Okon, indicated that there are 2,722 people, including 361 children under five, 708 children above five and 34 pregnant women - in the camp.

Okon, who is the youth coordinator of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Akpabuyo Division, expressed worry about the health and sanitary condition of the refugees.

Though he commended the federal and state governments for their efforts in providing relief materials for the people, he said the refugees were in dire need of medical attention and potable water.

He said the people, espe-

•Dickson

vinced him that security had improved. On his way into Yenagoa, he noticed some changes. He discovered that twin single-storey buildings had been erected at the en-

•One of the buildings for the Integrated Security Control System

trance and exit of the Glory Land Drive, a newly dualised road that leads to the state capital from the East-West Road.

He also discovered a reti-

nue of security operatives in different uniforms manning the city’s entrance. Okoro simply admired the beauty of the two buildings and moved on.

“This is not the Yenagoa I ran away from. I feel more secured than I felt in 2011. I can now move around without fear of gunmen and even hang out in the night with

my friends without the fear of cultists. The security situation has really improved,” he said.

Unknown to him, the two buildings and the retinue of

Bakassi returnees ...Tales of sorrow,

•Sarah Ekpenyong and her baby

cially children were prone to pneumonia, malaria, cough, catarrh and other diseases and needed medical help urgently.

Twenty-five year-old Margaret Ekpo is heavily preg-

•Christiana Effiong and her baby

nant and she complained of pains all over her body.

She said: “I need help. I have no money to go to the hospital for help. I don’t have any care from anywhere. I have not been feeling well

and you can see I have been sleeping in this open classroom. Some of us even sleep in the open veranda because the classroom is not big enough to accommodate all of us.”

Imaobong Sunday, 21, said her one-year-old son has been sick and was not responding to the traditional medicine given to him.

Patricia Effiong, 30, with six-month-old twin boys,

also had a sad story to tell.

Mr Edet Ene Okon, 40, said his 15-year-old daughter, Blessing, picked up a strange ailment, which has left her hospitalised since April. He said efforts to get assistance

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

27

NIGER DELTA REPORT

deter crime in Yenagoa

security operatives he saw at the entrance of the Glory Land Drive are part of security arrangements by the administration of Governor Seriake Dickson to ward off

unwanted elements.

The buildings are designed to accommodate the police, the Navy, the Mobility Command of the Air Force, Customs, the Joint Task Force codenamed Operation Pulo Shield, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security outfits operating in the state.

The operatives are expected to screen, search and monitor persons and items entering and exiting the state capital. They are to ensure that people with criminal intents do not gain access to the city.

They are also mandated to detect and seize dangerous weapons, arms and ammunition smuggled into the city by bandits. Their presence makes it difficult for bandits, kidnappers and cultists operating by land to gain access to the city and to escape from the city with their loots.

The government has also erected similar buildings at the border between Rivers and Bayelsa states along the Mbiama-Yenagoa Road. By tightening security at the only two entrances to the capital city by land, the government has succeeded in giving Okoro and other residents in the city the desired peace.

Those buildings are part of the Integrated Security Control System (ISCS) domiciled at the Government House in Onopa. The buildings are wired and linked to an Integrated Security Control Centre (ISCC) in the Government House.

The ISCC is N262m mod-

ern security contraption designed with a situation room where the governor can watch over the state through monitors. Issues relating to security breaches will be transmitted to all the security buildings across the state in real time to facilitate quick response to distress calls.

In its efforts to link all the communities to the security arrangement, the government has constructed 13 emergency response centres across the eight local government areas.

Commissioner for Special Projects Mr. Fred Obua said when inaugurated the buildings and their installed security equipment would help track criminals.

Obua said: “We have finished the buildings and they are ready for inauguration.

When inaugurated, nobody will commit a crime in this state and go free. Nobody will pass the entrance of the state with weapons without being identified and captured.

“The projects were borne out of government’s desire to provide adequate security for lives and property as well as make the environment conducive for investors and their investments to flourish.”

The emphasis placed on security by Dickson has attracted criticisms with some persons accusing the governor of spending too much money on security as if he was preparing for a war.

But, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure Mr. Lawrence Erudjakpor said no amount of money spent on security is too

much. He said any amount invested on security was for the progress and development of the state, adding that the government could not afford to allow the state return to the dark days when bandits walked the streets with guns unchallenged. He noted that the government must invest on security to attract development partners.

He observed that construction giant Julius Berger once abandoned the construction of the Oporoma Road because of insecurity, adding that the company came back owing to the commitment of the Dickson administration to security.

He said: “Before we came on board, nobody slept in Yenagoa without gunshots.

We met a state that was crime-ridden; where criminals had authority and lawabiding citizens had no voice. Any state or country that does not take issues of security seriously has failed in its duties.

“We are going to spend more on security and ensure that if you commit crime anywhere in Bayelsa, we will get at you. We have been getting a lot of people. There must be security for our investment partners to do business with us. We must invest on security to attract investors and tourists. So, no money spent on security will be money misplaced.”

Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Col. Bernard Kenebai (retd) said Dickson had within one year delivered on his promise to guarantee security of lives and property.

Father ‘beheads son in Akwa Ibom’ Continued from page 25

‘

But all that means nothing to 43-year-old Felix Lawson who allegedly beheaded his six-year-old step-son, Master Effiong Lawson, in Akwa Ibom after accusing him of being a wizard.

Before the act, Lawson had reportedly accused Effiong of being responsible for his wretchedness and poverty.

It was gathered that Lawson returned home from work and was enjoying his evening meal when his step-son sneaked into the backyard and whispered to his younger sister to bring him food because he was hungry. Rather than getting food, the little child got death.

Sources said unknown to the six-year-old, his step-father heard his whispering and swiftly went for his machete and flung himself out to the backyard.

It was gathered that two friends of the late Effiong, who accompanied him to the house, flee on sensing danger. The late Effiong was not lucky, as his step-father overpowered and beheaded him.

The Village Head of Ikot Ndua Iman in Onna Local Government Area reported the incident to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Onna Local Government Area.

The Police later evacuated the decapitated body while the father was arrested.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom Command, Etim Dickson, said he was yet to be briefed but promised to get back to our correspondent.

His words: “I am yet to get the details from the DPO in Onna. I cannot say whether if the incident actually happened but I will get back to you as soon as I am able to establish a contact with the DPO in Onna.”

Akwa Ibom State Police Commissioner Umar Gwadabe lamented the rising tide of violence against persons accused of witchcraft.

He said: “On several occasions, our men were called upon to rescue vulnerable person like women, children and the elderly who are falsely accused of being witches, and who are being subjected to untold acts of torture and brutality by some criminal elements.

“A case in point is the rescue of two male children aged nine and six years Mmenyene and Samuel, who were branded as witches in a village called Ikot Obio Asanga, were rescued in a toilet having been locked up for 14 days without food and water.

“This followed a so-called prophesy that the children were witches and responsible for the misfortune that had befallen the family. Those involved, the father and a prophetess had been picked up and charged to court.”

, tears from nursing mothers

•Okon

•Imobong Sunday and her one- year-old son

from the government have proved abortive.

The camp leader, Etim Okon Ene, said the three tanks of water supplied by the State Water Board had long finished.

He said: “We thank the state government and federal governments for their help, but we need more help; we need medical assistance and we beg that the process of resettling us be speeded

• Patricia with her six- month-old twins at the camp

up. The rains are here and we have not been finding it easy.

It would become more difficult for us.”

He rued a recent windstorm, which, he said, destroyed the stock of food

stuff and other relief materials and pulled down a four classroom block they were staying in.

He said: “Since that first day we came here that some people came and gave us

• Ene

some drugs and promised to come back, we have had no healthcare from anywhere.

Nobody is taking care of the women and the children and you can see how exposed they are to the weather here.

Something should be done about relocating us and settling us up properly soon.

We cannot stay here forever.

We have no light, no water.

We are tired of staying here.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

28

NIGER DELTA REPORT

Community gets float glass factory

Youths kick against recycling of NDDC Executives

Y

H

ISTORY was made in oilrich-but-deprived Egi community in Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State when the indigenes brought a consortium of three foreign companies to establish a float glass factory on their land.

The three companies are Mara Group from Dubai and Uganda; the JS Group from Pakistan and the Ghani Group from Pakistan; from which the acronym Egi MJG Float Glass Factory is formed.

The king of the community, Kingdom Elenwa, assured the foreigners of their safety in Egiland.

Speaking through the Chairman, Council of Chiefs in Egi, Chief Orikaoha, he reminded the foreign investors that the community has a lot of natural resources stressing: “What we lack is human capital, so we want human capital development.”

He also expressed happiness with the Egi Peoples Assembly (EPA) which worked with Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited (TEPNG) to bring the foreign companies to the community.

The President-General of EPA, Chief Oris Oyiri, who spoke at the factory site, declared that work on the site has already taken off. He explained that the factory, which is being established without any government intervention, would harness the raw materials from Egiland.

He said the area has abundant silicon sand found in Egi, Sombreiro and Orashi rivers to produce glass for various uses.

The Egi MJG Float Glass Factory, Oyiri said, would gulp about $110 million, clarifying that the three foreign companies are the major equity shareholders while Egi is also contributing its own equity by providing land and raw materials.

When completed, the factory will directly employ 900 unskilled labour and more than 250 graduates from the area while other ancillary jobs would spring up to create “a chain of different types of employment”.

Oyiri also stressed that the contribution of the factory to economic growth of of Egi is quite multifarious and when added to what

•Thakkar (right) being welcomed to the palace of Egi monarch by one of the chiefs. With them is Oyiri (in black hat).

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

TEPNG is doing in the community “the people will begin to improve and we will begin to see a different vista in the development agenda that is everywhere in the world.”

He said the EPA went to several countries, such as the U.S.A and Taiwan to source for foreign investors.

During the civic reception for the owners of the three companies, Oyiri said the glass factory would complement several other economic projects conceived and developed by the Egi Economic Development Team, which is an affiliate of EPA. He said the presence of the three foreign companies and other development partners “is a testimony to the benefits which coming together can bring to a people”.

Deputy Managing Director, Port Harcourt District of TEPNG Mr Nicolas Brunet said the visit of the international investors came at a good time “as it is clear that sustainable development in Egiland will require the establishment of larger businesses and industries due to rapid growing population”.

Brunet, who commended the EPA for reaching out to the investors for the establishment of non-oil business in the community, noted that the initiative would reduce over-dependence on the oil and gas sectors as well as “increase economic independence in Egi through provision of jobs and development of more marketable skills among the

youths in the area”.

Group Managing Director of Mara Mr Ashish Thakkar, who is the youngest billionaire in Africa, expressed joy at being with Egi people Thakkar told the story of his sad experiences in life when at a stage his family lost everything to flood, thus making him to stop schooling at the age of 15. But instead of sitting down to lament the disaster, he said he took a loan of five thousand dollars and started going to Dubai to buy computers and sell.

Today, that effort, he said, has paid off as Mara Group is in 27 countries and he advised the people that “making money is important but doing things the right and proper way is more important, so just stay positive, be hardworking, honest and stay focused”.

While launching the Mara Group Youth Entrepreneurship, he promised: “This is the first of many projects that we will be doing here to really empower and inspire the young people.”

Ali Saddiqui and Obai Ghani of JS Group and Ghani Group said they were happy to be with the Egi people.

They said the float glass project would be a blessing to the people and urged them to make it work.

Highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of the artistic impression of the Sombrerio University, one of the many projects EPA is embarking on. It will train many people who will work in the glass factory.

After darkness comes light in Rivers

R

IVERS State Governor Rotimi Amaechi in 2011 announced that his administration would recruit 13,000 teachers to boost education.

The exercise led to criticisms and allegations of fraud were levelled against the drivers of the recruitment process.

Two years after, the scheme is now a success.

The Ministry of Education recently recruited 13,000 teachers to be engaged in public schools across the state. Credentials of successful candidates are being verified.

The lengthy process of the recruitment exercise led to the ministry being accused of bias and fraud. There were reports that some powerful politicians and staff of the ministry smuggled names of their siblings, wards and associates into the list. The ministry was accused of substituting unsuccessful candidates with those of successful ones.

Some of the candidates who spoke with The Nation during the documentation exercise at the Rivers State Education Board’s office on Elechi Beach, Diobu, Port Harcourt, said many who did not write the aptitude test .

Chinyere Metu, one of the

From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

candidates, said: “I want to thank Rivers State government for giving us this great opportunity to serve our state. Though at the beginning of the recruitment, there was this issue that has bothered many of us. That was the issue of special list coming from politicians and other highly-placed individuals in the state. Most of these people were unsuccessful candidates of the attitude test, yet they got the job.”

Mr. Worluh Lucky, a permanent board member of Rivers State Educational Board, said all the allegations levelled against the ministry were unfounded.

Worluh argued that as the first officer of the board (permanent board member one) he had the details of how the 13,000 teachers were recruited.

He said: “People should be grateful to Governor Chibuike Amaechi who has declared state of emergency in education sector and not show ingratitude through cheap rumours.

There was nothing like bias or the socalled man-know-man during the recruitment because it was handled by experts; separate bodies that only

submitted the result of the successful candidates to the ministry for assessment.”

He said the public should appreciate the effect of 13,000 jobs on reducing poverty and insecurity. He noted that the 13,000 teachers include Rivers and non-Rivers indigene.

He said: “We are experiencing traffic explosion in Rivers State because of what the governor is doing in education and other sectors of the state. Most of our teachers in Rivers State are non-indigene, but we are not complaining and we have not denied them. But all I am saying is that we may be forced to apply certain restrictions if other neighbouring governors where these beneficiaries are coming from refuse to emulate what we are doing in the state.

“The teachers in Rivers State are enjoying; they now retire when they want to retire and stay anywhere in the country to withdraw their retirement benefit and not to collapse on queue while waiting for pensions.

The primary school salary was meant to be paid by the local governments but the governor is taking the responsibility, which is more than N3b every month in addition to the 13,000 newly recruited teachers.”

OUTHS of the Niger Delta region have urged the Federal Government to inject new blood into the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The youths, under the aegis of Change Initiative Forum (CIF), spoke after a two-day interactive forum in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

The conference was held in collaboration with other youth stakeholders and groups in the region.

In a communiqué signed by representatives of over 16 youth-based bodies at the conference, the youths observed that past board members were scheming to return, adding that if allowed they would further encourage corruption in the system.

They appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to stick to the provision of the NDDC Act in the appointment of key officers of the commission to avoid distortion in the system.

They appealed for the intervention of major stakeholders in the region, including Jonathan, and the National Assembly.

They said: “We oppose in strong term nomination of anybody not from the oil-producing communities for any sensitive and top position as MD/CEO in the new NDDC management board.

“Current and previous members of NDDC board should not be considered for any re-appointment as it would mean recycling of same persons who did not perform well in their tenure.

“Those indicted by the presidential committee report of the NDDC/ Niger Delta Ministry should be picked and prosecuted

From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

by the anti-graft agencies to deter others from stealing from the government agencies.

“We are appealing to Mr. President, the National Assembly especially senate committee on NDDC, elders and leaders of the region to address the issues outlined in the communiqué within two weeks,” they said.

Some of the youth bodies at the forum are CIF, National Youths Council of Nigeria(NYCN), Niger Delta Youth Movement, Niger Delta Women for Change, Ijaw Youth Council, Confederation of Cross Rivers State Youths, Cry for Change and the Niger Delta Amnesty Group, among others.

Chairman of CIF and coordinator of the interactive forum, Genesis Idikibiebuma, regretted that efforts by the Federal Government to develop the Niger Delta were being frustrated by the managers of the development agencies.

He said: “The Niger Delta region is the economic hub of the nation, yet the people of the region are suffering, and as youths and future leaders we will not continue to fold our arms and allow things go on the way they are going.

“We are not also saying that President Jonathan is not doing his best to improve the backward condition of the region.

“It is unfortunate that every ministry, agency set up to address challenges in the region don’t deliver.

“We are appealing to President Jonathan to show concern, interest on the constitution of the leadership of the NDDC, if he really loves the region.”

Group calls for investigation into Shell pipeline fire

A

From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

N NGO, National Coalition on Gas Flaring and Oil Spills in the Niger Delta (NACGOND, has called for an investigation into the fire on the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP).

The coordinator of NACGOND, Inemo Samiama, spoke in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Samiama alleged that the fire at TNP, major SHELL facility at South of Bodo Community in Gokana Local Government Area on June 19 caused the death of two persons, while several others were injured.

The body said the probe was necessary to ascertain the impact the fire on the facility that supplies crude from Shell’s facilities in the Eastern Niger Delta to the Bonny Terminal.

Samiama said although SPDC reportedly shut down the TNP on June 8 and closed the remaining 24 pipelines on June 19, “the TNP normally carries 150,000 barrels of oil per day to Bonny using a pipeline network that has existed for over 50 years”.

He said there was need for a review of the TNP , not just for the spill that caused the fire, but the “many questions on the integrity of the pipeline and the security across the pipeline network”.

He expressed shock at the impact of the spill, which is estimated at several thousand barrels of crude, adding that although the pipeline has been shut, spill was stopped on June 26, after the joint inspection tour of the fire scene by SPDC and other stake holders, including NACGOND. He condemned the manner in which the spill was managed and the arrest of members of NACGOND who were on a fact-finding mission by men of the Joint Task Force (JTF).

Samiama said: “We are shocked at the level of this spill, its management, and the arrest of Shell contractors on suspicion of involvement in oil theft.

“We were profoundly disappointed when our team was arrested by the JTF when investigating this spill on June 21 under the accusation of trespass on the waterways. Although, they were released after a relatively short time, this underscores the hostile environment that independent actors face when engaging with oil spill issues in the Niger Delta.

“The fact that SPDC has announced a major $1.5 billion initiative to replace some of the most troubled TNP pipeline with the TNP Loop is a welcome development. However, the latest incident underlines the serious question of whether the TNP can operate safely while this is being constructed.

“We (NACGOND) believe an urgent and broad investigation into the Bodo South-West incident is needed alongside a review of spill prevention and management. Without such investigation, we do not see how the TNP can be re-opened with any confidence about its safety and integrity.

“We should stress that SPDC is not alone in responsibilities in this matter. There are serious questions about security, the quality of oversight and government priorities of oil production.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

29

PEOPLE THE NATION

A FOUR-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

The son of Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Finance, Yomi Ogunnusi, Moyosore, got married to his hearthrob Joy last Saturday at the Catholic Church of Presentation, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

•From letf: Bride’s parents: Mr Emmanual Njokanma and wife Olusola; the couple, Moyosore and Joy and the groom’s parents, Otunba Ogunnusi and wife Emmanuella

I

‘He’s my superman’

T was fun when Joy and Moyosore went to the altar to say ‘Yes, I do’.

Families, friends and well wishers gathered for the celebration of love.

Many came in exotic cars, dressed in traditional attires.

The groom, Moyosore, wore a sharp blue suit with a white shirt; his bride was in a flowing cream gown with a pair of white flat shoes.

The bride’s father was clad in an expensive black suit and white shirt. The groom’s father was in blue agbada and cap to match.The couple’s mothers wore the same pink native attire with a blue head gear and ipele to match.

The church hall was painted white and decorated in pink, blue and gold.

For the reception at Banquet Event Centre, Ikeja, the decoration was the same as that of the church, but the chairs were set round tables. There were ushers at strategic points, welcoming guests and ensuring their comfort. They wore pink Ankara dress with black shoes. Itinerant drummers were rewarded for their service.

Igumbor Kingsley, a.k.a Kaycee and Akuidolo Oreraogbheme a.k.a. Forever were the masters of ceremony.

The event was spiced up by DJ Lammy and Ajegede live band.

Joy, a Nursing Science graduate of Babcock University in Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, hails from Delta State.

Moyosore, an Economics graduate of

the same school, is from Ogun State.

He later studied International Business and Management at the University of Manchester for his Masters. They met seven years ago at Babcock.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu urged the couple to take good care of their children and love each other perfectly, noting that marriage comes with its ups and downs. Senator Tinubu said God would see them through.

She said the most important thing in the life of any couple is that they should have love just as the Bible says, ‘Love conquers all things’.

“They should make sure that they are able to maintain the love they share, so that it will endure and keep them to the end. From loving each other, they will understand the love of Christ, and that is the most important love of all. I wish them all the best; a graceful life and a fruitful marriage,”she said.

Managing Director African Independent Television, Mrs Tosin Dokpesi urged the couple to put God first because without God they can never make a home.

“They should make God their solid rock so that things will go well and they should always pray for wisdom of God to guide them. I wish them all the best,” she said.

A renowned essayist, Prof Adebayo Williams, said the wedding was a Ni-

•Oba Bashorun (left) and Prof Williams

•Senator Tinubu (left) and Mrs Giwa

gerian wedding where two tribes have come together to be one.

Chairman of the occasion Prince Lowo Adedeji praised the parents for taking good care of their children.

Adedeji, the Chief Executive Officer of Oba Foot Holding Ltd, told the bride: “Be careful of your friends, especially the ones that are not married, or the ones that have issues with their marriages. There should be no third party in your marriage, not even your in-

laws or your parents. Marriage is ordained by God, therefore, all issues should go back to God.” After the couples had kissed and cut the cake at the spelling of J-E-SU-S, they took to the dancing floor.

Others joined them.

Earlier at the church service, the opening prayer was said by the Revd Father Alfred Matthew Nworie.

The church choir sang the hymns and songs.

In his sermon, Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode, Bishop Albert Fasima, said marriage should be a reflection of the love of God. He urged the wife to be respectful, and told the husband: “Love your wife even as Christ loved the church.”

He urged them to train their children in the way of the Lord, praying that God would grant them wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

The couple exchanged rings; after which they were presented as the latest couple in town.

The groom’s father, Otunba Ogunnusi, enjoined the couple to be prayerful.

The bride’s mother, Mrs. Olusola Njokanma, advised them to learn to forgive each other daily.

The groom described his wife as beautiful, pleasant and God-fearing.

“Her good heart got me attracted.

Her behaviour, the way she stands out and the way she takes care of me is such that I longed for. I love her so much,” Moyosore said.

Joy said: “I feel very happy and elated today because I am getting married to my better half and my superman. He is loving, caring, hard working and God-fearing. He loves me and I love him too.”

At the event were: the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr Jonah Otunla; Senator Femi Lanlehin, Hon Toyin Surau, a Wema Bank Director, Chief Ope Bademosi; Chief Executive Officer, Tasty Fried Chicken, Mrs Olayinka Adedayo; Chief Mosun Awodipe; Chairman of Daar Communications Plc, Raymond Alegho Dokpesi; Oru of Imoru-Ijebu Oba Adeposi Bashorun; Commissioner of Police, Dr Abimbola Macaulay, among others.

•More pictures on page 30

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

30

SOCEITY ‘HE’S MY SUPERMAN’

•Prince Adedeji (left) and Alhaji Monsor Bisiriyu

•Mrs Anita Okuribido and Chief Dokpesi

•Mrs Mosun Awodipe (left) and Mrs Adedayo

•Dr Macaulay

•Mr Niyi Otunla

PHOTOS: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) member Chief Chris Uba has given out his daughter Nonye in marriage to Anyim (Jnr), son of Senator Anyim Udeh, at Uga in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State. ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU reports.

Anambra glows for politicians’ children’s wedding

T

HE couple rode on the political wings of their parents. The groom is the son of a Senator and the bride, the daughter of Chief Chris Uba, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT). So, on June 29, all roads led to Umuoru Village in Uga, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, for the traditional wedding of Anyim Udeh (Jnr), son of Senator Anyim Udeh and Nonye, Uba’s daugther.

It was a grand ceremony which attracted the who is who in Anambra and Ebonyi states and other parts of the country. They came to Uga, the Uba’s countryhome for the fairytale wedding. The Junior Udeh, an Abujabased businessman is the fourth child of the Senator. They hail from Akaeze village in Ebonyi State.

Over four groups wore a uniform fabric aso ebi, with each accompanying the bride, the groom, the bride’s mother, and the Uba family.

The ceremony began around 3:30pm.

Chief Morroco Maduka and his band as well as a musician, Flavour, entertained guests before the arrival of the community elders.

They asked Nonye to go and collect a cup of palm wine from her father as tradition to give her to husband.

Nonye complied; walked round; knelt before a handsome guy and handed him the cup of palm wine, a gesture that signifies, “take me as your wife.”

Anyim (Jnr) drank from the cup and returned it with a wad of notes.

The gathering yelled as the duo stood up, dancing towards the elders who called on some dignitaries to pray for them.

Blessing the couple, Uba prayed God to bless the union. He urged his daughter to love her husband.

“Any day you have a problem, don’t call me or your mother, but go to God. He has a solution to every problem,” he said.

Deputy Senate President Senator Ike Ekweremadu enjoined the couple to live in peace and to place God first in all they do.

The groom’s father, Senator Udeh, who has been in public service for over 46 years, said: “It is a thing of joy for parents to be alive and see their children through educational institutions and get to the age of getting married. I pray God to give them as many children as they want and the resources to train the children. I expect them to go beyond the level I attained in life.”

Senator Andy Uba urged his niece to respect her husband.

“I will want them to respect themselves. We have never abused our wives in my family. My prayer is that they will live together forever till death do them part; and they will be better, richer, and more prosperous than we all are,” he said.

Chief Victor Umeh, the factional national Chairman of All Progressive Grand Aliance (APGA)said: “People from all parts of Nigeria are here to witness this event and, because of that, they have no option in life than to live together in love. Marriage is not as easy as people think. But with love and prayer, they will succeed.”

In their vote of thanks, the couple prayed God to grant the guests journey mercies back home and replenish their purse.

Nonye said: “I am glad for today.

For those who are still waiting for their Mr. Right, let them pray and be patient; with time, everything will take its normal shape.”

Anyim (Jnr) said Nonye is the apple of his eyes.

“Based on my relationship with

•The couples Anyim and Nonye cutting the traditional wedding cake. With them is Senator Ekweremadu

•Groom’s parents: Senator Udeh and his wife

God, I know she is the wife I have been waiting for. She is really wonderful and I am grateful to God,” he said.

In attendance were governors of Anambra and Abia states Peter Obi and Theodore Orji and their Kano State counterpart, Rabiu Kwankwaso; Senators Ayogu Eze (Enugu); Bello Tukur (Adamawa); Kabir Marafa (Zamfara); Garuba Gamawa (Bauchi); Nenadi Usman (Kaduna); Aisha AlHassan (Taraba) and the Deputy

Speaker, House of Representatives Hon. Emeka Ihedioha.

Also there were Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Major-Gen. Ike Nwachukwu; former Governor of Old Anambra, Jim Nwobodo; former Minister of Aviation, Ambassador Kema Chikwe; the Corp Marshal of Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Chief Osita Chidioka; former Inspector-General of Police Ogbonnaya Onovo; Special Adviser to the President on Na-

•Governor Orji

tional Assembly Matters, Senator Joy Emodi and her Technical Matters Counterpart, Chief Nze Akachukwu Nwankpo; Enugu State Commissioner of Lands, Dr. Emeka Ujam; Hon Justice Chuma of Ebonyi State High Court; Dr Alex Obiogbolu; Arthur Nwandu; Treasurer of Ohaneze Ndigbo Damian Okeke; Anambra State House of Assembly members, Hon Rebecca Udorji, Val Anyika and Tony Muonagor.

SHOPPING

31

THE NATION

FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

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

e-mail: toniaitose@yahoo.com

07035302326 Shopping@thenationonlineng.net

These are not the best of times for retailers who have their shops around malls. Samsung unveils They say the malls are threatening their businesses. TONIA ‘DIYAN reports new product

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

‘The malls are killing us’

S

R

ETAILERS in Lagos who have their shops close to shopping malls and big retail stores are not happy.

Such malls, include Justrite in Abule Egba and Sango Ota; Grocery Bazaar, on LASU-Iba Road, Addide in Ketu, Obanikoro, Mushin and Gbagada; Pep on Lagos Island, Ogba and Berger; Ikeja City Mall at Alausa and Adeniran Ogunsanya Shopping Mall, Surulere, among others.

According to the business owners, shoppers who used to be their customers now go to the malls. They said people have forgotten that small shops have been in existence before the malls.

They contended that before now they get more customers than the departmental stores because of the economic situation in the country. But these days some people prefer Shoprite and other malls to buy things as small as gala.

A store owner at Abule Egba, Mr Suleman Oseni, lamented the drop in patronage, saying it was due to the establishment of Justrite in the area.

A beverage seller at Allen Avenue in Ikeja, Mrs Cordelia Nwankwo, also complained of low patronage, attributing the problem to the Ikeja City Mall.

“I sell cheap beverages compared to Shoprite. I don’t know why people living in this vicinity still prefer to patronise the mall rather than buying the cheap beverages I offer them,” she lamented.

The malls have taken customers away from neighbourhood stores with their many attractions, thereby putting the small stores at the risk of closing shop.

To survive and thrive in the competitive world of retailing, small shop owners need to adapt to changes in the marketplace. In some cases, that could mean relocating their stores to a mall where the traffic is.

Another strategy is to offer better competitive prices, specialty products, guaranteed satisfaction, and personal attention.

Mr Chika Alozie told The Nation Shopping that he could not afford the outrageous bills that stores in the malls are paying, that was why he hasn’t moved to one of them.

For Mr Emeka Chimeze, who runs a boutique in Ketu, the emergence of the malls has not affected his business because there is no mall selling clothes and shoes nearby. The only retail store around Addide sells grocery alone. But that is not the case for his brother who owns a boutique at Eric Manuel, in

• Small shops at Abule-Egba in Lagos.

Surulere, not too far from Adeniran Ogunsanya Shopping Mall. He has been crying that the mall is killing his business. When asked about the chances his brother may have of moving his business into the mall, he said it would cost over N5 million to rent a shop in the mall.

But Mrs Juliet Morgan of Enemaya said the emergence of the shopping malls would affect smaller shops mainly because they do not sell original goods, which according to her, are what people want.

A pharmacist, Mr. Stan Nwanchukwu, who works in a pharmacy at the Ikeja Shopping Mall, said while the shopping malls are better organised and attract many customers, his shop does not have a big edge over others in traditional set ups. “I think what matters is the location,” he said.

“For instance, Juli Pharmacy is near Allen Roundabout in Ikeja, and because there are many companies there, it gets more customers.

Mrs. Kelechi Ebuka, who admitted that the malls were likely to affect small ones, particularly those close to the malls, said the impact would increase over time.

She added that as soon as the shopping centres start selling everything that can be purchased in

the traditional market at the same price, she and many others would have no reason to go to neighbourhood stores and when this happens, there would be nothing anyone can do about it.

But Mr Badmus Akinsanmi, a lawyer, believes some form of regulation might help now.

“We can check the spread of the malls. There has to be a way of regulating them. So, that in a city they don’t capture all the retail market,” he insists.

A report by Jones Lang Lasalle, a multinational financial and professional services company which specialises in real estate, shows that the emergence of shopping malls is likely to redefine retail investment, a development that would not only pose a greater threat to small retail outlets but would see shopping centres dotting every landscape.

According to the report, the malls are partly driven by the inevitable growth of the middle class. On the future of shopping malls and retail investment, the report predicted that South African investors or developers in partnership with retailers are likely to accelerate the move across the continent. As this happens, the focus will be on Nigeria, the region’s largest consumer market.

As Lagos takes the leap from tra-

dition to modern, small shop owners like Mr Uchenna Maduka fear that the days of their businesses are numbered.

“We offer the cheapest prices and our quality is up to standard, but, today, malls are the choice bride.

He continued: “It’s all about imitation of other cultures and societies. Are we giving up the small shops for the malls?” he asked.

A 46-year-old fashion designer said he has lost a large number of his customers to the malls.

“People no longer patronise my hand-made designs,” he lamented The Centre Manager, Ikeja City Mall, who refused to be named, said shoppers are becoming more sophisticated, and want global brands.

“People are now more familiar with global brands and they’re willing to pay a reasonable amount for the goods. They know what types of brands they want and how to find them. People have failed to understand that the malls are not only taking advantage of the market, but are contributing to it by creating jobs.”

He added: “Despite the growing issues between local vendors and their discontent with large malls, people won’t stop trooping to the malls and departmental stores.”

‘The malls have taken customers away from neighbourhood stores with their many attractions, thereby putting the small stores at the risk of closing shop. To survive and thrive in the competitive world of retailing, small shop owners need to adapt to changes in the marketplace. In some cases, that could mean relocating their stores to a mall where the traffic is’

AMSUNG Electronics West Africa, a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Korea, a leading manufacturer of air-conditioners, is focusing on delivering healthy air conditioning along with saving on energy.

Samsung’s unique Virus Doctor Technology helps eliminate all bacteria and air borne viruses, including the infamous H1N1 virus.

The Virus Doctor has helped consumers in not only enjoying cool air, but a hygienic environment through the Samsung air conditioners.

According to Director, Consumer Electronics, Home Appliances, IT and B2B, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Sunil Kumar, “The future of air conditioning usage lies in the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), along with conservation of energy and environment. To that end, Samsung has developed air conditioners addressing all three concerns.

We believe in delivering value to consumers in all the products we introduce to the market.

“We have developed these air conditioners on the back of Built for Africa (BFA), R&D. As at date, all Samsung split air conditioners are fitted with Triple Protector technology, developed and patented by us. This technology helps in ensuring that our air conditioners can work without stabilisers, with voltage range of 135v – 400v, unlike, other brands, which shut off the air conditioner, when voltage falls below 170v. We have also introduced to the market air conditioners, using Ozone friendly refrigerants, which address the concerns around Ozone depletion. We are an organisation that truly, looks to the future and ensures our R&D is tuned towards it.”

Other key benefits of Samsung air conditioners include advanced filters that capture dust and bacteria that conventional filters can miss. With its large surface area and high density, Samsung’s Full HD Filter removes even the tiniest microscopic particles, keeping your air clean and fresh.

Samsung offers a wide range of split air conditioners that not only boast of high quality performance but its signature sleek designs as well. They offer units in a number of capacities.

Samsung air conditioners are specially built for Africa and enjoy two year warranty backed by quality after sales service centres spread across the country.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

32

SHOPPING

Islamic items at NASFAT

Prices Camera

Canon: N13,500 Sony: N31,000 Panasonic: N20,000 Samsung: N18,500

Pressing Iron

Moulinex Steam Iron: N6,500 Tefal Dry Iron: N4,100 Panasonic Steam Iron: N6,250 Kenwood Dry: N4,550 Tefal Steam: N52,000 Mikachi: N5,200 Panasonic: N6,250 Century: N1,800 Alchemist: N3,900

The Nasrul Lahi-l Faith Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway was busy last Sunday with Muslim faithfull buying one Islamic item or the other. TAIBAT IDOWU reports

I

T was colourful last Sunday when Muslims who were at Nasfat ground were seen buying various items to prepare them for the holy month.

It was a sight to behold as people went round from one stall to the other making their choices on which item to buy.

Some of the items on display were beverages, assorted Islamic accessories, Muslim books, Islamic clothing, caps for men, recorded Islamic teachings on tapes. It was also a time for them to check their blood pressure as

Books

•Islamic items on display

some medical personnel made themselves available and offered free medical services.

Mr. Rushed Abdul Ramon, who spoke to The Nation Shopping at the NASFAT ground, said some Islamic scholars were invited to give Ramadan talks encourage Muslims to keep up the good faith and make provision for food to the less privilege, as it is one of the purpose of the season.

Mr. Abdul Hazeem Muyideen

Champagne lovers rewarded

PHOTO: SANUSI RAHMAN

was sighted buying a Quran. According to him, prices are better than outside. “I bought the big size of Quran for only N1,500. I could have got a cheaper bargain.

Things are quite cheap here compared to the market” For Sister Kudijat Akinrogun, the attraction is the affordable Islamic wears at the venue. “The opportunity to get colourful and exceptional Islamic cloth here is one of the things that encourage

Traders at the Kosofe Shopping Complex are complaining of low sales, blaming it on the deplorable condition of the road where the complex is situated. AZZAN OLAJUMOKE reports.

Traders decry low sales at Kosofe

T

HOSE who love first-class champagne were rewarded on Friday, at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club (LLTC) Onikan Lagos, where the launch of Lanson champagne the official drink for Wimbledon tennis took place. The champagne was popped up in grand style. It’s available in all leading stores and supermarkets at affordable prices.

To reward customers, a raffle draw was held and two winners emerged Sam Egbuchunam, a lawyer and Chief Chike Uwanze.

Egbuchunam,who is LLTC President, was presented with a Rehoboam giant case of six litres (eight bottles) while Chief Chike Uwanze got a three-litre Methuselah (four bottles) Champagne.

The accredited distributor and importer, Chief Tunde Onakoya, showcased the different types available.

According to him, Lanson Brut and Rose pink champagne, adorned with purple polo and pink coloured shirts shows the privileged relationship with tennis players worldwide

T

HE only contact a car has with the road is the tyre. According to an expert, a tyre has 22 different components. The air pumped into it is like blood to the body. Tyre is for everything. Tyre designs are different in this part of the world because of the hot weather experienced here; there tend to be more tough tyres here.

Ordinarily, tyres expire in three years, thus they should not be used after their expiry date. Users are sure to get value for their money within three years.

When a car is packed for long, the tyres begin to deteriorate. Endeavour to remove the tyres when you intend to park a car for a long period, you could jack the car up or allow someone else use it for that period. New

me to visit this place few days before the fast. I don’t know where most of the wears are kept before now. But they are always made available for purchase at times like this.

“I didn’t come here to buy any item, but if as I walk out of the premises, I find something appealing, I will pick it up. I came here, basically, for the lectures.

Th e y ar e i nspi r a t i ona l , sa i d Alhaji Akim Kasali.”

• Chief Tunde Onakoya showcasing Lanson Champagne

By Tonia ‘Diyan

as a partner and sponsor of the just concluded Wimbledon tournament held in London.

He further explained: “Lanson Champagne has been associated with Wimbledon tennis tournament since the 1970’s and it was established as the official champagne of the tournament. The champagne drink also becomes a partner and integral part of the tournament and as a result it is available and served by sommeliers in all the reception areas at Wimbledon tennis tournament. It is expected that members, players, coaches and technical officials would enjoy Lanson unique style and rear pleasure of its fruitiness, elegance, power and freshness while the year’s tournament lasted in London.”

C

OMPETITION is a usual occurrence in every market setting, because without it the market setting is not precise.

The Kosofe Shopping Complex is not different from every other market.

A visit to the complex shows that sales are low. Some of the shop owners told The Nation Shopping that the low sales in the complex are due to the bad road.

According to them, their customers now patronise other areas.

Mrs. Aderonke Adeyemo is one of the traders at the Kosofe Complex. She said: “I have been in this complex for over six years, it hasn’t been all rosy for us but it hasn’t also been this bad. Things are getting worse by the day. The roads are very bad

How to know good tyres

By Tonia ‘Diyan

tyres are sure better than the fairly used ones.Most of these fairly used tyres have one fault or the other.

A tyre expert, Mr Dare Lawal, advised that genuine manufacturers should be introduced into the country and they should sell at affordable prices, to stop Tokunbo (second hand) tyre patronage.

“Tokunbo tyres are dangerous; it is preferable to settle for the brand new ones.”

He further said: “When you want to buy new tyres, it is advisable to check and be sure you are buying those with guaranty. Also, check your fuel tank area to know what type of tyre you should buy for your car. All cars have their specified

tyres.”

He added: “When you inflate your tyre and it is bouncing like a tennis ball, it indicates that such tyre is over inflated, if under inflated; it will be stiff to turn.”

R

and it is disturbing the customers from coming. Another major obstacle we are facing now is the competition from others, most of our customers are going there and it is really killing sales for us”.

Mr Emmanuel Olusanya is also one of the trader said: “My electronic sales are very poor and the dust is also making my products look old and unattractive to my customers. They would rather not buy it or even offer to buy it at a very low price which is not encouraging”.

Also, some shop owners complained of the weather and how it is reducing sales. According to them, they want the government to help them repair the bad road, adding that if it is motorable, customers would patronise them.

Do not forget that when the tyre doesn't have the qualities you desire, you shouldn't buy it. When the person selling to you is not sure of the safety of a tyre, avoid buying buy it and if a tyre has some signs and marks on it, don't buy it too.

Who Moved My Cheese? For Teens: N4, 200 Art of War: N3, 200 How to Win Friends and Influence People: N4, 000 Game of Thrones A-Z: N3, 700 Lord of the Rings: N10, 400 Twilight: N3, 900 Small Business Bible Suedette Platform Court Shoes: N6, 700

Laptops

HP CQ58: N61,950 HP Pavilion: N80,325 RLG MgsOne Laptop: N56,000 Dell Inspiron: N72,450 Lenovo Ideapad: N66,675 Packard Bell Dots: N44,100 Acer V5-121 Mini: N53,550 Apple MacBook: N231,000

Cookware

Prestige 22 Piece: N25,950 Prestige 12 Piece Classique: N20,300 Prestige Knife Block Set 14 Pieces: N10, 450 Prestige Knife Block Set 8 Pieces: N8, 000 Prestige 6L Aluminium High Dome Pressure Cooker: N15, 700 Prestige Popular Aluminium Pressure Cooker (3L): N4, 300 Prestige Corkscrew: N2, 250

Babies' beds

Canon Spongebob Single Duvet Set: N5, 000 Hannah Montana Double Reversible Bed Set + 2 Pillows: N6, 000 Dora the Explorer Single Duvet Set: N5, 000 Disney Princess Single Reversible Duvet Set: N5, 000 Manchester United Beach Towel, 70x140cm: N4, 500 Spiderman Beach Towel, 70x140cm: N4, 500 Disney Princess Fleece Blanket, 120x150cm: N5, 500

Shirts

Tommy Hilfiger: N1, 500, N2, 000, N3, 000.

John Lewis Oxford: N3000, N4, 000, N5000 Thomas pink: N2, 500, N3, 000, N5, 000.

Lewis: N3000, N4000, 5,500 Ted baker: N2, 000, N3, 500, N4, 000, N5000.

Marks and Spencer N2, 000, N3, 000 Lanvino: N3, 000, N4, 000, N5, 000.

Giant: N1, 500, N2, 000, N3, 500, N5, 000.

Crocodiles: N2, 500, N3, 000.

Zara: N3, 000, 3,500.

Living van fashion: N1, 500, N2, 000 N4, 000.

Tips for buying gifts

ETAIL stores have continued to stock various gift items.

Here are tips on how to pick the right ones for loved ones. You should gather as much information as you can about the gifts item you have in mind either for yourself or your loved ones.

Check out as many gift stores as you can, they are situated all around you in your neighborhood. Discount

retailers, department stores, specialty shops and online retailers are the best options at your disposal.

Don’t forget to note the price of the product at each outlet, so you can get the best bargain. Be sure to compare the same product.

Check weekly sales fliers and promotional adverts for lower prices on the product you have in mind. Keep sales fliers that list the item at a lower

price.

Each store has its own price-matching policy, so be prepared to do some negotiating over the terms of the sale.

Offer to make the purchase in cash.

Be ready to walk away if the store is not willing to meet your price. You might have to visit more than one store with cash in hand to get the terms and price you want on the product you wish to purchase.

33

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

Brandnews

Three ladies win in Legend promo T HE third raffle draw for the Legend Extra Stout National Consumer Promotion has produced three female winners of the grand prize for this year’s edition.

They are: Tokunbo Bolanle Balogun, a trader; Oluchi Umunakwe and Roselyn Monday, ungraduates.

They will travel to Dubai, where they will shop for gift items worth N1 million in 60 seconds. Luck shone on the ladies as their numbers were picked at the third raffle draw, at the Eldorado Hills, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos, last Friday.

The first draw did not produce any female winner, while a lone female consumer emerged for the big prize during the second raffle draw.

Balogun said she was overjoyed at the news. The second lady, 25year-old Oluchi Umunakwe, a 400 level part-time student of the Lagos State University (LASU), said she looked forward to the Legend Unique Shopping Experience, as it would afford her the opportunity of getting a passport as well as flying on a plane for the first time.

Although Oluchi is unsure of the items she would pick for herself during the trip, she is targeting an ipad for her elder brother.

While both Tokunbo and Oluchi emerged via the electronic raffle

M

Stories by Wale Alabi

draw, Monday was picked at the venue of the draw.

Roselyn said: “On Friday afternoon (the day of the raffle draw), I felt like clubbing and I told my friend, who then suggested we should hang out at M18 Night Club, where we then got to hear about the promo. We were curious and wanted to confirm whether the promo was true or not. Like every other person, we plugged in and tried our luck. A few hours later, I was shocked beyond words when I heard my name being called from the stage, saying that I have won a ticket for the trip to Dubai.”

The Moshood Abiola Polytechnic student attributed her winning to the hostesses present at the raffle draw venue.

She explained: “I wanted to order one of the ready-to-drink beers, but a particular hostess informed me about the promo and the fact that there were lots of fantastic prizes up for grabs, if only I tried Legend.

I ordered for one, and they gave me a raffle ticket which I filled and submitted. I am delighted to be among the selected few who will travel to Dubai to shop for up to N1 million.

I pray that the luck that won me this ticket will also see me through in Dubai. I am just excited and overwhelmed right now, and, honestly,

• From left: Commercial Excellence Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Dafe Okpaleke; Marketing Manager, Gulder, Legend & Life, Emmanuel Agu; Roselyn, and Funso Ayeni, Senior Brand Manager, Legend & Life, Nigerian Breweries Plc., at the 3rd draw in Lagos.

I feel Legend is a great beer.”

Other winners were Fisayo Abiodun Johnson, a student of the Federal University of Technology, Akure; Anosiri Chukwujejwu, a metal fabricator and Eduh Onuninya, a lawyer based in Nnewi, Anambra State.

For Fisayo, who is a year-four student of Urban and Regional Planning, he never believed he could win, even when he kept sending the crown cork codes to the designated number.

Maltina set for family dance

ALTINA, the premium non-alcoholic malt drink from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc, has set the stage for Season Seven of the popular family dance show, Maltina Dance All (MDA).

The show will be preceded by regional auditions, which will kick off in Port Harcourt from July 19 to 20; Lagos at the National Theatre, Iganmu, July 25, 26 and 27 and Abuja - Nicon Luxury Hotel from August 2 to 3.

This year edition titled: “The Evolution” will chronicle dance styles from 1960 to today.

Renowned for promoting togetherness with friends and loved ones, the MDA is the consumer engagement and experiential marketing platform that the brand deploys to

resonate with esteemed consumers.

Speaking at the presentation of some dances, Mr Edem Vindah, Corporate Media and Brand PR Manager, who represented Mr Ageni Yusuf, Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc, said: “The dance performance was a tip of the iceberg from this season of Maltina Dance All. “As we all know, it is the foremost experiential and sponsorship platform of the Maltina brand renowned for promoting togetherness with friends and loved ones.

The TV show, which made its debut in 2007, has remained Nigeria’s first and only family dance TV show featuring families from various regions across the country.”

He added that the show is “about

the emotions, excitement, fun and the unbreakable bond that 10 families will showcase when they challenge themselves by learning and performing various dance styles from the 70s, 80s, 90s and today.

“This is going to be evolution of dance from time past to the present.

The winning family will go home with the grand prize of N6 million and of course, a brand new car.

“The first and second runners up will also get N1 million and N500,000. The show will bring to the fore, the Nigerian’s essence and values of sharing, happiness unity, cooperation, vitality and creativity.”

Mrs. Ngozi Nkwoji, Senior Brand Manager Maltina stated that building any brand is a very long journey, “We are glad with where we are with Maltina today.

• Immediate past president, Institute of Chartered Secrettaries and Administrators of Nigeria, Mr Tunde Busari (right) decorating new president, Dr Suleyman Ndanusa during Ndanusa’s investiture at NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja.

“I didn’t even believe I could win, not in a million years. I have tried participating in several promos in the past, but I have never been lucky. In fact, I still find it difficult to believe that I have won. I don’t even have an international passport; but I have been told that Legend will organise one for me. I just plan to go to Dubai and have fun.

While Anosiri said he decided to partake in the promo after seeing the information on posters, Eduh said he was not convinced, until the Legend brand team visit him to inform him of his victory.

When it dawned on him that he had won, he said: “I was shocked and shed tears of joy,” he said.

Even though I didn’t believe in the promo, when I was sending the unique crown code, I believed for a

P

miracle. I am overjoyed.

Christopher Johnson and Peter Uvoh are also winners of the Dubai Shopping Experience. Christopher, who trades in food items, such as beans, rice and maize, plans to buy clothes, phones, laptops and plasma TV in Dubai.

Peter Uvoh, a mechanical engineer, said he was confident of winning; hence he kept his crown cork for one month.

He said: “You won’t believe I only sent in one crown cork to the code specified on the bottle. And later, I was informed that I had won the ticket.

“Going to Dubai is a testimony.

I’m very happy that, out of the hundreds of thousands of people who have been making entries, I emerged as one of the winners.”

‘Cowbell competitions open to Nigerians’

ROMASIDOR Nigeria Limited, makers of Cowbell Milk, its Cowbell National Secondary Schools Mathematics Competition (NASSMAC) is free to Nigerians, the firm’s Managing Director, Chief Keith Richards, has said.

He spoke at the prize giving ceremony of the competition in Abuja, where he unveiled national champions of this year’s NASSMAC in both the Senior and Junior secondary schools.

He said the objective of the initiative is to arouse interest in mathematics among secondary school students as a road map to nation building, adding that NASSMAC is open to secondary school pupils studying in Nigeria who are in JSS 3 (for the junior category) and SS2 (for the senior category), aged 1018 years.

Richards said the ‘current’ pass rates in Mathematics in West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) pose a challenge not only to teachers, schools and relevant government agencies, but also to parents, Nigerians and indeed well- meaning companies and organisations Promasidor, which have upon themselves to support relevant stakeholders in stemming the tide.

“Promasidor sees this, not only as a fight to protect our future as individuals, but rather as a fight for the collective future of our beloved country, Nigeria. With the current growth in our economy, we urgently need to develop the hu-

man resource capability to drive, support, sustain and surpass our vision,” Richards said.

The Director-General and Chief Executive of the National Mathematical Centre, Prof Adewale Solarin, in a keynote address, noted that the competition is Promasidor’s contribution to the efforts of the Federal Government to ensure the technological development of the country through the popularisation of mathematics and mathematical sciences, among the youth.

Deputy Director, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Abbas Adebibu, who represented the Minister of Education, Prof Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, thanked the management of Promasidor for supporting the transformation agenda of the Federal Government through its sponsorship of the competition yearly.

Winners emerged as national champions in the Cowbell NASSMAC. In the Senior category, Master Akindele Oyedele, an SS2 student of Iganmode Grammar School, Ojuore, Ota, Ogun State clinched the first position with 94 per cent in the objective and theory in the second stage exam conducted in May. He was followed by a female pupil, Miss Adegbohungbe Lois from Reality High School, Ilesa, Osun State with 83 per cent as the first runner-up while Master Obasi Nnamdi Peter from the University of Nigeria (UNN) Secondary School, Enugu who scored 81 per cent, took third position.

34

COMMENTARY

G

UESTS, everywhere in the world, are of different types. Some are of honour and treated with integrity because of their acknowledged dignity.

Some are bereft of honour but merely tolerated for their nuisance value. Each time we talk of guests, people invariably think only of humans in the erroneous belief that no other creature could be qualified for that title. What they don’t seem to know is that humans are just a fraction of Allah’s creatures. There are millions of others not often noticed by man. One of such creatures is environment of which season is a part. The phenomenon called season comes in different forms with different intensity and at different times of the year.

Seasons are like the tides of an ocean.

They roll out spirally in quick succession and reshape the world’s environment from time to time. They come in multiple of months. No one measures a season in the absence of months as there can be no seasons without months.

Europeans have so much respect for seasons that when they have an important guest they call him an ‘August visitor’. The month of August is the peak of summer season and the most comfortable month of hospitality for the Caucasian race of Europe hence the term.

In Islam, the most venerable guest is Ramadan. Its visiting time is not restricted to any particular season or Gregorian month. Its arrival in the world may coincide with that of any season. It is therefore a guest of all seasons.

With Ramadan as a guest, not only the Muslims but the entire humanity is consciously or unconsciously engaged in hospitable activities. Those who cannot fast in it do take advantage of its presence to sell or buy some relevant needs and wants. Thus, there can be no indifference to the awful presence of Ramadan in any part of the world.

I recall the vivid description given this sacred month in ‘THE MESSAGE’ column sometime ago which is still as relevant now as it was then. It went thus: Once every year, something creeps into the world like the early morning light. It moves kaleidoscopically into an arena where the centre becomes its stool. It lifts its veil and beams a focus on the world with an arresting attention in the days. It envelops the nights in a shroud of covenant linking the dream of man with his fulfilment.

Its journey

No one knows Ramadan’s port of embarkation. No one knows its destination. All we know of it is that of a guest that is so vividly present in our world and yet so invisible. RAMADAN is the name by which it is divinely christened. Its coming is often heralded by a retinue of envoys. The months of ‘Rajab’ and ‘Sha’ban’ are the immediate escorts that alert us of its imminent arrival. Like the sun in the midst of stars, Ramadan ascends the throne in full regalia and all other months, (lunar and solar) quickly take their bow.

Call it the king where other months are chiefs and you will be dead right. Call it the doctor in a world of sick people and you will not be wrong. Call it the compass in the wilderness of straying humanity and you would have spoken the truth. Call it the reformer of human soul; the steriliser of human spirit as well as the purifier of human body and you will not be disputed.

In its entourage are equally invisible ministers like piety, knowledge, truth, justice and peace all of which usher it into the world with splendour.

Deriving its name from a natural healing phenomenon, this ninth lunar month is truly baking in effect. The word: Ramadan is derived from the Arabic word ramd (meaning baking). The name had been in existence before the advent of Islamic calendar. It was coined from a baking summer that immediately followed a freezing winter. Ever since, Ramadan’s mission has been to firm up all loose ends in the life of man. And it does that with a touch of perfection.

Its mission

The entire month of 30 or 29 days is spent fasting from dawn to dusk. Such fasting is not about abstinence from foods and drinks alone. It is also about self restraint from all sinful acts. It is about repackaging one’s destiny through a new but sincere resolution.

Fasting during this month is believed to

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

FEMI ABBAS ON Femabbas@yahoo.com 08122697498

Guest of integrity figuratively burn away all sins. It was in this glorious month that the revelation of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) first began.

In this month, all gates of paradise, according to the Prophet, are open while those of hell are closed. The first ten days in it are blessings galore for those of the Muslim Ummah who need blessings and seek for them. The next ten days personify forgiveness for those who realise the gravity of their sinful acts, repent of them and resolve never to return to such acts again. Thus, Ramadan is far beyond a month. It is a season.

Its anchor leg

The last ten days form the anchor leg of Ramadan which is meant for the liberation of mankind from the manacles of Satan.

Whoever is so liberated automatically becomes like a new born baby arriving in a new world with a tabularasa (clean slate).

In these last ten days is a particular night (Laylatul Qadr) in which the secret of human destiny is encapsulated. It is otherwise known as the ‘Night of power’. Meeting that night consciously and spiritually is like securing the key to one’s own apartment in Paradise.

But one needs to remain awake throughout those nights to be fortunate to meet the D night.

Allah did not disclose even to Prophet Muhammad (SAW), which particular night it is. But by asking the Muslims to look for it in the odd nights of the last ten days, the Prophet has helped us tremendously. However, who can be so sure of the odd nights when the issue of sighting the crescent before starting Ramadan remains controversial?

Also, during the last ten days of Ramadan, some willing Muslims, in accordance with the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), do go for Umrah in Makkah or take to I’tikaf (spiritual seclusion) locally, to reaffirm their total submission to Allah. Following this is a session of charity made compulsory for all Muslims irrespective of age, gender and status, to give to the poor and the needy. This is called Zakatul Fitr or Sadaqatul Fitr. It is given in the very early morning of Ramadan Festival Day or the night before it to enable the poor and the needy celebrate the festival with the Ummah in a festive mood.

Anticlimax

The first day of the month of Shawwal immediately after Ramadan is the anticlimax traditionally spent in great celebrations with rejoice and observed as the ‘Festival of fast Breaking the (Eidul Fitr).

Where else can one find a guest like Ramadan? Where else can one meet a guest that hosts his host and heals him of ignorance and diseases? It was probably more to Ramadan than to man that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) referred when he said: “whoever believes in Allah and the ‘Last Day’ should venerate his guest” That guest is Ramadan. That is why Muslims often say in this unique month: ‘RAMADAN KARIM’ which means ‘Venerable Ramadan’.

Preparation

To start or end fasting in Ramadan, sighting of the crescent is just symbolic. The indices of recognising when to start or end the month are naturally vivid to those who care.

Ramadan is preceded by two glorious lunar months of Rajab and Sha’ban for fun. The number of days in those two months is to enable any serious Muslim know the time of arrival of Ramadan and prepare for it. No lunar month exceeds 30 days and none is less than 29 days.

Crescent or no crescent, it is very possible and easy to know when to start Ramadan

every year. The confusion often created by the sighting of the crescent is therefore avoidable. If Rajab is 30 or 29 days, no one looks for the crescent before starting Sha’ban. As soon as Rajab ends, Sha’ban starts.

Dynamism

Islam is a dynamic religion and nothing should be rigid about the sighting of the crescent before starting Ramadan. Sighting the crescent is not the only condition for starting the great month. After all, the new crescent is not necessarily visible to all eyes at any given time in any locality. That is why a few who may be privileged to sight it are implored to invite some others to witness it and then inform the recognised authorities who will in turn, announce the arrival of Ramadan to the Muslim community in the locality or region.

Besides Faith (Iman) and Hajj (which are the first and last pillars of Islam), nothing else is really globally uniform in practical terms with regards to timing. The variation in the geography of the earth has legitimised the variation of time in the observance of Salat, Sawm and Zakat. Iman is global because it resides permanently in the hearts of the believers irrespective of their localities. Hajj is equally global because it is performed in only one place at a particular time.

Geographical factor

Where a gap of about nine to eleven hours exists between one part of the world and another, talking of global uniformity in starting or ending Ramadan can only border on sheer ignorance. For instance it is impossible for the Australian Muslims living in Australia and their South American brethren residing in Brazil or Argentina to start Ramadan on the same day. Even within Nigeria, all Muslims can start Ramadan on the same day, only if they have equal access to information. And even with that, it is not possible for them all to start or end daily fasting at the same time of the day. That is why the announcement or publication of Ramadan timing according to the various localities is necessary.

That Ramadan fasting is prescribed as a universal obligation for all Muslims in a particular month is deliberate. Allah who did the prescription is not oblivious of the geographical variations in the world. Neither is He unaware of the possible invisibility of a new crescent to most eyes. The design is to allow for the reverberation of the effect of Ramadan across the world. And time variation in worship or celebration of festivals is not peculiar to Islam. Even in Christianity, neither Easter nor Christmas is globally celebrated in one day. And, there is no media noise about it.

What is global about Ramadan fasting is the month and not the time. Dawn and dusk vary from locality to locality. It is therefore possible for the Muslims in one part of the world to be breaking their daily fast at a time when their brethren in another part are commencing theirs. Thus, the genuineness or otherwise of Ramadan fasting is not to be judged by man. That is why Allah is reported by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as saying in a sacred Hadith (Hadith ul Qudsi) that: “Fasting is mine and I am the One to grant rewards on it.”

Welcome to the coast of Ramadan. This sacred ‘ship’ must not leave the coast without you on board. Ramadan is like an institution of learning. A good Muslim must not just pass through it he must also allow it to pass through him. Who knows when the last time to witness the month will be?

RAMADAN KARIM!

Where is Gawat?

•Gawat

R

ETROSPECTIVELY, July 10, 2012 (a Tuesday) can be described as a shocking day for Nigerian Muslim Ummah. That day, the Nigerian electronic media waves throbbed with a shocking and unbelievable news saying: the popular Islamic programme (e dide e mu sari je) presenter was missing. The waves added that whoever knew his whereabouts or heard any information about him should report to the nearest police station or any other relevant authorities. The breaking news sent jitters to millions and puzzled millions of others. Here was a well known human being and not a chattel. Where and how do you start looking for him?

Brothers and sisters immediately took up the matter as a knotty task which must be unravelled. Text messages and phone calls, e-mails and Facebook communications began in earnest. Yours sincerely was busy with a project in Ilorin when the sad news reached me through text messages. In less than one hour after the outbreak of the news the entire world had known of it.

And that evidently confirmed the global village created by the modern technology.

Thus, the search for ‘a golden fish’ in a turbulent ocean became a task for all and sundry.

Thereafter, the Nigerian factor set in.

Rumours began to fly across boundaries as evil agents added their inputs. First, we heard that Gawat had been found and taken to his family. Then came the devilish rumour that the episode was a complicity in which his wife’s hand was vivid.

The evil rumour mongers even had the audacity of sending text messages to me saying that his wife was already in Police gulag. I immediately called the wife to enquire about her whereabouts. And when she told me that she was at home with the children I heaved a deep sigh of fervent relief. It was one moment of embarrassment at its topmost height.

I had known Razak Gawat since 1984 as an amiable gentleman with a wonderful sense of humour. He was humble, respectable and magnanimous in appearance, utterances and actions. When I met his wife a couple of years later I believed that a compatible couple was in the making with potential model. And it actually turned out to be so. One can now imagine Hajiya Fatima’s life without Alhaji Razak Aremu Gawat. It is possible to be dead suddenly for whatever reason but the body will be seen. And in a jungle like Nigeria called a country, it is possible for a prominent person of Gawat’s status to be kidnapped for a ransom by hoodlums and their godfather. But in this case, none of these occurred. What is unimaginable and which remains a puzzle is for a person of Gawat’s personality to suddenly disappear mysteriously with his car within the city of Lagos without any trace. Now, all said and done, one year after that agonizing episode, the question still being asked, despite the acclaimed security in the country, is: ‘where is Gawat?

Well, the evil doers might have done their worst but let not those behind this devilish episode feel that the deed has been finally sealed. Yes, to man it may look so. But to Allah, nothing is ever hidden as the divine repercussion of such an episode is just a matter of when and how.

We pray Allah to protect and stand by Gawat’s family.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

35

S OCEITY

Farewell to a sweet mother

The eighth-day prayer for the late Alhaja Mulikat Oyefeso, Majeobaje Adini of Aiyepe-Ijebu, has been held at Ijebu-Aiyepe Comprehensive High School, Ogun State. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI was there.

I

T was a memorable event. Many of those who came spoke glowingly of the late Alhaja Mulikat Anike Oyefeso, the Majeobaje Adini of Aiyepe-Ijebu and Otun Iya Adinni of Surulere Central Mosque.

The deceased was the mother of former Commissioner with the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Alhaji Musibau Adewale Oyefeso.

She died at 83, on Wednesday, June 19 after a brief illness and was buried same day.

Fondly called 'Iye Lawyer,' Alhaja Oyefeso became a confidant of the late President-General, Association of Nigerian Market Men and Women, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, because of her active role in the kolanut and textile traders's union at the popular Tejuosho Market in Lagos.

She died four days after her Alhaja Mogaji passed on.

Guests and family members filled the IjebuAiyepe Comprehensive High School venue of the Fidau. Five days earlier, a prayer was held for the deceased at Alausa Secretariat Mosue hall, Ikeja.

Many guests wore white lace and wine headgear; others used blue hijab. The only son of the diseased, Alhaji Oyefeso, wore a white native attire with green and black cap; her two daughters, Alhaja Rashidat Ajala Sulaimon and Alhaja Bushirat Adenike Ojo, donned white native dress with wine headgear.

The event, which began with a prayer, led by Shakirudeen Babatunde.

Some Islamic clerics offered special prayers for the deceased, her family and the Ummah.

After the recitation of the Quran by Hakeem Owoseni, the guest speaker, National Missioner of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad, took the stage.

Sheikh Ahmad enjoined the audience not to be self-centred, but to live a life that would impact others.

He urged them to invest in the good things they will be remembered for when they are gone.

He described the late Alhaja Oyefeso as a woman who really spent her life in sincere service to God and humanity.

“She was a true Muslim and ever ready to contribute to the progress of Islam,” he said.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola, in a condolence letter read by his Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Mr Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, described the late Alhaja Oyefeso as a “loving and caring mother who lived a fulfilled life.”

He noted that the late Alhaja has gone back to her Creator, reminding the guests that "one day we shall also go back to our Creator."

•Deceased’s daughter-in-law Alhaja Oyefeso

•Prof Fatmah AbdulKareem

Ogbeni Aregbesola prayed God to comfort all those she left behind.

His Ogun State counterpart, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, also sent a condolence letter to Alhaji Oyefeso. It was delivered by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa.

Amosun said: "She left a good legacy for us all. She was hard working and devoted in her service to God. She was a great mother and a good servant of God." Former Lagos Commissioner for the Environment Dr Muiz Banire described mama as a loving, caring and compassionate woman.

"She put all her energy and resources to serve Muslims; it is going to be difficult to replace her," he said.

Banire said the diseased lived a fulfilled life and wanted nothing but sincere service to Allah.

Alhaji Oyefeso thanked the guests on behalf of his family.

He said: "My dearest mum, you are the greatest thing that happened to me. You also stood as a father for me when daddy died 11 years ago. I shall always remember how you shaped my life and trained us in the right path. I am grateful for the life you lived, for the love and care you always showed and for your generosity."

He described her as hard working, respectful, disciplined, honest and a woman who attained rapid success in life.

The step son of the deceased, Mr Sakiru Olaonipekun Oyefeso, Managing Director, Staco Insurance Plc, described her as a woman who spent her life serving God and helping humanity.

"She lived a life of simplicity and impacted many lives positively. Mama was a devoted Muslim, who ensured that her children were raised according to Islamic standard with emphasis on self discipline and absolute trust in Allah," he said.

At the event were Alhaji Saheed Adebule and his wife Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Dr Idiat; Ogun State Deputy Chief of Staff Alhaji Shuaib Salisu; Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Hon Lateef Ibirogba; Chairman Protea Hotel, Ikeja, Alhaji Tajudeen Owoyemi, and wife; Alhaji Wale Sonaike and wife Balikis; Mrs Funmilayo Banire; Hon Abiodun Mafe; Alhaji Jubreel AbdulKareem; Hon Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe; Alhaji Mutiu Are; Ogun State Wakeel-ul- Muslimeen Sheikh AbdurRasaq Salaudeen; members, Lagos State House of Assembly Hon Funmi Tejuoso and Hon AbdoulBaq Ladi Balogun; Hon Paul Kalejaiye; Hon Olatunde Oba, among others.

•Sheikh Ahmad

•Sheikh Salahudeen

•Hon Mafe (left) and Hon AbdulKareem

•From left: Dr Banire, Chairman, Protea Hotel Alhaji Tajudeen Owoyemi and Alhaji Oyefeso

•From left: Staco Insurance Plc Managing Director Mr Shakiru Oyefeso and some of the monarchs at the event

•Wife of Osun State Governor Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola flanked Dr Adebule (right) and Founder RSI Mrs Funmilayo Banire

•Mr Basiru represented Ogbeni •Governor Amosun’s representatives Mr Adeoluwa (left) and Aregbesola Alhaji Salisu

•From left: Mr Paul Kalejaiye, Hon Funmilayo Tejuoso and Hon Ladi Balogun PHOTOS: SOLOMON ADEOLA

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

36

S OCIETY Last Sunday, the convener of Awesome Treasures Women Foundation, Mrs Jumoke Adenowo, launched a book titled: Designed for marriage at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

NNEKA NWANERI reports.

T

HEY filled the seats listening with rapt attention to speaker after speaker.

It was the mid-year summit of the Awesome Treasures Foundation, with the theme: Marriage: where are the real men.

Women turned out in their Sunday best. Even the married ones looked chic. They were accompanied by their husbands.

The younger ones were gorgeous in their outfits. There were as many men as there were women. Everyone came to gain something from the talk.

Comedian Ali Baba anchored the event. He spiced the occasion with rib-cracking jokes.

It was an interactive session, featuring notable personalities, such as the Managing Director of Standard Chartered Bank, Mr Korede Adenowo; Managing Director, L'Oreal Central West Africa, Idorenyen Enang; Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic IBTC Bank Yinka Sanni and Tonye Cole, the Executive Director of Sahara Group.

They sat on the stage, which was set in form of a sitting room with a centre table. They were visible from every angle of the hall. A large banner bearing Awesome Treasure, with its lion head logo, was hung on the wall.

The discussion centred on how leadership starts from the home. Many of the discussants spoke on the many challenges that mar young marriages.

At the end, it was agreed that real men are those who bear their responsibilities and are masters of their households.

Public speaking icon

H •From right: Governor Fayemi; Mr Adenowo, his wife and author, Mrs Adenowo; and Mrs Susu Enang launching the book

For a blissful union Just as the session was about to end, Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi walked in with his entourage. He was clad in an all-white agbada.

The governor waited on the front row of the hall till he was called upstage to present the book, Designed for Marriage. As he stepped up, he acknowledged cheers from the audience.

Lauding Mrs Jumoke Adenowo for her love for youths and how she is contributing to national development, Fayemi described her as a true Ekiti daughter, though married to an Ijebu man.

He urged couples to sustain their partnership for the benefit of all, recommending the book to public office holders, campuses and the political class.

Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State Princess Sarah Sosan said the book is a musthave for the married and those who intend to marry.

"This is good for the youth who have now found themselves in critical moments." she said.

On the book, Mrs Adenowo said it was based on her experiences in counselling, real-life situations as well as time-tested wisdom.

"So, I decided to have an interactive session with real men who live in the real world and face real issues so all can ask questions, speak up and be heard, because we need education on what it means to be a real man.

"No marriage is perfect but I believe men and women can find imperfect spouses who are a perfect fit for them, just as simple as following some basic principles," she added.

Others at the event were General Overseer of Guiding Light Assembly, Ikoyi, Pastor Wale Adefarasin, and Lt Col Paul Edorobi (rtd) among others.

AWARD

•Former Head of State and Patron of Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN), General Yakubu Gowon (left) presenting the Prestigious Bible Award of BSN to Christain Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman, Taraba State Chapter Rt Revd Timothy Yahaya. With them are BSN National President Dr Aaron Nuhu (2nd right) and outgoing General Secretary Rev. Fred Odutola.

WHAT AND WHERE Funeral

T

Obsequies

ODAY, there will be a funeral service for the late Pastor Emmanuel Olujinmi Fadipe at his residence in Oluyoro road, Oke ofa, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Interment follows immediately at Christ Apostolic Church Ita Baale, Olugbode Missionary headquarters Cemetery, Aperin, Ibadan

G T

Sport

TBank-sponsored Lagos State Principals Cup final, Season IV, will hold tomorrow at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos

Funeral

HE rites of passage for the late Justice Oludade Oladapo Obadina will be concluded today at St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral Oke Igbore Abeokuta.

Entertainment of guests will follow at Ok Centre 1st Avenue, Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

A

COMMUNICATE YOUR IDEAS

F

UNERAL service for the late Mrs Christianah Adenimi Aderonke Akintelure will take place today at St. Pius Catholic Church, Igbotako Ondo State. Interment follows immediately at her compound and guests will be entertained at Otunba Community Grammar School, Okitipupa, Ondo State.

A thanksgiving mass will be held on Sunday at St. Pius Catholic Church, Igbotako.

Lecture

T

Service

ODAY, Christ Apostolic Church World Evangelistic outreach will hold a prayer night tagged ‘Divine Power and Authority’ at Joseph Ayo Babalola International Miracle Camp, Ikeji, Osun State.

The event will feature a special deliverance for students, traders, politicians and farmers.

Ministering are Prophet Samuel Abiara and Pastor Abraham Akinosun.

BY BUKUNMI OGUNDARE

COMPILED

RAMADAN public lecture of the Muslim Community of Lagos State will take place tomorrow at the Lagos Central Mosque, Lagos.

AVE you ever heard this saying, ‘it is easier said than done’? Well, one hears that a lot when it comes to public speaking. A lot of people believe it is easier to pile up principles about speaking than actually doing AMODU LANRE OLAOLU it. On the other extreme are those who think there is (Ph.D) sospeak2lanre@yahoo.com. nothing at all to speaking.

07034737394 ‘Anyone can speak,’ they would say, ‘so why learn it?’ Today, I have brought you a meeting point between these two opinions. Every once in a while, I will be interjecting our topics on public speaking with interviews of public speakers who would share their experiences and lessons over the years. This is aimed at making you see that public speakers are made and not born, the most unlikely people can become effective speakers, challenges can be overcome, and that self development, diligence and excellence are non-negotiable.

It is my pleasure to bring you the first icon in this series. He is a distinguished personality who has influenced too many people for one to attempt to count. Not only is he a mentor, he also supervised my thesis. I proudly present to you Professor Idowu Akanbi Sobowale. I will give you a little background on his life, and then leave him to speak for himself.

Professor Idowu Akanbi Sobowale Idowu Sobowale was born in a village called Ashipa, near Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, and his parents were peasant farmers. At the age of 13, all he could think of was an apprenticeship at a mechanic workshop. Fortunately, he moved to Lagos to stay with his brother, who enrolled him at St. Peter’s UNA School, Oyingbo, to spend two years in primary school and be numerated in preparation for his apprenticeship. When he had an excellent result in the elementary school, his brother decided he could sit for entrance examinations to four high schools, and he passed them all.

He attended Baptist Academy, Lagos, and later went on to the University of Lagos for his Diploma and Degree in Mass Communication, and Syracuse University, where he completed both his M.Sc. and Ph.D in three years. Idowu Sobowale also has wealth of professional experience as he worked in and rose to the position of a senior editor at the Daily Times newspaper, and also served as Managing Director/Chief Executive of Prime People, among several others. As a government official, he served as a Special Adviser on Education during the administration of Alhaji Lateef Jakande, he served in the same position under the administration of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and later became the Honorable Commissioner for Education in the same administration, all in Lagos State. Professor Idowu Akanbi Sobowale is currently the Head of Department, Mass Communication, in Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State.

Here are his views.

Interest in Communication: My interest in communication started when I was in form 3 at Baptist Academy. I had a senior, Ajibade Fasina Thomas, who was later to become a reputable sports journalist at the Daily Times; he was reporting school activities on the notice board, and I just took after him when he graduated. After that, the day Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, former Ogun State Governor, was released from detention for the treasonable trial of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and other notable Nigerian politicians, a delegation went to see him from the school. He was the managing director of the Daily Express then, so I told him I was interested in journalism, and would like him to engage me in the Daily Service. He said no, that the Daily Service was dying, but his friend, Alhaji Babatunde Jose, had just established a training school at the Daily Times and he would give me a note to him. He wrote a note instantly. I took the note immediately to Alhaji Jose, who minuted on it and sent me to Ikoyi, where the school was.

That was how I started in the Daily Times training school, which also began that day. Ten of us were to spend one year, but after one month, our Australian instructor took two of us and sent us to the newsroom to continue our learning.

First time before a crowd: that was probably when I was in the primary school, because I was the Senior Prefect. I was also the Labour Prefect in secondary school, so I had to face students.

Initial anxiety about speaking: The first few occasions were not easy. I was afraid and I probably stammered. But when I became a journalist, it became rather common for me to face people, interview them and ask questions. Also, when I became the Chairman of the committee that transferred pupils from private to public schools in Lagos State, I had to address mammoth crowds. So, from then on it was easier. But when I became a lecturer, speaking became a way of life.

How to out-grow stage fright: If you speak consistently for a number of times, you will muster sufficient courage.

Secondly, there are some techniques that can be adopted such as looking at the crowd instead of a particular person.

Sometimes I look my audience in the face and some other times To be continued next week I don’t even look at anybody at all.

Dr. Amodu teaches at the Department of Mass Communication, Covenant University, Ogun State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

37

NIGER DELTA REPORT

Tompolo rebuilds hospital damaged b N

EARLY four years after the Okerenkoko cottage hospital in Gbaramatu, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State was destroyed during the military invasion of communities in the area, the hospital has been refurbished.

The renovation, which costs over N20 million, was financed by the Tompolo Foundation floated by Chief Government Ekpemupolo, the activist who was the reason for the invasion.

Executive Secretary of the foundation, Comrade Paul Bebenimibo, said it was in fulfilment of Ekpemupolo’s promise to give back to the society.

He said the hospital was rebuilt, furnished, stock with drugs and supplies and equipped with most modern facilities in all medical fields, except ophthalmology and dentistry.

Apart from the renovation, Bebenimibo revealed that the foundation engaged about 25 staff for comprehensive free health care delivery for rural dwellers. The staff include six medical doctors, six nurses, a matron and 14 support staff.

TPF Medical Director, Dr Clarkson Agagha, said the doctors, nurses, midwives and pharmacists were set to serve the people better.

The Okerenkoko Hospital serves about 100 Ijaw and Itsekiri communities in the area. It was built by the Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and handed over to the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

Bebenimibo said the facility has recorded tremendous success since it was restarted by the foundation in April.

He disclosed that over 2,000 cases have been handled by the medical team.

Specifically, he said reports of its operation in May indicated that about 1,000 registered patients were treated, with children between the ages of 0-5 years accounting

•DESOPADEC Commissioner Kingsley Otuaro (right) cutting the tape to open the hospital. With him are Comrade Paul Bebenimibo (Left) and Bebenimbo.

•A Nurse attending to Otuaro.

•Patients receiving attention at the hospital From Shola O’Neil

for about 25 percent of the patients.

“There were also admission, antenatal, delivery, surgery and other special cases.

For instance, 30 patients were admitted in May. There were

five deliveries of which four were normal while one was through CS (Caesarian Section). There were 19 surgeries - one major, seven and 11 intermediate and minor surgeries respectively,” he added.

The record also indicated

•The pharmacy in the hospital.

that two of the patients admitted during the period died.

Nevertheless, the foundation’s secretary appealed to the Delta State government to step in and take over the running of the health facility because of the

huge strain its administration was putting on its resources.

He said: “Presently, it cost us about N8m monthly to pay bills and stock the hospital to keep it going. This is much considering that there are other coastal areas where we need to go and make im-

pact.”

He said the foundation was not set up to take over the responsibilities of states or federal governments, but to make periodic intervention in social welfare.

The foundation had also donated hospital equipment

My life in the barracks, by Edo Speaker Edo State House of Assembly Speaker Uyi Igbe is a scion of the famous Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe. Born in Lagos in 1965, he had his primary and secondary educations in Lagos and Benin City. His tertiary education was at the University of Benin. In this interview with BEN OGBEMUDIA, he speaks on the influence his policeman father had in his early life and how it shaped who he is.

W

HAT was your childhood like?

My father is a retired Commissioner of Police and that is a blessing to me.

Every time I have an opportunity to thank him, I want to do so. It is the way I was brought up that has enabled me to get to the position I am today. I was brought up in a very strict family environment. I grew up in the police barracks, Ikeja Lagos under the discipline of a good father who loved his children and wanted them to be God-fearing and have respect for the other man.

People see police barracks’

children as wayward?

That is very untrue. I don’t know about how it is now, but I know about how it was when I was growing up. I grew up in the police barracks in the 1970’s and that is like over 30 years ago. That time it was regimented: you woke up at a particular time, you went to school at a particular time, and you must observe siesta.

You woke up from siesta, you went and did your home work, you ate your dinner and you went to bed. I did not watch network news until I was 14. What I am saying is that I never stayed awake till

9 pm until I was 14. The reason I watched the network news was because my father wanted me to explain to him everything that transpired.

That is the way I grew up.

People still see your father as a disciplinarian. How was it growing up with him?

It was very difficult. He was a strict disciplinarian and then, of course, he was a police man.

When I was growing up at Police College, Ikeja, he was the commandant of the police college. He had a reputation to protect and he had to make sure that his children did not mess up his reputation in any

way. So, I grew up very strictly; he is a very strict disciplinarian and I am happy for that because I think that is what has moulded my life today.

We are five - an elder brother and an elder sister, a younger brother and a younger sister. My elder sister today is a Justice of the High Court, my elder brother lives in the US; he is an accountant; he is doing well. My younger brother and sister are doing well and all of these are because of the way we were brought up.

So, yes my father is a disciplinarian and yet I think it is

that discipline that has taken us to where we are today.

What was it like when you were in the University of Benin? Were there confraternities?

Fortunately for me, I didn’t have the energy for such confraternity issues.For me, UNIBEN, like we call it, is UNIBEST. I still believe is the best university in Nigeria till today. After my youth service honestly, I wanted to join the Nigeria Navy but we had a problem with getting into the Navy because at that time they were having this quota issue.

At that time, they said it

would not get to an Edo man’s turn until another two or three years. I could not just sit and wait for two or three years for the navy. So, I joined my family business. After I left the family business, I decided that it was about time I set up my own business. I started running my own business Zenas Enterprises. Well for the past five or six years now, it has been dormant because as public officers we cannot run businesses.

What kind of person would you say you are, people see you as a quiet type?

Well, I am actually quiet and

38

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

NIGER DELTA REPORT

d by military

Honour for Niger Delta peacemaker T

HE Ijaw community in the Niger Delta was in celebration mood when the Distinguished Leadership Gold Award (D’LINGA) was conferred on a former President of the Izon-Ebe Oil Producing Communities Forum (IOPCF), Chief Favour Izoukumor by Corporate and Media Africa Communications.

Izoukumor, who is the Fiewei (Spokesperson) of Ogbe-Ijoh kingdom in Warri, Delta State, was conferred with the award at a well-attended ceremony held at the Merit Award House, Abuja.

Organisers of the award said it was in recognition of the role Izoukumor played in the prevailing peace and stability of the oil-rich delta and his rise from an obscure background to a major player in the oil and gas industry.

The chairman of the occasion, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, commended the organisers of the event for honouring people like Izoukumor, who have distinguished themselves

T

PHOTOS: SHOLA O’NEIL

worth several millions of naira to the Ogulagha Cottage hospital. The secretary said the donation to the cottage hospital which was built by oil giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company, was to enhance good health service delivery.

I like that. I am not only quiet but I think I am a bit of an introvert too but when you have to do the business of the day, you have to do the business of the day. I am not one given to talk.

Tell us about your personal life; how did you meet your wife?

I actually got married in 1993 to my ex-wife now, but we divorced. I have two lovely children who are in London.

My daughter was born on the first day of October an independence child and my son from her was born on 14th February (Valentine’s Day).

Now, I am happily married to my second wife Jennifer. We got married in 2009 and we have two sons. I met her through my senior cousin who thought at that time I needed somebody to stabilise. In all honesty she has been able to do that for me. I am now focused and take the family first.

I thank God that she is a Godfearing woman.

How has your sojourn as speaker been?

That is the good part of the

Residents of Ogulagha said the donation was the first of its kind made to the hospital that was donated to the state government by SPDC as part of their corporate social responsibility over a decade ago.

From Shola O’Neil, Port Harcourt

through selfless services to their people and the country.

He said the D’LINGA award was focused on leadership, which is a major challenge in Nigeria, adding that importance of recognising people who have distinguished themselves in their positions of leadership cannot be overemphasized.

He said: “There is consensus that Nigeria has not utilised its potentials to the fullest. Indeed, the prevailing poverty, insecurity, underdevelopment and poor development indices have been blamed squarely on leadership.”

In his speech, Editor-InChief of Corporate Standard, Mr. Alex Omordia, said of Izoukumor: “It is to his credit that relative peace that is being experienced in the Niger Delta is attributed to his ability to steer such a sensitive group (IOPCF) that serves as intermediary between the oil

•Izoukumor Abaji Local Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, HRH Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu Yaba, among others.

New leap in Rivers development drive

HE Rivers State government has launched a platform to coordinate development activities with other partners in the state. The move is coordinated by the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA).

The Executive Director of RSSDA, Mr. Noble Pepple, said the forum, tagged “Rivers State Partnership for Sustainable Development”, was set up to ensure proper coordination of its programmes and projects as well as those of its development partners.

Speaking at the launch, he said the forum was conceived in 2011, adding that RSSDA and its partners had already embarked on several development projects across the state.

Pepple said the RSPSD would ensure project harmonisation among partners, facilitate the development of cities and communities in the state, as well as discourage haphazard project execution and abandoned projects across the state.

He said: “The process has been on for two years and the state development agencies and the partners have already done a lot in this regard, prior to this time.

“RSPSD is a partnership platform for all stakeholders involved in development activities in the state. It was established to manage collaboration from alliance groups, between member organisations with the view to coordinating development efforts in the state.

“We are aware that a lot of hands are on deck working for the sustainable development of Rivers state, but overtime nobody has been able to know who are they, what are they doing and what standard are they working, how much activities have been done for the sustainable development, of

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and gas producing communities and multinational oil companies.”

Chief Izoukumor, an alumnus of the University of Benin who has won several awards both for his leadership of the IOPCF and his business acumen, said the experience was humbling for him.

He said: “I am humbled by this and every other award that I have received in the past. I must add that it is challenge to do even more than I have done, not just to my people but for mankind.”

The Ijaw leader urged Nigerians to be united in the effort to make the country one united and strong nation, stressing that nobody, but Nigerians can make the country great.

Other awardees include Brig-Gen.l Arinze Ebenebe, Director, Planning of the Nigerian Army; Mr. Bamidele Akande, Deputy Controller, Customs Area Controller, Sokoto/Kebbi and Zamfara commands; Etsu of Yaba in

From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

the state, what are the gaps?

“We do not claim hundred per cent ownership of the platform, we believe that this platform is available and owned by all the partners seated in this hall today and those that will join us after this programme.

“RSSDA will give support to the platform financially for some time, after which the platform shall be expected to be self-sustained,” he added.

The Head of the Secretariat (HOS), Dienye Pepple, said the forum would be a rallying point for the development activities in the state and country at large.

“The Forum in the future and very soon will become a database for development information. It will become a one stop-shop of development information, where you can find what has been done, what is being done, and what is left to be done, so you can take your own leave from there.”

The HOS said RSPSD would not directly carry out the project execution, but would leverage development funds from donor agencies for the implementation of development projects in the state.

Inaugurating the platform, Governor Chibuike Amaechi said the platform was in conformity with his mission statement, “to serve our people with humility and render sustained accountable stewardship and good governance.

“We shall use our God given resources to improve the quality of lives of our people and the future generation and to empower our people in a truthful, just and harmonious way under God.”

‘Niger Delta states need greater attention’

HE G-9 Forum of Nigeria has said infrastructural development in the region is still low.

It blamed the high incidences of unemployment, kidnapping, oil-pipeline vandalism in the region on insincerity and political will on the part of the government.

Chairman of the G9 Forum of Nigeria, Prince Solomon Ehi-Ebuwa, who spoke at the forum’s meeting held in Be-

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

nin City, Edo State, said oilproducing host communities have remained impoverished, despite the myriad of seminars and workshop held to sensitise government on the plight of the people.

Solomon said the politics of oil in Nigeria has been suffused with the acute problems that had proved intractable, especially in the light of trillions of naira re-

leased for the development of those coastal oil communities.

He said: “The realities on ground in terms of infrastructural and human capital development as well as social-economic empowerment remain a far cry from the unobjectionable.”

The G9 Forum called for change of attitude by the government if it wanted to tackle problems confronting it.

The G9 Forum has members in the nine oil producing states of Edo, Delta, Ondo, Akwa-Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo and Abia. Its objective is to build and sustain understanding among the oil producing states.

It is also aimed at articulating the interest of the people and serves as a synergy between the host oil communities and government.

Appoint Urhobo in your cabinet, Aziza tells Jonathan

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•Igbe whole thing. Even a lot of my friends expected that I will fail and I am happy to note that they are all disappointed. I find out that it is probably easier being a Speaker than a member. As a Speaker, I think what you have to do is carry everybody along.

HE President General of the Urhobo Progress Union, (UPU) Maj-Gen. Patrick Aziza (rtd) has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to appoint more people of Urhobo origin into his cabinet.

He said, as the fifth largest ethnic nationality in the country, the Urhobo deserved better deal than what they are getting.

Aziza, spoke while receiving the leadership of the Urhobo Youth Council (UYC) led by Mr Henry Baro.

He urged Urhobo politicians to be selfless. He reminded Urhobo political office holders they were holding ofice in trust for their kinsmen.

He said: “I am further strengthened by this your visit. Your group has been very supportive.”

On the UPU leadership visit to the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), he explained that the visit was for the benefit of the Urhobo people, adding that “my leadership of the UPU is determined to build bridges across all the ethnic groups in

From Polycarp Orosevwotu, warri

the country for the benefit of the future of our children and to advance the political prospects of the Urhobos.”

Aziza said he would continue to uphold the constitution of the UPU, adding that “I came to unify the Urhobo people; the Urhobos must be united in the struggle for a better place”.

Baro said the UPU was the oldest socio-cultural group in the country and urged them to be united behind the leadership of Gen. Aziza.

He appealed to Gen. Aziza not to be distracted in his quest to place the Urhobos in their place of pride in Nigeria, noting, “you have our mandate; Urhobo youths, women and men are behind you. We, therefore, appeal to you to run for a second term in office. You are one man that cannot be cowed by anybody. We will continue to collaborate with the UPU.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

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NIGER DELTA REPORT

We are starving, cries wife of slain Bayelsa policeman Continued from page 25 But Ukam had no idea of the horror that awaited him on April 5 when he set out with his colleagues to Azuzuama, a coastal community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, on a slow-moving boat to provide security at the funeral of the mother of the state governor’s aide and former militant commander, Young Shall Grow.

Ukam, who joined the police in 2001 and rose to the rank of a corporal, was among the 11 policemen who were shot dead and their remains burnt by militants.

Perhaps what rang like a bell in his mind shortly before he was mowed down was: “What will be the fate of Christiana, my wife; Princess, Elema and Gift, my children? What will happen to my mother?”

Ukam hailed from Aba-Wan Erei in Biase Local Government Area, Cross River State.

His children had since dropped out of school. His mother died of heart attack in her 50s while his wife has become a beggar.

When The Nation visited the late Ukam’s family at Marine in Asaba, the Delta State capital, hardship was written on their faces. Christiana’s countenance said it all.

She has become a widow at 28 after losing her husband who was in his 30s.In her confused state, she wept.

She said: “Since then we have been stranded. It is only small money l borrow from people that l eat with and give food to my family.

“The children have since dropped out of school. My husband’s mother died after pondering over the matter.

It has not been long we buried her. No money to eat, I only beg for money to eat.

“The government should come to our aid. We need financial assistance.

My children should be assisted to return to school.

“We are starving. Even the salary of the month he died was not given to me because l don’t have his pin number.”

Christiana has been contending with the curiosity of her daughter and two sons who keep asking: “Where is our father?”

She said: “Princess is seven years, Elema is five and Gift is two. Every day, they keep asking me of their father. I always tell them that their father travelled to a distant place.”

She said the children saw their father last on April 3 and that the youngest of them all cried when his father was leaving.

“My husband was with us on April 3 and left that day after receiving a call.

I was in the house with him. He said

•Ebitibituwa

•From left: Elema, Princess and Gift

he wanted to go. It was sudden. I was even surprised.

“I was sleeping. It was my baby that started crying and my first daughter said he was crying because daddy left.

When l turned, l only saw his back.

He didn’t tell me that he was going.

“So, as it got to the night and he didn’t call as he used to, I called him and he explained that he didn’t have credit in his phone. That was the last time I spoke to him.

“The next time I called him on phone, the phone refused to ring. I kept calling but it failed to go.

“The next day, l decided to come and confirm to know whether he was alive or not. I went there with my brother who failed to talk to us. But as I saw his facial expression, l discovered something happened,” she said.

She said before she left Asaba for Yenagoa, her sister in Lagos had broken the sad news to her.

She said: “I tried his number, first and second day but the number failed to go. On the third day, my sister

•A man signing the condolence register opened for the slain policemen

called me and said they had shot my husband. I was confused and l asked how she knew. She said she knew through someone in her village.

“That was why l came to confirm from someone who was close to my brother. He refused to talk. But he was shaking his head. Then l knew it was true.”

Christiana is, however, surprised that three months after her husband was killed, the police has not deemed it fit to officially communicate the death to members of his family.

She is further amazed that the police have yet to inquire about their welfare. Besides, the police have kept her in the dark about their plans for the charred remains of her husband.

She laments: “This contributed to the death of my mother-in-law. She heard that her son was killed, she kept asking of his body but nobody answered her.

“I have gone to the police station myself several times and they are not saying anything about them.

“They are not saying anything about

burying them. The police have never spoken to me about this incident. They have abandoned me.

“My husband was in school before his death. My husband liked police work. He had passion for the job.

“He was a nice man. He was the bread winner. He took care of everybody and that was why the mother after thinking about it died.

“We were married officially last year but we have been together for over 10 years.

“We are begging Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa, Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State and the police to come and assist us.”

Investigations revealed that the Force Headquarters opposed an idea muted by the former commissioner of police to give the slain policemen mass burial.

The police sent a team of pathologists led by an Assistant Commissioner to take samples of the bodies for DNA examinations.

The DNA was said to be necessary to determine their true identities since

they were burnt beyond recognition.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Alex Akhigbe, said the command was awaiting the results of the DNA before releasing the bodies to their families.

He also said: “Since they died in active service, their benefits are being worked out.”

Commissioner of Police Mr. Tonye Ebitibituwa said two suspects, including the mastermind, Jackson Fabowei, arrested by the police in connection with the incident would soon be arraigned in court.

But for now, Christiana and other bereaved families can only make do with a condolence register tagged “Condolence Register for the 11 Police Heroes” opened in the command in honour of their late beloved ones.

The angry and abandoned families are patiently waiting to see when the heroic deeds of their beloved ones would translate to a better standard of living which may encourage others in the service to be determined to die for Nigeria.

Micro credit loans for Delta police wives

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OR the Delta State Government, it was time to reward wives of policemen posted to the state. The Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Antonia Ashiedu, disbursed micro credit loans to the state chapter of the Police Officers’ Wives Association of Nigeria (POWAN) and Police Wives Association (POWA).

Speaking on behalf of the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Dr. Ashiedu said the funds would be disbursed through Micro-Credit Finance Bank and Goldman Micro Finance.

The commissioner clarified that the facility is disbursed to all Deltans and residents in the state, irrespective of political or any other considerations, saying that it was part of the government’s strategy to improve the living standard of its people.

From Shola O’Neil

She told the group that Mrs. Chizor Aduba, wife of the Commissioner of Police, was leading the first batch of beneficiaries and commended her for joining the government’s effort to tackle poverty.

She said the decision to include POWA in the ever growing list of beneficiaries of the scheme was informed by the support roles played by wives of policemen when their spouses are engaged in the arduous duty of keeping the state safe and secure.

To this end, she said it was necessary for the Delta Micro Credit Scheme to be extended to the women.

“If we want to talk of people to help in our country, I think it should be people in charge of our safety.

The police are doing a great job in

•Dr Ashiedu (middle), Mrs Aduba (right) and some wives of officers

this country.

“In every nook and cranny of Nigeria, you see a policeman and they work under very harsh situation.

Their wives they left at home are managing the homes for them. We should be able to encourage them in whatever way we can,” she said.

Mrs Aduba said she first took the programme with some tinge of doubt. She said her initial doubt has since disappeared.

Speaking with reporters, she said:

“I’m overwhelmed. I never knew it was going to be a great occasion of this magnitude. I initially took it lightly. I’m overwhelmed that our associations are partaking from loans by DMCP. “We thank you (Ashiedu) for remembering us. I want to still beg for more for some of our women who are not yet aware of what is going on. I wish our colleagues at Warri, Ugheli, Sapele and other parts of the state will be given the same oppor-

tunity like us in Asaba.”

Financial Secretary of POWAN Mrs Blessing Aregbe said the seed sowed by the government would grow into bigger trees that would become forests. She said the initiative would uplift the businesses of her colleagues and help improve their standard of living.

She promised that the fund would be judiciously dispensed and put into profitable ventures that would make the commissioner and the government proud of them.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

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NIGER DELTA REPORT

The killing fields of Warri North The people of Benin River in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, like those of other communities in the Niger Delta region, are no strangers to violence. Yet, coldblooded murderers in the area outdid themselves with the massacre of 13 persons last Tuesday.

Southsouth Regional Editor SHOLA O’NEIL, who visited the killing fields, reports.

• A JTF soldier in front of one of the damaged buildings

•F FACE OF AGONY Mrs Edun

•A crater drilled on the floor of a building in Gbokoda

•Pa Atseyinku who lost three children and a brother to the invasion. PHOTOS: SHOLA O’NEIL

S

EVEN days after agents of destruction, believed to be of Ijaw extraction murdered, pillaged and razed Ajamita and Gbokoda comunities in Warri North, Delta State, Mrs. Metserunleghe Edun was still in a state of uncontrollable hysteria.

The town was still deserted, but for the presence of heavily armed soldiers who were deployed after the gang, who later identified themselves as members of a hitherto unknown militant group, Egbema Radical Group , killed no fewer than six people and burnt nearly 40 houses.

Mrs Edun, who ironically is an Ijaw woman, is the worst hit by last Tuesday’s carnage. She lost a son, two brothers and a niece. They were shot dead in the most bizarre manner by the armed men who stormed the community in two boats and left with four.

The woman, whose given name Metserunleghe (translates to ‘I have nothing to hide’ in Itsekiri), told our reporter that she never wants to be identified with her paternal lineage again. She hails from Opuama, an Ijaw community in Warri North Local Government Area, but the killing of her brothers, also Ijaw turned her against her people. “I disown my Ijaw link. See what they have brought me, look at all the children, brothers and family I lost within minutes!”

Recounting the nightmare, her son, Omagbemi Edun told our reporter that the day began bright, adding that he was preparing for the day when the harbingers of death and destruction visited the Itsekiri communities.

“We saw the boats coming, but we did not know their mission. They drove to the jetty.

Francis and Johnson (the Atseyinku brothers) were at the jetty.

“At first the boats made as if they were passing, then suddenly they made a U-turn and they brought out their big guns jumped and down. When they pulled Francis, he said ‘officer, what is the matter na?’ he obviously thought they were military men.”

Omagbemi who stood rooted to the spot as the deadly drama unfolded said he saw one of the attacks drew and shot one of the brothers in the throat. “As he fell the other brother tried to run, but he too was gunned down.”

The drama was set a few yards from a plain two-room bungalow. Omagbemi said inside the adjoining kitchen, George Amita was preparing something for him and his infant daughter to eat.

“When he heard the gunshot, he ran and straight into the firing sight of the gunmen.

He was shot twice and his house was immediately set on fire. The little child inside ran out and made for the nearby bush where everybody was running. They caught, dragged her by one arm to the burning houses and threw her inside through the window and locked the door.”

As the carnage went on the gunmen opened fire and sprayed hot bullets after the fleeing inhabitants. At least seven of the fleeing Ajamita residents were either shot or wounded. Within a few minutes, the vicinity was deserted.

“We were watching from the bush. After they were done with our community they went to the jetty and untied their boats and stole another speedboats from the riverside

here and sped off to Gbokoda,” Omagbemi said as he fought back tears.

My life will never be the same again, Pa Anthony Atseyinku Heartbroken, homeless and now childless, 85-year old Pa Anthony Atseyinku narrated his miraculous escape from the battle scene in an exclusive interview with our reporter in Koko, headquarters of Warri North LGA. “I was sick and one of my children went to get me some things, when he came back he said the load was too heavy for him to carry.

So he came to the house and asked his older brother to follow him to the waterside and held him carry the load,” he recalled.

It was the last time the aged fisherman would ever see his children. They were gunned down in cold blood in Ajamita. But for the quick intervention of good Samaritan neighbours, Pa Atseyinku might have been killed along with his children.

“I cannot walk, it was some of my kinsmen who rushed me into the bush where we were until they smuggled me through Ondo State to Koko,” he said without hiding his tears of sorrow.

Godwin Amita, an elder brother of the late George, was just coming out of a nearby creek where he went fishing when he heard the heavy report of gunfire.

“I quietly steered my canoe back into the creek and waited for the gun fire to die down,” Godwin told our reporter in Ajamita on Monday afternoon.

When he got to his village, he said the town deserted.

“I saw George lying in the pool of his blood. But he was not dead; he was able to talk to me. He said they were Ujon (Ijaw) people who came with guns and attacked the village. I started crying and asked people to come out and help me. There is no medical facility in Ajamita so we wanted to take him to a town where he could get help. But he died.”

“Let’s deal with the Ijaws too” Two Ijaw canoe carvers were among survivors who led into the bush when the carnage started. At least one of them was shot in the leg by the gang members. They were living peacefully with their hosts and making money from their trade before the unfortunate incident of July 2.

Chairman of Ajamita, Mr. Isaac Dorsu said, “They ran into the bush with their Itsekiri brothers. After the initial panic sub-

sided, some of the youths turned to them and say we should deal with them the way their brothers have killed our people.”

“But some of the elders said no, these are good Ijaw people, they have lived with us for years now and we are like family. If we fight and attack them we would have brought ourselves to the same level with the people we are condemning. So the people assisted and took them to Opuama (an Ijaw town).”

Besides, the community chairman disclosed that two of the persons shot dead by the marauders have Ijaw fathers, adding that it was their mother who was an Itsekiri.

“So you see the folly in this violence, they killed their own brothers because of their hatred for Itsekiri people. Violence is an ill wind that blows no good.”

Couple, daughter killed at Obaghoro The bloody footprints of the marauder left Gbokoda, Eghoro, Obaghoro, Tisun, Ebohimi and Udo in tears. As they left from Ajamita to Gbokoda, they burnt houses, particularly stores and trading places on the waterfront.

At Ebrohimi, they announced their presence by firing bust of gunshot into houses close to the jetty, a development that not only drove people into the bush but also set the houses on fire.

They quickly made to Eghoro where the left bloody handwritings on the wall. Two persons were gunned down in the down, even though only one or two houses were burnt. They reserved the most bestial killing in Obaghoro, where a couple fishing with their daughter in the canoe where shot at close range. The couple, who live in Tisun and their daughter died at the spot.

The member representing Warri Federal Constituency, Hon Daniel Reyenieju, fought back tears when he visited the plundered communities on Monday. The lawmaker dressed in red T-shirt over a pair of jeans and matching footwear was calm but it was obvious he agonised over the calamity that befell the people of his constituency.

Accompanied by the chairman, Itsekiri National Youth Council (INYC), Hon. David Tonwe; member of Egbema/Gbaramatu Community Development Council, Apostle Sunny Jero; Mr. Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh of Itsekiri Development Congress as well as the Commanding Officer, 19 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Lt. Col FS Etim, the lawmaker decried the devastation and called for a full inquiry.

He said, “I came here, I have seen and I am heartbroken by what happened here.

What I have seen is unbelievable. On behalf of the government and the Honourable members of the House of Representatives, I want to appeal for calm.

“Thank you for remaining peaceful; I know it is not easy. I want to encourage and advise you to continue to be peaceful. I want to thank the INYC and security agencies for their efforts at maintaining the pace so far.”

He urged Lt. Col Etim and other security agencies to ensure that they not only maintain the peace, but ensure that perpetrators are chased wherever they go and made to account for their deeds.

“This is not an Ijaw/Itsekiri clash; it is a pure act of criminal and beastly aggression.

Nobody, no matter how highly placed, should be allowed to get away with taking the lives of other men and women. This is condemnable and my Ijaw brothers have shown their solidarity and condemnation.

This is good. But we must fetch out the masterminds. Anybody who has information on their whereabouts should volunteer it. They must not go unpunished.”

Responding to the apparent shortage of food and other basic necessities, the lawmaker appealed to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to quickly respond to the plight of the people by giving out relief materials and other items to ameliorate the suffering of the people.

A former member of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Ezekiel Akpasobouwei (aka Egbema 1) who joined Reyenieju to the trouble spots on Monday, has seen a lot of violence in his time.

But the leader of the defunct Deadly Underdogs was in a pensive mood when he saw the havoc wreaked on Gbokoda, Ajamita, Eghoro and other communities destroyed last Tuesday.

He told our reporter: “This is barbaric; this is not an Ijaw agenda, it is the handiwork of some criminals who want to drag the Ijaw and Itsekiri into another bloody war in order to cover their tracks. We are totally against this and nobody can justify this.”

Mr. Sunny Jero, leader of Ajama Zion community, told Hon Reyenieju that his houses had suffered similar fates months earlier. He said the criminals were fingered for the kidnap of his siblings, adding that the latest carnage was a ploy to broaden the scope of the crisis and force other Ijaws to join them.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

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POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

KANO ELECTION Who succeeds Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankawso in 2015? Correspondent KOLADE ADEYEMI examines the issues that will shape the governorship election.

• Kwankwaso

• Shekarau

• Gaya

• Lawan

Who succeeds Kwankwaso?

K

ANO State is regarded as one of the major factors in Nigeria’s political calculations. This thinking is not unconnected with its huge voter population. Although the next governorship election is still about 18 months away, politicians in the state have already begun permutations over who succeeds Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso. Insider sources confided in The Nation that even the governor has expressed his worry to his Kitchen Cabinet over who would be the trusted “son” to carry on with his Kwankwasiyya philosophy.

Based on the governor’s interest, many of the Kwankwasiyya students have started making some surreptitious moves on how to win the heart of Governor Kwankwaso, who still remains mute over who will receive his blessings among his numerous “political sons” jostling to succeed him.

Some of the likely successors of Governor Kwankwaso, are from his political family.

Prominent among them is Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, a former Commissioner of Finance during Kwankwaso’s first term. Prof. Hafiz, who is now the Chairman, Implementation Committee of the North-West University, rejected an offer given to him by Kwankwaso as a Special Adviser. He had hoped to be given the position of the Secretary to the State Government, considering how close he was to the governor.

The Secretary to the State Government, Suleiman Rab’u Bichi, an engineer, is no doubt a loyal servant to Governor Kwankwaso. It is on record that even after Kwankwaso was defeated by Malam Ibrahim Shekrau in 2003, Bichi invested his time and resources campaigning for the second-coming of Kwankwaso; and to pay him for a job well-done, he was appointed the SSG, wielding enormous power in the Government and business of governance.

Bichi who served as Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, during

‘As the stage gets set, many other aspirants are expected to emerge, but for now, apart from ensuring that democratic dividends reach the door steps of all Kano residents, Governor Kwankwaso’s headache remains who wears his large shoes when he leaves the stage in 2015’ Kwankwaso’s first term, later became the Managing-Director of Urban Development Bank, an appointment given to him through the influence of Kwankwaso.

Mr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the deputy governor, can aptly be described as the most loyal and obedient servant of Kwankwaso. In 1999, Ganduje sacrificed his governorship ambition for his boss. He opted to serve as the deputy governor. Little wonder that in Kwankwaso’s second political voyage, Ganduje was also picked as his running mate. Apart from that, Kwankwaso still left the portfolio of Commissioner for Local Government for the loyal deputy, who has continued to stand firmly behind the Kwankwasiyya ideology.

Alhaji Ahmed Garba Bichi, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in 2007 and a former Minister of State for Commerce and Industry is close to the governor although he has not been very visible in recent times.

When he lost out to former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau in 2007, his political mentor, Kwankwaso nominated him as the PDP flag-bearer after he (Kwankwaso) was disqualified from contesting for undisclosed reasons. He was later appointed as a minister through Kwankwaso’s influence. Garba Bichi is itching to become Kano’s number one citizen in 2015.

Alhaji Abba Kabiru Yusuf, the Commissioner for Works, is an in-law to Kwankwaso. Apart from that, Kabiru,

who was Kwankwaso’s Personal Assistant for many years, also wields enormous power in the government as he remains the only commissioner vested with the power to award contract above N50 million in Kwankwaso’s government. The privileges he enjoy in the government continue to attract the envy of his colleagues. He is also interested in the 2015 governorship race.

However, indications have emerged that there are cracks in the political family. There are two factions—the Kwankwasiyya and Jam’iyya political blocs. The Nigeria Ambassador to China, Alhaji Aminu Wali, is the leader of the Jam’yya political bloc and Governor Kwankwaso leads the Kwankwasiyya political movement. Almost all the federal appointees from Kano State are from the Jam’yya bloc. Analysts say this is a pointer to the rift between the Kwankwaso and the Presidency.

The rift in the PDP family in the state, if not well handled, could make Kwankwaso dump the the party for another platform. Already, several overtures have been made to Kwankwaso from notable leaders of the yet to be registered All Progressives Congress (APC), who believe in the Kwankwasiyya political ideology. On this note, many have continued to wonder what would be the fate of Malam Ibrahim Shekerau (Sardaunan Kano), if Kwankwaso defects to the APC. Again, The Nation gathered that Alhaji Ibrahim El-Amin (a.k.a. Little) have been endorsed by some people in the yet

to be registered APC, to bear the party’s governorship flag in 2015. Owing to Little’s growing popularity in Kano politics, some elders are making a case for him to be compensated over his ugly experience in 2003 when his gubernatorial ticket under All Peoples Party (APP) was confiscated from him and handed over to Malam Shekarau.

Little’s recent influence in the APC however, puts other hopefuls , including Senator Ibrahim Kabiru Gaya and Hon. Abdulraman Kawu Sumaila, all serving members of the National Assembly, at risk. Apart from that, the former deputy governor under Shekarau and ACN gubernatorial candidate in 2007, Mr. Abdullahi Tijani Gwarzo is also scheming to govern the state.

The eldest son of the late Military Head of State, Alhaji Mohammed Abacha, is also interested in ruling Kano, although he is a new entrant into the Kano politics. He joined the PDP in 2010, only to defect from the party to the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in 2011, citing alleged lack of internal democracy in the PDP. Mohammed is seen by many political observers as a dogged political gladiator, who moved to the CPC in order to actualise his ambition. But he failed.

Alhaji Salihu Sagir Takai is Shekarau’s political son. A former Commissioner for Water Resources and Local Government Affairs under Shekarau’s government, Takai was also a three-time Chairman of Takai Local Government Council. He contested the governorship election in 2011 under the platform of the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP).

Kwankwaso defeated him and he is plotting to come back in 2015.

The stage is set for the contest. Many aspirants are expected to emerge, but for now, apart from ensuring that democratic dividends reach the door steps of the Kano residents, Governor Kwankwaso’s headache remains who wears his strong shoes when he leaves the stage in 2015.

44

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

DISCOURSE

Anyaoku to deliver lecture on foreign policy July 14

F

ORMER Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku will on July 14 deliver a lecture on the basis of Nigeria’s foreign policy. Venue is the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja. The time is 4 pm. A statement by Prince Henry Odukomaiya, Media Consultant to the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West, said: “What is the Commonwealth of Nations? When and where was it inaugurated and by whom? Are there any obligations and advantages inherent in membership of the organisation?

“Answers to the above questions and many clarifications on the basic plank of Nigeria’s foreign policy since the country gained political independence from Britain in 1960 will be provided to the congregation of Arcbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja, on Sunday, July 14, 2013, at a lecture begining at 4.00 pm.

“On hand to give the lecture will be one of Africa’s best-known international civil servants and the first African Secretary-General of the Commonwealth,. 80-year-old Chief Eleazer Chukwuemeka Anyaoku.

Born at Obosi, in Anambra State, Chief Anyaoku was educated at the University College, Ibadan, where he studied as a college scholar, graduating with a London University honours degree in classics in 1959. Three years later, he married Miss Ebunola Olubunmi Solanke; the union is blessed with four children.

“Chief Anyaoku was Nigeria’s External Affairs Minister in 1983 before a military junta seized power from President Shehu Shagari at the end of that year.

“Among the highlights of his 34year service to the Commonwealth of 54 nations was his role in making the Commonwealth an active agent for promoting democracy and human rights and his seminar role in the processes leading to peace and democracy in Zimbabwe, Namibia and, in particular, South Africa.

“Chief Anyaoku has had extensive international exposure and service. Among many positions held by him are: Distinguished visiting fellow at the Centre for the study of Global Governance at the London School of Economics (2000/2002); president of the Royal Commonwealth Society with headquarters in

London (2000/2006); president of the Royal Africa Society with headquarters in London (2000/2007); international president of the World Wide Fund for Nature with headquarters in Switzerland and operations in over 100 countries (2001/2009).

“He is currently the chairman of the Presidential Advisory Council on International Relations in Nigeria; a trustee of the British Museum and patron of the Nigerian Museum; Chairman, Orient Petroleum Resources Plc in Nigeria.

“Besides, he has received decorations from Nigeria (CON, CFR and a recipient of one of 50 special awards to mark Nigeria’s 50th independence anniversary), and the highest national civilian honours of Cameroon, Lesotho, Madagascar, Namibia, Republic of South Africa and Trinidad & Tobago’s Trinity Cross (TC) as well as an honorary knight of the Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO) from the Queen of England in 2000. The freedom of the City of London was also bestowed on him in 1998.

“In 2003, the University of London established a professional chair in his name, the Emeka Anyaoku

Professor of Commonwealth Studies at its Institute of Commonwealth Studies. He is a holder of 32 honorary doctorare degrees from Universities in Britain, Canada, Ghana, Nigeria, the Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

“His publications include: ‘The Missing Headlines’ (by Liverpool University Press in 1997); his memoirs: “The Inside Story of the Modern Commonwealth” (by Evans Brothers Limited in 2004); and “The Racia Factor in International Politics” (by the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs in 1977). A biography of Emeka Anyaoku, Nigerian Institute for International Affairs in 1977). A biography of Emeka Anyaoku, “The Eye of Fire”, written by the Canadian author, Phyllis Johnson, was published

by Africa World Press Inc. and reprinted in Nigeria by Spectrum Books Limited in 2000.

“Among his many ground-breaking achievements, Emeka Anyaoku, as Commonwealth Secretary-General, was the first African Chief Executive of a global inter-governmental organisation, long before BoutrosGhali and Kofi Annan at the United Nations; the first African Internation-

•Chief Anyaoku

al president of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), an office previously held by Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh; the first African to have a professional chair named after him in a British university; and the first African trustee of the British Museum.

“Chief Anyaoku’s lecture is this year’s third in quartely series of life testimonies, sponsored by the AVMCC’s elite society, the torchbearers, under the generic title: “God in my life”.

NEWS

•participants at a sensitisation workshop on the Rights, Roles and Obligations toward an approved tax compliance culture For professionals in Abuja...on Wednesday.

•From Left: Head of Technical, National Population Commission (NPC), Mr Murphy Adigun; Representative of NPC Federal Commissioner for Lagos State, Mrs Adenike Ogunlewe; Head Of Vital Registration Department, Mrs Olusola Osideko and Head of Administration And Finance,Npc, Mrs Folasade Abe At A Debate To Mark 2013 World Population Day on Lagos on Wednesday

•Left to right: Rotarian Kayode Owolabi, incoming President of Rotary Club of Omole Golden (District 9110) (left) being congratulated by his predecessor, Rotarian Oladipo Idowu, the installation ceremony of the new president in Lagos. With them is past president, Rotaria Ajose Aderemi

•From Left: Rector, Yaba College of Technology, Dr Kudirat Ladipo; Head, Public Relations,Mr Adekunle Adams and Deputy Rector, Administration, Dr Moruf Adenakin, at the third Inaugural Lecture of the Institution in Lagos... on Wednesday.

•From Left: Oyo State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Lowo Obisesan; GOC, 2 Div., Maj.-Gen. Ahmed Jibrin and Personal Assistant to the Commissioner, Mr Muyiwa Olaore, at the hand-over of rehabilitated Remembrance Arcade at Dugbe, Ibadan... on Wednesday

•From Left: World Bank Representatives, Mr Abul Azad; Mr Femi Adegoke; Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Health, Dr Emem Bassey and Mr Aminu Yakubu, Department of Health, Planning and Statistics, Ministry of Health, at the inauguration of Technical Working Group for presidential summit on Universal health coverage in Abuja... on Wednesday.

VIGILANCE

CAMPAIGN

AWARD

Delta youths show interest in governance

Expert urges focus on safety

Reward lifts teachers

Delta

46

Lagos

FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

Cross River

47

48

Page 45

Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

Senator's gesture excites the needy

I

•Senator Ojudu

T was indeed a mission to rescue the hopeless. Beneficiaries parted with no fee. And it was at the instance of Senator Babafemi Ojudu, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly.

On hand to actualise the “free health mission” were seven health experts from the United States of America (USA). They traversed the district amid accolades for Ojudu.

The exercise commenced in the presence of the state deputy governor, Prof Modupe Adelabu and the governor’s wife, Erelu Bisi

By Dada Aladelokun

Fayemi.

Perhaps Otunba Olufemi Adeyemi, chairman of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state, said it all, describing the two-week humanitarian gesture as a miracle.

Adeyemi asked excitedly: "How else do you describe it that what I have been suffering from for years just disappeared within 24 hours,

if not miraculous?"

He spoke further: "I had a swollen neck to the point I could no longer raise my right arm. My blood pressure was high and I couldn't sleep well. I have spent money on medical consultations and laboratory examinations, but the problem defied all medications."

On how the "miracle" happened, he said: "These doctors just gave me two small tablets. They asked me to swallow one and put the other under my tongue. Within 24 hours, my neck regained its health. My

blood pressure is now normal and I can now raise my arm. I used to have high blood pressure.

For the first time in a long time, I slept well."

About 8,000 others had sweet tales to share after the humanitarian gesture. So were many children. The team moved round the 10 selected towns across the district.

With tales of relief coming from the venues, more people •Continued on Page 46

I

T is a carefully planned jobs scheme aimed at taking women and youths in the Southeast off the misery of unemployment.

More than 2200 of them will not only be trained in entrepreneurial skills but will also be given tools to start off once their training is over.

The plan is staggered across four years.

Lift Saxum, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), is behind the plan.

Every year, no fewer than 550 women and youths in the Southeast of the country will benefit from the scheme.

The programme was launched at Nike Lake Resort Hotel, Enugu.

Lift Saxum, a non-profit organisation, aims at transforming the lives of youths and women by promoting entrepreneurship through training, technical assistance, and support for start-ups.

Lawyer and former senior executive with First Bank Plc Mrs Nwanneka Okolo is founder and CEO of the enterprise development NGO, which has the backing of several outstanding personalities in the academia, religion, banking, commerce and entrepreneurship.

Enugu high society turned out in large numbers and filled the Convention Hall of Nike Lake Resort Hotel to witness the flagoff of the NGO which is supported by Fate Foundation and GTB founder Dr. Fola Adeola and is midwifed by Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli, founder of Leap Africa, also an enterprise development agency, and former Minister of Information Mr Frank Nweke Jr. Directors include Elder Kalu Uke Kalu, former chairman of Union Bank plc who chairs the Board, Monsignor Prof Ike, former Chairman of Growing Business Foundation, and the Group MD of Diamond Bank, Dr. Alex Otti. Others include Ms Lauretta Aniagolu, Prof Chidi

•Officers of Lift Saxum: Prof Bartho and Mrs Nwanneka Okolo; Dr Alex Otti; Elder Kalu Kalu; Prof Nkadi Onyegeby and Tayo Adenaike

Training, tools for 2200 Southeast women From Chris Oji, Enugu

Onyia, Prof Nkadi Onyegebu, director of the Institute of Education, University of Nigeria, Mr. Tayo Adenaike, Dr. Virgy Anohu, Dr Ifediora Amobi and Mr Ikeazor Akaraiwe.

Present at the event were the Secretary to the Enugu State Government Mr Amaechi Okolo, Commissioner for Youths and Sports

Youths among beneficiaries Mr Chijioke Agwu, Commissioner for Gender Matters Mrs Ndidi Chukwu and adviser to the Enugu State Governor on Youth Empowerment Mr Barth Ezugwu. The Igwe of Enugu Nike HRH A Nnaji was also present, as were many women and youth organisations.

Chairman of Lift Saxum Elder Kalu affirmed that “Lift Saxum is

carefully thought out to bridge a yawning gap in welfare services to young men and women in this part of the country”.

Founder and CEO Mrs Nwanneka Okolo stated that the organisation was established to help young people and women realise their full potentials through enterprise and wealth creation, so

that they can maximise the realised potentials with outputs that will contribute significantly to their lives and the society at large.

Okolo cited findings from the 2010 World Bank Data Report showing that almost 70% of Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 24 who are seeking work are unemployed. These unemployed youths are most likely those with insufficient formal education and/or in the country’s rural areas.

Similarly, the 2011 report of the National Committee on Job Creation reveals that 82% of unemployed Nigerians have secondary school education or less, while 70% of Nigerian •Continued on Page 46

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

46

Delta youths show interest in governance

F

OR them, youths should not only be leaders of tomorrow; they should also monitor governance end even help to determine who governs.

A group of them under the aegis of National Coalition of Itsekiri Youth Movement (NCIYM) has even gone on to declare their choice of governor in Delta State once the tenure of the incumbent Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan is over.

The youths have appealed to businessman and philanthropist Chief Godswill Obielum to contest for governor in the state on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Chief Obielum who is a philanthropist and founder of Obielum Foundation, is an experienced technocrat and a dependable leader from the Ndokwa nation, the largest ethnic group in Delta North Senatorial District

•Continued from Page 45 youths surveyed in the British Council Next Generation Report (2010) believe that their education does not adequately prepare them for the job market.

The Lift Saxum boss said these statistics and observable facts in the environment inform the focus on youth and women as primary areas of concentration for Lift Saxum’s programmes. Noting the renowned entrepreneurial bent of the people of the South East, Mrs Okolo said this characteristic was often vitiated by lack of adequate knowledge to translate drive into programmes and plans that could build sustainable ventures.

The group also urged residents of the state to support Obielum, believing that the ex-police officer will represent them and the state well.

At a meeting held at the historic Nana Hall in the ancient town of Koko, Warri North Local Government Area of the state, the coordinator of the group, Comrade Tosan Oritsegbemi enjoined men and women of Delta State to give their full support to Chief Godswill Obielum in the 2015 governorship poll.

Urging them to put ethnic sentiments aside, Oritsegbemi said Chief Obielum who is a philanthropist and founder of Obielum Foundation, is an experienced technocrat and a dependable leader from the Ndokwa nation, the largest ethnic group in Delta North Senatorial District.

He said: “After a successful exploit as commander of an anticrime squad and as ex-police commissioner, Obielum has garnered massive political relevance. He came to considerable national attention in Nigeria when he returned to Delta State to contest the 2007 governorship elections. He is a philanthropist who, in his quest for poverty alleviation and better life for the people of the Niger Delta, founded the Chief Godswill Obielum Foundation which has touched the lives of the down-trodden in the state.”

The group said should Obielum who hails from Ushie in Ndokwa East Local Government Area win, he will take the state to a higher level and make it a better place for all.

• A doctor attends to Prof Adelabu; with them is Mrs Fayemi (seated, left)

Senator's gesture excites the needy •Continued from Page 45 trooped out of their homes to have their share of the gesture, forcing the medical experts to work till late each day.

The beneficiaries, by their confession, were moved by two things: the drugs' effectiveness and the doctors' attitude.

One of them, Akin Adewumi, confirmed it, saying: "I wonder how drugs could be that effective.

I had suffered a lot. I thank Senator Ojudu and Governor Kayode Fayemi; they have given us better stories to tell."

Many urged a repeat of the

programme. And Ojudu responded to their request: "We intend to make it an annual event and also make all our records available to the state government to have a bigger picture of people’s problems with a view to finding solutions. It is important that we review what we have done and find ways to facilitate a better free health mission.

"I have also acquired a 40-foot truck which has been converted into a mobile clinic. We will employ health-care providers that will move round the district to provide the services, especially on market days."

Ojudu added: "It is clear that

Bakassi resettlement committee thrills Ita-Giwa

Training, jobs tools for 2200 Mrs Okolo stated, “Modern entrepreneurship thrives on the twin tools of knowledge and skills. Lift Saxum seeks to equip the youth and women with the tools for successful entrepreneurship in the contemporary economy. In simple terms, we want to teach them how to fish so they would never lack.

“Our objective is not to turn people into millionaires overnight, but rather in the spirit of principles of modern enterprise development, to provide a veritable platform for our target group to realize their potentials. Lift Saxum

is a solid rock that would provide a launch pad for the youth and women of the South East, beginning here in Enugu State.”

She unveiled three core programmes of Lift Saxum to include a four month training programme for start-ups called Start Your Own Business, Enterprising Woman, a three-month course exclusively for women, and Lift Biz, being short courses to equip participants for the work place.

The CEO said Lift Saxum plans to train and equip more than 2200 women and youth over the next four years.

•From left: Hon. Tajudeen Bello, Leader Ojodu Local Council Development Area; Hon Edward Arangbonfoh, Leader, Ikeja Local Government and Hon Wahab Akerele, Leader, Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area during the valedictory ceremony held in honour of the late Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, at the Ikeja Local Government Legislative House.

something is wrong with the medications coming into Nigeria and I will discuss these observations with the chairman of Senate Committee on Health."

The medical team’s leader, Dr. Abdulrasheed Abassi, said: "We are always eager to come and help, but we lack access to the power brokers. At a point, we donated to organisations that were interested in healthcare delivery in Nigeria, like the Goal Foundation. Such bodies have had it tough trying to help Nigerians. This is why what Senator Ojudu has done is commendable. We in the Diaspora need more of such."

•Senator Ita-Giwa

F

OR the longsuffering people Bakassi as well as their champion, Senator Florence ItaGiwa, the cloud of despair has lifted following the constitution of a presidentiall committee on the resettlement of the islanders.

The people have seen the roughest of times. Their ancestral land was once the subject of a protracted ownership struggle between Nigeria of which they have been part, and Cameroon which claimed the island was part of its territory.

The Court of International Justice sitting at the Hague ceded the island to Cameroon in the early 90s.

Then came more worries: where to resettle the Bakassi people who preferred to remain in Nigeria.

All this while, Princess Ita-Giwa remained the only face and voice of the people, pleading their case at the National Assembly, the Presidency and sometimes leading protest marches, all for the welfare of her people.

Even though her efforts popularised the people and their struggle, the result they sought did not come easily or quickly. But eventually, smething god has started happening. President Goodluck Jonathan

has set up a committee to look into the Bakassi issue especially with a view to resettling them where they really want to be.

And where is that? Dayspring 1 and 2 and the Kwa Island.

That has pleased the Senator, especially considering also that her choice candidate for the chairmanship the Bakassi local council has overwhelming acceptance.

It was gathered that Mrs. Edisuwa Usang Isong, preferred by Ita-Giwa, is the consensus candidate.

Senator Ita-Giwa has always said that all she wants is peaceful co-existence between her people and the host community as well as the restoration of their dignity.

Army treats 2,000 malaria patients

T

HE Nigerian Army has treated more than 2,000 people suffering from malaria and other ailments in two rural communities in Adamawa State.

The Commanding Officer of the 23rd Armoured Brigade Medical Centre, Yola, Major Moses Okechukwu made the disclosure in an interview with journalists at Konkol community in the Maiha Local Government Area of Adamawa.

Okechukwu said that the patients were treated of malaria, typhoid and other diseases.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

47

Expert urges focus on safety

A

N occupational health safety practitioner, Dr. Bamisayo Francis Oluwagbemi, has unveiled an occupational health safety non-governmental organisation in Nigeria.

The organisation, Occupational Health, Safety & Empowerment Centre (OHSEC), according to the founder, was established with a key responsibility to cater for the safety need of both corporate and non-corporate entities, organizations and individuals.

The luncheon of the organization, which took place on Saturday, July 6, at the Public Service Staff Development Centre in Magodo, GRA, Lagos, also witnessed the investiture of its Board of Trustees.

The occupational health safety expert, in his presentation, emphasized the need for all stakeholders to embrace and acknowledge the initiative and implementation of occupational health safety in Nigeria, through institutions of learning in the country, if it must reflect on other areas of life endeavors.

Dr. Oluwagbemi, who is also, a consultant to the Lagos State Safety Commission, stated that, the subject is a vital key to a disaster-free environment in all walks of life, but may not take its full course except it is embedded as a relevant course in the institutions of learning.

The OHSEC founder hinted that, with his, about three decades of wealth of experience in the practice of occupational safety and health services, he has observed that Nigerians are always conscious of the need for good jobs, poverty alleviation, and economic stability, but as important as occupational health safety is, very little or no attention is given to it in the society.

“Having practiced as an occupational health and safety professional at different levels in civil service, tertiary institutions, manufacturing and multinational gas and oil industries in Nigeria over three decades, I have observed that the level of awareness of occupational health and safety in almost all sectors of our economy is very low. We are not proactive but even reactive whenever accident occurs. And coupled with this is the urge to cut corners by Nigerians and also poor enforcement of our health and safety legislation and regulations at the Federal level. But this is contrary to my experience to some extent in a multinational oil and gas industry where I ended my active service few years ago. Then the questions I often asked myself are these: What is responsible for this difference? What then can we do as occupational health and safety professionals to change this negative attitude towards health and safety? How can we change the

•Mrs. Dominga Odebunmi, DG, LSSC, giving her speech at the launching of OHSEC NGO, while sitting and watching in excitement are Dr. Oluwagbemi, Founder (left); Dr. Nicholas Okere, an Occupational Health Consultant; as Chairman (second left) and Chief Samuel Atose, representative of the Royal father of the day at the Public Service Staff Development Centre in Magodo-GRA, Lagos effect as an institutionalized practice. efforts of public heath health practiattitude of people at accident scenes?

This, according to him, is about the tioners, the solution lies in the inNotably, blocking the way of the best way to establish its implementensive, rigorous and continuous rescue team, inhaling fumes from tation in the society. promotion of health and safety explosions, and generally, presentOluwagbemi, who narrated an or“awareness –talks” (as voluntary ing hazardous situation that can lead deal that led to his embarkation on a services) in the market, schools, to further ugly incidents. campaign for occupational health churches, mosques, artisans’ workInhalation of carbon dioxide and and safety consciousness, said he had shops. We OHSEC have chosen this carbon monoxide from exhaust of being a victim of fire incident in Ocpath”, he explained. generators wrongly positioned has tober, 1976, which plagued him early Oluwagbemi noted that the human killed hundreds in Nigeria. What of in the United Kingdom, while prelife cannot afford to ignore the relother preventable occupational disparing a meal for an expected visitevance and benefits of safety in its eases and injuries caused through ing friend of his. daily living, but he believes that, negative safety culture in Nigeria?

The incidence, according to him, there is a dire need for the subject to What are the solutions? Thus, from was as a result of lack of occupational be taught from the educational platmy personal experience and through safety consciousness in place. form, so that its awareness can take literature review of the pioneering

Imoke urged to redeem pledge From Dele Anofi, Abuja

•Senator Imoke

T

HE Northern Senatorial District of Cross River State Forum, Abuja is insisting that the next governor of the state must come from the zone in the

spirit of fairness and transparency.

The group urged Governor Liyel Imoke in a statement signed by its co-ordinator, Solomon Opita, to factualise the understanding between him and the people.

The zone is made up of people from five local government areas of the state, Obudu, Obaniliku, Bekewrra, Yala and Ogoja.

The forum said that having performed well for Cross River, the governor would do well to consolidate his achievement by fulfilling his promise to hand over power to a candidate from the zone in the best interest of the state.

Besides, the group noted, the northern zone of the state is not lacking in human resources that

can sustain Imoke’s achievements and propel the state to greater heights.

It reads: “Our zone is well prepared and equipped to produce the next governor of our great state and since the governor had promised that we as a people

understand on that promise and would insist vehemently that he stands by his word.

“We are however confident that, as a principled, God-fearing and transparent leader, he will honour his word and honour our people by giving us what is due us as a

We commend the governor’s efforts in transforming the socio-economic scope of the state. Imoke is one of our own and we must rally round him so that he will do the right thing for our state and our people in northern Cross Rive

people.

“The governor is a man we have great confidence in and we believe in his leadership and ability to be fair to us and we will continue to support him and believe that he can take us to the Promised Land.

“We assure the governor that the people of northern Cross River will continue to support his government and contribute our quota to the development of the state by being active players in the activities of the state.

“We, the people of the zone are very much ready to produce the next governor and urge the governor to fulfil his promise to the people and be forever remembered as a hero of the people of Northern Cross River.

“We commend the governor’s efforts in transforming the socioeconomic scope of the state. Imoke is one of our own and we must rally round him so that he will do the right thing for our state and our people in northern Cross River”.

Council chair candidate calls HE chairmanship candidate of the Peoples Democratic for unity Party (PDP) in Ogoja Local

T

•Chairman, Ikeja Local Government Area, Hon Wale Odunlami in a handshake with the Lagos State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Commander Clement Adesuyi uring the latter’s visit to the secretariat

Government Area of Cross River State in the upcoming September 21 local government elections, Madam Rita Agbo Ayim has called for unity in the run-up to the polls.

Speaking with Newsextra in Calabar, she said her emergence said her emergence of as the candidate of the party was a result of the collective effort of the people.

Ayim, who is one of four female candidates out of the 18 local governments, said her burning desire has always been to serve her people and the reason she sought political power as the avenue to serve a larger society.

She said she has what it takes to take the Ogoja people to the next level in the area of infrastructural development and despite the financial difficulty the state was experiencing, she would use her vast experience in financial institutions to develop her people, if she wins

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

at the polls.

She also promised to empower the farmers in the area of agricultural development in the local government.

She urged youths in the area to shun violence and other social vices that would endanger their future and embrace those that would promote them positively.

She also lauded the state government and the party for being gender friendly and for supporting the women folk in the consensus process which produced the chairmanship candidates.

She said the process helped to reduce rancour and among party faithful and forged a sense of unity.

She said the emergence of four female party chairmanship candidates out of the 18 was an indication of gender friendliness.

FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

48

Since the introduction of the competition, with star winners awarded scholarship up to university level, the participation and standard have increased significantly

T

ANGIBLE rewards have brought the cheer to teachers in Cross River State.

In recognition of the fact that teachers, like every other hardworking persons, deserve the right to a better life on earth, the state government has given two of them brand new cars. Ten others went home with various items with a stronger motivation to put in their best in their jobs.

Items distributed to the teachers included deep freezers (400 litres), double and single door refrigerators and 42 inch 3D Plasma television sets.

Desktop computers and printers were also given to the best primary and secondary schools.

Hardworking students in the state were also not left out of reward party as those who excelled were given medals, a promise of university scholarship and other prizes to urge them to strive higher.

The event for the reward was the 2012 Award/Prize Giving Ceremony of the Governor’s Science and Mathematics Competition and Governor’s Teachers and School Excellence Awards held at the main bowl of the Cultural Centre Complex in Calabar, the state capital.

Ikwen Godwin Agba of St Charles Primary School in Obudu Local Government Area and Iji Grace Unyi of Government Secondary School, Okpoma, Yala Local Government Area went home with the brand new cars for being the best school administrators.

For the students, Abam Nkanmi Okoi of Community Secondary School Ugep came first in the Governor’s Science and Mathematics Competition (senior) with a prospect of free university education, while Etuk Bartholomew of Christian High School in Calabar won the first prize in the junior category.

Godwin Sunday Owonam of Pinn Magaret Secondary School in Calabar, Xavier Utit of Akim-Akim Model Secondary School in Calabar

A

LIMOSHO Local Government Area, Lagos State has bolstered its children’s healthcare plan with the flagging off of a deworming exercise.

The state-wide programme was launched by the state Deputy Governor, Mrs Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire, a cue for all council chairmen to flag it off in their respective areas.

•Commissioner for Information, Akin Ricketts hands a deep freezer to one of the teachers

Reward lifts teachers in Cross River From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

and Godwin Ezekiel Sunday who emerged first in National Jets Competition under the Technical Education Boards Award in Uyo Akwa Ibom went home with Gold Medals and certificates.

Commissioner for Education, Professor Offiong E. Offiong said the education sector has since 2007 made great progress. Offiong said there was need to appraise the state’s performance with a view to identifying

areas of strengths, weaknesses and opportunity and one of the components of such a comprehensive review and assessment is recognition of excellence.

His words: “In Cross River State, the present administration has shown in clear terms that the teachers’ reward is here on earth and will only be consolidated in heaven. This has been demonstrated in the institutionalisation of Annual Governor’s Teachers’/Schools’ Excellence Awards since 2010.

Offiong also said the Governor’s

Science and Mathematics Competition introduced also in 2010 to promote interest of students in Science and mathematics was yielding results.

His words: “Let me report here that since the introduction of the competition, with star winners awarded scholarship up to university level, the participation and standard have increased significantly. This has also engendered our students’ interest in Science and Technology related subjects. Thus an average enrolment in Science

Council steps up child healthcare Alimosho council boss, Hon. Israel Olusola Adekunle declared the programme open at Abati primary School, Shasha in the local government.

It was attended by the chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria

(ACN) in the council, Chief Edward Aderemi Obisesan, ACN party members, Community Development Council and Community Development Association, Hon Adekunle’s cabinet members as well as other council offials.

•Hon. Israel Adekunle deworms a pupil; with him are officers of the council

Equally in attendance were Oba of Shasha kingdom Oba Ogunrombi Babatunde, Vice chairman of Alimosho Local Government, Hon. Saminu Adetunji, Leader of the Legislative Council Hon. Sulaiman Jelili, Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Lukman Orelope, Council Manager Mrs. A. K. Bello, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Odufuwa Kayode, Supervisor for Health Hon. Ebudola Wemimo and other supervisors, management and executive council members of the local government.

The Adekunle administration has implemented several child health programmes in the council.

He spoke on the imperatives of taking good care of children and also on other programmes of the council.

He said: “Posterity will not forgive us if we do not take their health seriously. Let me make it clear that we are not limiting this programme to just de-worming alone; we have incorporated free medical check-up and treatment as well because we know that we cannot just deworm in isolation. There is free feeding as well as free checkup and treatment so as to make the programme all encompassing.

“Let me seize this opportunity to enjoin all parents and guardians to please take our children and wards’ health seriously as the health of our future generation is the wealth of our nation”.

The Oba of Shasha in a vote of

subjects has increased from about 13 per cent in 2007to over 36 per cent in 2012.”

He said hard working school heads and teachers would continue to be rewarded while those who fail in their duty will be punished.

Governor Liyel Imoke, who was represented by his deputy, Efiok Cobham, called on teachers and school administrators as well as the educational boards to redouble their efforts and commitment to assist the administration realise its vision for the education sector.

All parents and guardians to please take our children and wards’ health seriously as the health of our future generation is the wealth of our nation thanks, expressed his appreciation to the state government and the chairman of Alimosho Local Government.

He said: “I make bold to appreciate the efforts of the state government via this de-worming flag-off exercise. The Chairman has tremendously transformed the local government area through his developmental initiatives and projects which cut across health, social infrastructure, education, youth development, etc. It is my prayer that God will continue to bless you and provide you all your need to take Alimosho to greater heights.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

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54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 11-07-13

Investors stake N4b on UBA

U

NITED Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc was the toast of the stock market yesterday as investors staked N4.11 billion on the shares of the first generation bank, more than 61 per cent of total turnover value for the day.

In a market situation that suggested demand-led transactions, UBA’s share price rode on the back of the market orders to close at N8.30 per share, an increase of 0.24 per cent. The overall market’s benchmark index, the All Share Index (ASI), recorded an increase of 0.54 per cent.

UBA recorded a turnover of 492.44 million shares worth N4.11 billion in 244 deals, representing 66.8 per cent and 61.2 per cent of total turnover volume and value respectively.

Total turnover at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) stood at 737.3 million shares valued at N6.72 billion in 5,036 deals. On the back of the UBA deals, banking subsector accounted for 563.42 million shares worth N5.22 billion in 1,813 deals.

The bullish market situation suggested a positive investors’ perception for UBA, which grew its deposit base to a new high of N2.02 trillion in the first quarter. First quarter report for the period ended March 31, 2013 indicated 13.5 per cent increase in deposits to a new high of N2.02 trillion, building on the 21.1 per cent growth that saw deposit base rising to N1.78 trillion in the 2012 business year. Further analysis of the first quarter results showed that the group added additional N10.4 billion to gross earnings to N62.8

•Equities gain N63b

By Taofik Salako

billion. The group’s operating income also rose 17.4 per cent to N44.6 billion while profit after tax closed at N15.6 per cent, representing an increase of 19.1 per cent. The bank also sustained growth in balance sheet size indicating its increasing market share in the African banking industry.

Group total assets closed the first quarter at N2.43 trillion, a 7.1 per cent increase while the bank’s total equity grew at a marginally higher rate of 8.8 per cent to N209.4 billion compared to N192.5billion in the same period of 2011.

Audited report and accounts of the bank for the year ended December 31, 2012 had shown that it recovered from the N6.8 billion loss it recorded in the previous year on account of loan provisioning that it did to clean up its balance sheet to post a profit of N54.8 billion in 2012. Profit before tax rose by 295 per cent to N52 billion in 2012, compared with a loss of N26.60 billion in the previous year, while total comprehensive income attributable to equity holders grew by 5,058 per cent to N55.53 billion compared with a loss of N1.12 billion in 2011. Gross earnings grew by 34.45 per cent to peak at N220.1 billion; representing approximately N56.40billion additional revenue on the N163.7 billion recorded in previous year.

Group Managing Director, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, Phillips Oduoza, re-

cently assured investors that the bank was moving in the right direction to deliver on key financial projections for 2013 with a focus on maximizing value across all of the bank’s businesses.

“We are pleased with our improving performance and a strong start to 2013. We see emerging opportunities to fundamentally improve our market positioning. We will continue to strategically invest in our businesses, manage our expense and leverage our competitive advantage in service and convenience to win customers and take market share,” Oduoza said.

Meanwhile, equities remained on the upswing yesterday as widespread gains added N63 billion to total market capitalisation of all equities. The main index at the NSE, the ASI, trended upward from 37,128.40 points to 37,327.67 points.

Total market value of all equities rose from N11.758 trillion to N11.821 trillion. Average year-to-date return at the stock market thus increased to 32.94 per cent.

Julius Berger Nigeria topped the 34-stock gainers’ list with addition of N3.52 to close at a high of N70.02. Nigerian Breweries followed with a gain of N1.56 to close at N163.56. MRS Oil and Gas added N1.20 to close at N19. PZ Cussons Nigeria chalked up N1.01 to close at N40.01 while National Salt Company of Nigeria (Nascon) gained 89 kobo to close at N13.49 per share.

On the other hand, Okomu Oil Palm led the 16-stock losers’ list with a drop of N1.40 to close at N46.60. Portland Paints and Products dropped by 29 kobo to close at N6.10 while May & Baker Nigeria lost 26 kobo to close at N2.44.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 11-07-13

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

55

MONEY LINK

CBN may retain interest rate at 12%, says Rewane

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) may retain interest rate at 12 per cent when the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meets this month, the Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) Limited has predicted. The research firm also predicted a 0.51 per cent decline in the national headline inflation to 8.49 per cent in June, from nine per cent in May. In a report obtained by The Nation, the Managing Director, FDC Bismark Rewane said the figure re-

• Rewane

for monetary policy easing by stakeholders.

Rewane however said the state of other economic variables, notably the declining value of the naira has hindered such move by the MPC. He explained that the continuous decline in global oil prices and fall in domestic production, Nigeria’s major source of revenue is responsible for the recent marginal depletion in reserves and the high probability associated to increase fiscal spending.

Stories by Collins Nweze

sults from the rise in the consumer price index (CPI) which increased by 0.68 per cent from 145.8 points in May to 146.8 points in June.

According to him, the moderation will be a result of the high prices in the base period as well as the declining core index. He said the benign inflation rate clearly shows that the movement in consumer prices is a trend and not a jinx which also supports the call

ELAN grows earnings by 17%

T

HE Equipment Leasing Association of Nigeria (ELAN) said its earnings rose by 17 per cent to N47 million as at December 2012.

In a statement, ELAN Chairman, Kehinde Lawanson said the association earned N40.5 million in 2011, while total expenditure increased by 8.9 per cent from N41 million in 2011 to N44.7 million in 2012. According to him, ELAN also made a surplus income of N2.5 million in 2012 as against a loss of N0.5 million in 2011.

He said the leasing industry remained resolute in its bid to creating wealth and adding value to the economy in spite of tough operating environment. He said the oil and gas sector maintained its dominance with 32.4 per cent of the total

transactions, closely followed by performance from transportation 30.4 per cent, which has been recording steady growth.

Lawanson said that leasing penetration in the sector is driven mainly by the increasing demand for commercial vehicles for passengers and haulage as well as buses and cars for corporate clients.

He said that in the face of the challenging regulatory environment, the group will continue to strengthen its capacity building initiative, especially its advisory service to ensure that members are well informed about measures and strategies to protect themselves and grow their businesses.

He said the Federal Government in pursuit of its transformation agenda for the economy, introduced policies and

Diamond Bank workers strike in Lagos, Kano

measures that would create a stable macroeconomic development and structural key reforms. Government’s emphasis was on fiscal discipline, diversification of Nigeria’s revenue sources and investing in priority sectors and critical infrastructure to create jobs and inclusive growth. In order to achieve these initiatives, a partial reduction of subsidy on petroleum products was undertaken and savings were accrued into the Sovereign Wealth Fund.

He said the overall performance of the Nigerian economy in 2012, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), indicates that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 6.99 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2012 as against 7.76 per cent in the corresponding quarter of 2011.

S

TAFF of Diamond Bank in Kano yesterday began strike over issues relating to victimisation, promotion and other welfare packages.The protesting workers accused the bank of not addressing the issues.

However, the Regional Manager of the bank, MuhammaduLawal claimed that all the workers’ agitation have been addressed in his region and therefore appealed to the state labour union to exempt his region from the ongoing industrial action.

The Kano State Nigeria Labour Congress Chairman, Comrade Isa Dangogwa directed that all the branches of the bank should remain closed until the union confirms the claims of the management.

Also commenting on the issue, the secretary to the bankers union, Kano state branch, Hajia Hadiza Kishimi said the bank has remained adamant over its failure to meet workers’ demands despite the Federal Government’s intervention to address the situation.

Many of the customers of the bank expressed concern over the lender’s decision to embark on strike, particularly during the Ramadan.

A textile material trader, Mrs Bode, who travelled from Ibadan,

CBN Deputy Governor gets award

T

HE deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Mrs Sarah Alade has bagged the Kwame Nkrumah leadership award by the West African Students Union (WASU) based in Accra, Ghana.

Speaking while presenting the award to the CBN deputy governor in Abuja yesterday, the General Secretary of WASU Mr. Oladele Bamikole said the choice of Mrs. Alade for the award was “a testimony of the dedication of a true West Afri-

can daughter to the development of the sub-region.”

Bamikole described Mrs. Alade as an “administrator dedicated to the promotion of independent economic development and an astute defender of the right of all of West African origins.”

FGN BONDS Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 11-07-13

SYMBOL IHS COSTAIN NASCON MRS ETERNA DANGSUGAR JBERGER EVANSMED REDSTAREX FCMB

O/PRICE 2.15 1.42 12.60 17.80 3.15 11.70 66.50 3.35 4.64 4.74

C/PRICE 2.36 1.53 13.49 19.00 3.35 12.40 70.02 3.50 4.80 4.90

CHANGE 0.21 0.11 0.89 1.20 0.20 0.70 3.52 0.15 0.16 0.16

TRANSEXPR MAYBAKER CORNERST THOMASWY LEARNAFRCA ABCTRANS PORTPAINT AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS LIVESTOCK

O/PRICE 2.51 2.70 0.63 1.19 1.78 1.19 6.39 1.85 1.59 4.90

C/PRICE 2.26 2.44 0.57 1.08 1.62 1.11 6.10 1.77 1.53 4.72

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

July ’12

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

CHANGE 0.25 0.26 0.06 0.11 0.16 0.18 0.29 0.08 0.06 0.18

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

LOSERS AS AT 11-07-13

SYMBOL

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

OBB Rate Call Rate

the Oyo State capital to purchase textile materials in the Kanti Kwari textile market, Kano said she was in a dilemma over what to do next.

Meanwhile, the Senior Assistant General Secretary, National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institution Employees (NUBIFIE), Comrade Sola Aboderin, has accused the bank of sacking its members unjustly for participating in a peaceful protest three months ago.

Aboderin who was beaten by military men, lost his glasses and his mobile phone said the union wrote the bank authority so as to dialogue over the prevailing matter and other issues that affect the welfare of its members, adding that the bank instead turned deaf hears to its call.

“Thereafter, the union gave Diamond Bank seven days ultimatum to resolve the issue but to our surprise, before the end of the ultimatum, the management of the bank withdrew the case of our members that are drivers and lock them out of the system without any letter of dismissal and we believe that is an evidence that they are not wanted again,” he added.

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

Toba Agboola, Lagos and From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

DATA BANK

Tenor

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

He said that the MPC is to change its monetary policy decision at its next meeting in July. He predicted that the MPC will keep Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) unchanged at 12 per cent per annum with plus or minus 200 basis points. Also, the MPC is expected to retain the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) at 12 per cent of total local currency deposit. It may also retain the Net Open Position at one per cent of total foreign currency as well as maintain the Liquidity Ratio at 30 per cent.

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 9.17 9.08 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE INVE 139.79 139.31 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 157.90 157.86 LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.80 0.78 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.17 1.17 BGL NUBIAN FUND 1.12 1.11 FBN MONEY MARKET FUND 100.00 100.00 FBN FIXED INCOME FUND 1,000.00 1,000.00 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,832.46 1,832.16 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 13.66 12.99 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 1.33 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 1.80 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 11,268.50 10,933.55 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUNDARM AGGRESSIVE • OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

56

THE NATION FRIDAY JULY 12, 2013

NEWS 18 die in road accident From Osagie Otabor, Benin

E

IGHTEEN persons were yesterday killed in a multiple accident on the Benin-Lagos bye-pass.

Vehicles involved included a truck carrying drinks, a tipper lorry and a fully loaded 18-seater bus.

Eyewitnesses said the truck veered off the road and had a head-on collision with the tipper before the bus hit the tipper from behind.

The eyewitness said three persons in the tipper and 15 in the bus were killed. Three others were injured.

Spokesman of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) John Aniedi said six persons were confirmed dead at the point of rescue.

NUJ to Dickson: reduce your trips

T

HE Bayelsa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) yesterday appealed to Governor Seriake Dickson to reduce his frequent trips.

The council claimed that the governor’s trips within and outside the country were not helping governance.

The NUJ, in an eight-paragraph communiqué after its monthly congress in Yenagoa, said Dickson’s travels were against the

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

overall progress of the state.

The communiqué signed by its Chairman, Tarinyo Akono and the Secretary, Samson Opokuma, called on the governor to stay at home and govern the state.

“Congress wants Governor Seriake Dickson to reduce his trips outside the state to consolidate on the achievements of his restoration government,” it said.

Delta approves 27 projects

Army arrests ‘police robbery gang’ T HE army’s 4th Brigade has arrested a robbery gang made up of policemen, allegedly led by an Assistant Superintendent of Police simply identified as Okubopagha.

It said Okubopagha and another suspect, Okoro, were of the B Department, Nigeria Police Force, Bayelsa State Command.

Commander of the 4 Brigade Pat Akem, who spoke through the spokesperson, Capt Roseline Managbe, said this followed the arrest of a man, Nanagha Aduoumemi, who claimed to be an inspector in the A Department of the Bayelsa State Command.

Capt Managbe said Aduoumemi was arrested by troops of the 222 Battalion at Orhoror junction on Bomadi Road in Delta State after blocking the road with woods while other members of the gang hid in the bush.

She said the suspect was ar-

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

rested while attempting to run into the bush while other members of the gang escaped into the creeks.

She said: “The suspect revealed that members of his gang are all serving police officers who indulge in robbery after their normal police duties.”

In an interview, Aduoumemi said he joined the Force in 1982 and that it was his first time of joining the gang for an operation.

He said his family was in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State, and that he only got N5,000 from the operation.

His words: “I am 60 years old. I am a police officer. I was arrested in Bomadi because I joined a robbery gang. This was the first day I joined

them. They blocked the road and started operating. I was not in uniform but others were in uniform. I only know the ASP serving with me in Bayelsa. We were six in number.

“I was introduced by the ASP. The ASP phoned me to come to Bomadi and when I got there, he said we should start the roadblock work.

They were armed with police rifles. We robbed only two vehicles. I don’t know how much was made.”

The Army also paraded a dismissed soldier, Adebayo Opeyemi, who was arrested for alleged robbery.

Other suspects paraded included a 65-year-old pastor, Christopher Okonkwo, arrested for illegal oil bunkering.

Capt Managbe said 1,500 drums of illegally refined die-

•Aduoumemi

sel were destroyed in Warri and a Mercedez Benz truck loaded with 32 drums of illegally refined diesel were intercepted.

Five persons- Joel Ogbu, Jenkins Ebrusike, Julius Erere, Jonathan Umukoro and Mine Best- were paraded for alleged kidnapping.

Capt Managbe said the suspects would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.

T

HE Delta State Government has approved 27 projects running into billions of naira to boost infrastructural development.

The Commissioner for Information, Chike Ogeah, said N198million has been approved for the aviation scholarship scheme to boost the training of 38 indigenes as pilots and aeronautical engineers.

Ogeah said the government has set up a seven-man committee on innovation awareness to create a link between inventors and the government.

The commissioner said N74 million was approved for renovation in the Ministry of Health with the State School of Midwifery, Asaba and the School of Nursing, Warri, Agbor and Eku among the beneficiaries.

He said N8 million was approved for the construction of an incubator shelter at the State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, N21 million for the renovation of the State Cottage Hospital, Abavo and a one hundred K.V.A Generator for the General Hospital in Owhelogbo.

Senate concludes debate on Constitution

T

HE Senate yesterday concluded debate of the recommendations of its committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution.

Senate President David Mark slated July 16 for clause by clause voting by Senators.

He appealed to Senators to endeavour to attend plenary on July 16 “as we expect to make history by casting our votes.”

He said that a minimum of 73 Senators were required for the Senate to form quorum to begin voting on the clauses slated for amendment.

He directed standing committees to put off all forms of oversight function on the day to enable Senators cast their votes.

He urged Senator to attend plenary on time as voting was likely to take the whole day.

Already the upper chamber has perfected its electronic voting machine to enable Senators vote “aye” or “nay” by the press

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

of button.

In his contribution before the close of debate yesterday Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi “Ekiti North), opposed local government autonomy.

He described autonomy for local governments as “reversal of our federalism.”

He insisted that the measure would amount to “creating a state within a state” He said: “It is important that if we cannot take local government from the Constitution to allow states to manage local governments, we should leave it the way it is. If we cannot improve the Constitution, we should not damage it.”

He also said that there was need for a referendum before new Constitution is made to give the people the opportunity to agree of disagree with the idea of a new Constitution.

Kidnappers abduct Hyundai worker •Demand $150,000

By Jude Isiguzo

A

GANG has abducted an official of Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Chinyere Nwajei.

She was allegedly abducted around FESTAC Town, Lagos on Tuesday night.

A police officer at the Area ‘E’ Command said the command was not aware of any such case.

The gang is said to have contacted the victim’s family, demanding a ransom of $150, 000.

The victim, who works at the company’s Ajose Adeogun, Victoria Island branch, was said to have been kidnapped on the link bridge which connects Festac to Amuwo-Odofin.

A family source said they called her number and one of the abductors confirmed that they had her in their custody.

One of the abductors claimed that they had taken her to their shrine, pending when the ransom would be paid.

Police spokesperson Ngozi Braide said she was not aware but promised to find out.

•The illegal immigrants

Edo deports 120 illegal immigrants

T

HE Edo State Command of the Nigerian Immigrations Service yesterday paraded 120 illegal immigrants, comprising Niger, Chad, Mali, Ghana and Guinea nationals, from across the 18 local government areas.

Speaking to reporters at the state command headquarters before they were conveyed to Sokoto, Cross Rivers states and Abuja, Controller of Immigration David Akwor said over 450 illegal immigrants were arrested and after screening,

From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

120 were found without valid travel and residence papers.

Akwor said they will be deported to their home countries, except those from Mali who he said would be sent to the High Commission, United Nation Human Rights Commission (UNHCR) because of the crisis in Mali.

“In the past, foreigners have been arrested in connection with crime in the state and so with the assist-

ance of the governor, we decided to raid and mop up illegal immigrants.

“The ECOWAS protocol has a proviso that allows ECOWAS citizens to move freely and enter ECOWAS member-states with valid travel documents and secondly, they have to come in through authorised routes, that is where you have immigration clearance either through the airports, the land frontiers or the seaports where their passports will be stamped and maybe given 90-day stay and of course

subject to extension after satisfactory reasons.

On the fate of the Malians, the immigration boss said: “The United Nations High Commission for Refugees has written to all ECOWAS member-states not to send them back to their country because of the crisis there.

“So, we are going to send to Abuja to the office of the UNHCR High Commissioner, who will assess them and probably grant them refugee status, pending the cessation of the crisis in that country.”

We’ll prosecute perpetrators of Warri crisis, says Uduaghan

D

ELTA State Governor E m m a n u e l Uduaghan has said the perpetuators of the recent crisis in Warri North Local Government Area will be prosecuted.

Uduaghan spoke at a peace and security stakeholders meeting in Warri with security commanders and leaders of ljaw and ltsekiri communities in Warri North Local Government.

The governor said an assessment of the area would be carried out and relief materials sent to the victims.

He told the gathering that

the government in colloboration with the State Oil Producing Communities Development Commission (DESOPADEC) would help rebuild the affected communities and provide relief materials for the displaced victims.

He said: “The government condemns the perpetuators of this violence and will prosecute all persons arrested in connection with the crisis. We are on top of the situation and the security agencies have been strengthened to handle

the situation.

“Let me assure you all that the government in collaboration with DESOPADEC will assess the area and rehabilitate the affected communities and victims.”

The governor thanked Itsekiri youths for not retaliating and commended Ijaw leaders, especially Chief Edwin Clark, who intervened to calm the situation.

TheTransition Committee Chairman of Warri North, David Edun, said the attackers destroyed several Itsekiri

communities, including Gbokoda, Obaghoro and Ebrohimi.

The leader of the Ijaw community, Emmanuel Ebimami and the leaders of Itsekiri community, Micheal Diden, Ayiri Emami and Ezekiel Akpasibowa said the violence was perpetuated by criminals, who wanted to steal crude oil.

They said: “This violence is caused by criminals who wanted to break pipelines and steal crude oil, it is not an ethnic agitation. “ We thank the governor and security operatives for arresting the situation.”

57

THE NATION FRIDAY JULY 12, 2013

NEWS

Gunmen abduct ‘bank manager’ in Onitsha •Police dispute victim’s identity

G

UNMEN operating in a Toyota Sienna Bus yesterday kidnapped a yet-to-be identified man at the New Motor Tyre Market, Nkpor, near Onitsha in Anambra State.

An eyewitness said the gunmen allegedly trailed the victim to the New Tyre market at Nkpor on the Enugu/ Onitsha Expressway, doublecrossed his Toyota Camry, dragged him out and pushed him into their own Sienna bus.

But the Police Command disagreed with the eyewitnesses who identified the victim as a bank manager, insisting that the identity of the victim has not been ascertained.

Police spokesman Emeka •Disengaged workers of Diamond Bank protesting at the bank’s headquarters in Lagos...yesterday PHOTO: BUKUNMI AKINBEHINJE

Fayemi calls for multi-level policing to fight insecurity

E

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has reiterated his call for multi-level policing system to curb the growing insecurity in the country.

He said this reality had also dawned on some Northern governors, who have consistently opposed the state police.

However, the governor opposed the proposed deduction of one per cent of the allocation to the state, saying that it conflicted with the principles of federalism.

Fayemi spoke with reporters in Lagos on his endorsement for a second term by the leaders of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), national security and 2015 elec-

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Group Political Editor

tions.

Expressing concern over the insecurity and deployment of troops in 32 states, he said the next general elections may be marred by the lack of conducive atmosphere in some states.

He said: “ I am an advocate of multi-level police. I’ve always consistently argued for driven agenda, but the only way you can be your brother’s keeper is, if you know your brother. If you don’t know your brother, you can’t be his keeper.

“If you bring me from Ekiti to go to Zamfara and you dumped me at TalataMafarawa and you give me

gun to protect people; who am I protecting at the place where I don’t have clue about the language, I don’t speak their language, I don’t have any connection with the people, it will be difficult to have multi-level police from university, local government, state and federal, and you will have a unit that connect all the branches both in terms of training and sanction.

“That is the area we need to work on. We can have multi-level police and independent arm that will be responsible for sanctioning adherent behaviour on the part of men and women of police in various levels. I see multilevel police having a key role

to play in the country”.

Fayemi said that, in the light of the political chaos in Rivers State, many governors would have been convinced to support multi-level policing, owing to the blatant abuse of the federal police within the local entity.

He acknowledged that governors have been setting up alternative security forces to protect their environment.

He added: “ That is what Zamfara State wanted to do that led to the debate at the National Assembly. The governor decided to take the bull by the horn because 48 of his citizens were killed in one day and our police cannot do anything about it.”

Senator denies allegation on academic records

S

ENATOR Hope Uzodimma, representing Imo West Senatorial District, has denied the allegation that he does not possess a West African School Certificate (WASC).

He expressed his readiness to respond to a case filed by a lawyer, Festus Keyamo, challenging his (Uzodimma’s) educational qualification.

In an ex-parte application, Keyamo is seeking the leave of a Federal High Court to apply for an order compelling the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to release the original copy of Uzodimma’s West African School Certificate.

Uzodimma is on President Goodluck Jonathan’s entourage to China.

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

His spokesman, Declan Emelumba, said in a statement yesterday that the senator was not worried about the case because his academic records are not in doubt.

He said Uzodinma attended Mgbidi Boys’ Secondary School in Imo State, where he obtained his WASC. The senator said: “If WAEC is refusing to give Keyamo my results as he alleges, let him go to the school to verify and obtain my result. Still, he can come to me and I will make a copy available to him if he so wishes. “ As a public figure, security agencies carried out several checks on me before allowing me to contest the senatorial election in 2011

‘This would not be the first time Keyamo will go to court for my sake.

In 2010, during the run up to the 2011 general elections he petitioned my party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over my credentials and integrity...’ and at no time was I found wanting or my academic credentials in doubt.

“It is, therefore, funny that people will wake up and begin to say things to suit their purpose. I have been accused

of certificate forgery by the same people but it has turned out to be unfounded but only in the minds of those that make these allegations.

“This would not be the first time Keyamo will go to court for my sake. In 2010, during the run up to the 2011 general elections he petitioned my party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over my credentials and integrity to contest for an elective office.

“He alleged so many things but in the end, my party found these to be false and baseless and I was cleared leading to my winning the election by garnering 85,042 votes.”

Uzodimma alleged that Keyamo was being used by his political enemies.

Wike advocates servant-leadership in governance

M

INISTER of State for Education, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has urged leaders to imbibe the tenets of servantleadership to enhance national development.

Delivering the graduation lecture at the Trinity International College, Ofada, Ogun State yesterday titled: “Value Inspired Leadership: Path to Greatness”, Wike said leaders must always

place the welfare and development of the people ahead of personal consideration.

He said it was important for leaders to always embark on regular self appraisal to determine the expectations for quality service.

The Minister urged youths to show genuine interest in politics and leadership, so that they can effectively contribute their

quota to national development.

He said: “Of all the forms of leadership that I have outlined, I recommend servant leadership which promotes the interest of our people.

“I believe that leaders at the three tiers of government should always put the people ahead of them in the issues of governance, so as to positively impact on

them. “ As you graduate from the school today, you must consider contributing your quota to national development”.

The minister said the nation should continue its investments in education to produce quality leaders who take off from where the present crop of leaders will stop.

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Onitsha

Chukwuemeka said the police were working round the clock to track down the hoodlums and rescue the victim.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at Ogidi Police Division, Yusuf Abdul, could not be reached for comments but a source said the victim could be a businessman and not a bank manager.

He added that his vehicle had been recovered from the scene and taken to the station.

An eyewitness identified the victim as a manager in one of the new generation banks located in the Auto Spare Parts Market.

He said the incident took place in the evening when the traders had closed.

Firm out with new product

O

NECARD Nigeria, a technology-based company offering unique, secure and convenient top-up options for user accounts to all individuals, industries, corporate and retail customers has launched its new product, Direct TopUp. Its General Manager Mr. George Offem, in a statement, said: "Direct TopUp is a top-up management service for retailers who want to generate income via sales of mobile airtime and utilities, with one easy-to-use platform."

He added that "it generates income for traditional top-up vendors, and organisations with high volumes of visitors like hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, cafes, shopping malls and airports. A single transaction, he said, could enable a customer top-up from N50 to N50, 000 across various services.

"Direct TopUp offers a secure alternative to topping up accounts in mobile accounts, cable TV and utilities among others, with its user-friendly platforms and JAVA appenabled phones which customers can use to access and top up their various prepaid accounts quickly and easily," he added,” he said

Edo IGR drops to N1.5bn From Osagie Otabor, Benin

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DO State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has dropped to an average of N1.5billion monthly from N2.2billion.

Executive Chairman of the State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) Oseni Elamah attributed the drop to the amendment of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) by the Federal Government.

Elamah dismissed insinuations that the government planned to impose taxes on individuals who sunk boreholes in their houses.

He said the government would explore other areas to shore up its revenue base rather than causing pains for those who provided water for themselves.

The EIRS boss said all forms of illegalities in the tax system had been eliminated, adding that measures had been adopted to checkmate illegal collection of taxes from motorists.

He said: “We do not only collect taxes we also ensure that government provides tax-friendly environment. The agency is now witnessing voluntary compliance from responsible individuals.

“The government is bent on providing potable water to the people and if anybody out of his will decides to sink water borehole to assist the government in providing water for the people, the government does not impose tax on such service, unless for commercial purpose.”

Lagos launches journal, website IDDERS willing to provide services to the Lagos State Government are in for a new era of pragmatic approach to the business of procurement in the State, Governor Babatunde Fashola said yesterday.

A procurement journal website has been opened to spot opportunities for work and compete for contracts with all having equal access.

Fashola spoke during the launch of the Lagos State Journal and activation of the Public Procurement Agency (PPA) website, through the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr Adebiyi Mabadeje.

The scheme, the governor

B

By Nneka Nwaneri

said, would enhance transparency, efficiency, accountability and value for money in the area of public procurement and asset disposal.

Fashola said: "We will advertise contract opportunities by the publication of Invitation for Bids and Expression of Interest for contracts within an open competitive threshold; details of contracts awarded by government will be published in the journal.”

General Manager of PPA, Mr Akin Onimole, said the system is informative and educative and will serve as an accessible and affordable communication mechanism for all.

58

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

NEWS 10 dead, 15 injured in Bauchi road crash

‘Why there is peace in Ebiraland’

By Joseph Jibueze

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From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

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EN people died on the spot while 15 others were injured yesterday in an auto crash at Kilometre 75, Gombe Road, in Darazo Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The Nation learnt that the accident, which occurred at 5am, involved a Peugeot J5 with registration number XF 56G KTN and a commercial Toyota Hiace bus with registration number XK 162 KMC. Both vehicles were said to have had a collision at a sharp bend.

The State Sector Commandant of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Sunday Henry Olatunji, confirmed the incident.

He said: “Twenty-five persons were involved in the accident. Of the number, there were 15 males, four females, five female children and a male child.

Ten people died. They comprised five males, two females and three female children. Fifteen others were injured.

“The survivors are 10 males, two females and three female children.”

Olatunji explained that his men rushed to the scene and evacuated the dead and the injured to Dukku General Hospital in Gombe State.

The FRSC commander attributed the accident to dangerous overtaking and impatience by the drivers.

•Members of North’s Traditional Rulers Committee on National Primary Health Care Development Agency during their visit to Kaduna State Governor Mukhtar Yero in Kaduna...yesterday.

Soldiers, SSS kill suspected terrorist in Sokoto

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HE Nigerian Army said yesterday soldiers and operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) had shot dead a suspected terrorist in a joint operation in Sokoto.

Brig.-Gen. Tasi’u Ibrahim, the Commander, 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Sokoto, told reporters that the incident took place in Gidan-Dare, near Sokoto.

He said a suspect was also captured alive while 11 relations of the suspected terrorists were rescued and secured.

According to him, five of the secured members are women, including two expectant mothers, and children.

“The expectant mothers are

•Arms, ammunition seized now receiving ante-natal care at the Brigade’s clinic,” Ibrahim said.

The commander explained that the operation was carried out following a tip-off, adding that “the house was being used as a terrorist hideout”.

Ibrahim said neither the army nor the SSS recorded casualties.

“The operation was clinically and carefully carried out in line with the existing global rules of engagement,” he added.

The Army commander said some of the weapons recovered from the house included

six AK 47 rifles and a pump action rifle, 13 explosive devices and a vehicle, with registration number (Abuja) EL 295 ABJ. Others are: 13 magazines of ammunitions, seven improvised explosive devices, IEDmaking materials, 32 batteries, an axe, four phones, 56 SIM cards, three memory cards, 10 cartons of milk and N76,685 cash.

Ibrahim said: “These people do not wish Nigeria and the state well. In this holy month of Ramadan, one may wonder why these people are hell-bent on causing a breach

of the peace.

“All well-meaning and lawabiding Nigerians will continue to be protected and secured.

The army will make every effort to ensure that the innocent do not suffer.”

Hailing the people for their cooperation with security agencies, Ibrahim cautioned the residents against renting their houses to unknown persons.

Also at the news briefing were: Air Commodore Hanbali Tukur, the Commander, 55 Forward Operation Base, Nigeria Air Force, Sokoto; Police Commissioner Shu’aibu Gambo and SSS State Director, Alhaji Jubril Danmalam.

Kano, BOI sign N2b MoU on SMEs

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HE Kano State Government and the Bank of Industry (BOI) have signed a N2 billion agreement to fund Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Through the fund, the BOI will provide N1 billion while the government is to provide the balance.

Kwankwaso said his administration has created more businesses for SMEs growth, especially in the area of processing, manufacturing and production.

The governor said an Entrepreneurship Standard Committee, to be supervised by the Ministry of Commerce, has been set up to examine loan applications. It has a prominent entrepreneur as member.

Kwankwaso said his administration was partnering

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

BOI to set up more SMEs, adding that the government would facilitate loans for entrepreneurs wishing to access such facilities.

The governor, however, stressed that his administration would not take loans to finance projects but would welcome grants and counterpart funding arrangements for the economic development of the state.

He also said his administration had made efforts to develop SMEs, adding that one of them was the establishment of 23 institutes, to make the teeming youths enterprising and productive.

Kwankwaso said his administration has created more businesses for women.

The governor expklained that majority of the students in

•Kwankwaso

the state were women, hence the need to build their capacity.

He said: “We train over 600 women in our institutes, which are into poultry and fishery, and have just graduated 400 students.

In addition to capacity-building, we have decided to build cottage industries.”

Kwara NDLEA arrests businessman for alleged PERATIVES of the cocaine trafficking National Drug Law

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Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kwara State yesterday said they have arrested an Ilorin businessman for alleged cocaine trafficking.

The state NDLEA Commander Segun Oke spoke in Ilorin, the state capital, when executive members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) visited him in his office.

Oke said the cocaine PUBLIC NOTICE OLATEJU I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Omolola Adeola Olateju now wish to be addressed and known as Mrs. Omolola Adeola Aderibigbe . All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

weighed 1.7 kilogrammes and has a market value of about N20 million.

The NDLEA commander said the arrest occurred last Tuesday, adding that the drug was concealed in an ordinary envelope with affixed postage stamps on it.

According to him, the envelope containing the drug was delivered at an Ilorin motor park.

Oke said operatives of the agency, who intercepted the parcel, called the names written on the envelope to collect it. The suspect was arrested in the process, he said.

Oke described the seizure and arrest of the suspected traf-

ficker as the first in the state.

He urged the public to be on the alert and provide useful information on suspicious people and places to security agents.

The NDLEA commander also regretted the new challenge of drug abuse in the state.

Oke noted that some residents have resorted to getting high by using legal medication, such as cough syrup, with banned codeine.

He said the development could destroy a generation, if not handled with the seriousness it deserves.

The commander identified Oko Olowo and Babooko areas in Ilorin as major terminals where the nexus of drug distribution takes place.

RESIDENT of Ebira People’s Association (EPA), Dr Adeiza Abdulrahaman, has attributed the peace in Ebiraland to the cooperation among traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies and politicians.

He hailed the association’s executive members, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, the Ohi’s, League of Imams, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo communities for their roles in keeping the peace.

Abdulrahaman, in a statement by EPA National Secretary Isa Yahaya, said the crisis, which engulfed part of Ebiraland in the past, “has been reduced significantly to an acceptable level” through regular meetings among stakeholders.

500 Bauchi civil servants posted to Balewa Teaching Hospital From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

O

VER 500 medical and allied workers have been posted to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) from the state civil service since the inception of the hospital in September 2010, it was learnt yesterday.

Chairman of the State Hospitals Management Board Alhaji Salisu Usman, who addressed reporters in Bauchi on the achievements of the board, gave the figure.

He said 400 others have sought transfer from various health facilities across the state to the teaching hospital.

Usman said the government has ensured the maintenance a clean and healthy environment in hospitals as well as begin a daily in-patient feeding through the provision of Direct Feeding/Maintenance allowances of N4.6 million.

Police warn vehicle owners

T

HE Ogun State Police Command has warned owners of accidented and abandoned vehicles parked at Isara/Odogbolu and Adigbe Divisions to remove them or lose them to the public through an auction after 14 days of this publication.

They vehicles are: Nissan Toyota Camry, with registration number CC696FKJ; Senator 3.0 Opel, unregistered; Astra 1.6 car, AQ816JBD; Toyota car, GR50KJA; Bora2.6car,TS30AAA;SpaceWagon car, AE568JTA; Maxima Nissan car, DC912APP; Mazda Saloon car, UU503KJA; Explorer Ford, BT781ABC; Toyota Corolla, LF333AAA; Carina II, unregistered; Mazda bus, XP518SMK; Scoda car NB309KJA; Datsun car XC989AAB; Mazda bus, XA530BDS; Nissan bus, XA823KTN; DAF Benz truck, XA325JMU; Mazda car, ME192KJA; Nissan Primera car, GG765AAA; Nissan Sunny car, unregistered; Toyota Priva bus, CY298GGE; Honda Accord car, BW942GGE; Jincheng motorcycle, QR208LSR; Jincheng, LA9349RG and Boxer, unregistered.

Alaso in Zone II, Onikan, Lagos State, are: Honda Accord DH524SHA; Suzuki SRV D162ND; Carina SA AB3921RB; Mazda unregistered.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

59

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

Seven die as building collapses in Lagos •Baby trapped as another falls in Kaduna

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RAGEDY struck in Lagos early yesterday. A building caved in, killing seven occupants, including a two-year-old.

No fewer than seven others, including children, were rushed to hospitals injured, three among them in critical conditions.

The collapse of house 28, Oloto Street, Mainland area about 2.15 am, spread panic in the entire neighbourhood, notably, Herbert Macaulay and Willoughby Streets.

The three-storey building was said to have accommodated about 50 occupants.

Some of the survivors said they observed some unusual cracks and noise shortly before the building went down.

Information Officer of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in the Southwest, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, confirmed the death toll. He said seven persons, including two children between the ages of two and four, had been rescued and rushed to the hospital. Bodies of the dead, he added, were taken to the morgue.

The NEMA official said a twoyear -old, three women and three men, died.

Farinloye said residents of the building told him that at about 1am, they started getting signs that all was not well with the building because of the sound they were hearing.

He said some of the tenants rushed out but after the sound subsided, they went back into the house. He said that about 2 am, the noise resumed, after which the building came down at about 2.15am.

Farinloye said residents got in touch with NEMA after 10 minutes, adding that the agency, with others, got to the site about 2.50am to start rescue operations which were still ongoing as at noon yesterday.

He said two buildings around the site of the collapsed building would be brought down “because they can no longer pass integrity test.”

He said occupants on the last floor escaped because their staircase was located behind the house, while those mostly affected were those on the middle and first floor.

"A woman and three children were trapped on the ground floor while another set of seven were trapped on the first floor when we arrived," he explained.

Two Mainland Local Government Area Neighbourhood Watch officers, Adisa Kusheru and Adisa Shuaibu, recalled the incident. They said they tried to rescue the victimd before NEMA officials arrived Excavators and other rescue equipment including a V-EGO machine fitted with cameras and sensors were being used at the site to detect where occupants were being trapped.

Balogun Kabiru, a survivor, attributed such incidents to greed on the part of developers and landlords.

Another victim at the Casualty

By Uyoatta Eshiet, Miriam Ekene Okoro, Precious Igbonwelundu, Ebele Boniface, Wale Adepoju, Musa Odoshimoke, Tony Akowe (Kaduna) and Joke Kujenya

Ward of the Lagos General Hospital, was said to be in stable condition.

He writhed in pain as a nurse was cleaning up his bruised body.

The victim struggled to narrate how the unfortunate incident happened as a doctor examined him.

The doctor said his condition was stable.

Twelve of the victims were taken to Kuba Hospital. Its Medical Director, Dr Aaron Subete, said they were all in stable condition, adding that those with bad fractures would take x-ray and might be referred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital (NOH), Igbobi, Yaba.

One of treated victims, Mrs Edna Okonkwo, said she was sleeping when she suddenly heard a loud noise, adding: “I thought I was already dead and I started praying for my husband, unknown to me that he was safe and was searching for me. I sustained a little fracture on my right shoulder.”

Her husband, Ejike, who sat beside her, said he wanted to jump when the building fell, but that he used his hand to blow the ceiling for an escape route.

Another victim, Olayinka Mogaji, 28, a business man, said he was on the third floor when the tragedy happened.

At the site with NEMA officials were: Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA); men of the Civil Defence Corps and the police, who jointly provided security. The Lagos State Ambulance Service and the Red Cross were also on the rescue mission.

But government officials insisted that only four bodies were recovered from the rubble.

General Manager of state Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Femi OkeOsanyintolu, who coordinated rescue operations, said: “We have rescued ten people and recovered four bodies so far. Rescue operation is on-going.

"We are on top of the challenges.

We have extended rescue efforts to the ground floor. Before the building collapsed, a lot of occupants had vacated the premises".

The LASEMA chief said the building were marked by the Lagos state Building Control Agency (LASBCA), for structural integrity test before the incident.

The Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Razak Fadipe whose agency was the first to arrive at the scene at 03:35 am warned Lagosians to report cases of dilapidated buildings to the appropriate authorities before it is too late. "When you live in an old house and notice a crack, it is important to notify the authorities because life lost cannot be replaced," he said.

One of the survivors, Miss Balikis

•A crowd of sympathisers on the scene of the Ebute-Metta incident ... yesterday

THERE was drama at the site of the collapsed building in Lagos yesterday. The spokesperson of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ibrahim Farinloye, was manhandled and arrested by policemen.

He was bundled out of the scene as rescue operation was going on by policemen attached to the Rapid Response Squad on the orders of its Commander, Akeem Odumosu, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).

His arrest almost marred the rescue operation as other officials of the agency protested and abandoned the work. They left the scene angrily, leaving the trapped victims.

Farinloye incurred Odumosu's wrath for daring to stop him from sending away sympathisers who stormed the scene.

Abdulamid, said she was on the balcony of the second floor when the building came down.

She said her mother and her four siblings were also rescued, but were rushed to the hospital to treat their minor injuries.

She said they had noticed cracks on the walls of their rooms, adding that their father used to patch them up with cement.

In May, Governor Babatunde Fashola had set up a Tribunal of Enquiry to unravel the causes of building collapse in the state. The tribunal's report is expected next month.

Also in Kaduna, a one-and-a-half month-old was trapped yesterday, when a two-storey building collapsed. Two persons were injured.

The commercial/residential building was on Hadjia Road, a few metres from the Kaduna Central Market.

Eye witnesses said when the building went down, many thought it was a bomb explosion.

Spokesperson of Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Abubakar Zakari Adamu, confirmed that two persons were injured, adding that they were taken to an undisclosed hospital for treatment.

Adamu said that one of the victims taken to the hospital, Fatima Abubakar, claimed that her onemonth-old baby was trapped inside

Mob lynch three robbery suspects

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HREE suspected armed robbers met their waterloo at Ikotun, a Lagos suburb, yesterday. They were burnt dead by an angry mob after dispossessing a man of his valuables.

The incident, it was learnt, occured at about 6 pm on Governors' Road.

The men, who were said to be in their early 20s, according to an eye witness, Bola Sanni, were about to escape with a motorbike when a car hit them.

By David Adejo

"Following the alarm raised by the victim, some people trooped to the scene, beat the three robbers to death and set their bodies ablaze," said Sanni.

Some residents and police sources said the suspects had been terrorising the community for long. The charred remains of their bodies, The Nation learnt, have been deposited at the Yaba General Hospital's morgue.

"Guns and ammunition were recovered from the suspected robbers after they had shot two victims," a police source said.

Confirming the incident, police spokesperson in the state, Ngozi Braide said a locally-made pistle and some live catridges were recovered from the bandits.

The Ikotun Division of the police, it was learnt, resently launch a clampdown on criminals in the area in effort to rid the community of them.

NEMA spokesman detained Odumosu arrived the scene around mid day, chasing away nonrescue workers, including reporters.

Farinloye who was in the middle of the operation, walked up to him and confronted him, insisting that they had been part of the operation, even before NEMA officials came.

The NEMA spokesman was bundled away and detained at nearby Denton Police Station with an instruction that he should be arraigned in court today.

As at 4pm, yesterday, Farinloye was still being detained.

Efforts by some people, including the chairman of Lagos Main-

land Local Government, Mr Oladele Adekanye, to get the NEMA spokesperson released, failed. Reason: The RRS commander insisted on "teaching him a lesson."

Adekanye even promised Odumosu that the NEMA official would write a letter of apology, but he insisted that he must be taken to court.

A reporter from a national television station, also pleaded for Farinloye, but the RRS commander insisted on punishing him for attempting to disrespect him.

"He threatened to write a petition. Let him go and write it. He cannot send me away from here, but I have sent him away," Odumosu boasted.

the building.

When The Nation visited the scene, part of the building was still falling, while sympathisers gathered, shell-shocked.

It was gathered that rescuers could not work for about two

hours. Youths who wanted to make their way into the rubble for possible rescue operation were prevented by security operatives.

Cranes and loaders were busy evacuating the debris in search of survivors.

By Jude Isiguzo

Siblings, others allegedly steal N3m THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday arraigned seven persons, including three of who are of same parents, before a Lagos High Court, Ikeja for allegedly stealing N3 million belonging to the Rose of Sharon Foundation, a non-governmental organisation.

The money was meant for orphans and widows in the foundation.

The three siblings, Vincent Ayewah (29), Florence Ayewah(23) and Emmanuel Ayewah (18) were arraigned before the Court presided by justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo.

The brothers and their sister were arraigned alongside David Onwuwa (20), George Ehizibolo (44), Okonkwo Chikadibia (22) and Chinyere Awanah (18) .

They were arraigned on a 27-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, forgery and impersonation.

EFCC counsel, Oluwatoyin Owoduni, said Vincent, an employee of the foundation, allegedly conspired

By Adebisi Onanuga

with other defendants to divert the funds meant for the beneficiaries of the empowerment scheme.

He alleged that the fraud was committed by the defendants between 2010 and 2012.

Owodunni further alleged that the defendants impersonated and stole various cheques and withdrew monies meant for orphans and widows in care of the foundation.

Vincent, according to him, allegedly forged cheques of the foundation's Stanbic IBTC Bank Account.

He alleged that the cheques were cashed by the defendants with fake identity cards.

He said their alleged offences contravened Sections. 44 (4), 309 and 467 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State 2003.

The defendants all pleaded not guilty.

Justice Onigbanjo granted them bail in the sun of N250,000 each with two sureties in like sum.

Man arraigned for 'defiling' daughters A commercial bus driver, Mr. Adewale Adeleke Adetayo, has been arraigned before Court 6, Ikeja Magistrate Court, for allegedly defiling his daughters (names withheld), aged 10 and 13 years.

Adetayo, a native of Modakeke, Osun State, who plies Ikotun-Mushin route was apprehended by Esther Child Right Foundation and Compassionate Women Initiative, following a tip-off by one of his neighbours.

According to the president of Esther Child Right Foundation, Mrs. Ogwu Esther, the accused confessed to the crime in his police statement and when he was quizzed in a popular

By Abiodun Alade

Yoruba television programme, "Labe Orun."

Adetayo reportedly confessed during the programme that he had been sleeping with the girls at his Abaranje home after he divorced their mother.

A radio anchor, Mr. Ademola Olota, said he was called and informed of the incident on June 26 by one of his listeners.

His words,"It was just few minutes after my programme on that fateful day that a listener called me and pleaded not to mention his name because he wanted to discuss something with me.

60

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

FOREIGN NEWS

Egypt: Brotherhood vows to keep defying coup

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GYPT’s Muslim Brotherhood vowed yesterday not to back down in its push to restore ousted President Mohammed Morsi to power but insisted its resistance is peaceful in an effort to distance itself from more than a week of clashes with security forces.

The group has refused to work with the interim leaders, who are trying to restore calm and pave the way for new elections early next year

Mandela foundation wants volunteers for 95th birthday

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HE Nelson Mandela Foundation is hoping that volunteers around the world donate just over an hour of their time when South Africa’s former president turns 95 next week.

Mandela remained hospitalised since June 8 in critical but stable condition for a recurring lung infection.

Mandela’s birthday is on July 18 and his foundation’s Twitter feed is asking people to join in the volunteer-day initiative.

The goal of Mandela Day is to inspire individuals to “take action to help change the world for the better.”

The movement asks people to donate 67 minutes of their time in reflection of what the foundation says is the more than 67 years Mandela spent serving his community, his country and the world.

•F-16 jets will still go despite coup, says U.S. •German Chancellor urges inclusion after the toppling of Morsi and the subsequent crackdown on other leaders of the fundamentalist Islamic group.

The Brotherhood statement came a day after arrest warrants were issued for the group’s spiritual leader, Mohammed Badie, and nine other Islamists accused of inciting violence after deadly clashes - the latest moves by the new military-backed government as it tries to choke off the group’s campaign to reinstate Morsi.

A senior Brotherhood leader, Essam el-Erian, echoed the sentiment in comments published on the website of the Brotherhood’s political arm, the Freedom and Justice party. ”The people will restore their freedom and dignity through peaceful sit-ins in square, demonstrations and protests,” he was quoted as saying. “All Egyptians must stop dragging the country to violence and avoid falling into the vicious circle of violent and counter-violence.”

Gen. Ahmed Wasfi escaped unharmed but a 5year-old girl was killed after gunmen in a pickup truck opened fire on his convoy in the Sinai town of Rafah, near the border with the Gaza Strip, prompting a gunbattle with the accompanying troops, security officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

The Brotherhood statement insisted Thursday that the group adheres to peaceful

measures in line with the teachings of Islam.

The arrest warrants against Badie and the others for inciting violence that left dozens dead in Cairo on Monday drew an angry response from the Brotherhood, which said “dictatorship is back” and insisted it will never work with the interim rulers.

Badie’s whereabouts are not known, but many of the others are believed to be taking refuge somewhere near a continuing sit-in by the group’s supporters outside the Rabaah al-Adawiya Mosque in an eastern Cairo district that is traditionally a Brotherhood stronghold.

Obama’s Europe envoy to face Benghazi questions

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RESIDENT Barack Obama’s choice as chief American envoy for Europe faces the Senate yesterday in a confirmation hearing that could go far beyond issues of trans-Atlantic diplomacy to questions about the administration’s handling of the Benghazi attack and its plan to arm Syria’s rebels.

Rarely is a potential assistant secretary of state expected to expound on such politically sensitive policy issues.

And while no one disputes Victoria Nuland’s credentials, her prominence as spokeswoman and adviser to secretaries of state Hillary Rodham Clinton and John Kerry placed her in the middle of some of

Obama’s biggest foreign policy challenges recently, including last year’s attack in Libya, which killed the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans.

As a Russia expert, Nuland also probably will be called on to give her view of Moscow’s continued protection of

American secrets leaker Edward Snowden and the overall trajectory of the “reset” in U.S.-Russian relations under Obama. That effort has stumbled over many issues, including Syria’s civil war and a Kremlin crackdown on prodemocracy organizations.

•Nuland

Mali’s govt returns to key northern city

A

MALIAN army commander says government officials have returned to the northern city of Kidal 16 months after they were chased out by rebels.

Col. Mamary Camara, the military chief in Kidal, said regional governor Col. Adama Kamissoko arrived by plane around midday Thursday accompanied by Malian and United Nations officials.

Like the rest of northern Mali, Kidal fell to Tuareg separatists and then alQaida-linked fighters following a military coup in March 2012. France launched a military intervention in January, driving the rebels out of the other major towns.

But Tuareg rebels reentered Kidal in February and March of this year, and the city remained under rebel control until Mali’s military returned last week.

A presidential election in Mali is scheduled for July 28.

Fresh row brews between Kenya and Somalia

A

ROW on the Horn of Africa between Somalia and Kenya over a border area inside Somalia called Jubaland took another twist — as a former militia leader backed by Kenya but not recognized by Somalia flew to a prominent northern city and was received there as the

president of Jubaland.

In recent weeks the government of Somalia has been claiming Kenya, an old ally, of quietly and tacitly creating a buffer state out of the territory of Jubaland, one that Kenya would hold sway in.

On July 1 Somali authorities said that Kenyan forces,

deployed in Somalia as part of an African Union peacekeeping force, were taking sides and should leave, and that they were complicit in a small massacre in May in the Jubaland port of Kismayo that left dozens dead and some 155 wounded.

They also allege that Kenya is backing Sheikh Ahmed

Madobe, the leader of a militia called Ras Kamboni, that has fought in Jubaland with Kenyan troops in an effort to drive out the Al Qaeda-linked radical forces of Al Shabab.

Over the weekend Mr. Madobe flew to the Somalian Puntland region, which, like Jubaland, is semi-autonomous and wishes to remain so.

NEWS Presidency behind crisis, say CPC, CNPP Continued from page 2

strongly suggests that the police provided cover for people whose sole aim is destabilising the state Assembly.

“It is not enough for the House of Representative to ask for the redeployment of the Police Commissioner for Rivers State Command, Joseph Mbu. An investigation could yield valuable information as to who Mbu answers to even though the public might have correctly insinuated.

To the CPC, the Presidency is at the centre of the crisis.

The party said the crisis has the trappings of executive recklessness and impunity.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Fashakin, the CPC demanded the impeachment of the President.

It raised four posers for Jonathan and the InspectorGeneral of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar.

The statement said: “The infra-dig dramatised at the Rivers State House of Assembly, as captured by local and foreign media, has become a cause for concern among Nigerians.

“The horrific spectacle, to us at the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), is a clear manifestation of the leadership deficit at the nation’s presidency.

“The cause of the fracas was that on Tuesday, July 9, 2013, a group of five legislators- led by Mr. Evans Babakaya Bipialakasat (in an inquorate manner) ahead of the 27 other House of Assembly members, with the sole purpose of impeaching the incumbent Speaker, Mr. Otelemaba Amachree.

“Apparently, as a way of executing this nefarious act, the group of five procured another

mace that was different from what was in the custody of the incumbent speaker of the House of Assembly.

The CPC said the Presidency cannot deny involvement in Rivers State crisis, including the First Lady’s backing for the selfimposed leader of the G-5 causing mayhem in the Rivers House of Assembly, Mr. Evans Babakaya Bipialaka.

The statement added: “Despite the denials of the President’s media aides, who have perfected unscrupulous mendacious posturing, we believe very strongly that the Presidency is at the epicentre of the current security challenges in Rivers State.

“We have noted the demeanour of Mr. Joseph Mbu, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, which, the House of Representatives agreed, is unbecoming of a patriotic Police officer.

“We have also noted that the tumultuous entry of the First Lady, Patience Jonathan into Port-Harcourt in June was for the wedding of Mr. Evans Babakaya Bipialaka, the leader of this group of five.

“We noted the suspicious acquiescence by the Rivers State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the infamy done by the group of five.

“Unfortunately, the situation in Rivers State has degenerated since the formal takeover of the state Assembly functions by the House of Representatives.

“The Police reportedly fired tear gas canisters into the Government House. We also learnt that the security detail for the governor have been withdrawn!

These are pointers to anarchy in the state.

“The relevant questions to be asked are: Did the group of five legisla-

tors have the legitimacy (under the nation’s extant law) to sit on Tuesday, July 9, 2013?

If they acted outside the law, should legal proceedings not be commenced against them as a way of punishing this execrable villainy, thereby strengthening the Nation’s jurisprudence?

Should the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, continue to allow Mr. Mbu function as the State commissioner of Police with the documented show of insubordination against the state governor?

Is the President’s polarising content of the debacle in Rivers state not a manifestation of his undesirable leadership style?

“As a party, we know that Nigeria is not a monarchy, where statehood is synonymous with the person of the holder of Executive Authority.

“The President, through subterranean means, had unduly increased the entropy level of the political firmament in Rivers State for self-conceit. This, we believe, is unbecoming of a statesman. The National Assembly has the responsibility to investigate the President in the Rivers State saga. If found culpable, he should be impeached forthwith!”

‘Blame Jonathan if Rivers governor is killed’ Continued from page 2

man”, said Soyinka.

He compared Amaechi’s situation to that of the 12th Century Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, whose life was extinguished by a sword’s crushing blow on a cold December evening at the King’s instance as he struggled on the steps of his altar.

Becket’s troubles with King Henry II, Soyinka recalled, reached its peak when the Archbishop excommunicated the Bishops of London and Salisbury for their support of the king.

Becket, he said, remained steadfast in his refusal to absolve the bishops.

According to Soyinka, the news threw King Henry into a rage in which he was purported to have shouted: “What sluggards, what cowards have I brought up in my court, who care nothing for their allegiance to their lord. Who will rid me of this meddlesome priest!”

The consequence was that the king’s outrage inspired four knights to sail to England to rid the realm of the annoying prelate.

Becket fled to the Cathedral where a service was in progress.

The knights found him at the altar, drew their swords and began

Jonathan: I’m not involved Continued from page 2

ed with regret the continuing attempts by some individuals and groups to place responsibility for the unpleasant developments in Rivers State on President Jonathan.

“We are constrained to state once again that there is absolutely no factual basis for suggestions that some of the politicians involved in the current dispute

are acting at the behest of the President.

“President Jonathan certainly did not instigate the crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly and as President of the nation, he will never support any actions that negate his avowed commitment to the rule of law. The President will also never violate his oath of office to always defend the Nigerian Constitution.”

•Falana calls for Mbu’s removal hacking at their victim, finally splitting his skull to pieces.

“Are we not moving towards absolute monarchism?” Soyinka said.

He said the signals emanating from the Presidency bother on impunity, conveying to “followers” that they too can act with equal impunity.

First, he said the Federal Government took away Amaechi’s aircraft in dubious circumstances, making it imposing for a “duke” of the kingdom to be with a “carriage.”

According to Soyinka, Nigerians are being treated to the same kind of experiences under the President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration where governors were illegally removed from office.

“It’s insulting; it’s condescending. I feel, as a citizen, personally insulted. So I wonder what we have done to deserve this level of governmental banality. What is happening in Rivers is only a variation of our old familiar theme,” Soyinka said.

According to him, the Presidency ought to be more concerned about the worsening situation of insecurity, the latest of which manifested in the “butchering of our children in school”.

“We should be bothered about the wastage of our future, and the closure of schools. It is a defeat for schools to be closed,” Soyinka said.

He explained that his condemnation of the brigandage in Rivers State does not mean he is calling for a mass protest akin to those of the Arab world.

“We haven’t reached that moment where anyone is calling the citizens to action,” he said, adding: “We all have a duty, including the media.”

For instance, Soyinka said it was wrong to refer the so-called new

“Speaker” in media reports as if he is legitimate.

“Stop treating this clown as an equal of the elected Speaker, though you can quote him. You can describe him as ‘self-declared’ speaker.

“Help the public to put everything in the right perspective.

Preparation of the mind of the public is critical. Don’t call them by a title which they have not earned properly.”

Falana said it was shameful that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated a man unconstitutionally elected by five lawmakers as their new leader.

“Those who set the engine of illegality in Rivers State are currently outside the country. It follows the same pattern,” Falana said.

According to him, he will not be surprised if the Presidency soon hosts “the new speaker” just as President “received a man who scored 16 votes and grounded the plane of a man who scored 19 votes”.

“Just this morning (yesterday) the Minister of Finance issued a statement from abroad that she was not responsible for the darkness in the country.

“Why hasn’t the President issued a directive as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces for the security forces to restore order in Rivers State?

“We are calling on the Inspector-General of Police to begin enforcing the Police Code of Conduct fully and by removing the Rivers Commissioner of Police Joseph Mbu without further delay.

“He has treated the court of law and the Code of Conduct of the Police with contempt. He should be sanctioned by the Police Service Commission,” Falana said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

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NEWS CRISIS IN RIVERS

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Crisis an assault on democracy, say Progressive governors

HE Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) yesterday described the Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crisis as an assault on democracy.

The PGF is an association of governors of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).

In a statement yesterday, the governors said: “Events in Rivers State resulting in the shameful occupation of the Government House by members of the Nigeria Police Force on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 are a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy. These developments are not only

By Precious Igbonwelundu

worrisome but outrightly condemnable as an affront on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) unequivocally condemns the ill-disguised attempt to create a State of Emergency in Rivers State by plunging the state into a needless and avoidable crisis.

“All available evidence surrounding the events of Tuesday and Wednesday, July 9 & 10 indicated that the Rivers State Police Commissioner, Mr.

Joseph Mbu and his men did not act in a professional manner.

Before now, the State Police Commissioner has exhibited very clear bias against the Governor and other State Officials. This is a dangerous development that would only produce anarchy with unpredictable consequences.

“Events of July 9 &10 in Rivers State represent acts sponsored by anarchists whose interest include subverting our democracy and expose the lives of democratically elected representatives to great danger.

As it is today, the orderly

conduct of democratic institutions in Rivers State have been impaired and the life of Governor Amaechi and his team are in great danger. The constitutional responsibility of the State House of Assembly is being impeded and in the circumstance the House of Representatives has voted to take over the functions of the State House of Assembly as provided under Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution.

“It is very clear to all discerning Nigerians that the crisis in Rivers State is a product of intolerance and highhanded

attempts to undermine our rights as Governors acting under the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) to freely choose our leaders. Having elected Governor Amaechi on May 24 as the Chairman of NGF, the anti-democratic forces against the election are now using other security agencies to threaten and intimidate Governor Amaechi and in the process engineer anarchy and endanger innocent lives and property in Rivers State.

“This is not only a condemnable act but a gross abuse of power. We strongly call

on President Goodluck Jonathan to not only exercise his moral authority, but also apply his constitutional responsibilities to ensure the restoration of peace and protection of the Governor and all citizens.

“Should the crisis in Rivers State continue and anything happen to the Governor or any official for that matter, the Nigerian leadership wouldn’t be absolved of responsibility.

“We call on all Nigerians to do all within their powers to prevail on all in positions of trust and responsibilities to exercise their power with restraint and refrain from steps that might plunge this fragile democracy into a descent to depravity.

Amaechi’s ADC flown abroad •Tension over mass deployment of policemen, security agents in Port Harcourt

F

OLLOWING dislocation of his waist during fracas on Tuesday at the Rivers State House of Assembly, the Aide-de-Camp to Governor Rotimi Amaechi was flown abroad yesterday on wheelchair.

Also, there was tension yesterday following the movement of a plane-load of police and security men from Abuja to Port Harcourt over Rivers State crisis.

The mission of the deployed police and security men was unknown although there was a strong suspicion that it was a move to change the security apparatchik in and around Amaechi.

It was learnt that police orderlies attached to some commissioners and government officials in the state have been withdrawn.

• Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi (left) welcoming the Chairman of the African Union Party Parliamentary Group on Nigeria, Meg Hillier, when the group visited the governor in Port Harcourt. With them are members of the group.

It’s a descent into anarchy, says NLC

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HE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday said the Presidency cannot absolve itself from the travails of Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Ameachi.

In a statement titled: “Descent to anarchy,” NLC President Comrade Abdulwahed Omar called on President Goodluck Jonathan “to look beyond the narrow prism of power and partisan politics and ensure that peace and harmony returns to Rivers State by redeploying the Commissioner of police and displaying exemplary statesmanship by discouraging all attempts to frustrate the governor in his duties.”

According to him, the threat to withdraw security to the Governor, which is guaranteed by the Constitution, and the sour relationship between Mr. Amaechi and the Commissioner of Police, whom he has called for redeployment and the request turned down, are clear pointers to the complicity of the Federal Government in the catastrophe in Rivers State.

The statement added that “it is inconceivable for the

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

‘The show of shame going on in the Rivers State House of Assembly calls for the condemnation of all well-meaning Nigerians’ Chief Security officer, which is the governor, not to enjoy respect and be so helpless in the hands of a Commissioner of Police.

“Adequate security to the Governor and good relationship with the Police Commissioner is fundamental to peace in the state, and anything contrary is encouraging a descent to anarchy and chaos, which may well conflagrate beyond the confines of the state.”

The congress urged the

National Assembly to look beyond rushing to take over the affairs of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which by law it has the mandate, but be more creative in finding sustainable ways of ensuring that the prevailing disgrace and descent to anomy in the state is mutually resolved for the sake of peace and security of the people.

The statement said: “The show of shame going on in the Rivers State House of Assembly calls for the condemnation of all well-meaning Nigerians. The Congress condemns this perfidy in the strongest terms as its implication questions not just the eligibility of some legislators, but the commitment of the political class to the sustainability of democracy in the country.

“While it is inconceivable and ridiculous in a democracy that five members of the House of Assembly would contemplate impeaching a Speaker who enjoys the support of twenty six other members, more shameful are the tactics employed by the combatants in their desperation for power. “ Further disturbing, if

• Omar

not disgusting was a pliant and sheepish police that ostensibly acted helplessly rather than intervene decisively as their duty demands to maintain order and peace by carting away or arresting trouble makers at the scene of the mayhem.

“For their lack of professionalism at the spot, the victims of this irrational and insane act of legislators and hooligans are lying in hospital with various degrees of injury, and the state soon enough could be caught in an orgy of violence and bloodletting.”

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Norther Operation

Investigation revealed that the ADC, Debewari was flown abroad following dislocation of his waist while trying to prevent the governor from being harmed on Tuesday.

A source said: “The ADC was taken out of the country on wheelchair for referral treatment. He was seriously wounded by some hoodlums.

“This is necessary to save him from being incapacitated.”

On the deployment of policemen and security agents to Port Harcourt, findings showed that it was effected in two commercial planes at NNAMDI Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The contingent, which checked in at 5pm, was airborne at 6.32pm.

Senator escapes suspension

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HE Senator representing Osun East Senatorial District, Babajide Omoworare, yesterday escaped suspension over alleged disparaging comments against the Senate.

Senator Bello Tukur (Adamawa Central) drew the attention of the Senate to a report he claimed Omoworare made.

Tukur claimed that Omoworare disparaged the integrity of the Senate by allegedly comparing the result of the division of the Senate which upheld the resolution that the Inspector General of Police should take immediate steps to address the broken relationship between the Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi and the Police Commissioner Mbu Joseph Mbu with the result of the election of Governors’ Forum.

When Senate President, David Mark, announced the result of the division on Wednesday and said that those who supported the resolution carried the day, there was noticeable murmuring in the chamber

by Senators who felt that the announcement did not reflect the true voting pattern.

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Abuja

Mark quickly said that the figure he announced was authentic while any other could not be valid.

He added that those who felt otherwise should seek redress in the tribunal.

Omoworare was one of the lawmakers who were said to have been disappointed by the result.

He was reported to have told journalists, “If I say I am not disturbed I am lying to you. But it’s a step after the other.

“It’s a process, just like we were disturbed with the election of the Nigerian Governors Forum, when 16 in this part of the world would be greater than 19.

“We are also disturbed today that when there seems to be majority of nays against ayes, and I called for division and from our own calculation, the nays had it.

“But we must make a point and keep talking about it, we cannot do more than that at the moment.

“But we must keep talking about it.”

Omoworare was also reported to have added, “It won’t be my decision to say we will challenge it since I have a caucus, the opposition and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) caucus.

TODAY IN THE NATION

FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

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HE following is an updated version of a piece that appeared on this page three years ago. There is good reason for an update. Three years ago, with the emergence of the Jonathan presidency following the demise of former President Yar’Adua and the leadership struggle within the ruling party, a good number of citizens concerned about the need for a new beginning through the instrumentality of a transformational leader, invested their hope in Jonathan’s ability to provide such a leadership. Even those who didn’t see a messiah in Jonathan had hoped that his background placed him in a better position to provide the leadership for change in policy and attitude that the country sorely needed. Three years after, the question is: what has changed?

While developmental projects matter and leadership is rightly judged on the basis of its success or failure in promoting the welfare of the people, what is even more important is the ability of the leader to steer citizens on the path of moral rectitude and attitudinal change.

The challenge of leadership is leading by example, and on this, the scorecard of President Jonathan has been far less than exemplary.

Three years ago, when I wrote about transformational times with the challenge to the President to lead the charge, a commentator wondered whether it was a realistic challenge when a section of the country was already deploying the “s” word.

I surmised at that time that the revival of the “s” word, where “s” stands for secession, had a lot to do with public cynicism about the real motives of political actors; and we all knew that it wasn’t the first time that provocative word was deployed, having featured periodically in the checkered political history of this country beginning in 1953, then 1966 and 1993.

Indeed, in 1967, it was not just a word that was deployed; an act was performed with devastating consequences. Since the tasting of that forbidding fruit, however, it seems to me that we have all been forced to accept the reality of our common fate. We are in this lifeboat together, and we either float or sink together. It is this reality that trumps cynicism for me.

On the assumption that none of us as individuals, zones, or nationalities is suicidal, the question is “how do we float together?” This question faced us in 1970 at the end of the civil war. It was not properly addressed. It faced us in 1993 after the debacle of the annulment. It was not properly answered. On those occasions, leadership hubris intruded the zone of rationality, and rationality retreated. We are faced with exactly the same question now, and it will not go away unless we address it satisfactorily.

The life boat analogy is apt for my purpose.

The various scenarios that can sink a lifeboat are present in the case of this country at this time. Imagine some of the occupants deliber-

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

Transformational Leadership Revisited

•Dr Jonathan

ately puncturing a part of the lifeboat. Or imagine more occupants brought into the boat without expanding the boat. Or imagine some of the occupants of the boat being disproportionately tasked with paddling while others are forever napping. Surely with these kinds of issues, only a miracle can save the boat and its occupants. And no doubt, many Nigerians now believe that with our present situation only a miracle can save the country. I think it serves us better to actively work for our miracle to happen.

In the last few months, we have seen the deliberate and sustained effort to spread fear concerning the 2015 elections. Again, there is nothing new about this. We once heard a former president declare that an election in which he was not going to be a candidate was a do-ordie affair. And we saw an investment of raw power and intrigue of the meanest kind in the federal elections of 2007. We also saw the house of cards built by that investment crumble before our very eyes. Shouldn’t that have sent a signal that Nigerians wanted a different direction in the matter of electoral integrity? And now there is nauseating chatter over the airwaves about the hell to expect should

RIPPLES JONATHAN, OTHERS PREACH PEACE AT RAMADAN–News

...and that peace must start from RIVERS

VOL.8 NO.2,544

‘What Africa needs is genuine electoral reforms that could engender electoral revolution that is capable of compelling civilian leaders to govern well- not the military induced civilian leadership being encountered presently in Egypt’ MOBOLAJI SANUSI

‘Only incurable and irrational egoists believe that this country rests on a solid foundation and therefore is not in need of a fundamental restructuring. But to argue with an irrational egoist is not only to endorse irrationality but to become a partner in irrationality. I am not willing to do that’ Jonathan fail to get a second term. Shouldn’t this President have read from the pages of history—even our own limited history—that citizens reward leaders who truly lead and they revile those who rely on raw power with no moral compunction? But where is the presidential rebuke of the loose talk going on?

Just to pick on the very recent incidents, the President failed to show true leadership in the matter of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum elections even after the unsolicited revelations from members of the Northern Governors Forum.

Instead he intensified the vain rhetoric about party discipline. Must party discipline be prioritised over conscience?

Now we are witnessing a further escalation of the same crisis as the Rivers State Assembly is engaged in a macabre dance, the calculated outcome of which may be a declaration of a state of emergency. Should this be the ultimate goal of the brains behind the crisis, the question is what does the President expect to gain?

How a president benefit from a politically engineered crisis that is aimed at removing the institutions of governance of a state, including the governor? What legacy does the President expect?

HARDBALL

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IGERIA’S running political sitcom which Hardball had earlier titled ‘Morbid Obsession’ is yet far from achieving denouement. And if you thought the Aso Rock edition which we titled ‘Tunneling Down’ was interesting, last Tuesday’s episode, let’s call it ‘Imperfect Alibi’ was a firecracker of a show. It was a portrayal of the farcical side of civil rule; it was democracy at its most banal and bizarre. It was a show of jungle democracy so real that it could have been true. Or was it true?

Well let’s consider the narrative, the plot and sub-plots. At about 9am on Tuesday July 9, while President Goodluck Jonathan and about one third of his cabinet were airborne en-route to China, trouble broke out in the trouble-weary Rivers State in Southsouth Nigeria. Inside the rarefied chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) to be precise, five renegade members bearing a fake mace, sat and deigned to impeach the Speaker and to install one of their kind as Speaker. Where was the Nigeria Police when this sacrilege was being perpetrated, you might ask? The police, which you may be free to describe as Aso Rock police, was part of the grand plot apparently. Suborned and compromised it seemed, they aided and abetted the savaging of the constitution, their own very life-string and essence. But they

Imperfect alibi neither knew any better nor just didn’t they care.

It was almost late in the day when a quorum of the House woke up to the retrograde act of the renegades. In fact it took the storming of the House by Governor Rotimi Amaechi and his team before the encircled majority could fight back. The bogeyman of a Speaker sitting under an ersatz mace, was already making an acceptance speech when he was nudged from his brief, precarious perch. In the ensuing free-for-all, skulls were cracked and work equipment were damaged.

It turned out a mini theatre of war and ingenious tactical options were freely deployed by men we thought were mere law makers. Eventually, the barbarians were dislodged and anarchy prevented – no, postponed since the sitcom is still running.

The grand plot was to yank off the Speaker, Mr. Otelemaba Dan Amachree to pave way for impeaching the governor of Rivers State, Amaechi. A hare-brained and utterly unconstitutional plot you would think in which five out of 32 members sought to over-run a House but this kind of show is not a novelty in the ruling party (PDP) democracy. We have about half a dozen examples to cite.

Of the very important issues that the Jonathan presidency was expected to tackle and resolve for a lasting legacy, none is more important than that of keeping this lifeboat afloat. For this to succeed, we have to pay careful attention to its need for restructuring to avoid leakage and provide for its expansion in the light of new occupants being brought in in waves.

A transformational leadership passionate for the survival and prosperity of the country and imbued with integrity is needed for this purpose.

Only incurable and irrational egoists believe that this country rests on a solid foundation and therefore is not in need of a fundamental restructuring. But to argue with an irrational egoist is not only to endorse irrationality but to become a partner in irrationality. I am not willing to do that.

The founding fathers of this country were patriots to the core. They held conferences in which they deliberated passionately on a fitting constitution for the country. They zeroed in on a federal structure as the best in the light of diverse nature of its peoples. Each region was to have its own constitution, its own coat of arms and flag. Each region was to keep up to 50% of the resources coming out of its land and the sweat of its people. Each country was to be responsible for some vital aspects of the lives of its people, including their internal security, their health and their education. The system they agreed upon worked; it generated healthy competition among the regions. It was not the structure that faltered; it was human nature that led to its collapse.

What will save this lifeboat at this transformational time is a genuine effort on the part of the President engaging those transformational leaders who in their various stations have paid their dues and made enormous sacrifices for the survival of the country thus far to come together once more in one accord. Even politicians who may be thinking only in terms of political or sectional interests should get it right this time that the possibility of satisfying such interests is minimal in the light of the imminent and present danger of collapse the country is facing.

No one doubts the poverty of values this country is experiencing now. From the horror of armed robbers to Boko Haram insurgents beheading innocent victims, and kidnappers making daily living uncertain in cities, we are inching closer to a failed state. The President must now resolve to actively engage all stakeholders to save this lifeboat through fundamental restructuring and thus preserve his legacy. President Jonathan must now choose the noble art of statesmanship over the odious craft of politicking. This is what transformational leadership is about.

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above But President Jonathan’s oriental alibi falls to pieces because the fight in Rivers is his fight. The foot soldiers who visited with him in Aso Rock a few days ago to ‘solidarise’ with him and plead on behalf of Governor Amaechi were all at the ‘battlefield’ last Tuesday directing proceedings. But yet another plot has crashed, the president would have learnt to his chagrin. We see no letting up however. The presidency is obsessed with ousting the government in Rivers State and it has tried every trick in the books including pulling the party’s rug from under his feet, stationing an enemy police chief, attempting to stampede him out of the leadership of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and literally shutting down the state. Remember we called this running drama ‘Morbid Obsession’.

Let us leverage from Barbara Tuchman, the great American historian and Pulitzer prize winner in her essay, An Inquiry into the Persistence of Unwisdom in Government.

She posits that: “The lust for power, according to Tacitus, “is the most flagrant of all the passions” and cannot really be satisfied except by power over others.” Tuchman could have been here to witness the “flagrant” attempt to defile Nigeria’s democracy in Rivers State, last Tuesday. Next plot please!

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Editor Daily:01-8962807, Marketing: 01-8155547 . Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Tel: 07028105302. Port Harcourt Office: 12/14, Njemanze Street, Mile 1, Diobu, PH. 08023595790. WEBSITE: www.thenationonlineng.net E-mail: info@thenationonlineng.net Editor: GBENGA OMOTOSO