July 18, 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

How $1.092b Malabu oil deal was struck

Press freedom under threat, says NPAN

NEWS

NEWS

NEWSPage Page6 ??

Page 57

•I’m ready for probe, says Adoke

•‘Discontinue trial of journalists’

www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

VOL. 8, NO. 2550 THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

N150.00

Excess crude account down by $7b to $5b

C •Sanusi

ENTRAL Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has said for Nigeria to beat the ingenuity of counterfeiters, there is a need to redesign the Naira.

Sanusi also revealed that the Excess Crude Account is down by $7bn from $12billion to $5billion.

•Interest rates to rise

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

Sanusi told the Jones Onyereri- headed House Committee on Banking and Currency yesterday that the “ noise” about the 5000 Naira notes was the reason the CBN

shelved the plan, which, according to him, should be done every seven to eight years.

The House brought the CBN and other stakeholders to an interactive session on three motions referred to the

committee. The motions are: •the rising incidence of fake Naira being dispensed from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs); •the urgent need to stop banks from introducing N100 maintenance charges on ATM cards; and •need for a single digit interest rate to encourage small- scale investors.

Sanusi said restructuring of the Naira would stop fake currency.

He said: “One of the reasons we wanted to have a restructuring of the redesign of the currency a few months ago was because, as explained, many of our notes had been in existence Continued on page 2

My marriage intact, says Funke Akindele

S

TAR actress Funke Akindele yesterday broke her silence on her failed marriage rumour.

“My marriage is intact,” she said in a text message to The Nation.

The message reads: "I read in the newspaper yesterday that I am divorced. What proof do you have? And I am taking this to court because my marriage is intact. You guys are rumour mongers.

Funke Akindele Oloyede."

•SEE STORY ON PAGE 53

My problem with Rivers governor,

by First Lady

F

IRST Lady Patience Jonathan yesterday spoke of her problem with Rivers State Governor Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi.

Mrs. Jonathan, who has been linked with the Rivers Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crisis, told visiting Bishops in Abuja that the disagreement started four years ago.

Sixteen Bishops from the Southsouth Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) visited her at the Presidential Villa. She told them that

•Kids who lost their parents to Boko Haram insurgency being hosted by Governor Kashim Shettima for Iftar on Tuesday night at the Government House in Maiduguri

Scholarship for 50 Boko Haram orphans

S

OME unusual visitors were at the Government House, Maiduguri, the troubled Borno State capital, on Tuesday night.

Fifty in all, the visitors —Orphans all — were guests of Governor Kashim Shettima, who broke his fast with them.

They were orphans of Boko Haram victims.

Besides the fine meal, they bagged allround sholarship to pursue their education.

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Communications, Alhaji Isa Gusau, the governor said the scholarship would cut across orphans from both Muslim and Christian homes.

He promised to also host orphans from Christian homes during Christmas.

Continued on page 2

•Shettima (middle) assisted by an official, handing out a gift to one of the kids

Amaechi raises alarm over ‘strange’ security officers Continued on page 2

IG summons CSO, ADC, lawmaker

T •Amaechi

HERE is anxiety over Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s safety.

The state government is worried by the posting of four Intelligence officers to the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

Two policemen have also been post-

Why Presidency is after governor, by Soyinka

From Yusuf Alli and Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

ed to the Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.

No notice of the postings was sent to the governor, a statement by the Secretary to the Government, Mr. George Feyii, said yesterday.

The statement said: “The Rivers State

Government notes with distress what is now an apparent attack on the person of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. Yesterday, two policemen, one of who is an Inspector Bawa, reported to the Rivers State Governor’s Lodge at Justice Mohammed Bello Continued on page 2

INSIDE •ACN blames Jonathan for attack on governors •Kids flay call to fight •SEE PAGES 2 &57

•SPORTS P23 •EDUCATION P25 •POLITICS P43 •N/HEALTH P45 •E-BUSINESS P47

2

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

NEWS

‘My grouse with Amaechi’ Continued from page 1

she had committed the crisis to prayer.

The crisis last week culminated in a free-for-all at House of Assembly in Port Harcourt when five members attempted to impeach Speaker Otelemaba Dan Amachree in a 32member House.

“Rivers state issue is one thing I’ve committed to prayer because I believe there is nothing God cannot do. God restored me and I’ll do His work without the fear of man.

“The truth will always remain the truth and what God ordains must come to pass and so Rivers issue is something we’ve handed over to God.’’ The president’s wife said contrary to some reports, she had always mediated between Amaechi and other parties in

•House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal (second right), Leader of Delegation, Mauritanian Parliament ,Mohamed Abdallahi (right) , Member of the European Parliament , Michele Rivasi (second left) and Chairman, Organising Committee, Muktar Ahmed, during the 10th regional meeting of West African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) and European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly in PHOTO:ABAYOMI FAYESE Abuja...yesterday

50 Boko Haram orphans get Borno governor’s scholarship Continued from page 1

The statement said: “The governor told his guests that they should regard him as their father and that he will do everything within his powers to ensure that they are comfortable and they do not encounter problems in their education.

“The governor called on the orphans to take education very seriously and be of good behaviours so that they would excel in life.

“Shettima presented each of them with two types of as-

sorted textile materials, 50 kilogrammes bags of rice and sugar with some cash for sewing of their textiles ahead of the Sallah coming up in few weeks.

“He called on government officials, wealthy residents and charity organisations to render help to the orphans.

“The governor who interacted with each of the orphans, asking them of their stories, was moved to tears when a young girl recounted how her father and mother were butchered before her eyes while they were praying

in their residence in Budum, Maiduguri.

“The venue of the Iftar became emotional when one of the invitees told the governor that he had before Tuesday night, given up on life. He thanked Governor Shettima for brining his hope alive.

“He said his dream is to become an educationist that would touch the lives of others. He offered prayers for God to protect and bless the governor for being kind to them.

“The caretaker chairman of the Maiduguri Metropolitan

Council, Alh. Abdulkadir Rahis, who was part of the Iftar, said his council would come to the aide of the orphans and support them pointing out that it is the first time a governor was breaking fast with that category of people in Borno State.

“A guardian to two of the orphans, Umar Goni Aji, who gave the vote of thanks, thanked Shettima for coming to their aid and for the concern shown to them despite being low rated members of the society. He prayed for Allah to restore peace in the state.”

Giving the percentage of counterfeit notes per million, he said: “We had about 3.9 per million in 2007, 6 per million in 2008, 8.4 per million in 2009, 7.4 in 2010, 5.4 in 2011 and 8.4 per million in 2012 of the notes processed which were counterfeit.

“But with ATM machines, it should not happen because it has been processed and we would be very pleased to know

if there are specifics about any bank so that we can draw their attention on the importance of processing them before putting them in ATM machines.

“Now, unfortunately, the redesign suffered because of all the noise around N5,000 and, therefore, it is being delayed because that is what would have made it impossible for counterfeiters to forge so they

have to wait for another five, six, seven years before they learn how to counterfeit by which point , the CBN should be redesigning the notes again.

“So I suppose that at some point the country would have to revisit the issue of redesigning the notes but at the moment, based on popular de-

Excess crude account down by $7b to $5b Continued from page 1

for upward of eight or even ten years. Now best practice

is that within a period of five to eight years, you redesign the currency because after that period counterfeiters tend to catch up. Even at that, Nigerian notes in terms of what we see as counterfeit and processing, the percentage is very low.”

Continued on page 59

Street, Asokoro, FCT Abuja.

“They claimed to have been posted by Nigeria Police Force Headquarters to monitor the Rivers State Governor’s Lodge.

“Earlier, four intelligence officers had been posted to Government House, Port Harcourt by the Rivers State Police Command. These postings were done without any notification or reference to Governor Amaechi.

“We are aware that on issues of personal safety, an official reserves the right to pick the security personnel to whom he or she may entrust their safety. This is more so in the case of a State Governor.

“The policemen this morning said that they had directives to remain at the gate of the Rivers State Governor’s Lodge.

“Not only is the Rivers State Government uncertain of the true identity of these gentlemen, we are worried as to the true intent behind this latest posting. In recent times, events in Rivers State and especially around Governor Amaechi have been suggestive of deliberate nonchalance at best, and complicity at worst in the security breeches that have occurred. This trend has continued despite a passionate appeal to the highest levels of authority.

“We are worried that we can

N

Continued on page 59

Hold Jonathan responsible for attack on governors, says ACN

T

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has asked Nigerians to hold President Goodluck Jonathan responsible if the country slides into anarchy as a result of the worsening crisis in Rivers state.

Reacting to the attack on four governors who visited Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the ACN National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in a statement said the attack that took place under President Jonathan’s watch is unprecedented in the country’s history. ‘’We will not accept the usual sophistry that President Jonathan is not in any way involved in the Rivers crisis. It is also not an excuse to argue that the President did not know that the visiting governors will be attacked, because as the country’s Chief Security Officer, he has his ears and eyes all over the country in the persons of security agents. Therefore, if the argument is that he did not know of the attack, then he is not on top of his game,’’ it said.

The ACN wondered when it became a sin for any Nigerian, including elected officials, to visit any part of the country as Governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Musa Kwankwaso (Kano) and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa)

Amaechi raises alarm over ‘strange’ police postings

Continued from page 1

a crisis that began four years ago.

“This matter started as far back as four years ago at Anyugubiri in Okrika when I begged him not to demolish a part of Okrika but (that he should) dialogue first with the people.

“After that incident, he called the chairman of Okrika (local government) and sacked him for holding a reception in our honour; that boy was the first victim.

“He also put my people under curfew for nine months. I called him and pleaded with him but he refused. Then I began to hear all sorts of propaganda in the media against me; this is not the way.

“I’ve never spoken about this issue but as men of God, I be-

did.

The ACN said “there can be no justification other than organised political rascality for a group of paid hoodlums to invade a secure environment like the airport and pelt the convoy bearing the governors with all sorts of objects.”

The party wondered why the Police could not provide adequate security for the visiting state chief executives and restrained the “hired scallywags” from their audacious action. ‘’Would the police have allowed tramps to attack the governors if they were visiting the President? Would the police in Rivers have allowed vagrants to act freely if those visiting Port Harcourt had come in solidarity with the five renegade members of the State House of Assembly? The unprofessional behaviour of the police in Rivers is the reason that Nigerians have accused the state police command of bias and called for the re-deployment of its ‘political’ Commissioner, Mbu Joseph Mbu. ‘’The visiting governors were right to have visited their Rivers’ counterpart, in the face of the siege on him by renegades being teleguided from higher quarters. They are right to have expressed solidarity with AmaeContinued on page 59

Soyinka: Why Presidency is after Amaechi

OBEL laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka yesterday hinted at the root of the rift between Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and the Presidency.

The elder statesman, who said he had been contacted by both factions before he addressed a joint news conference with activist Femi Falana (SAN) in Lagos, disclosed that the Presidency was unhappy over “conflict of interests on certain resources”.

Soyinka said a special adviser in the Presidency, whom he did not name, visited him and outlined the official rationale for the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) debacle. He said the conflict over certain resources, was implied as the root of the division between the NGF and the Presidency.

He said he passed the details from the encounter to Amaechi, who denied all the allegations.

The playwright added that the core issues were the threat to democracy.

Soyinka said: “Before the press conferno longer guarantee the safety of Governor Chibuike Amaechi and wish to reiterate our call on all relevant authorities to ensure the safety of Governor Amaechi and the peace and security of everyone in Rivers State.”

Also yesterday, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar summoned Amaechi’s Chief Security Officer

By Precious Igbonwelundu

ence held by Femi Falana and myself-that is, even before the Rivers Assembly fracas-I had been canvassed by opposing sides of the face-off, both via telephone and physically.

“One such visit, perhaps the most significant, was made by a Special Adviser in the Presidency who outlined what can be regarded as the official rationale for the Governors’ Forum debacle.

“In the process of this exchange, he did make certain complaints against Governor Rotimi Amaechi, including charges of a conflict of interests over certain resources. This was implied as the root of division between the NGF and the Presidency.

“I wrote down details, informed the emissary that I would pass on these accusations to Governor Amaechi-which I did.

That Amaechi hotly denied them and offered contradicting facts, which he urged me to verify, remains utterly irrelevant to

(CSO), Tony Iwelu, and his Aide-De-Camp (ADC), Debeware Semeikumo (ASP) to Abuja over the political crisis in the state.

Also summoned is the Majority Leader of the House of Assembly, Mr. Chidi Lloyd. They are to report at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Abuja.

the democratic core of the conflict-and this has been made clear to all interventionists: “The arithmetics of democracy involved in figures 16 and 19 at the time, and now, with increased confidence in impunity, the figures 27 and 5.

“Whether or not it is democratic, even cultured proceeding that a state governor is barred from public access anywhere within his own zone of constitutional authority, with the massive security apparatus of the centre, on behalf of an unelected individual.

“Even after the Rivers crisis has been resolved, this notorious proceeding will not be permitted to fester unchallenged.

“For the rest, since beneath the surface of most Nigerian conflicts will be found inordinate greed for public resources, it is perhaps pertinent to remind ourselves that oil is not the only marvel to emerge from the Delta swamps.

“There are also exotic creatures-mermaids, manatees, even mammy watas and

A statement by the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba, said the three persons would be facing an interview panel in respect of the roles they played in the crisis, as seen in the video clips in circulation.

The statement recalled that in the said video clips, “a man carrying a mace and another in po-

Continued on page 59

lice uniform as well as other security details were seen conducting themselves in a questionable and uncomplimentary manner.

“The invitation, therefore, seeks to obtain further details that will assist proper investigation into the matter.”

The statement quoted the IGP to have reminded police personnel on various legitimate assign-

•Soyinka

ments, particularly those attached to VIPs, to always remain mindful of their conducts.

He added that they must ensure that they uphold the professional ethics, traditions and best practices of the Force at all Continued on page 59

ADVERT HOTLINES: 08023006969, 08052592524 NEWSROOM: LAGOS – 01-8962807, ABUJA – 07028105302 COMPLAINTS: 01-8930678

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

3

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

4

NEWS

‘Madiba...

•Sierraleonean President Ernest Koroma presenting an award of Grand Patron of the West African Insurance Institute to President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa Abuja... yesterday.

Former President Nelson Mandela, who turns 95 today, has lived an eventful life characterised by trials and tribulations; yet he has emerged as perhaps the greatest African alive and earned the appelation ‘saint before man and God’, writes OLUKOREDE YISHAU

PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN.

•Members of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star Christian Church praying for Mandela outside the Medi Clinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria... yesterday.

W

•Chairman, Nigerian Breweries Plc Chief Kola Jamodu (left), cutting the tape to inaugurate the Star Academy Complex at its corporate office, Orile-Iganmu, Lagos... yesterday. With him are President, Heieneken, Africa & Middle East Mr. Siep Hiemstra, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Mr. Nico Vervelde and Human Resources Director Mr. Victor Famuyibo.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE.

•From left: President/Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) Muritala Ariyo Olushekun (left) greeting the Managing Director, Heritage Bank Limited Mr. Ifie Sekibo when CIS council members visited the bank’s head office in Lagos… on Tuesday. With them are Chairman, CIS’s Annual National Workshop Mr. Albert Okumagba and Executive Director, Heritage Bank Limited Ms Mary Akpobome.

PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

•Manager, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) Mrs. Gloria Ita Ikpeme (second left) presenting a cheque to Programme Coordinator, Nigerian Red Cross Society Mr. Umar Mairiga (second right), for the society's National Emergency and First Aid Team at the Red Cross Abuja Head Office…yesterday. With them are Head of Delegation, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Mr. Javier Barrera (left) and Head Public Affairs, NLNG Mr. Emeka Agbayi..

HEN he was retiring from public life in 2004, his plea was: “Don’t call me, I will call you”. Now, he is in no position to call again. He has been in critical condition in the hospital for the past one month living without really being alive to happenings around him. He turns 95 today and his fans yesterday in Johannesburg, South Africa dubbed him the ‘saint before man and God’.

For Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the beautiful life, which began on July 18, 1918, has, no doubt, been remarkable.

Since he left as South African president after his first term, his health has not been the best.

In January 2011, he was admitted to the private Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg leading to speculation about his health condition. He was discharged after two-and-a-half days in hospital and returned to his Houghton, Johannesburg home in an ambulance.

In July 2001, Mandela was diagnosed of prostate cancer. He had to undergo a seven-week course of radiation.

On his 85th birthday, he announced that he would be retiring from public life. He added that he did not intend to hide away totally from the public, but wanted to be in a position “of calling you to ask whether I would be welcome, rather than being called upon to do things and participate in events”.

And since then, he has appeared less in public. He had been rumoured death not less than thrice. The first was two years after he was diagnosed of prostate cancer. CNN mistakenly on its website published his pre-written obituary due to a fault in password protection. Then in 2007, a group distributed hoax email and SMS messages claiming that he was dead, but the authorities were covering up his death. They alleged that white South Africans would be massacred after his funeral. Yet, he was on holiday in Mozambique.

Last year too, he was rumoured dead and his family had to deny.

Now, many believe the hour for the curtain to close may be near. For now, it has not ended for the man born into the Madiba clan in Mvezo, Transkei.

The struggle that his life is must have been informed by his experience after his father Nkosi Mphakanyiswa Gadla Mandela died in 1927.

Following his father’s death, he became a ward of Jongintaba at the Great Place in Mqhekezweni. At the palace, he heard elders’ stories about his ancestors’ valour during the wars of resistance. This, he said, made him begin dreaming of making his own contributions to the freedom struggle of his people.

He attended primary school in Qunu where his teacher Miss Mdingane gave him the name Nelson,

in accordance with the custom to give all school children “Christian” names.

He earned his Junior Certificate at Clarkebury Boarding Institute and proceeded to Healdtown, a Wesleyan secondary school. He thereafter began studies for a Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University College of Fort Hare.

He could not complete the degree there. He was expelled for joining a students’ protest. He was undaunted and later completed his degree through the University of South Africa and returned to Fort Hare for his graduation in 1943.

In 1941, he met Walter Sisulu, an estate agent in Johannesburg , where he worked as a mine security officer.

Three years later, he joined the African National Congress (ANC) and helped form its Youth League. He was involved in the congress adopting a more radical mass-based policy, known as the Programme of Action.

By 1952, he was chosen as the National Volunteer-in-Chief of the Defiance Campaign with Maulvi Cachalia as his Deputy. It was a campaign of civil disobedience against six unjust laws. It was a joint programme between the ANC and the South African Indian Congress.

He and 19 others were charged under the Suppression of Communism Act for their part in the campaign and sentenced to nine months hard labour suspended for two years.

In August 1952, he and Oliver Tambo established South Africa’s first black law firm, Mandela and Tambo.

His two-year diploma in law and his degree qualified him to practise law .

The authorities became more interested in his activities and it was no surprise that before the end of that year, he was banned from certain activities.

In 1956, he was tried for treason and on December 5 of that year, he was arrested in a countrywide police swoop of 156 activists. Men and women of all races found themselves in the dock in the marathon trial that only ended when the last 30 accused, including Mandela were acquitted on March 29, 1961. The trial was still on when he married his second wife Winnie in 1958.

The March 1960 police killing of 69 unarmed people in a protest at Sharpeville led to the country’s first state of emergency and the banning of the ANC and the Pan Africanist Congress. He was detained during the state of emergency.

The trial did not kill the struggle in him. In fact, some days before he was acquitted, he travelled to Pietermaritzburg to speak at the Allin Africa Conference, where it was resolved that he should write to the

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

5

NEWS

Saint before man and God’

• Members of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star Christian Church bearing ‘Happy Birthday Mandela PHOTOS: AFP ‘ banners outside the Medi Clinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria... yesterday.

Mandela is Africa’s Abraham Lincoln, says Obiozor Prof. George Obiozor served as Nigeria’s ambassador to the United States between 2004 and 2008. He was also Director-General of the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos. In this interview with Assistant Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF, the diplomat takes a look at the life of Nelson Mandela, declaring that the former South African president is to Africa what Abraham Lincoln was to Americans.

H

OW would you describe Nelson Mandela?

Nelson Mandela is without doubt an icon and a legend. He is an exceptionally unique African and world statesman, and definitely an inspiring leader with great courage and candour. Simply stated, he has been a man who made history and left the political scene when the ovation was loudest. Other mortals would have been lured to procrastinate and hang on to power, which was at his disposal. He made history and that was a heroic act unprecedented in Africa. His decision to quit the political scene and his carefully planned succession process are responsible for the peace, progress and relative political stability that the Republic of South Africa enjoys today.

What do you think of him as a freedom fighter?

Mandela as a freedom fighter used a combination of the violent and nonviolent means. On the non-violent side, he appreciated and admired Ghandi of India and on the violent side, he admired the courage of the French Revolution and, of course, the Fidel Castros of this world in Latin America. However, history would honour him for ending the apartheid episode on a peaceful note, and a Democratic Constitution that built a new South Africa for all its peoples regardless of race or religion.

How would you describe him as a leader?

He has been a great leader who contributed immensely to the resolution of a great historical national problem. He has been equally acknowledged and celebrated worldwide as a great leader, a model for Africa and the world.

Does Africa really benefit in any way by having Mandela?

Mandela’s life made a decisive and positive impression on Africa and Africans. A land, a continent and a people thought to be without heroes suddenly produced a Nelson Mandela, who the whole world would rely upon as an arrowhead to solve the almost insurmountable problems of apartheid in South Africa. In Mandela, Africa had produced a historical and great emancipator – an African Abraham Lincoln.

What does the continent lose if he dies?

We know that Mandela, like all mortals, will not live forever but his memory and achievements will be for all Africans a continuing source of inspiration. Great men may die physically but history never forgets them, certainly not in a hurry.

Nelson Mandela would be celebrated in death as he was celebrated in life, if not more. He has lived a great life, full of sacrifices and historic moments which cannot be easily forgotten by Africans in particular and the world in general. And because of Mandela, the end of Apartheid will always be a reference point for all those who believe that human problems – political or economic, social or cultural, no matter how complex – can be solved given good and capable leadership. In fact, I must emphasize that great leaders and strong personalities of history outlive death.

Certainly when Mandela dies, Africa and the world would mourn his death and celebrate his life, for he made Africa proud with his combined virtues of courage and humil-

then Prime Minister Verwoerd requesting a non-racial national convention. He was also mandated to warn the government of an impending national strike against South Africa becoming a republic.

And as soon as he and his colleagues were acquitted in the treason trial, he went underground and began planning a national strike, but this

armed struggle. He was away for about six months and received military training in Morocco and Ethiopia. He was arrested in a police roadblock outside Howick on August 5, 1962 while returning from KwaZulu-Natal, where he briefed ANC President Chief Albert Luthuli.

He was charged and convicted of leaving the country illegally and

T

was called off because of a massive mobilisation of state security.

In June 1961, the mantle fell on him to lead the armed struggle and establish Umkhonto weSizwe (Spear of the Nation). And On January 11, 1962, using the adopted name David Motsamayi, he left South Africa secretly, travelled around Africa and visited England to seek support for the

•Obiozor

ity.

Can there be another Mandela?

Another Mandela in Africa? Only history can tell. However, it is possible because, in my view, certain historic circumstances make the emergence of specific kind of leaders possible, as in France with Charles de Gaulle, Turkey with Mustafa Ataturk, the United States of America with Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Great Britain with Winston Churchill or Russia with Lenin. inciting workers to go on strike. The sentence was for five years. He began serving in Pretoria Local Prison in May 1963 but was transferred to Robben Island and returned to Pretoria in mid-June.

The government was not through with him. In October 1963, he and nine others were tried for sabotage.

In his famous ‘Speech from the Dock’

on April 20, 1964, he said: “I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”

About two months after he made this speech, Mandela and seven other accused, including Walter Sisulu, Ahmed Kathrada, Govan Mbeki, Raymond Mhlaba, Denis Goldberg, Elias Motsoaledi and Andrew Mlangeni were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Goldberg was sent to Pretoria Prison because he was white; the others went to Robben Island on June 11, 1964.

His life experienced a spate of tragedies. His mother died in 1968 and his eldest son Thembi in 1969. He was not allowed to attend their funerals.

At the end of March 1982, Mandela was transferred to Pollsmoor Prison in Cape Town with Sisulu, Mhlaba and Mlangeni. He was returned to the prison in November 1985 after a prostate surgery and was held alone.

After this, he began writing to the then Minister of Justice Kobie Coetsee, who visited him in hospital, to initiate talks between the apartheid government and the ANC. He had tuberculosis in 1988 and was transferred on December 7, 1988 to a house at Victor Verster Prison near Paarl. Nine days after the unbanning of the ANC, he was released. That was on February 11, 1990. The other Rivonia comrades had been released four months earlier.

In 1989, while in the last months of his imprisonment, he obtained an LLB through the University of South Africa. He graduated in absentia at a ceremony in Cape Town.

He would have regained his freedom earlier had he not rejected three conditional offers of release. He spurned one of such offers, releasing a statement via his daughter Zindzi, saying “What freedom am I being offered while the organisation of the people remains banned? Only free men can negotiate. A prisoner cannot enter into contracts.”

On his release, he said: “Our resort to the armed struggle in 1960 with the formation of the military wing of the ANC (Umkhonto we Sizwe) was a purely defensive action against the violence of apartheid. The factors which necessitated the armed struggle still exist today. We have no option but to continue. We express the hope that a climate conducive to a negotiated settlement would be created soon, so that there may no longer be the need for the armed struggle.”

A free man, he immersed himself in talks to end white minority rule. He was in 1991 elected ANC President to replace his ailing friend Oliver Tambo.

In 1993, he and F.W. de Klerk jointly won the Nobel Peace Prize.

On April 27, 1994, he voted for the first time in his life in an election he vied for the presidency. He won and on May 10, 1994 he was inaugurated South Africa’s first democratically elected president. In line with his promise, he refused to run for a second term and retired from public life.

Mandela is giant of our time, says Ban Ki Moon

HE United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon yesterday said this year's commemoration of the Mandela International Day should come with deep reflection on the work and community service of the former South African leader.

Today, Nelson Mandela clocks 95 on his hospital bed.

Moon, while describing the ailing former president as a gi-

ant of “our times”, urged the world to give tangible meaning to “our feelings of concern by taking actions on others’ behalf”.

He called on all to give 67 minutes of community service as a tribute the world can pay to an 'extraordinary man', who embodies the highest values of humanity.

Moon, in a statement through his Nigerian representative,

Mrs. Jumoke Araba, described the ailing freedom fighter as a universally revered leader.

He said: “Mandela gave 67 years of his life to the struggle for human rights and social justice. Today is a day for good works for people and the planet. It is meant to mobilise the human family to do more to build a peaceful, sustainable and equitable world.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

6

NEWS

$1.092b Malabu oil deal: I’m ready for transparent investigation, says AGF •‘Fed Govt acted as facilitator’ A

TTORNEY-General Mohammed Bello Adoke is ready for a transparent $1.092 billion Malabu oil deal.

Adoke spoke yesterday on the role of the Federal Government, its agencies and officials in Oil Block 245, saying it was essentially that of facilitator of the resolution of a long standing dispute between Malabu and Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep Limited (SNUD).

He said in Abuja that the resolution of the lingering dispute over Block 245 was in furtherance of the Federal Government’s commitment to attracting investments in the oil and gas sector.

He said he did not act contrary to public interest in resolving Malabu oil dispute.

He said he suspected that the controversy generated by the alleged report of the House of Representatives into the deal was meant to bring the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and relevant agencies of Government to infamy.

Adoke, who made his position known in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ambrose Momoh, said the Malabu deal predated his appointment as the AGF. The statement said: “The attention of the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has been drawn to the alleged Report of the House of Representatives Committee on the transaction involving the Federal Government and Shell/Agip Companies, and Malabu oil and Gas Limited in respect of Oil Block OPL 245, part of which has been serialised in the print media.

“Furthermore, it is reported that the Attorney General of the Federation had stated that he was cleared by the alleged Report of the Committee for the role played by his Office in facilitating the settlement between Malabu Oil & Gas Limited (Malabu) and Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep Limited (SNUD) over their long–standing dispute over the ownership and right to operate Block 245.

“In view of the misrepresentations and obvious mischief in reporting the role of the Federal Government, its agencies and officials in the settlement of the dispute, it has become necessary to issue this statement so as to set the records straight and properly explain the role played by the Federal Government, its agencies and officials in settlement of the dispute.

“It is apposite to state that although the dispute between Malabu and SNUD predates Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, CFR in office, available records reveal that the Federal Government in furtherance of its Indigenous Exploration Programme Policy introduced in the early 1990s to encourage effective development of indigenous capability in the upstream sector of the oil industry, allo-

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation, Abuja

cated Oil Blocks to indiginous Oil and Gas Companies which they were expected to develop in partnership with international oil companies as Technical Partners.

“The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation had in the recent past reiterated Government’s commitment to attract investment in the oil and gas sector of the economy and encourage genuine investors (local and foreign) by creating the enabling environment for their business to thrive.

“The resolution of the lingering dispute over Block 245 was in furtherance of that objective. Accordingly, the FGN, its agencies and officials should not be dragged into a purely commercial dispute between Malabu and its purported partners.

On his alleged clearance by a report of the House of Representatives over the deal, Adoke added that there was no time he made such a disclosure.

The statement said: “When the Attorney General of the Federation appeared before the House of Representatives Committee, which investigated the transaction, he explained his role in facilitating the settlement and the Committee members were satisfied with his explanations.

“This was what the Attorney General of the Federation referred to when he stated that the Committee was satisfied with his explanations. The Attorney General of the Federation did not make reference to any ‘Report’ of the Committee, as none had been made available to him.

“It is, therefore, clear that the alleged ‘Report’ and the controversy it has generated is a calculated attempt to bring the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and relevant agencies of Government to infamy because of the principled stance the government took to resolve the dispute in a reasonable, fair and equitable manner.

“The outrage against the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation is understandable when viewed against his refusal to compromise his office in order to satisfy the demands of certain interests and individuals.

“We know those who have compromised their positions in order to author the alleged ‘Report’ and their theatrical display for public gallery.

“We also know those secretly beating the drums for masquerades dancing in the market square. We shall confront them at the appropriate forum.

How else can one explain why the ownership of shares in a private company would generate sufficient interest among members of the legislature so as to merit a resolution of a Committee that certain persons or compa-

Why criminal immunity must end, by SAN

A

SENIOR Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mrs Funke Adekoya, yesterday urged the National Assembly to remove the immunity clause in respect of criminal matters as demanded by Nigerians, if the war against corruption and abuse of office is to be won.

“Their current explanation of such criminal actions constituting a ‘distraction’ for political office holders does not hold water,” she said.

Mrs Adekoya, a partner at üLEX, a Lagos law firm, spoke to reporters at a briefing on its ninth Annual Lecture titled: In God’s Name: Politics, Religion and Economic Development.

It will hold on July 25 at the AGIP Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, by 2pm.

She said: “They need to tell us why some 100 political office holders, purportedly elected by ‘We the people’ know better than those who elected them, and whom they are supposed to

By Joseph Jibueze

‘We wish to assure Nigerians that the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation did not act contrary to public interest in facilitating the settlement and at all times material to the transaction’

nies are entitled to ownership of shares in a private company, when the courts are the appropriate venue for the ventilation of such disputes between shareholders (if any).

“Finally, we wish to assure Nigerians that the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation did not act contrary to public interest in facilitating the settlement and at all times material to the transaction, ensured that the settlement was conducted in the best interest of all parties in order to achieve a reasonable, fair and equitable outcome.

“The Attorney General of the Federation is, therefore, ready to be subjected to any transparent investigative process in order to unearth the truth.”

The statement explained how the deal was struck and the dispute occurred.

It said: “Malabu, an indigenous oil and gas company, was allocated OPL 245 in April, 1998 and in accordance with the terms of the grant, it appointed SNUD as its technical partner.

“The two companies executed relevant Agreements, including a Joint Operation Agreement in 2001.

Records indicate that SNUD took 40% participating interests in the venture in a farm-in- agreement and also signed agreement with Malabu as its technical partner for the venture.

“Although Malabu was issued a licence for Block 245 in April 2001, the same licence was subsequently revoked by the Federal Government on 2nd July, 2001. Exxon-Mobil and Shell were then invited in April 2002 to bid for OPL 245, despite the existence of subsisting contractual agreements between Malabu and SNUD with respect to OPL 245.

“Malabu was dissatisfied with the revocation and contended that the circumstances leading to the revocation of its licence on Block 245 was less than transparent and smacked of inducement and connivance from SNUD, which at the material time was its technical partner.

“Malabu also contended that the subsequent re-award of OPL 245 to SNUD by the Federal Government was done under questionable circumstances. It then petitioned the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum to look into the matter. It is important to note that the House of Representatives Committee on Petro-

leum found no rational basis for the revocation and reprimanded Shell for its complicity. The Committee also directed the Federal Government to withdraw the re-award, it made to Shell and return OPL 245 to Malabu, the original allotee of the Block.

“In addition to its recourse to the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum, Malabu also instituted Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/420/2003 before the Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja to enforce its claim to OPL 245.

Although the suit was struck out by the FHC, Malabu proceeded to lodge Appeal No. CA/A/99M/2006 before the Court Appeal, Abuja, Division.

During the pendency of the Appeal, an amicable settlement was entered into between Malabu and the Federal Government and in compliance with the Terms of Settlement executed by the Parties on the 30th of November 2006, OPL 245 was fully and completely restored to Malabu, in consideration for its withdrawal of the Appeal.

“Apparently dissatisfied with the Terms of Settlement between the Federal Government and Malabu, SNUD commenced arbitral proceedings against the decision of the Federal Government to restore/re-allocate OPL 245 to Malabu at the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) in Washington DC, and made representations to government on the impending arbitration.

It also commenced a suit against the government before the Federal High Court, Abuja.

“Although several meetings were held between the Presidency, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, SNUD and Malabu, to resolve the dispute, no satisfactory outcome was achieved.

“Attempts were also made in 2007 to resolve the dispute by a Committee comprising the Honourable Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Minister of Energy, Group Managing Director, NNPC and DPR, the issues could not be amicably resolved before the administration of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua GCFR came to power.

“It is also important to note that SNUD had entered into a Production Sharing Contract with the NNPC in 2004 upon which their claim to OPL 245 was anchored and had paid $1Million US Dollars out of the $210 Million US Dollars signature bonus to the Federal Government, and kept the balance of $209 Million US dollars in an Escrow Account with J.P. Morgan, pending the resolution of the dispute between Malabu and the Federal Government.

“In 2010, when this administration came to power, Malabu again petitioned the Federal Government to implement the terms of the out-ofcourt settlement of 30th November 2006 on the basis of which they had discontinued their Appeal.

“Government also took cognisance of the pending cases instituted by SNUD against Federal Government of

•Adoke

Nigeria (FGN) and/or Malabu, including Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) arbitration No. ARB/ 07/18 pending at the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID Arbitration) to enforce SNUD’s rights to exclusively operate Block 245 as Contractor on the basis of the 2003 Production Sharaing Contract(PSC) between NNPC and SNUD, and the financial implications of defending these actions on the public purse and opted for amicable resolution of the dispute.

“To resolve all the contending claims in a satisfactory and holistic manner, due regard was given to the Terms of Settlement of 30th November 2006 which had been reduced to Orders of the Court, the underlying policy of encouraging the participation indigenous oil and gas companies in the upstream sector of the oil industry and the fact that Shell had substantially de-risked Block 245.

“To accommodate all these interests, a Resolution Agreement dated 29th April, 2011 between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Malabu Oil & Gas Limited was executed wherein the FGN agreed to resolve all the issues with Malabu in respect of Block 245 amicably and Malabu also agreed that in consideration of receiving compensation from the FGN it would settle and waive any and all claims to any interest in OPL 245.

“In furtherance of the Resolution Agreement, SNUD and ENI agreed to pay Malabu through the Federal Government acting as an obligor, the sum of US$ 1,092,040,000 billion in full and final settlement of any and all claims, interests or rights relating to or in connection with Block 245 and Malabu agreed to settle and waive any and all claims, interests or rights relating to or in connection with Block 245 and also consented to the re-allocation of Block 245 to Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited (NAE) and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCO).

“It is, therefore, quite evident from the foregoing that the role played by the Federal Government, its agencies and officials in relation to Block 245 was essentially that of facilitator of the resolution of a long standing dispute between Malabu and SNUD over the ownership and right to operate Block 245.

“At all times material to the resolution of the dispute, the Federal Government was not aware of any subsisting third party interest in Malabu’s claim to OPL 245 and neither did any person or company apply to be joined in the negotiations as an interested party until the resolution of the dispute was concluded.”

represent.”

The Senior Advocate said the criminal justice is still unduly delayed, blaming what she called an outdated system.

“Hopefully the promised speedy passage of the Administration of Criminal Justice bill will help, although as lawyers we need to move away from the culture of impunity which presently pervades the country, and which gives the impression that we are not serious about providing justice to the victims of crimes, whether they are individuals, corporate entities or the State itself.

“There have been some improvement in the civil justice system, mostly due to front loading practices introduced by High Court Civil Procedure •L-R: Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim; Director-General of the State Security Service Mr. Ita Rules, the AMCON Fast track rules, Ekpenyong; Chief of Army Staff Lt- General Azubuike Ihejirika, Inspector General of Police Mohammed Dikko Abubakar and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh at a security meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan among others,” Mrs Adekoya said. at the Presidential Villa, Abuja...yesterday.

PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18 2013

7

NEWS

ASUU strike: Fed Govt known for breaching promises, says Onu

T

HE National Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, yesterday condemned the Federal Government’s refusal to meet the demands of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Onu said Nigeria is suffering from myriad of problems in all sectors because of the absence of excellence.

He noted that this state of affair has manifested in the refusal of the Federal Government to keep to the promise it made to lecturers in 2009.

According to him, this has snowballed into the present strike by ASUU. The ANPP chairman promised that the newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC), a merger of opposition parties, would solve the country’s problems.

Onu spoke as a guest speaker at the first National Leadership Summit in honour of Prof. Eni Njoku, a former board member of the Commonwealth Scientific Committee. The forum was organised by the Igbo Students’ Union of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Onu said the Federal Government was known for “not keeping to agreements, especially those that will develop the country”.

A statement in Abuja by ANPP National Publicity Secretary, Emma Eneukwu, quoted Onu as saying: “Our

Strike continues, says union THE Ibadan Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has said it will remain on strike until the government implements the 2009 agreement which led to the ongoing action.

Dr Adesola Nassir, the Zonal Coordinator, spoke yesterday at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos (UNILAG).

He said the government was not handling the ongoing dispute with urgency and seriousness.

“But with our resilience, our university system and students must get a better deal,” Nassir said.

The don said the National Universities Commission (NUC), through its Executive Secretary, Prof. Julius Okojie, has been pretending that it did not know that ASUU was on From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja and Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

dear country needs the culture of excellence, for us to quickly move from where we are today to where the hand of destiny has determined that we will be tomorrow.

“I am convinced that it is only when Nigerians put in their best in all fields of human endeavour that we can meet up with and even overtake the most technologically advanced nations of the world. Indeed, it is the best, only the best that is good enough for our country.

Excellence can only be nurtured through education, training and practice.

“Having examined the great nations that have done so well because they took their schools seriously and invested mas-

By Medinat Kanabe and Sampson Unamka

strike.

He said: “The NUC has been publishing certain figures on academic salaries and funds released to universities and conducting a sham programme accreditation at the University of Abuja.

“The same NUC defied all known fronts of decency by endorsing the assault on university regulation at Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) and turning a blind eye at documented evidence of teaching and examination practises that did not conform with extant regulations by the National Minimum Academics Standard.”

sively in education, the most important question to ask is: where do we stand as a nation?

What is the state of our schools?

“As I stand before you, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is on strike.

For over two months, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) had been on strike; it was just called off. It is strongly believed that not too long from now, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) may also go on strike.

“What a shame? Does it then surprise anyone that our students know when they enter school but may not easily know when they will graduate. What is even very sad is that ASUU is on strike because government failed to fully implement the agreements it

entered into with them since 2009, four years ago. Should the government enter into agreements it does not intend to keep? No.” Also, the union has urged the Federal Government to honour the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it signed with the union over a year ago.

The University of Uyo (UNIUYO) branch Chairman of the union, Nwachukwu Anyim, spoke in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, after a meeting with members.

He said the MoU covers several aspects of the measures that would restore glory to the nation’s university system.

Anyim explained that the strike was total, comprehensive and indefinite at the UNIUYO branch.

Ekweremadu’s wife and a host others.

Senate President David Mark said the sudden demise of Ewherido was traumatic.

He added: “We were taken by surprise. Given the level of impact that Senator Ewherido made, not just in his family, hometown, constituency, state and the country, it is safe to say that he is not dead because his legacy lives on.”

Ekweremadu said Ewherido

was a quintessential parliamentarian who brought his experience from the Delta State House of Assembly, where he was Deputy Speaker, to the Senate.

Ekweremadu said: “This chamber has witnessed great Senators like Senators Chuba Okadigbo, Haruna Abubakar, Idris Abubakar, Yari Gandi, Martins Yellowe and others.

Pius combined the attributes of all these great men.”

told the court that the plot to get Atuche out of the bank was “hatched right from the top, even the Governor of Central Bank Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Lamido Sanusi, told him at a point that if Atuche was removed as the Chief Executive, things would change”.

The economist alleged that the plot to take over Bank PHB

by Sanusi was confirmed by a former presidential spokesman, Segun Adeniyi, in his

book: Power, Politics and Death: A Front-Row Account of Nigeria Under the Late President Yar’Adua.

Tears as Senate pays tributes to Ewherido

T

HE Senate was in mourning yesterday.

They paid tributes to one of their own, Pius Akpor Ewherido, who died on June 30 at the National Hospital, Abuja.

He was elected on the platform of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP).

Most of the senators wept openly; few others fought hard to keep their eyes dry.

Ninety-five senators paid their last respect to their fallen

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

colleague, who they described as cerebral, quintessential, courageous and a senators’ senator.

The Senate suspended its Order 17 to admit visitors, including Ewheridi’s widow, Doye, and his children; Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan; Rev. Tony, Ewherido’s brother; ministers, Deputy Senate President Ike

Utomi: Atuche’s removal, trial acts of injustice

A

FORMER board member of the defunct Bank PHB Plc, Prof Pat Utomi, yesterday told a Lagos High court, Ikeja, that the bank’s former Managing Director, Mr Francis Atuche, was a victim of a plot by the powers that be to forcefully take over the bank.

He also said Atuche’s prosecution was an act of injustice.

Utomi was testifying before the court presided over by Justice Lateefat Okunnu at the

ByAdebisi Onanuga

opening of defence by the former bank chief.

Atuche, his wife Elizabeth, and the bank’s former Chief Financial Officer, Ugo Anyanwu, were arraigned before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly stealing N25.7 billion belonging to the bank.

Utomi, who was led in evidence by the defence counsel, Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN),

Fed Govt approves sorghum, soybeans for HE Federal Govern- pupils’ feeding School feeding programme as well as basic training in hyment has approved the

T

consumption of sorghum and soybean as diet for junior school pupils.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, spoke in Abuja on the move to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5.

She explained that it was targeted at reducing child mortality through improved nutrition status of children and improving maternal health before 2015.

Mrs Odusote spoke at a

From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

two-day workshop in Ilorin, Kwara State.

He said: “To meet the MDGs 4 and 5, the ministry has approved fortified Sorghum and Soybean as part of approved diet for School feeding.”

In a statement yesterday in Abuja, she said the workshop was designed to demonstrate how to prepare the fortified sorghum and soybean based food into novel foods.

It said: “It is to be used in

giene and sanitation.”

Mrs. Odusote who was represented by a Director from the National Centre for Agriculture Mechanization (NCAM), Mr Muyideen Kasali, added that one in five children in the country dies before his fifth birthday due to factors related to malnutrition which makes them more vulnerable to killer diseases.

She described women as major players of the initiative and advised them to ensure compliance for proper growth of their children at early stages.

NGF crisis: Fashola seeks to withdraw suit From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

L

AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) yesterday applied to an Abuja High Court for permission to withdraw the suit he filed in early June following the controversy that trailed the May 25 Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) election.

Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi polled 19 votes while Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang polled 15.

But Jang has been parading himself as the winner of the poll.

Fashola had sued, seeking among others, an order restraining Jang from parading himself as the NGF Chairman.

He also prayed for an order restraining Osaro Onaiwu, the man appointed by Jang as the NGF’s Sole Administrator, from acting in that capacity.

Ezekwesili urges Nigerians to demand good governance

A

By Adeola Ogunlade

FORMER Vice President (Africa Region) of the World Bank, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, has urged Nigerians to demand good governance, transparency and accountability from their elected representatives at all levels of government.

Ekwesisli spoke at the third Lagos Leadership Conference, organised by The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Peace Assembly, Lekki, Lagos.

The programme, tagged: Redirecting the Course of the River, brought together hundreds of youths, government functionaries, private sector leaders and the Christian community.

She said corruption would continue to affect negative impacts on the country, if the people continue to show apathy towards accountability, good governance and integrity in public office.

Panel on death penalty, others

T

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

HE Federal Executive Council (FEC), presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday set up a committee to examine issues on same-sex marriage, abolition of the death penalty and other human rights matters.

The step was on Nigeria’s final report to the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council.

The Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, addressed State House correspondents after the FEC meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said Nigeria would send the second Cycle Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, after the first report it sent in 2009.

The minister said Nigeria has made progress in 30 of the 32 issues raised in the 2009 report.

According to him, Nigeria has continued to differ with the international community in the two areas of same sex marriage and death penalty.

The National Assembly had passed Anti-Gay Bill, which prescribed a 14-year jail term for those involved in same sex marriages and witnesses to such marriage. The bill is yet to be assented to by President Goodluck Jonathan.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

8

NEWS

•From left: Governors Ajimobi, Mimiko, former President Obasanjo, Prof. Akinkugbe, his wife, Folashade and Gen. Gowon (rtd) at the birthday thanksgiving service... yesterday

Obasanjo, Gowon, Shonekan, others honour Akinkugbe at 80

P

ERSONALITIES from all walks of life stormed Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, yesterday to honour Emeritus Prof. Oladipo Akinkugbe at his 80th praise and thanksgiving service held at the All Saints’ Church, Jericho, Ibadan.

In his sermon, the Archbishop of Ibadan Province and Bishop of Ibadan Diocese, Anglican Communion, Joseph Akinfenwa, described Akinkugbe as an enigma of intellect.

He lamented the poor state of education in the country, describing the situation as hopeless.

The cleric bemoaned the state of university education, saying government’s attitude towards improving the standard of public university was regrettable.

He said: “We are not happy about the ongoing Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike. The condition of education is lamentable and unacceptable considering that Presi-

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

dent Goodluck Jonathan and Minister of Education Prof. Ruquayyat Rufa’i are university scholars.

“Unfortunately, earning a degree in Nigeria has become a journey you don’t know when it will end”.

Extolling the virtues of Prof.

Akinkugbe, he said: “God has given you a peculiar insight. Your work as a parent and mentor are not ended yet.

“We have seven days in a week, so eight means a new beginning for you.

You have to be more relevant to people, who are looking up to you.

Akinkugbe has fulfilled his earthly potential. He has led such a productive life. He is a real foreman in terms of quality and quantity. He is a blessing not only to Nigeria but also to humanity.

“He became a Professor at 35, Dean of college at 37 and Vice-Chancellor at 42”.

Amosun reaffirms commitment to small businesses’ growth

O

GUN State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the creation of a buoyant and vibrant economic system. He said his government would encourage the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state.

The governor said this would be achieved by creating a conducive atmosphere for businesses to thrive through the provision of infrastructural facilities and security equipment.

Governor Amosun, who spoke when he inaugurated the state council of MSMEs in Abeokuta, said 480 entrepreneurs had benefited from the N1 billion loan scheme, which was made available by the state government and the Bank of Industry.

He said 4,000 direct jobs and 45,000 indirect jobs have been created through the efforts of the present administration on MSMSE, adding that “inauguration of MSMEs Council will aid the development of industries and create wealth.”

Amosun urged the council members to be good ambassadors of the state and uphold the tenets of hard work, saying: “You should come up with quality contributions that will benefit the state and boost its economy.”

The governor enjoined the organised private sector to support his administration in its journey to glory, adding: “Our door is always open to programmes that will complement our five-cardinal agenda.”

T

Baptists hold meeting

HE Executive Committee meeting of the Lagos East Baptist Conference holds on July 20 at the Conference Room, Baptist Academy, Obanikoro, Lagos, by 10 am.

The Conference President, Rev. E.A. Awotunde, said members should be punctual, adding that Moderators should send their reports for the Kingdom Life Assembly holding next month in Ikorodu to lagoseastbaptistconference@yahoo.com

A

‘Fajuyi’s widow a titan’

FORMER Permanent Secretary in the old Ondo State, Pa Deji Fasuan, has described the late Madam Eunice Fajuyi as a titan.

He said the death of the widow of the Military Governor of the defunct Western Region, Lt. Col. Francis Adekunle Fajuyi, “is a reminder of our tumultuous past.”

Pa Fasuan went on: “Apparently, many have forgotten the wife of that gallant and patriotic soldier, who sacrificed his life in pursuit of honour and integrity for the Yoruba nation.

“He surrendered his life to the rampaging and rebellious soldiers and changed Nigeria’s history. In consonance with the Yoruba belief that it is honourable to protect guests, Fajuyi offered himself as a sacrifice.

“In those days in Ibadan, it was believed that if Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi, Fajuyi’s guest, had been killed alone by the soldiers, the incident would have triggered an ethnic mistrust between the Igbo and the Yoruba. At that time, some uncharitable observers believed that Fajuyi committed ‘suicide’ in the pursuit of Yoruba honour. No, he did not. Throughout history, the Yoruba have not been known to be betrayers of trust and they have never queued up to collect crumbs from the table.”

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who described Akinkugbe as an achiever and a great success, said: “The celebration is not for Prof.

Akinkugbe and the family alone. I am the second celebrant. The history of Nigeria would have been different; the worse would have happened, but for the interventions of the like of Prof.

Akinkugbe and Almighty God. The economy of the country was down but we overcame the challenge. They helped in saving the situation”.

Gen. Yakubu Gowon described Akinkugbe as an epitome of humility and a blessing to humanity.

He said: “I celebrate him. He is a man of honour and a pride to Nigeria”.

The Esama of Benin, Gabriel Igbinedion and Dr. Oba Otudeko said he was a simple and well-loved person. Igbinedion said: “He has made a mark as an illustrious personality”.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi de-

T

scribed Prof. Akinkugbe as an accomplished man, a symbol of abundance, grace, blessing, intellectualism, industry, nobility, humility and success.

He said: “He stands for style and did well in Government College, Ibadan. This gathering is intimidating because of the presence of three heads of state. We have here two generals and a renowned industrialist”.

Oba Otudeko said despite Akinkugbe’s supernatural gifts, he was a simple and down-to-heart person.

Prof. Babatunde Salako, one of the students of the celebrant, described him as a very humorous person, adding that they learnt character and many things from him.

Among the dignitaries were the former Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan; Chairman, Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, Dr. Christopher Kolade; Governors

Ajimobi and Olusegun Mimiko.

Others are the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade; the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdulazeez Arisekola-Alao; Chief Akintola Wiliams; Prof. Akin Mabogunje; former Ekiti State Governor, Segun Oni; Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole; Chief Folake Solanke (SAN) and Chief Akintola Williams.

Akinkugbe, a Professor of Medicine, was born in Ondo on July 17, 1933.

He attended Government College, Ibadan and became a professor at 35, Dean, College of Medicine at 37 and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin at 42.

He also served as Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Pro-Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, Foundation Chairman of Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, Chairman, Management Board, University College Hospital, Ibadan.

‘Aregbesola deserves second term’

HE Ondo State chapter of the Ijesa Youth Development Association (IYDA) has hailed Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola for his ingenuity in transforming the state within a short time.

The group noted with delight, the positive innovations initiated by the present administration, especially in the development of infrastructure, dualisation of major roads, employment generation and qualitative education.

In a statement by its Chairman, Tayo Oluwagbaye, Coordinator, Olusayo Ogunleye and Publicity Secretary, Faseyi Boluwaji, the group said every indigene should support the developmental efforts in the state.

IYDA said it supported the continuity of Ogbeni Aregbesola as the governor, stressing that its members are ready to mobilise the Ijesa in Ondo State to ensure victory for him in next year’s election.

The group lauded the assembly of Yoruba sons and daughters in the state during the last Children’s Day celebration and the launch of N145 billion East Bypass road named after the late

T

Osun ACN urges governors to emulate Aregbesola

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Osun State has urged other governors to emulate Governor Rauf Aregbesola in their approach to the social and economic engineering of their states.

According to the party, this is necessary if the country is to address poverty, misery, unemployment, crime and diseases, which are becoming worse daily.

It said it arrived at the decision after an assessment of the achievements of the Aregbesola administration in the 36 months of its first term.

Osun ACN said some components of Governor Aregbesola’s aggregate performance have been embraced by the World Bank.

These claims were contained in a statement issued yesterday in Osogbo by the party’s Director of Publicity Research and Strategy, Mr. Kunle Oyatomi, a lawyer.

ACN said if other states could emulate Osun in the OYES programme, over 1.4 million youths would be taken off the streets and unemployment would be reduced.

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adesoji Aderemi, in Osogbo.

It urged the opposition to appreciate the feats achieved by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) administration in the state and other Southwest states.

The statement advised Governor

Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State not to isolate himself from the ongoing transformation in the Southwest, stressing that there is no alternative to regional integration.

It enjoined the citizens to protect their voter card and ensure that it is used to sustain the present administration beyond 2014.

Ekiti goes tough on violators of Child’s Right Law

E

KITI State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Social Development and Gender Empowerment, Mrs. Fola Richie-Adewusi, has said sanctions await anyone caught infringing on the rights of children.

She said government has resolved to implement the Child’s Right Law. Speaking at a meeting of the state’s Child’s Rights Implementation Committee in Ado-Ekiti, the commissioner said the Governor Kayode Fayemi administration would not tolerate child abuse.

She stressed the resolve of the government to protect children from abuse, such as battery, rape, child labour, human trafficking and others.

Mrs. Richie-Adewusi warned against engaging under-age children as house-helps, noting that children of school age must be in school between 8am and 2pm.

The commissioner urged stakeholders to contribute their quota to rid the society of child abuse by reporting it.

An officer of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs. Adefolaju

Faramade, said it has become imperative to curb the practice of parents and guardians, who engage their children and wards in hawking, particularly on market days.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Civic Orientation, Mr. Kola Ajumobi, who was represented by a top official in the ministry, Tope Babalola, said sensitisation of the public should be incorporated in the work plan of his ministry, adding that the gesture would boost public awareness and curb the ugly trend.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

NEWS

E

Fayemi urges politicians to eschew violence

KITI State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi has urged politicians to eschew violence and other acts that could breach the peace.

He spoke against the backdrop of Tuesday’s clash among factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other clashes in the state.

Fayemi said in a statement in Ado-Ekiti yesterday that it was important for politicians and those who aspire to occupy public offices to restrain from violence, regardless of the level of provocation.

The governor, in the statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, said it was important for political leaders to work towards sustaining the level of peace being enjoyed.

He said political leaders should be tolerant of opposing voices and views, irrespective of differences in party affiliation and political ideology.

The governor stressed that political aspirations should be pursued legitimately and with a sense of responsibility.

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

Governor Fayemi said Ekiti people are known as honourable men and women, hence resorting to violence as a way of settling political differences does not augur well for the state.

“I enjoin our politicians and leaders of political parties to stay clear of actions capable of throwing the state into crisis as we approach electioneering period. The peace and well-being of the state should remain a priority to all who aspire to public offices.

“While there is bound to be differences in views and ideology, ability to appreciate and manage these differences is also critical to the credentials of every leader and would-be leaders.

“Government will not relent in its effort to promote peaceful coexistence among the indigenes, including consultations with political leaders and other relevant agencies of government”, the statement added.

Nigerians urged not to sell votes

N

IGERIANS have been urged not to sell their votes or receive gratification from politicians seeking elective offices.

The convener of the Coalition Against Corruption, Comrade Debo Adeniran, gave the advice yesterday.

He said the love of money is affecting the quality of leadership in the country because public office holders are not answerable to the people who elected them.

Adeniran spoke at a one-day community interactive forum organised by the Egbe Alatunto (The Reformers) in Mushin, Lagos.

The theme was: ‘The implication of money on politics’.

He said those elected to rule the country are supposed to be public servants, but they have become public masters.

“When people don’t take money from politicians, they will be bold to query them if they fail in office,” he added.

Adeniran said the people should not elect corrupt leaders, especially those whose antecedents are known, into

By Wale Adepoju

power because they would ruin their future.

He said many politicians, who put the country in its hopeless state in the 70s, are still in government.

The Secretary, Joint Action Front (JAF), Comrade Abiodun Aremu, said people need to struggle to free themselves from corrupt leadership, adding: “Every society enjoys some measure of freedom on the basis of their struggle.”

He blamed the people for the deteriorated state of the social, political and economic life of the nation.

Aremu said Nigerians should take their destinies in their hands because there are no messiahs or miracles anywhere.

“If the leaders make a law, they should respect it. If you build a hospital and anytime you become ill, you are flown abroad, the facility is useless; or none of your children is attending a school you built, you are deceiving the people,” he added.

2015: My endorsement is call for more service, says Amosun

G

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

OVERNOR Ibikunle Amosun yesterday said his endorsement as the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) standardbearer in the 2015 governorship poll by the 20 local government chairmen is a call for “more service and commitment to the people”.

Amosun, who spoke in Oke-Mosan Governor’s Office after receiving a communiqué from the Chairman of the 20 Local Government Party Chairmen (ACN), Mr. Olalekan Adegun, said the support of the Ogun State people should not be taken for granted, hence the resolve to serve them.

The governor said with quality governance and service to the people, which the administration has been delivering through the five-cardinal programmes, namely education, agriculture, healthcare, industrialisation and infrastructural developments in the last two years, the work of the party would be easier when it goes back to the electorate in 2015 for votes.

He said there is nothing stopping interested persons, irrespective of their political parties, from joining the race when the time comes, adding that the performance of the ACN administration in the state would make things easier.

Governor Amosun added: “It (endorsement) is a call to serve more. It will make me work more and make our party’s job very easy. If we succeed in the parameters we have set for ourselves, who is it that is going to come and campaign? We are here to do things differently and positively.”

Reading the communiqué to Governor Amosun at the event attended by 18 of the 20 chairmen, the Secretary, Mr. Sunday Akinyemi, listed the governor’s achievements as creation of over 10,000 jobs, restoration of security of life and property, improved welfare for the state workforce, potable water supply, among others.

9

OAUTH doctors threaten strike

R

ESIDENT doctors at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife have threatened to go on strike unless the management employs more doctors.

Addressing a news conference yesterday in Ile-Ife, the President of the Association of Resident Doctors (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife chapter, Dr. Adeola Ajibare, said the need for more doctors to assist them had reached a critical situation.

He said management had ignored their call for more hands, adding that they would embark on an indefinite strike from August 1 if it failed to publish the names of doctors that passed the last employment interview conducted by the hospital.

Dr. Ajibare said: “Many of us are working under intense pressure to the extent that some of us collapse on duty

•Management promises to employ more doctors

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

and many have lately been hospitalised. We cannot continue with the stress.

“We are tired of waiting for empty promises by the management to recruit more doctors to fill the vacancies created by those who have retired.

We are not fighting for money but for a good ground to do our work in the interest of the patients, ourselves and the hospital.”

O

He said going by their estimation, 100 new doctors across many departments and units in addition to 300 doctors and 140 consultants are needed in the hospital.

He pleaded for the intervention of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), the Medical and Dental Council Association of Nigeria and wellmeaning Nigerians to prevail on the management to fulfil its promise.

The management has as-

sured that soon more doctors would be employed.

Speaking on behalf of the management, the Deputy Director, Corporate Service, Mr. Olu Bello, said the doctors should be patient.

Said he: “Management will not only release the list of successful candidates, but will also employ them soon. They went on strike on this issue sometime ago and the management board led by its Chairman, Mr. Mathew Urhoghide, a pharmacist, intervened. I assure you that soon, the list of successful candidates will be released.”

Ondo canvasses key position in NDDC

IL producing communities in Ondo State yesterday said it is the turn of the state to produce the Executive Director, Projects (EDP) for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

They urged President Goodluck Jonathan to appoint an Ondo indigene as the EDP in the NDDC’s new board to be constituted soon.

The present board will be dissolved next month and President Jonathan is expected to announce its dissolution before August 6.

10

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

BUSINESS

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

11 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

N10b Cassava Trust Fund coming From OlugbengaAdanikin, Abuja

• Jonathan

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan is consider ing approval of a N10 billion Cassava Trust Fund, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. AkinwumiAdesina, has said.

Adesina spoke at the commencement of business in Staple Crop Processing Zone (SCPZ) yesterday in Agbadu, Kogi State. The event also witnessed the roll out of cassava Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme at the venue.

He said: “This will be a year of greater success for Nigeria’s agriculture. We have the support of Mr. President to turn around the cassava sector. He has graciously agreed to consider our initial request of close to N10 billion cassava fund to further explore potentials of the cassava industry.”

Adesina said when fully approved, the fund would also be used to support research and development efforts on cassava bread, training of master bakers and support for master bak-

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

-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

ers for the acquisition of new equipment for production.

On the GES, Adesina, who was represented by his Senior Technical Assistant, Adetunji Oredipe, said the GES will enable farmers to produce additional food because the farmers will receive their improved cuttings and fertilisers.

“This year we are taking cassava GES programme to scale, we have designed different levels of support to different categories of farmers, and we are committed to making this work,” he said, adding that this marks a major milestone in the drive to ensure that the modern cassava farmers adopt the best available agricultural practices, starting with the use of improved inputs; cuttings and fertilisers.

In doing this, he stressed, “we will ensure that our farmers, the real cassava farmers who should be the real beneficiaries of government policy, are well targeted by government programme.”

He said about 14million farmers have been regis-

Ensure distribution of products, IPMAN urges PPPRA From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

T

HE Independent Petro leum Marketers Asso ciation of Nigeria (IPMAN), yesterday urged the managements of the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC and the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to sustain the steady supply of products to Nigerians.

The association assured that its members would ensure there is no hitch in the products distribution and retailing chain to consumers both in the hinter land in order to discourage artificial scarcity.

The National Secretary of the association, Mike Osatuyi, who disclosed this in a statement yesterday, said, IPMAN is working with all its members to sustain the distribution and retailing chain.

He noted that the intervention scheme of the PPMC products distribution through Coastal Private Depots Operation, has created room for adequate supply of petroleum products.

He said, the National Executive Committee of IPMAN has commended the management of PPMC and PPPRA for ensuring steady products supply to the system, adding that the body will ensure that there is no hitch in the distribution and retailing chain.

tered and have benefited from the scheme in the last two years, stressing that it will add up to the nation’s drive towards food security.

Adesina said to assure sustainable supply of high quality cassava flour, the Ministry has secured low interest and long term financing from the China Exim Bank for the importation of 18 large scale high quality cassava flour processing plants, to be

owned and operated by the private sector.

In his address, Commissioner for Agriculture, Olufemi Bolarin, noted that Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada, has keyed into the ATA by encouraging the state peasant farmers in all facets of agricultural production.

He said the state government has subsidised agro chemicals and fertilizers to the farmers, to enable them participate fully in agricul-

tural production, stressing that the government has earmarked huge areas of land for agricultural activities, such as cassava and maize to employ the services of the teeming youth.

He said cassava has been discovered to play a vital role in the Federal Government’s ATA in the agricultural sub-sector, adding that there are various sectors, such as fisheries, that should be encouraged and developed to accomodate

the teaming educated youths who are currently roaming the streets in search of jobs .

He however advised youths to take interest in agriculture, saying that the emergence of mechanised agriculture has made it easy and condusive for the graduates to imbibe the culture of farming in order to be self reliant and drastically reduce unemployment enveloping the whole world today.

12

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

BUSINESS NEWS

‘Why Nigeria is increasing investment ties with China’

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has said that Nigeria is currently strengthening its investment and economic ties with China because of the exponential increase in the bilateral trade volume between the two countries within the last few years.

He also said the bond between the pair was infirmed

by China’s involvement in the financing and construction of key infrastructural projects in Nigeria.

Jonathan spoke at the closing ceremony of the Nigeria-China Business Forum, organised by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, in Beijing on Wednesday.

The event, which had over 300 Chinese investors, culminated in the signing of no fewer than seven Memoranda of Understanding between Chinese investors, the Bauchi State Government and private investors.

Jonathan said: “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.

“The various MoUs signed between Chinese and Nigerian companies will lead to stronger economic ties between the two countries. Nigeria and China are the two largest economies in their respective regions. Since Nigeria

and China started diplomatic relations, the bilateral relations between the two countries have continued to wax stronger as the years progressed.”

He added, “Nigeria and China have had strong economic ties in trade and investment over the past years. At present, China and Nigeria has annual bilateral trade exceeding $13billion. In 2002, the value of trade between Nigeria and China was just $2billion.

He said the trade between Nigeria and China accounts for nearly one third of the trade between China and West Africa, and this would continue to grow bigger, indicating the importance of Nigeria to China in the regional market.

In recognition of the strategic trade link between the two countries, the Central Bank of Nigeria recently converted some portions of Nigeria’s foreign reserve from the United States Dollars, to the Chinese Yuan. Beyond trade, China has

T

been instrumental to supporting Nigeria with financial arrangement and investment in strategic infrastructural projects like rail, road and free trade zones, among others.”

Jonathan stressed that the country’s current robust, stable macro-economic environment had strategically positioned it as the preferred investment destination in Africa and globally.

He said: “Nigeria is currently the preferred destination for Chinese companies in Africa.

Presently, more than 200 Chinese companies are currently operating in Nigeria and they are doing very well. Nigeria is open for business as we currently have some of the best incentives in the world for investors to take advantage of. Our tax policies are quite robust and the business environment we have in Nigeria is exceptional.”

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, said, “One of the major achievements of this forum is the big large commitment by Chinese investors

in terms of investing in key sectors of the Nigerian economy.

For example, 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 this, 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.”

• Executive Director, Service & Corporate Banks, Enterprise Bank Limited, Mr. Aminu Ismail (right) in a warm handshake with the Area Commander, Area ‘A’ Command, Lion Building, Lagos, ACP Imohinmi Edgal, at a brief ceremony where the bank presented a brand new 40 KVA generating set in support of effective policing in the state.

Power sector will boom, says Minister

HE Minister of State for Power, Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi yesterday urged prospective investors to take advantage of the impending boom in the nation’s power sector.

Hajiya Kuchi, who spoke while receiving a delegation from Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, led by the Secretary to the Government of India’s Department of Heavy Industry, Dr. Sunatu Behuria, said

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

there are opportunities in all the three chains of electricity in Nigeria, such as the renewable like small hydros, solar, wind, waste to fuel and coal to power.

In a statement, the Deputy Director, Press, Timothy Oyedeji quoted the Minister of assuring the would-be investors of bumper returns on their investment, saying Nigeria is

known for high returns on investment. The electricity market will not be an exemption, as what Nigerians want is adequate and uninterrupted power supply, she added. She urged the group to cash-in on the conducive environment created by the government and invest as Independent Power Producers.

She said there are vast opportunities available for the production of small mega-

watts of electricity in short term outside the national grid system. She reiterated the commitment of President Goodluck Jonathan to the realisation of the lofty ideas contained in the power sector Road Map. Regarding the proposal on capacity building, Hajiya Kuchi, said that government would be interested in signing a long term agreement with the company, adding

that such a move would be mutually beneficial to the parties.

Earlier Dr. Behuria, said the Indian firm is ready to invest in the Nigerian Power Sector, especially in the areas of hydro power (small and medium) and other renewables, saying the company has a record of being the highest producer of electricity in India with business interests in Asia and Africa.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

13

14

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

INDUSTRY

Adopt Delta Beyond Oil Govt praises Dangote Vision, Fed Govt advised T T

HE Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has suggested that Delta State’s Beyond Oil Vision policy be adopted as a national scheme.

Its Director-General, Muda Yusuf, said the adoption of the initiative would ensure that the country no longer solely relied on oil for its revenue.

By the policy, Yusuf said Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan was already looking at the future when oil would have been exhausted.

“It should be a national policy because we are in a very vulnerable state,” Yusuf said, adding that a situation whereby “we depend on oil for 80 percent of our revenue and 90 per cent of our foreign exchange is very dicey.”

On what the Federal government should be doing to realise the goal, Yusuf said: “It should declare a state of emergency, by pegging the price of oil at $60 per barrel. The Federal government should also provide the enabling environment for the private sector to thrive. Once the environment is right, people will become very creative and many jobs will be created in areas that you least expect,” he said.

Emphasising the importance of a conducive business environment,

Stories by Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie Asst.Editor

Yusuf referred to the tremendous progress that has been made in the movie/entertainment industry where many young people who were hitherto unemployed are now gainfully employed, and contributing to the Gross Domestic Product. He said more Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) would spring up and thrive if government invests in the appropriate infrastructure.

Agreeing that Nigeria ought to be planning for a future when oil will no longer be there, the Delta State Commissioner for Information, Chike Ogeah, said: “Delta Beyond Oil,’ is an initiative to effect a paradigm shift from the nearly 100 per cent reliance on revenue from crude oil in driving the state’s economy. Its aim is to harness other resources in the state to create a vibrant economy away from oil which is a finite resource.”

He listed agriculture, ICT, developing other natural resources, including solid minerals, developing the huge manpower base, and creating a suitable environment for investment as some of the areas the state would for on to drive the inititive, adding that the vision also entails the development of a strong

infrastructural base, such as modern roads, efficient water transportation, healthcare system and a world class educational system, amongst others.

Ogeah explained that Delta Beyond Oil is not a physical structure in terms of a building, but an enduring vision to prepare the state for the inevitable drying up of hydrocarbon deposits, saying the vision does not come with any cost.

The vision recognises the fact that despite the relative significant revenue from oil, Delta is faced with huge challenges, especially in the cost of developing critical infrastructure due to its tough terrain.

Also commenting on the ‘Delta Beyond Oil’ initiative, Mr. Olufemi Awoyemi, Founder/CEO, Proshare Limited said, “The initiative from Delta is laudable even if it is all hype. It helps provide a contextual framework for the much needed discussion not just as a resource limitation problem, an alternative seeking imperative or a diversification choice” Continuing, he said, “It goes to the heart of our federalism to encourage all states to identify their core competence or revenue stream – a key fundamental to states creation we failed to tick off on”.

•From left: Opaluba, Obazee, Odumodu and Lead Consultant/CEO, ThisttlePeaxis Consulting Ini Onuk at the event

Why Nigerians abroad must return home, by Akpabio

G

OVERNOR Godswill Akpabio has urged indigenes of Akwa Ibom State in the United Kingdom (UK) to return home to manage some of the projects being packaged by his administration.

He implored them to set up a consortium to bid for the running of the projects.

Speaking at a town hall meeting organised by Mboho Akwa Ibom State Association (MAISA), UK and Ireland in London, Akpabio called on the indigenes to be part of the changing story of the state by bringing their professional skills to bear on development.

He said he saw the diaspora community as a vital part of the state’s development.

Akpabio said healthcare was an area where he needed the expertise of the Akwa Ibom diaspora.

He said: “One area I want the diaspora to come home and par-

ticipate in is the healthcare delivery system as post-surgery care in particular is very bad in Nigeria.

For instance, some people are already prepared to put together a consortium to run the new ultramodern hospital we are building and we need you to come up with projects like this.

“We are prepared to take equity in your companies and we are also prepared to guarantee loans for bankable projects, so we want to see you participate in such projects. We also want you in the diaspora to put companies together and get people to come and run other facilities we are building as for instance, Hilton has just agreed to run our new hotel.”

The governor said Akwa Ibom was developing fast noting that his administration’s plan is to embrace industrialisation in a holistic manner.

On the strides of his administration in the power sector, he said:

“ we should become the first state in Nigeria to achieve 100% connectivity to the national grid, which we hope to achieve by 2015 as we currently have 87% connectivity up from a paltry 36% in 2007. In the area of drainage too, last year, when we had flooding in Nigeria, Uyo was the only state capital that was not affected, thanks to our pipe jacking drainage system.”

Akpabio asked the diasporans to join hands with his administration to develop the state, saying: “You are the ones with the skills and expertise and we are just holding the home front for you, however, you must be bold enough to change your world. It takes one person to change a generation.”

Akpabio said his administration was training 150 young people in India in information communication technology and healthcare as part of its manpower development programme.

HE Federal Government has commended the Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc, Aliko Dangote, for reviving privatised companies, despite huge challenges in the business environment.

Minister of National Planning Shamsudeen Usman gave the commendation during his visit to the Dangote Cement Plant in Gboko, Benue State. He expressed delight that the Dangote Group has not let the country down in its acquisition of some of the privatised companies.

He said: “I know that many privatised companies are doing well. Dangote Cement is one of them. The whole essence of privatisation is to improve efficiency and promote investments and employment generation.”

Shamsuddeen advised the host communities of privatised firms to cooperate with the new owners to enhance optimum capacity utilisation and industrialisation in the country, adding that they stand a chance of benefiting more if the company receives their support.

“Such host communities would gain more employment opportunities and other social activities implemented by the companies,” he said, explaining that the visit was a fact-finding one aimed at ascertaining the true state of already privatised public enterprises, in view of the feeling in many quarters that many of them are not performing well.

Dangote Cement has upgraded the former Benue Cement Company’s (BCC) capacity to 3.0 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) from the initial installed operating capacity of 0.9 MTPA, the Plant Director, Prakash Sharma, said .

Sharma said the new owners have already invested $500million in plant rehabilitation and technological convergence, while an additional $50million is being invested in the on-going expansion project to raise capacity to 4.0 MMTPA. With its Obajana and Ibese plants, the Dangote Cement currently produces about 20MTPA, surpassing Nigeria’s national average demand.

Fed Govt, SON, others raise bar on business sustainability

T

HE Federal Government, Stan dards Organisation of Nigeria ( SON) and other stakeholders in Lagos inaugurated ISO 26000 Guidance Standard on Social Responsibility, Nigeria Adoption Process.

The ISO 26000 is an international standard that gives guidance on social responsibility. It is intended to be used by organisations in public and private sectors, in developed and developing countries as well as in economies in transition.

At its unveiling, the Director-General of SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, said the event was historic as it marked the hallmark of advocating the benchmark of organisational behaviour against a set of internationally-negotiated and agreed criteria for social responsibility.

He observed that the active participation of the country, through the process, led to the final elaboration of the standard as the business operating environment was considered alongside other developed and developing economies. Odumodu added that the strict implementation of the standards by the various stakeholders would grow the economy.

He said: “Being a guidance standard on social responsibility, the application and implementation of the requirements of ISO 26000 standard requires deep commitment of the top management of any organisation or institution, if the benefits of the standard are to be fully derived. It is therefore imperative to call on all organisations and institutions including governments at the various levels interested in responsible social behavior, to endeavour to internalise the requirements of this standard as a benchmark for measurement.”

He urged various organisations involved in the measurement of social responsibility behaviours of organisations, either for research or consideration for awards, to make the requirements of the ISO 26000 Guidance Standard on Social Responsibility a major criterion in their

T

evaluation and judgment.

He said the diligent application of the standard, across the strata of the organisational sectors, would promote responsible social behavior that will positively affect the entire society and further underscore the goal of the SON to improve the manufacturing sector and by extension, lives through standards.

Earlier, the Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, in his address, said the ISO 26000 standards provide solutions for almost all sectors as it was globally developed and accepted, with the active involvement and participation of relevant stakeholders and interested parties.

He revealed that the Standard took five years of negotiation among different stakeholder groups, including governments, NGOs, Industry, Consumer Groups and Labour organisations from around the world before it was formally launched in 2010.

He commended the active participation of Nigeria in all the activities leading to the elaboration of this unique international standard through the National Mirror Committee on Social Responsibility, which membership cut across all stakeholder groups.

Aganga who was represented by the Director-General, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, Jim Osayende Obazee, said the fact that the standard has been formally adopted as Nigeria’s Industrial Standards with the active involvement of stakeholders and interested parties and approved by the Nigerian Standard Council, suggests that Nigeria is prepared to apply the ISO 26000 Guidance Standard on Social Responsibility.

Director, PMO & Operational Strategy, Etisalat Nigeria, Lead sponsors of the event, Ms Ndidi Opaluba, said the firm has already implemented the standards even before it was launched in the country, stressing the necessity for companies to be responsive to the needs of their environment in order to operate successfully without hic cups.

Plastics, rubber fair coming

RADE Fair focussing on plastics and rubber products will hold in October, in Dusseldorf, Germany.

At a briefing by Trade Fair Services Limited, the West African Regional representative of the organisers, said the event would hold at the Messe Dusseldorf exhibition grounds to showcase the latest developments in the industry, and present the innovative paths that will shape the future to over 200 000 visitors.

Every three years, exhibitors, trade visitors from all continents come to-

gether to deepen existing, or create new business relations with a view to stimulating development work in dialogue between suppliers and prospective customers, the fair managers, said.

At a briefing in Lagos, the German representatives of the fair organisers, made a presentation on the benefits of investing in Germany and how the Visa and Consular sections are poised to assist in making attending the event this year from Nigeria, stress-free.

About 3,000 exhibitors are expected.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

15

16

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

17

COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

Will the West stand up for a free election in Zimbabwe?

War again?

• Governor Uduaghan and others’ approach to the attack on Itsekiris calmed the creeks

R

ECENTLY, tension crackled in the creeks of Delta State, and reignited the old feud between the Itsekiris and the Ijaws of the region. The trouble first blared when a group of hoodlums identified as Ijaw youths stormed some Itsekiri villages and opened fire on vulnerable residents. They killed whole families as well as children and women.

The reports had it that so furious were some of the families that a reprisal attack from the Itsekiris loomed. With the intervention of the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and other stakeholders, the attack never materialised, and the state escaped the bloodletting and other tragedies that could have resulted from an open sesame of mutual hate.

But the matter was more complicated that it has been defined. Some media houses have painted it in purely ethnic terms, but it was a camouflage. Subsequent investigations revealed that attack was unleashed by a group of brigands who were eyeing plum rewards of oil bunkering. They did not get their wish.

So they decided to use the familiar blackmail ploy of the age and region: violence.

They decided to ethnicise the conflict so as to detract for the narrative of their greed. By that, it would appear they wanted to defend their ethnic groups.

Another group, the Egbema Radical Group (ERG), had also carried out a campaign, calling for representation of Warri North Local Government. Their

demand was political. But the ERG and the violent youths fed off each other and turned the tragedy of the Itsekiris into a platform for blackmail.

Governor Uduaghan has openly expressed disdain for any such blackmail and warned that he would not negotiate with anyone under duress. He said becoming the chairman of a local government is not the responsibility of the governor. It is an elective position and only elections are vehicle to place anyone on that chair.

The reluctance of the ERG to condemn and dissociate itself from the perpetrators of the killings in strong terms portrays them as opportunistic and cynical.

We all know the conflagration of the same ethnic rage less than a decade ago.

It was a daily show of macabre violence.

Many families lost loved ones. Villages became prostrate and businesses paralysed. The atmosphere of cordiality and mutual respect that informed the relations between the ethnic groups for over a century turned into ashes.

Up till today, the societies are still trying to come to terms with deep scars, both physical and psychic, of the killings, maiming, arson, vandalism that crippled governance. We also recall that the violence resulted from disputes over local government issues.

We therefore commend the Itsekiri leaders who urged restraint as well as the governor. They must be aware of the pangs from the previous conflicts and the challenges of recovery.

The fundamental issue in the Niger Delta remains underdevelopment and it will continue to fuel restless and idle young men into the laziness that believes that violence and brigandage can bring prosperity rather than the higher virtues of hard work, integrity and honour.

In spite of the amnesty programme apparently designed to stave off such incidents as the killing of Itsekiris, we are not safe. This demonstrates that the Federal Government has only scratched the surface, and the challenge of angry young men who want change for themselves and not all shall continue to haunt us.

‘Governor Uduaghan has openly expressed disdain for any such blackmail and warned that he would not negotiate with anyone under duress. He said becoming the chairman of a local government is not the responsibility of the governor. It is an elective position and only elections are vehicle to place anyone on that chair’

146 farcical goals

• A tale of four football teams, officials and players unveiling a metaphor of corruption

T

HE suspension of four clubs involved in appalling score-lines during promotion play-offs into the nation’s Nationwide League Division 3

by Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) should be an appetiser. The teams involved in the show of infamy include Plateau United Feeders FC that beat Akurba FC 79-0 and Police Machine FC that curiously walloped Babayaro FC 670. These despicable score-lines are alien to the country’s football.

Whilst the video tapes of the matches were not available because of low investments in the game, the reportorial depictions of what transpired were damning. The score-sheet of the winning teams at half-time was 13 goals: Plateau

‘The teams involved in these vile displays should compellingly appear before a properly constituted panel to explain how it can be possible to have that kind of mysterious football score-lines experienced in the second stanza of those games. We know that such is bewildering and the four teams’ players, their officials and match officials, for acting with flagrant impunity, and other persons that are circuitously or tenuously connected, should be barred for life from interfacing with football affairs in the country, to serve as deterrent to those contemplating such detrimental soccer act in future’

United- 7-0 while Police Machine FC was leading by 6-0, trailing the United team by just a goal difference. In the bid to slyly outfox one another, resumption of the second stanza witnessed corruption of goals through magical haul of 120 of them scored between the winners. United notoriously notched-up additional 72 goals while Police Machine scored 61 more times: All these latter goals incredibly came within 45 minutes of the second half!

We do know that the games’ score lines expectedly have attracted the negative attention of FIFA, world’s football governing body and also spawned global outrage for the nation’s football.

Respected global media platforms have put the country’s soccer on the spotlight for the wrong reasons. The infamy occurred simply because winners from these matches will ultimately qualify to play in the country’s Division 3 Nationwide League. They sadly threw demureness to the winds.

The NFF, stupefied by such paranormal results swiftly suspended, indefinitely, the four teams involved in the villainous acts. Its organising committee, through Chief Mike Umeh, 1st vice-president fumed: “It is unacceptable. This is a scandal of huge proportions…We will investigate this matter thoroughly and get to the bottom of it.” It is good that the federation has reportedly invited the police to help dig to the roots of the matter but it should not stop at that.

In matters of such important investigation, the police fell short of public expectations in the past and this time it would be naïve of NFF to wholly leave the matter in police’ care. The owners of

the teams have reportedly disbanded them but they are vicariously liable, which means they can only run but cannot escape severe sanctions. They must answer for their misdeeds.

If at the amateur soccer level, the battle to play in the Nigerian Nationwide League Division 3 could degenerate to such macabre exhibition of do-or-die affairs, then the hope of drastically reducing corruption in the country is abysmally dim. What has just happened at the lower rung of the society, in the form of soccer sleaze, is a reflection of the degree of proclivity for vices at the higher level of the society.

Nigeria regrettably has now created a shameful African record, second only to AS Adema FC of Madagascar that ridiculously scored 149-0 goals in 2002 against Stade Olympique l’Emyrne.

The team that year reportedly scored numerous own goals in protest against a particular inimical decision of the game’s centre referee.

In our view, the teams involved in these vile displays should compellingly appear before a properly constituted panel to explain how it can be possible to have that kind of mysterious football score-lines experienced in the second stanza of those games. We know that such is bewildering and the four teams’ players, their officials and match officials, for acting with flagrant impunity, and other persons that are circuitously or tenuously connected, should be barred for life from interfacing with football affairs in the country, to serve as deterrent to those contemplating such detrimental soccer act in future.

W

ESTERN GOVERNMENTS took a strong stand against Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe in 2008 when he employed massive violence and fraud to perpetuate himself in power through a presidential election. Five years later, the 89-yearold strongman is at it again. Flouting agreements with the opposition and pledges to foreign mediators, he has scheduled an election for this month without allowing the reforms necessary to make it free and fair. Opposition leaders once again are being hunted and persecuted.

This time, however, the United States and European Union seem to be giving Mr. Mugabe the benefit of the doubt. Many of the sanctions imposed on the country were lifted after a referendum on a new constitution in March. E.U. officials have promised the rest will be removed if the election, which began with early voting this week and concludes July 31, is judged free and fair by African observers. During his recent tour of Africa, President Obama declared that “there is an opportunity to move forward” in Zimbabwe “if there is an election that is free and fair and peaceful.”

As was already clear when Mr. Obama made that statement on June 30, Zimbabwe’s vote will meet none of those tests. Amnesty International reported that military and police forces have carried out an “alarming clampdown” on the opposition, including “systematic raids and arbitrary arrests” of activists. In a similar report, Human Rights Watch said that soldiers had deployed around the country to beat and harass supporters of opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai. “The chances of having free, fair and credible elections,” it said, “are slim.”

As part of accords brokered by the South African Development Community (SADC), Zimbabwe was to have implemented reforms of the security forces and media and cleaned up its electoral register before any election. Mr. Mugabe called the vote before any of this was done. The heads of the army and police are longtime regime loyalists who refused even to meet with Mr. Tsvangirai. State television has been broadcasting Mr. Mugabe’s campaign events while demanding that his opponent pay $165,000 for coverage of his opening rally. A study of the voter rolls by Zimbabwean groups showed massive distortions: An unrealistic 99.97 percent of the rural population was reported to have registered, compared with only 68 percent in the cities, where the opposition is stronger. A million younger voters who became eligible since 2008 have been left off the rolls.

None of this should surprise any observer of Zimbabwe, where Mr. Mugabe, in office since 1980, has never hesitated to use force, ballotrigging or appeals to racism and xenophobia to remain in power. Though his health is reportedly weakening, leaders of his ruling party are preparing to perpetuate the regime after his death, including through changes to the justapproved constitution. The question is whether their maneuvering will be tolerated by the SADC, which is led by South Africa, and by Western governments. With their own monitors banned

by Mr. Mugabe, E.U. officials say they will depend on the regional group’s judgment of whether the elections are fair. That won’t be a hard call to make; the question is whether Zimbabwe’s neighbors and the West will have the fortitude to tell the truth about the election, and to act accordingly.

– Washington Post

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Kunle Fagbemi •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile •Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon •Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina •Deputy Editor (Nation’s Capital) Yomi Odunuga •Group Political Editor Emmanuel Oladesu •Group Business Editor Ayodele Aminu •Sport Editor Ade Ojeikere •Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu • Gen. Manager (Training and Development) Soji Omotunde •Chief Internal Auditor Toke Folorunsho •Senior Manager (sales) Akeem Shoge •Advert Manager Robinson Osirike •IT Manager Bolarinwa Meekness •Press Manager Udensi Chikaodi •Manager, Corporate Marketing Hameed Odejayi • Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

18

CARTOON & LETTERS

S

IR: As a concerned citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I chose to address this open letter of appeal to the United States government to reveal to the good people of Taraba State in particular and Nigeria as a whole the exact state of health of Governor James Danbaba Suntai, who has been a patient in John Hopkins University Hospital in Maryland USA since March.

This open letter of appeal has become necessary because, the people of Taraba State have not seen or heard from their governor for over seven months without any credible information since he personally piloted a CESSNA 208-5N-BMJ

S

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

Suntai and the conspiracy of silence

which crashed near NNPC depot in Yola, Adamawa State on October 25, 2012.

The abnormal tight-lip posture demonstrated by the governor for the past seven months has continued to generate reactions amongst politicians, interest groups and the general public in Nigeria. Like

many others, I feel deeply touched by what the governor is passing through at this time of his life. This is one strong reason why he still enjoys some amount of sympathy from millions of people across the country. Nevertheless, Governor Suntai is like a tap-root in the political equation of his state and the

country. However, his prolong absence from office due to illhealth, coupled with his continued silence has started manifesting negative result already. Three religious riots – one from Ibi, two from Wukari and another ethnic crisis have been recorded in Takum. So far the crises have

Deposit Insurance Commission) or Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) or National Agency for Foods, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in revoking bank licenses or banning unregistered drugs.

In short, INEC shows a shallow understanding of the sociopolitical ripples that this would create. Candidates democratically produced by their respective parties are not mere drugs or bank licenses that must be revoked, or properly put in this scenario, disqualified.

To justify further its proposition, INEC is seeking powers to disqualify for 10 years anyone convicted for electoral offences by a court or tribunal. It is already settled law that a person convicted of a criminal offence cannot stand elections in Nigeria, why is INEC seeking extra-powers for disqualification in this respect?

It is also seeking that the proviso of Section 31(1) List of Candidates

be made subject to Section 87 of the Electoral Act in order to have powers to disqualify a person who has qualified as a candidate. It recommended as an alternative that political parties should submit the name of a candidate who won a primary election along with the name of the candidate who scored the second highest number of votes at the primaries as the substitute candidate. In short, INEC is seeking to override the internal democracy of the political parties. This would only lead to outright sociopolitical anarchy and disaster.

Equally, it is bidding to have the power to determine the political parties that would have their names and logos on the ballot papers. This would be a further attack on multi-party democracy in Nigeria. Presently, Section 78(7) of the Electoral Act 2010(2011 as amended) empowers INEC unconstitutionally to deregister parties that do not have political office holders at National

Assembly and State Houses of Assembly. INEC’s fresh proposals would only open the way to chaos.

The Supreme Court decision in INEC vs. MUSA (2003) 3 NWLR has laid down through the doctrine of “covering the field” that INEC’s exercise of its powers in the Electoral Act is subject to the supremacy of the 1999 Constitution(as amended). INEC’s voyage to acquire wider and unconstitutional powers is a journey to hell paved with “good intentions”. What is needed to be done by the National Assembly is to entrench genuine multi-party democracy by removing or deleting Section 78(7) of the Electoral Act 2010(2011 as amended) as it is undemocratic.

Any attempt by the National Assembly to allow the proposed amendments of INEC is a big invitation to disaster.

• Ayo Ademiluyi, Director, Social Justice Institute, Lagos

Proposed INEC reforms, trigger for anarchy

IR: For what can be appropriately termed as an attempt to trigger political anarchy, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is seeking wider powers including powers to disqualify candidates, which will make the current sectarian tensions engulfing the polity a child’s play. This is revealed in a fresh letter dated June 13, addressed to the National Assembly by INEC chairman, Attahiru Jega seeking amendments to the Electoral Act. The major blow to all-known democratic norms is the power being sought by INEC to disqualify candidates. This is as well as powers to be the sole authority to determine the names and logos on the ballot papers. The warped argument canvassed in this respect

by INEC is that it is not only a management body but also a regulatory one and it should have powers in this respect just like such bodies as the NDIC (National

claimed hundreds of lives and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed.

Before the tragic air crash, Governor Suntai was a blessing to Taraba State and Nigeria. He changed the face of Jalingo the state capital through the provision of massive infrastructure; the establishment of Taraba State University and Jalingo Airport are legacies that are fresh in our memory.

More than that, Governor Suntai opened up the rustic hinterland of Taraba with tarred roads, schools, health facilities as well as his ability to keep peace in the state which was moving on the slippery road to anarchy when he came to power in 2007.

Governor Suntai is not a private patient but an elected governor in one of the 36 states of Nigeria; also he is an employee accountable to millions of people. Information about his physical and mental well being cannot be subjected to the usual medical confidentiality of ordinary citizen and should not be kept secret from the people he leads. Sadly I must admit that President Goodluck Jonathan, acting Governor Garba Umar, immediate family members and close aides to Governor Suntai have failed to be truthful and transparent about the extent of infirmity of the governor which resulted to cat and mouse, hide and seek game.

In the eyes of many Nigerians, the US government has by default become part of the conspiracy of secrecy that threatens to destabilise our democracy. I therefore, implore the US authorities to as a matter of urgency, let all Nigerians know the true state of Governor Suntai’s health.

• John Akevi, Bauchi

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

19

COMMENTS

I

Political wrangling in Rivers

N 1962, I was in Ibadan Grammar School for the Higher School Certificate course preparatory to direct entry into the University of Ibadan. I was in a privileged position, echoing Odumegwu Ojukwu’s book; Because I was Involved, to watch the crisis that affected the Action Group that was the governing party in the Old Western region of Nigeria. The Western Region stretched from Ilupeju and Mushin all the way to what is today Delta and part of Bayelsa states. The region was the golden region of Nigeria. Oil had been struck at Oloibiri in what is today Bayelsa State but oil was not yet king. The economy of Nigeria largely depended on cocoa in the Western Region, groundnuts in the North and palm oil in the East. The Western Region also produced a lot of rubber and hard wood timber. Through the marketing boards established by the British colonial administration, the Western Region of Nigeria had accumulated reserves of millions of pounds. These funds as well as taxes raised in the region were deployed by the Action Group headed by Chief Obafemi Awolowo from 1951-1959 to develop western region. It was a region of first in everything from Free Universal Primary Education to integrated development involving industrialisation in the then Ikeja and Epe divisions, farm settlements and plantations of rubber and palm tree in many parts of the old region. Roads that were earth routes before were then tarred and made motorable. There were tremendous expansions in secondary school education so as to absorb those who were coming out of the Universal Free Primary School and tertiary institutions such as Adeyemi and Olunloyo Colleges of Education were established while the University of Ife was at an advanced stage of planning. There were also investments in tourism with the redevelopment of Lafia Hotel and various catering houses in the provincial headquarters as well as the building of the Premier Hotel in Ibadan and the acquisition from its owners of the Airport Hotel in Ikeja. The first television in Africa, south of the Sahara began transmitting in 1958 from Ibadan and the first modern stadium in Nigeria, the Liberty Stadium in Ibadan was also built to coincide with internal self-government in 1957.

These great landmarks gave the Action Group confidence that it could replicate on a grand scale the development in Western Nigeria and in Nigeria as a whole. This led Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1959 to resign as Premier in order to contest the federal election of that year with the hope of becoming the Prime Minister of Nigeria. The leader of the Action Group at the Federal House of Representatives, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, a formidable campaigner and skilled and adroit debater and parliamentarian was then asked to

T

HE legislative chamber is a hallowed place. It is a temple of sorts with its members as ministers. There are rules guiding its operation and members are expected to play by the rules. Those who don’t are sanctioned to deter others. In this present dispensation, the National Assembly comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives as well as the Houses of Assembly in the 36 states constitute the legislature.

In our land, it is a big deal being a member of these legislative houses because it confers prestige and honour on such a person. Even a mere councillor in the legislative house of a local government is referred to these days as ‘honourable’. Now, do you see why being a lawmaker is the next thing to being god! Our senators go by the appellation ‘distinguished’ and members of the House of Representatives (MHR), ‘honourable’ With such fancy names, they are expected to lead by example. They should be role models for the up and coming, who need to be impressed. But are they? In most cases, our lawmakers’ conduct leaves much to be desired. If they are not quarrelling over allowances and cars, they may be bickering over what is generally regarded as juicy committee positions. They either want to head the finance and appropriation committee or the petroleum committee.

At other times, they may be split along party or ideological lines which involves matter of principles.

If this is the case most times, Nigerians will not begrudge them. We will rather hail them because it is good for a man to fight on grounds of principle. Thus, if our lawmakers fight ideological fights as much as they wage battles over allowances or other mundane issues, we their constituents may not be bothered that much. We only get agitated when they fight for selfish reasons.

It is always fun watching our lawmakers fight. They roll up their

take over as Premier in Ibadan. It is of course now well known that the Action Group did not win the 1959 Federal election as it had hoped and Chief Awolowo subsequently became the leader of opposition in the House of Representatives in Lagos. As Premier, Chief Akintola was in office but not in power and this was the crux of the problem that later led to political crisis and vested interest on both sides fed fat on this problem. I have dealt with this extensively in my book on Chief Ladoke Akintola: His Life and Times published in 1978 by Frank Cass of London. The Yorubas have a saying that if there is a crack in the wall, lizards will find a passage into the house. Chief Awolowo’s enemies from the East and the North moved in to exploit the situation. There was an attempt to meet in the House to deal with the problem through a vote of confidence but the federal police was absolutely partisan and took the sides of the Akintola faction thus leading to a free for all fight in the house with the head of Kessington Momoh who was a supporter of Chief Akintola almost broken into two. This led the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the West.

In 1983, I was at the University of Maiduguri as Professor and the Dean of Faculty of Arts and I watched History repeat itself when the police commissioner, Mohammed Jida in public used his swagger stick to remove the cap of Mohammed Goni, the Governor of Borno State while the Federal government looked on and did nothing because Goni belonged to the GNPP which was in opposition to the NPN, the governing party at the centre. Just as the crisis in the West eventually led to military takeover in the country, the crisis in the NorthEast also resulted in the same scenario. The situation in Rivers hopefully is not history repeating itself but there is no doubt that the Commissioner of Police Mr. Joseph Mbu has become a problem in his partisanship by favouring one faction apparently supported by people in Abuja against the government of Rivers State.

We cannot afford to undermine this current democratic regime that many of us suffered for. I was in detention for six months under the administration of General Sani Abacha, many people died including people like M.K.O Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, General Shehu Yar’Adua, Chief Alfred Rewane and a host of other distinguished Nigerians who narrowly escaped being shot dead in broad daylight in Lagos such as the late Alex Ibru and Baba Abraham Adesanya amongst others. General Obasanjo narrowly escaped with his life when his death penalty was commuted to life. A lot of people went into exile and those who did not go into exile went underground.

The people who are currently benefiting from this democratic regime were not the people who fought for it and this may be the reason why it seems to me they do not really value what we have. A regime of laws not of personalities is what Jide this country deserves and nobody Osuntokun should be above the laws of the land and nobody should be favoured over others. The question of the partisanship of the federal police raises once again the question of the need for state police. The argument against state police is that it would be misused by those who control the levers of power in the state; but what is happening now with those controlling the Federal Government using the police against state authority and thus undermining the neutrality of the police has destroyed the argument of those against state police. What those of us who have seen it all should impress on the younger generation is the need for moderation in whatever we do in this country. So I say to the political leadership of this country ‘softly softly’.

‘The argument against state police is that it would be misused by those who control the levers of power in the state; but what is happening now with those controlling the Federal Government using the police against state authority and thus undermining the neutrality of the police has destroyed the argument of those against state police’

Legislative rascality

trousers, pull off their shirts to exchange blows. At times, they use the mace as weapon of war as it happened at the Rivers State House of Assembly last Tuesday. The Rivers show of shame was a skirmish waiting to happen. The clash had been brewing for long, but it didn’t start in the Assembly. It started with Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s problem with the Presidency over 2015.

President Goodluck Jonathan’s loyalists believe that Amaechi has presidential ambition and so must be stopped from realising his dream in order not to spoil their man’s chances for the exalted office in 2015.

The president has not said anything about 2015, but his body language has said more than enough.

Jonathan will contest the 2015 poll, I make bold to say before he tells us so next year formally. I am no soothsayer, but all the signs indicate that the president is interested in running.

It is this interest that is at the root of the crisis in the Rivers Assembly where lawmakers loyal to his minister, Nyesom Wike and by extension himself, and those for Amaechi slugged it out last week. Five of the 32-member Assembly are for Wike.

It was this minority that attempted to impeach Speaker Otelemara Amachree and impose Evans Bipi as the new speaker. It failed in its mission because the 27 other members, who are in the majority, resisted the move with all their might.

What happened next is now history.

Some of the lawmakers are still nursing the wounds they sustained in that fight. That serves them right, you will say. But the issue is deeper than that going by what we have been seeing since then. Could the July 9 Rivers Assembly have been averted? The answer is yes, if only the police had been proactive enough. By their own admission, they were invited to provide security at the sitting but never took it seriously until the army intervened.

According to Police Commissioner Mbu Joseph Mbu, ‘’I was nonchalant about the Assembly’s request for police security because it is unusual for them to request for police when sitting. Moreover, there is a police station with men attached to the Assembly’’. The lawmakers, who wrote to him, know that there is a police station attached to the Assembly before coming to him. Something must have informed their action and that was what the police chief did not take into account.

He did not ask himself this question: Why are these people writing to me when there is ‘’a police station with men at the House of Assembly’’? If he had asked himself that question, he would have thought twice before ignoring the request. The fact of the matter is that if the Army Brigade Commander in Port Harcourt had not written to Mbu, he would have remained ‘’nonchalant’’ about the Assembly’s request. That is not how to police a state which he oversees. He should take part of the blame for that day’s crisis. f his men had been on ground that day, chances are that the mayhem may have been averted. Nobody leaves fire on his roof and goes to sleep; and this unbelievably was what Mbu did in this case. This is, however, not to say that the lawmakers’ action is not condemnable. It is sad that they desecrated the hallowed chambers of the Assembly because of the desperation of a few people to impeach the speaker. It is only in our country that the minority is always scheming to override the majority.

They tried it in Plateau and Oyo states and failed in court after the kangaroo impeachment of Governors Joshua Dariye and Rashidi Ladoja, yet they didn’t learn a lesson.

Why do they think they will succeed in Rivers then? This kind of legislative rascality which seems to

I

always enjoy executive backing must stop if we truly wish to grow our democracy. Our democracy will grow if we allow the age-long dictum of the majority having its way and the minority having its say to prevail in everything that we do.

But will our politicians allow that?

Mandela at 95

Today, global icon Nelson Rohlilahla Mandela is 95. Although, he has been in hospital since June 8, the world has been monitoring his health and praying for his recovery. There is no doubt that Madiba is in critical condition, but the joy of people worldwide will be to see him get up and walk out of the hospital hale and hearty. There can be no greater birthday wish than that.

When he was taken to the hospital, many did not give him a chance to live up to this day, especially with reports that he had been placed on life support. Whether on life support or not, the support that has sustained Mandela up till now is that of the people. They have been going to his hospital daily, praying for him to return home. Men, women and children have been doing that for the past one month.

What we have seen so far is the efficacy of prayers at work. This shows that any leader who does well will enjoy the support and prayers of the people. Mandela is enjoying this goodwill because he served the people and not himself and his family. Happy birthday, Madiba.

‘This kind of legislative rascality which seems to always enjoy executive backing must stop if we truly wish to grow our democracy’

Lawal Ogienagbon

lawal.ogienagbon@thenationonlineng.net SMS ONLY: 08099400204

Lucky devils

Many are still in shock over last Friday’s Court of Appeal judgment, freeing Major Hamza Al - Mustapha and Alhaji Lateef Sofolahan of the murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.

The court said there was no evidence to link them with the murder, wondering where the high court, which found them guilty of the offence in January, last year, got its own evidence from. Since the appeal court has spoken on this matter so shall it be until its decision is tested at the Supreme Court. We can only blow muted trumpet on the matter in this space in the face of the appellate court’s verdict. If many had their way, Al - Mustapha and Sofolahan would not have had their day. These people would have preferred that Al - Mustapha, especially, be publicly tried and disgraced for the atrocities he allegedly committed as chief security officer (CSO) to the late Gen San Abacha. Not many believe the Court of Appeal judgment on account of this; they prefer the high court’s verdict, but their preference does not matter in things like this.

Their lordships have spoken and so shall it be until the judgment is reversed by the Supreme Court, that is if the matter gets there. For now, the men should enjoy their freedom.

It’s their luck.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

20

COMMENTS

T

O properly grasp the far reaching implications of the mayhem that took place in the Rivers House of Assembly last week, we will have to situate it within the larger context of a ‘self-help culture’, a euphemism for anarchy which has come to define the fourth republic since its advent in 1999.

When I suggested diarchy on this page last week as one possible way of curing those who have institutionalized a’ culture of self-help’ of their madness, many thought I was dragging the nation backwards.

General Obasanjo, as the chief guardian of the military decreed 1999 constitution, undermined the legislature and the judiciary. Accused governors were impeached by a handful of state legislators who themselves must have compromised their positions from a hotel room hundred of miles from the scene of their crime.

The culture of self-help became institutionalised. Serving governors rigged elections through the help of the police and directed their victims to go to court while brigands held on to their priced loot- the governor’s seat. NNPC and Nigerian Ports were unabashedly and openly used as sources of patronage. Legislators, without qualms awarded themselves scandalously indefensible salaries and allowances.

The current crisis in Rivers is about 2015.

The president and his men want 2015 without opposition and without the electorate, if resorting to self-help would achieve the same goal. Timipre Sylvia of Balyesa became the first victim. Amaechi of Rivers seems to be the next.

But beleaguered Amaechi, who became governor in spite of PDP, is proving to be a good product of self-help culture. Trying to exploit the sentiments of his people over Rivers/Bayelsa oil well issue he had openly cried out: “They have taken our oil wells from Etche; they have taken our oil wells from Kalabari; they have taken our oil wells from Andoni and they are battling to take over those in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni. We are losing our oil wells everyday; If I speak, they will say that I am stubborn, but we have to defend our rights; Part of the problems were facing now is that we are fighting to protect our oil wells.”

Ignoring the president body language, he seduced the opposition by sharing their sentiments on Sovereign Wealth Fund, Excess Crude Account, fuel subsidy, East-West road, Adamawa PDP case amongst others to win a Nigeria Governors Forum election by 19 to 16 votes. Humbled in its own game, the presidency scandalously embraced Jonah Jang the loser in the election. The Rivers State House of Assembly suspended the chairman of Obio/

M

Jonathan, Amaechi and culture of self-help Akpor Local Government Area allegedly for corruption. Amaechi hid under the doctrine of separation of power to ignore the presidency pressure to reverse the decision. Again, beaten in its own game, Abuja resorted to self help. Obio-Akpor LGA was taken over by the Rivers State Police Command who chased out the council officials without any legal authority and without information or consent of the state governor. Dakuku Peterside, a federal legislator from the area described the action as ‘the height of lawlessness which each day moves us closer to anarchy’.

Amaechi lost out in Rivers PDP intra-party feuds. But he secured a moral victory because the judgment in favour of Obuah who did not participate in the Rivers PDP congress nine months earlier was thought to have been influenced by powers that be in Abuja. The Abuja FTC court judgment by Justice Ishaq Bello, was described by Professor Itse Sagay as having ‘the capacity of derailing our democracy.’

Joseph Mbu, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police claimed he has the mandate of the National Security Adviser (NSA) in far away Abuja to chair the Rivers Internal Security Council while Amaechi, as the chief security officer of his state wanted it rotated. Mbu, publicly called the governor names, supervised a demonstration led by militants but insisted the governor would need a permit to lead his own protest against Mbu and his Abuja backers. Amaechi once again got sympathy from far away Niger State whose governor Babangida Aliyu, said, “Mbu, allegedly, with the backing of federal government, has virtually taken over the security functions of democratically elected governor”.

UCH unlike the wedding ceremonies of the high and mighty, the wedding Fatiha of the son of Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Mustapha RM Kwankwaso, went almost unnoticed.

There was no display of ostentation or flamboyance. To most residents of Kano and scores of government officials, the wedding could have been a rumour due to total absence of media hype and the low-key manner of event.

This event is a lesson to our party-loving leaders who do not only squander public funds on jamborees at home but go an inch further to junket abroad and organise wedding bash. The new dismaying craze is junketing to Dubai, UK or America to tilt the till in the name of marriage ceremony. Ideally, ceremonies are private matters that should be handled privately, but in Nigeria it is elevated well above state matters. While other governors use the opportunity of ceremonies to flaunt both their affluence and influence by inviting innumerable notable personalities to add glamour to the event, Gov. Kwankwaso thinks otherwise as only a handful of political associates and close relatives and allies attended the low-key event.

However, it is not only on the occasion of his son’s wedding that Kwankwaso displayed sense of simplicity and frugal management of public funds; he is one person whose sense of discipline always manifests in every facet of his life. Kano’s financial discipline under Kwankwaso is second to none. He would rather give you a million from his pocket than to unjustifiably give you N20,000 from the treasury.

The governor’s moral discipline is also very strict. You cannot see his son or other members of his family jumping from one office to another in order to secure contract, interfere with the official duties of government officials or curry favour. Kwankwaso is one person who does not brook indiscipline at home or in office. Towards safeguarding the image of his family and abiding by the dictate of the constitution, the general public may note that there is no ‘Office of the First Lady’ in Kano. Also, there is no any special allocation or vote in whatever guise that is channeled to his wife as obtained elsewhere.

What interests me most in the penultimate Saturday’s wedding Fatiha of the governor’s son was that Kano roads were not blocked, the airwaves were not inundated with jingles, the television stations never got a simulcast

In June, in a show of power, the First Lady shut down the Rivers State capital ostensibly to attend the wedding of Evans Bipialaka. In July the same man at the head of five legislators procured a fake maze and proceeded before the arrival of 23 other members, purportedly impeached the speaker and declared self the new speaker. Even while the perversity was still going on, the Obuah led faction of Rivers PDP, loyal to the presidency, congratulated Bipialaka . “The lawmakers who elected Bipialaka as their Speaker had once again demonstrated the unity and sense of purpose that characterized the hallowed chamber before the crisis”; the party’s spokesman, Monday Oyenzeowu asserted in a statement.

Gulak assertion that ‘Jonathan, a man of peace’ is not behind Rivers crisis only make critical minds chuckle.

Betrayed by Mbu and abandoned by Abuja, Governor Amaechi also resorted to self-help.

He rallied round a few loyal security men ostensibly to rescue his 23 loyal lawmakers and dislodged the’ five law makers’ loyal to the president. In the ensuing melee, Okey Chindah, a member of the President’s army of self-help enforcers was battered with the fake maze he and his daring four law makers had procured. He has since been flown abroad by the federal government for treatment, on tax papers account following his injuries.

Now, the presidency, the god father of a ‘culture of self-help’ is blaming Amaechi for resorting to self help to chase out rascals and hoodlums that took over the state House of Assembly. His political adviser, said, “I am not aware of any plan to impeach the governor …what I know is that the House of Assembly intended to change their leadership,

Kwankwaso’s example in discipline

By AbdulSalam Mohd Sani of the event from government, the pages of newspapers were not adorned with bride and groom’s photos, no billboard was erected to show the beaming faces of the celebrants, no procession of motorcade of dignitaries.

This is Kwankwaso’s Kano, a state where public funds bear their name — public funds. What is meant for the people will certainly go to the people as justified by the executed and on-going projects taking place in Kano today.

As a member of the organizing committee of the wedding, we initially planned big, thinking that the governor would accede to our demand for a grand event. But the term of reference given to us left us rolling our eyes out: That government will not use a kobo from the treasury to finance the event, that invitation should only be sent to those residing in Kano, that the wedding Fatiha should only hold at the weekend in order not to bring inconveniences to the public, that no single announcement of the wedding should be placed on radio, TV or in newspaper, that vehicular movements must not be hampered around the city, that no contractor or public office holder should be consulted for ‘contribution’, that musicians (however low-profile) must not be invited... The list of the ‘dos and don’ts’ reeled out by the governor is just endless.

Even the wordings in invitation card were also made to appear so simple and devoid of pride as the governor struck out titles of the family patriarch, a respected traditional title holder in Kano. It is the most artless wedding event I have ever seen!

As American motivational speaker and author, Jim Rohn, says “We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret or disappointment.” The first American president George Washington capped it all as he observed that “Discipline is the

rightly or wrongly, they have a constitutional right to do it if they have the majority.’ Ahmed Gulak conveniently forgot to say, the presidency’s five foot-soldiers tried to impeach a speaker backed by 23 lawmakers.

The Inspector General of Police M.D. Abubakar and the Police Service Commission chairman, Mike Okiro are more interested in the professional misconduct of the governor’s security aides. But many Nigerians, because of their own antecedents, unfortunately see their emergence as arising from a ‘culture of self-help’. Okiro, critics claimed was a card carrying member of PDP and an alleged government contractor before his appointment.

Very few similarly forgot his role in the humiliation of Ribadu who as chairman of EFCC was demoted before being chased out of office and the country because he stepped on the toes of corrupt PDP leaders notably the British-jailed James Ibori and other ‘Southsouth’ indicted governors. Abubakar, the IG on his part, was alleged to have been indicted by the Justice Niki Tobi Commission of Inquiry examining the 2001 Jos crisis as Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, for allegedly taking sides in the sectarian violence which led to the death hundreds. In other words the outcome of the probe would be taken with a pinch of the salt by cynical public.

But perhaps as the2015 battle becomes more vicious with both Abuja and Port Harcourt relying on ‘self-help’ to outwit each other, both sides may need to weigh the observation of Dr. Junaid Muhammad that the culture of self-help as demonstrated by the ‘current developments in the PDP and especially in Rivers State bear an uncanny resemblance to the old Western Region, which led to the collapse of the First Republic, with very serious and bloody consequences. Then and now, the popularly elected leaders of those parts of the country were prevented from exercising political power and control, and the operations of the police, the army and the rump of security services were interfered with in a brazen political manner.’

Perhaps we should add by reminding ourselves that when decent men such as Awo, Rotimi Williams, Enahoro, Adegbenro, Soroye opted to tackle the brigands and their federal backers in court, the judicial process was manipulated. And when they appealed to the British Privy Council, the federal government overnight changed the laws. One would have thought the travails of our nation since 1966 would have been instructive to those in Abuja who think they are invincible. But do people ever learn from history?

soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.”

No doubt Kwankwaso’s discipline in the discharge of his official duties, coupled with his selfless service to the people, is what makes that small number of his team “formidable” and as George Washington would say, “procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.”

Because of the governor’s financial discipline, he saved about N3.2 billion on the cost of the Jakara river channelization project, which was hitherto estimated to cost N8.7 billion. When the project specification and estimates were submitted to the government, the governor ordered for a painstaking re-assessment of the project proposal, as a result of which the cost was reduced and the design was modified for good. According to the governor, the amount saved was channelled to payment of scholarships for students from the state studying in various local and international institutions.

It is also the fruits of discipline that make Kano save N500 million monthly. This was due to the pruning down of the over-bloated overhead costs and other recurrent expenditures of the ministries and MDAs. The governor once explained that he could build a flyover (similar to the one currently under construction) every year with just the money he saved from overhead costs, which were hitherto embezzled by the previous administration.

With 2013 budget allocating 75 percent for capital projects and 25 percent for recurrent expenditure, it is trite that Kano’s helmsman is deeply concerned about welfare of his people. Kano is the only state where there is no infamous security vote. Whatever is spent, however little, is appropriated and justified.

• Sani wrote from Nassarawa GRA Kano.

‘With 2013 budget allocating 75 percent for capital projects and 25 percent for recurrent expenditure, it is trite that Kano’s helmsman is deeply concerned about welfare of his people. Kano is the only state where there is no infamous security vote’

21

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

COMMENTS

W

E, the masses of the people of the South-west are living in poverty – in a degree of poverty that we have never known in our history. For us, independent Nigeria has meant poverty and more poverty. We are not used to living in poverty. We know confidently that we can beat this poverty – our history proves that unambiguously.

We are confident that the boys we vote for to govern our states can lead us to victory in the fight. All we want is a chance to fight unhampered. We are not asking for favours.

The agency that hampers struggle and success in all parts of Nigeria today is the Federal Government. It was not so in the 1950s.

From the time when our country became a federation in 1952, and until 1962, the federating units of our federation (the then regions) had enough autonomy, and enough of control over their own life and resources, to make progress in all directions. The Federal Government was not an obstacle then, as it is today. And the Federal Government was not weak at all. There was a careful and sensible balance between the powers given to the Federal Government and the powers given to the regional governments. The regions were made the centres of detailed development, while the Federal Government was made to stand above all, protect the regions, defend our country, and speak for our country in the world. That was the kind of sane and sensible arrangement that our leaders (our Awolowo, Azikiwe, and Ahmadu Bello) agreed upon.

Each region had its own Coat of Arms, its own flag, even its own representative in London to see to its affairs abroad. It was not perfect, but it was good enough – and it worked very well.

It was under this sensible arrangement that the genius of our Awolowo could blossom in our Western Region. He was a thinker, planner and achiever above all others. Our region was free to breathe and live and thrive. Under this atmosphere of freedom, our Awolowo and his team of capable colleagues were able to make miracles happen. That is

‘The Federal Government presumes to have the right to sack the elected governors of states, and to dictate how much state and Local Governments will pay to their employees. The Federal Government is the mighty power behind the culture of corruption that has wrecked Nigeria’s name in the world’

A

S the news of the sad event swept through the Benin River Itsekiri communities in Warri North Local Government area of Delta State, it sent shock waves down the spines of people. That attack on over six Itsekiri communities and villages in that area by a group of Ijaw youths penultimate week still baffles a lot of people.

Why would a group of disgruntled militants wake up one day and decide to go on a killing spree of their fellow citizens who did not do them any harm or provoke them by any means?

It is already sad enough that the nation is facing many security issues that have been claiming so many lives and rendering a lot of people jobless and homeless. With this latest unwarranted attack by the Ijaw youths, one begins to wonder when the problem of ethnic hatred and hegemony will ever come to an end in Nigeria. If mere instincts for economic and social survival could push a group of people to have the mind to exterminate as many as 20 hapless people in one day, what is the real essence of that means of survival if the people eventually get it?

It is no longer contestable that what propelled this attack on the part of the Ijaw youths was the quest to grab their own largesse of the oil rig. When this group of boys who are also dislocated militants discovered that they have been edged out of the Federal government amnesty which has guaranteed oil rig to other Ijaw militants, they opted to make their presence known and felt by the Nigerian populace. But why attack hapless and innocent Itsekiri people in order to register their grouse and anger?

It is well known throughout the nation that the Ijaws are the greatest beneficiaries of the amnesty programme. And so it follows that at this grave moment in the nation’s internal crises, the youths should understand and so do well to encourage that peace reigns supreme in the land. But the boys resorted to

What do we in the South-west want? how our region became “First in Africa” in a whole lot of development achievements. But the other regions were proudly achieving too.

Gradually, in the Eastern Region, a culture of small industrial businesses raised its head. The Northern Region was starting far behind the Western and Eastern Regions in education, but, under its great leader, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Northern Region embarked upon a very admirable development progress in many directions too. In the midst of all this excitement, we celebrated Independence in 1960.

Our Nigeria was growing and prospering and heading for the highest in the world. And we young Nigerians proudly bragged to our friends in the countries where we were studying abroad that our Nigeria would soon become the Blackman’s World Power of modern times.

Then came 1962 – yes, 1962, the year that we Nigerians must forever remember with sadness, no matter what the future may hold for our country. In that year, the people in power in the Federal Government thought to themselves that this region called the Western Region was just too successful on its own strength, too confident, too proud. Therefore, they decided that the Western Region needed to be humbled, cut down and subdued. Most of our young people of today do not know this horrible story. I was young then. I had just graduated from university. The day I finished my last BA degree examination at Ibadan, the car sent by my employers to bring me to my new job was waiting for me in front of the examination hall. By evening, I was somewhere in my new job. That was the way that we citizens of the Western Region lived in those days. After graduating, it was time for us to start supporting the parents who had supported us in the long years of higher education; and it was time to start helping our younger brothers and sisters to get higher education too. Our life was orderly and sure.

We walked the earth with assurance and pride.

Then suddenly, the federal plot to destabilize our region went to work. Our regional government started to crumble all around us. It was awful! It was very awful!

Those who should have advised against the attack on our region, and who might have perhaps prevented the attack on our region, chose to support the attack. They calculated that our fall would benefit them somehow.

Our pace-setter region was overrun and brutalized – until we the youths of the region rose up and struck back with a mighty revolt.

Our revolt shook Nigeria to its foundations.

And from that, there followed many disruptive developments, the central piece of which was a series of military coups and military dictatorships going on until 1999. The people holding federal power in 1962 had attacked our region because they wanted the Federal Government to become much stronger than it was – to control much more power over Nigeria. In essence, they wanted to destroy the federal arrangement. The military dictatorships that followed wanted the same. One of the major ways in which they went about achieving that unwise goal was to splinter the country into more and more states – until we finally reached 36 states. Their creating more and more states may look like a desire to give more and more local parts of Nigeria power over their own lives. But that was not their real intension. Local demands for states gave them the opportunity to splinter the country into small weak states that the Federal Government could easily dictate to.

For instance, saying that the new small states were simply too small and too weak to hold the assets and development products of the former three regions, (highways, universities, control over export products, etc), they seized all for the Federal Government. To control the Local Governments in each state, they listed the Local Governments in the Nigerian Constitution and provided that they should deal directly with the Federal Government – so that the Federal Government maybe able to manipulate them against their state governments. A federal system disappeared, and Nigeria became essentially a country ruled under a unitary system of government.

As things stand today, it is no longer clear what the state governments can freely do.

There is hardly anything the Federal Government does not interfere in. We have seen the Federal Government stop states from building or improving roads, or claim to be the sole controller of all natural resources, or take over taxes paid by companies doing business in the states, or order the police into action in states or even march soldiers into states without any consultation with the state governments, or insist on determining the number of Local Governments in states, etc.

The Federal Government presumes to have the right to sack the elected governors of states, and to dictate how much state and Local Governments will pay to their employees. The Federal Government is the mighty power behind the culture of corruption that has wrecked Nigeria’s name in the world. It is the enormous agency that promotes and

Duress and peace in Delta From Anthony Mene

sporadic attacks on their neighbours just to curry for attention and probably arm-twist the government of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan to give them their own booty. That was however, a very wrong calculation and approach to an issue that has absolutely nothing to do with the state government of Delta, nay the Itsekiri people themselves.

When the Ijaw youths first attacked their own communities and there was no hue and cry, they decided to move over to their Itsekiri neighbours. This was to draw the anger and response of the people and bring the state to pay attention to their nefarious demands. But how can that be, when Governor Uduaghan has given the state its most glorious and peaceful years since he became the number one citizen of the state? Who doesn’t love peace? Why would people want to puncture the normal flow of things in the state now?

As it is, it does not do anyone any good to begin to foment trouble now. That the Ijaws were asking that the Chairmanship of Warri North Local government area at Koko be given to an Ijaw man, to many right-thinking Nigerians, was a mere smoke screen. They know that democratic governance is done through the ballot boxes. So, why would the people just wake up and push an Ijaw man into the position of the Chairmanship of the local government?

Even the trouble-makers who went all out killing and maiming for that purpose know it is not possible. It is not possible simply because it was the people who voted their chairman into office. An election time is the appropriate moment to make the desired change in the status quo and that is exactly what the grumbling youths should wait and

do in the next election in the local government.

When the Itsekiri Legacy Rebirths met last week over the issue, they made a lot of observations that are meant to help douse the temper in the region. It is instructive that the Itsekiri youths have been prevailed upon not to retaliate. This is a good sign, showing the maturity of civilized people. It is also good that government should on its part fish out the perpetrators of this barbaric act to serve as a deterrant to others. Appropriate punishment should be meted out to them so that peace in Delta State can continue unobtrusively.

It is interesting to note that the resilience and wisdom of Governor Uduaghan, an Itsekiri man, shows a leader with a big heart, a leader who knows how to accommodate others for the sake of peace. But that should not be taken for granted. Those who have been displaced should be provided for. And the Federal government whose amnesty gestures take care of militant groups in the area should act first to prevent a reoccurrence.

It doesn’t make any sense when another person is made to suffer due to the neglect done by the other. Amnesty is solely a federal government concern which no group of people for whatever reason should try to localize or trivialize for their selfish end.

Characteristically, the Delta State government has been showing deep sense of political savvy in its dealings with different groups in the state. Therefore, everybody ought to come together to encourage this peaceful coexistence so that both economic and political El-dorado will continue to be the lot of everyone.

By embarking on the rebuilding of these communities and compensating the families

Gbogun gboro guarantees poverty in Nigeria. The Federal Government stands in the way of state authorities ambitious and eager to fight poverty in their states. This is not a judgment on this or that president. It does not matter who the president may be. If we do not urgently curb the excessive powers and presumptions of the Federal Government of our country, and restore considerable development competence to the federating units of our federation, poverty will rise to such heights that Nigeria will not be able to contain the anger it generates.

That is why we the citizens of the Southwest, as one people, want the Nigerian federation to be restructured without delay. Together in our own region, we can beat poverty and return to a life of progress and prosperity. But this ambition is not a selfish one.

All peoples of Nigeria will benefit. And Nigeria as an entity in the world will benefit.

So, we say to all our politicians, our governors, our federal and state legislators, and members of our local governments: Pool your energies and influences in your parties, caucuses and alliances, to get the Nigerian federation restructured now. Recover the autonomy which our regions enjoyed in the Nigerian federation until 1962. All that has been concocted to replace the federation that we had at independence is an imposture which most Nigerians detest and reject. Liberate yourselves so as to be free to give us the kind of government we desire – the kind of government that can lead us quickly out of poverty. We elected you, and we will stand solidly behind you. In whatever you do in your politics, make sure that you include the restructuring and restoring of the Nigerian federation seriously on the front burner, and you can count on our unflinching support. We are watching. that lost their loved ones, that sense of love and peace will equally permeate the innerrecesses of the people. There has to be a sense of reassurance both in the people and in the communities if the proper apparatuses of security are put in place to checkmate the excesses of criminals in the region.

If at the point of laying down their arms for amnesty in 2009, a lot of Ijaw youths still possess some, it is a clear indication that there is no sincerity in the exercise in the first place. This is one of the issues the Amnesty committee has to look into so as to allow Deltans to continue to savour their peace. We cannot isolate peace from the progress of the state. The youths themselves should be busy doing legitimate businesses to help for a better society for all.

• Mene writes from Sapele

‘And the Federal government whose amnesty gestures take care of militant groups in the area should act first to prevent a reoccurrence.

It doesn’t make any sense when another person is made to suffer due to the neglect done by the other. Amnesty is solely a federal government concern which no group of people for whatever reason should try to localize or trivialize for their selfish end’

22

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

25

THE NATION

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

THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

INSIDE

‘One child, one book, can change the world’

email:- education@thenationonlineng.com

Workers of Lagos State University (LASU) are on the warpath with management over its planned restructuring and ‘no vacancy, no promotion’ policy ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA reports.

IN the name of God, the most beneficent, the most merciful...

-Page 27

‘End HND in Engineering’

THE Vice President, Nigeria Institute of Structural Engineers and senior lecturer at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Dr Kehinde Osifala, has called for the scrapping of the Higher National Diploma, (HND), in Engineering programme because of discrimination.

-Page 37

CAMPUS LIFE •An eight-page section on campus news, people etc

Student’s death sparks protest at LASPOTECH

BRANDISHING tree branches and green leaves and with tears flowing down their cheeks, students of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) last Monday protested the death of their colleague, Oladimeji Olu.

-Page 29

•LASU entrance on Tuesday

PHOTOS: ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA

LASU, workers in battle of wits

•Dr Idris

•Mr Agusto

•Planned restructuring, ‘no vacancy, no promotion’ spark row

A

GAIN, teachers at the Lagos State University (LASU) are oiling their guns in readiness a for a battle with management. They are up in arms against the institution’s “no vacancy, no promotion” policy and proposed restructuring of some programmes. They believe that the planned restructuring would lead to the sacking of some workers.

They are against the “no vacancy, no promotion” policy because it would leave many stagnant on one level for long.

Before Prof John Obafunwa became LASU’s Vice-Chancellor (VC), his predecessor, Prof Lateef Hussain's tenure was marred with showdown with the unions on campus. A strike once lasted for nearly six months.

The workers, who rejoiced when Obafunwa was appointed two years ago, are not happy with his policies, which they fear are aimed at witch-hunting .

But the management has described the workers' agitation as “mere speculation”, adding that the proposed restructuring has nothing to do with streamlining

the workforce but “academic programmes” alone.

The planned restructuring first hit the rumour mill last year before it blew open this year. when it became open, the different unions, sought clarifications on the policies from the management which said it was restructuring.

Chairman of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Comrade Yaqoub Jubril said the management's ongoing austerity

measure was gradually killing the university. He said though the union agreed with the administration at inception to prune cost but not to the extent that will affect activities in the university.

“At inception, we agreed with the present administration to cut cost because in NASU, we don't condone corruption of our members.

We only told the management to plug loopholes because we realised some of the imprests were not used

What I know is that government wants all tertiary institutions in Lagos to have a second look at their programmes and curricula and see how they can repackage them so that what they are doing will have some relevance and linkage with the society. That is the government's desire

We are not against restructuring. But whatever is done, the jobs of our members must not be touched.

Whenever the management thinks it needs to restructure, redevelop or re-engineer a unit, we are in total support at least to become more relevant in the academic profession

‘

–Management

’

‘

–ASUU

’

for their actual purpose. But we also specifically warned that the running of offices must not be hampered as it is happening now.

"Go around our offices, nothing works. Even ordinary memos are not treated promptly. Above all, we are still convinced the management is trying to downsize,” he said.

Rather than downsize, Jubril said the workers have repeatedly suggested that the university can boost its Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) through: LASU Foundation programme, Sandwich courses and LASU Consult, noting that management only inaugurated the board which has yet to take off.

"We don't want a repeat of what happened during the previous administration. We all want a worldclass university but this to me, is not the best way of going about it," he said.

"We don't know whether the issue of grammar is the problem here," said Chairman of the the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Oseni •Continued on page 26

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

26

EDUCATION

A

Abia writes Fed Govt to take over poly

BIA State governor, Chief Theodore Orji says that his administration has written an official letter to the Federal Government to take over some of its tertiary institutions.

They include: the Abia State Poly-

From Ugochukwu ugoji-eke, Umuahia

technics in Aba, the Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu and the Abia State Teaching hospital (ABSUTH), Aba.

Speaking with journalists in Umuahia after his trip to China, Orji said that it will be nice for the federal government to do what is right so that the state will be at par with others and for the policy of the government at the centre to be

realised.

Orji said that the Federal Government policy stipulates that there should be a federal university, Polytechnics and college of education in all the states of the federation, stressing that his state is one

of the state in the country that does not have such federal presence, which needs to be addressed.

The governor said that the minister of health, Dr Onyebuchi Chukwu will be coming to the state to commission the dialysis centres the state had built in both Aba and Umuahia, adding that the two centres have seven dialysis machines.

Students honour philanthropist

F

OR his usual kindness particularly to indigent students, the Oodua Students Union (OSU) has honoured the chairman, Adolaki Group of Companies, Mr Olabode Adegoke.

Presenting him the "Ambassador of Youth" award at Ore, headquarters of Odigbo local government of Ondo State, the OSU President, Mr Atibani Adeyeye said the event marked another historic gathering for consistent identification of excellence.

He said the recipient has continued to remain resolute in service delivery, kindness to humanity and generosity to indigent students in the Southwest through annual scholarship grants.

"This humble business man and philanthropist had and is still assisting several indigent students on yearly basis and even has a unique culture of providing job opportunities for many unemployed graduates. He is an acclaimed human

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

developer and employer of labour with distinct character. He has distinguished himself as an ambassador of youths in job creation in the Southwest. Adegoke is into oil and gas as well as hospitality business, and has used his business empire to uplift many students," Adeyeye said.

He added that the award was to encourage those endowed with material resources to utilise them to improve the lives of the downtrodden especially in Yoruba land.

In his response, Adegoke thanked the students for the honour, which he said would further spur him to action in assisting poor students and others.

He lamented the level of poverty in the country, which he said has forced many jobless youths into indecent practices. He pledged his continued support to indigent students and poor people particularly in the Southwest.

• From left: - Hon. Lola Akande, Deputy Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Prof. Ngozi Osarenren, former Commissioner of Education, Edo State and Dr. Mrs Mary Iyayi, Executive Director, Cayley College at the 17th Graduation ceremony of the College held recently.

LASU, workers in battle of wits

•Continued from page 25

Adewale Saheed. "If the management is saying restructuring, we are in total support because we are workers here and it is our joy that this institution develops. We have also visited the chairman of the (Governing) Council, Mr Bode Agusto, and he assured us that the restructuring will not affect workers' jobs. But from past experiences, there is no way you will say you want to rationalise that workers' jobs will not be affected. So we still don't know what management is up to."

The Nation gathered that when the plan was initially hatched, the Academic Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (ASUU) faulted the Council for gate-crashing into an activity beyond its purview as only the Senate has the sole responsibility overseeing academic affairs including programme restructuring. The Nation gathered that following the observation, the Council reversed its decision and wrote the Senate which called an emergency meeting in May during which the issue was debated. It concluded that if any restructuring must be done, it must first begin from the department, to the faculty and then back to the Senate.

"We have asked every faculty and department to re-present their programmes. Departments that wish to retain their present names are allowed, while those who wish to have their names changed are also given the freedom. But it's like while we are doing something, the vice chancellor and council chairman are doing something else," said a member of the Senate who pleaded anonymity.

"Let me tell you that in the ongoing admission, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has given us 5,000 carrying capacity but the vice chancellor and council chairman want to admit less than 2000 students. They are planning to admit less than 25 per cent to the institution. They want to allocate about 200 students to the Faculty of Arts Faculty of Education, 220 and so on. The idea is to create 'LASU Business School' where less that 25 per cent of our current carrying capacity will be admitted thereby sending many staff away,"

the source added.

"We are not against restructuring. But whatever is done, the jobs of our members must not be touched," said ASUU-LASU Chairman Dr Adekunle Idris. "Whenever the management thinks it needs to restructure, redevelop or re-engineer a unit, we are in total support at least to become more relevant in the academic profession.

"Management came up with a number of criteria with which they want to rationalise courses in LASU, and some of them are just untenable in a state university. We are looking at the economic viability of courses; relevance of courses to the society; ability to teach a course well and so on, but ASUULASU makes bold to say that there is no course within the confines of the way state or government universities are run that is economically viable; none within this school fees regime, except you want to turn it into a private university and that will be against the vision of the founding fathers of this great university."

Besides, Idris said ASUU-LASU is seeking the domestication of the 2009 ASUU/Federal Government agreement which the Lagos State government signed with all the unions on December 31 2010.

The university's Acting Director, Press, Media and Public Relations, Dr Sola Fosudo told The Nation in his office that the planned restructuring was informed by government's directive to LASU to have all its programmes restructured to meet the 21st century demands.

"It's all speculative," Fosudo argued, "I don't think we should be working on assumptions or presumptions here. What I know is that government wants all tertiary in-

stitutions in Lagos to have a second look at their programmes and curricula and see how they can repackage them so that what they are doing will have some relevance and linkage with the society. That is the government's desire."

Fosudo said the university had never been alien to the idea of restructuring.

"The idea of restructuring is not new, even before this new vicechancellor came on board. I am a member of the Faculty of Arts Curriculum Committee and about three years ago, there was a directive that all departments should come up with a reviewed curriculum for their programmes. For instance, we in Theatre (arts) decided to call our programmes Theatre and Cultural Studies and very soon we will be graduating students in BA in Theatre and Cultural Studies. Also remember, there was a time the Department of History repackaged its programmes and called it History and International Studies. All these were before this talk on rationalisation resurfaced. All I know is that a document came from Alausa asking us to repackage our programmes to conform with the needs of the society. Is that a bad idea? So for members to be thinking the restructuring is being geared to lay off staff, I wouldn't agree with that."

On the 'no vacancy, no promotion' policy the workers said it is ploy to deny them their promotion. Because of the policy not all the workers across junior and senior cadres, that applied for promotion last year were elevated.

According to LASU’s conditions of service, a junior staff is entitled to promotion once in three years, provided such worker scales the three hurdles - Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (APER),

written examination and oral interview each year making up to 65 per cent benchmark, except for those from Grade Level 11 which is subject to APER and an interview, every three years.

With the new policy, it now means that even if an employee has met the aforementioned conditions, he would not be allowed to move up except there is a vacancy at the at level.

When contacted on phone, Obafunwa declined comment on the issue, saying it is already with the Council.

"I do not wish to speak much on this as it is already with the Council. Anytime you come over to the LASU, kindly give me a call and I shall host you and give more explanations on this," he said.

Agusto said he would rather certain issues remain "strictly confidential" until the appropriate time.

"In every organisation, there are confidential issues. There are things that should not be said openly until the time is ripe. I must confess that we have discovered a lot of nauseating things about ASUU and other workers which I would like to reveal at the appropriate time," he said.

He said the non-teaching workers, many of who are talking about conditions of service, are being economical with the truth as many of those they are agitating for are still temporary workers of the university.

When asked to clear the air on the “no vacancy, no promotion policy,” Agusto adopted an analogy to give his response.

"Let's assume you are running a business and you have a marketing director. Now, one of your employees has acquired the necessary qualification for the same post. Are you going to send your marketing

‘Let me tell you that in the ongoing admission, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has given us 5,000 carrying capacity but the vice chancellor and council chairman want to admit less than 2000 students. They are planning to admit less than 25 per cent to the institution. They want to allocate about 200 students to the Faculty of Arts Faculty of Education, 220 and so on. The idea is to create 'LASU Business School”

director away or better still have two marketing directors?

"We have been talking to them (workers) but they don't seem to agree with us. But if they feel they possess the qualification and yet they are not promoted, then they should look elsewhere for organisations that can employ them with their new qualifications. It is either they obey constituted authority or find an alternative," he said.

Special Assistant to Governor Babatunde Fashola on Education Otunba Fatai Olukoga said the government supports the planned restructuring.

Olukoga told this reporter on phone that following the crisis that rocked the university under the previous administration, government would ensure LASU regains its pride of place by funding it well.

He said workers especially the teachers must realise that if LASU must regain its glory, its activities must conform to standards as obtained in other world class universities.

He said: "It was after the last crisis that government decided to increase the institution’s monthly subventions. The outstanding 36month arrears they are agitating for, it is even the government that promised to shoulder half of it. You can also see a lot of projects that are ongoing in the institution through government.

"Truth is that many of these lecturers travel abroad and see what obtains in other world class universities but yet we don't want to replicate same things here. I believe what the management is doing is ensuring it curtails overcrowded classrooms, which had been our lot in the past and that is why today, many of our universities produce half-baked graduates. Our facilities must always be up to standard so we can always scale the accreditation hurdle. LASU must brace up and accept the present realities on ground, and its programmes also have to be restructured to meet the new global challenges."

Olukoga denied knowledge of the ‘no vacancy, no promotion’ policy.

"As far as I'm concerned, such policy never got to our knowledge.

Unfortunately, that is one area I also blame the workers for not informing us about that. We are government and they are in the university, sometimes we are not fully aware of any internal policy within the system whether negative or positive.”

27

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

EDUCATION

MALALA YOUSAFZAI ADDRESSES THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY Text of a speech by Malala Yousafzai to celebrate her 16th birthday on ‘Malala Day’ before the United Nations Youth Assembly last Friday. July 12, her birthday, is observed as ‘Malala Day’. Malala became a global icon after surviving a gun attack by the Taliban in her home country of Pakistan on October 9, last year.

‘One child, one book, can change the world’ “I N the name of God, the most beneficent, the most merciful.

Honourable UN Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-moon, respected president of the General Assembly Vuk Jeremic, honorable UN envoy for global education Mr. Gordon Brown, respected elders and my dear brothers and sisters: Assalamu alaikum.

Today, it is an honour for me to be speaking again after a long time. Being here with such honourable people is a great moment in my life and it is an honour for me that today I am wearing a shawl of the late Benazir Bhutto. I don't know where to begin my speech. I don't know what people would be expecting me to say, but first of all thank you to God for whom we all are equal and thank you to every person who has prayed for my fast recovery and new life.

I cannot believe how much love people have shown me. I have received thousands of good wish cards and gifts from all over the world. Thank you to all of them. Thank you to the children whose innocent words encouraged me. Thank you to my elders whose prayers strengthened me. I would like to thank my nurses, doctors and the staff of the hospitals in Pakistan and the UK and the UAE government who have helped me to get better and recover my strength.

I fully support UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in his Global Education First Initiative and the work of UN Special Envoy for Global Education Gordon Brown and the respectful president of the UN General Assembly Vuk Jeremic. I thank them for the leadership they continue to give. They continue to inspire all of us to action. Dear brothers and sisters, do remember one thing: Malala Day is not my day. Today is the day of every woman, every boy and every girl who have raised their voice for their rights.

There are hundreds of human rights activists and social workers who are not only speaking for their rights, but who are struggling to achieve their goal of peace, education and equality. Thousands of people have been killed by the terrorists and millions have been injured. I am just one of them. So here I stand. So here I stand, one girl, among many. I speak not for myself, but so that those without a voice can be heard. Those who have fought for their rights. Their right to live in peace. Their right to be treated with dignity. Their right to equality of opportunity. Their right to be educated.

Dear friends, on 9 October 2012, the Taliban shot me on the left side of my forehead. They shot my friends, too. They thought that the bullets would silence us, but they failed. And out of that silence came thousands of voices. The terrorists thought they would change my aims and stop my ambitions. But nothing changed in my life except this: weakness, fear and hopelessness died. Strength, power and courage were born.

I am the same Malala. My ambitions are the same. My hopes are the same. And my dreams are the same. Dear sisters and brothers, I am not against anyone. Neither am I here to speak in terms of personal revenge against the Taliban or any other terrorist group. I am here to speak for the right of education for every child. I want education for the sons and daughters of the Taliban and all the terrorists and extremists. I do not even hate the Talib who shot me. Even if there was a gun in my hand and he was standing in front of me, I would not shoot him. This is the compassion I

have learned from Mohammed, the prophet of mercy, Jesus Christ and Lord Buddha.

This is the legacy of change I have inherited from Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela and Mohammed Ali Jinnah.

This is the philosophy of nonviolence that I have learned from Gandhi, Bacha Khan and Mother Teresa. And this is the forgiveness that I have learned from my father and from my mother. This is what my soul is telling me: be peaceful and love everyone.

Dear sisters and brothers, we realise the importance of light when we see darkness.

We realise the importance of our voice when we are silenced. In the same way, when we were in Swat, the north of Pakistan, we realised the importance of pens and books when we saw the guns. The wise saying, “The pen is mightier than the sword.” It is true. The extremists are afraid of books and pens. The power of education frightens them. They are afraid of women. The power of the voice of women frightens them. This is why they killed 14 innocent students in the recent attack in Quetta. And that is why they kill female teachers. That is why they are blasting schools every day because they were and they are afraid of change and equality that we will bring to our society. And I remember that there was a boy in our school who was asked by a journalist why are the Taliban against education? He answered very simply by pointing to his book, he said, "a Talib doesn't know what is written inside this book."

They think that God is a tiny, little conservative being who would point guns at people's heads just for going to school.

These terrorists are misusing the name of Islam for their own personal benefit. Pakistan is a peace loving, democratic country. Pashtuns want education for their daughters and sons. Islam is a religion of peace, humanity and brotherhood. It is a duty and responsibility to get education for each child, that is what it says. Peace is a necessity for education. In many parts of the world, especially Pakistan and Afghanistan, terrorism, war and conflicts stop children from going to schools. We are really tired of these wars. Women and children are suffering in many ways in many parts of the world.

In India, innocent and poor children are victims of child labour. Many schools have been destroyed in Nigeria. People in Afghanistan have been affected by extremism. Young girls have to do domestic child labour and are forced to get married at an early age. Poverty, ignorance, injustice, racism and the deprivation of basic rights are the main problems faced by both men and women.

Today, I am focusing on women's rights and girls' education because they are suffering the most. There was a time when women activists asked men to stand up for their rights. But this time we will do it by ourselves. I am not telling men to step

•Malala

M

The girl Malala

ALALA Yousafzai is a 16-year-old Pakistani girl who was shot by the Taliban on October 9, last year for agitating for education for all, especially the girlchild.

At 11, she started speaking against the Taliban in her town, Mingora, in the Swat district of Pakistan, encouraged by her father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, a poet, school owner and social activist. She spoke against the banning of girls' schools which affected her education; restricting the freedom of women and restraining them from taking jobs.

For about a year Malala, using the pseudonym, Gul Makai, wrote a blog for the BBC describing life under the Taliban rule. The New York Times also filmed a documentary, of her life. In addition, Malala spoke at various engagements and granted TV and newspaper interviews that shot her into limelight.

After she was shot in the head on her way from school last year, she was transferred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom to recover following treatment in different countries.

Malala now schools in Birmingham.

The United Nations has declared July 12, her birthday, as Malala Day. On that date last Friday, when she clocked 16, she addressed the UN General Assembly and her speech has been hailed as impactful.

away from speaking for women's rights, but I am focusing on women to be independent and fight for themselves. So dear sisters and brothers, now it's time to speak up. So today, we call upon the world leaders to change their strategic policies in favour of peace and prosperity. We call upon the world leaders that all of these deals must protect women and children's rights. A deal that goes against the rights of women is unacceptable.

We call upon all governments to ensure free, compulsory education all over the world for every child. We call upon all the governments to fight against terrorism and violence; to protect children from brutality and harm. We call upon the developed nations to support the expansion of education opportunities for girls in the developing world. We call upon all communi-

‘I am not against anyone. Neither am I here to speak in terms of personal revenge against the Taliban or any other terrorist group. I am here to speak for the right of education for every child. I want education for the sons and daughters of the Taliban and all the terrorists and extremists. I do not even hate the Talib who shot me.

Even if there was a gun in my hand and he was standing in front of me, I would not shoot him’

ties to be tolerant, to reject prejudice based on caste, creed, sect, colour, religion or agenda to ensure freedom and equality for women so they can flourish. We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back. We call upon our sisters around the world to be brave, to embrace the strength within themselves and realise their full potentials.

Dear brothers and sisters, we want schools and education for every child's bright future. We will continue our journey to our destination of peace and education. No one can stop us. We will speak up for our rights and we will bring change to our voice. We believe in the power and the strength of our words. Our words can change the whole world because we are all together, united for the cause of education. And if we want to achieve our goal, then let us empower ourselves with the weapon of knowledge and let us shield ourselves with unity and togetherness.

Dear brothers and sisters, we must not forget that millions of people are suffering from poverty and injustice and ignorance. We must not forget that millions of children are out of their schools. We must not forget that our sisters and brothers are waiting for a bright, peaceful future.

So let us wage a glorious struggle against illiteracy, poverty and terrorism, let us pick up our books and our pens, they are the most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world. Education is the only solution.

Education first. Thank you."

28

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

EDUCATION

‘Make ICT compulsory’

A

• From left: Mrs Omotosho, Mr Omotosho, Senator Ashafa, his wife, Folashade and the President, Eyes on the future Schools, Chicago, USA, Mrs Aziel Gebrehiiwet during the launch of a book at the event.

A

'Our languages must not die'

LAWMAKER, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, is seeking concerted effort by all to save indigenous languages from extinction.

The lawmaker representing Lagos East Senatorial District in the Senate spoke at the fifth anniversary and inauguration of the Eyes on the Future Schools' new hostel at Oko Oba, Agege, Lagos.

Giving his remarks at the event, Ashafa said he sponsored a bill at the Senate which has passed the second reading as his own way of reviving indigenous languages.

If passed into law, he said it will provide a platform to establish a national agency for the promotion and preservation of 774 local lan-

S

Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa," he said Ashafa also praised the school's proprietress, Mrs Sally Omotosho, and her husband, Peter, an engineer, for a job well done.

"It is my pleasure and privilege to be in your presence today in a joyous mood as we inaugurate the newly-built hostel and celebrate five years anniversary of Eyes on the Future Schools with my lovely brother, Peter Omotosho who, clocks the golden age of 50 today.

"Behind every successful man however, there is a good woman.

Lots of kudos should be given to the Proprietress for the success recorded so far by the school since its establishment," he said

Oduduwa varsity students shine

TUDENTS of Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu (OUI) Osun State have held participants spell bound at a seminar organised for private universities students at the Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Ilesa, Osun State.

The event was organised by the Association of Nigerian Private Universities to stimulate the students towards positive thinking and joint action to rescue Nigeria's education failing system.

Speaking during the two-day event, leader of the OUI team and 300-Level Mass Communication student, Eriye Uche, called for a

I

guages and aid the implementation and harmonization of the overall educational and cultural policies in Nigeria.

Ashafa endowed N1 million for the school's library and requested that it be used to stock the library with text books treating the various local indigenous languages for the pupils to acquire basic knowledge of their languages.

The senator also instituted a prize for good performance in local languages.

"At every prize giving day of the school, I will give a handsome reward for the best three outstanding students in the basic local languages in Nigeria which include

By Gbenga Aderunti

concerted effort by all to move the country's education system forward.

He recommended a tripartite remedial approach - adequate funding, discipline and expanding the research base and potentials of the nation's ivory towers as solutions to address the perennial quagmire being experienced in Nigeria's education system today.

Another OUI student, Daniel Eluyemi, who is a finalist in the Microbiology department, made a case for government intervention in all private tertiary institutions in Nigeria in the areas of in-

frastructures, and donation of books to aid teaching and learning.

On her part, Miss Cynthia Uzochukwu of the Department of International Relations sought for more purposeful and result-oriented curriculum which should encompass entrepreneurial programme meant to prepare students for different vocations, professions and enterprises.

She enjoined administrators in Nigerian universities and curriculum designers to be more creative in their efforts to give a new meaning to Nigerian educational system.

SCHOOL owner, Mr Olatunbosun James Lawal has urged the Federal Government to make Computer knowledge compulsory at all levels of education given its importance in today's world.

Lawal, who is also the principal of his school, Greater Tomorrow International College (GTIC), Arigidi-Akoko, said doing so would help Nigeria catch up with current development.

Speaking while launching new computers for the school's computer laboratory, Lawal said they are relevant tools in education of young ones.

"We need latest computers in our computer laboratories. We have to move with time and be able to compete with other schools in the world as the world has become a global village. In overseas countries assignments are done with computers. We have started it here and very soon we shall all be doing most of our things with the computer," he said.

The principal said school organises a computer week programme every month to let help pupils quickly

By Taiwo Abiodun

learn about Information Communication Technology (ICT).

Lawal added that this practice contributed to pupils of the school scoring 250 and above in this year's Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

He said: "Our students used computers for their UTME which is not new to them any longer. From the primary school to secondary school level we have been training the pupils to use the computer," he said.

Lawal urged parents to make sure their wards have knowledge of computer and Internet but quickly added that they should be monitored "so that they don't abuse it."

With its facilities, Lawal said Greater Tomorrow International College can compete with any school in the world.

"I have travelled to many countries such as Japan, Britain, and Canada to see how their education is and I discovered that Nigerians can compete with them. All we need is latest equipment and teaching aids," he said.

'Arts important for development too'

A

PROFESSOR of Art History, Ola Oloidi, and Art Criticism has called on the management of tertiary institutions to recognise the contributions of art courses to national development.

Oloidi, of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), who made this call while delivering the 6th Annual Lecture of the School of Environmental Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), said it has become necessary to avoid programme translocation and save the disciplines in the Arts from extinction.

In his lecture titled "Knowledge Scientification in Nigeria's Tertiary Institution: Implication for Art and Technology," he canvassed for synergy and cross-fertilization of ideas between the arts and sciences.

Oloidi said: "In modern technology, sciences and arts are inseparable. Scientists produce the means, while artist/designers produce the form; making art the flesh and science the soul of not only modern technology, but also industrialization."

Lamenting the negative effect of the scientification process in the arts or arts-related disciplines, he said Fine or Applied Arts also known as Visual Arts which has impacted positively on every area of human endeavor, especially manufacturing, has been most dangerously affected at the expense of creativity and de-

By Taiwo Abiodun

sign technology. This has reflected in re-christening of Art related disciplines to the sciences thereby systematically initiating those Arts courses into the elitist cult of science.

Speaking further on the importance of arts-related disciplines in contemporary society, the don quoted The New Book of Knowledge, which stated that "art is one of humanity's oldest inventions".

"It existed long before a single farm was planted, before the first villages were built. Art was already thousands of years old when writing appeared; in fact, the letters of the alphabets were pictures," he said.

Summing his lecture up, the don said no nation can experience industrialization without the unity of art, science and technology because production of industrial products and other designs must always start with sketches or linear drawing; graphic designs, floral design, fashion design and lighting design. All these designs put together bring aesthetic to human being and the environment.

Earlier in his address, the FUTA Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adebiyi Daramola, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof Adedayo Fasakin said the theme of the lecture was fascinating in the sense that beauty of science is the way it replicates scientific knowledge.

Commissioner hosts T was with pleasure that the Maths geniuses Rivers State Commissioner for

Education, Dame Alice Lawrence-Nemi received the state's contingent that represented Nigeria in the Pan African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO) held in Abuja penultimate week.

The team, made up of pupils from the Ambassador Nne Furo Kurubo Model Secondary School, Eleme, came third in the continental competition won by Cote d'Ivoire.

They pupils, Friday Victory, Godsplan Oba and Joyce Nwanochi had earlier won a national competition organised by the National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Abuja, to select those that would represent Nigeria in the Olympiad.

Another pupil, Ogho Blessing of Government Secondary School Elekahia, Port Harcourt, was crowned Maths queen in the competition.

Mrs Lawrence-Nemi showered praises on the pupils for making the state proud. She added that their brilliant performance would spur the state to do more in educa-

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

tion.

The Commissioner also commended the teachers who tutored them and assured them of the government's commitment to their continued development.

"The state government will continue to re-train our mathematics teachers for effective service delivery. Last year, over 100 mathematics teachers were trained by the National Mathematical Centre on the new methodology in the subject. The newly-recruited mathematics teachers will also undergo special training so as to meet the demands of the subject in our schools across the state," she said.

Thanking Governor Rotimi Amaechi for investing heavily in education, Mrs Lawrence-Nemi said the investment is now yielding dividends as public school pupils are now representing the state in international competition.

The commissioner added that the

•Mrs Lawrence-Nemi (middle) and Dr Ofuru with Maths Queen, Blessing, and the others (from Left) Victory, Oba and Joyce during the visit

state government would continue to improve teaching and learning of mathematics in its schools because it is the pathway to academic excellence and technological devel-

opment.

The Permanent of the Ministry, Dr Richard Ofuru praised Mrs Lawrence-Nemi for giving the pupils the opportunity to represent

the state in the competition.

In her response, the Maths Queen, Blessing, praised the government for transforming the education sector in Rivers State.

29

‘Our future is hanging in the balance’

*CAMPUSES

Will they become the energy messiah?

Page 34

*NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

Page 34

CAMPUS LIFE

THE NATION

0805-450-3104 email: campusbeat@yahoo.com THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

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

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

The death of a student, Oladimeji Olu, ND 1 Computer Engineering, led to a demonstration on the Ikorodu campus of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH). TOLULOPE OGUNLEYE (HND II Computer Science) reports that the aggrieved students disrupted a meeting of principal officers.

•Demonstrators pretesting at the polytechnic’s medical centre. Inset: The late Oladimeji

Student’s death sparks protest at LASPOTECH B

RANDISHING tree branches and green leaves and with tears flowing down their cheeks, students of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) last Monday protested the death of their colleague, Oladimeji Olu. Academic activities were grounded at the school’s Ikorodu campus as the students took to the streets over the “poor medical services” in their clinic.

They claimed Oladimeji, an ND1 Computer Engineering student, died because of the lackadaisical attitude of the clinic’s personnel.

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the

‘Oladimeji was in serious pain before the doctors started attending to him. When they discovered that it was not a case they could handle anymore, they came back with a referral for the deceased to be transferred to the General Hospital, Ikorodu, where he gave up the ghost on Saturday in the midnight’ late Oladimeji was taken to the medical centre, last Friday, at 9:30am after he took ill, but was transferred to the Ikorodu General

Hospital, where he died. The nature of his illness could not be ascertained, but his aggrieved colleagues said the cause of death

may have been malaria.

A student said the deceased was left unattended to hours after his admission at the school’s medical centre. Worried by the development, his colleagues complained to the medical personnel on duty, who gave them a referral for him to the General Hospital.

Sodiq Bello, Faculty of Engineering students’ president, who spoke to our correspondent, said he got an urgent call from the Computer Engineering Department’s president, Taiwo Ogundero, that the late Oladimeji was “seriously sick” and had been taken to the medical centre.

“Oladimeji was in serious pain

before the doctors started attending to him. When they discovered that it was not a case they could handle anymore, they came back with a referral for the deceased to be transferred to the General Hospital, Ikorodu, where he gave up the ghost on Saturday in the midnight,” Sodiq said.

When the news of Oladimeji’s death reached the campus, his colleagues sent messages to students through the social media to converge on the convocation ground in the morning.

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that scores of students, in a Marcopolo •Continued on page 30

•Poly students threaten to shut staff school -P32 •NANS begs govt, lecturers to agree -P33

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

30

CAMPUS LIFE

The Pushing handwriting Out with on the wall (1)

M

OST Christians are familiar with the popular handwriting on the wall story as recorded in the Bible in the book of Daniel chapter five. For the benefit of non-Christians, in that story, Belshazzar the king of Babylon and son of Nebuchadnezzar, invited thousands of officers to a great feast where wine and women flowed freely. While he was drinking, he was reminded of the gold and silver cups taken long before from the temple in Jerusalem during his father’s reign. He ordered that these sacred cups be brought to the feast, and when they arrived, he and his princes, wives, and concubines drank toasts from them to their gods.

While they were busy having their full of wine in the arms of their women they saw the finger of a man’s hand writing on the plaster of the wall opposite the lamp stand in the immaculate palace ballroom.

Belshazzar saw the fingers as they wrote.

The Bible recorded that his face blanched with fear, his drunken stupor was erased in a flash and his knees knocked together and his legs gave way beneath him. He immediately summoned his magicians and astrologers to interpret the strange writing but none could. It took Daniel, a man the Bible described as being “filled with divine knowledge and understanding” to decode the strange writing which in summary meant the king days were numbered and his kingdom divided between the Medes and Persians. It happened just the way the Bible said it would and that night Belshazzar was killed and Darius; the Mede entered the city and began reigning at the age of 62.

This event reminds me of the happenings in our country today where the progress of the country seem to be the least concern of our so called leaders. My interest here, as you might have guessed, is the tertiary education sector. Last week, undergraduates from the University of Ibadan (UI) blocked major streets in the ancient city calling on the Federal Government to resolve the current strike of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). Prior to this,

Agbo Agbo 08116759750 (SMS only)

•aagboa@gmail.com

Polytechnic students poured into the street in Lagos and caused traffic snarl on Ikorodu road. Finally, the students appear to have woken from their slumber. Recollect that only last week I wrote how Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) challenged undergraduates at the CAMPUSLIFE workshop to join issue with the National Assembly and ensure their voices are heard on sectoral and national issues, it appears he spoke prophetically.

According to reports, no fewer than 500 students of polytechnics, universities, and even secondary school leavers, under the aegis of the Concerned Citizens Against Education Commercialization, (COSATEC) registered their displeasure at the Federal Government’s lackadaisical attitude towards ending the incessant strikes in the education sector.

In some of the reports I read, Owolade Oluwasijibomi, the Student Union President, Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti, was quoted telling the Federal Government that enough is enough. “We are tired of them playing with our future. We kept quiet about this for a while because we considered the fact that apart from the Federal Ministry of Education, there are other sectors involved. However, over 70 days have passed and the situation has not changed. They have taken our gentility for stupidity. And we want to let them know that until they meet the demands of our lecturers, we will continue to constitute a nuisance.”

While I will definitely not support the students turning themselves into a “nuisance”, it has, however, become glaring that one thing we must understand is that the history of our country and of the human race as a whole shows that things do not change without a struggle. In fact, Nigeria is what it is today because our people have refused to

stand up against what is wrong; the corruption, rigging of election, the bare face impunity; and a myriad of other things just go on and on. These things are published in the newspapers daily and nothing happens, so one scandal gets bigger than the other and the country just goes on. The country is failing and everybody recognises that. But the big question on the lips of everyone is what do we do?

This dilemma between civility and struggle was what pushed the students out. They were joined by COSATEC which is pushing for dialogue with the striking unions in the education sector, and also advocating proper funding of the sector, democratic control as well as conducive learning environment for Nigerian students. The students want the authorities to read the handwriting on the wall and know that more protests should be expected as they promised that it is going to be a protracted struggle because they are becoming “ideologically mature” and are bent on ensuring that when they hit the streets again they would compel unemployed youths to join them. Any right thinking Nigerian should know that when the euphemism “unemployed youth” enters the lexicon, be sure that you will see area boys who would hijack the “struggle” for their own selfish benefits.

Since 1992 (21 years ago), Nigerians have got used to ASUU strike and the ominous manner in which the hopes and fates of our youths are spun in the roulette wheel of uncertainty. And in the last few years, Nigeria has witnessed an almost yearly occurrence of strikes in the academics. Yet, since the mid80s, the number of academics in government has grown large enough to function well.

Ironically, President Jonathan and his predecessor, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, emerged from the academics.

The notion that intellectuals can revolutionise governance is not new in the country. Right from when the late Anthony Ukpabi Asika left the ivory tower to join the government of General Yakubu Gowon, every succeeding government has found the citadel of learning attractive to poach for the regime’s intellectual direction. Alhaji Shehu Shagari’s government had erudite scholars such as Prof. Ihechukwu Madubuike and Prof.

Ishaya Audu. Prof. Folorunsho Gambari and Dr. Onaolapo Soleye were to follow as intellectuals of the General Muhammadu

Student’s death sparks protest at LASPOTECH •Continued from page 29

and six 18-seater buses, joined Olanike Olu, the late Oladimeji’s sister, to retrieve his remains from the hospital.

At the hospital, they were told the Oladimeji’s body would not be released to them. The hospital’s reason, CAMPUSLIFE gathered, was hinged on its policy not to issue death certificate to patients brought in less than 48 hours before death.

The students were advised to go to the Ikorodu Local Government to get an affidavit. After obtaining the document, signed by Olanike, the students moved to Igbogbo Police Station in Ikorodu to get a police report, which was attached to the affidavit so as to get the death certificate after paying N5,000 to the council. They later presented the document at the hospital.

Tears flowed freely as the late Oladimeji’s body was brought out of the morgue. His colleagues wailed, with many cursing the institution’s medical personnel.

The body was taken to a cemetery at Sabo part of Ikorodu for burial.

After the internment, the students returned to the campus, storming the clinic in protest. In tears, the students chanted: “Oro nla l’eda, eyin t’epa Oladimeji ti e je k’odagba, oro nla l’eda”, which means: “You have brought sorrow to our hearts, you that caused Oladimeji’s death at his prime; it is great sorrow.”

The students requested to see the Medical Director, Dr Ibrahim Abdulraheem, but the workers said he was at a management meeting. The Dean, Students’ Affairs, Mr Nurudeen Sonayan, and his deputy, Mr Adebayo Fapohunda, excused themselves from the meeting to attend to the students. Their presence, however, could not calm the inconsolable crowd, which insisted on seeing the medical director.

When the students got to know that the medical director was in the boardroom, where the meeting was being held, they stormed the place, chanting war songs.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Iroko When, cautioned the demonstrators not to destroy the school property.

The Rector, Dr Abdulazeez Abioye Lawal, summoned the Speaker of Students’ Representative Council, Sadiq Taiwo and Yomi Usman, a member of the SUG parliament to the boardroom to ascertain what the problem was.

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the Speaker narrated what transpired at the medical centre. The rector reportedly responded that the issue was part of the discussion at the disrupted meeting.

To calm frayed nerves, Dr Lawal left the meeting to address the aggrieved students. He was joined by other principal officers.

He urged the students to remain calm, saying the state of the medical centre was part of the discus-

sion in the management meeting.

He promised that changes would be effected as soon as possible, urging the protesters to return to their hostels.

In an interview, Dr Abdulraheem said the late Oladimeji was attended to by two doctors immediately he was brought in.

“We were able to stabilise him before the arrival of his family.

When his sister arrived later, there was need to refer him to Ikorodu General Hospital since the centre is not running on 24-hour basis.

We ensured that all facilities were in place to transfer the deceased, who was taken in the school’s ambulance accompanied by his sister and a nurse,” he said.

Abdulraheem said the medical centre did all it could to save the deceased, saying the late Oladimeji may have been seriously affected by the ailment. He advised students to always visit the centre for regular medical check-up, saying: “Don’t wait until you are seriously sick before you remember that there is a place called medical centre on campus.”

Dr Abdulraheem gave his mobile phone number for students to reach him in case of urgent medical attention and poor service at the centre.

Efforts to speak to the management of the Ikorodu General Hospital were futile.

Oladimeji, 21, was a member of the SUG parliament. He is survived by his mother and siblings.

Buhari regime.

General Ibrahim Babangida made the introduction of academics in major strata of the economy a policy thrust. When the Mass Mobilisation for Social Justice and Economic Recovery (MAMSER) Commission was launched in 1986, an academic, Professor Jerry Gana, was sought for as chairman. There was also Professor Molara Ogundipe in the commission. The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) had Professor Wole Soyinka as chairman.

Professor Sam Oyovbaire was Minister of Information; the late Professor Olikoye Ransome Kuti was for Health, the late Prof.

Aliyu Babatunde Fafunwa and Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, who in fact, initiated the Concert of Medium Power (G-15), was the External Affairs Minister.

However, in spite of these positions and influence of former ASUU members, education in the country is still stymied. It is quite strange to me that with these people in and out of government, it is still difficult for government to address the problems facing the sector. The reason for this is not farfetched, these former ASUU members, now on the other side, especially as politicians, ought to have critical roles to play in the repositioning of the country’s universities. It is unfortunate that immediately many of them leave the ivory tower, they become politicians and hustlers, who use the appendage of consultants to look for avenues to be part of the “cake sharing formula,” as they become tongue-in-cheek mouthpiece of government. Many of them don’t even bother going back to their constituency, academic, they see no reason why they should support ASUU or act as a buffer between ASUU and the government.

This notwithstanding, I see the present crisis beyond the prism of an ASUU, ASUP crises; it should provide us the opportunity of looking holistically at tertiary education. Why, for instance, would the government keep mum over ASUP strike and within days of the commencement of ASUU strike it called their officials to dialogue even though it has been deadlocked ever since?

By its action, the authorities are neglecting dangerous shifts in our education.

Discrimination that governments and other employers exhibit in their treatment of graduates of universities and polytechnics is central to the issue. By inadvertently promoting this discrimination they are eroding the place of Polytechnics and colleges of education in manpower development in the country.

‘Women are coming to rule ’

Feyisope Sadiq, 19, is the brain behind Riribelle, an online photography blog, which is popular among students and youths. The 300-Level Mass Communication student of the Redeemer’s University (RUN) told JUMOKE AWE what keeps her going in a vocation believed to be the exclusive preserve of men.

W

HAT is the meaning of Riribelle and how did you come about it?

The first four letters, RIRI, came from my Muslim name Rihanat. The suffix, BELLE, is a French word, which means attractive woman. I bring the best of my creativity into photography.

How did you discover your talent for photography?

First, I grew up having a 35mm film camera and several disposable cameras for everyday photos. Secondly, I love drawing but, unfortunately, I am not good at it; so I had to look for another medium to express my talent. I discovered I have interest in arts and photography than other things. Eventually, I decided to go for it. I got a camera to teach myself and the first photograph I took was superb. From there, I decided that it was what I wanted to do.

What motivates you to strive for perfection?

I get motivated by my works, my family and friends. I feel good when people appreciate what I do because it spurs my determination to do bet-

•Feyisope

ter. The works of great photographers also inspire me to want to do better as a photographer.

How do you combine your studies with photography?

It is not an easy task to combine studies with anything at all. For me, education comes before photography; •Continued on page 31

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

31

CAMPUS LIFE

Achieving a drug- and crime-free youth population Being the text of speech delivered by Mr Femi Falana (SAN), a frontline rights activist and lawyer, at the 11th CAMPUSLIFE Correspondents’ Workshop held on July 6, 2013.

I

NTRODUCTION: The

Nation newspaper deserves commendation for creating and maintaining the CAMPUSLIFE section, which reports major events on campuses of the tertiary institutions. It is particularly gratifying to note that students are encouraged to report stories and in the process train themselves in the practice of journalism. By having an annual retreat of campus journalists to compare notes through personal contacts and interactions, the column is also promoting an important aspect of communication. Notwithstanding that the founding Editor of the section, Mrs Ngozi Agbo, passed on last year, The Nation has continued to pay the greatest tribute to her memory by sustaining the column on a weekly basis. In examining the proclivity of the youths to engage in drug abuse and other crimes I am going to task all participants in this workshop to be prepared to lead a campaign that will guarantee access to qualitative education for every Nigerian child and job creation for unemployed graduates and other school leavers. My conclusion is that the menace of drug abuse among our youths cannot be eradicated if the state is not prepared to invest in education and job creation.

The good old days

Parents are fond of talking of the “good old days”. It is high time the young generation of Nigerians began to interrogate why their parents including public officers speak of the past with such nostalgic feelings. During the last electioneering campaign President Goodluck Jonathan said that while he was growing up in his village at Otuoke in Bayelsa state he had no shoes. Many young Nigerians sympathised with him and voted for him on that basis. But the President forgot to inform Nigerians that most members of his generation throughout the country did not have the privilege of wearing shoes. Since I belong to that generation, I can say, without any fear of contradiction that the few who had shoes among us were not permitted to wear them on a daily basis as they were reserved for special occasions.

But in order to ensure that we all grew up to wear shoes the State invested in our future.

•Continued from page 30

this is what I keep in mind every day.

So, I don’t engage in photography when school is in session. I make sacrifices when I have to but I don’t get carried away.

What are the challenges you face?

Time is one huge factor for me be•Continued on page 31 cause of school work. Also, in this part of the world, photography is not seen as a dignified profession; so at times, people try to discourage me when I say it is what I want to do but I thank God that my parents are supportive and have accepted my chosen career.

•Falana speaking at the workshop

There was massive investment in education by the government aided by religious institutions and a number of communities. In 1955, free primary school education was introduced by the Obafemi Awolowo Administration in western Nigeria. About two decades later, it became a national policy when it was made free and compulsory for every Nigerian child. Fees charged in secondary schools were reasonably affordable while tuition was totally free in all institutions of higher learning. As the public schools were well staffed and equipped only very few students patronised the private schools. There was no brain drain as the conditions of service of teachers were generally encouraging.

Undergraduates were given loans and bursaries to fund their education.

There were a few private secondary schools but there was no private university in the country. There were jobs for university graduates and other school leavers. In fact, there were vacation jobs for undergraduates. In essence the youths could dream dreams. Unfortunately, the State has stopped to make adequate provision for education. According to the UNICEF not less than 10.5 million children of school age in Nigeria are roaming the streets. Since the future of the youths was reasonably secured only a few of them who dropped out of schools were involved in crimes.

In the circumstance, the dreams of the generality of the youths have been shattered due to the rapacious looting of the treasury and the reckless diversion of public funds by an unpatriotic ruling class with the connivance of some foreign financial institutions. By 1986, the gross mismanagement of the economy led to the imposition of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) by the Ibrahim Babangida junta upon the insistence of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. It is on record that the implementation of the SAP resulted in the drastic reduction of the funding of education by

the government and the withdrawal of subsidies from social services, retrenchment of workers and embargo on new jobs. Consequently, the youths have been thrown into the unemployment market.

Out of sheer frustration many youths were driven to criminality.

Others have taken to thuggery, drug trafficking, human trafficking, prostitution, examination malpractice, fraud and other economic and financial crimes. This propensity to commit such crimes has been facilitated by the culture of impunity which is the order of the day. In recent time, thousands have been jailed at home and abroad for drug related offences. Indeed, some have been convicted and sentenced to death for drug trafficking in the Middle East and Asia. It is pertinent to acknowledge that in spite of the temptation and encouragement to engage in crimes most Nigerian youths have remained law abiding. In recent time, many youths have engaged in armed robbery, kidnapping and terrorism. To take the youths out of criminality is a herculean task which requires a complete change of orientation. No doubt, the future of the country depends on the commitment and determination of the patriotic segment of the youths to mobilise others to channel their talents and energies towards productive ventures. To achieve the objective the youths have to be organised to appreciate that they have a historic role to play in creating an egalitarian society out of the decadence of the neo-colonial capitalist socio-economic system that has turned our prosperity into poverty.

The call for revolution I am not unaware of the popular call

for “revolution” among the youths which is borne out of total disenchantment with the prodigality and insensitivity of the over pampered ruling class which is unleashing kwashiokor democracy on the people.

Even a former President Olusegun

Obasanjo has predicted the imminence of a revolution in Nigeria.

Just last week, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Aminu Waziri Tambuwal called on the ruling class to address the crisis of poverty in the land to prevent a revolution. While the increasing wave of poverty in the country cannot be justified in view of our abundant human and natural resources we must never mistake street protests propelled by anger with revolution. The street protests in Libya, Syria and Egypt have since snowballed into intractable political crises that may destroy those countries. We must also not join the “international community” of imperialist nations which stand to gain from the breakup of their former colonies by celebrating the triumph of the revolutions of chaos and anarchy. For instance, while the United States and other western nations have captured the Libyan oil resources it has now dawned on the Libyan people that the jobs, houses and other social amenities hitherto provided by the government may have gone with the brutal execution of President Muammar Gaddafi.

Since the armed forces in Africa have contributed substantially to the political instability plaguing the continent they cannot afford to remain neutral in the management of the political crisis in many countries.

Hence the Egyptian army has collaborated with anti-Morsi protesters while arresting the leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood and killing proMorsi protesters. During the anti-fuel subsidy removal protests last year in Nigeria the army rolled out the tanks to maintain law and order for the continued exploitation of the Nigerian people. For those whose memory is so short with respect to the capacity of Nigerians to organise protests against injustice let them be reminded that we have had many street protests and labour strikes which had a paralytic effect on the economy. In fact, it is on record that over one million Nigerians took part in the several rallies and demonstrations staged against the criminal annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. In Lagos alone, not less than 200 unarmed protesters were killed by the Nigerian army.

And when Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti and I were arrested, charged and detained in Kuje prisons for leading the protests the struggle assumed a new dimension. Our comrades - Chima Ubani, Shehu Sani, Abiodun Aremu, Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Labaran Maku, Joe Okey-Odumakin and others in the Campaign for Democracy asked Nigerians to resort to sit at home and other forms of civil disobedience.

It was the mass action which forced General Babangida out of power on August 26, 1993. As the protests continued the illegal Interim National Government hurriedly put in place by the disgraced dictator was sacked by another band of military predators led by Generals Sani Abacha and Oladipo Diya on November 17, 1993. The junta dissolved all democratic structures, imposed martial law and declared a war against the people. The winner of the presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola was arrested and charged with treason. He was detained; his wife was killed while his businesses were ruined. Pro-democracy and human rights leaders were targeted for harassment and

‘Women are coming to rule Photography is considered to be men’s vocation; do you believe that?

Truly, photography is dominated by the menfolk for obvious reasons. It requires a lot of physical fitness and endurance but who says women cannot cope with it? Today’s women are strong and that is why we see many women making wave as chief executive officers, photographers and engineers today. Very soon, the so-called male-dominated

vocations would accommodate both genders to bring different ideas and perspectives to the creative field of such profession.

Who is your role model?

I cannot categorically say that I have a role model because I combine traits from different people to become my own unique person. Abroad, I look up to people like Karl Taylor and Ben Hassett. But in Nigeria, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Jide Alakija and

the Orbit Imagery crew are the people I respect. I also admire Yetunde Babaeko. I spend time studying these people’s works.

Which work have you done?

I have worked with Garnet and Topaz Modelling Agency. Also, I worked with Hip-hop artistes such as Davido and Ice Prince. I did my internship at Orbit Imagery.

Where do you see your brand

intimidation. And when Chief Abiola continued to insist on the mandate, four years later, he died in a military custody after taking a cup of tea served by an American delegation. A month earlier, the maximum ruler, General Sani Abacha had been poisoned in similar circumstances. However, with the violent resolution of the political logjam the Abdulsalami junta manipulated the political transition programme to facilitate the transfer of power to a former military head of state, General Obasanjo of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), a political party funded by a crop of retired military officers.

The way forward

From the foregoing it is clear that the armed forces have always capitalised on mass disenchantment with the government to strike and either install themselves in power or hand over power to the civilian wing of the ruling class. In 1966 and1983 the army sacked the civilian regimes to avert a mass revolt. Although the country was under the jackboots for about three decades the wealth of the nation was plundered by a gang of military officers in alliance with their civilian cronies and their imperialist overlords.

In a war situation when soldiers invade and capture a town properties are looted while prisoners of war are held. In the same vein the military rulers who took over the country looted the treasury, raped the country and installed a regime of executive lawlessness and impunity. As the national resources were cornered by the rulers the people were sentenced to penury. In order to make ends meet the youths resorted to 419 (obtaining by false pretences), drug trafficking and consumption and other crimes. As no nation can develop with criminally minded youths Nigeria requires a new crop of leaders who will change the negative orientation of the youths. To rehabilitate the country after the massive destruction by the pirates in power we require a new culture and orientation. Our youth population of 60 million must be prepared to produce the men and women of ideas and vision with a mission to mobilise our people for the reconstruction of the State with a view to guaranteeing the welfare and security of all citizens. Instead of waiting for barracks messiahs through street protests or relying on some politicians with expired ideas the youths should have confidence in themselves. Since liberal democracy is a game of numbers I believe that if Nigerian youths are well mobilised they can make a difference in the politics of the nation in 2015.

Conclusion

The struggle to rid the country of crimes has to begin now. Nigerian youths should ensure that the political parties and their candidates are made to address the problems of the comatose economy, infrastructural decay, unemployment, corruption, insecurity of life and property. Those who base their campaigns on ethnicity, sectionalism, religion and other primordial sentiments should be rejected at the polls. While Nigerians should demonstrate against injustice we must create a political culture that allows change of governments through the ballot and not through street protests which usually lead to coups. in the nearest future?

I see the Riri Belle as one of the top commercial and portrait photography outfits promoting the industry in a few years. We hope to explore other fields that go hand in hand with art in Nigeria and beyond.

What is your advice for youths?

They must know that education is important and we must all strive to get proper education. We must learn not to give up our dreams.

Challenges and obstacles will always come but our ability to face them and overcome is what makes us great.

32

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

CAMPUS LIFE

Group lifts indigent students, artisans

A

GROUP, the Patriotic Association of Surulere (PAS), has disbursed scholarship to indigent students within Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State.

It also distributed General Certificate Examination (GCE) forms to scores of pupils in the scheme held in the council last weekend.

One of the beneficiaries, Titilope Lawal, a student of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) could not hide her joy when she was handed the sum of N20,000 to pay augment her school fee. Also benefited from the scholarship scheme was Balogun Habeeb who received N10, 000.

Sixty-three GCE forms were given to youths, who indicated interest in seeking higher education.

Last February, the group distributed 100 Joint Admission and

•From left: Mr Fuad Lagudu, Megbon, Hon. Lambo Abiodun, Mr Wale Ajasa, Mr Bello Tijani and Mr Olaitan Adewara, all members of the group From Hannah Ojo

LAGOS

Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms to encourage youths in the area to acquire university education.

Seven students also received bursary awards depending on the level of their financial needs.

Speaking to our correspondent,

the General-Secretary of the group, Mr Martins Megbon, said the gesture was not political, adding that plans were underway to collaborate with corporate bodies to expand the scheme.

He said: “This is not something that is politically motivated but inspired out of our desire to engage

young people in productive venture to promote peace in our community.”

The event also featured presentation of small-scale business empowerment grants to traders and artisans. Mrs Kehinde Ahmed, a tailor, received a sewing machine, Mr Tony Lukosi, a computer specialist, got

P

•The students and their lecturers at the EFCC’s office

Accounting students visit EFCC, CAC

A

CCOUNTING students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) have gone on academic visit to Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The students, under the aegis of the Nigerian Universities Accounting Students Association (NUASA), were accompanied by the Head of Accounting Department, Dr E.I. Bowale, and a lecturer in the department, Mr Alade Muyiwa.

During the three-day trip, the students visited top government’s organisations and financial houses. On the first day, students visited to the Corporate Affairs commission (CAC), where they were received and lectured by top officials of the organisation. On

T

From Tunji Awe

EKSU the same day, they visited the office of The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

On second day, the students left for Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) office, where they received training on how to trade in stock market by officials of the financial firm. They proceeded to the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA); they were received by the chapter president of NUASA, Ade Jacobs and his colleagues.

The students were engaged in discussion on to tackle the challenges facing both institutions. They later gathered for group photograph.

On the third day, the students visited

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), where they were conducted round the facility by officials in accounting department.

One of the places visited by the students was the CBN Currency Museum.

The president of the students, John Oladele, said the visit was to educate members on certain area in the discipline. Describing the trip as successful, John appreciated the effort of his colleagues in making the excursion memorable.

Vice President, Bisola Jubril, a 300Level student, commended the association’s Staff Adviser for his encouragement. One of the participants, Eniola Aladetunlese, a 100Level student, said the trip was educative.

Oyo students mark Amala Day

O foster unity and to promote cultural diversity of their state of origin, students of Oyo State under the banner of the Federation of Oyo State Students Union (FOSSU), Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) chapter, have marked Amala Day with drama. The annual event took place in the Engineering Lecture Theatre of the main campus.

The colourful celebration, which was aimed at promoting Oyo culture and to remind the students about their origin, lasted for about four hours. Members of the union from Isolo campus joined their colleagues in Ikorodu to celebrate

From Abdulwasiu Abdulsalam

LASPOTECH

the day.

The turnout to the programme, which was its third edition, was high as students waited to eat Amala (yam flour), which was the main meal of the day.

The event took off with a prayer

by Ismaila Lawal, HND I Mechanical Engineering, and Oyo State anthem which was recited by Monsurat Akinsola.

The programme also featured Ere Oritage (drama) with the titled Orisun (origin), Ewi (poem), Ijala and head tie (Gele) contests. The event was used to elect new leaders for the union.

While addressing the members, outgoing president of the union, Mustafa Niyilola, said: “I thank God for making the day a reality, and I adore Him for guiding us through the right path since the union started in LASPOTECH.” He added: “When I assumed the leadership of the union last year, I had plans to take it forward, but out of 100 per cent, I was able to accomplished 70 per cent.”

The outgoing Financial Secretary, Ruth Adesupo, urged the elected members to learn from their predecessors’ mistakes to take the glory of pacesetter state to a new level, urging them to work in unity.

N20,000 to improve his trade while Mr Ibrahim Afolabi, a cobbler, received materials to enhance his business. Others got money ranging between N10,000 and N20,000 to improve their and businesses.

Old people were also presented with cheques to see to their welfare.

Poly students threaten to shut staff school

RESIDENT of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa (OFFA POLY), Hammed Omuiyadun, has threatened to mobilised students to shut down staff school of the institution if the lecturers of the institution did not resume for work today.

Hammed made the threat in a message he posted on the polytechnic’s Facebook page last week, which reads: “Our school (FEDPOFFA) should resume on Thursday July 18, 2013 or we close down the staff school.”

He accused the striking Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) of insincerity towards the cause that made the body to embark on industrial action. He noted that delegates

From Jennifer Umeh

OFFA POLY

of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) had met and diplomatically appealed to ASUP leadership to withdraw its directive given to schools that may want to opt out of the strike.

Hammed pleaded with his colleagues to exercise patient till today for the management to re-open the school, failure of which, he said, would lead to shutting down of staff school which wchildren of the polytechnic lecturers attend.

He said the students’ union could only appeal to the management to resume, stressing that the continued strike may affect performance of students in the suspended semester examination.

The Nation/Africanliberty.org 2013 Essay Competition Results Having gone through all entries submitted for 2013 edition of The Nation/ AfricanLiberty.org Essay Contest with the topic: Nations which are economically free outperform non-free nations in all indicators of wellbeing, we wish announce the winners of the competition.

Method of marking

The score ranges between 0 and 100 per cent, with highest score being 74 per cent, while the lowest is 10 per cent. Scoring of entries was done using four major standards to judge how each essay expressed knowledge and understanding of the discourse. The grading modalities used are: • The understanding and discussion of the issue: We checked the level of knowledge, understanding and the discussion of the issue as expressed in the write ups. We watched out for level of familiarity of writer with the libertarian philosophy. This carries 50 per cent.

•Presentation and structure of the essay: We noted how the argument was presented, the writer style and words and his creativity. This carries 20 per cent.

•Originality: We identified references of the writer’s source of information. The point is to observe how the writer is able to differentiate between his original thoughts and that of others, or thoughts obtain from elsewhere. We, however, disqualified some essays for outright plagiarism. This carries 20 per cent •Grammar: We checked grammatical construction of the essay and punctuations. This carries 10 per cent.

The Winners

1st Position: Shafic Osman, Economics and Modern Languages, University of Ghana 2nd Position: Joseph S. Timothy, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria and Oluyemi George, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria.

3rd Position: Ezeh Kelechukwu Dennis, Political Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria and Oladimeji Oguntoyinbo Yusuf, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

The 1st to 3rd position will engage in another round of debate during the Students and Young Professional African Liberty Academy (SYPALA) at the Kabarak University, Nakuru, Kenya between August 14 and17.

Winners should get in touch with Adedayo Thomas at adedayo.thomas@gmail.com to redeem their prizes.

Consolatory Prizes

Wiredu Darlington Kwabena, University of Ghana Business School, Legon, Accra Oloo Dickens, School of Economics, University of Nairobi, Kenya Chaerles Ephraim Makwiza, University of Malawi, Malawi Onduru Julius Ouma, South Esathern University, Kenya Cheluget Franklin Kosgei, Law student, Kabarak University, Kenya Peter Leonard Yakobe, African Bible University of Uganda Zebidah Wankiku Manyara, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

33

CAMPUS LIFE

SUG leaders trained on leadership

M

•Candidates writing entrance examination in the centre

T

Varsity builds computer centre

HE University of Calabar (UNICAL) has built a computer centre where computer-based examinations will be taking place. The facility, named National Universities Commission (NUC) Data Base, was built in collaboration with Afri-Hub, an Information and Telecommunication firm.

The centre, situated in the university Library Complex, was opened with examination, which had 560 candidates to write test in a week.

Speaking at the venue, Deputy Director, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), who is also the Zonal Coordinator of the board in Cross River State, Mr Kehinde Olukogun, said the computer-based test (CBT) was an in-

From Sam Ibok

UNICAL novation by JAMB geared towards addressing the problems associated with the Paper Pencil-Based Test (PPBT) and malpractice.

Olukogun said the computer test involved the use of computer to administer the test online, adding that UNICAL chosen as a centre for the exams because of its conducive ambience as well as availability of good facility.

In his remark, the Director of Information Communication Technology (ICT), UNICAL, Dr Rufus Okoro, said the management agreed to facilitate the examination because the initiative was in tandem with the Vice-Chancellor Prof

James Epoke administration’s desire to do its all to curb all forms of dishonest behaviour in examination.

Okoro said the university had been considering the idea of using the computer-based test to conduct its post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) test, saying from what he saw, CBT remained best option for if credibility must return to public examination.

Okoro, however, said the challenge with the computer test was the facilities to accommodate thousands of candidates that registered for the examination yearly. He also said power supply was another problem being faced to effectively use the facility.

•Prof Oni presenting a plaque to Olubukola

Mass Comm. student wins UNILAG debate

M

ARY Olubukola Adeguunloye of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos (UNILAG), left no one in doubt that she was the one to beat at the 2013 Inter-Faculty Debate organised by the Students’ Affairs Division. She went home with N50, 000 cash and a laptop.

She defeated five other contestants, who participated in the competition held last Wednesday in the main auditorium of the university.

The topic for the debate was: Sovereign National Conference: Is it desirable at this stage of Nigeria’s development.

Olubukola dazzled the audience with her brilliant display of knowledge of the discourse, arguing in

From Taiwo Ekeleme

UNILAG favour of the notion that Nigeria needed to convene national conference to disentangle itself from the various problems bedeviling it, including ethno-religious strife, poverty, insecurity, unemployment and dilapidated infrastructure.

Other contestants in the competition included Nathan Osas Odiase from the Faculty of Engineering, first runner up; Dare Amusan, Faculty of Law, second runner; Gbemisola Onasanya, third runner up and Samuel Nwaokoro, who came fifth.

The six contestants were adjudged the best among the 13 contestants, who took part in the preliminary stage of the competition.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Rahamon

Bello, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management), Prof Duro Oni, presented the trophy to the winners. The VC commended the organisers, urging students to take their studies seriously.

In his remarks, head of the panel of judges and former Vice-Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ogun State, Prof Olusegun Awonusi, stressed the importance of the topic chosen for the debate to Nigeria’s development.

Other members of the panel of judges included Dr D.K. Ologbenla, department of Political Science, Dr O. Okoro, department of English, Dr V. Onyene, department of Educational Administration, and Dr A.O. Sanni, department of Commercial and Industrial Law.

EMBERS of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Osun State Polytechnic (OSPOLY), Iree, Osun State, have visited Lagos to learn rudiment of leadership. The three-day leadership training programme and tours was organised by a Lagos-based consultancy firm, Kasa Management Consultancy Services, in Badagry area of Lagos State.

The programme with the theme: Shaping proactive leaders for the next generation featured Mr Bola Disu, Registrar of Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED) as speaker. He urged the students to dream big and give meaning to their aspirations.

Disu, who is a lawyer by training, said success only court people that worked hard to actualise their dreams.

He said: “You must believe in yourself, and in your dreams. You do not necessarily need the whole world to endorse your dreams. They are your dreams, not the world’s. Great innovations, earth-shaking ideas, global brands and many other revolutionary achievements are not communal or democratic. They are personal issues based on self-conviction and unflinching courage.”

Mr Disu said world brands such as Bill Gates of and Hudson Wrights brothers were individuals who dreamed big and went ahead to give meaning to their dreams.

He urged the students’ leaders to believe in themselves, “even when nobody perceives you as being serious”.

Another speaker, Mrs Olayinka Adeyemi, Deputy Director, Office of the Public Defenders, Lagos State, took the students on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism.

In her paper entitled: Application of conflict management tools in constructive

By Adegunle Olugbamila

engagement and student-related disputes, Adeyemi listed some causes of students’ unrest in higher institutions to include inadequate facilities, shortage of lecture materials and hostel accommodation, irregular power supply and water shortage among others.

Through ADR mechanism, all the challenges could be resolved without violence, Adeyemi said.

“There are various ways of managing and resolving conflicts. ADR and other intervention methods are in widespread demand and use,” she said, adding: “ADR is often used to describe a wide variety of dispute resolution processes that are short of, or alternative to full-scale court processes.”

She said the conflict resolution mechanism saved time, money and increase control over the process and the outcome, preserving relationships.

She urged the students to embrace the mechanism in crisis resolution and management instead of confrontation.

In a paper titled Developing your entrepreneurship potentials as students’ leaders, Mr Kolawole Asa, a Management Consultant, tutored participants on entrepreneurship. Asa gave some tips to create and develop business ideas, saying that the society expected youths to take charge of their lives and become successful.

After the workshop session, the students visited historic sites in Badagry, including the Whispering Palm Resort.

Folorunso Samuel, one of the participants, said: “The training has totally widened my knowledge on leadership.” Another participant, Adewale Salawudeen, said: “We commend the management of Osun State Polytechnic and the consultants for organising this powerful and wonderful training.”

NANS begs govt, lecturers to agree

T

HE National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has pleaded with the striking lecturers of universities to consider the future of students by calling off the industrial actions.

In a release signed by NANS president, Yinka Gbadebo, the students’ body said the strike would have negative effect on students, who it said were at the receiving end of the ugly trend.

Saying that NANS received the news of closure of campuses with sadness, Gbadebo said: “We do not say that the Association Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and Association Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP) should not agitate for their demands from the Federal Government, but we remain dissatisfied with the fact that the striking lecturers would take grave decisions without considering the plight and views of students, in whose interest the strike was ostensibly embarked upon.”

Stressing that NANS would neither hold brief for lecturers nor take side with the Federal Government, Gbadebo asserted that ASUU and ASUP should shelve the strike in interest of students.

His words: “Since the inception of ASUU in 1978, its stance of embarking on strikes and shutting down our universities has constantly left students writhing in endless pains.

“Between 1999 and 2012, ASUU has embarked on a total of 30 months of strike out of the possible 156 months within this period. Lecturers in our universities have been out of class more often in the last 13 years. This is equivalent to over seven academic semesters of four months each or accurately put, four academic sessions. This is not fair and we urged the lecturers to be back on campus immediately.”

From Sikirun Akinola and Akinola Oluyi

OAU AND OFFA POLY In a telephone interview with CAMPUSLIFE, the NANS Public Relations Officer (PRO), Victor Olaogun, urged the government to reach out to the striking lecturers in the interest of justice and security of the country.

He said that since the strike began, the Federal Government had not been forthcoming on solution to get the lecturers back on campuses, thereby mortgaging the future of students.

He said: “If the students continue to stay at home doing nothing, things may get out of hand because they will start to think about anything to do rather than just sitting down. This, no doubt, may increase cases of armed robbery, rape, thuggery, prostitution, kidnapping and other vices. An idle hand is the devil’s workshop.

“Since the beginning of the strike, NANS has staged peace protests across the country but all to no avail. We had a meeting with the Minister of Education, who told us that they have settled everything with ASUP. She said government didn’t know the reason why polytechnic lecturers were on strike. We also had series of meetings with the unions, they told us that the government had abandoned them since the industrial actions started. The point is: we don’t know who is fooling who.”

“We are appealing to both unions to consider the plight of students because the staying at home of the students could do some damage to our future.

Government should do something fast in the interest of the academic future of this nation.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

34

CAMPUS LIFE Some students have been speaking on the ongoing strike by higher institution teachers. They spoke to MUBARAK IBRAHIM (500-Level Animal Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto) and KAZEEM YEKEEN (Federal Polytechnic, Offa).

F

OR many students, these are not the best of times. The reason for being in such mood is not farfetched. It has to do with the ongoing strike by their teachers.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) are on strike over the nonimplementation of their agreements with the Federal Government.

After seven-day warning strike on April 22, polytechnic teachers began an indefinite strike a week later over what they termed “Federal Government’s refusal to implement agreement to rejuvenate the polytechnic, education in the country”.

Since then, public polytechnics have been shut to force the government to accede to ASUP’s demands.

Two months after, university teachers suspended academic activities, promising not to call off the strike until the government implements the 2009 agreement it reached with them to increase funding, grant autonomy and research endowment to universities across the country.

Between 2009 and now, ASUU had embarked on a series of strike to force the government to implement the 2009 agreement. But during each strike, the academic calendars were disrupted, with some schools unable to recover from the interruption.

For instance, the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) resumed for the second semester examination, which was postponed for four weeks, following students’ unrest, only to be hit by

•Ibrahim

•Emmanuel

•Omowunmi

‘Our future is hanging in the balance’ the ASUU strike.

ASUU began its indefinite strike a few days after the exam began.

The students were sent back home, a development that will prolong the academic calendar.

Second semester examination has also been postponed indefintely in Benue State University (BSU) because of the strike.

Students, who are affected by the strike, are worried that it would elongate their stay in school. They urged the government and the teachers to go back to the negotiating table and reach an agreement.

Ibrahim Bello, Mass Communica-

tion, Federal Polytechnic, Offa (OFFA POLY), said: “Strike is the only language our leaders understand before they can grant any request. But as it is, the ASUP strike is affecting us negatively. Since it started, I have been idle. If not for the fear of God in me, I would have been engaging in some criminal activities to relieve myself of boredom because I don’t know any company that will give student a work to do in this situation.”

Ibrahim said the strike had affected his institution’s academic calendar. “The week we were supposed to start the first semester examination was when the strike com-

menced. Now, we don’t know how long the strike will last. Normally, semester is supposed to be four months, but with the strike, it may now be up to six to seven months,” he added.

The lecturers’ strike has delayed National Youth Service and Industrial Attachment (IT) of ND II and HND II students of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro (ILARO POLY), Emmanuel Igbokwe, a Mechanic Engineering student, said.

“By now, ND students are supposed to go for their IT and HND students, their service. But since the strike is taking longer than expected, the plans of these students

have been jeopardised,” he said.

Abdulkadir Ibrahim, 500-Level Law, UDUS, said: “I don’t know why the management could not allow us to write our exams after losing four week. We were rounding up the second semester examination so that we could make batches of students proceeding to law school this year.

We had already paid the law school’s fee and now we do not know what our fate would be when the strike progress indefinitely.”

Omowunmi Momoh, Mass Communication, OFFA POLY, said: “The strike action has really disorganise my academic plan. We were about starting first semester examination when the ASUP strike started. The fact is that the strike would result to mass failure because many students have been relaxed and tired of reading for exam they don’t know when they would write. But I urge the ASUP not to suspends the strike until its demands is met by the government.”

For Dickson Iwajubu, a Mass Communication student, the strike has given him the opportunity to work and make money even as the action affects his academics plan. “I am tired of reading and staying at home.

The strike gives me a chance to works and earns money. Though it will prolong our days in school but sitting down idle is not the best for me.”

Some final year students in different universities, who spoke to our correspondents, said the strike was not new to them, adding that they had been experiencing such action since their first day on campus.

Will they become the energy messiah?

Their joy knew no bound when they showcased their projects last week during the Sahara Green Energy Challenge organised

by Enactus, a nongovernmental organisation (NGO).

GILBERT ALASA (400-Level Foreign Languages, University of Benin) reports.

W

ORKABLE solutions to the country’s energy crisis and how youths can hone their entrepreneurial skills took the centre stage last week at the Sahara Green Energy Challenge, a contest organised by Enactus and sponsored by Sahara Group, an energy firm.

Students from different higher institutions participated in the contest, which took place in the Exquisite Conference Hall of the Eko Hotel and Suites Victoria Island, Lagos. It was

•OKO POLY team receiving the Green Energy cash prize from officials of Sahara Group, Moroti Adedoyin-Adeyinka (second right) and Babatomiwa Adesida

witnessed by members of the business community, academics, journalists and students. It was the final round of the challenge.

Enactus, formerly known as Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE), is a non-governmental organisation with networks of students across the country working to develop and sustain growth of communities.

The Country Director of the NGO, Mrs Adesuwa Ifedi, said the programme was aimed at inspiring innovation in undergraduates with a view to help them developing problem-solving skills to tackle various challenges facing humanity.

She said: “The Sahara Green Energy Challenge is an environmental sustainability programme designed to inspire and challenge students to consciously become part of the solution to the energy crisis in the country as well as encourage entrepreneurship amongst our students.”

She added that in the last six years, Enactus had partnered with several corporate organisations to implement projects specifically designed to

have a triple impact on the communities and its partners.

The Sahara Green Energy Challenge was an environmental sustainability programme designed to inspire and challenge students to consciously become part of the solution to the energy crisis facing the nation, as well as to encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship among the youths.

During the contest, several environmental sustainability projects that focused on providing alternative energy against conventional source of energy (fossil fuels) were developed and were being implemented in various communities across the country.

Contestants arranged themselves in teams and jointly developed viable project plans that would improve the quality of life rural communities. Out of the 26 tertiary institutions that participated in the exercise, only five made it to the final stage.

Against the backdrop of energy crisis facing Nigeria, contestants carried out energy-related projects on how

•ABU team: From right: Olajide Omojarabe team leader, his assistant, Mariam Mohammed, receiving their cash prize from Adedoyin-Adeyinka and Adesida

to harness wind, biomass, kinetic energy, nuclear energy, green energy, tidal energy, solar energy, hydroelectric energy and waste recycling to generate power to achieve economic growth for the nation.

Ifedi said: “These projects are carried out in a way to have impact on individuals in the host communities.

It is also a platform to empower undergraduates and unemployed youths nationwide and equip them with leadership and entrepreneurial skills for self-reliance.”

The institutions that got to the final stage were University of Ibadan (UI) team, which presented Production and use of charcoal briquette in place of fire and kerosene”; the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), with “Generation of electric energy from solar energy” project; the Federal Polytechnic, Oko (OKO POLY), “Production of biogas from waste materials to power electric generators” project; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU), “Extraction of jatropher as fuel in place of

firewood and kerosene” and Kwara State University (KWASU), which worked on “Production of electrical energy from waste materials” in Malete area of Kwara State.

The panel of judges comprised business leaders in Sahara Group, including Ibidun Sanni, Business Devt Supervisor; Olajumoke Ajayi Exploration Manager; Uade Ahimie, Head, Corporate Governance and Adetokunbo Oguntowo, Depot Manager.

Others were Anthony Kuforiji, Business Development Manager; Babatomiwa Adesida, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager; Nkemdilim Oguchi, Corporate Social Responsibility Supervisor, and Olasoji Fagbola, Corporate Social responsibility Supervisor.

At the end, the ABU team won the contest and was rewarded with N500,000 to help in carrying out the project. The first and second runnersup were OKO POLY and KWASU teams taking home N300,000 and N200,000.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

35

CAMPUS LIFE

ASUU’s cause, our collective fight

O

N July 10, students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) received a text message from an SMS mobile service “LAG MOBILE”. The message reads: “UNILAG students have not and are not planning to stage or join any protest. Joining any protest is at your own risk.

From Council of Faculty Presidents.”

I want to believe the message did not emanate from the student“leaders”.

Are they speaking for UNILAG students or for themselves? Who should actually instigate a demonstration against the poor state of education if not the studentleaders of the institution that prides itself as the university of first choice and nation’s pride?

Though not a registered body with the Dean of Students’ Affairs (DSA), the Council of Faculty Presidents has been instrumental to solving problems on campus following the ban on students’ union activities in 2005 by the administration of Prof Oye Ibidapo-Obe. But being a student-leader goes beyond having an office or having meetings with the DSA or Vice Chancellor. A student-leader must be a genuine representative of his colleagues and not a stooge of the management or the government.

A reliable source said the faculty presidents met with the management and one of the conclusions agreed on was that, as long as the students would not participate in any protest to show solidarity to the cause of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Halls of Residence would be

E

open throughout the strike, which informed the text message credited to the presidents.

If this is true, then my opinion that the future of the country is bleak has been reinforced given the role being played by the supposed student-leaders. Does it mean that the faculty presidents in UNILAG are not aware of the issues that led to the strike by ASUU? If students don’t join protests against the systemic rot in the education sector, what should they demonstrate against?

It is as if this council of presidents does not know what is at stake at this stage of our national life. The issues that were tendered by ASUU are numerous and few of them are, at the same time, not within the purview of the students. But quite a number of them are of more benefit to us than the the lecturers.

The students of the University of Ibadan (UI) held a solidarity rally last Thursday to identify with ASUU. They demanded the resignation of Minister of Education Prof Ruqqayatu Rufa’i.

This is not the first time UI students would stand for justice and on the side of the common good. During the subsidy protests of January 1, 2012, they were at front of the vanguard that condemned the hike in fuel price.

If student-leaders and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) are, indeed, concerned about the fate of students, they would by now be unequivocal in condemning the government’s insincerity to developing the education system.

Dr Issa Fagee, ASUU chairman, made a clarion call to Nigerians to come to the rescue of our education and financial sectors from the grip of wicked governments (state and federal) and Western agents that promote exogenous, instead of endogenous model of development. He urged us all and the media to join in challenging agents of underdevelopment who deny Nigeria’s less privileged quality education, good healthcare, employment and other life-transforming amenities.

If some students’ leaders are now urging their colleagues not to join this battle, it means that UNILAG students would not be counted among good people that stand up to fight a good cause for the nation’s education system when the time comes. History would surely record our inaction.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recommended at that at least 26 per cent of the annual budget of developing countries should be voted for education.

This policy has been implemented in quite a number of countries in Africa such as Ghana, which has kept faith with the recommendation since 2003.

Kenya dedicates 24 per cent while South Africa budgets 26 per cent to their education sectors. What delays Nigeria given the resources beneath our soil?

A breakdown of Nigeria’s fiscal allocation clearly shows that in 2013, N426.53 billion was allocated to education out of total of N4.92 trillion budget, which represented 8.7 per cent; in 2012, N400.15 billion was

Their strike, our fate

VERY year, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) embark on internal and national strikes. Each time, academic programmes and calendars are disrupted. Students whose parents could afford the cut-throat fees paid in many private universities left public schools for the private ones. Those whose parents could not afford private schools’ fees remained in public varsities to bear the brunt of these strikes.

Through this, many private institutions’ fortunes have grown in leaps and bounds.

Of course, the loss of public institutions is the gain of private schools and their proprietors, some of whom are those that destroy public institutions. This is the state of our educational sector.

To assert that the fear of ASUU is the beginning of wisdom for a government that is interested in consistent and stable education is to restate the obvious. The erosion of values experienced in the education sector, especially in our universities, can partly be blamed on ASUU strikes.

The lecturers’ union was formed in 1978 to succeed the Nigerian Association of University Teachers formed in 1965 by lecturers at the University of Ibadan (UI), UNN, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, the then University of Ife and University of Lagos (UNILAG). The union was active in struggles against the military regime in the 1970s and 1980s.

In 1988, ASUU organised a nationwide strike to make

By Daniel Titiladunayo government effect fair wages for workers and grant universities autonomy. The effect of the strike made the union to be proscribed on August 7, 1988. It was unbanned in 1990. Two years later, another strike was embarked upon by the lecturers, which forced government to reach an agreement with union in September 1992 on the right of workers to collectively bargain.

In 1994 and 1996, ASUU went on strikes to protest the dismissal of teaching staff by the Gen. Sani Abacha military regime. In 2007, the ASUU went on another strike for three months. In May 2008, the union held oneweek warning strikes twice to press a range of demands, including an improved salary scheme and reinstatement of 49 lecturers dismissed in 2002 by authorities of University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).

In June 2009, ASUU leadership ordered its members in federal and state universities to proceed on an indefinite strike over the government’s insincerity to honour the agreement it reached with the union. After three months, the union signed a memorandum of understanding with the government to increase by 53 per cent and 25 per cent of salary of senior and junior staff respectively; to jack up retirement age of professors from 65 to 70 years, even in the face of increasing unemployment rate, among others.

ASUU’s latest industrial action, which began on July 1 is not different from the ones it had in the past. It is indefinite and the lecturers

have made us understand that they would not end the strike except thje government accedes to their demands.

But must ASUU embark on strike every year to destabilise the fragile education system of the country?

The union has, since inception, consistently used the strike as tool to destroy the country’s future. They have taken students as collateral damage in driving home both their selfish and selfless demands from the government. The lecturers always hold the nation by the jugular by paralysing academic activities in higher institutions and even get paid during the period of industrial action.

The genesis of ASUU’s struggle was based on fair pay package for members.

Years later, we still sing the same old song and recite same old poem. The number of strike actions embarked on by the academics is now often that government no longer sees it as threat; it has become a normal action to remind the government that lecturers are alive.

We always say that education sector is in shamble but can incessant strike ever be an answer? I feel there are more salient issues ASUU should look into such as resuscitation of students’ unionism in all campuses, ending unjustified killing of students, renewing archaic curricula and fighting highhandedness by management of universities among others.

However, fighting the symptoms without attacking the cause of illness can worsen the situation. Of course, ASUU cannot be all blamed for the strike. In fact, the union could not have em-

voted out of a total budget of N4.7 trillion, which represented less than 9 per cent. Is it any wonder then that Ghana’s tertiary institutions have become safe haven for Nigerian students seeking quality university education?

Universities all over the world take pride not only in teaching but also in research. Serious countries fund their ivory towers to conduct research in order to assume leadership position in knowledge and discoveries.

Reverse is the case in Nigeria, which has been contending with inadequate staff, which have not properly motivated. The setting up of the research and development units would not only be instrumental to the scientific progress of the nation but will also attract significant attention by “brains” from universities of other countries; the unit, if in place will enhance research activities on campus and also promote effective collaboration of Nigeria scholars with industries across the world.

Our laboratories are glorified chemical stores. Classrooms in our tertiary institutions are not better than carpentry workshop given the broken down furniture, on which students sit to receive lectures.

What ASUU is agitating for is that, there should be modern facilities where students can practice what they are being taught especially in science and technology. This is pertinent to our development as a nation.

The lecturers are saying there should be financial assistance to state-owned universities to them be on the same pedestal with their federally-owned counterparts. It is no news again that underfunding has made many state varsities to increase their tuition with-

barked on indefinite strike if government was sincere.

The government is the reason for whatever illness afflicting the nation’s education sector. It is outlandish to know that government can set aside a whopping N150 billion for the National Assembly members as allowance while all federal universities struggle to get a little above N200 billion from the government spending.

It is apparent that Nigeria is suffering from misplaced priority. If a “Lilliputian” nation like Uganda in 2012 could vote 27 per cent of its annual budget to education, what is the pride of the socalled giant of Africa that allocated miserly 8.4 per cent of its budget to education?

Nigeria, a developing nation, proposed a N4.92 trillion fiscal plan for 2013 but we could not strive to meet the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) requirement of 26 per cent vote for education.

It means that our education sector will continue to suffer retrogression except our leaders change their ways.

Indeed, ASUU and the Federal Government are partners in the war against quality education in Nigeria; they both raised the foundation upon which our failed education sector rests.

When they both agree to move it forward, it would progress. When important issues are not handled urgently they become urgent and degenerate into crisis, with students and the rest of the nation taken as collateral damage. A stitch in time saves nine.

Daniel is a student of University of Ibadan, Oyo State

By Modiu Olaguro out caring a hoot if the parents can afford the fees.

In the Lagos State University (LASU), for instance, students pay between N180,000 and N300,000 as tuition, whereas their colleagues in UNILAG pay less than N45,000 for freshers and an average of N9,000 for other levels. If Federal Government can make funds available to these state-owned institutions, there would be even development across Nigerian varsities.

These are the causes which ASUU is fighting on our behalf, but some uninformed students’ leaders still want us not to identify with these causes. If we fail to lend our voice now, we will wake up one day to the reality that there is no university for us to attend again. We must all support ASUU in this cause.

Modiu, 300-Level Education and Mathematics, UNILAG

By Ese Okoduwa

G

ENERALLY, cooking is an art or practice of preparing food.

Cooking techniques and ingredients vary widely from country to country, to reflect unique environment, economic system and culture. Cooks themselves also possess varied skills and training.

The application of scientific knowledge to cooking and gastronomy has come to be known as molecular gastronomy. Chemical processes that are central to cooking include the Maillard reaction, a form of non-enzymatic browning involving an amino acid, a reducing sugar and heat.

Some scientists believe the advent of cooking played an important role in human evolution. Most anthropologists are of the opinion that cooking fire was first developed around 250,000 years ago. The development of agriculture, commerce and transportation in different region of the world bring about many new ingredients. New inventions and technologies such as pottery for holding and boiling apply advanced scientific

Cooking and health issues techniques to food preparation.

Cooking dairy products may reduce a protective effect against colon cancer.

Researchers at the University of Toronto suggest that ingesting uncooked or unpasteurised diary product such as raw milk may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

According to the Food and Drug Administration of the United States, health benefits claimed by raw milks advocates do not exist.

Barbara Ingham, an associate professor and extension food scientist at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, said small quantities and antibodies in milk are not absorbed in human intestinal track.

When heat is used in the preparation of food, it can kill any inactive and potentially harmful bacteria and viruses as well as various parasites such as tapeworm and toxoplasma gondi. Food poisoning and other illness from uncooked or poorly prepared food may be caused by bacteria such as pathogenic strain of esherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium and campylobacter viruses including entamoeba historlytica. Parasites may be introduced through salad •Continued on page 36

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

36

CAMPUS LIFE

Three years after writing their final examinations, some students of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) are yet to graduate. They were barred by management from graduation because they failed some compulsory courses. WALE AJETUNMOBI reports.

Endless wait for graduation

I

T was joy all the way in September 2010 when final year students of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) celebrated their exit from the institution. But not all of them could savour the moment because of what befell them.

A day before the convocation, the then Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, barred 298 of the graduating students from participating in the convocation because of their failure to pass some compulsory carry-over courses. This earned them an extra year.

Three sessions after they were barred, some of the students are yet to graduate. While their colleagues, with whom they could have graduated in 2010, have gone to ‘conquer’ the world, the fate of these students is still hanging in the balance.

Interestingly, some of the students were admitted into the university in 2002 and 2003, indicating that they have spent between 10 and 11 years to get a Bachelor’s degree. Two sets have graduated after them.

Six of them, Adeshina Oladiti, with matriculation number 03/30GB055, Abiodun Usman, 03/30GA054; Femi Osindero, 03/30GA067; Adebisi

Adewunmi, 02/55EE009; Bashir Abbas Adewale, 03/30GD111; and Shanu Matthew, 03/30GC112, who are all of the Department of Mathematics told CAMPUSLIFE that the waiting game has become frustrating.

Adebisi said they had explored every option to get the authorities to consider their situation and get them out of the school. But all efforts, he said, failed.

He said: “We have written several letters through legal experts to the governing council but we are yet to receive any positive response from the authorities. We have done everything to obtain our results like every other student. But nobody has replied to tell us our fate. We want the management to consider our plight and save our career.”

A member of the university senate, who pleaded not to be named, said: “At the 223rd senate meeting held on December 29, 2011, a directive of the National Universities Commission (NUC) was adopted, which required that any student that has completed his stipulated years in school and is still unable to pass not more than two outstanding courses should be

•UNILORIN Senate building

awarded a pass instead of being withdrawn from the university. But it is surprising that this directive is yet to be applied in the case of these students.”

CAMPUSLIFE learnt that several appeals had been made to the university senate by the students. “On June 4, 2012, we wrote a letter appealing for leniency in case of a possible shortcoming on our part.

Again, on July 17 of the same year, we made another appeal to the senate members; we pleaded with them to allow the NUC directive take its course and consider our final year results appropriately. On November 18, we wrote another letter tagged with a title: ‘The Concerned Students’. But the management has kept mute about the matter,” Adeshina said.

On and Off Campus By Solomon Izekor 08061522600

Bashir said: “For many of us, life has been a theatre of frustration. Some of us have lost our parents and guardians.

Some have resigned to fate. But we know UNILORIN is known for its respect of rule of law. All we want is that management should see to our situation and let us off the hook. Our lives have remained stagnant since 2010.”

CAMPUSLIFE learnt that another letter had been sent to the current ViceChancellor, Prof Abdulganiyu Ambali, to bring up the issue before the management. But the authorities were yet to consider the students’ plea at the time of this report.

When contacted, UNILORIN Deputy Director, Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun, said the students had no case.

Akogun said: “The concerned students really have no case because, as they have admitted, their non-graduation was due to their failure ‘in at least one compulsory course’. They are well aware of the school's regulation, especially those governing the conduct of examination.

“The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has a tradition of excellence, which it is not ready to compromise. In any case, the concerned students will achieve nothing by making this issue a media affair. They know that the only channel they should follow is by appealing to the university senate for redress if they think they are unjustly treated. And all cases are treated by this organ of the university on their merit, without fear or favour, affection or ill-feeling.”

Cooking and health issues •Continued from page 35

and meat that are uncooked or half done, and from unboiled water.

The sterilising effect of cooking will depend on temperature, cooking time and technique used. However, some bacteria such as clostridium botulinum or bacillus cerus can form spores that survive cooking temperature, which then germinate and re-grow after the food has cooled. It is therefore recommended that cooked food should not be heat more than once to avoid repeated growth, which allows the bacteria to multiply to a dangerous level.

Cooking prevent many foodborne illness that may occur if the food was eaten raw. Cooking also increases the digestibility of some food such as grains or lactose because raw food is inedible and some are even poisonous. For instance, kidney beans are toxic in

their raw form due to presence of phytohamagglutin that can be inactive after cooking for at least ten minutes at 1000 degree centigrade.

There are different kinds of cultural cuisine such as French food, Italian food and African foods, depending on which part of the world we are. Although cooking has traditionally been a process carried out informally in a home or around a communal fire, cooking is also carried outside personal quarter, which is the case of restaurants and schools. Bakeries are one of the earliest forms of outdoor cooking.

Home cooking may be associated with nourished food and some commercially produced foods are preserved through advertising or packaging as having been “homecooked” regardless of their actual origin.

Ese, 200-Level Home Economics, DELSU

YABATECH tasks Muslim students on Ramadan lessons

T

HE Rector, Yaba College of Technology, Dr Margret Ladipo, has charged the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) and members of the Muslim community of the institution to imbibe the virtues and spirit of the holy month Ramadan by praying for peace and prosperity of the college.

The Rector stressed that it was only peace and unity that could bring about development in the nation, while wishing Muslims a blissful fasting period and pray that Almighty Allah accept the fasting as act of Ibadah. Ladipo, who spoke through the college’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr Adams Adekunle.

The Dean Students’ Affairs (DSA), Mr. O.T. Raheem, urged the

From Mark Orgu

YABATECH Muslim community to observe the fasting to increase in Al-muttaqun (piety) as prescribed by Allah in Surat Albaquarah 2:183.

Responding, president of the MSSN in the college, Ameen Abdulazeez, appreciated the Rector and the Dean’s message to the members. He said Ramadan came with blessings and mercies of Allah, adding that Muslims are restrained in the period from all form of immoral acts.

The president of Students’ Union Government (SUG), Afeez Babalola, hailed the college leadership for reaching out to Muslim students. He said the gesture would strengthen tolerance and brotherhood on the campus.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

37

CAMPUS LIFE

End HND in Engineering, says don

T

HE Vice President, Nigeria Institute of Structural Engineers and senior lecturer at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Dr Kehinde Osifala, has called for the scrapping of the Higher National Diploma, (HND), in Engineering programme because of discrimination.

Osifala, who teaches in the Department of Civil Engineering, however said before the cancellation takes effect, there should be an extension of the National Diploma (ND) to three sessions due to increased work load resulting from new technologies.

Urging the authorities to give serious thought to his suggestions because of their usefulness while delivering the third inaugural lecture of YABATECH last Wednesday, he said Nigeria should follow the British example by scrapping polytechnics.

"Since our educational system has always been tailored to the British system, it will not be out of place to suggest the total cancellation of the HND programme in Engineering, after all majority of our HND graduates end up doing Post Graduate degrees or enter the university at any

AAUA FILE

New health centre coming

By Medinat Kanabe

level because of the discrimination HND holders are subjected to in the work place," he said.

Calling for the transformation of polytechnics into technical universities, Osifala said Nigeria needs men and women engineers that will use their brains and hands. He said tradesmen, artisans and technicians should be left for men who cannot cope with the mental rigours needed for engineering.

Giving recommendations for the training of future engineers, he said the bachelor's degree and postgraduate diploma should be considered a pre-engineering or engineer in training degree; while the master's degree should become the recognised engineering 'professional' degree.

At undergraduate level, Osifala said engineering should be interdisciplinary, using case studies of successes and failures as learning tools.

He added that institutions should produce engineers who can define and solve problems and teach students to be lifelong learners.

Osifala’s recommendations include

• YABATECH Rector, Dr Kudirat Ladipo, presenting a plaque to Osifala

the following: "The credit passes in various subjects required for admission should be at one sitting for engineering courses to have the best materials available as students; no engineering class should have more than 35 students in a stream to allow for close supervision; engineering courses should be in modules and each module should be examined

during the semester for better understanding and assimilation; and failure theory and implication should be included in the civil engineering curriculum of the institution.”

Osifala, who was making history as the first from the School of Engineering at the institution to give an inaugural lecture spoke on the topic Bond: The Elixir for strength.

Loyola Jesuit varsity for Ogun

•ViceChancellor, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti (EKSU), Prof Patrick Oladipo Aina (left) presenting digital satellite television equipment and accessories to the DirectorGeneral Broadcasting Corporation Service of Ekiti State (BSES), Mr Sina Awelewa donated by the university.

T

HE Jesuit Alumni of Nigeria has said its university project for the North West Africa Province will be built in Ogun State.

The university will serve other countries including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia and the Gambia.

Disclosing this in Lagos, national president of the Jesuit Alumni/Ae, Sir Buraimoh Ademuyewo said the multi-million naira project will be funded by the Jesuit Union and will be accomplished in record time.

Ademuyewo said the institution will have world-class facilities that will produce skilled graduates.

He said the body is aware of the dearth of educational facilities and falling standard of education and has put adequate structure in place to prepare for excellent take off of academic activities.

"We have proposed to embark on academic activities digitalizing our process to fulfil the vision of being Primus Inter Pares in university education in Nigeria," he said.

The president further stated that the university will not compromise standards as it is going to be an international academic and researchbased institution serving other countries within the North West African province.

"The Jesuit community, which has sound religious background, is known for its discipline and strict application of standards in all its ramifications and this we shall apply to ensure our graduates are skillfully employable," he said.

A

A

Don blames western culture for terrorism

don in the Faculty of Arts, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Dr Mahfouz Adedimeji has attributed the escalation of terrorism in Africa to the influence of western culture.

Delivering the second annual Ramadan Lecture by the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) titled: The Challenges of Islamic Identity in the Era of Terrorism, Adedimeji said the dominance

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

and emergence of western culture in some African countries has caused unrest among the black nations which were otherwise peaceful before they came.

For the Islamic community in Africa to address educational, cultural, political and economical challenges confronting the African identity in the era of terrorism, he noted it must follow the example

Alumnus to UNN: release my transcript

2003 Mass Communication graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Chukuemeka Chukwudi, has appealed to the authorities of the university to release his transcript.

Chukwudi told The Nation that despite repeated efforts, he has been unable to get his transcript from the university since applying in 2010 with the authorities claiming that his file was missing.

He said: "I graduated from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 2003. My matriculation number is 98/88473. I applied for my transcript in 2010, but discovered at the Records Department that my results file, with which my transcript would be processed, was missing.

"I understand that some files were lost in transit in 2008 in the process

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie and Chris Oji, Enugu

of digitalising results - a project that was eventually abandoned. I have visited the university three times since then but to no avail. Unfortunately, the school authorities are not showing genuine interest in my case.

"All I want from the management of UNN is my transcript in one way or the other, since I am not the one who lost my file."

When The Nation brought Chukwudi's complaints to the university's attention, the public relations consultant to the university, Mr Chido Nwakanma said the institution would act on the matter.

"UNN administration has taken up the matter of the complaint by an alumnus. The fact of the matter is that the university has since last year launched an online portal for tran-

scripts. Several alumni have used the i-Transcript service. Indeed, all those registering for Postgraduate programmes now are availing themselves successfully of the service.

“The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Bartho Okolo has directed the relevant officers to unravel the problem concerning Mr Chukwuemeka Chukwudi. He has given them a one-week timeline to submit a report showing the way forward.

UNN regrets any inconvenience Mr Chukwudi has suffered but we assure that the matter would be treated expeditiously," he said.

However, Chukwudi is not convinced. He lamented that a letter he wrote to the Vice-Chancellor complaining about the issue in 2011, was declared missing.

"I am not convinced that the public relations people have taken the mat-

Mac. 88 - EDUCATION - 18-07-13

of the holy Prophet Muhammed who stood for faith, determination, commitment and total obedience to Allah's command.

He, therefore, called for breakout from western culture which is lobbying to introduce homosexuality, saying the liquidation from western domination remains the only solution to satanic influence against Muslim community.

•Prof Okolo

ter to the Vice-Chancellor. My reason is this: On August 5, 2011, I registered a letter in the offices of the VC and Registrar. I was shocked on July 31, 2012 when the Secretary to the VC expressed total ignorance of the letter," he said.

THE Management of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), will take delivery of its newly-built health centre from Kontrucja Nig., Ltd before month end.

The AAUA Acting Director of Physical Planning and Development, Mr Emmanuel Orimoloye said the project is 96 per cent complete.

"The health centre is almost completed; only minor finishing touches are left and are ongoing.

By the end of this month, the contractor should deliver the project because the university has given him enough time," he said.

The old health centre is sited a few kilometres outside the campus with mini health facilities and services provided on the campus, while the new one is within the campus.

Orimoloye also said two other projects, a 500-capacity lecture theatre and an internet resource centre, which are 70 per cent complete, would be delivered before the end of August.

Staff School wins competition THE Staff Primary School of the AAUA has emerged the overall winner of this year's edition of Team Success, an annual competition organised by Macmillan Publishers.

The 100 participants drawn from 50 schools in Ondo State, were tested in English Language, Mathematics and General Knowledge in the competition, which took place last Monday.

In a statement, the Head Teacher of the school, Mrs. Dorcas Akinduro, thanked the university for its support to its representatives (King-David Babalola and Oluwatunmise Aseere) in the competition.

The school was presented with a water dispenser, school bags and text books.

Director elected ICA Fellow THE Acting Director of Physical Planning and Development unit, AAUA, Mr Emmanuel Orimoloye, has been elected Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Administration (ICA), Nigeria.

In a statement, Council Chairman of ICA, Dr. G. C. Onyekwere, said, "The Governing Council of the Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria takes pride in certifying that Emmanuel A. Orimoloye has been elected a Fellow, having satisfied the requirements for admission to membership and in recognition of competence in administrative functions, visionary leadership strategies and outstanding performance as an administrator."

Orimoloye, an architect, said that the recognition is a motivation to do more work in a university that constantly creates an enabling environment for workers to be the best.

He thanked members of staff of his department for their support.

"This award is not only for me but also members of staff in this department and the university at large," he said.

38

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

CAMPUS LIFE SCHOLARSHIPS

Shun violence, other vices

C

APPROACHING DEADLINES

By Medinat Kanabe

HAIRMAN, House Committee on Information, Strategy, Security and Publicity, Lagos State House of Assembly, Ganiyu Segun Olulade, has charged students of the Lagos State University (LASU) to shun violence and other vices.

Olulade spoke at a rally/meeting organised by LASU students with the inclusion of the Student's Union. The occasion held at the university's MBA hall was themed: “Rebranding LASU” Olulade said: "You are here to study.

When you do well in your academics and allow school pass through you as you pass through school, you will end up being great students.

"I want to tell you that cultism will only lead to death and destruction but when you shun it, it will lead you to greatness. As LASU students, you should be known for greatness."

The lawmaker also pledged his support for the university’s rebranding agenda.

In his own lecture entitled: "LASU of our dream," the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof John oladapo Obafunwa said many LASU graduates are doing well in their chosen careers. He cited an instance when he visited some media houses and saw some graduates of the university plying their trade in the newsroom. He said unfortunately, a bad image has been created about the institution.

"A number of things are wrong and we recognise these things and try to change them," he said.

TWAS-USM Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme For young scientists from developing countries (other than Malaysia) who wish to pursue advanced research in the natural sciences at the UniversitiSains Malaysia (USM), Penang, Malaysia. Deadline 15 September.

IMPORTANT: The following is additional information concerning the TWAS-USM Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme tenable in Malaysia.

It is an integral part of the information given here: TWAS Fellowships for Postdoctoral Research.

Applicants should be aware that they can apply for only one fellowship per year. With the exception of the fellowships "for research collaboration", all other fellowship programmes offered

by TWAS and TWOWS that are mutually exclusive.

Programme Details 1.TWAS-USM Postdoctoral Fellowships are tenable in the departments, institutions and laboratories of the UniversitiSains Malaysia (USM) for a minimum period of twelve (12) months to a maximum period of three years and are awarded to young scien-

tists from developing countries (other than Malaysia) to enable them to pursue advanced research in the natural sciences.

2.USM will provide a standard monthly allowance which should be used to cover living costs, such as accommodation and food.

3.The language of instruction is English.

Eligibility Applicants for these fellowships must meet the following criteria: •be nationals of a developing country (other than Malaysia); •must not hold any visa for temporary or permanent residency in Malaysia or any developed country; •hold a PhD degree in a field of the natural sciences; • ap p l y f o r t h e f e l l o w s h i p within five years of having obtained a PhD degree in a field of the natural sciences; •be regularly employed in a developing country (other than Malaysia) and hold a research assignment there; •provide an official Acceptance Letter from a department, laboratory or institute at USM (see sample Acceptance Letter in the application form). Requests for acceptance must be directed to the Dean, Institute of Postgraduate Studies, USM (Prof.

MuhamadJantan: by e-mail twasusm@gmail.com, mjantan@usm.my) who will facilitate assignment of a host supervisor. In contacting Prof.

Jantan applicants must accompany their request for an Acceptance Letter with copy of their latest CV and a short write-up of research proposal (maximum 3 pages); •provide evidence of proficiency in English; •be financially responsible for any accompanying family member.

Submitting your application •The deadline for receipt of applications is 15 September of each year.

•Applicants should submit the acceptance letter from a USM department/laboratory to TWAS and USM when applying or by the deadline at the latest. Without preliminary acceptance, the application will not be considered for selection.

•Reference letters: Referees must send signed letters as attachment via e-mail directly to TWAS and USM. The subject line must contain: USM/ PDoc/the candidate's surname.

Alternatively, letters should be sent by post in sealed envelopes.

Only signed reference letters can be accepted.

•Applicants to the TWAS-USM Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme should send their application to TWAS and USM (by post, fax or email).

APPLICATION FORM: Click on the links below to download the application form and guidelines. Before applying it is recommended that you read very carefully the application guidelines for detailed information on eligibility criteria, deadlines and other key requirements of the application procedure.

•PDoc Application form •PDoc Application Guidelines Contact Details Prof. MuhamadJantan Dean, Institute of Postgraduate Studies UniversitiSains Malaysia (USM) 11800 Penang, Malaysia Phone: +604-653-2930 Fax: +604-653-2931 E-mail: twasusm@gmail.com mjantan@usm.my TWAS Fellowships Office ICTP Campus, StradaCostiera 11 34151 Trieste, Italy Phone: +39 040 2240-314 Fax: +39 040 2240-689 E-mail: fellowships@twas.org

Jonathan to student: emulate Onwuliri

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has urged university students to emulate the virtues that characterised the life of the former Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Technology Owerri, FUTO Prof Celestine Onwuliri.

Onwuliri, an accomplished academic, was one of those who died in the Dana plane crash at Iju Ishaga in Lagos last year.

Speaking during the inauguration of an ultra-modern laboratory built by the management of Gregory University Uturu in Onwuliri’s honour, President Jonathan lauded his rich academic history.

The President, who was represented by the Minister of Education, Prof Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i, praised the scholarly industry of the late university don who earned his admission into the famed Academy of Science with a research project conducted locally

•The Provost, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), Otto/ Ijanikin, Mr Wasiu Olalekan Bashorun (right) and the Registrar, Bola Disu during the annual tree planting exercise which was held in front of the college auditorium on Sunday P HOTO: ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

in a Nigerian university.

He also commended the Chancellor of Gregory University Uturu, Dr Greg Ibe for initiating the project. He enjoined other universities in Nigeria to emulate the gesture, stressing that the late don deserves the honour done to him.

In his speech the Governor Theodore Orji, who was represented by the Abia State Head of Service, Adiele, urged people to strive to leave lasting legacies for which they will remembered, like the late Onwuliri has done.

Responding, the wife of the deceased, Prof Viola Onwuliri, who is also the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, pledged that the Onwuliri family would continue to partner with Gregory University to sustain her late husband’s ideals.

• Prof Adedayo Fasakin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) congratulating, Ola Oloidi, Professor of Art History and Art Criticism, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), who delivered the 6th annual lecture of the School of Environmental Technology (SET), FUTA. They are flanked by Prof Deji Ogunsemi, Dean, SET, and Dr Modupe Ajayi, Registrar.

Ajimobi's aide donates library

T

HE Special Assistant to Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Culture and Tourism, Mr Kunmi Fakeye, has donated a fully equipped ultra library complex worth N5million to St Peters Cathedral Aremo, Ibadan, in memory of his late mother, Emily Oladebo Fakeye.

During the presentation, Fakeye, described the project as one of the modest contributions of the family to the growth of education in the state and to support Sen Ajimobi's aim to revitalise education sector in the state.

He lamented the dearth of libraries in secondary schools, noting that in the past, virtually all secondary schools had functional libraries for students and teachers, a situation which she said enhanced reading culture in schools.

Fakeye admonished the community to partner with the project by protecting the project, while students and teachers make good use of it.

"We cannot over-emphasise the importance of reading. Reading

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

transports a person from a location to other parts of the world without leaving that location. It gives one new ideas and ways to solving everyday challenges. It also makes one a better person. Reading drives away ignorance which impedes human progress,"he said.

Earlier in his remark, the head of the Fakeye's family, Mr Victor said the idea of the library project was conceived during the burial of their mother two years ago.

He assured that the family will effectively maintain the library for the next five years.

In his appreciation speech, the Bishop of Ibadan North Diocese, Rev Adewale Adebiyi, described Fakeye's late mother as a model who natured her children in God's way.

According to him, we know that the library cost a fortune, but it cost nothing to the Fakeye family since it is for God's work which will further enhance the reading culture in youths.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

39

EDUCATION

Lagos State gives 4,200 pupils second chance

N

O fewer than 4,200 public and private primary school pupils got a second chance to re-write the Lagos state Primary Six Placement Test into JSS1 last Saturday.

They were among the four per cent who scored below 50 per cent or were absent for the examination organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Education on April 20.

The examination which took place in about 24 centres across the state, was monitored by the Executive Chairman, Lagos State Universal

I

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mrs Gbolahan Khadijat Daodu who said the examination was initiated last year to check the influx of poor quality pupils into secondary schools.

She said the 96 per cent pass in the April examination was cheering news.

"All children of school age are expected to be in school from Primary 1 to JSS3 and it is compulsory for any one in primary six to sit for this exam. We came up with the idea be-

cause many people complained that the standard of education was falling. Pupils are just moved from one class to the other without any serious examination or tests," she said.

She added that it's not going to prevent any pupil from going to school but to ensure that only the excellent ones move to the next class.

She also said other classes are not left out in Lagos state as no pupil will be promoted if he/she doesn't get up to 50 per cent in the internal examination.

"It is not only Primary Six alone; that is what we have adopted in Lagos state. Before you move from one class to the other, you have to get at least 50 per cent of the exams that you have done overall and also 50 per cent in English and mathematics. The same thing applies to this exam," she said.

She said those who wrote on Saturday were given a second chance to succeed. However, she complained that some of them undermined the chance as they were absent.

•Mrs Daodu

Quiz master gets reward for in-depth knowledge

T was not only the pupils that competed in the grand finale of the Brighter Rewarding Future (BRF) Quiz competition last Thursday at the Blue Roof, LTV Complex, Ikeja, Lagos that put up an impressive performance.

The quiz master for the competition, Mr Segun Adedeji, who teaches at Government Senior College, Ikorodu, also got commendations and awards for the way he moderated the competition.

The Physics and Mathematics teacher displayed a high level of knowledge while moderating the three categories of the competition - primary, junior secondary and senior secondary - for all the subjects namely: English, Mathematics, Current Affairs, Physics Chemistry, Basic Science, Government and ICT. Opening the floodgate of commendations was former Commissioner for Health and Education, Dr Leke Pitan, who described Adedeji as thoroughbred, added that the Lagos State Ministry of Education has the largest concentration of cerebral workers in the public sector of the state.

Pitan praised him for his in-depth knowledge of the sciences and even English Language and Current Affairs, urging him to remain in the public education sector.

…What makes a 'true champion'

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

"I thank you for how you handled the competition. You showed that you knew the subjects, not just because you had the answers but you knew the subjects. You are an allrounder. I appeal to you not to leave the system. Please stay and serve," he said.

Dr Pitan rewarded Adedeji with N25,000, while the Children of Light Foundation gave the quiz master N20,000.

Education Commissioner, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, was also impressed by the performance of the contestants who are all from the public schools with the quiz master.

"These children are wonderful.

They started this competition together with private school pupils.

And the private school children fell by the way side. Those of them in the final in all categories are from our public schools," she said.

Referring to the teachers, she said: "We have many of them in the system. All we need to do is to identify them. And we have identified him; we have given him support. You cannot cover something that is good; it will continue to come up," he said.

The contestants also got attractive prizes with the winners in each category winning computer tablets,

• Mrs Oladunjoye (middle) presenting prizes to the winning team from Eletu Odibo Senior High School and their teachers

trophies, Vono products and other prizes. With 28 points, Lawal Oluwaseun and Igbokwe Daniel of Eletu Odibo Senior High School, Yaba proved their supremacy over Olabamise Daniel and Longe Temitope of Sanmori Senior Comprehensive High School, Agege who scored 19 points to win the senior secondary category of the competition. ArchDeacon Adelaja Memorial Senior Secondary School, Bariga took the third position.

In the Junior Secondary School category, the duo of Adepoju Marvel-

ous and Solarin Sodiq of Lagos State Junior Model College, Kankon came first, beating Odo Obara Junior High School, Epe to the second position.

Vetland Junior Grammar School, Ifako-Ijaye came third.

Aminu Rahmat and Ajibola Ayomide of Ansar-ud-Deen Nursery and Primary School, Ebute Metta beat the representatives of Our Lady of Fatima Nursery and Primary School, Mushin to clinch the first position while Ayininuola Olaoluwa and Ugbe Faith of Idera Nursery and Primary School,

Council holds essay contest

T

T

HE Principal, Unique Heights School, Magodo, Lagos, Mrs Oluwafunmilayo Olatunde has tasked her graduating students to imbibe creativity, courage, inquisitiveness, and self discipline if they want to become champions.

At the school's 16th valedictory and prize-giving at its premises on Saturday, Olatunde said: "Being a champion has little to do with natural physique or intellect but character, and positive mindset that can be discovered and developed. Everyone can improve and be better. Championship is balancing the art of the attributes.

"A champion is courageous because he or she is out in front, as a leader. He or she backs up his or her instinct when the instinct is all the certainty that is available.

He or she picks up or reaches out to the mantle of responsibility that is floating free, and put it on.

"A champion must be able to live with failure as well as enjoy success. This is the toughest quality of all, because it is the very act of courage of leadership that sees you step out into unknown and carries with it the possibility of defeat.”

She noted that many are simply afraid to reach the zenith of their dreams simply because of fear of not succeeding.

"The truth is, a common reason why people do not strive is the fear of failure, yet no one has

Kosofe came third at the preliminaries. In the Individual best (Mathematics) category, Omolara Owolabi of King Ado Senior High School beat three others with nine points to clinch the first position.

In his keynote address, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, advised the winners not to rest on their oars.

"This competition is a fulcrum this administration uses to develop the minds of future leaders," he said.

•The graduands

By Adegunle Olugbamila

sought ideals in life without failing first. From that first failure experienced, one learns about the process of competing, about oneself, the strength one should exploit and the weakness one must eliminate,” she added.

Chairman of the occasion, Dapo Owoeye, urged graduands' parents and guardians to pay more attention to their development which, to him, is still at the foundation stage.

"Have you seen a builder who, after just completing the founda-

tion, invites friends and family members to join him in celebration? What I am saying is that for your parents, it is not yet time for celebrations. Some of these children after now, will go to far places, or even outside the country, and you need to monitor them. Make out time to pay them unscheduled visits to know what they are doing and the kind of friends they keep," he said.

Earlier, the school’s Proprietor Mrs Ebunoluwa Esther AyereAlatise, thanked parents and guardians and members of staff for

their support in the development of the school over the years. She assure that the school would continue to live up to its responsibility in “building a total child and first class world changers.”

Speaking through her daughter Tobbie, she admonished the graduands as good ambassadors of the school, to sustain the school’s sterling qualities.

"To the graduands of today, I congratulate you. You need to desire, aspire, and perspire the best in order to acquire the best in your future endeavours,” she said.

HE fourth edition of the Amuwo Odofin Youth Essay Awards, which focused on the revelance of the social media to the education of youths, provided a platform for the participants to discuss the gains and ills of the 21st century ICT invention.

The competition featured 20 public and private schools within the council.

As usual, the competition, which held at M8 Event Centre, Festac extension, was in two stages – oral and written debate on the topic: "Is social media a welcome plus to youth education and morals, or a minus with grave consequences?"

The overall winners of the competition, Master Orji Victor of Loral International Secondary School, went home with N70, 000 cash prize. Ezugwu Chidimma of St. Jude's Private School and Ezenwa Jessica of Amuwo Odofin Community Junior Secondary School came second and third, and won N50, 000 and N25,000.

This year's edition was attended

by Chairman, Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Comrade Ayodele Adewale, who was accompanied by the former Mayor of Greenevers, North Carolina, United States, Alfred Dixon.

Adewale noted that while social media could attract negative consequences, its importance in the 21st century cannot be over emphasised.

He encouraged participants to tap into the positive side of social media to better their lot.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

40

EDUCATION

‘Schools can issue transcripts same day’ T HE thorny issue of transcripts processing came to fore during the maiden lecture by the Registry unit of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), with the lecturer, Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo recommending an overhaul of the process.

Speaking on the topic: "The Registry and its Place in the administration of higher institution", Prof Banjo said it is possible for transcripts to be issued same day if registries of universities would speedily address requests by students.

The former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan lamented that the tedious process of obtaining transcripts has often resulted in the loss of admission opportunities.

"It ought to be possible for transcripts to be offered within 24 hours of application, and no one should

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

have to appear personally to collect it," he said.

He said the Registry plays a crucial role in handling of students' request and enquiries right from registration to the end of their studies.

As such, the student's first impression of the university is formed through their experience at the Registry during registration.

Banjo expressed displeasure at current practice which makes it compulsory for former students, who urgently need their transcripts to be physically present to process them.

When this happens, he said the love that such alumni should have for their alma mater are weakened, re-

sulting in negative attitude to the institution.

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of FUNAAB's Governing Council, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, also faulted the practice, describing it as unacceptable.

He said most universities issue certificates to deserving students on graduation day, adding that 'Statement of Result' is not acceptable anymore.

"If you treat the students as friends during the processing, they would want to come back to assist the university," he said.

Reiterating his administration's commitment to the training of workers, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Olusola Oyewole, disclosed that the Registry Lecture Series is aimed at broadening the intellectual horizons of the workers to be more productive.

•Pupils performing at the event

Parents urged to speak good English to wards

T

HE Director, Oak Bridge Montessori School, Lekki Mrs Hannah Royeke Obalade, has admonished parents of her pupils to speak coherent English with good diction while communicating with their children.

Mrs Obalade said this at the schools concert/graduation at Oxford Hotel, Lekki penultimate Thursday.

She urged parents to, "speak dictions to their kids" in order to complement the school's attempt at enhancing pupils' proficiency in spoken English.

Obalade, who said she is not averse to the idea of parents teach-

By Sampson Unamka

ing their wards various local dialects, lamented how many parents mangled such languages to the detriment of the children.

"We are supposed to learn our native languages, but unfortunately, we are not learning either of them the right way. If we want to speak English to these children, we should speak it the proper way and how its suppose to be spoken and if it's our native language (Yoruba) we also have to speak it the right way," she said.

"The way God has created us; a child can learn three languages at the same time and still speak the

three of them fluently if the child is exposed to these languages."

"It has been predicted that in 15 years time, if we are not careful Yoruba will go into extinction.

How many of us are teaching our children Yoruba language properly? So we are neither here nor there," Obalade added.

The event also featured graduation and award presentation to toddlers, as well as nursery and primary school pupils in various categories.

She praised the parents for honouring the yearly event, adding that it is also organised to nudge the pupils on good character.

House committee gives FIIRO pass mark

T

HE House Committee on Science and Technology has commended the management of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO), for improving on its facilities and research activities since its last visit.

Chairman of the committee, Hon Abiodun Akinlade, said the improvement showed the institute made good use of its funds.

"Compared to last year, there has being a lot of improvement in the area of infrastructural development. You can see they have really used the money given to them judiciously. Yes, we are impressed with the institute in the area of Research and Development (R&D), particularly in the area of commercialization, they have taken a step further in the area of commercialization by going into the states to have a synergy between the state and the agency. We are pleased

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

with that and we also believe that we can do a lot," he said.

The members of the committee however urged the institute to collaborate with other agencies to improve commercialization and adoption of its research outputs by small scale entrepreneurs. He also urged the institute led by Dr Gloria Elemo, its Director-General, to invest in publicity of its industrial solutions so that many more Nigerians are aware of technologies that can provide them with means of livelihood.

"They need to spend a lot of money on publicity. Nobody will know whatever you are doing until you tell people. From the angle of national assembly, we will make sure that they know what FIIRO is doing here. It is still not enough for them to train people. You see the problem we have today is not

about training, where will they get funds to establish? That is where partnership with the funding agencies like the African Development Bank and the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) come in," he said.

On her part, Dr Elemo sought support to commercialise the institute's technologies given the cost implications.

"R&D is not cheap. To make R&D publicly known and for people to buy into it, we need a lot of funds.

We are expecting that we get much more money into the commercialization of R&D especially since we have the R&D on ground in almost all the agro raw materials in this country. All we need now is the support for commercialization and to do commercialization, awareness, and publicity are very expensive," she said.

EDUTALK

Overhauling transcript processing

with

T

HE problems of processing transcripts should belong to an old era. It should not be part of 21st century administration of tertiary institutions that desire to be respected the world over.

With our institutions fighting for relevance on the international scene, there necessarily needs to be an overhaul of how they are run.

Their managers need to start adopt-

Kofoworola

Belo-Osagie Kofosagie@yahoo.com 08054503077 (SMS only)

ing best practices from the universities that are topping the world rankings.

One area that needs complete overhaul is the way transcripts are processed. Our graduates have suffered unnecessary hardship trying to obtain their transcripts for further studies or employment after completing their programmes. Like Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo noted in a lecture he delivered at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abuja (FUNAAB), many have missed admission opportunities because of the lousy procedure involved.

To obtain transcripts, the practice should be that the institution in need of it applies to the institution that produced the graduate. However, because most of our institutions have not evolved effective ways of managing these processes, that system does not work for many.

Foreign and even local institutions instruct Nigerian graduates seeking admission to obtain the transcripts and mail to them. Such candidates have to travel to their alma-mater, most times having to obtain permission from their employers for several days Leave to attend to the matter. When they get to the institutions, they are made to follow a procedure that would require them to move from their departments to the exams and records unit, to the registry, and other places. Along the line, they have to grease several palms to facilitate the search, movement, transfer of the files containing their academic records to the appropriate officers for computing. Then when ready, a sealed document is meant to be mailed to the address of the institution that needs them.

Today, many collect the transcript by hand, and of course, they open the envelope to see the document.

If that is all that they need to do to get their transcripts, it would have been bearable. But it is not. Most times, there is a long waiting list for those applying for transcripts, so, those that follow the laid down procedure may as well wait indefinitely for their applications to be processed. The ‘smart’ ones find their way. They get the document out faster by influencing people they know to intervene or parting with some money. They are forced to deal with very unpleasant workers along the line who think processing the document is a favour they do for the graduates and not the jobs they are paid to do. This way of thinking is very wrong. Workers in our institutions should be made to do their jobs and not frustrate students. Some of them have become tin gods in their offices, threatening students with all manner of actions, or ignoring them completely as if they are irrelevant.

Chukwuemeka Chukwudi is one person who can relate to the frustrations that result when the document is not issued on time. As a matter of fact, the 2003 graduate of Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) is yet to get his transcript since applying in 2010. He has been told his file is missing. Period! All efforts he has made for three years have proved abortive.

If it were in other countries, whoever was responsible for misplacing his file would have been probed and disciplined. If he is not sacked, he would face disciplinary action. But it is not so in Nigeria.

How can a student spend four years studying at an institution only to be told his entire academic records are missing and nothing can be done about it? Our students do not deserve to be treated so shabbily. It is time management of our tertiary institutions stipulate code of conduct for their workers and provide avenues for students to seek redress.

From my Inbox Re: Salaried Students (Thursday, July 11, 2013) Your essay this week is thought-provoking. Most parents these days steal; that is why they have so much to give their wards and not from legitimate earning. Pan Akharume, Benin City.

Sister Kofo, that was a good piece on Salaried Students. Please do write more on this cadre of people that have kept us poor folks on perpetual penury and bondage. From Sam Benjamin, ECWA Theology College, Tofa, Kano State.

Re: A public school encounter (Thursday, July 4, 2013) I read your write up on public school especially ojodu primary school1. Your finding means that there are still God fearing teachers in our country. God bless. The purpose of this mail is to seek your help for this newly established special school which is aimed at supliment the efforts of the state gvt. Therefore need sponsors, the proprietor is a special need person and believe in quanitative education for these categories of students. The name of the the school is Olalomi special school for the Deaf Offa. Hope to hear from you or even see you at offa very soon. Yours in Education.

42

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

POLITICS

43

THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

The popular belief that many states are not viable notwithstanding, Nigerians have continued to agitate for the creation of more states. In this report, AUGUSTINE AVWODE, LEKE SALAWUDEEN and MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE examine the agitations in the light of the on-going constitution amendment.

New states: Between reality and fantasy

I

F wishes were horses, beggars would ride, goes the old saying. But this, unfortunately, is not the case.

Many Nigerians want their villages and family units to be upgraded to the status of a state by the National Assembly. For them, this is the solution to real or perceived marginalisation by the majority ethnic groups, across the existing 36 states.

This explains why the agitation for state creation ranks highest among the subjects before the National Assembly as the second leg of the review of the 1999 Constitution kicks off. Curiously, among the most homogeneous ethnic groups, represented by the three major ethnic groups of Yoruba in the Southwest, the Hausa/Fulani in the North and the Igbo in the Southeast, the agitation for new states is not in short supply.

However, all that agitation now face a bleak prospect and could come to naught. The National Assembly has suddenly developed cold feet, or so it seems. The report by the House of Representatives ad-hoc Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution gave little or no hope to the agitators of. Presenting the report, the Chairman of the Committee and Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, said: “The Committee received requests for creation of states running into more than thirty-five (35) states. None of the requests submitted to the Committee complied with the procedures for the creation of states outlined in Section 8 of the Constitution.

“Accordingly, the Committee was unable to treat any of these requests.

The Committee, however, recognises that the existing provision in the Constitution for the creation of new states is unclear and cumbersome.

Accordingly, the Committee has clarified the process to make it more coherent.”

Also, the Deputy Senate President and Chairman, Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, Senator Ike Ekwere-madu, declared that, while the Senate was not opposed to state creation, the sponsors or agitators for the new states must follow all the procedures laid down by the constitution.

“We support creation of states, but you have to follow the procedure laid down by the constitution, which most people are trying to avoid.

Analysts are of the view that the proliferation of states stemmed from the fear of the minorities and the feelings of marginalisation and domination. Besides, the agitators for new states say it would quicken the pace of development and bring governance closer to the people.

Scramble for state The National Assembly received many requests for the creation of new states. A breakdown of the figure shows that the Southsouth Zone topped the list with 16 demands, followed by the Southwest 15, Northcentral 13, Southeast 9, Northwest 6 and Northeast 3.

Constitutional requirement However, none of those requests complied with the entire provision of Section 8(1), which states that: “A request, supported by, at least, two-

done at any time, whether or not there is a Constitution amendment exercise going on or not.

How viable are states?

T

•Map of Nigeria

• Mark

thirds majority of members (representing the areas demanding the creation of the new state in each of the following namely: The Senate and the House of Representatives, the Houses of Assembly in respect of the area and the Local Government Councils in respect of the area, is received by the National Assembly.

“A proposal for the creation of the state, approved in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of the people of the area from where the demand for the creation of the state originated.

The result of the referendum is then approved by a simple majority of all the states of the Federation supported by a simple majority of members of the Houses of Assembly and the proposal is approved by two-thirds majority of members of each House of the National Assembly”.

• Tambuwal

T

HE Senate Committee on Constitution Review stated in its report that the signatories to the requests listed above are not currently serving as members of the Senate, House of Representatives, State Houses of Assembly or Local Government Councils as required by Section 8(1) (a) of the Constitution and in some cases, the memoranda was received long after the official close of submission. As such, if the signatures of those that are no longer serving at the various legislative levels are removed, the signatures of serving members will not satisfy the provisions of Section 8 (a) (1) (i-iii).

The Committee reports that: “In all, none of the request for state creation at the close of receipt of memoranda satisfied the requirement of Section 8 (1) (a) (i-iii) to justify a recommen-

• Ekweremadu

dation for the next step in Section 8 (1) (b) namely: directing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a referendum.

However, the committee stated that the demand for the following states partly met the requirements of Section 8 (1) (a) (i-iii). They are Aba, Adada, Ado, Apa, Bori, Edu, Ghari, Gurara, Hadejia, Ijebu, Katagum, Minji-Se , New Delta, Oduduwa, Oluwa, Savannah and Sombreiro.

It therefore, recommended that, provided the House of Representatives received same requests, the Clerk of the National Assembly should be directed to forward any memoranda that complied with Section 8(1) (a) (i-iii) to INEC to conduct a referendum, which itself, is still half of the journey towards state creation. This can be

HOUGH the agitation for states creation has dominated public space for quite sometimes, but whether these requests have met the genuine aspiration for the creation of states is another puzzle.

State creation began in 1967 from the four regions; the Northern, Midwest, Eastern and Western regions. The number has since risen to 36 states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. With the numerous requests before the National Assembly, although most of them have been adjudged not to have met the constitutional requirement, the number will one day increase.

It is, however, obvious that some of the states currently in existence have not lived up to expectations when considered from the point of view of their economic viability. Apart from fulfilling political exigencies, states are entities through which the society launders their economic desires.

Some of the reasons, which underscore the genuine call for states creation, have been compromised for pecuniary reasons. For instance, there is this paradigm that the more states created, the more the people benefit from the Federation Account. That, in the long run, has led to the emergence of glorified local governments masquerading as states in the federation.

Some have even agitated for states by splitting ethnic groups, which originally belong to one bloc into smaller units for the purpose of getting more funds for their catchment areas.

There is the belief that, one of the surest ways to improve ethnic group’s share of the national cake is to split the group into a number of units.

According to statistics, only 60 per cent of the states are viable. Some of them have not explored the opportunities within them, always, depending on the national allocation to run their domestic affairs.

During the review of the ongoing constitution amendment during its session, Senate President, David Mark said of all the requests put forward for states creation, there has barely been any of them that met the criteria for state creation.

He had earlier said for the purpose of fairness and diffusing marginalization, more states would have to emerge. Mark stressed: “I strongly believe that we need to create more states for the yearning of the people.

We need to make the minority have a sense of belonging which will promote a healthy competition among the federating states, as well guarantee peace and security in the land.”

Having noted the shortcomings in states creation in the country, it has been postulated that, for purpose of development, any state created without first identifying with how to sustain itself should not be taken seriously.

For the purpose of the country’s wellbeing, it is not the number of states created that matters but how the states have been able add value to the overall development of the country.

•Continued on page 44

44

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

POLITICS

Illusion of state creation

•Continued from page 43

I

T was noted that the states must be encouraged to harness the natural resources to save the country from future calamity because of its over dependence on oil. Many people think that this can only be possible when agriculture and mineral resources in the states are exploited maximally.

Analysts believe that one of the ways of discouraging the dependence on statutory allocation is to fully practice genuine federalism where states that have resources would be able take control of the resources within their domains.

Lagos lawyer and human rights activist Festus Keyamo said state creation is desirable in some cases, but should be ruled out in certain areas.

Keyamo noted that most of the states are not viable, but we should not shut our eyes against new ones, particularly, where they are desirable.

“New states are desirable in some cases. The fact that most of the states are not viable could make one to suggest that no new state should be created. But there are certain ones that are desirable. It should not be a blanket situation.

“A situation whereby a state is sustained by the federal allocation is not encouraging. Such a state can’t develop. It can’t meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people. To merge the unviable states will lead to political confusion. “Once they have been created, there is nothing we can do other than to challenge the governors of such state to shore up their internally generated revenue. If it is necessary to create new states, viability should be given priority, so that the new state would not become a liability.”

Proposed states

Southsouth Ahoada Toru-Ebe Ogoja Urhobo Minji-Se Confluence

Ado Bori Anioma Oil RiversOil Warri New Delta Ethiope Sombreiro Coast Itai Southeast Aba Adada Orashi Ugwuaku Etiti Equity Njaba Orimili Anim

Southwest Toru-Ebe New Oyo Ijesha Remo Ijebu Oduduwa Ijebu Ibadan Yewa Ose Lagoon

State creation under civilian regime

Oluwa Oke-Ogun Igbomina

The process of creating new states is fairly easier and straight forward under military regime than civilian administrations. The reason is simple.

Military regimes thrive on decrees, which enjoy a central command structure. But in the case of civilian administrations, the process stipulates and encourages consensus building.

But beyond that is the maze of political intrigues involving both personal and economic interests of the elites. In a country where ethnicity runs deeper than the sea, whatever will not serve the interest of one particular region will not be allowed to see the light of day.

At independence in 1960, Nigeria had three regions. They were the North, East and Western regions.

Today, there are 36 states in the country. In the last 52 years, however, state creation has taken place six times.

While five were by military fiat through decrees, only one has been through democratic process in August 1963 when the Mid-West Region was created. They are: three regions as at October 1960; Mid-West region of August 1963; the 12 states by Genearl Yakubu Gowon’s regime in 1967; then 19 states by General Murtala Muhammed’s regime in 1976; the 1987 state creation exercise by the General Ibrahim Babangida regime , which brought the total number of states to 21; a second state creation by General Babangida in 1991, thus bringing the total number of states to 30 and the last exercise by the late Gen. Sani Abacha regime of 1996 which brought the total tally to 36.

While state creation under the military is a process driven almost solely by the ‘thinking and conviction’ of the military high command, under civilian administrations, it is a joint effort by the people who want to have the state, the National Assembly and the entire country. It is a process that is so cumbersome that it is even being doubted if any state would be created going by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal

Ilaje

Northcentral Apa Kainji

Promoters Movement for the Creation of Ahoada State Toru-Ebe State Creation movement Movement for the Creation of Ogoja State Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU) Minji-Se State Creation movement Movement for the Creation of Confluence State Movement for the Creation of Ado State Rivers state Southeast Senatorial District Anioma State Creation Movement Rivers State Movement Warri-Itsekiri Model Movement for the Creation of new Delta State Ethiope State Creation movement Sombreiro State Creation movement Ijaw & Itsekiri Leaders Forum Afe Annang Aba State Creation Movement Adada State Creation Movement Movement for the Creation of Orashi State Ugwuaku State Movement Life patron of Ochogbos Equity State Movement Njaba State Creation Movement Ohaneze Anambra State Committee Njaba &Orashi State Creation Movement Toru-Ebe State Creation Movement New Oyo State Forum (NOSFOM) Ijesha State Creation Movement Remo Forum Committee on Oduduwa State Ijebu State Creation Movement Central Council of Ibadan Indegenes Gunuvi National Congress & Yewa Traditional Council People of Ondo North Senatorial District People of Epe, Eti-Osa, Ibeju Lekki, Ikorodu, Somolu LGs Movement for the Creation of Oluwa State Oke-Ogun Development Council Movement for the Creation of Igbomina State Committee on State Creation

Areas Rivers State Delta, Edo & Ondo states Cross River State Delta State Rivers State Kogi, Edo & Nassarawa Delta State Rivers State Delta State Akwa Ibom and Rivers states Delta states Delta State Delta State Rivers State Delta State Akwa Ibom Abia State Enugu State Imo and Anambra states Imo Abia, Anambra & Enugu Enugu, Imo, Anambra & Abia Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Imo & Ebonyi Imo State Anambra Imo & Anambra states Delta, Edo & Ondo states Oyo State Osun State Ogun State Osun State Ogun State Oyo State Ogun State Ondo State Lagos State Ondo State Oyo State Osun & Kwara Ondo State

Okura Borgu Okun

Apa State Creation Movement People of Borgu, Kagara & Kontagora emirates Edu State Creation Movement Movement for the Creation of Confluence State Okura State Creation Movement Borgu State Movement Okun Development Association

Lowland Gboko Binda Kabba Katsina-Ala

Lowland State Movement (Tunkus) Gboko State Movement Binda State Movement Kogi Youth Movement Katsina-Ala movement

Kogi, Edo & Nassarawa states Kogi State Kebbi, Kwara and Niger states Ekiti, Ondo, Kwarw & Kogi Plateau State Benue State Benue state Kogi State Benue and Taraba states

Katagum State Movement Amana State Movement Savannah State Movement

Bauchi state Adamawa State Borno State

Southern Kaduna Peoples Union New Kaduna State Movement Tiga State Movement Ghari State Movement Karaduwa State Movement Hadejia State Movement

Kaduna State Kaduna State Kaduna State Kano State Katsina State Jigawa State

Edu Confluence

Northeast Katagum Amana Savannah

Northwest

Gurara New Kaduna Tiga Ghari Karaduwa Hadejia

Republic in Section 8 (1).

An interpretation of the provisions, even in the most simple way, shows that it is not an entirely a National Assembly affair, but a process that should, in fact, originate and be driven by the people, local government councils, members of the state Assemblies, and members of the National Assembly, from the areas seeking to be created into new states.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution, Senator Ike Ekweremadu said: “Our role at the National Assembly is to provide leadership, moderate the process, and ensure compliance with

legislative due process. For instance, the onus lies on the areas seeking new states, not the National Assembly, to generate the requests and reach out to other parts of Nigeria to see reason with them and support their aspirations.

“Thus, a people seeking an additional state to be carved out from the present Ondo State, should also bear in mind that such requests must receive the blessing of Sokoto State and Abia State, among others, to scale through.

“A referendum is also required with the involvement of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. But, whereas the processes are obviously cumber-some, it is certainly not an impossible task. All that is needed is political maturity, consensus

Benue State Niger State Niger and Kwara states

building, patriotism, enlightenment, and a sense of justice.”

The general thinking is that only military governments can create states because since independence, only one civilian government has created a state in the country. And even then, it was difficult and almost did not see the light of day.

Already, the House of Represent-atives ad-hoc Committee on Constitution Review, in its report on the exercise, has disclosed that in spite various clamours for new states, the requests could not be met on the grounds that none of the applications complied with requirements for state creation.

• Ihedioha

By contrast, the military under General Ibrahim Babangida, by fiat, created Yobe, Taraba, Osun, Kogi, Kebbi, Enugu, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Adamawa and Abia during his almost eight year –regime.

Analysts have said that the framers of the constitution must have deliberately made the process cumbersome to forestall the balkanisation of the country. Besides, it is held that even the state that are in existence today are ravaged by poverty. Thus creating new states makes little or no sense at all.

The Midwest example

T

HE Midwest Region was the first state to be created in Nigeria after independence in 1960. It remains the only Nigerian state to be created by constitutional means, and not by a military fiat, till date. Its creation facilitated a stronger voice for the articulation of minority rights in the Nigerian politics. However, it was a development that tasked the enduring spirit of those behind it and brought to the fore, the intrigues that are often associated with state creation.

Before August 9, 1963, when the country had three constituent parts, the three dominant ethnic groups, Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo political elites controlled powers in the North, West, and Eastern regions respectively. While none of them wanted a separate state created in their region, they supported the agitation for the creation of state in any other region which they considered as the opposition-led region. It was against this background that the battle for the creation of the Midwest Region was fought and won.

Today, the demand for states in the Southeast geo-political zone may not enjoy the support of the House of Assembly in the North because of the possibility of ‘balancing’ the equation that has always been tilted in favour of the North. The state Assemblies in the Southeast will not vote for any more state in the North as it will widen the ‘gap’ in the number of states between the old Northern Region and the Southern Region of Lord Fredrick Lugard.

Former Minister of Petroleum Professor Tam David-West expressed doubt about the ability of the National Assembly to create new states. He argued that the provisions are too stringent.

“The process is cumbersome. All what the National Assembly is doing is a waste of time. The lawmakers, who are supposed to be guided by the constitution, should know that no new state can emerge under these provisions.

“The National Assembly received 60 requests. If all those requests are granted, we will be having about 100 states in Nigeria. What those in power ought to do is to ask why are the people demanding the state and address such issues, not to promise them what you know is impossible.

United States, as big as it is, has 51 states and it has not created any new state in the last 100 years”, he said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

45

NATURAL HEALTH THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

Water good for health

Complementary, alternative medicine D practitioners resolve dispute

C

OMPLEMENTARY and Alternative Medicine (CAM) practitioners have resolved their differences. They have agreed to be united to ensure the reopening of the Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (FEDCAM), Abuja.

They took the decision at a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, which was attended by a representative of the Ministry of Health, Dr Victor Gbenro.

The group appointed Prof Magnus Atilade its spokesman and leader.

Atilade said the meeting was long overdue because the proscription of the college had paralysed the training of practitioners.

“The college is supposed to promote our profession so things must be done properly. We have been charged by the Health Minister, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu to bring warring factions together so that FEDCAM can be re-opened.

He said plans were underway to draw a curriculum for the college, stressing that work can begin in earnest to reposition the practice, which has suffered setbacks in recent times.

Atilade said the process began when the Health Minister saw the college being shut on television.

“This was why he promised that he would promote the practice and do his best to ensure that the school is reopened.

He has demonstrated that he has an open

‘How to conquer malaria with herbs’

A

NATUROPATH, Dr Gilbert Ezengige, has said Nigeria can reduce malaria, which is a major killer of mother and child, with herbs.

He said herbal concoction made from azadirachta indica leaves popularly called Dogonyaro in Yoruba and Hausa, alstonia boonei bark (Egbu in Igbo, Ahun in Yoruba) and Morinda lucida root and leaves (Ezeogwu in Igbo, Ewuro in Yoruba), and phyllantus amarus plant (Ilulo-kwo-nwa in Igbo, Ehinbisowo in Yoruba) can be used to cure the disease.

He said malaria can also be prevented by taking cymbopogon citratus popularly called lemon grass because it has been found to be a strong malaria prophylaxis herb, adding that it is also suitable for expectant mothers.

Ezengige, who is the General Secretary, Natural Integrated Medicine Practitioners Association (NIMPA), enjoined the Federal Government to invest in research so that the country can develop its own anti-malaria herbal drug.

He said: “All the machineries required to turn these herbs to usable anti-malaria medicines can be manufactured locally thereby cutting down on the cost of importing and servicing imported machineries. But no visible effort is made at governmental level towards tackling malaria though the utilisation of our indigenous herbs.”

“In Nigeria various medicinal plants have been used for centuries for the treatment of malaria and its associated symptoms. These plants whose therapeutic actions and safety have stood the test of time can be cultivated in selected

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 • Atilade (middle) flanked by Akpa on the left and Gbenro during the meeting.

Stories by Wale Adepoju

mind about CAM but some loopholes must be addressed before the college is reopened, hence he set up a five-man committee to work towards it,” he added.

Atilade said Dr Titi Oduye was appointed as secretary while Dr Olufemi Bankole, Dr Peter Kachi and Dr Bade Adewale are members.

He said: “The group issued a communiqué that the committee enlisted by the Minister of Health should work towards the re-opening of FEDCAM and move the practice forward.”

He said the committee has been saddled

123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 • Ezengige

botanical gardens in different zones to provide the raw materials for the production of herbal anti malaria remedies.”

He advised the head of governments of African countries to demonstrate the will power and commitment to combating and mitigating preventable deaths from malaria and its associated ailments.

Quoting the World Health Organisation (WHO), he said 80 per cent of the population in developing countries rely on traditional medicine for their health care needs.

Ezengige said the government loses revenue to the procurement of malaria drugs, insecticide-treated nets and campaigns for environmental sanitation to prevent the breeding of female anoph-

with the responsibility of organising a workshop to upgrade the knowledge of practitioners of CAM who have been practising for 10 years and above for onward registration by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), using the “grandfather clause” endorsed by the MDCN. “It also resolved that I should head the CAM Board while Dr Bankole, Dr Oduye, Dr Kachi, Dr Adewale, Dr Osmond Onyeka, Prof Joseph Akpa, Dr Celestine Dike, Dr Henry Nwachukwu and Dr Amadi Godspower should also be on the board of CAM and Prof Akpa should be registered by MDCN unconditionally,” Atilade said.

12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 • Lemon grass

eles mosquitoes which transmit malaria parasites.

He said the disease was responsible for one-third of those seeking treatment in rural dispensaries.

“Government at all levels should develop programmes for the establishment of botanical gardens for the cultivation of tested medicinal plants used in the treatment of malaria and its associated symptoms,” he added.

Ezengige said no country can develop and truly experience a health reform with the health concern of 80 per cent of its people been treated with levity. “No country will become relatively independent on health matters if her indigenous medical system is consistently paid little attention to,” he said.

RINKING four glasses of water early in the morning has been recommended as a therapy to ward off diseases and ensure good health.

A traditional medicine practitioner, Dr Lambo Adebisi said two to four glass cups of water when drunk immediately after getting out of bed can ensure wellness and longevity.

According to him, this practice has worked for the Japanese over the years as a form of curative and control measure for preventing diseases.

“Water as a form of treatment has been found useful by the Japanese Medical Society (JMS) as a 100 per cent cure for headache, arthritis and tuberculosis. Also, meningitis, diabetes, constipation, epilepsy and fast heart beat, among others.”

Adebisi, who is a naturopath, advised people to stay away from food or drink 45 minutes after taking the water in the morning.

This, he added was to ensure that the water drunk flushed their system of toxins and free radicals.

After breakfast, they should not drink water for two hours, he said.

Adebisi said the sick and elderly should start with two glasses of water until they are able to drink four glasses every morning.

“For high blood pressure, four glass cups of water should be consumed every morning for 30 days, gastric 100 days and diabetes for 30 days.

“People who have constipation should drink as prescribed for 10 days, cancer 180 days while those suffering from tuberculosis need to consume water for three months.”

He said water was potent and had no side effect, stressing that it was good whether hot or cold.

“Hot water removes slug in the intestines, thereby ensuring clean bowel,” he added.

L

Remedies for high blood pressure

IFESTYLE changes and natural remedies may help to control high blood pressure, but your doctor may also recommend medication to lower high blood pressure. It is important to work with your doctor, because untreated high blood pressure may damage organs in the body and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, brain haemorrhage, kidney disease, and vision loss.

• Garlic In a meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials of garlic supplements, three trials showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and four in diastolic blood pressure. Researchers concluded that garlic powder supplement may be of clinical use in patients with mild high blood pressure.

Garlic supplements should only be used under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner. Garlic can thin the blood (reduce the ability of blood to clot) similar to aspirin.

Garlic may interact with many drugs and supplements such as the prescription drugs such as Coumadin (warfarin) or Trental (pentoxifylline), aspirin, vitamin E, gingko. It is usually recommended that people taking garlic stop in the weeks before and after any type of surgery.

• Fish Oil Preliminary studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil may have a modest effect on high blood pressure. Although fish oil supplements often contain both DHA (docohexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), there is some evidence that DHA is the ingredient that lowers high blood pressure.

• Folic Acid Folate is a B vitamin necessary for formation of red blood cells. It may help to lower high blood pressure in some people, possibly by reducing elevated homocysteine levels.

One small study of 24 cigarette smokers found that four weeks of folic acid supplementation significantly lowered blood pressure.

•Culled from: altmedicine.about.com

H

46

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

NATURAL HEALTH

Spiritual and health values of Ramadan fast

R

from preaching his ideas about the advantages of fasting AMADAN 2013 is in full swing. Forlorn faces bear over medication in the treatment of diseases. In 1972, at testimony everywhere. As often happens, the crime the age of 787, he fell ill and would be unable to help wave is low. Business is slow. But food and fruit himself out of this condition, a neurological that was sellers get a good 'make good' when the fast is broken. thought to be Parkinson's disease. Perhaps he had lost the Ramadan is much more sweeping in its observance than will to live. For six years earlier in 1972, he had been the Christian 40-days Lent. In my observations, older Chrisbankrupted by prosecution for the death, through heart tians take lent far more seriously than the young. But in attack, of a patient at one of his schools. The school was Ramadan, the young and the old are together in the train. shut down.

In the mind, I travel back to my childhood in an orthodox Although Dr. Shelton is gone, his ideas live on. Central Christian home in which, as in all Christen homes, the left to these ideas are the following thoughts hand must not reveal to the right what it does. This is one • A fast gives the body a physiological holiday. of the reasons Christians distance themselves from the • This is a period of rest from digesting food and abRamadan which, indeed, may become for many Muslims sorbing it. an obeisance less in spirit and more out of habit, as many • During this holiday, the body spends more energy to Islamic clerics have been advising nominal Muslims against remove poisonous waste products of everyday living since last week. Thus, my Christian friends often wonder which it bottled over many years from lack of time or every Ramadan season if I am not all nuts when I encourenergy to rid itself of them. age them to join the fast. For me, Lent and Ramadan have • These toxins are the sources or building blocks of acithe same goal. If properly observed, they offer the human dosis and toxemia which make the body a breeding ground spirit the possibility of loosening up a little the suffocating for all sorts of germs. material fetters which bind it to this earth, and, through • Although germs, and other micro-organisms, includthis, re-inforce its connections to the Spiritual World. It is ing candida and other yeast, have been defended by some from this world that the human spirit, as a seed, was planted authorities as agents of Nature dispatched to an acidic in the material soil, from where its sprouting, germinabody to devour causes of acidosis, they nevertheless get tion, flowering and fruiting begin. When it has attained the the body more poisoned through the waste products of utmost growth potential, it is admitted to the spiritual world their own metabolism, especially if they overstay their as a now conscious and productive being who can become a welcome. useful tool in the continual upbuilding in Creation. adherents of all religious would adjust themselves as sug• There is no medication that can restore a sick body to Religion separates many peoples in spirit. But it needn't. gested, our world would definitely become Paradise. But healthy; only the body can heal itself if it is given the I became more clarified about religion than my religion that appears a pipe dream today. For we all seem to apopportunity to do so through physiological rest and suptaught me when I came to the following recognitions. proach these spiritual lifelines more out of habit than in port with organic ingredients natural to its self-cleansing • In His wisdom, the Creator placed His creatures in dif- search of the spiritual enablement they may offer. Like protocols. ferent parts of the Universe best suited to their spiritual most spiritual; clerics have been preaching, fasting from • asting is not starvation. During a fast, the body feeds development. sunrise to sunset all the days of the Ramadan does not by itself with nutrients essential to its survival by consum• In these locations, each people knew only of its exist- itself cleanse us of sins or confer on us Blessings from on ing degraded tissue such as uterine fibroids tissue, for ence, not of any other.

High. example; physician who incorporate fasting their healing • Each people knew man was not the Creator, and sought Really, it would be preponderous to believe that the Creprotocols are, nevertheless, divided on how to successrecognition of, and access to Him. ator is glad that we are not eating and drinking when we fully fast a patient. Many agree that one-day facts are in• They were groping from below, upwards…and, when- should and for this reasons, will shower us with His Blessadequate to remove poisons stacked up over many years. ever they became stagnated in their understanding of Him ings. What is His profit in our not eating and eating? To While some believe whole fruit and fruit and vegetable and His Will, He sent them teachers to expand their knowl- my view, which some of these preachers, have reinforced, juices alone should be taken during a fast, others believe edge through the message brought by the teacher. is that, if we gain deeper spiritual recognitions of fast and only distilled water with no minerals dissolved in it is • Unfortunately, man has formed an iron-east cage called utilise them in daily relationships we become different, said to be so highly reactive and chelating that it drags religion around each message and even prostituted the pu- better persons than we were the day or year. It is this inout more toxins than any other remedy. But some physirity that, were the teachers to return today, they would not ward change which attracts to us a changed or new envicians believe it is minerals and vitamins lacking in cooked recognise their teachings and would distance themselves ronment filled with those things we call blessings. If you food consumed over the years which actually do the job. from religious practices which grew out of the original aid I become more loving persons, won't our environment Dr. Bernard Jensen, reputed worldwide for his fasting promessages they brought. become more loving? If recognise the service which the tocols, favours fruit and vegetable juices and green drinks.

• Had man not made religion a footstool for access to sun, moon, stars, trees and oceans, among others render to It is around these thoughts that a whole industry has earthly power and influence, he would have found a com- our lives on earth, and we appreciate the need to act likearisen which produces food supplements which may supmon string in all these messages which would have united wise in our jobs, our country will work as Nature works… port the health of anyone on Ramadan or any other fast. them into a single flight of stairway to the Creator who electricity would not fail, the governors and other public My Muslim friends always ask me all the approach of Willed these messages at various times for different peoples officers will not steal public money, the motor mechanic Ramadan fast of what new supplements are on the shelf. standing at different levels of spiritual development. will not play games with your car, store keepers will not Are Mr. Aliu and Mr. Wale Ajila listening? Ditto Mrs. It was in these recognitions that I came to appreciate the steal from the shelf, lecturers will not extort money from Abdusallam and Mrs. Yahaya. pure teachings of Islam, for example and the mission of the their students, the police will not take bribes, doctors will As we all know, the Ramadan permits no food or drinks Prophet to the people of Arabia, from which other people' not refer their patients to India because of commissions from sunrise to sunset. Eating before sunrise is a huge may profit. Just as, the Arabians, too, can benefit from mes- from referrals… everything would be as it should. We, task for the body which is not fully risen, and does so sages sent to other people. I tell my Christian friends: If like our world, cannot change for the better when we abanonly with fulsome energy from the risen sun. So, breakIslam means submission to the will of Allah, the Creator, don our vices during the Ramadan or any religions fast fast has to be light, yet so highly nutritional that energy and our Lord Jesus taught that no-one would be admitted season, only to reactivate them when the fast is over. That level does not drop during the day. Years ago, I used to to Paradise who didn't fulfill the Will of His Father, isn't way, we fast only out of habit. keep a large store of unsweetened. WHEATABIX, a whole there a common ring to the teachings, however different grain wheat product. But it is now scarce in the market. their routes to the Creator?

Health benefits So, this year, I stocked a local product called Aadun, a Anyone who has studies Arabian life before the advent of popular Ijebu ground corn recipe embalmed with palm There are many health values in the Ramadan fast, as the Prophet would appreciate the spiritual import of the oil, pepper and salted. Wrapped in leaves, it keeps for pure teachings of Islam that he bought. In that region at suggested. Many great doctors in Europe place their pamonths as I have discovered and confirmed with the prothat time. Given the condition of the human spirit at that tients on a fast. Dr Paul Bragg and his daughter Patricia ducers. I take about three glasses of water when I rise to time which is perhaps still prevalent in other parts of the Bragg detail their work in the book THE MIRACLE OF rehydrate and provide fluid for flushing out toxins. I know earth, it was necessary to focus the spirit of man five times FASTING. I need sodium and potassium calcium and magnesium for Dr. Hebert M Shelton, N.D., an American naturopath and in one day to the Creator by way of prayers to divert the a long haul. They keep nerves and muscles calm. I juice spirit from the trappings of iniquities of the perverted spirit. Alternative Medicine advocate (October 6, 1895 - January one or two oranges, add juice of one time or a teaspoonful It became necessary, also to separate one month in the year 1, 185), a vegetarian and supporter of rawrism and fasting, of Braggs unfiltered Apple cider Vinegiar. These give for intense spiritual reflections as which was capable of was so famous through his clinics that, in 1956, the Ameripotassium. To the solution, I sprinkle a punch of Celtic making the spirit cast off the material dross which weigh it can vegetarian party nominated him as its candidate for sea salt or Real salt for sodium. To it all add the contents the United States Presidential Election. As a child, he spent down and soar home wards. of one or two capsules of Coral Calcium, one or two scoops I do not know how the first Ramadans were observed. quite some time among animals, studying their habits, esof Forever Living Products' Forever Lite Utra. Then I add But as I reflected on this subject last week, a thought came pecially how they fasted to regain their health when they one tablespoonful of either Kyolic Green or Spectra to me. How wonderful would it be if man always observed were sick. Dr. Shelton was to spend his work life preaching greens, a blend of about 40 green herbs for chlorophyll, the way of the wise ant and followed them. The ant knows that minerals, amino acids, trace elements and co-factors. I •Cooking food kills life-supporting substances in it. it can be swept away by running water during the rains. So, forgot to mention that Aloe Lite Ultra is a full minerals, • The body is naturally endowed to heal itself when it is before the rains, it gathers and stores all the food it would vitamins and some antioxidants. Still, I do not forget Natusick. need in the rain season. So, during the rains when it hardly ral Calm for that readily absorbable magnesium which •Fasting can cure all diseases. ventures for food, it hardly suffers want. calms the nerves and muscles and have been observed by As was to be expected, his colleagues heavily condemned Women were buried alive for flimsy reasons. Beheading many users to stop palpitations of the heart and spasms of and other killings were rampant. Many of us still remem- his advocacy of fasting instead of medical treatment for uterine muscles which cause period pains. So, here we ber the story of Ali Baba and the 40 thieves we learned in the sick. But his image as a physician towered over theirs are, breakfast is ready, with Aadun providing carbohyprimary school. I wondered what would a Ramadan expe- because of the results his patients were getting. He bedrate power and giving some fat. So, I do not feel starved rience would be like if, in the months proceeding a longed to the Hygiene movement launched by Dr. Isaac during the day. But I do feel thirsty, once, I felt so lightRamadan, everyone had saved up for a holiday during Jenings and Sylvester Grahaim in 1832. Among other asheaded I suspected dehydration and had to quickly drunk Ramadan, and did nothing in that month besides the daily sertions, the Hygienists taught that if internal hygiene some water. As there is more time to play with in the prayers and attending Islamic conferences, seminars, wor- was clean, no disease could take hold of it. So popular was evenings, I drink lots of water, followed by mixed fruit ships or lecturers? The purpose, of course, would be to gain this movement that schools included hygiene in their curjuice and a delicious, MSG-free cooked meal. Never take insights and deepen one's recognition with a view to incor- ricular.

In 1992, Dr. Shelton published his first book Fundamenfruits over cooked meal. If disturbs digestion as the fruit porating the lessons learned into daily life. That would ferments before the food is ready to leave the stomach. mean a changed life, a changed environment and a changed tals of Nate Cure. Impressed with the work of the Hygiene Also, avoid consuming vegetable and fruits together. That world. It would be evidence, after a Ramadan, if the past movement he soon changed the title to An Introduction to may cause a digesting not as well.

Ramadan had been utilised the way it is intended to be… a Natural Hygiene. A follow-up book, The Science and Fine We still have a long time to talk before the Ramadan period of reflection, to draw strength to right the wrongs Art of Fasting, was so successful that the Indian Prime Minister then, Mahatma Ghandhi was reported to have confast is over. While work may sometimes sway the spiriof the past and make the world a better place ever after. tual focus, which I believe is the main impost, time should We all can profit from these lessons. The Christian obser- sulted it before embarking on his public fasts. always be found in solitude for introspection on imporDr. Shelton was arrested and jailed no fewer than three vances, such as Easter and Christians can be a lot more tant questions of LIFE. The answers will surely come. Isn't valuable for spiritual development and ascent, if they are times in about 30 years for allegedly practicing medicure it said that the teacher will come when the student is ready? stripped of the revelry which today embalms them. If the without a licence. But the harassment did not stop him e-mail: femi.kusa@yahoo.com or olufemikusa@yahoo.com Tel: 08116759749, 08034004247, 07025077303

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

47

e-Business E-mail:- lucajanaku02@yahoo.com

08111813065

Advertising has never had it so good. Since the 2001 telecommunications revolution, the fortunes of the advertising industry have been on the rise, reports LUCAS AJANAKU.

The blooming IT, advertising romance L ONG before the 2001 telecoms revolution, Richard Adeyeye had started his small scale printing business. With the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) monopolising the supply of analogue phones at cut-throat prices, it was difficult for him to secure a telephone line.

For Adeyeye, CEO, Richbrands Concepts, to contact his clients, he went across the country.

A resident of Baruwa near Ipaja, a Lagos suburb, each time he travelled to see his clients, he was always gambling on whether he would meet them in office since there was no means of getting across to them before the journey.

“That was a dark period in our history. I have to physically travel out of town, most times, taking a lucky dip because I couldn’t tell if the person I was going to see would be around to attend to me. But things have changed since the last 10 years. Most deals are now sealed on mobile phones,” he said.

He said the telecoms revolution has impacted on his client base, adding that for him to be able to penetrate the market, he contacted another firm along the value chain to help in disseminating information about the business through the use of bulk short message services (SMS) on the global system for mobile (GSM) communication network.

Maurice Ukpong, CEO, Brands, Advertising and Research (BRA), said the impact of the telecoms revolution on the advertising business has been phenomenal.

“The telecoms revolution has impacted on all sectors of the economy including advertising. Specifically, talking about the advertising sub-sector, we were struggling to do some of our advertising jobs. Getting to communicate with our clients before 2001 was not easy but today, we can conduct interview over the phone. This is a clear impact of telecoms on advertising. In terms of infrastructure, it has been able to make our turn-around time effective,” he said.

On the competition posed by people involved on mobile marketing, he said the development has not affected the advertising business, adding that it has boosted the industry by way of value-addition.

“Using telecoms as a platform for mobile marketing has made us to earn additional revenue. Aside SMS, there are other value adding services that telecoms companies don’t provide that have opened up additional revenue stream,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer, Awesome Communications, Joshua Ajayi, says, the revolution had put advert agencies on their creative toes and turned-around the fortunes of the advertising industry.

“In the last three or four years, GSM operators have been the biggest spenders on advertisement with MTN taking the lead.

The stiff competition that occasioned this big advert campaign finance challenged the creative instincts of practitioners in the industry.

“The revolution also impacted positively on the fortunes of the media industry which got support through advert placements. So many of the media houses, both print and electronic, got lifeline through telecoms adverts,” he said.

•Minister, Communications Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson

CEO, Business Impact, Olatunde Samson, said the telecoms infrastructure provided by the operators has assisted his bulk SMS business to thrive.

“Bulk SMS is a way of using SMS as a marketing tool to drive your brand, your products and services to get money. I use it everyday and it has really worked because people have their phones with them all the time and they can read instantly text messages and respond to any offer given to them. This is a fast and cheap way of advertising, which brings money in terms of sales of products and services. If I run an advert on paper or through a social media platform like Facebook, google, I will spend so much,” he explained.

Adeyeye said the impact of the revenue from billboards on the industry cannot be over-emphasised. According to him, they are technically referred to as above the line while inscriptions on T-shirt, face caps, bags, wrist-bands and even posters are referred to as below the line.

“Branding has become a big time business, employing large numbers of young creative graduates who add value to brands. It is a market that is worth billions of naira in the country now. Telecommunications has given a boost to the prosperity of the sector because it has become a common practice now for mobile operators to take a whole street and brand it with its colours. Important places are now being branded by the operators. So, those of us operating along that value chain are not doing so badly,” he said.

•Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Dr Eugene Juwah

•Ukpong

The good fortunes of the telecoms revolution has also rubbed on Nollywood stars. A lot of them have signed on to the operators

‘Branding has become a big time business, employing large numbers of young creative graduates who add value to brands. It is a market that is worth billions of naira in the country now.

Telecommunications has given a boost to the prosperity of the sector because it has become a common practice now for mobile operators to take a whole street and brand it with its colours’

•Igho

as brand “ambassadors” smiling to the banks in the process. Musicians are also not left out as music ‘waxed’ for the operators are used as ring back caller tones thereby fetching the artistes huge revenue in royalty.

Reacting to the ban on promos and lotteries ran on the telcos’ networks last year, Tony Analuwe, a business man had said advertising agencies, public relations agencies and other related businesses, would suffer from needless downtimes arising from the restrictions placed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as it is the only industry that is operating at opitmal capacity.

According to him, P&G, an American company, spends over $4.18 billion on advertising, according to Ad Age (Advertising Age) and the figure continues to rise every year.

Analysts insists that the sector is being abused through telemarketing.

Telemarketing allows operators to use their platforms to market the various bouquet of products and services available on their stable. The operators do this through unsolicited phone calls and SMS. Reacting, the Director-General (DG), National Lottery and Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Mr Peter Igho, called on the National Assembly to enact a law that will criminalise telemarketing as most of these calls are ‘cold calls’ that are foisted on the customers, mostly at odd hours of the day.

In order to protect the privacy of the public without necessarily suffocating the business of legitimate lottery operators, the agency has instructed lottery operators in whatever form, as part of the condition of grant of any licence or permit, to avoid what it described as “intrusive telemarketing.”

Other agencies that should be championing the protection of consumers against intrusive incursion into their privacy are the Ngerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Consumer Protection Council (CPC). While the NCC has sometimes walk its talks, not much has been heard from the CPC, which analysts say is a paper tiger as they are hardly seen in action.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

48

e-Business

Lagos reads riot act to banks, ISPs on masts T

HE Lagos State government will no longer condone the use of substandard materials for erection of masts, the General Manager, Urban Furniture Regulatory Unit (UFRU), Mr Joe Igbokwe, has said.

At a meeting with bank chiefs in Lagos, he warned banks, internet service providers (ISPs) and other small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) against using hollowpipes for masts’ erection. They should use galvanised steel, he said. He insisted that any attempt to flout the directive would attract punitive measures because the use of hollow-pipes’ in the past re-

Stories by Lucas Ajanaku

sulted in fatalities and losess of revenue to the state.

Henceforth, all communication masts he said must be erected with galvanised steel materials and between 30 metres and 50 metres high.

According to Igbokwe, the new standards will not affect telecommunications firms in the state because they have since been building and erecting masts to conform with international standards, using the approved specifications and quality of steel materials.

UFRU is responsible for the regulation of masts installation in the

state.

Igbokwe said permit for the installation of new masts would cost N400, 000 per mast; permit for replacement of existing masts will attract N200, 000 per mast. He added that annual levy for masts supervision remained N100, 000.

Justifying the new standards, he said it became imperative because of the coastal nature of the Lagos landscape and climate change.

The government, he said had discovered that hollow pipes have little resistance to strong wind and other weather conditions such as rain and sun, which make them to cavein the slightest wind, resulting in

the collapse of masts that have killed several people and destroyed property worth billions of naira.

“All hollow pipe type of masts must be removed and replaced with galvanised steel that has the shape of a pyramid. We will not accept repainting of masts, but a complete evacuation of hollow pipe masts, and the evacuation must start now,” Igbokwe said.

He gave them up till December to complete the evacuation of hollow type masts. He warned that the banks are expected to seek approval from UFRU before embarking on the installation of galvanised steel masts.

Igbokwe carpeted the banks, which he said use all their land space to erect buildings without creating enough space for mast installation, adding that such practice must stop.

Those who have formed the habit of installing masts antennae in building tops must now first seek permit to enable UFRU determine the strength of the building before giving approval for such installation, he said.

He said there were lots of fibre cables being laid in Lagos on the approval of UFRU enjoining the banks, ISPs and SMEs to seek alternative arrangement where possible.

‘Main One broadband penetration’

W

EST Africa’s leading wholesale communications services firm, Main One, said it is committed to deepening brodaband penetration in the country to boost the development of e-health, e-learning and grow the small and medium scale enterprise (SMEs).

Head, Sales (Nigeria), Main One, Bolanle Ogundogba, said multinationals and business enterprises are increasingly depending on connectivity to grow business. He added that with the deployment of services to Ibadan, Oyo State capital, the firm has signalled its intention to deepen broadband acces in the country.

“Most multinational and businesses enterprises are increasingly looking for

growth opportunities in the South West states of Ogun, Oyo, Osun, and others.

This expansion creates connectivity challenge for the average IT head who needs to interconnect the branches, using fast and reliable access to enhance businesscritical systems without the significant capital expenditure (CAPEX) budget required to build infrastructure locally.

The proliferation of educational institutions and learning centers in the region also provides Main One the opportunity to meet customers’ demand for scalable services in Oyo State and its environs and ensure its reliable connectivity solutions keep organisation at pace with the speed of business transformation, and also pave the way for future growth,” he said.

Microsoft to restructure devices, services •From left: Senior Manager, Commercial Legal, MTN, Rotimi Odusola; Secretary, Ondo State Government, Dr. Rotimi Adelola; Corporate Services Executive, MTN, Akinwale Goodluck, and Ondo State Attorney General , Eyitayo Jegede, at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MTN and Ondo on broadband infrastructure and laying of fibre-optic cable in the state.

Why NIPOST’s gadgets are obsolete, by official T HE telecoms revolution and the moribund Nigerian Telecommunication Limited (NITEL), have robbed the Nigerian Postal Services (NIPOST) of adequate funding, Assistant Postmaster-General Territorial Operations, Yacim Bitiyong has said.This he said, had impacted on NIPOST service delivery nationwide.

Bitiyong disclosed this to The Nation in Lagos. He said though the telecoms revolution was a revolution for NIPOST because the beginning of it (the revolution) was the defunct Post and Telecommunications (P&T) which meant postal telecommunications.

However, what has deprived NIPOST of latest telecommunications gadgets, he said were its excision from NITEL and the attendant reform meant to change the way the organisation delivers services to its clients.

“The telecoms revolution is a

L

post office revolution. Remember P&T meaning Post and Telecommuincations, all ending in postal telecommunication. One does not work without the other.

Tele means distance, postal means sending. So the post office is about sending messages to long distance,” he said.

According to him, there are the physical and digital mails, adding that when a wireless message is sent, it is called email. It is still the same. “All the platforms there are post office platforrms. All the languages on the computer are post office languages. It is mail, it is tele.

It is even internet. It is a replication of the post office in the electronic form. The fact of this is that it is a worldwide network. We are one network organised by the UK. Every country is represented at the

body, so we go there as NIPOST as Nigeria,” he said.

He lamented that the sad situation now is that NIPOST is devoid of modern operational gadgets.

Said he: “When you walk into (any) NIPOST (office), you won’t find a lot of gadgets. That was partly because of attempt to reform to improve services that brought some issues involved because of funding.

Once you took NITEL away, the control of digital was taken away.

The digital revolution advanced and the post office didn’t have the ability (funding) to acquire the digital technology independently.”

He promised that with the changes that have taken place in the economy, NIPOST was now partnering with the private sector to bring all that is required to have the post office as the centre of excellent service delivery.

Firm to build base stations

ONG distance telecoms transmission operator, Phase3 Telecom, has said it will build base tarnsmission stations (BTS) to take fibre-to-the-home (FTH) across the country. This, it added will be the beginning of the FTH programme with the deployment of connectivity in the real estate sector.

Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Stanley Jegede, said the firm would deploy a combination of FTH and WiFi technologies to provide seamless services to customers, adding that using fibre deployed on electric pylons insulates the cables from vandalism. “The combination of FTTH and WiFi will give seamless access to all resi-

By Deji Fakorede

dents in these estates. Our focus is to ensure a high-speed and affordable fibre-to-the-home network that will be delivering even more services and applications in the future,” Jegede said.

He added that the firm was expanding its infrastructure, adding that is committed to driving a first of its kind advanced Wi-Fi network based on the enormous demand for reliable Wi-Fi services not only in the real estate sector but in the country. He said the company was consistently refining its Wi-Fi strategies and deploying Wi-Fi networks in greater numbers to ensure wireless coverage for estates in the country and rollout FTTH which uses

optic fibre cables to deliver ultra-fast broadband services with network interface speeds of more than 100Mbps.

“Phase3 Telecom is currently working on a base station which will be complemented with 4G towards the end of this year. This will significantly boost voice, internet protocol (IP), data, internet, telecommunications services and value added services (VAS) to residents. The network solutions for these estates provide the convenience and flexibility of wireless with the power of direct fibre connection to homes that comes with plenty of performance for more demanding applications such as high speed broadband access and live video surveillance,” he added.

M

ICROSOFT Corp Chief Executive Steve Ballmer has declared he was streamlining the software and media company around devices like phones and game consoles and services in its first major overhaul in five years.

The shakeup of the world’s largest software company will result in eight divisions based on functions.

Under the reorganisation, President of Microsoft Office, Kurt DelBene, will retire, Microsoft said in a statement on its website.

Ballmer said he hoped the new structure would bring products to the market faster and make the company more efficient. The

L

LG embarks on beach cleaning

G Electronics, providers of consumer electronics and mobile communications, joined the rest of the world in commemorating this year’s World Environment Day by embarking on a beach cleaning exercise, a statement by the firm explained.

In line with the global theme: Think.Eat.Save. Reduce your Foodprint, the event according to a statemet, was aimed at protecting the environment as well as to forge a collective path towards a sustainable urban future.

Showing its commitment to issues that affect the staff of LG Electronics Nigeria, Fouani Nigeria Limited, Novelpotta Y&R came out

V

company is trying to entice people to use Microsoft products, like Word and Office, on a variety of devices rather than just personal computers.

Microsoft has been struggling with sharply declining personal computer sales that cut into its software sales as well as a lukewarm reception for its new Windows 8 operating system.

Ballmer, who took over as CEO from co-founder, Bill Gates in 2000, said he wants the company to be more like Apple Inc. The maker of the iPhone and iPad has roared past Microsoft in sales and stock market value in the past few years by smoothly melding its devices with online services such as iTunes. to clean up an expansive beach in Epe, a Lagos suburb.

General Manager, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, Mr. Deog Jun Kim, said: “For us at LG Electronics, we take our role as green innovation solutions provider very seriously. We understand that economic and technological development should be balanced with the need to safeguard the environment for present and future generations. For this reason we continually introduce products that meet and exceed the most stringent environment standards, helping our customers achieve cleaner and greener lifestyles.”

Vertex unveils convertible radio

ERTEX Standard said it has demonstrated its commitment to developing land mobile radios (LMR) that are precisionengineered for more value with the introduction of its new eVerge digital two-way radio series.

The firm in a statement explained that the new digital radio portfolio includes the EVX-530 series portable radios; EVX-5300/5400 series mobile radios and EVX-R70 repeater for a complete digital system. It added that the new radios are designed to work with existing analogue radios for easy conversion from analogue to digital for added convenience. Vertex added that

the radios are suited for commercial and industrial customers who currently use LMR for voice communications and could benefit from EMEA distribution director for Vertex Standard LMR, Inc., Paul De Carte, said: “We built the eVerge radio series to be highly compatible for customers who need greater flexibility and maximum value.

The name eVerge is comprised of two principles: evolve to change and emerge to be known. It is important that radio users understand that not all digital radios are the same, and not all brands of digital radios will talk to each other in digital mode.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

49

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

50

INTERVIEW

‘The civil war settled nothing’ General Alani Akinrinade (rtd), in this interview with Editorial Board Chairman SAM OMATSEYE, FEMI MACAULAY and OLAKUNLE ABIMBOLA speaks on the Nigerian Civil War, Alabi Isama’s book and other issues.

• Continued from yesterday

S

So Innih’s was on an Israelite’s journey?

By the time he eventually came back, the battle was over.

Isama also said in his book that Obasanjo was clueless about where you were at the surrender, and that he was looking for you, moving from one place to the other?

Yes but we finally met in Owerri and I took him back to see Effiong.

Interestingly sir, it was you I think who suggested Obasanjo to Gowon as GOC to succeed Adekunle?

Yes, but those were very sad stories!

Isama described Obasanjo as clueless and lacking depth. I just wonder: if you had seen Obasanjo in that light, would you have made the recommendation to Gowon?

Those of us in Third Marine Commando knew we couldn’t post any officer to the division, who was not strictly southern, a Yoruba for instance, and expect him to succeed in the place. The way the place was structured, the people who either volunteered or were posted to serve there were mainly from the Yoruba West. So there is something about trust and you know this, and the third division needed very high handed discipline because of the terrain where we were, the people amongst whom we were operating.

You cannot afford to upset them as such and you cannot operate in a place where you are tearing down the town. We had to keep the population ….and therefore we needed someone who understood what it was all about. Now if the idea, what happened in 1966 during the coup was anything to go by, it was a bit difficult for a northerner to operate in the southern part and get the trust of everybody. It was difficult.

Murtala tried it and he did very well but when you look at the make-up of his divisions, they were mainly westerners.

So you are confirming too that, as I asked Isama, that this war was actually inspired by the Hausa Fulani but the brain and the execution was by the Yorubas?

Yes, really because they took part in some of the operations. If we had gone by what was happening in the northern sector and the rest of them, that war could have lasted like 10 years. It was the southerners who really injected some form of impetus into the war. There was this talk about in the present South-South, the Niger Delta. The people were friendly; they were supporters of federal government. But if you antagonized them, you wouldn’t get anywhere. Also, many of these people were also victims of the pogrom in the North. That was why I suggested Obasanjo to Gowon.

The problem with Adekunle was

•Gen. Akinrinade

that he was a very tired man. He had done well but he was tired. The law of diminishing returns had set in and he was getting a little bit irrational.

Only yesterday (June 30) Isama gave me a book written by Adekunle’s son, one of his sons. I had never seen it before. But just going through, I now realized Adekunle had written in letters to Gowon, about all sorts of things; and in those letters he had insinuated that people were talking about him trying to take over the government and this and that. All these didn’t occur to me but I thought these were illusions. People must have been telling him: that he was the black scorpion, that he was bullet-proof and this and that; and all that was beginning to get into his head. We at the front we were beginning to see irrational behaviours and I said you can’t enforce, and I start taking orders that I know patently did not make sense. People started getting killed and that’s why I left 3rd division. I just came to Lagos and said look, if you people don’t have control over your GOC, I have no reason to serve under him. I left 3rd Marine and I came back to Lagos.

The Obasanjo thing, I’m still curious. Apart from ethnicity which you said was important, what attributes did you see?

The Nigerian Army was short of officers as at that time, we didn’t have too many choices anywhere.

In any case, none of us had been to any war front apart from Congo. I just believed then that first of all, you couldn’t bring a northern officer to 3rd Commando as the GOC, it’s not going to work. Then, Obasanjo had been to Staff College or something. So, he had enough to recommend him to do a job that Adekunle was leaving. I think he had enough qualifications. He was an engineer officer. He wasn’t an engineer but he was posted to the engineering corps and there he learnt a lot on the job. He was also rear commander of Second Division in Ibadan. So, there was no reason he shouldn’t take over the Third Division from Adekunle. I was thinking in terms of writing him a confidential report or anything like that. He was my senior, anyway . We were just talking about possible replacements: there was Wole Rotimi there, there was Oluleye; there were very few anyway And Abisoye?

Abisoye was already commanding the rear of 3rd Commando.

There was this claim by General Isama that Adekunle indeed tried to kill both of you. Could you shed more light on that?

Adekunle, when he was tired and became a bit irrational and started taking decisions, difficult to understand in military terms and refusing discussions, refusing what we thought was legitimate and reason-

able advise, we just thought we had had enough. And then Alabi talked about the final situations, and two of us sat down and wrote a battle plan, which we submitted to him for discussion and eventual approval.

But instead of discussing the plan, Adekunle wrote a scrap of paper: “Tactics Lesson 101. When am I expecting more tutorials?” So I said wait, this man has gone bunkers, so we had to leave. But as we went back to our headquarters, his provost officer came and told us that the GOC was going call a meeting and would ambush us and get us killed. But I told him Adekunle won’t do a thing like that. But he said sir, I know what I am talking about. So I said okay, what do we do? So I just decided: why should I serve under a man who will organize to get me killed - for what? So, I decided to get out of there. So, we commandeered ammunition and went back to Lagos. That’s why I’m not interested in writing my war memoirs. I think there are too many dirty things ...

How did the army high command take that? Was that some sort of desertion or what?

(Laughs) I think most of the officers in the front were really getting out of their elements. I think we were all getting crazy a little bit in some ways. For me, I just felt I didn’t want anything from anybody, anymore.

I didn’t start the war, am I supposed to finishe it? So, why should I do things that I don’t want to do? I admit: It was a question you should never ask in any army but everyone was getting crazy as the war was taking its toll. So, I just disappeared. I just went to Takwa Bay, took a small chalet, and started living there.

Just like that?

Yes! So that’s why I said I think we had all gone crazy. I was living in Takwa Bay until finally they found

‘I think, all put together, there were many Igbo officers in the army and a lot of them were bright people. But I think the origin of the war itself was, for them, a very big handicap. Also, the original composition of the Nigerian army that each side inherited also mattered. I mean. It’s not when the war starts that you start training your officers, especially the men who will do the fighting. It was a bit too late’

out that I was there. Gowon wanted to see me and I went to see him. At the meeting, it was on an evening, everyone was there: Gowon, Baba (Akinwale) Wey (Rear Admiral, chief of staff, Supreme Headquarters), David Ejoor (chief of Army staff), Hassan Usman Katsina, Adegbola (Police DIG)and others.

But from the setting, it was far from a war meeting. It was more of an administrative one which, at war time, seemed rather amusing. I told them Adekunle had gone crazy; and that I didn’t want anything to do with him again. But Gen. Gowon insisted I should go back to 3rd Marine Commando to which I rather angrily retorted that I didn’t start the war. It was in the heat of this discussion that I suggested: “why don’t you send Obasanjo there?”, when it was clear Adekunle would be recalled. By then, a lot of things were happening in 3rd Marine Commando, reverses that suggested Adekunle was tired.

So, he was recalled and Obasanjo replaced him. But when Obasanjo got to 3rd Marine, he found the division was not such an easy place.

He needed some officers to assist him. It was then he insisted that the only way he would stay as GOC was if Isama and myself came back. That was how both of us went back.

The reverses of Owerri led to the dusting up of Pincer 2. Obasanjo was apparently not aware of it until you radioed him that surrender had come. What was Pincer 2 all about?

It wasn’t anything complicated.

We had suggested it to Adekunle before but he said it was Tactics Lesson 1. So of course, the thing died a natural death. But we had the documents and we knew the situation in that sector of the war. We needed to capture three cities for the war to end: Owerri, Aba and Umuahia (OAU). Incidentally, there was some Organisation of African Unity (OAU) thing; and Adekunle decided we needed to do something dramatic before the OAU event, evidently inspired by the similarity in the OAU abbreviation. We now launched a frontal attack on Owerri, from which we lost too many men.

Though we got close, we could not capture the town. So, to plan these three operations we were able to seal one: the Aba one. We were able to seal from Aba to Umuahia but we couldn’t seal the Owerri one and we were already in Aba, so he wanted us to now go up to, at least, Owerri.

So sir if it were to be today, it would have already been okay, with Aba and Umuahia meaning AU? AU yes, so we said no you couldn’t do that, he said no, we have to. Then we had a young brigade commander who was going to be responsible for the operation. So I had been able to see him and I had told him that the operation was not on. So he took Edet?, I said this thing is not on but he was a much younger officer than

I was. So when we now got to the other group, I didn’t say anything.

All he himself could say was, ‘yes sir, yes sir’. So, the Owerri battle was settled. But we didn’t have enough troops. We could manage what we had and get to Owerri. But we couldn’t hold the town. Adekunle said don’t worry: by the time we get to Owerri, he would have got enough reinforcement from Lagos.

But I insisted we should get reinforcement first before starting the assault. When my protest became too much, Adekunle said what was my concern - after all, Edet, not I, was the brigade commander! Edet, of course, could not say no, for he was a much junior officer. So I told Adekunle: “Sir, tomorrow by five o clock, I will personally be there and we will get into Owerri. Since you said we can hold it, it’s your responsibility, not mine. He said yes, why not? That was how we went into Owerri. We got there but as I feared, we could not hold it. I was even surprised that we lasted that long in the town. There was also the Umuahia tactics debate before the action was aborted. Because of my strong reservations about Adekunle’s preferred tactics, one of my classmates, Shande, came to tell me and Alabi that the GOC called him a coward.

He felt bad.

For a soldier that was …

He was my classmate, we went to school together. But Shande got killed in the Owerri assault, a death that was probably avoidable. There were quite a number of tragic stories. They ought not to have happened. After putting all of these together, I decided this man had gone crazy. That was why Alabi and I left.

How would you grade Obasanjo and Adekunle because you worked with both of them?

Adekunle did a much difficult and much better job. Obasanjo simply took over Third Division after they had gone all the way from Calabar, all the way to the northern point of Obubra, all these areas in the present day Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers states. The war, in all those places, were over. 3rd Marine were already in Igbo land. What Adekunle should have done was to change tactics a little bit, be less ambitious about what we were doing, and to know that we needed to commit more troops in a place where the people were not our supporters. In the riverine areas, we got a lot of support from people. They showed us the creeks, it was a very complicated place to operate in. That was why when Asari Dokubo decided that he was going to get nasty, I told people you won’t be able to stop them, if they have arms. They don’t have to be very smart, they live there.

But you don’t live there. Your soldiers can’t live 24 hours on water in a canoe and eat there and sleep there and fight from there.

Making comparisons: Isama called Obasanjo bossy and Adekunle listening?

At the beginning, Adekunle had enough honesty. In every war, you change command, you change people but we didn’t have that luxury in the Nigerian Army. The Nigerian Army didn’t have the luxury of, say, moving three officers out and replacing them with fresh ones. That affected people like Adekunle. Also, I didn’t know who was playing politics with him because until I now read some of the papers now published, as letters he was writing to Lagos, people accusing him that he had ambition of becoming the head of state or anything. At that point, he did not want to listen to anyone, any more. His brusque rejection of our proposed operational order, which he dismissed as Tactics Lesson 101, was high-handed. We should have argued it. That was what he used to do. But now, he was changed, as he appeared to know everything. And it was bound to be disaster after disaster. That was why a new GOC had to take over.

Losing Owerri and moving troops back gradually towards Elele was a bad time for the GOC. By that • Continued on page 51

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

51

INTERVIEW

‘The civil war settled nothing’

• Continued from page 50

time he had disorganized his headquarters.

He came back from Lagos one day and said he was accused that his whole division was Yoruba. He said so. So, he reshuffled his key men: me, Isama, Ayo Ariyo and now put relatively junior officers, who could not face these top men in charge of sectors, just to prove his division was not exclusive Yoruba territory! Whatever he was thinking, I had no idea. But the new operational officers could not give instructions or challenge the actions of these more senior officers in the front. That led to more reverses and confusion.

General Gowon, what sort of commander-in-chief was he?

I think he was too nice for a soldier.

Too nice?

Too nice, in the sense that he is a very polished person. I can say that because I grew up under his tutelage. So, I know him from his bedroom, to the office, to everywhere. He was too understanding sometimes, and it is very difficult to extract a yes or no answer from Gowon. That is his nature: “I mean, honestly, you boys…honestly, well…honestly.” It’s very difficult to get him to say yes or no! Very difficult!

So how come he lasted that long as head of state if he was vacillating?

For most of his time the army was busy.

We got into the war, we fought almost three years out of his tenure. Thereafter, we resettled and there was this big problem. I think the army was too preoccupied with itself: you know we had lost many officers, too many. We had wounded soldiers all over the place, so nobody had time to address the issue of governance until about 74, four years after the war, when people started turning attention to governance, and agitation in the army started that they wanted back all the officers for military duties. All the military governors were senior to me - very good officers. We wanted all of them back in the Army. In any case, what were they doing there?

Then the story would come: two governors were travelling to this event; then they went to Kontagora. They went to the Keffi Guest House, and they were told there were no drinks except champagne. And they said, okay, we would manage it! (general laughter). These people were just enjoying themselves and we in the army were just running around. So, we wanted them to come back and help. Why don’t they get civilians to be governors in place of these officers sorely needed in the military. That agitation culminated in the coup that removed Gowon.

I don’t know if anybody had written about it, but about four months before the coup that ousted Gowon, there had been big commotions at Army Headquarters.

Gen. David Ejoor, our army chief of staff, was told to go to Dodan Barracks and tell them off, insisting that officers holding political positions must return to the army.

But Ejoor could not do it. So, we called a meeting of all senior officers in the commander-in-chief’s office, that’s what happened. We got all the senior officers, we went to Dodan barracks and we had a meeting with Gowon and we gave him an ultimatum to announce a definite exit date by the military? That was when Gowon started losing grip. There and then. Our chief of staff (Ejoor) couldn’t do it. This was how we started losing grip. Gowon was not a very forceful person. I think he leaves you as a senior officer to make your own decision. But you can’t do that, as commanderin-chief.

I had this debate with Isama and he wouldn’t go that far and I said from his own account of the war, the GOCs were just doing what they wanted and there was no overarching strategy which would say this is where you have gone, stop and so on. For instance, Shuwa was just moving from village to village, he seems to have no plan and then there was the instance of Gowon (and you were there) asking Muritala not to cross the Asaba bridge but he still did and nothing happened?

That’s why I said he seems to leave you finally to do what you like but you don’t do that as a commander, you take responsibility for what would have happened.

Therefore, you have the last say. You can debate, you can discuss but the last thing you are going to do, is what you are going to do. I heard, the moment we got to Asaba,

•Gen. Akinrinade

Murtala said we were crossing the bridge. I told him wait a minute, you know I have stomach ulcer. Before we leave Midwest and go to the other side there, I’m going to get to Lagos and see my doctor and collect enough medicine from him before coming.

So, he said okay. I could go for five days.

Now the argument that preceded that was that there was no way we were going to cross.

And we made suggestions as to what we should try to plan and see whether it was possible but we thought it was possible to move out of Asaba, leave maybe half a brigade because we didn’t need more than that because the bridge had been broken anyway. The bridge was still intact as at that time but we had intelligence report that it had been mined. So we asked that we could go to Idah, it didn’t matter, we could do it leisurely, even if we had one ferry. We could do it over one month and get our troops across to the other side and then divide the sector into two. We take the right hand one, which would end up in Onitsha ; and Shuwa could keep going to Umuahia. My GOC said, are you really suggesting that I should go and share boundary with that renegade?

Who is that ?

Shuwa. They were classmates at Sandhurst; they were my seniors. I spent only one term with them because they were passing out when we got there. I said if you can’t share boundary with Shuwa, who else are you going to share boundary with? He said no don’t give me that, we are going to cross this bridge. I drove back to Lagos and I went straight to Dodan barracks. Gowon was so happy to see me and he said well-done boys.

I said but there was trouble. He said what? I said my GOC wants to cross the Niger into Onitsha. I told Gowon we would never get there, since the bridge had been mined.

Gowon said, don’t worry, we would stop him. I had spent like three days; then went to Abeokuta to spend one night there with Olu Bajowa, because he had a training depot. So, I went to see what was going on there, to talk about the kind of people they were sending to us. I told him I thought it would be better if we had the permission to extend the training for about one month, since people being sent to the front hardly knew the difference between the gun’s barrel and its butt. I said these people are just coming to die.

After the night, I drove back to Asaba and I had with me Ike Nwachukwu. The reason was simple: I couldn’t leave him anywhere.

He was operation officer but I couldn’t leave him. I didn’t trust that I would find him when I came back. They could probably kill him because he was Igbo. So, every time where I went, I said let’s go. I took him to Lagos, we came back. By the time we came back, the operation had been carried out and the disaster had happened. So, we came to a salvage operation. That same morning we ar-

rived, they had landed at Onitsha and trouble had broken out and they had pushed them back. By the time we arrived in the afternoon, we just met stranglers, fleeing for life. That was the first operation.

But he insisted we had to repeat the operation. I said well, there are two conditions: you know my brigade, we have served you so well. Virtually we fought 95 percent of the Midwest all the way from Okene to Benin, from Abudu to Asaba. We have three brigades; one had gone and come

•Gen. Akinrinade

back. Talk to the other brigade, let him go and do it. I give you one condition if you are able to secure a proper base there, I promise you I will cross the sea with you and that day we will get to Nnewi. The day we cross, we will get to Nnewi before sun down that’s the only thing I can promise.

He agreed.

In the meantime, I added, I wanted to take my brigade back to Iluche. I wanted not just to rest but to do some training, to do some recapping for my officers, and I’d got enough trucks to take them, since you couldn’t train or do anything in Asaba, and I didn’t want my men sitting down idle in the trenches. He agreed. But I asked him about the equipment for the second crossing, so that I could use them in my battalion’s training, cross from Iluche to the other side, and see how adequate they were.

But the equipment was so ragged there was no way we could do what we planned. I would get into trouble because the river had so much heavy current, so you needed some powerful boats, which we didn’t have.

Then the next thing he said Daramola had agreed to do the second operation. I said okay; I had agreed to follow him if he could secure the bridge. That was the agreement.

I got my tools ready to follow him just in case, you never know there might be some surprise success. But again, there was defeat, tragedy and confusion. Indeed, one of Daramola’s officers, Bassey Inyang, a signal officer who still had his riffle with him, came out of the canoe that brought him from the front to the bank at Asaba. Bassey, how was it? I asked. Sir, he replied, they were shooting at us! I laughed: you were expecting roses? Even then, he (Murtala) thought of doing the crossing the third time.

The third time?

Yes, the third time. But we debated and debated until he abandoned the idea.

So I came back to Lagos and I said I wasn’t going to serve in Second Division anymore.

I told them that despite my alert, they could not stop Murtala from his disastrous crossing. He did it two times and each time we lost officers, good officers. I told them I didn’t want to return to the division.

Gowon didn’t stop him?

He didn’t.

• To be Continued

PHOTOS: OLAKUNLE ABIMBOLA

52

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

53

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

S

My marriage intact, says Funke Akindele

TAR actress Funke Akindele, yesterday broke her silence on her failed marriage rumour. My marriage is intact, she said in an SMS message to The Nation.

The message reads: "I read in the newspaper yesterday that I am divorced. What proof do you have? And I am taking this to court because my marriage is intact. You guys are rumour mongers. Funke Akindele Oloyede."

The Nation on Tuesday reported that the actress may have been separated from her husband, Alhaji Kehinde Oloyede, son of former Iyaloja of Oshodi market.

Oloyede on Monday announced a "separation" via his facebook page. He said: "It is with heavy heart that I am announcing the separation of me and my wife, Mrs Olufunke Akindele. We have both agreed to go our separate ways because of irreconcilable differences. We are still best of friends and we would forever remain good

By Mercy Michael

friends."

The statement, which the actress' husband has since deleted from his facebook wall, generated concerns among the star’s fans, who made the issue a major topic on social media platforms.

Attempts to reach the actress on Monday failed. Her elder sister, who doubles as her spokesperson, Mrs Ayo-Ola Muhammed, failed to make an official statement she promised when contacted because, according to reports, the actress asked that no statement be made on the issue.

Mrs Muhammed debunked an online report claiming that she confirmed the separation to a notable blogger in Nigeria.

Reports say her husband may have removed the "notice of separation," including a more defiance follow-up post from his facebook wall, due to pressure from friends and family members. The actress is said to

have been crying inconsolably since the incident, fearing criticisms by her fans and her clients' reactions.

Funke, a film producer and ambassador of several brands, including telecommunications giant, Globacom, got married to Oloyede 14 months ago in a grand ceremony held in Lagos.

Funke's decision to marry the real estate business man, was severely criticised by her fans who wondered why she should get involved in polygamy. She rebuffed critics on one occasion, saying: "I can tell you authoritatively that my husband is not married to anyone else. Yes, he has beautiful children, who are not mine and we have a cordial relationship, which dates back to even before we got married."

On another occasion, she told her critics: "Will you be happier if I had married someone who didn't have children, seems so perfect, put on my make-up and fake smile on the red carpet and start weeping when I get home? About my in-laws,

Man allegedly defiles daughter From Osagie Otabor, Benin

• Funke and Oloyede

they are very wonderful and supportive and my parents and siblings as well. " Funke and husband are known to be living separately since they got married.

Oloyede is said to visit Funke occasionally.

Story of Oloyede's last child by another woman came about the same

time that the rumour of Funke's pregnancy went viral on social media. The actress was later said to have a miscarriage.

Meanwhile, apart from deleting the statement from his facebook wall, Oloyede is yet to refute the announcement in any way.

Family, lawmaker seek justice over boy's murder

T

• The late Timilehin

HE Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr M o h a m m e d Abubakar, was yesterday urged to ensure that a policeman who who killed nineyear-old Timilehin Ebun in Kosofe, Lagos on June 13, is brought to justice.

A member of the House of Representatives, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, made the plea when she visited the boy's parents at their Ikorodu home.

She assured the late Timilehin's father, Mr Olusegun Ebun, and wife, Funke, that she would follow

By Adebisi Onanuga

the case up with the IGP. Hon Dabiri-Erewa, who urged the IGP to ensure justice in the matter, pleaded with reporters keep the matter alive until justice is done.

Ebun said he had made a formal statement at the state Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, adding that he was told

by Deputy Commissioner (DCP) Otunba Adegbuyi that the suspected killer-cop was in protective custody, pending the conclusion of investigations.

Narating how his son was killed in his Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) on the way to Ikorodu, Ebun said: "My son sat at the back ... we were around Kosofe bus stop when a bullet tore through my wind-shield. I looked back to see my son on the floor of the vehicle; the bullet had hit him. My wife was also injured in the arm.

"An eye witness said the policemen that fired the shot had fled. I carried my son's corpse to Ketu Police Station, where policemen took him from me to the mortuary."

The deceased's mother was yet to come to terms with her son's gruesome killing.

Ebun added: "The boy was always all over the house.

We could hardly do anything without him. It is over a month now; nobody has switched on our television because Timilehin would always do.

"It is our habit to always say, 'go to Timi's room and do this; go to Timi's room and take that. Whose room would we say it is now? We just can't get him out of our mind."

A 60-year-old man, Victor Edoruyi, has been remanded in prison custody for allegedly defiling his 11-year-old daughter.

Edoruyi was remanded by an Ikpoba-Okha Magistrate Court alongside his friend, Sheggy Panamer, a traditional healer.

They were said to have conspired to sexually assault the victim in September, last year.

A medical practitioner also testified that there were medical evidences to show that the offence brought serious health implications on the victim.

Also Osarodion Omorogbe was sentenced to a six-year jail term for defiling a 16-year-old girl.

Osarodion was said to have given the victim a bottle of intoxicating drink to enable him have canal knowledge of her.

Presiding Magistrate, Igho Braimoh said the sentence would serve as deterrent to others. But counsel to the convict, Barrister Dele Igbinedion vowed to appeal the judgment.

Magazine for launch

TO commemorate this year's graduation/prize giving day ceremony, Sambeth Schools is set to launch a magazine Sambeth Light - at Mowe, an Ogun State suburb.

The schools' spokesperson, Elder Olawoye Oladokun, in a statement, said the magazine would serve as an educational reference for the community.

"Sambeth Light Magazine is a treasure, a reference material designed for the generality of educational community," he said.

The schools' graduation ceremony will be chaired by Hon Omogbeni Dele and will hold at its premises in Temidire Estate, off Ogurun Road, Mowe, on July 27 at 12 noon.

Your Sexual Health & You: Novelty Tips, Questions & Answers Hello everybody and welcome. Today is a day of huge significance. I have finally found that ultimate supplement that I have been searching for, and I have been searching for a long time. For many years now, we have dealt with common male sexual problems such as lack of erection and stamina, premature ejaculation, low semen quantity, a small sized penis and lack of intense sexual enjoyment. We deal with these issues every week and try to recommend the best available solutions that we can find for people in need.

To tackle all of the above problems, one will need three or four different supplements and novelties, making it a bit expensive for the buyer. But today, we now have that one super supplement that does it all. That’s right. We found it and it is called MaXtremeZen 2000. I cannot even begin to explain all that this supplement can do. If your erection is weak, it strengthens it. If you cannot get an erection at all, MaXtremeZen 2000 will give you a powerful erection. If you experience premature ejaculation, MaXtremeZen 2000 will enable you last longer. If you have no energy for multiple rounds of intercourse, it will give you superb energy for days. If your sperm is small in quantity and light, it thickens it and increases the volume as well. If you don’t enjoy sex or want it that much, MaXtremeZen 2000 will make you want it all the time and finally, if you want a bigger penis, it enlarges your penis and makes it longer and thicker. Is there anything else that a man can possibly want from a sexual supplement? I bet if you need a visa to fly to London, it will get it for you as well. MaXtremeZen 2000 is the most powerful supplement I have ever come across, thanks to scientific breakthroughs in modern medicine and that is not all. All you need is one capsule a week. That’s all. One capsule stays in your system for one whole week to do all of the above and starts to work within one hour of taking it.

MaXtremeZen 2000 is 100% natural, is doctor designed and suitable for adult men of all ages. It is not available in

large quantities but for now we have it. So, if you are lucky enough to use it, write us and tell us all about it. Your testimonies are important because right here, we only care about what works for people.

And not to forget the women, we have three new vibrators that will put a big a smile on their faces. They are the Waterproof Turbo Glider, the Temptress Leopard Massager and the Miracle Massager Wand. All three vibrators are affordable toys of high quality and are dependable if multiple orgasms are what you are looking for. Let us now answer one or two questions from our readers.

Hello sir. I experience vaginal dryness and sometimes I fail to get aroused even during intercourse. Do you know of anything that might help? Thanks – Ugonwa Dear Ugonwa, a good arousal gel will make all these problems go away. Get the Mood Tingling Gel. It lubricates and sensitizes the clitoris when used, making stimulation and sexual enjoyment easier. It also makes for pain free intercourse – Uche Good day sir. I hear that there is a way of maintaining my erection even after quick ejaculation. Please is it true?

Akpan Yes it is true. You can achieve that through the use of a Cockring. A Cockring has the unique ability of retaining blood within an engorged penis in order for a man to maintain his erection for up to twenty minutes, even after ejaculation.

So what you hear is true – Uche That’s it for today. The names of the people featured here have been changed for their privacy. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 07086754515 or 08051924159 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. Zee Virtual Media delivers to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries, send your emails to custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 17-07-13

Equities rally back to N12tr

N

IGERIAN equities regained the N12 trillion mark yesterday as the stock market continued to rally on the back of earnings expectations and lower inflation rate.

Aggregate market value of all equities at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) inched up by N28 billion to N12.026 trillion, underlining gain recorded by several non-financial sectoral leaders. It had opened at N11.998 trillion.

The All Share Index (ASI), the benchmark index at the NSE, increased slightly by 0.24 per cent from 37,885.66 points to 37,975.34 points.

Average year-to-date return at the stock market rallied to 35.25 per cent.

Inflation rate moderated from 9.0 per cent in May to 8.4 per cent in June, according to figures released yesterday by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This

By Taofik Salako

implies an inflation adjusted return of 26.85 per cent.

UAC of Nigeria (UACN) led the gainers with addition of N3.75 to close at N63. Nigerian Breweries trailed with a gain of N3.15 to close at N173.20. Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria followed with addition of N2.25 to close at N99.75. Forte Oil rose by N2.23 to close at N24.60. Julius Berger Nigeria chalked up N1.22 to close at N81 while UACN Property Development Company added 99 kobo to close at N15.99.

Other top gainers included Oando, which added 39 kobo to close at N13.39; FBN Holdings, which rose by 33 kobo to N18.70; IHS, which garnered 28 kobo to close at N3.14 while May & Baker Nigeria rose by 16 kobo to close at N2.86 per share.

On the negative side,

Guinness Nigeria led the losers with a drop of N6 to close at N260. Beta Glass dropped

by N1 to close at N10 per share. Dangote Cement lost 89 kobo to close at N189.11.

Airlines Services and Logistics declined by 34 kobo to N4.46. Nigerian Aviation Handling Company dropped by 21 kobo to N7.

Costain West Africa, Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN) and Vitafoam Nigeria lost 11 kobo each to close at N1.32, N12.17 and N4.40 respectively while RT Briscoe and Mc Nichols dropped by 10 kobo each to close at N1.50 and N1.57 respectively.

Total turnover stood at 204.81 million shares valued at N2.66 billion in 5,960 deals.

Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) remained the most active stock with a turnover of 31.28 million shares valued at N46.38 million in 178 deals. FBN Holdings trailed on the activity chart with a turnover of 18.34 million shares valued at N341.1 million in 588 deals.

United Bank for Africa (UBA) recorded a turnover of 17.95 million shares worth N150.76 million in 278 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 17-07-13

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

55

MONEY LINK

Ecobank Chairman in trouble over N1.6b insider loan

T

HE Public Investment Corporation (PCI), Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI’s) biggest shareholder has asked the lender to resolve a dispute of unpaid debt involving businesses associated with Chairman Kolapo Lawson.

“We have written a letter to the board of directors, a confidential letter, requesting the board to quickly find time and space to discuss this matter so we can resolve it properly,” Daniel Matjila, the PIC chief investment officer, told Bloomberg. The PIC didn’t ask that the chairman be replaced, he said.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) informed Ecobank in April that Lawson failed to honor a pledge to repay debt owed to the Asset Management Corporation of Nige-

Inflation rate declines to 8.4% in June

•Leadership faces crisis of confidence

By Collins Nweze

ria (AMCON). Ecobank owes N1.2 billion ($7.4 million) and Agbara Estates, of which Lawson is the chairman, owes it N1.6 billion, the Financial Times (FT) said, citing people familiar with the matter.

The PIC, which manages more than 1 trillion rand ($101 billion) mostly on behalf of South African civil servants, bought 20 per cent of Lome, Togo-based Ecobank in April last year.

Nedbank Group Ltd. , a South African bank controlled by London-based Old Mutual Plc (OML), has an option to buy 20 per cent of Ecobank in November. Nedbank Chief Executive Officer Mike Brown declined to comment in

an e-mailed response to questions.

In response, ETI told Reuters that debts owed by businesses associated with its chairman were performing and there was no doubt they would be repaid.

Ecobank spokesman Jeremy Reynolds said there is no question of Lawson not settling debt.

The FT reported late on Tuesday that the bank was caught up in bitter boardroom squabbles about the borrowings and that the lender’s leadership faced a crisis of confidence among some shareholders. The FT said it had seen documents showing that the CBN notified Ecobank in April of Lawson’s failure to make good on promises to repay the loans passed to AMCON.

• CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido

I

NFLATION slowed to 8.4 per cent in June, the National Bureau of Statistics said.

The inflation rate declined from nine per cent in May. The median estimate of 12 economists surveyed

Diamond Bank pledges more support for MSME

Fidelity Bank gets $150m AfDB credit

T

HE Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) yesterday approved a $75-million medium-term line of credit (LoC) to Fidelity Bank Plc to fund selected projects in sectors that are critical to Nigeria’s transformation agenda and economic growth.

Such areas include infrastructure, manufacturing and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The LoC will be complemented by AfDB arranged-syndicated financing of up to US $75 million on a best-effort basis. The LoC will complement Fidelity’s other fundraising efforts through deposits mobilisation and financing lines from Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), commercial banks and proceeds from

Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor) and Bridget Adah Agiounim, Abuja

its recent bond issuance.

A statement from the AfDB said the “LoC will contribute to bridging Fidelity’s financing gap by providing much-needed longer-term liquidity to meet its pipeline demands against the background of a financial market that has hitherto slanted towards short-term liquidity inhibiting access to medium- to long-term lending.”

This financing the AfDB statement said “will allow Fidelity to better serve and fund its clients, increase the tenors of loans to sub-projects and expand its loan portfolio, particularly in the manufacturing and

D

IAMOND Bank Plc has reiterated its resolve to continue to encourage entrepreneurs in the micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSME) sector of the economy.

In a statement, Head, MSME Propositions of Diamond Bank, Mr. Chima Nnadozie, said in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) while addressing participants at the 34th Diamond BusinessXpress Enterprise Series.

Nnadozie noted that the purpose of the seminar, which is being hosted across the country was to support owners of MSME grow their businesses through capacity building.

He disclosed that the bank is supporting the SMEs with the realisation that the wealth of a nation is directly connected to the level

infrastructure sectors.” Twenty per cent of the LoC proceeds will be dedicated to SMEs. The AfDB noted that the LoC is in recognition of the positive impact of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its supervisory framework, stabilise and instill confidence in the local financial system as well as improve liquidity and credit flows.

The LoC sends strong signals that Nigeria’s financial sector has stabilised and confirms a return of confidence to the Nigerian banking sector. The AfDB said it sees the LoC as symbolic of its partnership role in supporting the private sector to play its rightful and important part in building the Nigerian economy.

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

NIDF NESF

OBB Rate Call Rate

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

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 16-07-13

SYMBOL IPWA WAPIC MRS IHS FO CHAMPION 7UP PRESTIGE JBERGER OANDO

O/PRICE 0.90 0.90 19.00 2.60 20.34 7.77 59.99 0.53 74.89 12.43

C/PRICE 0.99 0.99 20.90 2.86 22.37 8.54 64.90 0.57 79.78 13.00

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

CHANGE 0.09 0.09 1.90 0.26 2.03 0.77 4.91 0.04 4.89 0.57

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Year Start Offer

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

July ’12

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%

JOSBREW IKEJAHOTEL CUTIX CUSTODYINS CORNERST WEMABANK REDSTAREX CCNN NEM WAPCO

O/PRICE 1.10 0.95 1.98 1.72 0.62 1.19 4.95 10.60 0.72 99.98

C/PRICE 0.99 0.86 1.80 1.58 0.57 1.12 4.75 10.30 0.70 97.50

CHANGE 0.11 0.09 0.18 0.14 0.05 0.07 0.20 0.30 0.02 2.48

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

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

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 16-07-13

SYMBOL

of entrepreneurship in that nation.

“We are supporting the growth of SMEs because we recognise that the future of this nation lies in the hands of entrepreneurs, so any energy expended in building up that sector cannot be wasted. It is something that is going to benefit the economy in years to come,” he said.

Nnadozie noted that the business express seminar is a complete package of everything a bank could provide to a small business to enable it grow.

He explained that for MSMEs to attract loans from the bank, the entrepreneur should have an account with the bank, invest in the business and have a location from which it operates. He added that collateral security which used to be a big issue in loan consideration and approval was no longer the case.

DATA BANK

FGN BONDS Tenor

by Bloomberg News was 8.8 per cent.

Prices climbed 0.6 per cent in the month.

The inflation rate fell below 10 per cent in January, meeting the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) target for the first time since August 2011, as the impact of last year’s higher fuel prices waned.

The CBN kept its policy rate at a record 12 per cent for the 10th consecutive meeting in May on concern spending was poised to rise after the military began an offensive against Islamist militants in the northeast.

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 9.17 9.08 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE INVE 140.00 139.52 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 160.28 160.19 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. 1,826.97 1,826.26 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 11.299.87 10,963.71 • 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

THE NATION THURSDAY JULY 18, 2013

56

NEWS Foreigners fuelling oil theft in Nigeria, says Presidential aide

T

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

HE Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta/ Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Kingsley Kuku has said oil theft is being fuelled by international buyers.

He spoke with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa. He said that the illicit business of oil theft would not flourish in the country if there were no foreign buyers for the stolen product.

He said: “If there are no international buyers there will be no local suppliers and this is the essence of the battle. I want to say that the federal government has taken very great steps in dealing with the issues of oil theft. It is not going to be won in single day, is a very specialised and mechanised a crime issue.”

“It is not a crime committed ordinarily by poor people, it is a crime committed by a very organised people but it is a matter of demand and supply, it is an international crime.

And the federal government is taking steps like I said even to the UK, to South Africa and the US and he has urged them to participate in dealing with it as an international crime.”

“They also claim they will need local enforcement of laws within the country to participate in dealing with it as an international crime.

The essence is not those who are involved here locally, is basically about those who bring high quality funding for this crime and it is not a crime that is executed unfortunately in terms of implementation within our shores.”

A

Battered nurse demands N1b compensation from Army

N Ondo State-based nurse, Mrs. Adeyemi Adeniyi, is asking for N1 billion as compensation from the Nigerian Army following an assault on her by a soldier in Akure, the state capital.

Mrs. Adeniyi, in a July 12 letter she addressed to the Chief of Army Staff, alleged that she was brutalised by a soldier attached to the 323 Artilery, Akure, on June 30,

By Precious Igbonwelundu

when she was on duty at the State’s Specialist Hospital.

Through her lawyer, Morakinyo Ogele, the nurse said the soldier hit her with a plastic chair until she became unconscious.

She said the soldier began beating her when she told him that the seat he took from the nurses’ common room was reserved for the nurses on duty.

Reps in closed-door session over Constitution Review report •Postpone consideration till today Fom Victor Oluwasegun

T

HE House of Representatives has again postponed the consideration of the report of its Ad Hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution.

The debate was earlier shifted from Tuesday to yesterday to allow members to study the report ahead of yesterday’s consideration.

Though the shifting of the consideration was hinged on tributes to the late Senator Pius Eweredo and the opening of the African Caribbean and European Union (ACP-EU) Joint Parliamentary Assembly in Abuja, it was learnt that there were other reasons that necessitated the postponement.

The House went into a closed-door session yesterday to decide on the procedure to adopt today, a source said.

Another issue for deliberation was the desire of Speaker Aminu Tambuwal to ensure that members voted in line with the result of the people’s public session and not along their personal convictions. Tambuwal was said to have reiterated this during the closed-door meeting.

PUBLIC NOTICE OKE

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OKE MOTUNRAYO AFOLAKE, now wish to be known as MRS OLAWUYI MOTUNRAYO AFOLAKE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE ADEYEMO I formerly known and addressed as Miss Moromoke Ajibade Adeyemo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Taiwo Moromoke Ajibola. All former documents remain valid.

United Kingdom Consular in Nigeria and general public take note.

There had been insinuations that governors had indicated to the House members the position they should adopt on certain templates in the people’s public sessions.

One of these is the autonomy of the local governments, which the Senate has voted against; another is the financial autonomy for Houses of Assembly.

AUCTION! AUCTION!! AUCTION!!!.

On the instruction of ikeja local government secretariat Authority the auction of unserviceable vehicles and motor cycles and other items has been stated for auction on 23rd july 2013 at 10:00am prompt at the secretariat premises.

Auctioneer: J.F. Obitunde 08033466559.

Court rules in favour of Leadership reporters

J

USTICE Usman Musale of the Abuja High Court, Kubwa yesterday elected to hear an application seeking to stay proceedings in the case filed by the Federal Government against two journalists.

Ruling yesterday, the judge upheld argument by defence lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) on the need to hear the application for stay of proceedings in the trial of the two journalists with the Abuja-based Leadership brought against its Group News Editor, Tony Amokeodo and Correspondent, Chibuzo Ukaibe - before taking further steps in the case.

Justice Musale, who fixed July 23 for the hearing of the application for stay, ordered

L

•To hear motion for stay of proceedings From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

the prosecution to file its counter response to the defence’s application before the next date.

The judge said: “The application, having been filed and served on the prosecutor Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), who has since indicated his interest to oppose the application, he should be given that right to oppose”.

The judge held that denying the prosecution the right to oppose the application would amount to a breach of fair hearing as envisaged by the constitution.

“The breach of right to fair hearing occurs when oppor-

‘The breach of right to fair hearing occurs when opportunity is denied to a party in court.’ tunity is denied to a party in court. For that reason, the motion is not ripe for hearing as the prosecution ought to be given time to respond to it. In the circumstance, time will be giving for the motion to be heard on the merit. The motion shall be moved on July 23.”

Justice Musale had on July 15 summoned President Goodluck Jonathan through the Federal Ministry of Justice Abuja.

The subpoena requires the President to appear before the court “from day to day until the cause is tried, to give evidence on behalf of the accused persons and also to bring with you and produce at the time and aforesaid the purportedly forged document titled ‘presidential directive’ having on it the seal of the office of the president of the federal republic of Nigeria published on the front page of Leadership newspaper of 3rd day of April, 2013.”

Laws against illegal oil bunkering coming, says Tambuwal

EGISLATION against oil theft is on the way, House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal has said.

He said the decision followed increase in oil theft, illegal oil bunkering and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

Tambuwal spoke at the opening of the 10th regional meeting of the African Carribean Pacific and European Union (ACP-EU) Joint Parliamentary Assembly in Abuja.

He expressed appreciation on the timeliness of the meeting and its consequence for the West African subregion.

The Speaker also

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi Abuja

expressed concerns over the security situation in the region.

He said: “The alarming development does not only have negative implications on the export of crude oil and revenues accruable to the Nigerian government but it also has adverse implications for regional and global security.

“The regional summit of some African Heads of State, which held recently in Yaounde, Cameroun, is one such positive responses to an alarming development which, if not checked, has ad-

verse implications for regional and global security, supply of oil and the revenues accruable to our governments.

“I am glad that these ugly phenomena are among the issues for discussion at this forum. For our part, the National Assembly of Nigeria is considering a legislation to deal decisively with this menace. We call for the cooperation of all parliaments the world over to join in sanctioning oil companies and other persons engaged in this nefarious act.”

Tambuwal urged the gathering to prioritise the security challenges in its

deliberations.

He said: “As a region, we have been negatively impacted by the Arab Spring, and particularly the fall of the Muamar Gaddafi regime in Libya.

“The proliferation of light and heavy weapons, which fell into the hands of NonState Actors, are causing havoc and instability.

“The Nigerian Government is trying to come to grips with the situation and some drastic measures, including the declaration of a state of emergency in the mostaffected states, have been taken.

“I am pleased to note that the ACP and EU nations have shown genuine concern for the security of Nigeria. The JPA proved its support in this regard when it passed a powerful resolution at the meeting in Horsens, Denmark last year.”

The Abuja meeting was the second to en hosted by the West African sub-region after the first by Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Folawiyo toGlobal News: retract story

B

ILLIONAIRE businessman Tunde Folawiyo has demanded a retraction of a story published by Global News magazine, which portrayed him in a bad light.

The article, which referred to Mr. Folawiyo as a “reckless billionaire”, was published in the July 22 edition of the gossip magazine.

In a letter from Mr. Folawiyo’s solicitors, The New Practice (TNP), dated July 12, Mr. Segun Ogunbunmi, the publisher of Global News, was given seven days to issue a full retraction and apology on terms acceptable to the billionaire or face legal consequences for his actions, not limited to charges for criminal defamation.

The letter said Global News exposed itself to criminal liability under Section 375 of the Criminal Code Law of Lagos State, 2003.

57

THE NATION THURSDAY JULY 18, 2013

NEWS

Press freedom under threat, says NPAN

T

HE Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) has said there are clandestine moves to revive the Nigerian Press Council which was used to gag the press in the past.

Rising from a meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja, the president of the association, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena said the Press Council was a tool in the hands of military dictatorship that was used to suppress press freedom.

He said: “NPAN particularly view concern, the surreptitious move by these officials to bring back, through the back door, the Nigeria Press Council, which a court of competent jurisdiction had declared unconstitu-

By Musa Odoshimokhe

tional.

“The association wishes to recall that on Thursday, February 25, 2010 the Federal High Court, Lagos, Presided over by Justice A.M Liman had in suit No PHC/L/ 1324/99, filed by NPAN against the president, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Minister of Information and the National Assembly, ruled that the Press Council was unconstitutional.”

He went on: “Recent moves by some undemocratic elements in the Federal Government, indicate that there are still persons in the government who will rather not have a free press but pre-

fer to take steps to abridge the freedom of the press.”

NPAN noted that the surreptitious move by these officials to bring back, through the back door, the Nigerian Press Council, which a court of competent ruled upon, was a deviation from justice.

“We call on the Federal Government to respect the reasoned judgment on the Press Council and help deepen our democracy by encouraging the full and complete implementation of the Freedom of Information Act.” It urged the government to stop forthwith the ongoing trial of journalists of the Leadership Group Limited, who were recently re-arraigned after government had withdrawn the case against them

and the company.

“In the light of all that, we also appeal to the Federal Government to stop forthwith the ongoing trial of journalists of the Leadership Group limited, who were recently re arraigned, after the same government had withdrawn the case against them and the company during the celebration of Free Freedom Day. Their continued trial is inconsistent with the spirit of our collective democratic journey and unhelpful in the circumstance.”

“The government should realised that the press has an important constitutional role to play in our system of democracy, which includes holding its accountable at all times.”

Okorocha dissolves executive council •Commissioners stunned •Intense lobbying begins From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

I

MO State commissioners and other political appointees were yesterday shocked, following the dissolution of the State Executive Council by Governor Rochas Okorocha midway into the council’s weekly meeting of the State Executive Council.

The governor, who finally yielded to widespread call for a complete overhaul of the council, also sacked all political appointees, including special assistants, personal assistants and advisers.

A former commissioner, who pleaded for anonymity, said: “Although we understand the need to inject new blood into the system and the governor’s readiness to include all stakeholders in running the administration but we never had the least suspicion that our jobs will be terminated today.

“We officially opened the new exco chambers today and were just starting the day’s business when the governor congratulated us and announced the council’s dissolution.

“We are indeed grateful to him and the entire Imo people for the opportunity given to us to serve in this capacity.”

However, a source in the Government House said: “The dissolution is long overdue. The governor wants to inject new blood and competent hands to run the administration in the next two years.”

He said the exercise became imperative to accommodate other members of the merging parties.

Intense lobbying has begun as some of the sacked commissioners and political appointees were seen around the office of the Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere and the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Anthony Anwuka.

Conduct election, lawmakers order

L •Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun(second right); Chairman, Action Congress of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, Alhaji Tajudeen Bello(second left); Deputy Chairman, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Ogun State Chapter, Chief Roqeeb Adeniji (Right) and Chairman, Abeokuta South ACN, Hon. Olalekan Adegun and Chairmen of local government chapters of the party after presenting a communiqué endorsing the governor for a second term in office in Abeokuta.....yesterday

PDP chieftains urge court to remove Bode George as BoT member over conviction

T

WO chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos, Alhaji Badmus Agboola and Dauda Ajadi Atomoh have urged a Federal High Court, Lagos, to disqualify Chief Olabode George as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) having been convicted for corruption.

George was jailed by Justice Joseph Oyewole of the Lagos State High Court for offences relating to fraud committed during his tenure as the chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

The judgment was upheld by the Court of Appeal, Lagos.

The plaintiffs are urging the court to declare that in view of the defendant being an ex-convict, he is not qualified to occupy the office.

They also joined the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and PDP in the suit.

The chieftains want the court to determine whether, based on the conviction, the PDP is not obliged to bar George from functioning as a BOT member.

They urged the court to declare that by the combined effect of Section 223 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 86 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), INEC cannot ignore

F

Southwest youths criticise ex-NPA chief

ORMER Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Chief Olabode George, has been criticised for “his divisive and self-serving politics” as it relates to the activities of the Chief Ishola Filani-led Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southwest.

In an open letter to the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, the Southwest PDP Youth Vanguard, urged the party leadership to call George to order for his “surreptitious moves to throw the party in the zone into another round of crisis”.

The group frowned at George’s opposition to the decision of the Extra-Ordinary Session of the Southwest Congress to nominate a replacement for Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola in accordance with the provisions of Part 7 VII,

By Joseph Jibueze

George’s occupation of the office in spite of his conviction.

They prayed the court to hold that in view of INEC’s constitutionally-assigned supervisory role over political parties, it is obliged to direct the PDP to remove George as BOT member.

The plaintiffs prayed for an order directing the PDP to bar George from functioning as a BOT member, consider his position vacant and proceed to fill the position in accordance with the stipulations of its constitution.

They further sought the

Section 28, Subsection 3, 4 and 5 of the party’s constitution and the order of the Federal High Court.

In a July, 15 letter, which was signed by the group’s President and Secretary, Alhaji Akeem Salami and Mr. Kayode Joseph, the group wondered “how Bode George succeeded in snatching a position zoned to Osun State by single-handedly facilitating the appointment of one Dr. Remi Akintoye from Lagos State as acting National Secretary.”

The group, however, praised one the leaders in the zone, Prince Buruji Kashamu, “for his selfless efforts at repositioning the party in the zone.”

It urged the national leadership “to identify, empower and encourage such leaders across the length and breadth of the country”.

court’s order removing George from the office, as well an order of mandatory injunction compelling INEC to rectify its records pertaining to PDP by deleting George’s name as a BOT member.

The plaintiffs said the PDP BOT is one of the highest organs of the party, which greatly influences the emergence of the party flag bearers for general elections in Nigeria.

“In performing their duty of harmonising the relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government and advising on policies and programmes of government, the members

of the National Caucus of the PDP influence the programes of government since the PDP is currently the ruling party in Nigeria.

“This is an appropriate case in which the 1st Defendant (INEC) ought to exercise its powers under the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act to ensure that the 2nd Defendant (PDP) removes the 3rd Defendant from the membership of its Board of Trustees and National Caucus since he is a person of questionable character and integrity.”

The suit, numbered FHC/ L/CS/973/2013, was filed on July 11, and the defendants are expected to respond.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

AWMAKERS in the Edo State House of Assembly have called on the State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) to immediately conduct election in Esan North East Local Government Area.

Elections were cancelled in Esan North East over alleged violence and abduction of electoral officers.

Elected council executives have since been sworn-in in 17 other local governments while a date is yet to be fixed for Esan North East.

The lawmakers made the call in a resolution it adopted during plenary, following a motion moved under Matters of Urgent Public Importance.

The motion was presented by the Minority Leader, Emma Okoduwa, representing the constituency.

Okoduwa informed the House that the April 24 rescheduled elections in Esan North East was free and fair but cancelled by EDSIEC.

PDP convention row: Jonathan meets Tukur, Gana, others •’Convention date sacrosanct’

P

From: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday night stepped into the crisis of confidence between the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Special National Convention Planning Committee headed by Prof. Jerry Gana.

It was gathered that the August 31 date for the convention was validated at the meeting.

But in what looked like a win-win mediation, the membership of the Special National Convention Planning Committee will be reviewed to accommodate members of the NWC. The NWC, had through its acting National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Tony Okeke, on Monday claimed that the dates announced by the Planning Committee were untenable.

The President was worried about the face-off between the party leadership and the convention committee, it was learnt.

It was gathered that the NWC members, led by the National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, met with the President between 10.30pm and 11.30pm.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The President said he was unhappy with the rancour between the party and the convention committee. He urged them to sheathe their swords in the overall interest of PDP. “Jonathan also prevailed on the convention committee to work in harmony with the party leadership.

“The NWC raised issues like non-consultation with the party leadership by the convention committee; lack of representation of the NWC in the convention committee; and how to tackle the challenge of delegates in nine states voided by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

“So far, the party and the convention will now work towards the August 31 date as presently fixed.

“The convention committee will also be reviewed or expanded to take care of the NWC members, who should statutorily head some sub-committees.”

Another source said: “I can say that the President effected a reconciliation; it is left to the party and the convention committee to collaborate for a successful convention.

“The fears of some party leaders border on alleged plot by members of the NWC to remain in office longer than the interim period.

“But with Jonathan’s intervention, I think things will take shape.”

58

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

NEWS

T

Jubilation as GSM is restored in Yobe

HERE was jubilation yesterday in Yobe State as mobile telephone services were restored in the state.

Most residents, who spoke with our correspondent, were happy over the development.

Inua Sani, a taxi driver, said the restoration of GSM services showed that the security situation had improved.

“They took away the network because of the security situation. Now that we have it back, it means Yobe is gradually moving away from the bad times into good times.

“I am sure that the security

From Duku Joel, Damaturu

situation has improved if not the security will not allow it to come back. We thank Allah,” he said.

There were growing concerns among the residents as poor connectivity marred the restoration of the networks. Several calls could not be connected.

“My battery has ran down as I am talking to you. Since the network was restored, I have not made one single call be-

cause of how poor the service is.

“Maybe the congestion is too much or the network is too weak. But I am happy that it’s back all the same. At least we have hope now,” said a civil servant, who simply identified himself as Abduallahi.

It was learnt that in the major towns in the state, including Damaturu, Gashua, Nguru, Potiskum, Gaidam, among others, services have been restored.

Police chief arraigned for ‘assaulting’ lawyer

A

Magistrate’s Court, sitting in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, yesterday arraigned Assistant Police Commissioner Tajudeen Bakre for allegedly assaulting a lawyer in his office at the police headquarters.

The lawyer, Mrs. Oluronke Adeyemi, in her Direct Complaint Sheet, alleged that on June 26, the police chief committed the act, contrary to Sections 264, 265, 396, 397, 399 and 400 of the Penal Code.

She said the action constituted an abuse of public office.

Mrs Adeyemi’s allegation bordered on “criminal complaint of assault, criminal intimidation, use of insulting and abusive language, words and gesture intended to insult the modesty of a woman and threats to life” against the police chief.

The lawyer’s complaint, which was addressed to the

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

Deputy Chief Registrar of the Kwara Magistrate’s Court, said Bakre committed the alleged offence when she accompanied her client, Oba Daniel Dada, the Elegosi of Egosi, to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) at the police headquarters following the police invitation to the monarch.

Mrs Adeyemi also alleged that when she introduced herself as the counsel to the Oba and his chiefs, Bakre got angry and said he would not entertain any lawyer in his office.

He was said to have ordered the lawyer out of his office.

The lawyer added that attempts to make the police chief see reason further provoked him as he allegedly charged at

the woman and “rained curses and other abusive languages on her, threatening to deal ruthlessly with her”.

Bakre pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. I. O. Olawoyin, granted him bail on personal recognition and adjourned further hearing on the matter till August 14.

Jang: I’ve been TCN gets branch vindicated by executives THE President General of the call for state Senior Staff Association of Electricity Workers and Allied Compolice panies, Comrade Bede Opara, From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

•Jang

T

PLATEAU State Governor Jonah David Jang has said the call by four northern governors after their visit to Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi in Port Harcourt, for the establishment of state police, was a vindication of his wisdom on the matter.

The four governors were allegedly attacked in Port Harcourt, the state capital, in the presence of policemen.

The governors joined Amaechi in calling for the removal of the police commissioner and also demanded the establishment of state police.

Jang, speaking yesterday through his Commissioner for Information and Communication, Abraham Yiljab, said his colleagues’ call for state police had vindicated him.

The statement reads: “The hard-to-believe statement by four northern states’ governors, who visited the Rivers State Governor in Port Harcourt on July 16, 20 should strike in us as a nation a repulsion of how not to be elegant in public policy.

“The visiting governors reportedly said in a communiqué: ’With the way the police are being used, we do not see the need for state governments to fund an antagonistic police...’

“Arising from the action of the police and Mr. Joseph Mbu (the Commissioner of Police) in Rivers State, the call for state police as a constitutional necessity has become a necessity.”

How to ensure success in public service, RANSPARENCY and commitment to due procby Edo SSG ess are indispensable to-

T

wards ensuring success in public service delivery, Secretary to Edo State Government Prof Julius Ihonvbere said yesterday.

He spoke in Benin at the opening of a one day workshop on the “Revenue Process” of the Ministry of Lands and Survey.

It was organised by the Board

of Internal Revenue Service.

Ihonvbere said activities and policies of government can only be fully translated when the public service is effective and committed.

The SSG said: “Service delivery is almost zero in Edo Public Service; we own the public service; people should contribute to the process of making things work. Service delivery, efficiency and effectiveness must be taken seriously”.

He said the government has put in place, processes that would help in the taxation system and improve service delivery”.

He expressed concern over the gross inefficiency which had characterised the process of obtaining Certificate of Occupancy in the Ministry of Lands and Survey over the years, saying it has robbed the state government of the needed funds.

Ihonvbere however, praised the leadership of the Board of Internal Revenue Service (BIRS)

in the efforts to boost the revenue base and other initiative to improve the process.

The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Lawrence Aghedo said the interactive session was to enhance the process of obtaining Certificate of Occupancy and fasttrack the internally generated revenue mechanism through “C of O”.

Also yesterday, the SSG signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Resident, Africa Real Estate Limited, Median Infrastructure Development Company Limited and Edo State Government.

The MoU is for the development of a world class shopping mall on Sapele Road, Benin City.

Ihonvbere noted that the state government takes the challenge of economic development seriously as Governor Adams Oshiomhole is committed to making the state a better place.

CAN, NSCIA quarrel over alleged abduction by Emir From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

T

HE Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) were yesterday locked in a war of words on the alleged abduction of the daughter of a pastor by the Emir of Bida, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar.

CAN’s Vice President and President, Nigeria Baptist Convention, Rev. Samson Ayokunle, urged the police to ensure the immediate release of the girl.

The “kidnap victim” is a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State.

Ayokunle addressed reporters yesterday at the NBC Secretariat, Dugbe, Ibadan, Oyo State.

CAN’s President Ayo Oritsejafor had accused the Emir of abducting the girl and keeping her in his palace for weeks.

Arewa group threatens to avenge attack on North’s governors From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

A

SOCIO-POLITICAL group, the Arewa Rapid Response Network (ARRN), has threatened to retaliate the attack on four northern governors at the Port Harcourt International Airport on Tuesday.

In a statement by its National Coordinator, Mallam Yakubu Ahmed, the group warned the perpetrators against allowing the chain of events in Rivers to snowball into a national crisis that can truncate the nation’s democracy.

Governors Rabiu Kwakwanso (Kano), Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) were reportedly attacked by supporters of the Minister of State, Mr. Nyesom Wike...”. They denied the allegation.

has presented the inaugurated Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) branch executive to the management of the power firm.

Bede , who is also the deputy president of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) performed the ceremony at the company’s headquarters in Abuja.

He introduced Comrade Ajugba A.L (president), Comrade B. Chika (secretary), Comrade Hammed B.M (assistant secretary), Comrade Henry Ofolue (treasurer), Comrade Ali Cyril (trustee), Comrade Kamorudeen A. (trustee), Comrade James Tugudu (trustee), Comrade Ezemobi C.B (auditor) and Comrade Dairo Abidemi (public relations/welfare officer)...

Madam Ogunfowora for burial

M

ADAM Adebisi Esther Ogunfowora, the mother of the Executive Director of Pakahtek Project Limited, an upscale engineering, construction and procurement outfit, Mr Olufemi Ogunfowora, will be buried on Friday.

The burial which will take place at BFC church, Akera Junction Alagbado, Lagos State, will be preceded by a wake at her residence located at Jankara, Ijaye tomorrow.

Police warn vehicle owners

T

HE Ogun State Police Command have warned owners of accidented and abandoned vehicles parked at Ojodu-Abiodun/Ajuwo Divisions to remove them or lose them to members of the public through auction after 14 days of this publication.

They are Honda City car unregistered; AKA ca unregistered; Honda Accord car GB647KJA; Mercedez ML Jeep Lagos Nikee, Boxer Bajaj unregistered and Haojue Suzuki unregistered also at Special AntiRobbery Squad Ikeja Honda Accord car CZ872KTU; Honda Accord car LD323KJA; Mazda 626 car AE740KWB; Honda Accord car KRD211BD; Toyota Carina E car AG679KMA; Toyota Camry S/wagon AKD128AS; Toyota Camry BL638KSF; Toyota Camry KE492EKY; Toyota Camry RG741AAA; Toyota Camry CM450EKY; Toyota Camry KC588KJA; Honda Accord car HU634AAA; Toyota Sequar Jeep FST 07AT; Ford Pickup van EH528KRD; Fat Space bus unregistered; Toyota Corolla car CH606AAA; Toyota Camry DC296MUS; Honda CRV Jeep FST808APP; Mercedez Benz V-boot DA307ENU; Lexus Jeep DB173ABJ; Honda Accord car DL58ABC; Toyota RAV4 Jeep FST601AU; Toyota 4Runner Jeep LSD563AT; Hyundai Samdaface Jeep GBE204ABJ; Opel Astra car ABJ692AC; Toyota Seinna space bus EF843FST; Mazda 323F car unregistered; Toyota Pickup unregistered; Honda Civic car FST 592 BC; Toyota Camry car DW155FST; Toyota Camry car unregistered; Honda Accord car EPE719AS; Honda Accord car unregistered; Toyota Camry car unregistered and Fiat Trailer Body unregistered.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

59

FOREIGN NEWS

Trayvon Martin case: LAPD subdues protests

A

SHOW of force by Los Angeles police has ensured a fourth night of protests stayed peaceful, after Florida’s not-guilty verdict over a black teenager’s death.

Some 200 people marched

peacefully through the city centre on Tuesday.

And a rally at a park in the Crenshaw district, which saw ugly scenes on Monday night, was also trouble-free.

George Zimmerman, 29,

22 children die after eating school lunch in India

R

EPORT from India says 22 children have died after eating school lunch. The children started falling violently ill soon after they ate the free school lunch of rice, lentils, soybeans and potatoes.

The food, part of a program that gives poor Indian students at least one hot meal a day, was tainted with insecticide, and soon 22 of the students were dead and dozens were hospitalized, officials said Wednesday.

It was not immediately clear how chemicals ended up in the food at the school in the eastern state of Bihar. One official said that the food may not have been properly washed before it was cooked.

was cleared on Saturday of 17year-old Trayvon Martin’s death in February 2012.

“Rights will be respected,”

Mayor Eric Garcetti said on Twitter: “Crime will not be tolerated.”

During Tuesday night’s

march between city hall and police headquarters, demonstrators appeared at times to be outnumbered by police, including officers on horses.

Mexico: Drug lord’s arrest brings uneasy calm

T

HE capture of the homegrown boss of Mexico’s most feared drug cartel wasn’t discussed publicly by residents of this northern border city and not a word appeared in the local newspapers a day after the arrest of the Zetas’ Miguel Angel Trevino Morales.

After all, this is a town where bodies have swung from a local overpass - nine on one night last year. Decapitated heads frequently have been dropped along roadsides, and grenades have been tossed in the vicin-

ity of anyone who dared protest, all in an effort to secure Trevino Morales’ reign.

In low voices and away from prying eyes, residents said Tuesday they were anxiously awaiting a violent response.

Trevino Morales was a local thug who had fought ferociously to control this valuable route for trafficking drugs and migrants, and residents believe his takedown is unlikely to pass unanswered.

Mexican Marines nabbed Trevino Morales and two others on a dirt road southwest of

the city Monday without a shot being fired. On Tuesday, residents held their tongues and waited. Soldiers stood guard behind stacked sandbags, while Marines, state and federal police cruised the city of 350,000 residents in highly visible armed convoys.

“We’re waiting,” said Antonio Ybarra Martinez. The 54year-old wasn’t talking about passing the time with his two friends in the slim shade of a downtown parking lot. He meant waiting for bloodshed.

Prominent Assad supporter assassinated in Lebanon

G

UNMEN assassinated a prominent Syrian pro-government figure at his home in southern Lebanon yesterday, shooting him nearly 30 times in the latest sign of Syria’s civil war spilling over into its smaller neighbor.

Mohammed Darrar Jammo was gunned down in the coastal town of Sarafand, a stronghold of Hezbollah. Resentment against the Shiite militant group has grown over its open participation in the Syrian conflict on the side of President Bashar Assad’s forces.

Taliban commander regrets attack on Malala

US ties outweigh intelligence ‘squabbles’, - Putin

PROMINENT Pakistani Taliban commander has written a letter to a teenage girl shot in the head by the group, expressing regrets that he didn’t warn her before the assassination attempt that propelled her activism to the international stage.

The letter from Adnan Rasheed, however, didn’t apologize for the October attack that left Malala Yousafzai gravely wounded.

Rasheed, who has close relations with Taliban leaders, only said that he found the shooting “shocking” and wished it hadn’t happened.

USSIAN President Vladimir Putin has said bilateral relations with the US are more important than “squabbles between special services”.

In his latest comments on fugitive US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden, Mr Putin said he had been warned against any “activity that harms Russian-American relations”.

Yesterday Mr Snowden applied for temporary asylum in Russia.

He is wanted by the US for leaking details of surveillance programmes.

A

R

•Protesters afters the Zimmerman verdict at Los Angeles in California

NEWS Excess crude account down by $7b to $5b Continued from page 2

mands, we have had to step down the redesign.”

On interest rates, the CBN governor said delivering a low rate of interest is the easiest thing for the apex bank “because the CBN prints money and interest rates come down when you have a lot of money and that is not a problem.”

“If you want interest rates of 2 per cent, it is not a problem; we simply double and triple the money supply in the system.”

He, however, said that was not the way to go.

Sanusi said a weak currency shoots up import and banks may not be lending to the real sector for other reasons, apart

from interest rates. Other things to consider, according to the CBN boss, are power, security, storages, credit records and customer identification, amongst others. “ When MPR was at 8 percent, how much were being lent to manufacturers? It was going to shares and oil marketers,” he said.

The CBN governor said there was need to attract foreign exchange because the country is import dependent. “In the current environment, the likelihood of rates going down is very low. It is more likely to go up,” he said.

Sanusi gave the solution to the problem as reduction in government domestic borrow-

ing, completing reforms in the power and petroleum sectors, ensuring security and providing infrastructure that will attract foreign investment and stimulate domestic business.

He revealed that the Excess Crude Account is down from $12 billion to $5 billion because the economy is import dependent and money had to be moved to balance the budget.

Sanusi warned that there are economic postulations that oil may likely sell for as low as $60 and that there is need for the country to diversify, if the government keeps borrowing at the between 13 to 14 per cent and keeps increasing the budget deficit, the country may be in trouble.

Continued from page 2

‘My problem with Amaechi’

lieve you’ll say the truth always because there are a lot of conflicting interests; some will hear one thing and say the exact opposite.

“I also want you to know the genesis of this problem and pray that God touches Amaechi’s heart as per his hot temper because when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.’’

Mrs. Jonathan urged the parties involved in the crisis to help to resolve issues plaguing the state and not “whip up sentiments that will aggravate the problem.

“I appeal to Amaechi to sheathe his sword so that we can defend our state and this country with love, unity, patriotism and truth at all times.

“Hebrews 12:14 urges us to

embrace peace with all men without which, we cannot see God. “Amaechi is my son; I cannot fight him and I cannot kill him.

He shouldn’t be used by outsiders against his own blood because this seat is vanity.

“One day, no matter how long it takes, we will leave this seat.

Power is not forever. This seat is vanity; others sat here and left so one day I’ll also leave and we will meet at home; so why should I fight him?

“Let’s take it easy, face issues, leave non-existent matters, stop magnifying lies and respect our leaders and people in authority. Let’s give peace a chance,’’ she said.

Bishop God-Do-Well Awomapara, Chairman, Niger Delta

abridge the rights of other citizens.

“The Force will not fold its arms and watch some persons or group of persons tear down the bond of the country’s unity.

The Force wishes to remind Nigerians that the laws on Unlawful and Riotous Assembly as provided for in our Criminal and Penal Laws are still in force.

“The Force further cautions against the unnecessary use of unguarded, inflammatory and provocative statements capable of promoting hatred and disunity among Nigerians.

“Citizens should at all times, in the exercise of their rights, be cautious of the likely consequences of their actions and avoid acts inimical to the wellbeing of the nation.

“The Nigeria Police Force has a constitutional responsibility of ensuring not just the security of citizens, but to promote the unity and indivisibility of our dear

country.

“It will therefore do all within its ability to ensure that the country remains secure, peaceful and indivisible. Nigerians of all facets of life are advised to close ranks and unite to sustain the nation’s nascent and growing democracy.

“The Force enjoins citizens to shun all forms of violence and unlawful acts, eschew bitterness, hatred and rancor and go about their legitimate duties without fear of intimidation from any quarter,” the statement added.

The police highest command assured the citizenry of its willingness to discharge its constitutional and statutory responsibilities of protecting lives and property.

It, however, solicited the cooperation and understanding of members of the public, particularly politicians and their supporters, in the discharge such duties.

Amaechi raises alarm over ‘strange’ police postings

Continued from page 2

times.

“Any officer found acting in ways inconsistent with extant laws and regulations of the Force will be severely dealt with, in accordance with the laws of the land,” the IGP emphasised.

In another statement yesterday, the police also warned the citizenry, particularly those in Rivers State, against constituting themselves into, or being part of unlawful and violent assembly in any part of the country.

They are also warned against unguarded, inflammatory and provocative utterances, stressing that the police have observed with dismay, “the attitudes of some Nigerians who have chosen the nation’s airports as points of congregating their followers”.

Apparently referring to the mob attack on Amaechi and

governors of four northern states at the Port Harcourt Airport on Tuesday, the police said the action did not only constitute a public nuisance, it also constituted a threat to air travellers and the airport authority as well.

The convoy of Governors Amaechi, Rabiu Kwakwanso (Kano), Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) were attacked by people described as supporters of Minister of State, Mr. Nyesom Wike.

The vehicles in the governors’ convoy were pelted with stones and clubs. The windshields of some of the vehicles, including the coaster bus in which commissioners rode, were smashed.

The attackers were also shouting obscenities at the convoy.

“These assemblies do not only constitute nuisance to the airport environment but are also a

threat to the security of both genuine travelers and the airport authority.

“Citizens are reminded that airports all over the world are regarded as restricted areas and, as such, are traditionally shielded from unnecessary intrusion.

“The Force will not hesitate from the date of this statement to bring the full weight of extant laws on persons found forming or being part of an unlawful assembly, especially riotous assemblies,” the statement warned.

They police said they are duty bound to respect and protect the fundamental rights of the citizenry to freedoms of expression, movement, peaceful assembly and association.

But such rights, they warned, must be enjoyed within the bounds of the law, stressing that gatherings must be peaceful and lawful without being intentionally contrived to provoke or

Bishops Forum, who led the delegation, said the visit was significant “in view of emerging situations in our region.

“We are on a quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Rivers issue and mediate where necessary,’’ he said.

‘Hold Jonathan responsible’ Continued from page 2

chi, the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum. We salute the Governors as true patriots and the real sustainers of our Constitution, and we demand appropriate sanctions for those whose dereliction of duty put the Governors’ lives in danger,’’ it said. ‘’The politics of 2015 cannot be removed from what is happening in Rivers. We have had cause to warn Nigerians to be vigilant against those who will foment trouble where there is none, just to put in abeyance the 2015 elections, especially where the emerging signals point to the fact that they will be rejected by voters. Those who are afraid of free and fair elections in 2015 will do anything to prevent one.

Therefore, we are repeating our call on all Nigerians to be vigilant, because eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,’’ the party added.

‘Why presidency is after Amaechi’

Continued from page 2

hippopotami. However, unlike crude oil, which can be refined, you can extract a hippopotamus from the swamps, but you cannot take the swamp out of the hippopotamus.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

60

NEWS RAMADAN KAREEM

SOLAT TIME (Niger) Fajr Zuhr Asr Magrib Ishai

– 5:01 – 12:43 – 4:06 – 7:02 – 8:16

am pm pm pm pm

(Ogun) Fajr Zuhr Asr Magrib Ishai

– 5:16 – 12:52 – 4:17 – 7:07 – 8:20

(Imo) am pm pm pm pm

Fajr Zuhr Asr Magrib Ishai

– 5:05 – 12:38 – 4:03 – 6:50 – 8:02

Ramadan 9th, 1434AH am pm pm pm pm

(Source: Islamicfinder.org)

Aregbesola, lawmakers, others honour ACN spokesperson

O

SUN State Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has blamed corruption for the country’s retarded growth.

He spoke at Topmost Hotel, venue of this year’s AbdulRauf Lai Mohammed Ramadan Lecture organised by the Publicity Secretary of the newly formed All Progressives Congress Party (APC), Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

The bumpy, sleepy and predominantly agrarian community of Oro, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State was agog for the lecture.

The hotel, which is located on Ajase Ipo-Oro road, was filled with politicians of merging parties of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP).

Aregbesola urged Muslims to live a chaste, upright, undiluted and holy life and be shining examples to oth-

G

•From right: Alhaji Mohammed; Ogbeni Aregbesola; Mrs. Sunmonu and Mr. Belgore (SAN) at the event... yesterday.

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

ers.

He hoped that with the scintillating performance of the ACN-led governments, APC would emerge victorious in all the Yoruba-speaking states in

government is like a slap in the wrist while those that do not have the backing of the government receive grave and grim sanctions. That is too bad and patently unjust,” he said.

Among the dignitaries at the event were Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly Mrs. Monsurat Sumonu, five

lawmakers from the Lagos State House of Assembly and six council chairmen from the state.

Others include the two ACN members from the Kwara State House of Assembly, Alhaji Hassan Oyeleke and Mr. Temitope Olayonu, 2011 governorship candidates

Gombe reviews movement due to fasting

OMBE State government has reviewed the restriction on motor-

By Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

cycles movement in the state

RAMADAN GUIDE WITH FEMI ABBAS

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

In case you are tempted...

N

2015.

Another speaker, Mallam Abdullateef Bello bemoaned the inequality in the apportioning of punishment to corrupt public office holders.

Bello said: “The punishment being meted out to convicted corrupt public office holders that have the backing of the

IGERIA is a home of temptations. The agents of Satan are many and ubiquitous. They are most active in the sacred month of Ramadan. You will meet them in the neighbourhood, in offices, in commuter buses, in the market places and on the roads. Like Satanic rainbow, they come in various colours and sizes carrying with them all sorts of tempting materials. Some of them are men. Some are women.

Their temptations come in different forms. Some will make jest of you in a provocative way. Some will deliberately bring food to your seat and start eating right in front of you. Some will pretend not to be aware that you are fasting and, therefore, offer you drink. Some women will tempt you with the most sensitive contours of their exposed satanic bodies. The powders on their faces and other cosmetic materials on some of them alone are enough to disrobe you spiritually if you are not a formidable type. Their antics are many. But your resistance to all these is the most vital ingredient for the acceptance of your fast by Allah. This is a situation in which Muslims are expected to close their eyes and their minds at the same time. They should close their eyes to any eyesore and close their minds to all spiritual irritants.

In no Islamic society can such temptations be experienced. It is a punishable offence to deliberately tempt or provoke fasting Muslims in the month of Ramadan. As a matter of fact, all food vendors and restaurants statutorily refrain from operating in the days of Ramadan. They can only trade in the nights.

And of course, there is nothing like alcohol or nudity in such societies even outside the sacred month.

Resistance to temptation in Ramadan is a function of two things: high level of discipline and strong faith in Allah. Any Muslim who lacks these two is surely bereft of armour against temptation. Ramadan in the life of a Muslim is like a delicious food given to a hungry man. If he handles it carelessly, it may end up in the belly of a goat. Satan is always on standby to snatch any reward accruing to pious people particularly in Ramadan. To avoid becoming a victim of satanic machination, therefore, do not be careless with Allah’s bounties for you in this sacred month.

capital from the hitherto 6am to 5pm to 6am to 11pm.

The Commissioner of Police, Kudu Abdullahi Nma announced this briefly after the State Security Council meeting held yesterday.

He explained that while commercial motorcycles can now close by 6pm, the public could use motorcycle till 11pm but must not carry any passenger.

He said the arrangement

was to enable Muslims attend evening lecture (Tafsir) normally conducted during the Ramadan period.

The Commissioner added that buses have been provided to convey Muslims to-andfro Tafsir grounds at subsidised rates from 10 designated stations recommended by the leaders of the religion in the state.

He warned that the arrangement did not in any way

imply that the security agencies have relaxed security but “only reviewed timing because of the fasting period.”

In their remarks, Secretary of Jama’atu Naril Islam JNI in the state, Alhaji Saleh Danburam and the state Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Abare Kalla urged members of the public to be law abiding and cooperate with security agencies.

Kano employs 806 women for Ramadan feeding programme ANO State Govern-

K

ment has employed 806 women for the Ramadan feeding programme in 160 centres across eight council areas in the Kano metropolis.

The Deputy Governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday.

He said the women would

be paid N10, 000 daily for the purchase of ingredients besides from the rice, millet and groundnut oil provided by the state government.

According to him, 2.4 million people are expected to benefit from the N250 million 2013 feeding programme.

The eight councils had also added one centre each to boost

the number of beneficiaries.

Each feeding centre was headed by an Imam or an Islamic School head teachers.

NAN reports that the Kano Ramadan Feeding Programme, which has Ganduje as the Committee Chairman, is being conducted in all the 44 local government areas in the state.

Lawmaker donates gift, cash to over 1,000

A

MEMBER of the Oyo State House of Assembly representing Ibadan North II, Mr Olusegun Olaleye has presented food items and cash to over 1,000 needy women in all wards within his constituency.

This, he said, is in line with the spirit of the ongoing Ramadan season.

The lawmaker while presenting the items which include bags of rice, salt,

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

wheat, groundnut oil and semolina among others, yesterday at Immanuel Primary, School, Samonda, Ibadan, restated the need to assist the needy and provision of welfare packages for women during this festive period.

Olaleye said over 2,000 women would benefit from the food items and share N500, 000 from the microfinance scheme to boost their

trade.

Olaleye appealed to the beneficiaries to continue to support Governor Abiola Ajimobi and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) government in its transformation agenda.

One of the beneficiaries from Ibadan South West Alhaja Oyintunde Gbadamosi thanked the lawmaker for the gesture and commitment towards making life better for the needy.

PHOTO NIYI ADENIRAN

of the ACN and CPC, Mohammed Dele Belgore (SAN) and Alhaji Abdulrahaman AbdulRasaq, the state CPC chair, Alhaji Suleiman Buhari, state Caretaker Committee Chairman of the ACN, Sola Iji, party supporters, loyalists and sympathisers.

Bauchi to spend N88m on feeding women

T

HE Bauchi State Government said about N88 million has been set aside for the 2013 Ramadan feeding and clothing of indigent women across the state.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Talatu Barwa said this, while briefing newsmen in Bauchi.

Hajiya Barwa said the gesture was in collaboration with the office of the wife of the governor, Hajiya Aisha Yuguda to ensure that the less privileged have a sense of belonging.

She said 205 ``Tafsir’’ centres would benefit from the gesture apart from those that were yet to be identified. ``The items include 13, 580 wrappers, 1,300 bags of rice, 1000 bags of sugar, 900 cartoons of beverages, 600 bags of millets, 500 cartoons of Lipton and vegetable,’’ she said.

She said that the centres were divided into small and big centres, explaining that the bigger centres would be provided with more items.

She stated that the distribution of food items and wrappers has become a tradition of the present administration to women during Ramadan period.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

61

62

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

63

www.thenationonlineng.net

TODAY IN THE NATION

This kind of legislative rascality which seems to always enjoy executive backing must stop if we truly wish to grow our democracy’ THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

P

RESIDENT Jonathan has just concluded a five-day official visit to China. The highlight of his visit was the signing of a Chinese loan of $1.5 billion for the development of infrastructure in Nigeria, including the expansion of four airports at Lagos, Kano, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. The official visit was reportedly marked by a lot of conviviality and cordiality on both sides with the large Nigerian official delegation been treated to the fabled Chinese hospitality and excellent cuisine.

Sino-Nigerian relations have developed rather slowly over the years. It is now gathering some momentum. It was General Gowon who, as military head of state, first paid an official visit to China in 1972 shortly after the Nigerian civil war.

When his brutal military regime faced international criticism and isolation General Abacha also decided to go to China for support. This was in the wake of the crackdown in Tiananmen Square in Beijing that led to China’s international isolation as well. In 1997, the Chinese premier, Li Peng, visited Nigeria too to boost China’s renewed interest in Africa, aimed at reversing the decline in China’s trade with Africa. Nigeria’s trade with China actually fell from $57 million in 1980 to only $7 million in 1985, recovering somewhat to $35 million in 1989. Thereafter, Nigeria-China trade grew from $35 million to $97 million in 1993, and reached $327 million by 1997. It is currently estimated at $13 billion.

President Jonathan’s visit to China is significant as it underlines Nigeria’s growing economic relations with China. From the Nigerian perspective, closer economic ties with China have become imperative. The new Chinese loan of $1.5billion brings to a total of nearly $15 billion China’s investments and loans to Nigeria in recent years, including the $2.5billion investment in the newly refurbished Lagos-Kano rail line. Nigeria’s share of Chinese investment in Africa has increased to over 30 per cent. In 2012, total Chinese investment in Nigeria was $13.3 billion. In contrast total US FDI in Nigeria was $8 billion. To counter the growing economic relations between China and Africa, President Obama announced during his recent hurried visit to Africa an offer of $7 billion infrastructure loan to Africa. Some cynics will consider this offer as too late and too little. Financial commitments by the World Bank and the IMF are far less than Chinese loans to Nigeria. African countries are turning increasingly to China as an alternative source for infrastructure loans badly needed.

Both countries now realise the importance of economic cooperation between them. China, the most populous country in the world, with the fastest global economic growth in the last three decades, averaging 10 percent annually, has emerged a leading player in the global economy. Its national economy is now bigger than that of Japan, or the EU countries combined. Within a few decades, China has lifted some 300 million of its people from abject poverty, a feat without any precedent in the annals of economic development.

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, with vast reserves of oil and gas, needs China’s financial and technical assistance in the development of its decaying infrastructure. China too needs Nigeria’s oil and gas to fuel its growing industry.

In addition, Nigeria is, potentially, the largest market for China’s industrial products in Africa. Nigeria’s imports from China account for over a third of its total trade with West Africa.

As President Jonathan was reported as saying in Beijing, the increasing exploitation of shale gas and other energy alternatives by the US and other Western states has made the need for the diversi-

VOL.8, NO.2,550

DAPO FAFOWORA

FROM THE SUMMIT dapo.fafowora@thenationonlineng.net

Nigeria’s growing economic relations with China

•Dr. Jonathan

fication of the Nigerian economy away from oil more urgent. Increasing Chinese oil imports will make up for the slack in oil exports to the US. In 2005, China accounted for 40 per cent of the global demand for oil. Over 30 per cent of China’s oil supply is imported, with the country becoming the world’s second largest consumer of oil after the US. So, closer economic co-operation is in the mutual interest of both countries. But there is a pitfall here which Nigeria has to watch very closely. There is a chronic and growing trade imbalance between the two countries in favour of China. Nigeria should seek to reduce this vast trade imbalance by increasing its non-oil exports to China. China’s exports to Nigeria are currently estimated at $3 billion, while Nigeria’s exports are estimated at only $1 billion, a trade gap of $2 billion. This trade deficit, a concern to Nigerian leaders and its private sector, is being discussed by the Nigeria-China Joint Planning Commission. Nigeria should be wary of being used by China as a dumping ground for cheap Chinese exports, particularly textiles, as this will increase the existing trade imbalance between the two countries in favour of China and lead to more job losses for Nigeria. For instance, in 2006, South Africa imposed two-year import restrictions on some Chinese textiles. In this regard, the Nigerian authorities are beginning to take some limited action against cheap and fake Chinese exports.

In 2006, NAFDAC banned pharmaceutical imports from some Chinese and Indian companies.

China has the largest foreign exchange reserves in the world some of which is being invested in Africa where growth prospects are becoming increasingly attractive. Nigeria is eager to diversify its trade relations by reducing its trade dependence on the Western industrial countries. China, with its horde of foreign re-

serves, is one of the few countries in the world today that can assist Nigeria with its huge financing gap, particularly for infrastructure development, in such critical sectors as roads, the railways, bridges, airports, and public transportation in which Nigeria is hugely deficient. Nigeria will not achieve its huge economic potential unless it modernises its infrastructure. China can offer Nigeria such assistance with loans and investments in the critical sectors of the Nigerian economy. In April 2006, President Obasanjo observed, while addressing the visiting Chinese President, Hu Jintao, in Lagos, that “This 21st century is the century for China to lead the world. And when you are leading the world, we (meaning Nigeria) want to be close behind you.” It was the most effusive compliment to China by a Nigerian leader and demonstrated Nigeria’s eagerness to expand its economic relations with China.

Until recently, relations between the two countries were tepid and took some time to develop.

At its independence in 1960, Nigerian leaders knew very little about Communist China, a remote country, with its turbulent political history and frequent upheavals. Western influence in Nigeria was very strong and the Western media gave Communist China a bad press all over Africa, decrying its lack of respect for human rights and its authoritarian -style of government. Culturally, the Communist style of government had little or no appeal for African leaders. In fact, like many other states in Africa, Nigeria refused to even recognise the existence of China and did not enter into diplomatic relations with her until after the Nigerian civil war in 1970. At the UN Nigeria voted routinely along with the Western powers to deny China admission to the UN. Instead, Taiwan, which the Chinese regard as a ‘renegade’ province of China, was given China’s seat at the UN. China was badly isolated globally. During the years of the Cultural Revolution China turned its back on the rest of the world, including Africa. Before then, during the cold war era, it had tried unsuccessfully to get a foothold in Africa but it encountered strong opposition from the West as well as the Soviet Union with which it had fallen out. Its interests then in Africa were basically strategic and consisted mainly of challenging both Soviet and Western dominance in Africa during the cold war.

To counter Western influence China encouraged wars of liberation in Africa and was supporting armed anti-colonial struggles in some 24 African countries, including South Africa. China’s main aim was to reduce Africa’s economic depend-

HARDBALL

W

AR comes in different forms and guises – even in the dimmer recesses of homesteads, wars of sort go on daily.

But the wars of tanks and mortars; combat gears and long guns have become the signature tunes and indeed, pastime of the modern world. Thus when there is no war, we create one, when we are incapable of creating one we just call out the men all the same. In fact one rascal Hardball cannot readily remember now once said that: the world is perpetually at war - from day one!

Please don’t ask whence was day one? That is not the issue of the day. The matter at hand is that unknown to all of us Nigerians, the country has been garrisoned. The army has encircled us as if we are in another civil war (as if we are not!).

The National Security Adviser, (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki, drove the point home recently at a security gathering in Abuja when he made it

A Garrisoned country known that soldiers are currently deployed in 28 states. What this means is that only eight states are devoid of active military presence in Nigeria today. How we have inexorably run back into the arms of the men in starched uniform only 14 years after we shooed them back to their barracks. After seizing political power and running our affairs for over three decades, Nigerians managed to subordinate them under civil rule by reclaiming the mantle of power in 1999.

A soldier’s place is on the war front or in the barracks, he is neither to be heard nor seen except he is on exeat. They are trained to defend the territorial integrity of their sovereign countries; for external aggression. So how come soldiers are all over the place in Nigeria today controlling traffic, settling matrimonial quarrels, guarding

bloody civilians and ballot boxes; pursuing armed robbers, hunting down kidnappers and engaging terrorists in gun duels?

Is this a new kind of Nigeria or a new kind of army? Where on earth are the police? Why have we harvested a flowering of nearly a dozen quasiuniformed people ostensibly keeping the peace?

There is the civil defence, traffic police, road safety corps, WAI Brigade, Peace Corps, the ICPC marshals, the EFCC marshals, drug law agents, customs, militant marine guards, just to name a few. Must we mention the more conventional air force, navy, state security service, national intelligence corps, military intelligence, etc. Our world is full of peace keepers yet we are so troubled.

We are besieged by uniformed people and trained security professionals yet we have never been

LAWAL OGIENAGBON ence on the West by offering long-term low interest loans to Africa and promoting the so-called ‘benevolent trade’ such as by buying up large coffee and tobacco surpluses from Tanzania. By 1976, China was already giving Africa more aid than the Soviet Union. It achieved a major breakthrough in Africa by financing and constructing the Tanzam railway that gave it access and some limited political influence in central Africa.

Beijing’s involvement in the African liberation wars paid off when many African governments, including Nigeria, provided critical support on the UN General Assembly resolution admitting China as a member in October, 1971, and replacing Taiwan. Relations between Nigeria and China also began to improve dramatically. China had supported the secessionists during the Nigerian civil war and is believed to have sent Biafra some limited arms through Tanzania. The secessionist leader, Ojukwu, actually wrote Chairman Mao, seeking Chinese assistance ‘in our struggle against Anglo-American imperialism and Soviet revisionism to achieve a socialist revolution in Biafra’ and Africa. But China secured Nigeria’s recognition in October 1971, after which the two states began building modest bilateral ties based on terms of co-operation agreed between them in 1972 during Gowon’s official visit to Beijing.

Predictably, the growing economic relations between China and Africa have caused some concerns in the Western countries, particularly in the US. In 2005, during a Congressional hearing in Washington, the chairman of the Africa sub-committee warned that ‘China is playing an increasingly influential role in Africa, and that the Chinese intend to aid and abet African dictators, gain a stranglehold on precious African natural resources, and undo much of the progress that has been made on democracy and governance in the last 15 years’. There were complaints from the US as well when a satellite launch deal was signed in 2005 by Nigeria and the China Great Wall Industry Corporation. But Africa needs to develop rapidly and, if necessary, will engage other powers to achieve its economic and technological goals. Africa cannot remain the economic preserve of the Western powers alone. It must diversify its economic relations in line with the process of economic globalisation. It is not China that is responsible for dictatorships in Africa, but the Western powers that, for long, supported African dictators, and refused to support liberation wars in Africa. There is no real danger of the Chinese exporting Communism to Africa. The Soviets did not succeed in doing so. If they tried, it is less likely that the Chinese would succeed where the Soviets failed.

The Chinese have no interest in exporting their Communist ideology to Africa. Like Africa, China was, for centuries, the victim of invasion and colonialism by the Western countries. It has no colonial past or imperialist ambitions in Africa that can stand in the way of increasing economic cooperation between the two. China has no military bases in Africa or anywhere else outside its own territory. It is unlikely to use force to advance its economic interests in Africa What China wants, like any other foreign power, is access to Africa’s huge natural resources, particularly its oil, and new markets for its industrial products. Africa is more mature now and should ignore unjustified foreign concerns about its new economic relations with China. In its economic engagement with China, it should, collectively, be able to protect its own economic interests.

• For comments, send SMS to 08054503031

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above more anxious and vulnerable than now.

Nigeria has been garrisoned by a cavalcade of regular police, fraud police, uniformed, plain cloth and armed state personnel yet armed robbers still hold sway, pen robbers are having a field day, militants dare the government, kidnappers operate at will and terrorist are not intimidated. Just yesterday Finance Minster, Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala tearfully announced to the nation that we are losing 400,000 barrels of crude oil daily. Since all else have failed, Hardball recommends that the entire population be mobilised to mass around the oil installations and ward off the oil thieves. Oh, how we have been garrisoned by mis-governance.

In closing, the monstrous incongruity of a country encircling itself with its army seems lost on us all especially the ruling ‘elite’ that has morphed into a snoring Rip Van Winkle. A peace time country under the siege of the military may well be working hard to fulfill its own prophesy.

Published and printed by Vintage Press Limited. Corporate Office: 27B Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos. P.M.B. 1025,Oshodi, Lagos. Telephone: Switch Board: 01-8168361.

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, Mila 1, Diobu, PH. 08023595790. WEBSITE: www.thenationonlineng.net E-mail: info@thenationonlineng.net ISSN: 115-5302 Editor: GBENGA OMOTOSO