July 19, 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Ex-CJ guilty of gross misconduct, says NJC NEWS Page ??

•Judicial body nails ex-Judge Gummi

NEWS

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Umar: reopen Kudirat’s case

NEWS

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•‘Judiciary failed to do justice’ www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 8, NO. 2551 FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

•MORE WOMEN, YOUTHS GET DANGOTE’S N10B GRANTS IN 774 LOCAL GOVTS P57

•Dr. Fayemi speaking yesterday. With him from left are: Madumere, Baruwa, Ajimobi, Fashola, Amaechi, Amosun, Anka, and Aregbesola

Governors shun Economic Council to visit Amaechi Take case to Jonathan, Rivers governor told ACN: police probe one-sided Abdulsalami warns politicians Why House Leader is wanted, by police —P56

S

OME governors yesterday shunned the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting to visit embattled Rivers State Governor Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi.

The crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state boiled over last

From Bisi Olaniyi and Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

week in the House of Assembly when five members attempted to impeach Speaker Otelemaba Dan Amachree, who enjoys the support of 26 members.

Factions in the crisis have

engaged in street brawls.

Amaechi has accused Police Commissioner Mbu Joseph Mbu of taking sides with those opposed to him —an accusation which the police chief denied.

Following Monday’s visit of four PDP governors - Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Sule

Thieves steal N7.3b oil daily N

IGERIA is losing 400,000 barrels of oil daily - no thanks to theft and production short-

falls.

Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan broke the news yesterday to State House correspondents at the end of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting chaired by Vice President Namadi Sambo.

The NEC, which comprises the 36 governors, ministers of National Planning, Finance, FCT and the Central

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, also took steps yesterday to curtail the rising incidence of oil theft. Such steps include immediate prosecution of oil vandals and thieves.

The daily loss of 400,000 barrels at an international price of $117 per barrel, converted to naira at the exchange rate of N157 to a dollar, is N7.35 billion daily.

Continued on page 4

Lamido (Jigawa), Musa Kwankwaso (Kano) and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa)- five Action Congress of Nigeria (AC N) governors yesterday visited Amaechi.

Governors Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) and

Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) were accompanied by deputy governors Eze Madumere (Imo), Mukhtar Anka(Zamfara) and Damashi Baruwa (Nasarawa), who represented their governors.

Fayemi said they ought to be in Abuja for the NEC meeting but due to their deep concern

for the security of the citizens of Rivers State, they decided to go to Port Harcourt to “meet with our brother and Chairman of our Governors’ Forum, Governor Amaechi”.

Fayemi said they advised Amaechi to “brief President Continued on page 4

GEN ALABI-ISAMA’S WAR MEMOIRS UNVEILED •Gen. Theophilus Danjuma presenting “Tragedy of Victory”, the Civil War memoirs of Gen. Godwin AlabiIsama in Lagos ...yesterday.

Story on page 56 PHOTO: DAVID ADEJO

•TRUCK CRUSHES THREE IN ILORIN P58 •REPS TO BACK COUNCILS’ AUTONOMY P5

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

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NEWS

The world

• President, Dangote Group Aliko Dangote presenting a cheque for a cash grant one of the beneficiaries of a N10b poverty alleviation scheme Kogi State... yesterday.

With them are Kogi Governor Idris Wada Secretary to State Government (SSG) Prof.

Olugbemiro Jegede

Nelson Mandela yesterday spent his 95th birthday in hospital in Pretoria, as events took place around the world and in South Africa in his honour.

The former president and anti-apartheid leader has been critically ill with a recurring lung infection since June 8.

S

•From left: Managing Director, Sarsoli Colours Limited Mr Jai Changrani, Sophia Stephan of German Consulate General, Mr Akhigbe Itua of Trade Fair Services Limited and German Consulate’s Judith Eigelt at a news conference on the 2013 International trade fair on plastic and rubber in Lagos...yesterday.

•From left:Managing Director, WIZZIT Mr Brian Richardson; Chairman, Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC) Mr Folusho Phillips; Secretary, NSACC Mrs Toyin Cameron and Managing Director, Skylogistics Mr Adefemi Adefope, at a breakfast meeting of NSACC organised by South Africa Tourism and South African Airways, in Lagos… yesterday.

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

OUTH African President Jacob Zuma, who visited former President Nelson Mandela in hospital yesterday, said he was “encouraged” by his progress.

South Africans have been urged to mark Mandela’s 67 years of public service with 67 minutes of charitable acts.

“When I visited him today... I was able to say ‘happy birthday’ and he was able to smile,” Mr Zuma said in a statement.

“Mandela’s struggle for freedom and justice in our country and his values of promoting a fair, just and equitable world continues to inspire and motivate us,” he told a visiting European Union (EU) delegation.

At an event in New York City, former U.S. President Bill Clinton was among the speakers to pay a heartfelt tribute to Mandela and his achievements.

Clinton, whose presidency coincided with Mandela’s, recalled how they developed a personal friendship over the course of two decades after first meeting before Clinton’s election to the White House.

He paid tribute to Mandela’s life of service, saying the world could learn from his example, as an anti-apartheid campaigner, as South Africa’s president and after leaving office.

Mandela’s commitment to helping those with HIV/AIDS helped millions of people in the developing world gain access to medication, he said.

Clinton also recalled how Malala Yousafzai, the schoolgirl shot by the Taliban for promoting education for girls, had cited Mandela as an influence in her own address to the United Nations last week.

“Though he is old and frail and fighting for his life ... what is in his heart still glows in his smile and lights up the room,” Clinton said, adding that Mandela had demonstrated that “none of us has to be in public office to be of public service.”

Andrew Mlangeni, 87, who was imprisoned with Mandela, hailed his friend as “a modern day global icon, an embodiment of the values of justice, peace, selflessness and consideration.”

The world’s celebration of Mandela’s birthday is also a celebration of the human values that the former leader represents, he said.

He said Mandela was “making very good progress “ and appealed to those gathered to continue to pray for him.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, the U.S. civil rights leader, praised Mandela’s commitment to healing and equality and urged people to honour his courage.

The world “will never forget the living witness of Nelson Mandela,” he said, describing him as a “giant of men.”

‘Path to justice’

•From left: Representative of the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Mr. Temitope Onaeko; President, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) Mr. Agele Alufohai; Chairman, NIQS, Lagos chapter Mr. Olayemi Shonubi and past President, NIQS Mr. Olusegun Ajanlekoko, during the 5thAnnual Distinguished Lecture of the Lagos chapter of the institute in Lagos.

PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

U.S. President Barack Obama, who visited with Mandela’s family in South Africa last month, also sent

•SOUTH AFRICA, Pretoria : South African President Jacob Zuma flanked

by South African Defense Minister Nosiviwe MapisaNqakula celebrate on July 18, 2013 the birthday of

•African National Congress (ANC) supporters singing and dancing for Mandela outside the Medi Clinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria... yesterday.

PHOTOS: AFP

birthday wishes.

“People everywhere have the opportunity to honour Madiba through individual and collective acts of service,” he said in a prepared statement.

“Through our own lives, by heeding his example, we can honour the man who showed his own people — and the world — the path to justice, equality and freedom.”

The frail icon has not appeared in public for years, but he retains his popularity as the father of democracy and emblem of his nation’s fight against apartheid.

His defiance of white minority rule focused the world’s attention on apartheid, the legalised racial segregation enforced by the South African government until 1994.

His hospitalisation has given his birthday a sentimental touch. The South African Embassy in the United States said it will be the biggest celebration since his birthday in 1990, the year he was freed from prison.

The festivities are not limited to South Africa. In the United States, the embassy said 18 cities, including the nation’s capital, held various events to celebrate his birthday.

Family feud Mandela’s family has faced an anxious few weeks while the former president has been hospitalised.

His daughter, Zindzi MandelaMotlhajwa, told the South African Press Association yesterday that her father was making “remarkable progress” and that she looks forward to seeing him back home soon.

A public family feud over where three of Mandela’s deceased children should be buried has added to their stress.

Last month, family members sued Mandela’s grandson to return the remains to Qunu, the former president’s childhood home.

The grandson, Mandla Mandela, exhumed the remains from Qunu two years ago, then reburied them in Mvezo, where he’s built a visitor center. They were returned to Qunu this month after a court order.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

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NEWS

stands still for Mandela

•Children from Northlen Primary School in Durban singing "Happy Birthday" for Mandela in Durban...yesterday.

•People holding posters parade to celebrate Mandela’s birthday outside the Medi Clinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria...yesterday.

•African National Congress (ANC) supporters singing and dancing fo mark Mandela’s birthday outside the Medi Clinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria...yesterday.

• People holding posters parade to celebrate the birthday of Mandela outside the Medi Clinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria...yesterday.

Madiba in books, films and songs He lies almost helpless in a South African hospital on his 95th birthday. But the life of Nelson Mandela remains an inspiration for film makers, musicians and authors. Long walk to freedom and Winnie are two films set to join the long list of creative works inspired by the ailing leader, writes OLUKOREDE YISHAU

“N

OW, now, now, Margaret Thatcher, ye, ye, ye, free Mandela,” was a song from the fading reggae star Majek Fashek. He released the single, “Free Mandela”, in 1992. His was one of the several albums waxed about Nelson Mandela in his years in jail.

Aside Majek, Nigerian music stars such as King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal also sang about the Madiba and his travails.

Non-African artists also were part of the fray. One of the most popular was from The Special who recorded the song “Free Nelson Mandela” in 1983. Stevie Wonder dedicated his 1985 Oscar for the song “I Just Called to Say I Love You” to Mandela, resulting in his music being banned by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). In 1985, Youssou N’Dour’s album Nelson Mandela was the Senegalese artist’s first United States release.

In 1988, the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert at London’s Wembley Stadium was a focal point of the anti-apartheid movement, with many musicians voicing their support for Mandela. Simple Minds wrote and performed the song “Mandela Day” for the concert. The song was on their next album, which was released six months later.

Also, Santana recorded the instrumental “Mandela”, Tracy Chapman performed “Freedom Now” on her album Crossroads, Salif Keita from Mali, in 1995, recorded the song “Mandela” on his album Folon and Whitney Houston performed and dedicated the gospel song “He I Believe”.

His countrymen were not left out. Hugh Masekela, in exile in the UK,

sang “Bring Him Back Home Nelson Mandela” in 1987. Brenda Fassie’s 1989 song “Black President”, was hugely popular even though it was banned in South Africa. Also, Johnny Clegg’s album Third World Child in 1987 contained the song “We Have Not Seen Him”.

In 1990, Hong Kong rock band Beyond released a popular Cantonese song, “Days of Glory”. It featured featured lyrics referring to Mandela’s heroic struggle for racial equality. The group Ladysmith Black Mambazo accompanied Mandela to the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo, Norway in 1993, and performed for his inauguration in 1994.

Raffi’s song “Turn This World Around” is based on a speech given by Mandela where he explained the world needs to be “turned around, for the children”. A summary of his life was part of the 2006 music video “If Everyone Cared” by Nickelback. Singer-songwriter Ampie du Preez and cricketer AB de Villiers wrote a song called “Madibaland” in honour of Mandela. It featured as the 4th and 14th tracks on their album, “Maak Jou Drome Waar”.

Books, such as autobiography ‘Long Walk to Freedom’, published in 1994, ‘Mandela: The Authorised Biography’ and ‘Goodbye Bafana’, also told the story of Madiba’s life.

His story was also told in films and television series. They include: the 1997 film Mandela and de Klerk, Goodbye Bafana and Invictus.

Any moment from now Long walk to freedom and Winnie will also join the list of films inspired by his life.

The matter was back in court yesterday, said Freddie Pilusa, a spokesman for the grandson.

“Mandla does not want the graves repatriated, but he wants the decision forcing him to move them rescinded because it was based on incorrect information,” he said.

Mandela, a Nobel peace laureate, spent 27 years in prison for fighting against oppression of minorities in South Africa. He became the nation’s first black president in 1994, four years after he was freed from prison.

Children waved South African flags at the Milton Mbekela school in the village of Qunu, Mr Mandela’s boy-

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who campaigned alongside Mr Mandela for an end to white-minority rule, celebrated his old friend’s birthday at a primary school in Cape Town.

Mandela’s daughter, Zindzi, said he was making “remarkable progress”, adding that she had found him watching television with headphones on and communicating with his eyes and hands when she visited him this week.

“We look forward to having him back at home soon,” the South African Press Association quoted her as saying.

Mr Mandela’s birthday is also Nelson Mandela International Day, a

hood home.

Outside the hospital in Pretoria where the former president is being treated, well-wishers reached for balloons bearing his image.

Mr Mandela’s former wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, and members of his family greeted the crowds outside the hospital in Pretoria.

There was even birthday cake for those gathered outside the hospital.

South Africans have been urged to mark Mr Mandela’s 67 years of public service with 67 minutes of charitable acts. These women did so by taking part in a human food chain in Johannesburg.

day declared by the UN as a way to recognise the Nobel Prize winner’s contribution to reconciliation.

The former statesman is revered across the world for his role in ending apartheid in South Africa. He went on to become the first black president in the country’s first multiracial elections in 1994.

The governing African National Congress (ANC) said that on this Mandela Day homage was being paid to 95 years of “life well-lived”, dedicated to the liberation of South Africans and people all over the world.

Events are also taking place internationally, with an image of a large

Mandela’s Smart ID Card received on his behalf by his daughter Zindzi...yesterday.

Mandela painting by South African artist Paul Blomkamp featured in New York’s Times Square.

British entrepreneur Richard Branson, speaking in a recorded message, has pledged 67 minutes of community service to “make the world a better place, one small step at a time”.

Meanwhile, concerts are planned later this week in the Australian city of Melbourne, featuring local and African artists.

‘Less anxious’ Mr Mandela’s ill-health gives extra poignancy to this year’s Mandela Day, correspondents say.

For South Africans, the best birthday present for Mandela would be for him to recover and be among the people who love him most, says the BBC’s Pumza Fihlani in Johannesburg.

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela told a local radio station her former husband’s 95th birthday was “a gift not only to the family... but to the nation”.

She rejected the “prophets of doom” who have warned of chaos in South Africa when Nelson Mandela dies.

“The country will solidify and come together,” she told Radio 702.

Mandela’s third wife, Graca Machel, said last Friday that she was “less anxious” about his health than before, adding that he was continuing to respond well to treatment.

Yesterday was also the 15th anniversary of the couple’s marriage.

Before the anniversary, Mandela’s close friend and lawyer George Bizos described them as “a loving couple”, the AFP news agency reports.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

NEWS ‘Nigeria loses N7.3b daily to oil theft’ Continued from page 1

•Vice President Namadi Sambo cutting the tape to open the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) House in Abuja...yesterday. With him (from left) are: Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi; Director-General, National Sports Commission (NSC) Gbenga Elegbeleye and Rivers State Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru PHOTO: NAN

Police probe of Rivers crisis one-sided, says ACN

T

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday accused the police of being “one-sided” in its investigation into the Rivers State crisis.

The party urged the police to widen its investigation so as to make its outcome acceptable to Nigerians.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the fact that only the security aides of Governor Chibuike Amaechi have been invited to Abuja for questioning by the police, and also the fact that only the majority leader of the State House of Assembly, Chidi Lloyd, has been declared wanted, have provided an insight into the thinking of the police on the issue.

It wondered why Rivers Police Commissioner Mbu Joseph Mbu, who provided cover for the five renegade lawmakers to attack the

House while failing to provide security for the House to sit, and the leader of the renegade lawmakers Evans Bipi, who allegedly started the crisis in the House by punching Lloyd and the Speaker of the House on the face, were not invited along with the others. ‘’As the saying goes, it takes two to tango. Definitely there are two sides to every issue, including the crisis that rocked the House of Assembly last week. It therefore amounts to a warped investigation to focus only on one side, as the police appear to be doing. This kind of investigation can only lead to jungle justice, and further erode the credibility of the police, who have now descended into the arena instead of staying above the fray. ‘’This is why we warned, in our earlier statement, that the police should go beyond addressing the symptoms in its

efforts to unravel the role played by the security agency in the festering crisis. We hate to say that the action of the police hierarchy has vindicated us,’’ ACN said.

The party said the fact that the police hierarchy appears to be shielding the glaringlypartisan Police Commissioner in Rivers (despite the shabby treatment he has meted out to the state’s chief executive) and the five renegade members has made it hard for Nigerians to believe in the neutrality of the police in this matter. ‘’Equally worrisome is the unilateral deployment of new security aides to the Rivers Government House without the usual practice of giving the Governor a say in who his security aides are. It is therefore not surprising that the Governor has raised the alarm about his personal security. After all, he does not know what

instructions these new aides have, especially since the untouchable Commissioner of Police remains in the saddle!’’ it said.

Meanwhile, the ACN has said the root cause of the Rivers crisis appears to have come to the fore, going by the statement credited to the First Lady on Wednesday, that it started four years ago when Gov. Amaechi apparently defied Her Excellency’s appeal not to demolish a part of Okrika. ‘’This revelation is a mortal blow to all those who have been struggling to distance the President and the First Lady from the Rivers crisis. It also shows that, contrary to the cynical statements blaming the crisis on some external forces and those who are supposedly crying more than the bereaved, the cause is right there in the President’s bedroom, and that’s why the solution should come from,’’ the party said.

Uduaghan, who was appointed to head the Oil Theft Committee at last month’s NEC meeting, said the committee was working on long and short term strategies against the menace.

On the interim measures being taken, he said: “A technical level meeting involving key stakeholders has been held, where concerned agencies including security outfits have made useful submissions, with more submissions expected from other stakeholders, especially from the oil producing states.

The governor added: “The Committee has moved to address the issue of the 400, 000 barrels per day production shortfall. The Governors of Bayelsa and Delta have been mandated to meet with the concerned oil majors and the JTF to work out modalities for the effective repair of the Nembe and Trans Niger pipelines which are currently shut.

“The Committee also mandated Akwa Ibom Governor Godswill Akpabio, Secretary to National Planning Commission, the NEITI chief executive and a representative of the Inspector-General of Police to meet with the Attorney-General of the Federa-

tion towards strengthening the extant deterrence policy by ensuring more arrests and convictions of the oil thieves.”

“In this regard, a meeting of the Governor Akpabio-led Committee with the AGF this morning agreed on the following resolutions: A legal task force, headed

by Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mohammed Adoke to be set up immediately to commence prosecution of proven cases, using relevant laws; particularly the Miscellaneous Offences Act which carries a sentence of 21 years without option of fine.”

According to him, the legal task force, which is to be in force for one year with effect from July, 2013, is to be made up of representatives from the NNPC, the Armed Forces, Civil Defence, Police, SSS and other related agencies.

Prosecution of established cases will continue, he said, adding that members of the task force would be announced by the AGF July 22.

It is believed that there are about 300 people in custody.

“The Council commended the efforts of the Committee and further urged it to ensure that the bid Continued on page 59

Ex-Abuja CJ Gummi guilty of gross misconduct, says NJC

T

HE Immediate past Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Justice Lawal Hassan Gummi, was yesterday found guilty of “gross misconduct” by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

The NJC warned another judge of the Federal High Court for engaging in wrongful conduct.

The council, rising from its 63rd meeting, found out that Justice Gummi breached professional ethics when he interfered in a judgment given against Zamfara State Governor Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, who is a former federal lawmaker.

NJC described Gummi’s action as “most unethical and highly reprehensible”.

The council said it would have recommended his sack, but for the fact that he had voluntarily retired from office before now.

Justice Gummi left to become

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

the emir of Gummi, Zamfara State.

The NJC, in a statement after its meeting held between Wednesday and yesterday, warned that it would come down hard on any judge found engaging in such a practice in future.

The statement, signed by the Acting Director, Information, Mr. Soji Oye “warned” Justice M. A. Onyetenu of the Federal High Court for engaging in wrongful conduct.

Justice Onyetemu granted an ex-parte order without hearing the pending motion on notice and applications in a suit before him.

The NJC “deliberated on the report and recommendation of its committee that investigated the petition forwarded to it by Nestello Gateway Group in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/486/10 Continued on page 59

Governors shun Economic Council to visit Amaechi Continued from page 1

Goodluck Jonathan, who is actually our leader and Chief Security Officer of the country

on the very, very challenging security situation here in Rivers State”.

“We believe that our chairman and brother will give serious consideration to that particular concern that we have also expressed too to him, that it is important as the chief security officer of Rivers State to take the opportunity to go and brief Mr President on the security situation in the state.”

He added: “We thought it will be important for the hierarchy of our Police authority, the Inspector General of Police, to help in restoring the confidence of the people of Rivers State that has really been greatly diminished in the Police service and the command here in Rivers State.

“We believe that the Inspector General of Police is very well placed to help take the necessary step to restore the confidence of the government, the governor and the people in the police in Rivers State.

“And every step that is critical to making that possible we believe that the Inspector General of Police should take. For us, we believe that these remarks really require the moral authority of Mr President as well.”

Fayemi also said: “It is about

Rivers crisis can truncate democracy, says Abdulsalami

F

ORMER Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar warned yesterday that the political crisis in Rivers State poses a threat to democracy.

He also warned that our fledgling democracy may be truncated if politicians in the state and indeed in the country failed to put their house in order and avoid overheating the polity.

Gen. Abubakar spoke during an interactive session with members of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Niger State chapter in his Minna home.

Describing the crisis as “sad” and “unfortunate”, the former military leader counselled politicians in the state to embrace deepening this democracy. It is about ensuring that peace reigns not just in Rivers because we know that Rivers is of concern to Governor Amaechi. But the state of security in the entire country is also of concern to him. We believe that Mr President, being our leader - we are all President’s men - we are all President’s Governors.

“He is our leader and we feel that he actually occupies a very critical position that necessitates his wielding his moral authority in ensuring that peace reigns here and that nobody uses a subterfuge to create situations that are entirely avoidable.

“The tension in Rivers State is entirely avoidable and we want

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

peace in the interest of democracy and what it stood for.

Said Gen. Abubakar: “I hope those involved would take note of what democracy is and check themselves. What has happened in Rivers State is very sad. I hope that the politicians will try to put a break and reflect on what they are doing in order not to truncate democracy.”

He urged politicians to stop taking democracy for granted, adding that there is a limit to what freedom is all about in a democracy.

“In democracy, there is a limit to what freedom is all about. There is freedom of

all parties to sheathe their swords and to help restore the peace and security of our state here.”

Zamfara State Deputy Governor Mukhtar Anka advised Amaechi to discuss with the President so that we can find a way out of this crisis, which is avoidable and we believe that

speech, freedom of association and what have you, but this stops when you start infringing on others freedom,” Gen Abubakar counselled.

The Peace Ambassador, who has brokered peace in many African warring countries, prayed for peace in Nigeria as he maintained that no nation can exist without peace.

“Having been involved in peace process around the world on behalf of the African Union (AU), I always advocated for peace in our nation because I’ve seen the devastation of unrest in other countries. I pray the tidings of Ramandan would abide with all of us,” Gen. Abubakar said.

by meeting with the President, we will find a way out of this crisis in Rivers State, to sustain democracy in Nigeria”.

At the NEC meeting were governors of Kano, Niger, Kwara, Benue, Adamawa, Yobe, Gombe, Taraba (Acting), Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Delta and Cross River.

The deputy governors who attended were those from Sokoto, Kaduna, Kebbi, Katsina, Kogi, Borno, Edo, Rivers and Bayelsa.

To prevent a repeat of Tuesday’s attack on the convoy of the visiting Northern governors at the Port Harcourt International Airport in Omagwa, over 10,000 youths supporting Governor

CORRECTIONS •Chief Judge of the Federal High Court Justice Ibrahim N. Auta was wrongly referred to as former Chief Judge in an article – “Reforming the Judiciary” on page 22 of June 17, 2013 edition.

•In a story on page 8 of yesterday’s edition, Madam Eunice, the widow of the Military Governor of the defunct Western Region, Lt. Col. Francis Adekunle Fajuyi, Madam Eunice was wrongly addressed as a titan in the headline. The late Fajuyi was meant to be referred to as the titan.

—Editor

•Gen. Abdulsalami

Rotimi Amaechi took over the airport yesterday during the visit of eight progressive governors.

The supporters of the Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, under the aegis of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), who protested against the visit of four goverContinued on page 59

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

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NEWS

Constitution Review: Reps likely to propose autonomy for local governments T

HE House of Representatives finally began the consideration of the report of the ad hoc committee on the review of the Constitution yesterday’s after two postponements.

Though there was no resolution on any of the issues discussed, there were strong indications however that the lawmakers will align themselves with the request for autonomy for local government councils.

Speaker Aminu Tambuwal said his colleagues would be voting on the issue on Tuesday at the resumption of plenary.

Should the House eventually vote for the financial autonomy of the local councils, it would be in direct opposition to the position of the Senate which voted against the provision.

Almost all the members that contributed to the clause-byclause consideration yesterday spoke in favour of granting financial autonomy to the local

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

government councils. According to them, they would make the country “ a federation properly standing on three legs.”

During the peoples public session held by the House of Representatives across the 360 constituencies in the country on November 10 last year, majority of the constituencies voted for the autonomy of the local government councils in order to remove them from the apron strings of the governors.

Yesterday’s deliberations which started with The Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Emeka Ihedioha, moving a motion for the consideration of the report, focused mainly on the Local Government Councils and spanned areas such as the guaranteeing the system of democratically elected Local Government un-

•To vote on Tuesday

der the Constitution and fully establishing it as a third tier of government which is not wholly dependent on the Executive to function in any form.

The members considered the amendment of Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution by substituting a new Section 1 Speaking after the Speaker had declared the floor open in the Committee of Whole, the Chairman of the technical subcommittee of the Constitution Review Committee, Samson Osagie, said all they have done in the review is in consonance with the spirit and intent of the Constitution which is being amended.

One of the issues that caused an argument on the floor was that apart from the fact that Local Governments would be getting their funds directly from the Federal Government

coffers, should the State Houses of Assembly have powers over the funds coming from the State Government to the local councils?

Deputy Leader of the House Leo Ogor, said such a move is against the provision of the Constitution which says that no money can be removed from the funds of the state without the approval of the State House of Assembly.

The issue of if or not to deny appropriation for unelected local councils was also discussed with majority agreeing that the era of caretaker committees for local governments was over.

The qualification of a local government chairman was also discussed. While some members said local council chairmen must pass at least their West African Examination

Council papers, others were of the opinion that this was not necessary. The argument was eventually stalemated.

Also the issue of the stipulated age for an intending local Council chairman was discussed and it was agreed it sold be left at 25 years.

Aisha Ahmed said local government would bring transformation to the grassroots if it was properly funded. She said they should be autonomous.

Minority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila said it would be wrong to give the local council freedom with one hand and hamper their independence with another provision, adding that it would defeat the purpose of the independence being sought for them.

Before yesterday’s deliberation, there were fears that governors might have reached out to members from their states in order to move against granting autonomy to the councils

Falana seeks review of SAN guidelines

By Adebisi Onanuga

A

CTIVIST Lawyer Mr. Femi Falana(SAN) has called for a review of the guidelines for the award of the rank of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) with a view to democratise the process.

Falana made the suggestion in a letter to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the Chairperson of the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) dated July 12. He was reacting to the committee’s invitation for public comments on the integrity and competence of the 43 legal practitioners shortlisted for the award of the rank this year.

He claimed that the secrecy behind the denial of qualified applicants can no longer be justified as the LPPCC may be compelled to disclose the reasons which informed its discretion under Freedom of Information Act 2011.

“In the on-going exercising, some of those who met the criteria but who were not invited for the interview had been shortlisted on three or four previous occasions. As usual, the reasons for excluding them from the list of qualified applicants are not going to be disclosed. But such secrecy can no longer be justified as the LPPCC may be compelled to disclose the reasons which informed its discretion under Freedom of Information Act 2011”, he said.

The activist condemned the on-going exercise in which qualified legal practitioners who had previously been shortlisted, were not invited for interview for an undisclosed reasons.

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By Emmanuel Oladesu, Group Political Editor

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MiniConvention Committee chaired by Senator Jerry Gana has sent the complaints of the former National Secretary, BrigGen. Olaginsoye Oyinlola, to the legal unit for the party for necessary advice.

Also, President Goodluck Jonathan has waded in the feud between the National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, and the Convention Committee members over the committee’s activities, according to party sources.

The former Osun State governor, who was shoved aside from the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) few months ago, has been protesting his removal, saying that it was illegal.

Oyinlola, who is in court to reverse the decision, has insisted that he was elected as the National Secretary in a properly conducted congress, adding that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which voided the election of other national officers, did not raise any objection about his election.

Ex-governor‘s son in court over ‘N18m scam’

•Director General, National Orientation Agency(NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri; (second left); Comptroller-General, Federal Fire Service, Mr. Olusegun James Okebiorun; (second right); Controller in charge of Policy Regulatory and Inspectorate, Mr. Emmanuel Okeke (left) and NOA’s Executive Director, Human Resources and Admin, Mr Udodirim Orurou,when the fire service chief visited NOA’s office, Abuja...yesterday

Umar urges fresh probe of Kudirat’s murder •’Rogers was key witness to assassination of Kudirat’

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FORMER Military Administrator of Kaduna State, Col. Abubakar Dangiwa Umar yesterday asked the Federal Government to reopen investigation into the death of the nation’s democracy heroine, Mrs. Kudirat Abiola.

He said there is no doubt that agents of the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha assassinated Kudirat.

Umar, who made the suggestion in a statement in Abuja against the backdrop of the acquittal of all suspects implicated in the assassination, said the nation’s judicial system has failed to deliver justice to Kudirat.

He said it was wrong to assume that there was no witness to prove how Kudirat was killed.

Umar said Sgt. Rogers was a key witness to the murder and he could not understand the logic of his (Rogers’) release.

The Court of Appeal , Lagos Division last Friday set free the last batch of suspects including Major Hamzat AlMustapha and Alhaji Lateef Sofolahan for want of concrete evidence.

But Umar said the case should not be swept under the carpet because there is a sufficient clue in Rogers.

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

“There is absolutely no doubt that agents of the Abacha regime assassinated Kudirat Abiola. As it has turned out, our judicial system has failed to deliver justice to the heroine and her family. This is most regrettable.

“As believers in God and His attributes which are all encompassing, we are aware that He will deliver His judgment in this matter. All those involved in her murder will get their just reward here and now.

“The government is duty bound to reopen fresh investigations into this case. Sgt Rogers is a key witness.

One cannot understand the logic of his release by the Obasanjo administration other than contempt for the Abiola family.

“Kudirat died in the service of her unjustly treated husband and therefore in obedience of God’s commands.

His promised reward of eternal life in heaven to such an obedient wife is fulfilled as He delivers.

“As painful as her tragic loss is, her family should take solace in her present fate. She sleeps well in heaven.”

Lamorde: EFCC recovers N1.4trillion, secures 400 convictions HE Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, yesterday said the agency has recovered over $9billion (N1.4trillion) and secured more than 400 convictions.

He also said the anti-graft agency was able to get Nigeria de-listed from the infamous list of non-cooperative countries by the Finan-

PDP convention: Oyinlola’s case referred to legal unit

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

cial Action Task Force (FATF).

He,however, said the Commission received about $24.7 million as support from the European Union.

Lamorde spoke in Abuja while receiving members of the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific/European Union (ACPEU) parliament.

The revelations gave clues to the recovery by the commission since its inception in 2003 in what appeared a veiled response to the demand of the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes, Drugs and Narcotics which h a d d e manded the whereabouts of the funds recovered by the EFCC. A statement by the EFCC’s Head of Media and

Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren said: “Lamorde listed the achievement of the Commission to include the recovery of over $9 billion, secured over 400 convictions as well as getting Nigeria delisted from the infamous list of non-cooperative countries by the Financial Action Task Force(FATF). “He said apart from being able to investigate and prosecute criminals, the Commission

through the support of the EU also engaged the civil society groups and faithbased organisation to buy in and own the fight against economic and financial crimes.

“However, despite the achievement recorded so far, Lamorde listed some of the challenges faced by the Commission to include manpower development and prosecution of criminals.”

MUSTAPHA Audu, the son of former Kogi State Governor Abubakar Audu yesterday, appeared before Justice Sadik Umar of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja over an alleged N18 million scam.

Audu was arraigned by the Economic and Finacial Crimes Commission(EFCC) alongside his wife, Zahrah Audu and their company, Constructor Guild Ltd. They were alleged to have collected N18 million from one Nike Kolawole to acquire her a four-bedroom house at Ruskin Terrace, Katamkpe Extension, Abuja, but failed to do so.

At the resumed hearing of the case, the second prosecution witness, Abdul Ibrahim, being led in evidence by the EFCC counsel, Samuel Ugwuegulam, told the court that the matter was reported by one Mrs Nike Kolawole.

Ibrahim said the accused obtained the amount on false pretence, which he even made Kolawole to pay an initial N3 million as commitment fee.

Headded that the complainant later paid N10 million as the first installment pay for the four-bedroom house and another N5 million, totalling N18 million.

The EFCC witness said he discovered during investigation that Audu took Kolawole to one plot of land in Idu-Sabo Village, Abuja, where he claimed that the land was proposed for mass housing estate.

He said the accused made five different statements during interrogation at the EFCC office, and craved the indulgence of the court to tender the statements in evidence.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

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NEWS

Nasarawa police killings: Ombatse opposes panel’s mandate

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HE Judicial Commission of Enquiry probing the killing of security forces at Alakyo in Nasarawa State was yesterday told that it lacked the legal powers to do some of its assignment.

The Legal Adviser to the Ombatse Militia Group, Mr Zachary Zammani Alumugu, spoke at the inaugural sitting of the commission in Lafia, the state capital.

Alumugu said Ombatse was never banned.

The panel was set up by Governor Tanko al-Makura following the killing of over 50 policemen and operatives of the State Security Services (SSS) in an ambush allegedly by members of the Ombatse members at Alakyo on May 7.

But the group denied complicity in the mass killing.

Alumugu explained that the group’s preliminary objection was to enable the commission decide if it was competent to adjudicate on some of the provisions in its terms of reference regarding the alleged proscription of Ombatse by the Nasarawa State Government last year.

He said: “I want to derail a little, to comment on the setting up of this commission and its terms of reference, particularly as they relate to the use of other laws.

“For instance, number two of the terms of reference mandates the commission to enquire into why Ombatse was still existing, despite its proscription vide Nasarawa State Legal Notice No. 4 of 2012.

“With the greatest respect, I want to tell the commission that this law was fraudulently made. It has never been. The making of a law like this has procedures.

“You will have to set up either a District Judge or a Justice of the Peace to look into the problems of the people and thereafter agree and make recommendations.

“It is on the basis of that that the governor can make this law. That has not been done. The penal section this commission has been asked to use can only be executed by a District Judge.

“If this commission uses that law, I want to ask, with what power? Are you clothed with the powers of a District Judge or by the mere fact that you are a Commission, you now assume other powers?

“Those two laws, with the greatest respect, are inappropriate as far as I am concerned. I am saying so because we don’t know where to go subsequently.”

The lawyer explained that it was a cardinal principle of criminal justice that a person being brought to trial must be told his offences in clear terms to enable him defend himself.

Alumugu said: “In the face of what I refer to as defective laws to be used by the commission, how do we prepare ourselves? This is what I want to point out.

“Like I said before, I don’t know whether it will be the duty of the commission itself to reassess it or we will proceed only probably without that law, because this is a very serious business.

“The combined effect of this commission, with its terms of reference is ‘go and prepare a First Information Report (FIR) and bring it.’

“Is this commission clothed with such powers? So, we want to see whether we can come around and joke or come around and look serious. The nature of this commission is not one that any one should joke with.

“We are talking about the death of people. Consequently, there will be the death of other people in the event they are found to have had a hand in it. That will be the recommendation to charge them under Section 221. And that is where we are having a problem.”

When the Commission’s Chairman, Justice Fola Gbadeyan (rtd), asked the lawyer whether that was

• Justice Gbadeyan (left) with other members of the commission: Brig.-Gen. Woriboye Iruenabere (rtd.); Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Hamisu Ali Jos (rtd.) and Malama Goggo Bayero, at the sitting in Lafia, ...yesterday.

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE From Sanni Onogu, Lafia

his recommendation, he said: “No. That is what I assume by the provision, sir. What I am saying is that if it is so, we should be told clearly that the commission will use all those laws so that we can prepare ourselves properly.”

When further asked by Justice Gbadeyan if he submitted a memo to the panel, Alumugu said: “Yes, sir. On behalf of the people of Eggon, in Doma Local Government Area.”

Justice Gbadeyan, who was the Chief Judge of Kwara State, told the lawyer that the doors were still open for him to retrieve his memorandum and include the objections he raised.

He warned that it was wrong to cross a bridge one has not reached.

In an interview with The Nation, Alumugu said the introduction of the alleged “fraudulent and defective laws” into the panel’s mandate was an attempt to “rig” Ombatse into the killing saga.

He said: “Just because you want to rig Ombatse into it, Law Number Four is proscribing Ombatse. It was done in the governor’s bedroom.

This is supposed to be an open thing.

“You must set up a panel and the panel must invite people who will contribute. It is on the basis of the recommendations of that panel that you can proceed to proscribe with that law. This is unknown to us. It never happened in Nasarawa State.

Nobody was ever invited.”

When asked whether he was challenging the jurisdiction of the panel, the lawyer said it was only on the proscription law and the reference made to the penal code.

Alumugu said: “We talk about the jurisdiction of the panel with respect to this law. I am not saying that the whole of the panel is wrong. They already have a law, which is the Judicial of Inquiry law. This is guiding them. But the state government has gone and brought in two other laws to guide them. It is these two other laws, that is, Law Number Four and the Penal Law of Northern Nigeria.

“There must be a District Judge or a Justice of the Peace who would sit. Based on his recommendations, the governor can make that law.

That has not been done, to our knowledge. So, how did he come to that conclusion?

“The commission should take notice that if they make any pronouncement in that area, it is going to no issue.”

The lawyer said he would appeal the decision of the panel, if it bases its findings on the controversial laws.

“We are going above. No doubt

‘We solicit the abiding cooperation of the media, making accurate, non-sensational and unbiased reportage of proceedings. The truth must be told truthfully. We will all do well by being less emotional’ about it. And that is why I say you are going to waste time because you are going to come back,” he said.

Alumugu stressed that no official of the Ombatse militia has been invited. He added that yet the group had been banned.

He said: “I am an official of Ombatse. I am the Legal Adviser. That is why I insist that I have not been banned. I have never been called to any commission to down and say whether I am good or bad.

“I have not been banned. So, why should they come and tell the commission to work on a law that does not exist?

“Secondly, you are asking the panel to use the Penal Law; that law should be constituted by a District Judge or Magistrate. If you say they should use it, did you swear in members of the Commission of Inquiry as District Judges or Magistrates? Or, can you just go and pick up a law from somewhere and start using it? This is what we are saying. So, I am opposed to using this law.”

On why he waited for the panel to be set up before raising objections, Alumugu said: “We were served with the law only when this Commission was set up. That was when we were told.”

On whether or not he was aware that Ombatse has been proscribed by the state government, the lawyer said: “We did not know. We heard it on the air that we were proscribed.”

On why he did not question the development earlier, Alumugu said: “Why should I question it?

Like I said before, Ombatse is a religious organisation. Have you proscribed the Catholic church? Or, have you proscribed the mosque?

Is it us that you take for granted?

We have stories to tell here. This is the time to do so, and I can assure you of that.”

In his inaugural address, Justice Gbadeyan said the commission would be guided by the principle of equity, fairness and justice in the

discharge of its duties to ensure peace.

He said: “It is our hope that the successful completion of the work of the commission will be the beginning of the end of the kind of violent conflicts at issue in the state.

“We solicit the abiding cooperation of the media, making accurate, non-sensational and unbiased reportage of proceedings. The truth must be told truthfully. We will all do well by being less emotional.

“We have been provided with all that we require to carry out our assignment. Moreso, we have been given free hands in the matter.”

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Innocent Lagi, urged the panel to discharge its responsibilities without fear or faour.

Lagi said: “It is the responsibility of every indigene and every citizen of this country to guarantee social order, particularly that of the government.

“On the part of government, it is its responsibility to both create and sustain social order, which is the abidance of the rules and regulations set up for human coexistence, considering the diverse nature of human beings.

“I will pray to God to give you the courage to discharge your responsibilities, firmly, faithfully, without fear or prejudice.”

The Chairman of the Nasarawa State branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), represented by Mr Ortan Gabriel Akaaka, said his members would cooperate with the panel to ease its job.

Akaaka said: “The task ahead of this commission is a very serious one. For members of the Bar, we assure you of our full cooperation so that the purpose for which this commission was established would be achieved.

“We want to request members of the public to divorce themselves from emotional matters because it is only when we do so we will be able to accomplish this mission. We will accord this commission with all relevant facts and issues that will assist its job.”

Others on the nine-member panel are: Mr Muntasir Mohammed; Mr. Ibrahim Bakut; a retired State Security Service (SSS) Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Woriboye Dick Iruenabere, a retired Assistant InspectorGeneral of Police (AIG) Hamisu Ali Jos (rtd.); Prof Femi Odekunle; Malama Zainab Goggo Bayero; an educationist, Mr. Idrisu Abdullahi Bawa; National President of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Asabe Baba Nahaya and a Permanent Secretary and the commission’s Secretary, Abubakar Sadiq Ishaq.

The panel will continue its assignment on Monday.

The “Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the recent killings of members of the Nigerian Security Forces (Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services), Destruction and Confiscation of Security Personnel’s Operational Vehicles and Weapons in Alakyo Village of Lafia Local Government Area and Matters Connected Therewith” has the following terms of reference: • To inquire into the remote and immediate cause(s) of the killings of over 50 Nigeria Security Personnel on the 7th of May, 2013 and the extent of the involvement of the outlawed ‘Ombatse Militia Group’ or any other group whatsoever in the said act and or mayhem.

•To inquire into how and why, despite its proscription vide Nasarawa State Legal Notice No. 4 of 2012, Vol. 15, the outlawed Ombatse Militia continued to cause breach of the peace in Nasarawa State.

•To inquire into how and where the outlawed Ombatse Militia was formed or evolved, its founders, promoters, sponsors, financiers, members, aiders and abbettors and examine their role(s) in the killings of the said Nigeria Security Operatives on or about the 7th of May, 2013 and recommend appropriate punishment for those found culpable within the provision of the Penal Code as applicable in Nasarawa State.

• To inquire into the modus operandi of the said outlawed Ombatse Militia and how it acquired/ acquires its finances, arms, ammunitions, charms and weapons of attack and destruction including how they are stored and distributed and identify persons or groups, supporters and or collaborators and recommend, provide and exert appropriate punishment for those found culpable within the provision of the Penal Code as applicable in Nasarawa State and other extant statues regulating arms and ammunitions.

•To identify the number of people including Nigeria Security Personnel who lost their lives and who sustained varying degrees of injuries, the extent of properties destroyed and damaged as well as the economic loss in the killings of Nigeria Security Personnel on or about May 7, 2013 and other areas of the state etc, and the perpetrators or culprits with a view to recommending, providing and or exerting appropriate penal sanctions in accordance with the Penal Code as applicable in Nasarawa State and other extant penal statutes, etc.

•To identify the persons, groups, community or communities, associations or organizations who have been involved, directly or indirectly whether as leaders, sponsors, financiers, members, aiders, foot soldiers, errand boys, spies, collaborators or backers, etc in the massive and unwarranted killings of individuals and large scale destruction of lives and properties at Alakyo, Barikin Abdullahi and Kwandare in Lafia Local Government, Iggah in Nasarawa Eggon Local Government, BurumBurum in Doma Local Government, Yelwa-Bassa in Kokona Local Government of Nasarawa State respectively and recommend, provide and exert appropriate penal sanctions in accordance with relevant penal statutes.

•To examine and proffer suggestions/advice on ways, means and methodology through which Government can deal with, curb and completely wipe out the activities of this outlawed militia or any other militia or illegal or anti-social group or groups in the state; and •To highlight any other matter incidental to the Commission’s terms of reference and make appropriate recommendation(s).”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

• Policemen and sympathisers on t-he scene of the incident ... yesterday.

PHOTOS: DAYO ADEWUNMI

•Some Fire Service man at work

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N early morning fire has destroyed goods at the Apapa, Lagos warehouse of Coscharis Group of Companies.

Gone in yesterday’s fire were petroleum products and various goods worth millions of naira.

No life was lost.

Workers and sympathisers joined Fire Service men and Julius Berger officials to battle the fire. None of the workers

Fire guts Coscharis’ warehouse

By Uyoatta Eshiet

could ascertain the cause of the fire.

Policemen led by Assistant Commissioner (ACP) Hakeem Odumosu were on hand to ensure safety of lives and prop-

erty.

The Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Mr Rasaq Fadipe, said at 6.57 pm yesterday that the fire had been contained, but not yet completely put out "because of the contents of the warehouse."

Fadipe said the fire reportedly

began around 4 am, but they were alerted at about 6.12am.

He said his men got there with 10,000 water-capacity trucks and specialised fire trucks containing chemicals with cannons from the Secretariat, Alausa,Ikeja.

Trader gets 21 years for N4.2m fraud

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LAGOS High Court, Ikeja on Thursday, sentenced a trader, Aruna Adeshina, to a 21-year imprisonment for defrauding his clients of N4.2 million.

The court, presided over by Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo, handed down the sentence after the defendant pleaded guilty to the three-count charge of obtaining money by false pretences preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

By Adebisi Onanuga

The judge sentenced him to seven-year imprisonment on each of the counts.

Counsel to the EFCC, Mrs Bunmi Bosede, had alleged that Adeshina, in January 2008, collected various sums of money from the trio of Joy Fomah, Henry Fomah and Bakare Adeyinka.

Bosede said that the defendant obtained the money under the pretext of supplying the victims with various

quantities of used batteries and magnesium cast.

According to her, the trader failed to supply the products after collecting the money, a development that prompted his clients to petition the EFCC. She said the offence contravened Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act No. 14, Laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2006.

The defendant was first arraigned on September 16,

2008 when he pleaded not guilty to the charge. But on April 29, this year, he pleaded guilty.

In his judgement, yesterday, Justice Onigbanjo said the sentences would run concurrently, starting from June 1,2010.

He also ordered that Adeshina's two landed property in the Alagbado area of the state, which was initially seized by the EFCC, should be forfeited to his victims as restitution.

Appeal Court grants remanded bus driver bail

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UCK yesterday smiled on a commercial bus driver, Quadri Kasali, who has been held in prison custody since March for 'attempted murder' of a Lagos judge, Justice Adeniyi Adebajo.

The Court of Appeal, Lagos, granted him bail.

The 33-year-old bus driver was first arraigned at a Tinubu Magistrate's Court, Lagos where he was remanded in prison custody until the matter was transferred to Justice Christopher Balogun of the High Court.

According to the charge sheet,

By Precious Igbonwelundu

Kasali on March 1, 2012 was driving a commercial bus with registration number XA 242 KLK at Moloney Street, Lagos Island at 2:20 pm where he obstructed other road users.

Although Kasali pleaded not guilty to the charge, he was denied bail on several occasions by Balogun, who at the last hearing, adjourned the matter till September 20 for hearing on a fresh application to quash the case filed by counsel to Kasali, Femi Falana (SAN).

Dissatisfied by Justice Balogun's ruling, which dismissed Kasali's bail application on the grounds that there was no concrete evidence that he would show up for trial and no particular address attached to his application, Falana approached the appellate court, praying that the defendant be granted bail.

In a ruling delivered by Justice Shagbaor Ikyegh, the Appeal Court held that the offence of attempted murder with which he was charged was a bailable offence and granted him

Pastor, others allegedly defile teenagers

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PASTOR with the Deeper Life Bible Church, Eze Fidelis, has been arrested by the Edo State Police Command for allegedly defiling two teenagers.

Eze was among 32 suspects paraded for various offences, including kidnapping, car snatching, armed robbery, cultism and fraud.

He allegedly defiled a nine-year-old girl at Abudu in Orhionmwon Local Government Area.

Commissioner of Police Foluso Adebanjo said it was the victim's father who noticed that his daughter was not walking well. Upon enquiry, the victim told him that it was as a result of the sexual intercourse she had with the pastor.

Eze blamed his ordeal on the devil, but said he committed the act over a year ago.

He said: "I am 47 years old. I have been a pastor for 10 years. Their parents attended my church before they left, but the girls were still coming to my house.

“Joy came with her friend and the Satan

‘Satan tempted me ...Their parents discovered and I confessed after which they forgave me’ From Osagie Otabor, Benin

tempted me. They didn't cry and I did not do anything reasonable with them.

I gave them N50. Their parents discovered and I confessed after which they forgave me."

Three others - 42-year-old Segun Otaru; Cole Saturday, 35, and Eugene Odozor - were also paraded for allegedly defiling teenagers of about 12 years of age.

Cole and Eugene denied having carnal knowledge of the other "victims."

Adebanjo said the suspects would soon be charged to court.

•Eze

bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties each in like sum.

The sureties, the court said, must have landed property in Lagos and must file an affidavit of means.

The appellate court noted that there were no facts in the counter- affidavit of the respondent (Lagos State) disputing the fact that the appellant was a first time offender, adding that he is presumed innocent until proved otherwise.

Kasali was therefore granted bail on the strength of his supporting affidavit.

He said: "The fire was serious because the goods stored in the warehouse were mainly lubricants and other petroleum products. With the support of volunteers, we put it under control."

Fadipe warned residents

against storing inflammable items. He also recommended fire-fighting equipment for homes and organisations in preparation for such incidents.

"They must have fire hydrants, fire-detection equipment and fire protection systems," he said.

Support for Police College STANBIC IBTC Pension Managers Limited, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, has donated a water project to the Nigeria Police Training School, Odukpani, Calabar, Cross River State.

The facility, with 16,000-litre water storage tanks, was commissioned by the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Kola Shodipo.

Shodipo, who was represented by Chris Mbazor, an Assistant Commissioner (ACP), praised the donor, saying the gesture would bring great relief to the school community and students, who hitherto walked long distances

By Uyoatta Eshiet

in search of water.

The school's Commandant, Assistant Commissioner (ACP) Godwin Ahulor, said: "I appreciate Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited for this gesture, which will bring huge relief to every member of this community."

Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited, Dr Demola Sogunle, represented by the Head of Sales, Mr Bimbo Ladele, said the project was a fulfillment of the group's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), aimed at lifting its host communities.

HIV/AIDS: Agency partners Muslims UNITED Kingdom (UK) agency on HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination reduction, Hope for HIV/AIDS International, has held its first joint summit with the Muslim community in Lagos State.

The summit held at the NRC Building, Iju-Ishaga, s suburb of the state. Mrs Folashade Lediju of the state Aids Control Agency, who was there, said the summit, organised by IfakoIjaiye Local Government, with the UK agency, is would fight stigmatisation of people living with HIV/AIDS among Muslims.

She said sufferers should not

By Uyoatta Eshiet

be burdened by stigmatisation, adding that a law had been enacted to protect the victims.

The agency's Program Officer, Femi Olayinka, said the summit was to initiate, mobilise and empower faith-based leaders with the skills needed to reach out to their immediate communities to reduce stigma and discrimination of HIV/ AIDS victims.

Other sponsors of the programme were: World Association for Christian Community in Canada (WACC) and the Department for International Development (DFID), UK.

Kogi commissioner wins award THE Board of Trustees of Transparency Nigeria Award, a non-governmental group, has confirmed the nomination of Ndamodu Ali, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Kogi State, as the Best Performing Commissioner in North Central, Nigeria, in the year.

A statement signed by Mr.

Timothy Ave (President) and Peretine Ikenebomeh, the body’s Head of Media, said Ali, a lawyer, had shown that he is a transparent public official. "He is honest, dedicated and trustworthy. He is a role model in grassroots development. He has made the people’s welfare his priority since he came into office.

Rotary Club inducts president THE Rotary Club of Ikeja, District 9110, will on Sunday, induct Rotarian Goke Olayinka as its 47th president.

The investiture ceremony, slated for the Best Western Hotel Ikeja, Lagos, will also feature the induction of the district's 2013/2014 Board of

Directors.

Dignitaries expected at the event include: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru; Chairman, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Tunde Savage; and Oba Kehinde Gbadewole, Olugbenle 11, the Olu of Ilaro, Ogun State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

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NEWS Bishop hosts seminary old boys

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HE Catholic Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, His Grace Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins, will, on Sunday host the old boys of his alma mater, St Theresa’s Catholic minor Seminary, Oke-Are, Ibadan.

Part of the activities is the launch of the Oke-Are Seminary Old Boys Association of Nigeria (OSOBAN) souvenir at the Holy Cross Catholic Church, Lagos.

Archbishop Martins will be conferred with the membership of the Lagos branch of the association on that day.

A thanksgiving mass will herald the event, according to a statement by OSOBAN Secretary, Bosun Babatunde.

The archbishop said he would be delighted to have his ‘seniors’, ‘mates’ and ‘juniors’ converge on Lagos “to reminisce on our days in the seminary.”

Catholic faithful from all walks of life will attend the event to support Bishop Martins.

A keynote address will be delivered by a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and former Head of Accounts, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), Mr. Simon Agbro, who is also an old boy of the seminary.

The branch Chairman Alex Davies hailed Archbishop Martins for accepting to host the summit, saying the school offered them quality education.

Ajah land dispute: Court declares Olumegbon owners, overlords A LAGOS High Court, Igbosere, has re-affirmed that the Olumegbon family is the owner and overlord of Ajah and Okun-Ajah land.

In a judgment on suit ID/ 2638/01 filed by Chief Taiwo Elemoro against Apostle Abai Olarewaju and four others, Justice Beatrice Oke-Lawal held that Chief Olumegbon (second defendant) was recognised and accepted as the overlord.

Referring to a Supreme Court judgment in suit SC/ 148/1997 of December 9, 2002, Justice Oke-Lawal said the Ojupon and Ogunsemo families of Ajah recognised and accepted Chief Olumegbon (second defendant) as the overlord of Ajah and agreed to disclose to Chief Olumegbon the land sold or leased and amount collected.

By Precious Igbonwelundu

She held that the evidence of the defendant’s witnesses was that members of the claimant’s family were not there throughout the procedure for excision, hence the claimant failed to provide evidence of his involvement.

The claimant had, in his originating processes, prayed the court for a declaration that the land measuring 23.43 hectares constituting Ajiwe Village Excision published in the Lagos State official Gazette No. 9 Vol. 29 of March 28, 1996 belongs to him and that any purported sale of the land should be declared null and void.

The first defendant (Apostle Olarewaju) in his counter claim urged the court to declare him as the owner of the land in dis-

pute.

They were both disappointed as Justice Oke-Lawal held that neither the claimant nor the first defendant satisfied the court that they were entitled to the relief sought.

On the relief sought by the claimant, the judge held: “In the case before me, the claimant failed to call witnesses to buttress his claim. He failed to adduce credible evidence as to the root of title he pleaded and as to the devolution of the title claimed from his ancestor to him”.

The court further held that the evidence of the claimant was vague as he failed to plead the genealogy to disclose a continuous chain of devolution.

Justice Oke-Lawal said based on the weight of evidence before the court, the family of the

claimant cannot be said to be settlers or founders of the land in dispute.

“The evidence of the witness for the claimant conflicts with the evidence of the claimant as he stated that his family gave the claimant’s family land. The claimant’s denial is weakened by his own evidence that he met the Ogunsemo family and asked for their blessing to be on the land. The evidence of their witness that the Ogunsemo family gave them the land is supported by the evidence of the defendant’s witness. I therefore find that the evidence before me does not establish the averment of the claimant that his family found the land,” the court held.

On the counter-claim filed

Woman gives birth six months after first delivery From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

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Osun commissioner loses mum

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LHAJA Radihat Feyisara Anike Ayedun is dead.

The deceased, who is the mother of the Osun State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Sikiru Adetona Ayedun, died on July 13. She was 81.

Alhaja Ayedun has been buried according to Islamic rites.

The eighth day Fidau for the repose of her soul will hold tomorrow in Ile-Ife.

UI alumni to discuss waste management

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HE University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), Lagos State branch, will, at this month’s edition of its General Meeting/Sharing Experience, host the Managing Director, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr. Ola Oresanya. He is to speak on the topic: ‘Waste Management to Wealth.’

A statement by the association’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Idowu Sowunmi, said the event, scheduled for July 28, would be attended by past and present alumni of the university.

“We have introduced new dimensions to our General Meeting/Sharing Experience.

Ours is not just a meeting point but an avenue to share experience on issues of national importance. This month’s event will feature Mr. Oresanya at the Osun Hall, Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja at 3pm. We enjoin our members to attend the meeting,” the statement said.

It added that considering the volume of waste daily generated by the people, the topic is of necessity for everybody “in view of its relevance to the national and global environmental situation in our society.”

by the first defendant, the court held that it was clear that the first defendant failed to place before the court credible evidence to substantiate his claims as stated in his counter-claim.

The court held that the onus and burden on the claimant to satisfy the court on his evidence that he was entitled to a declaration of title also applied to the first defendant.

“In conclusion, I find that the claimant has failed to establish their claim and the claimant’s claim fails in its entirety and is accordingly dismissed. Also the first defendant failed to establish his claim in the counterclaim, there is no evidence to support the counter-claim. It therefore fails and is accordingly dismissed.”

From left: Chief Executive Officer, Arise Consultancy Services Ltd, Prof. Asisi Asobie; representative of the Solicitor-General of the Federation, Mr Charles Atebor; Minister of Justice, Mr Mohammed Adoke; and National Programme Manager, Justice for All Programme Office, British Council, Dr Bob Arnot; at the Stakeholders’ Validation Workshop on the Draft of the Nigeria Anticorruption Strategy in Abuja... yesterday.

Ladoja’s certificate doubtful, says Oyo ACN T HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Oyo State chapter, has said it doubts the engineering certificate of the former governor of the state and leader of the Accord, Senator Rashidi Ladoja.

The party’s view was expressed in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Dauda Kolawole, in response to a newspaper interview granted

by Ladoja where he cast aspersions on the recently-inaugurated fly-over by the Governor Abiola Ajimobi administration.

Ladoja, in the interview, said he wondered why barriers were put at the entrances of the bridge, adding that it was a reflection that the bridge was badly built.

But the ACN said the former governor was exhibiting his widely-perceived limitations and depth.

“We wonder which school of engineering Ladoja passed through. Was he ever taught Introductory Highway Engineering in school? If he was, although he claimed to be a chemical engineer, this naivety, dressed in the robe of ignorance, would have been addressed at such an elementary level. This naivety is too striking. We recommend that his engineering certificate be withdrawn forthwith,” ACN said.

It said in all cities of the world, articulated vehicles and other heavy trucks were dis-

couraged from the highway to minimise road casualties, adding that this was one of the reasons barriers were placed on the overhead bridge.

“This is a usual Ladoja trait.

He presents as a yokel, even on matters that demand frankness and forthrightness. But this exhibition of palpable naivety is embarrassing. To imagine that such a person, who could not articulate the need for a reduction in highway casualty, had been in the governorship saddle for that long in Oyo State is worse than a casualty,” ACN said.

According to the party, one other reason, which made the need to barricade the bridge important, was that if an articulated lorry or truck broke down on the bridge, it would cause a traffic jam that would inflict pains on road users.

“Ladoja is continuing his interminable dream. He said in that interview that he dreamt to build the Mokola bridge and two others. We have reminded him in the past that all over the world, no one remembers dreamers.

“Indeed, graveyards are full of them. The world only celebrates achievers and actualisers. He should continue to dream, while Ajimobi actualises. He also claimed that he had a blueprint, which Ajimobi was following. Between Ladoja and Ajimobi, in terms of their mental depth, who should copy the blueprint of the other? It is his usual trait of deceptive politicking aimed at giving him undeserved relevance,” ACN said.

Condemning the former governor for comparing his efforts in government with those of Ajimobi, the party said the people of the state were wiser.

•Ladoja

“Our people can differentiate who possesses superior mental capability to govern Oyo State between him and Ajimobi. The Iwo Road/Olodo Road he claimed to have built lasted barely a year before it began to fall apart.

“How dare Ladoja put that dross of a road beside the worldclass roads being built in Oyo State now? Ladoja should look behind him: the people are mocking him for those clearly worthless comparisons,” ACN said.

‘Adolescent pregnancy rooted in poverty, gender inequality’

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DOLESCENT pregnancy is not only a health issue; it is also rooted in poverty, gender inequality, violence, forced marriage and power imbalance between adolescent girls and their male partners.

The Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola on Economic Planning and Budget, Mrs. Iyabowale Aluko, said this in Lagos at the World Population Day. She said this year’s theme: ‘Adolescent pregnancy’, described the need to undertake steps to ensure the development of the girl-child.

She said the state government would protect the

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

rights of the girl- child to meet the set target.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Bayo Sodade, said statistics showed that millions of adolescent girls face discrimination and exclusion, which prevent`them from claiming their rights and living out their true potential.

He said the day is designed to increase people’s awareness on population issues, such as the importance of family planning, gender equality, poverty, maternal health and human rights.

ESIDENTS of Oyo town are stunned that a woman has been delivered of a baby boy six months after she gave birth to a girl.

A source said the woman got married in Lagos and was barren for eight years. She conceived and gave birth to a baby girl last February.

The source said a few weeks after delivery, the woman observed that her womb did not reduce, which prompted her husband to take her to an undisclosed hospital, where they were told that she had fibroid.

The Nation learnt that the family felt dissatisfied and travelled to Oyo town where they were advised to try the State Hospital.

A medical team examined the woman and found that she neither had fibroid nor abdominal problem, but a pregnancy that was growing.

Considering that the baby she was carrying is as precious as the one she had in February, the medical team offered the couple an option of a caesarian section.

They agreed and an operation was successfully carried out.

In an interview with our correspondent, the Acting Chief Consultant of the hospital, who led the medical team to perform the surgery, Dr. Mukaila Adeniyi Alayo, said after going through the woman’s antenatal history till delivery and serial ultra-sound monitoring, the baby was found to be doing fine.

Said he: “The last scan showed that there was foetal macrosomia (big boy) in her womb. In medical science, there is no improbability.”

Alayo went on: “The reason for the strange pregnancy could likely be that the woman ovulated again after the 20th week of the pregnancy of the first baby. The ovum was fertilised by the husband and the child was implanted beside the other one inside the uterus.

A consultant gynaecologist/ obstretician may know better, but the theory we are postulating may not be far from the truth.”

Alayo said the baby boy weighed about four kilogrammes and the first baby (a girl) weighed 2.8 kilogrammes.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

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NEWS

Oyo college crisis: Policeman injured, 40 students arrested

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ONTRARY to the rumour and media reports that two students of the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education (EACOED), Oyo, died during a protest on Wednesday, The Nation’s investigations have shown that no student was killed.

It was learnt that property worth millions of naira were destroyed and a mobile police sergeant was injured during the crisis.

A source said the property torched included a resource centre and cyber café, provost’s office, the college bookshop, lecture halls and porter’s lodge.

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

The source said the students, who wore masks during the protest, were armed with cutlasses, axes, diggers and carried jerry-cans of petrol. Workers ran as they approached the college.

It was also gathered that the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the college was allegedly robbed of an unspecified amount of money and his two mobile phones were stolen by the students after he was beaten and injured.

The source said the special anti-cultism unit of the students rescued the CSO from being killed.

“This prompted the college management to invite the police to quell the crisis.”

According to the source, the intervention of a combined team of the regular, special anti-robbery squad and anti-riot policemen led by the Area Commander and Assistant Commissioner Wale Olokode, saved the situation from degenerating.

Our source said the police restored peace and 40 students were arrested.

The Acting Provost, Mr. Oyewobi, described the protest as unjustified.

He said: “We have told the students that there is no plan to increase tuition fees. We

suspect a fifth columnist in this baseless protest, otherwise why should students wear masks and carry weapons during a protest? No student died during the protest.”

The Area Police Commander also said nobody died. He said the students injured a policeman.

When our correspondent visited the college yesterday, it was shut.

Armed policemen from five divisions, including the special anti-robbery squad and an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) manned by mobile policemen, were stationed at the entrance of the college.

NDLEA discovers cocaine in ceramics, buttons

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FFICIALS of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday discovered cocaine concealed inside ceramics meant for interior decoration and buttons.

The discovery was made at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos when officers of the agency broke the ceramic ornaments.

Two suspected drug traffickers, who were arrested in connection with the illegal import from Brazil, said they were involved in the shady deal because they could not resist the monetary offers made to them by their sponsors.

The NDLEA Airport Commander, Hamza Umar, said the suspects are Ogbonna Chukwuemeka Moses, 38 and Otum Godgive Osundu, 45.

Said he: “The suspects were found to have concealed cocaine in their luggage on their way from Brazil.

Ogbonna had 1.435kg of cocaine hidden in ceramics and buttons and Otum packed 1.180kg of cocaine also in ceramics.

They have given us useful information and investigation is in progress.”

Ogbonna, who hails from Enugu State, lived in Brazil for two years. He said he was asked to bring samples of the ceramics and buttons to Nigeria for marketing.

“I am married to a Brazilian woman, who is carrying my baby. I agreed to bring the drugs because I need money to take care of my expectant wife. They promised to pay me $10,000. It was a good offer and I had

•Suspects: we couldn’t resist monetary offers

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

planned to use the money to take care of my family,” Ogbonna said.

Otum, who lived in Brazil for five years, said he needed the money to settle down in

Nigeria with his wife and four children.

His words: “I went to Brazil in 2007 in search of greener pastures. I have tried my best, but life has been difficult. They promised to pay me N1 million and I agreed to bring the

•Cocaine found inside buttons and ceramics...yesterday

Gunmen kill senator’s driver

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DRIVER attached to Senator Ayo Arise, Mr. Nasir Saliu, was yesterday confirmed dead at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

He died following the multiple gunshots fired at him by unknown gunmen suspected to be armed robbers at Ikolaba, Bodija, Ibadan.

It was learnt that the armed men attacked Saliu and his cousin, Moshood, who came to Ibadan from Ado-Ekiti to buy a fairly used (Tokunbo) car on Wednesday.

The hoodlums were said to have trailed them to a bank where they withdrew an undisclosed sum of money.

The suspected robbers reportedly escaped with N650,000, the money the men wanted to use to buy a car.

Spokesman for the UCH, Ayodeji Bobade, who confirmed that the two men were brought to the emergency unit of the hospital on

From: Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

Wednesday, said: “Nasir Saliu has died, but Moshood is undergoing treatment.”

Senator Arise expressed shock at the murder of his driver, saying: “Nasir was like my son. He had been my driver since 1999. He left Abuja for Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday so that he could pick me up at the Akure Airport on Friday.

“On Wednesday, he went to Ibadan to buy a car, but was killed. I learnt he had N650,000 on him. The law enforcement agencies should be alive to their responsibilities.

“On his way from the bank, he was attacked by armed robbers. They shot him and his cousin, Moshood, who came with him.”

The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the incident. Its spokesman, Mrs. Olabisi Ilobanefor, said two people have been arrested in connection with the incident.

drugs. I did not imagine that I would be caught. Unfortunately, the officers broke the ceramics and found the drugs.”

He is from Abia State.

The Chairman/Chief Executive of the agency, Ahmadu Giade, said it is prepared to uncover the tricks barons adopt in smuggling drugs.

“NDLEA is prepared to uncover the tricks that drug barons adopt in concealing drugs.

This seizure will serve as a warning to the cartels that they are running out of tricks,” Giade added.

The suspects will soon be charged to court.

Driver kills Civil Defence official

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N official of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr. Taiwo Adesuyi, was yesterday killed by a driver on Housing Estate Road, Ado-Ekiti.

He was reportedly heading for the headquarters of the command.

The incident, which occurred about 10am, left a part of the road covered with blood. Broken parts of a motorcycle also littered the scene.

According to findings, Adesuyi, 28 years, an Inspector in Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti East Division of the NSCDC, was an indigene of Ipao-Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area of the state.

He was reportedly heading for the NSCDC headquarters for an official engagement before his death.

The driver, who was said to be between 18 and 20 years, is inexperienced. The vehicle is a Mitsubishi Space bus with registration number Ondo AH 497 KAK. An eyewitness said the bus hit the motorcycle from behind, killing Taiwo, the passenger, but the okada rider escaped death.

The eyewitness said: “I was fixing my machine a little after 10am when I heard the sound of a vehicle trying to stop. The vehicle hit a motorcycle from behind. It was a serious accident.

“We rushed to the scene and found the NSCDC official inside a drainage. The

‘We lifted the bus up before we brought him out. The okada rider was lucky to be alive. I think he jumped off the motorcycle’ From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

right side wheels of the Space bus was on him. He was soaked in blood and already dead.

“We lifted the bus up before we brought him out. The okada rider was lucky to be alive. I think he jumped off the motorcycle.”

NSCDC spokesman Tolu Afolabi, who confirmed the accident, said the remains of the officer had been deposited at the mortuary of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH).

He said the deceased, who is survived by a wife and children, was buried yesterday.

The Police Commissioner, Mr. Sotonye Wakama, confirmed the incident. He said the driver has been arrested and detained.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

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NEWS SOLAT TIME (Zamfara)

RAMADAN KAREEM

Fajr Zuhr Asr Magrib Ishai

(Delta)

– 4:56 – 12:42 – 4:04 – 7:04 – 8:19

am pm pm pm pm

Fajr Zuhr Asr Magrib Ishai

(Ondo)

– 5:10 – 12:43 – 4:07 – 6:55 – 8:07

am pm pm pm pm

Fajr Zuhr Asr Magrib Ishai

– 5:10 am – 12:46 pm – 4:11 pm – 7:01 pm – 8:14 pm

Ramadan 9th, 1434AH

(Source: Islamicfinder.org)

ACN chieftain hails foundation

Be godly says cleric

By Musa Odoshimokhe

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CTION Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Legal Adviser Dr Muiz Banire has commended Fatima Charity Foundation for implementing wonderful projects.

Both Banire and the Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area Comrade Ayodele Adewale described the impact of the foundation as positive.

The foundation was a brainchild of Hajia Fatimat Bintu Tinubu, wife of the late police Chief Kafaru Tinubu.

The duo spoke at a Ramadan lecture, entitled: Zakaat: A Comprehensive Approach organised by the foundation in collaboration with Amuwo-Odofin.

The ACN chieftain emphasized the importance of Zakat and said nobody can claim to be successful until he or she impacts on others pos-

•From right: Hajia Tinubu; Dr Banire; Comrade Adewale; Imam Shuaib and Ansar-ud-Deen National Missioner Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad at the event... yesterday

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

itively.

He enjoined wealthy Muslims to see Zakaat as an obligation.

Adewale affirmed that Zakaat is a unique instrument for poverty alleviation, as wealth is transferred from the rich to the poor.

“The Zakaat payment to

RAMADAN GUIDE WITH FEMI ABBAS e-mail: femabbas@yahoo.com Tel: 08122697498

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Wives in Ramadan

ERHAPS, in no other month of Hijrah calendar is the role of Muslim women more pronounced than in Ramadan. Like in other months, they display the roles of wives, mothers as well as that of their husband's confidants. But more than in other months, they exhibit their spiritual dedication in to the core in Ramadan.

In that sacred month they fast like their men counterparts. They pray five times daily like them. They join those men in observing Tarawih. Some of them even attend Tafsir and public lectures. Yet they do their daily work just like men counterparts in the offices, shops, or farms. And they never relent in carrying out their matrimonial duties.

Even as they assist their husbands financially in maintaining the homes, they still take care of those husbands as well as the children and relatives domestically. At the time of the day when the husbands are knocked out by fatigue arising from fasting, the wives are still busy in the kitchen preparing Iftar for the household. At the time in the night when some husbands are engaged in Tahajjud, or are snoring in bed, the wives are already up in the kitchen preparing the Sahur for the family. And, interestingly, their role in preparing sahur is more rewarding than the nawafil observed by their husbands. This is because they care for all while the husbands care for selves alone.

Some of these women are carrying pregnancy. Some are suckling their children. Some of them are even knowledgeable enough to do the Tilawah (recitation of the Qur'an) like their husbands or observe nawafil like them. Besides, some wives are rich enough to finance the home fully or partially.

And, in all these activities, they never feel tired. Where and when they feel tired, they never show it. If any month has ever depicted the virtues of women, it is Ramadan and the women activities in it. If for the reason of their activities in Ramadan alone, Muslim wives deserve tenderness and dignified treatment in the hands of their husbands.

the less-privileged will automatically lessen the burden of the government and indirectly reduce the rate of crime in our community,” he said.

The council boss gave scholarship to a four-year old, Master Abdul Rahmon Aremu, for his brilliance in the recitation of the Holy Quran off heart.

The guest speaker, Imam

Abdullah Shuaib, Executive Director of Zakaat and Sadaqat Foundation said Nigeria is facing a lot of problems because people have failed to see the relevance of Zakaat in contemporary society.

Imam Shuaib stressed that Zakat would eradicate the ills in the society, if properly executed.

President of the Foundation Hajia Tinubu hailed Comrade Adewale for ensuring religious harmony in the council.

“He is not a Muslim but he treats everyone equally,” she noted.

She urged Muslims to hold on strongly to the tenets of Islam and pray for peace in the country.

Nigerians told to eschew discrimination

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IGERIANS have been told to eschew any acts of discrimination and pursue oneness, peaceful coexistence and cooperation.

Gombe State Secretary of the Jama’atu Naril Islam JNI, Alhaji Saleh Danburam made the call at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) seventh Ramadan Lecture, organised by JNI and the Gombe State government.

He also called on journalists to always crosscheck their facts in order to avoid misinforming the public and

From Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

scuttling the peace.

He said the biggest task ahead of us is that our leaders should pursue justice while those being led should be obedient to the laws of the land and Allah.”

The JNI scribe urged Islamic adherents to pursue knowledge in order to equip themselves with the ability to decipher good from bad, saying this underscores why the state government is intervening in tsnagaya schools (Islamic schools) with a view to harmonising orthodox

and Islamic education.

Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo also urged Muslims to pursue Western education because in it lies the understanding of what is right or wrong.

Represented by the Commissioner of Higher Education, Dr. Muhammad Isa Wade, Dankwambo emphasised the need for a total dedication to the will of Allah because of the life after now.

“The most important thing is to look for is the period between life and death because we shall all give account of our activities,” he said.

Scholar canvasses people-oriented laws

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RENOWNED Islamic scholar Sheikh Dhikrullahi Shafi’I has called on the political class to make laws to suit the socio-cultural beliefs of the people.

Sheikh Shafi’I said laws are meant to aid the well being of the people and if contrary, such laws should be discarded.

The Mufti of Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO) spoke on various issues during a Tafsir session in Lagos.

According to him, the legislative and executive arm of government must recognise the supremacy of Allah as the ultimate lawmaker.

He bemoaned a situation whereby man makes law that is anti-nature.

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

He chided the Western world for promoting homosexuality and lesbianism, saying it is against the nature of mankind.

Sheikh Shafi’I hailed the National Assembly (NASS) for not only resisting pressures from the Western world to endorse same-sex marriage in Nigeria but slammed a jail term on offenders.

He called on the Lagos State Government to emulate the National Assembly in law formulation.

According to him, the recently signed Cremation law

by Governor Babatunde Fashola is against the nature of fu-

neral.

He expressed displeasure over the reason given by the governor when signing the bill into law.

His words: “We cannot because of economic benefits throw caution to the wind. If because of some investors, we decided to make laws that is against the socio-cultural beliefs of our people, of what benefit is such law?

“The fact that leaders of Muslims and Christians are against such bill should have made the bill end in the dustbin during the public hearing but government went on with it against the popular wish.

This negates democratic value of which decision lies with the

HE University of Lagos Mosque Chief Imam Prof. Murtala Bidmus has urged Nigerians to allow religious life permeate their social responsibilities.

He spoke at a lecture organised by Abass Elegba Community Development Foundation (AECDF), at Ijaiye Housing Estate. It was titled: “Role of Education in Nation Building: Islamic Perspective.

Prof Bidmus said most of things people learn at their religious places are not being practised at their places of work.

He said: “Ramadan ushers in the period of learning but incidentally, Nigerians don’t take religion to offices. Most of the things we do are only taken from secular perspectives; people hardly reflect on God when they perform their jobs.

“Ramadan is going to teach you lessons of purity and how to live a decent life but do we take these lessons to our office?

Do we practise the lessons impacted on our profession? Do we remember God in your offices as a contractor, civil servant or politician?”

He explained that there must be integration between religion and secular duties to foster development.

AECDF initiator Prof Samsondeen Elegba said the foundation has been assisting deserving students in the areas of books and other basic things.

He noted that women should only be concerned about the doctrine of the Beijing Conference but should support the female-child to realise her potentials.

“The topic is equally germane to national development, everybody in this country agreed that there is fallen standard of education in the country. Though there are different reasons for the fallen standard but we are all victims of the consequence,” he said.

•Sheikh Shafi’i

majority.”

Burial of unclaimed bodies he said, is the responsibility of government.

He urged government to live up to its responsibility.

RAMADAN DIET Abdullah ibn `Amr reported that the Messenger of Allah, said: "The fast and the Qur'an are two intercessors for the servant of Allah on the Day of Resurrection.

The fast will say: 'O Lord, I prevented him from his food and desires during the day. Let me intercede for him.' The Qur'an will say: 'I prevented him from sleeping at night. Let me intercede for him.' And their intercession will be accepted."

(Ahmad) Sponsored by ALHAJI JUBREEL & ALHAJA SHERIFAT ABDULKAREEM, Chairman, Agege Local Govt Area, Lagos

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

‘Insurance vital for growth’

By Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

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HE reforms in the in surance sector are aimed at creating a world-class regime for insurers and protect policyholders, President Goodluck Jonathan, has said.

Jonathan, who spoke during his decoration as Grand Patron of West African Insurance Institute (WAII) by the Sierra Leonian President, Earnest Koroma, in Abuja, said his administration places value on insurance.

He said this is evident in the Group Life Insurance Policy which the Federal Government got for its employees. He said the government had also ensured adequate insurance for its assets and properties.

He said: “We value insurance, more so the Nigeria insurance industry has been making useful contributions to our economic life.

“Without insurance, companies and individuals would not be able to manage risks. The world would be a far less innovative place and many of the activities people and government take for granted could be prohibitively risky.

“Indeed, one of the major lessons of the economic turmoil in the recent past is the need for transparent, efficient and neutral government regulation of the financial services sector.”

Jonathan said this is the right platform upon which accessible, robust and dynamic markets for financial products are built.

“This administration clearly understands and recognises this fact and has actually embarked on policies designed towards achieving growth and development in the industry and the country,” he added.

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

PIB: Nigeria won’t accept threat, blackmail

by IOCs, says Mark S ENATE President, David Mark, yesterday asked International Oil Companies (IOCs) to avoid the use of blackmail and the threat of pulling out of the country if the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) does not go their way.

He spoke while inaugurating a two-day Public Hearing on the PIB in Abuja.

The Hearing is organised by the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream and Downstream), Senate Committee on Gas Resources and Senate Committee on Justice and Legal Matters.

However, governors who were scheduled to participate in the event were absent. But Niger, Kaduna and Kano states sent representatives.

Chairman of the Joint Committee, Senator Emmanuel Paulker, in his opening remarks, said the Hearing was organised to offer Nigerians and other stakeholders the opportunity to contribute to the bill.

He said members of the Committee have not taken position on any of the

• Don’t politicise Bill, Alison-Madueke urges • Governors shun sitting From Onyedi Ojiabor, Asst. Editor, Abuja and John Ofikhenua, Abuja

clauses of the bill, assuring that submissions by stakeholders would be considered.

Mark noted that the Sixth National Assembly tried but failed to pass the bill due to proliferation of versions of the Bill, adding that there was no doubt that the speedy passage of the PIB would be a win-win situation for IOCs and the Federal Government.

The Senate President warned that what the country would not want to hear is the threat of pulling out of the country if the bill did not turn out to be what some IOCs wanted.

“Nigeria wants to welcome investors in the oil and gas sector, but this should not be at the expense of the country, but IOCs should not take undue advantage of the Nigeria.

“What we don’t want to hear is if you don’t do this, we pack out. That will be unacceptable because Nigeria has been an extremely friendly country for investment,”he said.

Also, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, urged stakeholders in the oil and gas industry not to politise or personalise the PIB, stressing that it is geared towards providing a win-win scenario for stakeholders in the sector.

The Acting Group General

Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Tumini Green, quoted Mrs. AlisonMadueke, who spoke at the public hearing as saying that the responsibility for the exercise of the powers proposed in the Bill for the President and Petroleum Minister, will, ultimately, rest on any administration in power at the time, and so should not be personalised.

She argued that it was important for the law to empower any administration to act in the best interest of the Nigerian people.

“By the time the PIB is fully articulated and implemented, the President and Minister of Petroleum Resources will no longer be in office. This Bill takes a while before it is operational. The proposed transition period after the passage of the Bill is at least three years. Note, there are over 80 regulations to be made for this Bill to be

PHCN begins prepaid metering

By Akinola Ajibade

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

operational,” Mrs. AlisonMadueke said.

She said while Nigerians learn best practices from other developed nations, they should also work within the understanding of its own socio-economic and social-cultural norms, and create entities and policies that will work and are not destined to fail.

She said contrary to the impression that the PIB granted enormous powers to the Minister of Petroleum Resources, it should be noted that the powers vested on the Minister by the Bill, are not different from those vested on the Minister’s counterparts by the petroleum laws of the United kingdom, Malaysia and Norway, stressing that the powers granted are less than those of her counterparts in advanced petroleum producing countries.

Mrs. Alison-Madueke noted that the PIB establishes a flexible fiscal regime that will increase government’s take, and yet encourage investment in the petroleum sector, saying that it allows for production-based incentive system which in the long run, will accommodate every player in the industry.

On the Host Communities, the Minister noted that it was established to mitigate the human and environmental conditions in the region and to assuage the feelings of the host communities towards oil and gas companies.

E • From left: Tawanda Gumbo, Transitional Leader, Deloitte Nigeria, Deji Olatoye; Partner, THELODT law offices and 2013 Deloitte/ International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN) Scholar and Bisi Adeyemi, Managing Director, Deloitte Corporate Services Limited, during Deji’s visit to Deloitte corporate headquarters in Lagos after receiving his scholarship certificate in New York ... on Tuesday.

2013 Budget row:Bill scales second reading

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HE N4.987 trillion Amendment Bill sent by President Goodluck Jonathan to the House of Representatives has scaled second reading.

Although the bill passed without opposition on the floor yesterday, it would be subjected to scrutiny by the House Committees on Appropriation and Finance.

The House Majority Leader, Mulikat AkandeAdeola, who presented the bill, said there was no difference in the Appropriation Act passed by the House and assented to by the President, adding that the President was only seeking to restore funds that were removed from some sectors by the House to

• Reps probe revenue profile From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

make the budget implementable.

In the bill, N2,418,976,391,494 is for Recurrent (non-debt) expenditure, while N1,588,578,805,197 is for contribution to development fund for Capital expenditure.

Also, N388.063billion was proposed for Statutory transfers, while N591.764billion is for debt services.

During the debate in which only three lawmakers contributed, suspicion

was raised over the more than 400,000 barrels of crude lost daily as claimed by the Minster of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, when she appeared before a joint Committee a few days ago.

As a result, the Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, mandated the House Committees on Finance to investigate the revenue profile of the country and report back next Tuesday.

Akande-Adeola said the figure in the new bill was not different from the Appropriation Act, arguing that the Executive was desirous of restoration of funds removed from some critical

sectors.

In his submission, Chairman, Committee on Appropriation, John Enoh (PDP, Cross River) said the bill should be given the chance to get to the Committee stage where all grey areas would be examined.

He noted that without prejudice to the volumes of the Amendment Bill, the lawmakers would examine the few areas highlighted in the new bill.

“This Amendment Bill is an aggregate expenditure of what the National Assembly passed. I will rather suggest we use the window of opportunity of this bill to find out more about the few areas of concerns that were highlighted,” he said.

KO Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) yesterday began the implementation of Credit Advance Payment for Metering Installation (CAMPI) to customers.

The CAPMI was designed by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to fill the gap created by the old metering system as contained in the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) II in which inadequate funding of the programme led to shortage in the supply of the prepaid meters and the challenges of paying outrageous bills EKEDC Chief Executive Officer, Oladele Amoda, in a statement, said CAPMI will ensure that customers of PHCN get prepaid meters within 48 hours or 45 days.

He said: “When a willing customer credits our account with N25,000 for single phase meter, he will get metered within 48 hours to a maximum of 45 days. This interval includes days of inspections of where the meter will be installed by our technical staff, to avoid diversion, or hoarding.”

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Ebonyi inaugurates child care committee T

•From left: Chairman, Iba Local Council Development Area, Hon Ramota Adeyeri Oseni; Commissioner for Rural and urban Development, Pastor C.O. Ojelabi and Oba Y.G. Osem, the Oniba of Iba at the tree planting ceremony of the council

Religious bodies urged to build rehabilitation centres

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HE Akwa Ibom State government has called on religious bodies and voluntary agencies to set up drug rehabilitation centres for addicts in the state.

The state Commissioner for Health,Mr Ememabasi Bassey, told reporters in Uyo that government was ready to support any religious bodies and voluntary agencies willing to establish such centres.

“We as a government will support such an initiative; we need also to think about people who are already addicted, and we need to be rehabilitating them.

“I want to use this medium to appeal to our religious and other voluntary agencies that,

while we are actively tackling the problem of protection, we should also consider rehabilitation for addicts,’’ he said.

“A lot of addicts can actually come back to be very productive individuals and can serve as counsellors.”

He said that the Ministry of Health would liaise with the NDLEA for enforcement of drugs laws, adding that the ministry would also sensitise the people to emerging drug problems in the state.

He called on youths to desist from the illegal use of drugs and shun drug-related crimes.

HE Ebonyi State government has inaugurated a 20-member committee on Early Child Care Development for the Ikwo Local Government Area of the state.

The committee is charged with the responsibility to work out effective modalities for smooth take-off of Early Child Care Development Centres in all public primary schools in the area.

The state Commissioner for Education, Mr Ndubuisi Chibueze-Agbo, inaugurated the committee in Enyibichiri, headquarters of the local government area.

He said the government was determined and committed to ensure qualitative upbringing of the Nigerian child through early childhood care and education development initiatives.

He said that early exposure to basic education would form a solid foundation for the child to enable him or her become a better and law-abiding citizen to contribute to the development of the society.

Represented by Mr Godwin Ucha, the Director of Educational Services, the commissioner said the ECCD initiative was in collaboration with the Federal Government and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

According to him, it is aimed at providing early education and care for children aged zero to five years in all public primary schools in the country.

Chibueze-Agbo said the committee was to ensure that all public primary schools in the

area had functional ECCD centres with qualified teachers and care-givers.

“The aim of this initiative is to provide functional and qualitative pre-nursery and nursery education for children between zero and five years of age,’’ he said.

He noted that the committee would also ensure that the environment required for the child’s psychological, emotional, social and cultural development was guaranteed.

Chibueze-Agbo charged the committee to see their inauguration as a call to duty and to ensure the success of the initiative in the local government.

He said the government had provided adequate logistics for the effective take-off of the initiative in the 13 local government areas of the state.

“I charge you all to see your appointment in this committee as a clarion call to the service of your local government.

“The state government has made enough provision to guarantee the success of the initiative, and you should therefore ensure that it succeeds by making personal commitments.

“You should remember that those involved are our children and we must do our best to safeguard their future through the provision of early education and care for them,’’ Chibueze-Agbo said.

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HE Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Chairman, Apostle Oloruntoba Oke, has described as ‘inconceivable,’ the bail granted trigger happy Policeman Olusegun Fabunmi, by Justice Olabisi Akinlade, in her judgement last week.

Ruling on a bail application filed by Fabunmi, a former Divisional Police Officer in charge of Pen Cinema, Agege, who is currently facing a murder and attempted murder charges, had been granted bail by Justice Akinlade on health grounds. He is however mandated to submit his international passport to the court.

But at a press conference held at the council’s area office last week , the chairman expressed fears that the now dismissed police officer could use his influence to pervert the course of justice.

“The bail condition granted the accused must be meticulously monitored in order to ensure that the course is not perverted, as we fear that Mr Olusegun Fabunmi, the accused and former police officer now dismissed, wields so much influence that he may want to throw around to influence things in his favour at the expense of the hapless victims, particularly, the deceased,” Oke said.

Oke, who praised the Police High Command for dismissing the trigger happy officer from

Lagos

By Yinka Aderibigbe

service, said government would not rest until it obtained justice for the deceased.

He equally urged all relevant authorities, particularly the police to expedite action on the execution of the judgement in the civil aspect of the case given on June 14, which awarded One Million Naira compensation against Fabunmi, to be paid to each of the four victims, while the police authority was asked to tender public apology on behalf of the accused.

He said the judgment obtained for the lucky victims- Alimi Abubakar, Egbujor Samuel, Chizoba Odoh and Monday John was a vindication that the matter would not be swept under the carpet.

He said: “The judgment on the civil aspect of the case is a clear victory for the masses and a renewed trust in the judicial system as the last hope of the common man.”

According to him, the council would give the police authorities three months within which to execute the judgment failing which it would resume its agitation in line with his administration’s commitment to protect the rights of its citizens.

• Hon Yusuf dispencing drug on one of the pupils during the Eko Free Health Mission programme at the Ayobo-Ipaja council secretariat. With them on the left is his wife Kemi.

Council stresses importance of de-worming T

HE wife of Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area, Alhaja Chief Oluwakemi Yusuf, has urged children to always avail themselves of de-worming programme of the state government which comes up every three months.

She gave this advice at the flag-off ceremony of this season’s de-worming exercise on July 3 at the Methodist Primary School Ipaja. The initiative is of the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation inconsonance with the provision which entitles every child to enjoy good health, protection from diseases and proper medical care for survival, personal growth and development.

The de-worming exercise was carried out in all public primary schools across the 20 local government areas and 37local council development areas in the state.

Else where within the LCDA, in Community Primary School Baruwa, the executive Chairman Of Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA Hon. Yusuf Shakiru also administered the deworming pills and suspension to pupils of the school, admonishing them to be of good behaviour and focus on their studies to become great in the future.

‘Involve traditional rulers in fertiliser distribution’ T

•From left: Council Secretary, Dr. Olayemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Apostle Oke and his Vice, Mr Babatunde Raj-Label at the press conference.

Cross River trains 210 teachers

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•Governor Elechi

HE Federal Government has been advised to involve traditional rulers in fertiliser distribution to rural dwellers, to avoid diversion of the commodity under the Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES).

The call was made in Buji Community in Jigawa State by Malam Sale Muhammad, Chairman of the Buji Chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria in an interview with journalists.

Muhammad alleged that some farmers in the area were diverting and selling fertilisers to local marketers, contrary to government’s objective of making the commodity easily accessible to farmers.

He noted that some of the challenges against the scheme would have been eliminated if traditional rulers were involved in every stage of the scheme.

Jigawa

The chairman called for public enlightenment on the GES programme to enable farmers understand and know how to access farm inputs, especially fertilisers.

Muhammad said that many farmers were unable to access fertilisers, due to a lack of awareness on the scheme.

It will be recalled that the Federal Government distributed more than 14,800 tonnes of fertilisers and seedlings to over 200,000 registered farmers in the state at the beginning of the 2013 farming season.

HE Cross River State government says it has trained 210 teachers in public schools on the newly-introduced Early Child Care Development Education Curriculum (ECCDE).

The Commissioner for Education, Prof.

Offiong Offiong, made the announcement in Calabar at a three-day training workshop on the implementation of ECCDE Curriculum for teachers and care-givers.

Offiong said that the training was part of government’s commitment to the provision of qualitative education in the state.

He said that the Ministry of Education had also organised similar training for teachers and care-givers in different local overnment areas of the state.

According to him, this has underscored the importance of the foundational stage of edu-

60,000 to benefit from flood relief grant

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HE Edo State Flood Relief Committee said that about 60,000 victims of last year’s flood are to benefit from the N400 million relief fund given to the state by the Federal Government.

A member of the committee, Ms Benedicta Attoh, made the disclosure in an interview with journalists in Agenebode, near Benin City.

She said that payment identification forms had already been issued to identified flood victims in the state.

The committee member, who said that all modalities for the payment had been concluded, added that payment was expected to begin before the end of this month.

She attributed the delay in the disbursement of the fund to efforts being made to ensure that only genuine victims benefited.

Attoh also said that the committee would ensure that anyone who suffered any form of loss during the flood was not left out.

She, however, said that to avoid any prob-

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Council chief seeks justice

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Edo lem associated with cheques and banks, the committee was going to be giving out cash to the victims.

According to her, the victims are expected to go to their respective Local Governments to claim their money.

“I can assure you that after the delay occasioned by efforts to ensure transparency and accountability; all is now set for the disbursement of the N400 relief fund from the Federal Government.

“As I speak, forms have been given out to victims we have already identified during the painstaking census of victims.

“The identified victims whose forms have already been given are to come to their respective council areas with the forms on the appointed date.

cation.

Represented by the director of schools in the ministry, Mr Bassey Okon, Offiong said that the ECCDE programme started without a well-defined curriculum.

He said that this had given room for the teaching of primary school curriculum content to toddlers, adding that the curriculum was educationally unaccepted.

“However, this has been corrected with the publication of the ECCDE curriculum by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), ‘’ he said.

Okon explained that teachers and care-givers were now being trained annually, expressing the ministry’s appreciation to the state governor for his commitment to the capacity building of teachers.

Earlier, Coordinator of the programme, Mr Oja Amang, said the aim of the workshop was to make teachers and care-givers to be

A

NON-Governmental Organisation, Civil Awareness and Economic Empowerment Initiative (CAEI) has trained about 7000 people in Anambra State the state in business leadership and entrepreneurial skills.

The beneficiaries mostly unemployed youths were trained in skill acquisition such as fashion designing, mechanic apprenticeship, cosmetology and business management.

The state coordinator, Dr. Chukwuma Ignatius Nnabueze who spoke to reporters in Onitsha, said CAEI was a grassroots organisation which was aimed at catering for the need of people both in the urban

•Governor Imoke familiar with the ECCDE curriculum for easy implementation in schools.

7,000 get leadership training From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

and rural places and revealed that fertiliser distribution to farmers would soon begin at subsidised rate.

Dr Nnabueze said the NGO will also distribute buses, tricycles, grinding machines to other beneficiaries before the end of the year, stressing that the NGO and its management team were collaborating with government at various levels to tackle illiteracy through one of its programmes this month.

Institute expands curriculum

K Michaels, the indigenous project management consulting and training firm said it is set to introduce a new set of project management courses beginning this month. The new courses, according to the Lead Management Consultant, Dr Bello Omololu include: International Certification in supply chain management from the Institute of Supply Chain Management, United Kingdom; Masters Certificate in Advanced Project Management; International certification in I.T software and network training and International Association of Six Sigma Certification among others.

Omololu who addressed the press in Lagos during the introduction of the new courses, said it was in response to the numerous requests by clients for increased competence and the need to improve the country through improved services. He said the global market is

By Uyoatta Eshiet and Nneka Nwaneri

becoming more competitive everyday and companies all over the world are continually searching for new ways to gain an edge over their competitors around the globe.

“Global competition and deregulation in a number of industries is forcing companies to turn to quality in order to survive. For Nigerian companies and professionals to take their place in the present competitive world of business, they have to be well equipped with the latest skills”.

He said to achieve this, JK Michaels is bringing in world class competence and capabilities to give access to such professionals so that they can grow adding that there is a wide gap between certification and the practical implementation of acquired skills in the country and JK Michaels is out to fill that all important gap.

•Lagos State Head of Service, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe being assisted by the Chairman of Lagos Island East Local Council Delovepment Area, Comrade Kamal Salau Bashua during the2013 tree planting at Epetedo, Lagos Island.

•From left: Pastor Moses Ajibola, his wife, Omolola and Pastor Oluseyi Akinola and his wife Olukemi , being presented with their Ordination Certificate by President North -West ern Nigerian Union of Seventh Day Adventist Church, Pastor Oyeleke Owolabi during the service at the Church in Ogba , Lagos.

Group lifts the less privileged

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HE Majlis Shurah of the Islamic Education Trust, Lagos State Branch has empowered 47 indigent Nigerians with the provision of vocational and occupational tools and equipment worth N2million.

It was the fifth edition of the material distribution of vocational and occupational materials in the country. The Wakil (Chairman) of the association, Dr Abdullahi Jubril Oyekan has said.

Dr Oyekan said the money gotten from the Zakat paid by well to do Nigerians were used

Southeast market leader warns traders on flood From Adimike George, Onitsha

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OUTH-EAST Amalgamated Traders’ Association (SEAMATA) has urged traders within riverine areas and low lands to make emergency plans against the predicted flooding expected in the country.

President of SEAMATA, Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, told reporters in Onitsha, Anambra State that traders ought to be vigilant over the level of water around them.

Ezenwankwo noted that the threat of flooding this year was real since it had come from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), adding that there was speculation that the Cameroonians had opened their dam again. He, however, expressed regret over goods worth millions of Naira lost by traders from various markets in the zone last year, and advised the traders to do all to avoid suffering the same fate this year.

By Amidu Arije

in purchasing the materials distributed to the indigent Nigerians.

“This marks the fifth presentation ceremony for equipment and vocational tools to indigent artisans in the society which we organise through the Zakat collections from the well to do in the society, the institution of Zakat in Islam is to put in the means of sharing out the resources to the society so that members of the society who have not been chanced to have the means catering for themselves are helped so that everybody in the society is contented and is well taken care of, you will see that we will have a stable society,” he said.

“47 people benefited today and the amount expended on the project is N2million and the second batch in coming up later in the year,” he said.

He advised the beneficiaries to be industrious and make good use of the materials given to them.

“Our advice for them is to be industrious, the only cure for poverty is hard work, they should work hard and take good care of their tools, we hope this we move them out of poverty,” he said.

The Managing Director, Med-View Airlines, Alhaji Muniru Bankole said the gesture is in line with the teachings of the Quran and one of the pillars of the Islamic religion, saying it is a means of eradicating poverty and encouraging spending in the cause of Allah to the generality of mankind.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

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COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

FROM OTHER LANDS

Powering Africa

Al-Mustapha’s release • It reflects the inadequacy of our justice system to protect the just and vulnerable

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HE Nigerian criminal justice system was again ridiculed with the acquittal of Major Hamza al-Mustapha and Lateef Sofolahan, over the murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, wife of the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, after a 14-year trial. The mockery of the judicial system is even more pronounced as the late Kudirat was clearly murdered in cold blood; yet, with al-Mustapha’s acquittal, it is as if that fact is a farce. Again, before this acquittal, some prominent Nigerians were openly campaigning for al-Mustapha’s release, and attempting to define crime in parochial terms; even as al-Mustapha’s lawyers filibustered throughout the trial.

It is perhaps even more cynical, that the court of appeal discharged and acquitted al-Mustapha because the prosecution could not prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, as required by law. Yet, the same prosecution made a deal with the self-confessed murderer of Kudirat, Sergeant Rogers, in order to get at al-Mustapha who he claimed gave the instructions and the ammunition for the murder. Now, with a deal in the bag for Rogers, and the prosecution of his alleged master declared insufficient by the court, the result is that nobody would suffer for the culpable murder of Alhaja Abiola.

Such an outcome is a mockery of our common humanity. To show that our system is thoroughly challenged, Sergeant Rogers, despite his confession of championing several atrocities as a soldier, is still in the employ of the Nigerian Army, just as al-

Mustapha is now out, and is already laying claim to be due for the rank of General in the same army. The insanity is completed with the wild celebration over alMustapha’s release, and the disgraceful reception accorded him by the Kano State government and sundry groups, as if his mendacious audacity during the ignoble Abacha regime is not enough reason to keep that critical participant at an arm’s length.

As even al-Mustapha’s fans would accept, their hero was the chief security officer to General Sani Abacha who presided over the state murder of several Nigerians, for their political beliefs. Indeed, it was common knowledge that he was a very powerful and loyal security chief to his master, and under their care, Pa Alfred Rewane, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Mr. Alex Ibru, Bagauda Kaltho, Mrs Esther A. Tejuoso, Dr. Sola Omatsola and several others were either shot at or killed by undoubtedly agents of the state. It is also common knowledge that several witnesses at the Oputa panel gave evidence of unquestionable cruelty perpetrated, if not by alMustapha, certainly by those under his control.

So, al-Mustapha’s acquittal over the murder of Kudirat, in our view, merely confirms the vulnerability of our criminal justice system. For, no one would doubt that Kudirat was killed by the agents of the state, following her campaign that her husband be released and that he be handed over the presidential mandate freely given

to him by Nigerians at the 1993 election.

It is also certain that al-Mustapha was chief security officer to that murderous general, who granted him unprecedented powers, well above his superiors in the army, and under their watch several murders, including that of Kudirat, were committed by agents of the state.

Therefore, the fact that al-Mustapha and his co-accused, Sofolahan could not be convicted at the appeal court, after their condemnation to death at the trial court is nothing to celebrate; more so as the prosecution can further appeal to the Supreme Court. In our view, there is the urgent need to strengthen our criminal justice system, to avoid a similar unwinding trial of an accused person for 14 years, after which his innocence is pronounced.

‘The ... fact that al-Mustapha and his co-accused, Sofolahan could not be convicted at the appeal court, after their condemnation to death at the trial court is nothing to celebrate; more so as the prosecution can further appeal to the Supreme Court. In our view, there is the urgent need to strengthen our criminal justice system, to avoid a similar unwinding trial of an accused person for 14 years, after which his innocence is pronounced’

Budding tyranny •Fascism creeps when a mob masses against a governor and his governor guests, as happened in Port Harcourt on July 16

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HEN a gubernatorial convoy is no longer safe in a state where the governor is de jure chief security officer, fascism creeps. That was the dangerous situation at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, on July 16.

A mob, first carrying placards against the visiting northern gubernatorial quad of Kano’s Rabiu Kwakwanso, Niger’s Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, Jigawa’s Sule Lamido and Adamawa’s Murtala Nyako, all guests of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, turned into a stone-pelting rabble, which attacked their convoy, as it snaked into town from the airport, smashing the side-windscreen of at least one jeep.

The rabble, about 5,000-strong and reportedly armed with substances suspected to be acid, allegedly belonged to the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), a group linked to Nyesom Wike, Minister of State for Education; and one of the principal anti-Amaechi elements in

‘But thanks to the mob, the visiting northern governors suddenly realised you could not run a federal state without federalising security – and the most basic realisation of that is state police. Exposed to naked abuse of central police, they have, from the communiqué they released after their meeting with Governor Amaechi, have all but endorsed the imperative for state police’

the Rivers Peoples Democratic Party crisis. But the Wike camp countered that the mob hallmarked a cross-section of Rivers people, angry with Governor Amaechi’s actions and inactions.

Given how the Rivers crisis has degenerated, perhaps such violent crowd was not unexpected. But it was no less shocking that they would mass against visiting governors, guests of the state governor, the state’s supposed chief security officer.

Though security operatives somewhat prevented any untoward tragedy, the security breach was clear.

Fascism is creeping in because state officials, pandering to tragic exigencies, are no longer guided by state laws. Mbu Joseph Mbu, the Rivers State police commissioner, has since abandoned his security duties for crass partisan ones. Even his Inspector-General appears powerless to touch him. Yet, his actions have grave security consequences.

Mr. Wike too is minister of the Federal Republic. But there is nothing in his ministerial brief that makes him a viceroy in the Presidency-inspired insurrection against a Rivers State government legally constituted, even if, in a democracy, he could have partisan differences with the state government personnel. Even the Presidency, with all its mythical powers, does not have legal powers to destabilise any state it disagrees with, as the Jonathan Presidency is doing in Rivers.

But thanks to the mob, the visiting northern governors suddenly realised you could not run a federal state without federalising security – and the most basic realisation of that is state police. Exposed to naked abuse of central police, they have, from the communiqué they released after

their meeting with Governor Amaechi, have all but endorsed the imperative for state police.

But as justified as state police is, there must be a consensus against the disturbing mindset to tolerate impunity, at every governmental level. If Jonathan now abuses federal police, despite his aides’ impassioned denial, governors too can abuse state police.

From the threat by governors to withdraw their funding support for the Nigeria Police should the spate of abuse continue comes a spectre of massive insecurity. For all the Federal Government’s derring-do, and a near-fatalistic fixation with preserving the present central police, it is clear that the Federal Government is either unable or incapable – or both – of adequately funding the police. So, without states’ contributions, the security of millions of innocent and law-abiding citizens is in clear jeopardy.

What is President Jonathan’s denial of culpability in the Rivers crisis worth? It is clearly Mbu’s gross unprofessional conduct – where did the commissioner of police get his operation manual from?

And from rogue “Speaker”, Evans Bipi, at another Jonathan party, claiming he was Rivers Speaker! his president, it appears, has a special talent for embracing renegades!

Whatever legacy Jonathan wants to give his presidency is his choice. But we will not fold our arms and allow officials of state desecrate the same laws that created them. That is why every right-thinking Nigerian must resist the creeping fascism by President Jonathan and his side-kicks.

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RESIDENT Obama’s “Power Africa” initiative, unveiled during his recent trip there, has the potential to make a major impact on a continent where millions of people — including more than two-thirds of those in the sub-Saharan region — live every day without reliable access to affordable electricity. But the outcome depends heavily on how the plan is designed and carried out and whether it is sustained.

In raw numbers, Mr. Obama’s pledge to invest $7 billion over the next five years in eight countries is modest. The International Energy Agency estimates it would cost $300 billion to achieve universal electricity access in the subSaharan region by 2030.

Still, the initiative holds promise because it provides a vehicle for leveraging private sector investment and, significantly, anchors the United States firmly in the kind of trade and investment relationship that increasingly will help determine Africa’s future. The White House says that companies have already committed to more than $9 billion in projects. In Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria and Tanzania, the focus will be on electricity; in Uganda and Mozambique, it will be on gas and oil development.

For too long, the international response to poverty, war, famine and dictatorial leaders in Africa has consisted largely of humanitarian aid. Today, there are still many problems, but they are increasingly offset by positive trends; six of the world’s 10 fastest-growing economies are in Africa. In recent years, China has spent so much on African infrastructure projects and natural resources that it has surpassed the United States as the continent’s main trading partner. America has a lot of catching up to do and ignores these markets, with their growing middle classes, at its peril.

The initiative has been enthusiastically endorsed by Tony Elumelu, a Nigerian whose Heirs Holdings has pledged $2.5 billion to expand a power plant in Nigeria and develop other projects. In an essay, he called power the “single biggest obstacle” to Africa’s development.

Before his trip, Mr. Obama was faulted for not showing enough interest in the continent where his father, a Kenyan, was born. But his administration was central to the independence of South Sudan and has invested heavily in improving Africa’s agriculture production through the program.

Still, he has been overshadowed by two predecessors who left a lasting imprint with signature programs, George W. Bush on H.I.V. and Bill Clinton on health care and reduced trade barriers. Having now raised expectations that he intends to make a difference with “Power Africa,” it is vital for Mr. Obama to follow through.

– New York Times

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: The Yoruba people have a saying that when an elephant dies, knives of varied hues and shapes are bound to show up, ready to slice off a huge chunk of flesh from the beefy creature. In Osun, the proverbial elephant is falling and we are beginning to witness the emergence of different types of knives. The metaphoric elephant I speak of is the 2014 gubernatorial election and the knives showing up are the aspirants from the different political parties.

One of the politicians who have indicated interest in occupying the Oke-Fia Government House is Senator Iyiola Omisore of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). But what I find very displeasing about this Ile-Ife politician is his infernal capacity to reel out outright disinformation. The ever-present possibility of his bilious untruths

EDITOR’S MAIL BAG SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF NOT MORE THAN 800 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. E-mail: views@thenationonlineng.net

Omisore’s farcical election petition being revealed doesn’t even daunt him. In recent interviews he granted to some newspapers, he maintained very gravely that he didn’t lose the National Assembly election conducted in 2011. Everywhere he goes, he continues to assault his audience with the falsity that he was the winner of the Osun East senatorial seat. To further misinform the unsuspecting members of the public, he adds injurious icing to his cake of falsehood by claiming that

a suit challenging the result of that election is already before a court.

Yet, when the claims of the former chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation are flicked through on the screen of irrefutable fact, their true nature as deception aimed to hoodwink comes clear. From all available evidence known to the people of the Senatorial District and beyond, Omisore won only in the polling booth where he cast his vote. So

unwanted was he that voters in his ward, local government area and Ile-Ife voted against him. If there is one fact that this so-called powerful politician finds hard to accept, it is that he clearly lost that election.

It is a ringing defeat that further reveals till date that he is no more than a politician whose influence and popularity weigh the same as a waver biscuit. And it is in the nature of such diluted politicians to concoct dessert of misrepresenta-

IGP should investigate Charity Uzoechina’s abduction

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IR: The story as told by Pastor Raymond Uzoechina of an alleged abduction and unlawful detention of his daughter, Charity Uzoechina by the Etsu Nupe Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, which became public through a publication on May 15 refers. The allegation borders on abuse of human right, abuse of traditional office, and disregard/neglect to the rule of law.

It should not be seen as a personal business of the Uzoechinas, but a revelation of what the lessprivileged go through in the hands of our traditional rulers and leaders.

Our daughters’ security are being threatened. Some time ago, female corps member was raped and killed in a state in the North. Also, a young Corper was insulted and raped by a Yoruba monarch, which even got to court. Now, young Charity, a student of Bida Polytechnic has been allegedly kidnapped and forced into marriage by the Etsu Nupe in his palace against her will.

This abuse of womanhood and continuous abuse of our women-

folk should be arrested by our law enforcement agents and fought by women organizations, human right bodies and the President.

Crime Arrest Network calls on the Etsu Nupe to release Charity Uzoechina immediately without any sign of abnormality trace on her.

Charity and her parents should be paid compensation by the Emir

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and the Emir sanctioned. If a Judge of a high court in Nigeria could be sanctioned for wrong doing, we don’t see why the Emir should go unpunished as the law is no respecter of persons.

If nothing is done within two weeks of the submission and publication of this letter by the Inspector General of Police and the federal government, Crime Arrest

Network will mobilize human right groups to seek redress, release and compensation of Charity’s family in law court. Also the Sharia Judge who conspired with the Emir and gave ill-gotten judgment should be shown a way out.

Comrade Tony C. Onye Esq. National Coordinator, Crime Arrest Network, Festac Town, Lagos.

tion in order to paint a different picture.

But the implication of the result of the 2011 election is that Senator Omisore cannot even be a councillor, with all the vaunting and false air he puts up.

What is more, Omisore doesn’t have any pending case arising from that 2011 National Assembly election. The case in court has to do with the status of the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun, Oluwatoyin Akeju. Osun PDP alleged he was a card-carrying member of ACN. They went to court then. The court ruled that INEC should stop recognising Akeju as its REC and ordered his replacement before that election. But INEC appealed the verdict and Akeju stayed. After the election PDP went to court again, this time asking for the invalidation of the election. Till today the two cases are still at the Appeal Court. But Omisore is no party to neither of them! He has no election petition before any tribunal.

Assaulting the people of Osun with doctored tale as against what the truth is will not improve the electoral fortune of Omisore. He should stop defacing the pages of newspapers with misinformation.

• Adekunle Oyelade, Ile-Ife, Osun State

Tribute to Madam Eunice Fajuyi

IR: It was in 2009 while on my way from the funeral ceremony of the late Major-General James Oluleye (rtd) in EfonAlaaye that out of curiosity, I chose to visit the home of the late Col. Adekunle Fajuyi. I had met the legendary retired Major-General Oluleye in the twilight of his life in Lagos in the course of academic research. The old man received me warmly and after an hour of chitchat, he gave me a copy of his autobiography Architecturing A Destiny.

It was my wish to honour him in death that propelled my journey to Efon-Alaaye in Ekiti State.

I left Efon for Ado-Ekiti immediately Oluleye was committed to mother-earth. An Okada man was kind enough to drop me in front of the residence of the late Fajuyi.

Unfortunately I did not know his widow, Madam Eunice Fajuyi in person, but I faintly recollected having seen pictures of her in newspapers. I met her in the compound and she promptly took me into her modest sitting room.

She offered me drink, and was anxious about where I would pass the night. My discussion with her centred on how she had managed to carry on with her children, and I

told her that my visit was just to know how she was doing. She prayed for me and was full of advice on the journey of life. As I made to leave, I saluted her courage for remaining single since the demise of her husband at the age of 38, particularly for keeping faith in the face of the daunting challenges of training her children. And I thanked her for receiving a complete stranger and for her hospitality.

On my way home, I ruminated on the visit. She was the wife of a former military governor, and indeed that house used to be the home of a former governor of a region

which has now been split into five states. The woman was so simple and accommodating. The house was as modest as any one built in the suburbs. Her life reflected simplicity and lack of ostentation, contrary to the lifestyle of many of today’s first ladies. This is an enduring lesson for the ruling elites.

I was still hoping to be part of her 84th birthday in Ado-Ekiti when I heard of her sudden demise. I had made a promise to visit her again whenever I had cause to be in Ekiti State. May her soul rest in peace.

•Adedeji Badejo Lagos, Nigeria

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 16

21

COMMENTS

Readers’ parliament The end 1 and 2

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IR Ololade, the picture you paint in your “The End 1” is too scary but true. Like a movie, you recreated the dreadful pictures of the civil war and the horrors that television brought into our living rooms from other lands. Shall we be allowed to see 2015? And will they allow us elect the ones you envisaged? I am waiting for the second part! From E.U. Ukairo. FSTC Uromi, Edo state. 07032345312.

Only pain! Only misery! Only five years of hell as a graduate in Nigeria.

Only hope and prayer that this prophecy is averted because it will be bloody. But that’s what satan their master want from us. Maybe it’s a necessary evil. From Phillip.

08033817094.

Mr. Ololade, are you a prophet because I can see you are seeing a vision in “The End (1).” Do we need to sit down and watch those things happen? From Chinedu Osumili.

08130239474. UNN. Hi, Olatunji, just read your article: “The End 1” and it is a terrific read. I look forward to your articles. Very firebrand and passionate.

Thumbs up. 08180661079.

Re: The End (2); fine piece. It frightens me that I am not the only one thinking along these lines. From Akinyode. 08033705338.

Behold Nigeria’s Nostradamus!

You sound between a prophet and a perfect prognosticator. I have been keenly following your lamentation right from “The End 1.” Do we need to go to the planets to verify the authenticity of the truths that are tormenting you to explosion? You are speaking of what even our western neighbours know as the inevitable truth. But you err by aiming straightforward for the truth. Winston Churchill said you don’t do that. I however encourage you to keep on telling the truth. From Soji Ojediran.

Ibadan. 08063939858.

Did Jonathan read the piece titled: “Farewell Umaru, Jonathan has come to us at last” of May 14, 2010?

The answer is “no!” I think the Egyptians are more politically conscious than the oppressed Nigerians. PDP and Jonathan are one ideologically.

Thank you. From Amos Ejimonye.

Kaduna. 08039727512.

‘Behold Nigeria’s Nostradamus! You sound between a prophet and a perfect prognosticator. I have been keenly following your lamentation right from “The End 1.” Do we need to go to the planets to verify the authenticity of the truths that are tormenting you to explosion? You are speaking of what even our western neighbours know as the inevitable truth. But you err by aiming straightforward for the truth. Winston Churchill said you don’t do that.

I however encourage you to keep on telling the truth.

From Soji Ojediran. Ibadan. 08063939858’

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N a democratic dispensation, anyone has a right to aspire to any political office so far he is constitutionally qualified for that post. I have watched for a while now the political developments in Ekiti State, especially within the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) where a member of the House of Representatives, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, seems to be lurked in a battle for the governorship seat with the incumbent governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

Without being unnecessarily critical of Opeyemi’s ambition, the constitution allows him to realize his ambition and this is despite entreaties from his party leadership to forgo it so that the party can consolidate on the achievements of Fayemi which many daily applaud. The party leadership has also acted within its rights by endorsing the incumbent for a second term for two reasons, I guess: (1) it is always dangerous and politically unethical to rock the boat from within, as it could ruin the party. So by stepping in, the party leadership is only trying to keep its house in order and not lose what it presently has; (2) allowing an incumbent to go into primaries could greatly polarize a party and leave aftertaste of unamenable differences.

This is why in the United States of America, an incumbent has a right to a second term in office unless he wishes otherwise.

As much as I do not begrudge Bamidele the right to contest as Ekiti Governor, I am not however comfortable with most of the statistics he has been bandying about in his bid to sway public opinion in his favour.

Opeyemi, in an interview, stated the following: “The Ekiti State that I see is an Ekiti of 494, 000 buildings and out of this we still have a situation where only 64, 000 houses have water closets. And over 219, 000 houses still rely on the use of pit latrines and over 34, 000 still rely on nearby bushes to defecate.

That is the Ekiti that I see. Again it is not about Dr. Kayode Fayemi but we must face the kind of situation that we know.

The Ekiti that I see is that one that out of the 494,000 houses only 90,000 houses have pipe borne water; over 214,000 houses still rely on well and fetching water from nearby streams and rivers. The Ekiti that I see is where only 23,000 houses use gas and electric cookers and 207,000 houses still rely on the use of firewood to cook their meals. The Ekiti that I see is one where only 18,000 houses can boast of electricity while over 289,000 houses lit their lanterns with kerosene. That is the Ekiti that I see. People should then understand if I am not on the street celebrating like some other people are doing. But I feel that the least I can do is to continue to encourage those who are there to put in their best rather than us trying to mislead them. The Ekiti that I see is one that still grapples with the problem of over 25,000 people who are blind, over 7,000 people with hearing defect and over 9,000 people, according to the population census, with speaking defects. The Ekiti that I see is

Sir, I am a passionate reader of your “Reality Bites” indeed. And I must commend your journalism prowess and equally pray for you not to be lured by better pay to the presidency like some people we know. 07067416008.

I love your “Reality Bites” column. No doubt that a thoughtful and committed group of people can restrategize Nigeria and give voice to the silenced. 08062704585.

We are very bad people (1) Your analysis is correct. Some parents are boastful of their ability to purchase seats for their wards to cheat at JAMB and SSCE centres. It is sad to see what our country has degenerated to. God will help us.

08023137600.

I wish you continue with this line of write-up. You strike a definite chord in our psychology and sociology with the message. I wake everyday with these foreboding realities of the basic Nigerian psyche. I fear for the future of this race and generation…I totally agree with your thesis. 08054967602.

Excellent piece of writing. I agree with you 100 per cent. We need to change ourselves because we are indeed very bad people.

08079890367.

Thanks a lot dear. You did very well in your piece. May God bless you with more knowledge and wisdom. Amen. 08063675643.

Olatunji, what you are saying cannot be disputed. What has eluded us is the way out of the quagmire. From Cyril Chinweike Eze. 08037907122.

I have never read a more honest description of you and me. We are very horrible people. From Ehimare Ehoho. 08081322995.

You said it all. We are indeed very bad people. None could be worse.

From Barrister Obi Anierobi.

08031157593.

Olatunji, I like your write-up. Let us be accountable for all our actions,

let us stop blaming our leaders. An average Nigerian man is a criminal.

From Zuby Port Harcourt.

08051603828.

Your article is a very good one.

Unfortunately you are talking to people who have long chosen the path of amorality. The assertion that the followership is as bad as the leadership is true. But in all climes, it is the leadership that sets the pace either for moral degeneracy or righteous living. The theory of the vital few cannot be wished away. The elites, opinion moulders and policy formulators who develop the framework for policy implementation and are supposed to enforce compliance are the first culprits. No society has only good people; what deters people from wrongdoing is the arm of the law which is supposed to be enforced by the leaders. That’s why foreigners come to Nigeria and beat traffic lights. Let’s get good leaders and things will fall in place. From Etokowoh Owoh Uyo. AKS. 08037975031.

Your ability to put reality in pure perspective is outstanding. Until Nigerians move away from pretence, egoism, deceit, avarice, hate, etc, I wonder where our religious disposition will take us. From Paul Vingil. Abuja. 08035880838.

Mr. Olatunji Ololade, your write up, ‘We are very bad people (1),’ I must confess, is the best write-up ever in this morally bankrupt and unholy entity called Nigeria. More of it, please, my brother. They will surely meet the people’s justice in 2015. May God keep more of your type for the battle ahead. From Henry Oputa esq, Port Harcourt. 08033125515.

We are very bad people (1) says it all. Keep telling the truth. You are superb. From Kehinde Olalemi.

07063504030.

Tunji my brother, I totally agree with you. I fully understand your angst. Our society is largely populated by monkeys and baboons in

human garb, primitive in thinking and bestial in deeds. I have never seen or heard of a society so depraved as ours. Until we, as a people, embrace those things that are truly important in life and jettison the mindless and blind accumulation of vanities, we are eternally doomed as a people spiritually and naturally. From Gerard Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo. Onitsha. 08023656124.

What do you have to say about the south-east of the country where people are kidnapping fellow human beings including new born babies in the name of money? And all of us claim to be Christians.

08160149957.

Olatunji Ololade, since I was born in this feeble but very wicked and perverse country that is called Nigeria in 1953, I have never discerned anybody’s heart like I’ve just did yours…having gone through your humble and earnest dispositional topic, I thought I were you but of course, I’m not. This is to erase the unscrupulous position of the doubting Thomases that will oppose your write-up in anyway because Nigeria is just simply negative to the core. I’m in this position because some agents of negativity will want to counter the message of good people to this. They will want to smother this great message by which you teach all of us about how bad and wicked we are in this hopeless and worthless country we live in that is called Nigeria…A people that hails criminality are very bad people. A people that condones wicked preachers that pray for government officials who steal public money are very bad people.

A people who allow their previous leaders to walk the streets with their loots, even after these leaders have lost immunity are very bad people.

A people that have made their generation a thieving one are very bad people. 08036925729.

Opeyemi Bamidele’s selective amnesia

By Abiola Olufemi one with over 6,000 disabled people in the area of mobility and one with 1,700 mentally ill persons in the various rehabilitation homes and on streets in the state. That is the Ekiti that I see.”

Listening to Opeyemi reel out these statistics, the unintelligent may applaud him for being brilliant with numbers, but the truth is that these statistics are based on 2006 census and Opeyemi must be saying there has been no development in Ekiti since 2006 to still be going about with the outdated figures. Worse, the outdated statistics-garnished statement of Opeyemi is now being selectively posted on several sites on the internet and one cannot but wonder what correlation these 2006 statistics have with the present realities in Ekiti and why Bamidele is trying to be clever by half with such statistics. For instance, in 2006, 539, 825 were never married.

Will this statistic still be relevant in 2013? Are there not people who got married in Ekiti since then?

The reality is that over 400, 000 people have so far benefitted from the free health mission of the Fayemi administration while over N125 million has been doled out to financially handicapped persons to take care of surgical and chronic ailments within and outside the country between October 2010 and April 2013. When Fayemi took over in 2010, the maternal mortality rate was 420 per 100, 000 live births as against the current figure of 135 per 100, 000 live births. The value of drugs dispensed in the state has increased from N11, 038, 007.77k to N25, 926, 398.93k due to increase in demand and utilization. In 2010, only 45% percent of women in Ekiti had more than 4 ante-natal care visits from pregnancy to delivery, but as at July 2012, 10, 787 women had registered for ante-natal care under the Fayemi administration free health programme. This is just a fraction of the 112, 395 people who had registered for the programmes by July 2012. Of this figure, the aged account for 51.15%. Besides all these improvements in the health sector, the state’s Unified Drug Revolving Fund has been adjudged the best in the country, as attested to by NAFDAC boss Paul Orhi when he paid a visit to the state.

Everyone conversant with the present-day realities in Ekiti is aware of the increasing number of households and that houses in the state must have surpassed the 2006 census figure of 494,000 houses. Bamidele’s house in Iyin-Ekiti was at least built after 2006. One also knows that the minimum wage in

2006 was N7,500 as against N19,300 (an increment of 1,500%) currently enjoyed in the state. With this, the living conditions of many have improved, so is the number of houses with water closets, thus bringing about a reduction in the number of people who defecate in the bush. Those bushes are even fast disappearing, especially in major towns, with the increasing number of houses. How then did our governorship-fixated representative come about the 219, 000 who still rely on pit latrine and 34,00 who defecate in the bush?

Anyone who is familiar with happenings in the Land of Honour will in good conscience know that more aged people who had hitherto been going to bed hungry are now living well because they are given N5, 000 monthly stipend by the state government. The number of needless deaths, especially maternal mortality and infant mortality, has also reduced owing to the free health policy of government for the aged, pregnant women and children under the age of five. Crime rate is also reducing because the youth are gainfully employed in schemes such as the Ekiti Volunteer Corps, Ekiti State Traffic Management Agency, the Fire Services and many more. Many of these youth who could have been drawn into crime are gainfully engaged by the state government. Presently, more of these youths are being absorbed into the teaching service.

Roads are being constructed and rehabilitated. New structures are springing up. Ikogosi Warm Spring and Ire Burnt Bricks Industry, which have been abandoned for years have been revived, renovated and remodelled, thus providing employment for more people and drawing tourists into the state.

These are what we see. These are what other states see and are emulating. The Ekiti State social welfare scheme for the aged, first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa, has been implemented in states like Osun and Bayelsa.

These are the current statistics in Ekiti State, not the 2006 census statistics Opeyemi Bamidele is maliciously spreading.

• Olufemi writes from Igede-Ekiti, Ekiti State

‘People should then understand if I am not on the street celebrating like some other people are doing. But I feel that the least I can do is to continue to encourage those who are there to put in their best rather than us trying to mislead them’

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

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COMMENTS ‘Justice must be rooted in confidence and confidence is destroyed when right-minded people go away thinking: The judge is biased’ - Lord Denning (MR) in: Metropolitan Properties Co. Ltd v. Lennon (1969) QB557@559,

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HE above inimitable quote of immortal Lord Denning (MR) has been affirmed mostly on a number of occasions through inimical criminal court judgments to the detriment of the society and the entire legal system. This aspect of law, in mostly unforgivable manner, had made mincemeat of this legal juggernaut’s statement. This, no doubt, is creating in the court of public opinion, a difficult comprehension of the cobweb called law - albeit criminal law.

In this area of law, any slight oversight on the part of the prosecution to convincingly prove an element in his case is taken to the advantage of the accused. The prosecution in a criminal case over the ages is expected to prove his case beyond every reasonable doubt. Failure to achieve this aim has led in many glaring criminal case instancesm to the exculpation of an accused standing arraignment. Yes, in criminal matters, nothing is sacrosanct until the court finally gives its judgment. And the judgment is determined by the rigour of investigation, the degree of evidence adduced and their deployment by an intelligently smart advocate (usually called a barrister) with good understanding of legal and criminal procedures.

In other jurisdictions, for example in Britain, the paper work relating to first point of contact with the accused, seeking for and weighing of evidential value, preparation of relevant substantive laws among others, are done and prepared by a solicitor. The solicitor gets all the relevant information and evidence, including cases to be cited in a case file and merely handed such over to an advocate that goes before the court to argue the matter. This allows for compartmentalisation of duties and efficient quick pursuits of cases.

It is still astonishing why a nation like ours that inherited the British common law system is not adopting this system almost 53 years after attaining independence. The legal trend in the country today remains the fusion of the jobs of both the Barrister and Solicitor. And the country’s legal system is the worse for it as typified by the last appellate court’s judgment discharging and acquitting Major Hamzat al-Mustapha, former CSO

They are prisoners of power Trapped in its glistening prism of time and space They are shackled in its golden chains and gilded bracelets Oh how they serve term…

T will not be necessary to go into the labour of defining kakistocracy since examples and illustrations abound to make the meaning plain. This idea had been tugging at me for some time but was finally triggered by a report in the newspapers last Sunday. It is titled: “Anenih, Tukur’s feud deepens.” The report is a narrative of the endless dog-fights in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hierarchy. It details how the lingering bad blood running between Chief Tony Anenih, chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) and Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, chairman of the party. Professor Jerry Gana and Chief Ike Ekweremadu who were planning the convention of the party had gone to the chairman’s house for consultation. The chairman, Tukur was said to have shut them out, making them wait outside the gate of his palatial Abuja residence for over half an hour before they made an about turn, wooden-footed and cloudy faced.

Party chairman, Tukur had rebuffed and rubbed dust on these who are no mean party members because they had been sent by BoT chairman, Anenih who deigns to control and fix the affairs of the party even though he occupies a mere ceremonial position. This mild drama happened late last week. By early this week, the entire Gana convention planning committee had been thrown in the dustbin for some woolly reason. But at the bottom of it all is power struggle. The PDP has been unable to hold a convention for some years neither has it been able to elect proper officers and committees. The ruling party is today, akin to a grounded aircraft that has been converted to an excursion site: though the engine hums and revs, it is incapable of lifting off the ground.

This is vintage kakistocracy starkly illustrated. Kakistocracy is the reign of humdrum: humdrum people, humdrum party, humdrum government translating to a humdrum country. Kakistocracy is to be led by

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Justice without humanity

•Al-Mustapha to despotic General Sani Abacha and Lateef Sofolahan, his spy ally for lack of proof of evidence.

If the al-Mustapha’s case had been promptly dispensed with, about ten years ago, it is likely certain that the outcome of the judgment would have been different, despite the initial judicial filibustering of the defence counsels and at a later point the covert conspiratorial inclinations of some unseen powerful elements in government that compelled star witness, Barnabas Mshiela (a.k.a Sergeant Rogers) and others to recant their earlier confessional statements regarding the persons that sent them on the alleged journey to kill Kudirat Abiola. A solicitor investigating such matter would have exemplified more adroitness by being more professional in retrieving statements from Rogers and others in such a way that recanting on such would have been near impossibility at a later date.

However, since the current legal fad is for police investigative police officer to probe a criminal matter, most criminal cases have suffered delays while most times, shoddy investigations are carried out and presented before the court to the detriment of the entire criminal justice system of the federation.

The shoddy job done could not have been the problem of the justice ministry that merely acted on the file sent to it by the police. While acknowledging that the Nigeria Police has so many lawyers as Investigating Officers (IPOs), the fact still remains that the right attitude and good work environment are absolutely missing in the discharge of such an important and fundamental function.

The country’s legal henchmen and women must adopt a reform that would separate the currently fused jobs of a barrister and solicitor and perhaps allow the latter to do more of theoretical and investigative jobs to aid the broadening of the frontiers of criminal law practice, while the barristers handle the advocacy aspect as is being done in Britain and other countries. Apart from allowing graduates of law to be gainfully employed, it will also avail those of us that have gone to the Law School the option of institutional specialisation. One thing is also certain: a solicitor involved in investigating a criminal case will be more justice-conscious than an IPO that is not only under-paid but grossly ill-trained and hungry to pay due attention to societal interests.

Though very painful, the Court of Appeal cannot be entirely blamed for exonerating al-Mustapha and Sofolahan for lack of evidence in the humble view of the learned three female justices of the court that heard the

EXPRESSO STEVE OSUJI

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

The reign of the Kakistocrats

• Anenih

• Tukur

vacuous people who have lost touch with reality and have been too far disconnected from the people they lead that they are incapable of applying the reverse gear. Chief Emeka Anyaoku laid it bare only last Sunday. Giving a talk in Lagos, the eminent diplomat said the country is facing a crisis while our leaders and elite are living in denial of those facts. Dear readers, since we have known the likes of Anenih, Tukur, Gana, and co., did we ever know them for any public good, monumental performance in public service, social contract, national pride, flag and country? Ladies and gentlemen, has it not always been about vacancy in Aso Rock, juicy ministerial appointments, Nigerian Ports Authority, big contracts and political bickering? This is kakistocracy in practice.

Kakistocracy is the very obtuse action of a president heaving plane loads of his cabinet members, governors and hangers-on (you may call them businessmen) across conti-

nents and oceans on a supposed state visit to China. The last time such a crowd was on a state visit anywhere was when the Queen of Sheba visited king Solomon: “She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels that bore spices, very much gold and precious stones;…” (1Kings 10 v.2 NKJV).

That junket to China last week is perhaps the worst thing that has happened to the dignity and esteem of Nigeria since independence.

Weight for weight, China does not have more resources than Nigeria and in fact, we have not tapped nary ten percent of our natural resources while our intellectual wealth is yet to be scratched. All the loans and grants from China we sing about, is just a small fraction of Nigeria’s one month oil earning or a small portion of losses to oil theft of about 400,000 barrels per day. Leveraging on this quantum of earnings, there is no amount the Chinese would give us that we can not muster ten times over. Indeed under a smart leadership, Nigeria ought to be lending money to China with a population of about 1.5 billion people. Nigeria under President Goodluck Jonathan is the only country in the world that cannot safeguard its strategic national assets. Since miscreants and petty rogues steal our oil and we don’t know what to do, we may consider drafting the Chinese navy.

Kakistocracy is morbid politics of power for the sake of it. While the Chinese we love to visit acquire power for the sake of coun-

appeal. Whatever evidence exists outside the court in a criminal matter must surely be brought and proved before it; otherwise, the matter will be thrown out. In this case, the recant by Rogers did a fatal blow. However, the judgment will forever continue to generate intense debate and acrimony in the polity for as long as the injustice of annulling the June12, 1993 Presidential Election remains unredressed and the question regarding who killed Kudirat Abiola not answered by the Nigerian system. The matter will continue to further blow ill-will in victims of that inhuman regime, their families and other Nigerians with conscience and good sense of history.

The al-Mustapha/Sofolahan appellate court acquittal judgment might be legally defensible; but like the Stanford, Florida’s United States’ court murder case judgment of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman, it has eroded public’s confidence in the judicial system having left majority of right thinking men to think, as observed by Lord Denning (MR) that the appellate court justices are biased. Another name for this kind of scenarios is justice without humanity - courtesy of the temple of justice.

Madiba at 95 Nelson Mandela, the gift of God to Africa and humanity was 95 yesterday. In contemporary epoch, it is doubtful whether there has been universal consensus over the greatness of any living creature. But on Mandela, the world in unison proclaimed him a ‘saint before man and God.’ He has been an inspiration to billions of people around the world: A model and champion of good governance, especially in a continent riddled with tyrants and leaders with infinitesimal regard for democracy. Here is my unflinching goodwill wish for this man of global reverence at 95.

‘The matter will continue to further blow ill-will in victims of that inhuman regime, their families and other Nigerians with conscience and good sense of history’ try, for the people, for building lasting monuments, and with the aim to transform their country to showpieces other nationals would marvel at, we hunt down power for the sake of it. We chase power to loot the treasury and cart away to China, South Africa and Switzerland. We grab power to destroy our institutions so that we can be tin gods.

Kakistocracy is the presidency subverting order and the rule of law by supporting a renegade faction in a governors’ forum election; it is the torpedoing of the constitution and the impunity of hirelings trying to upstage a State House of Assembly by force.

Kakistocracy is the presidency’s refusal to condemn the rampaging renegades who have brought the Rivers Assembly to a state of ferment and the entire state to a standstill.

Kakistocracy, to paraphrase Prof.Pat Utomi, is the prevalence in government, of people lacking in quality and capacity to govern; it is a place where there are no elders, where the elders have been compromised with contracts and appointments and all such gravy. Kakistocracy is leadership by the worst people in the land.

LAST MUG: No Sam, it’s time to act: Dr. Sam Amadi’s piece, “It’s Time to Think,” on the back page of Thisday newspaper, July 12, 2013, is brilliant in espousing the current dangerous mindset of the people ruling Nigeria today. By the way, Amadi is the chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Committee (NERC). While one would forgive him for suggesting that Nigerians are empty and unthinking (which according to him, explains the current inertia in our national life), what is his NERC thinking in relentlessly increasing electricity tariff in the face of endless darkness? My brother I think NERC should do some work and … yes, think less.

GEN. ALABI-ISAMA’S BIAFRA: Numerous readers of this column who have inundated me with enquiries as to how to get a copy of GEN. ALABI-ISAMA’S BOOK, “TRAGEDY OF HISTORY” reviewed on this page last week, may call the following number for copies of the book: 0811-513-1881

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

23

FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

INSIDE

Pages 25

Website: http://www.thenationonlineng.com

•Diseases ravage kids at Bakassi camp •PAGES 26&27 • Widow relives how youth leader was killed •PAGES 28 •Bayelsa tackles excesses of Keke NAPEP •PAGES 39

Akwa Ibom ‘child-witches’ still endangered KAZEEM IBRAHYM examines the rising cases of violence against children accused of being witches, despite the Child Rights Act, which makes it an offence punishable by 10 years imprisonment for anyone caught in the act VERY Akwa Ibom child will be completely protected by this law we are signing today, and this is a commitment we would protect with all the might of the legal instruments at our disposal. We have come to make a law to protect everything we cherish and value....”

Those were the words from Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio shortly after signing the Child Rights Bill into Law on December 5, 2008.

The law became necessary after many parents and guardians in the state subjected their children/ wards to inhuman treatments after branding them “witches” and “wizards”.

The events leading to the passage of the law are still fresh in the memories of many as the state was subjected to global odium by a report on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on alleged child-witches and inhuman treatments meted to them by their parents and communities.

A self-styled cleric, Bishop Sunday William, declared in the report that 2.3 million witches and wizards existed in the state - most of them, according to him, are children.

Williams also claimed that he helped parents kill about 110 “child-witches” for as much as N400,000 per ‘witch’.

The BBC documentary on the activities of his church went viral on the internet. It angered Akpabio that a ‘Bishop’ would declare that 2.3 million witches existed in a state of less than 4 million people; leaving just 1.7 million of the population witch-free.

The governor immediately ordered the Bishop’s arrest. The Bishop was later paraded at the State Police Headquarters, where he told reporters he did not kill the children as alleged, but merely destroyed spirits of witchcraft in them.

“I started destroying the spirits of witchcraft from people since 2007. I only destroyed the spirits out of the people up to 110 but not killing the main people.

“You can see behind me some of the children whom I have destroyed the spirit of witches out of them.”

Akpabio dismissed the 2.3 million witches claim. The governor, who spoke at a ceremony organised

by Inoyo Toro Foundation in

“E

•Okotie- Eboh

What OkotieEboh taught his son Page 38

‘ If you put a nail on

my head and ask me to agree that I am a wizard, I would do that to save myself from torture. That is how these children are tortured to accept that they are witches and their parents would gladly throw them out of the house

•Guanah

Ex-commisioner: Nigeria should invest oil cash in agriculture Page 38

‘

honour of Science, Mathematics and English language teachers in Uyo, said some of the children had confessed to being witches and wizards when they were tortured by their parents and church leaders.

Akpabio said: “If you put a nail on my head and ask me to agree that I am a wizard, I would do that to save myself from torture. That is how these children are tortured to accept that they are witches and their parents would gladly throw them out of the house.

“We will not only destroy such churches, but also get their pastors prosecuted and jailed to set example for others because some churches are deceiving people.”

While the number of such persons prosecuted since the enactment of the law remains unknown, cases of maltreatment and abuse continue to increase daily in the state.

Commissioner of Police Umar Gwadabe said the command was grappling with the rising tide of violence against persons accused of witchcraft.

His words: “On several occasions, our men were called upon to rescue vulnerable persons, such as women, children and the elderly •Continued on page 27

•Mr. Ben Tariye Omietimi

•Mother’ Mother’s Mother’ s inhumanity to daughter Mercy Frank was bathed with acid by her mother who accused her of being a witch

Chevron lifts the blind

Page 40

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

26

NIGER DELTA REPORT Children forced to leave their homes in the oilrich Bakassi Peninsula are going through hell on earth at the camp provided for them in Calabar, the Cross River State capital. Diseases and malnutrition are their major afflictions, reports NICHOLAS KALU, Calabar.

Diseases, malnutrition ravage

F

IFTEEN –year-old Blessing Ene Okon was huddled up with over 2, 000 other returnees in classrooms, until she developed a strange ailment which has left her with a distended stomach and swollen feet since April.

She is one of the Bakassi returnees who were evicted by Cameroonian gendarmes last March 7 and are now quartered in classrooms at St Marks Primary School and Community Secondary School both in Akwa Ikot Edem in Akpabuyo Local Government Area.

Her father, Mr Edet Ene Okon, 40, lamented that his daughter, who is presently in the paediatric section of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, is in a critical state and may get worse, if nothing is done urgently.

He said efforts to get assistance from the state government have so far proven abortive and the over N200, 000 donated to him by the Clan Head of Eyo Edem Clan in Akpabuyo has since been exhausted.

She needs blood transfusion and is in pains, he said, adding that they were too finan-

•Kindness Bassey Okon covering herself up due to fever

cially exhausted to even afford food and drugs for her.

“Since they pursued us from Cameroon, we left everything we had and came here. We don’t have any money and it was only the clan head who has helped us this far. Please government should come to our aid. As I talk to you I don’t even have N10 and the hospital needs money to continue her treatment,” he said.

Blessing’s situation is the worst of the cases of over 700 children who are presently exposed to unhealthy, poor sanitary and feeding conditions in the temporary camp. Not all

•Women and children at the camp

of them have a benefactor like Blessing.

The camp leader, Etim Okon Ene, said the situation in the camp is terrible especially for the children. Besides being exposed to the weather and various ailments without healthcare, they are also malnourished because food supplied by the State Emergency Management Agency cannot meet their needs. They also lack potable water.

Ene said: “The condition of the children is very bad. Not properly clothed. No financial assistance for the mothers to take care of them. No social

welfare for us. The state government has put in place a conditional cash transfer programme. That programme should be extended to us here in the camp. Even when the children are very ill, there is no money to pay transport fare not even to talk of hospital bills or buying medicine.

“Presently, there is no health facility in the camp. Government has tried by trying to know what is happening here, but that is the only thing they have done for us. The returnees here have no money. Government should help.

Blessing’s problem started

Rivers elder statesman bags Peace Ambassador Award

A

N elder statesman and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Abubakar Orlu, has been bestowed with the Ambassador of Peace award

by International Association of World Peace Advocates.

The ceremony, held in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital last weekend also featured the hoisting of Nigerian and United Nations (UN) flags at Orlu’s home.

Speaking at the event, the Southsouth Regional Director of the group, Bishop Prosperity Udorji, said the award was a licence to the recipient to preach and broker peace among warring factions around the world.

Udorji said: “By the reason of the investiture and hoisting of the flags in this premises today, and by the constitution and policy establishing the International Association of World Peace Advocate, Orlu has become

From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

a diplomat.

“He has been given the power/right to intervene, mediate between members of the public and the government/security agents in any part of the world that is in crisis.

On the significance of the double flags hoisted in his premises, he said: “The hoisting of the two flags in this compound today has designated this premises as a place of refuge in the face of war, crisis or criminality.

“If there is war, chaos or any offender is being chased by security agents and they run into the compound, the person(s) will be safe. His/her pursuers will stop running after him.

However, the ambassador has the responsibility to interrogate him after which he willingly hands him over to the security agents, espe-

cially the police at the station; especially when the crime he was accused of carries capital punishment.

“In the same way, any one who runs into the compound when there is war or life threatening conflict in the country, state or community is safe should anyone come in here and inflict any harm on them the person will be prosecuted by world court, in accordance with the act establishing the group.”

Orlu said: “I’m happy, the people honoured me; they feel I merit the honour, who am I to say no, so I’m happy.”

On how he would use the honour to intervene in the raging political crisis in the state, he expressed his willingness to intervene, if he was invited by the warring parties.

“If I am given the chance to make peace in the on-go-

ing problem in Rivers State, I am confident that I will successfully restore peace among the warring parties, without fear or favour.

On how he would handle criminals that would turn to his premises for refuge, Orlu pledged to liaise with security agents to ensure that offenders are given fair hearing and judgment, rather than killing them with impunity.

“If a criminal is being pursued by either the police, or the military and he runs to my compound, his life will be saved. It is my responsibility thereafter to hand him over to the security agents.”

The Rivers indigene of Ikwerre extraction pledged to use his new title to mediate for peace anywhere around the world, including Rivers State and Nigeria, but insisted that he must be invited before he could intervene.

here; she should not die.

“We are desperate. It is not until someone dies that something should happen. Some of these children here have been wearing just one cloth for weeks. We need money to manage the camp. When the children are sick, we use bitter leaf and scent leaf to prepare their medicine. That is the only thing we have been using here since.”

Ene lauded SEMA for always providing them food, but said this was not enough.

He said besides the rice, beans, Geisha, noodles, they needed to have some money in their

pockets to be able to take care of other vital needs.

Such vital needs, he said, included mothers’ ability to take their children to the hospital for check-ups and to afford food that will be nutritional to the children.

Promise Edet is a 17-yearold girl who has been taking care of her late sister’s oneyear-old baby, Favour. She said the baby is always sick.

“Since we got here she has not taken any medicine or gone to any hospital because we cannot afford it. The baby is just over one year now and she cannot even crawl not to talk

Community floors neighbour in 30-year-old land dispute

T

From: Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

HE people of Rumuoparaolu in Elimgbu, Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State have won a 30-year-old land dispute between them and their counterparts from Rumukamalu in Atali community.

The disputed parcel of land is situated at Ohia Egbelu in Elimgbu community and the tussle over its ownership dragged for 30 years in a Port Harcourt High Court.

It was gathered that Rumuparaolu indigenes, who were aggrieved that the Rumukamalu people were encroaching on their land, took the matter to court in 1983. The case suffered several adjournments before judgment was passed by Justice Boma Diepreye.

The traditional ruler of Elimgbu, Eze Makaka Wobe, said the court ruling was “a divine intervention, which has redeemed his people from the claws of their attackers”.

Wobe said he accompanied his late father to court as a young man when the case started and expressed regrets that the case lingered til he became a monarch.

Commending the judge for a job well done, Wobe noted that that the court has once again proved that “it is the last hope of the common man”.

He said the judgment would strengthen cords between the two communities.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

27

infants at Bakassi camp

•Magdalene Bassey Okon (right) and some mothers and children at the camp

of walking. She needs drugs and food and proper healthcare.

“We have only been grinding bitter leaf and rubbing her and giving her to drink and also use it to give her enema.

The place we sleep is also not good for her. It is too open and the cold weather is making her sick.”

The story is the same for six other mothers, such as Magadalene Okon Etim, who gave birth in camp to baby Esther three months ago. She said: “Since she (baby) was born in this camp, I have not taken her to the hospital. I

C

have not been treating her. It is a miracle that nobody has died here.”

Another mother in the camp, Magdalene Rita, said her son Moses, who is almost two years old, is always falling ill .

She said, “The food he is eating here is not good with him.

He has not been feeding properly. If we had any money, I would love to be giving him vegetables, fish, meat, eggs and other foods that would really be good for him. He is not having balanced diet here.”

A camp official, Prince

Aston, said it was unforunate that the Federal Government could cater for former militants but abandon displaced persons.

He said: “Why can they (government) not take care of returnees who committed no crime but are in dire need of government help? These people lost their land and everything and now they are not taken care of. The only thing we have here is camera response. Nothing is coming out of it.

“You can see the children are not fine. One of them is in a critical state. Most of them

are malnourished. We are tired of being told that everything is okay; that things would be fine and then nothing would happen. While we await proper resettlement, essential amenities should be given to us.

“The state government’s conditional cash transfer which they call Project Comfort should be made available to us. All efforts we have made to the Ministries of Health and Social Welfare to come to our aid have not yielded any result and we beg the Federal Government to intervene.”

NIGER DELTA REPORT Akwa Ibom ‘child-witches’ still on danger list •Continued from page 1

who are falsely accused of being witches, and who are being subjected to untold acts of torture and brutality by some criminal elements.

“A case in point is the rescue of two male children aged nine (9) and six (6) years Mmenyene and Samuel who were branded as wizards in a village called Ikot Obio Asanga. They were rescued in a toilet having been locked up for 14 days without food and water.

“This followed a so-called prophesy that the children were wizards and responsible for the misfortune that had befallen the family. Those involved, the father and a prophetess had been picked up and charged to court.”

One of such unlucky victim was 12-year-old Mercy Frank, whose mother bathed her with acid because a prophet claimed she was possessed by witchcraft.

When our reporter met Mercy at the Children Ward of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), she was sitting alone and begging for food.

Mercy, before the acid bath, attended Atabong Primary School in Oron. The acid bath affected her breasts, mouth and other parts of her body.

Narrating her sad story, she said: “I am from Atabong village in Oron Local Government Area. I am the second child in the family of four children. My mother poured acid solution on my body that is why my mouth and my body are like these.

“One of our neighbours told my mother that I was a witch but I told her that I was not a witch. She took me to Apostolic Church in Atabong, Oron and the pastor told her that I was a witch. When the pastor asked me if I was a witch, I told him I was not a witch.

“The pastor prayed and told my mother that I was a witch then we went back home after the prayer. When we got home that night, my mother canned me seriously. Other neighbours begged her to let me be but she refused.

“Later at midnight, my mother took me to a deep forest and poured acid solution on me and dropped me by the roadside and left.”

She said security agents brought her to the hospital after seeing her in pains and crying by the roadside.

Mercy was lucky to survive the attack.

Effiong Lawson was not. He was recently beheaded, allegedly by his stepfather, Felix Lawson, 43, who accused him of being a wizard. Sources said Lawson accused the child of being responsible for the fate of his wretched and povertystricken family.

Eyewitness said the incident occurred while the suspect was enjoying his meal after returning from work on the fateful day.

His hungry step-son reportedly sneaked into the backyard and whispered to his younger sister to bring him leftover food to stop his hunger.

But the enraged stepfather, who heard and recognised his voice, went for his machete and attacked the child.

Two friends of the late Effiong’s who accompanied him to the house, sensing the danger from the stepfather, took to their heels but the late Effiong was not as lucky. He was overpowered and beheaded by the irate father.

Our investigations revealed that these and other incidents occurred despite the Child Rights Law. Observers say the state government needs to exercise its judicial power and make the law function effectively by ensuring that perpetrators, like Effiong, are punished by the court to serve as deterrent to others.

Delta civil servants want foreign training

IVIL servants in Delta State have urged the state government to organise foreign training for them to enhance their research skills.

A cross section of the civil servants spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Asaba, the state capital.

They said such research skills would go a long way in building the potential of talented civil servants.

They also called on the state government to invest in practical training, especially for those in the technical field to boost their knowledge.

The civil servants commended the state government for its manpower development programme locally, but stressed the need to complement it with foreign training programme.

Mr Roland Magbulu, a civil servant in the state public service, noted that civil servants needed to acquire more skills, especially in the area of re-

search.

He said this would go a long way in building the potential of the civil servants in the state.

Another civil servant, Mr Oghenemena Avwenaghagha, said though the state government was doing very well in the area of capacity building, there was need to focus on practical training.

“Apart from increasing our knowledge on the job, it will also help to build confidence in our people when it comes to professionalism,’’ he said.

Another civil servant, Mrs Emuobo Okpubuluku, said: “No man is an island and for us to be effective as civil servants, there is need for training and retraining of public servants in the state.’’

She commended the government for its efforts and urged that more civil servants be trained annually within and outside the country.

The Presidential Amnesty Office on Tuesday said it would facilitate jobs for the

•Jobs coming for 30,000 ex-militants

30,000 former militants enlisted in the amnesty programme.

The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Kingsley Kukuspoke at the unveiling of the PostTraining Agenda for the former militants in Abuja.

Kuku, who is also the Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme, said: “It is imperative to create a new department that will facilitate jobs for our trained youths to prevent them from going back to the creeks.

“The purpose of unveiling the post-training agenda is to create a rehabilitation department that will facilitate and create an avenue for jobs placement and engagement for our trained youths before the amnesty programme ends in 2015.”

Kuku said the amnesty office was worried about the former agitators’ fate after post-train-

ing and that was why it created a new department that would begin the process of placing them for jobs to ensure peace and stability in the Niger Delta.

He said 14,029 ex-militants out of the 30,000 who enlisted in the amnesty programme were trained in various universities and vocational skill centres since the inception of the programme in 2009.

The special adviser said the beneficiaries were enrolled in local and international skill centres since the proclamation and implementation of the amnesty programme by late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

“Like I mentioned earlier, a total of 30,000 people were enlisted in the amnesty programme. Of this number, over 14,000 have been deployed to universities and vocational skill centres both within and outside the country.’’

•Kuku

He said of the 14,029 trainees, 6,875 were enrolled in vocational skill centres in the country, while 4,425 persons were sent to various vocational training centres abroad.

He added that 1,077 people were deployed to various universities in the country, while 688 were enrolled in universities abroad.

According to him, 661 mili-

tants have been withdrawn for allegedly violating the law of the schools and host countries.

“It is also imperative to provide economic lifeline to the leaders of these agitators as agreed in the amnesty proclamation terms before the programme ends in 2015,” he said.

Kuku stressed the need to involve the leaders of the former militants, community leaders and youth groups in protecting oil pipelines in the Niger Delta.

He said: “These people know every nook and cranny of the Niger Delta better than the security agencies and their involvement will go a long way in complementing the efforts of security agencies to succeed.’’

Mr Tamarabebe Freeman, who headed the Rehabilitation Department of the Amnesty Office, promised that he would act on the Local Content Act to facilitate employment for the trained former militants.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

28

NIGER DELTA REPORT

Widow relives how youth leader was killed

T

HE widow of Lucky Nwachukwu, the slain Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Ogbegene community in Ogba/ Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, Evidence Nwachukwu, human rights lawyer Higher King have relived how he died.

His widow, who is demanding justice, said her husband was killed by the police.

The victim was reportedly killed at his Ogbegene community in Omoku, by a team of riot policemen attached to the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) in the area last April.

He was alleged to have vandalised an oil pipeline in the community.

But the wife, a mother of three, who is also expectant, exonerated the deceased whom she described as innocent, peaceful and a renowned welder.

She called for the intervention of the government, traditional rulers of her community, human rights activist, civil society group, international organisations and the public to come to her aid by assisting to get her husband’s killers.

The widow, while relieving her ordeal since the death of her husband in April 18, maintained that her husband was non-violent and law abiding.

The woman said “Since the death of my husband, life has not been the same to me and our three children.

“Mopol attached to AGIP in Ogbegene community in Ogba/ Egbema /Ndoni suddenly turned me a widow at this tender age, and my children fatherless within a twinkle of an eye.

“I have been left with three children and a pregnancy; he was our bread winner. I am not asking for any other thing than justice in this matter.

“I am pleading with the governments, human right groups, civil society groups and the public to inter-

‘

I have been left with three children and a pregnancy; he was our bread winner. I am not asking for any other thing than justice in this matter. I am pleading with the governments, human right groups, civil society groups and the public to ensure that his killers are brought to book

‘

•The late Nwachukwu on the hospital bed after he was shot From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

vene in this case to ensure that his killers are brought to book. I am helpless, weak and don’t know where to turn to.

“Those who knew my husband while he was alive can testify that he was peaceful, non- violent person and

not a oil pipeline vandal.”

King condemned the unlawful killing of the victim and called on the Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar through Commissioner of Police Mbu J. Mbu to investigate the matter and fish out Nwachukwu’s killers.

The Ogbegene Community Devel-

opment Committee (CDC) Chairman, Ishmael Odili, said: “ The late Lucky, was my PRO. I sent him to our community Ogbegene to go and inspect the materials AGIP was going to use to execute a job there.

“That fateful day, I got a call from my youth president informing me that the contractor said the person she sent to the market to get materials for the job got fake ones. I called Lucky to abandon whatever he was doing and go to Ogbogene and see the materials, if they are indeed fake.

“When he got to Ogbegene, he

called me to say it was already late to come back to Omoku, and that there were no more vehicles coming to Omoku.

“Okada riders are banned from plying after 6pm. Then I asked him to sleep over. About after 8pm, I got another call informing me that he had been shot, I didn’t take it seriously earlier, I thought that it was these bad boys. However, I managed to make some findings. I now asked whether he had been taken to the hospital and where, I was told.

“It was then I rushed down to the hospital, I met some policemen with handcuffs, I asked them what the problem was; they said he was a vandal. I said whether a vandal or not, he should be taken care of first.

“Later, the doctor came and said he needed blood. I was surprised, then the elder sister came with one of the brothers who donated two pints of blood, then AGIP bought another one.

“After a while, the doctor came and asked us to take the man to Port Harcourt where he could get better facilities for the treatment, I told the doctor to call those who brought him to the hospital were the people who shot him.

“Then I met the IPO; he said the people (police), said they were no longer interested in the matter again, that their hands are off the case, that we should go and treat our brother.

“Immediately, I met a lawyer who drafted a petition we took to the Divisional police Officer (DPO). When he asked the IPO simply identified as ‘Mallam’, he said the people said they were no longer interested in the case.

“The DPO tried to find out what their reasons were to no avail. He now directed his men to assist us take the victim to Port Harcourt, while we were on the way to Port Harcourt, unfortunately he died.”

The remains of the victim is still in the morgue, The Nation learnt.

Ebony Life: Entertainment from the heart of Calabar Tinapa, the beautiful entertainment arena in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, now hosts EbonyLife television, which promises to change everything its audiences think they know about Africa

E

BONY Life TV, the brainchild of dynamic Nigerian talk show star debuted on DStv on July 1.

Fusing exclusive African original programming, featuring some of the continent’s biggest names, with relevant international urban movie and series programming, Ebony Life TV will be available on DStv channel 165 to DStv Premium, Compact Plus (where available) and Compact viewers.

With the tagline “Live the Ebony Life”, the channel is both inspirational and aspirational, celebrating style and success while simultaneously motivating audiences to dream and dream big. Glossy, polished and sophisticated, the EL experience puts African superstars such as Kate HenshawNuttal, Uche Jombo Rita Dominic, Funke Akindele, Tiwa Savage and Banky W. on a line-up that also features Latoya Jackson, Taye Diggs, Damon Wayons and Sherri Shepherd.

Homegrown programming on the channel includes the glamourous flagship talk-show Moments with Mo. This time round, the always engaging Mo is joined by two brand new co-hosts, whose selection during an intense search is also chronicled on the dramatic, must-watch reality show Mo’s Search.

Viewers can also look out for the glitzy EL Now, the daily entertainment news show featuring the hottest global black news, the latest celebrity buzz, African success stories and all things ‘Africana cool’ across music, movies, TV, fashion, beauty, design and the arts.

Other programmes created specifically for Ebony Life audiences include Screen Divas, where Nollywood Queens Kate, Uche, Funke and Rita combine their star power to produce the short film ‘New Horizon’ tackling the issue of domestic abuse. Then make a date to watch the fascinating

Fattening Room in which six beautiful, feisty modern women from Ghana, Nigeria, Botswana and Kenya embark on a journey of self-discovery by revisiting the legacies of Efik tradition.

The cultures and traditions of Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and America intersect in the appealing Culture Connects, where each episode takes audiences on a cultural journey to explore the values that both continents hold dear.

And that’s not all…look out for the seasonal, fashion forward EL Runway, the hilarious sitcom Ojo’s in D’ House, the youthful ensemble talk show The Spot, the romance and relationship themed Love Lounge, the fun and ‘captured on camera’ lives of the Sistaz and the talent-focused In My Shoes, which tracks a day in the life of Africa’s top personalities, providing an intimate look at the life of the real people behind the celebrity

names.

From beyond Africa, Ebony Life TV has sourced some of the boldest content available including the sensational The Love Triangle, laugh out loud quiz show The Newlywed Game, hot and hip Ocean’s Models, the wedding fashion search Keasha’s Perfect Dress, Damon Wayans’ hit sitcom My Wife and Kids and the humorous British sketch comedy show Little Miss Jocelyn.

Dramas on the channel include the Taye Diggs led ‘legal eagle meets new dad’ story of Kevin Hill and the emotional, evocative police drama Lincoln Heights.

Special highlights to look forward to are the sitcoms Mr. Box Office where a Hollywood A-lister heads to South Central LA to serve out his community service as a high school English teacher; The First Family that follows the story of William Johnson, the 45th President of the United States

and the second African-American elected to the office and Life with LaToya where fans can enter the outrageous world of LaToya Jackson; the unpredictable wildcard from one of showbiz’s most famous families.

Commenting on the channel’s launch, Ebony Life founder and CEO Mo Abudu says, “”On behalf of the entire Ebony Life TV team, I want to express the greatest delight that this dream has finally become an amazing reality. We have spent years and months putting some of the brightest minds together on an exciting mission to build Africa’s first Global Black Entertainment Network focused on the continent’s most important demographic, the youth, aged 18 to 34.

“We are even more excited that we have created a channel that stands on the same pedestal as any international brand. We urge African audiences to tune in and live the Ebony Life.”

• Culled fromenewsghana

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

29

PEOPLE THE NATION

A FOUR-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

Eminent lawyer Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) last week in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, marked his 50th anniversary at the Bar. The event, which featured the inauguration of a new office and launch of two books, attracted the A-list. ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA was there.

•Chief Obasanjo (left) with other dignitaries assisted Aare Babalola (second right) and wife Yeye Modupe to cut the tape

All for a legal luminary

•Afe Babalola clocks 50 years at the Bar

E

VER seen renowned lawyer Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) digging it on the dance floor?

He did just that in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, last week and onlookers marvelled at his skill.

With his wife, Yeye Modupe, the octogenarian clutched the horsetail which was extended to him by the lead singer of a traditional dance troupe.

Many began to wonder what magic Babalola would perform with the tool which he held for a while. Then he whispered to his wife, who also held a horsetail and the couple rose from their seats on the high table and walked towards the dancers. Waving the horsetails, their action provoked laughter.

It was breathtaking! 50 years of a flourishing legal practice, and Babalola is still firing from all cylinders. Last Tuesday, the quintessential legal icon and philanthropist marked 50 years of his call to Bar with pomp and ceremony.

The Ekotedo, Mokola, Ibadan premises of his Emmanuel Chambers where he inaugurated a new office complex and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) multipurpose Hall in Iyanganku, Ibadan, where a lecture/book launch were held in his honour, were a beehive of activities. The events drew the

crème-de-la-crème across legal, political, royal and business circles. The dignitaries showered encomiums on Babalola, at an occasion tagged: “Aare Afe Babalola 50 Years at the Bar.” It was simply a display of wigs and crowns. Notable lawyers, monarchs, traditional rulers, and technocrats first thronged the chambers before 'reconnecting' at the NBA hall for the lecture. The event was akin to a reunion. Many who had passed through Babalola’s chambers before setting up theirs were there.

A small crowd thronged his chambers on the Mokola/Dugbe expressway to behold the dignitaries that arrived at the venue in their glory, one after the other.

The atmosphere, became charged when former President Olusegun Obasanjo arrived. He responded to chants of “Baba Iyabo” from those that gate crashed into the venue despite the heavy security.

Then the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi and Olugbo Of Ugbo Kingdom Oba Fredrick Akinruntan stormed the venue with their retinue of aides and posh cars.

Babalola was decked in a sky blue suit, a black-blue tie with or-

•From left: Governor Ajimobi; Dr Fayemi and Mr Oni

•Oba Adeyemi and his wife Olori Jolaade

ange stripes, and a pair of black shoes to match; his wife donned an orange apparel with a jacket that bore a black flowery design

on an orange-like background.

Decked in white agbada with purple dots, Obasanjo, who was chairman on the occasion, was as

usual in his humorous best. His short speech was a temporary comic relief to the excited audience.

Reliving his days as president, he said he made some mistakes adding that the celebrator was one of those mistakes.

"I made a mistake when I appointed him (Babalola) as the prochancellor of University of Lagos (UNILAG). Many people also considered it a big mistake but it turned out to be a successful mistake," Obasanjo said, throwing the gathering into laughter.

According to him, Babalola proved his mettle at UNILAG by emerging the best pro-chancellor twice and producing the best vicechancellor under his administration, capping it up by establishing the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD).

Denying that he is Babalola’s client, Obasanjo said he would rather see himself as a beneficiary of the SAN’s legal services, than a patron.

"Let me correct an impression some of you are making here that I am a client to Aare. But I will rather see myself as a beneficiary of Aare’s legal services, and his industry and passion for work which we must all emulate," he said.

Obasanjo said he and the celebrator shared a lot in common.

He said aside being old buddies, they possessed a miniature image, are dark skinned, but above all, are great farmers, drawing another bout of laughter from guests.

Ondo State Governor Olusegun •Continued on page 30

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

30

SOCEITY

All for a legal luminary •Continued from page 29

Mimiko, who cut short his trip to China, said he did so because “Baba deserves the attention of all.”

"What better way can we celebrate our Baba than being here to rejoice with him. Baba is one of the few distinguished Nigerians who made it from a humble background to become one of the best lawyers, not only in Nigeria but the world at large."

Most of those who came onto the podium showered encomiums on 'Baba' as he is fondly called.

Former Attorney-General of the Federation Chief Akin Olujinmi (SAN), who once served in Babalola's chamber recounted how hardworking and passionate he is to the legal profession.

"His (Babalola) day in the chamber begins at 8am, and that is when he is not travelling outside Ibadan for a case. With a short break in the afternoon from about 3p.m and in the evening from 6p.m till about 10pm, with occasional stretches to 11p.m. For him, everyday of the week, including Sunday, is a work day.

"Aare loves the law. He lives for the law and no wonder the law has made him great."

Yusuf Alli (SAN) said: "This event is elevating, encouraging; and it shows that if a man is hardworking, he will stand tall among men.

"The lesson I draw from this is that uprightness, hardwork, honesty and faith in God pay. Baba Afe is a great human being."

In his tribute, Alhaji Lasun Sanusi (SAN) said: "One great thing about this teacher of lawyers, and Nigeria's greatest producer of the highest number of Senior Advocates of Nigeria is that he is a man with a large heart. He accommodates all and he is a detribalised Nigerian.

"There is hardly any counsel that passes through him that will not become a renowned practitioner as he exposes all to the rudiment and nitty gritty of law. He is a workaholic and easily falls in love with whoever appears ready for his grooming and learning.”

Wale Olanipekun (SAN), who presented the two books: Thoughts of a legal icon and Current legal issues in contemporary Nigeria, said the books were veritable literatures which cut across board. “They are ideal for students of Law who dream to make it big like the celebrator,” he said.

Olanipekun, the Pro-Chancellor

•Oba Akinruntan (left) and Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe

• Mrs Solanke (SAN) and Baale of Ekotedo elder Durojaiye Ayorinde

•Governor Mimiko (left) and Ado Ibrahim

•Mr Ali (SAN) (right) and Mr Gamaliel Onosode

•Justice Ayoola flanked by Yola (right) and Capt Olubolade

•Chief Olanipekun (left) and Justice Ajibola

of the University of Ibadan said: "Aare's achievement in the law profession is known across the world. So what I mean is that these books are tools, especially for young minds still curious to know how Baba rose from humble background to a global figure. That is why I said it is not only books for lawyers alone but anybody who wishes to succeed."

Babalola thanked the guests and the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners, Oyo State chapter, which presented a play in his honour the

PHOTOS: ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA

previous day.

The play, he said, revealed the ills plaguing the country. He urged all to work together on the Nigerian project.

"What ails the project Nigeria is dishonesty, mismanagement of funds, corruption, poor planning and execution at all levels, strikes and cultism in our tertiary institutions. There is an urgent need to administer the correct dose of treatment to cure these ailments; otherwise, project Nigeria may die. A serious disease needs drastic treatment. The answer is a new constitution and not palliative

treatment termed amendment to a deceased federal constitution," Babalola said.

Babalola recounted how he cut his legal tooth under the late Justice Olu Ayoola. Nearly two years after he joined the late Judge’s law firm, he left to establish his own chamber - Afe Babalola and Co, where majority of the cases he handled then were magistrate court matters and later divorce cases. Through dint of hardwork, he said, he soon broke away, delving into landmark cases many of which he won.

In attendance were Permanent

Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice Abdulahi Ahmed Yola, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan; Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi; his Ekiti counterpart, Dr Kayode Fayemi; former Ekiti State governor Segun Oni; former Judge of the World Court Prince Bola Ajibola; Ohinoyi of Ebiraland Ado Ibrahim; first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mrs Folake Solanke; Chairman, Energy Group Dr Jimoh Ibrahim; Minister of Police Affairs Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd) among others.

WEDDING

•Former Miss Omolola Soyombo and her husband Mr Adegoke Akingbade

•Bride’s parents: Prof Omololu Soyombo, Dean, Faculty of Social Science, University of Lagos and wife Abiodun •Groom’s parents: Mrs Florence Akingbade and Adewale Akingbade

SHOPPING

31

THE NATION

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

FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

It is now one year after online stores berthed in the country.

They have been able to deliver goods to customers anywhere, anytime. They have also been providing convenient retail services, creating jobs and improving the economy.

TONIA ‘DIYAN writes.

e-mail: toniaitose@yahoo.com

07035302326 Shopping@thenationonlineng.net

•Online shopping

Online shopping … one year after

A

FEW years ago, the Nigerian internet space had little or no commercial viability. This was because internet usage was still developing and provided limited network opportunities for people.

Then, an explosion in the number of people that have acccess to the internet with its unlimited opportunities among which is online shopping which has completely changed the face of retail business in Nigeria.

Online shopping is a relatively new and fast-growing market, which was spurred by the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian payment system.

However, the emergence of online stores, such as Jumia Nigeria, African foods online, Awoofshop, Yeside store, Sunglasses.com and others has completely changed the face of that sector.

Today, there are opportunities that online shopping has for the Nigerian retail market.

According to a study by an institute, Euro monitor based in the United States, Nigeria’s GDP based on purchasing power increased by 21.67 per cent in the last four years. In same period, Internet users grew by 46 per cent.

Today, online shopping enjoys about 70,000 unique visitors daily, with a daily subscriber base of over 150,000.

People have been able to buy an assortment of quality products at

affordable prices – buying everything from fashion accessories, consumer goods, electronics and home appliances to beauty products and many more.

Of the 40 million Nigerians who are online, a large number usually visits online stores, resulting to a growing trend in visits and purchases. Also, the stores have grown to become the solution to retail online and offline with people preferring to pay as their goods are delivered to them.

People can now track online activities, and know about deals and bargains as soon as they come up.

The notion that buying online is for the rich and elite has been erased. With as low as N100, a person can buy airtime online at a quick teller store and order food online at Hello Food.

People are encouraged to get involved in the trend, particularly via social networks, such as Facebook, twiter and the likes.

Recently at an event organised by Jumia online store, Minister for Communications Technology Mrs. Omobola Johnson delivered a keynote address on online shop-

ping in Nigeria, describing it as an engine for job creation and economic growth.

According to her, there are possibilities in online shopping. “Online shopping is one of the primary drivers of growth in the country’s economy thanks to companies like Jumia.com that have not only pioneered online retail trade in Nigeria, but have also shown people that running such a business model within our shores is possible,” she said.

She said online shopping had opened doors for the upcoming generation of young Nigerian entrepreneurs, providing a platform for them to express their creativity while acting as a job creation engine to hundreds of others. These stores have attracted important investors and they have great impact on Nigeria as a country and as a market place. That is why at the federal level, companies that know how to make use of these developments to help reshape Nigeria’s economy are encouraged,” she said.

“We pioneered the online retail market in Nigeria and now people can see its significant impact on the

economy,” said Mr Tunde Kehinde and Mr Raphael Afaedor, co-founders of Jumia.com.

The CEOs of Rocket Africa, Mr Jeremy Hodara and Mr Sacha Poignonnec, in their contributions said: “Online shopping has opened doors for the upcoming generation of talented and young Nigerians. It has seen numerous talents and aspirations in hundreds of Nigerians and it is assisting individuals in fulfilling their ambitions and ultimately contributing to the nation’s growth technologically, economically and socially.”

Shoppers have gradually got used to this trend, seeing it as part of their daily lives and they are ready to ignore risk. There are many online stores to choose from.

Yeside focuses on fashion, shoes, clothing, bags, watches, jewelries, and all kinds of fashion accessories.

Buy Right sells electronics, inverters, UPS, mobile phones, cameras, camcorders, storage devices and notebooks, among other things.

Wahali is an islamic online bookstore.

AwoofShop sells assorted products, from mobile phones to books,

‘Online shopping is one of the primary drivers of growth in the country’s economy thanks to companies like Jumia.com that have not only pioneered online retail trade in Nigeria, but have also shown people that running such a business model within our shores is possible’

clothing, video games, computers, etc.

African Foods Online Store sells yam, bitter leaf, Cocoyam flour, Egusi, Garden egg, Ogbono, Palm oil and other food stuffs.

Some shoppers’ who spoke to The Nation Shopping expressed satisfaction with the trend.

According to Mr Shola Adegbenle, a teacher at the Hogas International School, Lagos Island: “Merging ecommerce and social networking has never been this good, likewise has buying good quality products over the internet become this easier.”

Mrs Folashade Odunuga, an administrative staff with the Lagos State Ministry of Education, said: “The online stores, that are successful today, apart from satisfying customers with swift-quality services, have also been able to create opportunities for many startups, small and medium entrepreneurs. In one year, the Nigerian online market has shaped and grown. It is indeed a big achievement to the country’s economy.”

A marketing personnel at a mall, Mrs Adetutu Bankole, said malls are now realising the value of the internet and are also adapting their range of products and services to take advantage of it.

“Some shops offer to order items for customers online if they do not have it in stock at the time needed,” she said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

32

DISCOURSE

Text of a lecture delivered by a professor of African History, Prof Rufus Taiwo Akinyele, of the Department of History and Strategic Studies, University of Lagos, at the institution’s Inaugural Lecture on June 22.

Lines and space in human affairs: Minorities and marginals • Continued from Monday

T

HE stand of the Commission on the cre ation of the Mid-West, even when re stricted to Edo culture area, showed a strong disapproval of the ethnic criterion of state creation in the belief that “it would underline tribal divisions which a wiser statesmanship would seek gradually to obliterate”.72 Nevertheless, the Commission recommended that the Calabar and Edo areas should be recognized as “Minority Areas” to preserve their distinctive cultures within the regional setting. The difficult terrain of the Niger Delta also encouraged the recommendation that the Ijaw homeland should be classified as a “Special Area” for the purpose of development. A Niger Delta Board was also to be created to facilitate the coordination of the development efforts.

Apart from recommending the insertion of the bill of rights to protect individual liberties in the constitution, the Commission believed that the democratic system would help to reduce the scope of the problem particularly when the major ethnic groups would have to court the regional minorities for their votes in the hegemonic contest to control the centre.73 Paradoxically, the system of political repression continued as the dominant group which was in control and regional governments sought the support of the minorities in the other regions for the desired votes.

For instance, the Action Group (AG) of the West became the major ally of the Middle Belt State Movement just as the Mid-West State Movement enjoyed the backing of the National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC). The minority group politics of the First Republic accentuated the problem. Even when the Mid-West was created in 1963, it was to spite the AG and weaken its support for the minorities. The inability of the political class to find an acceptable solution to the crisis contributed to the collapse of the First Republic.

The regional structure was terminated in 1967 not just to weaken the support for the Biafran secession but also because of “the minority origin of Gowon and the minority alliance which dominated the army and the bureaucracy at the period.”74 Consequently, the twelve-state structure that emerged was a minority federation. For instance, the minorities of Eastern Nigeria were constituted into South Eastern and Rivers States while those of the Middle Belt were grouped into Kwara and Benue-Plateau States. Each of the three large ethnic groups was balkanized to reduce their preponderant status. The North/South political equation was maintained by creating equal number of states from both regions.

That state creation exercise ended the practice of looking at Nigeria from only the focal points of North, East and West. Many thought that the exercise will put the last nail in the coffin of minority problems in Nigeria. But while the creation of states helped to defuse tension, it also played up the differences between the groups that were constituted into new states. For instance, the Efik, Annang and Ibibio had joined the Ijaw to canvass for the creation of a Calabar-Ogoja-Rivers State. But no sooner was the Southern Eastern State created than the Efik and the Ibibio began to tear at each other. Even the Ibibio College, built in Ikot Ekpene in 1946 has since been renamed State College in response to the protest of the Annang that it is ridiculous for an Ibibio College to be sited on Annang soil.75 This later resulted in the creation of Akwa Ibom State in 1987. The people of Benue also saw the need to ask for the termination of their association with Plateau because of the fear of the unknown. The effect of this segmentary opposition led the Irikefe Panel to say, in 1975, that “more minorities seemed to have emerged with the creation of the twelve states.”

At any rate, by the time Gowon was overthrown in 1975, states creation had become too important for government to ignore. The subject received the immediate attention of his successor. General Murtala Mohammed set up the Irikefe Panel which expanded the criteria of states creation to include the goals of bringing government closer to the people and promoting accelerated and even development. Altogether, 28 major state proposals were presented to the Irikefe Panel for consideration. Of these, 14 were motivated primarily by the fear of domination.

These were the requests for the creation of Enugu/ Wawa, Cross-River, Niger, Ondo, Delta, Abakaliki, Port Harcourt, Katsina, Nasarawa, Plateau, Warri, Zaria, Oyo and Lagos States. Five others, namely Ijebu, East Central, Benue, Katsina and Sokoto States emerged basically in reaction to or irritation of the minority agitations directed

at their advocates. The consideration of minority fears of domination proved weighty in the recommendation and decision on the case of Imo, Borno and Adamawa/Sardana States.

Era of the Marginals By 1976, nearly every sizeable ethnic group in the country had been constituted into a separate state. The addition of Katsina and Akwa Ibom States in 1987 made it difficult to justify demands for more states primarily in terms of allaying the fears of ethnic minorities. As I argued elsewhere, Nigeria gradually moved from the Era of the Minorities into the Era of the Marginals. The latter is defined as a collection of communities which is not necessarily different from the others in a state in matters of language and culture but which nevertheless desire a state of their own to ensure rapid or accelerated material development.

Accordingly, “marginalization” displaced “domination” as the key concept in state agitations in Nigeria. For instance, the Ekitis constituted 52.8% of the population of Ondo State and controlled twelve of the twenty two local government councils in the state. Their request for the creation of a separate Ekiti State was based on the claim that the area of the proposed state was marginalized, particularly in the location of industries. The request for the creation of Osun out of Oyo State, like the requests from Igboland, involved the partition of monoculture areas. In response to the requests, the Babangida Administration added nine new states on 27 August 1991, thus bringing the total to thirty.

The new states were Kebbi, Jigawa, Yobe, Taraba, Kogi, Abia, Anambra, Delta and Osun. The importance attached to the criterion of accelerated development in the state creation exercise was evident in the choice of small settlements as capitals of some of the new states. The official explanation was that their new status would attract development to these hitherto neglected areas.

The current thirty-six state structure emerged from the restructuring programme of General Sanni Abacha in 1996. He divided the country into six geo-political zones and created one state in each of the zones (out of the 55 requests).

The unending agitation for creation of new states was encouraged by the adoption of the distributive pool revenue allocation formula in 1979. This transformed state creation to an instrument for appropriating substantial part of the national cake. The interplay of forces explains the restiveness of the Niger Delta communities over the issue of resource allocation, the increasing wave of communal clashes and the logic that has made each of the three largest ethnic groups to define themselves as minorities under the current democratic dispensation.

As at the moment, the Igbos believe that they are yet to be fully integrated into the mainstream of the political process in Nigeria. For some of them, the actualization of the Biafra dream remains a reality. The Yoruba have repeatedly cried foul over their marginalization. The Chairman of the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) ,Wale Oshun, had this to say recently: The Yoruba nation is clearly disadvantaged under the present administration, especially in terms of appointment into the civil service, which ordinarily is governed by a subsisting rule, set up by the Federal Character Commission. The latest example of instances of discrimination against the Yoruba nation is the recent recruitment into the Customs Services. Of the 792 cadet officers recruited, the six states in the Southwest got 45 cadet officers, representing 5.8 per cent. The North West alone has 263, representing 33.1 percent. In the same exercise, the North East got 157, North Central 168, South East 68 and South South 91. There is a report of ethnic cleansing going on in the Aviation Ministry; this is now reaching an alarming proportion. Recently we got reports that most of the people sacked in the Ministry of Aviation are of Yoruba extraction. Findings have also indicated that out of the 75 appointments recently made, 59 are from the South East zone”.

Extent of Fulfillment of Minority Aspirations in Nigeria As earlier indicated, states creation was traditionally conceived as a means of allaying

• Prof Akinyele

the fears of ethnic minorities in Nigeria.

However, the outcome of the six states creation exercises in Nigeria has confirmed the prediction of the Willink Commission that irrespective of the number of the states that may be created, “minorities would inevitably remain. As at present, there are as many as forty seven states requests before the National Assembly for consideration. Hence, contrary to the claim once made by some prominent Nigerians, state creation has not ended nor can it eliminate, the fears of ethnic domination in Nigeria.

On the other hand, opinion varies on the extent to which the aspirations of the minorities have been fulfilled in Nigeria. There are those who believe that the minorities are “the hostage of the Nigerian federation.” Some of them have even formed Minority Rights Groups – such as Akwa Ibom Forum, Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), Ijaw Ethnic National Conference – to press for their rights. Analysis has also shown that some of them prefer confederacy to federation as the form of government that can protect their interests. Some of them, particularly MOSOP and the Southern Minorities Forum, associate self determination with control over land and mineral resources. For example, the Ethnic Minorities Rights Organisation of Nigeria (EMIRON) once canvassed a revenue sharing formula that gave 60% to derivation and 40% to other factors. The late Ken Saro Wiwa argued: We must seek a formula which allows all ethnic groups in Nigeria to achieve selfdetermination and self-respect, to develop at their own pace and according to their traditions and religions, and using their resources – human and natural, while at the same time permitting them to hold hands with the other groups which form the nation.

The minorities were also in favour of zoning and rotational presidency among the geopolitical units as a formula that could guarantee power sharing in Nigeria. The Ika Group wrote: Such an arrangement based on equity and fairness, would give all the areas of the country a sense of belonging and a sense of fulfillment, thus enhancing the peace and stability of the nation. This zoning formula should be applicable to all strategic and vital federal potfolios, such as Defence, Finance, Internal Affairs, Secretary to Government; Service Chiefs and Inspector General of Police. Zoning should also be adopted within the State and Local Government administrations to achieve geographical equilibrium.

In essence, there are those who believe that the minority problem has persisted because government has continued to treat Nigeria as the sum total of its three largest ethnic groups.

On the other hand, there are those who believe that the ‘traditional minorities’ are behaving like Oliver Twist. This claim can also be substantiated.

In the pre-1954 era, the minorities were not mere victims of history since their agitations compelled the colonial administration to amend its policies, especially through boundary adjustments to accommodate their interests. On the eve of independence, the Willink Commission had discovered that the Mid-West, with two provinces, had greater share of government schools and water projects than the “Yoruba West made up of five provinces” In the North, the Middle Belters dominated the top cadre of the civil service and interpreted this as the reward for their cultural enslavement in that region. Even at the height of the Ogoni Crisis, the statistics released by OMPADEC showed that the share of

‘We must seek a formula which allows all ethnic groups in Nigeria to achieve self-determination and self-respect, to develop at their own pace and according to their traditions and religions, and using their resources – human and natural, while at the same time permitting them to hold hands with the other groups which form the nation.’

Ogoniland in the special fund reserved for the oil producing communities far exceeded its production quota. The thesis of the “tyranny of the minority” which the Irikefe Parel had noted in 1975 was amplified by M. Dukor who remarked: If the majoritarian political theory of democracy, is sometimes threatened by the tyranny of the majority, a new development, however bizarre and challenging, is the minority tyranny which has not only threatened democracy and pluralism but also the state and current thought in political philosophy.

He noted that the minorities, who paradoxically are in the majority, are blessed with oil which has placed them in a position to dictate to the State what should be accruing to them as the “landlord of the national wealth.” To the best of his judgement, the rights which the oil communities claim over the natural resources is the primitive natural right applicable to the Hobbesian state, and runs contrary to the idea of sovereignty and the constitution which puts all natural resources in the custody of the State. He concluded, “the anarchic society which the minority problem is drifting the Nigerian Society to either has root in the poor conception of state or in the lack of civility of the minorities.”

Matthew Kukah has argued that the minorities had found a way of neutralizing the numerical advantage of the majorities in democracy through coup d’état, particularly from 1966: With the entrance of the Presidential Villas firmly shut to the minorities, it became evident that the best way to attain power was subverting the democratic process since it offered them no prospect. After all, it is, they argue their blood that has held Nigeria together in her war and crisis. Why should they do the dying only for the big three to merely produce the distributors and do the living? The military, therefore, has become an aphrodisiac for the minorities.

It must however be recognized that the military had been in power for the greater part of the post independence period. If the military had been in the saddle for that long why then is the minority question not yet resolved? Kukah again provides the answer: A fatal flaw in the operational methods of these minorities in power is that they suffer inferiority complex and they sooner than later betray the popular mandate of their people. Their inferiority complex compels them to seek legitimacy by seeking integration into the ruling classes to whom they feel they owe acceptance. With the new wealth, they gradually buy their way into the league by patronizing the traditional and intellectual elite, by giving out bloated contracts in exchange for dubious titles, symbols of their recognition … but paradise remains lost for the majority of Nigerians, especially the minorities because when the merry go round ends, they find themselves back at the starting blocks again.

The communiqué of the Ijaw National Congress touched on this same subject: The conference noted that the Ijaw nation is replete with Ijaw sons and daughters who having got into top government positions on Ijaw quota turn around to distance themselves from the Ijaw people and their aspirations. The conference contended that the trend must be reversed and that henceforth all such proven cases will be heavily sanctioned.

It was not only under the military regimes that the minorities had access to top positions of government. Since Alhaji Shehu Shagari became president in 1979 with the support of the minorities, he had no choice than to reward them.

The minorities produced the Senate President (Joseph Wayas), the Deputy Speaker (Wash Pam) and eight ministers. The trend continued under the Obasanjo regime which adopted a policy of appeasement towards the minorities. The Service Chiefs and the Secretary to the Federal Government were all minority candidates. The reading of the situation led Jubril Aminu to say that the “Minorities” have moved far from their position of forty years ago but have continued to shout the slogan of domination because the tactic has so far paid off and that the so-called majorities have been successfully led into pleading “guilty” without a fair trial.

First, it is clear from the two positions that the Minority Question is yet to be satisfactorily resolved. Everywhere in the world, the minorities usually want to claim parity or equality with the dominant or majority group irrespective of size or population. The wholesale adoption of this principle in the allocation of resources will evidently infringe on the rights of the majorities. A spokesman of the Ibibio/ Annang group rejected the proposal that power and government amenities in the former South Eastern State should be shared on provincial basis for this same reason. He argued: We wish to submit that these is no such thing as equality of ethnic groups because … Calabar Division or Province with 267,014 people will never, repeat, never be equal to Annang Province with 646,851 people…

To be continued

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

33

Brandnews

South Africa is destination of the year Y S

OUTH Africa’s reputation as one of the world’s most sought-after offshoring destinations has received endorsement from the European Outsourcing Association (EOA), which named the country as its destination of the year.

Last year’s winner was another African country, Morocco. It was honoured along with MEDZ Sourcing, which manages business parks in Morocco that are dedicated to offshoring.

The EOA is Europe’s most important association of professionals and experts in the outsourcing industry, according to AbderrafieHanouf of MEDZ Sourcing. It has over 1,000 corporate members representing national trade associations from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands, theUnited Kingdom.

South Africa was a finalist last year, and this year saw off competition from Russia and Serbia to clinch the top spot, and put the continent of Africa on the global map. It also boosts the African brand The ceremony took place on in Amsterdam. South Africa was entered by the national association, Business Processing enabling South AfricaBusiness Processing enabling (BPeSA), and the award comes hot on the heels of its October, last year’s triumph at the London-based National Outsourcing Association’s yeraly ceremony, where it was voted the UK offshoring destination of the year.

BPESA Western Cape Chief Executive Gareth Pritchard was delighted with the honour, saying it confirmed the quality of service that South Africa offered to its European clients. “Services in other languages, combined with a growing base of high-end skills in financial and legal services, have highlighted the country’s status as a world-class offshoring location,” he said.

Offshoring contributes about $895-million to the province’s economy and employs thousands of people, according to the Western Cape’s minister of finance, economic development and tourism, Alan

By Wale Alabi

Winde.

Statistics from the City of Cape Town reveal that the city’s outsourcing industry grew from 20,428 agents in 2007/8, to 27,552 in 2011/12 – a year on year increase of 10.5 per cent.

During the same period, the offshoring sector increased from 2,963 to 4,727 agents. This represents a remarkable yearly growth of 16.9 per cent. Last year, the industry attracted investments of $57million).

A survey by the international research group Everest Consultancy named South Africa as one of the top three emerging offshore business process outsourcing (BPO) destinations in the world.

Offshoring goes one step further than BPO, which relocates business processes that a company performs in-house, such as accounting or customer call centres, to a third-party service provider, to carry out on behalf of the company.

Outsourcing becomes offshoring when the third-party service provider is located in another country.

South Africa is expected to make steady progress in the offshoring sector in years to come, said senior analyst ParthaIyengar of technology research firm Gartner. He predicted the creation of 40,000 new jobs through offshoring by next year, while the local insourced sector would provide jobs for 120,000 people.

Iyengar said by 2015, he expected offshore contact centre jobs in South Africa to grow over three times the number in 2010.

Firms making use of South African facilities include, among others, British Gas; Amazon; Switzerland’s Edelweiss Air; global outsourcing leader WNS; Bloomberg; Virgin Mobile; Everything Everywhere, which handles communications for the Orange and T-Mobile brands; and British retailer Asda, which has been running its contact centre from Cape Town since 2005.

Heineken shines at Cannes

H

EINEKEN has reinforced its strong creative credentials, with a total of 17 prestigious awards won at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

The wins for the company included Heineken®’s first ever Grand Prix in Creative Effectiveness(¹) for its ‘Open Your World’ global integrated campaign and a Gold Lion PR for ‘The Candidate’, which was also selected for a Titanium and Integrated Bronze(²) award.

The ‘Legendary Journey’, part of the ‘Open Your World’ campaign(³), encapsulates Heineken®’s approach to asking its drinkers to live beyond their boundaries, inspiring men across the world to seek new experiences. The campaign was developed in partnership with Wieden + Kennedy, Amsterdam.

‘The Candidate’, created with Publicis Italy and activated by Edelman London, outlined the brand’s creative and unconventional approach to recruitment. It was released earlier this year and rapidly became a global viral and PR sensation, amassing 2.8 million views within seven days and unprecedented global media buzz.

The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is the world’s biggest celebration of creativity in communications.

At this year’s event, more than 35,000 entries from 92 countries were showcased and judged.

Heineken®’s investment in design and

innovation was also recognised and celebrated. Its futuristic igNITE bottle picked up Silver for its use of Exhibitions or Live Events and Bronze each for its Your Future Bottle and The Wall of Opportunities activations.

Global Chief Marketing Officer and President Western Europe at Heineken, Alexis Nasard said: “We are delighted by this recognition. Creativity is a decision which entails risks. These awards, and more importantly, consumers’ choice at every consumption opportunity vindicate these decisions. Clients get the creativity they deserve from their agency partners, and we are thus thankful to both our agency partners and our employees for keeping the bar high, and keeping us and our brands part of the conversation.”

Creative Effectiveness Lions will honour creativity, which has shown a measurable and proven impact on a client’s business creativity that affects consumer behaviour, brand equity, sales, and where identifiable, profit. It will aim to establish a direct correlation between creativity and effectiveness.

Titanium and Integrated Lions, the idea is central to the award and everything, whether it is for a car or toothpaste, telecommunications or charity, big budget or low budget is considered. Campaigns cannot be directly entered into the Titanium category, but the jury decide which campaigns should be considered for the award, hence the prestige.

OU like deals. I like deals. We all like good deals. Good deals give you that feeling of accomplishment, makes you believe you have spent your hardearned money quite well. However, getting a good deal not only depends on what you are looking for, but where to get it.

According to research, you can get things cheap in Singapore, like an MBA, but you can pay dearly for the car you drive and the Levi’s jeans you wear.

On the other hand, if you like pizza, like a friend, you can get it anywhere in the world; particularly at the pizza joints located on Allen Avenue, Ikeja. On the other hand, you cannot get it in Canada where a piece of Pizza Hut pizza in Ottawa is double the New York price for the same slice.

If you want a bottle of coke to wash it down, Toronto and Ottawa are 12 per cent below a soda in NYC. Likewise, if you are a smoker, research indicates that cigarettes are cheap in Moscow and Sao Paulo. However, in that part of the world, other things are very expensive. If you are looking for a job after you have obtained your MBA from Singapore, the best place to go is Mexico City. That is the cheapest major city in the world to hire and deploy an MBA graduate, although Singapore and Berlin are competitive in this regard.

In Deutsche Bank’s updated “Cheap Date Index” these cities, Melbourne and Sydney 22 per cent, Australia 24 per cent, are more expensive than New York if you’re looking for roses, pizza, a movie, two sodas and two beers. In India, the cheapest date can be arranged at about half the price of a New York date.

Overall, this year’s survey of “Cheap Date Index” found that Australia and Japan are very expensive across a wide range of products. I have not been to Sydney, but friends who had visited attested to how expensive Australia is from beer to breakfast. In addition, you do not have to argue this; United States is generally the cheapest developed country; far cheaper than Nigeria.

Of course, the cost of getting there would offset any bargains. For more details on where to shop, go to www.rytedeals.com.

I was there and my heart smiled.

In the first instance, www.rytedeals.com knocked the stress of shopping out of my veins. It then took me to a height I have not been before. That is what a good deal does to you. It makes your life a deal better and you cannot but spread the gospel.

Before you get the gospel according to www.rytedeals.com, let us go to the beginning. There has been a strong positive sentiment towards online shopping in Nigeria. At least, among the over 40 million Internet population who live in the urban centres, online shopping has spurned an army of online community.

There are enormous opportunities for ecommerce growth in Nigeria. The country’s over 105 million mobile phone users represent a great opportunity for e-commerce development. Many Nigerians shop online through their cell phones, others through desktop computers. According to the latest MasterCard worldwide online shopping survey, 92 per cent of Nigerians had shopped online three months before the survey was conducted.

Fifty-seven per cent indicated continued interest in online purchases. The survey, which measured consumers’ propensity to shop online, revealed that 59 per cent of Nigerians shops on international websites.

However, the survey revealed that opportunities abound in the country’s e-commerce space and more Nigerians are willing to shop locally.

Thirty-eight per cent of Nigerians buy through Nigerian websites; 33 per cent do so for the convenience it offers while another 32 per cent believed goods are cheaper when you shop online. Now, that is the catch. More Nigerians are shopping

Have you got the right deals? online, and thus, this has opened windows, doors and gates of opportunities for entrepreneurs to step in and cash in on this new trend.

That is what has triggered several online retail shops in the country. As at the last count, there are about ten. Competition is fierce. Prices are crashing. Specialisation is evident. One of the online stores caters to residents of estates on the Lagos Island.

Another sells groceries only. Another sells phones and peripheral items. Yet another caters to the palate of the young and old.

Do not be surprised if another online store comes on stream and focuses on babies and teens. That is the heart of business; finding your niche and pursuing it.

For some Nigerians, the products or specialty is not what attract it is the price slash. For you (and me) it is the combination of three things: the sheer convenience of getting quality products at the right price. That does it for me. I am sure it does it for you too. That is what attracts you.

That is attracts me. That is why more Nigerians are addicted to online shopping now. That is why customers go there and keep going there.

The online stores offer free delivery, cash on delivery (COD) and huge discount.

Now, there is a lesson here: Global online platforms would accept payment before goods are delivered to you. Some Nigerian online stores pioneered that principle. Since the payment gateway in the country is not as robust, and internet bandwidth is not as strong, the trend did catch fire.

Then, the Nigerian ingenuity crept in, and the COD strategy was born. Today, all the platforms offer this safety net.

However, one online store that got me is www.rytedeals.com or RyteDeals. Not only is the price out of this world, the range of products is wider. Once on the site, I felt like a kid lost in a departmental store on Christmas eve: you do not know what to pick. Everything is available. Cars, property, gadgets, health & fitness. You would also get food items, electronics, clothing, medical services, trainings, events, tours, accessories and more. Besides, there is a 75 per cent discount on all products and services purchased on www.rytedeals.com.

With the tempting offers, I checked the gadgets section and was surprised to get a tablet for (this is still unbelievable, as I have compared the price and none yet compared to the prices I got) N26,000. I smiled and whispered, I have got the right deals.

On other online stores, the same tablet was sold at N85,500, N89,500, N85,000. This is quite interesting, as one of the things shopping online does for you is give you the power to compare prices. That did it for me, and I am sure it would do it for you, too!

Do not get me wrong. There are other items on the menu. What caught my fancy was the tablet. Your interest may be home appliance, telephone, electronic, grocery or clothing, visiting www.rytedeals.com would give you the best value always.

Now, here is a secret. I have set Ryte Deals news alert on my system. That way, each time a good deal comes on stream, I am aware quickly. Call it keeping a ‘tab on my interest’. Go ahead. Do it. You would get the best value always on www.rytedeals.com. I just did.

Naturally, shopping online saves you time and money. It gives you same day doorstep delivery. It guarantees you quality, quantity and quietness. For Nigerians, the competition among the online stores is good. For RyteDeals, the immediate objective is to give you the best value always and the RyteDeals, too.

*Editor - Wale Alabi *Consulting Editors - Rarzack Olaegbe, Sola Fanawopo * Correspondent-Jimi David * Business Development - Kenny Hussain * Legal Adviser - Olasupo Osewa & Co Brandweek is powered by Brandz Republic Consulting and published every Friday in THE NATION newspaper.

All correspondence to the editor - 0808.247.7806, 0805.618.0040, e-mail: korede2000@gmail.com © All rights reserved.

34

COMMENTARY

“T

O grasp the meaning of the world of today we use a language created to express the world of yesterday. The life of the past seems to us nearer our true natures only for the reason that it is nearer our language”.

By Exupery, from his book: ‘Wind, Sand and Star’, (1939).

Language is not just a means of communicating and understanding ideas and experiences. It is also an instrument of documenting and relating the events and occurrences of the past to the future via the present. Language is the prima-facie of any culture. A tribe or community without a language lives without a culture.

Every language is primarily spoken either by words of mouth or by gesticulation but becomes converted into writing for the purpose of recording sounds and preservation of history. It is the foundation of all civilisations in all human eras. It is man’s greatest invention without which all other inventions, including scientific and technological inventions would have been impossible.

Whether in spoken or written form, language serves as the main intermediary among the races and tribes of mankind. It served the same purpose yesterday as it does today and will do tomorrow. The birth and death of humans; the rise and fall of nations; the emigrations and settlements of tribes and clans are all announced or chronicled in languages. Even some inanimate objects sometimes speak onomatopoeic languages to the admiration of man.

FEMI ABBAS ON Femabbas@yahoo.com 08122697498

When language matters

Nature of language It is with language alone that every human thought germinates and is turned into reality from dream. Not only that, language is also the cultural law that governs the wild life be it agro or aqua. The nature of language, its importance, its complexity and its role in human life are such that, this world would not have been meaningful without it.

Allah tells us in Qur’an 49:13 thus: “Oh people! We have created you from a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes that you might interact with one another. Surely the noblest among you is the most righteous of you. Allah is all-wise and all-knowing”.

Misconception The idea of this topic arose from a question posed to yours sincerely sometime ago by a Lagos Muslim socialite. He postulated thus: “rather than observing Salat in Arabic language which we do not understand why not do it either in English or vernacular, which we understand very well?” He cited the example of Churches where Christians worship in various but understandable languages and then concluded that such an innovation might bring more converts to Islam and more people to the Mosque. He did not stop there. He went further to advocate for reduction in the number of times we (Muslims) observe Salat daily saying that such might be ‘more realistic’ and ‘more convenient’, especially for busy and travelling people. From that question, you can see the extent of naivety which ignorance is capable of conferring on its victims. Or how else will you judge a mortal being who wants to amend the constitution of his Immortal Creator? And our brother is not the only one with such a parochial idea. There are some others like him.

In my response, I asked the enquirer to tell me why Islam remains the fastest growing religion, especially in the West today despite worshipping in understandable languages in the Churches in that part of the world. I made a particular reference to Britain

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

•Man’s oral cavity

where citizens are trooping into Islam in scores and asked him to tell me any religion he knew that was ever revealed in English language.

I did not stop there. I also went further to ask him whether it was reasonable to let his employees work for only three days in a week instead of six days while he pays them fully for the whole week.

Origin of English Language I then took advantage of the glaring evidence of confusion on his visage to put fervour in my burner as a student of English language and tutored him a little on the fact that English which he parochially perceived as an ideal language was neither natural nor original.

I narrated to him how England was colonised severally for centuries by various European countries and empires including France, Germany, Italy and Scandinavia. I went further to tutor him that English emerged as an adopted language from a combination of the languages of England’s colonial masters only in the 10th century (CE). I pointed out to him that not only about 9,700 words of the modern English language were borrowed from French and Anglicizsed but also that most of the clustered consonant words in English are either German or Scandinavian in origin. I cited examples of such words as ‘acknowledgement’, psychology, knight, pseudo, gnash, rhythm, solemn etc. There is also a great influence of some other Indo-European languages, especially from the Upper and the Lower Germanic on English language.

Besides, I pointed out that the country called Britain today, which is a combination of England, Scotland and Wales, is not a monolingual country as sometimes misconceived by most people.

Other languages like Celtic and Welsh are still very much spoken in that country today, though restrictedly.

Faith and language

I then settled him down to religion

proper and called his attention to the original common language of revelation of the ‘Tawrah’ (Talmud) of Prophet Musa (Moses), the Zabur (Psalms) of Prophet Daud (David) and ‘injil’ (Bible) of Prophet Isa (Jesus) which is Aramaic. The Jews only developed Hebrew from that language as a language of worship in the 19th century.

In countries like China, Japan, Korea and India, where religions such as Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto and Hinduism are in vogue, the languages of worship by the adherents are Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Hindu. And, in terms of numerical strength, no religion in the world today enjoys so large following as Buddhism which is closely followed by Hinduism because of the huge populations of China and India. Yet the worship in those religions does not go beyond their countries of nativity.

In the West where Christianity holds sway, no single language was adopted for worship after the death of Latin which was the official language of the Roman Empire. Today, as in the past, the Germans worship in German, the French, the Spanish, the British, the Americans, the Italians, the Swedish, the Danish, the Russians, the Poles, the Norwegians, the Portuguese and others, all worship locally in their respective languages.

This means that no French or Russian man can worship with understanding in a Portuguese Church except he understands Portuguese language. This is not the case with Islam. The fulfilment of Allah’s global will for mankind is a universal reality today. That will is contained in Qur’an 21:107 thus: “We have not sent you (Muhammad) forth but as a mercy to the entire world. Say it is revealed to me that your God is one God. Won’t you submit to Him?”

Unifying Factor It is only in Islam, of all religions, that adherents from Brazil, Finland, Nigeria, Pakistan and Australia can easily walk into any Mosque in China or Japan or Saudi Arabia and worship jointly behind an Imam without any fear of language discrimination. And that is what makes Islam the universal religion that Allah wills it to be. This is made possible by Arabic language which is the language of the revelation of the Qur’an. In all other religions of the world, adherents, irrespective of their populations, do worship only locally according to their languages.

To call for the abandonment of Arabic language in Salat, therefore, as did by my interlocutor is to call for the reduction of Islam from a universal religion into a local one. Not only that, such a call is a way of advocating for the dismantling of global Muslim unity.

What our pitied socialite brother does not know is the fact that worshipping in Arabic which is the language of the revelation of the Qur’an is the main cause of antagonism against Islam by those who have lost the originality of their own religion. That “Allah is allwise and all-knowing” as quoted above is not in vain. All divine religions were deliberately revealed in the languages

of their ‘Messengers’. And no Messenger was sent to the entire world except Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Cultural Vehicle Arabic, as a language, has become assimilated into Islam as a culture. And as a matter of fact, it is with that language that the Muslims imbibed the formidability and courage of resistance which enabled Islam to survive all intrigues, aggressions and intimidations of many empires through the centuries.

As a culture, Islam remains irrepressible for two main reasons. One reason is that it is a spiritual rather than a physical nation with an everlasting ideology. Even if its adherents are conquered, the idea that makes that religion a nation can never be conquered because it is invisible. The other reason is contained in Qur’an 15:9 thus: “It was ‘We’ (Allah) who revealed the Qur’an and it is ‘We’ (Allah) who will certainly preserve it”.

Formidability of a culture depends very much on the tenacity accorded its language by the speakers of that language.

Sometimes, a culture may get absorbed into another culture without losing its accompanying language.

Sometimes, a language may be assimilated into another language even as the culture is retained. Islam has resistance for both. The early Muslim Arabs did not take Islam alone to all conquered nations, they took along with it Arabic, the language of the Qur’an. Countries like Iraq, Syria , Lebanon , Egypt , Morocco , Libya , Algeria and Tunisia were not Arabic speaking until Islam spread to them.

We have similar example here in Nigeria. The Fulanis, under the leadership of Sheikh Uthman Dan Fodio who reintroduced Islam in its purified form to the conquered areas now called northern Nigeria, had to compromise their language in favour of Islam which was their culture. The Hausas, on the other hand, preferred to sacrifice their pagan culture in favour of their language.

Thus, the combination of both has come to give the northern Nigeria a foremost cultural veracity that is almost second to none in Africa. Not only has Hausa become an international language spoken in the media of most civilized countries, Shari’ah has also been imbibed as the Islamic cultural law of that region.

Comparism Today, while most parts of the Southern Nigeria have enslaved themselves irredeemably to foreign cultures, the north gives a new hope of cultural renaissance to Nigeria and even Africa.

From the cultural way the northerners dress and eat, from the way they insist on speaking Hausa language irrespective of where they find themselves, it is becoming clearer that adoption of that language in the UN is just a matter of time. Already, virtually all the countries that matter in the world today have Hausa programmes on their radio and television stations. And far from the self-deception of the southern people who want to eat their cake and still have it, the long expected African civilization may start from northern Nigeria. The numerical strength of that region is also an added advantage.

It is rather unfortunate that the southern Muslims have had to join nonMuslims in replacing their cultural language with the colonial language. The tragedy of this development is that while they are losing their own language, they are unable to grasp the foreign language for which they are craving. In both ways, they are the losers not only today but tomorrow as well.

Though, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) counselled Muslims on the need to understand languages other than their mother-tongues he never for once preached any abdication of one’s own natural language. Yoruba tribe in particular has a lesson to learn from this.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

35

S OCEITY Two daughters of Lagos socialite Alhaji Buhari Abu Oloto – Tawakalitu and Adijat - got married to Nasir Dawodu and Bolaji Aremu at The Haven Events Centre in Ikeja Lagos. AMIDU ARIJE was there.

T

HEY are of the same parents and the two of them got married in one day.Tawakalitu Folashade and Dolapo Adijat are children of business mogul and Lagos socialite Alhaji Buhari Abu Oloto. They bid farewell to spinsterhood on June 30.

Tawakalitu Folashade got married to Oluwaseyi Nasir Dawodu; Dolapo Adijat tied the nuptial knot with Bolaji Saka Aremu.

It was serene at the Balmoral Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos. The weather was clement. The hall was well furnished; draped in white and ash. It was filled to capacity.

Guests from different cadres of life gathered to rejoice with the Olotos, Dawodus and Aremus.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, led some traditional rulers to the event. They were received

by Alhaji Oloto.

Shortly after his arrival, the engagement began. The Nikah took place after the engagement.

The brides were dressed in yellow, with a touch of gold and green.

They were the cynosure of all eyes.

The grooms looked good in agbada and sokoto with green caps to match.

Oba Adeyemi was asked to pray for them and he did with joy. They knelt before him for royal blessings.

The reception was anchored by Abiola Atanda (A.k.a Madam Kofo).

The brides changed to white flowing gowns for the reception; the grooms appeared in black suits with matching pairs of shoes.

Before the reception started, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) mounted the stage to entertain guests.

At this stage, Oba of Lagos Oba Riliwan Akiolu arrived. Virtually everyone stood in reverence to the Olowo Eko Baba Fuad, as he is fondly called. He was ushered in by Alhaji Oloto with other dignitaries.

Oba Akiolu supervised the cutting of the cake and also blessed the couples.

All took to the floor to dance to

•From left: The couple Nasir and Adijat; brides’ father Alhaji Oloto and the other couple Tawakalitu and Bolaji

Socialite gives out two daughters in one day

•Oba Adeyemi

•Oba Dauda

•Oba Akiolu (left) and Oba Fatai Irawo

KWAM 1’s music.

The couples were the first to dance, followed by their parents and guests. It was like a dancing competition when all of them took to the dance floor.

Other Obas on the occasion included the Onitire of Itire, Oba

Abdul Lateef Abayomi Dauda and Oba of Odi Olowo, Oba AbdulFatai Adisa Irawo.

Also in attendance were: Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Alhaji Oyinlomo Danmole; Senator Ganiyu Solomon; Prof A.B. Kasunmu (SAN); Prince

Bode Oshinusi; Chief Olatunde Badmus; Chairman Muri International Television, Alhaji Muritala Gbadeyanka; Chairman Itire Ikate Local Council Development Area, (LCDA), Hon Hakeem Bamgbola; Hon Wasiu Bashua; Director of Programme, NTA, Lagos, Alhaji

Tajudeen Usamot; Ajiroba of Itire land, Alhaji Taoreed Idowu; Chief Bisi Kuye; Alhaji Ajao Minako; Chief Adisa Olatunji; Alhaji Tajudeen Adenekan; Alhaji Hakeem Kosoko; Mrs Riskat Adeniyi Adegeye; Actor Taiwo Hasan (Ogogo), among others.

Members of Lions Club International, District 404B Nigeria, last Friday observed Jumat prayers at the Lagos State Secretariat Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja to begin a new calendar year, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

Starting with prayers

O

N Fridays, the expansive Lagos State Secretariat Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja has never been short of worshippers.

But last Friday was different. Reason – it coincided with two events: the first Jumat service in the month of Ramadan and visitation of members of Lions Club International, District 404B Nigeria.

Many were not surprised with the large turnout, especially those tagged ‘Ramadan Muslims’ as it has become a normal yearly event.

The surprise of the day were the people clad in foreign and traditional attire and capped with yellow apron.

“This year’s Ramadan is going to be special,” a worshipper on his way to the ablution centre, said in Yoruba language.

“Why do you say so?” his friend inquired.

“Can’t you see members of the Lions Club coming to worship with us?” he replied rhetorically.

“Well, maybe they want to benefit from the spiritual reward inherent in the month. Moreso, today is the first Jumat service in this Holy Month,” he said.

Their discussion was cut short with the Athan (Call to prayer) by Muazin, which signifies the commencement of the sermon.

The congregation in the mosque and at the pavilion kept mute. The

•Cross-section of members of the Lions Club after the service...last Friday

Chief Imam of Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA) Alhaji AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef mounted the podium.

Popularly known as Hon Iyepe (sand), his appearance brightened the face of the congregation the more.

Alhaji AbdulLateef, a former LAHA lawmaker and former Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Political Bureau was known for his eloquence.

He did not disappoint the worshippers as his sermon was a mixture of happenings in the country and the essence of Ramadan.

AbdulLateef decried the Rivers State Assembly saga where “five members turns majority over the rest 27 members.”

This, he said, can only happen in Nigeria.

He cautioned the political class to

be wary of their actions, saying the children are learning from their untoward attitude.

He did not fail to highlight the numerous rewards of Ramadan if properly observed.

The politician-turned-cleric enjoined the congregation to emulate the early Muslims in action and deeds so that their final abode can be paradise.

Barely 10 minutes to the end of his sermon, Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola was ushered in with some of his commissioners.

After the two-rakats prayer, a special session was held for members of the Lions Club.

The club, led by its Vice-Chairman, Alhaji Abdul Ganiyu Abiodun Adediji took pictures with the Ulamau and distributed Iftar (breaking of fast) package to the worshippers.

Speaking with The Nation, afterwards, Adediji said Lions calendar runs from July 1 to June 31 the following year.

“So this year, we are putting God first; we want Allah to be with us throughout our year so that we can accomplish our goals,” he said.

“We have the less privilege in our society and part of what God has given to us we want to give back to our community and to join hands with the government and other organisations to help the less privileged in our community. Our main project is on sight, we usually help those who have sight problem and it has been the biggest among other programmes we have for the year,” he added.

Alhaji Adediji urged members of the public to join them lift the society.

Also speaking, the district Cabinet

Treasurer Lion Olaniyi Olagoke described as fantastic the experience of being a member of the club.

He said: “It has enabled you to reach the public, see what their needs are and find a way of assisting them in terms of provision of sight, provision of water and some other requirement that the less privileged members of the society need.

“As a matter of fact the one that moved me most was the restoration of sight that we did for more than 1,000 members of the society two years ago. We removed cataract from the eyes of most members of the society in places such as Abeokuta, Ibadan and Lagos to mention a few.

That year was awesome.”

Olagoke thanked the management of the Mosque for hosting them.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

36

S OCIETY COMMUNICATE YOUR IDEAS

A club’s twin celebration The Lagos Country Club, Ikeja Special Marshal marked the 25th anniversary of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the 20th year of the Special Marshal and Partnership (SMP).

OLATUNDE ODEBIYI was there.

Persuasive Speech (5) How to Persuade reluctant audience

N •From left: Mr Fillipo, Akpabio and Mr George Benson

O

FFICERS of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) converged on the Diamond Jubilee Hall of the Lagos Country Club penultimateThursday for the celebration of their 25th anniversary and the 20th year of the Special Marshal and Partnership (SMP). The event featured a public lecture by the Sector Commander, Mr Nseobong Akpabio.

Members of the Lagos Country Club marched into the hall in their numbers for the celebration.

From the gate of the venue, it was obvious that the FRSC and SMP were holding an event. Majority of the corps marshals were in uniform.

Before the event started, people sat in groups; chatting, shaking hands and laughing.

There was revelry. Some took pictures as the documentary of the club was being screened.

All these were to kill time until the arrival of Akpabio.

The event started after his arrival.

The air conditioned hall was decorated in blue and white; chairs were set in rows. There was a session of Merit award for four people in the club.

They were honoured for their contribution towards the club and for the works done in ensuring road safety.

Akpabio arrived with the club’s Vice President, Trombi Fillipo, Unit Coordinator,

•Chief Olyinka Ogunmekan (left) and Mr Sikiru Aduloju

Geraid Olunaike, members of the club, officials of FRSC, SMP, and several others.

The national anthem and the club’s anthem followed the sector Commander’s entry.

Then came the moment the people had being waiting for – Akpabio’s lecture. He spoke on the topic: ‘“Road safety is everybody’s business, what can you do?”

Akpabio said: “About 1.2 million people die annually worldwide due to road traffic crash, about 20 to 50 million suffer various degrees of injuries, while some are permanent and, about 260,000 children under the age of 18 die annually due to road crashes.

Akpabio said road crashes have reduced since the establishment of FRSC, 25 years ago.

“Road users also have a role to play by avoiding road crashes in all the way they can and, also by reporting cases of road crashes to the commission immediately and helping out road crashes victims,” he said.

•Chief Bukola Fagbemi

Road crashes, he said, were rampant in the less developed countries with poor road infrastructure and poor safety education. This, he said, is because of some human, mechanical and environmental factors.

Akpabio said: “80 per cent of road crashes are caused by human, which include; over speeding; dangerous, aggressive and distracted driving; over confidence, fatigue, and talking or drinking while driving.

PHOTOS: NIYI ADENIRAN

“Mechanical factors like break / engine failure, bad tyre, faulty lighting, inconsistent loading, faulty wheel alignment and faulty electrical system also cause road crashes. Environmental causes of road crashes are bad roads design, weather, road obstructions, inadequate / lack of road signs, congestion and spillage amid others.

Olunaike highlighted the roles of a special marshal to include, patrolling the highways and controlling traffic on group basis; monitoring road users and road marshals with a view to providing constructive information or feed back to the commission.

He added that they are also there to ensure life saving ventures, giving prompt attention to road victims and they must be ready to expend resources and time to evolve a better road culture.

Earlier, Fillipo said the goal of the lecture was to ensure the safety of our road users in the country.

EED to rehearse before speech presentation: (I watch Professor Sobowale prepare for a public lecture he delivered at Covenant University on AMODU LANRE OLAOLU 1 7 th M a y 2 0 1 3 . H e (Ph.D) sospeak2lanre@yahoo.com. rehearsed in his office at 07034737394 least four times and also at the venue of the event. He successfully reduced a 1hour 30 minutes paper to a 45 minutes presentation). It is important for you to practice because you don’t want to speak out of context. You also want to manage your time. And like the experience of Friday (the public lecture), you are not in control of all the elements involved; you have the studio, the school management, and several other people. You want to be sure that you are not just ranting. Time management matters so much because if you speak without controlling yourself or managing your time effectively, you either find people leaving the hall, sleeping or engaging in side-talks. And you don’t want that.

Understanding your audience: it is important to know your audience. That will help you to determine you pitch and the tone of your voice. For instance, if you are talking to people who have seen it all in terms of life experiences, the way you talk to them will be different from you talking to secondary school or primary school students. Know the pace you want to go, the level of your inflection, and make sure that you are, every now and then, looking at their faces and their reactions so that you can adjust, if need be.

Reading vs. speaking speeches: They both have their advantages and disadvantages. When you read, you remain within your prepared speech, so the temptation to veer off or digress is minimized or totally removed. So far you keep looking up and checking the reactions of your audience, I think it is ok. But when the situation does not call for as much seriousness, and you are speaking extempore, you should feel relaxed and free to engage your audience in a cordial atmosphere.

Advice: My first advice is that people interested in public speaking should not try to adopt any new mannerism. They should just speak as naturally as issues come to them. They must be simple in their choice of language. If they are not simple, chances exist that they will commit a lot of blunders- in terms of grammar, sintax, agreement, malapropism, etc. But when they are simple and natural, it will flow well and easily, and people will understand them. Many people think that unless their listeners carry dictionaries to understand them, they have not spoken. Such people are trying to impress, but the idea of speaking is to communicate. If people cannot share your meaning with you, you have failed to communicate.

I believe you have learnt a lot from our icon this week.

Several other public speakers will be interviewed for your enlightenment and to bridge the gap between principles and practice. Please send me questions you want our icons to attempt. You may also suggest names of public speakers you want interviewed and I will do all I can to reach them.

Dr. Amodu teaches at the Department of Mass Communication, Covenant University, Ogun State.

BIRTHDAY Solicitor-General /Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Justice and Chairman, Lagos State Secretariat Mosque, Mr Lawal Pedro, SAN (second right) assisted by other members of the mosque to present a greeting card to the representative of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola(SAN), Dr Wale Ahmed (middle) during the special Jumat service to commemorate the Govenor’s 50th birthday in Alausa.

WHAT AND WHERE

S

Funeral

ERVICE of songs for mother of The Nation’s Editorial Board member, Mr Mobolade Omonijo, late Mrs Winifred Olanike Omonijo will take place today at her residence at Orogba Street, Ilesa, Osun State.

The funeral service will hold tomorrow at St. Peter’s Anglican Church. It will be followed by an interment at the church’s Cemetery, Near Wesley Guild Hospital, Bolorunduro, Ilesa Osun State.

Reception follows immediately at United Methodist Anglican Grammar School premises Bolorunduro, Ilesa.

T

Graduation

HE end of the session graduation ceremony and award day of Aaresther Divine Schools will hold tomorrow at the school's hall, Ajao Estate, Isolo, Lagos.

The event will also feature presentation of the school's year book.

T

Meeting

HE Deeper Christian Life Ministry will tomorrow hold a prayer meeting at the church’s headquarters on thew LagosIbadan Express Way. The prayer is tagged ‘Come and Experience the God that cannot fail’.

It will be concluded on Sunday at same venue.

COMPILED BY BUKUNMI OGUNDARE AND ROFIAT SALAMI

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

37

NIGER DELTA REPORT

Ogwashi-Uku…a town of giants with ‘gigantic’ problems

•Dr. Okonjo-Iweala

•Okocha

•Uwaechue

It is the home of notable Nigerians like Finance Minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and ex-Super Eagles star Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, but Ogwashi-Uku faces major challenges, which residents say need urgent attention, writes OLISANYEM IFEAJIKA

O

GWASHI-Uku, a town with not less than 27,000 inhabitants, is the headquarters of Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The ancient community was also the headquarters of Aniocha Division in the defunct Bendel and Midwest states.

The town then had administrative jurisdiction over Asaba, Issele-Uku, Ibusa, Akwkwu-Igbo, OnichaUgbo and many other communities in the neighbourhood.

Political analysts believe that Ogwashi-Uku has contributed a lot of human resources to the country’s development, both at the federal and state levels.

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Minister of Finance, Chief Ralph Uwaechue, former minister and ambassador, and the late Dr Emmanuel Osamor, a former Minister of Police Affairs, hail from the community.

The list appears endless. In the defunct Bendel State, an indigene of Ogwashi-Uku, the late Mr Isaac Okonjo was Secretary to the State Government, while his compatriots, Azuka Obichie, Charles Okolo and John Iwowo, among others, were commissioners.

However, some residents of the community, which has also produced famous footballers such as Austin “Jay Jay’’ Okocha and the

late Victor Oduah, claim that the town has nothing to show in terms of infrastructural development.

They noted that the community has not been getting regular power supply in the last one year, resulting in excessive use of generators across the town.

Narrating the residents’ ordeal, Chukwudi Nwandu, a primary school teacher, said the Azungwu area of the town, where he was living, had been without electricity for over 11 months.

Corroborating his claims, Jude Ilom, a motorcycle repairer, and Miss Nkem Obianaba, a teacher, said they could not remember the last time they enjoyed power supply.

A cold room operator, Ignatius Okobi, said he and his colleagues in the business had no other option than to venture into other lines of business since it had become extremely difficult for them to operate cold rooms with power generators.

He noted that several enterprises in Ogwashi-Uku, which depended on electricity supply, had been forced to close down because of their inability to cope with high costs of production.

Okobi said the situation had forced many artisans, including welders, air conditioner and refrigerator repairers, tailors, barbers and

‘

They give us light at times but the problem is that it is not regular; in a month, we may have electricity for about eight days altogether

‘

computer operators, among others, to relocate from the community.

Emmanuel Okafor, the President General of Ogwashi-Uku Develop-

ment Union, conceded that the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) had not been supplying power to the town regularly.

He rejected claims that the community had been without electricity supply for about a year.

“They give us light at times but the problem is that it is not regular; in a month, we may have electricity for about eight days altogether,’’ he said.

Nwakamma Okafor, a retired civil servant, recalled that he once led a 17-member delegation to PHCN’s zonal office in Benin about three months ago to discuss the power supply problems.

He said the PHCN officials admitted that power supply was generally poor around the country, adding that they, nonetheless, pledged that something would be done to improve electricity supply to the community.

Okafor added that the officials assured them that they would work out plans on how to supply electricity to the community at least three days in a week.

He said due to the irregular power supply to the community, he spent about N1, 000 every day on fuel to power the generator in his house.

Emperor Ijenwa, a taxi driver, rejected the notion that the community was experiencing a total power

failure, insisting that the electricity supply was just epileptic.

Mrs Esther Okolie, PHCN’s Public Relations Manager in Asaba, who acknowledged the power supply challenges facing residents of Ogwashi-Uku, said irregular electricity supply was a general problem.

She said Ogwashi-Uku area alone needed about 105 megawatts of electricity, while only 22 megawatts were available for distribution among all the customers, including government and public offices.

“The situation is so bad and people are bound to complain; their complaints are genuine but I must appeal to our customers in this area to be patient with us.

“Let us pray that the 33 KVA step-down transformer on Ibusa Road will be completed and operational before the end of this year or early next year,’’ she said.

The residents of Ogwashi-Uku and other towns in the area have been appealing to all the relevant authorities to ensure regular power supply to the neighbourhood.

Analysts urged the Federal Government to carry out pragmatic reforms in the power sector to improve the power supply situation across the country.

• Ifeajika is of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

We need more scholarships from our lawmakers, say Bayelsa students

F

ORTY-six students, who benefitted from a scholarship scheme sponsored by Senator Clever Ikisikpo Educational Foundation, turned Oliver Twist in Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, when they asked for more sponsorship.

Some of the students asked their lawmakers to imitate the senator’s gesture by floating more scholarship schemes.

Ikisikpo represents Bayelsa East Senatorial District. Since 1999, the year he was elected into the state House of Assembly, his foundation has offered scholarships yearly to se-

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

lected students in tertiary institutions.

Before he was elevated to the Senate, Ikisikpo’s foundation had restricted the gesture to only students from Ogbia, the Local Government Area of President Goodluck Jonathan.

But the foundation later expanded it to include students from Brass and Nembe in the spirits of his new position. Every year, students sit for the scholarship examination and persons who qualify are offered financial incentives.

This year, 250 undergraduates sat for the examination but only 46 persons passed. The successful students hailed the senator when they gathered at the Ogbia Brotherhood Hall on Saturday to receive their awards.

They described the senator’s decision to support their education as the best gift “from a lawmaker to youths from the Niger Delta”.

They asked other lawmakers to engage in capacity building programmes for youths in the region. They urged the senator not to relent in his service to God and humanity.

“We appreciate what the senator

is doing for students every year. It has gone a long way to lift the financial burdens on our parents.

“With this scholarship, I feel motivated to study harder and make this region proud. But we want other politicians to imitate the senator,” one of the beneficiaries, Joseph Barakumo, said.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Allison Oguru, who was at the occasion, appealed to politicians to emulate the gesture of Ikisikpo.

He described the scheme as “the best gift one can offer a whole generation”.

The Chief Examiner of the foundation, Prof. Alfred Ockiya, appealed to other politicians to invest in the education of people from their constituencies.

Ikisikpo, who presented cheques to the students, said the scholarship would be extended to postgraduate students from next year.

He said the foundation was also working to establish entrepreneurial scheme for fresh graduates in the senatorial district.

Ikisikpo also presented cheques to old beneficiaries of the foundation.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

38

NIGER DELTA REPORT

What I learnt from my father, by Okotie- Eb Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh, son of First Republic Minister of Finance, Chief Festus Okote-Eboh, speaks with SHOLA O’NEIL on the virtues he learnt from his father and why he has not followed the ebullient politician’s footstep.

C

OMPARE the era of your father with the present politics in Nigeria?

Nigerians and Nigerian democracy have come a long way from the First Republic in the 1960s. For one, Nigerians are more matured and advanced. Unlike in the past when the politicians were the know-all, the people are far ahead.

The major difference with the key players of the yore days and now is that the First Republic politicians were very sincere and had the love of the country and their people at heart. Their actions showed it. The Nnamdi Azikwes, Obafemi Awolowos, Ahmadu Bellos, Aminu Kanos and Abubakar Tafewa Balewas among others - these were great men who put their people first in what they did.

Because they were humane in their dealings you see that when they spoke their words were like laws. People obey and follow them. But today, if the leader of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or any other party says one thing, you see the others going out to openly challenge them. These are people whose leaderships do not emanate from the people.

Today’s politicians are materialistic. People do not seek elective offices to better the lives of their constituents any more; they do it for selfaggrandisement and personal enrichment. That is why when you see a councillor just a few months after his election, his lifestyle is totally different.

But Nigerians are wiser.

Look at what happened in the 60s: when Christians were

attacked in the North and churches are burnt, the South retaliated by targeting Moslems and mosques in the south. If there are burnings in the South, the North retaliates by burning there too. Yet, today in spite of all the Boko Haram is doing in the North the people are exercising restraint and caution. This shows that the people are more matured than in the past.

What you would like to see change about Nigeria politics?

I think it is principally this idea of going into politics to acquire wealth. Over 80 percent of those who contest election today are going there for that purpose. That is the reason why you see people so desperate to win elections that they are willing to kill, maim and kidnap their opponents and their spouses.

That is the difference between the politicians of past eras and now. You see the Mandelas of today; their children are not all over the places showing off ill-gotten wealth because the man went there for public good. That is the reason for the global followership he still commands. On his sick bed, you see people from all over the world praying for his speedy recovery.

In Nigeria, you see children of politicians displaying unbridled affluence, much to the anger and perplexity of the common man in the society. So, the bottom line should be politics for the good of the society, not for your family and children.

The effect of money on politics and society reflects everywhere, even in our communities. You see a small

‘

The major difference with the key players of the yore days and now is that the First Republic politicians were very sincere and had the love of the country and their people at heart. Their actions showed it.

The Nnamdi Azikwes, Obafemi Awolowos, Ahmadu Bellos, Aminu Kanos and Abubakar Tafewa Balewas among others - these were great men who put their people first in what they did.

‘

boy, who acquires money through any means,drive luxury car and people much older are willing to kowtow for a pot of porridge. If a leader talks youths in the community will ask him to shut up because he doesn’t

• Okotie-Eboh

have money.

Your father was a key political figure, what did you learn from him?

If there is one thing I learnt from my father, it was diplomacy. He was a very diplomatic politician and he

had lots of respect for his elders. I was very young when he died but I know that he was very focused and diplomatic. Despite his position, he never disrespected his elders and he taught us to respect our

elders.

Do you intend to run for public office?

I am a strong supporter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but I do not see myself running for any political office because of a number of

Nigeria should invest crude oil cash in agriculture, says Raymos Guanah, former Delta State Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Development and ex-chairman Patani Local overnmentArea owns arguably the largest rice farm in Delta State. In this interview with OKUNGBOWA AIWERIE, he speaks on the need for urgent government intervention in aid of commercial farmers to enable them meet the nation’s food demand.

Y

OU are a lawyer and politician, what motivated your involvement in agriculture I come from a farming background. I hail from Patani community what we do there is fishing and farming. Once an opportunity to actualise it emerges I am wont to jump at it because it is a passion. Apart from rice. I am also cultivating oil palm, sugarcane, fish and pineapples. It is a passion and a conviction that it is not enough to say lets feed ourselves, we must demonstrate it. It is possible to feed ourselves.

The floods of last year devastated your farm, this year you increased your acreage, are you not scared that the floods will deal a similar fate on your investment?

I am not scared. After last year’s flood, I wrote a letter to the Minister of Agriculture saying that despite the fact that the flood affected me, I will remain in agriculture. It

is a personal challenge. Last year we cultivated 30 hectares, but this year we have cultivated 105 hectares of rice. Last year we did not do agric insurance, but this year we have one in place. I have a strong feeling that Nigeria can feed itself and we should be feeding ourselves. It is a shame that Nigerian businessmen spends billions importing rice, if local farmers are encouraged to plant rice ,I am sure before long we can end importation of rice.

Have you been compensated for the losses suffered by your farm in 2012.The Federal Government gave a grant to affected states you will recall?

No, I have not gotten any support from any government department as far as the last year’s flood is concerned. We are believing that the support will come quickly, especially now we are at the peak of the planting season. The assistance coming must come on

•Guanah on his farm

time so that it will be of use to victims of the flood disaster.

We lost about N7million to the floods last year.

How do you think government can assist farmers in

Nigeria?

One way government can support farmers is in land acquisition and preparation .The River Basin Development Authority set up by the Federal

Government is a good idea, but there are many parts of Delta State where this initiative is non-existent. Therefore, a prospective investor will have to face the communities,

and when this has been surmounted, you will have to deal with the issue of preparing virgin forest for farming purpose which you will agree with me is capital intensive.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

39

NIGER DELTA REPORT

e- Eboh’s son reasons. Because of my age, I cannot become a local government chairman or a councillor. The only position that I should vie for is the presidency, but we have a President from the Southsouth there and he is doing a very good job.

If I decide to follow my father’s footstep and go to the House of Representatives, there is no vacancy there because the man from my constituency (Warri) is doing extremely well. He is the best candidate. I am happy to support him for a third and fourth term. There is the need to allow continuity if you have a good candidate in the House. It will be a disservice to the Itsekiri nation for me line up against the present occupant.

What is your assessment of Gov Uduaghan?

Governor Uduaghan has done well, especially in the areas of health, education and roads construction. Public schools in the state today remind us of what obtained in the good old days. The school buildings are wearing new looks with lush green fields. The only problem is to ensure that school heads stop giving the schools out for ceremonies. If this is not stopped in a few months the good works of the governor will be undone. The fields are for recreation, not for parties.

In the area of health, I stand to be corrected, there are few states with the kind of modern facilities we have here. The mother and child centres, health programmes and others have stood the state out in this strategic area.

Also look at road construction, massive road projects are going on all across the state. The governor has even taken over federal roads and he is dualising them.

Are you people impressed with the pace of work on the

Trans Ode-Itsekiri road project?

I am impressed that work has started on this very important road. That the governor even thought of doing it is commendable. The road is progressing - that is very good. You can see that the roads before the waterfronts are about 80% completed.

The problem is the crossover bridge. I know this government has the intention of crossing over the bridge but I think as people from oil producing areas, we deserve that bridge to be done. If it is left to the state government alone this might take a very long time to complete because of the huge amount of money involved. Interventionist agencies like NDDC, Niger Delta Ministry should partner with him to complete this project that is very dear to the Itsekiri people. The Omadino Bridge was started by OMPADEC, but it was completed by the state government of Ibori administration. This project should not be left to the state government alone. There should be a partnership.

There is so much debate on the Delta South senatorial ticket, what is your position on this?

We all know that it is the turn of the Itsekiri’s to produce this senator and it is not negotiable. There are three major ethnic groups in the district and the Isoko have had it as well as our Ijaw counterpart, which has Senator James Manager in his third tenure now.

As a result, I think come 2015, the Itsekiri should get it and I am sure that we have an experienced and very capable person with the right credentials, experience in public service and impeccable track record who should ease into that position seamlessly.

ex-commisioner ‘ Before the discovery of crude oil, agriculture sustained the economy. Where are the groundnut pyramids, palm oil and rubber plantations? The government of the day must use the proceeds from oil to reinvest in agriculture

‘ If government at all levels can do what the Federal Government is doing with the River Basin Development Authority, then Nigeria farmers will feed the nation. Govern-

ment can also assist farmers by giving inputs like fertilisers. I am working on 105 hectares of rice farm, the GSS programme is supposed to support farmers, but that programme does not take us commercial farmers into consideration.

The GSS programme gives only two bags of fertilisers to farmers, but in this farm we are using over 200 bags of urea already, not to talk of NPK. My position is that the Federal Government must support big farmers.

Do you agree that agric is the way forward for Nigeria?

Before the discovery of crude oil, agriculture sustained the economy. Where are the groundnut pyramids, palm oil and rubber plantations? The government of the day must use the proceeds from oil to reinvest in agriculture. In Malaysia, there is petro-dollar from crude oil but it is not the mainstay of the economy. Our research institutions are not being funded adequately. If this is done then we can begin to appreciate the immense potentials locked untapped in our soil.

Bayelsa tackles excesses of Keke NAPEP

B

EFORE they were phased out, commercial motorcycles popularly known as okada constituted nuisances in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State.

They contributed to increase in crime rate, high rate of accident and poor state of the metropolis.

People, therefore, heaved a sigh of relief when Governor Seriake Dickson banned the transport sub-sector.

Motorcyclists fled the town with their automobile.

Many of them relocated to the nearby villages; others left for other states. Still some of them sold their motorcycles, stayed in the city to embrace the new transport scheme.

After the ban on okada, the government floated a transport scheme made up of taxis and tricycles to cushion its effects. The government acquired cars and gave them out to drivers.

The drivers of the cars, christened Restoration Cabs, were mandated to operate within the state and remit money monthly to the government.

The scheme also provided an opportunity for people to own tricycles popularly called Keke NAPEP, in place of okada.

But the operators of tricycles are gradually returning to the chaos that characterised the era of Okada. Their activities have become a source of worry not only to the government but also to residents, especially private car owners.

Keke NAPEP has taken over everywhere - streets, walkways, adjoining roads and highways. They compete for space with cars and articulated vehicles. They are always involved in accidents.

Femi Martins, a car owner, said there is no difference between Keke and Okada.

“Keke even occupies more space than Okada thereby creating inconveniences to private car owners.

“When Keke hits a car, the car suffers more damage than the Keke. The body of Keke is made of iron and their drivers are reckless. They compete for space and this competition always leads to accident”, he said.

• An okada rider being followed closely by a Keke NAPEP

The activities of Keke have compelled the government to restrict their operations to the streets and adjoin roads.

Commissioner for Transport Mrs. Marie Ebikake said keke had become a bone in the throat of the government.

She said the government had decided to restrict their operation to streets and adjoining roads.

She said the order took effect on July 10, adding that any Keke found on highways and expressways would be impounded.

She said: “These Keke NAPEP are causing nuisance on the highway. Apart from that we thought, we are done with motorcycles but it is like the Keke NAPEP issue is worse than motorcycles.

“Everywhere you go you get the report of accidents involving Keke. We want to save lives and property in as much as we are looking for comfort.

“So we decided to restrict them and the implementation of the restriction took effect on July 10.

“From that day onwards, we will impound any Keke we see on the highway except those designated areas.

“We have put up the signs already. They can park and pick passengers on all the ad-

joining streets.”

The commissioner made good her threat. Accompanied by policemen, she raided the roads twice and impounded about 100 recalcitrant commercial tricycles.

Through the action, she said she further discovered that most of the operators were violating the registration law which requires that all the commercial tricycles must be numbered to aid the war against criminals.

Besides, the commissioner found that the operators had yet to paint their tricycles in the state colour.

So, the ministry decided that for all the tricycles it impounded, their owners must pay for their registration, change their colours and pay additional fines for late registration.

Ebikake denied claims that the restoration cabs had disappeared from the roads.

She said commercial drivers operating the cabs had so far remitted over N100 million to the Ministry of Transport within nine months, adding that the remittance was an indication that the transport scheme was working.

On allegations that the cars provided for the scheme have been hijacked by politi-

cians, she said: “The restoration cabs are on the road. It is not true that they have been hijacked by politicians.”

She said Dickson had evolved a system to track the cars.

“There is possibility of accident which is normal but it is not true that the cabs are not on the road. The drivers should know that with the system we have adopted, they cannot escape with our vehicles.”

But the restriction order has not gone down well with the operators of commercial tricycles.

They complain that roads in the state, especially in the capital city, are too narrow to sustain the order.

Besides they also lamented that the streets are not connected to one another to guarantee profitability.

The state Chairman, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Paul Oduei, urged the government not to restrict the commercial tricyclists from the popular Melford Okilo Road.

He said: “Even if they enforce restriction order on the Sanni Abacha and the Isaac Boro highways, they should allow them to operate on the Melford Okilo Road to allow them make profit”.

Centre urges review of Amnesty for ex-militants

T

HE Centre for Peace and Environment Justice (CEPEJ) has called for the review of the amnesty granted ex-militants in the Niger Delta.

The organisation said the training for the ex-militants should have factored in the remediation of the environment devastated by years of militancy, illegal bunkering and oil exploration activities.

CEPEJ’s National Coordinator Sheriff Mulade, spoke at a a review of the amnesty programme to train the former warlords on how they can help clean the environment destroyed by attacks on oil facilities.

He said: “The Federal Government should review the amnesty programme with inclusion of Environmental Remediation Taskforce to engage trained youths as this will help to solve issue of unemployment.

From Polycap Orosevwotu, Warri

“We have observed that the Presidential Amnesty Programme for Niger Delta youths addresses capacity building through training and re-integration, without capability. It fails to tackle the fundamental issues of underdevelopment as well as environment pollution and degradation caused by the reckless activities of multinational oil companies, illegal bunkering and oil theft.

“It is regrettable that over the years, oil pollution had destroyed farmlands, waterways and various sources of drinkable water, thereby impoverishing the local people and affecting their socio-economic well being. Also cases of oil spillage recorded were not handled in a satisfactory manner by oil companies and relevant government agencies.

“We are calling on the Federal Government, especially the Special Adviser to the president on Niger Delta Affairs, Kingsley Kuku, to set up an Environmental Remediation Taskforce to critically address this environmental challenge through the Federal Government’s laudable programme, as well as take proactive steps to monitor oil spillage and cleanup activities in the Niger Delta.”

Mulade said the majority of unrest and criminalities taking place in the region are the handiwork of unemployed trained ex-militants, who have not been gainfully engaged since returning from training.

He disclosed that CEPEJ, in collaboration with the Bayelsa State government, was organising a two-day annual peace and environment seminar with the theme “Towards Eradicating Environmental Threats and Sea Piracy Chal-

lenges in Africa”.

Mulade said the seminar would address fundamental issues, such as crude oil theft and illegal refineries, illegal mining, kidnapping and marine piracy, as well as other environmental challenges in Africa.

He added that the forum would facilitate policy and dialogue among key stakeholders in the environment sector on how best to promote innovations to meet environmental best practices.

Among the speakers to deliver papers at the event are the Minister of Environment, Hajia Hadiza Mailafia; the Deputy Minister of Environment, Science, Technology & Innovation, Ghana, Dr. (Mrs.) Bernice Heloo; Prof. Moses Montesh of the College of Law, University of South Africa, Pretoria and other renowned academics from within and outside Nigeria.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

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NIGER DELTA REPORT

Chevron lifts blind students They are faced by many challenges as a result of their visual impairment.

An initiative of the oil giant, Chevron, has come to their aid and they say they believe this gesture should be emulated by other corporate bodies to end their woes in and outside the Niger Delta, reports SHOLA O’NEIL, Port Harcourt

T

HE Niger Delta Blind Students Association and beneficiaries of the Blind Students Scholarship Programme initiated by the Chevron/NNPC Joint Venture have commended the JV partners for the gesture.

The President of the association, Tariye Ben Omietimi, said the scheme has helped its members to continue their education and to measure up to the requirements of higher education in Nigeria.

Omietimi, an indigene of Bayelsa State, explained that his compassion for the teaming visually-impaired students, who lacked help, informed the decision to set up the body, whose members are among over 200 blind students in various tertiary institutions who receive N150,000 annually since the scheme started in 2007.

A recipient, Emmanuel Sylvanus, said the scheme has proved that there is hope for blind students whose aspirations for further education are being hampered not by their physical challenges, but financial handicap.

The final year student of Mass Communications at the Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, said life was even more difficult for him as a blind child of a blind woman with four blind persons in his family.

“As a child of a blind woman and brother to four blind persons in my family, you can understand that the means of survival for daily bread is even difficult not to talk of affording

• From left: Idowu Philip; Emmanuel Sylvanus; Felix Lodio and Gabriel Godwin

This (Chevron) is the only oil company in Nigeria and even in Africa that has given this exceptional scholarship to the visually impaired particularly the Niger Delta students – there is no aptitude test, nothing whatsoever higher education.”

“Chevron has made it possible for some blind students who would have dropped out of school because of lack of money to remain in the school system,” added Emmanuel who graduated in 2010 as the second-best student in the Ordinary National Diploma level before he proceeded to the Higher National Diploma level.

The story is the same for Gabriel Godwin, an Urhobo final year Mass Communications at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN).

He described the company’s gift to him and others as “unique”, adding that the Chevron’s scholarship has gone a long way to alleviate his financial plight in the school.

“I find it easy to pay my school fees, buy the necessary textbooks, tape recorder and some other materials needed in the school for the smooth running of my academic activities,” he said.

“This (Chevron) is the only oil company in Nigeria and even in Africa that has given this exceptional scholarship to the visually impaired particularly the Niger Delta students – there is no aptitude test, nothing whatsoever.”

Felix Lodio and Idowu Philip are also beneficiaries of the NNPC/Chevron Blind students’ scholarship. While Felix is a final student of English/Literature, Idowu, an indigene of Ondo State is a final year student of Mass communication at the University of Nigeria Nsukka.

Mr. Edison Edhere, father of one of the beneficiaries, Omoefe Edhere, a final year student of Special Studies at the University of Jos, was also full of commendation.

Wanted!

Volunteers for medical missions

T

HE Care for Life Programme of the O.B. Lulu Briggs Foundation has urged volunteer medical professionals to partner it in the provision of medical aids for the needy in Rivers State.

The foundation’s Programme Director, Miebaka Nabiebu spoke during the 2nd Free Eye Care Project held in Buguma, headquarters of the Asari Toru Local Government Area.

He said the foundation was determined to extend the free eyecare project to all the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.

Nabiebu said the significance of the project is to identify the health related problems of the less privileged, including the elderly in riverine communities, who suffer eye-related problems with a view to conducting free medical mission that would restore their sight.

Nabiebu said: “When we went to Abua and Okomoko, we realised that there are communities you visit where you also identify hernia or other related diseases. But when you go to riverine communities most of their health

•A member of the foundation attending to a patient in Buguma From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

deficiencies were associated with eye problems. This was where the Free Eye Care Project was borne.”

He said the visit was the second to Buguma, where over 1,000 residents and those from other neighbouring villages in the Local Government Area benefited from the free eye care treatment of the foundation.

• Mr. Ben Tariye Omietimi - President Niger Delta Blind Students' Association

He stated: “I had stroke for over 10 years now. If not for this scholarship from Chevron, there would have been no hope for me and my family. “ He particularly expressed joy that Chevron deviated from the norm of companies concentrating Corporate Responsibility programs on the healthy and able-bodied people while neglecting the plight of physically challenged like the blind students.

“We have free drugs, free eye glasses, and there are also cases that are referral which we specifically sent to specialists hospitals for proper diagnosis and treatment. The free eye care project is a programme that we want to carry out across Rivers State and beyond.

“Like this free eye care in Buguma, I also participated in the free eye test exercise and I am highly impressed with the conduct of the exercise,” he said.

He equally explained the readiness of the foundation to carry out a five-day free medical mission in Mbok in Akwa Ibom State from July 29 through August 4.

Nabiebu added that the foundation is working out modalities to promote a community based mass deworming exercise for children, and urged pharmaceutical industries, Nigerians and high network individuals form a synergy with the organisation.

He explained that this would help rural indigents, adding: “If anybody is ready to assist the foundation, especially on the free eye care project, we shall be glad. Let the sponsors come with their personnel, we will come with the equipment, all we want the sponsors to do, is to provide the drugs and the venue, and we will discharge our obligations and service to humanity. Every programme that we embark upon is spectacular, even if we attend to just one elderly, who is above 70 years of age.”

Some of the beneficiaries at the free eye care treatment in Buguma described the exercise as a welcome development and a strong palliative measures to restore the lost vision of those who have eye problems.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

POLITICS Special Adviser to Abia State Governor Theodore Orji on Public Relations James Okpara reacted to the allegations of poor performance against the administration.

AUGUSTINE AVWODE met him in Lagos.

‘Critics of Abia governor mischievous’

H

OW would you react to the al legations of poor performance against Governor Theordore

Orji?, The allegations are phony. They can only provoke, at the best, angry laughter. It is rather ironic that those who underdeveloped Abia State and grossly mismanaged her resources from 1999-2007, should be the ones criticizing a performing and well loved administration. I tell you this for a fact, that the present administeration of Governor T A Orji is touching the lives of the people in a most impactful manner. Abians, who are not blinded by partisan considerations and mischievous objectives, know and attest to the developmental strides of th Governor T A Orji in the state. Those who hold contrary opinion are by far in the minority.

Apart from being in the minority, they have delibrately refused to be objective in the opinion.

Now, let me tell you, the person who cannot point to any project, which he executed in Abia State during his eight years in power, cannot be the one alleging non-performance by the present administration. Chief Orji Uzor Kalu’s contribution to the development of Abia, if any, is a classic example of how to develop yourself, your family, and by extension, impoverish the state. The roads and projects he built and commissioned, if any, can only be seen and their locations known by him. Contracts were awarded and fully paid for but were executed on paper. Nobody can see or point to a single thing he did with our money.

Under Orji Kalu, what existed was a culture of impunity never seen before in any part of the world. But, we promise Abians that everybody will account for his or her actions. We know those who are seeking attention the very way a fish that is out of water seeks oxygen. These allegations are purely for the purpose of causing mischief.

Is it not the reason the former governor is probably seeking changes in Abia 2015?

Well, it is easier said than done.

Don’t forget that this plan to make changes in Abia in 2015 is coming from the same person who was roundly defeated in Abia North Senatorial Election contest in 2011. Everybody, except Orji Kalu knows that you cannot give what you do not have.

We should not waste time talking about a man whose political prospect is in disarray and shunned by his own people. Just now, it will be diifcult for him to win a ward election in Abia State. The truth is that no sane person will compare Orji Kalu’s achievements to T.A Orji’s achievements. It is in recognition of the monumental projects that Governor T A Orji has executed in the state and is still executing that which will stand the test of time, that he is called the Legacy Governor.

Which projects are you referring to now?

You can see and point to the Abia State Workers Secretariat, the Inter-

national Conference Centre, and let me add that only the Abuja International Conference Centre is bigger than this one in Nigeria. You can also point to the New Government House, New Umuahia International Market at Ubani-Ibeku, New Timbers market at Isi-Eke, the New Mechanic and Artisan Village at Ohiya; there are various Housing Estates throughout Abia State, and also, there are more than 200 Health Centres in the nooks and crannies of Abia State.

What we have in the state today are beautiful, strong and well constructed roads with drainages. Lest, I forget, there are the new High Court buildings and Ministry of Justice office complexes, new office complex for Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State with digital and modern equipments and studios.

Besides, there is the Abia State Diagnosis Centre, the Abia State Dialysis Centre and the Eye Centre (all in Aba, Umuahia and Amachara), the state government has done so much in the area of providing security and peace in the state. These are some of the many projects that have endeared Chief T.A Orji to the people of the state.

What is the difference between these two administrations?

For you to understand the difference between T.A Orji and Kalu, just let us look at the way empowerment programme was carried out. Under Kalu, empowerment programme for Abians consisted of giving young men and women hoes, machetes and wheel barrows. But under Chief T.A Orji, the empowerment programme consists of giving cars and tricycles as free gifts to Abians, paying the sum of N10,000.00 to N15,000.00 per month to Abia young men and women; donation of generators, computers, telephones with lines and accessories to start phoning business, hair dryers and hairmaking equipment to hair dressers.

As for the health sector, the governor has embarked on building well equipped General Hospitals in every local government area of Abia State and providing free education to Abians. These are some of the ways that Chief T.A Orji has positively impacted on the life of Abians.

Granted that these things were given out, some of them need electricity to be useful...

The governor understands this and through his intervention in the Ohiya Power Station, electricity supply is now available in Umuahia and its environs for almost 24- hour per day.

Parts of Imo State that are linked to Ohiya Power Station are also enjoying this 24-hour uninterrupted power supply. Almost every part of Abia North and Abia Central Senatorial zones have stable power supply now.

The expectation of the Government is that, with the participation of Geometric Power Systems Limited, Aba town and its environs will also soon begin to enjoy 24 hours uninterrupted power supply. If you doubt it, go to Abia and witness electricity

PERSPECTIVE

Can Ajimobi sustain tempo?

In this piece, Agboola Sanni contends that Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi will earn a second termticket, if he sustains the current tempo of development in the state.

T

• Okpara

miracle. But to Abians, the greatest achievement of Chief T A Orji is that he has changed the face of governance in the state. It is obvious that the claims of Kalu are empty boast and merely blowing hot air.

It is also worthy to say that the state government under Chief T.A. Orji has been building modern residential accommodation for security personnel in Abia State. I challenge anybody to show me one state that has done this before.

The state has set the precedence in this area, and nobody is talking about it. critics of Governor T A Orji are just being mischievous, and that is the truth.There is geniune development going on in Abia State as we talk.

There are reports of friction between Abia and Imo states over the operations of their respective transport companies.

What is happening?

The truth is that the people of Abia and Imo states are one and the same.

Nobody can separate them or make them fight each other. Regrettably, the governor of Imo State, since his assumption of office, has been busy trying to fan the embers of hatred between these two states. About three months ago, the government of Imo State closed down the premises of Abia State Transport Network Limited in Oweri and stopped it from operating. The excuse was that the loading bay distorted the master plan for Owerri. Meanwhile, another transport company called Peace Mass Transit, which is in the same premises with Abia Line, was not closed down.

The Government of Abia State wrote to the Government of Imo State to request that the premises be reopened and if that was not possible, that an alternative site be provided for us. For about three months, the Imo State Government did not even have the elementary courtesy of replying the letter which was written to her, not to talk of providing an alternative place. Meanwhile, it came to the notice of Abia State Government that Imo State Transport Corporation has been operating in Abia State from sites which distort the master plan of the state and were closed down, that is all.

O say that the political landscape of Oyo State had changed since the conferment of that title of Aare Atunluse of Ibadanland on Governor AbiolaAjimobi is saying the obvious. It could not have been otherwise.

In this era, when honorary chieftaincy titles had become three ‘for one kobo’ literally speaking, any title of such, ought not to attract extraordinary attention.

In this particular case of Governor Ajimobi, the story is different. In the face of the current transformation agenda, especially, in the areas of restructuring Ibadan, the title speaks volumes. In recent time, there had been some cries of discomfort over the destruction of some illegal markets in the city. As to be expected however, some politicians had capitalized on that to fuel the anger of some displaced traders; not minding the efforts of government in building better and modern markets to rehabilitate them.

That title was bestowed on the governor by an Oba who is not known for any kind of flamboyancy or greed for materialism. Rather, the respected traditional ruler is known for modesty, courage and candour. Given those attributes on Oba Ogunlana, the conferment can best be described as putting pad to all the negative comments on the reforms going on in the city of Ibadan, after all, it is a common saying that you cannot know a town better than its head/owner.

There may not be a better index to measure the success of Ajimobi’s transformation agenda than the series of desultory political alliances predicated by incongruity and panic. Given the COMEDY going on in the political theatre of Oyo State, Ajimobi has every cause to hit his chest in sub-congratulations. When one looks at the recent political antecedents of the main gladiators of the current alliance, one cannot but wonder at the magic Ajimobi is performing in the governance of Oyo State.

There is no doubt that Ajimobi, like the other ACN governors in the SouthWest, had brought civility to governance in the region especially in Oyo State. The main ingredients for good governance are Courage, Will and Transparency. Only a combination of Courage and Will can execute the current transformation in Oyo State. The important thing for a good leader before embarking on any project is to be sure that in spite of initial hiccups, the End will justify the MEANS at the end of the Day. It is instructive to note that it is not only in social and road infrastructures that Ajimobi has exhibited courage. Until recently, thuggery and all kinds of violence had remained essential tonic for politics in Oyo State. Under that situation, factions were created within the Transport Unions to perpetrate chaos and tremor in the State forcing markets and schools abruptly. Causalities for such violence were not only human but property set ablaze. At that time, leaders of the unions were worshipped by successive governments as kingpins or minor gods. They were above the law as long shielded by a government. Government House was turned to armoury for cutlass, guns and other dangerous weapons.

At the early stage of the Ajimobi administration, stories were said in orchestrated form of reconciliation among the hitherto hostile factional leaders. The target was a gang up of such incompatible factional leaders in order to create fear in Ajimobi with a picture of making the State ungovernable to him. They expected an early capitulation to fright on the part of the governor. But he did not only remain undeterred but unshaken in his preference for PEACE option in the State.

At the moment, the people of Oyo State have every reason to be grateful to the government for being able to create such a secure environment by which they can sleep with their eyes closed. Given that serene environment, indications are that investors will have reasons to come to the State while existing ones do not have to entertain the panic of closing down abruptly for gun shots and skirmishes, whether as a result of armed robbery or political violence.

The governor should remain unflinching in is stride to bring dividends of democracy to the people of Oyo State. Dividends should not only be seen in terms of pepper grinders, handsets and all those trivialities to individuals.

Efforts should be made to create employment for youth; vacancies should be filled in both offices and classrooms in order to ease youth restiveness.

No doubt the proposed interest free loans and PACESETTER buses are concrete and scientific means of putting smiles to the faces of the people irrespective of party affiliation.

There should also be encouragement of skill and artisan training for self-reliance among the youth.

Now that the governor had gone half way in the journey, there can be no doubt that more challenges lie ahead of him. Some of these may be more distracting to make him lose focus in his service delivery mission to the people of the State. But his ability to resist all forms of temptations that can break the bond of covenant with the good people of the State will be • Gov. Ajimobi a major test of Leadership for him.

Anambra: Groups endorse Idigo for governor

A

•Gov. Obi

GROUP, the All Progressives Grand Alli ance Ambassadors, (APGA Ambassadors), has endorsed Chinedu Idigo for the November 16, governorship election in Anambra State. The group claimed that Idigo of the Aguleri Royal Dynasty is the best candidate to succeed Governor Peter Obi. The National Co-ordinator, Mr Ikechukwu Ejesieme, assured Idigo that the group would work for his victory in the election. He said the group is the only solid political group that has consistently ensured the victory of can-

By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

didates during elections in the state because it has a solid base at the grassroots.

Ejesieme described Idigo as an experienced lawyer and public servant.

Other members of the group, including Goddy Onyeaka, Chief Humphrey, Chief Ezeanolue, Jude Ejike, Mike Nwofor and Chief Paul Nnama, praised Idigo for forging unity among the party faithful. They said, contrary to allegations, they were not prepared to give their support to another aspirant.

The Anambra Youth Assembly led

by Comrade Chinedu Obidigwe also promised to suppor Idigo.

The group said the state was tired of old horses in politics.

Obidigwe said that Idigo has, over the years, been sponsoring Chinedu Idigo Young Brains Quiz competition for all secondary schools in Anambra East and youth development, seminars organised by Education for Change Initiative in Omambala area.

He added that Idigo would fulfill his promise of providing 3,000 housing units in four years of his

administration. He said Obi’s legacies should to be sustained by Idigo, urging the people to give him the support to actualise his dreams taking Anambra State to the next level.

Responding, Idigo assured that his candidacy would unite Anambra people. He said that his vision is to make Anambra the leading state economy in Nigeria.

He said that Anambra North is asking for “equity and fairness”, pointing out that the zone has been marginalised for so long and should be allowed to produce the next governor.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

46

INTERVIEW

‘The civil war settled nothing’ • Continued from yesterday

S

O it came to what Isama said that even Adekunle was conducting his own op eration, Muritala was conducting his own, Shuwa was conducting his own, you can’t fight a war like that.

That’s why Madiebo said there was no central command ?

It was true there wasn’t. They had the operations but they were not giving orders.

Adekunle came, he asked for what he wanted.

What he couldn’t get, he commandeered out of Lagos. Lagos Garrison post was somewhere, Adekunle would go there, round them up, put them in a jeep or something, take them to the airport, dumb them in the plane and take them to Port Harcourt. Whenever soldiers heard that Adekunle was in Lagos, they took to their heels because Adekunle would round them up and take them to Port Harcourt. That was how we were getting reinforcement. And you know the kind of confusion that could bring.

Do you think we have lost anything by the fact that the two principal leaders of the conflict didn’t write their war memoirs?

Two principal leaders; Gowon and Ojukwu.

Gowon is a very deliberate person, I suspect if he was going to put anything out, it’s going to be when he will be 80 years old or something.

He is a very deliberate man.

Do you think the fact that we don’t have accounts from these two principal leaders has not helped much in clarifying things?

I don’t think so, in the sense that they were really arm chair participants in the war. But they could give us something more, not the how of the war, or details of what happened in the front. But maybe how the political aspects of the war were playing out; that the rest of us may not know, that shaped certain decisions they took or refused to take. But as to the actual fighting, I don’t think we have lost much without their accounts. Gowon visited Port Harcourt once when I was there. I don’t know how Ojukwu was conducting his own but the commander-in-chief was not really in the front.

Did Ojukwu come out as a good general, given what you saw on the field because they said the brightest of the officers in the Nigerian Army were? So, how come they were not able to conduct a war that would have given them the kind of victory deserving of this officer corps?

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. You know the Igbos and the Yorubas were virtually in the same boat when that war started in that when you talk about the officer corps, they did have a lot of officers across boards in the army. But they didn’t have the men. Most Yorubas and Igbos especially who joined the army went to the signals corps, they went to supply and transport, engineering, medical corps, all these things that needed skills. That’s where they were classed, people who man the offices-administrative people and all that. That was what most of them were in the army for.

By the time the army broke into four, the Midwest simply had officers, the Western Region at Ibadan had less than one company of soldiers, 120 soldiers even when we had officers. The other ranks, about three-quarters of the army, were from the North. But when you talk about the professionals, the people who do maintenance, and all that, I think 90 per cent of them must have come from the south.

Part of the things I believed Ojukwu himself, if he was a very good general, he should have considered. He should have look at all that, set his scale and see exactly what he could do, what he could not do, before boasting that no power in Africa or the world that could run over Biafra. Yes, they had passion and were fired up but passion alone does not fight wars.

You still have to, in modern times, have some equipment that can back the bravery that you have.

Between Gowon and Muritala, as a soldier, which one would you consider a model soldier and gentleman, of course?

I have never asked Gen. Gowon which col-

lege produced him. In Sandhurst, we had three colleges. One was the old college, the original. We say amongst ourselves that college trained gentlemen. Then, we have the new college, which we say trains officers. Then there is Victory College, which was in the middle, which we say trains officers and gentlemen. So I think Gowon must have come from Old college. He was just a gentlemen, real gentleman. As vast as he is in military knowledge (I’m not talking about knowledge now), talking about the difference between him and Muritala could have been explained by that.

Murtala was a very decisive person, it doesn’t mean he was right all the time; but he was very decisive. He made up his mind and he said this what I would do. If you are close to him, if you have the chance to argue with him, he might take a better decision. But if you are absent and you can’t find the people to talk about it, on his own, he would take a decision whether right or wrong. For me that is my summing up of Murtala. Whichever way, he will have to do something.

Gowon is a bit more calculating. He is a cooler person, much more calculating. But sometimes that can work against you, where you need some strong person to make up his mind finally and say no, this is what we are going to do and insists that it would be done that way otherwise . That is the major difference between the two. As military men, they are both very knowledgeable and Gowon is a very respected military man. Gowon will not hurt anyone. Murtala will not care one hoot, after he had made up his mind, who will get hurt and who is not going to get hurt.

Any regret for winning the war, given how Nigeria has worked out?

I have made my mind known. In 1967, if most of us were as exposed to not just the world but Africa as at now, perhaps nobody would have gone to war. First, I think the issue should not have arisen in the first place. But if we are stupid enough and it arose, I don’t think we needed to go and sacrifice one million people on the battle field. I think it was unnecessary because where we find ourselves today, those issues that brought, we swept it under the carpet and we never bothered to get ourselves together to resolve those issues one by one.

After all, I think we’ve learnt lessons from the war: what pushed us into it, what the people suffered. Now why did we allow it to happen? Why? Are you going to start asking yourself again after a second civil war? In any case, no country should experience two civil wars.

I think that we have been a bit negligent. We should have taken stock of what factors caused the war, dissected them one by one and sat down to resolve them so that such problems never happen again. Unfortunately, we are still complaining about the same thing, in different language, till today.

It looks like next to God, you were the one who helped Obasanjo most. You were the one that suggested the take-over from Adekunle.

You were the one that finished the war that he took credit for. You were the one that protected him after the Murtala coup to make sure that no one touched him when Murtala was removed so that he could become head of state. Yet I don’t think that if both of you see on the street you guys would embrace?

(General laughter) He is my egbon (elder) now! I think things happened on the spur of the moment and whoever is around took care of it. Whatever the leanings of their exposure and wisdom is what they will use to make decisions. Adekunle was tired and there were thousands of troops in the front there. So, you can’t ignore that and say well, he’s my GOC, I know him very well, this and that . I think that will be a very bad thing to the troop he was commanding and Obasanjo stood in as a Garrison commander. Who else could have been picked as replacement? Since he was already rear commander at Ibadan, the logical thing was to send him to 3rd Marine Commando and get someone else to go command the

•Gen. Akinrinade

Ibadan garrison. Don’t forget also the 3rd Division also needed to be careful on the sort of GOC heading it. Those are the reasons, whether it now benefitted Obasanjo himself as GOC when the war now ended, I think those are just the things that happened after that.

Look, I was not here in 1966 when the coup happened. The day the counter coup happened was the day I was supposed to now come finally. So, I got stuck in New York because planes were not landing here. We were just stranded there for a number of days before things cooled down for a little bit here and I came back. Then, I found myself the only Yoruba officer in that barrack in Ikeja there.

But luckily for me, most of the people who were there were my classmates: Apollo, Martin, Danjuma, so I felt a little protected and confident there. In my set, there was lot of mutual respect among us. We were lucky, my set were very lucky, because most of us survived in the army. Even when the thing broke off, we still had enough of us, North and West, left within the army.

So, I wasn’t there. But I heard the story of how they frightened off (Brigadier Femi) Ogundipe; and they had to put him in the boat and he escaped abroad. I know that this story was making the round and everybody seemed to know part of it. But what was the interpretation? That the counter-coup was all about northern hegemony. True or false, that was neither here nor there. We now had an assassinated Muritala, in an abortive coup, but whose second-in-command was supposed to be Obasanjo, as chief of staff, Supreme Headquarters. So if they killed the boss, the next man takes over. But that did not happen with Ogundipe. So, would you allow history to repeat itself with Obasanjo - and what would be the consequences of that?

For me, it was rational to tell Danjuma that:

‘I have made my mind known. In 1967, if most of us were as exposed to not just the world but Africa as at now, perhaps nobody would have gone to war. First, I think the issue should not have arisen in the first place. But if we are stupid enough and it arose, I don’t think we needed to go and sacrifice one million people on the battle field’

PHOTO: OLAKUNLE ABIMBOLA

look, unless you can’t find Obasanjo, there would be no way anything can go on, in any case, without an interpretation that it was another northern hegemonic coup.

So, he said go find him. But he left his house coming to work and people were accusing him that he probably knew about the coup. And I said no, he didn’t know about anything. He was just lucky to escape the coup makers detailed to eliminate him. So his soldiers went to find him. He could have declined but he didn’t. But whatever he did, it would be on record that Obasanjo, the next man, was called and he said no. So, I got in touch with Obasanjo.

But he wanted assurances about his personal safety. I told him I had no guarantees but that I came from there and they were expecting me back. But I had no guarantee that they were not going to shoot both of us but that I didn’t think so.

What has the war done to you personally? I read somewhere thay you said you were an atheist and don’t know if that is true. Does that have anything to do with the war?

No, not the war. When I look at my country and I see all the players there, it occurs to me that one has to stay away from all these religious activities. I just thought I should stay away. There are only a few chances or groups left standing in Nigeria today: first the bankers, then the religious groups. Honestly, these are the only people who can earn a living in Nigeria today. So, I just thought I should go and meet my God the way I am.

So that means you believe in God If there is! Somebody said unequivocally there is God and you can go to him through Christ, you can go to him through Muhammed . The agnostics says maybe there is, maybe there is not. So am not going to carry gun and enforce you to denounce Christ or something like that.. no! But let’s leave the matter like that. If I work hard enough, Monday to Saturday, I think I deserve one day of rest. Even God rested on the seventh day. So if you are fairly honest, you should stay in your bed on Sundays. I really don’t think it is a matter that we should discuss so seriously the way our people have taken it.

• Concluded

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

48

AGRO-BUSINESS

How govt can stop rice import, by Utomi H

OW can the Federal Government stop rice import? It is by providing adequate incentives for stakeholders in the rice value chain ,says the Co-founder, Pan-Atlantic University, Lekki, Lagos, Prof.

Pat Utomi.

He advised the government to guarantee rice farmers so that none of their harvests would be wasted.

In an interview in Abuja, Utomi , said until stakeholders began to see agriculture as a

From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

business rather than development programme, the sector may not witness expected transformation.

He said: “Once there is appropriate incentive to produce rice, if you can guarantee those who produce for example that nothing they produce will be wasted, that incentive will make them produce.”

Utomi emphasised the need for private

sector partnership and encouragement to enable all stakeholders take ownership of various agriculture programmes.

He said government can as well support private investors to devise strategies on value chain that has comparative advantages.

“The key to agriculture is if it runs as a business or source for business enterprises because passion, commitment of people goes into where they profit.

“Part of the problem with the structure of

agriculture for a long time is that it has been seen as a kind of development initiative, where government put all available resources so you don’t calculate the outcome but if government creates the enabling environment and encourage these people to entrepreneurial opportunities and create values,” he said.

However, Utomi urged all stakeholders to embrace local food produce to foster more income for the farmers.

each benefitting fishermen cooperative society will be given two units of outboard engines(40hp) ,bundles of fishing nets and gears,and two units of fishing canoes.

He said the fisheries office at Marine Road,Badagry has been renovated and equipped wih fish storage and preservation appliances such as ice block making macines,smoking kiln,deep freezers and coolers as well as refrigerated vehicle.This, he said, is to ensure speedy evaluation of surplus fresh fish catches from the coastal areas for further processing and preservation.

According to him, the government recognised the marketing challenges of farmers

and was making efforts to link them to markets, in order to be able to feed more people. In a recent press conference, Lawal expressed the desire of the state government at achieving one million fish production by 2015.

He also hinted that the state is making efforts at increasing food production by 25 per cent in the same forecasted year.

He said the government is supporting additional 10 communities in Badagry and Ojo zones with the production of outboard engines, fishing net refrigerators and other inputs that will boost their fish production. These are the measures we have put in place to assist our farmers with the subsidisation of their inputs,”he added.

Lagos moves to raise fish production AGOS State government plans to increase fish production to eliminate poverty and raise the people’s nutrient intake,Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs Adejoke Orelope–Adefulire said.

Speaking during the artisanal fishing inputs delivery service programme for fishermen in Badagry, Mrs Orelope Adefulire, who spoke through the Commissioner for Rural Development, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi , said the estimated yearly consumption of fish in the state is 260,000 tonnes but farmers can only produce 130,000 tonnes.

She said Lagos is working to create an opportunity to produce additional fish and improve the income of fish farmers and fishermen.

The Deputy Governor said the government was ready to invest in fishermen to strengthen the sector and increase domestic production.

According to her, small-scale fishermen who wish to continue artisanal fishing will also be able to invest in new facilities, equipment and boat renovation.

With the fishing plan, she said the government plans to lift many fishing families out of poverty.

She said the Artisanal Fisheries Project would improve income,contribute to employment generation and improve food security of artisanal fishermen families.

These will be achieved through assisting artisanal fisheries development by providing production inputs for fisheries activities,promoting improved methods for processing and commercialisation of fish, monitoring and evaluation of accessible fish resources to artisanal fishery ac-

L

• Offloading imported Thai rice Stories by Daniel Essiet

tivities.

Twelve cooperatives got fisheries equipment and materials. Commissioner of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Prince Gbolahan Lawal said fisheries resources were among the most significant natural endowments of the state.

Tthe state,he said, had a fisheries landscape, including rivers, swamps and floodplains all of which are critical habitats, breeding and nursery grounds for fish and suitable sites for fish farming. He said

‘Nigeria must improve livestock data’

A

ROBUST data on livestock is required if the sector is to meet the challenges of sustainable food production, an expert, Prof Abiodun Adeloye has said.

Nigeria, he said, lacked quality data on livestock that could be used to measure and improve progress and policymaking.

Speaking with The Nation, Adeloye, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, said data was crucial for identifying effective public and private sector investment opportunities.

Adeloye noted that there was need for a complete data on state of health and welfare in the dairy and beef sectors.

He urged the industry and the government to ‘get their act together’ on data quality and consistency.

According to him, data remained the main hurdle to the industry in attempt to move it forward .He explained that there are large gaps in availability and consistency of data.

The industry, he maintained, lack a

tracing system and this needs to be resolved to address the levels of challenge and improvements in performance He said the livestock sector is highly dynamic, adding that meeting the substantial increases in demand for food will have profound implications for production.

According to Adeloye, increasing demand for livestock products will give rise to considerable competition for land between food and feed production, stressing that data is necessary to cope with impacts on food security. Progress with reliable data,he noted will improve the quantity and quality of livestock statistics, that remains in many respects one of the big unknowns.

Adeloye said data collected on livestock will be informative of relationships between production, food insecurity and livelihoods at the household level.

To achieve these, Adeloye said the nation needs a better data of the pastoral economy.

New yam ready for consumption in Lagos

T

HE Lagos State Whole Sales Yam Dealers Association has declared the new yam ready for consumption. It made this known at the yearly new yam prayer held last week at Ogba, a Lagos suburb.The late IyalojaGeneral of Nigeria,Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji was honoured at the event.

According to Mr Abdul Wahab Aibinu, a member of the association, the new yam will get to the market this month. “After

By Taibat Idowu

this prayer, the new yam also known as wet yam, will be available to everybody. It will be sold for N100 and will be reduced to N70 and N85. The same quantity of yam that used to sell for N300 and N400 will go for N50 and N100.

The new yam will be distributed first in Ekiti, Oyo, Osun and Ogun states. 120 tubers which used to sell for N10, 000 will be reduced to N5, 000.”

World Bank okays $300m for agric

T

with $500 in agriculture and $500 for expanding the country’s irrigation capacity.

Nigeria attracted agricultural investment worth more than $8 billion in the past 18 months, Adesina said on last month. Still, only 40 per cent of its 21 million hectares of arable land is cultivated. Agriculture employs 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population, Marie-Francoise Marie-Nelly, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, said.

The credit will be provided under the International Development Association’s terms for helping poor countries, according to the statement. As of 2010, more than 60 per cent of the West African country’s population of more than 160 million people lived on less than $1 a day, up from 51.6 per cent in 2004, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

T

Farmers get N46m

HE World Bank has given $300 million loan to Nigeria to boost farming and food security.

In a statement,the bank said $200 million loan would be given to small farmers organised in clusters in six of the country’s 36 states for producers of rice, cassava, sorghum and other staples.

The remaining $100 million will be used to improve crop yields, promote market access and better management.

Nigeria is the world’s second-largest importer of rice and sub-Saharan Africa’s biggest wheat and sugar buyer. President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration plans to stop rice imports, which would cost N1 billion a day by 2015.

Agriculture Minister Akinwunmi Adesina said last May the country was expecting $1 billion in support from the World Bank, HE Cross River Micro-finance Enterprises Development Agency (MEDA) has given more than N46 million to 230 yam farmers in Ogoja and Yakurr local government areas to boost production.

Its Director-General , Mr Ignatius Atsu, told newsmen in Calabar that the 230 farmers were used as a pilot scheme.

Briefing reporters on the agency’s activities,Atsu said the farmers were trained on how to improve their yam production.

He said each farmer got N200,000 as loan,

adding that the loan was interest-friendly with eight per cent repayment per annum, which amounted to N16,000.

“Beneficiaries have commenced repayment of the loans after which the programme would be reviewed and expanded. “We are planning to include more yam farmers from the two local government areas and other yam producing local councils, if the pilot is considered successful,’’ he said.

49

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

AGRO-BUSINESS

Cooperatives can enhance productivity, says Commissioner

A

GRICULTURAL cooperatives are essential for boosting productivity and improving living conditions in rural areas, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, has said.

Speaking with The Nation, Lawal said by forming cooperatives, agricultural workers would be able to support themselves and establish co-financing mechanisms and social safety nets to protect their families.

He said cooperatives could enhance food security, create jobs, and contribute to improving social integration.

The government,he said, use cooperatives to develop projects among farmers, purchase agricultural equipment and vehicles to transport produce to buyers, as well as to provide training in new technologies.

With the help of cooperatives, he said farmers have been able manage their activities.

Through the formation of cooperative groups, he said farmers have purchase raw materials in bulk, that

are less expensive for them.

By belonging to cooperative groups, he said farmers are better placed to satisfy bankers’ requirements in terms of guarantees and loan repayment capacities than as private individuals.

Consequently, this helps farmers obtain loans easily to finance their investments and protect themselves against risks.

Earlier, while delivering a speech to mark the International Cooperative Day, Lawal, said the development of agricultural cooperatives is a priority by the Lagos state.

This is because the strategy has assisted the government to develop the rural areas and combat poverty and insecurity.

To this end, he said the government was determined to create an enabling environment in which agricultural cooperatives will thrive and has drafted policies, laws, and programmes that take into account the needs and concerns of farmers.

To build the skills of cooperators, he said the government established

•From left: Ayeola, Lawal, Representative of the Lagos State Deputy Governor,Hon. Omotayo Aramide and Basorun at the Dinner/Award Night in commemoration of the International Day of Cooperatives in Lagos.

the Lagos State Cooperative College to tackle identified managerial and logistic challenges within the cooperative movement.

So far, he said 704 cooperators have been trained in various aspects of cooperative management.

He said there was a great potential for these cooperatives to create jobs, reduce migration of people from the rural areas.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Dr Yakub Basorun, said cooperatives

are viable business models that are worth investing in.

He said they have played a key role in strengthening the capacities of farmers in Lagos.

According to him, Lagos State Cooperative Federation (LASCOFED) has provided an opportunity for cooperatives to build their presence in all socio-economic spheres.

The President, Lagos State Cooperative Federation (LASCOFED), Mr Oriyomi Aiyeola, said the success story of cooperatives was built

on the fact that savings and credit cooperatives make funds available to individuals and small businesses to create businesses and employment.

Since the last cooperative day, he said LASCOFED has started a farm project at Mojoda,Epe. He urged cooperators to continue to manage their associations prudent to ensure the existence.

Aiyeola said cooperatives have made a greater role to play in combating poverty and hunger.

How to grow marine fishery,by expert T

HE non-availability of reliable eco-aquatic map is

affecting the planned development of marine fisheries, an expert, Prof Martins, Antekhai has said.

Eco-aquatic map is a geograpically location of national fresh waters,fisheries resources and marine distribtion of habitats and species for commercial and amenity functions.

Antekhai, of the Department of Fisheries, Lagos State University (LASU), said a national eco aquatic

O

RANGE Fleshed Sweetpotato (OFSP) vines have been distributed to farmers at Kuje and Mararaba markets in Abuja by the Potato Growers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (POGPMAN).

This gesture, which is part of the campaign to sensitise farmers for more cultivation of OFSP, with vitamin (A) content that is good for school children and productive men and women.

The National President, POGPMAN, Hon. Bayo Ajibade, said the sensitisationand the vines distribution would be done at designated states.

This,according to him, is to aid the adoption of the potato species.

He reiterated the readiness of his association to support the Agricultural Transformation Agenda of the Federal Goverment by ensuring food security through mass cultivation of OFSP, known to be rich in vitamin A. According to him, OFSP is a special orange fleshed sweetpotato with vitamin A fortification, which help children to grow healthy and enhance productivity for women within in the child bearing age. It helps to cure night blindness and is a good nutrient supplement for school children.

More cultivation of it,he noted ,would create income opportunities for women.

Also speaking, the Hellen

Stories by Daniel Essiet

map was needed to update fisheries resource data through surveys and stock assessments.

He said the map would provide critical information to users in government and the private sector with a comprehensive inventory of fish habitats in freshwater streams and estuaries.

The map,he explained, should consist information onnwetlands, streams, and riparian areas and should provide accurate and de-

tailed information for management, planning, and research of aquatic resources.

Advocating for a geo aquatic mapping of fish and fish habitat, the fisheries expert said the nation possesses suitable and abundant water and land resources for the development of a viable inland fishing and aquaculture industry .

Antekhai said opportunities also exist for brackish water aquaculture.

He said such information should be accessed through the web.

He said there are issues

constraining the development of the sector, which needs to be addressed in a long-term development plan.

The strategy that would increase fish production, he noted, required exploring underexploited and unexploited species.

According to him, the nation’s aquatic biodiversity ranks high, due in part to many river systems, diverse geology, and subtropical/temperate climate.

Examining and monitoring this diversity, he emphasised, offers

Farmers get free potato vines

the opportunity to assess important factors that affect the quality of water resources. The map, he added, would be valuable for evaluating stream water quality and providing biological justification to water quality management decisions.

He said experts would support the project by providing research information through intensive field work that can be used to monitor and manage the nation’s water resources more efficiently.

VC seeks synergy with WAAPP

T

•Farmers queuing to get free vitamin A fleshed potato vines

Keller International promotions expert, Mrs Mary Umoh, said the avaliability of the vine for planting would never be a problem as there was a

partnership with some research institute, towards increasing production of the vines for farmers in Nigeria and other sub African countries.

Many beneficiaries commended POGPMAN, promising to join in the campaign to increase the use of OFSP.

HE Vice Chancellor (VC), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Olusola Oyewole, has called for improved synergy among the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP) and Federal University of Agriculture, as a definite way of generating effective and sustainable outcome for agricultural programmes in the country.

The Vice Chancellor made the call in a welcome remark he delivered at a four-day follow-up meeting of WAAPP activities with selected universities in Abeokuta.

He said such cooperation would serve as catalyst, propelling their common resolve, interest and decision to collaborate with WAAPPNigeria.

Oyewole noted that the WAAPP, as a WorldBank assisted programme for countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has a broad objective of increasing agricultural productivity and promoting regional integration.

He added that the consultative meetings being organised by the WAAPP-Nigeria has presented an opportunity to identify ways of collaborating in furthering the development of the nation’s agriculture.

The Vice Chancellor disclosed that reports reaching his Institution concerning the last consultative meeting with Nigerian Universities held in Makurdi gave him the impetus to want to associate the more with WAAPP-Nigeria.

50

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

Sterling Bank’s half-year profit grows by 97%

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 18-07-13

•Equities surge further with N114b gain

S

TERLING Bank Plc yesterday released its firsthalf earnings report, indicating that the lender maintained continuing strong momentum in its profitability with 97 per cent growth in profit after tax. It was the first financial company to release its earnings report for the period.

Amidst general bullish swings that saw equities at the Nigerian stock market garnering N114 billion in capital gain, investors responded positively to the earnings report of Sterling Bank as its share price rose by 0.38 per cent yesterday to N2.67.

Interim report and accounts of Sterling Bank for the sixmonth period ended June 30, 2013 showed that earnings per share doubled to 38 kobo in 2013 as against 19 kobo in comparable period of 2012, underlining the increasing attraction of the bank as a highyield stock. On the basis of the six-month report and current price, earnings yield stands at a double-digit rate of 14.2 per cent.

The first-half report came on the heels of initial filings showing extensive shareholders’ interests in the bank’s ongoing N12.5 billion rights issue. Sterling Bank is raising N12.5 billion through a rights issue of about 5.889 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N2.12 per share. The lender had traded at a high of N3.05 at the stock market. Application list, which opened on June 24, 2013, will run till July 31, 2013.

The report showed that profit before tax rose by 93.5 per cent to N6.27 billion as against N3.24 billion recorded in corresponding period of 2012. Profit after tax nearly doubled from N3.01 billion to N5.92 billion, representing an increase of 96.7 per cent.

The bottom-line performance was driven by the bank’s growing brand acceptability and customers’ deposit as well as efficient cost and risks management. Gross earnings rose by 28 per cent from N32.68

By Taofik Salako

billion to N41.86 billion. While interest income grew by 18 per cent from N26.34 billion to N31.08 billion, net interest income grew faster by 27 per cent to N15.17 billion in 2013 as against N11.96 billion in comparable period of 2012.

Reviewing the results, managing director, Sterling Bank, Mr. Yemi Adeola, said the performance of the bank was a reflection of the resilience and stability of its business strategy.

According to him, the bank’s commendable report was as a result of customerwinning and cost management strategies, which enabled it to maintain its first quarter earnings momentum.

“We are pleased with the report. Over the next six months, our priority is to accelerate our $400 million capital raising programme, which commenced with overwhelming support from our shareholders for the ongoing rights issue of N12.5 billion,” Adeola said.

He added that the next phase of the bank’s capital raising exercise will be a $120 million private placement and subsequently, a $200 million multi-currency tier 2 new capital issue.

“We remain optimistic that our capital plans will be achieved to enable us drive business growth, while delivering superior returns to our shareholders,” Adeola said.

Further analysis showed that the bank’s balance sheet was stronger during the period. Total deposits rose by 21 per cent from N466.85 billion recorded as at December 31, 2012, which was the opening figure for this year, to N564.93 billion by June 2013.

Within the same period, total assets grew by 19 per cent to N690.84 billion compared with N580.23 billion while shareholders’ funds increased from N46.64 billion to N49 billion. While loans and advances increased by 19 per

cent from N229.42 billion to N272.75 billion, the proportion of non-performing loans to gross loans and advances remained checkmated at 2.7 per cent during the period, far better than industry’s benchmark of 5.0 per cent.

The first half report showed that the bank has nearly achieved its full-year performance for 2012 within the first half of this year, putting it in good course to achieve its forecasts. The latest report also showed continuation of the good start noted in the first quarter of this year.

Sterling Bank’s three-month report for the period ended March 31, 2013 showed that profit after tax rose by 96 per cent while profit before tax increased by 85 per cent. Gross earnings stood at N19.84 billion as against N16.21 billion recorded in comparable period of 2012. Profit before tax jumped from N1.63 billion to N3.02 billion while profit after tax leapt to N2.72 billion as against N1.39 billion.

Full-year report for 2012 showed gross earnings of N68.86 billion. Profits and after tax stood at N7.5 billion and N6.95 billion respectively.

Meanwhile, aggregate market value of all equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) increased by N114 billion from N12.026 trillion to N12.140 trillion as investors stepped up demand for equities. The main index at the NSE, the All Share Index (ASI), rallied by 0.95 per cent to 38,334.54 points as against its opening index of 37,975.34 points.

There were 38 gainers to 22 losers with Nigerian Breweries leading the gainers with a gain of N6.20 to close at N179.40. PZ Cussons Nigeria followed with a gain of N4.01 to close at N44.30. Julius Berger Nigeria reached a new high with addition of N2.75 to close at N83.75. Forte Oil added N2.46 to close at N27.06. MRS Oil and Gas also rose by N2.09 to close at N22.99 while Flour Mills of Nigeria and Okomu Oil Palm added N2 each to close at N90 and N47 respectively.

Total turnover volume and value increased by 19 per cent and 15 per cent respectively with the exchange of 243.89 million shares valued at N3.05 billion in 5,558 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 18-07-13

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

55

MONEY LINK Skye Bank commits N150m to ICT Centre

No settlement yet on Ecobank Chairman’s N1.2b debt, says AMCON S

T

HE Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has refuted claims by Ecobank Transnational Corporation (ETI) that it reached agreement with the lender’s Chairman over N1.2 billion bad debt.

The lender had in a statement obtained by The Nation claimed that its Chairman, Kolapo Lawson had reached an agreement with AMCON over the debt. “Ecobank has confirmed that the matters concerning Mr Lawson’s dealings with AMCON have been discussed at the

Stories by Collins Nweze

Board and, we understand, Mr Lawson has reached an agreement with AMCON on this issue,” the lender had stated.

The statement further said “There is no personal loan by Ecobank to Mr Lawson. Companies of which Mr Lawson is a director do have business relations with Ecobank and one of these has a contracted loan facility with the bank. The current repayment schedule is not yet due and the loan is secured”.

But AMCON’s spokesman, Kayode Lambo refuted the claim during interview with Bloomberg. He said the corporation is only in advanced discussions with ETI Chairman Kolapo Lawson over the unpaid debt.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) informed the lender in April that Lawson failed to honor a pledge to repay debt owed to the agency.

Ecobank owes AMCON N1.2 billion ($7.4 million), the Financial Times had reported, citing unidentified people familiar with the matter. Agbara Estate, whose chairman

is Lawson, has “long outstanding” debts of N1.6 billion with Ecobank’s Nigerian unit, the newspaper said.

South Africa’s Public Investment Corporation, the lender’s biggest shareholder, on Wednesday urged Ecobank resolve the dispute.

“The loan to Agbara Estates, which is not yet due to be paid, was contracted between two management teams acting at arm’s length in the ordinary course of business, and was completed well before I became chairman of the ETI Group,” Lawson said earlier in an e-mailed statement.

Citigroup, Vetiva named advisers for Enterprise Bank

T

HE Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has announced the appointment of legal and financial advisers to handle its shareholding divestment from the Enterprise Bank Limited.

The Citigroup Global Markets Limited and Vetiva Capital management Limited have been appointed as financial advisers while Elias & Co. was named legal adviser to the transaction.

In a statement signed by AMCON’s Head Corporate Communications, Kayode Lambo, said the decision to appoint the trio came after a thorough review of the responses received in respect of its Requests for Proposals (RFP).

The AMCON had in May, said it was seeking investment advisers that would guide divestment of its share holding in Enterprise Bank

Limited. It said the proposals are expected from leading Investment banks to provide financial and transactional advisory services towards the divestment of its entire shareholding in the bank.

However, interested advisers must have demonstrable experience in similar transactions; have recommended transaction approach; experienced team members;

deadline oriented, have proposed fee structure and address any potential conflicts of interest.

Also, part of the requirements was that such advisers must not be registered by the Nigerian Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) to provide this function. However, the interested firms must form a consortium with a SEC registered Issuing House.

GTBank to buy 70% stake in Kenyan lender

G

UARANTY Trust Bank (GT Bank) yesterday, said it had reached an agreement to acquire a 70 per cent stake in Kenya’s Fina Bank Limited for $100 million. Bloomberg said Fina Bank has total assets of $338 million with operations in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. The report said the bank’s agreement to acquire the privately-held Kenyan bank is subject to regulatory approvals.

“GTBank will enter East Africa

•Agbaje

through a multi-country and scalable platform, thus expanding its international presence in Sub-Saharan Africa,” the lender said.

Shares in GTBank, which have gained 13 per cent since the start of the year, inched up 1.66 per cent to N26.40 per share yesterday, valuing the lender at around $5 billion.

The top-tier bank said it will acquire the majority stake in Fina Bank, set up in 1991, through a share

purchase from current shareholders and direct investment.

Chief executive Segun Agbaje had said GT Bank was eyeing expansion opportunities in East Africa after building out operations in West Africa to tap into the regions fast growing economies and ease of doing business. Fina Bank had $184 million loan book as at 31 March, 2013 and operates from 38 branches across three East African nations.

FGN BONDS

DATA BANK

Tenor

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

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 18-07-13

SYMBOL MRS FO PZ IHS UTC COSTAIN IPWA CORNERST ROYALEX CUTIX

O/PRICE 20.90 24.60 40.29 3.14 0.71 1.32 1.08 0.55 0.56 1.80

C/PRICE 22.99 27.06 44.30 3.45 0.78 1.45 1.18 0.60 0.60 1.90

CHANGE 2.09 2.46 4.01 0.31 0.07 0.13 0.10 0.05 0.04 0.10

ACADEMY PHARMDEKO CONTINSURE THOMASWY PORTPAINT BERGER ETERNA CCNN NEIMETH INTBREW

O/PRICE 2.00 2.07 1.28 1.08 6.90 9.85 3.33 10.30 1.30 25.50

C/PRICE 1.80 1.87 1.16 1.98 6.40 9.26 3.15 10.00 1.27 24.94

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

July ’12

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

CHANGE 0.20 0.20 0.12 0.90 0.50 0.59 0.18 0.30 0.03 0.56

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

LOSERS AS AT 18-07-13

SYMBOL

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

OBB Rate Call Rate

SKYE Bank Plc has built a N150 million ultra-modern information technology centre (ICT) at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife to promote research and scholarship.

In a statement, the bank said the gesture was in furtherance of its corporate social responsibility to the university.

The ICT centre, it said, designated as a centre of excellence in software engineering, seeks to develop the required local science and technological resource for the nation’s post basic institutions with builtin functional ICT capacity, using information technology driven , participatory and student-centred teaching and learning approaches.

The World Bank and Step B were the other financiers of the project.

Speaking during the handing over and commissioning ceremony of the project in Ife, Skye Bank’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kehinde DurosinmiEtti, said the application of information technology in Nigeria’s educational institutions would aid teaching and learning, data storage. It will also serve as information resource centre, ease students registration and payment of fees, among others.

“As a responsible corporate citizen, Skye Bank partnered with the school to build this state-of-the-art Information Technology Centre that we are commissioning today to underscore our commitment to build capacity for the university in the area of research, automation of tasks and data storage and retrieval”, Durosinmi-Etti said.

He expressed the hope that the ICT Centre would help in evolving ways Information Technology can help in bringing about new ways of teaching such that students can learn outside of the brick and mortal format that is prevalent today.

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 9.17 9.08 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE INVE 141.00 140.50 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 11.694.57 11,344.90 • 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 FRIDAY JULY 19, 2013

56

NEWS

Generals reunite at Alabi-Isama’s book launch

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T was not a theatre of war, but generals were there in large number.

They came to show solidarity with their colleague, Brig Gen Godwin Alabi-Isama (rtd), Chief of Staff of the Third Marine Commando, who launched his memoirs on the civil war titled: The Tragedy of Victory.

Like Alabi-Isama, many of the generals also fought the war, which echoed at yesterday’s gathering.

They relived the bitter enterprise in which one million people reportedly died.

The book launch was held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Former Defence Minister Gen Theophilus Danjuma chaired the event. With him on the high table were Ambassador Moses Kehinde, who represented former Head of State Gen Yakubu Gowon, High Chief Omowale Kuye, representative of the Olubadan of Ibadan and the representative of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Sulu Gambari.

Some civil war heroes, victims and relations relived their ordeal.

Mrs, Grace Oto, whose late husband Edet was injured during the war, told the gathering how she was shunned when she went to seek help from former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Obasanjo took over the third Marine Commando from Brig-Gen Benjamin Adekunle.

Alabi-Isama’s book, according to the author, is to correct some impressions in Obasanjo’s memoirs titled: My Command.

According to Mrs Oto, her late husband was shot in an ambush when he was in the Third Marine Commando under Obasanjo’s command.

By Leke Salaudeen

He was shot in the thigh.

Mrs Edet said when the bullet lodged in her husband’s thigh was giving him pains, she went to Obasanjo’s house to seek for financial assistance to take him to hospital. She said she did not see Obasanjo because his gate was locked. “My husband died the following day, she added.

The book reviewer, Mr Kunle Ajibade, the Executive Editor of The News Magazine, said it was thoughtful of Alabi –Isama to have chosen Nelson Mandela’s birthday to present his book because Mandela, in so many ways, exemplifies the generosity of spirit which a reader will constantly encounter in the book.

Ajibade said Alabi-Isama was prompted to write the book, because of what he calls “lack of generous spirit in Gen Olusegun Obasanjo”.

“Three years ago, when Gen Godwin Alabi-Isama turned 70, he came to Nigeria from the United States to celebrate his birthday. His close friend Gen Alani Akinrinade, who attended the ceremony, gave him two copies of Gen Olusegun Obasanjo’s My Command.

“Akinrinade had told his friend that the book would turn his belly.

It surely did. Gen Alabi-Isama discovered that there were so many distortions of fact in the book, and he immediately dimissed it as a tapestry of inaccuracies. As he read the book, he marked out 82 passages in My Command where Gen Obasanjo simply told outright lies to massage his ego and damage the reputation of his colleagues. Alabi-Isama then thought that since he was still a moving encyclopaedia on the 3 Marine Commando, it was time to tear the

Lagos CPC suspends chieftain

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AGOS State, Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) has suspended a chieftain, Mrs. Lucy Ajayi, for three months for indiscipline.

The party said that the suspended member will appear before the Disciplinary Committee during the period to defend herself over some allegations in accordance with the Article 8, Section 1 (Subsection a, b and c) of the party’s constitution. Until her suspension, she was the chairman of the Kosofe Council chapter of the party.

According to the suspension notification signed by the CPC PUBLIC NOTICE OLUYEMISI I Former MISS JEGEDE TITILAYO OLUYEMISI now MRS BALOGUN TITILAYO OLUYEMISI, all Former documents remain valid.

Ado-Odo/Ota LGEA, SUBEB and public note.

By Emmanuel Oladesu Secretary, Mr. Balogun Abdur Rasaq, Ajayi was suspended for alleged gross insubordination, disrespect for constituted authority, continuous absence from the State Executive Committee meetings without explanation, assault against the zonal leadership and other anti-party activities.

But Mrs Ajayi has rejected to her suspension, saying that the process was faulty. She said: “I have instructions from Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and Pastor Tunde Bakare, our leaders, that I should discountenance the letter of suspension. I don’t know why a state chapter should suspend me”.

painted mask of Obasanjo.

Ajibade said Obasanjo’s book left out the achievements of “gallant officers like Benjamin Adekunle (The Black Scorpion), Alani Akinrinade, Godwin Ally, Ayo Ariyo, Ola Oni, Isaac Adaka Boro, Ahmadu Aliyu, Roland Omowa, Sani Bello, S.S. Tomoye, Yemi Alabi, Philemon Shande, Musa Wamba, Mac Isemede, Sunny Tuoyo, Audu Jalingo , Ignatius Obeya, and their informants like Ndidi Okereke-Onyuike, Margaret Eyo, Florence Ita-Giwa and many other women who made the 3 Marine Commando Division such a formidable force.”

The author’s responses to Gen Obasanjo’s claims, according to the reviewer, showed that he was a more competent soldier, military strategist and theorist than Obasanjo “who tends to mistake goodluck for profound gift and talent. Alabi-Isama simply did his duty and left politics in the army for all the crafty war profiteers”.

He added: “As the Chief of Staff of 3 Marine Commando, Alabi-Isama was very demanding of everyone.

He was hard on his men and women without ever losing tenderness. “The 3 Marine Commando Division operated in a very difficult terrain of creeks and mangrove forest comprising thepresent Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states. It was the war at the Atlantic.

Gen. Alabi-Isama said in the book that he warned Colonel Benjamin Adekunle against the operation to capture Owerri, Aba and Umuahia, which was a big tragedy for the Federal troops. The case became so bad when he decided to get both the author and Akinrinade killed in an ambush but the duo escaped to Lagos and reported to General Gowon the

crisis of confidence in the 3 Marine Commando.

When Obasanjo took over from Adekunle on May 16, 1969, he sidelined the winning force, including Akinrinade and Alabi-Isama.

Four days after his resumption, his first battle as a Commander was a disaster for what Alabi-Isama described as a complete disregard for the sound advice of his sector commanders.

Gen Gowon said having had the privilege of reading Alabi-Isama’s book , “I am proud to say that he as a representative of the qualitative officer cadre Nigeria had at the time.

That he kept such detailed records and even accopmpanied them with numerous properly captioned photographic shots is highly commendable.

Gen. Gowon said from the series of events recorded in Asaba and the Midwest during the civil war, one came to the conclusion that AlabiIsama’s posting to the Midwest at that crucial time of “our nation’s history was not only fortuitous, it was Godsent”.

“Although he was arrested and was enlisted into the Biafran army, he planned and executed a masterly escape to link up with the troops of the Second Division of the Nigerian Army sent to liberate the Midwest.

By his account, he later reported to Army Headquarters in Lagos following a radio message that the Commander-in Chief summoned him. As Head of State and Commander-inChief then and up till today, I have no recollection of asking that AlabiIsama be recalled from the war front to see me in Lagos.

“At any rate, that unexplained invitation supposedly by the Head of State became the unknown factor that obviously saved him from being

among the precious souls that perished in the Second Division’s attempt to cross the River Niger to Onitsha at Asaba which I had strongly objected to and had ordered the Divisional Commander not to undertake, but did at heavy cost.

“On learning about the tragic occurrence at Asaba, I had lamented the sad loss of so many fine officers like Alabi-Isama and Alani Akinrinade.

Even at that no one told me that AlabiIsama was in Lagos under some “protective” custody in Kirikiri Maximum Prison.

“This book , therefore has thrown into relief the fact that unknown to the Commander-in-Chief, some of his aides did use his name to do things he had not authorised. This fact could only have explained Alabi-Isama’s incarceration in Kirikiri Maximum Prison without my knowledge. “ I commend Alabi-Isama’s incredible ability to keep records even to the minutest details. This is one thread that runs through the entire work.”

On Alabi-Isama’s grouse that he was prematurely retired, Gowon told him to take solace in the fact that he is not alone. Gowon said he too was not “only prematurely retired but shoved aside”.

Gen Danjuma launched the book with N10million.

At the ceremony were Gen Akinrinade,Gen Ike Nwachuku, Gen Femi Daramola,Gen Mobolaji Johnson’ Prof Wale Omole,Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, representative of Emir of Ilorin, General Emmanuel Abisoye, renowned essayist Prof Adebayo Williams, former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Lagos State Chief Judge Justice Ayotunde Phillips and The Nation’s Editorial Board Chairman, Mr Sam Omatseye.

Why Rivers House Leader is wanted, by police

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HE police in Rivers State have declared the leader of the House of Assembly, Chidi Lloyd, wanted for conspiracy, attempted murder, injuring and willful damage.

The Commissioner of Police, Mbu Joseph Mbu, who spoke in Port Harcourt yesterday through the police spokesperson, Angela Agabe, said Lloyd was declared wanted after he failed to respond to police invitation, which elapsed on July 16.

Mbu added that the crime committed by Lloyd was being investigated by a special team from the office of the Inspector-General of Police in collaboration with the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

Lloyd, who represents Emohua constituency, during the fracas in the main chambers of the Assembly, used a fake mace procured for the attempted impeachment of the

Group to First Lady: Amaechi’s not your son

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GROUP, Rivers Insight for Leadership and Economic Transformation (RILET) has described the recent comments by Dame Patience Jonathan on Governor Rotimi Amaechi as her son as ironic and total misleading.

The group said the attitude of the First Lady when she visited the state did not complement her description of Amaechi.

From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

The group’s President, Chris King Odogwu, said: “Patience Jonathan cannot deceive the people. Why the sudden rebranding of Amaechi as her son when she refused to play a motherly role during her visit to the state?

“Instead of ensuring a harmonious and peaceful environment during her visit, she was busy holding secret meetings.”

•Peterside lauds governors’ visit From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

Speaker, Otelemaba Dan Amachree, to hit the representative of the Obio/Akpor II constituency, Michael Okechukwu Chinda.

The five anti-Amaechi lawmakers: Chinda, Kelechi Godspower Nwogu (Omuma), Evans Bipi (Ogu/ Bolo), Martins Amewhule (Obio/Akpor I) and Victor Ihunwo (Port Harcourt III), are loyal to the Minister of State

for Education, Nyesom Wike.

The Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) and Representative, Andoni/ Opobo-Nkoro Federal Constituency in Rivers State, Dakuku Peterside, has commended Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s colleagues for keeping faith with their Chairman and colleague at this trying time. Peterside said: “These visits, I must say, are commendable and critical to sustaining our quest for deep-

ening democracy and expanding the frontiers of true federalism.

“Again, these governors are also helping to preserve our democracy by safeguarding our collective interest and sustaining the on-going efforts to consolidate our democratic process.”

The lawmaker, who is optimistic that Amaechi will be vindicated, frowned at the unnecessary politicisation of the Rivers crisis which, according to him “has the capacity of derailing our democratic gains of the last 14 years.”

Ewherido was an astute politician, says Clark LDER statesman Chief Edwin Clark has described the late Senator Pius Ewherido as an astute politician, who will be missed by all.

Ewherido (50) died at the National Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness. He will be buried today in Delta State.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, in a statement in Abuja yesterday, said the late senator lived a short but eventful life.

Clark said: “The late Senator Pius Ewherido was an astute politician who rose

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Delta ACN leader mourns LEADER of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ndokwa area of Delta State, Ajie John Ogwu, has said the All Peoples Congress (APC) has lost what would have been one of its most vibrant members in the Niger Delta with the death of Senator Pius Ewherido.

Ogwu described the late senator as a compassionate democrat, who stood for what he believed, lamenting that he had concluded his membership of APC before his death.

L

through various political offices.

“Although he was elected senator for Delta Central

From Shola O’Neil, Port Harcourt

He said Ewherido was a detribalised Deltan, who had a robust and fruitful political career from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before he won the senatorial election in the then little known Democratic Peoples Party (DPP).

“The best way to mourn Ewherido is to keep the lamp he lit burning. It is worthy to note that his DPP group that joined the APC produced the only national officer in Delta State,” he said.

Senatorial District under the platform of a minority party, the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), he struck a

chord with all of his colleagues in the Senate, making meaningful and intelligent contributions.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

57

NEWS Dangote disburses N10b to women, youths

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•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) cutting the tape to commission the staff clinic complex at Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, Lagos… yesterday. With him are the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Oluranti Adebule (left); Commissioner for Health Jide Idris (second right); Commissioner for Estates, Training and Pension Mrs. Florence Oguntuase (right); Special Adviser to the Governor on Health Mrs. Yewande Adesina (second left); Commissioner for Energy & Mineral Resources Development Taofiq Tijani (behind Fashola); Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health Femi Olugbile (behind the SSG) and Jide Olowolafe (back right). PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

Jega: Anambra’ll be benchmark for elections

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HE Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has reiterated the importance of a credible voters register in conducting free and fair elections.

He said the November 16 governorship election in Anambra State would be the benchmark for subsequent elections.

The commision would review the voters register from August 19 to August 25.

Jega, who spoke yesterday at a meeting with stakeholders on the preparations for the election, said with the revalidation of the code of conduct by parties and the planned revalidation of voters register, the electoral body was sure of success.

The INEC Chairman, however, solicited the support of all stakeholders, saying without their cooperation, every plan would amount to nothing.

He said: “As we are all aware, the credibility of the voters register goes a long way to assure the credibility of the elections. In this regard, we

•Voters register for review Aug 19 NCP praises electoral body From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Onitsha

THE National Conscience Party (NCP) yesterday praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for ordering the re-validation of voters cards in Anambra State.

The state chairman, Peter Okala, described the exercise as noble.

Okala said with the re-validation, more citizens would be eligible to vote and be voted for, adding that those who were below voting age can now benefit from the exercise.

“I call on Ndi Anambra to take advantage of the exercise and participate in this lawful exercise, which starts on August 19.”

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

have left no stone unturned in order to clean up and have a very credible register for Anambra State before November 16.

“Our preparations include continuous voters registration from August 19-25 to update the register as required by law, before the election.

“The exercise provides an opportunity for all those who

have turned 18 since the last registration in 2011 to register.

Also for all those who have registered and we have their records on the manual register or whose details are incomplete, to have their registration status updated.

“It is in this context that we have made a review of the register of voters for Anambra State a key item on the agenda for today’s meeting.

“A few days ago in Minna,

all the parties revalidated the Code of Conduct for political parties. By so doing, they have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening democracy through a considerably reformed electoral process in our country.

“Hence, the Anambra State governorship elections would be the first test case of the practical affirmation of the code of conduct. All the key aspects of the document must be demonstrably put into practice: respectable and responsible conduct by all parties, candidates and their supporters.

“All the stakeholders must engage in the electoral process in strict compliance with the rules of the game, with decorum, civility, tolerance and mutual respect for one another.

“Our key objective is to make the Anambra governorship election the best so far. But, no matter how hard we try, we cannot succeed without the cooperation and partnership of all stakeholders, especially parties, their candidates and the people.”

‘Why Okorocha was angry with exco’ •More ministries to be created •New list out next week

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ORE facts have emerged on why Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha sacked the executive council during its meeting on Wednesday.

A source within the Government House, who pleaded for anonymity, told The Nation that the attitude of most of the commissioners made the governor angry.

The source said: “The commissioners were not servicing the political structures in their constituencies

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

and this has created a gap between the people and the government, especially members of the ruling All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).

He said this prompted the governor’s last public assessment to find out those who were representing the government.

“His Excellency was worried by various complaints that the commissioners were

selfish and always complained about paucity of funds. So, the governor summoned the commissioners and sought the people’s opinion; some were booed while others were applauded.

“In less than two years, we will be preparing for another election and the governor wants to bring in competent people who can project the administration in good light.

Core politicians will form the bulk of the next council.”

New ministries are to be

created and a new list will emerge next week.

The dissolution has been attracting mixed reactions among civil servants.

When our reporter visited some ministries at the state secretariat, some workers were celebrating the ouster of the commissioners.

“These commissioners were very selfish. It has never been like this before, they keep complaining even when we are aware of their financial dealings,” they said.

Why I’ll not celebrate my 50th birthday, by Obi

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NAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi, who is 50 today, has said he will not throw a party.

Obi spoke to reporters yesterday after the executive council meeting. The governor said the issue was not discussed during the meeting as the commissioners knew his stand.

He said: “The business of governing a state is a serious one; to start discussing birthday celebration when serious state business is being discussed is not right.

“I would celebrate it but by

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

attending lectures, where issues of governance and state’s welfare will be discussed but not where people will eat and drink and probably forget themselves.

“With the way Nigeria is today, we do not need to celebrate because that will be insensitive. Rather, what the mood calls for is to think of how to tackle the issue of minimum wage and reduce the tension in the land. It is about time

we told ourselves the truth,” he said.

When pressed to reveal any significant thing he did to mark the day, Obi said: “If you insist, I reached out to some clerics with request for more prayers for peace and progress in our country and for God to touch the hearts of our leaders, including myself, to take decisions that will benefit the people.”

The governor concluded that his birthday gift was the fulfillment of his promises to the people.

OWARDS ameliorating widespread poverty in Nigeria, the Dangote Foundation has continued the disbursement of N10 billion grant to women and youths in the 774 local governments in the country.

The disbursement is to enable recipients to meet immediate family and livelihood needs by providing funds to start up enterprises that will boost their economic and consumption activities and help reduce their vulnerability.

Speaking at the continuation of the disbursement in Lokoja, Kogi State, the foundation’s President, Aliko Dangote, said the Foundation, in response to the poverty in Nigeria, in 2011 instituted a cash transfer intervention - the Dangote Microgrants Programme- to provide cash transfers to select poor and vulnerable Nigerians. The disbursement is expected to be completed in 24 months.

He said the cash transfer intervention focused on women, who bear the greatest brunt of poverty.

Dangote said: “Our programme provides a one-off grant that enables recipients to grow or start an enterprise, invest in product assets, improve the health of their families, and/or take on new activities that reduce their vulnerability and enhance their economic standing.

“It has successfully assisted women and their families in Kano and Jigawa states.”

According to the business mogul, the cash transfer intervention programme is national in scope and will systematically cover all the 774 local governments working through partnerships with state governments.

Explaining the partnerships with state governments, he said: “This is in keeping with Dangote Foundation’s belief in working through partnerships for effectiveness, scale and impact in tackling the challenges that we face as a nation.

“This is a key feature of the programme, which aims to support and complement state governments’ poverty reduction efforts.”

Lauding Dangote’s philanthropic gesture, Kogi State Governor Idris Wada enjoined others to emulate Dangote and share part of their wealth with the masses.

He assured that Kogi State will do everything to partner with Dangote Group in any areas the company is interested in.

Tukur warns Anambra aspirants

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HE National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bamanga Tukur, has warned the aspirants for the November 16 governorship election in Anambra State to avoid taking their grievances to court.

At a meeting with the aspirants and stakeholders at the PDP secretariat yesterday, the party chairman said any aspirant who goes to court would be acting contrary to the party’s wish.

He stated: “If you go to court to challenge the party’s decision, you are on your

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

own. If you have gone to court already, then you have to withdraw the case if you still belong to the PDP.” Tukur assured the aspirants that the party would not impose any candidate, adding that the PDP does not have any anointed candidate.

The issue of zoning was left unresolved, as aspirants from Anambra South and Anambra North engaged one another over which zone to present a candidate for the race.

Abia monarch to Senate: apologise From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

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HE monarch of Okahia Autonomous Community in Obingwa Local Government of Abia State, Eze Okey Ananaba, has called on the Senate to apologise for voting against the wishes of Nigerians.

Ananaba said the refusal by senators to vote in favour of local government financial autonomy was a betrayal of the trust reposed in them.

“What the Senate tried to present on Tuesday was not the opinion of Nigerians. Across the country, the opinion of Nigerians is for the separation by local government from the state government joint account.

“If the senators fail to revisit what happened on Tuesday, I would call on the citizens to rise up against re-electing any senator in 2015 because they have failed us.

“The opinion of 98 senators, in my own assessment, is not supposed to override the opinion of millions of Nigerians.

“Financial autonomy should be given to the local governments. Let us watch them fail, let us watch them succeed.

Instead let the states take their 10 per cent, but allow that which comes to the local government to get to the local government.”

‘We’ve been vindicated’

T •Obi

HE World Christian Council Association (The Chamber of all churches) has described the release of the former Chief Security Officer to Gen Sani Abacha, Maj Hamza al-Mustapha, as a vindication.

It said his release was the fulfilment of a prophecy given on November 28, 2010, after a seven-day prayer and fasting organised by the

church.

In a statement by its spokesman, Primate Ayoola Omonigbehin, the church said prayers saved al-Mustapha. Omonigbehin said the church was led by the spirit of God because every human deserves forgiveness.

He said: “Every religion is one before God. We give all glory to God for his release.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

58

NEWS Edo, firms sign MoU on shopping mall EDO State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Resident Africa Real Estate Limited and Median Infrastructure Development Company Limited for the development of a world class shopping mall in Benin City.

Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, signed the MoU in Government House and presented the site survey plan for the shopping mall to the leader of the delegation, Mr. Olumide Akinsanya, assuring him of government’s support.

The SSG noted that the state government takes the challenges of economic development seriously, adding that the signing of the MoU is a demonstration of the current administration’s resolve to attract more investors to the state.

Mr. Akinsanya said the mall will be completed and delivered in 24 months. Executive Director, Public Private Partnership (PPP), Mr. Igbinidu Innch expressed pleasure at the introduction of a world class shopping mall to Edo State.

At the ceremony were the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Francis Evbuomwan, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Stephen Idehenre and Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Oluwole Iyamu.

Truck crushes three to death in Ilorin

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CEMENT-laden truck yesterday crushed three people to death in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

The accident occurred near the popular Oyun Bridge on the Ilorin-Kwara Polytechnic-University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) Road.

The victims, it was gathered, were motorcycle mechanics riding a motorcycle and heading to Ilorin township from the polytechnic end of the road.

They were said to have overtaken a car and rammed into the oncoming truck, which crushed them to death.

The accident, which occurred early yesterday, caused traffic gridlock on the busy road. It resulted in manhour loss to workers and stu-

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

dents of the polytechnic and the UITH. An eyewitness, Ibrahim Tajudeen, told The Nation that some residents, who were enraged at the death of the mechanics, and set the truck ablaze.

The incident affected the ongoing semester examinations at the polytechnic.

Students complained to the authorities of the polytechnic that they were unable to get to their examination centres.

It was learnt that the authorities shifted today’s examinations to August 5.

At the scene of the accident, men of the Fire Service, Civil Defence and the police, among others, prevented

trouble.

The institution’s spokesman, Abdulkardri Yunus, said other papers remained as they appeared on the central timetable.

He said students of the Institute of Technology (IOT) were not affected.

Reacting to the incident, the State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Mrs Mary Wakawa said: “We were called in for a rescue operation. Our men were on sight and did rescue quite well.

Three people were on one Okada; they ran into a moving trailer. Two died on the spot and the other died on the way to the hospital. They are all males. They were run over by the trailer. Their bodies were deposited at the UITH.

People later attacked the trailer and burnt it.

“The accident occurred at Sango area of the Old Jebba Road. The three victims are: Sakariyau, Wasiu Yau and Ganiu. The trailer was moving when the Okada ran into it and they had a head-on collision.

“Okada riders are not careful. Our attitude (road users) is causing this problem. A minute can make the difference. The rush does not make one reach one’s destination.

What is happening is recklessness. The Okada riders are not careful. There is no doubt about it. They do not want to obey road traffic signs. Motorists and Okada riders should be careful and stop driving and riding recklessly.”

Kwankwaso urges Corps members to boost community development From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

KANO State Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso has urged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state to put in their best in community development assignments.

The governor spoke during the closing ceremony of the NYSC Batch “B” orientation at Kusalla in Karaye Local Government Area.

Kwankwaso, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Rabi’u Suleiman Bichi, advised the Corps members to always be of good behaviour and remain honest.

The governor noted that Corps members, in performing their national duties, must take their assignments seriously and be respectful to employers as well as assist in the development of their host communities.

Kwankwaso said his administration would continue to encourage hard work, dedication to duty and reward outstanding performances during every service year.

He congratulated the Corps members for making a success of the orientation course.

The State Coordinator of the NYSC, Alhaji Bashir Yakasai, hailed the government for its assistance to the NYSC secretariat.

He assured that the scheme would continue to work for the people and government.

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (middle); Mr Rafael De Tena (right) and Comrade Abdul-Kareem Mutajo, during a courtesy visit of Futuro Contiogo Foundation from Spain to the Governor’s Office in Osogbo...on Wednesday

Stakeholders deplore state of Kano airport From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

S

TAKEHOLDERS in the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) have expressed dismay over the poor state of facilities at the airport.

They said the facilities at Nigeria’s second largest airport, are “substandard and abysmal” to attract foreign airlines.

The stakeholders addressed reporters yesterday in Kano.

They alleged that substandard facilities were installed at the remodelled airport inaugurated by the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah.

The stakeholders described the discovery of the “substandard facilities” as sabotage on the part of the Aviation Ministry.

Through their spokesman, Umar Rabiu Dansuleka, they attributed the low human cargo and general lull in aviation activities at the airport to what they called the neglect by relevant authorities.

They denied the claims linking the decline of aviation activities to insecurity, especially the insurgency by the Boko Haram sect.

Dansuleka, who is also the President of Kano Chamber of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KANCCIMA), regretted that the international airport has become a shadow of its past glory.

He listed some of the international airlines which hitherto used the airport as “KLM, British Airways, Alitalia, Sabena and Swiss Air, among chartered airlines which have abandoned the airport”.

Over 2,000 teachers graduate in Jigawa, says NTI From Ahmed Rufa’I, Dutse

Police officers yet to get benefits, seven years after retirement A LMOST seven years after 45 police officers who served in Bauchi State were retired on health grounds, their retirement benefits have not been paid.

One of them, Mr Emmanuel Aina, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), said he retired because he was “not fit to continue in the force”.

The former police officer, who served in Zaki Local Government Area, urged the Police Service Commission (PSC) and Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Abubakar Dikko Mohammed “to kindly come to our rescue”.

From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

Aina and the other retirees spoke through their lawyer, Mr Hameed Alhassan Toyin Adegbite.

They said: “Most of us were retired for health reasons on December 31, 2006 vide a police wireless message ...which directed our immediate retirement.

“But since our termination, we have not received our benefits. While some of us are alive, others have died, leav-

ing their families with nothing to continue their lives with.

Though we have since completed the retirement formalities, there has been no news from the Force Headquarters, despite several visits to Lagos and Abuja.”

Confirming the retirees’ “worsening plight”, Adegbite said he wrote the PSC Chairman in Abuja on April 25.

Adegbite said: “ASP Emmanuel Aina and 44 other retired police officers served at different points in Bauchi State

but were retired without benefits. As their solicitors, we have written to the relevant authorities and are awaiting the responses from the other ends.”

The lawyer warned that “as their counsel, we are prepared to take legal actions to recover their legitimate benefits, should the police authorities fail to reason with us through the letter we sent to the Police Service Commission on April 25, this year”.

Efforts to get the reactions of the PSC in Abuja were unsuccessful. There were no replies to the various phone calls and text messages from our reporter.

Dakingari to withhold education funds over corruption

K

EBBI State Governor Saidu Usman Dakingari has said the standard of education has fallen in the state due to corruption and the nonchalantce of the two ministries overseeing the sector.

The governor vowed to withhold funding until the sector improves.

Dakingari spoke in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, when he received the report of the committee on recruitment of teachers for primary, junior and senior secondary schools.

From Khadijat Saidu, Birnin Kebbi

He said: “I would use my remaining one and a half years in office to address the problem of education in the state.

We have started by building new schools, providing instructional materials, all with a view to overhauling the sector. But corruption and indiscipline have become a cankerworm in this direction.

“Therefore, we will not sink resources again unless we are sure of prudent management of such funds. So, all we need

is a positive change.”

Dakingari blamed the Ministries of Education and Science and Technical Education for the setback.

The governor assured that his administration would study the recommendations of the committee and act on them to ensure an immediate revival of education in the state.

The Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Muhammad Ruwa, told the governor that 8,548 candidates were interviewed and 8,305 were successful.

•Dakingari According to him, a survey had shown that 11,876 teachers would be required to teach at various schools in the state.

T

HE National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) has trained and graduated 2,700 teachers in Jigawa State to enable schools have qualified teachers across the state and the country.

The State NTI Coordinator, Malam Nasiru Ibrahim Ringim, addressed reporters in Dutse, the state capital, on the achievements of the institute.

Ringim explained that the institute established several centres to provide opportunities for interested candidates across the state to become qualified teachers.

According to him, the institute has branches at Hadejia, Dutse, Kazaure, Gumel, Ringim, Birnin Kudu, Jahun and Gwaram.

The Coordinator said 750 teachers are undergoing training at the centres.

He said the centres offer the National Certificate in Education (NCE), Advanced Diploma in Education, Postgraduate Diploma in Education and pivotal teacher training programme.

Ringim also said the NTI has introduced new courses, including Mathematics Education, Science Education and degree programmes.

He urged teachers to register with the institute to enable them benefit from its programmes

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

59

FOREIGN NEWS

Kerry visits Syrian refugee camp

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NGRY Syrian refugees confronted U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry yesterday with demands for the United States and the international community to do more to help opponents of President Bashar Assad’s regime, venting frustration at perceived inaction on their behalf.

Visiting the sprawling Zaatari refugee camp in northern Jordan near the Syrian border, Kerry met six representatives of its 115,000-strong population, all of whom ap-

Lebanon decries EU Hezbollah terrorist label

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EBANON will ask the European Union not to name the militant Hezbollah group a terrorist organization.

A statement released by President Michel Suleiman’s office yesterday says Hezbollah is a “main component of Lebanese society.”

The EU is reassessing whether to declare Hezbollah’s military wing a terrorist organization, a move it has long avoided despite U.S pressure.

The move was bolstered by Germany’s policy change after long resisting calls to list Hezbollah for fear it could destabilize Lebanon.

Germany said it was pushed toward declaring Hezbollah a terror group by the 2012 attack in the Black Sea resort of Burgas in Bulgaria.

pealed to him for the U.S. and its allies to create no-fly zones and set up safe zones inside Syria to prevent the Assad regime from inflicting additional destruction. The United Nations says the conflict has killed more than 93,000 people and become the world’s worst humanitarian crisis since the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

“We are begging you for a no-fly zone,” Jamalat Abu alHariri, one of the refugees, told reporters after the meeting.

Kerry listened grimly to the complaints for 40 minutes and promised to relay the refugees’ concerns to Washington and other capitals. But, he also

noted serious complications in meeting the demands and reminded them that the U.S. is their largest single benefactor.

The U.S. has provided nearly $815 million in humanitarian aid to Syrians through the United Nations. Of that, $147 million has been directed to relief agencies working in Jordan, which is home to about 600,000 displaced Syrians.

His words, however, did not appear to assuage the six refugees - four women and a man from Daara, the Syrian city closest to the Zaatari camp, and one from Homs, which has been under increasing siege by Assad’s military and Iranian-backed fighters for

weeks.

“Mr. Secretary, if the situation remains unchanged until the end of Ramadan this camp will become empty,” said one of the women from Daara, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal against her or her family. “We will return to Syria and we will fight with knives.”

“You as the U.S. government look to Israel with respect,” she said. “Cannot you do the same with the children of Syria?”

“The international community can decide to keep its eyes closed as long as it wants. We will return to Syria and we will remember everything,”

A

U

plied military force would be a bad idea: “I don’t think at this point I can see a military option that would create an understandable outcome. And until I do, it would be my advice to proceed cautiously.”

U.S. military options range from one-off missile strikes on infrastructure linked to chemical weap-

ons, to funneling more weapons to rebels, to carving out no-fly zones, and even as far as putting 20,000 U.S. troops in Jordan for a ground invasion.

Also on the table are drone strikes targeting rebels linked to al-Qaeda, which indicates that America would actually be attacking the strongest ele-

to repair the shut pipelines is achieved within the targeted period of six to eight weeks.” Also at the briefing, the Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Dankwabo, who chairs the NEC Ad-hoc Committee on the 2012/2013.

Federal/State Governments Borrowing Plans, gave an update on its efforts towards facilitating and co-ordinating easy access to the international development funds already cleared by the National Assembly by interested states.

According to him, only 10 states have so far indicated interest in the various loans targeted at funding high impact projects in such critical areas of infrastruc-

•John Kerry

said one of the male refugees, who also asked not to be named for fear of reprisal.

R

USSIAN opposition leader and Moscow mayoral candidate Alexei Navalny was convicted of embezzlement yesterday and sentenced to five years in prison, a harsh ruling his supporters called an obvious attempt to shut down a foe of President Vladimir Putin and

intimidate other opposition activists.

In a surprise move, prosecutors later asked that he be kept free pending appeal, possibly reflecting an attempt to soothe public anger and to lend legitimacy to a mayoral race expected to be won by a Kremlin-backed

•Two babies sold for N900, 000 •SSS arrests five suspects From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

The teenage girls, ages 17 and 19, daughters of Mr. Okoli, said they did not benefit from sale of the babies as they were not given any money.

Okeiyi spoke on the case of a teenage pregnant lady “Apprehended in Okoli’s house whose real name is believed to be Anisiobi (19).

“Her Unborn baby was slated to be sold on delivery, unfortunately, the girl started bleeding on July 10 and had to be delivered of a baby girl through Caesarian Section (CS) the same day at the Anambra State University Teaching Hospital Amaku in Awka, but the baby later died” The main suspect, he said, graduated in Sociology and Anthropology from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in

ture, including housing, water supply, erosion control and employment generation.

He said that the council called on interested states to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Finance to be properly guided on the loans’ conditionalities and modalities for assessing them.

On grazing reserves, Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako disclosed that the Council was presented with a memorandum on how to address grazing reserves towards boosting food security.

He said cows should be on “zero” grazing just as horses that are fed in their stables. Roaming the countryside for fodder is unproductive and no longer acceptable, as it promotes friction and

ments on both sides of the conflict.

Consequently, all signs point to a quagmire as American goals would include attempting to arm only moderate rebels and marginalizing the opposition’s best forces while simultaneously attempting to topple Assad’s regime.

AKISTAN is sending a top official to the Afghan capital this weekend to try to mend fences with its uneasy neighbor, and hanging in the balance are U.S. efforts to arrange peace talks with the Taliban.

The trip comes roughly two weeks after the Taliban closed their newly opened political office in the Gulf state of Qatar following angry complaints from Afghanistan that the Islamic militant movement had set it up as a virtual rival embassy, with a flag and sign harkening back to the days they ruled the country.

The political office was part of a U.S. plan to launch peace talks with the Taliban to end the protracted war, with American and other NATO combat troops scheduled to withdraw from Afghanistan by the end of next year. But the talks ended before they could even begin amid the uproar last month.

Russian opposition leader sentenced to five years

1994 and works as a welfare officer in one of the local government areas in the state.

Narrating his ordeal yesterday at the state headquarters of the SSS, Okoli confessed that he sold the two babies adding that he joined the business last year.

He said: “I sold the boy to one woman at Ekwulobia in Aguata local government area for N530,000.00 last month and the girl that gave birth to him has gone back to her place in Akwukwu in Idemili south council Area” ”I sold the girl whose mother is from Ojoto in Idemili South Council for N370, 000 to a woman, Agulu Ezechukwu, also last month. ”I know that what I have been doing is wrong but, I did it to help those girls who had no place to live when they were driven out of their homes

”I am a social welfare officer by vocation, last year; a lady came to me (Mrs. Kate Eze) in my office and told me that she and the husband have AS blood group, that their children were dying after birth, which made them childless and therefore needed to adopt a baby.

“I advised them to process the needed adoption papers through the ministry of women affairs which they agreed and left and I never knew, it would turn to this level” Okoli said The suspect’s two teenage daughters arrested alongside their father, (names withheld) told our correspondent that they thought their father was helping people in need without knowing that it was purely for business.

Nigeria loses N7.3b daily to oil theft, says Fed Govt Continued from page 4

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America considers entering Syrian War NITED States (U.S.) Army General Martin Dempsey testified that he has provided President Barack Obama with options for the use of force in Syria, including “kinetic strikes.”

The military is constantly laying out potential courses of action, but Dempsey’s comments signal at least a willingness to directly enter the conflict.

The issue “is under deliberation inside of our agencies of government,” the four-star general said, adding that “it would be inappropriate for me to try to influence the decision with me rendering an opinion in public about what kind of force we should use.”

In March Dempsey im-

NEWS Blind man runs baby factory in Anambra 54-YEAR-OLD blind man, his daughters and others have been arrested in Anambra state for “running a baby factory.”

Operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) arrested Geoffrey Okoli who hails from Aguata local government area but failed to apprehend another suspect one Catherine Eze, alleged to be the brain behind the sale of the babies. They said other accomplices are in the SSS custody.

Anambra State Director of the security service, Mr. Alex Okeiyi, told reporters yesterday in Awka that the suspects had been transferred to the National Agency for Prohibition of Traffic of Persons (NAPTIP) in Enugu for further investigation.

The suspects allegedly realised N900,000 from the sale of two babies - a boy and a girl at N530, 000 and N370,000.

Pakistan to mend fences with Afghanistan

clashes between cattle rearers and farmers, the governor said.

According to him, the Council set up a Committee comprising the Federal ministries of Agric, Water Resources, Interior, Environment, Boundary Commission and the National Planning Commission to work out the modalities for producing a comprehensive recommendation on establishing grazing reserves, in collaboration with the States.

The Council, he said, mandated him to chair the national coordination efforts. The Governors of Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Ondo, Adamawa, Kaduna and Benue will coordinate the efforts in various geopolitical zones within eight weeks.

The Minister of State for Edu-

cation, Nyesom Wike, said that 80 schools had been built nationwide as part of the effort towards addressing the high number of out-of-school children under trhe Almajiri Education Programme.

The programme will take off by the next academic calendar in September. The Council recommended that the Federal Government should provide textbooks, furniture and laboratory items.

The state government are to feed the children and provide them uniforms - in collaboration with the Federal Government.

Among the governors at the meeting yesterday were Delta, Niger, Adamawa, Benue, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Ondo.

Sokoto and Rivers deputy governors were there.

politician.

Navalny, who rose to fame as an anti-corruption blogger before leading unprecedented protests that revealed the depths of anger against the Kremlin, was found guilty of heading a group that embezzled 16 million rubles ($500,000) worth

of timber from a state-owned company in 2009.

Backers say he is innocent, calling the trial unfair and the evidence against him shoddy. The U.S. and EU both criticized the ruling within hours, arguing that the case appeared to be politically motivated.

Governors visit Amaechi Continued from page 4

nors on Tuesday, were not there yesterday.

The aircraft that conveyed the eight progressive governors landed at the Air Force Base on the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway, instead of the Port Harcourt International Airport.

The youths, made up mostly of the members of the Ikwerre Youth Movement (IYM), who got to the Port Harcourt International Airport at 7 am, asked Wike to address the ongoing strike by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

The Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Chief Tony Okocha, and other top government officials, were also at the

Port Harcourt International Airport to identify with the youths, who were singing and dancing, until they left the airport for the Air Force base at 12:30 pm.

The youths, armed with placards bearing various inscriptions, declared that they would always be at the airport, anytime Amaechi would be travelling or receiving visitors to prevent any incident.

Some of the placards read: “Nyesom Wike, stop fighting Governor Amaechi”; “No Governor Amaechi, no peace in Rivers State”; “Wike is fighting Governor Amaechi to get favour from President Jonathan”; “Governor Amaechi must be free from intimidation” and “Wike, address ASUU strike.”

Ex-Abuja CJ Gummi guilty of gross misconduct, says NJC Continued from page 4

against Hon. Justice Lawal Hassan Gummi, OFR, the former Hon. Chief Judge of High Court of FCT, Abuja.

“At the end of deliberation, council accepted the findings of its committee that Hon. Justice Gummi, OFR, interfered with execution of the judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Jude Okeke of the FCT High Court, Abuja in the suit between Nestello Gateway Group and Alhaji Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, a former National Assembly member and the current Governor of Zamfara State in which execution had already been levied in favour of the petitioner.

“Council found the interference by Hon. Justice Gummi in the execution of the Judgment as most unethical and highly reprehensible.

“Council also accepted the recommendation of its Investigation Committee that Hon. Justice

Gummi was guilty of gross misconduct, contrary to Rule 1(i) of the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which would have led to his removal from office.

“Council, however, took cognisance of the fact that Hon. Justice Gummi has already voluntarily retired from service and consequently decided not to recommend his removal from office.

“Council decided that henceforth, any similar misconduct by any judicial officer in the federation will be visited with severe sanctions.

“Council also warned Hon. Justice M. A. Onyetenu of the Federal High Court for granting ex-parte order without hearing the pending motion on notice and applications in Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/236/2012 between Evangelist Charity O. Akah V. Alpaca Price Nigeria Limited and another.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

60

IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, LAGOS DIVISION WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first Column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column. AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second Column here have applied to the High Court of Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties of the deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) days from the date hereof.

S/N NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON: 1. Kaffo Omotunde Esther late of 29, Brickfield Street, Ebute-Metta, Lagos who died intestate on the 15th day of February, 2013 at Lagos.

2. Augustine Akintunde Samuel otherwise known as Augustus Samuel late of 8, Glover Street, Lagos Island, Lagos, who died intestate on the 28th day of December, 2010 at Lagos.

3. Afolabi Idowu Shakioye otherwise known as Sakioye Afolabi Idowu, late of Block 11 Flat 1, L.S.D.P.C. Agbala Ikorodu, Lagos who died intestate on the 13th day of January, 2008 at Lagos.

4. Mrs. Iyabo Adelarin Florence Atibioke late of 46, Olokodana Street, Ebute-Metta, Lagos who died intestate on the 17th day of November, 2007 at Ogun State.

5. Mr. Isele Ogorye Jewel Dania otherwise known as Mr. Isele Jewel Ogorye late of 3, Vivian Street, Fagbile Estate, Ijegun who died on 29th June, 2012 at Lagos.

6. Durojaiye Funmilayo late of 42, Olanrewaju Badmus Street, Ijegun Ikotun, Lagos who died intestate on the 6th September, 2009 at Lagos.

7. Shomolu Oluwakemi Ayoola late of 38, Fola Osibo Road Lekki Phase I Lekki, who died intestate on the 10th day of June, 2012 at Lagos.

8. Alade Niran late of 29, Sadiku Street, Ilasawa Mushin, Lagos, who died intestate on the 10th day of July, 2012.

9. Maruff Folorunsho Ibiyemi otherwise known as Ibiyemi Morufu late of 96, Kujore Street, Ojota Lagos State who died intestate on the 22nd day of January, 2011 at Oyo State.

10. Coker Mariam late of 36, Lagos Street, Ebute-Metta, Lagos State who died intestate on the 21st day of September, 2010 at Lagos.

11. Comfort Omonike Oludare late of 36, Femi Kila Street, off Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos. Who died intestate on 12th day of December, 2007 at the National Hospital, Abuja.

12. Anthony Akintola Akinbote late 24, Buraimoh Street, Obanikoro Lagos. Who died intestate on 19th day of February, 2013 at Lagos.

13. Ezea Samson Chekwube Chukwu late of 5th Avenue, C1 Close, Block 3, Flat 14, Festac Town, Lagos who died intestate on the 10th day of May, 2013 at Delta State.

14. Augustine Dibia Okwechime otherwise known as Okwechime Augustine Dibia late of Plot 8, Block 10A, Layi Yusuf Crescent, Lekki Lagos who died intestate on the 3rd day of October, 2010 at Lagos..

15. Mrs. Christiana Mgboh Arinze otherwise known as Mrs. Arinze Christiana late of 92, Lewis Street, Lafiaji Lagos who died intestate on the 18th day of August, 2007 at Lagos.

16. Thomas Kikelomo late of No 3, Emmanuel Street, off Ijede Road, Idiroko Ikorodu, Lagos who died intstate on the 22nd day of August, 2012 at Lagos.

17. Alhaja Shittu Omolara otherwise known as Shittu Omolara late of 31Road Block I, Flat 8, Festac Lagos who died intestate on the 14th July, 2011 at Lagos.

18. Fausat Edu otherwise known as Madam Fausat Edu late of 2, Arogbo Street, Iju Ishaga Lagos who died intestate on 30th June, 2008 at Lagos.

19. Julius Daikhena late of Block I, Flat 13, Macarthy Police Barracks Onikan, Lagos State who died intestate on the 7th day of November, 2012.

20. Mr. Sopuruchukwu Madu late of 23, Ehi Street, Ijesha, Lagos who died intestate on the 16th day of March, 2013 at Lagos.

21. Momodu Bello late of 1, Bankole Street, Isheri Ojodu Lagos who died intestate on the 26th day of October, 2006 at Lagos.

22. Mrs. Taiwo Abigail B. Bamigboye late of 64, Abisi Village Abesan Estate, Iyana Ipaja Lagos who died intestate on the 25th day of March, 2012 at Lagos.

23. Ogbogu Chukwuemeka late of 24, Olusegun Otitoola Street, Abesan Ipaja, Lagos who died intestate on the 28th day of November, 2012 at Lagos.

24. Ms Aminullahi Monsurat Ajoke late of 54, Mosalashi Street, Sari Iganmu, Lagos who died intestate on the 19th August, 2012 at Lagos.

25. Agbori Nicholas Clement late of 57, Ashafa Street, Olodi Apapa Ajegunle Lagos who died intestate on the 20th day of October, 2012 at Lagos.

26. Giwa Iyabo late of 40, Amodu Street, Mushin, Lagos who died intestate on the 19th day of November, 2011 at Lagos.

27. Madam Victoria Madu late of 30, Powerline Isheri - Idimu, Lasu Lagos who died intestate on the 14th day of December, 2011.

28. Mufutau Adeniyi Olajide otherwise known as Olajide Mufutau late of 15, Labinjo Kalejaiye Street, Oshodi, Lagos who died intestate on the 27th day of August, 2002.

29. Gambo Karatu late of Block 13, Airforce Base Ikeja, Lagos who died intestate on the 18th day of July,2008 in Nasarawa.

30. Omidiju Jamiu Sule late of 16, Evans Street, Lagos who died intestate on the 28th day of April, 2011 at Lagos.

31. Mr. Ebiama Joseph late of 39, Bolorunduro Street, Adam, Ikorodu, Lagos.

32. Frank Ibikunle Boyle late of Block V House 8B, Abraham Adesanya Estate, Lagos who died intestate on the 19th day of January, 2013 at Lagos.

33. Emeka Godwin Enyinnaya otherwise known as Enyinnaya Emeka Godwin (HRH) late of 3, Shonibare Street, Isolo, Lagos.

34. Adeola Olanipekun Ayoola Okunoren late of 42 James Robertson Road, Surulere, Lagos who died intestate on the 30th day of June, 1992.

35. Corp Kayode Olusola known as Kayode O. Olusola late of Flat 18, Block R 4 SEAFR Ikeja, Lagos who died intestate on 19th day of January, 2012 at Lagos.

36. Henry Polete Lala otherwise known as Henry Polete late of 168, Ojo Igbede Road, Ajangbadi, Lagos who died intestate on 8th day of April, 2011 at Lagos.

37. Chukwuka Amaka Monica otherwise known as Chukwuka Amaka M. late of 9, Alhaji Kalejaiye Street, Shomolu, Lagos who died intestate on the 24th day of February, 2011 at Lagos.

38. Tony Nwanze late of 8, Bello Jerome Street, Ikotun, Lagos who died intestate on 14th August, 2007 at Lagos.

39. Musirafat Adebisi Lawal otherwise known as Lawal Musirafat Adebisi late of 9, Gbajumo Crescent Surulere, Lagos who died intestate on the 8th December, 2012 at Lagos.

40. Nwangbo Patrick Nwakpu otherwise known as Nwangba Patrick late of Medina Hospital Abonye Road Ogudu Lagos who died intestate on the 16th day of August, 2011 at Lagos.

41. Samuel Olayanju Akintola at Head of Civil Service of the Federation Abuja who died intestate on 24th day of February, 2009 at Gwagwalada Abuja.

42. Lawal Ramoni Ajiniade late of No. 10, Ebubedike Street, Ajegunle Apapa, Lagos who died intestate on 25th day of April, 2012 at Lagos.

43. Mr. Matthew Oshomide Awolesi otherwise known as Awolesi Osomide Mathew late of 109, Jebba Street, Ebute-Metta, Lagos who died intestate on the 2nd day of October, 1976 at Lagos.

44. Anthony Ajeyiwahan Strawe otherwise known as Anthony Strawe late of 125, Kirikiri Road, Ajegunle Lagos who died intestate on 14th day of January, 2013 at Lagos.

45. Stella Adelabu Akitoye otherwise known as Akitoye Stella late of 261, Herbert Macaulay Street, Yaba, Lagos who died intestate on the 26th day of December, 1978 at Lagos.

46. Ebenezer Adebayo Onanuga otherwise known as Adebayo Onanuga late of 31, Igbosere Road, Lagos who died intestate on 27th day of August, 2001 at Lagos.

47. Adekunle Joshua Giwa otherwise known as Giwa Adekunle Joshua late of 36, Apata Street, Somolu Lagos, who died intestate on 2nd February, 1974 at Lagos.

48. Ekaete Akanimo Odungide otherwise known as Odungide Ekaete late of 4A, Ufot Street, Afoha Eket, Eket Akwa Ibom, who died intestate on 28th day of October, 2012 at Lagos.

49. Chief Yesufu Oguntade Ademola late of 47, Railway Line, Mushin, Lagos who died intestate on 2nd March, 1975 at Lagos.

50. Mr. Samuel Johnson Adetola late of 3, Salau Close Shibiri, Lagos who died intestate on 6th December, 2011 at Lagos.

51. David Kolawole Oloko late of 25B, Sanni Alaso Street, Ijanikin, Lagos who died intestate on the 10th day of August, 2010 at Lagos.

52. Felicia Omoze Aikhakhomon otherwise known as Felicia Aikhakhomen late of No. 1, Morafa Balogun Street, Onokute Ikorodu, Lagos who died intestate on the 11th day of March, 2013 at Lagos.

53. H.R.M. Ayinla Sanusi Ogunrinde Oyero late of 32, Kano Street, Ebute-Metta, Lagos who died intestate on 18th May, 2012 at Lagos.

54. Edith Okoye otherwise known as Okoye Edith late of 15, Western Avenue Lagos who died intestate on the 7th day of July, 2012 at Lagos.

55. Johnson Oguntoyibo known as Oguntoyinbo Johnson late of 117, Idiroko Road, Ota, who died intestate on 1st June, 2010 at Ogun State.

56. Salako Adamo Makanjuola otherwise known as Alhaji Adams Salako late of No. 77 Church Street, Lagos who died intestate on the 10th day of September, 1976 at Lagos.

57. Bada Saheed late of No. 3, Olatunbosun Street, William Layout Akowonjo Lagos, who died intestate on the 18th day of August, 2012 at Lagos.

58. Owolabi Akande Solomon late of No. 10, New Road Alagbado Lagos State who died intestate on the 3rd day of January, 2013 at Lagos.

59. Titus Ojo Oriloye late of Igarra Akoko Edo Local Government Edo State who died intestate on the 5th day of March, 2009.

60. Chief (Mrs) Adegbemile Margaret Monisola late of 3B, Iselu Street, Owo, who died intestate on the 29th day of December, 2009 at Owo. 61. Hameed Ismaila Alabi late of 52, Moshalasi Street, Sari Iganmu, Lagos State who died intestate on the 14th day of September, 2011 at Lagos.

62. Alirat Oluwatoyin Adebanjo late of 77, Ojo-Giwa Street, Lagos who died intestate on the 4th day of November, 2012 at Lagos.

63. Mr. Monday Obinna late of No. 4, Ojo Road, Ajegunle Apapa, Lagos State, who died intestate on the 24th day of July, 2012.

64. Abimbola Dawodu otherwise known as Dawodu Abimbola late of No. 9, Igbosere Road Lagos, who died intestate on the 27th day of September, 2011 at Lagos.

65. Enahoro Anthony Eronsele late of 40, Ajao Road, Surulere, Lagos who died intestate on the 15th day of December, 2010.

66. Bayo Alabi late of S.P.O.Quarters 37, Flat 4, G.R.A. Ikeja, who died intestate on the 29th day of November, 2010 at Lagos.

67. Lakemfa James late of No. 22, Modupe Oluwa Street, Cele - Nica Ojo, Lagos who died intestate on the 3rd day of January, 2012.

68. Mrs. Agnes Ojuolape otherwise known as Ojuolape Agnes late of No. 18, Herbert Macaulay Ebute-Metta, Lagos, who died intestate on the 13th day of May, 1998 at Ibadan.

69. Umeh Ferdinard late of No. 8, Oliyide Street, Mushin, Lagos, who died intestate on the 19th day of December, 2009 at Lagos.

70. Mrs. Funke Elizabeth Jumbo late of No. 14, Oremeji Street, Iju - Ishaga Lagos, who died intestate on the 30th day of March, 2009 at Lagos.

71. Rasheed Ayinde Adeyemo otherwise known as Adeyemo Rasheed Ayinde late of 4th Avenue, 402 Road 'E' Close Block 2, Flat 8, Festac Amuwo Lagos, who died intestate on the 25th day of May, 2009 at Lagos.

72. Inspector Amos Orjih otherwise known as Amos Orjih late of Mobile Police Barracks, who died intestate on the 22nd day of January, 2011 at Lagos.

73. Alhaji Sule Uba late of Nigeria Custom Service Command, who died intestate on the 11th day of April, 2011 at Yobe.

74. Tunji Onakoya late of 16, Da-Silva Mushin, who died intestate on the 16th November, 2011 at Lagos.

75. Mr. Soyeye Timothy Akanni late of No. 94, Agbado Road, Agbado, Ijaiye Lagos State , who died intestate on the 21st day of December, 2012 at Lagos.

76. 11. Constance (Connie) Uzoamaka Madubuiko otherwise known as Madubuiko Connie late of No. 1, Awori Close, Ikeja, Lagos who died intestate on the 6th day of July, 2012 at Lagos.

77. Mrs. Pat Egan late of No. 403, Road A Close House 1, Festac Town, Lagos who died intestate on the 5th day of September, 2012 at Lagos.

S/N

NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

1. Odunlami Olufowobi and Qudus Kaffo both of No. 29, Brickfield Street, Ebute-Metta, Lagos and 34, Oluwaseun Street Onakoto Agric Ikorodu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

2. Olumuyiwa Samuel, Aristo Bolaji Samuel and Mrs. Ngozi Samuel both of 8, Glover Street, Lagos Island and No. 18, Adebiyi Street, Shomolu, Lagos, two of the children and widow of the said deceased.

3. Hon. Mrs. Bola Shakioye, Ogunsanya and Tunji Shakioye All of No. 16, Amudat Jokomba Crescent, Agbala Ikorodu, Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

4. Agbaje Gbenga Victor, Atibioke Oluwatoyin Christana both of 46, Olokodana Street, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, the two children of the said deceased.

5. Mrs. Isele Ogorye Ester and Mr. Mike Jewel Ogorye of No. 3, Vivian Street, Fagbile Estate Ijegun and 300, Wharf Road, Apapa, Lagos, the brother and widow of the said deceased.

6. Mr. Sabiu Durojaiye, Azeez Durojaiye and Rilwan Durojaiye both of No. 42, Olanrewaju Badmus Street, Ijegun, Ikotun, Lagos, the widow and children of the said deceased.

7. Foluseke Babatunde Somolu and Ore-Oluwa Abiodun Somolu both of No. 38, Fola Osibo Road, Lekki Phase 1, Lekki, Lagos, the brother and sister of the said deceased.

8. Alade Gbolahan J. and Alade Femi both of No. 23, Nnaemeka Close, Shomolu Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

9. Alh. Kasali Abiola Ibiyemi and Mrs. Modinatu Ibiyemi of No. 8, Bolaji Ojomu Street, Alapere Lagos State and 96, Kujore Street, Ojota, Lagos State, the brother and widow of the said deceased.

10. Prince Ademola Bakare and Ms Modupe Bakare of No. 36, Tokunboh Street, Lagos and 64, Lagos Street, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

11. Major Oludare Philip Abiodun (RTD) of 26, Ghana Road, Barnawa, Kaduna and Ademodi Valen Omololu of 36, Femi Kila Street, off Ago Palace Way, Okota. Widower and younger brother of the said deceased.

12. Mrs Adenike Akinbote and Mr Akintola Akinbote (Jnr) of 24, Buraimoh Street, Obanikoro, Lagos. The Widow and the son of the said deceased.

13. Ezea Onyinyechi Uchenna and Mr. Ansalem Ozioko of 5th Avenue C1, Close, Block 3, Flat 14, Festac Town, Lagos and 15, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. The widow and uncle of the said deceased.

14. Mrs. Rose Ada Okwechime, Miss Jewel Nkechi Okwechime and Dr. Dumebi Okwechime all of Plot 8, Block, 10A, Layi Yusuf Crescent, Lekki, Lagos, the widow, daughter and son of the said deceased.

15. Patrick Arinze and Mrs. Esther Ozo Adeniji both of No. 92, Lewis Street, Lafiaji Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

16. Mr. Kunle Thomas, Mr. Abayomi I, and Ishola both of No. 3, Emmanuel Street, off Ijede Road, Idi - Iroko, Ikorodu, Lagos, the widower and brother of the said deceased.

17. Shittu Saheed Olawale and Shittu Fatai Oluremi both of Block 1 - 31 Road Flat 8 Festac Town, Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

18. Lati Adeshina Abu and Iyabo Mutaini of No. 18, Moshalasi Street, Mushin and No. 2, Arogbo Street, Ije-Ishaga, the children of the said deceased.

19. Mrs. Theresa Daikhena and Mr. Innocent Daikhena both of Block 1, Flat 13, Macarthy Police Barracks Onikan, the widow and the son of the said deceased.

20. Mr. Chinonso Madu and Mr. Uchenna Offor of No. 22, Ehi Street, Ijesha Lagos and 150 Block Street, Lagos Island, Lagos, the younger brother and relative of the said deceased.

21. Momodu Sabo and Momodu Patience both of No. 1, Bankole Street, Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

22. Bankole Babatunde and Bankole Bolanle of No. 55, Bale Street, Lekki Lagos and No. 64, Abisi Village Abesan Estate, Iyana Ipaja, the children of the said deceased.

23. Augustina Ogbogu Ezekiel and Chinedu Ogbogu both of No. 24, Olusegun Otitoola Street, Abesan, Ipaja Estate, the widow and brother of the said deceased.

24. Saheed aminullahi and Mr. Aminullahi Jimoh both of No. 54, Mosalashi Street, Sari Iganmu, Lagos, the brother and father of the said deceased.

25. Anthony Agbori and Mary Agbori both of No. 57, Ashafa Street, Olodi Apapa Ajegunle, Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

26. Biodun Giwa and Damilare Giwa both of No. 3, Solomon Adegbite Street, Badore Road, Off Ajah, the children of the said deceased.

27. Richard Olise Madu and Emeka Madu both of No. 30, Powerline Isheri Idimu, Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

28. Mr. Adedeji Olajide and Mariam Olajide both of No. 97, Falolu Road, Surulere, Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

29. Mrs. Matta Karatu, Atiku Karatu and Linus Karatu of Block Mada Akwanga, Nassarawa and Block 13, Air force Base, Ikeja, Lagos, the mother and brothers of the said deceased.

30. Mrs. Islamia Omidiji, Kazeem Omidiji, Rukayat Omidiji and Ayisat all of No. 16, Evans Street, Lagos Island, Lagos, the widow, children and sister of the said deceased.

31. Mrs. Evelyn Ebiakpo Ebiama and Joy Ebide Seghabofa Ebiama both of No. 39, Bolorunduro Street, Ikorodu, Lagos, the widow and daughter of the said deceased.

32. Florence Boyce and Beatrice Boyce both of Block V, House 8B, Abraham Adesanya Estate, the children of the said deceased.

33. Princess Nkechi Ohoh - Marquis and Prince Obinna Enyinnaya both of No. 3, Shonibare Street, Isolo, Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

34. Revd (Capt) Adebayo Okunoren and Babatunde Layeni of No. 11, Sinari Daranijo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos and No. 42, James Robertson Road Surulere, Lagos, the son and grandson of the said deceased.

35. Mrs.Taiwo Sherifat Kayode and Mr. Peter Kayode both of Block Room 4 SEAF B Ikeja, Lagos, the widow and brother of the said deceased.

36. Mrs. Beatrice Afutu Polete, Mr. Lucky Ebimobowei Polete and Mr. Rasom Ibidiwai all of No. 168, Ojo Igbede Road Ajangbadi Lagos, the widow and two of the children of the said deceased.

37. Chukwuka Gabriel Lontanna and Obiwulu Josephat Chukwuezu both of No. 9, Alhaji Kalejaiye Street, Shomolu, Lagos, the widower and Friend/Relative of the said deceased.

38. Mrs. Nancy Nwanze, Michael Nwanze and Anthony Nwanze all of Umuisigba Umudede Village Abuja, the widow and sons of the said deceased.

39. Adedayo Abiodun Lipede, Adetoun Adeola Ejilemele, Rasheed Adeyinka Lawal and Abiola Adetorunbo Adeniyi all of No. 9, Gbajumo Crescent Surulere, Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

40. Mrs. Uche Nwangbo and Nwangbo Mary Chinenye both of Medina Hospital, Agbonye Road, Ogudu Lagos, the widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

41. Mrs. Aina Akintola and Oluwakemi Akintola both of Block 290, Flat 5, Amuwo Odofin Estate, Mile 2, Lagos, the widow and daughter of the said deceased.

42. Lawal Bada Olayinka and Lawal Ishola Akeem of No. 17, Achakpo Street, Ajegunle and No. 10. Ebubedike Street, Ajegunle, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

43. Mrs. Bimsola Odunayo and Mrs. Olufunke Adegbayibi both of No. 1 Alhaji Salisu Street, Obanikoro, Lagos, the daughter of the said deceased.

44. Michael Obusez and Ruth Sasore both of 31/33. Gbolade Adebanjo Street, Ilupeju, Lagos, the grandson and granddaughter of the said deceased.

45. Prince Oluwole Akitoye and Mrs. Ololade Sowemimo both of No. 389, Banomary, Yaba, Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

46. Ademola Onanuga and Ademola Onanuga both of No. 6, Otuyelu Street, Okupe Estate Maryland, Ikeja, the children of the said deceased.

47. Mrs. Comfort Adetutu Oyewole, Mrs. Mary Ebun Adekunle Giwa and Mrs. Olabisi Owokoniran (Nee Giwa) all of No. 36, Apata Street, Somolu, Lagos, the widow and two of the children of the said deceased.

48. Akanimo Akanimo Odungide and Odungide Akanimo Odungile both of No. 30, Lawani Street, off Ishaga Road, Surulere, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

49. Alhaji Bashiru Ademola, Mr. Idris Ademola, Mr. Musiliu Ademola and Mr. Nojeem Ademola all of No. 47, Railway Line, Mushin, Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

50. Mobolaji Johnson and Femi Johnson both of No. 1, Iyana Ilogbo Bus-stop , Shibiri Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

51. Mrs. Olushola Aduke Oloko and Mr. Olayiwola Oloko both of 25B Sanni Alaso Street, Ijanikin, Lagos, the widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

52. Robinson Aikhakhomon and Olu Abu Aikhakhomon both of No. 1, Morafa Balogun Street, Oriokuta Ikorodu, Lagos, the younger brothers of the said deceased.

53. Mr. Sikiru Bombata, Hakeem Ogunrinde and Mrs. Aina Aminot Arije all of No. 33, Kano Street, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, two of the children and uncle of the said deceased.

54. Mathias Ike Bishop Okoye, Mr. Nwankwe Esondu and Ozoejika Onyeke Kings of 15, Western Avenue Surulere, No. 4, Chidi Okafor Street, Estate, Okota, Lagos and No. 5, Allen Street, Surulere, husband and of the said deceased.

55. Mrs. Busayo A. Oguntoyibo and Mr. Michael Oguntoyibo both of 117, Idiroko Road, Ota. The widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

56. Salako Kasali Adisa, Salako Luqman Kehinde both of No. 77, Palm Church Street, Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

57. Mrs. Olubukola Ruth Bada and Oluwaseun Amos Bada both of No. 3, Olatubosun Street, Williams Layout Akowonjo, Lagos.

58. Mrs. Gabriel Olalekan Owolabi and Mrs. Olufunmilayo Owolabi both of No. 10, New Road Agbado Lagos, the widow and child of the said deceased.

59. Mrs. Ojo Funmilayo Elizabeth and one Mr. Ojo Joshua both of Igarra Akoko Edo Local Government Edo State, the widow and brother of the said deceased.

60. Adegbemile Moses Olusola and Adegbemile Olalekan Olusola both of No. 3, Sola - Adegbemile Street, Ikorodu, the husband and son to the said deceased.

61. Mrs. Fatimo Saliu, Mr. Saliu Rafiu and Mr.Sulaimon Saliu all of No. 52, Moshalashi Street, Sari Iganmu, Lagos the widow and elder brother and younger brother of the said deceased.

62. Mrs. Modupe Ige (Nee Anthony) and Mr. Wasiu Adebanjo both of No. 38, Adeniji Adele Road, Lagos Island, the children of the said deceased.

63. Mrs. Glory Obinna and Prince Monday Obinna both of No. 4, Ojo Road, Ajegunle Apapa, Lagos, the widow and son of the said deceased.

64. Olaitan Oduguwa and Ms. Adetoun both of No. 9, Igbosere Street, Lagos Island, Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

65. Kenneth Enahoro, Victor Enahoro and Chris Enahoro, all of No. 40, Ajao Road, Surulere, Lagos, the sons and younger brother of the said deceased.

66. Mrs. Alirat Elizabeth Alabi and Miss Abosede I. Alabi both S.P.O. quarters 37, Flat 4, G.R.A. Ikeja, the widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

67. Adanne Lakemfa and Franklin Lakemfa both of No. 22, Modupe Oluwa Street, Cele - Nica Ojo, Lagos, the widow and children of the said deceased.

68. Mrs. Bukola Olowoye and Mr. Joshua Ola of No. 23, Rsanwo Street, Aguda and No. 18, Herbert Macaulay Street, EbuteMetta, Lagos, the daughter and brother of the said deceased.

69. Umeh Perpetus (Mrs) and Umeh Mary Jane Chimwendu both of No. 8,Oliyide Street, Mushin, Lagos, the widow and daughter of the said deceased.

70. Mrs. Eugene I. Jumbo, Mr. Victor O. Jumbo and John O. Jumbo all of No. 14, Ore - meji Street, Iju - Ishaga, Lagos, the husband and children of the said deceased.

71. Adeyemo Regina Alake and Adeyemo Ismail Adeyemi both of 402 Road E Close, Block 2,Flat 8, Festac Amuwo Lagos, the widow and son of the said deceased.

72. Mrs. Elizabeth Amos and Innocent Ojo Chegbe Amos both of Mobile Police Barracks, the widow and son of the said deceased.

73. Mr. Yahaya Uba, Abdul Ganiyu Uba, and Hauwa Sule Uba, all of Potiskin L.G.A. Yobe State, the brothers of the said deceased.

74. Juliana Onakoya and Olaniran Ogunlana both of No. 29, Airways Road, Ijesha Surulere, Lagos, the mother and cousin of the said deceased.

75. Mrs. Juliana Soyeye, Ayobami Soyoye and Oluwatimilehin Soyoye all of No. 45, Ageshim Street, Alakuko, Alagbado, Lagos, the mother and children of the said deceased.

76. Anselim Madubuiko and Sandra Madubuika both of No. 1, Awori Close, Ikeja, the widower and daughter of the said deceased.

77. Mr. Patrick Osemene and Mrs. Grace Akpoveta both of 403 Road A Close House I Festac Town, Lagos, the son and sister of the said deceased.

I.O.AKINKUGBE (MRS) PROBATE REGISTRAR

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

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TODAY IN THE NATION

‘We chase power to loot the treasury and cart away to China, South Africa and Switzerland. We grab power to destroy our institutions so that we can be tin gods.’

FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

O

PALABA has not been known to be effusive in his praise of any individual, talk less a politician. My friend cannot stand their kind. For in his view, they all thrive on deception, without vision and without an eye toward a lasting legacy. “How else do you describe a person who has a singular opportunity to do the most good for the most people and instead choose to line his pockets and those of his immediate families?” he asked. To which I would always ask why he chose not to throw his do-gooder hat in the ring if he was so moved to benefit the masses.

And he has never had to pause for a second before he came up with a response: “apparently you are in a hurry to do your job as the executor of my estate,” he would charge.

“Then desist from your boring complaint,” I would fire back.

Given my friend’s aversion to politics and disdain for the political class, I was shocked to the marrow when Opalaba called with excitement to report what he considered to be the transformation going on in Oyo State. No, he wasn’t prepared to change his mind about politicians; he just thought that the feat that he was witnessing came from non-political minds; not from career politicians. “If you think about it” he observed, “it takes the discipline of the intellect to have vision and it takes the courage of the mind to bring it to fruition. Not all dreamers have the intellect or the courage to realise their dreams.”

Not too long ago, I wrote about the mess that Oyo State in general and Ibadan in particular had become. In “Anikura as political hero”, I raised the question why a city that was once the headquarters of the most amazing developmental programmes in the entire continent can be so messed up and its people so traumatised that they couldn’t find the strength to extricate themselves from the deadly grip of a cabal. That is, until the cabal, blinded by the appearance of its invisibility, and choked by its insatiable greed did itself in and it didn’t need much strength for the people to liberate themselves. They voted for change and real transformation. It appears that, at last, they’re having their prayers answered.

Opalaba’s excitement was infectious but no one was going to play any prank on me. I wasn’t going to be fooled again, even by a honey-coated tongue as my friend’s. He told me about the new network of roads, drainage systems, the aesthetics of the medians, the neighbourhood markets. “What is more”, my friend added, “it is not just Ibadan that is being transformed; it is a state-wide approach”, he remarked.

“Good for them. But I don’t trust you and I have to see to believe.”

“You are a philosopher, aren’t you? You don’t have to believe anything, including your

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

I see; therefore I know ‘That the Southwest is going currently through a genuine transformation should be a thing of joy. Sustaining the current efforts and preventing the return of the anikuras is a task in everyone’s interest.’

•Ajimobi

own existence. I am surprised that seeing will make you believe.”

“I wish you don’t dabble into what you don’t understand and just stick to your stethoscope.

For in that space, you are the king. At any rate, seeing does not only make me a believer, it makes me a knower. What my koro koro eyes perceive, I do not doubt.”

And so, I headed for the pace-setter state to see for myself.

Though I had thought that narratives of the developmental efforts going on in Oyo state can be exaggerated, what I saw in Ibadan was simply unbelievable. From Elizabeth Road to Mokola junction, I encountered no traffic jam!

From Challenge to Yemetu, it was a smooth ride. Iwo road used to be a driver’s nightmare. With less than 20 km stretch, you could be held up for hours. My friends related their nightmare scenarios on the road. With only 5 km to their house, they once spent three hours before they managed to turn around to seek a longer route. Now the same road takes less than 20 minutes.

That the road network has made life easier for the people is an understatement. But there are two other issues, one I confirm for myself

RIPPLES TREASURY LOOTERS SHOULD FEAR GOD– Cleric

Fear God?...they fear only EFCC

VOL.8 NO.2,551

and the other was brought to my attention by common eye witnesses. First, the aesthetic dimension of the project is commendable.

Functionality may come at the expense of beauty. But in the case of what is going on in Ibadan, it is clear that the steady eyes on a lasting legacy have ensured that beauty must not be sacrificed for the practical. Second is the dimension of quality. I was informed by ordinary folks who observed the contractors as they toiled on the projects, ensuring that the drainage system was built to last, the median was solid and the space under the flyovers were beautifully fenced in against miscreants and vandals. I am told that similar projects are picking up across the state from Oyo to Ogbomosho and Iseyin.

When I first saw the demolition of stalls and shops in December, I worried what would happen if the government wasn’t able to speed up the project and complete the roads in good time. Now, I know what it means to have the will to utilise the resources at one’s disposal.

I also worried about the displaced petty traders albeit with unauthorised stalls. Now I know what it means to be a sound planner and compassionate administrator. I drove to the new neighbourhood market in Challenge and I saw traders and marketers happy with

HARDBALL

N

OTHING underscores the epicurean and wasteful tendencies of this Presidency than the growing fleet of jets at its disposal. With ten aircraft and two more in the offing, Nigeria’s president probably boasts of the largest fleet in the world. As if to take a cue from their president, the Nigerian rich have managed to earn the record of owning more private jets than their counterparts in most other countries. Starting from the African continent, Ghana president reportedly has only one jet, same for South Africa.

In Europe, the British prime minister and the and the queen fly chartered British Airways planes thereby eliminating the cost of purchasing and maintaining official jets; the Netherlands has only two, Japan, Malaysia to name a few, all have seen the need to run a lean presidential fleet. These are not only rich, developed countries of the world, they manufacture different calibers of jets or essential components yet prudence in governance and a culture of fiscal responsibility ensured that their heads of state do not engage in such whimsical public expenditure.

The story is told of how President Joyce Banda of Malawi had been invited to one of such banal summits organised by Nigeria’s First LadyPatience Jonathan in Abuja last year.

When it was discovered that Mrs. Banda may not honour the invitation due to inelastic travel

All the President’s jets logistics, a jet was dispatched from the presidential fleet to fetch her from the East African country to Abuja and back. President Banda, prudent, wise and accountable to her people had sold off the only jet in her fleet because it was not in the interest of Malawi’s economy for her to continue to run a jet. She chose to put the economic well-being of her country above her personal comfort.

Nigeria’s obdurate leadership has no such national consciousness. Many airlines across the world do not boast one dozen airplanes. It must be one reason Nigeria’s national carriers never work: our president has jets at his disposal to shuttle to the ends of the world and back. The Nigerian aviation industry is in turmoil, it doesn’t matter; billions of naira is spent annually to service the first family’s reckless lifestyle, it doesn’t matter. Oil revenue is dwindling and government revenue projections fall short; it doesn’t seem to matter. Nothing seems to matter here so long as the presidency is taken care of.

Perhaps all these may not have mattered if the economy is being properly managed and

STEVE OSUJI

their new lease on life. I understand that there are more such markets springing up in neighbourhoods throughout the city and across the state.

The Yoruba people are talented with words and witty sayings for any occasion. Proverbs are for them the search engine for hidden treasures in conversation. They say, for instance, that an enemy never succeeds in capturing a well-endowed bush-rat. No matter how big an enemy’s catch looks, it is always going to be derided as a bony little lizard. I thought about this when I read an interview granted by a former governor of the state.

Among other things, he was asked about his perception of the impressive transformation going on in the state. To which he gave a politician’s response: a facelift has to have a human face, he said. A facelift must be gradual, he added. In other words, if you have the means to transform the state in one full bloom, why do it? Why not stretch it out? Here’s the question that didn’t come up in the interview: “For how long would the former governor have stretched out an infrastructure transformation agenda? Another four years? And then wait for an additional four to be able to attract investors who now seem to be coming in droves already?

In a sense, I concede that what Governor Ajimobi is doing is what good governance is all about. It is what is expected of anyone who presents himself or herself for public office. It is also true however, that in this clime, we have not always been fortunate to have governors who take seriously their pledge to serve the people and promote the people’s interests. When we see one, we are naturally pleasantly surprised. That was how the phenomenon of Babatunde Fashola and the transformation of Lagos, including the Atlantic City project, stunned us and impressed us. That the Southwest is going currently through a genuine transformation should be a thing of joy. Sustaining the current efforts and preventing the return of the anikuras is a task in everyone’s interest.

On my part, now that I see with my eyes, and I know of the efforts made and the outcomes achieved, I bow my hat to the vision of Governor Ajimobi and his team. Of course, it is not finished and there’s more to do. O tun ku nibon n dun. And as long as the spirit of the last two years still sustains the team, we can expect more wonders.

I kept my promise to report my findings back to Opalaba and I commended him for his truthful account of the ongoing-projects in the state. “It’s because you see that you believe. Blessed are those that didn’t see but still believe” my friend responded.” Even the devil is capable of quoting the scripture!

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above driven down the path of growth. If power, the backbone of modern economy, had been fixed; if infrastructural development is in high gear and government institutions are primed for sustainable development, one could live with a bit of executive expansiveness. But Nigeria is passing through a phase of acute political turmoil, social upheaval and economic uncertainty. With the discovery of viable alternative energy, crude oil revenues will only fall in the years ahead and it is predicted that oil will increasingly become less significant in the near future. With no industrial base, derelict infrastructure, shambolic education and R&D, what will be the fate of Nigeria in the next decade?

These are the kind of strategic thoughts one would expect Nigeria’s leadership to address its mind to and steer the populace in that direction. The Presidency’s obscene opulence and fiscal recklessness of acquiring jets for his personal use is writ large in other spheres of governance and public service – junkets, elaborate ceremonies with no value to the economy, worthless seminars and workshops, characterise our public life. What glorious fantastical life; what fairy tale life of jet-set bohemians! Hardball fears that we shall wake up from this infernal somnolence one day only to find ourselves in a cheerless place, a dank planet all of our own.

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Editor Daily:01-8962807, Marketing: 01-8155547 . Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Tel: 07028105302. Port Harcourt Office: 12/14, Njemanze Street, Mile 1, Diobu, PH. 08023595790. WEBSITE: www.thenationonlineng.net E-mail: info@thenationonlineng.net Editor: GBENGA OMOTOSO