The Nation July 23 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Ondo senator weeps over ‘child marriage’ NEWS Page 10

NEWS Page ??

•I voted in error, says Akinyelure

Jonathan’s wife’s ‘mum’ dies in Rivers road crash •First Lady shocked, say sources

NEWS

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VOL. 8, NO. 2555 TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

A GIRL AND HER STRANGE FFA ATE

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

•Charity Uzoechina, 24, whose father, a pastor, says left home for further studies in Bida, Niger State, has been at the palace of the Etsu Nupe since March, allegedly on her own volition after converting to Islam. Her troubled father disagrees. He says he wants his daughter back home. •SEE PAGE 7

Our fears, by five governors IBB, Abdulsalami meet Kwankwaso, Lamido, Aliyu, Wamakko

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IVE governors yesterday pleaded with two former Heads of State— Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar— to prevail on President Goodluck Jonathan to guarantee a free political space for democracy to thrive.

They said their concern was not about which zone will produce the President in 2015, but how to get to 2015.

They urged the two leaders to link up with other statesmen to save the nation’s democracy.

The five governors Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Sule Lamido (Jigawa); Murtala Nyako (Adamawa);

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

Aliyu Wammako (Sokoto); and Babangida Aliyu (Niger) - met the two leaders at the Presidential Lodge in Minna.

Told of the governors’ arrival in Niger State, the two former leaders decided to save time by meeting with them at the Presidential Lodge.

According to a source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, the governors told the two Heads of State about the “stifling of the political space”.

It was learnt that they listed five grouses: •the lingering Rivers crisis and likely fatal consequence for Nigeria’s democracy;

CBN may review naira exchange rate

WHY THE GOVERNORS ARE WORRIED •The lingering Rivers crisis and likely consequence for democracy •Destabilisation of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) •Forcing governors to do the bidding of the Presidency •Intolerance of the opposition and opposing views by the Presidency •Lack of internal democracy in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) •destabilisation of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum; •clampdown on governors to force them to do the bidding of the President; •intolerance of the opposition and opposing views by the Presidency; and •lack of internal democracy in the ruling party.

The source quoted one of the governors as saying: “If what

the President wanted had played out in Rivers State, Nigeria would have by now been on fire. Why will five lawmakers seek to impeach a governor in the House of Assembly with 32 members?”

The Presidency has always insisted that Dr. Goodlcuk Jonathan is not involved in the Rivers crisis.

The governors reportedly

said: “We cannot also understand why four governors were pelted with stones by thugs for visiting one of their colleagues on a reconciliatory mission. We were shocked that the police were used to unleash mayhem on Rivers State.

“The plan of the Presidency is to be dealing with dissenting governors one by one.”

Another source told of how

one of the governors told Gen. Babangida and Gen. Abdulsalami that 2015 is not the issue but how to get to 2015 for free and fair elections.

“The political environment as it is now cannot guarantee freedom of movement, freedom of speech and freedom of electoral choice”, the source quoted the governor as saying, adding: “The governors pleaded with Gen. Babangida and Gen. Abdulsalami to link up with other leaders to call the President to order and protect the nation’s democracy from autocratic tendency.”

They said their observations do not amount to haContinued on page 2

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) may lower its targeted trading range for the naira as dwindling foreignexchange reserves and falling oil prices undermine its ability to halt the currency’s slide, FBN Capital Limited has said.

Policy makers may adjust the exchange rate to within a three percentage-point band of N160 per dollar from N155 over the next six to nine months, Gregory Kronsten, an analyst at the Lagos-based FBN Capital, said in an e-mailed response to Continued on page 2

Boko Haram: Immigration loses 400 officers

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From Onyedi Ojiabor, Abuja

O fewer than 400 officers and men of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) have been killed by Boko Haram insurgents, it was learnt yesterday.

There have been 11 jail breaks across the country believed to have been carried out by insurgents in which many prison officers were killed, Senator Atiku Bagudu said yesterday.

Bagudu is the chair, Senate Committee on Interior. He spoke in Abuja.

He said the figures were given to members of his committee when they went on overContinued on page 2

•From left (front row) Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wammako; former Military President Ibrahim Babangida; Niger State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu; (back row) from left: former Head of State Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar; Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, after the meeting…yesterday

•IT’S A BOY FOR DUKE, DUCHESS P60 •GOVT RECOVERS N34B FROM MDAS P11

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

NEWS CBN may review naira exchange rate Continued from page 1

questions over the weekend.

Lower crude prices are making “it more difficult for the CBN to hold the lin on the naira exchange rate,” he said.

FBN Capital is Nigeria’s fourth-biggest broker by trading value on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), according to the bourse.

The naira traded above the band for the first time on a closing basis on June 7 on the interbank market and has ended trading above the peg each day since June 25. The apex bank, which sells dollars at auctions on Mondays and

Wednesdays to support the naira, sold $700 million last week, compared with $600 million the previous week, at 155.76 to 155.79 per dollar.

CBN Governor Lamido Sanusi Lamido, in November 2011, devalued the midpoint of the bank’s exchange-rate range at its twice-weekly auctions from N150 The nation’s foreign reserves have declined more than two per cent this month to $46.9 billion on July 18 as the apex bank boosted sales to meet demand amid declining oil prices, the source of more than 95 per cent of NiContinued on page 59

Jonathan’s wife’s ‘mum’ dies in Rivers road crash

•Osun State Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (middle), Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Moshood Adeoti (right) watching as the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Water Resources and Community Affairs, Adelere Oriolowo, an engineer, signs his paper after taking the oath of office at the Governor’s Office, Osogbo...at the weekend

NANS accuses Jonathan of complicity in Rivers crisis

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HE National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) yesterday accused President Goodluck Jonathan of being the brain behind the Rivers State crisis.

It described Jonathan’s earlier denial of involvement in the crisis as false.

NANS said: “President Goodluck Jonathan must stop distancing himself from the matter because, whether he likes it or not, he is vicariously involved in it. The direct involvement of the First Lady in the matter, which she publicly admitted to when 16 Bishops from the Southsouth paid her a visit at the Presidential Villa last week, implies Mr. President’s tacit involvement in it. Therefore, Mr. President cannot continue to feign ignorance or indifference in this sensitive matter.”

According to a statement in Abuja by its Acting Senate President, Comrade John Shima, NANS gave the President and the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to resolve the crisis.

Failure to heed to the ultimatum, the group said, “NANS shall be left with no option than to convene its next Senate Meeting at Port

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From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

Harcourt, where it shall take a more decisive position and action on the Rivers State crisis”.

“For the benefit of foresight, the action may include taking over the city of Abuja and paralysing all economic, social and political activities in the nation’s capital.”

NANS demanded that “adequate security is provided for the Rivers State House of Assembly, so that the legislators can return to work”. “If that is done, then the majority will have their way and progress will be made, which is the true beauty of democracy.

NANS called for “the immediate redeployment of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police (CP) Mr. Mbu Joseph Mbu, who from every indication has gone political”. “Since he has clearly shown that he cannot work harmoniously with the governor, then the CP should be redeployed immediately from the state. NANS hereby declares a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government of Nigeria and all its relevant organs to resolve the crisis in Rivers State.”

The statement added: “The National Association of Nigeri-

an Students (NANS), in keeping up with its traditional obligations as the bastion of democracy and vanguard of the oppressed and downtrodden, hereby condemns in its entirety, the show of ignominy unfolding in Rivers State, which culminated in the ferocious disruption of proceedings at the State’s House of Assembly on Tuesday 9th July, 2013.

“We are, however, not oblivious of the fact that the festering crisis in the state has its roots in the acrimonious quest by the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, to practically dictate to the ‘obstinate’ Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, how he should run certain affairs in Rivers State.

“Even though President Goodluck Jonathan can also not be said to be inculpable in the matter, he is also a member of the PDP and from the neighbouring Bayelsa State.

So, we actually hope that the PDP would use its internal mechanisms to bring this lingering problem to end.

“We must bear in mind that the situation in Rivers State depicts a huge threat to the security of the state and, by ex-

trapolation, the entire nation.

The Executive Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, has since made public, his own feelings of insecurity. There were reports last week of the deployment of policemen to the Rivers State Government House and the Rivers State Liaison Office in Abuja respectively, without the knowledge and approval of the state governor. That action by the police authorities is highly condemnable.

“Mr. President should not forget that his cardinal responsibility to the state and its citizens is the provision of security for human lives and properties. This includes the lives of state governors and other highprofile individuals. Governor Amaechi has publicly declared that he is not comfortable with the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Mr. Mbu Joseph Mbu. We wonder why the Inspector-General of Police is reluctant to redeploy Mr. Mbu from the state. Mbu clearly gave a clue in an interview with a national television station that he works at cross-purposes with Governor Amaechi.

“The President’s thumbprint is firmly embedded in the ongoing crisis in Rivers State.

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HE mother of the wife of President Goodluck Jonathan, Dame Patience, Mrs. Iwarioba, popularly called Sisi, died yesterday in a road crash. The accident occurred at Elele in Rivers State. She was on her way to neighbouring Bayelsa State.

The accident happened around 4 pm, source said, adding that Mrs Iwarioba body was moved to Kpaima Mortuary on Elechi Beach, Mile One, Diobu, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, around 6 pm, by the selfacclaimed “Speaker” of Rivers House of Assembly, Evans Bipi, accompanied by many policemen.

Bipi, who represents Ogu/ Bolo Constituency, is a former aide to the First Lady, who attended his marriage on June 15 at the St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Hospital Road, Port Harcourt, shortly after which she buried her grandfather at Okrika, during her 10-day visit to Rivers State.

Dame Patience, an indigene of Okrika, the headquarters of Okrika Local Government Area in Rivers State, in Geneva, Swit-

Immigration loses 400 officers Continued from page 1

sight function.

He noted that though the country’s Northeast borders had posed some problems in an attempt to curtail the activities of insurgents, the deployment of technology and the increment in personnel would check the menace.

He said: “We need to give more arms to the prison service.

The prison service should not be

Five governors are patriots, says Babangida

IVE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors yesterday took their savedemocracy crusade to Minna, the Niger State capital.

They met with two former Heads of State Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.

Their self-appointed mission, started with a meeting with former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. Their intention, according to them, is to avert a drift as a result of the crisis in the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the Rivers PDP. The governors are Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) and Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano).

Nyako was not at yesterday’s meeting, which lasted two hours at the Presidential Lodge in Minna, the Niger State capital. He was said to have been held back in Yola by a meeting with a Cameroonian envoy.

“I want to commend the governors and some of their colleagues. I was very impressed because they have seen the

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

zerland, according to sources who said she was immediately contacted.

Mrs. Jonathan expressed shock and she felt very bad over her mother’s death, according to a family source, who pleaded not to be named.

Details of the accident were sketchy last night, but a security man at the gate of the Kpaima Mortuary, who declined to give his name, said many armed policemen accompanied a body to the private facility, presuming that the deceased might be a prominent person.

The Rivers Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Dr. Kayode Olagunju, and the Rivers police spokesperson, Mrs. Angela Agabe, could not confirm the incident, stressing that they were yet to get the details from their officers and men at the scene of the accident.

A source said last night that the late Mrs Iwarioba was Mrs Jonathan’s stepmother, but this could not be immediately confirmed. considered a secondary arm of the security system, it is a major one.”

He noted that the failure of the Senate to transfer Prisons Service from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List during the Constitution amendment reflected the fear the lawmakers have for state police because prison officials also bear arms.

Bagudu said the country’s border with Cameroon has alContinued on page 59

Our fears for democracy, by five governors Continued from page 1

tred for the President or any party, The Nation learnt Both ex-Heads of State promised to bring the observations of the governors From Jide Orintunsin, Minna and Barnabas Manyam, Yola

problem of the country as our problem and they have taken the right steps to consult widely in trying to find solution to some of these problems.

“These governors are real patriots and I am very happy and I told them so,” Gen. Babangida said after the meeting.

The meeting started about 12:30pm. Wamakko arrived first at 11:16 am. Lamido and Kwankonso arrived together about 12:01 pm. Aliyu arrived at 12:14 pm after a brief executive council meeting.

Gen. Babangida and Gen. Abdulsalami arrived together in a Mercedes Benz car marked BE 323 WSH at 12:25pm. The meeting started after all members of the Niger State Executive Council, except Deputy Governor Musa Ibeto, had been asked to leave.

to the notice of the “appropriate quarters.”

It was learnt that Gen. Babangida and Gen. Abdulsalami were cautious in their response to the governors.

Speaking after the meeting, Aliyu said: “It is a platform we could use to actualise our political dreams. We are consulting with our elders and leaders and let’s look at some of the problems and find solutions to the problems some of us perceive we are facing.”

The meeting, he added, worked at finding solutions to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) crisis and other political issues.

Though Aliyu said no resolution had been reached, he added: “We are consulting to make sure that we all understand the issue and we all come out with a solution. We also have to carry our people together as we go along. “ Asked if the Rivers State crisis was discussed, Aliyu said: “There is no gathering in Nigeria now where Rivers State issues will not come up, but

They chose to listen instead of talking, but it was apparent that they would consult with other statesmen,” another source said.

our meeting is a larger issue than even the Governors’ Forum. We are discussing how to solve them.”

Also yesterday, Nyako elaborated on the G-5 governors’ initiative.

According to him, the governors are passionate about Nigeria’s development.

Nyako’s Director of Press and Public Affairs Alhaji Ahmed Sajoh quoted the governors as saying: “We will continue to make efforts to save the party (PDP). But, if our efforts fail to work out, we have no alternative than to fold our arms and see PDP dead. We will help in burying it.”

“We have held consultations with former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Board of Trustee (BoT) chairman of PDP on the need for him and other major stakeholders to save the party from dying.

“We are not stopping with Obasanjo as one of the most respected Nigerians of our time; we will proceed to the likes of Gen Babangida and Gen. Abubakar and other eminent Nigerians just to mention but a few.”

He said unless these serious minded Nigerians intervened in time, the PDP, “which all of us built and nurtured to maturity will die of natural death.”

Nyako described the current trend in the PDP as worrisome, adding that its internal crisis is a threat to democracy.

According to him, governors of like minds will not fold their arms and see the party hijacked and thrown to the dustbin by a few individuals, hence their moves.

Some of Nyako’s loyalists have defected to the All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP), which is part of the All Progres-

•Nyako sive Congress (APC).

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

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

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NEWS •Legal Adviser, AOE Event Entertainment Ltd , Chief Executive & Creative Director, AOE Event Entertainment Ltd Chief Nike Oshinowo (left) presenting a document to the Managing Director, Arik Air Mr. Chris Ndulue during the signing of contract appointing Arik the official airline for the Nigeria's Centenary Pageant at Arik Headquarters, Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos...yesterday.

With them is Associate Vice President, Global Sales & Distributor, Arik Air Mr. Trever Henry.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE.

Gains, The cashless economy policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has come with both pains and gains. As some are knocking it, others are hailing it, writes Chijioke Okoronkwo, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

M From left: One-day Speaker, Lagos House of Assembly Bolejime Marvellous; One-day Secretary to the State Government Olajide Olayinka; One-day Lagos State Governor Boadley Oluwajuwon Folarin; CEO, Etisalat Nigeria, Steven Evans; One-Day Deputy Governor Abolaji Olusolabomi and Director, Government and Regulatory Affairs, Etisalat Nigeria Ibrahim Dikko during a reception for the Lagos State One-day Cabinet, hosted by Etisalat Nigeria at its headquarters in Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos...yesterday.

•Special Adviser to Rivers State Governor on Investment Mr Abiye Amakiri (second left)cutting the tape to open the Stanbic IBTC Branch in Port Harcourt ...yesterday. With him are the Branch Manager Mr Iniobong Umoffia (left); Head, Personnel and Business Banking West Africa Mr Lincoln Mali (second right)and Manager, Trans Amadi Branch Onome Comma (right).

•From left: Executive Director, Falcon Petroleum Limited Mrs. Audrey Joe-Ezigbo, Managing Director Prof. Joseph Ezigbo , the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi and Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources Taofiq Tijani at the graduation ceremony for beneficiaries of Falcon’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Vocational Skills Acquisition & Women Empowerment Programme in Lagos.

IXED reactions have continued to trail the cashless policy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in January 2012.

The implementation of the policy commenced in Lagos in 2012 but it was extended to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rivers, Kano, Ogun, Anambra and Abia states in July 2013.

While some die-hard cynics describe the policy as just another economic jargon that may not be feasible, others say it will boost the country’s economic growth in line with global best practices.

The policy aims at reducing the amount of physical cash in circulation; thereby encouraging more electronic-based transactions in payment for goods and services The policy, as enunciated by the CBN, entails “cash-based transactions and stipulates a cash handling charge on daily cash withdrawals or cash deposits that exceed N500,000 for individuals and N3,000,000 for corporate bodies.’’

The CBN Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, explained that the cashless economic policy was designed to “promote financial intermediation and financial inclusion, while minimising revenue leakages and eliminating incidence of robbery.

It will also reduce the amount of cash payment and encourage electronic payment’’.

Sanusi said the policy became imperative because the cost of cash and associated risk of cash-driven economy to Nigeria’s financial system was ever increasing.

“The policy on withdrawal allows individual customers to make a free cumulative withdrawal of N500, 000 daily across the counter and ATM. Withdrawal above the free limit will attract processing fee of three per cent for every N1, 000 above the limit.

“Corporate customers are allowed to make free cumulative withdrawal of N3,000,000 daily. Withdrawal above the free limit will attract a processing fee of five per cent for every N1,000 above the limit.

“The policy on lodgment allows individual customers to make a free cumulative lodgment of N500, 000 daily. Lodgment above the free limit will attract processing fee of two per cent for every N1, 000 above the limit.

“Corporate customers are allowed to make free cumulative lodgment of N3, 000,000 daily. Lodgment above the free limit will attract a processing fee of three per cent for every N1,000 above the limit,’’ he said.

Sanusi said the appropriate mechanism for e-payment had been deployed to facilitate the smooth running of the scheme.

•Sanusi

The CBN governor listed the mechanism as Point of Sale (POS) Terminals, Automated Teller Machine (ATM), Web, Mobile Phones, Internet Banking, among others.

Mr Tunde Lemo, the CBN Deputy Governor (Operations), said the all constraints to the smooth operation of the scheme were being addressed.

He said: “We know there will be constraints; the constraints are there for us to see. Of course, we will solve all those complaints; now we know the areas that are well served, we know the areas that we need to deploy technology and we know where we just need to overlay services because we know the facilities are just there.

“Of course, that was why we deferred the payment of charges for three months, exactly the same thing we did last year, just to allow some adjustments so that in the next three months, it will be very comfortable using those channels.

“So, within the next six months, it might be convenient for us also to roll out to the entire country because we are quite aware that it is possible for people to arbitrage by moving cash around states that are very close to areas where we are implementing the cashless policy.”

However, the House of Representatives has advised the CBN to implement the cashless policy in phases.

The House also urged the apex bank to remove the charges or limits on daily cumulative withdrawals and deposits to encourage small businesses.

This resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion moved by Rep. Yakubu Dogara (PDP-Bauchi) and 38 others.

Leading the debate, Dogara conceded that even though the policy could save costs in the financial sector, it did not, however, imply real sector growth.

He noted that the majority of retail and commercial payments were usually made in cash by a large percentage of the population who did not operate bank accounts.

The lawmaker also noted that the CBN had not achieved the needed 40 per cent expansion of ATMs. “The financial infrastructure in Nigeria is grossly inadequate to meet the demands of a cashless society,” he said.

Besides, Dogara said the people’s

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

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NEWS

pains of cashless economy Factsheet

N3,000,000

N500, 000

Amount an individual customer can withdraw without attracting a surcharge

Amount a corporate customer can withdraw without attracting a surcharge

3%

2012

The year the policy took off in Lagos before other cities joined this year

The percent of processing fee every N1,000 lodgment above the free limit

‘ The financial infrastructure

in Nigeria is grossly inadequate to meet the demands of a cashless society

‘

•Dogara

Policy will strengthen tax administration, says expert

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TAX expert, Mr Agbeluyi Olushola, yesterday said the effective implementation of the cashless policy and the Taxpayers Identification Number (TIN) would strengthen tax administration in the country.

Olushola, who is the Chairman, Ikeja District Society of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, spoke in Lagos yesterday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He said that cashless policy would enable banks to easily trace whoever was involved in any monetary transaction.

The chairman said t every bank account holder was expected to have a TIN, noting that the “Two things are going on and if we implement those two things, Nigeria will be a great country in the next five years.

“The CBN has introduced cashless economy; maximum N150,000, you must pass your money through the banking system.

“The other one is the introduction of TIN number. I will link these

two policies of the government and how it will affect revenue generation, particularly from the informal sector.

“You say people must not carry cash. Now, if essential portion of the money, 90 per cent of the money in circulation goes through the banking sector that means you can trace whoever is transacting what.

“The moment you give TIN number to everybody as an accountant, the rest is history. By statutory power, the agencies have power to access your account, so the moment they print your account, they know your tax.

“You can’t tell me that 99 per cent of the amount in your corporate account was given to you by your uncle. So if your uncle is into charity, then we need to know his own source of income too. So, one thing will leads to the other.’’

Olushola said judicious implementation of the cashless policy and TIN would encourage people to patronise the banks.

low literacy level and the absence of constant power supply would discourage most citizens from embracing the policy.

Contributing to the debate, Rep. Aisha Ahmed (PDP-Adamawa) said that Nigerians had been variously defrauded of millions of naira through electronic transactions.

Rep. Albert Sam-Tsokwa (PDPTaraba), who supported the motion,

if well implemented.

He said it would help to regulate the volume of cash transactions in the economy, adding, however, that the citizens ought to be properly enlightened about the policy.

Dairo noted that the pilot scheme, which started in Lagos State in 2012, had not been very successful due to poor public enlightenment, inadequate Point of Sales (PoS) machines

lauded the policy but said that it was premature to introduce it in Nigeria.

He noted that most communities in the country lacked banking facilities that were designed to implement the policy.

Nevertheless, Prof. Samuel Dairo, the President of Certified Board of Administrators of Nigeria (CBAN), said that the policy would impact positively on the national economy

and poor network services, among others.

“The introduction of the cashless policy in 2012 is yet to have its full effect on the economy due to persistent network failure, inadequate PoS machines and poor electricity supply.

“Ignorance on the part of most of the end users is also another major challenge. A lot of people are sceptical about the policy due to the per-

ceived risks it could expose them to,’’ he added.

Such comments notwithstanding, some experts have commended the CBN for postponing the payment of charges to October, saying that the shift would give the CBN more room to create the needed infrastructure for the smooth implementation of the policy in designated states.

Mr Samuel Durojaiye, the President, Finance Houses Association of Nigeria (FHAN), said that the current test-run of the policy in Lagos had provided the needed platform for the evaluation of the feasibility of the cashless policy.

Dr Tunde Adeoye, Senior Lecturer, Department of Economics, University Lagos, described the postponement as a healthy development, stressing that it would aid efforts to rectify perceptible lapses in the policy.

He, nonetheless, stressed that the poor power supply situation in the country, which made network connectivity somewhat difficult, was a major challenge facing the cashless policy.

“Lack of adequate power supply is another impediment to the success of the policy and government must be proactive in tackling the problem,” he said.

All the same, Adeoye advised the CBN to step up a nationwide awareness campaign on the policy, so as to educate the citizenry on the workings of automated transactions.

He noted that lack of confidence in the financial system, coupled with the losses which many Nigerians incurred in the capital market, had impacted negatively on the acceptability of the policy.

“The ability of CBN to restore the people’s confidence in the banking sector and the commencement of a sustainable rural banking system will also enhance the policy,’’ Adeoye said.

All in all, policy analysts want the CBN to embark on aggressive public enlightenment campaigns to educate the people about the workings and gains of the cashless policy.

They note that the cashless policy it is already working in several countries across the world, adding that Nigeria should not be an exception.

The analysts, nonetheless, underscore the need to put in place the necessary infrastructure that would facilitate the smooth implementation of the policy

NEXIM Bank: 10 % trade growth in West Africa unacceptable

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HE Managing Director of Nigeria Export-Import Bank, Mr Roberts Orya, has said 10 per cent annual intra-regional trade growth in the West African region was unacceptable.

Orya spoke yesterday at a Sealink Investors Forum in Accra, Ghana.

“Maritime transport is essential to the global economy,”he said, adding that effort should geared toward ensuring effective maritime service in the region.

According to him, investing in the sealink project will facilitate efforts to deepen trade in the region.

The sealink project is the initiative of the NEXIM bank in collaboration with the Federation of the West and Central Africa Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FEWACCI) and an Integrated Logistic Services provider (TRANSIMEX) based in Cameroon to facilitate maritime services in the region.

The 60 million dollar project is ex-

pected to take-off by 2014.

He said: “In pursuance of its strategic objective of deepening intra-regional trade, the bank has over the past few years noted that the level of intra-regional trade has stagnated at an annual growth rate of 10 per cent.

“This is largely attributable to the enormous transportation and logistics challenges and non-tariff measures faced by traders and shippers.

“These impediments to low trade level have made the west and central African Intra-regional trade uncompetitive and unattractive due to high freight cost,’’ he said .

He said that the intra- European trade was currently at 70 per cent, intra-regional trade in Asia and America was at 50per cent each while in African it is 10 per cent.

He noted that Africa had the highest cost of moving goods as most of them were transported by road.

Orya noted that the trade road corridor had been compounded with the growth of intra-ECOWAS merchan-

dise in the past decade which had only grown from 4.7 million tonnes to 13.2 million tones without corresponding increase in the transport sector.

He said that more than 80 per cent of the global economy was driven by international trade through the sea.

“It is more instructive to highlight that of the 26 countries within the west and central African region, only five are landlocked while 81 per cent are coastal states.

“It is gratifying to note that the sealink project would facilitate the realisation of the enormous traderelated benefit,” he added.

He noted the benefits include, reduction of non-tariff barriers to trade, elimination of transit corridor issues, reduction of transaction cost to economic operators as well as enhanced fiscal benefits to various government through formal and documented trade.

He added that the project would

also augment the regional infrastructure development and deepen payment system with improvements in volume and value of formal and recorded trade.

Chairman, Board of Sealink, Mr Wilson Kroffah, noted that for the region to integrate there was the need to have access to the market.

“It’s a pity that in Africa, if you want to travel from one country to other, it’s a night mere. If you want to go by road, the roads are in deplorable state, even where the roads are passable, you have all the stumbling blocks created by man.

“You have to pay exorbitant amounts, fortunately, we have the sea that has been given to us by God free and we can use it to connect with each other easily,’’ he said.

He said the sealink project would not only facilitate trade, it would also facilitate economic growth and attract other continent to Africa, adding that it remained a private sector driven project.

•Robert-Orya He urged participants to support the project to ensure its effective operation in the region.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23 2013

6

NEWS PDP convention: Tukur, Gana mend fences

ASUU strikes worrisome, says Senate

•Party gets 30-man reconciliation panel

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

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From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

THE crisis of confidence between the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and Chairman of the party’s Special Convention Committee, Prof Jerry Gana appeared to have been resolved.

The Tukur-led National Working Committee (NWC) held a meeting with the Gana committee at the party’s secretariat yesterday where the two parties agreed to reschedule the convention earlier fixed for August 31 by the Gana committee. The meeting was held at the instance of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The convention date had been changed on two occasions. New dates for the national convention and the Southwest congress are expected to be announced at an expanded meeting of the party’s leadership tomorrow Tukur had, in the heat of the disagreement last week, announced the suspension of the Gana committee’s programme, a development that necessitated Jonathan’s intervention .

Speaking with reporters after the meeting, Tukur said the issues affecting the conduct of the forthcoming convention had been ironed out and disagreements over the matter resolved.

Gana corroborated Tukur’s position, saying that the leaders had agreed to sink their differences and move ahead in the overall interest of the party.

At the meeting were Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, who is the secretary of the Gana committee; Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio, who is the committee’s deputy chairman; and a former chairman of the PDP, Dr. Haliru Bello Mohammed.

Meanwhile, the PDP has set up a 30-man committee to reconcile aggrieved interests within the party nationwide.

A statement by the Acting National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Tony Okeke said the committee, which is chaired by Governor Seriake Dickson of Byelsa State will be inaugurated on Thursday.

• Justice Gbadeyan with the memoranda... yesterday

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PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE

Nasarawa killings: Commission embargoes security memoranda

AWYERS won’t have access to security memoranda submitted to the panel investigating the killings of security personnel in Nasarawa State, it was learnt yesterday.

The affected memoranda, according to the Chairman of the Commission, Justice Fola Gbadeyan (rtd), include submissions made to the panel by the Nasarawa State Government, the Nasarawa State Commands of the Nigeria Police Force and the State Security Service (SSS).

He, however, ordered that lawyers be allowed access to other submissions by individuals, communities, groups and associations.

Justice Gbadeyan said the Commission decided to keep the security memoranda due to their implications for the state.

Plea by lawyers to be given the documents to enable them prepare their defences were rejected.

The Commission boss said the lawyers representing various stakeholders would only be permitted to read the briefs at a later date.

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

Justice Gbadeyan had during the inaugural sitting of the panel last week granted request made by lawyers to be given copies of all petitions submitted to the Commission to enable them prepare appropriately for cross examination of witnesses where necessary.

The panel was setup by Governor Tanko al-Makura following the killing of over 50 policemen and operatives of the SSS allegedly in an ambush by members of the Ombatse Militia Group in Alakyo village, on May 7, 2013.

Counsel representing Eggon Community of Barkin Abdullahi in Nasarawa State, Ovey John, told the panel that those whose names were mentioned in the security documents have a right to be informed of such allegations.

John said the documents would also enable lawyers to cross examine the presenters of the memoranda.

He said: “Anybody who is accused, who is mentioned, has the right to be informed of such allegations against him, he has a right to be given

enough time, adequate enough to prepare to defend himself.

“Going by this provision of the Constitution, if at all these memoranda have not been circulated and by the time they are just brought in for presentation, it would really take us unawares. It will spring surprises.

“It is really possible that some people’s names are mentioned and they have not been given enough time to prepare because the presenters of the memoranda must be cross examined using what they have said in those memoranda.

“So, it is very good that the memoranda be circulated. Let there be reasonable time enough for the lawyers to go through so that they will be able to prepare and ask questions from the presenters.”

In his response, Justice Gbadeyan said: “We shall at the appropriate time allow you to go through the security memoranda but we will not circulate the security memoranda.”

Meanwhile, the Commission would begin hearing on the 18 other submissions before it today.

Curiously, there were no

representatives nor counsels for the state government and the SSS when their submissions were announced yesterday.

The Police Command was, however, represented by Superintendent Miadawa Saleh Adam.

Adam applied to withdraw his earlier memoranda, saying an amended copy has been filed before the panel.

He said the police intend to call two witnesses.

The Commission adjourned the submissions of the Police, SSS and the State Government to August 6, 14 and 15 respectively, for hearing.

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 so far received 21 memoranda.

HE Senate yesterday said that incessant strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), is worrisome.

The upper chamber also said it is working assiduously to ensure that the industrial action by varsity teachers is called off without delay.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Education, Senator Uche Chukwumerije, spoke when members of the National Association of Nigeria University Students (NANUS) visited the committee in Abuja.

The students were at the National Assembly to express their concern over the spate of strikes by ASUU. The students noted that their findings showed the teachers had been on strike for 30 months in the last 12 years, some of the strikes lasting as long as eight months.

Chukwumerije said his committee decided to grant the students audience because members realised that they were deeply concerned about unending strikes by ASUU. He said: “The Senate is working seriously to get ASUU to call off its strike.

We are all concerned. The phenomenon of incessant strikes by ASUU is bothering us because it has negative effect not only on education but also on the country.

“We also ask, must ASUU go on strike? Is there not other alternative to strike? We are bothered and we are working to see an end to the current strike by ASUU.” Chukwumerije said that the students raised important issue when they highlighted the issue of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by universities.

He noted that all over the world, universities depended on themselves “but here universities depend 90 per cent on government.”

He said that ASUU believes that government should honour the agreement it reached with union.

Court jails bank manager for stealing N65m from customer’s account

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HE High Court of Kano State yesterday sentenced a bank manager, Usman Salifu to two years imprisonment for stealing N65million from a Fixed Deposit Account.

According to a statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), the accused was convicted by Justice Dije Abdou Aboki.

The statement said: “The convict was alleged to have stolen N65,000,000 from one Yusuf Sale Dunari’s fixed deposit account domiciled at Oceanic Bank (now Ecobank) where he was a Branch Manager.

“The convict, who had pleaded not guilty upon arraignment, dramatically changed his plea by admitting his guilt to all the four-

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Operation, Abuja

count charge.

“The defence counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, saying that the convict was a first offender, and has aged parents and many dependants.

“But the prosecuting counsel M.M Gambo urged the court to make orders regarding restitution in sentencing the convict.

Justice Aboki, accordingly convicted the accused and sentenced him to six months imprisonment with option of N2m fine on the first count, six months with option of N500,000 fines on counts 2 and 3 and four months imprisonment with option of N500,000 fines on count 4.

•EFCC arrests suspect over $92,000 scam “All sentences are to run concurrently.”

Meanwhile, the EFCC said it has arrested Dr. Princewell Arinze Chukwueze for alleged $92,000 scam.

The commission, in a separate statement said: “Chukwueze was arrested in Abuja by operatives of the EFCC after more than two months of frantic manhunt for him.

“His arrest followed an allegation of fraudulent transactions involving him and a notable Bureau de change operator in Lagos on May 10, this year. “ S p e c i f i c a l l y , Chukwueze fraudulently introduced himself as Aboki J. Brown, a Director of African Development

Bank based in Cote D’ Ívoire to the Bureau de change operator at Sura Shopping Complex, Sandgrouse, Lagos. He initially offered to buy $65,000 from him but later increased it to $92,000.

“To pay the naira equivalent of the dollars, he requested the operator to meet him at a branch of Wema Bank Plc in Lekki, Lagos.

When the operator got to the bank with the dollars, Chukwueze fraudulently changed the bank where he intended to offer him the naira equivalent of the foreign currency and pleaded with the operator to accompany him in his siren-blaring Toyota Hilux Pick-Up Van to a “nearby branch of Zenith Bank Plc”.

“En route to the bank, Chukwueze picked up two armed men on the road who forcefully dispossessed the operator of the $92,000.

Chukwueze was arrested in Abuja while he was employing the same antics to defraud another bureau de change operator of $110,000.

“He was also alleged to have defrauded several bureau de change operators in Lagos and Abuja using different gimmicks.

“One of his victims, a lady who would not want to be named, said Chukwueze duped her firm of $110,000. The suspect is also implicated in some other cases being investigated by the EFCC.

•EFCC Chair Lamorde

“Items recovered from him included 21 different telephone handsets, complimentary cards of African Development Bank bearing Aboki J. Brown, fake $15,000; different cheque books of different banks among others.

“Chukwueze will soon be charged to court.”

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

NEWS

Fate of girl, 24, stirs big row

•Pastor: my daughter was kidnapped • Emirate: she embraced Islam

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HE left home in Abuja to further her studies at the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State.

Charity Uzoechina’s father is a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). Since March she has not returned home. She has been at the palace of the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, allegedly on her own volition after converting to Islam and changing her name to Aisha.

Her fate has led to a big row between the Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor-led Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Bida Emirate. The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has taken sides with the emirate.

Pastor Uzoechina does not believe that his 24-year-old daughter willingly traded Christianity for Islam.

According to him, on March 1, he got a call from an aide of the emir, asking him to come to the palace.

He said: “He repeated the call on March 2. Overwhelmed by the call, I had to travel to Bida to ascertain what was wrong.

“At the man’s office, I met my daughter with two other women. The man said these women brought my daughter to the palace, that she has embraced Islam and she has also been withdrawn from school.

Those women even claimed they have taken her through the rudiments of Islam and have started looking for a school for her. At this juncture, I demanded that I am going home with her. But the man declined, saying only the emir has the power to allow the girl go with me. They took me to the emir but the emir refused my plea, saying I should come back next week.”

Pastor Uzoechina said on March 4, two people who claimed to be from the Bida Sharia Court “emerged with my daughter with a folded paper and said ‘sign, sign’ but I refused”.

When he tried to take his daughter, said the pastor, he was told she was now under

By Olukorede Yishau

the custody of the Sharia Court.

He subsequently got his lawyer to petition the police and CAN. On May 7, his lawyer, Anthony Agbonlahor also petitioned the Chief Judge of Niger State, complaining about the conduct of the judge of the Sharia Court 1, Justice Abdulkadir Idris. He said the court had no right to take custody of the girl.

He said: “Contrary to the principle of natural justice vis a vis fair hearing, our client was not served either with the court summons/processes or hearing notice. The case was filed on March 4; the case was heard March 4 and judgment delivered on the same day. In fact, judgment was also executed on the same date. The question is: why the urgency?”

Agbonlahor told The Nation at the weekend that the National Judicial Council (NJC) urged him to appeal the decision of the Sharia Court, which he sees as travesty of justice.

He said the defendant in the case was a Christian and as such the court lacked the jurisdiction to hear it.

The Sharia judge said he arrived at his decision because the girl claimed her father could kill her following her change of faith. He also claimed the defendant shunned an invitation to appear before it and defend himself, adding: “At this juncture, this honourable court hereby orders that the custody of the plaintiff be entrusted in the hand of Etsu Nupe for the time being and the Etsu Nupe should employ a qualified Islamic scholar who will be teaching her and showing her how the Islamic customs is all about and the plaintiff can even be watching and selecting a man of her choice whom she will want to marry as her partner.”

He added that Pastor Uzoechina “is implored to abide by the ruled and regulation as stressed under the Islamic customs so that she can

achieve her purpose of changing her religion of faith to Islam”.

On July 4, Agbonlahor told the court that it lacked jurisdiction on the matter and its judgment null and void Pastor Uzoechina said: “They refused to bring the girl to the court for cross examination, knowing that they were the writer of all they purported my daugher had written.”

Pastor Oritsejafor, at a news conference after his re-election as CAN President, said: “Emir of Bida must understand that Christianity and Islam must stand side by side. So, we are using this occasion to say: ‘Release our daughter for us!’”

The Bida Emirate, in a statement, said the Etsu Nupe should not be blamed for the girl’s alleged voluntary decision.

The statement said Miss Uzoechina approached the monarch for protection over her change of faith from Christianity to Islam on February 15.

The statement reads: “The royal father invited the father of the girl for talks, with the hope of reconciling them. On March 2, the father came to the palace and was taken before His Royal Highness. It was at His Royal Highness chamber the father came face to face with his daughter. After discussions with both the girl and her father, the Etsu Nupe asked the girl to go back home with her father to resolve the matter as a family.

“The girl refused to go home with her father fearing that the father may harm her going by the encounter at the Etsu Nupe’s palace. The girl left the palace and approached a court in Bida for protection, a request which the court granted the girl. The girl has since been in the custody of the court in Bida.

“Her reason was that her father insulted her and she was scared that he may harm her because of his utterances during their short meeting.

The father having failed to convince the girl to return home with him had earlier

AN official of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr Uzochukwu Onyebinama, yesterday urged the Federal Government to check high fees in private universities.

Dr Onyebinama, the union’s Chairman at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

He said charging exorbitant fees negated the core principle of education and had negative effects on the overall development of knowledge.

The ASUU chairman described education as a social service, adding: “A situation where most private universities collect N500,000 to N1.2 million as fees per session is wrong. The core motive for the establishment of educational institution is to provide social service and not for commercial gains.

NDLEA arrests 41 with N2.3b drugs

• Miss Uzoechina sought the intervention of CAN and the Department of State Security (SSS) but the girl stood her ground and refused all pleas.”

The Bida emirate said it discovered that the girl withdrew from the Polytechnic.

The emirate accused Pastor Uzoechina of distorting facts.

The NSCIA accused Pastor Oritsejafor of not handling the matter well.

In a statement by its acting Director of Publicity, Muhammad Kabir Kassim, the NSCIA said Pastor Oritsejafor “publicly assaulted the person of a high

ranking member of the NSCIA, His Royal Highness, the Etsu Nupe, who the CAN President derided in his vainglorious attempt to label the highly revered monarch as an abductor in reference to a 24year-old woman who voluntarily embraced Islam and came into protective custody of the royal highness.”

But, whatever the emirate and the NSCIA say, Pastor Uzoechina wants his daughter back home, saying even if she wants to practise Islam, “must she practise her religion at the Emir’s palace, depriving her of parental care?”

Navy intercepts 250,000 litres of illegally refined product

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•Two vessels impounded •Police take custody of 23 suspects

PERATIVES of the Central Naval Command, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State have arrested two vessels laden with 250,000 litres of illegally refined Automated Gas Oil. The command also impounded the vessels identified as MT RICA and MT FAVOUR 1 after apprehending 23 suspected oil thieves on board.

14 suspects were arrested from MT RICA; nine were nabbed on MT FAVOUR 1.

The suspects were handed over to the police in Yenegoa at the weekend for further investigation and prosecution.

The Flag Officer Commanding, CNC, Rear-Admiral Sidi Usman handed the suspects over to the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Tonye Ebitubituwa.

Usman was represented by the Command’s Operation Officer, Commodore Emmanuel Enemor, at the ceremony; Ebitibituwa was represented by an Assistant Supretendent of Police, Mr. Chris Nwogu.

Enemor said the two vessels were intercepted by the Nigerian Naval patrol teams, FORMOSO which has its operating base in Brass Local Government Area.

He said MT RICA was apprehended along the Nun

ASUU chief urges Fed Govt to check high fees in private varsities

River while MT FAVOUR 1 was arrested off Akassa River.

Instead of purchasing original products at certified loading points, the vessels were said to have diverted to the creeks to patronise crudely refined AGO. According to Enermor, investigations by the navy revealed that MT RICA was operated by Alcylios Ltd located at 25, Warehouse Road, Apapa, Lagos.

MT FAVOUR 1, before its arrest, operated under the business name of Petrol Marine Trading and Shipping Company located at 60, Emekuku Street, D Line, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Enemor said: “The laboratory analysis of the product samples from the vessels indicated that the AGO found on board was of low quality, thereby confirming that it may have been illegally refined.

“The captains of both vessels confessed on video that they lifted over 150,000 and 100,000 litres respectively of illegally refined AGO at Akassa.

“At the time of the arrest, the captains of both vessels could not tender their ship’s documents, ship’s logs, Nigeria Port Authority bunkering permits and

certificate of registration with the Joint Task Force, Operation Pulo Shield.”

He said the series of arrests effected by the command so far underscored “the renewed efforts of the navy to completely eradicate all forms of illegal activities and criminalities in our maritime environment”.

He named such illegal activities as crude oil theft, illegal refining of stolen crude oil, pipeline vandalism, sea robbery and piracy, kidnapping and hijacking of vessels.

Recalling the mandate handed down to the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Dele Ezeoba by President Goodluck Jonathan, he asked criminals and oil thieves to stay away from the Areas of Responsibilities (AOR) of the CNC. He said: “Besides the Territorial Waters, Exclusive Zone and the high sea, other water boundaries that are of serious concern to us in the fight against criminality are, Brass River, Nun River, St. Nicholas River and Santa Barbara River.”

He named others as Sambreiro River, Middleton River, Akassa creek and the Furupa community.

THE Murtala Mohammad International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested 41 suspected drug traffickers in the first half of the year, a statement said yesterday.

In the statement in Lagos by its spokesman, Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju, the agency said it recovered drugs valued at N2.3 billion.

“We have apprehended 41 suspected drug traffickers with 253.390 kilogrammes of narcotics with an estimated street value of N2.3 billion.

The drugs were intercepted between January and June 2013.

“Those arrested include 39 men and two women.

“The command also won 53 cases, most of which were charged to court in 2012.”

Miss Nigeria takes campaign against child marriage to Reps

By Kehinde Oluleye

MISS Nigeria Akudo Ezinne Anyaoha plans to petition the House of Representatives over child marriage.

The Law graduate of Abia State University, Uturu will present a petition, in which she describes child marriage as a violation of human rights.

She said: “These children are not prepared for the tedious demands of marriage and family life. Supporting underage marriage will keep relegating the girl-child to the background and will also reduce her chances of being educated to liberate herself.

“Child marriage perpetuates poverty and leads to poor health as children will not only be withdrawn from their peers but will also have psychological trauma and physical challenges, such as Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF).”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

8

NEWS Tambuwal: Nigerians’ will prevail From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

THE leadership of the House of Representatives has said the wishes of Nigerians will prevail on the amendments to the 1999 Constitution.

The voting on the amendments slated for today will be beamed live on television.

Voting will be done electronically will be adopted.

Speaker Aminu Tambuwal said the House must not ditch the verdict of their constituents.

In a statement yesterday by its spokesman, Zakari Mohammed, the House said: “The electronic option will be adopted.

The voting, the Leadership of the House insisted, must reflect the exact opinion of their constituents as contained in the results of the recently concluded peoples public sessions.

“The process will be conducted live on state television.”

Jonathan proposes 10-year jail term for human traffickers

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F a bill on prohibition of human trafficking scales legislative scrutiny at the National Assembly, traffickers risk a 10 year jail sentence.

This is the highlight of a bill, through which President Goodluck Jonathan seeks an Act to repeal the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act 2003.

Speaking at a joint public hearing of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the amendment of the bill yesterday, Senate President David Mark said there was no doubt that modern slavery still exist at homes and factories.

Mark, who was represented by Senator Abu Ibrahim,

said 10 years after the establishment of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), giant strides have been recorded in the campaign against human trafficking.

He condemned man’s inhumanity to man.

Mark said the bill had been carefully crafted to respond to the challenges that NAPTIP had encountered in the last 10 years of its existence.

He said the National Assembly was determined to give the enactment of the bill the urgency it deserves.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Women Affairs Senator Hellen Esuene described human trafficking as hydra-headed and said that all hands should be on deck to fight the scourge.

The lawmaker noted that human trafficking existed in different forms in parts of the world.

Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights Beni Lar said human trafficking was a multi-faceted problem.

Lar added that the problem of human trafficking was real and compelling.

She said: “Nigeria is a source, transit and destination country for women and children subjected to forced labour and sex trafficking.

“In frightening numbers, Nigerian women and girls are taken to other African countries, Europe, the Middle East and Asia where they are exploited for domestic servitude and forced prostitution.

“The United Nations Office

Na’Abba blames parties for lack of internal democracy From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

F •Jonathan

on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) 2012 Global Report on Trafficking In Persons noted that Nigerian victims were dictated in 16 countries in Western and Central Europe, where the account for 11 per cent of all victims detected.

“Nigerian boys are often trafficked for purposes of street vending, domestic service, mining, stone quarries, agriculture and begging.”

‘Petroleum Training Institute won’t be relocated’ From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

THE Federal Government has no intention of relocating the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun in Delta State, President Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday.

He spoke while receiving a delegation of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), led by its President-General, Maj-Gen. Patrick Aziza (rtd) at the Presidential Villa.

Jonathan urged the group to disregard rumours that the institute would be relocated.

He said: “Government is to solve problems. Our duty is to see how we can address the concerns of all of our people.”

The President thanked the Urhobo for their support to his administration.

Minister of Niger Delta Affairs Elder Godsday Orubebe told the delegation that the East-West Road would be completed by December, next year.

He said of the 42 bridges and 1,040 culverts needed on the road, 36 bridges and 860 culverts had already been completed.

Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, Gen Aziza said: “We, the Urhobo, came to visit our brother to let him know what we are feeling at home and to thank him for what he is doing and we pray God to give the strength to do more.”

On Jonathan contesting for 2015 presidential election, he said: “It is still far ooooo, we didn’t discuss that. Everybody is entitled to contest.”

On oil theft, he said: “You know me and my background, I support the harsh treatment to them. If any body is a thief, treat him like a thief. Don’t romance him, let them pay the price.”

ORMER House of Representatives Speaker Ghali Umar Na’Abba has blamed political parties for the lack of internal democracy.

He said the arrangement has also denied the youths the rights to participate in politics.

Na’Abba spoke at a seminar, with the theme: Democracy and the Public Service in Nigeria - a Case for Organisational Culture, organised by Northern Youths Assembly (NYA) at the Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Research and Training, Mumbayya House, Kano.

Na’Abba said the most annoying aspect of the arrangement was the replacement of political structure with appointed personnel.

He said this makes it impossible for all candidates to have a level-playing ground to test their popularity.

He said: “Today in Nigeria, what this has done is to kill the future of youths, particularly governors who have sealed the future of the youths, as they cannot make any progress through their God-given endowment, as they have been suppressed in PDP and other political parties because they cannot use their endowment by allowing them to be elected in any free and fair election by political parties.

“This is most unfortunate and this has a huge implication on the acts of governance and that is why it is declining.”

‘Ensure stable elctricity’

By Jude Isiguzo

• Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Dikko Abubakar (left) greeting the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS) Mr. Ita Ekpenyong (right)after security meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja...

PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN yesterday. With them is National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd).

How couple defrauded firm of N20 million to buy a house, by witness A LAGOS High Court, Ikeja was yesterday told how a couple who are directors of a Lagosbased company, Clarion Bonded Terminal Limited allegedly defrauded the company of N20 million.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged the couple, Innocent and Bernadine Eloka alongside Francis Okocha before the court presided

by Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo.

They were charged on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing of N239,999, 349.23 belonging to the company.

The Chairman, Clarion Bonded Terminal Limited, Mr Jude Igbanugo told the court that the couple took advantage of their positions as Man-

By Adebisi Onanuga

aging Director, and Chief Operating Officer and as signatories to the company’s bank account to perpetrate the fraud.

Igbanugo said the couple owned 42 percent share in the company, which was established in 2008.

He alleged that the N20 million taken from the company was paid to Mr. Andy Ajukwu for the purchase of a house.

Igbanugo, who was led in evidence by EFCC’s counsel Francis Usani, told the court that apart from the Elokas, himself and his wife were signatories to the company’s account with the Spring Bank Plc.

According to him, the mandate given to the bank was that once any of the Elokas signed, it covered the couple.

The witness also told the court that the Elokas allegedly took money from the company’s account while he and his wife were away to the village for the burial of his father in December 2010.

The witness said because of past experience, he and his wife had signed 20 blank cheques for the Elokas to use in their absence in running the company.

He said the action of the couple was contrary to the decision of the company to buy a house for them, using a mortgage loan secured from Spring Bank.

He said this arrangement was in addition to N9 million already given to the couple for the house they were living in.

“So, I was really troubled when I heard that Mr and Mrs Eloka still signed cheques to pay Ajuku N20 million,” he said.

He said when he got back to Lagos, after the burial, the witness said he immediately wrote a letter to all directors of the company informing them about the action of the couple.

He said Mr Eloka apologised and said he was under pressure from the owner of the house.

The witness is expected to continue his testimony today.

UNILAG appoints Ipaye as registrar, secretary to Governing Council

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UTHORITIES of University of Lagos have appointed Dr (Mrs.) Taiwo Folashade Ipaye as the Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council of the institution. The appointment takes effect from August 1 for

a five-year term.

Her appointment followed the ratification of the Report of the Selection Board by the Governing Council at a meeting held on Thursday.

Born on September 25, 1964 in Lagos, Nigeria, Dr. Taiwo

Folasade Ipaye (nee Davies) is an indigene of Lagos Island , Lagos State.

The old student of Our Lady of Apostles Secondary Grammar School, Oyo State (1981) holds a Bachelor of Education/History from the

University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife-Ife (1985) as well as a Master’s Degree and Doctorate Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Lagos (1987 and 2008).

N

IGERIANS living in China have urged the Federal Government to improve electricity supply.

They said without steady power supply, asking investors from China to return home would be a mirage.

They said no investors would put their money in an economy with an overhead cost that consumes the profit.

Speaking through the President of Good Government Initiative (GGI), a nongovernmental organisation (NGO) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Blue Diamond Logistics (China), Mr. Festus Mbisiogu, he hailed Jonathan for trying to attract investors but noted that he must stabilise power supply.

He said: “Investors will naturally come in with their investments; more jobs will be created; small businesses will improve and crime will reduce greatly.”

The NGO chief praised the Federal Government for organising the China-Nigeria Business Forum, which, he said, would boost the economy.

Mbisiogu said Nigeria should expect an improvement in the industry sector because several investors were willing to invest in the country.

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THE NATION TUESDAY JULY 23, 2013

NEWS

Ondo youths protest appointments in NDDC, OSOPADEC M ORE than 500 youths yesterday stormed Ondo State Governor’s Office in Akure, protesting administration of oil matters and appointments into oil-related bodies.

They came from the oil producing zone of Mahin/ Aheri/Etikan in Ilaje Local Government.

They besieged Alagbaka, Akure to protest the stand of Ugbo community on the planned merger of the oil associations in the local government.

The protesters, who arrived at the Governor’s Office about noon in 18-seater buses, carried placards with inscriptions.

The protesters said it was time government stopped the domination of other communities by people of Ugbo land in the administration of oil matters.

They presented a statement to Governor Olusegun Mimiko signed by seven leaders from the area, including Chiefs Olu Malumi, Ebenezer Ogungbure and Zeblon Orisamugbehin.

They said the protest by the Ugbo community was uncalled for and not in the interest of the majority of Ilaje people.

The protesters noted that the rejection of the purported merger with Ugbo

by Chevron was a pointer that it was done in error and unacceptable to the oil giant and the Ilaje people, following which government had set up a technical committee to work on a panIlaje merger.

“It is wrong for the Ugbo extraction to be dominating appointments into oil-re-

lated bodies, such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).

“The Ugbo indigenes have in the last 10 years been dominating posts in NDDC, OSOPADEC and lately the Local Content Board. This we will resist.

“While Ugbo has unjustifiably dominated most appointments from Ilaje with nothing to show in terms of the development of Ilaje land, some of them will stop at nothing in their efforts to pull down the few non-Ugbo but more patriotic and intellectually-superior Ilaje personality in government as demonstrated,” the statement said.

The people said they

agreed to support any arrangement by the government that would ensure equity and the peaceful engagement of Ilaje coastal communities as equal stakeholders in its offshore oil and gas assets and activities.

They said: “Having monopolised appointments into NDDC since 2000, OSOPADEC since 2003 and the Local Content Board at present, we reject any attempt to consider any person of Ilaje Ugbo origin in the imminent appointments into such oil-related positions.

“We urge that other persons from the oil producing areas in the state be given opportunity in the effort to develop the land and its people.”

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (right) presenting a birthday gift to the Vice-Chairman, Senate Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Senator Gbenga Ashafa (left), during a visit to the governor by the committee in Ikeja...yesterday.

With them is the committee Chairman, Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim.

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From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

FFICIALS of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have allegedly killed a commercial motorcyclist, Mr. Michael Ogunrinde, in Ado-Ekiti.

The state Chairman of the Association of Commercial Motorcycle Riders, Mr. Ademo Olu-Martins, said Ogunrinde, 50, popularly called Newman by his colleagues, followed other officials of the association to the headquarters of the Corps on Afao Road, Ado-Ekiti where they were allegedly attacked and beaten up by NSCDC officials.

He said Ogunrinde died last Friday morning from the injuries he allegedly sustained during the attack.

His remains have reportedly been deposited at the mortuary of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH).

Mr. Olu-Martins recalled that members of the association had gone to the NSCDC headquarters to make clarifications in respect of the death, last Thursday morning, of an official of the NSCDC. He said the official was killed by a vehicle, which hit the motorcycle he boarded from behind when he was heading for the NSCDC headquarters.

Said He: “We went to their office on Afao Road to secure the release of our members, whom they arrested and took to their office. We also wanted to explain that their officer called Taiwo Adesuyi died when the okada conveying him to their headquarters was hit from behind by a vehicle and that none of our members was responsible for the accident.

“Our move turned out to be a mistake. Instead of reasoning with us, they attacked us with dangerous objects. We were taken unawares.

“One of us, Ogunrinde, who is lying there (pointing to the deceased), sustained injuries in the head. He died early this morning. Two others are in the hospital receiving treatments.

Their condition has improved.”

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Sotonye Wakama, who confirmed the death, said an autopsy has not been carried out to ascertain its cause.

He added: “We are aware of the death, but we have not come to a conclusion regarding its cause. We know there was a fracas during which someone sustained injuries.

“We are not sure that the okada rider died from the injuries sustained or that the death was a result of other factors. An autopsy would have to be conducted to ascertain the cause of his death. Until the conclusion of investigation, we cannot speak on the cause of his death.”

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From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

Iragbiji Chieftaincy Decalaration under Section 10 Sub Section 1-3 of the state Chieftaincy Laws Cap 25, laws of the State of Osun 2002, the state government affirmed that Lagbua family is not entitled to Iragbiji

chieftaincy stool.

In line with the recommendation of the Ministry of Justice, the State Executive Council at its meeting on April 3, refused to approve the Lagbua Family’s request.

The Lagbua family in Iragbiji, the headquarters of Boripe Local Government

Area of Osun State, a few months ago appealed to the government to consider the inclusion of the family into the Aragbiji stool.

The Lagbua alleged that the name of the family was deleted from the list of the ruling houses in the ancient town.

Ekiti to inaugurate early-child-care centres

KITI State Government yesterday spoke of plans to inaugurate the three mega early-child-care centres being developed in the three senatorial districts.

It said this would ensure solid educational foundation for children.

The facilities are located in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital (Central), Ikole-Ekiti (North) and Ikere-Ekiti South).

Governor Kayode Fayemi said at the inauguration of a block of six classrooms built by the Nigerian Breweries Plc at St. Barnabas CAC Nursery and Primary School, Ajilosun, Ado-Ekiti that the facilities were central to having a sound education.

Represented by his deputy, Prof. Modupe Adelabu, the governor listed efficient and effective teaching force, a conducive teaching and

•Police: we’re investigating his death

Ogun to deliver seven flyovers by GUN State GovernDecember

Iragbiji Ruling House: Osun rejects family’s request

HE Osun State Government has rejected the Lagbua Family’s request for inclusion in the ruling houses entitled to Aragbiji stool.

According to a gazette published on 4th April, 2013 No 7 Vol. 23 acting on

Civil Defence officials ‘kill’ commercial motorcyclist

learning environment, provision of essential instructional materials, among others as essential ingredients for a meaningful primary education.

He said the ingredients are in addition to the implementation of an approved curriculum.

Governor Fayemi said: “The present administration has built a dedicated and highly- contented teaching force with the recent approval of promotion for 1,994 teachers and the payment of Teacher Peculiar Allowance (TPA). Primary school staff vehicle/housing loans and rural teachers’ allowance of 10 per cent have been passed into law for implementation to boost the morale of teachers.”

The governor described the donation of a block of six

classrooms by the Nigerian Breweries Plc as a fruitful collaboration between the private and public sectors.

He described the gesture as an indication that the efforts of the administration in the education sector are attracting the attention of corporate bodies, such as the Nigerian Breweries Plc. Hailing the company for considering Ekiti State for such project, Governor Fayemi urged teachers and pupils to make good use of the building and the furniture provided by the firm.

He enjoined other stakeholders, including parents, guardians, faith-based organisations, financial institutions and corporate organisations to emulate the Nigerian Breweries Plc and join hands in moving education forward.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Breweries Plc, who was represented by the General Manager, Ibadan Plant, Mr. Goke Adeyemi, lauded the state for its spirited efforts at reforming and restoring the legacy and pride of sound education.

The manager said Ekiti State was famous for its intellectual leadership throughout the world because of its love for education.

He said the donation of the block of classrooms was part of his company’s contribution to the infrastructural challenges in the education sector.

Adeyemi described the intervention as a way of identifying with the feats attained by the Fayemi administration, especially in the area of education.

ment has said seven flyovers would be delivered to the indigenes

by December.

Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite, who said this in Abeokuta during the inspection of some road and bridge construction sites, added that the roads would be delivered as scheduled.

According to him, the bridges to be delivered for use are the Mobalufon flyover and Lagos Garage flyover along Ejirin-Oluwalogbon junction, both in Ijebu Ode, the two bridges along IllisanAgo Iwoye Road, the flyover bridge at Sabo Sagamu as well as the two bridges under construction at Itoku and Sapon on the OGTV-Brewery Road in Abeokuta.

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He said the flyover in Mobalufon, when completed, would convey motorists over the ever-busy Sagamu-Benin Expressway.

Contractors handling some of the roads have started asphalting of sections of the roads.

The commissioner said the asphalting was done after completion of the necessary concrete and earth works on the roads.

Some of the roads on which the sectional asphalting has been done include MKO Abiola Way in Abeokuta, the Ilara axis of the 107km Ilara-IjounEggua Road, Sagamu Expressway-Sabo Road, IloAwela Road in Ota and Onikolobo axis of OjereAdatan Road.

Fashola inspects projects

AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola has inspected the Government College, Eric Moore project in Iganmu and the 1008 Housing Estate project in Ijora-Badiya. He said the ethos of this year’s budget was to conclude as many projects as possible during the budget year.

Fielding questions from reporters after the inspection, Governor Fashola, who said the inspection exemplifies team work, added that other members of the Executive Council are also going round the project sites to solve problems where they exist to ensure efficiency and timely completion of the projects.

At the 1008 Housing Estate, for example, the governor said the Commissioner for Works, and his Housing and Agriculture counterparts met members of the Ijora-Badiya community to explain to them the progress of the project.

“It is clear to the community now that nobody has been here for decades and people have lived on what is essentially an illegal refuse dump. This quality of life is not acceptable in this state, at least not to me as the governor and something must be done,” he said.

Commenting on the complaints by members of the community on their alleged dislocation, Governor Fashola said: “The process of building means that there must be some discomfort. You cannot make an omelet without breaking an egg.” He said in the process of redeveloping in an existing community, there will always be some discomfort.

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THE NATION TUESDAY JULY 23, 2013

NEWS Council holds workshop

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AGOS State Research and Development Council (LSRDC) will hold a stakeholders’ sensitisation workshop today at the Lagos E-learning Centre, Broad Street, Lagos Island.

The workshop is targeted at government, academia, research and development agencies, private sector and students.

At the workshop, the 10member research and development council, which was inaugurated last September

by Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola and chaired by Prof. Olufemi Bamiro, will present the activities of the council to the public and engage stakeholders in an interactive session on the strategies to strengthen and foster Research and Development (R&D) in the state.

Prof. Bamiro said: “The vision of the council is to become an instrument for the transformation of Lagos State into an innovative, knowledge-driven community where the citizens acquire the capability to thrive in the globally competitive world economy.”

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Underage marriage: Ondo senator weeps

HE lawmaker representing Ondo Central in the Senate, Senator Ayo Akinyelure, yesterday apologised to the indigenes for supporting the underage marriage law.

He said he voted in error.

The senator, who was summoned to a stakeholders’ meeting at Adegbemile Cultural Centre Hall in Akure on why he backed the law, told the people to count it as part of human error, which could be committed by anyone.

Akinyelure, popularly called Allover, could not control himself as he wept like a baby in the presence of the people after prostrating to them. He said they should forgive him.

He claimed that he mistakenly pressed “NO” instead of “YES” when the lawmakers

•Says: ‘I voted in error’ From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

started voting, adding that the voting style was electronic.

His words: “Nobody is above human error. What happened has made me wiser, because nobody is perfect except God. I am making this clarification to refute the allegation of voting in favour of underage marriage as widely reported in the newspapers.

“Before this issue occurred, what the Senate considered for determination under the review of the constitution was renunciation of citizenship under Section 29 (4b), which provides that “Any woman who married shall be

‘Nobody is above human error. What happened has made me wiser, because nobody is perfect except God’ deemed to be of full age.” It is worthy of note that full age has been defined under Section 29 (4a) to mean “the age of 18 years and above.”

“The question before the Senate for determination, therefore, was, whether the clause which provides that “a married woman is deemed to be of full age to renounce her citizenship

Ex- PDP, Accord members hail Ajimobi

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Alaafin hails Fashola’s tax initiatives

Governor Babatunde Fashola with Lagos One Day Governor, Master Olajuwon Folarin, during a visit to the Government House...yesterday

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

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HE Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, has urged governments to educate the people that it is a crime not to pay tax.

He spoke when the national executives of the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CITN) led by its National Vice-President, Dr. Teju Somorin, visited him in his palace.

The monarch hailed Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola’s tax initiatives.

He said: “Governor Fashola has been pursuing an aggressive and purposeful taxation campaign, which has been yielding positive results, as Lagosians now have access to better facilities.”

He also lauded the effective parameters put in place by Governor Abiola Ajimobi Oyo State towards giving the people a new lease of life.

The traditional ruler said every citizen must pay tax to enable government provide social amenities.

“It is regrettable that the federal and state governments are losing billions of naira annually because of our refusal to pay tax,” he added.

Alaafin, who was given a standing ovation for about 30 minutes by the visitors, praised the CITN for its efforts and urged it not to be cowed by the business conglomerates, which declare billions as profits, but pay peanuts as taxes.

“In advanced countries, governments take 40 per cent of professional earnings as taxes to run essential services.

Empirical evidence abounds that no matter your status in the society, refusal to pay tax will land you in jail. Whereas in Africa, especially Nigeria, we build multi-billion naira mansions, acquire expensive cars, as well as private jets, and nobody asks any question.”

should be retained or be deleted? Section 29 (1) of the constitution provides that “Any citizen of full age, who wishes to renounce his citizenship shall make a declaration in the prescribed manner for the renunciation.

“The question before the Senate for which I voted in favour was that whether a married woman is deemed to be of full age to renounce her citizenship and not whether a woman can marry before attaining the age of 18. This is quite different from voting in favour of underage marriage as widely reported in the media to blackmail senators that believe in the peaceful co-existence of Nigeria as a nation and to avoid possible reli-

gious crises and security challenges that may likely result from deleting this clause from the constitution, hence I voted for the clause to remain.

“This implies that renunciation of Nigeria citizenship is different from age of marriage of Nigeria citizens under the constitution. I submit this clarification to Nigerians and the world at large that I, my people in Ondo Central and the Government of Ondo State did not support underage marriage in all ramifications.”

Despite these explanations, the people, who are majorly women and members of the Labour Party (LP) were not satisfied.

Some of them, who spoke at the meeting, said the senator had taken a decision, which had put the people of the state in shame.

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UI VC orders students to vacate hostel

OLLOWING the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Isaac Adewole, yesterday ordered the students living on cam-

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From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

pus to vacate their halls of residence before 6pm today.

In a statement issued by the institution’s Director of Communication, Mr. Olatunji Oladejo, the VC

asked the students to proceed on a two-week semester break with immediate effect as a result of the prevailing circumstances.

In a telephone chat with The Nation yesterday, Mr. Oladejo noted that it was

necessary for the students to go home as the ongoing ASUU strike has paralysed academic activities and there is no need for them to stay on campus.

He added that an idle hand is the devil’s workshop.

EMBERS of the Accord and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who recently defected to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State, have hailed Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s visionary leadership style. They also lauded the infrastructural development ongoing in the state, saying these are part of the reasons they defected to the ACN. They spoke at a ceremony organised to formally welcome them into the party.

The Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, who represented Governor Ajimobi, delivered goodwill messages from him to the new ACN members, assuring them of the dividends of democracy The state Chairman of the party, Chief Akin Oke, hoped that before the end of Ajimobi’s first term, the state would have assumed its pacesetter status. He assured the new members of equitable stake in the party.

Egbeda Council boss, Mr. Mufutau Animashaun Oyewo, appealed for cooperation and support from the new members to move the local government and state to a greater height.

Lagos alerts public to existence of deadly virus

AGOS State Government has alerted residents to the existence of a new virus known as Coronavirus, which has claimed many lives in the areas, it has been reported.

It called for a high standard of personal and environmental hygiene to reduce the risk of infection as there is no treatment for the illnesses caused by Coronavirus.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, who gave the warning yesterday, said researchers are yet to study how it spread.

He added that it could be transmitted through touching or shaking hands of an

infected person and touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes after touching contaminated objects or surfaces.

Idris said human Coronavirus usually caused mild to moderate upper respiratory tract illnesses and can progress to severe respiratory illness and pneumonia, particularly in the aged, young and already ill people, adding that its symptoms include runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath and fever.

He urged residents to suspect Coronavirus in people that develop acute respiratory illnesses with a history of recent travel to areas where the virus has been re-

ported and not responding to treatment for the listed complaints or a close contact of a symptomatic traveller to areas where the virus has been reported.

Said he: “There is no specific treatment for the illnesses caused by Coronavirus. Most people with Coronavirus will recover on their own and they may require supportive treatments, which include staying at home, resting and drinking fluids. However, those that progress to severe distress will need to be admitted in hospital for specialised care.”

The commissioner noted that the risk of infection of

the virus can be reduced if people observe a high standard of personal and environmental hygiene by often washing the hands with soap and water; not touching the eyes, nose or mouth frequently; avoiding close contact with people who are ill; ensuring that objects used by the sick are sterilised; and avoiding being in an overcrowded place.

Dr. Idris enjoined travellers on holy pilgrimage, particularly to Mecca to get vaccination against meningitis, yellow fever and flu, while adhering to the precautions earlier mentioned. He stressed that expectant mothers, the very young, the eld-

erly and the very sick, who intend to go on pilgrimage should postpone such trip.

“You can help protect others by staying at home when you are ill, avoiding close contact with others, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, keeping objects and surfaces clean and disinfected,” he said.

The commissioner advised health workers to be alert, wear personal protective equipment, observe universal basic precaution when attending to suspected or confirmed cases and report same to any local government or council development area nearest to them or the state Ministry of Health.

BUSINESS

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

‘Oil firms inflating reports on oil theft’ From Shola O’Neil, S/South

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Regional Editor

NIGER DELTA Group, the Ijaw Peo ple’s Development Initiative (IPDI), has accused oil multinationals of hiding under the guise of illegal bunkering to defraud the government.

The accusation came against the backdrop of recent outcries by oil multinationals and state governments over the adverse effect of illegal bunkering on crude oil production.

Bayelsa and Delta states governors, Hon Seriake Dickson and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, had recently raised the alarm over the effect of illicit deals on the revenue profiles of their states.

However, Comrade Austine Ozobo of the IPDI, in a statement said illegal bunkering is not as bad as being portrayed by the oil multinationals.

He said multinational oil firms are exaggerating the prevalence of the crime and volume stolen in order to “make more profit and pay less tax and returns to the Federal Government.”

He urged the Federal Government and its agencies not disregard the oil firm’s report by undertaking independent assessments of claims.

“It is also true that the oil companies are running illegal oil wells and underestimated numbers of barrel produce per-day which the government did not know about, it is sad! ‘’The attitude of the oil companies are worse than the known oil thieves we are shouting about, only few of the oil wells and oil produced per day by the oil companies are reported. I tell you there many oil wells and barrel produce that are not known by the federal government.”

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

- Minister of Information, Labaran Maku

Fed Govt recovers N34b from illegal MDA accounts A BOUT N34billion has been recovered out of N58billion traced to illegal accounts being operated by some Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the Minister of Finance, and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has said.

She explained that the proceeds were revenues generated by the MDAs, but diverted instead of remitting them into the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) Account maintained at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The minister disclosed these to newsmen in Abuja yesterday at the inauguration of two committees on Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System (IPPIS), and the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS). She assured that the Federal Government will take further measures to ensure that the government gets what is due to it.

“We had to act fast as agencies that are revenue generating refused to comply with the provision of remit-

• Orders full execution of new payment system

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst.

Editor) and Bridget Adah Agiounim, Abuja

ting 25 per cent of such funds to the treasury. We pleaded with them, tried to dialogue with them, but it was not working,” she said, adding, “so we had to take some drastic measures. We have so far recovered N34billion of such monies and have factored it into cash backing for second quarter release for budget 2013.”

The Federal Ministry of Finance had last month disclosed that some revenue generating agencies in collusion with banks, were withholding about N58 billion, but not remitted to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).

It threatened that effective June 17, 2013, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, will close such accounts in all banks. This process of sys-

tematic closure, the Ministry stated, would continue until all monies that should be in the Consolidated Revenue Fund are retrieved.

Okonjo-Iweala said, “rather than comply, the agencies and banks, through their lawyers, have engaged in all manner of legal subterfuges to ensure that monies which are due to the Federal Government are not remitted.

“The objective of this conspiracy against the national interest, is to keep government monies indefinitely in accounts earning interest for individuals at the expense of the Federal Government and the Nigerian people,” stressing that the federal government “is determined that this unacceptable practice must end forthwith.”

She said the government has consequently ordered the full operationalisation of the Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System

(IPPIS), and the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), by December this year.

She said 58 per cent of the federal budget is now being implemented through the GIFMIS platform, adding that by the end of the year, the entire budget implementation is expected to be done through the same platform to ensure accountability.

With regards to IPPIS, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala said the government has been “able to capture 215 MDAs and saved a total of N119billion, and has equally discovered about 46,000 ghost workers.

She explained that the idea is to capture the remaining 321 MDAs, saying by the time the remaining MDAs were captured, “we would have saved more for the government.”

She said these two initiatives have assisted the government, “in curbing cor-

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

• From left: Permanent Secretary of Agriculture, Oyo State, Mr.Kunle Adeduntan; Community Relations Manager, British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), Engr. Solomon Ogundele; Executive Director BATNF, Mrs. Oluwasoromidayo George and the Commissioner for Agriculture Oyo State, Mr. Peter Odetomi, during a courtesy visit my the BATNF Team to the Ministry of Agriculture...yesterday.

New infrastructure Master-Plan to cost N2.9tr

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HE implementation of the new blueprint on infrastructure - Nigeria Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP), would cost $2.9 trillion, the Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, has said.

Usman, who spoke at a dinner organised by the Business Support Group (BSG), explained that the Master Plan had been designed to raise the nation’s stock of infrastructure from the current 35-40 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), to 70 per cent of GDP in the next 30 years.

He said the plan envisaged that 48 per cent of the $2.9

billion would come from the private sector.

The NIIMP is a 30-year one, designed to accelerate infrastructure development in the country, he said, adding that its focus is on core infrastructure, including energy (power and oil & gas), transport (roads, rail, ports and airports), housing, water and information communications technology (ICT).

Other infrastructure classes include agriculture, mining, social infrastructure, vital registration and security, he said.

Usman said the draft NIIMP contained a longterm vision that set the over-

all direction for the master plan and strategic objectives, such as per capita income and GDP growth, adding that it also described the overall investments required in infrastructure, over the next 30 years, and the requisite financing plan and sector and regional strategies, as well as a priority projects portfolio. As an actionable plan, the NIIMP also highlighted enablers for implementation and an implementation plan.

Usman pointed out that the huge investment requirement of the NIIMP, imposed on the Federal Government the task of exploreing various financing options, adding that the private sector would

be expected to play a more significant role in financing infrastructure development.

He added that the great potential for private sector participation placed additional responsibility on the public sector.

“Given the global nature of infrastructure investment, it implies we have to compete. To compete, we have to strengthen the policy, legal and institutional frameworks for effective infrastructure development as well as improve security. It will also require fiscal incentives and capability building for the management of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).

ruption and the introduction of fake names into the payroll system, as well as modernise the way government handles its finances.”

In his remarks, the Acountant-General of the Federation and a member of the committee, Jonah Otunla, said GIFMIS was introduced with the aim of improving the acquisition, allocation and utilisation of public funds.

He said the committees, represent a good platform in modernising government finances and reducing incidences of government borrowing.

Reps query Ecological Funds Office over N3.7b contract From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

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HE House of Repre sentatives Committee on Environment wants the Ecological Funds Office to explain why it abandonment a N3.7 billion contract designed to mitigate desert encroachment in the country.

The money was part of the N5billion approved by President Goodluck Jonathan in November 2009, for the phase One of the National Afforestation Programme. The N3.7 billion was specifically meant for the development of tree nurseries and raising of seedlings project in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

But the committee findings in a report on the project described it as a “failed project: “ The report stated: “In all the project sites visited, the Committee discovered that the tree seedlings had been raised and abandoned. Most of the seedlings had overgrown the transplanting stage, while a good number of the seedlings had withered and die.”

It said apart from the fact that the project was “poorly conceived,” the states and local governments were not carried along in the implementation of the project. “ some of the local government councils where the projects sited did not know anything about the project.”

Speaking during an oversight visit to the Ecological Funds Office, the Committee Chairman, Ekwunife said trillions of taxpayers money has been spent on numerous ecological projects with nothing to show, adding that the era of profligacy was over.

According to her, the contractors of the project in the different states “informed the committee that the terms of their contract were to raise the tree seedlings only, which they had completed. they said the contract did not include transplanting of the seedlings and budgetary provision was not made for it.”

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

BUSINESS NEWS Workers to govt: stop Global Holding Infrastructure INVITATION FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR 2012 CONDITIONAL GRANTS SCHEME OF MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS (CGS –MDGs) PROJECTS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT TRACKS. 1.

INTRODUCTION The State Implementation Committee on Conditional Grants Scheme on behalf of Oyo State Government wishes to implement some pro poor programmes and projects under 2012 Conditional Grants Scheme (CGS) in the 33 Local Government Areas of Oyo State and 2012 CGS to Local Government track in Four (4) LGAs, namely: Ido, Irepo, Iwajowa and Ogo-Oluwa LGAs. In this connection, applications are invited from suitable, qualified and experienced contractors, with good records in the execution of similar projects and programmes, for Expression of Interest for the under listed sectors.

STATE GOVERNMENT TRACK (i) HEALTH: • Renovation of Primary Health Care Centres • Procurement of Essential Drugs • Procurement of Medical Equipment to PHCs • Procurement of three (3) Ambulances (ii) WATER AND SANITATION : • Construction of Mini Water Scheme (iii) CONSULTANCY SERVICES: • Consultancy for Project Monitoring & Evaluation.

• Preparation and Production of 2012 MDGs Report LOCAL GOVERNMENT TRACK (i) HEALTH: • Renovation of Primary Health Care Centres • Procurement of Essential Drugs • Procurement of Medical Equipment • Procurement of Ambulances (ii) WATER AND SANITATION : • Construction of Solar Motorised Boreholes • Construction of VIP Toilets (iii) EDUCATION • Supplies of Text Books, Desk and Chairs, Conference Chairs and First Aid Boxes.

• Construction of Classrooms.

• Renovation of Existing Classrooms. (iv) CONSULTANCY SERVICE • Consultancy for Project Monitoring & Evaluation.

GENERAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT 2.

Interested reputable contractors are expected to submit the following pre-qualification documents:Evidence of Incorporation Evidence of Enrolment with the state MDGs Office Evidence of Registration with the State Bureau of Public Procurement Audited Account for the company for the past three (3) years Evidence of Financial Capability and Banking Reference Technical Qualification and Experience of key Staff Experience of similar projects executed in the past five (5) years Evidence of knowledge of the industry Equipment and Technology capacity Evidence of Business Premises Registration with the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Cooperatives.

Certificate of Personal Income Tax (PIT) for period of 3 years for at least 2 company directors.

Evidence of VAT Registration Company Tax Clearance Certificate for the past three (3) years 3 (A) (i). (ii) (iii) (B) (i).

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT HEALTH SECTOR – SUPPLY OFMEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND DRUGS For drug supplies, companies must be registered drug manufacturers or have premises registered by the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria.

For medical equipment, companies must show evidence of previous experience in the supply of such equipment.

Possession of distributorship or certificate of manufacturer’s representation would be an added advantage.

WATER AND SANITATION SECTOR - CONSTRUCTION OF MINI WATER SCHEME AND BOREHOLES Evidence of ownership of equipment and technology capacity or lease agreement.

(C). GENERAL SUPPLY (i). Contractors must show sufficient evidence of similar executed contract(s) for the item of supply they are interested in.

4. (i) (ii) (iii)

OTHER RELEVANT INFROMATION Only short-listed contractors will be invited for further consideration.

Late submission shall be rejected Contractors can seek clarification or request of additional information by writing officially

(iv)

State Implementation Committee reserves the right to take final decision on any of the document received in your proposals and no further correspondence will be entertained.

to the officer listed below before the deadline for the submission of Expression of Interest document.

LOCAL CONTENT POLICY 5.

The State Government operates a Local Content Policy in the award of contracts, with the objective of empowering Local Professional Bodies and Association of Artisans. As such, registered Local Professional Bodies and Associations of Artisans are encouraged to send in their applications, either directly, if their line of business is relevant to the job(s) applied for; or they may promote suitably qualified and registered companies. Applications under the Local Content Policy in any of the tracks must be clearly marked “LCP” at the bottom of the envelope.

SUBMISSION OF EXPRESSION OF INTEREST DOCUMENTS 6.

The documents must be signed and submitted within two weeks from the date of this publication in the appropriate Expression of Interest Box at the CGS-MDGs Office, Room CS 29 Ministry of Finance Building, secretariat, Ibadan, in sealed envelope clearly marked “EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR MDGS 2012 CONDITIONAL GRANTS SCHEME” and addressed to The Focal Person (CGS), Room CS 29, Ministry of Finance, Building Complex, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Signed

ZACCH. ADELABU ADEDEJI Chairman, State Implementation Committee on CGS and Honourable Commissioner for Finance

T

• Say firm can generate N20b yearly

HE Iron & Steel Senior Staff Association of Nigeria has petitioned the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Architect Musa Sada that the Federal Government should not lease the National Iron Ore Mining Company Limited (NIOMCO) to the Global Holding Infrastructure Limited (GHI).

According to the association in a letter to the minister that was dated June 12, 2013, which our correspondents sighted, there are rumours that government is considering leasing or privatizing the company to GHI, the same firm that government cancelled its concession for NIOMCO in 2008.

The association however pointed to that “NIOMCO has an iron ore reserve of about N2.8billion tones and over 2.4million tonnes of run-of- mine. NIOMCO can generate about N20billion per annum for the nation while reasonable income can also be realized from the sales of by-products

From John Ofikhenua and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

from the processing of the iron ore.”

In its highlights of the disadvantages in sealing the rumoured deal, the association said “Giving NIOMCO to GHL again will deprive the Federal Government of determining the price of steel products in future. Already the price of iron ore has doubled in years back.

Invariably the profit veritable is tipped to continue to rise. This will be beneficial to Federal Government revenue base.”

The petition which was signed by the association’s chairman, Ibori Dauda Salihu and the secretary Leke Oyekekan, added that billions of Naira has been spent on building and equipment; on power supply; execution work on the 132KV/electrical substation and power distribution network with the company.

It also noted that the EPP comprising two 7.5mv gen-

erating sets have been completed and leaving it in the hands of GHL will be a huge economic waste to Nigeria.

The association appealed to the minister to allow NIOMCO to stay so that it can continue to serve both the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and Delta Steel Companies which are largely dependent on the raw materials from NIOMCO. NIOMCO workers urged the minister put the beneficiation plant in proper condition to enable NIOMCO process and beneficiate the iron ore deposit that abound in large quantity in Itakpe soil for the benefit of the country.

The petition also informed the Federal Government that the workers’s salaries deserve upward review in order to measure up with those of their counterparts in Power Holding Company and Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation.

PHCN seeks SSS, police, intervention on equipment destruction

T

• Union threatens strike over severance package

HE Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) has urged members of the State Security Service, Police and other law enforcement agencies to help tackle the issue of vandalisation of its equipment.

Speaking at a Customers’ Parliament Forum in Lagos, the Chief Executive officer, Mr Oladele Amoda said the call became nece ssary to end acts of vandalism and further boost power supply in the country.

Amoda said the cost of replacing vandalised materials is unbearable, adding that its runs into several millions of naira.

He said the socio-economic effect of vandalism was negative, because it results in throwning the communities into darkness.

He said: ‘We spent millions of naira to replace the vandalised equipment; this amount would have been better expended on new projects for the customers.’’

He advised Community Development Associations, and other well meaning community members to be alert and assist in curbing vandalism of electrical equipment within their localities.

He said the forum was an

By Akinola Ajibade

avenue for various customers to express their mind on how to improve service delivery and to intimate them of the challenges confronting the zone.

The PHCN boss said that the forum would create enabling environment to appeal to customers on ways to protect government equipment, adding that the agency is putting measures in place to improve electricity supply and socio=economic activties in the country.

“We are working towards ensuring distributing 20hour electricity supply daily to our customers by December, and to 22-hours in January, said, adding that funding is the major problem preventing the government from providing regualr power to people.

He explained that in the current Multi Year Tariff Order 2 (MYTO 2), customers are expected to have metres installed at their premises free.

Meanwhile, the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), has threatened to stage a nationwide protest if payment of PHCN workers’ severance package is not implemented by the govern-

ment.

The Chairman, Lagos Chapter of NUEE, Adeleke Ibrahim, told the News Agency of Nigeria yesterday in Lagos, that the union has given an ultimatum of end of July.

Ibrahim said that the payment has suffered setbacks due to the inability of the Federal Ministry of Power to put their records straight. He however advised the committees and government agencies saddled with the computation of the workers’ severance package to expedite action and ensure they were paid on time.

Ibrahim said the union will resist any further delay in payment of the severance package as from the end of this month.

“At the end of this month, if nothing is done, we will come out as usual and Nigerians will now know who is who. We are not pretending over that,’’ he said, adding that the workers have waited long enough since for the severance package to be paid.

“Our members keep worrying us that the money is being delayed,” he said, urging that government should fulfil its pledge to pay the workers by the end of July.

Firms partner to solve energy problem

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O make the perennial problem of power fail ure a thing of the past, an American company, All Power Labs (APL), in partnership with Bionergy limited, has introduced a ‘Power Pallet’ device that can generate electricity from biomass.

The Managing Director of Bionergy Limited. Ernest Onyenze, said at the Biomass to Electricity workshop held in Lagos over the weekend, said ‘power failures experienced in the

By Ajose Sehindemi

country can be solved through the renewable biomass project, if the government invested in it’.

Biomass is a process of putting dry agricultural waste into energy and Biomass energy, is the power that is gotten from the process, he said, adding that is a fully automated solution for biomass power generation, and it is cheap and affordable.

Onyenze said the project

came into being ‘as a result of the energy situation in Nigeria which requires that radical and all manner of alternatives, approach, to get what the people want, is provided.

He said the planning phase of the project took about eight years , and it was done in conjunction with partners in the United States.

He said only 500 units of the Power Pallet device were available globally, with five in Africa.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

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MARITIME Bank supports regional project

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• Some of the containers

Fed Govt orders auction of abandoned cargoes at ports A

LL abandoned and overtime goods at the ports are to be auctioned by the Federal Government, it has been learnt.

The Federal Government Committee for Disposal of Overtime/Abandoned Goods has been ordered to sell such cargoes that arrived at the ports on or before May 7.

A scramble has begun for the acquisition of the goods. Politicians, civil servants and those close to the Customs are said to have shown interest in buying the goods.

The goods are at Apapa, Tin-Can, Onne, Port-Harcourt, Calabar, Warri, Lilypond, Kirikiri and Murtala Muhammed International Airport, among others.

Customs sources told The Nation yesterday, that over 1.500 containers and vehicles may be auctioned.

At Apapa and Ikorodu terminals, sources said, over 90 and 150 containers have been marked as overtime/abandoned goods.

Onne port, a source said, has the highest number of abandoned/ over time cargoes which may be

Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda, Maritime Correspondent

sold anytime from now.

“Onne port has more than 1,000 abandoned/overtime containers that may be sold by the government if the owners have not come forward to clear them before June 7, this year,” the source said.

At the Tin-Can Island Container Terminal (TICT), the government directed that over 250 containers be auctioned if the owners failed to meet the deadline.

Most of those who have shown interest in buying the abandoned goods are top politicians belonging to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), government appointees and senior civil servants.

When The Nation visited the Lagos ports at the weekend, some politicians were seen making enquiries from top Customs officers.

A senior Customs officer said since the government ordered the sale, some politicians and civil servants have been making enquiries.

“Most of these people coming to

us to buy these items don’t even consider those who imported them into the country before the goods were trapped inside the ports,” the source added.

Some of the goods, he said, were imported with tax payers’ money and abandoned at the port because they are sub-standard or prohibited items, which they cannot clear from the port under normal circumstances.

Some of the items in the containers, the source said, included lace, used clothes, second-hand shoes, bags, truck head, iron rod, angle bar, pipes, gas trucks, rice, furniture, light and other household items.

Most of the goods, the source said, were abandoned at the ports because they were seized by Customs officials for false declaration, undeclaration, attempt to evade duty, contrabands and demurrage charges by terminal operators.

Some of the containers, the source said, were caught in the web because the owners were using the port for storage facility.

Labour Minister stops maritime workers’strike

T

HE Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emaka Wogu, has averted crisis at the port by stopping the maritime workers’planned strike.

He met with the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to avert the strike.

The union was planning to shut down the seaports.

The workers under the dockworkers branch are protesting alleged 13 months unpaid salaries of tally clerks on board security men.

Sources at the meeting said the NPA requested for time to study

the cost implication of the workers’ demand.

Speaking with The Nation, the President of MWUN, Comrade Tony Nted Emmanuel, said if not for the minister’s intervention, the union had concluded plans to shut operations in all ports.

He said NPA has agreed to pay the aggrieved workers.

He said the cargo surveyors, which NPA brought allegedly in to supplant members of the union, are unacceptable and represents an attempt to deceitfully take over the job of the dockworkers.

“Right from the time of Joint Dock Labour Industrial Council and the Joint Maritime Labour Industrial Council, the status and responsibilities of dockworkers have

always been spelt out,” he said.

Emmanuel vowed that the MWUN would not relent until the tally clerks and the-on-board security are paid their salary arrears, which according to him, would be 13 months at the end of the month.

“On-board security men are involved in watching over cargo to avoid theft and over boarding and to prevent unauthorised shore leave through the gangway by crew members. Their function also helps to prevent attack of vessels in the ports by terrorist and pirates in line with requirement of the ISPS code on port and ship security and safety and that is the reason their salary arrears must be paid,” he said.

Agents raise alarm over quacks in clearing business

T

HE National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has raised the alarm over quacks parading themselves as freight forwarders at the ports.

It urged the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) to sanitise the sector by eliminating the quacks.

NAGAFF’s Founder Dr Boniface Aniebonam alleged that the quacks were deceiving the public, urging CRFFN to confront them.

NAGAFF, Aniebonam said, be-

came worried because CRFFN is not playing its role.

He noted that CRFFN was established to control freight forwarding practice in the country and wondered why the group is not carrying out its responsibilities.

He said CRFFN is expected to set standards and code of professional practice among practitioners.

Aniebonam also urged the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to enforce import and export regulations of government.

“If such regulations were not en-

forced, the country’s economy will continue to nosedive into unprecedented poverty,” he added.

“We also suggest and advise the Customs service and other regulatory agencies of government to adopt the concept of corrective measures, instead of outright seizure of defaulting goods.’’

He said the nation’s ports and border posts require commercial regulator.

“The need for a port regulator is key and strategic to our growth and development,” Aniebonam said.

HE Nigeria Export Import (NEXIM) Bank says it is happy over the introduction of $60 million Regional Sealink Project (RSP), because it would unlock opportunities in the maritime sector, through indigenous participation.

The Managing Director of NEXIM, Mr Roberts Orya, who spoke in Abuja, said the sealink project initiative was designed to support the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Treaty, facilitate intra-regional trade, expand formal trade and as well as promote the payment system within the region, among others.

“The proposed establishment of the regional sealink project has some inherent national benefits such as minimising increases in freight rate payment yearly in country.

“It will also stimulate maritime-related employment as well as capital flight of an average of five billion dollars annually from import and export,’’ he said.

Orya said the project would facilitate the realisation of the

various Maritime-related laws such as the Cabotage and NIMASA Acts and the implementation of the National Shipping Policy.

He said it would also attract private sector funding for the development of key maritime infrastructure with the national benefit of improving the level of intra-regional formal trade.

This, he said, would enhance the contribution of trade and exports to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as well as enhance government’s revenue collections.

“It will provide immediate impact to the amelioration of basic road/rail infrastructure deficit challenges that affect regional integration.

“It will also provide a major cause for the muted growth of the intra African and ECOWAS trade levels of about 12 per cent,” he said.

He also said the project would enable NEXIM and other exportfinancing institutions to achieve projected credit growth to improve intra-regional trade level of 12 per cent to a minimum of 20 per cent yearly.

Shippers Council to fight corruption

T

HE Nigerian Shippers’ Council has re-inaugurated its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Monitoring Unit (ACTU) in its offices to prevent corrupt practices and maintain a high level of integrity within the council.

Speaking with The Nation, the Executive Secretary of the Council, Mr Hassan Bello, said the establishment of ACTU as a unit under the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) in government’s parastatals was to address the task of fighting corruption in society.

He said the re-inauguration of the ACTU was to show his commitment to the aspirations of the Federal Government in combating corruption and in line with the transformation agenda of President Jonathan.

“It is our desire to participate in the fight against corruption by creating an organisational environment where practices, which tend to promote corruption are eliminated. We would create an environment where members of staff would be encouraged to perform their official functions with integrity and full observance of

due process.

He also assured that the council would give ACTU all the necessary support it requires to effectively carry out its responsibilities.

But the Head of Lagos Operations of the ICPC, Mr Shintema Binga, has cautioned the ACTU officials against unethical conducts in their process of investigation.

“In the course of their investigation, they must not be biased, blackmail or deliberately witchhunt anyone, they must not go around with an air of pride, superiority or intimidation,” he said.

“We have had situations where ACTU officials make themselves Gods, ACTU is not a parallel government in the Nigerian Shippers Council, we have only put people of integrity in place so that they won’t allow things to degenerate, but they must subject themselves to the laws of the Council,” he warned.

Binga also said in the ICPC laws, “there is a 10-year imprisonment term for tarnishing the image of an individual without concrete evidence” and warned members the ACTU not to fall prey.

Medical equipment now duty free

A

LL imports on medical equipment for domestic use are now duty-free and will attract no fee, President Goodluck Jonathan has said.

Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, who represented the president, said at a forum in Abuja that the concession did not cover imports for commercial purpose.

He said: “When you are importing for commercial purpose, it is not duty free. It is only when you are importing the equipment to instal in an institution you established that the duty-free on the equipment is applicable.

“Government,” Jonathan said, “took the decision to encourage people in the Diaspora to come home and invest in the country.

“We want to reduce external tourism. There is nothing wrong with our medical experts; in fact, some countries have come to us, requesting for Nigerian doctors, because they are good.”

Jonathan said the Federal Government was interested in drugs being manufactured in the country, not because they would be cheap, but is also be better qual-

• Chukwu

ity.

He advised the investors to abide by the laws and regulations set by regulatory agencies in charge of imported radiologists equipment to guarantee safety of the country.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

AVIATION

N52b pay-off: Ex-Airways workers seek Jonathan’s intervention

F

ORMER Nigeria Airways workers owed about N52.8 billion severance pay-off have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to come to their aid.

They urged Jonathan, through one of their unions-Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria(ATSSSAN)-to ensure the payment of the money to the exstaff of the airline before another national carrier being planned by the Minister of Aviation is floated.

This was contained in a memo/ appeal sent to the President and endorsed on behalf of the aggrieved ex-staff by the acting General Secretary of ATSSSAN, Comrade Olayinka Abioye.

He said: “It is only proper and expedient that all matters associated with the outstanding pay- off of the Nigeria Airways Limited former employees are finally settled, before the establishment of a National Carrier to avoid complications.”

In order to expedite the ex-workers demand, Abioye urged the President to mandate the Bureau of

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor Aviation Correspondent

Public Enterprise (BPE) and the Nigeria Airways liquidator Babington Ashaye & Co., to submit to Mr. President, a comprehensive report of its activities and proceed therefrom, so as to assist the government in meeting its obligation as being demanded by the former staff.

He said it was baffling that the former Nigeria Airways’ employees in New York, Paris and London were paid 25 years pay-off in accordance with industry best practice and extant law, while those based in Nigeria were left unpaid.

He said many staff of the Nigeria Airways have died while waiting to be paid.

Meanwhile, Workers of defunct Nigeria Airways in other African countries, have made an appeal to the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah to intervene in the matter.

In a petition to the Minister dated April 15, 2013, entitled: ‘The cry of a suffering and helpless orphan.

What is our fate, 10 years after the

liquidation of Nigeria Airways,’ the retirees catalogued the pains they have gone through in their attempts to secure their benefits.

The airline was liquidated in 2003, and in March, 2008, the Nigerianbased workers were paid part of their benefits, while all the West Coast staff who were all present in Lagos in 2008, during this payments were left out.

The workers based in Lome, Togo, Cotonou, Douala, Cameroon and Libreville disclosed that they had considered following up the approval of the supplementary list by the National Assembly and the Presidency.

They said: “Unfortunately, we were completely neglected as we were told that the payment was only for the Nigerian workers. The excuse we were given by the paying staff from Abuja, was that the West Coast staff were erroneously not captured in the system.

“They told us that we would be paid with the supplementary list coming up before the end of 2008. No one could imagine this could take another five to six years.” another aggrieved retiree said.

Group seeks guidelines on concession

A

GROUP of aviation experts, consisting of aircraft engineers and other professionals have advocated guidelines that would serve as a template for engaging airport concessions, and other investors in the aviation industry.

Speaking at a briefing at the weekend, spokesman of the group, Engineer Sheri Kyari, said until proper guidelines are put in place, the recurring cycle of controversies that continue to dog airport concessions could discourage foreign investors into the aviation sector.

Kyari , who is also executive secretary Aviation Safety and Research ( CAS-R), said the way and manner the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria ( FAAN) has pursued its concession agreements , could scare potential investors, because of issues bordering on absence of a formidable guidelines.

He said :” Since the introduction of concessions in the aviation industry, especially in the FAAN, issues have arisen as to the tidiness of many of such concession agreements. It is becoming increasingly embarrassing by the day in view of numerous court cases bedevilling the authority.

“These concessions suffer a lot of litigations after those who approved the concession have left office. This is so because most of the concession agreements are laced with clauses that lead to their failure.

“Concession has always been at the directives of the powerful ‘oga at the top’. Those employees tasked with the handling of concession who will not go as directed have either lost their jobs or offices to the willing ones. The cases of Maevis, Bi-Courtney and recently, the AIC court case are worrisome. “

Car hire operators threaten to sue FAAN

A

IRPORT Car Hire Operators in Nigeria have threatened legal ac tion against the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) if it goes ahead with its alleged plan to impose extra charges on them. This was made known by the Chairman Board of Trustees of the operators association at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Alhaji Muili Yinusa, while speaking with newsmen.

He alleged that there are plans by the FAAN to charge each car hire operator N500 per trip, and also be made to pay toll in-and-out of the airports on every trip. This is apart from the N25000 annual renewable registration fee currently charged the operators.

“We are already talking to them on this matter through our lawyers who have written to the management twice without any response,” he said they know FAAN has a penchant for ignoring all “entreaties in matters like this, and would later come out to say a decision has been jointly taken by affected organisations and it would not be reversible.

But in this case, we are kicking against any additional levy coming from FAAN because we are not ready to pay anything outside what we are now paying as dues to them. We are also calling on the Federal Ministry of Aviation to prevail on FAAN to shelve such plan before it generates crisis,” he added.

DANA Air offers Ramadan services

D

ANA Air has announced the offering a special in-flight service for Muslim passengers throughout the period of Ramadan.

According to Obi Mbanuzuo, the airline’s Head of Commercial, “All through the fasting period, we will include special fruits in our inflight catering due to the numerous health benefits they bring. Also, nutritionists advise to break a fast with fruits before having any solid meal.”

The service, said Mbanuzuo, is “to encourage our Muslim guests who are observing the daytime fasting to take along their in-flight meals while disembarking until they are ready to break their fast.”

Dana Air first introduced the special Ramadan service in 2009 in line with its vision of being ‘Nigeria’s most reliable and customer-friendly airline’, and the initiative has been well received and commended by guests of the airline.

The annual fast of Ramadan is considered one of the five “pillars” of Islam. Muslims who are physically able are required to fast each day of the entire month, from sunrise to sunset. The evenings are spent enjoying family and community meals, engaging in prayer and spiritual reflection, and reading from the Qu’ran.

Overland increases flights to Asaba, others

•Arik Air new Airbus A330-200 aircraft unveiled last week at the Company’s hangar, at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

How to reduce air fares, by operator THE Chief Executive Officer, Westlink Airlines, Captain Ibrahim Mshelia, has canvassed local refining of aviation fuel as one of the measures to reduce domestic air fare and boost profitability of the airlines.

He said this in Lagos during a chat with journists. Mshelia said if the cost of aviation fuel is reduced significantly, attendant component in airline costs would also be reduced to ensure profitable operations domestic carriers, which commit over 60 per cent of their operating costs into aviation fuel.

Other costs that operators have to contend with are the huge cost of offshore maintenance of their aircraft, aircraft spares and parts.

According to him, although the aviation industry is riddled with problems, with the introduction of some new policies, the government has stepped in to eliminate these

problems, especially the enforcement of zero tariff on aircraft spare parts He said that once zero tariff policy comes through, airlines would stop paying for importing spare parts and that could translate into some profit for them.

Mshelia said :” We send crude out, it is refined and sold back to us at exorbitant cost. I believe that if we refine our own aviation fuel, it would cause the price to come down and air fare reduced,” he said.

Mshelia also called for honest practices by operators, stating that with the right attitude, discipline and will power the industry can be turned around extensively.

The West Link boss also commended the government for safety through strengthening the regulatory authority, noting that safety could be improved through robust oversight.

He also described the on going infrastructure upgrade at airports nationwide as part of the strategy by the Federal Government to reposition the aviation sector as a huge revenue earner.

Mshelia said the infrastructure upgrade could not have come at a better time , after many years of abandonment .

He said the pace at which the airports are being fixed is enough testimony of the commitment of government to position the aviation sector for national development , using air transportation as a catalyst.

He said the current transformation across the nation’s airports will put Nigeria back into reckoning regarding air transport industry.

He predicted that the aviation industry would grow if government and airline operators give it their unalloyed commitment.

O

VERLAND Airways has announce additional flights on the Ibadan , Abuja; Lagos; Asaba routes.

The additional flight frequencies according to a statement by Overland Airways, takes effect this week.

The chief operating officer of the airline, Mrs Aanu Benson said :” The additional Overland Airways flight frequencies to these routes, in particular Lagos to Ibadan, will bring great convenience to our esteemed customers and air passengers, in general.”

“We are delighted to bring relief and convenience to passenger on these routes and at very affordable fares.”

Only last week Overland Airways introduced a special fare on its Asaba - Lagos and Asaba-Abuja routes to reward its customers for their patronage.

According to the Chief Operating Officer of Overland Airways, Mrs. Aanu Benson: “As the pioneer airline to Asaba International Airport, the introduction of the special fare offer on Asaba route is to appreciate and reward customers for their patronage since Overland Airways commenced flight operations at Asaba Airport.”

A

NAF partner NAMA on safety

s part of efforts to promote air safety in Nigeria , the Nigerian Air Force ( NAF) and Nigerian Airspace Management agency ( NAMA) meet in Abuja at the weekend to collaborate on issues bordering on security, surveillance and personnel training.

The meeting according to the managing director of NAMA, Engineer Nnamdi Udoh, is part of the sustained relationship between the two organisations to ensure that the security of the nation's airspace is not compromised.

He said the meeting came on the heels of a visit by the Chief of Air Staff ,Air Marshal Alex Badeh to the management of NAMA led by its managing director in Abuja at the weekend.

He spoke of plans by the airspace agency and the Air Force to continue collaboration on issues bordering on security,surveillance and personnel training.

PROPERTY

Tuesday, JULY 23, 2013

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

17

* The Environment * Mortgage * Apartments * Security * Homes * Real Estate

email:- property@thenationonlineng.net

•Some of the completed houses at CHOIS City.

The target is 10,000 houses by 2015. The first step has been taken with the building of 500 houses in Agbowa-Ikosi, on the outskirts of Lagos, under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP). Is the state on its way to addressing the housing challenge?

SEYI ODEWALE reports.

Dreaming big about housing •Lagos targets 10,000 houses by 2015

I

T is a big dream, but the Lagos State government is determined to achieve it. It aims to build 10,000 houses under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) by 2015. It has just inaugurated 500 houses under such arrangement with First World Communities (FWC) in Agbowa-Ikosi, on the outskirts of Lagos.

“We have entered into agreement with the Lagos State government to deliver about 10,000 homes in order to ease the housing problem Lagosians are facing knowing full well that shelter is key to human survival.” These were the

words of Ayo Yusuff, Business Development Manager, FWC, a private developing firm partnering with the state to deliver on its promise of providing houses for its teeming populace.

Yusuff spoke at the inauguration of Cooperative Home Ownership Incentive Scheme (CHOIS Club) and unveiling of the 500 houses built by firm in Agbowa-Ikosi.

The scheme, he said, is a partnership with the state to provide affordable houses to its teeming residents. “The aim of this partnership with Lagos State is to provide two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments that would be affordable to

the masses,” Yusuff said.

The firm, he said, would provide en masse, affordable houses for both middle and low level classes, whereby a lease to buy approach is introduced. “To be able to achieve this objective, we now introduced a product called ‘Lease to Buy’. This is a payment arrangement for the acquisition of both two-bedroom and three-bedroom bungalows, whereby customers will pay 10 per cent as initial contribution and contribute additional 40 per cent over a maximum period of three years. The remaining 50 per cent shall be paid over five years,” he said, adding that the objective of the lease to buy is to allow everybody have access to homes at the end of the day.

The initial aim of his organisation, he said, was to sell landed properties to people for them to develop, but a piece of advice from the state government changed this and gave room for a better and acceptable scheme. He said: Initially, we were of the opinion of selling landed proper•Continued on page 18

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

Dreaming big about housing •Continued from page 17

ties, but Lagos State government made us to realise that a lot of people who own various landed properties did not develop them. So, the most important thing we can do for people is to encourage them to have housing units. If you have a home, you can bring your family into it. That is why we deemed it fit that instead of spending so much on landed properties, why not build homes for people?”

He said the company realised that shelter is key. He said: “That is why we have gone into Private Public Partnership to provide housing units with the word affordability as the guiding rule behind the project. The cost of most of our buildings is always below N5million. ‘’The objective is to allow 10 per cent down payment and 40 per cent over a period of time, maximum three years, after which allottees will be given the keys to their homes. That is the essence of what we called lease to buy. The remaining amount, which is 50 per cent, will now be paid monthly while you live in the apartment. But before the completion of the 50 per cent, your status will be that of tenant until you have completed payment.”

He explained that after the full payment the title of the home will be given to the owner.

Yusuff said the Agbowa-Ikosi scheme will provide easy access for residents who work on Victoria Island, Ikoyi and Ajah as they could get to their offices faster than those that live in areas such as AbuleEgba, Ota, and Iyana-Ipaja.

“Interestingly, Lagos State government is working on the completion of the road between Agbowa and Epe. In fact, a part of the road has been rehabilitated. So, what we are looking at is that at the completion of this project, the road between Agbowa and Epe would have been completed.

This will provide access to Lagos Island via Epe, 15 minutes drive to Ikorodu and under an hour to Lekki

by carand 40 minutes to Victoria Island through ferry,” he said.

So far, according to Yusuff, 588 units have been completed and almost sold out. The expected four thousand units to be built in Agbowa-Ikosi, he said, would be built on 288 acres of land and completed by 2015.

“The project started in 2011 and the objective is to build 10,000 homes between 2011 and 2015 in Lagos. In Agbowa-Ikosi, where we have CHOIS City, we are targeting 4,000, so also in Leki-Ajah axis where we have another project called CHOIS Gardens, we are targeting another 4,000 while Mile 2 axis will have 2,000. Those are the three areas under focus. The two projects at Abijo, Ajah and AgbowaIkosi are running concurrently. In the next six months we will complete another five hundred units in Agbowa-Ikosi,” he said.

The city, which is being constructed by DCP Construction outfit, Yusuff said, has enthralling amenities such as schools for children and wards of residents; dedi-

‘

That is why we have gone into Private-Public Partnership to provide housing units with the word affordability as the guiding rule behind the project.

The cost of most of our buildings is always below N5million

’

•Three-bedroom semi-detached bungalow at CHOIS City.

cated transformers for uninterrupted power; provision for medical centre and hospital; availability of shopping centres to support business activities; introduction of BRT services; ferry services; homes with sizeable modern rooms and toilets; serene environment; street lights; water and security.

“With all these facilities in place our houses are affordable as a two-bedroom terraced bungalow is N3million, three-bedroom semi-detached is N4.5million, two-bedroom semi-detached is N3.7million. People who have no opportunity of getting facility from the bank and who have very low earnings are those we want to encourage to key into this scheme if they are interested. All they need to do is to save up, contribute the 50 per cent, have their homes, start living there and pay the rest over the stipulated period,” he said.

Another advantage of the AgbowaIkosi Scheme, Yusuff said, is the relocation of the former Oko-Baba residents of Ebute-Metta to Agbowa-Ikosi.

“For the purpose of commercia-

lisation, the former Oko-Baba in Ebute-Metta has been moved to Agbowa-Ikosi and its new name is Timber Ville. The essence of it is that when we have Timber Ville here there would be an increase in commercial activities. People will now have reasons to live in Agbowa.

Those working in the saw mill will also buy part of our property. Instead of going around looking for what to eat, there will be enough market to get what to eat. People will live within this environment and make their living here. We would have developed a new community and a new Lagos. This CHOIS City will be a replica of the Victoria Garden City (VGC) in Agbowa-Ikosi at the end

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of the day,” he said.

The scheme, Yusuff also said, encourages outright purchase of the housing units by prospective home owners. “Our homes can be acquired out rightly, by paying 100 per cent of the property price without any instalment payments,” he said.

The scheme, he said, is being financed by a consortium of banks, prospective owners’deposits and the project executor. “What the state government did was to make affordable land available to us by helping us talk to land owners to sell their land to us.

In fact, the development has made land to appreciate in this area as speculators are using our scheme to advertise their land,” Yusuff added.

Integrated infrastructural master-plan on the way

national Integrated infrastructure master plan to guide the country’s investments in key infrastructure for the next 30years (2014-2043) is on the way. When introduced, the master plan would engender national development through the creation of an enabling environment for citizens to engage in productive activities leading to economic empowerment of citizens.

The Minister of Works, Mike Oziegbe Onolememe spoke ninth annual project management lecture of the Building Department of the University of Lagos. The lecture was in honour of Professor Reuben Rimaka Iyagba, who retired from the university in January 2011.

Onolememe, who was represented by an official of the ministry, Dr Kabir Abdullahi, an engineer, said: “One way of pursuing the Federal Government’s transformation agenda is the development of key

By Sampson Unamka

infrastructure that could lead to the empowerment of citizens through the creation of an enabling environment for citizens’ engagement in productive activities that would lead to economic empowerment and engender national development.”

The Federal Government, he said, was taking steps at transforming lives through massive infrastructural development. “Federal Government is taking concrete steps at transforming the socio-economic wellbeing of the country through massive infrastructural development.”

Earlier, the Head of Department (HOD) Building, Professor Godwin Idoro, said global attention would be on Nigeria from January 28-30, next year when the department hosts the 2014 Conference of the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB).

Estate agents form body, seek O ensure a proper coordination recognition of activities of estate agents and

•A luxury residential building unveiled at the Moevenpick Ambassador Hotel, Accra, Ghana.

Why buildings collapse, by commissioner

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HY do buildings collapse frequently in Lagos? It is because of developers’ greed, use of substandard materials; emergence of ‘room lords’; failure to report infractions and the use of unqualified professionals, says Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Mr Toyin Ayinde.

He called on residents to place value on human lives rather than that of property by reporting promptly any illegal construction, structurally deficient and distressed buildings noticeable in their area.

Ayinde promised instant action on

such information.

The commissioner warned people to stay clear of buildings that show signs of weakness, particularly those that have been marked as structurally distressed by the relevant agencies of government. This, he said, has become imperative in view of the recent collapse of buildings in various parts of the state.

The Commissioner re-affirmed efforts of the government at enforcing relevant Physical Planning and Urban Development laws, noting that it is an indispensable tool for sanitising the building and construction industry and preventing

illegal and non conforming developments.

He solicited for the cooperation of the relevant security agencies in ensuring the prosecution of erring developers, contractors and building owners, who deliberately or ignorantly circumvent building regulations, engage in sharp practices, build or renovate without appropriate permits or compromise standard at the expense of human lives.

He assured residents that the government is poised to do everything possible to reduce to the barest minimum the occurrence of building collapse in the state.

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practice in the country, a new body, Association of Estate Agents of Nigeria (AEAN) has been inaugurated.

The initiative, a promotion of the Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers. (NIESV), is to enhance the professional knowledge of practitioners, thus making the property environment conducive and safe, while checking the activities of dubious agents.

NIESV, according to a source, moved the idea of bringing all practicing agents together under one roof. The new association has been registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and we are working towards presenting a bill to the National Assembly for recognition and charter,” the source said.

He said three categories of membership of the association have been created and are open to all professionals and other interested Nigerians with a

By Seyi Odewale

minimum qualification of ‘O’ Levels.

The three categories are: Certified Estate Agents (CEA), Registered Estate Agents an Estate Brokers. The CEA category is strictly for NIESV members.

Interim chairman of the association, Chudi Ubosi said:”Initially, we wanted to make registration free, but we have to fund an office and staff. That is why we have fixed N5,000 as an annual subscription fee to be registered as members.”

He continued: “AEAN, though an independent body, will draw on its relationship with NIESV to ensure that members receive training, study materials and are tutored regularly on how to run an estate agency.”

He said estate agents were seen as those who inflate house rents arbitrarily and exploit desperate prospective tenants.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

19

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

FROM OTHER LANDS

Fifa’s red card

Crude theft

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• Football body should reform itself before lecturing Brazil

•We wonder why govt appears helpless in stopping illegal bunkering

E are losing revenue; 400,000 barrels of crude oil are lost on a daily basis due to illegal bunkering, vandalism and production shut-in … I have to clarify that it is not as if the entire 400,000 barrels is stolen.

What happens is that whenever the pipelines are attacked and oil is taken, there is a total shutdown. All the quantity of oil produced for that day will be lost because it means government cannot sell it and it means a drop in revenue.”

The foregoing official confessions by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy were made during her appearance before the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Appropriation/Finance. She was responding to a question

‘The vandals and oil thieves are not bigger than the Nigerian state. Oil theft business is not one for the pauperised in the society; it requires huge capital and sophisticated equipment to freight and for trans-loading on the high seas where buyers that are usually rich and influential members of the society and outside it take illegal delivery. This trend cannot continue’

on revenue shortfalls into the federation account.

To us, a daily loss of 400,000 barrels of crude oil is condemnable. But a further ascription of such loss to illegal bunkering, vandalism of infrastructure and halt in production smacks of gross irresponsibility on government’s part. After all, all avenues mentioned by the minister are areas that could be blocked if only to show this government’s serious-mindedness, having been in-charge of security that should have curbed illegal bunkering.

Once this is effectively checked, any halt in production activities, to a reasonable extent, becomes difficult.

In mathematical terms, the daily loss of 400,000 barrels of oil at an international price of $117 per barrel, when converted to naira equivalent at an exchange rate of N157 to a dollar would mean that N7.35 billion is being lost daily. What this translates to is that the dwindling oil revenue accruing to the Federation Account is selfinflicted. Such is a consequence of absolute dereliction of duties by the government. It must do the needful in the oil sector.

We are aware that the National Economic Council (NEC) at one of its meetings set up an Oil Theft Committee to look into this crucial issue. But the truth is that the effect of that committee is not being felt. The way to resolve the matter is not in convening stakeholders’ meetings; several of such meetings had been held, with well crafted submissions and recommendations that are gathering dust in the shelves in various government houses.

The vandals and oil thieves are not bigger than the Nigerian state. Oil theft business is not one for the pauperised in the society; it requires huge capital and sophisticated equipment to freight and for trans-loading on the high seas where buyers that are usually rich and influential members of the society and outside it take illegal delivery. This trend cannot continue.

Furthermore, the immoral award of pipelines protection security contract to people like Government Tompolo and other erstwhile militants, at a huge cost to the country, has not yielded any meaningful result. Rather, the infrastructure and architecture of violence is now formally institutionalised by this administration.

We call for a more potent pursuit and prosecution of pipeline vandals and oil thieves. No doubt, when we add this illegal parallel production to state thievery, one should be enraged by what the country is losing to the oil thieves. But then, the recent setting up of an ad-hoc legal task force with a life span of one year by NEC to commence the prosecution of verified cases of oil-related offenders, using applicable laws, is unnecessary duplication of relevant security agencies’ duties.

It was reported that about 300 oil offenders are already in police custody. They should be arraigned by appropriate agencies to face the full wrath of the enabling Miscellaneous Offences Act which specifies a sanction of 21 years without an option of fine for offenders.

Ridiculous dependency

•How can the police perform when about 46 stations are allocated N500,000 running cost quarterly?

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HE reported “confessions” of some Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) that they administered police stations with money from bribes and private philanthropy sounded like a joke carried too far, but they were actually serious, and the facts damning.

The revealing press report highlighted a fundamental cause of such ridiculous financial dependency, quoting a police source at the Ogun State Police Command headquarters in Abeokuta who disclosed that the command’s quarterly allocation from the Force Headquarters for the administration of 46 police stations and five area commands in the state was between N450,000 and N650,000.

An unnamed DPO in the command who allegedly claimed to be among the highest beneficiaries said his division received between N35, 000 and N40, 000 every three months. This sum, according to him, was meant to cover fuelling of patrol vehicles, generators, stationery, communication and other expenses within the period.

He was quoted as saying, “I get less than N40, 000 to cater for my running costs quarterly, and, as a matter of fact, to run a truly motorised patrol, for instance, you will need about 40 litres of petrol in 24 hours for a patrol van and these amounts to N3, 840 daily. In this division, we have four patrol vehicles and this makes it N15, 360 daily.” He added, ending with a telling rhetorical question, “If we decide to spend the allocation only on petrol, the money wouldn’t last more than three days. So, where do we get the money to make up for the huge shortfall?”

However, it is pertinent to question whether this grim and lamentable picture of helplessness, which is not an isolated instance, should be a justification for the

reliance on illegalities and charity. It is scandalous that police stations across the country reportedly look to community development associations, companies, small business owners, non-governmental organisations and even religious groups, among others, for funding and support. Well-intentioned and laudable as such assistance could be, especially when done under the umbrella of “corporate social responsibility”, there is no denying the fact that it could as well compromise the force and be counter-productive.

Indeed, there were, reportedly, disturbing cases in which such helpers turned out to be criminals who merely used their ostensible generosity to mask their involvement in unlawful activities. It is definitely a dangerous development when criminals not only penetrate the police force, but also position themselves as patrons. This state of affairs, unfortunately, gives credence to the widespread view that the country’s police stations are places where absolutely anything is possible and nothing is impossible.

The implications for law and order are negatively far-reaching. It goes without saying that such situation creates an undesirable breeding ground for official corruption, inefficiency and, ultimately, loss of public confidence in the force. No forward-looking society will allow this kind of rot. There is a worrying puzzle: What exactly are the Presidency and the National Assembly doing to address the urgent issue of police reforms, especially adequate funding, which is an indispensable factor in bringing about effective policing?

Logically, the apparent underfunding and neglect of the police force, which is

evidentially the result of a structural problem, should prompt yet another look at the country’s rather skewed interpretation of federalism. Isn’t it more practical to have state police, funded and controlled by each of the federating states, instead of the current practice of a Federal Government-driven police that is obviously unmanageable? Even beyond the evident practicality, state police belongs essentially to the concept of federalism in its undistorted sense, and that should be the ultimate path for the country.

One example that demonstrates the incongruity of the current arrangement is the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), a public–private partnership project established by law in 2007, which makes contributions in the areas of acquisition of police equipment and patrol vehicles, and their maintenance. Such commendable complementary initiative, however, can never be enough. The very root of the problem of police underfunding and poor welfare needs to be tackled urgently by the authorities at the centre.

‘It is scandalous that police stations across the country reportedly look to community development associations, companies, small business owners, nongovernmental organisations and even religious groups, among others, for funding and support’

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T the age of 77 and halfway through his fourth term as president of Fifa, Sepp Blatter may feel he has earned the right to say what he likes, not just about football, but matters beyond. Yet even his loyal lieutenants must have winced at his comments this week that Fifa may have made the wrong choice of Brazil as 2014 World Cup hosts.

Given the ire directed at Fifa from protesting Brazilians during the governing body’s Confederations Cup tournament – a World Cup rehearsal – Mr Blatter would have been better advised to take the heat out of the situation, rather than inflame it.

Fifa may be justified in fretting about more unrest when the World Cup arrives in Brazil next year. But it is rich for Mr Blatter, who has often said that policing is nothing to do with Fifa, to pontificate that the protests should have sounded “alarm bells” and that the government should “work on it”.

The alarm bells should be ringing as loudly for Fifa as for Brasília. Its demands for wholesale tax exemptions from host countries are blatantly contemptuous of taxpayers who fund the tournament – and who are football’s fans. It also insists on exemption from potential liabilities. No wonder protesters targeted the organisation last month. They were justifiably incensed by the sight of the organisation raking in huge profits from a tournament that is costing them billions in extravagant stadiums while they struggle to pay for schools or transport.

Fifa cares little for the exorbitant cost of stadiums or for what happens to them after its circus has packed up and gone. Its pat answer is that no country is obliged to bid for the World Cup in the first place.

The same could be said for Olympic host cities. Yet at least the International Olympic Committee takes some account of costs borne by hosts and of their plans to prevent venues turning into white elephants before deciding which of them will host the games.

Fifa, a wealthy but unaccountable club, has for too long carried on with scant regard for good governance. Its efforts at ethical reform, after years spent ignoring the corrupt behaviour of executive members, are piecemeal and laborious. It is well behind the times in tackling racism and match-fixing. It was for many years in denial over the blindingly obvious case for goalline technology.

Fifa has to change its behaviour. It is time to recognise that it has a responsibility to pay taxes like any normal enterprise. It should begin by offering to pay tax in Brazil, or by making an equivalent contribution towards the remedy of social injustice.

Failing that, home truths from the G20 about Fifa’s tax responsibilities would shake up the complacent Mr Blatter and his Swiss committee.

– Financial Times

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

20

CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: Contrary to the incessant accusation of non-performance heaped on the administration President Goodluck Jonathan, a lot is being silently achieved in an attempt to garner numerous democracy dividends for the Nigerian citizenry. A monumental achievement is being made in the nation’s health sector by the Paul B. Orhii-led National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Aside successfully securing the adoption of emerging sophistications in technological paraphernalia for anti-pharmaceuticals counterfeiting, which has empowered consumers to independently detect and discard fake, counterfeited or cloned drugs, series of dynamic and pro-life elongating achievements have indeed been recorded by the Orhii-led NAFDAC management team.

Just recently, another feather was added to the agency’s cap when it secured a court conviction against the producers of the much publicized killer teething mixture known as “My Pikin”, which killed 89 Nigerian children. This, of course, is in addition to other several court convictions also recorded

by NAFDAC in drug- counterfeited offences and cases between 2009 to date, a positive development that confers on Dr. Orhii the status of a premier NAFDAC chief executive to have achieved this feat since the agency’s inception.

Interestingly, efforts are underway to ensure that a sizeable aspect of assets forfeited by convicted drug counterfeiters are

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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

NAFDAC and democracy dividends channeled towards compensating victims of the heinous act. Already, the agency, has sustained its zero tolerance to the prevalence of counterfeited pharmaceuticals in Nigeria as evidenced in its recent extension of cooperation to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) nationwide.

The NAFDAC’s sustained battle against die-hard counterfeiters of pharmaceutical products is being

locally and internationally acknowledged. This is in spite of the fact that the agency is making frantic moves to unveil novel strategies and solutions targeted towards providing backups to those already in existence.

The driving force behind these stellar innovations cannot be likened to a prophet without honour at home because recently President Jonathan recently honoured the

NAFDAC boss with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) award. There have been other appreciation and awards. The latest is the June 24 award of Special Congressional Recognition in far away United States of America. It was an endorsement orchestrated by a notable American Congress woman, Janice Hahn. The presentation was made at a well attended reception held in the James Madison Hall at

IR: Democracy is defined as the government of the people by the people and for the people. This implies that the government would be the government owned by the people, would be by the people and also would be on the interest of the people. But conversely, our politicians have changed our definition and understanding of democracy.

By Nigerians understanding of democracy, it is now the government of some people, by some people and for their relatives and cronies. This however has continued to make Nigerian masses wallow in abject poverty and this prompted me to ask, where is our democracy?

The survival of every nation always depends on the commitment and the good its leadership can bring to bear on the lives of its people. No nation is assured of its continuous existence if her people are deprived of basic amenities. It is very unfortunate that our leaders cannot create an enabling environment for the citizens inspite of the elephantine resources that we have got.

Our government have failed to live to the expectations of the people. Many innocent Nigerians have become victims of bomb blasts, abduction, robbery, and many forms of attacks. Nigerians are vulnerable to all sorts of attacks. Only

the political office holders seem to be safe in this country. Is this how we are going to continue?

We have come to realise that our democracy is make-believe. Our leaders have compromised our democracy for their selfish interest.

Leadership is no longer by merit and competency but by intimacy and contribution whether financially or through thuggery. Also, people are not given the right to exercise their constitutional rights.

Furthermore, we have been deprived of good health services, our lives and properties are no longer secured, our education is deteriorating, our roads are not motorable, no regular power supply and yet

moval of Umeh on the ground that his tenure had expired in 2010. It further pronounced as unconstitutional the 2011 National Convention, where Umeh and other National Working Committee (NWC) members were re-elected.

With his latest victory at the Court of Appeal, Umeh may have breathed a great sigh of relief and perhaps can now comfortably sleep with his two eyes closed. But then, we may not have seen the end of the protracted leadership tussle in

the party, particularly, as the opposing camp believed to be loyal to Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, and led by Barrister Maxi Okwu has refused to accept the defeat in good faith. So, there may be more battles for Umeh to fight.

Rather than warming up to continue with the war, I think what should be paramount in the minds of the combatants in APGA now is the survival and sustainable growth of their party. How the party would remain in control of

Anambra State should be of great concern to the members now more than anything else.

I would implore the Okwu-led faction of APGA to sheathe their swords, bury the hatchet and shelve any further fight to see how they can work together with Umeh so that victory can be theirs in the Anambra November 16 governorship ballot and other future elections.

• Michael Jegede, Abuja

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• Martins F.O. Ikhilae, Lagos

Where is Nigeria’s democracy?

Umeh and the future of APGA

IR: On July 15, the Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu affirmed Chief Victor Umeh as national chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). The validation of Umeh’s position by the appellate court followed his appeal to an Enugu High Court judgement presided over by Justice Innocent Umezulike.

The lower court had in its verdict on the case brought against the APGA national chairman by one Mr. Jude Okuli, ordered the re-

the historic Capitol Hill, Washington D.C. One of the intrinsic dividends of all these efforts and initiatives is the leap in the status and reputation of Nigeria as a nation committed to the cause of ensuring that only standardized and genuine pharmaceuticals are provided for the people. Through standardization of healthcare provision, the brain drain syndrome that has remained a big worry in the sector is checked, while the right and proper health services are within the reach of all irrespective of financial and societal status.

For Dr. Paul Bortwev Orhii, Nigerians are yet to see his best!

Nigerians pay huge amount to PHCN for what they do not consume.

It is only a failed country like Nigeria that minority enjoys while majority suffers. Varsity lecturers have been on strike for almost two weeks because of the insensitive and bad leaders we have. They pay themselves huge amount of money but are always against any little increment on the salaries of civil servants. Many retirees who served the nation wholeheartedly are there waiting and begging the government to pay them their pensions and here we have our senators approving life pension for themselves in the on going constitution amendment.

2015 is another opportunity for Nigerians to make changes and vote for credible leaders who have the interest of the nation and its people in mind. Leaders that would restore our lost glories and give us the real democracy not this kind of makebelieve democracy that will are seeing now. If all this must stop, Nigerians must rise irrespective of their tribe, region and religion to demand for their rights and also vote out bad leaders come 2015.

• Waziri Mohammed Mokola, Ibadan.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

COMMENTS

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‘A lie may travel for donkey years but That is possible, except that the truth overtakes it in a flash – Yoruba adverse testimony of Gen. proverb’ Akinrinade, measured, frank, candid and nuanced, both at the ERE Chinua Achebe still alive, book launch and in his widely he probably would have acclaimed interview with The brewed another classic, brimNation from the eve of the July ming with sardonic humour and laconic 18 launch, did little to enhance wit, from the July 18 launch in Lagos of Obasanjo’s cause.

The Tragedy of Victory, Brig-Gen. Godwin Akinrinade was Obasanjo’s Olakunle Alabi-Isama’s Civil War (1967-1970) chief operations officer that first memoirs. lordbeek@yahoo.com, 08054504169 (Sms only, please) met surrendering Biafra GenAbimbola The new war account recounts the exeral Philip Effiong (who ploits of the Third Marine Commando Danjuma jokingly dismissed as (3MCODO), mostly under the formidacolonel in Nigeria, general in ble Brig-Gen. (then Col.) Benjamin Biafra, to wide laughter and Adekunle aka Black Scorpion, who atguffaw), at his Amichi last war headquarters. be a one-man show, gypped other war commanders of earned tained both heroic and mythical status on the Nigerian side Still, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s war-time commanderglory, thus somewhat echoing the perfidious tortoise that reduring that war. in-chief, did not share the near-unanimous belief that Obasanjo named himself “All of you”, in Achebe’s Things Fall Apart.

Brig-Gen. Alabi-Isama (then Lt. Col) was Adekunle’s chief of stole anyone’s glory by claiming the instrument of surrender, Factor in Alabi-Isama’s allegation that Obasanjo, as military staff. The author, ace strategist and military tactician, saw aleven while he was far away in his Port Harcourt headquarters, head of state, conspired with Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, his most every inch of battle on the Atlantic Front, which proved when Akinrinade mid-wifed the surrender. chief of army staff, to boot him out of the army after only 17 pivotal and decisive in swinging the pendulum of victory and “As the Commanding Officer assigned to command the Diviyears, and the perfidious tortoise’s parallel comes to the fore. defeat. sion that received the instrument of surrender from Biafra,” Alabi-Isama, from his war account, was one of the 3MCODO Still, any literary wit with Biafra sympathies, having read Gen. Gowon declared in a supplement Foreword to go with the brain boxes that did the dirty work before Obasanjo came to There was a Country, Prof Achebe’s bitter swansong, could easily, second edition of the new book, “Gen. Obasanjo rightfully was claim the glory. “serves-them-right” manner, have turned the July 18 event into positioned to claim victory on behalf of the Commander-inObasanjo rather viciously rubbed it in, in My Command, in Nigeria’s own Tower of Babel, where Nigeria’s own victorious Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces.” which he emerged the sole super-hero, leaving the other comgenerals, under the tragically ironic banner of Tragedy of VicThat coming from Gowon, though logical, was rare grace, manders gasping behind as super-villains or just simple nintory, fall upon themselves in ferocious verbal combat. compared with the nasty stuff Obasanjo wrote in his Not My compoops – a claim the pair of Alabi-Isama and Lt-Gen. Alani Even more grippingly ironic is Gen. (then Col.) Olusegun Will, about his former commander-in-chief, following the unAkinrinade, and indeed the armada of generals and other old Obasanjo, as personal metaphor of “tragedy of victory”. fortunate event of 13 February 1976: the abortive coup that soldiers at the launch, dismissed as voodoo tales!

Obasanjo (as his name Olusegun, Yoruba for “The Lord has claimed the life of Gen. Murtala Muhammad and propelled Danjuma, chair and chief presenter at the launch, denied there conquered”, suggests) took the Biafra instrument of surrender Obasanjo to his first coming as military head of state. was any anti-Alabi-Isama conspiracy, insisting that though he as final 3MCODO commander, after the more formidable Black In Not My Will, Obasanjo, with exquisite bad grace, talked couldn’t recall the details, he had documents to show that whatScorpion. On that, he was an immaculate victor. down on his old commander-in-chief, pillorying him as “Mr. ever happened “followed due process”.

But the tragic victor birthed when it was revealed that the allGowon”, tagging him with “duplicity and complicity” and celThe tragedy of victory was also apparent from the after-war conquering general, self-hyped to high heavens in My Command ebrating his hurried “dismissal” (later reversed by 2nd Republic career trajectory of the triumvirate of Adekunle, Alabi-Isama (1980), Obasanjo’s Civil War account, is the same that also rePresident Shehu Shagari) from the military – all these over mere and Akinrinade, the hardy trio that faced the hottest parts of the portedly fled for dear life from enemy fire, allegedly receiving suspicion of his alleged involvement in the Bukar Sukar Dimka war and prevailed with uncommon brilliance. bullet wounds in his rump! coup!

Adekunle who, according to Wikipedia, renamed 3 Infantry Whether that allegation was true or not (Col. Oyinlade Now, who is this Nigeria, the heartless errant-lady whose Division 3MCDO, without even formal approval from army Iluyomade, aka Hitler, commander of the troops involved in troubadours-general kill themselves to protect; and yet who headquarters, suffered premature retirement in 1974 after only that particular battle insisted it was), the war hero, military era rewards almost each and everyone with disgrace and hurt?

16 years. He joined the army in 1958. head of state and first elected president of the 4th Republic, beThis is the crisis of Nigeria’s nationhood which, as Gen. came the butt of hilarious jokes at the venue! That would count As at the time Tragedy of Victory was launched, Gen. Adekunle Akinrinade correctly said, even the Civil War did not resolve. as a personal tragedy of victory. was down with illness, prompting his first son, Abiodun, to But at the launch, Gen. Danjuma, a tad insensitive but with But there is also a corporate side to that victorious tragedy. solicit for support. Adekunle’s odyssey is not much different martial elegance, proclaimed: “Though they said there was no The near-unanimity of opinions, among the gathered generfrom the bulk of old soldiers at the occasion who complained of victor or no vanquished, all I know is that we won the war”! als, was that Obasanjo, by craftily rigging the Biafra armistice to neglect, even after shedding blood to keep Nigeria one.

We? Won? Alabi-Isama himself was retired after only 17 years, followForty-three years after the war, every Nigerian would appear “Forty-three years after the war, every Nige- ing the conspiracy he alleged but which Danjuma denied. a loser – not the least the generals – and would continue to be rian would appear a loser; and would continue Only Akinrinade, of the trio, attained the apex of his career, until Nigeria’s fundamental contradictions are resolved by reto be until Nigeria’s fundamental contradic- not only becoming a three-star general as Lt-General, but also structuring the country along equitable and development lines.

Republic’s first chief of army staff; and later chief of If Tragedy of Victory rams in this notorious fact, it would do a tions are resolved by restructuring the country Second defence staff. future patriotic duty just as it has done a past one by putting the Could the anti-Obasanjo armada then result from peer envy? along equitable and development lines” records straight on the Nigerian Civil War.

W

epublican ipples

Old soldiers, new battle

D

ID anyone ever suffer the illusion that the foiling of the attempted coup by the Gang of Five at the Rivers State House of Assembly on July 9 would bring some respite for the folks in the state?

Two weeks after, the signs ought to be clear enough: the quintet and their pipers may have been worsted by the superior tactics of Governor Rotimi Amaechi and the 27 loyal lawmakers, there is no relenting on their part. That the Obuah-led faction of Rivers’ PDP wants the governor out by means foul than fair is hardly news; indeed, only those unfamiliar with the PDP’s bizarre inventiveness would consider the pre-emptive valedictory service staged for the governor and his troop at the weekend as anything strange.

That is how it has always been for the party of the tattered umbrella.

Now, thanks to the Sunday Sun of July 21, we now know that the event(s) of July 9 is merely a dress rehearsal for the main battle which according to the newspaper, “will be the final push to dislodge Amaechi from his stranglehold in the state and dissolve his post-2015 political ambitions permanently”. Apparently emboldened by the findings of their post-putsch review strategists which blamed their failure on “tardiness and the inability of critical people in the scheme to tighten all the loose ends well”, the anti-Amaechi forces are reportedly fine-tuning a new offensive. This time around, the creek warriors have since resolved that nothing would be considered off-thetable.

You ask: who is giving the battle orders? After last week’s visit by 16 Bishops from the South-south zone to First Lady Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan, I believe that the question has been sufficiently answered. Since the details are already in public domain, I do not wish to bore my readers with them here. Suffice to say here that our irrepressible Dame not only repudiated the previously held position of the hired hands that the Presidency had no hands in the crisis, she let out the hitherto suppressed truth about her direct, active involvement in the animus.

In a fit of rage, she labelled the elected governor a wayward son who needed to be steered from the path of selfdestruction; in another breadth, she would admonish him to stop being used by outsiders against his own blood!

Such contradictions are perhaps expected in the atmosphere of contrived crisis.

So where do we go from here? In the first place, those who see the Presidency as holding the ace miss the point.

It does not. If it does, the Rivers story would have changed by now. The issues, as it is, is no longer one of whether or not the lawmakers loyal to Amaechi will hold out. At this

Policy Sanya Oni sanyaoni@yahoo.co.uk 08051101841

As Rivers’ anomie continues point, it does not really matter how things turn out; what we have is a battered, bruised, diminished, demystified, but desperate Presidency.

I do not think we have had it so bad.

So, what to expect? More serial missteps; more attempts to subvert the constitution by those sworn to uphold and defend the sacred document. Should anyone be surprised if the Abuja lords finally succeed in crowning Evans Bapakaye Bipi Speaker of the Rivers legislature through the back door?

Clearly, one lesson that the Rotimi Amaechi ordeal has taught is that the notion of the Nigerian Presidency as the most powerful one in the world has very little in terms of substance really; what has sustained the myth is the historical weak-kneed resistance by an indifferent citizenry. That is what has made it to become self-perpetuating. Our recent history has since taught that it is more of illusion than fact.

You ask – what of the Ayodele Fayose example? I say, this is 2013; the circumstances are clearly different.

Still want to ask how the Rivers scenario will play out?

First, I do not think that anyone should loose sleep over the role of the partisan police. Let me make a quick comment on the ugly event of July 9. After watching the show of shame on Youtube, my conclusion was that there was no language too strong to condemn the brigandage in the hallowed legislative chambers. It is however a different call to be asked to choose between the show of shame on one hand, and the attempted institutional subversion, the brazen attempt by the five gangsters to foist their rule of impunity on the state, coupled with their open, contemptible disdain for the constitution of the federal re-

public. Simply put: those chaps ought to have been arraigned for an attempted coup!

How about the drama of declaring one of the principal actors – Chidi Lloyd – wanted or even the extreme measure of hanging the charge of attempted murder for what appears to be at best a case of affray? That is Nigeria Police for you. The point is, the drama is unlikely to go farther than keeping the man out of circulation. After then what?

Was the governor right to have ‘invaded’ the House with his personal security? How about asking the governor to wait to be kicked out of office by the garrulous five?

By the way, how dare anyone ask whether it was right for a governor sworn to uphold the law and the constitution to sit in the comfort of his office while lawbreakers are allowed free reign in his domain? Do you ask a governor to play by the rules when the forces massed against him have long parted with the niceties of rules and due process?

I need to make this final point. The greatest tragedy in the Rivers’ crisis is the diminishing moral authority of the Presidency. A Presidency that would stage a victory ball for the loosing party in a contest cannot but damage its esteem in the eyes of the people. The other day, we even heard the First Lady lecture on respect for constituted authority. Strange, isn’t it coming from an unelected individual that once gave an elected governor a dressing down over state policies?

These are unusual times. We may as well start to prepare for the coming anarchy.

‘I need to make this final point. The greatest tragedy in the Rivers’ crisis is the diminishing moral authority of the Presidency. A Presidency that would stage a victory ball for the loosing party in a contest cannot but damage its esteem in the eyes of the people. The other day, we even heard the First Lady lecture on respect for constituted authority. Strange, isn’t it coming from an unelected individual that once gave an elected governor a dressing down over state policies?’

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

22

COMMENTS

A

N Ijaw friend of mine from Bayelsa state who has been living in Lagos for close to 30 years now shocked me recently when he made a strong albeit stupid case for a second term for his kinsman, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, as Nigeria’s president post 2015 general elections.

He pleaded that President Jonathan should be given another opportunity in 2015 to ‘wobble and fumble’ in the presidency again just like his predecessors did and were not denied a second term.

And in case you think the man was joking, he wasn’t. He was dead serious. He listed former presidents Shehu Shagari and Olusegun Obasanjo who didn’t do well in their first term in office and were still allowed to continue after four wasted years.

He argued that since every elected president before Jonathan messed up the opportunity given to them to rule this country and were still given another chance to continue, then Jonathan should be allowed to complete his own ‘messing up’, so to speak before we clean up their mess. As he puts it ‘let the messing up go round’.

Don’t cry for him or Nigeria. That is the level to which our politics has fallen since we elected to promote ethnicity rather than competence in our choice of leaders in this country.

If not to appease the Yoruba for denying their son, Chief MKO Abiola the presidency of Nigeria in 1993 through the criminal annulment of his election, why on earth would any right thinking leadership hand over the rein of government to an Olusegun Obasanjo after he bungled the first chance he had as military Head of State between 1976 and 1979? But that was what the so called cabal then did in 1999, when Obasanjo was ‘elected’ president, even against the wise counsel of his Yoruba kinsmen.

And to complete the appeasement he was given another four years even when his first tenure was a monumental failure Was it not because the north must be allowed to complete its eight years at the saddle that President Shagari was given a second term in 1983 in spite of his glaring inadequacies? President Umaru Yar’Adua would have asked for and given another four years if death had not intervened to cut short his presidency, even when the signs were there that things weren’t getting better. You could argue that Yar’Adua could have done better were it not for death, but on the evidence of his performance as a two-term governor of Katsina state, even ten more years wouldn’t possibly have changed

F

OLLOWING the commencement of the full rehabilitation of the Ede Water works in Osun State, the government of Rauf Aregbesola signalled a deepening of its double-edged policy turning around the fortunes of the citizens. One face of the policy entails providing structures that prevent problems from arising in the future.

That is the proactive or prophylactic approach. The other, therapeutic or curative, is to wait until the challenge crops up and then deal with it.

But Aregbesola, the visionary leader that he is turning out to be has opted for the former in most cases since he moved into the Government House in Osogbo in November 2010. With the problems that he inherited, he has promptly applied the innovative edge of the sword. He wasn’t the creator of these problems. But tackle them, he must.

The worth of a true leader, however, is to develop the capacity to foresee the problems and halt them in their destructive approach.

That way you save money, time, energy and other valuable resources that would have gone into dealing with full-blown crises with fatal consequences both for the present and the future.

That is the perception from which we must view the massive intervention in the Ede Water Works. Now let us look at what has been going on in the mind of the Aregbesola government to make it turn to the provision of good water as a panacea for ill-health.

The government’s Special Adviser on Water Resources, Engineer (Mrs) Mrs Tawa Williams spoke of the mammoth funding the government is sinking into Ede Water Works to underscore its seriousness. Addressing journalists recently, Williams said the government has awarded a N2billion contract for the full rehabilitation of Ede Water Works. This supplies over 70 per cent of the water needs of Osun State. The government has set aside another N2.2billion in the 2013 budget to replace obsolete pipes across the state.

At the inception of the Aregbesola Administration in 2010 for instance, its installed capacity had dwindled to a mere 15%, with major equipment completely broken down and staff morale depleted. The same sce-

That Port Harcourt mob attack

anything.

So if you look around you, it’s been one mess up after another for our presidents (including the soldiers), and this was probably why my Ijaw friend was arguing that his Ijaw brother, our president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan be allowed to complete the South-south turn.

If we are to go by his argument, then the entire 500 plus ethnic nationalities in Nigeria should be allowed their chance to mess Nigeria up for eight years each. Did I hear you scream madness? Yes madness! Because that is what it is, but don’t laugh at him, rather pity him and some of his fellow Ijaw and South-southerners who are rabidly rallying behind a Jonathanfor-second-term project without a thought for the wellbeing of Nigeria.

By the way, my friend used to be a critic of the lack lustre Jonathan administration, until his recent 360 degrees turn. Why I wouldn’t know.

But I know for certain that he didn’t change because he had been paid, but I suspect blind ethnic solidarity which had never been part of him before but which has now crept in and is distorting his sense of reasoning and perception, a malady that is gradually blowing across the Ijaw nation and to some extent, the South-south geo-political zone.

This malady is playing itself out in Rivers State where the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party is in a state of civil war which has the tendency to derail not only this democracy but also the fabric of Nigeria’s existence as a united nation. The war has pitched Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and his supporters on one side against forces loyal to President Goodluck Jonathan, led by the Minister of State for Education Nyesom Wike.

The story of the unfolding war so far you know, but the whole story might not be known unless the key actors decide to open up. Governor Amaechi has promised to reveal all at a later date, sometime next year and he says Riv-

ers people would be shocked. Wike in response says if the governor opens his mouth and says something, he too has a lot to reveal. But this is beside the point here.

What is of greater concern here is the dangerous dimension the whole crisis has taken which portends danger for the country.

Last week, four state governors from the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), decided to pay a solidarity visit to their colleague and Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Rt. Hon Rotimi Amaechi, who they believe is facing persecution from the federal government for standing up against a tyrannical presidency.

The governors of Kano, Jigawa, Adamawa and Niger states who flew into Port Harcourt International Airport together with Amaechi were reportedly attacked by supporters of Wike (by extension supporters of Jonathan) and held hostage for hours at the airport by stone throwing thugs from the Wike backed Grassroots Democratic Initiatives (GDI), a group of political hoodlums that emerged from nowhere just as the Rivers crisis began. Though unruffled, Amaechi and his guests had one of the vehicles in their convoy damaged by the thugs as they eventually made their way out of the airport for the Government House, Port Harcourt.

But after spending some quality time with their host, the governors eventually left for home but not before having some harsh words for the Nigeria Police whose officers and men reportedly looked the other way as the hoodlums held sway at the airport. They reportedly expressed concern at the glaring partisanship of the police against the state government in the crisis and threatened that state governments could reconsider their funding of the police if the trend in Rivers continues. They also deplored the political crisis in the state urging their colleague to stand firm.

The attack on the governors by Wike’s boys showed the level to which Jonathan and his

Osun: Tackling the challenge of water supply

By Joseph Alalade nario also played out in other major and mini-water works across the state.

As soon as the Governor Aregbesola settled in, the first thing he did was to provide an initial N 417 million intervention fund to quickly reverse the downturn of this water works. Through the fund, the following equipment were promptly procured and installed: Two Brand new intake pumps; 1.5 MVA generating set; two (2 MVA) transformers; and 7 Dozing pumps.

This intervention immediately impacted positively on the output of the water works as production rose to 30 percent and staff morale boosted. Not satisfied with this state of affairs and in his avowed commitment to touching lives in every sphere, the governor with members of the executive council, spared no effort in setting aside a whopping sum of N 2 Billion which is what is required for the full and unfettered rehabilitation of the water works.

The rehabilitation work will be wide-raging and will ultimately transform it into what it was originally, albeit with supportive contemporary technological know-how.

In this rehabilitation process, two additional low lift pumps will be installed with twelve high lift pumps. An additional 1.5 MVA generator will be provided with one MVA generator for the low lift. There will be exhaustive repairs of four-unit Clarifier and other ancillary equipment, together with the rehabilitation of 16 filter beds.

We would not hesitate to align with this great drive to infuse funds into the business of reform in the water if we consider what the World Health Organisation WHO says: in the developing countries four-fifths of all the illnesses are caused by water-borne diseases, with diarrhoea being the leading cause of childhood death.

WHO says that the global picture of water and health has a strong local dimension with some 1.1 billion people still lacking access to improved drinking water sources and some 2.4 billion to adequate sanitation. Today we have strong evidence that water-, sanitation and hygiene-related diseases account for some 2,213,000 deaths annually and an annual loss of 82,196,000 Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs).

WHO estimates indicate that worldwide, over 2 billion people are infected with schistosaomes and soil transmitted helminthes and 300 million of these suffer serious illness as a result.

Malaria kills over a million people every year, and a large percentage of them are under five as well, mainly in Africa South of the Sahara. In 2001 the estimated global burden of malaria amounted to 42.3 million daily, constituting 10 % of Africa’s overall disease burden. Malaria causes at least 396.8 million cases of acute illness each year. Pregnant women are the main adult risk group.

As one of the major public health problems in tropical countries, it has been claimed that malaria has reduced economic growth in African countries by 1.3 % each year over the past 30 years.

An estimated 246.7 million people worldwide are infected by schistomiasis, and of these 20 million suffer severe consequences of the infection, while 120 million suffer milder symptoms. An estimated 80% of transmission takes place in Africa south of the Sahara.

Diarrhoea occurs worldwide and causes 4% of all deaths and 5% of the health loss to disability.

In Bangladesh alone, some 35 million people are exposed, on a daily basis, to elevated levels of arsenic poison in their drinking water, which will ultimately threaten their health and shorten their life expectancy.

band of supporters are prepared to go to achieve their 2015 objective. Thank God, at no time were the lives of these visiting governors put under serious threat. If all or one or two of them had been injured in the attack, only God knows what could have happened back home in their respective states. This is the kind of thing you get when thugs are allowed to walk the corridors of power.

I recall in the run up to the governorship election in old Oyo state in 1979, the then Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), the party that later emerged victorious in the gubernatorial polls in what was then known as LOOBO states, comprising today’s south west, Edo and Delta states, had its primary and it was deadlocked. Chief Bola Ige locked horns with his former teacher at Ibadan Grammar School, Archdeacon Emmanuel Alayande (believed to be Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s preferred candidate for the position) and the deadlock was broken by a certain thuggish looking politician by name Chief Busari Adelakun. Governor Bola Ige was to later reward Adelakun with a seat in his cabinet as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, against the advice of Chief Awolowo who we were told, warned that Adelakun was a mere thug, not fit for any serious political appointment. Bola Ige did not listen.

Those who know the story of the political crisis that engulfed Bola Ige’s Oyo state, or witnessed the mayhem that accompanied the National Party of Nigeria (NPN’s) determination to take over the state from the UPN would readily acknowledge, if they are still alive, the role the thug called Adelakun played in the blood bath. It might be necessary to add here that the crisis in Oyo state then was one of those crises that brought down the second republic.

Another thug is walking the corridors of power now and at the national level. The trajectory of his rise and rise to prominence is probably the fault of his benefactors, including Governor Amaechi and now President Jonathan, who instead of rewarding Wike (for whatever good he must done to them) with a position commensurate to his thuggish disposition promoted him beyond the level of his competence. And now he is causing all this trouble.

Nigeria could have been on fire now if anything bad had happened to those governors.

And nobody or only a few would remember that Wike’s ambition had a hand or even was the hand that ignited the fire, everything would be on Jonathan’s neck. The earlier the president knows this the better. He should call Wike and his band of thugs to order.

After the Tsunami attack in Asia on December 26, 2004 people faced the threat of water borne diseases linked to flooding, like Shigellosis, Cholera, Hepatitis A, Leptospirosis, Typhoid Fever, Malaria and Dengue fever.

Now imagine what great gains the society would make in Osun if we have a healthy citizenry free from the debilitating effects of the diseases brought about by impure water. Imagine a healthy citizenry ensuring the full implementation of the great economic and social policies of the Aregbesola government! Imagine the enormous savings that would come the way of government if it didn’t have to spend the scarce funds looking after the sick whose ailments were caused by lack of potable water. Imagine these massive funds going into even more massive economic, industrial, social and infrastructural projects to the benefit of our active and healthy workforce.

Who would dare oppose this formidable social army or seek to topple the government creating and sustaining them? The challenge of the moment is for all governments across the country, federal and states, to takeup the challenge thrown by the state of Osun and strive to provide efficient and sustainable water for our long-suffering citizens.

‘Imagine the enormous savings that would come the way of government if it didn’t have to spend the scarce funds looking after the sick whose ailments were caused by lack of potable water. Imagine these massive funds going into even more massive economic, industrial, social and infrastructural projects to the benefit of our active and healthy workforce’

INSIDE

TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

Page 25

Website: http://www.thenationonlineng.com

Abuja Park prepared for centenary celebration

- Page 26

The FCT destitute challenge

- Page 27

Mass eviction as another demolition looms T

Minister urges good governance, accountability

- Page 28

O pave the way for private developers, residents of Nyanya Labour Camp in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are facing imminent eviction.

As the developers take over, they will roll out bulldozers to pull down dilapidated structures for new owners to build better ones.

The Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, confirmed this to the House Committee on FCT, which visited her to deliberate on the activities of the satellite town development agency.

Akinjide said that Nyanya Labour Camp was built in the early 80s as a temporary camp for the builders of FCT. But, according to her, the population of the camp has outgrown the capacity of the structure even as the facilites have deteriorated, some becoming an eyesore.

She said the authority will relocate the residents to a new site in Gidan Daya village, said to be a strategic site covering approximately 120 hectares.

Akinjide explained that the

From Grace Obike

houses in the Nyanya Labour Camp were formerly for sale to the civil servants occupying them in accordance with the 2006 monetisation policy of the Federal Government.

She, however, added that following the complaints of the UN Habitat which said that the houses were not fit for human habitation, government halted the sale.

According to her, the UN Habitat

complaints about the Nyanya Labour Camp were that the camp has little or no infrastructure, poor sanitary conditions with blocked soak-aways and other unsightly and sites. The unhealthy condition, she said, made the camp a free breeding ground for all kinds of diseases.

She said that the new site at Gidan Daya is designed to cater for about 7,080 households with all the basic facilities and services provided by the government while

Akinjide said that following the complaints of the UN Habitat that the houses were not fit for human habitation, government halted the sale, choosing to evict residents

the housing typology will consist of blocks of flats and terraces.

Akinjide said: “The residential land uses were basically zoned into two; high and medium densities with a network of roads for easier accessibility. Other ancillary facilities for commercial, recreational and public activities were also provided in the plan.�

She also said that in recognition of the housing deficit and high cost of housing in the FCT, the FCT administration is focusing on an affordable housing programme, which is specifically directed at leveraging the housing stock in the satellite towns.

She said two sites have been developed for the resettlement: the Mamusa West District in Phase IV South FCT and Wasa District in Phase V Southwest FCT. The Mamusa West District measures 470.305ha and consists of high, medium and low density areas. It will accommodate approximately 6,221 households.

The Wasa district measures 367.106ha and will accommodate approximately 4,285 households.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

26

ABUJA REVIEW

Abuja Park prepared for centenary celebration

A

S Abuja and its satellite towns prepare to host the grand finale of Nigeria’s Centenary Celebrations on January 1, 2014, the recreation and hospitality sub-sector, especially operators of the City’s Open Spaces (including parks, gardens and other open-air leisure centres) have stepped up their level of readiness.

This upgrade of facilities in the city’s gardens and parks comes as operators commended the recent appointment of the FCT Minister as chairman of the grand finale of the Centenary Celebrations.

Abuja-based investor and chairman of Quality Link Park (aka Zone 7 Garden), Chinemelu Onwughalu, who took journalists round the garden, said Abuja the Federal Capital Territory and Nigeria’s Centre of Outdoor Recreation epitomises the oneness of Nigeria and therefore is a perfect choice to host the grand finale.

He said Bala Mohammed’s appointment zgingered operators of the more than 500 parks and gardens to upgrade facilities that will play host to hundreds of thousands of visitors who will troop into the nation’s capital for the celebrations.

“Our response to FCT hosting the grand finale of Centenary

T

•Millennium Park, Abuja From Bukola Amusan

Celebrations is to step up our facilities” Onwughalu said, adding that Quality Link Park is a typical example of what outdoor and open space recreation is all about.

“We are part of the reason why Abuja stands head and shoulders

above every other city in Nigeria,” the Anambra State-born investor said.

Located on the popular Kigoma Street in Zone Seven of Wuse District, the garden, in addition to its three multi-purpose halls, open field and modern lawn tennis court, has a scattering of rocks, from the top of which a visitor

can enjoy a panoramic view of Wuse District and beyond.

A patron at the Top Rock section of the garden, Hosea Pam, said he frequents the Zone 7 Garden: “This garden reminds me of my state capital, Jos. This is nature at its best. The rocks mingle with the greenery to present a very aes-

thetic and countryside ambience which relaxes the body and the soul”.

Established in 2007, Quality Link Park has four multi-purpose halls, a large main field, a standard tennis court and space for over 500 patrons with their cars securely parked within the park’s expansive grounds.

Cleric recommends capital punishment for killers

HE Bishop, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Diocese of Kubwa, Rt. Rev Duke Akamisoko has canvassed capital punishment for killers.

He said capital punishment will deter would-be killers since jail terms are finite punishment that the perpetrators complete and return to their killing business.

Alluding to the book of Deuteronomy and Leviticus as a basis

From John Ofikhenua

for his position, he said: “It is in the bible. It is in my bible. It is in the bible I preach everyday. You kill, you are killed. It is in the bible, go and read the book of Deuteronomy, go and read the book of Leviticus.

“It is my constitution. You killed, you have no right to live.

It serves as a deterrent to anybody that wants to kill. But that you

kill and you go to the prison and continue to live again people, will continue to kill.”

Akamisoko who spoke at the pre-2013 Synod press briefing in Abuja, said that the theme of the synod is “God is light and in Him there is no darkness.”

The cleric said when God said let there be light it is not spiritual light but physical-the daylight.

He said the artificial light that man has created with his ingenuity is inadequate in this coun-

•Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon. Emmanuel Jime (left); Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, and Deputy Chairman, Hon. Nnenna Igbokwe, during a visit by the House Committee on FCT to the Minister in Abuja

try.

The bishop who said he was not concerned about the increase in electricity tariff, challenged the Federal Government to provide adequate light for the populace.

Asked to reconcile his insistence on capital punishment with forgiveness in the bible, he said: “The bible that even gives you the term forgiveness says if you kill there are offences that you don’t ask for forgiveness. You carry a knife, kill somebody and you say you should be forgiven.

“No! You are not worthy to live.

My bible says you are to be stoned to death. If you kill somebody by knife, you will not be killed by knife, the bible says you will be stoned to death. There is no issue of forgiveness there.”

He said declaration of emergency in Adamawa, Yobe, and Borno states or amnesty for members of Boko Haram sect will not eradicate the security challenges that the onslaught has caused in Nigeria.

The cleric noted that the Federal Government can phase out the sect and the insurgency by arresting its sponsors to face the wrath of the law.

His words: “We have not done

anything yet on security matters.

Emergency rule, amnesty that is not the solution to the problem.

The solution to it is that there are big people behind our security problems and the government is aware of this and they are free.

They are not spirit and they are not angels. With my security studies, I can tell you that the government has the list-the data base of the big men who want to trouble the government of Goodluck Jonathan. The government should have the courage to bring these people to book.

On the political crisis in the country, he said the perpetrators adopt crisis ridden situation as a political strategy.

He noted that “politician are not comfortable when there are no crises,” adding that “politicians are one irrespective of their political parties.”

Akamisoko urged the citizenry to remain unperturbed by the activities of the politicians. He advised them to learn to hope in God even as they have lost hope in men.

According to him, prayer is not governance and the no one gets money through prayer, but from hard work.

My bible says you are to be stoned to death. If you kill somebody by knife, you will not be killed by knife; the bible says you will be stoned to death. There is no issue of forgiveness there

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

27

ABUJA REVIEW

The FCT destitute challenge

T

HE commitment to rid the nation’s capital of beggars, hawkers and all shades of the destitute still stands, but so appears to be the resolve of those the FCT authorities call a nuisance on the streets.

It was the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai who first made it clear that Abuja was not a place for the poor and the destitute.

The present Minister of the FCT Senator Bala Mohammed during his ministerial brief last month also promised that the city will be rid of beggars, hawkers, etc.

The fight against destitution in the city is getting more challenging, according to the Secretary, FCT Social Development Secretariat, Mrs. Blessing Onyeche Onuh.

She said: “Abuja is for all but it cannot be for people constituting a nuisance on the street.”

She said that the secretariat is doing its best in the battle against beggars, street hawkers and prostitutes.

Onuh said they started the campaign a while back but cannot make arrests because it is not part of their responsibility, which is to mutually rehabilitate the destitute.

She said that when they try to take them back to their states, they always claim that they are from

T

HE Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will be using computerised and digital imagery to determine the boundary lines and structures between Abuja and neighbouring states.

This information was revealed by the Director of Abuja Geographic Information Systems, AGIS, Jamilah Tangaza, during the inauguration of the FCT ( Federal Capital Territory) boundary field team.

Ms Tangaza said that the fact that digital satellite imagery will now be used, means that the administration will be in a better position to determine boundaries and also see which area belongs to the FCT and which belongs to neighbour-

•The beggars From Grace Obike

Kaduna or Nasarawa states but when they arrive in these states, it soon becomes clear that they do not hail from those states and are just looking for ways to return to Abuja.

“The greatest challenge always lies with repatriation because a lot of people will always say that Abuja is for all and that we should not be driving anyone out of Abuja,” she said.

Mrs Onuh explained how the administration has been tackling the

challenges. She said at a press conference that enforcement agencies take the people off the street to their centres, where they try to repatriate some and train others.

In 2011, they went to a place in Kubwa and realised that they were housing all sorts of people living

FCT to be digitally mapped From Gbenga Omokhunu and Grace Obike

ing states.

She said that: “We at the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) are going to be playing a significant role in this committee because of the fact that we as the officials of the satellite imagery of the entire FCT including the area councils.

“We are in the process of procuring new and upgrading our Geomedia system and acquiring not just

the 80,000 square km which is the equivalent of but including corridors around the FCT, so we are talking about almost 12,000 square meters in terms of digital satellite imagery which will be used.

“I think it is a starting point, ones we actually are convinced beyond all reasonable doubt that these are specific demarcation belonging to all the respective states and the FCT, then I think that will be the basis on which we will move to the next level.”

The Committee which was inau-

gurated by the Minister of State for FCT, Olajumoke Akinjide, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the FCT Mr. John Chukwu explained that the members of the FCT boundary Team were carefully selected based on their wealth of experience to deliver the task.

He reminded the committee that the FCT administration had hosted a joint stakeholders meeting of the officials of the FCT and its neighbouring states of Nasarawa, Niger, Kaduna and Kogi on the 24th and 25th June, 2013.

with every kind of illnesses, the place was stinking.

The Minister, after the discovery, requested that the place be closed down which they did.

•Continued on Page 28 Mr. Chukwu said: “The joint stakeholder’s meeting was to enable the FCT and its four contiguous states resolve their boundary issues. During the meeting, all identified boundary conflicts were discussed and agreed to be resolved by the stakeholders.

“The FCT field team is being inaugurated today to enable them prepare and meet their counterparts from Nasarawa, Niger, Kaduna and Kogi to implement the resolutions of the joint stakeholder’s meeting.”

The 20 man committee which is chaired by Mr. Abiodun Alonge is given terms of reference of: liaising with field teams of the four neighbouring states (Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi and Kaduna), ensure that all identified disputed areas are properly demarcated, Trace and physically identify all major and intermediate pillars that define different sectors of the FCT boundaries, Identify ownership and structures that are situated along the boundary lines within the 6 meter vista and ensure adequate enlightenment campaign at the border communities and obtain the co-ordinates of such pillars.

Alonge pleaded with the administration to fully support the team in going about their assignment.

Ones we are convinced beyond all reasonable doubt that these are specific demarcations of all the respective states and the FCT, then I think that will be the basis on which we will move to the next level •Abuja city

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

ABUJA REVIEW

Minister urges good governance, accountability

T

HE Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide has urged chairmen and councillors of the six area councils in the territory to embrace good governance and accountability.

She gave the advice in Minna, Niger State capital, while declaring open a three-day re-orientation retreat organised by the FCT

From Gbenga Omokhunu and Grace Obike

Administration for the chairmen and senior officials of the area councils on good governance and imperatives of compliance with extant rules and regulations on the operations of public service.

Residents of the FCT had on March 16, gone to the polls to

All these can only be achieved when we embrace the principles of good governance which entails accountability, transparency and participation

I

F the Federal Capital Territory Scholarship Board must meet up with its mandate of providing scholarship for indigenous and indigent students in the nation’s capital, it will need the sum of N650 million every year.

It is expected to give educational assistance in cash or kind to FCT indigenes and indigent pupils and students in public basic and post-basic educational institutions and FCT indigenes in tertiary institutions within and outside the country.

The board had granted scholarship to 53,445 students in different categories of education between 2009/2010, 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 but had its annual grant from the FCT administration slashed from N255million it was given in 2011 to N112million in 2012 even as the number of beneficiaries increases yearly.

It also sponsored overseas training for 13 students under the FCT Minister’s special compassionate consideration (Lend Support) for the 2010/2011 academic session.

The director of the board, Mrs. Emcy Gayus Hamman said it has over 3,000 applications for scholarship out of which 1,800 have been shortlisted for dis-

N

lives. They want to see roads built to enable them bring their crops to the markets; health centres constructed, to heal them when they are sick; and their environment cleaned, to stem epidemics and make their communities livable, among others.

“All these can only be achieved when we embrace the principles of good governance which entails accountability, transparency and participation. It underscores the basic fact that governance is not a secret business, the rules of engagement must be clear and that the people must be taken along all the way,” said Akinjide, who oversees the Area Councils and Satellite Towns in the FCT. She urged the elected officials at the third-tier level of government to acquaint themselves with the relevant extant rules and regulations governing the conduct of government business.

“The necessity for the observ-

•Oloye Akinjide

ance of the Procurement Act as well as other Fiscal Responsibility measures, are not choices but imperatives. These, of course, will determine how you will return to the people at the end of the day to present your score cards in the next round of elections,” she added.

Paucity of funds threatens scholarship board From Gbenga Omokhunu

bursement of scholarship.

These beneficiaries, Mrs. Hamman said, have yet to be given their scholarship funds due to paucity of funds, adding that the board had N650million to the FCT administration in this year budget.

The N650 million, she noted was what the board proposed in the 2012 budget but was slashed to N112million by the FCT administration lamenting that if the budgetary allocation to the scholarship board is not jerked up, it might not be able to meet up with its mandate. ”Imagine a whole FCT allocating N112million to scholarship; we have 1800 beneficiaries waiting to be given scholarship due to paucity of funds. I don’t know what amount we amount we are going to get from this year’s budget, we are waiting for the budget appropriation” she said The Director of the Board who called on the FCT administration to fast track the presentation of the bill establishing the

CSAN urges govt to tackle infrastructure, corruption IGERIA will enjoy a viable business environment if infrastructure deficits and corruption are adequately tackled.

The 24th President of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, (ICSAN), and also the Chairman of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Suleyman Ndanusa stated this in Abuja during his investiture.

The institute which acknowledged the effort of the government to tackle insurgency and unemployment assured that tackling corruption and infrastructure will make the Nigeria environment investor-friendly.

Ndanusa said: “Nigeria is currently facing a number of challenges ranging from security to unemployment among a host of others. Though daunting, those challenges are surmountable. As

elect or revalidate chairmen of area councils. The chairmen, who were sworn in on May 20 included Hon. Yohanna Peter Ushafa of Bwari Area Council, who was elected on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Hon. Micah Jiba of Abuja Municipal Area Council (PDP) and Hon. Yahaya Garba Gawu of Abaji Area Council (PDP).

Others were Hon. Abubakar Jibrin Giri of Gwagwalada Area Council (ANPP); Hon. Ishyaku Tete Shaban of Kuje Area Council (PDP) and Hon. Daniel Ibrahim of Kwali Area Council (PDP).

The FCT Minister of State, who was represented by her Special Assistant on Legal Matters, Mr. Richmond Akpalanta, urged the chairmen and councillors to see their victory at the polls as a beginning but not an end.

“The electorate is very hopeful that your emergence will bring about positive impacts in their

From Faith Yahaya

an institute, we appreciate the efforts of government towards curtailing the insurgent.

“We however believe that government should do a lot more in the area of infrastructure and tackling of corruption, if these are tackled, the cost of doing business in Nigeria would reduce greatly and the business environment will be more investor friendly.

The President expressed dissatisfaction over the way chartered secretaries are rated in the society.

He said: “It is sad to note that some people still associate chartered secretaries and administrators with stenographers, typists and confidential secretaries.”

He promised to invest in training and retraining of the institute in order to make it become the envy of other professional bodies.

board before the National Assembly also lamented that all its revenue drive as well as partnership and networking efforts have been futile due to the non-

existence of an enabling law that established the board.

If the law is passed, she noted that the board would be able to enjoy cooperation and partner-

The board expects annual grants from the six FCT Area Councils in whose domains the beneficiaries of the scheme are usually selected stressing that educational development levy of 1 per cent of annual basic salary of civil servants working with FCTA would also be a virile source of grant to the board

ship with private sectors, donor agencies and development partners which would lead to increased grants.

She added that the board expects annual grants from the six FCT Area Councils in whose domains the beneficiaries of the scheme are usually selected stressing that educational development levy of 1 per cent of annual basic salary of civil servants working with FCTA would also be a virile source of grant to the board.

It will be recalled that the FCT Scholarship Board was upgraded from a unit under the Education Secretariat to a full fledge board in 2010 but has yet to enjoy the status of a board established by a law three years on.

FCT and the destitute challenge •Continued from Page 27 She said, “These are the kinds of people you see around begging; we are trying our best to rid Abuja of such.”

When asked about the physically challenged who have been relegated to Kara majiji, a home with no proper shelter or toilets, she said that they have made budgetary allocations to relocate the inhabitants to a new home in Gwagwalada.

•Senator Mohammed

She also said that are training the people in the art of soap making, basket making etc and for this fasting period, we have chosen 50 women whom we will give N50,000 each to assist them.

On the fight against prostitution, she expressed her surprise at how many toes she is having to step on in her fight against prostitution.

She said that she had called them for a meeting at some point and was expecting to see young girls in skimpy clothing but realised that they have representatives all over the country and are registered with the cooperate affairs commission.

She also said that she was challenged by an Alhaja amongst them who said, “The thing that started before the birth of Christ, you think that you can just come now and stop it?”

Mrs. Onuh said some organisations and NGOs fight and support the prostitutes and go as far as suing.

Recently, she said, they sued AEPP (Association on Employment Practices and Principles) adding that a court recently ruled for them to be given N2million. With people there to defend them, the job is made more difficult for them.

The representatives went as far as requesting for land in the FCT and proposed that they could generate revenue for the government and they failed to understand why

she, a fellow woman, will not understand their plight and help them out.

When Mrs Onuh was asked about the allegations that security operatives arrest prostitutes and rape them, she insisted that she never got any such report until she was summoned by the public complaints commission and told of the accusation.

She promised that the secretariat will deal with the security operatives when they get substantial evidence to prove that such things happen.

Some of them come in willingly, Mrs. Onuh said, to the training programme and want to learn and take themselves off the streets and after the training and screening, they get grants from the government.

One of the benefactors of the grant, Mercy, from Benue State said that she came to Abuja in 2003 and began prostitution. Then, she learnt of the organisation and was trained in hairdressing and after the training, she was given a hairdryer and N100,000.

Another benefactor also appreciated the opportunity because she was brought to Abuja by a friend who introduced her to prostitution.

Her rehabilitation followed an arrest last year.

She now operates a hair-dressing salon in Karmo.

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TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

‘ We have noticed increasingly that Africans are playing

very significant and dominant roles in the ICC and Nigerians have also had their say in the running of the ICC See page 35

’

E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

INSIDE: Supreme Court: Only states can make laws on tourism, licence hotels

When should a girl marry?

• Senate’s marriage resolution raises storm

The Senate has removed the age ceiling on marriages for girls, provoking a storm nationwide. Through its amendment of Section 29 of the 1999 Constitution, a girl is considered an adult once she gets married, no matter her age. Legal Editor JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU, ADEBISI ONANUGA, ERIC IKHILAE, JOSEPH JIBUEZE and PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU examine the implication of the senators’ action on the society.

-Page 32

Required proof for criminal allegations in election petitions: A critique

-Page 33

Independence of electoral umpires in Nigeria

-Page 34

‘Why Nigerian courts exercise universal jurisdiction over war crimes’

• One of the protest symbols

T

HE Senate is on trial on the social media. Different petitions, urging people to reject amendment of Section 29 of the 1999 Constitution are being circulated.

Last week, the Senate amended Section 29 (a) of the Constitution, resolving to retain its provision that a married underage girl is deemed to be an

How it all began It began with the amendment of Section 29, which states: Any citizen of Nigeria of full age who

Once you are married, you are deemed to be of age whether you are one or two years it doesn’t really matter - Mark

OCJ Okocha (SAN), a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) turned 60 recently. Okocha, who chairs the Council of Legal Education, in this interview with Legal Editor JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU, speaks on the judiciary, legal education, law and development, globalisation of legal services and other national issues.

‘National, state assemblies should be more proactive‘

Y

-Page 35

Young lawyers seek better welfare, minimum wage -Page 36

Insecurity is a threat to Nigeria’s existence, says lawyer -Page 37

adult.

• Okocha

OU have been a key player in the legal profession since your call to the Bar in 1978 both as a lawyer, NBA President and now Chairman, Council of Legal Education. Compare the Judiciary now with what it was in your early days at the Bar? The Judiciary is clearly at a more developed stage today, when compared with what it was in my early years at the Bar. I was called to the Bar in Nigeria in July 1978. Since then, the 1979 and later the 1999 Constitutions have been brought into force.

Also, the numbers and divisions of the Federal High Court, the High Courts of the states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Customary Courts of Appeal of the states and the FCT, the Sharia Courts of Appeal of the States, the (FCT) and also the number of Magistrates Courts have increased greatly.

There are more Divisions of the Court of Appeal and many more Justices of the Court, and many more Justices of the Supreme Court.

There is a new court known as the National

Industrial Court (NIC). New Rules of Practice and Procedure have been made for the said courts, and new structures developed for the courts throughout Nigeria.

There has also been introduced the National Judicial Council (NJC), as provided in the 1999 Constitution, which executive body is charged with making policies for the administration of the Judiciary in Nigeria and the appointment and discipline of judges of the Superior Courts.

What does this show for the Judiciary?

I can say, therefore, that the Judiciary has since grown by leaps and bounds. Sadly though, it has not been modernised. Our courts and our judges still continue to record proceedings in long hand, and the pace of justice is still slow and laborious.

In your 60 years, will you say that our laws have assisted in achieving the much-desired socio-economic and social development? If not, how can we achieve this?

Yes, our laws have helped Nigeria to achieve some measure of social and economic development, but •Continued on page 31

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

30

LAW COVER CONT’D

When should a girl marry?

•Continued frompage 29 wishes to renounce his Nigerian citizenship shall make a declaration in the prescribed manner for the renunciation.

(2) The President shall cause the declaration made under subsection (1) of this section to be registered and upon such registration, the person who made the declaration shall cease to be a citizen of Nigeria.

(3) The President may withhold the registration of any declaration made under subsection (1) of this section if(a) the declaration is made during any war in which Nigeria is physically involved; or (b) in his opinion, it is otherwise contrary to public policy.

(4) For the purposes of subsection (1) of this section. (a) “full age” means the age of eighteen years and above; (b) any woman who is married shall be deemed to be of full age.

The Constitution review Committee recommended that Section 29(4)(b) should be deleted. The Senate voted 75 ‘yes’ and 13 ‘no’ to delete the Section. The endorsement of the clause by the Senate became a battle between Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima (Zamfara West) and other senators.

Yerima said the clause is against Islamic law and insisted that it should not be deleted. He noted that declaring maturity age for women is against Islamic law. He said the Constitution forbids the National Assembly from making law on Islamic matters.

Yerima insisted that a second vote should be taken on the passed clause.

Mark said he is not an expert on Islamic law and added that if Islamic scholars raise the same sentiment, it should be revisited.

But Senator Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central) took up the matter from Yerima. He accused the Senate President of double standard.

Mark took exception to the accusation and reiterated that he had been very consistent in the consideration of the clauses. He wondered why the issue should be made a personal matter.

Following insistence by Yerima, Mark agreed that the clause should be revisited.

Mark said, “Once more, because of the serious nature of the laws we make and because we want our actions to stand the test of time, we will revisit the issue raised by Yerima.

“This is because of the sensitivity of issues that has to do with religion, we should revisit it so that we take another vote on it.

But Yerima is a member of the Constitution Review Committee, he should have raised the issue at that level.”

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu who chaired the review committee said that the clause has nothing to do with religion.

He added that the Constitution Review Committee felt that a woman should be old enough to renounce Nigerian citizenship.

He recalled that Yerima said the clause is unconstitutional at the review level but insisted that the clause has nothing to do with religion. A total of 99 Senators registered to vote on the controversial clause. The repeated vote showed that 60 Senators voted to retain the clause while 35 voted to delete it as recommended by the review committee.

After the vote Mark said: “Once you are married, you are deemed to be of age whether you are one or two years it doesn’t really matter.” Immediately the clause was killed, there was outrage in the gallery as many spectators felt that the upper chamber had endorsed under age marriage. Yerima was later shouted down when he attempted to thank Senators for voting to retain the clause.

On assent to a bill, the Senate passed alteration to Section 58 by inserting a new subsection “5A” which states: “Where the President neither signifies that he assents or that he withholds assent, the bill shall at the expiration of thirty days become law.” A total of 100 Senators registered to vote, 89 voted ‘yes’ while 11 voted ‘no’.

Critics’ stand Critics said the language of the amendment removes the protection for young women and girls from repeatedly being raped in the guise of early marriage.

This is against the backdrop of allegations that the Nigerian authorities have been failing to implement sexual health education for decades.

To worsen matters, say critics, the Senate has made it part of the Constitution to give

• Mark

• Mrs Falana

• Shekarau

adult men the right to take any young girl as a wife, even as young as 10 years old.

By the alteration, the Senate resolved to alter the section which stipulates that a woman shall not be qualified for marriage until she attains the 18 years.

They deleted age specification and left the marriage age for women open, claiming that a woman is deemed to be “full of age” once she is married irrespective of the age she did so.

Views are divergent on the issue. An anonymous online commentator said: “There is difference between rape and legal marriage where the families of two families agreed to relate with each other.

“Most people that continue to write all sorts of comments via the media happen to come from communities where majority of the under-aged have given birth to a child and even in some occassions many children without a husband.

“The reason for this is lack of morality in such society; and people continue to hypocritically think that the meaning of ‘full age’ is 18 years and above.

“Nigeria belongs to all kinds of people and Muslims make a good percentage of Nigerian population. Some few individuals cannot dictate the tune for Muslims and Islam in Nigeria.

“If some people feel that is what their community need; good luck and best wishes to them.

“Statistics have shown that most singles in Nigeria are under-aged and are mostly from the non-Muslim communities and some few Muslim communities.”

But women lawyers in Nigeria under the aegis of International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), a group which also works to promote and protect the rights of women, children and the less-privileged in the society, expressed dissatisfaction with the resolution.

In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by its National President, Hauwa Shekarau and National Secretary, Chigoziri Ojiaka, FIDA said the constitutional provision contravened “the general views of Nigerians as expressed during the recent constituency consultations conducted as part of the ongoing constitution review process.”

According to FIDA, allowing section 29 (4) (b) to remain in the nation’s constitution amounts to “a clear negation of Nigeria’s commitment to different international and regional treaties such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child, African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and AU Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa, which all prohibit child marriages.”

Massive protests have continued to trail the resolution. Prominent Nigerians and human right organisations took to the social media to protest what they described as legalisation of sexual abuse of underage girls.

The protests were held in parts of the country on Saturday such as Abuja and Lagos among others. Also, petitions were signed to protest the law.

Another set of protesters under the aegis of “Child not Bride” might besiege all state Houses of Assembly and the National Assembly today to call on the Senate to reverse itself.

A “massive protest” against “child-bride” is planned today in Lagos, Abuja, Ondo, Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Ogun, amongst other states.

The protest is designed to get 2 million people to sign a petition that would be submitted to the State Houses of Assembly in opposition to the proposal.

ans could not exercise their franchise at the poll but were being subjected to marriage at tender age. On Twitter, several petition handles were created on Saturday, where users condemned the Senate position.

Lagos-based pastor and motivational speaker, Sam Adeyemi, twitted, “If Islam permits something that the rest of the country and many parts of the world feel is detestable, then it’s a serious issue. We cannot take away from a Muslim the right to practice his/her religion.”

Former Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nasir El-Rufai, also twitted, “We need your support. Please comment on #ChildNotBride. Criminals, from time, use religion to cloak perversion.”

Two of the many tweets by a former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, read, “We kid ourselves to think that we can catch up and compete with the rest of the world, when the #GirlChild is constrained.

“I got married at 24, after my first postgraduate. Some think 24 is early but then, I was ready to make sound decisions.”

Nigerian actress, Omoni Oboli, also twitted, “I shudder to think I wouldn’t be who I am today, if some perverts had convinced my parents to marry me off before I turned 18.”

Nollywood actor, Nonso Diobi, stated, “If she can’t vote, then she can’t marry. A female child should be taken to the classroom, not labour room.”

Broadcaster, Mo Abudu, expressed her concerns, saying, “My heart is broken by the news from the Senate on #ChildBrides. This is not the Africa of 2013.”

Star reggae artiste, Majek Fashek, also said, “How can a man of 40, 50 or over marry a girl of 12, 13yrs? What kind of paedophilia is this?”

Eme Ewa of Change.org, an organisation described as the world’s biggest petition platform, has written an online petition to the United Nations, titled, ‘United Nations: Stop The Nigerian Senate From Making Under-Age Marriage The Law!’

sent when it comes to marriage, one of the most important steps in the transition from childhood to adulthood.

Looking at the breakdown: 17 countries provide no or unclear information and 74 countries have no minimum age set for marriage. Analysis of those reports with clear responses shows that: 18 is a much more common minimum age for marriage for boys than for girls; 16 for both girls and boys is the most common minimum age for marriage.

What protesters say Protesters queried why underage Nigeri-

‘Medically unsafe, legally wrong’ Observers argue that early marriage is medically unsafe for the child-bride and legally wrong. A gynaecologist Mma Wokocha argued that such marriage could expose the child to vagino-vesicular fistula (VVF).

VVF is a condition where, because the child’s pelvis is too narrow to give birth, pressure from the baby’s head blocks the circulation in the area between the bladder and the vagina, killing the tissue and creating a permanent hole in which urine constantly passes through the vagina, she explained.

How is it done abroad?

According to right-to-education.org, child marriage is repeatedly analysed not only as a harmful traditional practice involving great risks for children’s health and often exposing them to sexual abuse, but also as a significant factor impeding the realisation of the right to education.

However, questions should also be raised about the impact of irrelevant or bad quality education on child marriage. The interconnections between the two areas demand a more accurate analysis that takes into account broader issues including: consent; cultural, religious economic and customary factors; the role of parents and families and gender/power dynamics.

In general terms, countries do indicate minimum ages for marriage. However, this is the area where precise or clear information is most lacking: almost half the world’s countries - 91 in total - are currently unable to ensure the respect of the best interest of the child or the child’s point of view and con-

Lawyers speak

FIDA President Shekarau said: “Section 29 (4) (b) forbids any body to renounce his or her citizenship until such a person attains the age of 18 years or above.

“So, for any married woman to denounce her citizenship under the current dispensation, she must be 18 years and above.

“But the current amendment which the Senate intends to make is the effect that any married woman in Nigeria is deemed to be an adult, thereby giving her the power to renounce her citizenship as an adult.

“This is an anomaly because if a woman is under 18 years of age and you get her married and say ok you are now an adult, you can renounce your citizenship, this obviously encourages, promotes and legitimizes underage marriage in the country “It was in our memo which we submitted to the National Assembly and the representations we made during the constituency meetings and consultations. The general view is that it should be removed from the constitution.

“In the first vote taken by the Senators, majority of the law makers voted that it should be removed from the constitution, but the former governor of Zamfara State, Yerima stood up and said that it would be depriving him his religious rights if it is not included in the constitution “The generality of Nigerians are saying that this provision should be deleted from the constitution but the Senate has turned it down. To have that kind of provision in the constitution is a tacit encouragement and support for child marriage.”

Chairperson and Founder, Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA) Mrs. Funmi Falana, said the alteration has farreaching implications.

She said if a 13-year old child is “presumed to be an adult” by the Constitution, when she commits a crime, will she or not be treated as a juvenile? And will a married 15year-old boy be absolved of criminal responsibilities?

Her words: “What members of the senate were trying to do was to look at the law as it is in the constitution and the position as at today is that there is no specific age for marriage.

“The Constitution is silent on the age for marriage as at today by virtue of section 29(c) . So what they are saying is that it is safer for them to allow it to remain so. The danger in that which they have not even addressed is the implication that anybody who is married is presumed to be an adult.

“In other words, if you are married at the age of 13 or 12, you are presumed to be an adult. But that is not just the implication.

People have not looked at it in other areas.

“For example, the implication for the boy child, not just the girl child - if you are married at the age of 14, you have criminal responsibilities because you are presumed to be an adult.

“As at today, the only law that talks about the age of marriage is the Child Rights Law. I think only about 12 states out of 36 that have not enacted the Child Rights Law in the country today. But we have the Child Rights Act which is even binding on the FCT. • Continued on page 31

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

31

LAW & SOCIETY

New NBA chair promises to carry colleagues along

C

HAIRMAN-ELECT of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos branch, Mr. Alex Muoka, has promised to run an all-inclusive administration.

Muoka, who defeated Mr. Martins Ogunleye and Mr. Hannibal Uwaifo in the poll, told The Nation: “ NBA Lagos has won. It is not my victory alone, it is victory for all members of the Premier branch.

He said: “ I have reached out to my fellow contestants and pleaded with them to join hands with us to build a viable branch. Leadership is like a relay race, you continue from where the last regime stopped, make your own contribution and hand over the baton to your successors The past administration has done its bit, we shall do our own bit and then hand over to others, I plead with every member of the branch to join hands with us to move the branch to greater heights, I will continually focus on and emphasise the things that bring us together, not the ones that tear us apart” The Secretary elect, Mr. Babatola Apata said: “I will work with the chairman to actualise the agenda of his administration. I am not ready, ready or willing to fight with the chairman for anything, we are going to work like one united family. I trust that the chairman will allow every one of us to make our modest contributions to the development of the branch and be able to defend our actions and policies as that of our administration, I am very very optimistic that collectively, we shall move the branch forward” Other officers elected to pilot the affair of the branch in the new exco are: Nelson Ogbuanya- First Vicechairma, Marian Jones- Second Vice-chairman, Uche IkwuemeTreasurer, Abdulraheem IbrahimPublicity Secretary, Joy NzubeSocial Secretary, Chinedu NdukaFinancial Secretary, Tochukwu ChukwumerijeFirst Asst.

Secretary, Aluba Orji-Asst. Fin. Secretary, Chinyere Obasi-Asst.

Social Secretary,and Amaka Aneke,Asst. Publicity Secretary.

•Muoka

By John Austin Unachukwu

He graduated from the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo in 1990 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1991.

He won the Dr. Graham-Douglas prize for the ‘best and most outstanding student in Company Law and Commercial Practice at the Nigerian Law School. He holds a Master of Laws (LL.M) of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) specialising in International Commercial Law and Secured Credit Transactions.

He was a Legal Officer with ITT Nigeria Limited. In September 1992, he joined the law firm of Messrs.

Tunde Odanye & Co. , which he left in July 1997 as Head of Chambers to set up his practice.

He was appointed a Notary Public by the Chief Justice of Nigeria and was sworn-in on September 22, 1999.

He is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators of the United Kingdom.

Muoka is Treasurer, Intellectual Property Law Association of Nigeria and Secretary, NBA, Lagos branch.

His practice covers civil litigation and dispute resolution, company and commercial law, banking and insurance matters, corporate re-structuring and re-engineering, project and joint venture documentation, communications, construction and development law, trusts, environmental law and intellectual property law.

Mr. Muoka said good leadership, institutional reforms, capacity building among members, welfare of members and discipline in the profession is the core focus of his manifesto.

•Akpata

Akpata holds LL.B (Hons) Second Class (Upper Division) from the University of Ilorin. He also graduated from the Nigerian Law School, Nigerian Law School, Bwari, Abuja with a Second Class Upper Division.

Akpata is an an Associate in the

law firm of G. Elias &Co. He is a member of several professional groups, including the NBA, Nigerian Environmental Law Society (NELS), Young International Arbitration Group (YIAG) of the London Court of International Arbitration, Young Arbitrators Forum of International Chamber of Commerce.

He is a Notary Public, Associate Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (ACiarb), United Kingdom, Associate, Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Associate Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

Apart from the short period he worked with Shendam Local Government (October 2002 - August 2003) Akpata has worked with leading commercial law firms in the country, including Aluko & Oyebode, where he was an Associate (June,

2002 - September 2002) and G. Elias & Co., (Associate) (September, 2003 - date).

He has such international exposures and experiences of a contemporary lawyer, not only in law practice, but in other fields of professional endeavour.

He attended seminars and workshops organised by such globally acclaimed consultants as Smith Consulting: Accounting and Finance Course for Lawyers (2002) Newman Module: Nigerian Petroleum Profit Tax Act: Structure and Administration (2003), Bripan: Banks’ Loans Documentation and Recovery (2004). Admiralty Resource Services: Marine Insurance Seminar (2005) IBA: Developing Energy and Mining Projects in Emerging Markets (2006) MAAN: Arbitration in the Marine Industry (2010)

A Lagos-based lawyer Ikechukwu Ikeji faulted the subtle support the Senators gave to under age marriage in the name of religion.

“What baffles me most is the subtle support the Senators have given to under-age marriage in the name of religion.

“What happens to the efforts at fighting the VVF disease that is prevalent in the north as a result of sexual exposure of minors?” he asked.

Director of a rights group, the Rise Networks, Toyosi Akerele, said it is very unfortunate that the Senate Okayed “underage women” for marriage in Nigeria “This is the most absurd thing any sane government could ever do. With the teeming number of teenage pregnancies and the social and health hazards that we are already battling with, one wonders if our law makers are really thinking at all. Have they heard about obstructed labour due to small pelvis of the ‘child’ mother?

“Have they heard about Obstetric fistula that results from prolonged obstructed labour that makes the girl leak urine continuously and makes her a social outcast? Do they know

that many of these ‘children’ are divorced and driven out of their husbands’ homes because of this malady?

“Do they know that mortality rate of children born to these ‘children’ is very high? This is male chauvinism and child abuse being legalised, this is an assault on the sensibilities of Nigerians who care that we have a just society that looks after the welfare of the children and youths; an insult on common sense. Where are the women and the youths who are being abused by this legislation?”

“We, well-meaning Nigerians will not allow this injustice happen to our children. We therefore insist that our daughters be sent to school and not to infant marriages. Education is the bedrock of every society, and the education of the girl child is as important as that of her male counterpart.

“We therefore are surprised that Nigeria’s Senate didn’t consider making it mandatory for every girl child below 18 to be in school. Instead, they gave a legislative seal of approval for the marriage of underage girls. That means even a 5 year old toddler could be married off by her parents.

“Nigerians of all tribes and religions have rejected this, and therefore undertake to stand against the state-sanctioned abuse of the girl child.”

When should a girl marry?

• Continued from page 29

“The Child Rigs Law and the Child Rights Act specified that no girl child that is under the age of 18 shall be married out in marriage.

“In other words, it specifically stated that 18 years is the age for marriage. Since that is the law, and the constitution is silent, and they want it to remain silent, it then means that we can always fall back on these two laws.

“But we should look beyond all these and age for marriage institutions because of what they are trying to do. There is a criminal liability for responsibilities and even for the award of contract and other things that is presumed for anybody who is married even if he or she is below 18.

“Under the Child Rights Act, it is a crime to marry any woman that is under aged. Whoever does it, it is six months imprisonment.

“So somebody like the former governor that got married to a 13 year old girl about two years ago, if he had been prosecuted under the Child Rights Law, he would have bagged a jail term of six months.”

‘National, state assemblies should be more proactive’ • Continued from page 29

the country is still an under-developed country and much, much more needs to be done to develop it. In my humble opinion, some if not all of the matters enunciated in Chapter II of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, i.e. The Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy enunciated in the Constitution, should be made justiceable, and our Federal and state Legislatures should be more pro-active in their law-making functions, and take all necessary steps to modernise the Constitution and Laws of the Federal Republic and the states.

It is believed that the standard of legal education in the country has nosedived. What is the Council of Legal Education doing to improve it?

That is true to a large extent; even though my own assessment of the situation is that the standard and quality of education in Nigeria, generally speaking, has fallen to abysmal levels. On our part, the Council of Legal Education has recently adopted and implemented new teaching methods, with regard to persons admitted into the Nigerian Law School for training to become legal practitioners. The Council has also established a Committee to re-design the curriculum for Legal Education for the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) programme run by Faculties of Law in the universities duly accredited as such in Nigeria. The committee is to be chaired by an eminent legal practitioner, who is also a Professor of law, Chief Awa Kalu (SAN). The Council has also adopted a very strict policy for the accreditation of Faculties of Law in universities. We have also embarked on the re-organisation of the administration of the Nigerian Law School. Those are some of the policies put in place in our bid to improve the standard and quality of legal education in

Nigeria.

The Nigerian Law School will be 50 years this year. How do you feel about it and why do think that the Law School will roll out the drums to celebrate?

The Nigerian Law School will actually be celebrating its 50th Anniversary in November, this year. Both the Nigerian Law School and the Council of Legal Education have made great strides since they were created in 1963. All the Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, are products of the Nigerian Law School. Most of the legal practitioners still in active law practice in Nigeria are products of the Nigerian Law School. From the building at Igbosere Road, Lagos where the Nigerian Law School started in 1963, and produced the first set of eight legal practitioners called to the Bar in Nigeria, the Nigerian Law School now has six campuses, in Bwari, Abuja (the Headquarters), Lagos, Enugu, Kano, Yenagoa and Yola. The Law School trains nearly 6,000 lawyers yearly, and the Council of Legal Education has continued to discharge its statutory functions as enunciated in the Legal Education Act. The Council has proposed the launching of an endowment fund to enable it to continue the sustainable development of legal education in Nigeria. These are some of the reasons we have decided to roll out the drums, and happily celebrate the 50th Anniversary of both the Council of Legal Education and the Nigerian Law School.

The welfare of young lawyers has always be on the priority list of every NBA administration, but at the end of the day, not much is achieved in this respect. How do we actually ensure the welfare of young lawyers and the less privileged seniors in the profession?

The welfare of young lawyers and less- privileged members of the legal profession is a matter tied up with the economic realities of the times. That matter is one which the NBA will

• Okorocha

continue to grapple with, and also continue to seek solutions. In the mean time, may I suggest that we encourage the formation of partnerships among legal practitioners. May I further suggest that Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies be encouraged and mandated to create more positions to be filled by legal practitioners. For instance, the Attorneys-General of the Federation and the states can make it mandatory for criminal cases to be prosecuted only by legal practitioners.

Port Harcourt has witnessed some level of political crises in recent times. What is your reaction to this and how do you think we can restore peace to the state?

Recent events in Port Harcourt were very unfortunate, and most regrettable. All concerned must be advised that the primary purpose of government is the protection of life and property and this can only be achieved by a resolute maintenance and enforcement of law and order.

The elected Governor of Rivers State is to be seen and upheld as the Chief Security Officer of the state and all concerned, including the Commissioner of Police, the Heads, Commanders of other security agencies in the state, the state House of Assembly and the public, must co-operate with the governor to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order in Rivers.

How do you feel about the globalisation of legal practice and the call for foreign lawyers to practise in Nigeria?

The globalisation of legal practice is a present reality, and we must accept it as such. May I say, however, that there is need for the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to re-examine its position on the matter, so as to secure some measure of protection for legal practitioners duly enrolled and practicing as such in Nigeria. In addition to the foregoing, the government must also need to ensure that on the matter of cross-border practice of law and free movement of persons, there are reciprocal benefits in other countries for legal practitioners in Nigeria.

There is this belief that a lot of justice sector Bills are pending before the National Assembly. What is your reaction to this?

Yes. I would like to join in the several appeals already made to the National Assembly to fasttrack the passage of Bills relating to the legal profession. I refer particularly to The Legal Practitioners Act (Amendment) Bill, The Legal Education Act (Amendment) Bill, etc. which bills have been before the National Assembly for some considerable time now. The National Assembly should also fast-track the passage of the bill for the amendment of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

32

LAW AND SOCIETY

Supreme Court: Only states can make laws on tourism, licence hotels

By Adebisi Onanuga

• Ipaye

T

HE Supreme Court has declared that it is only the Houses of Assembly that can make laws on tourism or the licensing and grading of hotels, restaurants, fast food outlets and other hospitality establishments.

Delivering judgement in an appeal filed before it by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, the court, on a unanimous judgment, upheld the contention of the Attorney-General of Lagos State Mr. Ade Ipaye, that the Constitution as amended, only empowers the National Assembly to regulate tourist traffic, a term which does not extend to hotel registration or licensing.

A statement from the Lagos State Ministry of Justice said the court dismissed the appeal filed by the Federal Attorney-General.

The court declared valid the Ho-

F

tel Licensing Law of Lagos State (as amended) and the Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption Law of Lagos State; the offending sections of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) Act were declared null and void.

Ipaye on behalf of the state government had argued during the hearing that the only power reserved to the National Assembly on the Exclusive Legislative List in Schedule 2 to the Constitution was the regulation of tourist traffic, which only pertained to immigration and the issuance of visas.

Tunde Busari, representing the Attorney-General of the Federation, contended that the phrase was enough to cover all tourism subjects and that the NTDC Act had therefore covered the field. On those grounds, Busari called on the court to invalidate the Hotel Licensing Law and Hotel Consumption Tax Law of Lagos State.

The Court, however, ruled in favour of Lagos State in this case and also in another case filed on the same subject which was consolidated with the first one for hearing.

The Hon. Justice Suleiman Galadima [JSC], who read the lead judgment, rejected the

submissions made by Busari on behalf of the Federal Government in both cases, and dismissed the case.

It would be recalled that the Lagos State government and the Federal Government had been embroiled in controversy over the question of proper authority to license and grade hospitality establishments.

This had resulted in the NTDC and the state government setting up parallel registration and regulation structures to the annoyance of businessmen in the industry.

By dismissing the case of the Federal Government, the apex court has put paid to this controversy and paved way for state governments to take full charge of tourism regulation and development within their respective jurisdictions.

Commenting on the judgment, Mr. Disun Holloway who is the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism and Intergovernmental Relations declared it as a landmark and praised the Supreme Court for upholding the tenets of Federalism.

Holloway also stated his expectation, that this judgment will eradicate multiplicity of taxation and regulation, thereby enabling states to take charge and properly plan for the hospitality industry in their respective territories.

Agbakoba threatens legal action over Christian/Ecclesiastical courts

ORMER President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) has threatened to sue the National Assembly and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) over the noninclusion of Christian/Ecclesiastical Courts in the constitution.

In a July 16 letter, titled Establishments of Ecclesiastical Courts, addressed to Senate President David Mark and Attorney-General of the Federation, Agbakoba said though provisions were made for other religions, none was made for Christianity in the Constitution.

He gave the National Assembly seven days, effective July 16, to address the issues raised in his letter, failing which he will initiate legal proceedings.

Agbakoba argued that the absence of Christian/Ecclesiastical courts in the Constitution is a violation of Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution which prohibits discrimination on account of religion.

“I am a Christian and Catholic by faith. I have read the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and have observed that no provision is made for Christians to have their religious/spiritual affairs adjudicated by persons adequately learned in Ecclesiastical laws/ biblical jurisprudence.

“Islamic and Customary prac-

• Mark

By Adebisi Onanuga

titioners are well recognised and accommodated in the Constitution by the establishment of the Customary and Islamic court systems in Sections 260, 265, 275 and 280 but no corresponding provision is made for Christians or Ecclesiastical Courts.”

Christians, according to him, are forced to resort to Customary and High Courts which are manned by persons of little or no knowledge of Ecclesiastical law and jurisprudence.

“This in my view violates Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution which prohibits discrimination on account of religion.”

Agbakoba asked that provisions should be made for the establishment of Christian/Ecclesiastical Courts, in the present on-going review of the constitution, adding that Nigeria is a multi religious country and faith is personal.

“I believe matters of faith should not be contained in the Constitution as provided by Section 10 which prohibits state religion. But if we must retain customary and Islamic law systems, and I have nothing against this, then provision must be made for Christian/Ecclesiastical Courts,” he added.

The learned Senior Advocate of Nigeria attached a draft bill for the establishment of the Ecclesiastical Court of Appeal for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as he claimed to have received it from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), to the letter sent to the Senate President for the consideration of the Assembly.

He threatened that he would head for the court if nothing is done within the period of ultimatum given to the Senate on the matter.

LEGAL DIARY

NBA to hold annual general conference in Calabar The 53rd annual general conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) will hold from August 25 to 30.

Venue: Tinapa Business Resort, Calabar, Cross River State. Theme: “Law, Leadership and Challenges of Nationhood in the 21st Century Nigeria” The conference will be opened by the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR. Participants at the Conference will receive certificates issued by the NBA Institute of Continuing Legal Education. The NBA database verification exercise will also take place at the conference. All participants at the venue can complete the NBA verification exercise by coming to the venue with photocopies and originals of the following documents.

1. Call to Bar certificate 2. Evidence of payment of Bar practicing fees for 2013 3. Evidence of payment of Branch dues 4. Means of identification (International Passport, Driver’s License, National I.D Card) 5. Evidence of payment of N2,000 Admin Fee into GTBank Account No 323 – 257060 – 114, Account Name – NBA Database Project 6. Evidence of change of name if applicable.

LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

with gabriel AMALU email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com

Senators’ conscience on constitution amendment

T

HE Nigerian legislature despite protests from a significant section of the political elites has taken upon themselves the responsibility to fundamentally amend the constitution of our country. The legislatures insist that they are constitutionally imbued with the power based on the provisions of Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. Those opposed to this exercise argue that a fundamental amendment of the basic law of the country requires the services of a constituent assembly, specifically elected to carry out such an exercise. Some even argue that there is a need for a referendum after any fundamental amendment, for it to be properly called a grundnum - that is the foundational law of the land.

Unfortunately, the current constitution is not autochthonous, as it was forced on the country by a military fiat, even though the constitution lied in its preamble that the people of Nigeria gave it to themselves. Having accepted the 1999 Constitution with its flaws, we also have to accept the ongoing amendment, as long as it conforms to the provisions of that constitution. Last week, the Senate started to vote on the clause by clause amendment of the constitution, based principally on the recommendations of the committee headed by Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu. On their own part, the House of Representatives are also getting set to vote based on the so called consultations the members held last year.

Senate President David Mark, while kick starting the transparent voting process, enjoined his colleagues to vote according to their conscience. And they have. Regrettably, the conscience of our distinguished senators has proved inadequate in the circumstance. And we can only conjecture the reasons. Either that their conscience is so blurred that it is incapable of conscientious exercises or that it is so stunted that it is incapable of conscious reasoning. So far the exercise has not shown us that the distinguished senators are conscientiously patriotic. All they have done is to seek to whittle down the powers of the executive at federal and state levels, while expanding the legislative powers and influence in the Republic. Their other major interest is on how to share the national resources.

The senators unfortunately have spared no thought on expanding and protecting the economic and socio-political rights of the ordinary citizens, or strengthening the provisions for fighting the debilitating corruption that is eating away the foundation of our country. Rather our senators have made headlines for shamelessly falling to the antics of the former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Ahmed Yerima, by allowing our constitution to our collective shame to surreptitiously provide for under-aged marriage. Even after Senator Mark had appealed to his colleagues to reawaken their sleeping conscience, the senators overwhelmingly voted to allow the pedophiles like Ahmed Yerima, a field day in 21st century Nigeria.

To show the deadness of the conscience of our senators and even the representatives, there has been no champion for expanded socio-economic rights of the citizens of Nigeria throughout the ongoing exercise. This tragedy of our modern day politicians, rallies among the so called progressives and the derided ultra-conservatives, alike. No single legislator has taken to the roof top to demand that the fundamental objectives and directive principles of the state, provided in chapter 11 of our constitution, but made non-justiciable by the collaborating cavernous elites in the army should under the on-going amendment be made justiciable, as a means of empowering the people against the ravenous economic buccaneers, holding our nation by the jugular, in the name of elected officialdom.

Again the conscience of our distinguished senators smacks of substantial illiteracy or dubious pretences. One glaring example is the refusal to separate the office of the attorney general from that of minister of justice and make its budgetary allocation a first line charge. Now with the attorney general and minister or commissioner for justice as one and the same person, appointed by the president or governor, the law makers should know that, such appointee will be more concerned plotting survival strategies instead of fighting corruption or other high crimes against the state.

So again, our lawmakers have not bothered to critically and wholesomely examine our criminal justice system, to take necessary steps to strengthen same.

Since the conscience of our distinguished legislators also appears hard of hearing, let me repeat the worn out argument that there is the need to have a streamlined state capacity to define, prevent, investigate, prosecute, try, and punish crime. That involves the legislature, the police, the attorney general, the courts and the prisons within the precincts of the powers of the state or the federating unit, in a properly so called federal system of government. Where the constitution of a country, such as ours, allows the prevalence of confusion, in its criminal justice system, it is either the elites have connived to allow same, or they are substantially ignorant as to the requirements for a modern society. As things are, what primarily drives our legislatures is subject to debate.

It is also strange that no political party has come forward to enunciate its fundamental principles and objectives as a guide for its members, in this exercise. One had expected that all the political parties or at least those with progressive tendencies would come out with its core believes for advancing our country, and hope that her members would follow the guide. The absence of any clear party principles and policies, on such a fundamental process as constitution amendment is strange. Also distressing is that despite the so called caucuses based on regions and zones, there are no attempts to hammer out guiding interests for members. What we thus have as constitution amendment process is a cacophonous confusion to further our existing distress.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

33

LAW & SOCIETY To get a conviction in a criminal matter, the allegations must be proved beyond all reasonable doubt. This concluding piece by a lawyer, AKINTAYO IWILADE, highlights thoughts on a fundamental statutory misconception that has underlined the treatment of criminal allegations made in election petition proceedings. It engages the historical rationale for the requirement that criminal allegations must be proved beyond reasonable doubt and argues that such is incongruous with election petitions and other variants of civil proceedings.

Required proof for criminal allegations in election petitions: A critique • Continued from last week

A

GAIN, let us suppose that a crime, like murder or any other, was alleged in an Election Petition; and same is proved ‘beyond reasonable doubt’. What will be the result? Can the Election Tribunal order a conviction, sentence or committal to prison in the circumstance? Obviously Not! Now, even if the Election Tribunal recommends some ‘indicted’ persons for criminal trial, will such recommendation abridge the indicted persons’ right to presumption of innocence (notwithstanding that the Election Tribunal had already deemed them liable), if they eventually face criminal prosecution? No! Do the fundamental components, like Summons- Drafting of Charges- Preferring of Information- Plea Taking and Mandatory recording of plea- Bail Issues- Mandatory presence of Accused person throughout TrialAcquittal- Conviction- AllocutusSentencing etc, which distinguish criminal trials from civil ones, ever find place in Election Petitions which are uncontrovertibly civil in their procedural rules and final outcomes sought? No! Answering these posers in the negative make it tortuous to locate any logical jurisprudential rationale for imposing a burden of proof required in criminal trials, with unique fundamental components, on so-called criminal allegations in Election Petitions and other civil dispute scenarios.

It is arguable that the Courts may have created the concept of ‘severance of pleadings’, under civil proceedings, to mitigate the injustice that often result from the narrow insistence on the onerous proof beyond reasonable doubt standard for so-called criminal allegations made in civil disputes.

The concept stipulates that the judex must attempt to separate the pleadings with criminal imputations from those without; and thereafter do justice to both- using the two different statutory proof standards respectively. In Arab Bank Ltd v. Ross (1952) 2 Q.B. 216 at p. 229, Lord Denning attempted a simplification of the position, when he humoured that; “Even with ordinary common sense, if I happen to find my lost coat with AB, and on a claim for the recovery thereof, I alleged that AB stole the Coat, the fact that I could not prove AB to be the thief does not deny me the recovery of my coat once I establish the coat to be mine and not AB’s”.

Following the Omoboriowo v.

Ajasin (supra) authority, the Court of Appeal held, in Aregbesola v Oyinlola, (full judgment as reported in The Nation Newspaper of Friday, December 3, 2010, at pg. A7), that “The interpretation of the foregoing authority presupposes that application of section 137(1) of the Evidence Act to a civil case depends on the contents of the pleadings of each case. In other words, if the averments alleging the commis-

sion of a crime are severable and if following such act of severance, the petitioners’ pleadings still contains sufficient averments which suffices and discloses a cause of action devoid of criminal imputation against any of the parties to the proceedings, then the burden of proof laying on the petitioner is not of a criminal nature beyond reasonable doubt but that which requires proof on preponderance of evidence. The principle of severance in cases of this nature is of great significance and has been emphasised by their Lordships as seen in the case of Omoboriowo v Ajasin (supra). In other words, the determining factor is whether the allegations, if severed and put into two separate compartments, can be sustained as an entity. If the answer is positive, then proof of one is not dependent on the other but side by side. The crucial determinant factor certainly is dependent on the pleadings of the parties”.

On the severance concept, the key point is simply that pleadings are to be ‘severed’ into two places- the ones with criminal imputations on the one hand and the ones without, on the other. The ones with criminal imputations will require the proof beyond reasonable doubt standard to succeed while the ones without, will be resolved on the balance of probabilities upon preponderance of evidence. If upon severance, a civil claim still rests solely upon the pleadings containing criminal imputations, the standard will be proof beyond reasonable doubt, failing which the claim also fails.

While highly commendable, the concept of severance failed to cure the illogicality, and fatal legislative and jurisprudential misconception, which necessitated the retrogressive importation of the proof beyond reasonable doubt doctrine into civil proceedings in the first place. The concept of severance still retains the requirement of proving criminal allegations in civil proceedings beyond reasonable doubt because, the ‘severed’ pleadings, with criminal imputations, must still be proved beyond reasonable doubt else the claims founded on them will inevitably fail. Severance seems useful only where there are other pleadings devoid of criminal imputations and which have the suit’s main justiciable claims attached to them.

To therefore argue, that the concept of severance of pleadings has cured whatever injustice the proof beyond reasonable doubt doctrine introduced into Election Petitions, would be another fatal misconception.

As we have argued and for the reasons adduced, there is absolutely no basis to require that the standard of proof, for convictionseeking proceedings, be introduced into proceedings seeking different outcomes such as compensatory damages, injunctive/restorative reliefs, declarations etc; such as are often sought in civil and

Groups seek to protect women’s right

A

NON-GOVERNMENTAL organisation, the Youth Em powerment and Development Centre (YEDEC), has decried the rights abuses suffered by women because of ignorance.

It said more women must be aware of their civil liberties, especially as regards sexual and reproductive health rights.

At a workshop which dwelled on the outcome of the fifth African conference on sexual reproductive health and rights, the

By Joseph Jibueze

group’s President, Aisiri Christian called for more support for less-educated women.

The event, sponsored by the Ford Foundation West Africa, had the theme: Sexual health and rights in Africa: where we are?

Christian said there’s need to re-examine the policy, financing and programmes on sexual and reproductive health rights of women and youth.

Election Petition proceedings respectively. To demand that a private entity prove the commission of a crime (and the personages actually responsible), beyond reasonable doubt, is tantamount to making the Law operate in denial of the limitations imposed, on lawful private entities, against the possession and deployment of the sophisticated infrastructure needed for arrests, investigation, confiscation, legitimate violence e.t.c; in quests to unravel the thorough details of so-called crimes. This is a domain exclusive to the State and it is such exclusivity that makes it easier for the State to unravel and prove the commission of crimes beyond reasonable doubt, for the purpose of securing convictions of persons responsible. The private entity can hardly access the infrastructure of that exclusivity without daunting fetters. Therefore, the Law ought not to be mischievously blind to these contradictions?

Private entities, lacking the exclusive prosecutorial infrastructure of the State, should be allowed to pursue their claims within the limits of the feeble powers conceded to them by the State. The Law should accordingly stop the treacherous assumptions of an equality of strength between the State and its subjects. Such treacherous assumptions are amplified through the incongruous insistence that private entities prove crime with the same dexterity expected from the State when it is obvious there is unequal power between the State and the private entities competing for claims within it. More beffuddling is that it is obvious that the outcomes sought, when private entities compete for claims, are often fundamentally parallel and different from what the State seeks when it conducts a criminal trial against its subject(s).

Given the dire need for true democracy in Nigeria, it is difficult to contemplate how Election Peti-

• Iwilade

tions often get bugged by such statutory incoherence and illogicality. It is however hoped that the Legislature, and thereafter; my Lords at the Supreme Court, may be persuaded to reverse the decades-old trend, of requiring proof beyond reasonable doubt to establish allegations of crime made in civil proceedings, especially Election Petitions- at the earliest opportunity.

At the very least, it is humbly proposed that another standard of proof be creatively invented to deal with criminal allegations made in civil proceedings, especially Election Petitions. Or crimes could be delineated and varying standards of proof made applicable, to varying degrees of criminal allegations, according to the gravity of whatever is alleged.

But pending whatever new standards that may eventually evolve, the proof beyond reasonable doubt requirement, within civil proceedings (especially Election Petitions), must

continually be described and derided for what it is- an unfortunate statutory and jurisprudential misconception, a clog in the democratic wheel, an antithesis of the doctrine’s essence and origination, a clumsy assumption of equality of needs and strengths between the State and private entities competing within it, a Law operating in denial of practical realities, a Law tempting private entities to illegitimately invade the infrastructural exclusivities of the State, a Law without philosophical depth, a Law impeding jurisprudential growth, etc.

Moving forward, the Legislature may consider enacting another phrase, such as ‘highly probable’, to become statutorily sufficient to determine the proof or otherwise of so-called criminal allegations made in election petitions.

• Concluded

• Iwilade- Lagos-based Legal Practitioner (e-mail:iwilord@yahoo.co.uk)

Firm explores partnership with India on law, economy A law firm, Perchstone & Graeys, has sought to partner with India on ways to advance legal practice in Nigeria as well as help grow the economy.

In partnership with the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), it held the inaugural edition of its IndiaAfrica Business Series in New Delhi, India.

The conference had the theme: Securing energy for emerging markets: the Africa-Asia experience.

Among the Nigerian delegation at the event were Minister for National Planning Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, represented by the Director of Macroeconomic Analysis at the Nigerian Ministry of National Planning Mr. Babatunde Lawal; former Minister of Power and Chairman/CEO Geometric Power Limited Prof Barth Nnaji, former Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and now an Energy Consultant in Dubai Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad, among others.

At a media briefing in Lagos, Founding and Managing Partner of Perchstone & Graeys, Mr Osaro Eghobamien (SAN), said speakers made far-reaching recommendations that, if implemented, would go a long way to create a lasting commercial synergy between the two countries to their mutual advantage.

He said the conference recommended the establishment of a

By Joseph Jibueze

‘Joint Mission on Energy Cooperation’ to be a permanent platform by which India and Nigeria could articulate, explore opportunities and set in motion the necessary cooperation to achieve their respective energy agendas.

Stakeholders, he said, were urged to look into shifting from the traditional reliance on commercial banks for funding of infrastructure projects, to sourcing funds from the capital market through more “exotic” types of finance structures such as securitisation.

Eghobamien said the new visa policy recently introduced by the government was unveiled at the conference held on June 7, and Indian businesses were urged to take advantage of it to facilitate the inflow of investment and exploration of business opportunities in Nigeria.

The senior advocate added: “While the Nigeria economy was identified as being set on the right path to growth and transformation, the representatives of the Nigerian Federal Government were urged to ensure that the Vision 20:2020 gives ‘bite’ to its focus on attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the non-oil sector of the Nigerian economy.

“With last year’s volume of trade between India and Nigeria valued at over $ 17 billion dollars, it was

• Eghobamien (SAN)

identified that there should be a deliberate increase in partnerships between the private sector and the government in addressing the energy needs of both countries.

“The conference further recommended regional integration as part of the solution to Nigeria’s electricity deficit, private sector equity investment in power generation and distribution companies, and with India’s continued high dependence on coal for power, Nigerian companies with export capability were urged to step up to enable India meet the demand.

“The conference identified certain sectors such as aviation, hospitality and telecommunications as being some areas with huge economic growth potentials where Nigeria would need to source for investment in the immediate and near future.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

34

NATIONAL BAR

Independence of electoral umpires in Nigeria Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), in this essay written as a tribute to legal luminary Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) who marked 50 years of his call to Bar, examines how to achieve a truly independent electoral umpire.

INTRODUCTION:

R

EGARDLESS of the political machinery they operate, most modern societies now have formal and informal mechanisms for regulating and legitimising access to public power. Societies where representative governance has taken root have gone further, entrenching universal adult suffrage and, with it, regular free and fair elections to key public offices. To complete the democratic paraphernalia, these societies tend to have special umpires to ensure that elections mandated by the ethos of democratic governance are not a sham and that the results thereof are a genuine result of the exercise of universal adult suffrage. The umpires in question are electoral umpires; they are state or quasi-state apparatuses with varying measures of autonomy constituted in or for any given society to fulfil functions and purposes relative to the conduct of such elections as required in free democratic societies.

2.As electoral umpires are tools for exercising universal suffrage, the level of independence they enjoy is intricately connected to the enjoyment of the right of franchise.

The independence of electoral umpires is therefore an important factor in any assessment of a country’s democratic credentials. However, two juxtaposed but intertwined factors are germane to the independence of electoral umpires: the aspirations of predominant political force and the rule of law.

The one determines whether there is universal suffrage while the other ensures that electoral umpires are kept on legal watch which guarantees the level of independence the country’s level of political development is able to allow the electoral umpire.

3.In the United Kingdom (UK), the conduct of elections is by an independent body set up by parliament known as the The Electoral Commission. The Commission regulates party and election finance and sets standard for wellrun elections. It supports a healthy democracy, where elections and referendums are premised upon principles of trust, participation and are under no political influence.

4.The major functions of the Commission include registration of political parties, ensuring that the populace understand and follow the rules on party and election finance, publish details of where parties and candidates get money from and where and how the money is spent, ensure that people understand that it is important to register to vote, know how to vote and indeed vote at elections.

The commission is headed by 10 commissioners supported by a Chief Executive and an Executive team. The Commissioner are accountable to Parliament but are independent of political parties.

5.The Commission is largely perceived to be independent of the Government in power and its decisions are usually accepted by political parties and the populace as the true outcome of elections.

This commentary is, however, a brief assessment of the independence of electoral umpires. Its objective is to survey the effect of predominant political influence on the independence of the electoral umpires we have had in Nigeria’s quest for democratic governance.

The relevance of impartiality to electoral umpireship: 6.Whatever political theorists may say about its propriety, Ni-

By Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN)

gerian courts have held that the primary purpose of an election is to determine the wishes of the majority of the electorates. See GWADABAWA V KWANGI [1998] LRECN 219 at 222. To this end and in a plethora of cases, the appelate Courts in Nigeria –i.e. the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court of Nigeria– have declared the overriding importance of the actual and perceived independence electoral umpires. Thus in INEC V. OSHIMOLE [2008] 3 LRECN 649, the Court of Appeal frowned at a separate Appeal filed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against the Ruling of a Tribunal. The Court of Appeal had the following to say about the duty of agencies and officials charged by law to conduct elections and the impropriety of such agencies and/or public officials appealing against decisions resulting from legal contests between candidates at elections: “INEC as I said earlier has the exclusive power to conduct elections and declare results; it does not share that power with anyone. It conducts the elections and its mandate is to see that the elections are free and fair. To that end, INEC is expected to and must be seen as an impartial umpire. “Impartial” means “not supporting one person or group more than another; neutral; unbiased” –See Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary’, 6th Ed. INEC and its officials appear to have derailed from their role in this case.” [Emphasis supplied] 7.A similar observation was made by the Supreme Court in AG FEDERATION V ABUBAKAR & 3 ORS [2007] 4 SC (PTII) 62 where it was held as follows: “Also the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) by its statutory existence is an independent body with constitutional powers to conduct elections in Nigeria. It must not only be an umpire, it must be seen, in the eyes of reasonable men, to be an impartial umpire in the conduct of an election. INEC must never by act or omission place itself in a position where imputations of partiality in favour of one party against another party is levelled against it.

Neutrality must be the watch word of the body – it must always remain fair and focused.”

8.The above stated position has in the recent past been taken to heart by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) and in so doing, INEC has largely restrained itself and refrained from contesting the decisions of first instance Tribunals in elections conducted by INEC. This has gone a long way in also enhancing the credibility rating of INEC in the electoral process.

9.This cannot be said of State Electoral bodies that are saddled with the conduct of elections into Local Governments. In the 2011 Local Government Election, conducted in Lagos State, the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) vigorously contested every decision by the Local Government Election Tribunals where other political parties than the Ruling Political Party in Lagos State were declared as the winner of the Local Government Elections. Appeals were filed by LASIEC and it was a surprise that the Local Government Election Appeal Tribunals constituted by serving High Court Judges in the state did not follow the example and admonition of the Appelate Courts in INEC V OSHIOMOLE (Supra) and A.G. FEDERATION V ABUBAKAR & ORS (Supra).

• Aare Babalola (SAN)

It is hoped that the Appellate Courts would continue to set the standards and the Lower Courts would take a cue as this would enhance the credibility of the States electoral bodies.

10.From the foregoing therefore, it would seem that the courts in Nigeria equate the independence of electoral umpire to actual impartiality as may be gleaned from the conduct of the umpire.

The integrity and efficiency of the electoral umpire not only affects the conduct of an election but also determines the collective mood of the country before, during and after major elections. Save for the June 12, 1993 presidential election which was adjudged be the freest and fairest in the history of electoral contests in Nigeria. Other elections in Nigeria have been severely criticised by observers, analysts, politicians and social commentators. Some of the criticism are justified while others have remained largely partisan. In reacting to the flawed elections in post-independence Nigeria which ushered Sir Tafawa Balewa as Prime Minister, Chinua Achebe, the late author, poet and acclaimed social critic in his very

last major work “There was a Country, A Personal History of Biafra” said as follows: “Later it was discovered that a courageous English junior civil servant named Harold Smith had been selected by no other than Sir James Robertson to oversee the rigging of Nigeria’s first election “so that its compliant friends in [Northern Nigeria] would win power, dominate the country, and serve British interests after independence”. Despite the enticements of riches and bribes (even a knighthood, we are told), smith refused to be part of this elaborate hoax to fix Nigeria’s elections, and he swiftly became one of the casualties of this mischief.

Smith’s decision was a bold choice that cost him his job, career, and reputation (at least until recently)”.

Thus elections in Nigeria began to suffer serious criticisms right from the beginning of Nationhood.

Electoral umpires of Nigeria 11.History teaches that across Africa political life in the pre-independence period must be divided into the pre-colonial and colonial period.

Also, as a study of the many wellrun African empires were ruined by colonial meddling and interven-

tions. The idea that special bodies are needed to moderate the entrance of suitable persons to wield public office was well known to the tribes constituting Nigeria long before our contact with the West. In the old Oyo Empire for instance, as far as the high office of Alafin of Oyo was concerned, the Oyo Mesi, made up of seven councillors of the empire, performed almost all the functions we might ascribe to any modern day electoral umpires except perhaps the conduct of elections. And so far as the right of a people to shape their political destiny is allowed to flourish, once the selfish interest of imperialists is accounted for it becomes clear that bodies like the Oyo Mesi were only as useful as any electoral umpire constituted to serve the powers that be.

12.However, that was before the imperialists invaded Africa on a selfappointed mission to ‘civilise’. The British divide and rule policy of colonial governance interrupted the primordial systems evolved over time for filling public office and corrupted many of them. The deposition of Oba Ovonranwen and the exiling of King Jaja of Opobo are clear examples. And this is well documented in accounts of political life in the pre-independence period.

(See: Gazetteer of Ilorin Provinvce compiled and published in 1929 by The Hon. H.B. Hermon-Hodge -Colonial Resident of Ilorin; Adu Boahen, Topics in West African History [Hong Kong: Longman, 1966] at 136). In summary, governance in the colonial period was generally at the pleasure of the colonialist and, despite the cordon sanitaire of indirect rule, it is now common knowledge that the words democracy and colonialism do not and can never mix.

13.However, in 1923 following the coming into effect of the Clifford Constitution in 1922, elections were held for the first time in Nigeria at which adult males earning up to British 100 shillings and who were resident in Lagos or Calabar were allowed to vote.

As the Clifford’s Constitution established no electoral body to conduct elections, the colonial authorities had direct oversight of the electoral process so that before the elections, in exercise of his powers under the Nigeria Legislative Order in Council of 1922, the Governor appointed registering officers in the municipal areas of Lagos and Calabar to issue notices in gazettes to persons claiming to be entitled to be registered as voters.

• To be concluded next week

High court registry to get computers

By Adebisi Onanuga

• Justice Phillips

T

HE Probate Registry of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja is to have Information Communication Technology (ICT) equipment.

Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Ayotunde Philips, said at a workshop organised by the Probate Reform Committee for the staff of the

department that the development represented her commitment to upgrade the judiciary.

She said the training, which was attended by 50 probate staff, was also part of the plans by her administration to revamp the Probate Department and to keep the staff abreast of modern trends.

She added that the move would also reposition them for effective probate duties.

The Chief Judge expressed conviction that on conclusion of the on-going reform, issuance of letters of administration to the families of deceased persons who died without a will and other documents for relatives of those who died with a Will (estate), will be faster.

“The Lagos State Juidiciary cannot be left behind. The Probate Department is going to be rejuve-

nated. The department will become ICT compliant so that it will be able to serve the public better”, she said.

Justice Phillips described the Probate Department as a critical source of revenue for the state government.

She, therefore, urged the participants to be consumer-friendly, bearing in mind that they would be dealing with grieving members of the public who had lost their loved ones.

Chairman of the Reform Committee, Justice Olubunmi Oyewole, said the on-going reform would amount to “a paradigm shift in the Probate Department and the Lagos State Judiciary at large.”

Justice Oyewole said the probate section is very critical to the ongoing reforms in the Lagos Judiciary, adding “staff competence and capacity are major factors in the operations of the section”.

35

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

LAW & SOCIETY The universal jurisdiction over crimes against humanity as contained in the Rome Statute was the subject of discussion at a course organised by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) in Lagos. Legal Editor JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU reports

C

AN Nigeria exercise universal jurisdiction over crimes against humanity as contained in the Rome Statute?

No, say experts.

But Nigerian courts may exercise such universal jurisdiction over war crimes under the Geneva Convention Act because it covers all nationalities, regardless of the place where the offence was committed.

These were part of the issues discussed at the 7th Training Course on International Criminal Justice and its Administration, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) at its University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Yaba campus.

The adoption of the Rome Statute in 2002 ushered in a new era in the administration of criminal justice worldwide.

This Statute established the International Criminal Court (ICC) and vested it with jurisdiction to try a category of offences therein described as crimes against humanity no matter where such crimes are committed.

As a result of this, many countries of the world have tried and at times convicted non citizens for crimes committed outside their shores.

NIALS Director-General Prof.

Epiphany Azinge (SAN) said not many lawyers were acquainted with the Rome Statute – the law setting up the ICC. Besides, all the technicalities, doctrines and principles that characterise the Rome Statute is not taught in any university or faculty of law, nor is it normally part and parcel of programmes mounted by institutions and organisations.

“The institute has taken it up as our responsibility annually to train new participants and build capacity in this area.

“We appreciate the fact that increasingly across the world, particularly in Africa, we have been having instances of atrocities committed that all fall within the definition of and characterisation of the Rome Statute either as crimes against humanity or genocide and all the other components that make up the jurisdiction of the ICC. “We also train people, including prosecutors, to understand exactly, the principles and doctrines that apply to the ICC and those that can be domesticated as it were, that is, those techniques that can be used internally.

“But more significantly, we have noticed increasingly that Africans are playing very significant and dominant roles in the ICC and Nigerians have also had their say in the running of the ICC. “To that extent, we feel there is need to build capacity in that area and introduce greater number of Nigerians to the workings of the ICC so that we can always replenish our number.

“In other words, by the time a set of Nigerians leave the ICC as prosecutors, other Nigerians will go in and fill their positions,” Azinge said.

The NIALS boss spoke on the training’s benefit to participants.

“The armed forces and other participants are those who would also want to know the limits of the engagements by making sure that they adhere strictly to the rules of engagement as far as warfare or any combat activities are concerned.

“So, the involvement of the military in our training programme is one that is welcome because naturally it will have to tailor the way the military will behave when they have assignments internationally or locally to make sure that they apply and adhere strictly to the rules of engagement.

“With all these and all the faculties that are at our disposal, we

• Justice Nweze (left) and Prof Azinge

• Dr Adebisi Arewa

• Popoola

‘WhyNigeriancourtsexercise universaljurisdictionoverwarcrimes’ believe that the programme is one that has been running well and this one will not be an exception.

“We believe that by the time the participants go, they will be better enriched in knowledge and understanding of the workings of the ICC and of course, the issue of justice system as it affects the ICC and the administration of the ICC in general,” Azinge added.

Former Dean, Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Prof. Demola Popoola, said the adoption of the Rome Statute has opened a new chapter in international law .

“A comprehensive legal and institutional regime now exists in the field of international criminal justice”, he said.

He quoted former United Naitons Secretary-General Mr. Koffi Annan, as saying that the Rome Statute “will not only affect the conduct of states, but quite importantly as well guide and shape the behaviour of individuals. It is a landmark development in the evolution of international criminal law and the annals of human history.”

Discussing the sources of international criminal law, Justice of the Court of Appeal, Chima Centus Nweze, said the evolution of the notion of international crimes has an engaging history.

According to him, historically, the concept of crimes was unknown to classical international law; international torts (also known as “delicts”) being the only form of wrongs recognised by the law of nations.

“Indeed, the declaration of a ‘war

of aggression’ as ‘an international crime’ was only achieved as late as the 1920s.

“This was followed by attempts at evolving means for ‘ensuring the repression of international crimes’.

“Even then, the concept of crimes only gained full endorsement in the lexicon of international law when the law accepted the concepts that pirates were ‘enemies of mankind’ and that piracy was ‘an offence against the law of nations.

“Prior to this, it must be emphasised that domestic law had recorded breath-taking strides in this direction. Thus, there is evidence that the United States of America was a forerunner in this regard,” Nweze said.

On the charasterictics of international crimes, Nweze said they bear certain peculiar characteristics that distinguish them from ordinary municipal crimes.

He said they are offences that violate the bristle bond of humanity; hence, an offender is seen as hostis humani generis – an enemy of mankind.

“The implication of this attribute

of international crimes is far, reaching, thus, notwithstanding the similarity in the nomenclature of such offences in international criminal statutes with domestic crimes; their most striking feature is the dissimilarity in their characterisation.

“Thus, crimes against humanity are distinguished from crimes in domestic penal statutes by the threshold test which requires that they be committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against civilians and that the perpetrator had knowledge of the attack,” Nweze said.

The Court of Appeal justice, a former university teacher, said the concept of universal jurisdiction is only invoked in relation to international crimes and finds firm roots in customary international law.

“It’s true meaning, according to Prof. Theodore Meron, is that ‘International law permits any states to apply its laws to certain offences even in the absence of territorial, nationality or other accepted contacts with the offender or the victim.

“A state exercises universal juris-

diction when it prosecute crimes committed outside its borders, without regard to the nationality of the perpetrator or victim, the location of the crime or other specific link to the prosecuting state.

“The provenance of the authority for the exercise of universal jurisdiction is purely doctrinal. It is traceable to the principle that every state has an interest in bringing to justice the perpetrators of particular crimes of international concern.

“As already shown above, the offenses involved in the exercise of this jurisdiction violate the bristle bond of humanity.

“That is why customary international law permits states to exercise universal jurisdiction over genocide, crimes against humanity and serious war crimes.

“Universal jurisdiction is exercisable by Nigerian courts over war crimes under the Geneva Convention Acts for it covers persons of all nationalities, regardless of the place where the offence was committed,” Nweze said.

A former international prosecutor and senior UN lawyer Charles Adeogun-Phillips, said no individual is exempt from ICC prosecution on account of official functions or position in government.

According to him, the act of aggression can include, among others: invasion, military occupation and/ or annexation by use of force, blockage of ports or coasts if it is considered a manifest violation of the UN charter.

“Except when the situation is referred to the court by the United Nations Security Council, the ICC has no jurisdiction over crimes of aggression committed in the territory of a state which is not a party to the Rome Statue or by its citizens,” the lawyer said.

He listed crimes against humanity to include murder, extermination, enslavement, deportation or forcible transfer of population, imprisonment or other severe deprivation of physical liberty, torture, rape, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy, enforced sterilisation, persecution, enforced disappearance of persons, the crime of apartheid, among others.

‘We feel there

is need to build capacity in that area and introduce greater number of Nigerians to the workings of the ICC so that we can always replenish our number’

LEGAL DIARY

International certification course in Negotiation holds

T

HE Dispute Resolution Centre of Bond University, Queensland, Australia, in collaboration with G&S Legal Consulting, will be organising a certification course in Negotiation. The NSC certification is a product of the largest comparative study on the negotiation skills of lawyers in Europe and will be facilitated by the Head of the Bond Negotiation Project, Prof Patrick Cavanagh.

NSCC comprises of a four day intensive training with a theoretical and practical assessment at the end.

This programme is for Senior lawyers and frontline decision makers in corporate and government authorities to perfect their negotiation skills with an international certification. This programme affords them additional skills to become more effective inhouse negotiators, consultants or government negotiators.

Date: July 23 to 26 2013. Venue : Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

36

NATIONAL BAR

Young lawyers seek better welfare, minimum wage

T

HE Young Lawyers Forum of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for improved welfare and basic minimum wage.

They made the call in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, at the end of their yearly summit.

The theme was Raising the Bar and standards for young lawyers in the legal profession”.

A communiqué by Mr. Paul Babatunde Daudu and Mr. Okey Ohagba, chairman and Secretary of the Forum reads: “On the issue of pupilage for young lawyers, the summit was divided between two schools of thought, some were for the re-introduction of compulsory pupilage while the others disagreed based on the reasoning that young lawyers should be allowed a choice of whether to submit to pupilage or to establish their own practices from the beginning, but majority of them supported the re-introduction of pupilage.”

They highlighted the imperatives of “hard working, competence , capability , confidence and truthfulness as necessary tools for success in the profession.

“That the young lawyer’s first duty is to uphold the ethics of the profession and good dress sense should be imbibed.

“That legal practice has developed vastly and so the need to specialise in a branch of law and end the era of general legal practice.

“That young lawyers should imbibe from the elders of the Bar those virtues that make for higher standards of excellence and commitment to Justice and jettison in us all those negative traits that have led to the fast declining standards in the Law profession “The summit agreed that the NBA’s Legal Practitioners remuneration committee should be resuscitated to fix minimum fees for clients and that there should be a seal and stamps available to lawyers because it will safeguard and protect the integrity of the profession and also stem the tide of petitions against lawyers for unprofessional conduct.

“Participants also agreed that lawyers should always as a rule attend to clients in the office and never be in a hurry to charge clients without first studying their cases. The summit identified the various kinds of fees that are common which a young lawyer can use

W

By John Austin Unachukwu

to ensure he charges an appropriate fee.

“The fees are: Consultation fees, contingency fees, appearance fees, flat fees, hourly fees, Participants also agreed that practice has gone global and lawyers need to be I.C.T compliant to meet the challenges ahead.

“That lawyers are not opposed to globalisation, but foreign lawyers must operate here under our own laws, but our regulatory framework must be streamlined and the local content law must be pushed to the fore front by demanding certain percentage of lawyers to be taken.

The Young lawyers noted that “ Nigerians do not have enough specialisation in law but, are into general practice and so young lawyers should avail themselves the opportunities of specialising in law. The major guiding principle is reciprocity and the Bar should insist that foreign legal practitioners pass through some level of legal education before being allowed to practice law in Nigeria.

The communiqué also stated: ”That young lawyers should endeavour to make use of the golden opportunity young lawyers have now as it is easier at this age for young lawyers to come together and collapse their practices into a partnership.

“That young lawyers should embrace foreign legal practitioners as it affords us opportunities to gain significant specialist experience.

That young lawyers are encouraged to launch out and specialise in areas of practice that the foreign firms are interested in so that when they come into Nigeria, we would be competitive enough to fit into their firms.

It called on young lawyers to endeavour to “identify mentors in the profession and to form alliances with established law firms to enhance their prospects noting that the entry of foreign legal practitioners into Nigeria is a threat to the already established firms but for young lawyers, it is an opportunity.

“That young lawyers should work on fixing minimum salaries that a young lawyer should be paid if employed by a senior lawyer.

“That corruption is a function

• From left: Dele Adesina (SAN), Chairman NBA Port Harcourt, Oko Jaja and Funke Adekoya (SAN)

• Members of the Governing Council of the NBA Young Lawyers Forum

• Cross section of participants

of incompetence so young lawyers should pursue skill and knowledge in order to drive away poverty and that there are five elements of life that can propel a lawyer to the top and these are: “To identify your purpose, to pursue the purpose, to be persistent and to persevere.

The summit was chaired by

the Chief Judge of Rivers State who was represented by Justice Iyayi Lamikoro.

Other guests who graced the occasion and sent their goodwill messages include the NBA President, Okey Wali (SAN); Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General in Rivers State, Worgu Boms; former Presidents of the NBA, O.C.J.

Okocha (SAN), J.B. Daudu (SAN) and G.I. Abibo (SAN); Funke Adekoya (SAN); Dele Adesina (SAN); General Secretary of the NBA Emeka Obegolu; Sebastine T. Hons (SAN), Chairman, NBA Port-Harcourt branch, Lawrence S. Oko-Jaja; Justice B.A Georgewill; Justice E.A. Okire; Justice A. Adebele and Hauwa Shekarau.

Family of detained businessman sues IGP, others for N1b

HERE is Lagos businessman Boniface Okonkwo? This is the question members of his family are seeking an answer to.

They said he was arrested by Police which have chosen to maintain silence about his whereabouts.

Okonkwo’s family has taken the case before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, seeking among others, an order compelling the police to release him unconditionally and N1billion “compensatory damages” against the defendants, for his “illegal arrest, unlawful detention, torture, embarrassment and continued detention.”

Okonkwo was said to have been seized from his 1 Amusa Street, Ilasamanja, Mushin, Lagos home on July 13 by men of the Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS) Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The applicant alleged, in a supporting affidavit to the fundamental rights enforcement application filed by his lawyer, Godstime Onyeakosi, that some policemen stormed his house in a commando

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

fashion, shot into the air to prevent the intervention of his neighbour and manhandled him before taking him to Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, where he was briefly detained and later told why he was arrested.

The detained businessman’s brother, Sylvanus, stated in the supporting affidavit that the police told them that his brother was arrested upon a petition written to the IGP by a firm, Fortress Solicitors, who claimed to be acting for a businessman, Emeka Offor.

He stated that the substance of the petition was to the effect that Okokwo allegedly “authored a defamatory matter concerning Emeka Offor and published same to the whole world, particularly Oraitife indigenes all over the world, using the internet.”

Sylvanus averred that his brother has been in police detention, in an unknown location, since July 13 when he was seized from his house in Lagos. He said although Okonkwo was earlier taken to the Lagos Police Command, they were

told he has since been moved to Abuja, with all his means of communication, including his telephones confiscated.

He further averred that prior to his arrest, Okonkwo had received a letter dated June 28, 2013 from the law firm of Jeph C. Njikonye & Co, requesting him to among others, retract the alleged defamatory publication against Offor, in national dailies and the internet within 24 hours, failing which he would be sued.

Sylvanus said the letter, purportedly written on behalf of Offor, also requested Okonkwo to unequivocally tender apology to Offor and publish it in the same media.

He stated that his brother responded to the letter, denying any wrong doing and faulting the author’s claims.

He stated that since his brother was taken to Abuja, nothing has been heard from him. He said the police has refused to contact his family about his whereabouts; his state of health, and whether he is still alive or dead.

Sylvanus stated that efforts by the family to locate him has yielded

no fruit.

“His relatives have visited all known police stations in Abuja, especially, the Ant:-Robbery Unit of the FCID, Abuja. But every attempt to see the applicant (Okonkwo) was rebuffed by the police.

Sylvanus also raised fears about his brother’s health, his many businesses that have been left unattended to, among others.

He argued that the petition allegedly being investigated by the police and on which basis his brother was being held, is frivolous and meant to witch hunt the applicant.

He contended that continued detention of the applicant without trial, amounted to a violation of his rights as guaranteed by the Constitution.

Named with the IGP as respondents include the Deputy Commissioner of Police, SARS, FCID, Abuja and Offor.

The applicant is praying the court to declare his arrest and continued detention as unlawful, unwarranted and gross abuse of his right to freedom of liberty

and dignity of persons.

He also seeks an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents and their agents from further re-arresting, detaining or torturing him and in any way disturbing his lawful movement and activities.

Offor has denied knowlegde of the applicant’s arrest and detention.

His lawyer, Jeph Njikonye admitted writing the June 28 letter, asking the applicant to retract “his defamatory publication.”

He told The Nation that he was not aware of any development thereafter. He also denied knowledge of the suit.

“Yes, we authored the letter of June 28. We also warned him of the possibility of our client seeking legal redress. But I am just hearing from you that he has been arrested.

“We are also not aware he has gone to court, because we have not been served with the processes.

There is no problem, if we are served and we are instructed by our client to react, we will not hesitate to do that,” Njikonye said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

37

LAW REPORT

‘Courts have power to formulate issues for parties where justice so demands’ mitted or not disputed.

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria

Particulars of perverseness

Date: April 19, 2013 SC. 135/2004, 2013(4) LEDLR-16 Before their Lordships CHRISTOPHER MITCHELL CHUKWUMA ENEH IBRAHIM TANKO MUHAMMAD SULEIMAN GALADIMA NWALI SYLVESTER NGWUTA STANLEY SHENKO ALAGOA BETWEEN ALHAJI RASAKI ABIOLA EKUNOLA

APPELLANT

AND CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA

RESPONDENTS

ALHAJI SAIDU MOHAMMED (Director of Personnel, CBN) SUPREME COURT OF NIGERIA •Continued from last week

W

HEN he delegated his disciplinary powers to the Disciplinary Board, the Disciplinary Board become a tribunal bound to observe all the Rules of natural justice. But the Board was not independent and some of the members not impartial.”

Having reflected on the foregoing dicta the appellant has surmised that if he had been arraigned before the appropriate Standing Committee of the Central Bank and by the bank itself for that matter as against the make-believe committees as set out by the subterfuge of the 2nd respondent that his complaints as to their composition etc. would have amounted to a straight case of alleging of denial of a fair hearing. Meaning that his complaints of denial of fair hearing in the circumstances before the instant Disciplinary committees put in place by the 2nd respondent in the disciplinary processes before which he has in fact been arraigned in this matter have arisen by default. He has charged the trial court of having missed this crucial aspect of his case to the effect that the 2nd respondent has at all times at the trial not accounted for himself of the authority for his actions in this matter in other words that he has not discharged the burden of proof put on him by section 137 of the Evidence Act arising from the pleadings and evidence on the record. I will come to deal with the question raised by this thrust of his case anon as it hinges on whether the 2nd respondent is a necessary party when he has acted for the 1st respondent under a false colour of office as alleged by the appellant in the process of dismissing the appellant in this matter. However, I must vouch here that this misconception of the 2nd respondent’s acting in place of the 1st respondent, a corporate entity, has pervaded the appellant’s case in this appeal; thus he has so engrossed himself in pursuing this line of argument that he has glossed over the pertinent law that the 1st respondent has to perform through its accredited officers as the 2nd respondent as one of the Directors in its services.

I now come to the said grounds of appeal in the storm’s eye in the appeal - the bone of contention in this case. Before then I must observe that I will omit grounds 12 to 17 as they appear to have been abandoned as no issues have been raised from each one of them and they serve no purpose in this ap-

hibit “D”-

peal. Each of them should therefore be struck out. See: Ojo v.

Kamalu (2005) 12 SC (Pt.11) 132, Niger Construction Ltd. v.

Okugbeni (1987) 4 NWLR (Pt-67) 787.

The said relevant grounds of appeal are set out in extenso as follows: Ground one: The entire judgment is perverse and erroneous in law in that the court below misunderstood and misapplied the law to the facts ad-

i. The learned justices of the court below wrongly applied the law to the facts of the case in the pleadings and evidence as well as presumed other facts thereby erroneously placing a higher burden of proof on the appellant than is required by the law. ii. The lower court erroneously presumed delegation of the disciplinary power of the 1st respondent to the 2nd against the hard facts on record thereby causing a miscarriage of justice. iii.The learned Justices of the court below assumed the role of a trial court by purporting to evaluate the evidence and came to the following conclusions not borne out by evidence on record namely:i. “There is no grain of truth in the appellant’s allegation that the Director of Personnel usurped the powers of the 1st respondent to issue the query to him and proceeded without lawful authority to institute a special audit investigation panel”. ii. “The composition of the Central Disciplinary Committee and the actions taken by the Director of personnel are in accordance with Exhibit “D” and everything was properly done as prescribed in Ex-

The learned Justices of the Court below erred in law by affirming all the findings of the trial court that the appellant failed to prove his case or discharge the burden placed on him to entitle him to judgment as well as that the appellant was given a fair hearing by 1st respondent.

Particulars of error i. The learned Justice of the Court below “agreed entirely with the summation of the entire case by the learned trial Judge and (held) that the judgment cannot be faulted” without proper consideration of the pleadings and evidence record. ii.Affirmed the trial court’s finding that ’’The 1st defendant complied with the conditions laid down in the staff manual Exhibit “D” when the pleadings and evidence on record were that 1st respondent was not involved in the disciplinary process and did not authorize the actions complained of. iii. Over sighted the appellant’s evidence on record and drew wrong conclusions from respondents’ challenged exhibits. iv. The findings of the court below undermine or failed to follow

Ground three: The learned Justices of the Court below erred in law by failing to hold that by the unchallenged oral and documentary evidence on record, the appellant proved his case but rather relied on the oral evidence of DW2 who was not called as witness for the 1st respondent and held variously thus: - “The evidence of DW2 debunked the claim of the plaintiff that the 2nd defendant……” and “There is no grain of truth in the appellant’s allegation that the Director of personnel usurped the powers of the 1st respondent to issue the query to him and proceeded without lawful authority to institute a special Audit investigation panel’.

Particulars of error i. The learned Justices of the Court below assumed the role of a trial judge whose primary duty it is to assess or evaluate evidence of parties and ascribe probative value.

•To be continued next week

LEGAL DIARY

Ezeala loses brother-in-law

O

NE of the cadidates for the office of Secretary in the just concluded Nigerian Bar Association(NBA) Lagos branch elections, Mr. Chukwuma Ezeala has lost a brother in law, Mr.

Insecurity is a threat to Nigeria’s existence, says lawyer

I

NSECURITY is a threat to the country’s unity and requires more than use of force to tackle, a lawyer and dispute resolution expert, Adedapo Tunde-Olowu, has said.

“I do not think Nigeria has faced a more serious threat to its existence as a nation since the civil war ended in 1970,” he said.

He said to end insurgency, the government must address its causes holistically.

“As you are aware, the security situation, in many parts of Nigeria is fragile and unpredictable. Terrorist attack, civil disturbances and kidnapping have become the order of the day in many parts of the country.

Tensions have exacerbated between the followers of major religions in the country “Short of all the rhetoric, the turbulence we are experiencing in Nigeria today has its roots in religious, socioeconomic and political factors. Religion cannot be divorced from politics and the level of our country’s economic development,” he said.

Tunde-Olowu, who is a partner at Lagos law firm Aelex, spoke at a media briefing on its forthcoming 9th Annual Lecture titled: In God’s Name: Politics, Religion and Economic Development. It will hold on Thursday at the AGIP Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, by 2pm.

“Given our security situation, you will agree that the theme of this year’s lecture is relevant and speaks directly to our current situation.

“In Nigerian politics, there is a continuous balancing of religious interests. I must say that the interaction between politics and religion is not necessarily negative.

“The major religions of the world emphasise the core values of accountability, honesty and service to mankind. If these values are imbibed by

Ground two:

the law in Katto v. CBN (1991) 9 NWLR (Pt.214) as well as Haruna University of Agriculture Makurdi (2005) 3 NWLR (Pt. 912) 233 on procedure for ensuring a fair hearing in administrative Tribunal proceedings.

• Olowu

By Joseph Jibueze

our leaders, we will certainly have a more stable and progressive country.

“Unfortunately, it appears that religion is being used by politicians to secure political gains and silence the opposition,” he said.

Tunde-Olowu said insecurity has cost Nigeria a lot. “Stability is an important factor for attracting investments to any country.

“No foreign investor will invest his money in a country plagued by instability and civil unrest. Even the local businesses cannot thrive under these conditions.

“We must remember that Nigeria has a mono-culture economy, which is plagued by corruption and a huge infrastructural deficit. Violence and insurgence simply aggravate our existing problems and make the country an unlikely destination for business.

“These developments will certainly have a negative effect on our fragile economy and stall our economic growth.”

Azubuike Okoye. The late Okoye, a native of Enugu Agidi in Anambra State, was kidnapped in Awka on last Wednesday , the family paid the demanded ransom last Thursday only to be informed that

he has been killed. It was speculated that the 52 year old Okoye died as a result of bleeding from the gunshot injury he sustained on the leg during the kidnapping excercise.

LEGAL JOKES A man went into the Chamber of Commerce of a small town, obviously desperate. He asked the man at the counter, “Is there a criminal attorney in town?” The man replied, “Yes, but we can’t prove it yet.”

A man walked into a curio shop and began to browse. He was attracted to a brass rat on a shelf behind the counter. He asked the shopkeeper for a price, and was told to make an offer. Presently they agreed on a price, and the brass rat changed hands. The shopkeeper warned the customer as he took the money, “This sale is final. If you leave the shop with the brass rat, I won’t take it back under any circumstances.”

The customer agreed and left with the rat. As he walked home, he noticed that a live rat came scurrying out of an alley and began to follow him. Soon there were more, all following him and milling about his feet. The man began to run, but the rats kept up, and more joined the procession. After a few minutes, thousands of rats were chasing after the man. The man ran frantically for the river, and threw the brass rat into the water. The live rats followed the brass rat, and soon all had drowned.

The man returned to the curio shop, and on seeing him enter, the shopkeeper shouted, “I told you, the sale was final! You cannot return the brass rat!” The customer replied, “That’s no problem. I just wondered if you had a brass lawyer in stock.”

A police chief, a fire chief, and a city attorney were traveling together by car to a municipal management conference in a distant city.

Their car broke down in a rural area, and they were forced to seek shelter for the night at a nearby farmhouse. The farmer welcomed them in, but cautioned them that

there were only two spare beds, and that one of them would have to sleep in the barn with the farm animals. After a short conference, the police chief agreed to take the barn. Shortly after retiring, a knock was heard on the door of the farmhouse. The party inside answered to find the police chief standing there, complaining that he could not sleep. There were pigs in the barn, he said, and he was reminded of the days when everyone called him a pig. The fire chief then volunteered to exchange with the police chief. A short time later, another knock was heard at the door.

The fire chief complained that the cows in the barn reminded him of Mrs. O’Leary’s cow that started the Chicago fire, and that every time he started to go to sleep, he started to have a fireman’s worst nightmare, that of burning to death. The city attorney, in desperation for sleep, then agreed to sleep in the barn. This seemed like a good idea until a few minutes later, when another knock was heard at the door.

When the occupants answered the door, there stood the very indignant cows and pigs.

A woman went to her doctor for advice. She told the physician that her husband had developed a penchant for anal sex, and she was not sure that it was such a good idea.

The doctor asked, “Do you enjoy it?” She said that she did. He asked, “Does it hurt you?” She said that it didn’t. The doctor then told her, “Well, then, there’s no reason that you shouldn’t practice anal sex, if that’s what you like, so long as you take care not to get pregnant.” The woman was mystified. She asked “You can get pregnant from anal sex?” The doctor replied, “Of course. Where do you think attorneys come from?”

38

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

39

ABUJA REVIEW NEWS

• Director General of the Raw Materials and Research Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Peter Onwualu (middle), leading staff members of the council on a road walk in Abuja

•From left: Equatorial Guinea, President Nguema Mbasogo; Tanzania President, Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete; President Goodluck Jonathan; Sierra Leon President, Bai Koroma; •Chairman, House of Representatives Commitee on FCT, Emmanuel Jime (left); Minister of African Union Chairman, Heilemariam Desalegn and AU Commission Chairperson, State of FCT, Jumoke Akinjide and Deputy Chairman of the committee, Raphael Igbokwe on a Dlamini Zuma at the African Union Special Summit of Heads of State and Government visit to FCT by the committee in Abuja PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE on HIV, TB and Malaria at the International Conference Centre,Abuja PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN

•From left: Vice President Namadi Sambo (right) shaking hands with the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State; Amb Nuhu Bajoga, during the meeting of Board of Niger Delta Power •Hon. Abiola Adebukola (left) and Hon Babatunde Adejare (right) assisting celebrator Hon Holding Company (NDPHC) with the Vice President at the Presidential Villa. With them Opeyemi Bamidele to cut 50 years birthday surprise cake presented by his legislative aides at is the Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo.

PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE National Assembly Abuja

•From left: Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim; Director-General of the State •From left: Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako; Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Security Service, Mr. Ita Ekpenyong; Chief of Army Staff, Lt- General Azubuike Ihejirika; Uduaghan; Ibrahim Geidam and Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam during the NaInspector General of Police; Mohammed Dikko Abubakar and Chief of Air Staff, Air Mar- tional Economic Council meeting at the Presidential Villa Abuja. shal, Alex Badeh during a security meeting at the Presidential Villa Abuja.

PHOTOS: AKIN OLADOKUN

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

ABUJA REVIEW

Three more cottage hospitals coming

I

N order to decongest referral and district hospitals across the Federal Capital Territory, the Administration will soon complete work on three more 60bed cottage hospitals.

FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed who disclosed this, noted that the hospitals were among the things discussed at a meeting with senior officials of the FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat in his office The minister revealed that the 60-bed cottage hospitals that are situated in Gwagwalada, Karshi and Shere have been slated for completion this fiscal year.

According to him, this is a deliberate attempt to fully realise quality healthcare for the rural dwellers in the Federal Capital Territory in consonance with the transformation agenda of the Federal Government.

Mohammed remarked that the construction of a 60-bed cottage hospital at Gwagwalada, Gwagwalada Area Council has attained overall progress status of 53 percent.

T

HE Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), has honoured nine female students who excelled in various science categories.

The awards were presented to the students at the “Engr. Ebele Okeke Purple Banquet for Best Female Science Students in FCT Secondary Schools” organised by the professional women engineers in Abuja.

The students, who were given laptops and other educational materials, included Miss Chinonye Anam from the School of the Gifted, Gwagwalada, and Miss Gift Markus from Junior Secondary School (JSS), Yimi, both in FCT. Others were Mirabel Aifuobhokhan from JSS Wuse Zone

From Gbenga Omokhunu and Grace Obike

He reiterated that similar facilities in Karshi and Shere in the Abuja Municipal Area Council and Bwari Area Council are almost completed.

The minster recalled with nostalgia the expansion and rehabilitation work of Asokoro, Wuse, Gwarinpa District Hospitals as well as Abaji, Bwari, Kubwa and Nyanya General Hospitals that have achieved 100 percent completion.

He emphasised that this feat has no doubt improved access to quality healthcare in the Federal Capital Territory.

Mohammed also emphasised that the jobs have further reduced the morbidity and mortality in the territory and its environs.

“There is a drastic reduction in waiting time for patients in our hospitals and increased capacity to handle FCT’s dynamic population,” he explained.

•Cottage hospital

Association honours FCT female science students From Frank Ikpefan

3, Akam Ogochukwu, Catherine Eleje and Idris Asiya from JSS Kubwa 11.

Rolake Akin-Adewale, Zinat Ibrahim and Hope Nweke, all won prices for being best students in Math-Physics-Math (MPM) Giant Competition respectively.

Mrs Ebele Okeke, the founder of the APWEN FCT branch, noted that the award ceremony was to encourage “girl-child education and steer girls toward the study of sciences.”

The students, who expressed appreciation for the awards, told Abuja Review that “they would work harder to achieve their dreams in the sciences.”

Miss Rolake Akin-Adewale said: “I am proud of myself; I read my books and by God’s grace and hard work; I made it, so this is encouraging.”

Mr Markus Yakumat, a parent of one of the winners, expressed joy over the success of his child and urged all parents to encourage children to work hard to achieve their goals.

Minister urges residents to pray for leaders

A

S Muslims the world over embark on a spiritual rejuvenation through the Ramadan fast, the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed has enjoined them to pray for the country and its leadership.

Mohammed used the occasion to congratulate the faithful resident in the Federal Capital Territory on the commencement of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.

Senator Mohammed admonished residents to use the holy month of Ramadan for spiritual re-

From Gbenga Omokhunu and Grace Obike

dedication and spread the spirit of love, selflessness, sacrifice, patience and modesty.

In a statement issued by the Assistant Director and Chief Press Secretary to the FCT Minister, Muhammad Hazat Sule, he called on all Muslims to seek peaceful coexistence amongst all residents of the Federal Capital Territory. He insisted that all residents have a stake in the Abuja project.

The minister reiterated that only through peace and stability will the FCT and indeed the entire country achieve sustainable development.

Mohammed remarked that the holy month of Ramadan is an inspiration to Muslims to show compassion, mercy and kindness to their fellow brothers irrespective of religion.

He also advised that they should not miss this opportunity to put a smile on the faces of others by being their brother’s keeper.

“It is very wonderful to see my child receive this award; I feel very proud and happy. It is the desire of parents to see their children successful so I will encourage them to work harder toward having a better life.”

Another parent, Mrs Martina Anams, reiterated the need to promote girl-child education in the country.

“I feel very great that girls are doing well in the sciences, the female child should be greatly encouraged to be educated. Today, we have women presidents in other countries and so the woman’s place is not really in the kitchen as they

I feel very great that girls are doing well in the sciences; the female child should be greatly encouraged to be educated.

Today, we have women presidents in other countries and so the woman’s place is not really in the kitchen

Ndigbo in Abuja seek participation in council polls

T

•From left: Mallam Yushau A. Shuaib, public relations practitioner, Ada Stella Apiafi, Coordinator, I-Nigerian, and Sanya Adejokun, Chairman, Journalists Against Disasters at the launch of I-Nigerian campaign in Abuja

said in the past.’’

During the ceremony, APWEN also honoured distinguished female engineers and ardent supporters of the association in the FCT. Some of those presented with the awards were the Minister of Water Resources, Mrs Sarah Ochekpe, Mrs Ebele Okeke, former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and Mrs Florence Seriki, the Managing Director, Omatek Ventures Plc. They were presented with the Distinguished Role Model Awards while 13 other engineers including engineering firms, were presented with Role Model and Distinguished Ardent Supporter Awards.

HE Igbo based in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, have called for a democratisation of governance structures in the city.

The group under the umbrella to be able to vote and be voted for during FCT Area Councils elections.

They also want to represent the FCT at both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The group while speaking with reporters in Abuja, said the current political structure in the FCT negates the all-inclusive vision of the founding fathers of the territory.

The Acting Chairman of the Ohaneze Ndigbo, FCT Branch, Ogbueshi Val Ogosi who spoke at the press conference organ-

From Bukola Amusan

ised in conjunction with the Alliance for Credible Election (ACE) said their aim is to ensure the enthronment of democracy and representative governance in the FCT. “It will also empower eligible Nigerians resident in the FCT with a sense of identification and relevance in the political leadership schemes of the FCT. “It will ensure representative governance in such a manner that the interest of every segment of society is protected and also serve as a safeguard against arbitrary government policies and programmes which undermines industry, entrepreneurship and innovation,” he added.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

42

THE LAGOS STATE DEBT ISSUANCE PROGRAMME 1 (SERIES 1) NOTICE OF MEETING Notice is hereby given that the 4th Annual General Meeting of the Lagos State N50.00 Billion Fixed Rate Bond (Series1) 2009/2014 will hold at the Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island Lagos on Thursday 22nd August, 2013 at 10.00 am to transact the following business: BUSINESS: 1.

2.

To present the Statement of Affairs of the Bond Issue Any Other Business

Dated this 23rd day of July, 2013

BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES FIRST TRUSTEES NIGERIA LIMITED UBA TRUSTEES LIMITED

SKYE TRUSTEES LIMITED UNION TRUSTEES LIMITED

NOTES: 1.

A Bondholder entitled to attend and vote may appoint a proxy to attend and vote instead of himself/herself/itself. A proxy need not be a Bondholder.

2.

All proxy forms must be duly stamped to the value of N50.00k as duty thereon and same should be deposited at First Registrars Nigeria Limited, Plot 2 Abebe Village Road, Iganmu, Lagos not less than 48 hours before the time fixed for the meeting.

THE LAGOS STATE DEBT ISSUANCE PROGRAMME 1 (SERIES 11) NOTICE OF MEETING Notice is hereby given that the 3rd Annual General Meeting of the Lagos State N57.5 Billion Fixed Rate Bond (Series11) 2010/2017 will hold at the Civic Center, Ozumba Mbadiwe Street Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday 22nd August 2013 at 11.00 am to transact the following business: BUSINESS: 1.

To present the Statement of Affairs of the Bond Issue 2.

Any Other Business Dated this 23rd day of July, 2013

BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES FIRST TRUSTEES NIGERIA LIMITED UBA TRUSTEES LIMITED

SKYE TRUSTEES LIMITED UNION TRUSTEES LIMITED

NOTES: 1.

A Bondholder entitled to attend and vote may appoint a proxy to attend and vote instead of himself/herself/itself. A proxy need not be a Bondholder.

2.

All proxy forms must be duly stamped to the value of N50.00k as duty thereon and same should be deposited at First Registrars Nigeria Limited, Plot 2 Abebe Village Road, Iganmu, Lagos not less than 48 hours before the time fixed for the meeting.

POLITICS

TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

43

THE NATION

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E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

As the House of Representatives votes on the 1999 Constitution amendment today, will the wishes of the people, as expressed at the public hearings across the 360 constituencies, prevail?

VICTOR OLUWASEGUN and DELE ANOFI report.

39

Constitution Review: Will Reps do people’s bidding?

T HE House of Representatives will vote on the constitution amendment today. The electronic method will be adopted for the voting. The exercise will be televised. The House’s spokesman, Zakari Mohammed, said the voting by the members must reflect the wishes of the people as expressed at the public hearings across the 360 Constituencies in November, last year.

Will the legislators uphold the views of the constituents they represent in the Lower Chamber?

The review of the 1999 Constitution by the National Assembly is challenging. One of the challenges is what exactly should be amended in the constitution. It has been generally agreed that the constitution is a quasi- military document, which has its own merits and demerits.

In a bid to give the country a constitution that could be said to be people-oriented, the House, on November 10, last year, held the public hearings.

During the sessions, the Ad hoc Committee on Constitution Review, led by the deputy Speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, presented 43 items to the people. The templates addressed a number of knotty issues. The people’s response showed that they wanted constitution amendment on some items.

Some critics have maintained that some questions items were meant to lead the public by the nose in order to arrive at a predetermined outcome.

The House of Representatives commenced the consideration of the report of the ad hoc committee last week. The Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, had indicated that voting would commence this week. Many people are anxious about the outcome of the voting.

Tambuwal had told the members that they should abide by the wishes of the people they represent. But, there are indications that some lawmakers are at variance with the opinions expressed by their constituents.

Two issues that came up at the public hearing were the immunity for executive office holders, and financial autonomy for local government councils. While 225 constituencies want Section 308 of the Constitution amended in a way that will make the immunity provision for the President, Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors to cover only civil proceedings while they are in office, 132 constituencies opposed it and three other constituencies abstained.

Many people also want the Houses of Assemblyand local government to be given financial autonomy so that they can get direct allocation from the Federal Government coffers. While 324 constituencies voted that State Houses of Assembly should be granted financial autonomy/independence like the National Assembly, 26 voted against it and 10 abstained.

Again, on whether Section 162(6) be amended to abolish ‘State Joint Local Government Account’ so that allocations due to the Local Government Councils would be paid to them directly,” 295 constituencies responded positively to the item, 62 opposed it and 3 others abstained.

On state creation, 205 constituencies agreed that more states should be created. But they could not agree on the number to be created. 133 constituencies opposed the idea while 22 abstained from voting on the subject. However, the Chairman of the ad hoc committee told the House, that state creation had been struck out because none of the requests met the constitutional requirements. He, suggested a further amendment that would make the creation of states less cumbersome.

• Tambuwal

277 constituencies agree that the local governments should be accorded the status of the third tier of government. But they rejected the proposal that the creation of local government areas should be the exclusive preserve of the state government. They also supported the denial of revenue allocation to the unelected local councils. From the trend of the consideration of the report last week by the House, it is likely that the lawmakers will grant Nigerians this particular wish.

The issue of State Police was roundly rejected by 307 constituencies as they voted ‘no’ to the question: “Should Section 214(1) be amended to enable the establishment of a State Police.”

On the issue of rotational Presidency, 275 constituencies rejected the proposal that a provision be inserted in the constitution for the rotation of the Presidency between the Northern and Southern Nigeria. 210 constituencies also rejected the idea of inserting a provision in the constitution to make the office of President rotate among the six geopolitical zones. On the other hand, 147 said yes and three refrained from voting.

Also, 261 constituencies voted that Section 197 (1)(b) be amended to abolish the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) so that all elections in the country would be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). 216 Federal constituencies voted against the amendment of Section 315(5)(a) and (d) to remove the National Youth Service Corps Act, Land Use Act, Public Complaint Commission Act and National Security Agencies Act from the constitution.

Majority of the constituencies (224) said they wanted the office of President or governor of a state to be filled purely on merit, instead of zoning. 135 constituencies prefered zoning while only one constituency refrained.

On the issue of tenure, the question was: “Should Sections 135 and 180(2) be amended to create a single tenure

‘Will the legislators uphold the views of the constituents they represent in the Lower Chamber? The review of the 1999 Constitution by the National Assembly is challenging.

One of the challenges is what exactly should be amended in the constitution. It has been generally agreed that the constitution is a quasi- military document, which has its own merits and demerits’

• Ihedioha

of: (a) five years; (b) six years; (c) seven years; for the Office of President and Governor respectively?” 110 constituencies voted yes, 245 constituencies rejected it and five constituencies abstained.

Majority of the constituencies in the country (263) voted yes to the question: “Should the two-term tenure provision for the Office of President or Office of Governor be retained in the Constitution.” And while 95 voted against it, two constituencies abstained.

Nigerians voted overwhemingly in favour of early submission of the budget to the parliament. 342 constituencies voted “yes”, six voted against and 12 abstained when the question, “Should Sections 81 and 121(1) of the Constitution be amended to require the President/Governor of a state to prepare and lay the annual budget before the National Assembly/State House of Assembly, at least, three months before the end of a financial year” was put to them.

Diaspora voting was rejected by 311 votes to 46. Three constituencies were undecided.

On the controversial issue of indegeneship, Nigerians resolved that people who have stayed in a particular place for a long period of time should enjoy indigeneship rights.

Presenting the report on the floor of the House on April 11, 2013, Ihedioha said: “The results are the voice of Nigerian people who have expressed their views on what changes they would like to see in any amendment being made to the national legal ground- norm-the constitution of Nigeria.

“It is important to note however, that the results being unveiled today represent the collated views and decisions of Nigerians living in various constituencies in the remotest nooks and crannies of Nigeria.

“Now, we may not agree with the decisions of Nigerians on these questions, we may even have doubts on the practicability and efficacy of the decisions, but at this point in time, our duty is a simple one: to present the response of Nigerians on the various issues, without doctoring or any form of tinkering or manipulation.”

However, the Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal went a step further. Admonishing his colleagues to adhere strictly to the wishes of the people, he said: “Already, there are indications that the House has genuine intentions going by the trend of the consideration of last week in which autonomy for the local government councils was favourably discussed.”

But the question is: will this be sustained? Was the people’s public sessions of November 10, 2012 and the subsequent presentation of the collated results therefrom a pretense meant to portray the House as a true ambassador of the masses, or genuine desire to incorporate the voices of the downtrodden in the amendment?

The answers to these questions would be revealed as the members of the House of Representatives vote on the aspects of the constitution today.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

POLITICS Cross River State Resident Electoral Commissioner Mike Igini spoke with MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE on the constitutional amendment and other issues in Lagos.

‘Local council not a third tier’

W

HAT is your reaction to the single term controversy?

For me, it is an interesting debate because the suggestion of a single term or two terms indicates that all the groups are in agreement that there must be term limits for incumbents and that there ought to be turnover and alternation at the top at some point. But, that we are having this debate now also indicates that there are uncertainties in our power transition mechanism. However the quandary is, should it be a single term of six years or two terms of four years if a person is re-elected? My take is that it is not so much the length of time, but the quality of service or the performance of the incumbent in delivering his or her mandate, hence the mechanisms agreed upon must have caveats that sets benchmark of performance.

If a single term of six years is preferred, should the incumbent only be allowed to proceed to the full term, if he or she satisfies some performance standards after a certain period in the tenure, say three or four years? Here again, we have the challenge of who sets the benchmarks objectively.

For me therefore, Professor Claude Welch’s timeless statement becomes relevant, that for ‘’forms of government, what is best administered is best’’.

Our problem is not about single term of six years or two terms of four years each per se, but how we see public offices in this part of the world and the attitudes that flow from it that generates so much tension, as well as the resources deployed to secure such offices, that is the problem. This has to change and when a change of attitude happens, there will be some certainty in the power transition.

You have argued that Nigeria should return to true federalism to make progress. Is the country on that path now?

Certainly, federalism is the surest and the only part to the speedy overall development of this vast entity called Nigeria. Just recall the pace of develop-

ment that took place in the regions during the short period of the First Republic. The centre has emasculated the federating units so much so that everybody heads to Abuja for everything.

The whole struggle today is about sharing and not about how to create or generate more wealth. It is unfortunate indeed.

Our ethnic, cultural and religious diversities made the choice of federalism more compelling. This unitarist tendency is an elite contraption. The Nigerian people acknowledge the essence of true federalism, but some elites often pull towards the unitarist tendency because of the luring benefits of a stronger center for the favoured elite.

How relevant is the local government autonomy to the practice of federalism?

We must keep in mind that the local governments are not federating units, but exist and should function within the sphere of the states as envisaged by Section 7 of the constitution. So, autonomy to the local government must be viewed within that context to facilitate grassroot development. For LGA to be referred to as a ‘’federating unit is abnormal and aberration.’’ The federating units are the states; LGAs are administrative units, which, as a matter of fact, should also devolve some of the functions to the wards to expand the scope of development in the context of the evidence based contention by the scholar Radonelli that greater functional devolution in some spheres of governance expedites development.

Are you in support of financial autonomy for the Houses of Assembly?

It is most unfortunate that the state legislatures that the Senate tried to give financial freedom in the last constitu-

• Igini

tional exercise voted against its own freedom by majority. It shows that some people who determine the tickets of who can contest election are somewhere perhaps threatening a reprisal otherwise, how do you imagine a people that need freedom to strengthen the institution of checks and balance and for effectiveness voting against their own freedom? It was quite embarrassing indeed, because it amounted to political self-immolation. Infact, a governor recently granted an interview and declared that autonomy for the legislature most not be granted at all to avoid what he referred to as a situation of ‘’perpetual fight between Senate and Executive over budgets and other matters at the federal level from happening at the states.’’ This is the thinking and mindset of a democratically elected governor and the reason for the absence of debates over budgets at the state houses of Assemblies where you also do not hear about oversight committees or oversight activities unlike the National Assembly where we see robust debates.

This is also partly due to the overwhelming influence and decision of governors on the selection of who

should be a candidate of the party for legislative roles, which is often not determined by the party members in many cases. Consequently, a legislator cannot challenge the action of a man who single-handedly decided that he or she should contest as a legislator, or the Chairperson of a local government LGA. The later scenario of quasi-clientilism contrasts significantly with the national setting, where in most cases, a President does not have such leverage to make pre-determined choices of who should be a candidate for election to the National Assembly. That is why there is often tension at the federal level, which itself is not bad, because tension generated by public policies may lead to value addition or to a positive outcome, if it is constructive.

At any rate, there will always be some tension between legislative power and executive power in a presidential system where, unlike the parliamentary system, the executive does not get part of its mandate from the legislature, but directly from the people. Even in parliamentary systems, that tension is also there, and accounts for the reason why sometimes, early elections are called because some executives want to unfetter themselves from conflicts of interests or moral hazards arising from diverse engagements arising from interfacing with legislative powers. But in an efficient system, the executive learns to work with that reality, using consummate liaison personnel who have experience with the workings of the legislature. But in every human social engagement regarding the interactions of all institutions, some corporate cultures develop, the important thing is for that culture to add value to society. Both sides of the fence must therefore, develop the savvy required to abide the other side.

Do you share the view that the state of emergency declared by the Federal Government in the four Northern states came late and should have been done a year ago?

I believe that the declaration of a state of emergency is often intended to be something of a last resort, particularly

when the cause is internal. The important thing we should focus on is its effectiveness in returning normalcy, as we are beginning to see at the moment in those troubled parts of the country and ,we should turn our attention to the rehabilitation of the areas and those citizens who have been adversely affected by helping them to go back to doing what they are capable of doing within the economic sphere. All over the world where we have insurgent and extremist activities, options are not easy and free of divergent opinions particularly in a democratic environment. This is the kind of situation that Frederick Forsyth in his novel referred to as the ‘’devils alternative’’. We should not forget that, the call for and offer of dialogue and amnesty could not assuage the situation but were explored first and fairly long enough before the declaration of a state of emergency, which was a last resort, taken in that decisional order and therefore in order in my well considered opinion having regard to the situation of anomie in those parts of the country where life became a bleak episode.

You have consistently advocated for a return to federalism, as the only sure path to accelerated development of Nigeria.

Do you see the proposed removal of items like railways and prison from the exclusive list as a step in that direction?

Indeed, that would be a great step in the right direction because the American system that we claim to copy has only very limited items on the exclusive list, being just about 18 for the Federal Government after over a period of 200 years, contrastingly, what you find in our constitution is a bloated exclusive list of 68 items in the center, and this is mainly responsible for the dysfunctional outcomes we have regarding our development. This arises from the fact that for too long, peripheral development relies too much on central policy-making, even now many people expect local government obligations from the federal government, apart from this being a hangover of military rule, some unnecessary issues are still embedded in the exclusive list, the federal government should be freed from those things which are best done by governance from the places which are closest to the people.Why should matters like Railways and even prison where most of the inmates were brought in by state laws be on the exclusive list and a burden for the Federal Government ?

“Autonomy to the local government must be viewed within that context to facilitate grassroot development. For LGA to be referred to as a ‘’federating unit is abnormal and aberration.’’ The federating units are the states; LGAs are administrative units, which, as a matter of fact, should also devolve some of the functions to the wards to expand the scope of development’ The remarks of the Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Yemi Ikuforiji, that it is the turn of the Lagos East Senatorial District to produce the next governor has been misinterpreted in some quarters to mean that the race has been flagged off by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). In this interview, the party’s spokesman in the zone, Chief Tunde Temionu, clarifies that the remark was Ikuforiji’s personal opinion. MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE met him.

‘Lagos East ACN has not endorsed anybody for governorship’

• Temionu

T

HE Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Yemi Ikuforiji has said that it is the turn of the Lagos East Senatorial District to produce the next governor.

What is your reaction?

The views that it was the turn of the East to produce the next governor of Lagos State credited to the Speaker, Hon. Ikuforiji, at the district’s forum in Ikorodu on the 2nd of July 2013, was his personal opinion, not that of the leadership of the district. The press and others may see it as an issue, but we in the East view it from the perspective that it was his personal opinion.

Sincerely, the Speaker is a seasoned politician. He is always there for us.

Above all, he has a lot of respect for the leadership of the East Senatorial District. That notwithstanding, we strongly believe that he knows when, where and how to tackle sensitive political issues.

At the same meeting, other contributors and leaders of the party spoke in line with the precept and focus of the leadership of the district.

Like the Speaker, nobody campaigned or made mention of governorship aspirations. Although the Honourable speaker’s noble wishes for the district might be the notion of the larger majority of the district, the leadership of the East would have circumspectly presented such an interest to the appropriate quarters (should the need arise) in its usual style, after democratic deliberations on such matters.

Many people are saying that the Speaker is eying the number one seat and he is using the East Senatorial District as a platform to take off. Is this true?

That is not true. The leadership of the party in the East will not subscribe to such a political mistake. As to whether the Speaker is interested in

the governorship race, I am not in a position to speak for Mr. Speaker.

Moreover, he has not formally told the leadership of the East of such an aspiration. He was invited, like other serving officers in the East, to grace the occasion, which he did. He has never missed any of our meetings, unless he was not invited. But take note that our forum is not a campaign organisation; it has never been used as such, and will never be used for such a purpose. In addition, it is a policy that, pending when party, candidates will emerge through democratic processes, the senatorial authorities will not recognise any aspirant.

That has been our practice and we will not change.

What is the precept of the East?

Our precept is to educate and disseminate party information to the grassroots of Lagos East Senatorial District. Objectively, it reflected in the speech of the Deputy State Chairman and Senatorial Leader, Alhaji Abiodun Sunmola. He said, “Our party is at a very important stage, because of the arrangement with other progressives to form a formidable party that will take over power at the centre. There is the need for members to come to-

gether in unity, with the common purpose of holding our territory firm for our party. As leaders, we should come together and work in harmony, motivate our followers to enable them to completely remain loyal to the party.”

Obviously, we are building safer political shelters for our members, for them to have total confidence in the party. We are also giving account of our stewardship in accordance with our electoral promises as tools for grassroots political service support.

Apart from those who could not attend the Ikorodu meeting due to pressing emergencies, we had all our elected and appointed officers in the East in attendance. They were also given the opportunity to make their views known. Honestly, we have business at hand that is more serious for now than promoting anybody’s gubernatorial aspiration at an unscheduled time.

What is the immediate focus of your party in the East?

Our objective is to prepare our grassroots members ready for any political assignment. Moreover, to know how they are faring, for us to exercise our usual routine caring lead-

ership responsibilities. The welfare of our members is always our concern.

We are not taking chances. Although we have a firm grip on our political territory, we are not leaving room for complacency. In the same vein, in that gathering, the State Vice Chairman and deputy Senatorial Leader, Alhaji Akani Seriki Bamu laid emphasis on unity. He saud that, in the interest of the party, leaders cannot afford to trivialise their political leadership values, especially at this crucial time when the leadership of our party is working hard to join hands with like minds in various parties to take over power at the federal level for the sake of good governance in this country.”

You will notice that he (Bamu) spoke in line with our agenda and precept, as he appealed to all and sundry to come together and work as a team and face the challenges ahead of us with the spirit of one united family.

Without mincing words, our immediate focus is the political development of the human person through the application of development communication that is pivoted on education, information and agenda-setting concepts. Finally, our targeted audience is the grassroots.

HEALTH

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

45

THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

Hospital under pressure over huge patients’ traffic Expectant mothers, who desire the best, troop daily to the Mother and Child Centre (MCC) of the Ifako Ijaiye General Hospital in Lagos for antenatal care (ANC). The hospital is under pressure coping with the huge traffic, reports OYEYEMI GBENGA -MUSTAPHA.

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OCATED in a remote area, it remains the hospital of first choice among expectant mothers in Lagos and Ogun states.

Its fame has grown beyond Lagos, where it is located, to the bordering state of Ogun from where many expectant mothers flock into the hospital.

It is said that more women attend this hospital from Ogun than Lagos State.

The Mother and Child Centre (MCC) of the Ifako Ijaiye General Hospital on College Road, in Lagos is a beehive.

The women gather as early as 5:30am to attend antenatal and, at times, they do not leave until about 3:00pm.

Theresa Oyebade (not real name) is a 38-year-old expectant mother, who attends antenatal care at the MCC. After ‘passing’ all the routine medical tests and fulfilling the mandatory spousal blood donation, she was registered for antenatal care (ANC).

On her appointment day, she got to the centre around 06: 50am. After listening to the health talk by nurses and other health care providers, her urine was screened and her weight measured, her file was called. Thus started her long wait to see a doctor, who though arrived early, had to go for ward rounds before attending to patients.

The MCC has 100 bed spaces.

These are divided among the following units: Paediatrics (40), Gynaecology/Obsterics/Monitoring (60); Post natal/observation after caesarian section (CS) surgery takes 28 of the 60.

The ANC has the highest number of patients. It records an average of 150 to 200 patients. It Paediatrics, Gynaecology and post natal. There are 24 babycots.

Because it is situated in the boundary of Ogun and Lagos, people from both states troop to the hospital.

The hospital’s facilities are being overstretched because of the patients’ huge number. Some wait for hours before they get bed space, and when they deliver, their babies have bed spaces but the

M

R Samson Kolade, 70, went to Rauf Aregbesola Primary Health Care (PHC) Centre, Mosan Okunola Local Council Develpoment Area (LCDA) of Lagos State for treatment. He had to wait for over three hours before he could be attended to.

Venting his frustration, he said: “When I asked what was responsible for the delay, the nurse who was on duty said the patients are many. This is because the centre is short-staffed and we would be more than glad if the Lagos State government can increase the number of doctors and other health workers to the centre.

“Although, it is a 24-hour service, they should do something about the delay because it could hamper life saving.”

Kolade said the level of care at

•Expectant mothers sitting on bare floor in the hospital.

mothers make do with chairs.

About three mothers may sit on chairs and lay their heads on a single bed, where the babies are laid.

The Nation learnt that the challenge of MCC in Lagos is that the prototype was not tropicalised to meet the needs of a city like Lagos.

According to the Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, “the outpour of patients to MCC Ifako Ijaiye is due to the fact that the place is functional and it is not that we are understaffed. We will employ more hands but for now we are working with a staff strength within our resources.”

Ayinke House, LASUTH is still under renovation. It is hoped that on completion it will absorb some of the challenges being experienced at some of these MCCs, such as Ifako-Ijaiye.

Mrs Oyebade was not the only patient to be attended to. Some other expectant mothers’ files had been called, so they all went into the waiting area to take their turn to see their doctors.

There are seven iron lounge chairs and six plastic chairs there,

which were occupied by other mothers. She made do with perching on the window pane of one of the consulting rooms. In no time, the place became stuffy.

Others who were tired of standing made do with the bare floor.

Enquiries by The Nation revealed that the prototype of the building named MCC is not spacious enough to accommodate such human traffic.

A study of the Registry revealed that most of the patients are from Ogun State.

According to an official, “We get patients as far as from Itori, Mowe, Ibafo, Onipanu, Sango, Olowotedo, Iju, Akute, Matogun, Oke-Aro, Ewekoro, Lambe, Koye, Ojokoro, Ofada, Otta, AgboleAkute, Ishaga, Abule, Ijoko, Agbado, Winners and Agbara in Ogun State.

“We cannot turn them down or send them away because the Lagos State government has not given a directive to that effect. The in-flux of patients from all over is an indication that the hospital is working.

“There is no way the govern-

By Wale Adepoju

same at Orile Agege PHC. “People are making use of the centre because it offers them the opportunity to get health care at affordable fee. But you have to wake up at 5:00am to be in front or you risk being attended to later in the afternoon,” he said.

He said since he started using the facility, he has never received free drugs as promised by the state government.

“They will always say go and buy at the pharmacy and I always pay for drugs, even the elderly above 65 years buy their drugs out-of-pocket,” Orishaye added.

At Mosan Akinogun PHC and Ipaja Ayobo PHC centres, there were several patients waiting to be attended to.

Mrs Musili Aro, who brought

ment can ask us to stop attending to non-Lagos resident patients because some may start claiming residence of their relatives here in Lagos, which can create problems, especially in the area of followup, except the state wants to introduce tax identification.

“Not only that, Ayinke is still being renovated. So, most of these cases are being attended to at either the general hospitals or MCC. The case of Ifako-Ijaiye is exceptional because it is at the border of Lagos and Ogun states. The MD is always hiring chairs to address sitting challenge, later plastic chairs were bought but where can we position them without blocking the entrance. We really don’t know how to reduce the in-flux of expectant mothers to this facility.”

An expectant mother, Mrs Ibijoke Kayode, is from Otta and “prefers to come to MCC Ifako-Ijaiye, not minding the cost of transportation and distance. She said: “This is because my cousin used this facility and told me how good it is. The place is neat and there are professionals here to attend to emergencies unlike in private hospitals

where a general practitioner may want to refer if he cannot handle me again.”

When asked why she did not enroll at the state hospital, Otta, she said: “The place can be described as a dead end trying to come back to life.

“During the past government era nothing works there. But now Governor Ibikunle Amosun is trying to do something. But I cannot wait for them because this is my first pregnancy, I don’t want to take chances.

My husband works in Ikeja and drops me at Abule-Egba, I just take N100 bus to this hospital. And I know that I may not be attended to until noon, so when am through I hang around until around 4:00 or 4:30pm to wait for him at Pen-Cinema or Abule-Egba. The stress is worth it because I am sure of safe delivery like my cousin Tawa.”

Efforts to speak with the MD, Dr (Mrs) Ibironke Sodehinde, on the development was not successful as The Nation was told she was attending a meeting at Alausa.

Commenting on the issue, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr Yewande Adeshina, said the Ministry is very much aware of the situation.

“I do often pay unscheduled visits to the facilities. The over blown patronage that is overwhelming the Ifako-Ijaiye MCC is as a result of people coming in from neigbouring towns. It is part of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN’s) programmes to cater for people’s health, so I can very well assure you that the administration of Governor Amosun is working to facilitate the provision of similar facilities in Ogun State.

“As a responsible government we cannot fold our hands and do nothing about the maternal and mortality rate, so the government built the MCC in some of our general hospitals in the state. The influx of people from other states to Lagos health care facilities is an indication that we are working, performing and the administration of Governor Raji Fashola is actualising its promises. We are brainstorming on the best way to address the Ifako-Ijaiye MCC challenges. But we cannot stop people from accessing any of our health facilities,” she said.

‘Save us from delays at primary health care centres’

the centre was adequate but for the delay in attending to patients.

A nurse said the facility would be better if there could be more workers to attend to patients.

The nurse said the government was trying but attendance had shot up over a couple of months, adding that most people prefer the PHC because it is cheap and closer to the people.

The nurse said it would be much better if the government could increase the number of staff at the facility to avoid delay in the treatment of the patients.

A patient, Mr Gbadebo Orishaye said the situation is the

her son to Ipaja Ayobo PHC, said she had to wake up very early so that her son can see the doctor on time because it is first-comefirst serve unless it is an emergency.

“It is even better today, before it was more chaotic than this,” she added.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the main objective of the PHC is to provide better overall health care for everyone. To accomplish this goal, WHO states five key goals: to reduce exclusion and social health disparities, to organise health services based on individuals’ needs and expectations, to integrate health into all industry sectors, to reform leadership, and to increase stakeholder par-

ticipation.

A strong PHC system is central to improving the health of all and reduces health inequalities among various groups. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, this is yet to be achieved and from observation seems unrealistic .This is so because in Nigeria, health services mirrors political organisation, making PHC to bear the brunt, as it is left in the hands of the weakest tier of government, the Local government.

Apart from the problem of underfunding, essential and common drugs are non existence; the quality of staff manning these facilities all over the country is not encouraging. In most cases community health extension workers are left alone serve as doctors, nurses and attendants.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

46

Your Sexual Health & You: Novelty Tips, Questions & Answers

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ir, when I come home from work, I am usually too tired to satisfy my wife. I have sex for three minutes and when I ejaculate, that’s it for the day. I want to be able to satisfy my wife – Tom Dear Tom, it is normal to be tired after work. Everybody feels that way. It is just because most working people usually have sex in the night that they want energy to perform. What you need is Wonderland Energy Drink.

It is a male performance enhancing supplement that fires you up with the stamina to have sex for hours without getting tired. It is very good. If you also want to last longer than three minutes in bed before ejaculating, you can use the new cream for men called Shane Diesel’s Prolonging Cream. Combine this delay cream with the energy drink and you will perform much better and to your wife’s satisfaction - Uche Dear Uche, my wife does not enjoy me most times even though she does not complain. My penis is too short and thin for my liking. The pest penetration per time is a little below the surface. Also my wife is difficult to arouse, infact she is cold. What can she do as well?

Ibrahim Dear Ibrahim, it is possible to have a bigger penis with the right enlargement products. For men with really small penises, we usually recommend that they combine two different penis enlargers such as a penis enlargement supplement with a penis pump or an enlargement cream. There is a penis enlargement supplement called Big Bamboo and it is really good. I write about it regularly. You take it daily for increase in penis length and thickness and for stronger erections too. You can combine Big Bamboo enlargement supplement with a penis pump like the Jack Pump to get better and faster results. For your wife, she needs a libido booster. Get her Rock On Daily Supplement or Max Desire. To arouse her externally, you can use an arousal gel like the Spot on G Spot Arousal Gel. The Gel works well with the supplements for best results.

All these products will make her want and enjoy sex

again and help make her arousal easier and faster as well – Uche Hello sir, please there is a penis enlargement cream I bought from you many years ago. I really liked it because it gave me results but I travelled before I could finish the dose. The name is Max Width Enlargement Cream. Do you still have it? Tony Yes Tony, we still have the Max Width Enlargement Cream. It is a fast acting instant enlarger and men like it a lot. In addition to enlarging the penis, it also helps men have better erections – Uche Dear Sir, I sometimes experience dryness and pain during sex. What can I do about this? Unoma Dear Unoma, sexual dryness is an indication that there has not been adequate stimulation before intercourse. It can also be caused by certain types of medication and can be a sign of menopause in middle aged or older women. Whatever the case may be, you can get rid of the dryness and pain with a water based lubricant. Use the Smooth and Slick Lubricant or Mood Tingle Lubricant for intercourse – Uche Dear MD, good afternoon. I just wanted to thank you for the Exploding Thunder supplement you recommended for my weak erection. It really helped me and today, my erections are back and stronger than before. God bless you and thank you again – Echezona You are welcome. Exploding Thunder is very good for such erection problems and it is not harsh. People who use it love it and it keeps working in your body for up to three days- Uche That’s it for today. The names of the people featured here have been changed for their privacy. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 08027901621 or 08051924159 or any other number here. They can also order them online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. We deliver to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries, email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

ENERGY

47

TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

THE NATION

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

Nigeria’s oil revenue threatened

by OPEC’s planned cut

W

ITH the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) planning to cut down production by 300,000 barrels next year, Nigeria’s oil output and revenue are bound to suffer, according to experts.

In its latest report, OPEC said production would fall to 29.6million barrels per day bpd, 300,000 barrels and 2.6 per cent lesser than its current production of 30 million bpd.

It said OPEC’s decision was informed by the need to maintain production levels that keep price from falling below $100 a barrel.

President, Nigerian Association of Energy Economics, Prof Adeola Adenikinju, said OPEC’s proposed cut would affect membercountries. He said any attempt to keep oil production or price below or above certain thresholds would affect OPEC members.

He said Nigeria’s case is peculiar because its oil production and revenue have been declining.

‘The issue is going to have marginal effects on Nigeria’s oil output. This is because the country is not new to declining oil production. Besides, the fact that Nigeria is not meeting OPEC quota of 2.5million barrels or thereabout, oil production has been hindered by issues, such as oil theft and pipeline vandalism, divestments of stakes by oil majors, among others. Based on these, the sliding oil production will have minimal effects on Nigeria,” he said.

“The impacts would be much on revenue. The budget is predicated on oil production. Once there is a problem with oil production, it would affect fiscal flow of the government. It is obvious that Nigeria cannot meet the current or future quota because it has too many internal problems to contend with.

This means the country will further experience shortfall in oil rev-

Stories by Akinola Ajibade

enue.”

He noted that the government benchmarked the budgets at 2.5million barrels a day and $90 barrel but the country is producing less than 2million barrels a day.

‘The government is already having problem with the budget. The oil projection of 2.5million barrels has not been met, which means that that the government is battling fiscal challenges. The government thought it would be able to boost the Excess Crude Account to mitigate the effects of any shortfall in oil revenues, but that has not happened. Giving the probelms in the Niger Delta oil producing region, the country would still not be able to increase its oil production and revenue next year.

Also, the Chief Executive officer, Economic Associates, Dr Ayodele Teriba said any major development in the international oil market would have ripple effects on the economy of OPEC’s member countries.

He said the government’s inability to meet some of its fiscal needs was as a result of some failed projections. He advised the government to put in place measures that would mitigate the any external shocks.

Meanwhile, crude oil production, including condensates and natural gas liquids, fell by 1.5 per cent from 1.97million barrel per day in April to 1.94 mbd in May, this year.

According to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN)’s Economic report, deliveries to the refineries for domestic consumption remained at 0.45million barrels a day or 13.9 millions in the period under review. CBN attributed the decrease in production to recurring oil spills, crude oil theft and force majure on oil activities in Niger Delta.

Local content ’ll create jobs, says Mobil chief

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HE passage of the local content bill will help in raising the quota of Nigerians employed in the oil and gas sector, Mobil chief, Adetunji Oyebanji, has said.

He said there were many professionals who are unable to use their skills, adding that they would get the opportunities to work when the bill is passed and implemented.

He said: ‘There are people who can provide cutting edge services in the oil and gas industry. Many of them have the required skills, but lacked avenues to showcase them. The local content bill would help in bringing them to oil and gas sector, as well as providing value-added services for economic growth.”

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Firm to open seven mega stations

ONOIL Plc has constructed seven new mega stations to increase its retail network nationwide.

The stations are in Onitsha (Anambra State), Port Harcourt (Rivers), Makurdi (Benue), Jibia (Katsina), Jebba (Kwara) and two in Lagos.

In a statement, the firm said the inauguration of the stations has been scheduled for the last quarter of the year, adding that the outlets were built in accordance with global trends in petroleum product retailing.

“In line with its tradition, the stations are designed to serve as onestop retail outlets equipped to offer motorists a wide range of quality services and convenience besides the regular business of selling petroleum products,” it said.

F

High grade engine oil hits market

ORTE Oil Plc has introduced “SYNTH 10000”, an advanced, fully synthetic engine oil, designed for the newest generation of highperformance turbo-charged petrol and diesel engine, into its wide range of quality lubricants.

The oil, which is manufactured to specifications of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)5W-40 and the American Petroleum Institute (API) SN/CF, is poised to keep engines running as new, by providing advanced wear protection, superior cleaning power and overall performance for the most modern vehicle engines.

The SYNTH 10000 also meets the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) requirements for globally acclaimed brands such as the Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, BMW, General Motors Co.

•Director of Strategy, All Power Lab (APL), Mr Tom Price; Managing Director, Bio-nergy Limited, Mr Ernest Onyenze, QA Engineer, All Power Lab (APL), Mr Bill Bayer and Biofuel Support Partner, Rev Francis Akinpelu, at the exibition of Biomass Power Concentration Solution in Lagos.

How to avoid another NLNG/NIMASA feud, by activist

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IGERIANS have been ad vised to learn how to use dialogue, the judiciary and public-private initiative to resolve their disputes to avoid the recurrence of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Nigerian Liquified and Natural gas (NLNG) clash.

An energy lawyer/activist, Mr Gbite Adeniji, said the crisis would not have persisted had the two parties sought legal interpretations of the problems from the beginning.

‘He said: “Though the parties have gone to court on two occasions, they did not explore the option of the judicial system when the problem started. In the beginning, the crisis was reduced to blame shifting. From all indications, the feud between the two agencies has taught Nigerians one big lesson - the judiciary has the power to resolve thorny issues.

Ultimately, the judicial system has provided clarity to the situation

S

as evident by the court judgment, “ he said.

Adeniji urged Nigerians to approach issues that are capable of creating problems to the economy from legal perspective, adding that this is the only way to save the country from future crisis.

He said: “Now that the court has stepped in, we all see how the crisis was resolved between the two parties. If not that the court waded into the crisis, the problem would persist.”

Also, the President, Petroleum and Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Mr Emeka Ene, said an integrated approach would have helped the country to prevent crisis.

He said groups such as the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria(MAN), Petroleum and energy associations, government’s bodies among others must be invited to proffer solutions whenever problems transpires.

“What happened between the two organisations is a lesson for Nigeria. There was no all-inclusive approach to solving the problem between them in the beginning. If such things had existed, the issue would not been prolonged. The reason is because professional groups or associations are made up of technocrats who can come together to engage in cross fertilisation of ideas to put volatile issue under control,” he said.

Ene said everybody on both sides of the fence wants to move the country forward, stressing that inability to reach a compromise affected the relationship between the two institutions.

He advised stakeholders to try and reach a compromise on or before they get out of hands, adding that ability to shift ground would help organisations either private or public to forestall crisis in the future.

Shell promises $5m jetty for pipe mill

HELL Petroleum Develop ment Company (SPDC) will build a jetty worth $5 million in support of the pilot pipe mill being promoted by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr Ernest Nwapa, stated this when he received members of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) who went on oversight visit to the Board in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The jetty would be used for shipping raw materials and finished products from the 250 metric tonne pipe mill being located in the same precincts with the Shell Gbaran Ubie’s gas plant and the National Integrated Power Plants (NIPPs).

He said the pipe mill would create over 1,000 direct jobs and several thousand indirect jobs for Nigerians as well as provide an invaluable platform for training Nigeri-

ans. He said the mill will also supply pipes for the over 2,000 kilometres of new gas pipelines to be laid in the gas master plan, replacement of aged existing pipes, as well as supply pipes for the numerous fertiliser, LPG and gas-topower projects planned for the next few years.

Nwapa reassured the Senate Committee, led by its Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Paulker, that the Board was focusing on developing local capacity which will ensure that industry jobs are executed in-country and employment is created for qualified Nigerians.

He stressed that the existence of local capacity and manufacturing of components of industry equipment was a sure way to grow the Nigerian Content, generate employment and reduce dependence on importation for industry operations.

Other initiatives of the Board, according to him, includes the on-go-

ing plan by the Board to establish the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industrial Parks in proximity to the oil fields to spur Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to grow their capability in manufacturing through partnerships with multi-nationals and original equipmentmanufacturers (OEMs).

“We intend to use the industrial park model to establish physical infrastructure and create enabling environment for low-cost manufacturing of equipment components, with a view to maximise utilisation of Nigerian made goods in the oil and gas industry; and to integrate community entrepreneurs into oil and gas value chain,” he said.

In his remarks, Paulker reminded the Board that it has an important role to play in the development of the economy, especially in increasing the participation of Nigerians in the oil and gas industry and developing indigenous capacity.

48

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

49

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

50

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS ON ANY EMERGENCY Council endorsed the useful phone numbers submitted by the security agents for easy access in case of any emergency on the metropolitan Roads. Accordingly, the general public may easily Contact KAROTA for: Breakdown of Vehicle(s), Traffic Congestion, Accidents, and Illegal/Wrong Parking to kindly Call KAROTA through the following number – 08091626747. Similarly, the State Police Command could be contacted on – 08032419754 and 08123821575. In addition, the State Fire Service can also be contacted on – 07051246833 and 08191778888.

107TH KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING

Kano State is covertly tagged “the Center of Commerce” in comparison to its counterparts which is appropriate and deserved. The manufacturing capacity of the State is conspicuously omitted due to its seeming current poor performance attributable to inadequate access to finance/capital and unreliable supply of electricity from PHCN, among other reasons. These affect the medium and small scale industries which are in the majority of the manufacturing sector in the State. Positive transformation of the situation is set for achievement by the present administration under the capable leadership of the second incumbency of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. Presently, forty four (44) Micro – Finance Banks have been established in the State across the 44 LGCAs in order to provide access to capital for medium and small scale industries and other viable ventures. Complementary to this, the Kano State Executive Council approved for the installation of hydroelectricity plants using Tiga and Challawa Gorge Dams for the generation of 35MW of electricity to meet the electrical energy demands of the State at the projected/proposed cost of N14,000,000,000.00 as endorsed during the 106th sitting.

Progressively, the Kano State Executive Council held its one hundred and seventh (107th) sitting today Wednesday 17th July, 2013 (8th Ramadan, 1434AH) under the Chairmanship of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. Nine (9) MDAs submitted fifty six (56) memoranda for deliberation by Council among which forty one (41) were approved for execution with an expenditure of Two Billion, Five Hundred and Twenty One Million, One Hundred and Seventy Nine Thousand, One Hundred and Fifty Two Naira, Six Kobo (N2,521,179,152.06) covering thirty three (33) projects. Thus; OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT 1.

Thirty two (32) memoranda were submitted on behalf of some MDAs for deliberation by Council from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

Twenty three (23) of them were approved for execution as follows; a) Request for Funds to Enable Conduct of a Training Workshop for the Kano State Children’s Parliament; Courtesy Calls and Attending a Day’s Sitting at the State House of Assembly:The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs mandated the first (1st) Edition of the Children’s Parliament on 26th April, 2012 with a view to granting opportunity to Children to manage their own affairs, develop interest and handle their welfare issues through Coordination with National and International bodies.

As such, Office of the Secretary to the State Government submitted a reminder of a request for funds, on behalf of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to conduct a Training Workshop for the State Children’s Parliament; conduct courtesy call to His Royal Highness the Emir of Kano; conduct courtesy call to the Honourable Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly and attend a day’s sitting of the House of Assembly. Details on the financial implications were presented for consideration by Council.

Council noted, considered and approved the release of the sum of N2,000,000.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for onward payment to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to enable conduct of the stated programmes in respect of the State Children’s Parliament. b) Request for Funds to Enable Procurement and Allocation of Two (2) Toyota Hilux Double Cabin Pick Ups and Re – Imbursement of DTA in Respect of the Director General and the Director Admin. And Gen Services Kano State Agency for the Control of Aids (SACA):Conduct of official function and general activities of the Kano State Agency for Control of Aids (SACA) requires the use of serviceable means of transportation for which the Office of the Secretary to the State Government sought permission and release of funds to process the procurement and allocation of two (2) Toyota Hilux DC Pick Ups at the aggregate cost of N13,900,000.00 (i.e. N6,950,000.00 each).

Further, the Agency requested for the re – imbursement of DTA to the Director General, Director Admin. And Gen Services as well as two (2) drivers from the SACA who attended the 2013 Retreat held at Abuja (20th – 23rd June, 2013). The details presented for consideration by Council total up to the sum of N242,000.00.

The two requests were considered credible as Council approved for the release of the following to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government; procurement and allocation of two (2) Toyota i.

N13,900,000.00 Hilux Dc Pick Ups in respect of the SACA. for the payment of the stated DTA of the Officers at ii.

N242,000.00 SACA that attended the stated Retreat.

Total = N14,142,000.00 c) Presentation on Acceptance of Dansa Foods Ltd. to Sponsor Male Inter – Secondary Schools Handball Competition in Kano State Annually:The Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youths, Sports and Culture notified Council, through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, on the acceptance of Dansa Foods Ltd. to sponsor Male Inter – Secondary Schools Handball Competition in Kano State every year. The development resulted from the efforts of the State Handball Association to involve organizations and individuals to complement Government’s commitments on sports development.

Importantly, the Company has accepted to sponsor the annual Male Inter – Secondary Schools Handball Competition both in kind and cash. Its intentions were demonstrated when the Company supported the competition held (10th – 15th June, 2013) with a token donation of the sum of N500,000.00 in addition to distribution of free drinks served throughout the duration of the Competition.

Council appreciatively acknowledged the presentation, welcomed the magnanimous gesture and called on others to emulate as sports deserves support from all and sundry as it keeps the body and soul together as well as fosters unity among Communities, regions and Countries of the World. d) Request for Funds to Enable Payment for 213,975 Litres of Diesel (AGO) Consumed by the Street and Traffic Control Lights Committee for the Month of March, 2013:Office of the Secretary to the State Government presented confirmation to Council, submitted by the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport, of the receipt of 213,975 Litres of diesel by the Street and Traffic Control Lights Committee for the Month of March, 2013.

As such, details on the financial commitment to the tune of N47,074,500.00 was presented to Council for consideration and approval for release.

Council favoured the request and approved for the release of the requested sum of N47,074,500.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for onward payment to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable payment for the 213,975 Litres of AGO consumed by the Street and Traffic Control Lights Committee for the Month of March, 2013.

e) Request for Funds to Enable Procurement and Allocation of One Unit of Toyota Hiace 18 – Seater Bus in Favour of Radio Television and Theatre Workers Union (RATTAWU):RATTAWU partners with Government in educating and entertaining the citizenry in Kano State and is therefore qualified for Government’s assistance especially when required.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government endorsed the recommendation of the Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youths, Sports and Culture to Council to consider and approve the release of the sum of N7,500,000.00 for the procurement and allocation of one unit of Toyota Hiace Bus in favour of RATTAWU. The recommendation was approved as the Office of the Secretary to the State Government was directed to process the procurement and allocation of one unit of Toyota Hiace 18 – Seater Bus at the cost of N7,500,000.00 in favour of (RATTAWU) to ease their operations in Kano State. f) Presentation on the Need to Enact an Enabling Law for the Kano Pillars Football Club (KPFC):The Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youths, Sports and Culture forwarded a proposal for consideration by Council, through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, on the need to enact an enabling Law for the Kano Pillars Football Club which has been operating without such Statutory backing despite the huge funding the Club enjoys from Government and other developmental trends that warrant the granting of Corporate Status to the Organization.

Importantly, enacting the Law will accord the Club a Legal Status with powers to enter into agreements, as well as the ability to sue and be sued in its own name, among other benefits. Other plausible reasons were presented for consideration

by Council.

Council acknowledged the presentation and directed the Kano Pillars Football Club to register with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

g) Request for Funds for Disbursement as Financial Support to the Bereaved Families of Four (4) Deceased Police Officers Killed by Insurgents at Yan’ Kaba (Hadejia Road) and Unguwar Dabai Gwammaja in April, 2013:The Commissioner of Police, Kano State solicited for financial support from the Kano State Executive Council, through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, to the bereaved families of four (4) Police Officers killed by insurgents at Yan’ Kaba (Hadejia Road) and Unguwar Dabai Gwammaja in April, 2013.

As such, Office of the Secretary to the State Government confirmed and endorsed the request for financial support to the bereaved families of the deceased Police Officers as follows;

SN i. ii. iii. iv.

LATE POLICE OFFICERS Insp. Lawal Abdulwahab Cpl. Abdurrahman Muhammad Cpl. Ibrahim Abdu Cpl. Sulaiman Labaran TOTAL

AMOUNT (N) 500,000.00 500,000.00 500,000.00 500,000.00 2,000,000.00

Council considered, commiserated with the respective bereaved families of the deceased Police Officers and approved release of the aggregate sum of N2,000,000.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for onward payment to the Office of the State Commissioner of Police for disbursement at the rate of N500,000.00 to each of the four (4) bereaved families of the deceased Police Officers and instructed them to appear before Council at its next sitting. a) Request for Funds to Enable Settlement of Variation Charges Arising From the Construction of Library Complex, Media Center and Transit Camp at the Premises of the Kano State Scholarship Board:The projects cited above were approved for execution by the State Executive Council at the contract sum of N16,810,423.90 but had to be relocated according to the details presented for consideration by Council. The relocation caused a variation to the tune of N2,027,160.40 which was requested for release in addition to the earlier approved sum of N16,810,423.90 to enable execution of the relocated projects.

Considering the fact that the project was already approved for execution, Council approved release of the variation charges of the sum of N2,027,160.40 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for onward payment to the State Ministry of Higher Education to enable execution of the stated projects. b) Request for Funds to Enable Installation of Doors and Security Gadgets at the Very Important Persons (VIP) Praying Area at the State Central Eid Ground, Kofar Mata:The trimmed down sum of N72,235,270.80 was approved for release by Council to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to enable Installation of doors and security gadgets at the VIP praying area at the State Central Eid Ground, Kofar Mata. This was in order to boost security at the location considering the prevailing precarious security situation in the State and the Country at large. c) Presentation on the Appointment of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE as the “Grand Patron” of the 501 Kwankwasonians in Diaspora (India Chapter):The 501 Kwankwasonians in Diaspora (India Chapter) is an association of Kano State Indigenous Students sponsored by the present administration under the leadership of the second incumbency of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE to pursue second degree courses in various fields in Institutions abroad. The association has three (3) cardinal objectives which include; i.

Ensuring positive moral conduct among members while in diaspora. ii.

Assisting each other in need to achieve collective success. iii. Ensuring formidable unity for greater and sustainable Kano.

The Patriotic and unreserved philanthropic disposition of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE decided the association to unanimously appoint him as their Grand Patron as communicated by contents of this memorandum.

Council appreciatively acknowledged the presentation and directed the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to communicate same to the association as well as officially confirm acceptance of the responsibility by Governor Engr.

Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. d) Request for Funds to Enable Provision of Financial Assistance to the Newly Absorbed Cadets (Graduates of the Corporate Security Institute Gabasawa) into the Civil Service:Contents of this memorandum tacitly reminded Council of the colourful graduation ceremony held in June, 2013 at the Government House which occasioned the passing out parade of the first (1st) batch of 216 Cadets of the Corporate Security Institute Gabasawa.

Responsibly, the State Government directed for the automatic absorption of the freshly graduating cadets into the Civil Service. The Circular indicating details on the postings of same to relevant MDAs was presented for consideration by Council.

In any case, while the Office of the Head of Civil Service processes the required arrangements to formalize the absorption of the Security Personnel into the Civil Service, Office of the Secretary to the State Government recommended an interim intervention for consideration and approval for the payment of the sum of N20,000.00 as assistance to each of the newly deployed 216 Security Personnel totaling up to the aggregate sum of N4,320,000.00 which was requested for release.

The provision of empowerment/skill acquisition of our teeming unemployed/ skilled youth was the main essence for the establishment of the Corporate Security Institute Gabasawa along with others. Beneficiaries from such training institutes typically benefit the provision of take – off packages from Government the value of which could compare to the N20,000.00 cash donation to the newly deployed proposed by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

Council considered the request relevant and approved release of the requested sum of N4,320,000.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for disbursement to each of the 216 newly deployed Security Personnel at the rate of N20,000.00 per head as financial assistance as they settle into their respective new places of employment/engagement.

In any effort to monitor the performances of trained Cadets, the Office of the Head of Civil Service was to come up with a proposal to creating a Department under the Special Services Directorate, to be headed by a posting Commandant. e) Request for Funds to Enable Procurement of Food Supplements to Forty Two (42) Cows Artificially Inseminated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the Respective Five (5) Livestock Development Centres in the State:The Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources submitted the request cited above for consideration by Council, through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government. The request was for Council to consider approving for the release of the sum of N822,000.00 to enable procurement of food supplements to forty two (42) artificially inseminated cows at the respective five (5) Livestock Development Centers in the State. Details were presented for consideration by Council which considered the request as relevant and approved for the release of the requested sum of N822,000.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for onward payment to the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources to enable procurement of the food supplements according to the details presented. f) Presentation on Progress Report Forwarded by the Senior Special Assistant Kwankwasiyya City:Office of the Secretary to the State Government presented highlights of the progress report for consideration by Council as follows; i.

That the project commenced in October, 2012 with five (5) Contractors

Rabi’u Musa Kwankawaso

handling the construction of ten (10) houses each.

That the number of Contractors progressively increased to fifty two (52), with each building five (5) to ten (10) houses each. iii.

That the Kwankwasiyya City consists of over 750 residential plots and about 100 Commercial ones. iv.

That there is provision of Schools, Hospitals, Police Stations, Fire Brigade Post, Sports Complex, Amusement Parks, Play – grounds, refuse disposal outlets, etc. v.

That the soil in the area varies in capacity whereby some areas at the site have strong and stable soil type while others have sandy and weak soil. vi.

That there are three (3) types of houses at the Kwankwasiyya City (i.e. the 5 – Bedroom Duplex, 4 – Bedroom Duplex and 3 – Bedroom Duplex). vii. That construction of Standard size and quality road network in and around the city is on the verge of completion. viii. That the work on the road with double drainage is being executed by H and M Engineering Company Ltd. ix.

That a total of six (6) Construction Companies are currently working on site building about 500 different types of housing units. x.

That each Contractor was given 16 weeks within which to complete the building of each house/building. xi.

That most of the buildings have reached advanced stages with many at roofing and finishing stages. xii. That most Contractors have collected the 30% advance payment valuation. xiii. That while many Contractors are at finishing stages, others are just commencing with some still awaiting site allocation. xiv. That the total cost of the project as at 10th May, 2013 stood at N10,939,645,013.16. xv. That the total number of houses so far under construction are 473 units expected to be completed soon (in the coming few months).

Essentially, the unallocated sites remain an eyesore and need to be allocated immediately for construction to commence so as to ensure timely completion of the houses within the stipulated Contract period.

Council acknowledged the presentation in appreciation. g) Request for Funds to Facilitate for the Reception and Conveyance of Students from Lagos to Kano:The Youth Directorate for Economic Empowerment (YDEE) submitted a request to Council, through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for the release of funds to cater for logistics of the twenty five (25) Kano State Indigenous Students sponsored by the State Government for study in India under the NIMASA programme who are returning home after the completion of the first (1st) segment of their training in India.

Specifically, the Students are expected to proceed with the 2 nd segment of the programme at the United Kingdom (UK) on completion of the first (1st) segment of the programme in India, hence, they are expected to arrive Lagos from India in preparation for the trip to the UK. Details of the financial implications were presented to Council for consideration which were noted as approval for the release of the trimmed down sum of N1,130,000.00 was granted to cater for the stated purpose. ii.

h) Request for Funds to Enable Treatment and Replacement of Teeth Exercise for the Kwankwasiyya Ulama Forum Across the 44 LGCAs in the State:The Shari’a Commission submitted a request, through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, for the release of funds by Council for the treatment and replacement exercise of teeth for the Kwankwasiyya Ulama Forum of the 44 LGCAs in the State. Details were presented for consideration by Council which were noted and prompted the granting of approval for the release of the sum of N10,000,000.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for onward payment to the Shari’a Commission to enable the Kwankwasiyya Ulama undertake their stated purpose. i) Request for Funds to Enable Payment of 14 – Days Estacode and Visa Processing for Two (2) Officials from the State Youth Directorate for Economic Empowerment for a Trip to India:The Office of the Secretary to the State Government reminded Council of its approval granted for the release of the sum of N2,063,777.32 to facilitate for the sponsorship of two (2) Officials from the State Youth Directorate for Economic Empowerment for a trip to India to process necessary arrangements for the transfer of twenty five (25) Students. The Students are currently undergoing a course of study under Government’s sponsorship at the AMET University, Chaneei India. All of them have satisfactorily completed the first (1st) segment of the programme for their studies and are to be transferred to the United Kingdom (UK) to complete the second (2nd) segment of the programme as provided by the curriculum of the course. Details were submitted for consideration by Council on the financial implications for the payment of 14 – Days Estacode and Visa processing for the two (2) Officials from the Directorate to enable them undertake the trip.

Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the sum of N862,400.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to enable only one Official from the State Youth Directorate for Economic Empowerment undertake the trip. j) Request for Funds for the Payment of Processing Fees in Respect of 172 Students Admitted into Six (6) Different Universities in Turkey:The Ministry of Higher Education submitted the endorsed request from Aylinlar Educational Ltd., one of the 501 Postgraduate Scholarship oversea Scheme for the payment of processing fees in respect of 172 Students admitted in six (6) Universities in Turkey. Details were presented to Council for consideration. However, the usual sum of $1,000 per Student was charged totaling the aggregate sum of $172,000 (i.e. N160.00 x 172,000 = N27,520,000.00) which was requested for release by Council to undertake the project cited above.

Council considered the request credible and approved for the release of the requested sum of $172,000 (equivalent to N27,520,000.00) to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to enable payment for the processing fees cited above. k) Request for Funds to Enable Payment for the Publicity Undertakings Duly Carried Out by Media Houses on the Activities of the Present Administration:Transparency is among the guiding principles of the present administration in Kano State under the second incumbency of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. So, placement of advertorials, notices, etc. in print and broadcast media is common for which details were presented to Council for consideration summarized as follows; i.

Total amount expended on Newspaper advertisements N12,433,632.68 ii.

Total amount expended on Radio announcements N2,359,820.00 Total N14,793,452.68 As such, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government requested Council to approve for the release of the sum of N14,793,452.68 to facilitate the payments cited above.

Approval was granted as requested by Council in continuation of the relevance of the undertakings to the policy on transparency of the present administration. l) Request for Funds to Enable Operations of the Private Health Institutions Registration Unit of the State Ministry of Health:The Kano State Ministry of Health submitted a request, through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, for the release of the sum of N1,362,711.05 to cater for the requirements of the Task Force for Special Operations on Private Health Institutions. Details were presented to Council for consideration after which approval was granted as requested for the release of the sum of N1,362,711.05 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for onward payment to the Ministry of Health to facilitate for the stated purpose. m) Request for Funds to Enable Honouring the Redemption of a Pledge Made to the Kano Pillars Football Club by Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE during a Reception held on Saturday 7th October, 2012:-

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013 The Kano Pillars Football Club (KPFC) is the premier football club that represents Kano State in the National Premier League Football Competition and other prominent National and International Football encounters. The club performs capably/creditably and continually wins laurels for Kano State.

As such, the considerate and humane incumbent Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE made a pledge to the club on Saturday 7th October, 2012 to honour members of the club with car gifts and cash donations. So, the club communicated a reminder on the pledge to Council, through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government which acknowledged and endorsed contents of the submission as presented to Council. Specifically, 28 Players were recommended for the donation of one (1) KIA Picanto 2012 Model each at the cost of N2,576,400.00 aggregating to the total sum of N72,139,200.00 for the 28 Players. Ten (10) other Players were recommended for the donation of cash prize of N500,000.00 each totaling to the aggregate sum of N5,000,000.00. On the other hand, a cash prize of N750,000.00 was recommended to each of the three (3) Technical Crew Members aggregating to the sum of N2,250,000.00 for the three (3). Totally, Council approved release of the aggregate sum of N79,389,200.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to enable redemption of the pledge made by Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE to the Kano Pillars Football Club Members on 7 th October, 2012. Thus; 28 KIA Picanto Model 2012 i.

N72,139,200.00 10 Players at N500,000.00 ii.

N5,000,000.00 iii. N2,250,000.00 3 Technical Crew at N750,000.00 Total N79,389,200.00. n) Presentation on the Contribution of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Kano State Government Towards the Operations of the Entrepreneurship Development Center (EDC):The Leadership of the second incumbency of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE resolved to operate transparently to the awareness of all and sundry in its dispensation of the public affairs. The Entrepreneurship Development Center (EDC) is one such affairs that is jointly provided for. Thus; · Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). i.

Two (2) vehicles (one (1) Saloon Car and one (1) Toyota Hilux Pick UP). ii.

Salary and allowances of the EDC project. iii. All travels. iv.

Office equipment and consumables. v.

Maintenance of vehicles and office equipment. vi.

Provision of Insurance for all vehicles. vii. Provision of capacity building/training of all EDC Staff. · Kano State Government i.

Provision of befitting and adequate office accommodation with training rooms. ii.

Provision of furniture for office and training rooms. iii. Provision of alternative source of electricity (electricity generators) for the EDC offices and training rooms.

Council appreciatively acknowledged the presentation and call on the general public to take note.

MINISTRY OF PROJECT MONITORING 2.

Presentation on Findings on On-Going Projects under the Ministry of Education in Respect of General Repairs and Renovation of Eight (8) Selected Secondary Schools Across the State which were Initiated by the Defunct Administration under Road Map Project:The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Project Monitoring politely reminded Council of its directive to his Ministry to liaise with the Office of the State Accountant General with a view to verify the amount of money being paid to Contractors handling on – going projects in respect of eight (8) selected Schools. Relatedly, Council was reminded of its approval granted for the completion of eleven (11) projects at its sitting of 26th June, 2013.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Finance has cleared a second batch of on – going thirty five (35) projects with a balance of N726,330,653.15 required for completion. Details were presented to Council for consideration. So, Council was solicited to approve for the completion of the thirty five (35) projects across the eight (8) selected Secondary Schools as well as payments for executed works in accordance with the contract documents.

Council appreciatively acknowledged the presentation and approved the release of N726,330,653.15 to the Ministry of Project Monitoring to enable continuation of the repairs works stated above.

MINISTRY RURAL AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 3.

Request for Approval and Release of Funds to Enable Replacement of Three (3) 300KVA Electricity Transformers and Installation of Two (2) Existing Ones at Kwanar Dangora and Three (3) other Places:Cognizant of the resolve of the present administration in Kano State under the capable leadership of the second incumbency of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE to take reliable electricity supply to all nooks and corners of the State, the Ministry of Rural and Community Development requested Council to approve for the release of the sum of N25,396,375.00 to enable execution of the project cited above.

Council considered contents of the details presented and approved release of the requested sum of N25,396,375.00 to the Ministry of Rural and Community Development to provide succor to the Communities at Kariya, Tudun Doka and Sabon Garin Yalwa in Kiru LGCA as well as Kwanar Dangora town as regards electricity supply.

MINISTRY OF WORKS, HOUSING AND TRANSPORT 4.

This Ministry submitted eleven (11) memoranda for deliberation by Council.

Ten (10) of them were approved for execution. Thus; a) Presentation on Cost Estimates and Request for Funds for the Construction of Two (2) Additional Box Culverts Along Rogo – Bari – Falgore Road:Complying to instructions, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport respectfully forwarded to Council for consideration a prepared provisional Bill of Engineering Measurement Evaluation (BEME) in the sum of N14,699,401.59 for the construction of two (2) additional cell box culverts at the location cited above. Details were presented for consideration as the estimated sum of money was requested for release to enable execution of the vitally required project.

Council noted, considered and approved release of the requested sum of N14,699,401.59 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable execution of the stated project and directed Rogo Local Government Council to handle. b) Request for Funds to Execute Repair Works at the Razed Down Police Station and DPO’ Office/Convenience at Bunkure LGCA:Council was responsibly/professionally notified of the razed down Divisional Police Station and DPO’s Office/Toilet at Bunkure town in Bunkure LGCA, through contents of this memorandum submitted for consideration from the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport. This negatively impacts on the general security situation in the area.

The facility was inspected with a view to assess the extent of damage. Drawings and bill of quantities in the total sum of N9,992,540.17 were presented for consideration by Council along with a request for the release of the assessed sum of money to enable execution of the general repair works.

The request was considered relevant as Council approved the release of the sum of N9,992,540.17 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable execution of the stated general repair works at the razed down Divisional Police Station and DPO’s Office/toilet at Bunkure town in Bunkure LGCA. The project was directed to be executed on Contract arrangement. c) Request for Funds to Enable Execution of the Proposed Construction of Ring – Type Covered Drainage at Chediyar Kuda in Collaboration with a Community Based Association in Municipal LGCA:The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport respectfully referred Council to a submission by the Sustainable Kano Project (SKP) in respect of the subject matter mentioned above.

The site was inspected and the following observations were made; i.

The Community in the area is in dire need for the project especially with the current popularity of the incumbent administration’s initiative of the Kwankwasiyya drainage concept which cuts across many areas within the metropolis. ii.

The actual length of the drainage is 650M. iii. The rates used in the preparation of the cost estimated by SKP appeared to be reasonable. However, the chambers provided are at closer intervals (115) hence, the need to be spaced at 10M interval (46). iv.

The scope of works did not include laying of interlock tiles. This may be considered as second phase of the entire project after seeing the successful completion of the first phase.

Considering significance of the project to the Community in the area, Council approved for the release of the sum of N4,304,490.75 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable execution of the project by Sustainable Kano Project (SKP). d) Request for Funds to Enable Installation of Tracking Devices on Amana Luxury Taxis:Vigil and the need to keep track prompted Council to approve for the release of the requested sum of N11,500,000.00 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable Office of the Senior Special Assistant Transport install tracking devices on each of the 250 strong fleet of Amana Luxury Taxis at the rate of N46,000.00 per one. e) Request for Funds to Enable Installation of Street Lights along Suleiman Crescent to Badawa Bus Stop to Ring Road Totaling 3.8KM Using Brand New Fabricated Poles:-

51 Beautification of Urban Kano is among the cardinal resolutions of the present administration in Kano State under the leadership of the second incumbency of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. Provision of Street lights along major roads in the metropolis is one activity that predominates for the dual purpose of beautification and provision of security.

So, the Task Force on Installation, Repairs/Reactivation of Street and Traffic Control Lights identified the road cited above as requiring the installation of Street lights. The project was assessed and estimated to cost the sum of N78,540,463.40 which was requested for release by the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable execution.

Considering relevance and congruence of the project to the laudable policy of beautifying Urban Kano, Council approved release of the requested sum of N78,540,463.40 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable the Task Force on Installation, Repairs/Reactivation of Street and Traffic Control Lights execute the project cited above. f) Request for Funds to Enable Completion of the Administrative Block at Kano State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board:Contents of this memorandum substantiated to Council that, the project for the construction of the Administrative Block at the Pilgrims’ Welfare Board was originally awarded at the initial contract sum of N165,248,107.00 via award letter number KSPWB/FIN/35/Vol.11/290 dated 8 th March, 2011 as per the details presented for consideration by Council.

Statutorily, the sum of N49,574,632.10 was paid to the Contractor being 40% mobilization fee leaving a balance of N115,673,474.90 and status of work executed is averagely about 60% completed.

Nevertheless, in the course of executing the works variations occurred due to some over sight that include electrical installations (both internal and external), price fluctuations, additional course of blocks at the substructure and steel reinforcement (in columns, beams and dome) upon which the Contractor submitted revised estimates on the project to the tune of N278,182,838.33 to which the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport initially appropriated the bill to be in the sum N213,119,792.92. However, the scope of work was finally scaled down by removing the wall fence and its related fluctuations, which was not in the original concept. Thus; the new cost was pruned down to the tune of N196,662,963.26 as per details presented to Council for consideration.

As such, a variation exists between the original contract sum and the current one.

Thus; N196,662,963.26 – N165,248,107.00 = N31,414,856.26 which was requested for release by Council to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable completion of the stated project.

Council noted, considered and approved the release of the sum of N31,414,856.26 as variation to the original contract sum to enable the original Contractor for the project to complete the work cited above. The Ministry of Planning and Budget was directed to issue an AIE to the sum of N31,414,856.26 being additional fund required for the completion of the project under code 21150 of the Deputy Governor’s Office for the 2013 approved budget. So, the cost for the project stands at N196,662,963.26. g) Request for Funds to Enable Installation of Street Lights on Tukur Road Using Brand New Fabricated Poles:In the need to extend provision of Street lights to all nooks and corners of Kano metropolis, the Task Force on Installation, Repairs/Reactivation of Street and Traffic Control lights identified Tukur Road to benefit the laudable effort of the present administration on the issue. Work required was assessed and estimated to the tune of N14,115,517.00 which was requested for release by Council to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable execution of the project.

Credibility of the project prompted Council to approve the release of the sum of N14,115,517.00 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable the Task Force on Installation, Repairs/Reactivation of Street and Traffic Control Lights execute the project of installing Street lights on Tukur Road. h) Request for Funds to Enable Installation of Street Lights Along Sheikh Ja’afar, Gwarzo and Independence Roads:The sum of N330,044,124.70 was approved for release by Council to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable the State Task Force on Installation, Repairs/Reactivation of Street and Traffic Control Lights execute the following projects of installation of Street lights;

SN i. ii. iii.

Location of Road Sheikh Ja’afar Road Gwarzo Road Independence Road from Eldorado Junction to Dakata Bus Stop TOTAL

Distance (KM) 4.250 7.230

Cost (N) 94,622,457.70 153,329,641.40

3.50

82,092,025.60 330,044,124.70

The projects are in agreement with the laudable policy of beautifying Urban Kano and provision of security and will provide the envisaged succor for the Communities in the areas concerned. a) Presentation on the Interim Report in Respect of Conversion of KASCO Stores into Skill Acquisition Centers (Garment Clusters in 44 LGCAs Across Kano State):The tenure of the incumbency of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE ushered in a completely new approach to Governance in Kano State whereby underutilized/unused Government buildings and facilities are refurbished, reactivated and converted for viable uses. The KASCO Stores scattered all over the 44 LGCAs are among such unused Government building/facilities over long period of time. This administration came into Governance with a clear vision on transforming Kano State in the provision of empowerment/self employment opportunities as well as skill acquisition capacity building. As such, the unused KASCO Stores were slated and approved for conversion to Garment Clusters/ Training Centers.

Contents of this memorandum forwarded summary of the interim report in respect of the conversion projects. Works is in appreciable progress with 19 out of 44 of them being commended translating to about 43.2% of the work is in good to excellent progress while about 56.8% requires catching up.

Council appreciatively acknowledged the presentation and directed Office of the Secretary to the State Government to communicate with those Contractors lagging behind and advise them to speed up pace of work without compromising quality. b) Request for Funds to Enable Continuation of Demountable Aluminium Partition Works at the 7th and 8th Floor, Northwest University Temporary Site (Gidan Ado Bayero):The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport politely reminded Council of the Aluminium Partition works in progress at the Northwest University Temporary Site. Currently academic programmes began in earnest necessitating the need for additional Partition at the 7th and 8th floors so as to accommodate the Printing Unit, Science Laboratory, Stores and additional Staff Offices, etc.

As such, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport appraised the extent of works required and prepared drawings and Bill of Quantities in the sum of N94,741,049.81 which was requested for release by Council. Details were presented to Council for consideration.

Council noted, considered and approved release of the requested sum of N94,741,049.81 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable continuation of the demountable Aluminium Partition works at the 7th and 8th floors, Northwest University Temporary Site (Gidan Ado Bayero).

MINISTRY OF HEALTH 5.

The two (2) memoranda submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry of Health were approved for execution. Thus; a) Presentation on Request for the Replacement of Already Ordered Textbooks Accreditation of Two (2) Courses at School of Health Technology, Kano:Contents of this memorandum from the Ministry of Health reminded Council of its approval granted to the Ministry for the renovation works and supply of required Textbooks/other instructional materials for the accreditation of Community Health Extension Workers/Junior Community Health Extension Workers Course at School of Health Technology, Kano. Contract was awarded for the project details of which were presented to Council for consideration at the cost of N25,620,546.58.

The Contractor has completed renovation works/supply of instructional materials (equipment/instruments) according to specifications. What remains is the supply of the ordered textbooks. Only three (3) titles of the ordered textbooks were available and supplied to the School while the majority 34 titles are not available and could not be supplied. Substitution of the concerned titles was endorsed to the School by the Ministry of Health. Available relevant ones with identical condition, value and use/applicability can be sourced.

The School responded to instruction and forwarded a list of the substitution textbooks that are available and can serve the same purpose. The list was endorsed by the Ministry of Health as Council was notified.

Council noted the presentation and approved for the adoption of the substitute textbooks as there are no negative consequences. b) Presentation on the Need and Request for Funds to Establish Intensive Care Unit at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano:The Ministry of Health applauded Council, through contents of this memorandum, on its approval granted for the supply of medical equipment/instruments and renovation works for the establishment of the Intensive Care Unit at Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital at the total sum of N156,750,245.12. The work has been completed successfully while the facility is already being utilized.

The Services delivered by the Intensive Care Unit have been identified to be of fundamental requirement so as to improve quality of service delivery in the health

sector. The need to establish an additional Intensive Care Unit at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital is paramount as it will check/reduce loss of lives of the critically ill patients brought into the busiest hospital in the State.

Details on the requirements costed to the tune of N66,147,352.74 were presented to Council for consideration and approval for release to the Ministry of Health for the referred project.

Credibility of the request prompted Council to approve for the release of the requested sum of N66,147,352.74 to the Ministry of Health to enable the establishment of Intensive Care Unit at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital.

MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION 6.

Three (3) memoranda were submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry of Higher Education. Only one (1) of them was approved for execution.

Thus; Request for Upward Review of the Monthly Release Overhead Cost for Aminu Kano College of Islamic And Legal Studies:The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Higher Education informed Council that, Aminu Kano College of Islamic and Legal Studies complies with the recent policy of Government on the centralization of Government Revenue whereby all MDAs were directed to remit their internally generated revenue (IGR) into the Central Government Account.

The Institution has so far registered 20,397 for the 2013 academic session and remitted the sum of N93,539,968.07 as internally generated revenue which could have consumed internally prior to the decision by Government to centralize all revenues. This policy compelled the Institution to request for release of overhead cost from Government monthly for its need. For example, the sum of N23,100,150.00 was release to the Institution for the months of April, May and June. This was inadequate considering the Students population and workforce as well as maintenance requirements of the infrastructure in the College.

As such, the sum of N7,000,000.00 was recommended to Council as the appropriate fund to be released monthly to Aminu Kano College of Islamic and Legal Studies as overhead cost.

The recommendation was favourably considered as Council approved for the release of the sum of N7,000,000.00 monthly to Aminu Kano College of Islamic and Legal Studies as overhead cost.

MINISTRY OF LAND AND PHYSICAL PLANNING 7.

Only one (1) of the two (2) memoranda submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning was approved for execution as follows; Request for Funds to Facilities for the Construction of Reinforced Concrete – Line Drain and Culvert at Pilgrims’ Camp Road:The Pilgrims’ Camp road was recently renovated using the approved/release sum of N32,380,567.32 for the contract which did not include provision for the urgently required drainage especially now that the rainy season is with us.

So, the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning assessed the level of work required but submitted the bided sum of N57,739,358.25 as required for the project and requested for release.

Congruence of the project with the laudable policy of the present administration on the provision of effective, efficient and reliable drainage in the metropolis prompted Council to approve for the release of the requested sum of N57,739,358.25 to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning to enable execution of the construction of reinforced concrete line drain and culvert at Pilgrims’ Camp road.

OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR/HON. COMMISSIONER, MINISTRY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Two (2) memoranda were submitted for deliberation by Council from the Office of the Deputy Governor/Hon. Commissioner, Ministry for Local Governments.

Both were approved for execution. Thus; a) Request for Funds for the Construction of Public Conveniences at the Eight (8) Municipal LGCAs:Council was politely reminded of the Governments’ resolve to discourage the negative habit of defecation in the open by constructing public conveniences in various LGCAs beginning from the eight (8) Municipal LGCAs. The conveniences are to include Ventilation Improved Pit Latrines (VIP), bath for males and females, separate ablution area and court yard. Details were presented for consideration by Council which ultimately indicated that the sum of N6,861,678.60 is required for the construction of one (1) such public convenience of which ten (10) were recommended to be constructed by each of the eight (8) metropolitan LGCAs at the cost of N68,616,786.00.

As such, eighty (80) Units of such public convenience are to be constructed at various locations in the eight (8) metropolitan LGCAs at the aggregate cost of 80 x N6,861,678.60 = N548,934,288.00 which was requested for release by Council to enable execution of the project.

The environmental sanitation significance of the project prompted Council to approve for the release of the requested sum of N548,934,288.00 to the Office of the Deputy Government/Hon. Commissioner, Ministry for Local Governments to enable construction of eighty (80) public conveniences in various locations of the eight (8) metropolitan LGCAs. 8.

b) Presentation on the Purported Sale of Kano Distribution Company:Though the case mentioned above is currently in court between the Kano State Government and the Bureau for Public Privatization, Office of the Deputy Governor/Hon. Commissioner, Ministry for Local Governments informed Council that, the State Committee on the issue under his Chairmanship held a meeting with relevant Stakeholders, most especially the Interim Management Officers which were furnished with the list earlier used on areas of Kano State Investment in electrification projects. This was with a view to further identify/ update other areas not included in the valuation earlier submitted such that the real position of Kano State Government will be made clearer and the value of its total Investment more exact during the negotiation with the Bureau for Public Enterprises and/or Sahehian Power Company (PVC).

Further, Council was intimated with the fact that the list was given to the Interim Management Officers in order to liaise with traditional Institutions in their respective localities, update same to allow for further inspection for proper valuation.

Council appreciatively acknowledged the presentation.

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES 9.

Request for Funds to Execute the 2nd Phase of the Botanical Garden and Arboretum at Kano Zoological Garden and Wildlife Management Agency:The sum of N49,050,000.00 was approved for release by Council as requested to the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources to enable the commencement of the second (2nd) phase of the Botanical Garden project. This is in order to complete the good work started in the already executed phase I of the entire project.

UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES OF THE 107TH KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SITTING 1.

CLOSING/PASSING OUT PARADE OF BATCH B NYSC YOUTH CORPS EXERCISE Council acknowledged the conduct of the passing out parade and closing ceremony of the NYSC Batch B orientation training on Tuesday 16th July, 2013 at kusalla, Karaye Local Government area. Council called on the members of the National Youth Service Corps Batch B to dedicate themselves toward nation building by contributing their quota for the development of Kano state and the country at large.

AFRICAN UNION SUMMIT FOR THE HEAD OF STATES & GOVERNMENT IN AFRICA Council acknowledged the visit by a Delegation Headed by the Deputy Governor Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje where they ably represented Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE at the African Union Summit for the Head of States & Government of Africa, where important resolutions were discussed on the need to Speed up action towards strengthening our health systems to provide comprehensive and integrated Health care services delivery which will improve access to essential services and also to proffer solutions that would curtail, reduce and prevent the spread and scourge of HIV/AIDS in Africa.

2.

DISTRIBUTION OF DRUGS AGAINST EPIDEMIC DISEASES AND FLAG OFF OF DFID/PATH2 SUPPORT TO KANO STATE GOVERNMENT Council commends the giant support given to the State by DFID/PATH2 on various development projects and programmes aimed at improving the lives and well being of the citizenry in Kano State. Similarly, Council noted the distribution of drugs against epidemic diseases across the Local Government Areas in the State.

3.

Signed: Hon. Commissioner, Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports & Culture, Kano State

52

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

53

NEWS RAMADAN KAREEM

SOLAT TIME (Katsina) Fajr Zuhr Asr Magrib Ishai

– – – – –

4:47 12:24 3:47 6:40 7:52

(Edo) am pm pm pm pm

Fajr Zuhr Asr Magrib Ishai

– 5:09 am – 12:43 pm – 4:06 pm – 6:56 pm – 8:08 pm

(Cross River) Fajr Zuhr Asr Magrib Ishai

– 5:03 – 12:34 – 3:57 – 6:44 – 7:56

am pm pm pm pm

Ramadan 14th, 1434AH

(Source: Islamicfinder.org)

Police tighten security in Sokoto

T

HE Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State Alhaji Shuaibu Gambo, has said that proactive security measures have been put in place to ensure peace during the Ramadan fast.

Gambo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto that plain-clothes security personnel had been deployed in all the Mosques and venues for sermons (Tafsir).

According to him, the action is to ensure the safety of life and property during and after the Ramadan fasting period.

He said the command would do its best to sustain the peace that Sokoto state was known for.

“All we need from the public is that people should come out with intelligence reports on suspected characters for prompt action.

“We are ready to discharge our constitutional responsibility to the best of our ability and knowledge undermining whose ox is gored,’’ he vowed.

Gambo solicited the support of traditional and religious leaders to sensitise the people on what the society would benefit if relevant information on dubious people was given to the security agencies.

“This is the time that our Imams and preachers can complement our efforts to mobilise the people to be security conscious so that we can contain any security threats,’’ he said.

The commissioner also called on the officers and men of the command to continue to put in their best noting that “all those who work hard would be rewarded.’’

RAMADAN GUIDE WITH FEMI ABBAS

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

I

Travelling in Ramadan

N Islam, travelling is not just part of education. It is actually a form of education. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) realized this early in his prophet hood years and emphasized it. He said: "Seek knowledge even if you will have to travel to China ". At that time, the world map, as it is today, had not been crafted out. China was considered the farthest place from Arabia.

It is in accentuation of the Prophet’s instruction that a renowned Arab poet came up with his famous poem which translates thus: "No sensible, learned person has a permanent, resting place.

Therefore, move from city to city and adapt to any new environment in which you may find yourself.

Travel and meet new contemporaries similar to those you may have parted with and left behind.

Interact with others for human comfort and prosperity are only attainable with interaction…”

The respect which Islam attaches to travellers is such that they are described as wayfarers in the Qur'an. And by virtue of their journey, Muslim travellers are not only permitted to reduce their four rakats of (Dhuhr, ‘Asr and ‘Ishai) to two each, they are also exempted from fasting while on such journey though they must recompense for the days not fasted. Not only that, they are also listed among the groups qualified to receive Zakah; the proviso, however being that such journey must be justifiable and legitimate.

Judging by the proviso above, it becomes understandable that a Muslim journey in Ramadan must be one of necessity and not of mere pleasure. As a month of worship, repentance, forgiveness, blessing, hope, fulfilment and liberation, Ramadan is supposed to cement families, friends and relations in a pleasurable atmosphere. And since that cannot be achieved on a journey, a genuine Muslim traveller is divinely granted a relief in terms of succour.

Despite the Qur’anic injunction on wayfaring however, a Muslim traveller may choose to fast and even complete his Salat while on journey. This is possible if the journey is comfortable and not rigorous.

The rule is that if the journey is as far as 48 miles or 77.2 kilometres or beyond, a travelling Muslim may break his fast with the intention of recompensing for the broken fasts later.

He may also shorten his Salat according to jurisprudential rule without recompensing for it. But that rule was formulated at the time when horses, donkeys and camels were the means of travelling.

Today, when it is possible to travel from Lagos to Kano within one hour in a comfortable aircraft or from Port Harcourt to Makurdi in a fully air -conditioned car, in less than three hours, it may rather be unnecessary to indulge in breaking one’s fast especially when it is incumbent on the traveller to recompense for the fasts broken after Ramadan.

However, there is hardly any rule without exception. The modern exceptions to the rule of travelling in Ramadan have transcended those of the donkey age.

•Cross-section of Muslim women during a Ramadan lecture in Bauchi... yesterday

L

Fashola advocates promotion of societal values

AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has enjoined parents and guardians to promote societal values among their families.

He said whatever a state or country turns out to be is a function of the kind of families that constitute that state or country.

Speaking during the Justice Muri Okunola Memorial Ramadan Lecture at the Eko FM Open Field, Agidingbi, Fashola noted that the art of governance starts from individual families, saying the people eventually become president, governors, legislators and commissioners as well as local government chairmen were first members of individual families.

He said: “You should all know that government starts from individual families and the way and manner we handle or operate our families is how our state and our country will be.

“There is nothing at all that Governors Tinubu, Fashola, Amosun, Aregbesola, Fayemi,

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

Ajimobi and others can do in this case. They cannot enter every family to govern. The husbands and their wives are the governors and the deputy governors of their families.

They have their budgets and they have those they cater for every month as the state also present their budgets.”

Noting that the people who are armed robbers and suicide bombers today came from individual families, Governor Fashola declared: “When those

children were born, everybody rejoiced with their families. It was the government of these children – the families – that have problems and this affected the children”.

Obviously preaching birth control, Governor Fashola also asked: “If we say there is poverty, what exactly are we doing to put a stop to it? If a family has already had four children and later adds twins, it is then that they will be challenging government”, adding that it would be in the interest of

both the individual family and the state to control the population.

He dismissed the excuse by some men that the inability to have a male child prompts them to produce more children than they could hardle. The governor said every child, male or female, has the potential to attain the highest height in life.

The two presentations delivered at the lecture were entitled: “Spiritual Rebirth Towards a New Nation” by Alhaji Shaykh Isa Akindele and “Building a Viral marriage” by Alhaja Sherifat Yusuf.

Cleric urges wealthy Muslims on Islamic duties

A

GOOD Muslim should use his wealth to remove his family from poverty, the Chief Missioner, Ansar –ud- Deen Society of Nigeria, Fadeyi branch, Alhaji Abdul-Lateef Ekundayo, has said.

Speaking at the annual Salvador Ramadan lecture in Lagos, Ekundayo said “there is no reward for a rich man who neglects his family and goes about giving Zakat (alms).’’

According to him, it is not

•From left: Osun State Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Legal Adviser Dr Muiz Banire; former Lagos State Commissioner for Rural Development Lanre Balogun; ACN Chieftain Hon Moshood Oshun and former Lagos State Independent Electoral Commissioner Alhaji Musbau Oyefeso during Iftar (Breaking of Fast) hosted by Dr Banire at his GRA residence, Ikeja, Lagos.

PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

enough for a Muslim to give Zakat when his family is suffering.

Muslims give a small percentage of their annual savings as alms or charity, called Zakat.

It is considered to be a personal responsibility for Muslims to ease the economic hardship of others and eliminate inequality.

The missioner urged Muslims to be more spirituallyinclined and be guided by Islamic injunctions in their daily activities.

He advised wealthy Muslims to serve God diligently and assist those in need by giving Zakat.

Ekundayo said good Muslim should endeavour to live above board and give his or her children good education.

“What will it profit a man who inherits the whole world but loses his soul.’’

He advised them to take great pains to investigate the wealth of donors, noting that “some make wealth righteously, while the sources of some could be through evil deeds.’’

RAMADAN DIET Prophet says, "Ramadan has come to you. (It is) a month of blessing, in which Allah covers you with blessing, for He sends down Mercy, decreases sins and answers prayers. In it, Allah looks at your competition (in good deeds), and boasts about you to His angels. So show Allah goodness from yourselves, for the unfortunate one is he who is deprived in (this month) of the mercy of Allah, the Mighty, the Exalted."

(Narrated by Tabarani).

Sponsored by HON. ABDULRASHEED ABIODUN & ALHAJA OYEDOYIN MAFE, Chairman, Mosan-Okunola LCDA, Lagos

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 22-07-13

GSK rallies on 75% acquisition bid withdrawal

M

ARKET consideration of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria (GSK Nigeria) rose by 6.36 per cent yesterday at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) as the company confirmed that its foreign majority shareholder, GlaxoSmithKline United Kingdom (GSK UK), will be withdrawing its controversial bid to acquire shares held by Nigerians to raise its controlling equity from 46.4 per cent to 75 per cent.

GSK confirmed The Nation’s exclusive report yesterday that it would be backing down on the hugely protested bid aimed at acquiring 273.46 million ordinary shares out of the Nigerian shareholders’ holdings to add 28.58 per cent to push GSK UK’s post-acquisition holding to 75 per cent. It had retained a below-the-market price of N48 per share, in spite of substantial rally since the deal was first announced.

GSK Nigeria’s share price added N3.50 per share to close at N58.50, the second highest gain in a bearish market.

GSK stated that it would be suspending the proposed Scheme of Arrangement at the meeting of its sharehold-

By Taofik Salako

ers scheduled for today.

According to the company, the general meeting of shareholders of GSK Nigeria will still hold today but it will be adjourned indefinitely.

Managing Director, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc, Chidi Okoro said the company believes in fairness and transparency in all its processes and it is committed to shareholder’s interest and the growth of the Nigerian economy.

According to him, GSK believes that the suspension of the Scheme of Arrangement is necessary in order to consider appropriate amendments to the proposal while it continues consultations with shareholders and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as to whether the proposal will be implemented by way of a tender offer or otherwise.

The company however, stated that it still has the intention to dispose its global Lucozade and Ribena brands as contained in the Scheme of Arrangement.

Meanwhile, it has reassured that GSK has commenced work on the formalisation of updated long term arrangements

that would allow GSK Nigeria to continue to distribute these brands in Nigeria and some West African countries.

GSK stated that it believes that these arrangements should be concluded and disclosed before any revised proposal is put to GSK Nigeria’s shareholders.

GSK Nigeria’s rally yesterday at the stock market came amidst widespread bearish tinge that saw the market closing the first trading day down by 0.72 per cent.

With 36 losers to 26 gainers, the main index at the NSE, the All Share Index (ASI), slipped from 38,328.29 points to close at 38,090.75 points. Average year-to-date return at the stock market thus slipped to 35.86 per cent. Aggregate market capitalisation of all equities also declined from N12.138 trillion to N12.063 trillion.

Nigerian Breweries topped the losers’ list with a drop of N6.20 to close at N170.30.

Flour Mills of Nigeria lost N3.70 to close at N86.30.

Ashaka Cement dropped by N1.15 to close at N25.50.

Okomu Oil Palm lost N1.10 to close at N45.90, while Nestle Nigeria fell by N1 to close at N999.

Total turnover stood at N314.12 million shares valued at N2.69 billion in 5,763 deals.

Banking subsector accounted for 165.73 million shares worth N977.57 million in 1,896 deals.

Sterling Bank was the most active stock with a turnover of 88.22 million shares worth N221.72 million in 257 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 22-07-13

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

55

MONEY LINK UBA positions card products CBN’ll leave interest rate for summer travelers unchanged, says FBN Capital U

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NALYSTS have forecast that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will, at the end of today’s meeting of its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), leave both the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) and Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) unchanged at 12 per cent. MPR is the benchmark rate by which the banking watchdog determines interest rate while CRR is a portion of banks’ deposits kept by banks with it.

FBN Capital analysts said they do not expect to see a change in interest rate when the MPC meets today. They noted that when the committee last met in May, it voted by seven votes to three to hold both the policy rate and the CRR for banks at 12 per cent, and the liquidity ratio at 30 per cent.

They explained that three of the 10 members of the MPC in attendance voted for a cut of 50bps in the policy rate. However, the majority appear set in their opinion.

The committee, they said, it is not

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NITED Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc is making summer travel as hassle-free as possible for its customers. The bank said in a statement that its card products will ensure that customers’ who go on summer trips, carry the bank’s prepaid or debit cards. It said those cards are easy, convenient and less burdensome.

The UBA card range for summer travel includes UBA prepaid card, UBA debit MasterCard, UBA gold debit MasterCard and UBA Visa Dual Currency Debit Card. UBA recently introduced the UBA ‘All About U’ Debit Card, which allows customers put their favourite picture on their Debit Card.

“With UBA Card, our customers don’t need to carry cash while going on summer holidays because they have different options to choose from,” says Dr. Yinka Adedeji, Divisional Head, e-Banking, UBA Plc.

Stories by Collins Nweze

troubled by the inflation outlook, adding that the CBN’s objective of single-digit inflation has been met for six successive months. “Latest in-house forecasts see this record maintained until at least October, for which they project a headline rate of 7.1 per cent,” they said.

Besides, they noted that the global economic outlook has not changed much since the last meeting of the committee but financial markets sneezed on analysis of the remarks of Ben Bernanke, the chair of the Federal Reserve, in mid-June about an end to quantitative easing.

The analysts said that on second reflection, the markets partly recovered, suggesting that the initial reaction was overdone. Yet the committee is unlikely to ease because of its related concerns for oil production and the fiscal stance.

• CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido

The report said that in the absence of a system of metering, it is difficult to cite precise oil output data.

“However, we can say that it is running well below the assumption in the 2013 budget of 2.53 mbpd and is probably close to two mbpd.

‘Services restored at FCMB’s VI branch’

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Keystone Bank appraises staff

HE management of Keystone Bank Limited has implemented a performance-based appraisal system that seeks to reward hardworking staff and disengage those whose performance falls below the satisfactory level.

The performance model, according to a statement from the lender’s Head of Corporate Communication, Mohammed Ciroma, has led to the promotion of 1000 staff.

This initiative he explained has also culminated in the early retirement and disengagement of some of the staff. He reiterated that the

Bank remains focused on achieving credible business performance that will enhance the brand value whilst safeguarding the investment of shareholders, interests of the banking public and other stakeholders.

The Keystone Bank Spokesman said that the bank aims to achieve consistent performance that will guarantee the sustainability of the bank’s core business. “The imperative is to achieve the critical balance between economic consideration and social responsibility. Keystone Bank aims to fulfil this trust with the utmost sense of responsibility and ethical

HE Adetokunbo Ademola branch of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Plc at Victoria Island in Lagos yesterday, opened to customers with full banking activities offered.

In a statement, the bank said the resumption of work is coming after last weekend’s fire incident which, the Lagos State Fire Service Men immediately checked.

According to the statement, the incident, which occurred last Saturday evening, July 20, was confirmed to have been caused by a power surge, which affected an unused room and a part of an open space used for in-house training on the first floor but without any damage to other important items within the

commitment,” he explained.

He reiterated that the management of Keystone Bank continues to objectively reward and recognise performance whilst instituting best practices in human resources management that are globally acceptable for measuring underperforming staff.

“The Bank remains consistent in implementing appropriate measures that will foster and build a highly engaged workforce to reposition Keystone Bank in the Nigeria financial sector; we aim to attract the best talents and professionals that will add value to our team” he added.

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

NIDF NESF

OBB Rate Call Rate

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

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 22-07-13

SYMBOL CONOIL FO BETAGLAS CONTINSURE MAYBAKER CORNERST PORTPAINT NEIMETH CAP 7UP

O/PRICE 25.30 29.76 10.00 1.26 2.70 0.54 5.78 1.38 45.15 65.00

C/PRICE 27.83 32.73 10.90 1.37 2.90 0.58 6.20 1.48 48.30 69.50

CHANGE 2.53 2.97 0.90 0.11 0.20 0.04 0.42 0.10 3.15 4.50

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) 149.7450 (S/N) Bureau de Change 152.0000 (S/N) Parallel Market 153.0000

IHS COSTAIN TRANSEXPR IPWA NAHCO UPL ABCTRANS STERLNBANK HONYFLOUR ASHAKACEM

O/PRICE 3.79 1.45 1.99 1.29 7.25 4.80 1.29 2.73 3.36 26.65

C/PRICE 3.42 1.31 1.80 1.17 6.73 4.50 1.21 2.60 3.20 25.50

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

CHANGE 0.37 0.14 0.19 0.12 0.52 0.30 0.08 0.13 0.16 1.15

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 22-07-13

SYMBOL

office structure and other facilities in the premises.

FCMB said activities were in full swing as customers were seen transacting their businesses, while staff of the bank attended to them.

Technicians were also seen carrying out renovation work on the touched area.

Speaking on the development, the Divisional Head, Human Resources and Change Management of FCMB, Felicia Obozuwa, said that, “we are glad that the incident was promptly curtailed and the branch also opened immediately to service customers”.

She added, “the bank is planning strategic improvements to ensure such an incident does not happen again here or any of our branches”.

DATA BANK

FGN BONDS Tenor

He said the bank’s UBA’s PTA/ BTA customers can get the prepaid card for free and are able to spend up to $40,000 per annum on their card. The card, he explained, is not tied to any bank account and is internationally accepted at all Visa acceptance points Automated Teller Machines(ATM), Point of Sales (PoS) and web.

It said the UBA Debit MasterCard is accepted at over one million ATMs across the world and over 210 countries worldwide. The card can be used at over 32 million merchant locations with spending limit of up to $40 000 per annum on international transactions.

However, UBA Gold Debit MasterCard and Visa Dual Currency Debit Card offer customers no restrictions to how much they can spend on international transactions.

The cards are also accepted internationally on PoS, ATMs and online.

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE INVE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY • ARM AGGRESSIVE

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 141.00 160.28 0.80 1.17 1.12 100.00 1,000.00 1,826.97 13.66 1.39 1.87 11.694.57

9.08 1.00 140.50 160.19 0.78 1.17 1.11 100.00 1,000.00 1,826.26 12.99 1.33 1.80 11,344.90

• KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUNDARM AGGRESSIVE • OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

56

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

NEWS Ekiti PDP youths protest ‘consensus option’

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EMBERS of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), mostly youths, yesterday besieged the party secretariat in Ajilosun area of Ado-Ekiti to protest what they described as “the threat of consensus imposition on the party in the state.”

They gathered as early as 8:30 am, sang songs and carried placards with various inscriptions with which they appealed to the central leadership of the party to mediate in the crisis of choosing a consensus candidate by the State Working Committee (SWC).

Although tense, the situation was less fearful compared to the experience of last Tuesday during which factions of the party physically engaged each other in a supremacy battle, using guns, axes, cutlasses, stones, bottles and other dangerous objects.

A detachment of police personnel led by DSP Segun Atanda and ASP Victor Olotin were

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seen mounting guard a few metres away from the secretariat.

According to the protesters, SWC should reconsider its decision to apply the consensus candidate option in selecting candidate for the 2014 governorship election in the state.

A spokesperson for the protesters, Mr. Akinniyi Sunday, told reporters that “the youth wing of the party as well as elders rejected consensus in its entirety”, adding: “It cannot produce a credible candidate.”

Said he: “The Chairman, Chief Makajuola Ogundipe, must be aware that PDP is not for sale. He cannot collect bribe from anybody and impose him on us.

“We want a candidate that can win election. A candidate that is popular among the grassroots and the masses. We are being guided by history...”

•The Murtalal Muhammed International Airport-Oshodi, Lagos road.... yesterday.

18 burnt to death in Edo road crash

IGHTEEN passengers were yesterday burnt to death in an accident at Okada town on the Benin-Lagos-Ore road.

The victims included two children, 15 adults and a truck driver’s assistant.

The accident caused a traffic gridlock as there was construction work on one lane.

The accident involved a heavy Mack truck loaded with gravel and a Toyota bus belonging to Peace Mass Transit Company Limited.

Edo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Kenneth Nwaegbe confirmed the accident. He said many children, who survived, have been taken to the hospital for treatment.

Nwaegbe said: “It was not really a collision. The Mack truck was carrying gravel from Ore to Benin when it lost a tyre.

The bus was coming from Benin and heading to Lagos when the two collided.

“The truck’s tyre burst and

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From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

•Six die on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway •FRSC: six dead in Abuja From Osagie Otabor, Benin and Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

it lost control in the process and rammed into the bus.”

Rescue operation was carried out by men of the FRSC from the Tollgate unit command and policemen from Okada police station, including some sympathisers.

Coordinator of Save Accident Victims of Nigeria Eddy Ehikhamenor said all the victims were burnt beyond recognition.

He said spilled fuel from one of the vehicles exploded and resulted in the fire.

In Oyo State, there was a tragedy on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when six people were killed in an accident involving a commercial Mazda bus and a truck.

The bus, with registration

number OYO XE 675 LUY, was said to have veered off the road and ran into a stationary truck, with registration number LAGOS XX 45 GGE by the roadside.

The crash occurred late afternoon yesterday near a private quarry company on Km114 Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Six passengers -four men and two women- died on the spot. FRSC Assistant Corps Commander, Oluyole Unit 1, Sanya Adeoye said: “The unit in conjunction with the rescue team of the state ambulance service and team of Operation Burst were around to rescue the victims.”

Adeoye said the remains of the victims were deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital morgue, Ring Road, Ibadan.

“The bus veered off the road and hit the stationary truck by

the side of the road. We could not ascertain the cause of the crash but we strongly suspect there was a mechanical deficiency that made the bus driver veer off the road.

“In all, 14 passengers were involved, six died - four men and two women. Their bodies have been deposited at the morgue. The victims are receiving treatment at the University College Hospital, Ibadan,” he said.

Also, six people died in an accident on the Gwagwalada– Abaji road in the Federal Capital Territory yesterday.

FRSC Sector Command Kayode Olagunju in a Facebook post said the accident occurred at Yangoji at 16.00 hours.

It involved an Opera Vectra car and a Toyota Camry.

Four men and two women died; three people were injured.

The bodies have been deposited at the Kwali General Hospital and the University of Abuja morgues, the FRSC official said.

Four robbery suspects escape from police custody

OUR suspects implicated in the Agbor bank robbery have escaped from police custody in Asaba, Delta State capital.

It was gathered that the sus-

From Okungbowa Aiwerie,Asaba

pects, who were detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), disappeared under mysterious circumstanc-

es.

A key Anti-Robbery Section official is said to have been removed from office. It is not known whether his removal is connected with the robbers’ escape. The suspects were part of a 10-man gang implicated in the robbery on June 21.

The police arrested four of them, following a tip-off.

It was learnt that three jun-

PUBLIC NOTICE

This is to inform the general public that I Olawande Tinuola Adejoke Bakare was born on 25th July 1969 and not 5th July 1970 as wrongly written in some of my documents.General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Oluwasola Abiola Folasade now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Ojisemi Abiola Folashade. All former document remain valid. General Public please take note.

ior officers took the four suspects to Agbor, ostensibly, to search their hide-out after making an entry at the CID’s booking office of the CID. A source said: “The officers returned to the headquarters without the suspects with the flimsy excuse that the suspects escaped after overpowering them.” It was learnt that the investigating officers had been penciled down for in-house trial of the police tagged: Orderly Room.

Police spokesman Lucky Uyabeme neither confirmed nor denied the allegations.

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PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE.

Pray for Nigeria, Oshiomhole urges clerics

DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has advised the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to speak out against the ills of the society and pray for the nation.

The governor said this yesterday when the National Executive members of the association, led by its General-Secretary, Rev Musa Asake, visited him at the Government House in Benin City.

Oshiomhole said: “For me, Nigeria is treading the ground that might threaten the foundation of our existence. So I want CAN to be courageous and speak out against the ills.

“The things happening around, for me, represent very dangerous signals. There are people who do not wish the country well and unfortunately they are men and women who don’t have a future and are messing up the future for everybody else.

“It is the lot of the Christian community to speak out where it matters, so that those who are deaf can hear and those who are blind may have their sight restored so that together we will build a nation that is God-fearing and where the people will benefit from the resources that God so generously endowed us with.”

The governor added: “We need a lot of activism as we approach 2015. A nation is not like a private enterprise, leaders will come and go and that is the promise of democracy, we need you to help all of us.

“Right now, many of us are worried about the goings-on in the country. I cannot carry out any protest now because I will be misunderstood and my heart is in the mood of protesting; so that my own children will not inherit the iniquities we see every day.”

Asake, representing CAN’s President Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, praised the governor’s achievements.

“CAN is happy with what you are doing in Edo State, our men and women continue to give us pleasant reports of your great support for the church and your delivery of democracy dividends and people-oriented projects in education, health, youth empowerment and infrastructural development.”

‘Apparition of Mary appears’ in Edo

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From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

MYSTERIOUS image believed to be an apparition of Mary has appeared in St. Benedict Catholic Church, Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The image, which appeared on a wall inside the church, has elicited comments from residents.

The church was besieged by Christian faithful, notably Catholics.

Speaking with The Nation, the Assistant Parish Priest, Rev. Lawrence Ibhatiri, confirmed it as an apparition, saying it occurs from time to time.

Some respondents have ascertained the reality of the image, describing it as an act of God but some said it was a make up.

Tax collectors ‘kill’ suya seller in Edo

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BARBECUE (suya) seller, Musa Ali, has been allegedly killed by some youths who collect night taxes from barbecue sellers, night food vendors and tea sellers.

Musa was said to have been stabbed after demanding money from the tax collectors, who bought suya from him.

His death made his colleagues march on the secretariat of Oredo Local Government Area demanding the abolition

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

of night taxes.

One of the protesters, Usman Umaru, said: “We are made to pay N200 each night and that most time this is collected with violence and harassment.

“On the night Ali was killed, they came and he gave them money. They came back and bought suya but did not pay.

“When Musa asked them for money, one of the boys stabbed him and they used a stone to hit his head. They collected the

money on him and ran away.”

Chairman of suya sellers Shehu Abdullahi said it was only in Oredo that night taxes were introduced.

He said they paid taxes at the point of purchase and could not pay another tax at the point of sales.

“Giving tickets at night as tax is not good. The chairman should cancel night tax. Why should they tax suya sellers after collecting tax where we buy the meat?”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

57

NEWS Lagos PDP elders call for dissolution of exco •Finnih: Caretaker should be set up

By Emmanuel Oladesu Group Political Editor

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•Minister of Health Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu(third left) cutting the tape to open the Dialysis Centre of Abia State Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre in Umuahia...yesterday. With him on his right is Governor Theodore Orji; his deputy Sir Emeka Ananaba (second right); Bishop Ikechi Nwosu (third right); Ezeogo Anagha Ezikpe and Chief Medical Director Prof. Augustus Mbanaso (second left) and Assembly Speaker Ude Okochukwu (left)

Okorocha reappoints ‘deserving’ ex-commissioners

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MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha yesterday shocked many former commissioners and special advisers when he presented awards to the few who, he said, distinguished themselves in their stewardship.

The governor, who made the presentation during an appreciation and award ceremony for political appointees at the Ahajioku Centre, said the award means automatic reappointment for the recipients.

He said: “The award is a confirmation that they will be reappointed into their former offices.”

Okorocha said political appointments should not be seen as a call to make wealth

Anambra gets N5b from BOA From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

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HE Bank of Agriculture (BOA) has prepared a loan of N2billion with an additional N1 billion as counter part and matching funds to Anambra State.

This is in addition to the initial N2billion already disbursed to about 8, 000 farmers in the last five months.

Managing Director and Chief Executive officer (CEO) of the Bank Mohammed Santuraki said this yesterday in Awka, when he visited Governor Peter Obi at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia.

He said Anambra has a high agricultural potential with over half a million hectares of land and is the leading producer of cassava, yam, rice and banana.

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•Governor’s sister emerges overall best

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

but an opportunity to make history through service to humanity and dedication to duty.

“I urge you to be more dedicated because these appointments are not sentimentally-driven but issue-based to ensure that our people get the best of service anchored on good governance.

“Those thinking that the appointment is for building

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•Okorocha

Commerce.

Others were Okorocha’s younger sister Mrs. Ogechi Ololo, former special assistant on Domestics, who emerged overall best special adviser and Nkiru Sylvanus, former special adviser on Public Affairs, among others.

Tanker crashes into NIPOST office

T was a gory sight yesterday when a petrol tanker in Owerri, the Imo State capital, lost control and crushed a cart pusher after it ran into NIPOST office.

The unidentified cart pusher was off-loading items from a parked Golf car near the Owerri General Post Office when the petrol tanker driver ran him over.

The petrol tanker, with registration number XD929WER,

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political structures are mistaken. Most of the people think that by dancing around me or showing their faces around every morning to sing my praises will excite me and earn them a place.

But we have shown Imo people what leadership is all about.”

There was a mild drama shortly after the governor announced the reappointment of the recipients, as visibly disappointed former commissioners and special

advisers stormed out of the hall.

One of the distraught former appointee, who pleaded for anonymity, told The Nation that the award did not truly represent the situation on ground.

He said: “Those who were given the award did not do anything spectacular; neither were they more committed than the others. They were favoured by their closeness to the powers-that-be.”

Those who received the award included Uche Nwose, former commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Chinedu Offor, former commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Ichie Best Mbanaso, Former commissioner for

•One killed, cars damaged

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

was coming from Okigwe Road and heading to Douglas Road.

When our reporter visited the scene, men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) from Owerri Municipal Council secretariat, opposite the post office had cordoned off the area to

shielding the crowd from the gory sight.

The car, with Ebonyi State registration number AKL629AA, was crushed beyond recognition while the cart driver was squeezed in the boot.

An eyewitness, Solomon Nwaiwu, said the driver lost control and wanted to use the median as a wedge but unfor-

tunately the vehicle skidded off the gutter.

“I was about to cross when I saw the driver struggling with the vehicle. I shouted. Before I could finish the accident had occurred.”

The body of the cart pusher has been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri.

Police spokesperson Mrs. Joy Elemoko confirmed the incident.

Flood sacks village, destroys property

LATE night flood, at the weekend, sacked Umusiome village, Nkpor in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Eyewitnesses said the flood ravaged residential homes and destroyed household

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Onitsha

property worth over N50 million.

It was gathered that the rain started at about 11pm on Sunday night and continued till 2am.

Many residents have aban-

doned their homes while many others were seen removing their soaked property.

The victims include retired Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Lawrence Ebem and former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association

Daniel: Ogun PDP kicks over appointments

HE Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appealed to it’s national leadership to withdraw all the goodwill and patronage that had hitherto accrued to former Governor Gbenga Daniel, courtesy of the PDP-led Federal Government. This followed the report of his planned defection to the Labour Party (LP).

In a statement yesterday by its Publicity Secretary, Waliu Oladipupo, the party said it was aware that some slots were given to him as a result of the dummy he sold to the party’s top hierarchy that he was still a member, adding, “recent events have, however, put a lie to that claim”.

It noted that although the Ogun East Senatorial District had suspended Daniel for anti-party activities, “with his open association with the LP; first at the launch of the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and then last Thursday’s meeting in Abuja which he attended with some of his aides, it is now obvious that Otunba Gbenga Daniel and his associates are no longer members of our great party.

“For instance, we are aware that he attended the LP meeting with the Coordinators of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) in the three senatorial dis-

tricts – Aare Tunde Alabi (Ogun Central); Mrs Iyabo Apampa (Ogun West) and Kayode Adebayo (Ogun East) –and told the meeting that they were the leaders of LP in the three senatorial districts.

“Others who claim to be PDP members but attended the meeting with Daniel are Mrs Jokotade Odebunmi, a nominee to the Federal Character Commission (FCC); former Minister of Mines and Steel, Chief Sarafa Tunji-Ishola; Mr Waliu Taiwo and Chief Kola Ogunjobi.”

The party said it was “unjust and against the laws of natural justice to allow these people to use the appointments that are meant for PDP members to feather their own political nest and selfish interest, especially in a state where the PDP is not in power.”

It urged the leaders of the party such as President Goodluck Jonathan, the National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur; the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Tony Anenih; the Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadhome and the Political Adviser to the President, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, to wade in the matter and address it, adding that it was already fuelling disaffection among members.

(NBA), Idemili branch, Chike Nonyelu, among others.

The village chairman, Greg Okeke, said the flood was caused by the construction firm, which handled the Ogidi/Abatete/Eziowelle road.

AGOS State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) elders have called for the dissolution of the Executive Committee led by Captain Tunji Shelle (rtd).

The Chairman of the Elders Council, Dr. Oluyomi Finnih, called for the setting up of a Caretaker Committee, pending the conduct of a fresh congress from the ward to the state level.

Finnih said in a statement in Lagos that the members of the present executive committee did not emerge according to the laid down rules, recalling that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had faulted the congress that produced them last year.

He blamed the Board of Trustees (BoT) member, Chief Olabode George for “incessant aggression “ against the Southwest Zonal Caretaker Committee led by Chief Ishola Filani.

Finnih said: “It is extremely unthinkable that a caretaker committee put in place by the National Working Committee should be subjected to unguarded abuses and harassment by this group of people.

While we endorse the principle of freedom of expression, we also believe that a spice of decorum is very essential”.

The party elder noted that, while Filani has given a purposeful leadership, Lagos PDP has been groaning under crisis due to factionalisation and rejection of harmonisation and reconciliation by those backing the illegal executive committee.

Finnih added: “All the efforts we have put in place in this regard have been frustrated by Chief Bode George and his group”.

The Elders Council chairman maintained that the Lagos State Executive Committee should be dissolved, following the INEC’s complaint that the congress that produced it was not properly conducted.

He, therefore, appealed for the setting up of a caretaker committee to administer the party, pending the time new congresses would be conducted at the ward, local and state levels.

PUBLIC NOTICE

This is to inform the general public that I Olawande Tinuola Adejoke Bakare was born on 25th july 1969 and not 5th july 1970 as wrongly written in some of my document.general public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE Convert your diplomas, certificates and life experiences into degrees-Bachelors, masters and Doctorates as well as obtain higher degrees.

For Details, email: trinitycoll@terra.com

58

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

NEWS

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Sylva to Dickson: Resign now

MBATTLED former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva yesterday resumed hostility with his successor, Seriake Dickson.

Sylva asked Dickson to throw in the towel accusing him of suffering “a severe governance deficit”.

The former governor reacted to a statement credited to Dickson at the last transparency briefing, accusing him of nonpayment of pensions amounting to N4billion to retirees for five years.

Dickson also threatened to establish a Judicial Commission of Enquiry to investigate the matter.

But Sylva in a statement by his Media Adviser, Doifie Buokoribo, said Dickson’s habit of finding faults with the Sylva administration smacked

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From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

of incompetence and failure.

“We call upon Dickson to resign now since he has shown that the job for which he was imposed on the people of Bayelsa State is bigger than him.

“Failing which the people of Bayelsa State should exercise their civic duty to remove him from office using all available constitutional options,” Sylva said.

He said Dickson’s claim on non-payment of pensioners from May 2007- January 2012 was scandalous, petty and irresponsible.

The statement said: “When Sylva took over as governor from Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, there were outstanding pension and gratuity arrears, and no

noise was made about it.

“As a leader, Sylva took responsibility on the conviction that government is a continuum.

Pensioners were paid along with people still in service, promptly and monthly.

“Those who retired from service at the time also received their gratuity once the appropriate documentations were done.

Not even Sylva’s opponents could accuse him of non-payment of salaries and pensions.

“By our records, the government paid an average of N216 million monthly and about N2.6 billion per annum on pensions.

“If nobody protested over non-payment of pension for five years, it means pensioners as well as labour in Bayelsa were satisfied with the Sylva administration.

“Why is Dickson restricting

his pension probe to the period from 2007- 2012? Why not commence from the beginning of civilian rule in the state in 1999?

Why the obsession with Sylva?

Dickson has been in office since February 2012. In April 2012, he set up a 11-person Financial Management Review Committee headed by Ndutimi Alaibe to probe Sylva.

“Yet, Dickson is only just realising - in July 2013 – that pension funds were mismanaged from 2007-2012.

“Dickson said it has come to his knowledge that the pension thieves in Bayelsa State used the stolen funds to build hotels and buy exotic cars. Meaning that he already knows who these criminals are? So, why set up a Judicial Commission of Enquiry?

“Dickson and his master at the top have run out of options

North’s Christian youths urge Fed Govt to probe ‘forced’ Islamic marriage From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

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•Dickson

in the schizoid attempt to ruin the political career of Sylva, hence the decision to set up this Judicial Commission of Enquiry.

“By working to the answer, they would like the Commission to indict Sylva having failed in their previous attempts with the Alaibe Committee and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).”

Rivers PDP faults Amaechi’s indifference HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State has faulted Gover-

nor Rotimi Amaechi’s nonchalance to the welfare of the injured lawmaker representing

Obio/Akpor State Constituency II, Michael Chinda The party chairman, Felix

Obuah, who visited Chinda in a London hospital, said despite the frightening state of the lawmaker’s health, Amaechi has not asked after his welfare.

Chinda was reportedly attacked by another lawmaker, Chidi Lloyd, on July 9.

Minister of State for Education Nyesom Wike blasted Lloyd for injuring a fellow human being.

Wike, however, thanked God that the injured lawmaker is still alive and enjoined his constituents and family mem-

bers to remain calm.

Others who visited the hospital include Austin Opara, Abiye Sekibo, Kenneth Kobani and a former Commissioner for Sports, Boma Iyaye.

Both leaders condemned the brutal physical assault suffered

by Chinda, describing it as premeditated, bizarre, evil and vicious.

The PDP leaders, however, thanked God that despite the life-threatening injuries Chinda survived and is fast stabilising.

GROUP, the Northern Christian Youth Solidarity and Emancipation Movement for Justice and Self-Determination (NCYSEM) has urged the Federal Government to investigate the alleged forceful abduction of Christian girls into Islamic marriage.

NCYSEM, which is an affiliate of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), was reacting to the alleged forceful abduction of 24-year-old Miss Charity Raymond Uzoechina, the daughter of Pastor Raymond Uzoechina of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

The girl, said to have been renamed Aisha, was allegedly abducted by some Muslim fanatics and kept incommunicado to her parents under what was described by the Bida Emirate as “protective custody” of the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar.

The Christian youths also condemned the comment by the Acting Director of Publicity of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammed Kabir Kassim, who reportedly asked the government to call CAN President Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor to order for criticizing the action of the Etsu Nupe.

Shettima: I support dialogue Suswam with Boko Haram sect inaugurates

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ORNO State Governor Kashim Shettima has said his administration supports Federal Government’s decision to dialogue with the moderate elements within the Boko Haram sect.

Shettima, who spoke yesterday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri, the state capital, noted that most conflicts in the world, including the country’s 1967-1970 civil war, were sorted out at the conference table.

He said: “Unless we want to engage in an endless war, I believe it is irrational for anyone to oppose dialogue as a means of resolving conflicts.

“I see no reason why we should not engage the moderate elements in Boko Haram, who are willing to lay down their arms and who have recognised the territorial integrity of the nation, in a dialogue.

“The Northern Ireland problem was eventually resolved through dialogue; today, the Israelis are talking to their Palestinian cousins and many other global conflicts, much more complicated than ours, were eventually resolved through dialogue.”

The governor said the Federal Government had nothing to lose because it was negotiating

from a position of strength.

Shettima said although the Columbian rebels were talking with their government, it did not stop the government from attacking their position.

He added that though there were elements within the Boko Haram sect, who were opposed to dialogue, this should not stop the government from negotiating with the moderate members of the sect that were ready and willing to do so.

“I am for dialogue and will always be for dialogue. I will always support any Nigerian who wants peace; we support Federal Government’s dialogue with the Boko Haram,” he said.

The governor also dismissed the claim in some quarters that the Boko Haram crisis was fermented as part of a grand design by Muslims to Islamise the country, saying that majority of the victims of the sect were Muslims.

“In fact, at the outset of the insurgency, churches were never targeted. They were killing village, district and ward heads, who are largely Muslims.”

He described members of the sect as fringe elements “whose condition is further aggravated by poverty and illiteracy”.

state-owned filling station From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

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ENUE State Governor Gabriel Suswam yesterday inaugurated the state-owned filling station under the Investment and Property Company (BIPC).

Called the BIPC Oil and Gas Filling Station, the filling station is located in the GRA, opposite the Commissioners’ Quarters, on the MakurdiOtupo Federal Highway in Makurdi, the state capital.

Suswan urged the management of the filling station to sell petroleum products to customers 24 hours.

The BIPC is a governmentowned public liability company (PLC) with a mandate to invest in several areas of the economy and generate income.

Since the inception of the company, which is under the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, the filling station is its first direct investment that would not rely on government grant.

JTF arrests five guards for Potiskum market robbery

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HE Joint Task Force (JTF) in Yobe State yesterday arrested five security guards for a midnight robbery at the Potiskum Market.

A statement by its spokesman, Lt. Lazarus Eli, said the guards were arrested because they failed to report the crime to the police or the JTF until the shop owners arrived the following day.

The statement added: “The local security men, who were

From Duku Joel, Damaturu

employed to guard the market, were on duty when the incident took place. The security men neither reported the robbery to the JTF nor the police for action until the shop owners made the discovery in the morning when they reported for the day’s business.”

The Chairman of Potiskum Market Traders Association, Alhaji Abati Mohammed, told our reporter on phone that the

robbers arrived the market at 1am yesterday and tied the guards on duty before burgling the shops.

Mohammed said the robbers broke into 24 shops and stole over N1 million cash.

He added that nobody was killed or injured in the operation.

The market leader urged the state government to provide tight security at the market to forestall a recurrence.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

59

NEWS Immigration loses 400 officers Continued from page 2

ways posed a problem.

He said: “Chadians coming to the northeast are always armed and use firearms, because Chad had been at war.”

He added: “We are members of the ECOWAS group of nations. We are committed to free entry and exit. Even if we seal our borders, we can’t stop ECOWAS members from coming into our country.

“Fencing four thousand miles border will be very difficult.

Technology has changed the way we monitor the borders, with increased use of technology and more personnel, we can achieve more with less spending.”

He also commented on the voting on amendment to Section 29 of the Constitution which defined the age when a person comes to a full age, with an addition spelling out that a woman who is married is deemed to be of full age.

He said: “The argument that brought about this furore is the renunciation of citizenship.

There was an attempt to remove its second element which relates to a woman who is married and that failed.

“It is a total misrepresentation that the Senate has approved child marriage. Marriage is regulated by the Marriage Act, Islamic laws and Customary Law. What you find missing in these laws is the absence of the definition of the age of marriage.

Around the world, marriage below the age of 18 is allowed. I am not saying that it is right, but it is allowed. We were not debating child marriage, and that is not what we contemplated.

Senator Akin Odunsi, (Ogun West) who also spoke on the controversial issue, noted that the Senate did not create the Section.

Odunsi said the provision was extant in the Constitution and that the Review Committee recommended that it be removed,

but the Senate could not raise the number of votes to delete it.

The lawmaker noted that public reaction tended to indicate that the Senate inserted the clause into the Constitution.

He insisted that it was wrong to say that the Senate passed a law on child marriage.

On Local Government autonomy, Senator Odunsi said although the Senate voted against the recommendation, there was still need for the third tier of government to be well funded so that they could meet their obligations to the people.

“Funding of local governments at the moment is inadequate. I think we can only expect that the state governments should adequately finance local government. This is because they are the closest to the people and they need to carry out their responsibilities to the people,” he said.

He explained that most Senators felt that granting local autonomy amounted to creating a state within a state.

than 0.1 per cent to N161.18 per dollar yesterday. The currency has weakened three per cent this year compared with a 0.5

per cent decrease in the currency of Angola, which vies with Nigeria as Africa’s top oil producer.

CBN may review naira exchange rate Continued from page 2

geria’s foreign exchange income.

The naira strengthened less

Call Wike, Obuah to order, Ake faction urges Jonathan HE Chief Godwin Ake It’s unnecessary, says Obuah faction of the ruling Peo-

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ples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State has urged President Goodluck Jonathan and the party’s leadership to call Minister of State for Education Nyesom Wike and the factional party chair, Mr. Felix Obuah, to order.

A statement by George Ukwuoma, the Publicity Secretary of the Ake-led faction, identified Wike and Obuah as masterminds of the prevailing lawlessness in the state PDP, stressing that their “unguarded” statements could cause chaos.

He accused the duo of deliberately heating up the polity, ostensibly to destroy the party and truncate democracy in the state, warning that this “must stop henceforth”.

“Such statements include his (Obuah’s) congratulatory message to Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) even when it was clear to the whole country and world that Governor Chibuike Amaechi beat Jang with a clear 19 to 16 votes and is the authentic chairman of the NGF. “Another instance is Obuah’s congratulatory message to Hon. Evans Bipi of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who proclaimed himself Speaker of the Assembly after a coup by him and four other members to impeach Speaker Otelemaba Dan Amachree failed on the day they attempted to disrupt sitting and cause mayhem at the Assembly with the help of their thugs and police accomplices.

“Or is Obuah saying to the state and the nation that five is greater than 27? It’s never possible for five members out of a 32-member Assembly to carry out an impeachment process.”

The statement also urged the PDP leadership to warn Obuah against making false and malicious statements against Governor Rotimi Amaechi, stating that he remains the leader of the party in the state.

It also condemned Wike’s actions and statements, saying the minister has carried on like an alternate governor.

“We have watched with dismay and utter disgust the way and manner Wike has carried on as if he’s the alternate, most times, substantive governor.

This is most condemnable.

That young man(Wike) is just a Minister, a deputy minister

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HE Publicity Secretary of the Felix Obuah-led faction, Samuel Nwanosike, said asking the leaders of the party to call Wike and Obuah to order does not make sense.

Nwanosike said: “What do you expect from drowning and desperate people, who are former members of the Rivers executive of the PDP, in line with the subsisting judgment of an Abuja High Court? They want to drag everybody down. They have failed.

“Amaechi, Ake and their co-travellers have lost focus. It is very shameful, shocking, highly embarrassing and quite unfortunate that they are trying to drag the focused President Jonathan, Alhaji Tukur and Chief Anenih into the mess they caused.

“Are they saying that Wike and Chief Obuah are the cause of the illegal suspension of the officials of Obio/Akpor Local Government council of Rivers state since April 22 and beating of the five courageous lawmakers in the hallowed chambers of the Rivers Assembly on July 9?

“Amaechi has lost the leadership of Rivers State. He should be humble enough to apologise to the peace-loving people of the state and resign. His arrogance and stubbornness will take him nowhere.”

To have peace in Rivers State, Nwanosike said, Amaechi, who is the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), must recognise Obuah as the authentic chairman of the PDP in the state and recall the suspended Obio/Akpor council officials.

Nwanosike added that the governor must also recognise Evans Bipi of Ogu/Bolo Constituency as the “duly-elected speaker” of the House of Assembly, rather than insisting that Otelemaba Dan Amachree remains the speaker.

From Shola O’Neil and Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

at that, and must be reminded at all times that there is only one governor and leader of the party in the state, which is Governor Amaechi and he must mandatorily subjugate himself to the leadership of the governor or get out of the party.”

“This Wike group is only deceiving the President and the party leadership, claiming that they have the support of the people when it’s clear they don’t. What they are doing is destroying the party. The people working with them are not card-carrying members of the PDP. They mostly consist of expired politicians, deadwoods and people who we roundly beat in the last elections as candidates of opposition parties and are now seeking relevance.

These are the people Wike brought to Abuja as PDP leaders. They are not even PDP members.

“The vast majority of Rivers people and Rivers PDP are solidly behind Governor Amaechi; the grassroots are for Amaechi. Elected and appointed PDP leaders from Ward to the national level are solidly behind Governor Amaechi. So Wike’s and Obuah’s claims to the Presidency that they are in control should be put to a stop now as it would end up destroying the formidable structure built by the PDP in the state.”

“We challenge them to call

•Wike

for a meeting of elected and appointed leaders of the party in the state from Ward to national level; let’s see how many will attend. This would prove that their purported clout in the state PDP is false. They should stop deceiving the party and Mr. President.”

“We, therefore, urge our dear President Goodluck Jonathan, the Chairman PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih and the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur to take relevant action and immediately call to order and correct this false campaign being carried out by Wike, his acolyte Obuah and their minute minority, which is threatening to swallow and destroy the PDP in the state,” the statement said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

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FOREIGN NEWS

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It’s a BOY! For the Duke and Duchess

N overjoyed Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are the proud parents of a healthy baby boy, and Britain celebrates the birth of a future king.

The couple’s son weighed 8lb 6oz and was delivered at 4.24pm yesterday at the private Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington with his proud father, Prince William, looking on.

Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well and will remain in hospital overnight, said a spokesman for the palace.

The long-awaited baby will be given the title His Royal Highness and be known as Prince of Cambridge, after the Queen moved earlier this year to change almost a century of royal tradition.

She issued a formal proclamation in January to end a convention brought in by George V which meant that a royal title was restricted to the children of the sovereign and the children of the sovereign’s sons.

The new baby is third in the line of succession, relegating his proud uncle, Prince Harry to fourth, and great-uncle, Prince Andrew, to sixth – although he may not become sovereign for half a century or more.

Recent legislation allowing female heirs to automatically accede to the throne if they are first born will clearly not affect the Cambridge’s son, but will have a bearing on any of his children.

Although a cause for national celebration, the baby’s arrival is, more importantly,

a time of overwhelming personal joy for William and Kate, who made no secret of their desire to start a family when they married two years ago.

The Queen was, according to protocol, the first to be informed of the newest addition to her family when William personally telephoned her from his wife’s delivery suite, followed by proud grandfather Prince Charles and Kate’s parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, who are now linked by blood to the British throne.

The birth was announced to the world’s media by a press release from the Palace at 8:30pm.

Despite having eight grandchildren and two great granddaughters already, it will be a momentous event for the 87year-old sovereign.

The last time a still-serving monarch got to meet a great grandchild born in direct succession to the crown was nearly 120 years ago.

Queen Victoria, who reigned until 1901, was still sovereign when her great grandchild Edward VIII, who

later abdicated, was born third in line in 1894.

William and Kate’s baby will be the great great great great great grandchild of Queen Victoria and the present Queen’s third great grandchild.

The present Queen is still head of state of 16 countries across the globe but it is likely that by the time her great grand-son accedes to the throne, which could be more than fifty or more years from now, precious little of those will remain.

When asked about his future

plans in the military, William added in an interview last year : ‘More importantly, I’d rather like to have children.

So that’s the key thing really.’

He also revealed that he would like two children – while his wife subsequently divulged that while she wanted a boy, William liked the idea of a girl.

The couple’s choice of the private Lindo wing at St Mary’s Hospital is unsurprising but, nevertheless, touching given the link with William’s late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

•People congregated at Buckingham Palace where the official announcement of the birth is being displayed on an easel in the forecourt.

PHOTO: REUTERS

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UNDREDS of inmates have escaped from two Iraqi prisons after gunmen stormed two jails near Baghdad.

Fighting raged for several hours after the jails - Abu Ghraib to the west of the capital and Taji to the north - came under attack.

Mortar fire and suicide

Hundreds escape in Iraqi jailbreaks bombs were used to gain access to the jails, whose inmates include al-Qaeda prisoners.

At least 20 members of the security forces were killed as they struggled to regain control.

A senior Iraqi MP, Hakim Al-Zamili, said that about 500

prisoners had escaped from the notorious Abu Ghraib prison.

Most of them were senior members of al-Qaeda who had been sentenced to death, he told Reuters news agency.

The prison attacks were launched at about 21:30 (18:30

GMT) on Sunday night.

Gunmen fired mortar rounds at the prisons, and then used car bombs at the entrances.

The situation was eventually brought back under control yesterday morning, with the use of military helicopters.

Coup: Cairo faults AU’s hasty decision

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GYPT yesterday in Addis Ababa faulted the African Union for taking a hasty decision in suspending Cairo from the Union activities, following alleged unconstitutional change of government.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Gen. Abdul-Fatah Al-Sisi removed President Mohamed Morsi on July 3 and suspended the Egyptian constitution after the Muslim Brotherhood opposition protested and called for his removal, one year after he was elected president.

The Military after removing Morsi declared Adly Mansour as the country’s Interim President, while Morsi was put under house arrest while some senior leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood were also arrested.

The announcement of Morsi’s removal has been followed by demonstrations and clashes between supporters and opponents of the coup throughout Egypt to date.

However, Mona Umar, who led the delegation told the AU Commission Chairperson, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma that: “I came as a Special Envoy of the Interim President to the AU taking into consideration the important decision of the AU which suspended Egypt from activities of the Union as an active member of the family.

Quake in Northwest China kills at least 75

A THE LAGOS STATE DEBT ISSUANCE PROGRAMME 2 (SERIES 1) NOTICE OF MEETING Notice is hereby given that the 1st Annual General Meeting of the Lagos State N80.00 Billion Fixed Rate Bond (Series1) 2012/2019 will hold at the Civic Center, Ozumba Mbadiwe Street ,Victoria Island Lagos on Thursday 22nd August, 2013 at 11.30 am to transact the following business: BUSINESS: 1.

To present the Statement of Affairs of the Bond Issue 2.

Any Other Business Dated this 23rd day of July, 2013

BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES

STRONG earthquake that shook an arid, hilly farming area in northwest China sparked landslides and destroyed or damaged thousands of brickand-mud homes yesterday, killing at least 75 people and injuring more than 400, the government said.

The quake near the city of Dingxi in Gansu province toppled brick walls and telephone lines, shattered mudand-tile-roofed houses and sent cascades of dirt and rock down hillsides that blocked roads and slowed rescue efforts by crews

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trying to reach remote areas.

Hospitals set up aid stations in parking lots to accommodate large numbers of injured, while hundreds of paramilitary People’s Armed Police fanned out to search for victims in the region of terraced farmland where the quake struck about 1,200 kilometers (760 miles) west of Beijing.

In addition to the 75 confirmed dead, there were 14 people missing and 459 injured, the central government’s China Earthquake Administration said.

Damage was worst in Min county in Dingxi’s rural southern portion, where scores of homes were damaged and telephone and electricity services knocked out, Dingxi Mayor Tang Xiaoming told state broadcaster CCTV. All but three of the deaths, all the missing and most of the injured were in Min, a likely result of shoddy construction.

Residents said the shaking lasted about one minute, but wasn’t strong enough to cause major damage in urban areas, where buildings are more solidly built.

EU blacklists Hezbollah

U foreign ministers have agreed to list the military wing of Lebanese militant group Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation.

The move required the agreement of all 28 of the EU’s member states.

It will now become illegal for Hezbollah sympathisers in Europe to send the group money or for European diplomats to meet its militant staff.

Some member states had been wary of the measure, saying it could further destabilise the situation in Lebanon.

The BBC’s Chris Morris in Brussels says

some states had also argued it would be difficult to distinguish fully between the group’s military and political wings.

Hezbollah has a powerful political organisation and, along with its allies, dominated the last Lebanese cabinet, which resigned in March.

Given the magnitude of on-the-ground developments in which it is involved, the EU’s move to blacklist Hezbollah as a terrorist group will likely be shrugged off by the militant movement as part of the Israeli-backed conspiracy against “resistance” that it sees behind much of what is happening in the region.

Pope Francis arrives Brazil amid pomp

FIRST TRUSTEES NIGERIA LIMITED SKYE TRUSTEES LIMITED UBA TRUSTEES LIMITED UNION TRUSTEES LIMITED NOTES: 1.

A Bondholder entitled to attend and vote may appoint a proxy to attend and vote instead of himself/herself/itself. A proxy need not be a Bondholder.

•Pope Francis

2. All proxy forms must be duly stamped to the value of N50.00k as duty thereon and same should be deposited at First Registrars Nigeria Limited, Plot 2 Abebe Village Road, Iganmu, Lagos not less than 48 hours before the time fixed for the meeting.

•Over 400 injured

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OPE Francis returned yesterday to the warm embrace of Latin America, landing in Brazil to begin his first interna-

tional trip as pontiff.

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff waited on the tarmac for the pontiff to step down the stairs from the no frills commercial airliner that was specially booked for him.

It was the first time the Argentine-born Francis had returned to his home continent since his selection as pope in March.

Earlier on the flight from

Rome, Francis expressed concern for a generation of youth growing up jobless as the world economy sputters.

The message should resonate with the young people in the mammoth crowds expected at a papal Mass on Rio’s Copacabana beach and other ceremonies during Francis’ seven days in Brazil, the world’s most populous Roman Catholic nation.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

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CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

Collapsed building: Angry youths protest victim's 'neglect'

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OME irate youths yesterday protested at the site of the building that collapsed in Surulere, Lagos on Sunday.

They were protesting what they called the unfair treatment of a victim at the Lagos General Hospital.

The protesters stormed the hospital and took the victim, Mohammed Mukaila, back home after doctors allegedly refused to attend to him.

The victim, who lost an eye and his legs to the mishap, was on a wheel chair.

The protest disrupted the operations of officials of Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), who had come to the site to pick samples of some materials for laboratory test.

Trouble started when Mukaila's brother, Hassan, informed the angry youths that he was left unattended to, at the hospital, despite having paid the N10, 000 demanded for his treatment.

The mob initially stopped a Lagos State Ambulance (LASAMBUS) sent to carry the victim back to the hospital for an x-ray. But following the intervention of policemen and other youths, the protesters became calm.

Hassan told The Nation: "I lost two brothers to the tragedy and I didn't want to lose another.

When I got to the hospital yesterday (Sunday), my brother was still on the wheel chair and no one touched him. They said we must pay N10, 000. It was after I paid the N10, 000 that

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By Precious Igbonwelundu and Miriam Ekene-Okoro

they gave him two injections that night and another two this morning (yesterday). I was not happy; so, I took him out so that we will take him to Kebbi, our home state."

However, Mrs Bukola Saka, who showed The Nation the victim's hospital card, said: "Yes, we were asked to pay N10, 000 but at that moment, we had N7, 500. So, I left to look for money and while I was gone I got a call from Dogo (victim) that he was being attended to.

"When I returned, I met four doctors attending to him. I think the issue is that people do not have confidence in anything that has to do with government.

She urged the youths to allow the state officials take Mukaila back to the hospital for proper treatment.

The woman told them that the injections doctors gave him were pain killers since they could not do any major treatment unless an x-ray was done.

A state government official expressed dismay at the attitude of the hospital's management, noting that Governor Babatunde Fashola was committed to saving lives.

He said he was ordered to follow the ambulance and ensure that the victim was adequately catered for in the hospital.

Mukaila recalled the building collapse before he was taken back, saying: "I was on top of

The government is bent on bringing to book, every professional or government official, found wanting ... to send a note of warning to others who are in this heinous practice the building while two of my brothers were among those working under. I was carrying planks up and the next think I knew was that the building sank. I did not know who took me out or how they did it. But my two brothers died.

"The next thing I saw was that I was in a wheel chair at the hospital. I could not move.

Now, I cannot see with one of my eyes.

"When I was there and they did not attend to me, I called my brother to come and take me out of that place because common 'pure water' that I asked them so that I can break my fast, the nurses refused to give me."

SON officials continued their assignment after calm was returned and Mukaila taken to the hospital.

The SON team's leader, Samual Ayuba, said the cause of the collapse cannot be ascer-

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‘The victim was said to be returning from Amsterdam when he was abducted by unknown gunmen ...’

By Ebele Boniface

tives were at work, the SARS operatives laid ambush where the victim's kidnappers asked his family to drop the one million dollars ransom they demanded.

It was gathered that the family had agreed to pay N7.5million, which the hoodlums accepted. The kidnappers sent two of their members to the agreed location, an uncompleted building, to pick the

money. However, they encountered policemen who arrested one of them, but the other "narrowly escaped."

The case was reported on July 19 at Area 'D' Command. The victim was said to be returning from Amsterdam when he was abducted by unknown gunmen on July 16, along Airport Road, Mafoluku, Lagos, from where he was taken to an unknown destination. His driver reportedly sustained gunshot injuries.

On July 21, at about 12.30pm, Manko said the police team arrested Benson in the LagosBadagry Expressway area.

The suspect confessed to the crime and led operatives to their hideout at Ago-Okota, where Dickson was rescued unhurt.

The police chief, who said efforts were being intensified towards arresting the other suspects, said one locally-made revolver pistol, seven-round live ammunition, and two fully loaded AK47 rifles were recovered at the hideout.

Workshop on human trafficking

HE Dean, Post-Graduate Studies, University of Lagos, Mr Chukwu Obinnaya, has said that for Nigeria to tackle human trafficking, it should focus more on strengthening the borders and preventing unchecked migration.

He spoke at a workshop on human trafficking, organised by the Centre for Correction and Human Development (CCHD) for school pupils around Lagos.

He advised that international agencies involved in anti-human trafficking work should

By Adebisi Onanuga

TWO men and a woman were yesterday arraigned before a Lagos High Court, Ikeja for the alleged murder of Segun Oyelabi.

Yekini Omoniyi and Abu Aminu (both males) and Bola Ipaye were arraigned before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo by the Lagos State Directorate of Prosecutions (DPP).

They were arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder.

The prosecutor, Mr Olakulehin Oke, said that the defendants allegedly tortured the deceased to death after he failed to pay a debt owed Ipaye, a liquor joint owner.

He added that the alleged offences contravened Sections 221 and 231 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011. But the accused persons pleaded not guilty.

•'Lagos may sue contractors'

Police rescue kidnapped Briton

BRITON, Dickson Lee, who was recently kidnapped by a five-man gang, has been rescued by a combined team of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and State Intelligence Bureau (SIB).

The team, led by Ayuba Usman, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) and Abba Kyari, a Superintendent of Police (SP), arrested one of the suspected kidnappers, Chukwuemeka Benson.

Commissioner of Police Umar Manko, who paraded the suspect yesterday, said: "When I was informed of the kidnap case, which was reported at Area 'D' Command, Mushin, and later transferred to the SIB for investigation, I ordered the officer in charge of SARS, Kyari and SIB's Usman to immediately form a combined rescue team to track down the kidnappers and rescue the Briton."

He said while the SIB opera-

Woman, others charged with murder

By Medinat Kanabe

not just be focused on crime and migration, urging nongovernmental bodies to do more on evidence-based campaigns to target vulnerable groups and play significant role in decision making.

"There is a significant level of internal trafficking of people for prostitution, domestic servitude, forced labour, street begging, and organ harvesting.

This scenario is most prevalent in major cities in Nigeria, where teenage girls as young as 12 or 13 are seen around

brothels and they have people they are accountable to.

"Thousands of our youths, especially girls, are lured, abducted, tricked, drugged, beaten, starved, confined or otherwise snared everyday through this crime, internally and internationally, in other to profit their handlers," he explained.

The Executive Director, CCHD, Mrs Obioma Agoziem, said the aim of the workshop is to create an awareness and sensitise children on human trafficking, noting that poverty is its major cause.

Actor for burial August 3

• Mukaila ... yesterday

tained unless the materials used were subjected to laboratory test; that is why we are here."

Meanwhile, the state government yesterday said it might consider charging the contractors handling the building to court for murder.

Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Wale Ahmed, who briefed reporters on the incident, regretted that despite government efforts at controlling building construction, some individuals still commit illegalities.

"The government is bent on bringing to book, every professional or government official, found wanting as regards this

building collapse so as to send a note of warning to others who are in this heinous practice".

The government also urged the National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA), to respect the laid down emergency response structure in the country and abide by it.

General Manager of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, said: "NEMA is a Federal Government agency. And so, it is a second responder to disaster cases. And it is expected to be called to a disaster scene by LASEMA, who are the first responders."

From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

THE remains of the late Nollywood Actor and producer, Favour Ogosi, a former Chairman of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Bayalsa State Chapter, will be buried on August 3.

His widow, Lizzy, who disclosed it yesterday, said: "The family and the Bayalsa State Nollywood actors and producers have agreed on August 3 for my husband's funeral."

Ogosi died on July 16, after a brief illness.

Worry over environmental rot From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

THE Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Peter Okuremi Odetomi, wants new laws enacted to regulate undue exploitation and exportation of wood products.

Odetomi, who spoke at the 6th National Conference of the School of Science, Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo, said such laws were to save forest estates from total destruction. "The rate of charcoal production in Oyo State has become alarming. People's attitude to deforestation, indiscriminate burning and lately, reliance on generators to provide electricity, had put the country among leading carbonemitting countries.

PUBLIC NOTICE

• Benson

• Dickson

I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Oluwasola Abiola Folasade now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Ojisemi Abiola Folashade. All former document remain valid. General Public please take note.

62

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013

63

SPORT EXTRA Kick-boxing Federation plans coaches’, referees’ workshop •Proposes fight clubs in schools

T

•Emenike

Emenike thrilled by full recovery

N

IGERIA striker Emmanuel Emenike has hailed his full recovery from long-term injuries after he scored on his return on Sunday.

Emenike scored for Spartak Moscow in a 2-0 win at Ural.

He scored Spartak’s second goal in the 90th minute after coming on as a 63rd minute substitute for Yura Movsisyan.

“I thank God for the progress I have made. My job on the field as a striker is to score goals, I will be glad to get more goals and help my team get many victories in the subsequent games.

“I don’t just want to be

scoring goals, I always want to score goals that will give my team victory.”

The big striker was first sidelined by a hamstring injury he suffered against Mali at the 2013 AFCON in South Africa.

S

N

UPER EAGLES forward Ikechukwu Uche missed Villarreal’s preseason opener against a Spanish Segunda division side Gimnàstic de Tarragona on Sunday 21 July 2013.

The Yellow Submarines started their pre-season on a

By Innocent Amomoh the club and with commitment, I am sure we will,” said Utaka.

“It is normal for clubs to set targets. With all hands on deck, it is possible to achieve it, all things being equal.

“Really, I wish to win laurels with the club but I will do the talking on the pitch.

“Maybe when the league resumes, the goals will start flowing but I don’t have a specific target for now, I’ll just keep giving my best,” Utaka said.

•Utaka

family and fans. “From the bottom of my heart, I dedicate the goal to my family and fans all over the world for standing by me during the time I was injured,” Emenike told MTNFootball.com.

Ike Uche injured

Utaka targets trophies in China IGERIA international Peter Utaka has set a target of winning trophies at his new club Beijing Guan of China after completing a record move.

The striker is yet to register his name on the scorer’s sheet for Beijing Guan with just a game before the league break, but he has tipped the club to finish on a high at the end of the season.

“It’s not just about me, but team work which I think supersedes self glory. We are all hoping to win trophies for

He then suffered a longterm knee injury in his comeback game for his Russian club and needed surgery in Italy subsequently.

Emenike said his appreciation would go to his

winning note with a 2-1 victory over Gimnàstic de Tarragona at the Nou Estadi but were without last season’s top scorer Ike Uche.

A statement on the club’s official website confirmed that Uche’s exclusion in Sunday’s 2-1 victory was as a result of an undisclosed injury he sustained in training.

“Juan Carlos, Kalu Uche and Jaume Costa didn’t play the match due to different injuries.

“Mexican players Giovani dos Santos and Javier Aquino are currently training under a specific training programme after joining the team this last Thursday”, the statement read on villarrealcf.es Two strikes from each

halves from Villarreal’s Jonathan Pereira and Juanto in the 43rd and 63rd minutes cancelled out Aleix Coch’s 31st minute opener.

Villarreal was overall better than the locals especially during the second half.

•Ike Uche

Inyama recalls Ivoirian ordeal, warns Eagles

N

IGERIA Football Federation (NFF) Executive Committee member and Chairman of the Nigerian National League, Emeka Inyama, yesterday recalled the bitter treatment he received at the hands of Ivory Coast football fans in his days as a journalist with SportsLink Newspapers.

Inyama, who was at the training session of the Super Eagles on yesterday evening, recalled an encounter in the run-up to Nigeria’s qualification for the USA ‘94 World Cup, when he was beaten up and left for dead

by Ivoirian fans because he dared to take pictures of Nigeria’s goal by the late Rashidi Yekini in that famous 2-1 defeat of the Eagles.

Inyama, who is also the Chairman of the NFF Media Committee, said: “Somebody simply pointed at me and said the beep I was wearing contained juju. Before you knew, it they had swooped on me and beaten me to a pulp, leaving me for dead.

Only the timely intervention of the then Nigerian Ambassador

to Cote D’Ivoire saved my life.”

Inyama recalled how former Iwuayanwu Nationale of Owerri coach, Alphonsus Dike, was red-carded during a Champions Cup match against Asec Mimosas also in Abidjan, and when he went to the stands he was traced there and viciously hacked on the forehead by a lady with the tip of her shoe which led to the coach bleeding profusely. “It could have been disastrous but for quick medical attention,” Inyama said.

He therefore warned the Super Eagles to be wary of the antics and evil plots of the Ivoirians in the return leg on Saturday. “In some cases they can bring masqueraders to your hotel and they will be singing and dancing till the following day so that the players won’t sleep well.

“They can even flood your hotel with prostitutes just in a desperate bid to distract the team and its officials, so we must be careful,” Inyama was quoted as saying by Eagles Spokesman Ben Alaiya.

HE Kick-boxing Federation of Nigeria is planning a training workshop for its coaches and referees to refresh their memories on modern techniques of the sport.

Vice-President of the federation, Austin EneduwaGeorge told NationSport in Lagos that members of the board are determined to create an atmosphere for continuity when they end their tenure.

“As you are aware, most of the associations are winding up their tenures and the nonconstituted sports are waiting for the commission to let us know when we can organise an election and then pick a new set of board members and the new president.

“As you have been aware, we had a couple of issues in terms of the leadership, concerning various issues and the easy flow of the activities of the federation. Nevertheless, everything is intact as we are working assiduously and acting as if everything is well.

“We are still going to be here next month. We want to create a situation where there is easy continuity should this board finish their term. All activities are on ground already, there is a plan on ground. By next month we are organising training for the coaches and the referees. It is going to be a three-day workshop and, being the Chairman Sponsorship and Publicity Committee, we want to garner enough support in terms of sponsorship to make sure that it comes to pass,” he said.

The programme which is slated tentatively for the first week in the month of September at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, will be geared at exploring the prospects inherent in the sports that have not been harnessed.

“Again, we are looking at all sorts of logistics. If the National Stadium will not be available, we will use the Abuja Stadium but the National Stadium is the one penciled for now.

“Kick-boxing has a lot of prospects in Nigeria because as

By Innocent Amomoh at today we have the female African champion, the female world champion, the male African champion and we have the female West African champion as well in the different categories. Again, you are quite aware when we were in Madagascar we went with four athletes, three of whom came back with trophies, which is quite fantastic.

“Right now, we are working for kick-boxing to try and become an Olympic medal sport. It has gathered its own recognition here.

“One of the things we are also pushing through is to see how we can push kick-boxing to the grassroots and then have them in schools where we would now have a kick-boxing club in all secondary schools, because if you go to many kickboxing gyms you will see kids, you have children with their own kits. So, what we want to do now is to take it to the schools and have a kick-boxing club. Then, every other three months, we would organise a competition between the schools and then we would catch them young.

“Also in the pipeline, we are looking at starting a fight club so that every Friday, the last Friday of the month we can have a kick boxing fight club.

That is why we are seeking sponsorship. All the proposals have been drafted and sent to the various units where we go for something to be done in terms of sponsorship.

“This fight club is tailored after the one we have for boxing, so, when we have the fight club occasionally we will invite some big men in kickboxing from abroad, people like Vandam.

“Actually, we wanted to bring in Jackie Chan. John ‘the dragon’ Wilson was here, we brought in various other artistes. We brought him here last year for the Abuja concert we had, so it is the same thing for every kick-boxing night.

We are going to have one super star in kick-boxing.

LG fetes Principal’s Cup winner

T

HE winner of this year’s secondary school football tournament better known as the Lagos State Principal’s Cup, Keke Senior High School, was on Monday treated to a lavish reception by the Chairman of the Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area, Apostle (Dr) Oloruntoba Oke, for their brilliant display of mastery of the round leather game.

The celebration which took place at the council secretariat at Ogba, was attended by the crème-de-la-crème of the council, including the council chairman Oloruntoba Oke, his deputy Babatunde Rajh-Label, Secretary to the Local Government Dr. (Mrs.) Olayemi Oke – Osanyintolu, the Council Manager, Adeniyi Otunuyi, Principal (Administration), of the school Adebambo Olumuyiwa, Vice-Principal, (Special Duties), Mrs. Olusoga, other Local Government functionaries and members of staff of the school.

Keke Senior High School, Ifako, emerged winner of this year’s Lagos State Principal’s Cup sponsored by Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Plc. The school beat Oriwu High School,

By Yinka Aderibigbe Ikorodu in the final. The match took place at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos and they went home with the tournament’s Gold Medal and N1 million cash reward for their sterling performance.

Oke, while receiving the team led to the secretariat by top officials of the school, applauded the dedication of the team handlers and the discipline displayed by the team on the field of play, two ingredients he said earned them victory.

He commended the teachers and players for allowing themselves to be used as vessels for glory, greatness and upliftment of the council area.

While admonishing the teenage footballers, Oke said they should continue in the spirit of oneness and develop great passion for the task ahead through which they can record more success. He stated that the boys should shun arrogance and imbibe the culture of humility and respect for their coach and constituted authority, even as he urged them to take their education seriously for them to become good and successful footballers.

TODAY IN THE NATION

TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL. 8

NO.2,555

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

A

S I write these lines, protests are being staged in more than 100 cities against the discharge and acquittal by a Florida court of George Zimmerman, the neighbourhood vigilante who confronted an unarmed African American teenager, Trayvon Martin, against advice from the police, and then shot him dead in the fight that ensued.

Martin was on a visit, with his father, to a gated community in Sanford, central Florida.

He had gone to a store to buy some snacks, and was on his way back at dusk when Zimmerman, a mixed-race Hispanic, spotted him and immediately called the police to report that a suspicious person was in the neighbourhood.

The police, it is necessary to re-state, had asked him not to go after the person. But Zimmerman did.

A fight broke out. As Zimmerman’s bloodied head showed, he took a bad beating. According to his testimony, which Martin was not around to contest – nor any eyewitness for that matter — Martin had knocked him to the ground, banged his head on the concrete floor repeatedly, and was reaching for the gun Zimmerman was wearing in his holster with intent to kill him. Zimmerman reached the gun first, and shot Martin in self defence.

It took 44 days and a national uproar for the police to arrest and question Zimmerman about the killing. The police chief said that, under the circumstances, Zimmerman had committed no crime. He had merely stood his ground.

Bowing to pressure from a public that judged his remarks insensitive and casuistic, the police chief resigned. He now stands vindicated, Florida-style.

A six-person jury, all women five of them white and the other ‘Hispanic,’ returned the verdict that, under Florida law, Zimmerman had reason to fear for his life and acted justifiably.

The verdict has ignited a debate about an issue that the prosecution and the defence skirted throughout the trial – race, the “colour line” as W.E.B Du Bois, the pre-eminent African American scholar of the last century called it.

Du Bois, who was no romantic, believed that the colour line would be the problem of his century. It is the problem of the 21st century as well, and not just in America. And it may well continue even into the next century. The noted socio-economist and Nobelist, Gunnar Myrdal in his classic study of race in the United States characterised being black in America as a caste condition – a condition from which it is impossible to escape.

You can shed your class or your religion or your tastes or your habits or your accent or your diction, but you cannot shed your skin.

Some persons of colour do crash the racial barrier —they call it “passing” — but they are the exceptions, and the consequences are not always pleasant.

This race-based caste system is not as deeply ingrained, as rigidly ascriptive as in India, for

‘A Presidency that would stage a victory ball for the loosing party in a contest cannot but damage its esteem in the eyes of the people.’

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

In America: The Trayvon Martin verdict

•Martin

•Zimmerman

example. But it operates all the time, in ways subtle and unsubtle. And race itself is a constant subtext.

The Trayvon Martin verdict may not be about race principally. But race definitely played a part in the tragedy that claimed the young man’s life. If he had been a young white man, it is unlikely his presence in the community – not loitering, not wandering aimlessly but heading to the house of his father’s girlfriend – would have attracted Zimmerman’s attention to the point that he would call the police and go after him despite instructions to the contrary.

There was a time when bells rang out loud in department stores to put security guards on notice at the approach of African-Americans who were generally regarded as potential shoplifters. Now the surveillance is more subtle, even if no less discomfiting. You are asked whether you need help, and given the kind of suffocating attention other patrons rarely get.

The case of Dr Ruth Simmons illustrates just how far that practice continues. Dr Simmons, eminent literary scholar and the first black president of an Ivy League institution, Brown University, in Rhode Island — it was at her instance, by the way, that our late and muchlamented compatriot, the literary titan Chinua Achebe, relocated from Bard College, New York — one day went shopping, or just looking through stuff at one of New York ’s very famous department stores.

As she headed toward the exit, a security guard stopped her and asked to inspect her

•US President Barack Obama

purse. She obliged. She had bought nothing, and her purse contained nothing incriminating. But the guard was not satisfied.

The guard took her to a private room, and there gave her a most intrusive and degrading frisking. Still he found nothing. For him, it was all in a day’s work, until the store learned the next day the identity of Dr Simmons from her attorney. She graciously accepted their apologies and made no issue of the matter.

That was racial profiling at work.

At American diners, you no longer find the kind of creeping discrimination on plaques in hotels in the former racist enclaves of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Angola and South Africa that proclaim “Right of admission reserved.”

But it is never far from the surface.

Whenever I dine out, I survey the scene, looking out for the good tables where one can stretch one’s feet and generally compress, and watch where the waiter will seat me. If he or she seats me near the toilet or the radiator or facing a blank wall when better-appointed tables are available, I demand to be seated elsewhere and make mental a note of the encounter.

Next, I pay close attention to how I am being waited on vis-à-vis other patrons. If they just slap the plate on the table and move on but fuss on diners of a different colour, it confirms my worst fears. When I finish eating, I clean my mouth with the napkin, take the check to the counter and pay the exact amount on it, leaving nothing for the waiter.

The waiter in turn rejoices that he or she didn’t waste precious energy fussing on an

HARDBALL

F

INALLY, this government admits that it has failed woefully but even in that admission, it still denies that fact and chooses to exhibit what someone has described as “weird ignorance” (an act of pretending to be confusedly stupid or vice-versa). In this merry state, you play at being perfectly dumb, you simply roll with all the punches and allow all the barbs to fall at your side as if you are wearing odighi eshi bullet proof. This is the only meaning Hardball could read from Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s outcry last week that Nigeria loses 400,000 barrels of crude oil to thieves every waking day!

By this supposedly arm-wringing confession and prostrate admittance of failure, one expected her to throw in her resignation letter in the circumstance that her boss is politically forbidden from resignation. Okonjo-Iweala ought to resign and others like the Oil Minister, and all the heads of the oil parastatals ought to be cleared out for abysmal failure. How could a country lose N6 billion everyday under their watch yet they still enjoy the pleasure of clinging to their seats? Unless there is something

Oil theft: weird ignorance else to the story, how could a country be haemorrhaging to the tune of about N2.2 trillion per annum yet nobody is taking responsibility and none getting fired? Are we going to be moved to act only when we lose our entire oil revenues to ‘thieves’?

Government’s admittance that it does not know how to protect the country’s most important asset is to admit that it is no longer fit to run the economy and manage the country.

They are simply admitting that the so-called oil thieves have out-smarted and grown bigger than the government, the entire military and security agencies of state; the simple import of Okonjo-Iweala’s outcry is that our sovereign state is in retreat if not surrender. If our government cannot protect what is most important to us, the implication is that the rest of us citizens are doomed.

If President Goodluck Jonathan and members of his cabinet care, if they wish to know

the truth and if they wish to escape the perdition of history, they must accept that the rampaging oil theft phenomenon if not contrived and orchestrated, is the result of unbridled corruption. When the other day the president told us that he didn’t give a damn about showing good personal examples in the fight against corruption, he never realised this singular canker could utterly overwhelm him and torpedo his government. Corruption is like the thief you come upon harvesting in your farm, if you hesitate immediately holler and chase him, he will sooner begin to holler and chase you. The day Jonathan begins to show that he no longer co-habits with corruption and starts to deal decisively and openly with the corrupt people around him most of our national challenges will begin to abate.

We have been told that the National Economic Council (NEC) has approved a task force to tackle the problem. This is merely tunneling

SANYA ONI

African American who, true to type, does not reward hospitality. If the service is good and the waiter pleasant, I give the customary hospitality of between 15 and 20 percent. But I doubt whether that changes the perception of the African American as a tightwad. The waiter might just conclude that the individual is different. And the cycle perpetuates itself.

Going about life in this manner can sometimes subvert the moral law that dwells in each of us. An expatriate Nigerian friend was walking from the parking lot to his office one wintry morning when the young white woman ahead of him, a secretary, lost her balance and fell.

“I hope you are all right,” he said to her and walked on.

“How very ungallant,” I remonstrated.

“That’s un-African.”

“Siddon there, Johnny-just-come,” he shot back. “If I had pulled her up and she later reported that I was fondling her under the pretext of helping her, nobody would give me the benefit of the doubt.”

The fellow, I should add, always dresses formally no matter the time of day, in the belief that the police are less likely to mess with an African American attired like a professional.

There you have it, the insidious and sometimes morally corrupting legacy of racism.

No society is perfect, and America has come a long way indeed. Who among us ever believed that in his or her lifetime America would elect and re-elect a black man president? Those marching in “Justice for Trayvon” rallies across America belong in all colours and races. I have experienced great generosity and kindness and courtesy from most of those I have met here.

But I also know many who have suffered racial indignities.

It used to be said at least in recent times that sport and entertainment transcend race. But some of the most bigoted things I have ever read relate to two of the most outstanding African American athletes of this age – Tiger Woods and Venus Williams. And, oh, you should hear or read some of the things they say or write about Michelle Obama.

Also, who can forget how European soccer fans throw bananas at players of African descent on the pitch as if they were starving monkeys and taunt them to distraction by recreating the noises of chimpanzees?

The Trayvon Martin verdict may not principally centre on race. But you cannot isolate race from it any more than you can isolate it from the facts of contemporary life in America and Europe. The colour line, alas, is also the problem of the 21st century.

You can believe that the law took its mysterious course in the Zimmerman trial, and yet show some empathy for two parents who lost their son. But it is hard to see Trayvon Martin as anything else but a victim.

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above down the grimy paths of corruption. The legal task force, to be headed by the Attorney–General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke and to be populated by all sorts will begin by trying about 500 alleged thieves. So we actually have 500 oil thieves locked up somewhere awaiting prosecution? Who are they? Are they little pilferers or the powerful rogues?

Finally, let’s not kid ourselves that the NNPC does not know what to do to protect our oil pipes; that the DPR does not know what metres to install to capture production figures; that the navy is supine and incapable of manning our waterways and that the judiciary could not prosecute and jail nary one oil thief of note all these years? One more point: Hardball insists that the Federal Government is up to its usual tricks again, especially with a major election around the corner. If they do not have any shame up there, we are still quite bashful down here. It will actually require an invisible submarine to steal this quantum of oil daily; and they forget that this is not the only oil producing country in the world. Do we need lessons from Ghana?

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