July 25 2013

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British police probe Malabu oil deal NEWS Page 4

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Minister resigns

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•Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi answering reporters’ questions at a meeting on Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission (DAWN), held at the Cocoa House Dugbe, Ibadan...yesterday.

With him are (from left) Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), Ogun State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

Story on page 10

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday in Abuja accepted the voluntary resignation of Dr Ali Mohammed Pate as Minister of State for Health.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity Dr Reuben Abati told reporters that the resignation took immediate effect.

In a July 22 letter made available to reporters, Pate said he was leaving the cabinet to be a professor in Duke University’s Global Health Institute, United States.

He said in his new capacity, he would participate in a university-wide Africa initiative and serve as Senior Adviser to Washington DC-based Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Pate, however, offered to continue to serve the Jonathan administration as honourary adviser on the polio eradication initiative and save one million lives of women and children initiative, which he was in charge of.

PHOTO: FEMIILESANMI

“As we have discussed, I wish to offer the

Continued on page 2

Rivers crisis: Why I stormed Assembly, by Amaechi Governor explains why the Presidency is after him

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•Amaechi...yesterday

IVERS State Governor Rotimi Amaechi spoke yesterday – for the first time – on his presence at the House of Assembly when five lawmakers attempted to impeach the Speaker. There are 32 lawmakers in the House.

Amaechi said he went to the Assembly to restore order, which had broken down when the five lawmakers, who are believed to be associates of Minister of State for

By Our Reporter

Education Nyesom Wike, attempted to impeach Speaker Otelemaba Dan Amachree.

The governor spoke at the Chatham House in Central London where he delivered a lecture on “Resource and governance in Nigeria”. But the audience asked him about the political crisis in the state, particularly why he went to the Assembly on July 9.

He said: “When I heard the

Child marriage: we were blackmailed, says Mark

S

ENATE President David Mark said yesterday that the Senate was blackmailed to vote against deletion of Section 29(4)(b), which deals with renunciation of Nigerian citizenship.

Mark also noted that following the outcry over the outcome of the vote on the section, the Senate would revisit it.

The Senate President spoke when a coalition of Nigerian women under the aegis of Gender and Constitution Reform Network (GECORN) visited him in Abuja.

The coalition was led by the Min-

members of the Assembly had been attacked by thugs, I went there with my security attache to rescue them because the police assigned to the Assembly had been compromised.

“I abhor violence. The first thing to condemn are the policemen who had refused to perform their duties of protecting the lawmakers.”

Amaechi also said that the current political crisis involv-

ing him was “based on the assumption that I want to run for 2015 elections”.

“But again, there is no law that criminalises ambition in Nigeria, It is sad because people do everything to bring you down. If this crisis continues, one group will lose and that is the people of Rivers State.”

“Should the state suffer for the so-called ambition of the governor?” he asked.

A crowd of Rivers State’s indigenes was at Chatham House.

They carried placards, praising Amaechi’s good work. Many of them are students enjoying the state’s scholarship scheme designed to improve manpower.

Chaired by the British MP Richard Fuller, the vice chairman of the All-Party Continued on page 2

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Abuja

ister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Zainab Maina.

Former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili, former Minister of Women Affairs Mrs. Josephine Anenih and a host of other women stormed the Senate to protest against the alleged move to endorse “underage marriage”.

The minister told Mark that their visit was informed by their desire to seek clarification on some issues that arose from the voting of Senators Continued on page 2

•Globacom’s National Sales Coordinator (Channels) Mr. Kemi Kaka (second right) and Glo ambassadors — Chee Baby (left); Nollywood Actor Desmond Elliot; Omawumi Magbele, a singer and Waje at a news conference to launch the company’s 10th anniversary and N500milion consumer reward promo, Glo Recharge to Stardom

•LAWYER APPEALS SHARIA COURT’S RULING ON GIRL IN ETSU NUPE’S PALACE P7

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

NEWS ‘We were blackmailed’ Continued from page 1

during the Constitution amendment.

Saadatu Mahdi, who presented the group’s position pa-

•President Goodluck Jonathan (middle) with Nigeria’s 400m men’s relay team at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia after presenting their gold medals to the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja…yesterday. Third from left is Mrs. Adesunmbo Bada, widow of Sunday Bada, a member of the team.

Why I stormed House, by Amaechi in UK Continued from page 1

Parliamentary Group on Nigeria in the House of Commons, the session was part of Chatham House’s African dialogue series. Home of the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House regularly invites Nigerian politicians to the UK to participate in its discussions about how Africa is developing.

Outlining a catalogue of achievements his administration can boast of since assuming office in 2007, Amaechi reeled off a list that included infrastructural projects, agricultural plantations, sending hundreds of students on scholarship to the UK and Canada and the massive funding of education. He said 500 primary schools had been built during his tenure and 250 more would be inaugurated starting from October.

Amaechi said: “The academic structure we inherited was very bad as many children could not stay in school and those who did got a very poor education. We are building schools and uniforms, sandals, bags and books are free, while with healthcare, we have built 60 health centres and 70 more will be commissioned before the end of the year.

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“We send 300 every year to the UK and Canada on scholarship and we have established palm oil and banana plantations that employ workers. By the end of our tenure, we would have laid the foundation for a more robust and less oil-dependent economy in Rivers State.”

Speaking about his recent political troubles, Amaechi said they all began when it was suspected that he had higher political ambitions for 2015. Stressing that he has not declared for any position yet, the governor said the impact of the clampdown was that several projects had been put on ice by the Federal Government.

Amaechi said: “When the Federal Government suspects that you have an ambition, they do everything to bring you down. For instance, we have two helicopters to monitor security that they have refused permission to be brought into the country and they have frustrated plans we have to open a syringe manufacturing factory in Rivers State.

“Even if they have an issue with me, why should the whole of Rivers State suffer?

We have numerous projects which we have signed agreements with the Federal Gov-

ernment to introduce and implement but since this crisis began, they have suspended all of them and the people feeling it are the ordinary people of Rivers State.”

Stressing that Rivers State has the second largest economy in Nigeria, the governor said he is of the opinion that good political leadership could improve things further.

However, he added that the political culture in Nigeria where politicians believe they are doing the people a favour is a huge impediment as is the refusal of certain people to leave the political scene.

According to Amaechi, certain politicians have remained on the scene despite having nothing more to offer because they have no other means of earning a living.

Stressing that the crisis in Rivers State threatens security, Amaechi said that some of the militant groups that had been disbanded are being used to cause mayhem and protest against his administration. He added that on the day there was a fracas in the Assembly, many of these thugs were brought in with the connivance of the Police.

Amaechi said: “I used to be the speaker of the house and the law is that you are not even allowed to bring your

per to Mark, said that they were in the Senate to seek deletion of Section 29(4)(b).

Mahdi said it was the desire of Nigerians, who treasure their citizenship, to remove the provision that young Nigerian girls, who are not old enough to vote or to obtain a driver’s licence, are somehow old enough to renounce their citizenship.

She noted that the harm of maintaining Section 29(40(b), which is open to manipulation arising from the ambiguity, far outweighs any arguable benefits a few women might obtain.

She said: “Contrary to the position conveyed for the retention of the section, that under Sharia, Continued on page 59

Minister resigns Continued from page 1

•Amaechi...yesterday

walking stick in when entering. How did these people manage to bring in thugs, weapons, a fake mace and cause mayhem while the police were not only looking on buy aiding them?”

He pointed out that the violence started long before the recording seen on the widely circulated Youtube began when five Assemblymen smuggled a fake mace into the House and used their hoodlums to create chaos.

According to Amaechi, after the police commissioner refused to do anything about it, he went there with his security detail and it was they who eventually restored order.

continuation of my service on part-time basis as Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Polio Eradication and Public Private Coalition on saving one million lives initiative.

“If you agree, in fulfilment of my previous commitment to see to the conclusion of these important national priorities, this may entail an honourary advisory role reporting directly to you progress at least on quarterly basis,’’ he said.

Abati said in accepting the minister’s resignation, the President was “highly elated that his star-studded cabinet was attracting required global attention’’.

He said the President saw the appointment as a plus for the administration and the country.

Abati said Jonathan praised Pate for the integrity and competence he brought on board while carrying out his duties, first as the Chief Executive of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and later as a minister.

He recalled that another cabinet member, the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, was one of those shortlisted for the position of the World Bank’s president in 2012.

“The cabinet is full of very distinguished men and women, people with not only national, but also international recognition.

“The President congratulated the minister and accepted his offer to continue to serve on a parttime basis as honourary adviser.

“It is a positive development that we have people who are recognised globally,’’ he said.

Pate, who is from Bauchi State, resigned his appointment from the World Bank Office in 2008, to join the public service after 15 years in The Diaspora.

He was Chief Executive of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and as cabinet minister in the past two years with the portfolio as Minister of State in the Ministry of Health.

Special Adviser to the President on Technical Matters, Akachukwu Sullivan Nwankpo has also resigned.

A source in the Presidency yesterday confirmed on condition of anonymity that Nwankpo, who is also a member of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Program (SURE-P) Committee, resigned to join politics.

The source said Nwankpo is gunning for the Anambra governorship seat in the elections on November 16.

But he could not confirm if President Jonathan had accepted the resignation.

Nwankpo is the immediate past Senior Special Assistant (Special Projects) to the President (2010 – 2011).

Presidency attacks Aliyu, Lamido, Kwankwaso

HE Presidency said yesterday that the nation’s democracy is not threatened by the Rivers State crisis, contrary to the position of some eminent citizens.

It declared that the crisis is “purely a localised political matter” which has “no dangerous or far reaching consequences for the peace and security of the nation”.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Communication Dr. Doyin Okupe, in a statement, also called on the five northern governors who visited Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi in Port Harcourt last week to stop crying wolf where there is none.

Okupe accused Dr Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Musa Kwankwaso (Kano) and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), all Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors, of deliberately trying to heat up the system in Rivers State through their actions and utterances.

Okupe also faulted the visit of Lamido, Aliyu, Kwankwaso and Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto) to two former military leaders — Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar— in Minna where they urged them to intervene in the crisis. But he praised

Amaechi: Clark’s group takes on Soyinka, four governors

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HE Southsouth elders and stakeholders, a group led by one time federal commissioner and Ijaw leader Chief Edwin Clark, yesterday condemned Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi for his role in the House of Assembly fracas.

The group also lambasted the four Northern governors who visited Amaechi in solidarity.

Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka was also not spared condemnation for dragging First Lady Dame patience Jonathan into the crisis. Clark claimed that Soyinka kept quiet during the House of Assembly crisis in Ogun and Oyo states.

Clark, who spoke at a news conference, accused Amaechi whom he claimed was his political son, of mischief.

He said the Rivers governor isn being backed by people who want to destabilise the country.

By Gbade Ogunwale, and Augustine Avwode

the visit of the progressive governors, saying they showed patriotism.

Okupe said: “We are compelled to react to the unfolding political drama emanating from recent activities of some governors from the northern part concerning political developments in

•‘It’s unfortunate that elders have taken sides’ From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja and Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

He said: “It is our position that Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi shall not continue the charade of blaming President Jonathan and his wife over the internal crisis in his state.

“He should reflect on his memorable journey thus far and learn to be humble before God. As aptly admonished by Orji Uzor Kalu, former Governor of Abia State and Yinka Odumakin, the Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, party loyalty demands that members, no matter how highly placed, must respect and honour directives from the party leadership.

Rivers State.

“These political moves, which are clearly intended to create fear, despair and sense of apprehension among the citizenry are grossly unfounded, misplaced and a deliberate over sensationalization of the situation.

“Insinuations and statements (by the governors) suggesting that Rivers State is on fire are

“No party leader, including those presently manipulating Amaechi, can tolerate the high level insubordination and disrespect he has continually flaunted. We therefore advise Governor Amaechi to resign honourably from his party for continuing to wage his war of acrimony against the leadership of the party. Failing that, we call on the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to take the stringent measures to expel him to bring sanity to the party and to serve as deterrent to other renegade members.”

The Clark group asked the northern governors that visited Amaechi what they did when the PDP crisis in Adamawa State became so intractable and at the height of Boko Haram killings in the Northeast.

The group expressed surprise on the statement credited to Adamawa State Governor

grossly unfounded. So far, as it is evident to every discerning observer of political developments, the state is calm and peaceful.

“Residents of the state continue to go about their various businesses, religious, social and political activities under peaceful atmosphere. A key pointer to the prevailing peace in the state is the fact that Governor Amaechi, the

•Wamakko

ers crisis remained a local political wrangling among competing interests which has no consequences on the nation’s political

Continued on page 59

Continued on page 59

Chief executive and Chief security Officer of the state, felt confident enough to travel to the United Kingdom on official assignment.

“It is doubtful he would have had the luxury of leaving the country if his state is in turmoil as is being canvassed”.

The President’s aide restated his earlier position that the Riv-

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

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NEWS

British police

•General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria Mr. Kola Oyeyemi (second left), Chief Marketing Officer Mr. Larry Annetts (centre), General Manager, Product and Innovation Ms. Ugonna Nwoye (second right), General Manager, Business Intelligence Mr. Bayo Adekanmbi (right) and CEO, Mtech Mr. Chika Nwobi at the launch of MTN App Developer Challenge in Lagos ...yesterday.

• From left: Director, Government and Regulatory Affairs, Etisalat Nigeria Mr. Ibrahim Dikko; Director-General, National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) Dr. Umar Bindir; Deputy Dean of Students, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Dr. Yusuf Ahmed; and Director, Brands and Communications, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Enitan Denloye at the 2013 Etisalat Merit Awards in Abuja... yesterday.

•From left: Prof. Anya .O Anya; Director-General, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), former Minister of Information Mr Frank Nweke Jr; Mr Kola Oyeneyin; Compliance Officer, Stanbic IBTC Mrs Idu Okwuosa and NESG Associate Director/Head of Research Dr Sope Elegbe at a breakfast seminar in Lagos...yesterday.

•From left: President, Caregivers International Mrs Victoria Onu; Board Member, Senior Citizens and Elders Advocacy Network of Nigeria (SCANON), Group Capt. Emmanuel Ajewole and Scanon Chairman Rear Adm. Chris Ehanmo, at the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing for the promotion, education and research into ageing, health and nutrition between the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO) and the Dave Omokaro Foundation (DOF) in Abuja...yesterday.

The British police have waded into the Malabu oil deal with a view to seeing if Shell and ENI played dirty to acquire the juicy oil block, reports Reuters

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RITISH police are investigating a money-laundering allegation related to a big oil field bought by Shell and ENI from Nigeria for $1.3 billion (•984 million), after most of the cash they paid ended up in a company linked to a former Nigerian oil minister.

‘The probe concerns offshore block OPL 245, which industry sources say contains up to 9.23 billion barrels of crude – more than enough to keep China running for 2½ years – the ownership of which had been in dispute for more than a decade.

“The proceeds of crime unit is investigating a money-laundering allegation in the UK in connection with OPL 245. The investigation is at an early stage,” a UK spokesman said.

Transparency campaigners, who asked the UK to look into the matter, assert that Shell and ENI used the Nigerian government as a gobetween to obscure the fact that they were dealing with former oil minister Dan Etete, who also has a 2007 money-laundering conviction in France related to bribes he was alleged to have taken when in government.

In his capacity as oil minister, Etete awarded block OPL 245 in 1998 for a payment of just $2 million to Malabu Oil and Gas, a company in which he played a prominent role.

The critics claim that Shell and ENI, which haven’t been accused of any legal wrongdoing, wanted to distance themselves from Etete given his reputation and his involvement in the original award of the oil block to Malabu.

A Shell spokesman said it had purchased the block from the government, making no payment to Malabu, and that it acted transparently and in accordance with Nigerian law.

ENI declined to comment but it told shareholders in May that the transaction was with the government, not Malabu.

Etete was not contactable for comment. His lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

While Shell and ENI say they bought the block from the Nigerian government, for which they paid it $1.3 billion in 2011, Nigeria says it was helping resolve an ownership dispute over the block between Shell and Malabu and immediately transferred $1.09 billion from the sale to Malabu. The government retained the remainder.

Etete had awarded the block to Malabu during the rule of military dictator Sani Abacha, whose son Mohammed and other close allies were shareholders in the company.

That deal was later annulled after the death of Abacha by a new government that judged the award im-

•Etete

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The proceeds of crime unit is investigating a money-laundering allegation in the UK in connection with OPL 245

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proper.

In a UK court case brought by Emeka Obi against Malabu for unpaid fees relating to his help in brokering the Shell/ENI deal, the judge in that case, Justice Elizabeth Gloster, concluded in her ruling last week that “From its incorporation and at all material times . . . Etete had a substantial beneficial interest in Malabu.”

Etete said he was only a consultant to the company, but he represented the company in the court case and in all negotiations with the oil majors, and he told the court he was the sole signatory to its accounts.

Documents relating to Obi’s London case show that both Shell and ENI met several times with Etete to negotiate the deal. An email from a Shell employee to another middleman recounts how he met Etete for face-to-face negotiations over “lots of iced champagne”.

Obi said in court he approached ENI on Malabu’s behalf on December 24th, 2009, and introduced Etete to an ENI representative to discuss the deal.

Global Witness campaigner Tom Mayne said: “It’s obvious from the meetings Shell and ENI both had with Dan Etete that they knew he was the person to speak to and then

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

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NEWS

probe Shell, ENI over Malabu oil deal

•Justice Gloster

agreed that the deal be structured in such a way that it went through the government.”

Babatunde Oluajo, national secretary of Zero Corruption Coalition, told Reuters his Nigerian campaign group had asked the UK government to look into the matter.

“In regard to our . . . commitment to the fight against corruption in Nigeria ... we wish to . . . formally request for a full investigation into the activities of ... companies and individuals in the procurement of

the OPL 245 in Nigeria,” reads a letter the group sent to the UK High Commissioner on July 5th.

Nigerian lawmakers also began investigating the deal last week to ascertain if Attorney General Mohammed Aboke, who helped finalise the deal with Eni and Shell, had acted properly, as his involvement only came to light in the London court case.

Aboke said he was acting in the interests of all parties to facilitate a deal and end the long-running own-

ership dispute over the oil block.

He also said in a press report last week that resolving the dispute would help the government attract investment into the oil and gas sector.

The investigations highlight the regulatory risks faced by oil companies doing business in African countries with a history of weak governance and endemic corruption.

In the five years Abacha was in power, he liberally dished out oil

blocks to political allies and is suspected of having enriched himself to the tune of about $4 billion before he died.

Malabu had been registered on April 24th, 1998, five days before Etete awarded it block OPL 245.

Three months later, Abacha died.

Though Malabu’s original shareholders had been Abacha’s son and allies - and Etete himself, according to the British judge in Obi’s court case – the company secretary Rasky Gbinigie told the court he had lost

all the documents showing who owned it now.

The ownership of OPL 245 had also been unclear ever since the government annulled the initial award to Malabu in 2001, and then awarded it first to Shell and then back to Malabu after a series of court cases.

Shell was still pursuing action to recover the block when it finally struck the deal to buy it with ENI in 2011.

Genesis of a messy transaction T

HE saga of block OPL245 began in 1998 when Nigeria’s then petroleum minister, Dan Etete, awarded it to Malabu, which had been established just days before and had no employees or assets. The price was a “signature bonus” of $20m (of which Malabu only ever paid $2m).

The firm intended to bring in Shell as a 40% partner, but in 1999 a new government took power and two years later it cried foul and cancelled the deal. The block was put out to bid and Shell won the right to operate it, in a production-sharing contract with the national petroleum company, subject to payment of an enlarged signature bonus of $210m. Shell did not immediately pay this, for reasons it declines to explain, but began spending heavily on exploration in the block.

Malabu then sued the government. After much legal wrangling, they reached a deal in 2006 that reinstated the firm as the block’s owner. This caught Shell unawares, even though it had conducted extensive due diligence and had a keen understanding of the Nigerian operating climate thanks to its long and often bumpy history in the country. It responded by launching various legal actions, including taking the government to the World Bank’s International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes.

Malabu ploughed on, hiring Ednan Agaev, a former Soviet diplomat, to find other investors.

Rosneft of Russia and Total of France, among others, showed interest but were put off by Malabu’s disputes with Shell and the government. Things moved forward again when Emeka Obi, a Nigerian subcontracted by Mr Agaev, brought in ENI (which already owned a nearby oil block). After further toing and froing—and no end of meetings in swanky European hotels—ENI and Shell agreed in 2011 to pay $1.3 billion for the block. Malabu gave up its rights to OPL245 and Shell dropped its legal actions (see timeline).

The deal was apparently split into two transactions. Shell and ENI paid $1.3 billion to the Nigerian government. Then, once Malabu had signed away its rights to the block, the government clipped off its $210m unpaid signature bonus and transferred just under $1.1 billion to Malabu.

In 2007 Mr Etete was found guilty of money-laundering by a French court. His conviction was upheld in 2009. The trial centred on bribes he had allegedly demanded from foreign investors while in government.

He used these to buy, among other things, a French mansion and about •1m-worth of Art Deco furniture, according to French court documents.

Then in 2011 Mr Obi, one of the middlemen in the final deal with Shell and ENI, took his claim for unpaid fees to the High Court in London, calling on Mr Etete to give testimony. For unclear reasons, he

agreed to do so—but the hearings had to be moved briefly to Paris so that Mr Etete could give evidence, because he had been barred from Britain for failing to disclose his French conviction on entering the country.

Mr Etete claims he has never been more than a consultant to Malabu. If so, he is unusually hands-on. He was the company’s main negotiator and its representative in the High Court, where he admitted to being the sole signatory on its bank accounts. Indeed, there is no evidence of anyone else making decisions for Malabu.

When asked in court about others purportedly linked to the company and its record-keeping, Malabu’s company secretary, Rasky Gbinigie (who describes Mr Etete as a “family friend”), insisted that he had lost the firm’s copy of the register of shareholders and all minutes of meetings, that there was no written correspondence between him, the directors and the shareholders, and that he had no documents to verify who put up the company’s original share capital.

A not-so-secret alias Last year Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) looked into Malabu after Mohammed Abacha, a son of the former dictator, complained that he had been a founding shareholder but had been illegally cut out. In an interim report later in the year, the commission said that

one Kweku Amafegha “stood in” as a nominee director for Mr Etete. In the High Court’s hearing in Paris Mr Etete admitted that he had himself used the surname Amafegha to open accounts in the past. It was, he said, an alias that “I have always used when I go out for secret missions internationally.”

In the same hearing Mr Etete said of OPL245: “I put my blood, I put my life into this oil block”—quite a commitment for a mere consultant.

Yet, when asked directly if he was its owner through Malabu, he denied it. When presented with transcripts of a recording in which he supposedly claimed that “It is my block”, he dismissed the transcripts as inaccurate.

Shell and ENI did not respond to The Economist’s questions about whom they believed to be the beneficial owner of Malabu. Whether or not they suspected it to be Mr Etete, their dealings with him were extensive. He met ENI executives repeatedly. High Court testimony indicated that Shell officials had met him as recently as December 2009, after his money-laundering conviction was upheld. In an e-mail that came out in court, a Shell man talked of having had lunch and “lots of iced champagne” with Mr Etete, who had requested figures from Shell on what it was willing to pay Malabu for the block.

ENI says it considered cutting a deal with Malabu directly, until it emerged that the firm might not have full ownership of the oil block

•Adoke because of “existing disputes”, including with Mr Abacha. Mr Obi testified that Shell broke off direct talks with Mr Etete for the same reason, and because he was “an impossible person to deal with”.

But the oil giants were clearly reluctant to throw in the towel. Shell was loth to walk away from a block in which it had already invested tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars. (The company will not say how much.) ENI was attracted by the size of the block, the prospect of accompanying tax holidays and a waiver of the usual requirement that production revenues be shared with the national oil company.

•Extracted from The Economist’s June 2013 report on the saga

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NEWS Ramadan prayer for Mogaji A GROUP, 'Asiwaju Total Loyalty Team,' will tomorrow hold a special Ramadan prayer for the departed Lagos State Market matriach, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji at St Peter's Anglican Primary School Compound, Awolowo Way, Alausa, Ikeja.

A statement by the group’s leader, Alhaji Oluwatoyin Balogun, said that prayers will also be offered for the peace and progress of Lagos and Nigeria by the muslim clerics.

Army to give slain officers national burial THE Nigerian Army will today in Abuja hold national burial for 15 officers and soldiers who died in active service.

Fourteen of the officers died in the Northeast. The remaining one died while on a UN peace-keeping mission in Dafur, Sudan.

A statement by Lt.-Col. John Agim, Chief of Staff at the Directorate of Army Public Relations, said the burial would take place at the National Military Cemetery, Musa Shehu Yar’Adua Way, Abuja.

According to the statement, President Goodluck Jonathan and other dignitaries are expected to attend the ceremony.

Jonathan greets Bayero at 83

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday congratulated the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero on his 83rd birthday anniversary,which comes up today.

In a congratulatory letter to the Emir, the President extolled the Emir’s “uncommon leadership qualities.”

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, the President prayed that God Almighty will grant the Emir many more years of service to the people of Kano and Nigeria.

He said: “As you mark your 83rd birthday anniversary which comes up on Thursday, July 25th 2013, I write, on behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to extend warm felicitations to Your Highness.”

Nnaji is director of Centre for Power From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

THE International Institute for Petroleum, Energy, Law and Policy (IIPELP), has named former Minister of Power Prof Barth Nnaji as Director of its Centre for Power Studies.

According to the IIPELP President, Mr. Niyi Ayoola-Daniels, who issued a statement on behalf of the Chairman of the institute’s Governing council, Justice Alfa Belgore, the Board of Trustees of IIPELP has confirmed the appointment.

How 25 people were killed by Ombatse, by witness

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•Seven injured, 329 property destroyed•Panel to sit in Emir’s palace today

HE Judicial Commission of Inquiry probing the killings of security personnel in Nasarawa State yesterday heard how the Ombatse Militia Group (OMG) allegedly killed 25 persons in Gwandenye/ Agyaragu community in November last year.

The OMG was also accused of inflicting first degree injuries on seven people and destroying 329 household property in the village.

The allegations were contained in a memorandum presented to the panel by the Migili Traditional Council.

The memorandum was jointly signed by Musa Aloko (Zhe-Lukho Migili), a lawyer and Daniel Musa Jatau (Levu Migili).

Also yesterday, the Chairman of the Commission, Justice Fola Gbadeyan (rtd), said he would conduct the morning session at the palace of the Emir of Lafia, Alhaji Mustapha Agwai 1.

The panel would return to its Magistrate Court 11 official sitting venue by 2pm to continue, he said.

The Commission is expected to take the submission by the Lafia Emirate Council at the palace.

The memorandum would be presented by Alhaji Hudu Aliyu Mailafiya (Magatakarda of Lafia) with Dr. A. Ramalan as the counsel.

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

Aloko told the Commission that the attack took place on November 21 and 22 last year.

He said the “unprecedented mayhem” allegedly carried out by 3,000 members of the OMG led to the death, loss of property and the burning of the palace of the Migili.

Aloko said: “The Southern Senatorial District of Nasarawa State has been home and theatre of bloodshed, unleashed on the hapless citizens by this outlawed Ombatse Militia.

“It started from Assakio and moved to Gidinye/ Agyaragu and spread to Kwandere and other areas.

“The footprints of this orgy of bloodshed and violence has the imprimatur of the Ombatse, the militia of the Eggon Ethnic nation.

“As a result of the attack by the Eggon people on the Migili people of Gwandenye and Agyaragu on November 21 and 22, 2012, 25 lives of Migili were killed. Seven people sustained first degree injury.

“This was because the Eggon people with the help of mercenaries and the Eggon Militia Group (Ombatse), unleashed serious violence on the Migili of Gwandenye and Agyaragu, where both old, young and incapacitated were attacked with sophisticated

weapons.

“Apart from the dead, the Eggon people callously set ablaze the home of the Migili people, all their property were burnt and looted.”

Aloko told the Commission that “329 household properties” including the palace of the Migili traditional ruler were burnt.

He alleged that among those who attacked the village were a serving Immigration officer and a Sergeant in the Police.

He went on: “The irony of the matter was that when I was the Chairman of my local government, this police officer now a Sergeant was an Inspector in my area.

“He used to come to me to seek help and I used to assist him with money. But he was the same officer that supervised the burning of my country home.”

He added: “These pockets of bloodshed and violence in isolated communities are some of the remote causes that translated and metamorphosed into the killing of over 50 security personnel in Alakyo village of Lafia Local Government.

“The outlawed militia group eliminates and attack any perceived group which to its conclusion is a threat to its misconceived and misplaced agenda of ‘time has come’, the literal meaning of Ombatse.”

Aloko said the precision of

execution of the acts of violence by the OMG and the manner of reinforcement of the attackers left the uncontroverted evidence that the act was premeditated and carefully planned.

He said it was the “implication and consequence” of the attack that prompted the Nasarawa State Government to outlaw the violent group.

Aloko said: “However, despite the abrogation of the Ombatse Militia Group, and in furtherance of its ethnic agenda, it’s activities continued unabated with arrogant impunity leading to calculated attacks with tales of terror to any other community perceived by this militia group as an antithesis to the maturity of their goals.

He said though the state government constituted a Commission of Inquiry to probe the attack, “we are constrained to look at this Judicial Commission of Inquiry as the panacea to the orgy of bloodshed that has become a constant trademark of this militia group.”

He said the OMG usually wore black caps, black shirts and go bare footed whenever they want to carry out an attack.

He said they also use amulets and rings during operations.

Aloko said: “During the unfortunate mayhem, the Eggon of Angwan, Yakubu joined with mercenaries and or militia

(Ombatse) from different Eggon settlements, some dressed in black militia attire, armed with sophisticated weapons, got petrol in jerry cans, used disposed and disused tyres, went along with vehicle looting, burnt and killed Migili people irrespective of age and sex.”

When the Counsel to the Commission, Mrs. Lawal Funsho, asked Aloko to show proof that the attack was carried out by members of the OMG, he said one of the Ombatse militias was “burnt at the Zhe Migili’s Palace with all the amulets and paraphernalia of the Ombatse militia on him.”

He said the rings and patch of clothes recovered from the burnt Ombatse militia have been preserved in the community’s archive.

On how to stop incessant violence in the state, Aloko advised the government to ensure that the youth are gainfully employed to prevent their being used for destructive activities in future.

Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Ipusu Community yesterday told the Commission that various groups are militants.

According to him, such groups include Tiv Militia Soja-Batari, Alago Masquerade, Ardo Fulani Group, Ombatse Militia Group and others.

PDP affirms August 31 date for convention From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

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•Ambassador of Russia to Nigeria, Nikolay Udovichenko (left) with Senate President David Mark during the Ambassador’s visit to the National Assembly in Abuja...yesterday

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HE leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday affirmed the August 31 date earlier fixed for the party’s mini convention by the Prof Jerry Gana-led Special Convention Committee.

The party also confirmed the August 24 date for the Southwest congress billed to hold in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

National Chairman Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, who inaugurated the committee yesterday assured members of openness and transparency in the conduct of the exercise.

Gana also promised that the convention will go down in history as one of the best conducted exercise, in terms of openness and orderliness.

Senate endorses sack of 3, 000 NIMC workers

HE Senate yesterday endorsed the sack of 3,000 National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) workers.

The upper chamber also directed NIMC to reinstate 96 disengaged officials of the commission.

This directive followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the Joint Committee that considered the petition by 4,029 disengaged members of staff.

The lawmakers agreed

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Abuja

that each disengaged person be paid one year salary as take-home severance allowance using the same formula that produced the earlier approved package. The package will now stand at N621,953.00 as the lowest and N1,441,735.60 as the highest.

The committee noted that some of the dismissed workers falsified their records.

Others were dismissed for

being absent from work for months.

It said that those that were not satisfied with their dismissal could seek redress in a law court as most of the allegations centered on criminality.

The NIMC management, according to the committee, said that the number of disengaged officials was 3,099 in the first instance and not 4,099 as stated by the petitioners.

The staff strength currently is 1,891.

The committee, according to the management of the commission said the disengagement was done across the 36 states and Abuja and no state was specially targeted in the exercise.

The committee said it found out that the Governing Board of NIMC approved HND and B.Sc as the new minimum entry level qualifications for the Commission.

It said that “the economic and security situation in the country make the disengage-

ment of over 3,000 employees from one establishment inadvisable, hence the secretariat of the Committee undertook a rigorous certificate verification and screening where the certificate of employees were examined.”

It said that while 218 persons listed their names as having additional qualifications, 96 were found to have actually acquired the new minimum qualifications of HND and B.Sc as at the end of last year.

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NEWS Reps remove immunity for President, governors

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HE House Representatives yesterday removed immunity for President, Vice President, governors and their deputies on criminal matters.

It also granted autonomy to Local Government Councils and approved the split in the Office of the Attorney General of the federation and that of the minister of Justice. It placed the Auditor General of the federation on first line charge from the Federation Account.

These are the highlights of the clause by clause vote by the House on Constitution amendment proposals.

The office of the Accountant General was split into two with one for the Federal Government and another for the Federation. The office of the Accountant General is now

•Okay council autonomy

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

to be funded directly from the Federation Account.

The appointment of the Accountant General of the Federation is proposed to be by the President on the recommendation of the National Economic Council, subject to the confirmation by the Senate.

Two clauses on the immunity for the members of the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly were stepped down State Independent Electoral Commissions are to be scrapped and the Independent National Electoral Commission is now to conduct elections into the States and Local Government

Section 73 as amended states: “ The commission shall have power to (a) organise, undertake and supervise all elections to the offices of president and Vice President, the Governor and the Deputy Governor of a state and to the membership of the Senate, the a House of Representatives, the House of Assembly of each states of the Federation, and Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Councillors of Local Government councils of the states.”

Section 9 which concerns the mode of altering the constitution of the federation has been simplified.

Section 25 of the constitution was altered to address the issue of indigene/ settler.

The new section 25a states

that” a citizen of Nigeria is an indigene of a particular community if a state in Nigeria if (a) he was born in that state (b) his parents or grandparents belong to a community indigenous to that state(c) he has resided in that state for a period of not less than ten years or (d) being a woman who is married to an indigene of the community of that state unless she chooses to retain the indigeneship of her paternal community.”

The lawmakers in the amendment of Section 65(2)(b) provides for independence candidacy.

State government have been given the power to generate electricity. Labour and wages have been moved to the exclusive list.

In all, at the 85 clauses considered by the House met the

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

‘We were not indicted for subsidy fraud’

•Tambuwal

mandatory two-thirds majority needed.

Speaker Aminu Tambuwal said no clause failed in the votes and praised the ad hoc committee for a job well done.

Lawyer appeals ruling on girl in Etsu Nupe’s palace

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ARRING any lastminute change, legal fireworks will begin in the bid of a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) pastor, Raymond Uzoechina, to challenge the ruling of a Sharia Court sitting in Bida, which gave the custody of his daughter, Charity, to the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar.

She has been at the palace of the Etsu Nupe since March, allegedly on her own volition after converting to Islam and changing her name to Aisha.

The 24-year-old, who was a National Diploma student of the Polytechnic, Bida, now dresses like a woman in purdah, wearing hijab, The Nation learnt.

Pastor Uzoechina’s lawyer, Anthony Agbonlahor, said he would soon appeal the Sharia Court ruling to free Miss Uzoechina from the palace and return her home to her parents.

Agbonlahor, in a petition to the Chief Judge of Niger State, complained 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.

The lawyer intends to prove to the court that the ruling giving the girl’s custody to the emir is null and void because fair hearing was abandoned.

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 was urged by the National Judicial Council (NJC) to appeal the decision of the Sharia Court, which he sees as a travesty of justice.

He plans to prove to the court that since the defendant in the case is a Christian, the Sharia Court lacked the jurisdiction to hear it.

As the legal battle is being awaited, the row over the girl’s fate continues, with the Northern Christian

By Olukorede Yishau

Youth Solidarity and Emancipation Movement for Justice and Self-Determination (NCYSEM), faulting the alleged forceful abduction of the 24-year-old.

The organisation condemned the comment by the Acting Director of Publicity for the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammed Kabir Kassim, which asked the government to call the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, to order for criticising the action of the Etsu Nupe.

The NCYSEM, in a statement by its Director of Publicity, Mr James Gani, said Pastor Oritsejafor’s condemnation of the Etsu Nupe’s action was the reaction of the Christian community in Nigeria.

He said: “For the benefit of those not aware or conversant with the facts of the matter, Miss Charity Raymond Uzoechina is a Nigerian and a daughter of Pastor Raymond Uzoechina, who was forcefully abducted by some Muslim fanatics and since then, had been kept out of the reach of her parents under the socalled ‘protective custody’ of the Etsu Nupe.

“We would like to call on the Federal Government to take a critical look at the issue of abducting Christian girls into forceful Islamic marriages with impunity by some influential Muslims, particularly in the North, with a view to invoking the relevant laws that deal with crimes of this nature on them. This case should be seriously viewed as such.

“Why should an Emir of the status of the Etsu Nupe be as insensitive to his responsibility as a royal father to the extent of abducting and keeping someone under a ‘protective custody’? Does he have such powers?

Against whom is he protecting the lady?”

“Whereas, we appreciate the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended) that provides for the freedom of worship and choice of religion, we do not believe and cannot be deceived that the case under

• Miss Uzoechina

‘

We would like to call on the Federal Government to take a critical look at the issue of abducting Christian girls into forceful Islamic marriages with impunity by some influential Muslims reference has to do with the choice of religion and or wilful conversion.”

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

‘

He said he got a call from an aide of the emir on March 1, 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... 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 the custody of the Sharia Court.

The Sharia judge said: “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.”

Pastor Uzoechina said the girl was not brought to court for cross-examination.

He said: “They refused to bring the girl to the court for cross examination, knowing that they were the writer of all they purported my daughter had written.”

Pastor Oritsejafor, at a news conference after his reelection as CAN President, said: “The 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 following her change of faith from Christianity to Islam on February 15.

ONE of the oil companies in the latest list of fuel suppliers, Masters Energy Oil and Gas Limited, yesterday said it was exonerated of any fuel subsidy scam by the Special Fraud Unit (SFU).

A Reuters report published in this paper yesterday on the new fuel suppliers approved by the Federal Government said the firm declined requests to state its side in an allegation that it was ‘indicted’ for subsidy scam.

The firm provided a document to The Nation showing it had since been cleared by the Special Fraud Unit (SFU).

SFU, in a letter to the Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, advised that the Federal Government could pay Masters its outstanding.

The letter by SFU’s Commissioner of Police Tunde Ogunsakin, reads: “I refer to a letter of request for assistance to investigate subsidy claims by Masters Energy Oil & Gas Limited, dated October 30, 2012, from Presidential Committee on the Verification and Reconciliation of Fuel Subsidy Payments.

“Consequent upon investigation, it has become necessary to submit the finding of our investigation on the payment of subsidy to Masters Energy Oil & Gas Limited.

“The minister may wish to go ahead to process claims for payment of outstanding subsidy to the firm.”

CBN to handover dud cheques issuers to EFCC FOLLOWING a high volume of dud cheques in the financial system, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will henceforth handover customers who issued dishonoured cheques to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution.

Such customers will be investigated and prosecuted by the anti-graft commission after violating the law thrice.

The CBN issued a directive to all banks on the new policy on July 5.

The source said: “We are out to check the rampant cases of dud cheques, which has been on the increase with the introduction of cashless policy.

“The dishonored cheques amount to billions of Naira annually. Some smart guys are taking advantage of the system. Interestingly, the bigwigs and businessmen in the society are more culpable than the poor.

“This is a new dimension to financial crimes, which can erode the laudable objectives behind the cashless economy. Fraudsters are trying to hijack the financial system.

“From our records, the CBN has directed all banks to advise all customers against issuing dud cheques to third parties against an unfunded account.

“According to CBN, the volume of dishonored cheques in the financial system is on the increase and has shown no signs of declining.”

THE NATION THURSDAY JULY 25, 2013

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NEWS

Oil marketers forged documents to get N1.1b subsidy fund, court told A LAGOS High Court, Ikeja, heard yesterday how three oil marketers, including Abdulai Alao, son of Ibadan business mogul, Alhaji Abdulazeez Arisekola-Alao, allegedly forged documents to receive N1.1 billion fuel subsidy from the Petroleum Subsidy Fund.

The other oil marketers are: Opeyemi Ajuyah and Olarenwaju Olalusi. Their companies are: Majope Investment Limited and Axenergy Limited.

A prosecution witness, Mr Oliver Chineke, told the court, presided over by Justice Lateefa Okunnu, that the document used to commit the alleged fraud did not emanate from his company, Q and Q Control Marine Services Nigeria Limited.

The witness said his company was contracted by Oando Oil and Gas

By Adebisi Onanuga

Plc to inspect the quantity of products brought in by a vessel, MT Brave, on behalf of Majope Investment Limited.

Chineke, a former Lagos Branch Manager of Q and Q Control Marine Services Nigeria Limited, was led in evidence by the counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Francis Usani.

The manager said he delegated one of his company’s surveyor, Mr. Mohammed Adedapo, to inspect the vessel, which brought the product.

Chineke, who corroborated what Adedapo told the court, said it was discovered that of the 15,000 met-

ric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) petrol brought in, only 4,000 metric tonnes were discharged at the Lister Jetty in Apapa between January 22 and 23, 2011.

He said the remaining 11 metric tonnes of PMS remaining in the vessel were taken away.

The witness said the development prompted Adedapo to write a protest letter to the ship’s captain.

According to him, the EFCC later wrote to verify the figure on the document tendered by the defendant, which showed that 15,000 metric tonnes of PMS were delivered.

Chineke said the defendants’ claim contradicted the figure on the Shore Tank Certificate in their file, which showed that about 4,000 met-

ric tonnes were discharged.

“It is not feasible to have two shore tank certificates with different figures from the same inspectorate company,” he said.

The witness explained that the disparity made him to write to the EFCC on August 22, last year, that the documents with 15,000 metric tonnes did not emanate from the company.

The letter was later admitted by the court as Exhibit P8.

Under cross-examination by the defence counsel, Oludare Falana, O. Awonuga and D. A. Awosika, the witness said the company thoroughly cross-checked the figures and the quantity of the transaction before sending its report to Oando

Oil and Gas Plc. Also, Justice Okunnu has granted Olalusi permission to travel to the United Kingdom (UK) for two weeks for business purposes.

The judge said there was no evidence before the court that Olalusi would abscond, if his application to travel was granted. EFCC counsel, Usani, did not oppose the application.

Justice Okunnu ordered the court’s Chief Registrar to release Olalusi’s international passport to enable him travel to the UK. The judge also ordered the accused to return the international passport to the Chief Registrar on the next working day after his return.

She adjourned the matter till October 21 for the continuation of the trial.

70 students get N.7m Etisalat award From Vincent Ikuomola and Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

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EVENTY undergraduates from seven universities in the North yesterday received Etisalat scholarship awards.

The awards are for the 10 best students from various departments. They got scholarships of N100,000 each.

The students were from the University of Abuja, Benue State University, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Bayero University, Kano, and Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. Others are: Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University of Science and Technology.

At the merit awards in Abuja, Etisalat’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Steven Evans, described the gesture as part of the organisation’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Evans, who was represented by the Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs, Mr. Ibrahim Dikko, said the initiative was among other programmes the organisation rolls out regularly to support educational advancement.

The others include the adopted school programme, which has been implemented in Lagos State; the MSc course in Telecommunications Engineering for Engineering graduates, in partnership with an institute in Dubai, among others.

Evans said: “In this most populous of African nations, about 41 per cent of the citizenry are youths. Sadly, students make up only a fraction of that number. Nigeria’s literacy rate has been estimated at about 60 per cent. However, from all indications the actual rate is lower than this.

MOSOP, group seek transparency in Nigeria’s extractive industry

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HE Environmental Rights Action (ERA) and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) have launched a new campaign, titled: “Publish What You Pump”.

It aims to achieve accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s extractive industries.

Both groups said the Publish What You Pump campaign would reduce high level of corruption in Nigerian Petroleum sector.

At the launch yesterday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, civil society groups, community-based organisations, Friends of the Earth Nigeria (FoEN) and the media were represented.

The group said Nigeria

From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

loses nearly 500,000 barrels of crude oil per day, costing the nation nearly $8 billion every year.

The Executive Director of Environmental Rights Action, Dr Godwin Uyi Ojo, said Nigeria is endowed with abundant natural resources but is unable to utilise them for the well-being of the citizens.

He said: “Today marks an important milestone in the launch of a national and global advocacy initiative, which will address the lack of transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector. That is the reason we are campaigning for the use of metre.

NigComSat fails Reps’ e-voting

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From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

HE House of Representatives yesterday voted on the aspects of the 1999 Constitution to be amended.

Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha took part in the exercise. The Speaker, however, said he would only come in with the position of his constituency, should there be a deadlock.

The exercise was conducted manually.

Tambuwal, in his opening remarks, advised his colleagues on the importance of the exercise, because Nigerians were looking at how it would turn out.

“We must at all times be guided, especially at this time, by the wishes and aspirations of our people. Please, let us be guided by that. I have one and I will be guided by it,” he said, The shouts of “point of order!” by Minority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila was ignored. The Speaker invited the Nigerian Communication Satellite Company (NigComSat) experts to begin the accreditation of members on the floor.

•From left: Chairman of the occasion, Amb. Theophilus Shodipo; Director-General, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof. Bola Akinterinwa and a presenter, Prof. Aderanti Adepoju, at the Fifth Special Brainstorming Session on Migration and Terrorism in West Africa, in Abuja...yesterday

Youths berate PDP over attack on Tinubu, Buhari

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OUTHS’ groups, under the aegis of Conscience of The Society, have decried the recent attack by the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on two leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, saying it was “disgusting and idiotic”.

They also referred to the PDP “as a nest of disgruntled, corrupt and unprincipled elements, whose stockin-trade is self-centredness, ineptitudes, disregard for human dignity and conscienceless administration”.

The youths, who are from the 33 local government areas of Oyo State, spoke yesterday at a forum in Ogbooro, Orelope Local Government Area.

They noted that the perse-

P

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

cution and calumny against the APC leaders showed that the “Presidency and the ruling autocratic party, called the PDP, are hide-bounded hegemonies, which go all out to stifle the opposition, no matter the incidental inconveniences”.

The Protem Chairman of the groups, Mr Adams OjuOluwa, cited what is happening all over the world, particularly in Arab countries.

He said the people were fighting for liberty, which also showed that developing countries, including Nigeria, need to be cautious about governance.

The youth leader said the ruling PDP has not done anything about the people’s welfare.

Oju-Oluwa said: “Of all the political signatories in

Nigeria today, most Nigerians, and even the outside world know that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is not only a patriotic man but his is equally altruistic in his political approach to the welfare of the Nigerian populace.

“Since the PDP has a notion that they would rule for ever - as its common slogan - the party and the Presidency are not ready to entertain any obstacle to frustrate their ambition. However, the greatest joy is that the party (PDP) and its media are posing as if all is well that ends badly.

“There are a number of things to tackle to make Nigeria a paradise on earth.”

Oju-Oluwa said despite the country’s enormous human and material resources, 80 per cent of the citizens still live in poverty.

He said there were several

problems, including the Boko Haram insurgency, which has become “a glorious nuisance to the nation”.

“Millions of our youths, who are eminently and sophisticatedly qualified to be in any employment anywhere in the world, are roaming the streets, looking for means to survive, in the midst of plenty. “Also, social infrastructure, educational institutions, hospitals and electricity are nothing to write home about,” the youth leader said.

On the suspended President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami, the aggrieved youths warned: “If Justice Salami is politically and vindictively thrown out of the Judiciary for his love for justice and sincerity, Nigeria may not be able to give a satisfactory explanation when the rains begin to fall.”

Govt agencies to enrol into IPPIS pay system

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has directed that all Federal Government agencies, which are funded through the budgetary provisions, should be enrolled on the Integrated Personal Payroll Information Service (IPPIS) project on or before December.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF) spoke on the directive at a four-day workshop on Gap Analysis for Human

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

Resources Role Players on IPPIS in Abuja.

He said: “After a critical assessment and consultations with stakeholders, especially the specialised institutions, such as universities and hospitals, polytechnic and colleges, the government has noted their concerns and peculiarities of operation and promised to address their concerns through proper

channels.

“Their challenges shall be addressed through the proper configuration and customisations of the software for the IPPIS/HRMIS to accommodate any envisaged curiousness.

“I strongly believe that this project is noble and worth being identified, hence we must take ownership of its full implementation to ensure accurate and proper repositioning of the

emolument system for the public service workforce.

“Since the beginning of this strategy, the progress recorded so far shows that about 235 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have fully enrolled into the IPPIS scheme, proving that more than 855 of the IPPIS modules on payroll emolument are operational; less than 15 per cent of the human resource component is functional.”

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THE NATION THURSDAY JULY 25, 2013

NEWS

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Reps okay council autonomy

HE House of Representatives has voted in favour of local government autonomy.

The lawmakers also voted overwhelmingly for the simplification of the process of state creation.

The result of the voting was announced by the Clerk of the House as directed by the

• Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (right), presenting a gift to the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Chris Cooter, who visited him in his office at the Lagos House Ikeja...yesterday

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O fewer than 9,800 pupils have benefited from the deworming in nine primary schools in Olorunda Local Government Area of Osun State.

Deputy Governor Mrs. Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori said this in Osogbo at the continuation of the deworming organised by the Ministry of Health and Dana Drugs Ltd. Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Temitope Ilori, the deputy governor said the exercise was crucial and an integral

Omisore slammed for comments on Aregbesola

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•‘He has lost flavour in Osun’ across the state, the unique style of leadership, peace and social stability, rehabilitation of schools, agricultural revolution, creative financial re-engineering, human empowerment and the Osogbo facelift enjoyed by the populace within two years of Ogbeni Aregbesola’s administration have undermined the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) wasted years in Osun.

“It is to say the least rather pathetic that the self-acclaimed PhD holder-politician with the so- called best curriculum vitae in the Southwest lacks adequate knowledge about how the Aregbesola administration has achieved so much despite the paucity of funds, hence misinforming the public.

“It takes a sound, creative

and focused mind to transform a state, such as Osun the way Governor Aregbesola is doing.

He and his team are here for a mission and that is selflessservice to the people.

“As a visionary leader, Ogbeni Aregbesola has placed the state on the world map following his unimaginable and outstanding achievements across the state, such as building of roads from villages to urban areas, introduction of Opon Imo (computer tablet) to secondary school pupils, feeding of over 240,000 pupils with highlynutritious meals daily, free uniforms for them, dualisation in progress of the East by-pass Road, Gbongan– Osogbo Road, Osogbo–Ila Road, to mention but a few.”

On the debate challenge

with Aregbesola, the group said Omisore lacked the political and mental capability to match the governor.

It advised him to face the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) councillorship aspirant in his ward for a debate.

“Our boasting-senator did not win election in any ward across Osun East (Ife/ Ijesa) except for the polling booth in front of his house. He even managed to win at the booth with less than 20 votes in the last National Assembly elections.

“This implies that Omisore, with one polling booth won in a violence- free and credible poll, is not even fit to be a councillor. We, therefore, urge him to wait for the local government election when he can debate with the ACN councillorship aspirant in his ward,” the group said.

CJ pardons 51 awaiting-trial inmates

HE Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Olatokunbo Olopade, yesterday released 51 awaiting trial inmates from five prisons.

They were released from Abeokuta, Oba, Ilaro, IjebuOde and Sagamu prisons.

Justice Olopade said those released had spent between three and five years in custody

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

without trial.

She regretted that the case files of some of them could not be found.

“The judiciary is to work harder to ensure that old cases are quickly dispensed, especially those of 2010 and 2011.

“Old cases that have been identified would be sought

after and dispensed with in time.

“By October, all old cases would have been treated. The magistrates and the Directorate of Public Prosecution are working toward this,” Justice Olopade said.

She urged the released inmates to be of good character and avoid any act capable of making them return to the

prison.

The offences of those released range from armed robbery to house breaking and entry, among others.

The Comptroller of Prison, Mr. Adam Babatunde, hailed the Chief Judge for the initiative.

He said the prison service would collaborate with the judiciary.

Activist urges ASUU to sustain strike

ACTIVIST lawyer, Morakinyo Ogele, has urged the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to sustain the strike it has embarked on, since the Federal Government has failed to implement the agreement reached with it in 2009.

He said the strike is for the good of every student and the implementation of the agreement would enable normalcy to return to universities.

In a statement, Ogele said most universities, which lack infrastructures, are now more or less glorified secondary schools.

It reads: “In 2009, ASUU embarked on a strike after

Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal at 10.34pm.

As a result of the murmurs that accompanied the first result from some parts of the floor, the Speaker intervened by informing the lawmakers that the Clerk was not

having the titles of the clauses in the result he was reading out.

The Speaker took it upon himself to read out the titles of the clauses before the Clerk announced the result.

Out of the 339 lawmakers that voted for council’s autonomy, 293 voted yes, 39 voted no and seven abstained.

9,800 pupils benefit from de-worming exercise

Photo: Omosehin Moses

GROUP, the Omoluwabi Progressive Association (OPA), has slammed Senator Iyiola Omisore for his comments on the Governor Rauf Aregbesola administration.

It said the senator is out to seek cheap political relevance.

O-PA, an umbrella body for personal assistants and young professionals in Osun State, said Omisore has lost political flavour as his style of politics does not entice the peace-loving indigenes.

The group, in a communiqué issued after a meeting on Tuesday and signed by its Coordinator, Lekan Odediran, said Senator Omisore and his cotravellers should bury their heads in shame for wasting almost eight years in government with little or nothing to show for it.

It noted: “The massive infrastructural development

From: Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi. Abuja

By Nneka Nwaneri

viewing the existing decay of infrastructures that prevail in tertiary institutions all over the country. The Federal Government went into an agreement and promised to meet all the conditions stated in the agreement. Looking at our universities holistically, they are more or less glorified secondary schools.

“Nigerians should condemn the careless attitude and neglect toward our tertiary institutions.

“It is shocking and embarrassing for the Federal Government to come out and inform Nigerians that the agreement cannot be imple-

‘Nigerians should condemn the careless attitude and neglect toward our tertiary institutions ’ mented, thus approbating and reprobating.

“This action by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led Federal Government has again put the credibility of the people managing the affairs of the country into question.

“The neglect of our universities has promoted the

sundry of universities called private universities, where parents are exploited through exorbitant fees, making our universities to be business centres.

“Tertiary institutions in Nigeria are yearly turning out graduates short of what the society is expecting.

Laboratories and research facilities are things of the past; buildings are rusting and government is spending a lot of money on what cannot be of help to Nigerians.

“Federal Government should within seven days implement this agreement so that normalcy will return to our universities, otherwise, we will mobilse students for a mass protest.”

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

part of the Osun Elementary School Feeding and Health Programme, otherwise called O’MEAL. She said the Aregbesola administration was spending billions of naira annually to feed pupils in public elementary schools with food rich in protein to enhance their physical development and mental growth.

Said she: “Worm infestation could reverse the gains of good nutrition in a matter of weeks, causing the billions of naira invested in the school-feeding scheme to go down the drain and

leaving ill, malnourished and mentally-retarded children behind for the society to nurse back to good health.”

Appealing to parents to allow their children in public schools benefit from the exercise, the deputy governor said the de-worming is safe, adding: “We have done our best in selecting the drugs and the pharmaceutical company, Dana Drugs Ltd, to handle the programme.”

On behalf of Dana Drugs Ltd, the Technical Head, Mrs. Oluranti Adedeji, thanked the government for partnering the company to champion the initiative.

No part of Ogun ‘ll be neglected, says Amosun GUN State Governor

O

Senator Ibikunle Amosun yesterday said no part of the state will be neglected.

He said Ogun West is the greatest beneficiary of the urban renewal programme, particularly in road building and expansion, because of the conviction that the area needs to open-up for development.

According to the governor, his administration is convinced that “agriculture is a major catalyst for industrialisation, hence our huge investment in the development of the rural areas.”

Amosun, who spoke in Abeokuta when he received members of the Igbesa and Area Communities Residents Development Association during a visit, said his administration has embarked on the buildings of the longest stretch of road in Ogun West.

The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Taiwo Adeoluwa, assured that ongoing projects would be completed in time.

He said: “The longest road we are building in the state is in Ogun West. I’ve just mentioned the 107 kilometre road we are constructing from Ilara to Tombolo to Ijoun to Eggua to Oja Odan.

“If you add everything in

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

Ogun Central, it is not up to one quarter of what we are doing in Ogun West. If you add everything we are doing in Ogun Central and Ogun East, it is not up to half of what we are doing in Ogun West.”

Amosun said government would look into the land encroachment matter brought before it by the communities and tackle it.

The Chairman, Igbesa and Area Communities Residents Development Association, Chief Ajibola Olagbaye, hailed government for its development programmes, especially in education and the Ilo-Awela-Iganmode Road dualisation project.

•Amosun

Lagos pensioners seek govt’s support

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EMBERS of the Lagos State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) yesterday, at a prayer session in Ikeja, appealed to Governor Babatunde Fashola to pay the outstanding allowances of their members, which have been pending for years.

They said they were demanding the non-payment of pensioners’ gratuity between 2006 and 2010; the nonimplementation of pension increase of six per cent in 2003 and 15 per cent in 2007; the non-payment of 36 months balance of 142 per cent of pension increase from 2000 to date; and the non-review of pensions for the past 10 years in contradiction of the 1999 constitution.

The Chairman and Southwest Coordinator of the union, Alhaji Nojeemdeen Ibrahim, said it had made efforts to demand the gratuity of some of its members, who retired 13 years ago, but to no avail.

He said many of their members have children in schools and some of them are dying because they cannot pay hospital bills, adding that some are aging and many are dying of hunger because there is no money to take care of themselves.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

10

NEWS

Police: Rivers House leader in our custody

Cholera: One feared dead in Ogun

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From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

Ogun State Government yesterday said there have been reported cases of the outbreak of Cholera in two communities in Abeokuta North and Abeokuta South local governments, with one person feared dead.

The government said the water-borne disease was caused by poor hygiene, especially careless faecal disposal.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka, said in Abeokuta that some residents of communities in Abeokuta North and Abeokuta South local governments have poor hygienic attitude regarding faecal disposal.

Soyinka said: “There was a sudden upsurge in cases of gastroenteritis in some communities in Abeokuta.

It was first noticed on July 5. A person was said to have died in one of the communities.”

According to the commissioner, alternative water supplies are being provided by officials of the state Water Board, who have also taken samples of water for testing.

He said findings from the test showed a high level of germs associated with faecal contamination.

On how to prevent the disease, Dr. Soyinka said this could be done through regular hand -washing with soap and clean water, boiling of drinking water and cooking food thoroughly.

Police say ‘strange fish’ is octopus From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

THE Oyo State Police Command yesterday reacted to the report of a fish said to have turned to a mermaid in Ibadan on Tuesday, saying it was a baby octopus.

Clearing the air on the incident, which captured the attention of many residents of the town, almost causing a commotion, the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Ndabawa, addressing reporters, said the object was a baby octopus. He assured the people of the town that they have no reason to fear.

S

•Ekiti State Deputy Governor Prof. Modupe Adelabu (middle), flanked by the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ido-Ekiti, Dr. Majekodunmi Ayodele (left) and Dr. Benjamin Ola Ogunrinde, during a visit of the FMC management to the Deputy Governor… yesterday.

HE police authorities yesterday said Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr. Chidi Llyod, had reported in response to a summon by Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar on July 17.

A statement by the Deputy Force spokesman, Mr. Frank Mba, said Llyod reported at the Force CID, Abuja at 4pm on Tuesday in company with his lawyers and that he had been helping with investigation.

The lawmaker is being interrogated in connection with the bloody fracas in the chambers of the Rivers Assembly where five members loyal to the Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, attempted to impeach the Speaker with 26 members behind him.

Southwest governors inaugurate Development Agenda Commission

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HE governors of six Southwest states of Oyo, Osun, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti yesterday inaugurated the Development Agenda for Western Nigerian (DAWN) Commission in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The event also coincided with a meeting of the Southwest Governors Forum, which was held at the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan.

But Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, was absent.

Briefing reporters after the inauguration, the Chairman of the meeting, Governor Abiola Ajimobi, said the inauguration was an expression of their commitment to the integration of the region to fast-track development in real terms.

He said: “We have our gov-

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

ernors from Osun, Lagos, Oyo, Ogun and Ekiti states.

“We have reiterated our commitment to regional integration based on social services, commerce, health, agriculture, infrastructural development and security. Based on that, we are having sub-committees that would go deeper into the areas of development.

“In the end, our objective is to turn our region into a hub for development in terms of being the first area of call for investors visiting Nigeria.

What we have done today is the inauguration of the Dawn Office.”

The Director-General of the commission, Mr. Dipo Famakinwa, said the inauguration would midwife the process of ensuring that the regional in-

tegration agenda of the Southwest states begins to get attraction.

He said: “You will begin to see more activities on the regional integration agenda. The governors have made a formal declaration on the commencement of the process of integration. We will now begin to see development along the line.”

Explaining that all the governors in the Southwest, including Governor Mimiko, were expected at the meeting, he said: “All the governors in the Southwest belong to the council of the Dawn Commission.

“All of them were invited, but you can’t really say why a particular governor was absent. Some of those who came must have made a lot of sacrifices. We expect that the Ondo governor would be there at the

next meeting slated for next month.

“I don’t want us to look at it as a Yoruba thing but as a development taking place in the Western part of Nigeria because we need the strength of everybody. The development of our states is not going to be by the Yoruba alone.

“Primarily, the Yoruba inhabit the place called Western Nigeria, but we are trying to annex the strength and capability of everybody, including foreign investors to enjoy the development framework that we put together.

“Also, we want to build regional co-operation on cultural development, education, health, rail transportation, governance and institution, security and all facets of development that are critical to the region.”

Students, hoodlums protest in Ibadan

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HERE was a riot yesterday at Monathan in Ibadan, as students and hoodlums attacked and set ablaze a truck.

The action followed the serious injuries sustained by a student of Oyeshina High School, Monathan, Ibadan, Oseni Yusuf, after a truck, which was on the fast lane, knocked him down.

The students, thinking their colleague has died, stormed the scene of the accident and attempted to kill the driver.

But the driver, whose identity is unknown, was said to

lice to scare away the protesters.

Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) were later drafted to the scene of the riot.

Many shop owners were forced to shut down and there was a traffic jam on Iwo Road, Monathan.

Fifteen people were reportedly injured in the fracas.

Peace was later restored by anti-riot policemen.

Police spokesperson, Mrs. Olabisi Ilobanafor, described the action of the students as

unfortunate.

She said: “There was an accident involving a Tata truck with registration number EKY 990 XA driven by Adegoroye Kamoru, which hit a student of Oyeshina High School, Monatan, Oseni Yusuf. He was taken to Divine Hospital and is responding to treatment.

“Policemen moved to the scene to control the irate students but they went on the rampage, throwing bottles.

They set the vehicle ablaze.

Patrol teams were mobilised to restore peace. The area is now calm.”

is from the oil-producing area, was later invited by the management of the commission to pacify the protesters when the situation became tense.

The commissioner, on his arrival, was subjected to humiliation by the rampaging students, who shut the gate against him.

They ordered him to present the former chairman of the commission, Mr. Debo Ajimuda, to explain the whereabouts of their money.

Ekudehinwa later ordered the students to open the gate for the commissioner on the recognition that he was the pioneer president of the associa-

tion.

The management of the commission, led by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mann Alli and Chief Sola Ebiseni, later held a closed-door meeting with the chapter presidents of the association where they reached an agreement on the payment of the bursaries.

Ebiseni said the Governor Olusegun Mimiko administration would not handle issues that border on students’ welfare with levity, adding that the government has put in place necessary facilities to enhance the education of the students, particularly those from the oilproducing areas.

•Truck set ablaze •15 injured From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

have escaped. The students, however, burnt the truck belonging to Seven-up Bottling Company.

Motorists abandoned their vehicles and fled. There was a confrontation between policemen, students and hoodlums, who capitalised on the confusion to harass people and steal.

Gunshots and canisters of teargas were fired by the po-

Ondo students protest non-payment of bursaries

TUDENTS from the oil producing areas of Ondo State in tertiary institutions yesterday besieged the State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) office at Oba-ile in Akure to protest the non-payment of their two years bursary areas.

They held workers in the commission, including the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mann Alli, hostage for over nine hours.

The protest, which began at about 8.35am, however, caught the management of the commission unawares as the students stormed the premises, chanting anti- government

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

songs.

They were led by the National President of the National Association of Ilaje Students (NAIS), Mr. Segun Ekudehinwa and the National President of Ese-Odo Local Government Students Association, Mr. Jide Julius.

The students locked the commission’s main gate and prevented workers and visitors, including workers of the Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Ray Power that share the same premises with OSOPADEC from moving in and out of their offices.

The intervention of police-

men, led by the Area Commander in Akure, Mr. Edward Ajogun, could not calm the situation as the students remained adamant.

The students, who came in several buses, demanded the payment of the 2011 and 2012 bursaries.

Each student, according to NAIS President, Mr. Ekudehinwa, is entitled to N40,000 yearly as statutory benefit from the commission.

The four tyres of the permanent secretary’s official car were deflated by the students during the protest.

Commissioner for Environment, Chief Sola Ebiseni, who

From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja and Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

The statement reads: “The House Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Honourable Chidi Lloyd, yesterday 23rd July, 2013, reported at Force CID, Force Headquarters, Abuja, in response to a summon earlier issued by the Police High Command.

“The Honourable member who arrived Force Headquarters at about 4.00pm, in company of his lawyers is currently helping Police investigators in efforts at unraveling the circumstances surrounding the crisis that occurred in the hallowed chambers of the House of Assembly.

“The lawmaker has commendably, so far shown a high level of cooperation with Police detectives. Meanwhile, his interrogation is still ongoing.

“It will be recalled that the Force had on 17th July, 2013, summoned Honourable Lloyd and two others to report to the Force CID to explain their roles in the current crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly, especially, as shown in some video footages by the media.

“While commending the people of Rivers State for the prevailing peace in the state, the IGP assures Nigerians that the Force will do everything within its power to ensure that justice is not only done, but manifestly seen to be done. He therefore, promised a quick, fair and unbiased investigation”.

The Chief Godspower Ake-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State urged the police to be professional in handling the matter..

The Ake faction of the PDP said: “That Hon. Lloyd reported voluntarily to the police, is a clear proof that the lawmaker respects constituted authorities. Having shown such respect, the police should be professional and not submit to any external interests, which recent outbursts extrajudicially condemn Hon. Lloyd to a guilty verdict.

“The police are expected to be apolitical, transparent and on the path of justice. We still insist that Evans Bipi (who represents Ogu/ Bolo constituency), Kelechi Nwogu (of Omuma constituency) and co., who assaulted democracy in Rivers state on July 9, should also be unbiasedly interrogated for exhaustive investigation.”

Voter registration for September, says Ekiti REC

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KITI State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Alhaji Alilu Husseni Pai, has said that a review of the voter register would come up in September.

The REC, who spoke with reporters in Ado-Ekiti, said the commission has put all necessary arrangements and logistics in place to ensure a hitch-free election.

Alhaji Pai, who was among the heads of federal establishments in Ekiti, who visited the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Prof. Modupe Adelabu, urged residents, who have attained the voting age but yet to register to take advantage of the coming registration.

He enjoined politicians and their followers to conduct themselves well at all time to ensure the sustenance of democracy.

BUSINESS

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

11 NLNG is one of the biggest success stories in our country. From what I am told, the company has invested $13 billion so far since inception, and has become a pacesetter in terms of revenue generation for the government.

-Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga

Govt inaugurates three power sub-stations

Jonathan approves N10b cassava bread fund

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HE Federal Govern ment yesterday inau gurated three National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) Distribution Sub-Stations under the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company.

The sub-stations, which were constructed by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited are in Ona- Ara and Apata in Oyo State, as well as Ikirun, in Osun State.

The Managing Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Abiodun Olotu, said the objective of the NIPP sub-stations is to provide more quality power supply to residents.

“The NIPP Distribution Sub-stations, which is made up of 1&15MBVA Injection Sub-Station, is a solution to inadequate transformer supply and power outage in these areas,” he said.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the Oluyole sub-station would serve residents of Ona Ara, while that of Apata would provide relief for those at Owode and Housing Estate area of Ibadan. The Ikirun road injection sub-station, it added, would service residents of Oluode, Ayetoro, power line and Biket areas in Osogbo township.

The Managing Director of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, Bolaji Oyesikun, commended President Goodluck Jonathan for initiating the project.

“The sub-station at Ona Ara is a relief for the residents who had their transformer at Olorunsogo injection sub-station burnt down during the fuel subsidy protest in January, 2012,“ he said, adding that the NIPP project was capable of generating and supplying electricity to consumers for a pe-

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 Olugbenga Adanikin,

P

• From Left: Manager, MBH Power Limited, Mr Vinay Kumar; General Manager, Technical Services, Mr Ade Ayileka; Oyesiku; and Olotu, at the event...yesterday.

Fed Govt stops project variation beyond 15% of initial cost

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HE Federal Govern ment yesterday stopped all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) from forwarding any project variation and review that is above 15 per cent of its initial cost.

The measure, which was a fallout of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting yesterday, presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House, is intended to check fraud in the system.

Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, explained that by the decision, MDAs would be required to do their jobs thoroughly through proper planning and cost evaluation before awarding the contract.

The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) was also directed not to entertain any application for valuation of contracts that exceed 15 per cent of the original cost.

Maku said: “Mr President

• Approves N22.6b for FCT project From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

gave a directive to all members of Council to henceforth not bring any augmentation to Council that is beyond 15 per cent of the original cost of the projects.

The President frowned at a situation in which sometimes augmentation or variations of contracts end up being higher than the original contracts awarded.”

He said the President is convinced that if MDA’s do their jobs thoroughly through proper planning and cost evaluation before award, the incidence of half valuation of contracts would be avoided, adding that the exception to the directive, is if that variation has the President’s personal approval.

Maku, said the BPP was directed not to entertain any application for valuation of

contracts above the said limit, stressing that Ministers and agencies of government must ensure that in awarding contracts, they verify the actual workload that is expected, do proper valuation of projects so that the existing practice is done away with.

“So it is expected that all agencies of government who are in the process of giving awards for contracts, must make sure that they are thorough in the pre-plan for those projects and also ensure that the costing is professional to avoid variations that go very high and leave cost to the government,” he added Also, government has approved N22. 6 billion for the provision of roads and engineering infrastructure to the new layout and diplomatic area of the Phase II contract of the on-going Guzape Lot II District infrastructure.

The approval was based on

the memo submitted to the Council by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Bala Mohammed.

He said the areas were laid out and allocated in 2005 to meet the aspirations of members of the National Assembly, well placed Nigerians, Diplomatic Missions and some members of the general public.

Mohammed said about 600 employees are projected to be engaged in the course of the construction activities following the implementation of the project.

He said after deliberations and consideration, Council approved the contract for the provision of roads and engineering infrastructure to the New Layout and Diplomatic Area Phase II, and the on-going Guzape Lot II District Infrastructure in favour of MessrsGilmor Engineering (Nigeria) Limited, for N22.609billion.

The contract is expected to be completed in about three months.

Senate may pass 2013 amended budget today

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HE Senate may pass the 2013 amendment budget today.

The controversial budget scaled second reading in the Senate on Tuesday with Senate President, David Mark, directing the Appropriation Committee to work and return the budget for consideration within 24 hours.

The bill seeks to authorise the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation the sum of N4, 987, 220,425,601.

In line with the directive, Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Ahmed Maccido (Sokoto North), presented the report of his Committee to the Senate in plenary yesterday.

The upper chamber should have considered the report immediately after presentation, but Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, said that the lawmakers should be given some time to go

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Asst.

Editor

through the work of the Appropriation Committee, arguing that it was necessary for Senators to acquaint themselves with report of the Appropriation Committee.

A source told our correspondent that barring other considerations, the budget would be considered and passed today.

He noted that it became necessary to expedite action on the budget because the Senate would be proceeding on its vacation.

Mark urged his colleagues to take their oversight function more seriously to ensure faithful implementation of the budget.

He explained that the National Assembly needed to pass the amendment bill to ensure that workers get their salaries as at when due.

The Presidency categorised the amendment budget which cuts across the expenditure with some categories designated as critical and important.

Specifically, the Presidency captured some capital projects the allocation of which were reduced in the previous amendment and restored in the current one to promote national development.

The Presidency prayed the National Assembly to restore the reductions.

The reductions made by the National Assembly included Abuja-Lokoja read, reduced by N4billion; Kano-Maiduguri road, reduced by N3.5billion; dualisation of IbadanIllorin section Two, reduced by N5.5billion; rehabilitation of Jebba Bridge, reduced by N1.25billion; rehabilitation of burnt Marine Bridge and Iddo

Bridge, reduced by N1b and Special Intervention Fund for emergency roads and bridges across the country, reduced by N6.28billion.

Ndoma-Egba also highlighted reductions made in health, power, education and transportation which President Goodluck Jonathan wanted restored.

He argued that considering the fact that unemployment is one of the country’s major concerns, there is need for budgetary allocation to the community service, women and youth empowerment programme under the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P.) He added that the proposal of N27 billion proposed in the 2013 Appropriation Bill as presented by President Jonathan should suffice against the N9 billion approved by the parliament.

Abuja

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has approved N10 billion for the Cassava Bread Development Fund, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has said.

Adesina also announced Jonathan’s readiness to launch the Youth Employment Agricultural Programme called the “Nagropreneurs.” He added that the Jonathan will be actively involved in the programme of creating employment through value-chains of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA).

In a statement, the Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, Greyne Anosike, said the fund is to complement the Ministry’s target for the nation to achieve food security.

“The N10billion approval is a way of encouraging us to work hard to feed the nation. The dream of being self-sufficient in food production is a task this Ministry must accomplish. No excuses,” he stressed.

Adesina challenged staff of the Ministry to work and exceed Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for the year.

“You must streamline processes and reduce transaction cost with strict budgetary provision. As desk officers, we must work to reduce cost.

There are rules in soccer, but

MTN picks Nigerian as CEO

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FRICA’S largest mo bile operator, MTN Group yesterday named Michael Ikpoki, its Ghana Chief Executive to head its key Nigerian business, in a job reshuffle sparked by the abrupt resignation of its Chief Financial Officer.

Nigeria is the second-biggest revenue earner for the Johannesburg-based MTN, which has operations in nearly two dozen countries in Africa and the Middle East.

Harvard-trained Nigerian Ikpoki, according to Reuters, is replacing Brett Goschen, who took over as CFO, after Nazir Patel resigned this week following an investigation into allegations against him.

MTN said the allegations against Patel were over governance and would not impact its financial results.

It has not given any other details.

The Chief Marketing Officer for MTN’s South Africa business, Serame Taukobong, will take over as Head of Ghana.

MTN’s shares have dropped seven per cent since the announcement of Patel’s departure after close of trade on Monday.

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COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

Arms importation • Zamfara State example reflects need for state police and exposes our loose attitude to arms

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UST because the police institution has failed in the discharge of its constitutional duties of maintaining peace and order, the Zamfara State government seems to be preparing to take over these salient functions. The Governor Abubakar Abdulaziz Yari- led administration in the state, in the desperate bid to checkmate the criminality of some unknown gunmen that are wantonly killing people, has imported 1,500 doublebarrelled guns to fortify its vigilante groups. Yet, gun procurement is not one of the lawful duties of any state government. Also, such action is unwise at this challenging period in the north.

The guns reportedly imported from Ukraine had been sequestered by the Federal Government because their importation was an infraction of the nation’s firearms laws. We know that Zamfara has been under the siege of armed bandits since last year and this has led to the wanton killings of 60 people in Kizara village in just one day by unknown callous gunmen.

Notwithstanding this unfortunate incident, the state government at this tense security period should know that such procurement could jeopardise the efforts being made to douse security challenges in the north. No matter the degree of desperation about the hopeless security situation in Zamfara, the best approach for the state government would have been to ask for more police presence in the state. The governor’s touted ‘simple understanding’ with the state police and per-

haps the police high command in Abuja without the express knowledge/permission of the Presidency is tantamount to sidetracking due process. But for the arms seizure, Zamfara would have sent a wrong signal to other states that they could also toe the same path of illegal importation of arms into the country. Now other states know that such conducts are forbidden by our laws.

Over time, membership of vigilantes is based on free volition. And most of those freely chosen do not necessarily possess any skill in arms handling and operations.

This exposes the public to danger when amateurs, under the guise of being members of vigilante groups, bear arms. This could lead to a situation akin to that of theatre of the absurd.

Not only in Zamfara but other states, the governors must not be seen to be encouraging proliferation of arms under the pretext of arming vigilantes because of the dire consequences of such engagements.

Most hitherto armed groups established by governors across the federation have gotten out of control at some point because the states’ leadership abandon the essence of setting them up. Some vigilantes have been deployed to harass and molest political adversaries of governors under the slightest provocation.

We commend Senate’s rejection of the motion for legislative ratification of the idea of arming vigilante groups in Zamfara, especially in view of their history of meting out jungle justice to citizens across the nation. The matter should not

lead to emotive dissipation; rather, interested governors should intensify efforts on the clamour for state police. In the interim, a call for the deployment of better equipped policemen not only in Zamfara but other states facing upsurge in crime will suffice.

The latest Zamfara gun importation further exposes the failure of the police as an institution in its constitutional task of providing peaceful atmosphere in all parts of the country. This is a reminder to the national assembly and the central government about the imperative of creating state police. This seems the only honest path if order must be restored across the federation and if we are truly keen on ensuring that whoever handles a weapon is well trained.

‘The latest Zamfara gun importation further exposes the failure of the police as an institution in its constitutional task of providing peaceful atmosphere in all parts of the country. This is a reminder to the national assembly and the central government about the imperative of creating state police’

Discipline in the police • Misconduct charges against AIGs and 191 other police officers breathes for the force

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OUR Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and 191 other police officers are to appear before the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC) to show why they should not be sanctioned for various cases of professional misconduct. Deputy Inspector -General of Police, Suleiman Faka, who is in charge of administration disclosed this at a news conference. The FDC, which comprises all the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police and the Force Secretary who serves as its secretary essentially reviews disciplinary matters involving officers from the rank of ASP and above, who may have committed one offence or the other in the course of their duties.

These are welcome developments, especially in our kind of environment where crime is hardly punished and where the police force is known more for

‘We hope the hearings would be fair to all in order to ensure that only the guilty are eventually punished. We hope too that those of them guilty of serious crimes would be prosecuted and be made to face the full weight of the law. That should be the spirit of the disciplinary actions if the appropriate lessons are to be learnt’

its demeanours than in the display of professionalism and gallantry. We are also happy to note that the current police administration which inherited over 3,000 cases of indiscipline in January 2012 had disposed of all the cases. We cannot afford to look the other way on disciplinary matters, especially in the police force which is responsible for law enforcement.

For them to perform their duties creditably, policemen must, like Caesar’s wife, be above board. However, given the atrocities that some bad eggs in the police force commit daily; at least the reported cases alone, it would seem the figures of those deserving of sanctions are underestimated.

We are daily inundated with stories of trigger-happy policemen who shoot at the slightest or no provocation, resulting in the deaths of many innocent citizens.

Police checkpoints have had to be banned on many occasions due to the activities of some unscrupulous policemen who have turned the checkpoints into honey pots where they extort money from motorists.

Many policemen have been used for illegal duties by some personalities in the country, to settle personal scores. We have seen policemen who are drunk even while in uniform. In most police stations, police officers still collect bribe for bail, even though it is conspicuously pasted in the police stations that such services are free. We can go on and on to give examples of these atrocities by some men of the police force. If we reckon with these numerous cases, we would see that making 3,000 of them to face disciplinary action would just seem like a drop in the ocean.

We must acknowledge though that acts of misconduct are not peculiar to police officers; it is an all-Nigerian challenge. And it is festering because the state hardly makes scapegoats of people, especially when those involved are well known individuals or people that are highly connected. We hope however that if the disciplinary process is routine, it will be possible for the impact of the sanctions to be felt by Nigerians because policemen would realise that they are being watched and that the big stick would be wielded if they are caught with any acts of indiscipline.

All said, however, it is important to remind the government of the need to fund the police adequately if some of the vices associated with it are to become history. We agree that people whose middle name is misconduct in the force would continue to misbehave, but the tendency is there too for some of them to live straight if better remunerated and their welfare generally is enhanced.

We are happy that those indicted have a chance to defend themselves through the FCD; that is how it should be, especially in a democratic setting. We hope the hearings would be fair to all in order to ensure that only the guilty are eventually punished. We hope too that those of them guilty of serious crimes would be prosecuted and be made to face the full weight of the law. That should be the spirit of the disciplinary actions if the appropriate lessons are to be learnt.

Congress needs to enact a shield law for journalists

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RESIDENT OBAMA seems to be of two minds when it comes to freedom of information and the role of the press. On his first day in office, he committed his administration to “creating an unprecedented level of openness in government,” and he proclaimed in a recent address that a free press is essential to democracy. At the same time, Mr. Obama’s administration has conducted the most far-reaching campaign against leaks in recent memory, with twice as many prosecutions as in all previous administrations combined. While both of these ideas may be strongly held by the president, they are coming into conflict.

There has always been a delicate balance between secrecy and the public’s need to know what the government is doing and how decisions are reached. The volume of classified information has exploded in the digital age, and so has the number of people authorized to access it. The urge of government officials to talk about such matters — out of dissent, or just a desire to spin — remains undiminished. We are firm believers in maintaining this balance between secrecy and openness, but we worry that, in all the hysteria over leaks, it may tip too much to one side.

A discouraging sign came in the July 19 decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit, which held that New York Times reporter James Risen had no privilege under the First Amendment that would allow him to refuse to testify about a confidential source in a leak investigation. Mr. Risen’s argument that he should not be compelled to testify in a case involving a former CIA official was supported by many news media organizations, including this newspaper, and he has vowed to appeal the ruling.

If allowed to stand, the ruling could jeopardize the ability of reporters to protect the identity of sources, a vital tool for journalistic inquiry.

As Judge Roger Gregory wrote in a dissent, “The public, of course, does not have a right to see all classified information held by our government.

But public debate on American military and intelligence methods is a critical element of public oversight of our government. Protecting the reporters’ privilege ensures the informed public discussion of important moral, legal and strategic issues.”

The Risen case underscores the need to write into federal law a shield for the news media.

Some 49 states and the District have established media shield laws or recognized such privileges in court. A good place to start on the federal level is with legislation recently introduced by Sens.

Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.). While the proposed law would not offer absolute protection, it would introduce a “balancing test” for a court to use before compelling disclosure from a reporter. The test would take into account the public interest in the disclosure and in maintaining the free flow of information. This should restrain overzealous prosecutors from roping journalists into leak prosecutions and sustain the uneasy but essential balance between secrecy and openness.

– Washington Post

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

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

18

CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: Irrespective of whatever definitions it may have been given, child marriage is when a shameless old man is shamelessly having sex with a helpless little girl, without regard to her well-being, safety, success, emotional make-up, education and survival.

The action of such shameless men, according to UNICEF, is why maternal deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth account for 70, 000 deaths yearly. The risk of dying for infants born to victims of child marriage in their first year of life is 60 percent greater than that of an infant born to a mother older than 19.

“Even if the child survives, he or she is more likely to suffer from low birth weight, undernutrition and late physical and cognitive development,” UNICEF said.

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

Child marriage: We are all violated This is so because the reproductive organs of these young girls are not developed enough to cope with the rigour and emotional requirements of child bearing.

Despite the dangers and risks associated with child marriage and efforts being made globally to check the trend, the statistics in Nigeria are nothing short of appalling and scary.

Nationwide, 20% of girls are mar-

ried before age 15. In the Northwest, 48% of girls are married before age 15. Worse of all, 27% of married girls aged 15-19 are in polygamous marriages, thus compounding the emotional and psychological torture they are exposed to given the usual attendant wranglings of polygamy. Most of these child brides are also not in school.

According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA), “only

two percent of 15–19-year-old married girls are in school, compared to 69 percent of unmarried girls.

Some 73 percent of married girls compared to eight percent of unmarried girls received no schooling, and three out of four married girls cannot read at all.”

Scary figures like these are why many nations are making concerted efforts to stem the tide of child marriage. In Malawi for in-

Let’s rise to save Nigeria, again

IR: The Jonathan government is no longer in any pretence to pass for a government, but a rampage. The charade masquerading as governance is gradually embracing its precincts of extinction. In its incurable passion for self immolation, the fear is rife that it does not accomplish its avowed aim by pulling an already decrepit country along with it. There is no doubting the fact that Jonathan’s government has become, even in its paralytic state; self-serving.

This verdict is devoid of grudge or malice, albeit the government itself has done nothing unworthy of it! A hapless and clueless government is making hopelessness so commonplace that it is almost a march of idleness to dream! It is a government that kills everything decent and noble.

The children of the present Nigeria no longer see a future ahead of them worthy of hopeful embrace.

What with insecurity and no guarantee for the safety of human life?

Life and living, than at any other time in Nigeria, assume the same dangerous pattern; the brutish and the short!

The youth of the present Nigeria

has lost reasons for dreams, given the cluelessness of and the dearth of leadership. The older generation is mentally stranded in unfathomable bewilderment. The question forcibly inhabiting their aweprimed lips seem to be; how did we get here, this is a different Nigeria from the one we fought to make independent!

Or what is the name for a government which surreptitiously forlorn its electoral mandate to embrace a priceless arena with a state governor? And in its mindless frenzy to foster the annihilation of the governor, it began to desecrate the country’s constitutional sacristy, an arena it swore under oath

to defend? Or by what description does a government that consistently but shamelessly lends authenticity to unalloyed illegalities and breaches of everything sanctified be named?

How can a rational conviction excepting irrationality (even insanity?) be grounded that the numerical number 16, is greater than 19?

Only in a democratic fantasia, passing for a government, such as the present can that be excused!

And l also hasten to ask if it does not cut short of irredeemable democratic dementia, how in God’s earth does five out of 36 house members constitutionally arm to impeach a speaker? Somebody

somewhere must as a matter of urgency call the budding dictatorial leviathan to the democratic order.

Nigerians paid very direful price to get the present near-semblance of democratic rule in place, than to sit tail-in-thigh and watch a fraudulent rulership deconstruct that labour of tears and pains with its intolerably organised cluelessness and arrogance.

Where are the Tunde Bakares?

Where are all lovers of constitutional democracy; where are all lovers of Nigeria? It is time to save her, again!

• Wole Jones Lagos

Waiting for the Akinrinade memoir

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IR: Lt.-General Alani Akinrinade’s recent interview which was serialized in The Nation made a profound reading and a lasting impression on me. The interview in my estimation brought out the best in the man widely known and regarded as courageous, disciplined, cerebral and valiant.

The retired General in an answer

to a question in one of the sessions sounded that he would not want to write a book or his war memoir on the last civil war in which he was a major witness and active participant, though he didn’t offer any plausible reason for his stance. I hope I’m wrong.

But should this be true however, I wish to use this opportunity to appeal to the General to reconsider his stand

and rescind his decision. If the interview he had with this newspaper is anything to go by, I bet, his is going to be a classic and a class on it’s own.

Therefore, remaining silent or not writing at all will not do any good to Nigerians and honour to him as well.

Please Sir, write.

• Olu Ajayi, Abeokuta.

stance, measures such as providing free universal access to primary education, working with chiefs to sensitize their communities on the importance of sending children to school, with an emphasis on the girl child, implementing a policy that allows girls who become pregnant during school to go back to school after delivery to continue their education, working with parliamentarians to raise the age at marriage to 18 years by 2014 and providing Youth Friendly Health Services.

Under the programme, youth are armed with information on how to make informed choices about their reproductive health.

Despite the global campaign against child marriage, Nigeria seems to be in her own world with legislations allowing sexual predators to further worsen the plight of the Nigerian girl-child.

Given the high prevalence of poverty in parts of Nigeria where this is common, the end of child marriage may not just be in sight.

As long as poverty remains with us, child marriage will be on the increase, and who knows, Nigeria may help surpass the 140 million girls who will be married as child brides before 2020. As long as Nigeria is where there is so much want and pain in the midst of plenty, people like Senator Ahmed Yerima will have their way and irrespective of any law, impoverished and poverty-debased parents will give the hands of their daughters in marriage to such people, after all, it is what they have that they will use to make a livelihood.

It just doesn’t matter if the lives of young girls are fatally involved.

And it is not just these little helpless girls: all of us are being violated by our stupendously, criminally and consciencelessly rich leaders. The modes of violation are different, but the end result is the same. A financially violated man and a sexually violated young girl could both end up dead, time or rate of death notwithstanding.

• ‘Dimeji Daniels Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

19

COMMENTS

Hell on Lagos-Ibadan expressway

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N Sunday, June 30, at two o’clock in the afternoon, I left the Redemption Camp for an appointment in Ikeja, a distance of about 40km. I got to Ikeja at about six o’clock, four hours later. When the journey was taking too long because of the horrible roads and the traffic snarl, I many times decided to turn back but the median divide prevented me from doing so until I was almost at the Berger Bridge. I had a premonition that I had not seen anything yet because the traffic going towards the Ibadan end was beginning to build up. After a brief stay in Lagos, I hit the road to go back to the camp at about 7pm; I had no problem from Lagos to somewhere near the Mountain of Fire Camp. From there on to the Redemption camp perhaps about 15km away, I spent six hours. I did not get home until 1am on Monday morning. This is a record for a 40km journey that started on Sunday afternoon and finally ended Monday morning. Within that time, I could have flown to the United States from Nigeria.

My colleagues said I was very lucky to have even made it home alive because whenever there is this type of traffic situation, people are routinely robbed while waiting in their cars and dispossessed of whatever money or valuables they might have on them. I kept asking myself where the Nigerian government is. Yet we are in a country that is overgoverned with 774 local governments, 36 state governments and Abuja and at the apex is the Federal Government, the behemoth in Abuja. In spite of these multitudinous governments, the only arterial road linking the port of Lagos with the South-west, South-south, South-east and the northern states has remained in a state of total disrepair since the government of Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999. Since that time, trillions of dollars have been earned by the country and 80 or more percent of them have been spent on oiling government wheels and paying huge allowances to all kinds of government functionaries while the people have been totally forgotten and ignored. At about 12 midnight, I saw children and toddlers holding to their mothers who had alighted from the public run-down buses to trek home to various villages along the highway. On that particular night, it was raining cats and dogs and the peels of thunder and lightning were frighteningly audible everywhere. One can then imagine the way the little children must have felt. I asked myself several times over how Nigeria has got to this pass. I also asked myself what is so difficult in tarring and maintaining roads that our governments cannot do. If we can fail in this simple task of road maintenance, then how can we expect any institution in

F

IVE governors have embarked on a shuttle diplomacy to save the country from destruction. Though of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the governors know that our democracy is being threatened by the actions of some people at the highest level of their party. If we look around us today to see what is happening, we will be shocked by what these supposed guardians of our democracy are doing. They don’t care that by their actions, our democracy may become perilled.

All they are after is the here and now. It is what they get now that matters to them not the future of democracy.

We didn’t get to where we are today on a platter. It was a long and hard fought battle that got us to this stage of the nation’s life. Some people paid the supreme price for us to enjoy this democracy. If for nothing else, we should, at least, remember these people and what they stood for and make this democracy work. In the past few months, the country has been on tenterhooks. It has been one induced crisis after the other all because some politicians, particularly our president, cannot accommodate others even within his own party.

If our democracy collapses today, fingers will be pointed at President Goodluck Jonathan for laying the foundation for it. The president cannot claim ignorance over what is happening in the polity today because he is fully involved in it through proxies. These proxies are ready to die doing his bidding. It is hard to believe that Jonathan can be involved in anything that can derail our democracy, but that is what is happening. The governors have seen through the lie that he is not involved in the whole mess and that is why they are going about pleading with elder statesmen to intervene before this house falls.

Things were not these bad when Karl Maier wrote This House Has Fallen in 2000 cataloguing Nigeria’s many crises, including that of the

Nigeria to work? I hate to say that Nigeria is a failed state.

Certainly on that night, I felt my country had failed.

Since 1999, we have been hearing that this road will be reconstructed with five lanes on each side. The Obasanjo regime took us through the charade of concessioning the road to Bi-Courtney, a company that had no track record of road construction. For more than three years, we held our breath and we prayed that this road will be reconstructed.

We were later told that the company did not have the capacity to build the road as if we didn’t know that from the beginning. We have also heard rumours that the road will soon be reconstructed and I dare say we do not trust any government anymore. Why must it be just one road that links Lagos with all parts of Nigeria? Yet it is not that people have completely lost their senses and can no longer reason, because I can see three alternatives if we are a serious country. The Lagos-Abeokuta axis can be developed to take some burden off the Lagos-Ibadan road. The old Sagamu-Lagos road through Ikorodu can also be redeveloped to serve as an alternative to this much abused road. The Lagos-Epe IjebuOde road can also be redeveloped thus providing three alternative roads to this hell on earth called Lagos-Ibadan express road.

The initial cause of the chaos on June 30 was the conference at Deeper Life Centre along the express road. This was a Christian conference obviously to praise and worship our Lord Jesus Christ and what should have been an occasion of joy turned to sorrow for many people including elderly people, little children, women who should not be on the road in the midnight and pregnant women some of whom lost their pregnancies as a result of the hardship inflicted on them by a church organisation. It is high time for all the churches and mosques along this highway to get involved in alleviating the pains of our people. I do not see why some of these churches including my own should not be asked to build flyovers carrying their worshippers to and fro their camps onto the highways without impeding the flow of traffic under the flyovers. I know that this can only be done with the permission of the state but some of the church leaders have influence with government and they should use that influence to persuade the government of the need for them to assume their civic responsibilities. We are a very lucky people in this country because Nigerians do not ordinarily rebel against governments but there are enough reasons why people should cry out before it is too late. Our people’s demands on government are very little because most mem-

bers of the middle class provide the basic needs that should have been provided by government such as security, light, water, education and sometimes roads to their homes and businesses with the effect that government is almost irrelevant. The only reason we don’t have

Jide Osuntokun

another Agbekoya or a people’s revolt is because apart from the salary earners, very few Nigerians pay taxes except those who live in Lagos and people like myself who have to pay Land Use charge. I hope this current paradigm of do-nothing governments will not endure for too long to the period where as a result of diminishing returns from oil, Nigerians will then be called upon to pay taxes. It is then that our government will be made to realise that democracy is government of the people, by the people but most importantly for the people. Our governments right now are not governments for the people. This is why the most important road in the country will be left unattended to while building in Abuja a 10lane road running from the airport to the city while totally neglecting the economic and financial centres of the country.

‘I know that this can only be done with the permission of the state but some of the church leaders have influence with government and they should use that influence to persuade the government of the need for them to assume their civic responsibilities’

Mission to save Nigeria June 12, 1993 presidential election.

We survived the June 12 crisis only to be faced with another self - inflicted one 20 years after because of some peoples’ desperation to remain in power, albeit perpetually.

Governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) and Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto) know that recent happenings in the polity have grave implications for the country if something is not done fast to halt the drift.

Let us face it. Are the people feeling the impact of government?

What have the two years of Jonathan brought to us as a nation? Are we better off now in the comity of nations than we were before his administration? The answers to these posers are painfully in the negative.

United States (US) President Barack Obama was in Africa about three weeks ago but he did not visit Nigeria, the so - called giant of Africa.

What does that say about our standing in the eyes of those that matter in the world. It shows that we are a giant with clay feet : a country that is so blest, but which cannot prove its true worth in the comity of nations because of rudderless leadership. I concede that Jonathan should not take the whole blame for where we are today.

The question is what has he done to improve our rating in the eyes of the world? Rather than worsen our plight, it is better he leaves us the way he met us, as the Yoruba will say. The president is not ready to do that. He wants to compound our woes before leaving in 2015, that is if he will go. This is what the governors want to avoid. To avert a bigger mess in future, they have taken the initiative to intervene on behalf of the people to save our country from the hands of a president whose sole interest is to cling to office at all costs even when he knows he does not have the capacity to do the job. As former President Olusegun

Obasanjo said in his usual ribald way, ‘’you can only look for a job for someone, you cannot assist the person to do the job’’. How true.

The governors, who first visited Obasanjo on Saturday in his Abeokuta, Ogun State home, were in Minna, the Niger State capital on Monday to see former heads of state, Gen Ibrahim Babangida and Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar. In Minna, they urged Babangida and Abubakar to prevail on Jonathan to ensure a level playing ground for democracy to thrive. They implored the duo to get in touch with other statesmen to save democracy.

The governors are worried over the lingering Rivers State crisis and its likely consequences for democracy; destabilisation of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF); forcing governors to do the bidding of the presidency; and lack of internal democracy in the PDP. hese were some of the issues they tabled before Obasanjo, Babangida and Abubakar.

The governors are not done in their mission as they are still planning to meet other elder statesmen to seek their support. Some people may not like the faces of these governors; that should be expected anyway; but we cannot fault the mission they have embarked upon.

Loyalists of the president may, as they are wont to, read meanings into the governors’ mission. They may say ha!, it’s all politics. I beg that we should leave politics out of this for the sake of our country. If we truly love Nigeria, this is the time to show it by standing up for our country. Nigeria belongs to us all. Nigeria does not belong to Jonathan because he is president.

So, we must all show concern when things are going wrong.

The governors have taken the initiative; they need our support in order to achieve result on this mission. If we don’t support them, those who feel threatened by their mis-

T

sion will start calling them all sorts of names. Before they start doing that, let me hasten to say that no matter how much they try to tar these governors, the people will see through their shenanigan. Is it not said that we cannot all sleep and face the same direction? That being so, those who may have an alternative to what the governors are doing are free to come up with their option but in a decorous manner and not by truculent attacks on these personalities.

Soon too, they may start unleashing Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives against these governors all because they dared to save our democracy from the hands of a budding dictator. Did I hear you say he has become a full - blown one?

A clash of faith Can man fight for God? This is a question that keeps rearing its head everywhere around the world because of the belief of those who are more catholic than the pope and more islamic than the keepers of the sacred Ka’aba in Mecca that they can fight for God. These people with their holier than thou attitude see others who don’t wear their faith as a badge as non - believers or infidels. Yet, these two religions tell us that nobody can fight for God. These fundamentalists do not seem to believe that. They believe that it is by fighting for God that they can make others see them as true believers. Religion is a matter of choice. This is why we have seen people convert from Christianity to Islam and vice versa with or without the support of their nu-

Lawal Ogienagbon lawal.ogienagbon@thenationonlineng.net SMS ONLY: 08099400204

clear families. Usually, it is without the support of their families as we are witnessing in the case of Charity Uzoechina, the 24-year-old daughter of a pastor, who has reportedly embraced Islam in Niger State. She is now said to be a ward of the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, from whom she sought refuge to escape, rightly or wrongly, the wrath of her pastor father. Her purported conversion to Islam has pitted the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) against the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), which is not happy with the way the CAN leadership is handling the matter.

See The Nation of Tuesday, July 23 at page 7. There is no need for CAN and NSCIA to engage in a tug of war over this issue. All we need do is invite Christy before her parents, CAN and NSCIA repesentatives and some neutral parties to tell the world where she stands on this matter. Has she ‘ported’ or not? She should be able to say; after all, she is not a minor. She knows what she wants. And of course, what she does not want.

‘If our democracy collapses today, fingers will be pointed at President Goodluck Jonathan for laying the foundation for it’

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

20

COMMENTS

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OLITICAL subterfuge, which has often made President Jonathan less vulnerable, is a unique asset that sets him apart from his political foes. He cannot be easily ambushed. This came in very handy as deputy governor to the convicted but now pardoned money launderer, Alamieseigha whom he replaced as governor of Bayelsa. He was an unobtrusive vice president who played deaf to all the madness around him when Yar’Adua’s kitchen cabinet hijacked the presidency during his stay in a Saudi hospital. Others fought the war to make him acting president and finally president. After the battle and victory, just as he was been prodded on by ex-President Obasanjo, his god father, who often wants to play god, to denounce the provisions of the PDP constitution and run for the presidency, a reticent self-effacing Jonathan publicly stated he did not want to be distracted from achieving the goal he had set for himself- completing Yar’Adua’s agenda and conducting a credible election where every vote would count. He equally kept those who had argued vigorously that he would be the man to beat in 2015 if he rejected the bait guessing.

He has again in the last three months maintained a dignified silence even as sycophants led by men of all seasons like Ebenezer Babatope, Iwuanyawu and Jerry Gana, gathered in Abuja to canonize him as ‘the Godordained’, the ‘best that has ever happened to Nigeria’, the ‘leader that embodies all the virtues of our past heroes,’ a selfless leader without whom there would be no Nigeria, the liberator of Ijaw nation,; etc.

Even as members of Rivers House of Assembly converted the mace to weapon for breaking heads, as visiting northern governors were ambushed and stoned by thugs claiming to work for the president, as oil theft reached the highest height after multi-billion dollar contract to militants who now swear there would be no Nigeria except he runs in 2015, President Jonathan has continued to maintain his peace.

But Jonathan’s weakest link is those who constituted his public face. They have failed to complement his greatest asset. Instead of adding value to his presidency, they have made him more vulnerable. The current face off between the president and Governor Amaechi of Rivers seems to have unmasked the president either as a result of sabotage, the hall mark of PDP or share incompetence as demonstrated by Nyesom Wike, Dr Doyin Okupe, Dr..Ahmed Gulak, and even a supposedly seasoned bureaucrat like the Inspector General of police. It is curious why they all chose to deploy obsolete weapons to fight modern war-

Q

The public face of President Jonathan fare over peoples’ minds.

Leading the league of those who claim to be fighting the president’s yet to be declared 2015 battle is the Nyesom Wike, the minister of state (education). By strange coincidence, the academic staffs of our polytechnics and the universities are on strike with millions of our youths roaming the streets due to the failure of government to honour an agreement it signed back in 2009. What has now emerged is that the minister in charge of the critical sector had in fact been mobilizing, kitting, and training youths, militants, and five members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to replicate a strategy deployed by a few federal government backed enemies of democracy in the western house of assembly in 1962, a misadventure that marked the beginning of the end of that republic. The only innovation is the ambush of visiting northern governors, who were pelted with stones.

Here is a former local council chairman, appointed chief of staff by Amaechi who later nominated him for a ministerial position. Now he is at war with Amaechi allegedly because he wants to be the next governor of Rivers.

Even if the war is being surreptitiously fought to retain the presidency within South-south zone, as claimed by Austin Opara and some Rivers State federal legislators loyal to the president, there is surely a more creative way to win the support of the people of Rivers other than turning the state into a theatre of war.

Then how does the stoning of four northern governors by hoodlums wearing the minister of education T-shirts promote the cause of the president re-election? If he secures the PDP

UINTUS Fabius Maximus Verrucosus, was a Roman General. In 217 BC, he was faced with the huge and intimidating task of defeating Hannibal, the Carthaginian General, who had invaded his country. Weighed against the invading army, Fabius’ troops had no chance at all. But fight he must, lest Rome be overrun.

Therefore, he had to devise a strategy. He avoided pitched battles and frontal assaults in favour of wearing down his opponent through a war of attrition and indirection. While evading decisive battles, he employed the tactics of harassing the soldiers of Hannibal in small columns by taunting them and causing them to pursue him through the hills until they got tired, without actually fighting.

It worked. In the end, Hannibal, left with a disorientated, dispirited and totally dishevelled army, in spite of having the numbers, superiority of firepower and experience, lost the war. But before this happened, many Romans were totally disenchanted with this strategy. Not only was it novel in the history of warfare, its workability was highly in doubt.

They preferred the open, frontal confrontation they were familiar with, no matter how dangerous and risky.

To underscore their misgiving, the Roman Senate voted for Fabius’ removal and his replacement with another General, who would do exactly what they expected – confront Hannibal in direct battle. Step in Gaius Terentius Varro, who did just that. The resultant battle of Cannae was disastrous. The Romans not only lost, but continued to lose many other battles that followed, which took a toll on not only on the soldiers but enhanced the danger the country faced.

Having learnt their lesson in a hard way, they had to return to the Fabian option, which eventually led to the vanquishing of the Carthaginian warlord.

Today Nigeria seems to face a similar situation in the power sector of the Nigerian economy, where Professor Chinedu Ositadinma Nebo, its helmsman, has been trying to accomplish the mandate handed him in February this year by President Goodluck Jonathan in satisfying the yearnings of Nigerians for uninterrupted power.

How would the minister vanquish this powerful force without destroying the house like a bull being forced out of a china shop? This has been the abiding question since he appeared on the floor of the Senate during the screening for the job and promised Nigerians that he was going to exorcise the demons and evil spirits in the sector.

Well a particular view believes that the best way was for him to draw out his bayonet and begin to chase anybody in sight, who he suspects belongs to the cabal he described above. That he has not done this thus far seems to have incensed them extremely, just like in some tendencies in Rome over the strategy of Fabius.

ticket for a second term, can the votes from Rivers or even the whole of South-south zone secure the presidency for Jonathan? Or has the bungling President Jonathan foot soldiers foreclosed the possibility of his having to campaign in those four northern states whose governors were viciously attacked by hoodlums at the Port Harcourt airport?

The outing of Okupe whose appointment, critics claimed undermined the president battle against corruption, was no less disastrous.

Since no man ever wins a woman’s war, we will be expecting too much to prevail on the president to curtail the alleged excesses of his wife. Neither Babangida, Yar Adua, nor a brasher Obasanjo in power was able to manage his wife. But Okupe, paid through the public purse to shield the president by balancing his narrow interest and that of his wife against the nation’s overall interest let down the president in his hours of need. As if bereft of new ideas, Okupe, adopting an obsolete strategy of repeating lies to make them appear as truth, assaulted the public with his claim about the president non involvement in the Rivers’ crisis in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. The president’s wife admission that she indeed has an axe to grind with Amaechi over his treatment of her Okrika people has only confirmed critics who from onset predicted Okupe would be a liability to Jonathan’s presidency.

I have no doubt that Okupe knew a better strategy to shield the president would have been to descend heavily on the five legislators that behaved like thugs, distance the president from their crudity and violence, proclaim

Nebo and the power sector demons

By Sunny Igboanugo That bitterness was conveyed in the most forceful manner in a recent treatise entitled Of Nebo and his Demons, which appeared in a powerful Nigerian newspaper and authored by an equally powerful Nigerian writer, recently. So infuriated was the writer against the minister, that he was castigated to no ends for lacking the “fighting spirit” and not having the “foggiest clue” of how to do his job that the writer recommended his immediate removal.

To underscore the obviously manifest danger in this recommendation, the writer even went ahead to identify those Nebo should square up to, to prove his “fighting spirit.” And who were they? They include the chairman of the board of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Hamman Tukur, for the twin reasons of allegedly refusing to report to the minister and his refusal to allow Manitoba Hydro International, the Canadian firm employed to manage the transmission architecture of the power sector carry out its mandate, because the managers of the TCN’s hunger to award “inflated contracts;” the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, for not lifting a finger to help because he had never been a “fan” of the Manitoba idea; the Minister of Petroleum resources, Dame Dieziani Allison-Madueke, for her alleged tolerance of perceived incompetence in the her ministry and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), captured in the inability of those in the oil and gas sector to supply gas to the thermal power stations; and then the labour unions in the sector, for allegedly shifting the goalpost in reaching an amicable settlement over their entitlements.

Now, assuming but not conceding that this is the real picture, does Nebo’s option in proving his “fighting spirit” lie in stepping into the gallery for a fighting match with these alleged tendencies? Is that the only way to prove that he has the “foggiest clue?” For those with some “foggy clue,” one of those we are talking about here is the second most powerful Nigerian. How could anybody with the “foggiest clue” of government operation, not only in Nigeria but anywhere in the world recommend such a clearly suicidal duel for the minister and claim to be pointing the way forward? In fact, would the author not be helping the process more by simply pointing these people out to Nigerians as the culprits instead

loudly that irrespective of the president’s political differences with his brother, the governor of Rivers, he would not subscribe to attempt by misguided thugs to derail our democracy. He could have boomed that the president is too decent to get involved in such an amateurish and lumbering attempt at impeaching a speaker. He could have threatened that the full weight of the law would be brought to bear on all those who caused mayhem in the Rivers House of Assembly. That could have bought Jonathan government of subterfuge time to plan for a renewed assault on Amaechi, their sworn foe and threat to 2015 president’s ambition. That would have been less offensive than grandstanding ‘President Jonathan is bigger than Amaechi’.

In the league of those who have failed to protect the president in the current Rivers crisis is the Inspector General of Police. The only thing that resonates from all the IG has said on the crisis is ‘he had not received official complaints against Joseph Mbu from River State.

That was a Freudian slip. This was a man quoted on pages of newspapers and seen on television calling the governor names, boasting he was not inferior to the governor, dropping the name of the NSA. A resourceful crisis manger without prejudice to his own politics would have known the game was up the moment Mbu started to see himself as alternative governor of Rivers; he should have been summoned to Abuja, publicly scolded and reposted to Borno State where services of such commissioners of police are needed. If the objective of the IG was to sacrifice the nations’ democracy in order to protect the interest of the president, he could still have achieved the same less ennobling objective by quietly reposting a more intelligent, less abrasive but equally spiteful Abuja loyalist to keep Amaechi under surveillance in Port Harcourt

‘If the objective of the IG was to sacrifice the nations’ democracy in order to protect the interest of the president, he could still have achieved the same less ennobling objective by quietly reposting a more intelligent, less abrasive but equally spiteful Abuja loyalist to keep Amaechi under surveillance in Port Harcourt’

of the strange conclusion of asking for Nebo’s head?

Again, assuming, but not conceding that this is the picture, would it not be safer for the minister to try persuading this powerful force(s), or at best employ the Fabian option, if he must fight, to nibble at their weapons in the attempt to wear them out to submission? Pray, how would the minister’s immediate sack, which the author recommended otherwise solve these problems and conduce the immediate magic envisaged for Nigerians?

But the true picture is quite different from what the author tried to paint apart from the fact that there are still a lot of challenges in the power sector. For one, beside the primordial enemies known to all Nigerians, the minister is actually working in agreement with other stakeholders and has by that made clearly manifest inroads to the heart of the problem of power delivery, albeit, quietly and silently. On the contrary, the Manitoba issue has been settled and the group has since been issued with the Schedule of Delegated Authority (SODA), apart from inaugurating the TCN board. Likewise, the labour issues have also been settled and the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) workers are currently awaiting their pay cheques. It is no longer news that the new owners of the generating (GENCOs) and distribution (DISCOs) arms of the PHCN have since paid up the 25 per cent of the cost of the companies and are on the verge of paying up for the remaining 75 per cent. It is also true that in spite of the challenges in gas supply, power generation has actually been upped rather than dipped.

Yes, the transmission component is still a huge challenge, occasioned by the innocuous and the substantial, which is being addressed also. The clearing of the foliage along the transmission lines, one of the hidden but serious problems, has since begun. On the larger scale of expanding the transmission capacity, the minister is getting a lot of assistance from his employers for funding, which is one of the major factors.

In this regard, the minister has been able to obtain an immediate N5billion relief from the federal government from the N13billion promised for minor purchases and maintenance of the GENCOs and DISCOs, currently gasping for financial breath, because they were not captured in this year’s budget on the assumption that the new owners would have taken over by December last year, one of the problems the minister inherited. Besides, he has almost concluded arrangements to secure a $3.7billion for the expansion of the transmission architecture of the TCN, to be concluded in 2016.

In all, the destination of the journey is the takeover of the power sector by private owners, which is expected to happen in a few months time, given the extensive work already covered. This is the true picture.

21

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

COMMENTS

A

VERY spirited campaign has been going on since about 2000 to question the existence of the nationalities that make up Nigeria. From the look of things, this is a very determined push to deconstruct the nationalities of Nigeria, to make each nation deny itself, to break down the spirit of oneness and unity in each nation.

The captains of this campaign tell us that because some local Igbo groups did not acknowledge themselves as Igbo until recently, therefore there is “nothing like an Igbo nation”.

That the Urhobo nation is made up of “a mere congeries of ethnic fragments” and therefore have no right to call themselves a nation. That the Yoruba subgroups like Ekiti, Ijebu, Oyo, Iyagba, Egba, Oworo, Ijesha, Akoko, Owo, Igbomina, Awori, etc, are separate nations, and therefore the Yoruba should stop claiming that they are one nation. That the Ijaw are a series of unconnected little groups and are not a nation. They have similar things to say about other Nigerian nationalities.

Their foundational ideologue was no less an eminent academic than the late Dr. Yusuf Bala Usman, former Professor of History at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. A number of fiery treatises written by Prof. Usman in 2000 and 2001 under the auspices of the Centre for Democratic Research and Training (CEDERT), Abuja, laid out the dogma for this campaign. Its most recent spokesman is Nuhu Ribadu, former presidential candidate.

What is the purpose, or objective, of this campaign? What are its captains trying to achieve?

They say that their objective is to build one Nigeria. In a recent lecture in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nuhu Ribadu said as follows: “Let us drop any form of identity that introduces us as something other than “citizens” (of Nigeria)”. In his own intellectually more sophisticated language, Prof. Bala Usman had written in 2000-2001 that any attempt to study, analyze, understand or manage the affairs of Nigeria in terms of ethnic categories was a “campaign against the corporate existence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, an open assault on Nigeria’s “political stability” and on the “survival and growth of democracy” in Nigeria. In short, to build Nigeria into one united country, and to solve the multifarious problems of Nigeria, we Nigerians must deny and throw away our identities as Igbo, Yoruba, Ijaw, etc; we must suppress our consciousness of being Ijaw, Igbo, Tiv, Edo, Nupe, etc, and replace it with a consciousness of being Nigerian.

Any sincere effort to contribute to the building of a united and workable Nigeria deserves to be welcomed and commended. However, what we know (both conceptually and factually) about the main army pushing the cam-

A

PPARENTLY anxious to divert attention from the many internal crises ripping the party apart and daily rendering it more and more vulnerable in the forthcoming 2015 elections, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has launched a mischievous and utterly misleading attack on the National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The PDP has seized on the recent fence-mending mission of the party leadership to Ekiti state to describe Tinubu as a despot bent on imposing a choice on the people of Ekiti. Of course, there is neither rhyme nor logic to this baseless accusation. In the first place, what moral right has the PDP to accuse anybody of despotic tendencies? This is a party that wanted to impose a chairman on the Nigerian Governors Forum in the person of Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State and when this failed, it suspended the winner of the NGF election, Governor RotimiAmaechi from the party for enjoying the support of majority of his colleagues!

A party that ordered a sitting governor not to seek re-election of a voluntary association like the NGF is now preaching the tenets of democracy to others. How ridiculous! This is a party that has made it so obvious that it is bent on harassing, intimidating and preventing anybody from challenging President Goodluck Jonathan for the PDP presidential ticket in 2015. Towards this end, members of its National Executive Committee (NEC) are removed and replaced at will. Its National Chairman, Alhaji BamangaTukur, remains in office against the will of majority of its NEC members all because of his willingness to manipulate intra-party processes in favour of Jonathan towards 2015. All national chairmen of the party since inception have all been imposed and removed at will by the presidencySolomon Lar, Barnabas Gemade, Audu Ogbe, Vincent Ogbulafor and now BamangaTukur.

The so called national conventions that produced President UmaruYar’Adua and later Goodluck Jonathan were clearly manipulated to arrive at pre-determined outcomes despite

Killing Nigeria’s nationalities paign against Nigeria’s nationalities today does not show at all that their real objective is to contribute sincerely to building a harmonious and workable Nigeria. Conceptually, how is it possible for a nation (even if it is only a small nation like our Birom or Mumuye of the Middle Belt) to consciously forget their ethnic, cultural and national heritage? Where in the world has such a thing ever been done? Even in countries which have for many centuries comprised many different nations large and small (countries like Britain or Spain or India), have any of the nations thrown away, or lost, their identity? Why is it necessary that we must throw out our national identities and cultural heritages in order to be able to make a success of our common country of Nigeria?

Factually, what we know about earlier postures of the leaders of this campaign does not rhyme with their present posture. In the 1950s, when leaders of Nigeria were trying to form Nigeria into a workable entity, the Northern, Hausa-Fulani, leaders were very strong defenders of the uniqueness, aspirations and sensitivities of ethnic national, and sectional, interests in the making of Nigeria. They fought back everything which seemed to suggest or imply some pressure on the integrity and identity of their part of Nigeria. At some point, in fact, to protect their heritage, they proposed that Nigeria be organized as three separate countries connected only by a customs union; and sometimes, they even considered seceding from Nigeria.

I am not saying that these actions of theirs, in defence of their part of Nigeria and their heritage, were bad; all I am saying is that these actions are facts of Nigeria’s history. Indeed, I will say today that they were very much on the right line. I say that because, in a country like Nigeria comprising many different peoples, each people in its own homeland, with its own culture, its own culturally determined aspirations and ways of doing things, the only way to build a harmonious and successful country is to proceed cautiously and nurture a culture of respect for the various peoples, large or small. In terms of constitution making and politics, a culture of respect for all nationalities in a large country like Nigeria would produce a rational federation in which the nationalities would be the basis of states, the states would have a fair amount of autonomy over the management of their lives and their socioeconomic development, and the federal authority would be reasonably able to defend the country, speak for the country in the world, protect the rights of citizens and of states, im-

partially see to the relationship among the states, and defend the constitution. Making the nationalities the basis of the states means that each large nationality would be a state, each contiguous group of the small nationalities would be a state, and no nationality would be split between states. A rational federation would also mean that much more funding would go to the states together than to the federal authority, and that each state would also be able to generate funds of its own. Finally, it would mean that the federal authority would not engage in any kind of aggressive integrationist policies.

By and large, the federation which our founding fathers designed for our country, and which they operated between 1952 and 1960, was organized along the lines stated above. The serious weaknesses were that, in the structure of our federation, we did not respect the rights of the small nationalities to group themselves into states of their own, and our regional boundaries split up some nationalities. But our regions had enough autonomy to generate development and progress and, therefore, our country made considerable progress in most directions. By 1960, our country was, on the whole, a land of hope.

But as soon as we became independent in 1960, with our Northern brothers in control of the Federal Government, everything began to change. They who had been among the staunchest defenders of the rights of their region (and of regions in general), now found the amount of freedom enjoyed by the regions unacceptable. They now wanted to control everything, and to hold on to federal power forever. In 1962, they started war against one of the regions. Between then and 1999, northerners, mostly as military dictators, more or less destroyed all centres of non-federal power in the country and grabbed virtually all power for the Federal Government which they controlled. The 1999 Constitution sums up the enormity of this distortion of our federation. The states became impotent entities.

Poverty, corruption, crimes, inter-ethnic and religious conflicts grew calamitously. The world began to predict that Nigeria would break up.

In the context of this sad history, the campaign being waged now against our nationalities has only one purpose – and that purpose is not to build a harmonious and happy Nigeria. It is to destroy the nationalities (the last standing entities in our country) and turn Nigeria into some sort of medley, a field of cultural ruins, over which an all-powerful Fed-

PDP’S hypocritical antics in Ekiti

By Akintola Benson the deceptive charade on national television.

We can all recall how former Governor Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa State was brazenly prevented from asserting his right to seek reelection as the party’s governorship candidate while the favoured candidate of the presidency, Seriake Dickson was foisted on the party and is today the governor of the state.

In Kogi state, aggrieved PDP candidates who were manipulated out of contrived governorship primaries are still in court seeking justice. We can go on and on citing instances why the PDP has no moral right to preach intraparty democracy to anybody.

But then, let us come to the substance of the PDP’s baseless allegation. How true is the claim that Tinubu is despotic and disdainful of democracy? In the first place, Tinubu was not in Ekiti state in his personal capacity. He was on a delegation of the national leadership of the ACN, which included the national chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande, the leader of the party in Ekiti State, Chief Niyi Adebayo and a prominent member of the party from Ekiti, Dele Alake among others.

The position forcefully articulated by Tinubu at the Ekiti parley was, therefore, that of the party. Again, the fact that the party leadership expended time, energy and resources to go to Ekiti to settle internal disputes and put its house in order towards next year’s election is indicative of a party that respects the electorate and refuses to take them for granted.

It shows that the party, despite Governor Kayode Fayemi’s outstanding performance in office, is approaching the next elections with all seriousness. And the logic of the ACN leadership is impeccable. Why do parties exist and

why do candidates seek office? In a healthy democracy, the purpose is to fulfil the party’s manifesto and pursue the greatest welfare of the greatest number of the people. Now, if an incumbent is widely acknowledged as delivering on this mandate, why should a party dissipate energy on intra-party contests?

Tinubu spoke for close to one and a half hours at the event but the media reported only a minute fraction of what he said and mostly out of context. The ACN national leader’s concern and passion for the cohesion and success of the party in the entire South-west is understandable. It must not be forgotten that in 2003, Tinubu remained the only governor standing in the South-west following the electoral blitzkrieg of the PDP. He not only held on tenaciously to Lagos State but played a pivotal role in the current resurgence of the progressives across the South-west. He can thus lay claim to a greater stake in the survival and strengthening of the party in the region than any other person. In any case, the people have greater trust in the judgement of Tinubu than that of the thoroughly inept PDP leadership. When he was to vacate office in 2007, he expressed his preference for his Chief of Staff, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) to succeed him. The PDP then accused him of imposition and dictatorship. Lagosians however trusted his judgement and today Fashola is rated as easily the best governor in the country.

The PDP cannot pretend to love Honourable Opeyemi Bamidele more than Tinubu or other ACN leaders. It is unfortunate that Tinubu’s reference to Bamidele’s ambition was completely reported out of context, perhaps not deliberately but because the media

Gbogun gboro eral Government would stand like a colossus. It is a peak-point of the battle that the controllers of federal power have waged since independence to subdue all entities that stand in the way of unrestrained federal power. Actually, Bala Usman wrote his fiery treatises of 2000-2001 in answer to one Urhobo citizen who had written that Urhoboland belonged to the Urhobo nation, and to other southerners who were demanding that the Nigerian federation should be restructured so as to give the nationalities more control over their resources.

Confusing, subduing and deconstructing our nationalities can lead to nothing good.There is a better way to build our federation. We have our nationalities. True, most of them have internal fault-lines and uncertain boundaries; and many have only recently found their unity. But that is the nature of nationalities all over the world. No nationality in the world is completely homogenous; none has boundaries that are completely neat; none can claim to have been one nation since eternity. Let us construct a sustainable federal structure on our nationalities. What has been concocted for us, what we are calling a federation now, is chaotic and unsustainable. Bashing and deconstructing our nationalities can only generate more disaster.

‘Confusing, subduing and deconstructing our nationalities can lead to nothing good.There is a better way to build our federation’ could not reproduce his extensive remarks in full. Tinubu had discovered Bamidele’s potentials and had drawn him close ever since the latter was a student union leader. When Tinubu was elected to the Senate in the aborted Third Republic, he engaged Bamidele as one of his legislative aides on legal matters. Both Tinubu and Bamidele were in exile during the pro-democracy struggle against military dictatorship. When he was elected Governor of Lagos State in 1999, Tinubu engaged Bamidele first as a Special Adviser in the office of the Deputy Governor and later Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development. He played a role in the appointment of Bamidele as Commissioner for Information and Strategy by Governor Fashola in 2007. At every point in time Tinubu has played a positive role in the evolving political career of Bamidele.

If the Jagaban had not recognised Bamidele’s intelligence and competence, he would not have given him those responsibilities over the years. Tinubu has never said that Bamidele is not eminently qualified to be governor. But there are scores of eminently candidates in the party equally qualified to govern Ekiti effectively and there can only be one governor at a time. If, therefore, Asiwaju this time around asks Bamidele to voluntarily shelve his ambition for now in the interest of the party, he is eminently qualified to do so and no one can accuse him of bad faith. Indeed, Tinubu told the gathering in Ekiti that Bamidele was one of those who brought Fayemi to the party leadership and strongly canvassed for his candidacy in 2007. He urged the governor to draw Bamidele close and cautioned some of those close to Fayemi to desist from creating any bad blood between the two men. The PDP should, therefore, concentrate on resolving its internal contradictions and stop meddling in matters that do not concern it.

• Dr Akintola is a political scientist and lawyer based in Lagos.

22

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

INDUSTRY

Investors prefer Southwest, says LCCI

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HICH part of the country is most suitable for doing business? It is the Southwest, says the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), quoting investors' and entrepreneurs' preference.

In a statement, tagged: ‘The Nigerian Business Confidence Index (BCI),” LCCI said: “The confidence level of businesses located in the Southwest inched to a new high of 44 per cent from 38per cent and 30 per cent in Q2 and Q1.

“This is followed by companies operating in the Southeast and Southsouth, with BCI score of 31 per cent and 21 per cent respectively.”

The report said the confidence level of businesses in the Northcentral, which dropped to zero in Q2 improved dramatically with BCI score of 11 per cent. “Northeast and Northwest continue to trail between the negative and neutral confidence trajectories. We look to see how far the on-going security operation in some Northern states will impact business confidence in our Q4-2013 BCI survey,” it stated.

LCCI said the third quarter 2013 aggregate BCI sustained a positive improvement of 24 per cent from the 16.5 per cent and 10.5per cent it achieved in Q2 and Q1. This represents 13.5 per cent point movement of the index along a positive trajectory since the beginning of this year.

The steady and significant improvement of the BCI, according to

Stories by Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie Asst.Editor

the repor, suggests that business leaders are gearing towards expanding their investments and plant size in the months to come.

He said apart from the recurrent factors such as poor access to credit, security situation and the dwindling public power supply, the index posted impressive confidence across most business and economic indicators.

He also said that budget implementation and Federal Government’s security intervention in some parts of the North, impressive corporate results and the modest trends of exchange and inflation rate tend to have supported the record rise of business confidence in that section of country.

The Director General of Lagos Chamber of Commerce, Muda Yusuf said for the first time, the financial sector recorded the highest confidence of 35 per cent closely followed by Hotel & Restaurant and Telecoms & Postal sectors 29per cent and 27 per cent confidence levels respectively.

He also said for the first time the agricultural sector was impressive at 18 per cent but the manufacturing sector remains disappointing at 5 per cent business confidence level. According to him, this implies that expansion and new investment in the Nigerian manufacturing sector remains largely held down by the lingering challenges

•Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr Muda Yusuf, the Head of delegation, Alberto Morante and the Secretary, Public Affairs, Nigerian Embassy in Argentina, Mirya Ajala, during a trade visit to the chamber.

confronting business environment in the country.

In their conclusion they said the 3rd quarter 2013 aggregate Business Confidence Index (BCI) sustained a significant positive improvement supported by the takeoff of budget implementation across the country. He listed other positive improvements to include on-going security intervention in some parts of the North, impressive corporate results in most sectors and stable macroeconomic prices - exchange and inflation rate.

He said the improvement suggests that business leaders are likely going to expand their investments in the months. He however, noted that some investors are still wary about the state of the economy in the medium term because the lingering limiting factors are yet to be addressed.

BCI is a leading economic indicator designed to measure the degree of optimism on the state of the economy that business leaders are expressing through their activities of investing and spending. De-

creasing business confidence is often a pointer to slowing economic activities because business owners are likely to decrease their investment. The more confident entrepreneurs and managers feel about the business environment, the more likely they are to make new investments, create job and impact the economy.

The 3rd quarter 2013 BCI survey covered 15 sectors and 582 (top business executives) respondents over the period, 15th May to June 18th 2013.

‘Don’t sell Ajaokuta at scrap value’

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•Egbesola (middle), vice president, services, ASBON John Nwoko, and vice president, Import & export, Lanre Ogunseye PHOTOS: ADEJO DAVID. during the visit.

Govt urged to focus on power, roads

T

HE Association of Small Business Owners (ASBON) has advised the Federal Government to reduce its seven-point agenda to two. it implored the government to focus on power generation and road construction to grow the economy.

Its President, Mr Femi Egbesola who, made this call during an official visit to the corporate office of Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation in Lagos, said ASBON members were worried over epileptic power supply and the poor state of most roads. He urged the three tiers of the goverment to pay attention to these problems because they affect business’ operations.

ASBON members in the hinterland, which included farmers and other artisans, he said, were finding it difficult to bring their prod-

By Oluwakemi Dauda and Daniel Essiet

ucts to the cities because of bad roads.

He urged the Bank of Industry and other financial institutions to give ASBON members with soft loan to boost their businesses The ASBON chief decried a situation where his members were finding it difficult to register their products with the National Agency Food Drug and Administration Control (NAFDAC) because of certain problems.

Although the official amount they have to pay before obtaining their certificate from NAFDAC is less than N60,000, the group alleged that they end up paying over N250,000 because of verification and bureaucracy.

The association also urged the

three tiers of government to address the problem of multiple taxation, saying it affects their businesses.

The General Manager, Manpower Training and Development, Mr Soji Omotunde spoke of The Nation’s readiness to assist the group to survive.

In Egbesola’s entourage were the Vice President, Mr George Okoroafor, Ogun State Coordinator Mr Tunji Egberongbe, Vice President Commerce Mr OnumaUfezee, Vice President Import and Export Mr LanreOgunseye, Vice President Services Mr John Nwoko, Vice President Agriculture Mr Stephen Oladipupo, Vice President Industries, Mr KayodeOkanrende, Mrs Eniola Adigun, Chairman, Osun State Chapter Mr SojiAyangbola, AkinyemiModupe is member while AdeyemiAdewale is their manager.

HE Ajaokuta Steel Company Ltd., in Kogi State, has entered into partnership with a consortium of investors to reactivate and operate completed units of the steel plant.

Its Sole Administrator, Mr Joseph Isah, told the visiting executive members of the Kogi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) that the project was 98 per cent completed, advising Nigerians not to canvass for its sale “at scrap value”.

He said some of the completed units of the steel plant could be reactivated and operated commercially.

“As an integrated steel plant with series of completed units, some of which can be operated commercially, we are currently going into partnerships with a number of investors to reactivate them.

“Such completed units include the engineering works, light section mill, wire rod mill, thermal power plant and the Metallurgical Training Centre (MTC) among others.’’

He said that the company had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MessrsReprome Nigeria Ltd. for sourcing of spares and technical assistance.

The administrator said that the company had also signed another MOU

with the Industrial Training Fund for training and manpower development.

According to him, this is in line with the National Industrial Skill Development Programme of the Federal Government to train 1000 trainees in each state.

Isah, who described company as the “bedrock of Nigeria’s industrialisation,” attributed its woes to Western conspiracy and indigenous collusion.

He said some leaders in government were ignorant of the potential of the company, urging journalists to give the steel company the needed publicity.

Earlier, the NUJ Chairman, Malam Ali Atabor, said that people generally believed that the company had failed, adding that the visit of the NUJ members had proved the contrary.

The chairman urged Nigerian leaders not to succumb to western propaganda to stifle the country’s industrialisation, advising the leaders to take the completion of the steel project seriously.

Atabor urged the management to revive the MTC for the training of manpower.

He hailed the vision and focus of the company’s leadership to turn it around.

Seaman’s Schnapps unveils new look

S

EAMAN’S Schnapps, one of the leading schnapps’ brands from the stable of Grand Oak Limited now has its Premium 75CL in a bright new purple look creating more excitement and appeal to its teeming consumers.

The new look, which aligns with the lead pack of Seaman’s Royale 100CL is intended to create a unique brand identity for the product as well as guarantee customers’ satisfaction.

Dropping the hint through a statement in Lagos, Category Manager Mr. Ayodeji Abiodun, stated that the new look of the popular Schnapps’ brand was informed by the need to constantly create requisite appeal and excitement around the brand.

Furthermore, he disclosed that dazzling look Seaman’s Premium 75 CL

comes with a customized tot glass, an appealing design and a firmer gift box which is parallel to 100 CL pack size.

Commenting on the new look Seaman’s Premium, Grand Oak Limited’s General Manager, Marketing Mr. Brajesh Kumar, said with this new initiative, the brand now wears an attractive colour which readily distinguishes it.

He stated that the company will aggressively push the brand in the market, ensuring that the target audience is aware of its new offerings.

In his own words on the new look Seaman’s Premium 75CL, the company’s Commercial Director Aare Fatai Odesile, stated that the re-launch was in consonance with Grand Oak’s corporate policy to be constantly innovative and ahead of competitors.

First Champions League goal

excites Ambrose

25

THE NATION

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

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

INSIDE

'Save our school'

email:- education@thenationonlineng.com

The Senate may have clarified that the amendment of Section 29 of the 1999 Constitution has nothing to do with endorsing underage marriage as speculated.

However, the challenges of child marriage in some parts of the country hamper the achievements of the Millennium Development Goals

Very soon, pupils of Egbe Community Nursery and Primary School, located along Ikotun Road, Lagos, will vacate for the long holidays.

-Page 26

Pupils shed tears as they say farewell

IT was tears galore at Pampers Private School (PPS), Alaka, Surulere campus last Tuesday as the higher grade grandaunds presented their farewell song at the 30th graduation/speech and prize giving ceremony for the class of 2013.

-Page 28

CAMPUS LIFE •A t en-page section on campus news, people etc

Death so cruel!

THEY were on their way to write the post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) when their vehicle veered off the road and sped into the bush.

Ten of them were in the bus, but only one survived to write the test, with a heavily bandaged leg and wound on his forehead.

-Page 29

•Pupils of a girls’ only Secondary School in Kwara State

Between the law and girl-child education O

N Tuesday, the Senate came out to say it has not endorsed underage marriage by amending section 29 (a) of the 1999 Constitution.

This followed widespread condemnation of the resolution to retain the aspect of the law that states that "A woman who is married is of age."

In a statement released by Chairman of Senate Committee on Information, Media and Public Affairs, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, the Senate noted that the Child Rights Acts stipulates 18 years as the minimum age for marriage in Nigeria.

"The National Assembly in 2003 had passed ‘The Child Rights Act’, which specifically took care of the fears being expressed in a cross section of the media. The Act clearly states in section 21: ‘No person under the age of 18 years is capable of contracting a valid marriage, and accordingly, any marriage so contracted is null and void and of no effect whatsoever.

‘22.1. No parent, guardian or any other person shall betroth a child to any person. 2. A betrothal in contravention of subsection (1) of this

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie, Adegunle Olugbamila, Nicholas Kalu (Calabar), Kolade Adeyemi (Kano), Clarice Azuatalam (Port Harcourt), Yusuf Aminu-Idegu (Jos), and Sunny Nwankwo (Aba)

section is null and void.’"

The statement however noted that the Child Rights Act, and the penalties of N500,000 fine or five-year imprisonment that issue from it, is not binding on all states until they domesticate the law, which it noted 12 states are yet to do "The snag is that the Child Right Act does not automatically apply across the country. It has to be domesticated on state by state basis by the respective Houses of Assembly.

"Up to date, 12 states are yet to domesticate or adopt the law. It is with respect to those states that the advocacy on age of marriage should be directed since."

Despite the Senate's attempt to clear the controversy, the girl-child lags behind in education in Nigeria and one of the factors responsible is child marriage.

The effect of under-age marriage on the education of the girl-child in Nigeria is particularly prominent in

They get married between JSS1 and JSS3. And once they are married, the school authorities inform us and we don't see them again. In SS3 class, there was no girl at all. We had only two girls in SS2.

There was only one female student in JSS3 who said she would complete her education before getting married.

She is already engaged.

‘

’

the north.

The girl-child, according to statistics, is on the lowest rung of the education ladder. This is besides the health implication of underage pregnancy for the girl-child. In the North, for instance, many underage girls risk Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) when they become pregnant.

Last month, the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Institute for Statistics (UIS) noted that with 10.5 million (computed in 2010), Nigeria has the largest number of the world's 57 million out-of-school children.

According to the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) Nigeria website (http://www.unicef.org/ nigeria/children_1937.html), children, especially girls, in northern Nigeria make up the larger chunk of the 40 per cent of those that do not attend primary schools. The website also listed under-age marriage as a factor for not attending or dropping out of school.

The website said: "Forty per cent of Nigerian children aged 6-11 do not attend any primary school with the Northern region recording the lowest school attendance rate in the country, particularly for girls.

Despite a significant increase in net enrolment rates in recent years, it is estimated that about 4.7 million children of primary school age are still not in school.

"Another challenge in Nigeria is the issue of girls' education. In the North particularly, the gender gap remains wide and the proportion of •Continued on page 26

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

26

EDUCATION Egbe Community Nursery and Primary School, Alimosho has become a hideout for miscreants and is a cause of concern for teachers and pupils of the school. MEDINAT KANABE reports on the health, security, and social risks their activities pose to the pupils.

A non-teaching member of staff

'Save our school'

V

ERY soon, pupils of Egbe Community Nursery and Primary School, located along Ikotun Road, Lagos, will vacate for the long holidays. But when they resume in September they do not know whether they would meet their school in the pitiful insecure state they leave it.

Miscreants, popularly known as area boys, have vandalised buildings recently erected by the state government, and turned the school's premises into sleeping quarters, operations zone, driving school, football field and hangout spot.

The pupils are hoping that somehow, the government will come to their rescue, like what happened at Egbe-Idimu Community Primary School, Idimu, which has since got a fence and police surveillance courtesy of the EgbeIdimu Local Council Development Council (LCDA) following a publication in The Nation.

•Part of the school fence before it was totally brought down

If their dreams come true and the government intervenes, the pupils and teachers of Egbe Community Nursery and Primary School, Ikotun, will no longer live in fear

of area boys who have repeatedly destroyed fences erected by the school so that they can have unhindered access to the school.

When The Nation visited the

school, at first glance from the outside it looked presentable. But entering through the gates, it was clear only one part of the school's rectangular fence is standing.

Between the law and girl-child education •Continued from page 25 girls to boys in school ranges from one girl to two boys to one to three in some states.

"Most parents do not send their children, especially girls, to school and prefer to send them to Qur'anic schools rather than formal schools.

"According to current data, 30 per cent of pupils drop out of primary school and only 54 per cent transit to Junior Secondary Schools. Reasons for this low completion rate include child labour, economic hardship and early marriage for girls."

As a corps member teaching English and other subjects at the Government Demonstration Secondary School (GDSS) in Dandin-Mahe, Shagari Local Government of Sokoto State, Ibidun Adegbule (not real name) saw first hand how under-age marriage affected the education of girls. In an interview with The Nation, Adegbule, who completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) last month, said few girls stayed up to Senior Secondary (SS2) in the school, and none made it to SS3. By Junior Secondary School (JSS3), most were married off and never returned to school.

He said: "The people who are shouting about early marriage are from the South. It is part of their lives over there. During my Service, we only had many girls in the school in JSS1. They get married between JSS1 and JSS3. And once they are married, the school authorities inform us and we don't see them again. In SS3 class, there was no girl at all. We had only two girls in SS2.

The educated among the parents in the village only allow their children to get that far. There was only one female student in JSS3 who said she would complete her education before getting married. She is already engaged.

"Because the girls do not stay up till SS classes, the Head Girl is usually a JSS3 pupil. All the female prefect roles are given to JSS3 pupils. If you tell them they should finish their education, they say, 'Mallam no o.' they want to marry like it is in their culture."

While some argue that the marriage of underage girls is permitted

by Islam, others argue that the Quran does not stipulate that girls should be married off at that age.

Muslims, who are against child marriage, say the education of the

girl-child is paramount.

An Islamic scholar and the Baba Adinni of Lagos, Sheik Abdul Abou, describes under-age marriage as "blocking the future of the girlchild."

Sheik Abou told The Nation that progressive Islamic countries all over the world are encouraging their girl-children to acquire education at a faster rate, wondering why Nigeria wishes to be left behind.

He said though Holy Prophet Muhammed married an under aged girl, yet there is nowhere in the Holy Quran where he recommended it as a standard practice for Muslims.

"There were some things Prophet Muhammed (SAW) did which were exclusive to him like his marriage to an under aged girl or certain things he ate. But there was nowhere he told his followers that they must do same. Besides, the Holy Prophet tells us in the Holy Quran that we should seek knowledge and that even extends to the girl- child. If you educate a woman, you educate a nation.

"Many of us had our early education through our mothers many of who were educated. But if they had not acquired sound education, how could they have brought us up in sound mind? So early marriage is like disturbing young females from the talent God has endowed in them," he said.

With marriages come sexual relations, pregnancy and child birth, all of which some doctors, teachers, parents and activists told The Nation should not be the concern of underaged children who should be in school.

Dr Fausat Sanni, a Medical Officer of Health, attached to Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State, said pregnancies as a result of child marriages not only results in medical complications, but also affect schooling.

"Of course it is retrogressive. The child may not have opportunity of

fulfilling her potential. A child that is still battling with pregnancy, maybe she has early morning sickness or vomiting and she cannot sustain herself, cannot even think of going to the hospital or clinic; she cannot cope with school. At that age, she is supposed to be under the care of another person," she said.

Noting that pregnancy is not for children, a mother of two, Mrs. Ijeoma Udodi, who resides in Aba, Abia State, said even as a married student in the polytechnic, she lost her first pregnancy because of stress.

"I lost my first pregnancy when I got married due to a medical complication. That was in my HND final. I missed antenatal because they were clashing with my lectures. A case was the day I dressed up for my antenatal, I was almost at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) when my classmates called me that a lecturer came into our class to organise a make-up quiz. Because I missed the initial quiz, I had to charter 'keke' from ABSUTH gate to get to school to write the test.

"If an adult can have difficulties combining studies with marriage, the case of a younger girl at the age of 10 to 13 would be worse than what I passed through," she said.

Another parent, Mr Mike Onoh, who resides in Calabar, the Cross River State Capital, argued that if children have to wait until 18 to vote, then girls can wait until then to get married.

"In this country the age for voting in elections is pegged at 18 because to a reasonable degree, it is universally accepted that one has achieved a considerable level of adulthood and maturity to make farreaching decisions and take care of oneself. And of course this is one way to taking us back to the dark ages of female oppression. How can the girl be educated to contribute meaningfully when, at the time she is supposed to be in school, she is

rather taking care of the home of a man old enough to be her grand or even great grandfather as a wife?" he said.

Speaking against early marriage, Dr Theo Onyuku, a psychiatrist in Calabar said such practice hinders efforts to get children educated.

"It is all part of the orchestration against girl-child education in this country, especially in the North. It has really affected our UNICEF report on education. In the North a young girl can marry an old man because he has money or cattle.

Everybody should rise up against it.

It traumatises the child, exposes her to various diseases and even prostitution. Before you know, they are divorced and the girl would not have any skill or education to fall back on, and you see them on the streets," she said.

Dr Onyuku alleged that the act is perpetrated to keep the poor ignorant of the gains of education.

She said: "The elite, especially in the North discourage the poor from going to school. They discourage people from poor background and manipulate them for their selfish end that there is no need for education as we see in Boko Haram that education is evil. All these are manipulations against the common man, so they will be used as instruments for bargaining power and violence. The people in the National Assembly make laws that are selfserving. There should be a law that children irrespective of where they are should go to school. Anyone who does such should be arrested."

Commissioner for Education, Cross River State, Prof Offiong Offiong said child marriage has negative effect on the country's ability to meet the Millennium Development Education For All Goals.

"This is affecting the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) when you talk about gender discrimination in education, especially the girl.

‘Many of us had our early education through our mothers many of who were educated. But if they had not acquired sound education, how could they have brought us up in sound mind? So early marriage is like disturbing young females from the talent God has endowed in them’

of the school told this reporter that the mischief makers have hindered efforts to raise the fence. He added that they made holes in the only standing wall so they can scale the fence to watch football.

But that is not all. A teacher told of disturbances during school hours; smoking of Indian hemp behind the school; the boys coming to drive them from school once it is 2pm, among the many problems faced from the miscreants.

Pointing to a building at the back of the school's old block, the teacher who spoke under anonymity said before it was inaugurated about a year ago, the touts broke all the doors and removed all the electric bulbs that had been installed.

She added that the back of another yet-to-be inaugurated building serves as their public toilet after the criminals destroyed the school's toilets.

At night, the teacher said the classrooms serve as their sleeping quarters, where they do all sorts of things.

"They use the school as their •Continued on page 27

The girl has the highest drop out rate as opposed to the boy-child. One of the factors which is cultural is early marriage and this is affecting the meeting of the MDGs and also promoting the out-of school phenomenon in Nigeria. It would also affect the empowerment and eradication of poverty which affects the womenfolk more," he said.

Dr Josephine Effah-Chukwuma, Executive Director, Project Alert on Violence Against Women and a Consultant to Justice for All Programme, said Nigeria should focus on progressive policies and not those that would take her back to the doldrums.

"What our children need now is ‘a pen not a penis’; they do not need to be introduced to sex at this age. So that resolution is taking us back; it is going to be giving a license to the paedophiles because somebody can sexually abuse a child and say okay I want to marry her," she said.

Other respondents however claim that early marriage does not mean an end to the education of the girlchild.

Prof Abdallah Garba of the Bayero University Kano (BUK) said the issue seems to have been politicised.

Though saying he would not want to dabble into the issue, he said the interruption of education of anybody, no matter the gender, tantamounts to the destruction of the future of such persons.

Dr Hussaini Turkur of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi said the issue of underage is a relative term.

"So many communities and ethnic groups in Nigeria have their definition of who is an under-age is and the age of marriage," he said.

He added: "The two prominent religions in the country have their own definition of marriage age; therefore in this circumstance it is difficult to say who is an under-age for Nigeria to define the agemarriage for anybody; therefore if it is part of our life and culture, the practice would remain."

Regarding continuing education after marriage, Turkur said it depends on the individual's interest.

"It depends on the people, whether they are interested in education or not; because anybody can marry at any age and the family is interested in the pursuit her education, they will allow such girl or woman to pursue her education to any level and as such the provision of such in the constitution does not curtail the practice to pursue their education."

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

27

EDUCATION Since its establishment 22 years ago, the Imo State University (IMSU) has been operating without a students’ hostel. It has now got one, courtesy of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), reports SAMPSON UNAMKA.

“A

T last, we are on the road to freedom. I feel like a bird freed from the cage of shylock landlords and estate managers. It's a great feeling seeing this magnificent structure built by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, to free our students from the strangle-hold of private hostel developers." That was how Ekene Ahaneku, the Students Union Director of Information, reacted in the building of an ultra-modern hostel for Imo State University (IMSU)

by NDDC. Ahaneku was celebrating with other students at the inauguration of the 174-room NDDC proto-type hostel at the university on July 18.

For the university, it was a dream come true considering its history of moving from one place to the other since inception in 1981. Its acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Ukachukwu Awuzie, who is a former president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), said the university was blessed to have its first students' hostel from NDDC. The university and the people of the state, he said, would remain grateful to NDDC for building the hostel, thanking the commission's board, especially its Chairman, Dr. Tarilah Tebepah, who he described as a fellow comrade, for the gesture.

The hostel, he said, could not have come at a better time than now that the Imo government had approved the university's permanent site. He said the hostel would help IMSU to upgrade to a residential university.

• The new hostel building

Dream comes true for Imo varsity "The non-residency status of the university has created untold hardships for our students who must pay very unrealistic and exorbitant rents for accommodation often far from the university, with the attendant transportation difficulties," he said.

The jubilation that day was infectious. President of the Students' Union Government (SUG) Comrade Chigozie Ogbu thanked NDDC for the hostel, which he said would provide convenience for the students and also boost their self-esteem.

After consulting with other board members, Tebepah approved the construction of a link road between the hostel and the campus and the building of a cafeteria in the hostel.

He said the commissioning of the hostel would pave the way for the handover of other completed projects in the Niger Delta region.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Christian Oboh, noted that the contractor delivered on time because there was peace in the university. He said President Goodluck Jonathan

should be praised for empowering the commission to serve the people of the Niger Delta. He said: "The hostel project is NDDC's contribution to the transformation agenda of Mr. President."

The traditional ruler of Owerri, Eze Emmanuel Njemanze, said the wind of transformation blowing across the country had also reached his domain through the hostel. The hostel, he said, would provide the muchneeded environment for the grooming of students in character and learning before they graduate.

He said: "I have no doubt that a suitable environment plays a key role in the character formation of people. In my view, the anti-social behaviour often exhibited by students of higher institutions may not be totally unrelated to the environment which they find themselves.

Clearly, a good hostel accommodation will contribute to the sound intellectual and character formation of our children. The regulating body for university education in the coun-

try recognised this fact and initiated some studies to enable it get a full grasp of the situation. One of such inquiries by the National Universities Commission (NUC) sought to find out why Nigerian students fail to perform well when they leave the universities with supposedly good degrees.

"The studies brought out some interesting findings. The main reason for poor quality graduates was blamed on poor facilities and their conditions prevalent in the universities. In the main, lack of hostels in university campuses took a greater share of the blame. The "Preliminary Survey of Students' Accommodation" by the NUC showed that the provision of hostel accommodation in Nigerian universities is below 30 percent average of the student population."

Comrade Rafael Okwara, the President of the National Association of Imo State Students, said NDDC’s intervention in the IMSU accommodation crisis was timely. He said a

situation where students were forced to live off-campus, made them susceptible to extraneous influences such as cultism and other vices.

"Some landlords take advantage of the situation to provide sub-standard accommodation at cut-throat rates.In many cases, such accommodation lack the required atmosphere for learning as they are usually in high density areas of the town where noise pollution is a constant factor.

Besides, they do not provide basic amenities such as water and electricity," Okwara lamented.

The IMSU hostel is the first of 19 proto-type hostels being built by the NDDC in universities and polytechnics in the nine Niger Delta states of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers.

Eleven of these hostels were placed on fast-track by the current board of the NDDC and many of them are now ready to be handed over to the benefiting institutions.

'Save our school' •Continued from page 26

rooms; they sleep here at night, they have sexual intercourse with their female partners here," she said.

Giving an instance, she said, "a child came to the school early one morning and saw them sleeping, she ran to the teacher and said, 'mummy the owners of this place are not awake yet, what are we going to do?'

"We come in every morning to pick up condoms, cigarettes, marijuana and other things. We even sweep their stool and vomit in the morning; they use the children's books as mattress."

On two occasions the teacher said the pupils have been caught in a cross fire between the police and robbers.

"When police are running after armed robbers, they run into the school shooting. We had to tell the children to bend down so that they wont get hit by the bullet. If we had a good fence, no one would be able to come into the school," she said.

With the situation so bad, the teachers cannot stay beyond 2pm to do administrative work.

"By 2pm they start to make use of this place; if we don't pack up and leave they will sit on the windows of our office and smoke into our noses. It became so much that one of our teachers was diagnosed

of smoking and advised by a doctor to stop. We beg them almost everyday to allow the school close before they start their activities.

They would tell us to go home saying we have had enough of the place for the day. They use the school as a market place every evening. We don't want these children to be exposed to all this; we want a better Nigeria and the children are the leaders of tomorrow," she said.

Despite the seriousness of these activities, teachers of the school are scared to complain because they fear for their lives.

"There was a time the police raided them and asked us if they were disturbing us but we said no because we didn't want them to come back and harass us," a teacher said.

A male worker also told The Nation that all sorts of things happen in the school at night.

"I have seen cars come into this school at night, park and men come out with different types of guns to go out for armed robbery.

They come back after their robbery and drive off after relaxing a bit. I also saw a man who almost dumped a dead body on this field; but I approached him and asked what he was about to do, he just said "what kind of man is this." He shut his boot and drove off after earlier claiming that he wanted to dump dirt on the field," he said.

• One Day Governor and 2013 winner of the Lagos State/ Indomie Spelling Bee Competition, Master Boadley Juwon Afolarin flanked by the Managing Director/CEO, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Deepak Singhal (left); and the Public Relations Manager, Mr Tope Ashiwaju during the visit of the One Day Governor to Dufil Head Office, Surulere, Lagos.

Akwa Ibom hosts 2013 STAN Science Contest

P

RIMARY and secondary school pupils from Nigeria's 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will put their knowledge of science subjects to a test at this year's NNPC/ Mobil/STAN National Science Quiz and Projects Competition.

Preliminaries of the annual competition, which seeks to encourage the study of science subjects, will hold from August 12-15 at the Community Secondary School,

Aka Offot, Uyo, AkwaIbom State.

The finals will hold at MbohoMkparawa Ibibio Hall, UdoUdoma Avenue, Uyo on the 16.

The competition is an initiative of the Science Teachers' Association of Nigeria (STAN) and has been enjoying financial support from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN), who have been the title sponsors since its inception 18 years ago. MPN is a subsidiary of

Exxon Mobil Corporation.

Speaking on the forthcoming event, the General Manager, Public and Government Affairs, Mobil Producing Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arinze, said that MPN has sustained its support for the project over the years because of its philosophy of promoting and sustaining students' interest in the study of science-based subjects at their early stages of development in primary and secondary schools.

28

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

EDUCATION GRADUATION

GRADUATION

GRADUATION

GRADUATION

Pupils shed tears as they say farewell

I

T was tears galore at Pampers Private School (PPS), Alaka, Surulere campus last Tuesday as the higher grade grandaunds presented their farewell song at the 30th graduation/speech and prize giving ceremony for the class of 2013.

The tears told how much the pupils would miss the school as they moved on to the next stage of their education.

The graduands cried so much that the Proprietress, Mrs Oludolapo Odunlami had to leave her seat to embrace and wipe their tearstained faces. She couldn't do it alone as parents and guardians also stepped to the stage to assist her in consoling them.

But the event was not all about tears as pupils thrilled with presentations such as drama, dance, poetry recitation, choreography, choir presentations among others.

The head teacher lower and higher grade of the school, Mrs Yemi Ladeinde while delivering her speech referred to the pupils as

By Sampson Unamka

toddlers of yesteryears who are now responsible boys and girls filled with dreams and aspirations to impact the world positively.

After giving her charge she said: "Parting with you today is very painful, as you are already part of me and the school. But since you are on the ladder of success, it is inevitable that you must grow. I say congratulations but never to rest on your paddles. It is just the beginning."

During the nursery graduation held days before, the head teacher of the nursery school, Mrs Bunmi Nwadialor who spoke with The Nation about the school's 30th graduation said it has been a rewarding but challenging journey raising the children.

"As you know our business is children. Grooming children is not an easy task except you're not out

to do a good job. If you are out to do a good job then you will agree with me that it is challenging. It demands a lot from you as a teacher because you need patience, tolerance, love and wisdom from God".

The graduation of the Pampers Private School, Lekki annex, was no less exciting.

Prizes were awarded to pupils of lower and higher grades as well as the outgoing pupils to encourage their performance in academic endeavours.

The head teacher, PPS, Lekki annex, Mr Tunde Adejumo said the school goes beyond academics to impact their pupils socially and in other aspects of life.

"It has been a great experience, great quality, and you know quality comes with time and the school has matured over time to become one of the best in offering the highest level of education a child deserves, he said.

Two get scholarship at Olashore

DAMS Samson and Salaudeen Teslim have been given full scholarship to study for six years at the Olashore International School, OIS, IlokoIjesha, Osun State.

Samson got the scholarship for emerging best among those who wrote the school's entrance exam at the Local Authority Primary School, and the 10th among all those who wrote the exam while Teslim got the scholarship for emerging best candidate in the entrance examination.

This was made known recently by Prince Abimbola Olashore, Chairman Board of Governors at the schools's 15th Valedictory Service held at the Oba Okunade Sijuwade Hall of OIS. He said the scholarship was given to LA Primary School as part of OIS’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), promising that the number would increase soon.

Mr Tunji Oyebanji, Managing Director, Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc who spoke to the pupils on Leadership

A

• Pupils of PPS in the school premises during their graduation. Inset: Mrs Odunlami consoling a pupil

GRADUATION

By Medinat Kanabe

Competencies for the future said having good leadership skills will make them have the I can do spirit.

He told them to always do things that would differentiate them from others. "You should be able to speak well, write well, be flexible. They are the major skills of life. Be honest, have integrity, forthrightness, self-belief, passion, be analytical, look for different ways to achieve different things."

He called on parents to give their children good home training, teach them the way of God and send them to schools that would mould them into future leaders.

In his own speech, the Principal, Mr Derek Smith, welcomed the outgoing pupils into the school's alumni association saying this is one of the ways the school ensures they continue to see their pupils and support them in future.

Showers of prizes at STTR

T

HE Best three outgoing pupils of ST & T Regency (STTR) College, Ikeja, Kolawole Ghounmi, Farida Adejare and Akpan Sunday best three outgoing pupils of the ST&T Regency (STTR) College, Ikeja have received cash prizes and GOTV decorders for their outstanding academic performances.

The decoders were presented to the trio by Mr and Mrs Akpam, parents to one of the graduating pupil while the cash prizes were given to them

by Master Energy and Corner Group Limited.

Mrs Maggie Ibru, founder of the school also presented an award and cash prize of 100, 000 to Miss Seyifunmi Solanke, an ex-student for having the best 2012 West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) result in the school.

Parents were not left out as the founder pronounced Mr and Mrs Mubarak, Mrs Abiroro, Mr and Mrs Sanwo, Mr and Mrs Akinpelu most supportive parents of the year, she

By Eniola Osidein

also pronounced Bakare Oyinlola, an outgoing student, an ambassador of the school.

The event was the fourth graduating ceremony of the school and it took place at the school's Dorothy hall.

The event came to a climax when Mrs Ibru took a microphone and sang her own version of the song "que sera sera," where she said she doesn't believe in the lines "whatever will be will be" as according to her, "whatever you want will be."

After the song one could see the excitement on the faces of the students, parents, well wishers, friends and family who had filled the hall to capacity to witness the event.

Akolawole, who gave the valedictory speech, spoke on Our secondary school life. He said secondary school is the most important aspect of education.

He advised his colleagues to always make a mark wherever they go adding that they should not forget their secondary school.

Respect teachers, parents told

P

ARENTS have been advised to treat teachers of their wards with respect and not with dis-

dain.

This advice was not given directly but through a play acted by teachers during the 4th graduation of Diamonds Mine School, Ogba, last Friday.

In the drama the teachers portrayed how parents disrespect them and counseled against such behaviour.

Giving this advise at the 4th graduation of Diamonds Mine School, Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos, last Friday, Mr Matthew Amedi, Chairman of the event, told parents to be respectful.

"Correcting a child when he goes wrong should not be seen as hatred or maltreatment. Since the ban of corporal punishment in schools, parents have taken the advantage to disregard the teachers and such should

By Jane Chijioke

be corrected,” the narrator of the play said after the drama.

In his speech, Chairman of the occasion, Mr Matthew Amedi urged parents to pay attention to their children and always make out time out of their tight schedule to attend to their needs.

At the event, Dariba Aderibigbe emerged the most outstanding pupil of the school and was rewarded with prizes.

She attributed her success to hard work. ''Hard work is the secret of my success. When my teacher is in class, I make sure that I try to understand by asking questions and paying attention. If I am given homework to do and I do not understand it, I ask for my brother's assistance. I take my studies seriously and I am very happy to be the overall best pupil of

•Some of the graduands

Whitesands boys review fun memories

T

HE speeches by the Head Boy, Onyekachi Onyenokwe and the valedictorian, Ekenedilichukwu Nnoruka were enough to give a visitor a glimpse of the exciting times the SS3 pupils enjoyed during their six years of secondary education at Whitesands School, Lekki.

The graduands cheered and murmured in agreement as the duo recounted their experiences in the allboys' school at different times dur-

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

ing their graduation last Saturday, infecting their families and guests seated in the expansive in-door sports complex that laughed and cheered as well.

Kachi, as he was fondly called, told of the soccer games he played with his peers, and the arguments they had about European Premiership matches particularly with their Biology teacher, the ami-

able Mr Ojukwu, who was nicknamed Nicholas when he showed his other side.

"In SS3, we had so many moments.

I remember our early morning arguments. We'd argue about anything, mostly the last weekend's premier league and La Liga matches. Sometimes, Mr Ojukwu would even get involved. Mr Ojukwu was our Biology teacher.

We spent so much time in his office. We felt Mr Ojukwu had two

personalities. The first was the friendly, cheerful funny Mr Ojukwu; the other personality, we called Nicholas. Let's just say, no one liked Nicholas. We never wanted to piss Mr Ojukwu off in fear of awakening Nicholas," he said.

The Head Boy praised the management of the school and his teachers for efforts to groom the boys properly and advised the juniors to turn to the school in face of difficulties.

When given the floor, Ekenedilichukwu said Whitesands taught him to be more confident and develop his academic prowess.

He said: "I am very glad we all passed through this school. Six years ago I would never have been able to come up on this podium to give this speech. But thanks to the training I got in Whitesands, where I had to come to the front of the class severally to make presentations.

Now I have overcome my fear. It was here I discovered my academic capabilities; it was also here I discovered my sports talents.

29

In remembrance of ‘OAU five’

Fare thee well Page 31

Page 34

*CAMPUSES *NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

THE NATION

CAMPUS LIFE 0805-450-3104 email: campusbeat@yahoo.com THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

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

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

Death so cruel!

•Nine die on the way to write post-UTME •Lone survivor relives road crash Ten of them were going to write the postUnified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), but nine never got to their centre in Enugu. They died in an accident at Umunna Village in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State. The only survivor, Nelson Chibuike, relives the accident and his miraculous survival. OLADELE OGE (400Level Mass Communication) reports.

T

HEY were on their way to write the post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) when their vehicle veered off the road and sped into the bush. Ten of them were in the bus, but only one survived to write the test, with a heavily bandaged leg and wound on his forehead.

Nelson Chibuike is thanking God for his miraculous survival.

The Entanco Transport Company Toyota Hiace bus, which was conveying the candidates to Nsukka from Enugu, crashed at Umunna village in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Julius Chidi, who drove the illfated blue and white 18-seater bus, was among the victims.

When CAMPUSLIFE got to the scene, the victims were being removed from the mangled vehicle by rescuers.

Nelson, who was said to be breathing slowly when he was rescued, was taken to Bishop Shannah Hospital, Nsukka. The bodies of others were deposited in the morgue.

The bus left Enugu with 18 passengers, some of who alighted in villages before Umunna Village.

The bus’ number-plate could not be seen at the scene because it was damaged.

Nelson, who received palliative treatment to enable him take the test, was brought to the cam-

‘None of us knew what caused the accident, but I knew the bus was on top speed on the narrow road.

Maybe the driver lost control; I don’t know, but the bus suddenly sped into the bush’ pus with a swollen forehead and bandaged leg.

Accompanied by his mother and brother, Nelson wrote the test last Thursday in a red Toyota car marked Lagos BB 564 FKJ amid •Continued on page 30

•The survivor, Nelson, with his mother after he wrote the test...last Thursday

PHOTO: OLADELE OGE

•ASUU strike: Students protest in Osogbo •UNILAG begins online class -P32

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

30

CAMPUS LIFE

The Pushing handwriting Out with on the wall (2)

W

HILE writing the concluding part of this piece I stumbled on Christiane Amanpour’s programme on Cable News Network (CNN) with the Prime Minister of Italy, Enrico Letta.

What caught my attention were his remarks about youth unemployment. He said: “Youth unemployment is really my nightmare; we are losing a generation and without this generation there is no hope for the future”.

After the interview my thoughts came home and I wondered cares about the Nigerian youth? (apology to President Goodluck Jonathan). While Letta was busy having sleepless nights and nightmares on how to stem the tide of mass emigration of youths who are the soul of his nation, our leaders are busy trying to outdo each other on impunity; issues bordering on education is definitely far from their minds.

The damaging impact of impunity on the society is the fact that it blinds the action of perpetrators and gives them the false illusion that nothing will happen if certain actions are taken. That was the case when some thugs, sorry “honourables”, in the Rivers State House of Assembly engaged in fisticuffs two weeks ago. In the video fracas which went viral, a group of five, led by Babakaya Bipialaka, had ridiculously tried to remove the Speaker, Otelemaba Amachree, with a fake mace.

Bipialaka is an opponent of the state governor, Chibuike Amaechi, while Amachree is pro-Amaechi. Shortly after Bipialaka was “elected” Speaker, a group of 27 pro-Amaechi lawmakers entered the chamber. In the video of the fracas, an Amaechi loyalist, grabbed the fake mace and began to use it as a weapon.

I watched a TV news report on a major local station last Monday where some top party officials from the state visited one of the victims in a London hospital who had a broken skull. One after the other they bemoaned the situation while the victim had a befuddled look on his face. What actually amused me were the newscasters who thought they were on commercial break without realising that their microphones were still on; they were

Agbo Agbo 08116759750 (SMS only)

•aagboa@gmail.com laughing and making jest of the report they just read! I believe some Nigerians share the opinion of these newscasters, they fell short of saying you got what you deserved.

This impunity also reminded me of the instance some concerned mothers took up paid advertisement in the newspapers cautioning their children that what some of them witnessed when a high profile prisoner was released from Kirikiri maximum prison some years back and headed straight to the Church to “give thanks” for his release causing traffic gridlock that lasted hours in the process in Lagos is a national disgrace. A former President was even present at the “thanksgiving” service. The mothers told their children through the advert that that was not the ideal in any sane society and what they witnessed, read in newspapers, watched on television or listened to on radio was nothing short of a national disgrace. We need more of such mothers who are proactive today; they were bold enough to call a spade a spade and setting the records straight that there is a universal moral code that binds humanity together across borders.

In the midst of these and much other impunity, our students are home with the government telling them there is no fund to put the education sector back on the track of normalcy.

Fortunately, ASUP has suspended their strike to give room for dialogue, but I believe it is time to look at issues in the polytechnics and address the dichotomy between degrees and Higher National Diploma (HND).

I don’t think it would be out of place to assert that it is only the children of the poor, those who do not have the contacts that will ensure them university admission, after the jigsaw with cut off marks and post-JAMB screening that attend polytechnics. I also don’t think it will be wrong if I say the three month old

Death so cruel!

•Continued from page 29

tight security by the police and the university’s security personnel. The vehicle was parked in front of the Faculty of Arts’ New Lecture Hall.

In an interview with CAMPUSLIFE after writing the test, Nelson, who wants to study Computer Science, relived the accident. Asked the cause of accident, the injured candidate, who could not talk, responded by writing on a piece of paper.

He wrote: “None of us knew what caused the accident but I knew the bus was on top speed on the narrow road. Maybe the driver lost control, I don’t know but the bus suddenly ran into the bush. I heard many passengers screaming Jesus Christ but that was the end. I lay among the dead passengers for several minutes before I was rescued and taken to the hospital by Good Samaritans.

“I will forever be grateful to God for saving me from untimely death. He redeemed my soul out of nine dead people. I was the only survivor.”

Recalling how he received the news of the accident, Nelson’s brother, Ugochukwu, a postgraduate student of Physics and Astronomy at UNN, said: “At 3:05pm on Tuesday, I got a call from an anonymous caller to report to Bishop Shannah Hospital and identify my family member among dead persons brought

into the hospital’s mortuary. I screamed that ‘it won’t be my portion in Jesus name’. I knew Nelson was coming to write exam but I never expected something untoward would happen to him.

In faith, I went to the hospital and saw my brother alive.”

Nelson’s mother, Mrs Chibuike, who waited for her son at the central security post of the university, was silent for several minutes before she agreed to speak to CAMPUSLIFE after our correspondent’s prodding.

She said: “My son, there is nobody that will visit the spot where the accident occurred and believe that a goat can survive not to talk of human being. The accident was terrible and I thank God that I did not have cause to bury my child.” She said she reserved her testimony to “the wonders of God” till Sunday in her church.

When CAMPUSLIFE visited the Nsukka branch of Entanco Transport Company, the manager, Mr Benedict Ikeagu, was not around.

He was said to have left for Enugu on official assignment.

But an official, who spoke to our correspondent, said there was no passenger’s manifest available to contact the families of the victims. The source said the driver’s body had been moved to UNN Teaching Hospital. The late Julius Chidi, who got married last year, had a six-month old baby.

ASUP strike benefitted from the attention ASUU received; in essence, the major reason the authorities remembered ASUP was the outcry that followed another ASUU strike. This is where my major concern lies. Without realising it, the present official discriminatory practices in education are dangerous for development, both in short and long term. In both terms, we erode the critical part graduates of polytechnics and colleges of education play. This is akin to the subtle policy of local versus foreign degrees in employment opportunities.

The country is already paying dearly for the indifference to polytechnic education as fewer candidates are applying to polytechnics and colleges of education. The implication of this is that we would be producing fewer graduates with the practical background that polytechnic education provides and less teachers at the critical levels graduates of colleges of education fill. Statistics from the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) indicated that in 2013, 1,670,833 candidates applied to universities, 28,977 candidates to polytechnics, and 28,445 to colleges of education.

They are jostling for 520,000 places in over 128 federal, state and private universities; 76 federal, state and private polytechnics; and the over 63 colleges of education. It is instructive that the 52,608 students that applied to the University of Ibadan, which is the 10th in candidates’ choice, is slightly less than the 57,422 students that applied to all the polytechnics and colleges of education. Applications to these institutions are 3.4 per cent of applications to universities. Of the 520,000 places that are available for students in 2013/2014, many are in polytechnics and colleges of education – they will not be filled.

Does it surprise anyone that students are making their choices based on the premium Nigeria places on university education? It is high time the education authorities realise the damage they are doing, more damage than ASUU and ASUP strikes put together. Nigeria should worry about this development. I strongly believe that the appropriate response would be to pay adequate attention to education and halt the discrimination.

The economy can only be developed through the creation of entrepreneurs through the evolution of a sound technical education policy.

This view was echoed by Prof Salawu, a professor of Electrical-Electronic Engineering at the University of Lagos. He canvassed the

elimination of all known social stigmas that have been making the choice of careers in technical education unattractive to Nigerian youths.

He maintained that technical education remains the only panacea to the resuscitation of the nation’s ailing economy. He called on the Federal Government to step up measures reviewing the tertiary educational system to correct the imbalance between graduates of polytechnics and universities. As a way of encouraging youths who are artisans in the informal sector, he suggested an intervention process to provide a form of skills’ improvement strategy and retraining for them.

In the UK, polytechnics offered university equivalent degrees from bachelor’s, master’s and PhD that were validated and governed at the national level by the independent UK Council for National Academic Awards. In 1992, UK polytechnics were designated as universities which meant they could award their own degrees thus the Council for National Academic Awards (CNAA) was disbanded and the dichotomy ended.

As the handwriting appears on the wall for us to see we should realise that the predicament of underdevelopment that we are saddled with is situated in the chronic absence of problem-solving thinking. Whether viewed in terms of the weakness of institutions or the low quality of goods and services, countries that persist in underdevelopment are those that are unable to socially produce quality solutions to political, economic, social and environmental challenges.

It is not a happenstance that developed societies have successfully mainstreamed their universities and other epistemic communities with their policymaking institutions. The marriage of knowledge production and policymaking is definitive of societies that are progressive.

Naill Fergusson, a professor of history at Harvard in his latest book -The Great Degeneration: How Institutions Decay and Economies Die - shows how the degeneration of western society occurred or could occur. What stands out from his analysis is that the quality of institutions for coordinating social transactions makes the critical difference between prospering and declining societies. So, when societies think clearly and act intelligently, they create superior social institutions to solve their problems. But when public reason is weak then problems persist or compound. When will we leave the base level of governance and look toward the potentials this country has?

‘Nigeria should learn from Russian education’ A Nigerian student, Victor Olalusi, recently emerged the best graduating student with a grade point of 5.0 at the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow. In 2004, Victor had the best result in the West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE). He told LEKAN OTUFODUNRIN how he achieved success in Russia.

Y

OU emerged the best graduating student in your faculty, how did you accomplish this feat?

I did the little I could but with God, little became much. I would say I was spurred by a genuine interest to become better than I was yesterday. I took every class as it came and made sure I gave my studies proper attention. Not undermining personal study hours, I believe hard work, diligence and selfdiscipline made the feat happen.

How will you describe the Russian education system compared with your experience in Nigeria?

The language barrier notwithstanding, the education system in Russia is intensive and student-friendly. Lecture materials, school books, internet resources are at the finger tips of students.

The lecture hours, lecture halls and classes are very decent and conducive.

In Russia, students do not need to rush for lectures at 5am as is common in Nigerian universities. After lectures, we have practical classes where we study in small groups with our instructors.

How will you compare the medical training in Russia with the one in Nigeria?

The training I got here is dynamic. I mean there is a balance between theo-

retical and practical knowledge. Besides, the standard is just perfect in Russia. From patient management to operational procedures, everything is carried out in conformity to standard.

Medical school in Russia is very intensive; we have practical classes every day, where students have to write and pass a test, answer oral questions, and participate in discussions and procedures. Attendance is compulsory; missed classes have to be re-taken. I believe Nigeria needs to learn from this.

How did you cope with the negative image of Nigeria in an international community?

I can write a book on this. Nigerian students in Russia have to cope with the country’s image of corruption, bombings, senseless killings and scam.

It is worse when one is delayed and made to miss important meeting or flight at the airports because one is a Nigerian. I study with students from Greece, Italy, Russia, Malaysia, and India but it is sad to hear that the only opinion they have about Nigeria is bombing and corruption. With God, I began to set a standard for them to see and made sure I told my friends good things about Nigeria each time

•Victor

issues came up. I was made president of the African Students’ Association in my school. I used the opportunity to change the bad opinion about Nigeria.

How affordable is university education in Russia?

Compared to the United States and the rest of the world, it is pretty affordable. I mean you get the same level of education as you get in developed countries at cheaper rate. Living in Moscow can be very expensive though everything works.

In your valedictory speech, you hoped to use your knowledge to serve Nigeria. Do you have a particular place in mind?

I hope to work with other foreign medical graduates to see how we can bring our experiences abroad to bear on medical practice at home. This might involve inviting our colleagues abroad back to the country to hold seminars and workshops on ways to help the government to improve our clinics and upgrade them to conform to international standards.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

31

CAMPUS LIFE Amid tears, the remains of the late Senate President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Donald Onukaogu, were laid to rest in his family compound in Umuagu Itu Village in Ezinihitte-Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State. WALE AJETUNMOBI reports that it was an emotional funeral.

Fare thee well

U

MUAGU Itu Village in Ezinihitte-Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State was in mourning last Friday.

The residents woke up to receive students, who came to bury one of their own and an indigene of the village.

As the hearse bearing the body of the late Donald Onukaogu, Senate President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), moved into the sleepy village, the residents burst into mournful songs. They wailed as they beheld the coffin containing Donald’s remains.

Donald died in an auto crash on June 13, with four other students on his way to the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) to intervene in the crisis that erupted in the institution following a violent students’ protest. One of the protesters was killed by stray bullets allegedly fired by riot policemen, who moved into the scene to restore order.

The incident led to the destruction of properties, including the offices of the Vice-Chancellor (VC) and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC).

On peace mission to UNIUYO, the late Donald alongside Jeremiah Sorkaa, Abdulazeez Oladimeji, Japheth Duru and Asa Ejieta, who were travelling in a NANS bus, died in a village in Abia State.

Donald’s funeral started in Owerri after his body left Aladinma Mortuary. Members of the NANS Senate held a valedictory session in his honour at the Hall of Mercy in the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).

NANS senators, members of its executive and Joint-Campus Committee (JCC) from various campuses and government officials attended the ceremony.

During the session, NANS urged the FUTO authorities to rename the

•NANS Senate members during valedictory session in honour of their late leader

hall after the late Donald.

It also asked that the Students’ Union Building of UNIUYO be named after their late leader, while demanding the removal of the VC, Prof Comfort Ekpo. The students said the Uyo crisis could have been averted had the management not incited the police.

After the session, the students moved in a convoy of vehicles, which was guarded by soldiers, from Owerri to Umuagu Itu for the lying-in-state in the late Donald’s family house. This was followed by requiem mass at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Itu, after which the body was moved back to the family compound for interment.

The funeral was witnessed by top government functionaries, students’ leaders from various institutions, traditional rulers, rights activists and religious leaders, including the Senior Special Assistant on Youth and Students’ Matters to President Goodluck Jonathan, Jude Imagwe, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Governor Rochas Okorocha, represented by Commissioner for

Youth and Sports, Hon. Kenneth Emelu, Senator Chris Anyanwu, member representing Ahiazu/ Ezinihitte-Mbaise Federal Constituency, Hon. Nnanna Igokwe, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Prof Viola Onwuliri and Hon. Ethel Amadi, president of pan-African Parliament among others.

In her tribute, Senator Anyanwu, said: “Donald’s death is a monumental loss for us but I urge everyone to bear the loss with faith.”

Turning to NANS officials, she said: “You all must pick up the spirit and courage to forge ahead by taking solace in the fact that your colleague died in active struggle for your collective good.

You must have the belief that God who knows all will surely lighten your emotional burden.”

Ihedioha described the late Donald as a strong comrade whose impact in NANS and National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) would be missed. He acknowledged his humility and patriotism.

Former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu said: “For those who knew Donald, he was a vibrant,

creative and smart young man.”

Daniel Momodu, NANS General Secretary, said: “Donald was more than a friend; he was a brother. I take solace in what he had achieved at his age. He made himself a sacrificial lamb to promote the interest of students he served.

He was just the best.”

The NYCN chairman in Itu, Chidiebere Dimgba, said: “I will not say you were not prepared because last December, you called me and told me to write down your vision in life but when I asked why, you said I should do so, that I may achieve them in the future.”

The NANS Financial Secretary, Gbenga Ayenuro, described the late Donald as “a precious one, vibrant, courageous and articulate.”

Imagwe said the deceased was a brother and a “very strong comrade”. He said with Donald around him, he always felt secured, because “one Donald was more that many security forces”.

The Senate President of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), Lukman Salaudeen, said Donald engaged students constructively to promote the welfare of all.

•The late Donald

NANS president, Yinka Gbadebo said: “Nobody knows what is between Donald and I. He had proven to me on several occasions that he could be trusted; he rejected a huge sum of money paid to him to betray me. He was too committed to the right cause. He had a great dream but death has taken him away from us. He will always be remembered in the annals of NANS.” The bereaved father, Mr Michael Onukaogu Amaefule, said he would be consoled by the achievements of his son, while acknowledging the late Donald’s courage, spirit and “ingrained desire” to fight for the interest of his mates.

He advised that the death of his son should not deter other NANS members from doing the right things at all times.

Born on September 29, 1984, the late Donald was a Master’s student of Mathematics and Computer at FUTO. He was also former Director of Ethics of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede (NEKEDE POLY) and Vice Chairman of JCC, Imo State axis before he rose to become the Senate President of NANS.

Students and residents of host communities of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) are expressing fear over the state of the Kwakwalawa bridge linking the institution to the communities. They fear that the bridge may collapse, if there is a torrential rain. IBRAHIM JATTO (400-Level Zoology) reports.

T

HE rains have begun in all parts of the country. Things are not different in Sokoto State, which is one of the states affected by the flood that ravaged some parts of the North in 2010.

As the rain persists, staff and students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) are concerned about the state of the Kwakwalawa Bridge, which was partly damaged by the flood that hit the state and some part of Kebbi in 2010.

The bridge collapsed on September 9, 2010 following a downpour resulting from the overflowing of River Rima and River Sokoto, which flow through the campus. This led to the damage of three bridges along the only road linking the institution to other parts of Sokoto.

The incident, which paralysed academic and commercial activities for two months, prompted the closure of the university for over four weeks. The campus was reopened for the completion of 2009/ 2010 academic session following a visit to the disaster scene by President Goodluck Jonathan, who

Living in fear

•The Kwakwalawa bridge...last weekend

ordered that a temporary military floating bridge be constructed to connect the institution back to its host communities.

In February 2011, the water level of Rima River receded, reducing the

danger faced by commuters in cross the makeshift bridge. To rebuild the road and the damaged bridge, the Sokoto State government sand-filled the eroded sections of the stretch to allow vehicular passage. But since

then, nothing has been done except routine refilling of the sand-filled sections.

Between June and now, the volume of water in Rima River has increased sharply becuase of the

downpour being experienced in the state. There is palpable fear among the students and residents of the school’s host communities because of the state of the bridge and road.

They urged the Federal Government to fast-track action on the re-construction of the bridge to avert disaster.

A student, Rukayah Hamzat, 300Level Law, who wondered why the government could not fix the bridge in the past two years, told CAMPUSLIFE: “Government should act fact before the situation degenerates to something else. The authority concerned should come up with re-construction plan to avert tragedy that may result to loss of lives and property. We don’t even know what is going on now; if there is heavy rain this year, like what we had in 2010, the sand-filled sections would be washed away and the school would be shut again. Apart from the fact that it would elongate the academic calendar, there can be serious damage.”

•Continued on page 36

32

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

CAMPUS LIFE

ASUU strike: Students protest in Osogbo •Aregbesola: we’ll address it NABLE to bear the continuous closure of their campus due to the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), students of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, last Monday, stormed Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, in a peaceful protest on major streets.

They called on the Federal Government to comply with the agreement it reached with lecturers.

The protesters, who ended their demonstration at the Osun State Government House, also called for the removal of the ex-Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Prof Wale Omole, ProChancellor and chairman of Governing Council of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.

According to the students, Omole is “a killer that deserves not to be honoured” by any government or body. Omole was appointed by LAUTECH Visitors – Osun and Oyo states’ governors – with a mandate to restore the lost glory of the university.

Omole was VC of the OAU between 1991 and 1999 under whose administration five students’ union leaders were murdered by cultists.

Bearing placards with inscriptions, such as “Stop suffocating education”, “We demand 26 per cent budgetary allocation to education”, “We demand the immediate re-trial of Prof Wale Omole now” and “No to incessant strike actions”, among others, the protesters decried the government’s insensitivity to the plight of students and development of education.

They sang anti-government songs, saying the present administration had denied them their rights to quality education. They said the government’s halfhearted attitude in implementing the 2009 agreement it reached with ASUU showed President Goodluck Jonathan’s inability to effect changes needed to reverse the fortunes of

U

From Olufunminiyi Salawu

OAU education.

They called on the Federal Government to immediately address the ASUU demand and settle with the striking lecturers so that they could go back to school.

The protesters said they wondered how the Minister of Education, Prof Ruqqayattu Rufa’i, as a professor, could not convince the government to implement the ASUU demand.

They distributed leaflets to Osogbo residents and motorists detailing the Federal Government’s “sin” against quality education and autonomy for higher institutions.

At the Osun State secretariat of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), the students, who were addressed

by Timothy Agbor of Premier newspaper, left a communiqué condemning the continued closure of their campus.

At the state government secretariat, security operatives shut the gate against the protesters, who demanded to see Govenor Rauf Aregbesola. They were told the governor was not around but the students were adamant. They continued to sing solidarity songs, which drew the attention of the governor to their presence.

An Assistant Chief of Staff to the governor, Gbenga Akanwo, addressed the students and promised that the governor was on his way to talk to them. Aregbesola came to address the protesters.

One of the protesters, Oluwole Olubanji, a Philosophy student, urged the governor, as former students’ union leader, to transmit their grievances to the Federal Government. Oluwole handed the protesters’ communiqué to the governor.

Aregbesola commended the students for making the protest peaceful. He promised them that he would table their grievances before the stakeholders and get back to them in due course.

•Aregbesola addressing the students

•Some of the protesters displaying placards...last Monday

UNILAG begins online class

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ARRING last minute change of plan, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) will commence online lecture when the institution resumes a new session.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Rahamon Bello, made the revelation at an interactive session with students and Hall Executives in the council chamber recently.

The VC said the development was imperative to fast-track and develop teaching and learning process in the university in conformance to world’s standard. He said the online lecture would also erase inconveniences being encountered by students and lecturers in classrooms, especially faculties with wide courses and gen-

From Modiu Olaguro

UNILAG eral studies.

According to Prof Bello, the move is designed to afford students the opportunity to interact directly with their lecturers through online medium where lecture notes can be downloaded at no cost, thereby making learning an hitch-free experience irrespective of the number of students online.

The VC, however, stressed that the facility could only be effective if students owned personal computers. He added that the policy would not be imposed on returning students but said incoming students must be made to get laptops as re-

quirement for their admission.

Another issue addressed by Prof Bello was weekend lectures, which according to him, was against the principle of the institution. He said lecturers had been barred from fixing lectures on weekends, urging students to report such cases directly to him anytime.

He cautioned the students not to engage in any form of protests, saying such action always smeared the image of the school. He called for dialogue as the best conflicts resolution process.

Concluding the session, the VC advised students to report any form of crime and suspicious movement around the campus to the security unit.

UNILORIN students hold quiz for pupils

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TUDENTS from Ekiti-speaking part of Kwara State, who are studying in the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), have held an inter-school quiz contest for pupils in the area.

The event was held at Anglican Comprehensive High School, Oke Opin in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.

The host school emerged first position as its representatives-Blessing Olajide and Timeleyin Adeniyi - went home with cash prize to obtain West

From Iniobong Iwok

UNILORIN African Examination Council form.

Gifts were also given to the winning school. The first and second runners up, Community Secondary School, Etan and Osi Central Secondary School respectively, went home with gifts.

Pupils of other schools that participated were given textbooks as compensation for their participation.

Earlier, the guest of honour, Barris-

ter Abiodun Dada, in his address, promised the sum of N5,000 as a reward to the best literature student in secondary schools across the state.

The president of the students, Babajide Awogemi, expressed gratitude to the sponsors and his colleagues for their contribution to the success of the event. The former president, Busayo David, while presenting prizes to the winners, urged the pupils to reciprocate the gesture when they gain admission into higher institutions.

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HE bill to establish Students’ Judicial Council (SJC) of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), University of Ibadan (UI), has divided members of the union.

The bill, sponsored by a 400-Level student, was presented for public hearing after it passed first and second reading at the legislative chamber of the union. The hearing, which last lasted for more than nine hours, began on a good note but the event took a dramatic turn when composition and structure of the intended judicial council was mentioned. This resulted into a hot argument among the students from different faculties present at the chamber.

Daniel Obaremi, from Tedder Hall constituency, vehemently opposed the names of the nominated judges, which were mainly from Faculty of Law. Also, the nominated Chief Judge was a Law student.

Other members of the council were to come from other faculties.

Daniel said the judicial council should operate in the interest of all students, saying: “In this regard, the Chief Judge and one justice should come from the Faculty of Law. It is not only professionalism that we

Judicial Council bill divides union From Hammed Hamzat

UI require to drive our union forward, we also need intellectualism.”

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that it took hours before the thorny issue could be ironed out. Anjolaoluwa Boluwatife, Mellanby Hall chairman, said having more than two law students was an attempt to monopolise the union. He described the composition of the bill as a undemocratic provision aimed at serving the interest of a few students on campus.

A student in the Students’ Judicial Council committee said members visited the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) and other schools before arriving at the provisions in the controversial bill. He, therefore, urged his colleagues to shun personal interest in commenting on the bill.

‘In this regard, the Chief Judge and one justice should come from the Faculty of Law. It is not only professionalism that we require to drive our union forward, we also need intellectualism’

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

33

CAMPUS LIFE

OAU floats software engineering centre

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HE ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) could not delay the inauguration of the Centre of Excellence in Software Engineering Programme built by the management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), IleIfe. The campus was agog as lecturers and non-academic staff trooped to the Computer Building, where the inauguration facility was held.

The project, which is the first of its kind in any Nigerian university, was sponsored by STEP-B Project of the World Bank, Federal Ministry of Education and Skye Bank Plc. The centre was to demonstrate the institution’s commitment towards the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the country.

With 250KVA generator, 144 KVA set of inverters and 92 KW solar panels, the centre is equipped with telepresence facilities to create a platform to large audience of people across the globe via web conferencing to enhance online lecture delivery.

The Cloud Computing Resources, a software studio, provides a platform for software developers to meet, interact and enhance their skills. It also provides 24-hour internet access to students

From Tosin Alawode

OAU with 700 computers and printers.

At the ceremony where the facility was opened, Vice-Chancellor, Prof Bamitale Omole, could not hide his joy as he thanked God for the accomplishment of the project, while reiterating its significance to the institution and country’s progress.

He said: “The Lord has permitted it that we are all here today to witness the inauguration of the Centre of Excellence in Software Engineering. It is the first in the history of higher education in Nigeria.”

Stating the mission of the university towards the advancement of ICT, Prof Omole said: “As a swift and effective means to secure academic programme for the running of the institution, the mission, therefore, is to develop the ICT to a level that it will serve as a backbone of the university’s development strategy in the teaching of curriculum development, innovation and research.”

He added: “The past one and a half decade in the university has shown an increasing acknowledgement to the importance of ICT, which made the university to be ranked as the num-

FUTO women group prays

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HE Federal University of Technology, Owerri Women Association (FUTOWA) has held its annual Family Day Celebration and Prayer Summit with the theme: The family that prays.

The event was held at the Hall of Mercy and anchored by Venerable Kelechi Okere of Light Anglican Parish.

Bible lessons were read and intercessory prayers were offered for the university community.

Reverend Father Jude Ike gave sermon on Withdrawing in silence and praying for God’s forgiveness and blessing while Reverend G. S.

From Mohammed Sani

FUTO Adaka emphasised on the importance of obedience to God in all human endeavour.

In her speech, the FUTOWA president, Dr Ihuoma Asiabaka, stated that the purpose of the prayer was to seek God’s guidance in the affairs of the institution.

She was elated by the success of the event.

The programme was attended by Prof Moses Iwuala, FUTOWA’s patron and principal officers of the university.

• •Rows of computers in the commissioned centre

ber one in Nigeria.”

The Professor of International Relations reiterated his administration’s commitment to the development of ICT as an avenue to provide support and an enabling environment to the teaching and learning in the institution to effect an enhanced relationship

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PROFESSOR of English and Literary Studies, who doubled as the Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Prof Jasper Onuekwusi, has delivered the 13th inaugural lecture of the Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri. The lecture entitled A nation and her stories: A milestone in the growth of Nigerian fiction and their implications for national development was declared opened by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ukachukwu Awuzie, who led a procession of other principal officers to the programme.

In his lecture, Prof Onuekwusi noted that the theme was informed by his years of academic research and hard work. He linked the relationships between literature and the society, stating that the people who •

with the private sector.

Mr Timothy Oguntayo, Executive Director, Skye Bank (Soutwest), who represented the General Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Kehinde DurosinmiEtti, said the bank had been a catalyst to enhance efficiency and growth of Nigeria’s education sec-

13th inaugural lecture at Imo varsity From Chidiebere Enyia and Ekene Ahaneku

IMSU neglected the story of their origin would lose their cultural background.

He told the audience how oral stories, myths, legends, folklores were well explored by people in the past, using the works of writers such as Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Cyprain Ekwensi, T.M Aluko, Elechi Amadi and Flora Nwapa to project the beauty of arts and role of a writer

NGO inspires LASU students

in national development.

Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, Prof Valin Obinna, who attended the lecture, urged young writers to be patient and read extensively to come up with classic works.

Dept inaugurates executive From Chidiebere Enyia

IMSU

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HE Faculty of Social Sciences hall was filled to the brim as Impact Initiative, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), held a seminar for students of Lagos State University (LASU).

The NGO was established to raise and nurture young entrepreneurs to success in business.

According to the founder, Micheal Shittu, 400-Level Political Science, the NGO is committed to the Nigerian • project by creating a platform where youths can understand the basic essence of life and inspired by people who have been through the up and down of life.

Speakers at the seminar included Mrs Mosunmola Umoru, Founder of Farm Shoppe Limited, Mr Wale Tejumade, Principal Managing Consultant, VVC Consulting Ltd, Miss Tolu Sangosanya, Founder LOTS Charity Foundation, Mr Abiodun Mabadeje, author of Power to get wealth, Sanni Sulaimon, Chief Executive Officer, Environment Bearers and Mr Kehinde Olagbenjo, founder of

tor.

He said: “One of the core values of Skye Bank is continuous learning. All over the country, we have supported education in terms of equity and social services. Today, we can boast of being in the forefront of education financing in Nigeria.”

•Some of the students with one of the speakers after the seminar From Nurudeen Yusuf

LASU www.alaba-intl.com.

Umoru told the students to be involved in activities that they were passionate about, sharing how she ventured into farming against all odds.

Tejumade emphasised the place of potentials over credentials. According to him, the employers only have interest in what a graduate can offer to solve the problem and not the number of degrees he possesses. He urged the students to discover their latent potentials, telling how he resigned his banking job to venture into consulting.

Challenges are inevitable, surpass-

ing it and getting the best out of it proves who you are, were the words of Sangosanya to the students. She urged them to turn their challenges into opportunities. She said challenges turned opportunity led to the establishment of LOTS Charity Foundation.

Mabadeje and Olagbenjo lectured the students on how to break fear and anxiety that stand against vision and purpose of the participants.

Sanni, a LASU graduate, spoke on taking responsibility of the environment by the youth. He charged the participants to stop wandering aimlessly, urging them to utilise their time productively. “The only way to a healthy life is a clean environment,”

he said.

He enlightened the audience on opportunities in the recycling process, saying: “Little capital is what you need to start the business as the cans and bottles are everywhere as waste product. In a way, we can marry cleaning the environment with attaining financial independence.”

Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, Michael said one of the core objectives of the seminar was to transform the students to be employable and to prepare them for challenges ahead. He stressed the need for such seminar to hold regularly, saying it would help participants to play a role in collective building of the nation’s future through personal responsibility.

HE National Association of Students of English and Literary Studies (NASELS), Imo State University (IMSU) chapter, has inaugurated leaders that will pilot the affairs of the association in 2012/2013 academic session.

The colourful event, which was also used to welcome freshers into the department, was held at the Commaise Theatre Hall of the university with returning students and lecturer of the department in attendance. The lecturers took time one after the other to advise the freshers on the need to be responsible students and live up to the expectation of their parents and the society.

Speaking, the association’s Staff Adviser, Dr Psalm Chinaka, advised the students to be focused and shun cultism, examination malpractices and vices that could jeopardised their future.

The inaugurated executive is led by Johnpaul Nwadike, while Prica Anyanwu and Ifeanyi Agbaegbu are the Vice President and General Secretary respectively. Others are Gift Nwaneri, Assistant General Secretary, Jennifer Umeodinka, Financial Secretary, Ikenna Dikeocha, Treasurer, Stanley Eboh, Director of Social, Emeka Agu, Director of Information, Chidiebere Enyia, Director of Literary Development, Nneoma Okoro, Editor in Chief, Israel Osuji, Director of Sports, Julius Ihekweme, Librarian, Genevieve Ugochukwu, Director of Welfare and Elijah Isaac, Provost.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

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CAMPUS LIFE Every July 10, students of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State remember their five union leaders allegedly killed by cultists on the campus in 1999. Fourteen years after, the memories of the slain students still linger in their colleagues’ hearts.

SIKIRU AKINOLA, KEMI BUSARI (400Level Political Science), OLUWAFEMI OGUNJOBI (400Level Language Arts) and OLUFUNMINIYI SALAWU (400-Level History) report.

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ARELY two months after the return of democracy in 1999, tragedy hit the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in IleIfe, Osun State. Five students were allegedly shot dead by members of Black Axe Confraternity, believed to have been sponsored from within the university.

George Akinyemi Iwilade, fondly called Afrika, 21-year old 400-Level Law student, who was then the General Secretary of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Eviano Ekeimu, 400-Level Medicine, Yemi Ajiteru, an extra year student, Babatunde Oke, 100-Level Philosophy, and Godfrey Ekpede, were killed in Blocks 5 and 8 of Awolowo Hall on July 10, 1999.

Fourteen years after, their blood has continued to water the flower of freedom on the campus.

The attack was carried out in the wee hours of the fateful day. The late George, it was gathered, had returned to his room 273, Block 8 in Awolowo Hall after a ceremony at Awo café around 4:15 am. Thirty minutes later, the assailants, led by

•Students during the candle-light procession

In remembrance of ‘OAU five’ a student from another university, struck, using machete to leave a deep cut on George’s head before shooting him in the forehead.

The second victim, Yemi, was asleep when he was shot in the stomach. He died instantly. The killing of other victims was no less gruesome as they were attacked on different locations of the campus before the assailants took to their heels.

The following day, the cultists were apprehended through the effort of an informant, a commercial driver, who drove them to a hotel at Ile-Ife after the attack. The cultists confessed to the crime and claimed their sponsor was an insider in the university.

The then Vice-Chancellor, Prof Wale Omole, was relieved of his appointment after a recommendation by a panel of enquiry headed by Prof Tunde Adeniran set up by the Federal Government.

On October 29, 2002, a state high court sitting in Iwo discharged the accused because the prosecutor could not prove their culpability

beyond reasonable doubts.

The students were reportedly killed because of the anti-cultism crusade they championed on campus. Before their death, the victims publicly disgraced top nine members of the Black Axe confraternity in March 1999, who were arrested at the university quarters. The cultists’ colleagues from other campuses launched an attack on the students on July 10, which coincided with the Kegites Day. On July 20, the remains of the slain students were interred at the university cemetery. Thousands of mourners including lecturers, parents, journalists, market women and students attended the funeral.

A philanthropist donated coffins for the burial.

As a mark of honour, the victims are remembered every July 10.

In the absence of the Students Union, the Kegites’ Club in conjunction with Students’ Security Committee, Man O’ War and other students’ movements, held a rally to commemorate the murder of the students penultimate Wednesday.

•The late Afrika

At 7pm, the Anglo-Moz Car Park hosted the regular students, who did not go on semester break.

Candidates, who came to write entrance examination, watch in awe as a procession of students moved round the campus amid drama and chanting of solidarity songs.

The remembrance kicked-off with melodious songs by the Kegites’ members. The Man O’ War cadets also thrilled the crowd with their paramilitary stunts around a bonfire.

The event took a different turn at 8:30pm during the candle-light

procession. The students, who were initially lively, became moody as they moved from the Anglo-Moz car park to the Students’ Union Building (SUB), which they took as a symbol of resistance against cultism.

The crowd moved slowly through the school’s health centre to the stretch which connects Halls of Residence. Notable student-activists and personalities that graced the event included Hassan Taiwo, National Coordinator, Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Oluwatobi Sofowora, a Botany graduate, Kingsley Ogunne, Wale Owolabi, Aderemi Ojekunle, President, Association of Campus Journalists (ACJ), OAU chapter. They all extolled the doggedness of the slain “comrades”, while urging their colleagues to keep the spirit alive.

“Afrika fought for a just cause before he was murdered. We should not take this sacrifice for a ride but be quick to point out injustice and always stand for what is right,” Oluwatobi urged the students.

Kingsley, a former Assistant General Secretary of the SUG, explained how Afrika went to classes as a Law student in native attires, ignoring the white and black legal uniform made compulsory for Law students.A former student, Oluwaloseyi Babaeko, urged the Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar, to re-open the case to ensure justice is done to the slain students.

Past and present members of the students’ fellowship arm of the Charismatic Renewal Ministries, University of Calabar (UNICAL), have held a family reunion. OBIANUJU ASOUZU (500-Level Environmental Resource Management) reports.

A reunion of Christ’s family •Members of the followship with some of the alumni

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HE sky was cloudy, threatening to rain. Despite the threat, the students and alumni of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) still went about they were doing. One after the other, the guests filed into the Magnificent Auditorium of the Charismatic Renewal Ministries to start the programme.

It was the three-day biannual reunion of past and present members of Charismatic Students’ Fellowship (CSF) tagged “Christ the centre of our life”. It was held from Friday to Sunday.

It was attended by past members from different parts of the country.

Among them were Mrs Sonye Allanah,

•Members singing to praise God for successful reunion

former Minister for Foreign Affairs, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), UNICAL, Prof Miranda Dosunmu, chairman of reunion committee, Pastor Tony Mfon, Prof Robert Nneli, Dr Dennis Nkagha, Brother Bede Ogu, Mrs Cornelia Ndue, Dr Chijioke Osakwe among others.

On arrival, guests were given

souvenirs, which contained branded notepads and t-shirts and reunion anthem leaflet. They were ushered into the auditorium, which was colourfully lit and draped in cream and navy blue.

After the hall was filled up, Moses Ogbonna and Joan Okori started the programme with prayer, after which the fellowship choir rendered gospel

songs. This was followed by recitation of the reunion anthem by Esther Awan.

Addressing the gathering, Pastor Mfon urged the brethren to always look back and check the progress of the fellowship. He said the aim of reunion was for the brethren to worship as a •Continued on page 36

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

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CAMPUS LIFE

By Philip Okorodudu

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S a southerner that grew up and caught his first tooth in education in the North, specifically in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, the word “culture” came to me as lexicon with different meaning. I had thought that the word would have another meaning apart from the one I was taught then: “the total way of life”.

True to it, I have come to realise that culture is the major makeup of the content and character of a man.

Culture grows deep into the bones and dissolves in marrow of a man.

One way or the other, our behaviour is mostly a reflection of our culture, irrespective of the level of education that we might have at-

tained.

Albeit, culture is elusive; it is hard to define. But to properly understand this piece, I will employ Raymond Williams’ definition of culture, which states that culture is “to designate the entire way of life, activities, beliefs and customs of a people, group or society”, as guide.

A man’s culture is his identity through which he is known and in some ways, addressed. Sometimes, we dress to portray our cultural identity, while those without a cultural consciousness are said to have changed their lifestyle to one that did not have root in African custom.

At the risk of being proud, I see myself as a complete Nigerian, because I have lived and associated with the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria. I have had the opportunity to study the cultures of these ethnic nationalities and even behaved and dressed like them on some occasions.

Accompanying a father, who was a federal civil servant until his retirement recently, moving from state to the other was part of life. I was born in Idanre, a sprawling town at the fringe of Ondo State, I only had the privilege to attend kindergarten in the town before my family moved to Lapai, where I started and finished my primary education and the first leg of my secondary education before moving to the East, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, where I completed secondary school.

I could not enjoy steady educa-

My culture, my pride tion because of my family’s movement. Transfer or repeating classes was more of a normal thing for us; it did not matter whether one was brilliant. My dad was a staunch believer in the belief that a child’s foundation is the key to his or her academic success.

In the process of moving from one part of Nigeria to another, I have acclimatised myself with cultural beliefs and identity of our host communities without neglecting the culture and identity of my own Urhobo people.

Couple with English language, I understand and can speak the three major languages in Nigeria. I sat for Hausa exam in my Junior School Certificate Examination (JSCE); I wrote Igbo in my Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) and Yoruba, which is sometimes the means of communication between my siblings at home.

In addition, I understand Nupe, a language that is predominant in the North Central Nigeria, which I mastered while growing up in Lapai. Added to this is my native language, Urhobo, which was to communicate to us by my parents.

For us, changing location meant learning new cultures, which were quite fascinating. This taught us flexibility in manner of dressing to ‘fit in’ to new environment.

forward in fighting corruption, no government has done that in recent times.”

I think Mr President needs to be given a nudge from his slumber. If none of his coterie of advisers and assistants can tell him the truth, ordinary citizen should do so. In my opinion, president should be orientated on what most Nigerians are saying about his administration since its inception in 2010.

The anti-corruption crusade of Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies has returned to doldrums, with many corrupt public officials and private individuals walking freely on the street without prosecution. There is case of a former governor, who had immunity to shield him from prosecution, but who is now walking freely after his tenure. Does he still enjoy the immunity after leaving office?

Even some lawyers, who are supposed to serve as good examples in the temple of justice, run to court on behalf of fraudsters to obtain dubious injunctions barring prosecution of their clients. This has made Nigerian judiciary a temple, where misdemeanour thrives.

One wonders what hope future holds for our judicial system.

It is not surprising that many Nigerians have called for the scrapping of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and other related agencies.

Developed countries of today achieve the feat not because they don’t have people with corrupt tendencies, but because of effectiveness of their institutions, which are empowered by right constitutional framework that ensures that anyone found guilty of any offences is prosecuted no matter how highly placed he might be.

To fight corruption in Nigeria, President Jonathan must first give priority to political corruption being perpetrated by power-

mission in any higher institution. I was once a victim. The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT MINNA), some years ago, did not offer me placement because my origin of Delta State. But candidates that got lesser scores were admitted because they fell into the catchment area of the institution. The story is true for many a Nigerian, who are disadvantaged by virtue of their state of origin or ethnic stock.

Our culture has been corrupted not only by politicians but also by our traditional leaders, who have sold their cultural heritages for a piece of political cake. Chieftaincy titles, which used to be for individuals that have contributed immensely to the socio-cultural development of a society is now a commodity that is affected by the laws of demand and supply.

Our culture is supposed to be our pride that must define who we are.

In the words of Plato, “the soul takes nothing to her to the next world but her education and her culture. At the beginning of the journey to the next world, one’s education and culture can either provide the greatest assistance or else as the greatest burden, to the person who has just died”.

Our destiny is in our own hands.

Philip, 500-Level Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering, DELSU

And the teenager died

Fighting corruption in Nigeria T HE Gallup Incorporation, a United States-based research body, in its poll, recently ranked Nigeria the second most corrupt country in the world. The nation also earns its pride of place as the most corrupt in Africa, according to KPMG report. In another study by the Economics Intelligence Unit, Nigeria ranked as the worst place for a baby to be born in 2013.

What is more, the nation was recently awash with mind-boggling and on-point editorials of newspaper detailing monumental corruption being perpetrated by public officials under the watch of the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

Nigeria’s soaring popularity in the global corruption index and its eroded image in the comity of nations should disturb our politicians, who have been the major cause of the nation’s battered image. That President Jonathan and his ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have not shown concern speak to the level of rot in the system.

The citizens are also helpless, with many only dismissing official sleaze with a wave of hand. We need to speak up and act to redeem the country’s image. The war against corruption is of national interest and I believe every hand should be on deck to battle corruption out of this country.

The impunity of Nigeria’s political class has taken a new turn in recent times, especially under the nose of President Jonathan. The sudden disappearance of a whopping N5 trillion in just two years as revealed by the Punch recently is a pointer to this direction. According to reports, about 11,886 federal government projects are abandoned across the country in 2012.

In one of President Jonathan’s media chat, he said: “I can assure Nigerians and the global community that this government is fighting corruption frontally and the effort this administration has put

Through this, I have come to realise that Nigeria is not as complex and heterogeneous as people see it to be. Mode of dressing and religion apart, Nigerians have the same identity.

Thus it will not be out of place to state that the problem with our country is the sacrifice of culture on the altar of politics. According to Daniel Patrick Moynihan, “the central preservative truth is that it is culture, not politics that determines the success of a society. The central liberal truth is that politics can change a culture and save it from itself.”

People now hide under the cover of preserving their cultural heritage to carry out their criminal activities by brainwashing the youths, who are supposed to be agents of change to be agents of destruction all in the name of priding themselves in carrying out the injunctions of their religion or ethnic stock.

From my mixing with various ethnic groups, I realised that no ethnic group or religion espouses hatred towards a fellow human.

Presently, geographical origin and ethnicity play important role in the consideration of anyone for public office. In university system, there is a quota mechanism, which limits chances of non-indigenes to gain ad-

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By Yinka Olatunbosun ful politicians. He must throw his weight behind the leadership of these anti-graft agencies in their quest to prosecute highly placed corrupt persons. If he does this, he would prove to Nigerians that he is not part of the sharp practices oozing from the government quarters.

However, to fight graft more effectively, law establishing the institutions such as Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) needs to be revisited and make to work properly. A situation whereby Lucky Igbinedion, ex-Edo State governor, entered a plea bargain deal with the EFCC, which made a grave sentence reduced to two years imprisonment, could only encourage and inspires looters to continue their business.

A Lagos-based lawyer and human right crusader, Fred Agbaje, said: “Corruption has now become a state of the federation, drawing its weekly and monthly allowances from the federation account unabashedly.”

This is becoming a fact and if we allow corruption to continue to take its toll on the country, we may not be able to redeem the battered image of Nigeria, our beloved country.

As Nigerians would readily agree, if the menace of corruption is reduced by 50 per cent, then more than half of Nigeria’s problem would have become effectively solved.

Yinka, 300-Level Chemistry, IBBU Lapai

HE girl has just died. And she died at the prime age of 13. The first time I saw her picture, it was the innocence in her big eyes that caught my attention. Even before I noticed that atop her beautiful but carefully make-up filled face was a bald head.

She was young, fashionable and was pregnant with so much idea to offer the world. But cancer, a malignant tumour, was all she could receive from this cruel world. One could tell from her look, how big and productive she wanted her world to be. How eager she wanted to live but her hopes shrivelled into nothingness and death could not have been crueler.

She was no ordinary girl. Talia Joy Castellano, the teenage girl that bewildered the world with her amazingly beauty make-up video tutorials, which swept Youtube social media on the internet and caught the attention of several talk shows, fashion magazines and such like. But Talia’s was no ordinary make up. It was her attempt to correct her many inadequacies, her imperfections.

It was her attempt to erase from her mind, and the mirrors, the unattractiveness she felt as a result of her bald head, which resulted from long periods of chemotherapy. It was her way of filling up her wells of happiness and making up for her physical and mental detachment from the moving world. But she gradually lost her

By Adebisi Adeniji

strength with her fight and she faded gradually, though unwillingly, losing on all fronts in her battle against the malignant cancer.

She lost gradually each decibel of sound, air of breath, pixel of sight but then, she also lost too, the moments of pain, of uncertainty, of agonising hope.

She lost, at 13, her life.

At 13, however, Talia had lived a life many adults can only dream of. It is sad that life could only offer this young girl a dozen and a year. At such age, life poisoned her years with cell-feasting worms bearing the name, cancer.

But unlike many, Talia productively used her years and made a meagre 13 to look like a whopping 30. Through her productivity, she wrote her name indelibly in the heart of the world.

Like Talia, we all have our own apportioned years to spend here. Talia had 13 years out of which six were years of poisoned happiness. Many spent tens of decades but their passage through the world can be likened to the path created on the rock by snakes – it is non-existent. Many of us live that kind of life - a life with no life; and when we pass away, there is little or nothing to be remembered for.

Throughout those years that we grazed the grasses of the different terrains of the world, we make no impact and thus disappear like we never really existed.

This got me thinking. The world I see is a place where we are all involved in a rat race of some sort against time, trying to catch up with time and making the best use of it before our bodies start failing us; before we lose our youthful vigour and the energy bubbling inside us; before we lose the sparkle in our eyes and our once strong muscles start yielding under the weight of age.

We will all cease to exist someday.

Death is an inevitable price we cannot but pay for. For without it, life would lose its value. The skin we spend so much to maintain will become delectable meal for worms and snakes. The body we were once proud of would undergo decay one day. That good body shape that hypnotises men would be useless and emptied by insects.

All the wealth we have sacrificed our youth and adult age to accumulate, the estate of houses, the fleet of posh cars, the array of ornamental jewelries, the fat bank accounts, all would become property of people, who were prob•Continued on page 36

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

36

CAMPUS LIFE UI students win debate

Living in fear •Continued from page 31

T

RENCHARD Hall at the University of Ibadan was filled to capacity last Saturday as students from the University of Ibadan (UI), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, and University of Lagos (UNILAG) gathered to witness a debate between the three institutions. The debate, which was tagged: Clash of the Sages V, was between Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall in UI, Awolowo Hall, OAU and Mariere Hall, UNILAG. The event, which was organised by the Literary and Debating Society of Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall, was held in honour of Prof Francis Suleiman Idachaba, former Vice-Chancellor of Kogi State University, Anyigba.

The topic for the debate was Secession: Panacea to Nigeria’s sociopolitical quagmire.

Representing Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall (UI) at the debate were Usang Enang, a 400-Level English and Literary Studies, and Adedayo Adegeye, 400-Level Biochemistry.

Mariere Hall (UNILAG) was represented by Oluwatosin Adewole, 200-Level Philosophy, and Oludare Amusan. Awolowo Hall (OAU) was represented by the duo of Taiwo Ogunleye, 200-Level Law, and Tope Akinyode, 400-Level Law. The Nnamdi Azikiwe debaters were against the motion while their counterparts in Awolowo Hall and Mariere Hall supported the motion.

At the end of the debate, Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall garnered 132 points to win the contest. Awolowo Hall came second with 122 points while

•Usang (right) and Adedayo displaying their prizes From Sikiru Akinola and Taiwo Adebulu

OAU Mariere Hall came third with 106 points.

Prof Idachaba, who was represented by his son, Barrister Unekuojo Idachaba, appreciated the students for the honour, while praising the debaters for their wisdom and intellectualism.

Oluwatosin, in an interview with CAMPUSLIFE, said: “The debate was fantastic and electrifying but I could predict the outcome of it from the beginning. I really felt

shortchanged. Without being biased, Mariere Hall deserved the first position.”

Taiwo, on his own part, said: “I don’t feel bad with the second position. I only feel bad that Mariere Hall didn’t come first because they had the best presentation.”

Usang, who was the best speaker in the contest, said the outcome of the debate was neither sentimental nor biased.

The event also featured “Aro” performance by Awolowo boys. A football match was also played by Azikiwe and Awolowo students.

The encounter ended in 1-1 draw.

On and Off Campus By Solomon Izekor 08061522600

Another student, Hammed Abiola, 200-Level Business Administration, lamented the situation, describing it as gross negligence on the part of the government. “I think the government is gambling with the lives of students and the people living in this area. As it is, the bridge can collapse due to the pressure being exerted on it by the Rima River; the result would surely be catastrophic if drastic measures are not put in place. We have heard many versions of story on the award of the contract to reconstruct the bridge but till now, nobody has come to repair anything. It is as if our lives don’t matter to the government.”

Residents of Kwakwalawa community appealed to the government to urgently fix the bridge.

Aminu Dan Kwakwalawa, a fish seller, recounted how he lost his all to the flood that damaged the bridge. He said: “It was a sad incident I hate to remember. We were preparing for Sallah (Muslim festival) when the unfortunate incident

happened. We lost all our farm produce to the flood. The Sallah turned sour because we all out there stranded. Since then, life has not been the same for all of us here.”

He appealed to the government to prevent another disaster in the community by fixing the bridge permanently so that economic activities could be back to normal in the area.

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the contract for the reconstruction of the bridge included repair and dualisation of the 15 kilometre stretch that leads to the university.

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the contract has been awarded to the tune of N1.1 billion but an official, who did not want to be named, said delay in the approval of the budget made the contractor to abandon the bridge.

When CAMPUSLIFE visited the bridge, abandoned construction tools littered the site but no engineer was found on the scene.

At the time of this report, there is uneasy calm on the campus and the host communities.

A reunion of Christ’s family •Continued from page 34

family once again. “It feels good seeing beloved ones whom we have not been opportune to see for a long to encourage and strengthen one another spiritually, socially and to encourage the present members by the words of our testimonies,” he said.

He further urged members to always put God first in anything they do, advising that they should solely depend on Him for everything. The first day was rounded off with a special dinner.

On Saturday, the occasion was divided into two sessions - morning and evening. The morning session featured prayer, praise and worship, choir ministration, and sermon by alumnus of the fellowship, Brother Bede.

In his words, Bede said time had passed when Christians would pretend to be religious. He said Christianity had gone beyond going to church in vain, adding that a good Christian must have a personal encounter and understanding of God. He shared testimonies of how God healed him of asthma attack and other diseases.

The highlight of the session included a symposium moderated by Prof Dosumu. The speakers were Allanah and Prof Robert. The discussion focused on “God’s faithfulness in my life and career”.

Allanah told a moving story of how she was born again in her final year in UNICAL. She said she expressed her faith in Christ because of the love and care showed to her by roommates, who she described as good Christians.

“Their character encouraged me to join the family of CSF and from there, I

learnt how to solely depend on God and serve Him better. It is God’s love and mercy that have sustained me till this moment,” she said.

She shared wonders of God in her life. “Through prayers, God changed my genotype information from ‘AS’ to ‘AA’ to suit my life partner, who is ‘AS’. This is why I want to encourage young Christians to keep your faith and trust in God in every situation,” she stated.

On his own, Prof Nneli shared how God manifested His power to save him and his family from bullets and accidents. He also shared testimony of how God made him the first professor of Human Physiology at Abia State University (ABSU) despite frustrations from his colleagues.

The evening session featured the business meeting, a platform that offered members to present report on how the fellowship had fared and its challenges. The alumni made cash donation to the fellowship’s cause and gave pieces of advice to the present members.

Pastor Mfon commended participants for making the reunion worthwhile. He urged members to look forward to 2015, which is the date chosen for another reunion meeting.

A participant, Mercy Ajuka, 300Level Geography, said: “When my friend invited me for this programme, I didn’t know it would be fulfilling. I was inspired by everything that happened in the programme and I will like to be part of this wonderful family.”

Esther Akpan, a final year student of Banking and Finance, said: “CSF family is so blessed. I was inspired by the testimonies shared by the guests. I look forward to the next reunion.”

And the teenager died •Continued from page 35

ably not around when one was suffered for those materials. All our dreams, our fears, our hopes and our insecurities would be buried with us.

But before we initiate our contract with death, we must first complete our destinies in life.

We could choose to go with the tide or stand the risk of being washed away.

We can only adapt to the situation or we stand the risk of going into extinction. New technologies keep emerging to make living worthwhile but yet life is only what it is: a phase we all need to pass through before crossing over to oblivion.

We can only make best of life by loving ourselves and be good to all

men. We should learn to live each day like it is our last. We have to be grateful for what we have and shouldn’t habour regrets. We must learn to forgive, let go and be willing to start afresh. Learning from our mistakes would make us be the best we have dreamed of.

We should not hold on to the past but to live in the present and look forward the future with optimism. Before I drop my pen, let me say a prayer for Talia: rest in the bosom of God and may He, in his infinite mercies, comfort those you left behind. Goodnight beautiful. God be you.

Adebisi, 300-Level Communication and Language Arts, UI

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

37

CAMPUS LIFE VC lauds Fayemi's support

UNILAG FILE

Management probes misconduct THE University of Lagos (UNILAG) has set up a panel to investigate the allegations of misconduct against some members of staff of the Department of Creative Arts, which led to a protest by female students June 25, 2013.

Chairman of the panel, Prof. A. I. Mowete of the Department of Electrical Engineering, and five members namely, Prof O. O. Aboaba (Microbiology), Prof O. S. Oyediran (Department of Building), Dr N.N. Chinwuba (Law), Dr. F.C.N. Attoh (Sociology), and Mrs. Aderonke Ademola (Business Administration) have three weeks to investigate the alleged misconduct, determine what led to the protest, among other terms of reference and report back to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ramon Bello.

T

HE Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, OyeEkiti (FUOYE), Prof. Isaac Asuzu, has praised the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi for supporting the institution, especially for releasing Fiyinfolu/Odundun Comprehensive High School, Ayedun-Ekiti to the university to run its pre-degree programmes.

In a letter to the governor, Prof.

Asuzu, praised the state Fayemi for his support since the institution was established.

"We truly appreciate your dedication and hope you recognise, as we do, the valuable role you play in building a brighter future for the development of the education sector in the state, and the Federal University Oye-Ekiti in particular.

"Be assured sir, that the university will put the school compound into proper use", the letter read in part.

Registrar delivers lecture • Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Ahmed Mahmud (left) receiving a letter of recognition for establishment of the Jigawa State University at Kafin Hausa, from the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Prof Julius Okojie at the presentation ceremony in Abuja last Wednesday.

Don blames political leaders for poor schools

I

F public office holders pay attention to public schools instead of running their own private schools, the quality of education would improve in Nigeria, says a lecturer, Dr Uwaoma Uche.

In an interview with The Nation, Uche, who is the Head of Mass Communication Department at the Abia State University, Uturu, said the neglect of teachers and schools are among the reasons for poor standards in the education system.

She said: "How many people are attending public schools that we used to attend those days; Model schools and the likes of them? Let our leaders forget about developing their respective private schools to the detriment of public schools.

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

The welfare of teachers and lecturers should be looked into as well in order to motivate them. If the encouragement in developing public schools is pursued with all seriousness and determination by all, you will discover that our education system will definitely improve and the teachers will have their pride of place in the society."

Mrs Uche said the neglect is why Nigerian lectures are seeking greener pastures abroad.

"Most lecturers are now leaving the country to even Ghana, South Africa, Bostwana, United Kingdom and other countries. There is a brain drain because the education stan-

dards are not being maintained. The earned and leave allowances of lecturers are not being paid. So, you see that things are now going worse," he said.

The don also blamed too much emphasis on certificate acquisition by parents and students as reasons for the continued failing standard of education in Nigeria.

She said Nigerians must deemphasise paper qualification.

"The first thing we need to do is for us to de-emphasise the issue of certificate syndrome. The certificate syndrome has made people believe that with their certificate, they have become educated. We still have educated illiterates who have passed

through the university but they did not allow the reorientation and culture of education to pass through them.

"Emphasis should be placed on entrepreneurial skills, it will do us a lot of good. Let people be tested on the basis of their intelligent quotients and not on the certificate that they have acquired. This is why you have people who have Bs.c in Banking, but cannot calculate," he said.

Mrs Uche also faulted parents for influencing their wards negatively.

"Parents also contribute to this problem. Most parents want to send their children to ‘miracle centres’ to make good results at all cost. They pay money to gain admission," he said.

Fed Poly Ado resumes

A

UTHORITIES of the Federal Polytechnic, AdoEkiti have announced resumption of academic activities for its full-time students who were sent home when the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) started its strike in April.

A statement by Ade AdeyemiAdejolu, the Deputy Registrar, Protocol and Information, noted that the students were directed to resume on Sunday to start a twoweek revision before the commencement of the first semester examination for the 2012/2013 academic session on August 5.

He added that the second semester has been scheduled to begin August 19 and ends on Friday January 3, 2014.

The 2013/2014 academic session will begin January 5, 2014.

• Osun State Deputy Governor, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori, National Chairman and Vice President, West African College of PhysicianS, Dr. Abiodun Omotosho and Osun State Commissioner for Health Dr Temitope Ilori at the Opening Ceremony of the 37th Annual General and Scientific Meeting of the College in Osogbo

Register for transcript, UNN alumnus told

M

•Prof Okolo

R Chukwuemeka Chukwudi the alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) said he has been contacted by the university to re-register for his transcript online.

In a thank you email to The Nation which published his ordeal trying to obtain his transcript since 2010, Chukwudi said his cry for help was not to embarrass his alma mater but to get the document which was proving difficult after three years.

He also thanked the university,

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

particularly the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Bartho Okolo for the swift response this time around.

He said: ”I write to say that on Wednesday, July 17, 2013, I received a call from the head of the Records Department of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

She told me that my file had been found and that I should re-apply for my transcript, as my paper application of 2010 was no longer tenable for i-Transcript.

“I feel it is a little unfair to ask

me to re-apply, but I will go ahead and do it.

“I wish to thank God, and the management and staff of The Nation, who took up my case.

“I also thank the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Prof Bartho Okolo and his team for swinging into action.

“I hereby state categorically that I never intended to 'rubbish' the good image of my alma mater, as was insinuated in the call. That would be foolhardy. I only took a necessary action which has paid off."

THE outgoing UNILAG Registrar, Mr Oluwarotimi Sodimu, will deliver the fourth professional lecture of the Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators (ANUPA), UNILAG chapter today.

He will speak on: University management at cross road: The Registrar, an endangered specie at the lecture which will be chaired by the Osayuwanoba of Benin Kingdom, Chief Lugard Amiuwu while the Orangun of Ila Orangun, Oba Abdulwahab Oyedotun is the Special Guest of Honour.

The UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof Rahamon Bello is the Chief Host of the event will to hold at the main auditorium of the university.

Don wins scholar award THE American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association (ACPCA), has selected Dr. Gerald Ikenna Isiekwe of the Department of Dental Health, College of Medicine, as the winner of its 2014 Visiting Scholar Award.

Isiekwe whose application was sponsored by America-based Nigerian Orthodontist and member of the ACPA, Dr Deji Fashemo, was selected from a very competitive field of applicants.

The award will provide him educational experience in Orthodontic Management of patients with craniofacial and cleft anomalies at three ACPA-recognised Cleft Palate and Craniofacial centres in the United States from February 28 to March 31, 2014.

These centres are: The Dallas Craniofacial Centre, Medical City Hospital, Dallas; Seattle Children’s Hospital, University of Washington; and Peyton Manney Children's Hospital, Indianapolis.

The ACPA Visiting Scholar Award is offered to an individual who works outside the United States and has the potential to establish or direct interdisciplinary team care for comprehensive management of individuals with craniofacial anomalies in their home-country.

Radio airs research programmes A SPECIAL programme tagged: 'Research in motion…Where we provide tomorrow's answers today' will begin airing on the Radio UNILAG 103.1 F.M. on Tuesdays.

A statement by the university noted that the programme would educate members of the university community and general public about research projects of the university.

38

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

CAMPUS LIFE SCHOLARSHIPS

UNILORIN FILE

VC assures standard Vet THE Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof AbdulGaniyuAmbali, has pledged that the proposed Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, gets the deserved attention and adequate equipment.

Ambali made this pledge while presenting an ambulatory to the faculty clinic. He assured the faculty that every facility needed would be provided to make the faculty ready for clinical training.

The ambulatory, a brand new Toyota Hilux, which was among three project vehicles presented to various units of the university, was received by the Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. S. F. Ambali. Other units that got project vehicles are the CIS and the Works Department, which got a brand new Toyota Corolla each.

Dean bows out STAFF of the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences (CIS) (UNILORIN)have showered encomiums on the first Dean of the Faculty, Prof Lenrie Olatokunbo Aina, as he bowed out after completing his tenure.

Aina first served as the acting dean between August 2009 and June 2011, after which he was appointed substantive Dean the following month. At a send-off, which took place at the faculty board room, academic and non-academic staff members eulogised him.

In his response, Aina expressed appreciation to all. He said: "We have a great future and as long as we all work together as a family, we will remain the flagship faculty in this university."

Don to sustain tradition THE dean-elect of the Faculty of Arts, Prof Ayo Akinwale, has pledged to uphold the tradition of the faculty which has made election into the office of the dean devoid of acrimony. Akinwale made this commitment after his election as an unopposed candidate for the Office of the Dean. The professor of the Performing Arts appreciated all lecturers for being as constant in making the transition process an enviable one. He then sought the cooperation of all stakeholders in making his tenure successful.

Earlier in his address, the outgoing Dean of the Faculty, Prof Bodunde, praised the staff for sustaining the image of the faculty as the "heart-beat of the university."

The Registrar, Mr. E.D. Obafemi, who was represented by Mr Toyin Bamgboye, supported by the Faculty Officer, Arts, Mr B.S. Baba, expressed satisfaction with the impressive conduct of the faculty and wished the dean-elect a successful tenure.

APPROACHING DEADLINES FELLOWSHIPS UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers' Fellowships Programme (UNESCO/ KeizoObuchi Research Fellowships Programme) What is it about?

Reinforcing its belief in "people building the next era", the Government of Japan offers 20 fellowships per year, for the twelfth consecutive year, to be awarded to deserving candidates from developing countries, especially the least developed countries (LDCs), who are eager to undertake research on one or more of the topics listed below. The aim of the fellowships is to support innovative and imaginative post-graduate research in four areas of development of particular interest to UNESCO. UNESCO designed the project "UNESCO/KeizoObuchi Research Fellowships Programme" (UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers' Fellowship Programme) in the framework of the Japanese Fundsin-Trust for the Capacity-Building of Human Resources which was established in November 2000 by the Government of Japan to enable UNESCO to give impetus to research in four areas under UNESCO's Priority

Programme Areas.

Objective of the Programme The UNESCO/KeizoObuchi Research Fellowships Programme (UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers' Fellowship Programme) funded under the Japanese Funds-in-Trust for the capacity-building of Human Resources will aim, in particular, to impact on capacity-building and research activities in the following areas: •Environment (with particular emphasis on water sciences); •Intercultural Dialogue; •Information and Communication Technologies; and •Peaceful conflict resolution.

No other research topics will be considered.

DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION REGARDING THE RESULTS OF THE RESEARCH UNDERTAKEN UNDER THIS PROGRAMME Once the Fellowship has expired, the beneficiaries will be encouraged to disseminate the results of their research. No prior approval of UNESCO will be required for publication of a scholarly paper resulting from research done while benefiting from the UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers' Fellowship Programme. However, the Fellow will be asked to acknowledge UNESCO, UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers' Fellowship

Programme and the Government of Japan in their paper as having provided support for the Fellowship and the Fellow will be required to send a copy of the report and/or printed article to the Organization for information. It should be emphasized that UNESCO has no obligation to publish the scholarly papers and no allowance will be provided for that purpose.

Selected beneficiaries will be required to submit an interim and a final report describing the results of the research undertaken. Fellows will be required to send UNESCO a one-page summary with their report that will be reproduced later in a leaflet and disseminated widely by UNESCO. Eligibility and Conditions for Applications Applicants, a maximum of TWO from each applying National Commission, must meet the following general criteria: 1.Candidates under this Programme must be post-graduate researchers, already holding either an M.A. or M.Sc. degree (or equivalent) and wishing to pursue research work abroad (preferably in their own region) with a view to enhancing knowledge in one of the four specific fields mentioned in paragraph D.1 below.

Thus, those who are in the process of

completing their Master's degree must have completed it PRIOR to taking up their Fellowship.

2.Candidates must be persons of high intellectual promise who may be expected to make significant contributions to their country on return.

3.Candidates must be no more than 40 years of age. Thus, applicants born before 1 January 1974 will not be considered under the Programme.

4.The selected Fellow must carry out the research under the auspices of an academic supervisor in a host institution. Confirmation of acceptance from the academic supervisor is imperative.

5.Priority attention will be given to: * Women candidatures * Candidates from least developed countries (LDCs) * African researchers 6.Candidates must be proficient in reading and writing the language of instruction in the proposed country of study/research.

Candidates who have not been informed of their selection by 8 January 2014 should consider that their applications have not been approved in the selection process.

For more information see the UNESCO Website

ABUAD gets COREN, CRN accreditations

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HE Computer Registration Council (CRN), the body responsible for accrediting computer programmes in Nigeria, has accredited the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) computer programme.

Similarly, the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the body responsible for engineering practice in the country, has approved ABUAD's seven engineering programmes. This was following COREN's last month pre-accreditation visit to the four-year old university.

The beauty of the CRN professional accreditation is that it affords the university's Computer Science students the opportunity to run their degree and professional programmes simultaneously so they can graduate with two certificates, one academic and the other professional.

The downpour of accreditations is coming on the heels of a similar one on June 17, when the university regulatory body- National Universities Commission (NUC) granted 100 per cent accreditation for the 14 programmes the university presented. They are: Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Administration, Anatomy, Physiology, and

By Adegunle Olugbamila

Law. Others are: Biochemistry, Human Biology, Microbiology, Economics, Media and Communication Studies, Tourism and Events Management, Nutrition and Dietetics as well as Computer Science.

In a letter dated July 9, 2013 and titled: 'Accreditation of Undergraduate Engineering Programmes', COREN's Registrar, Kamilu Maliki, conveyed the body's approval to the university.

The programmes approved are: Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering as well as Mechatronics Engineering.

In the letter, Maliki pointed out that there will be random and periodic visits to the university within the validity period of the approval to check the status of facilities on ground, pointing out that accreditation might be withdrawn should there be any noticeable evidence of decline in standard. He, therefore, urged strict compliance going by the recommendation highlighted during the exit meeting and contained in the report to ensure that the standards

• Aare Babalola shaking hands with Prof Ayo Fanimokun, leader of COREN visitation team

that earned the university accreditation are not only maintained, but are constantly improved upon.

"Undoubtedly, this encouraging news of COREN and CPN accreditation will surely buoy and fast-track the founder, Aare Afe Babalola's dream and vision to reform functional education in the country by providing and leading others in quality education, service, industry and character as well as discipline," Maliki said.

He added: "Equally, his vision of establishing a world class education centre of excellence in academics, characters, sport and vocational development in order to produce sound and agile professionals and produce leaders and achievers who would be self-reliant, kind, generous, considerate and sportsman-like has crystallised into reality, particularly with the university graduating its first set of students later in October."

UI VC seeks sport investment

V

• From left: Prof Adewole presenting a cash prize to Miss Odafe

ICE-CHANCELLOR, University of Ibadan (UI) Prof Isaac Adewole, has urged government and stakeholders to invest more in sports as a veritable platform where youths would be gainfully engaged and their talents developed.

He spoke at the third Prof Foluso Okunmadewa/University of Ibadan Inter-Faculty and Field Champions 2013, held at UI new stadium, Ibadan.

Six universities participated. They are: Federal University of Technology, Akure; University of Lagos, Lagos; Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho; Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba; and Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu-Ode. Adewole noted that Nigeria has not been investing on development

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

of sports talents, adding that across the world most countries have soccer academies, right from primary to tertiary level.

"I can tell you today that China is training five, six and seven year olds to be future Olympic champions and Nigeria needs to do the same thing.

We should desist from craving for winning at all cost without preparing, God is not an unjust God, if you do not practice well, why must you win,” he said.

Adewole said UI has taken the bull by the horns to build a soccer team and would soon host a mega soccer competition where all the talents discovered will fit into the national team.

At the competition, Rita Odafe, a 500 level Law student of UI, won the 5000m women relay with 21.50.09.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

39

EDUCATION GRADUATION

GRADUATION

GRADUATION

GRADUATION

GRADUATION

Okebukola seeks reintroduction of HSC

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RO-CHANCELLOR, Crawford University, Igbesa, and Chairman, Kings College School Based Management Committee, (SBMC) Prof Peter Okebukola is seeking reintroduction of Higher School Certificate (HSC). He said this while speaking at the Kings College Valedictory Service held at the school premises in Lagos last week.

Okebukola said: "There should be installation of better quality teacher preparation programmes and the reintroduction of higher school certificate using schools that are geographically spread as pilot sites."

Okebukola, who was represented by the Vice-Chancellor, Crawford University, Prof Samson Ayanlaja, said all level of government must devote greater attention to implementing a redemption plan to salvage secondary education system if Nigeria is to accelerate using highlevel human capital as a lever.

Okebukola, who underscored teacher training, added that nowa-

By Medinat Kanabe

days, many teachers do not know as much as the students they are teaching due to poor teacher preparation.

In his own speech, the Principal, Kings College, Otunba Dele Olapeju, said the school is set to build a N120 million multipurpose building which would house 10 more classrooms, two laboratories for science and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) with the funding provided by an anonymous donor.

He said: "The college was informed of the donation of N120 million. Bnet has approved the use of the fund for the erection and furnishing of a multi-purpose building. A-seven man team which constitutes the principal, resident representative of B-net in Nigeria, Secretary Kings College Old Boys Association, Chairman PTA, representative, Federal Ministry

of Land and Housing, the college registrar and secretary has been set up" Olapeju said the college received 10 additional staff during the recent recruitment of teachers for the federal unity college. He called on government to regularise their part time teachers in order to encourage them give their optimum services.

He hinted that the college came first in Lagos State Cowbell Mathematics competition and that the 2011/2012 WASSCE shows that school moved up from 65 per cent to 78. 16 per cent.

In his charge to the pupils, Minister of National Planning Dr Shamsuddeem Usman, urged them to abide by the 10 keys-respect, self control, continuous learning, loyalty, attentiveness, discipline, investing in others, doing the needful, abstaining from mediocre and prayerfulness.

Ochibili Chukwura graduated as the best student in the outgoing class with a grade point of 77.1 per cent.

• From left: Director of Studies, Peaklane International College, Lagos, Mrs Ify Nwachukwu, and her husband Mr. Nwachukwu, Mr Gboyega Oloniyo, PTA Chairman during the end of the session activities held at the school premises in Lagos

College holds 2nd graduation

P

• Graduating pupil of St Jude Private School 5th Avenue, Festac during their graduation at the school premises

School lets off pioneer pupils

By Sampson Unamka

T

HE management of Boldamide Schools was happy releasing its pioneer pupil-Demilade Oguntiyi.

Oguntuyi, 10, was the cynosure of all eyes at Boldamide's valedictory service/graduation and prize- giving day held at the school's premises in Ilasa, Lagos.

He was among the three pioneer pupils in the school's playgroup category.

As a result her father Olaoluwa Oguntuyi, an engineer, was made the chairman of the event.

Oguntiyi, while giving his speech, thanked the management for the privilege being given him as the chairman.

"Boldamide is noted for excellence and parents whose children are here are very lucky," Oguntuyi said while praising the school.

He also praised the management for giving their students the opportunity to go on excursion's adding that such exercise is necessary and helps build pupils' social life.

Oguntiyi, therefore, advised his child, including seven other outgoing students, of the roles they must play in nation building as leaders of tomorrow. He also told parents that they are mirrors to their children and therefore should discharge their responsibilities as parents.

The proprietor, Mrs Kehinde Idowu recounted how the school began in 2006 with just three pupils.

O

UTGOING pupils of Pacific Comprehensive College, Shasha, Lagos have been enjoined to plan for their future.

The school's Proprietor, Mr Omosowon Idowu Remigious, spoke during their valedictory last weekend.

Seventy-eight pupils passed out this session.

He advised them to have a plan for their lives and stick to it judiciously if they want to make it.

He said: "You must make plans that can help you achieve in your chosen

RINCIPAL, GEC International College, Saka Tinubu, Lagos, Theo Theodorou, has urged graduating students of the school to be good ambassadors of Nigeria, express their competitive side and try to achieve the best as they move to the next stage of their lives.

Theodorou, in his address at the school's second graduation in Lagos, implored the outgoing students to justify the huge investment their parents have done by putting into practice all they had learnt.

He acknowledged the commitment and support of parents and guardian throughout the year, praising them for entrusting their children to the college.

He prayed that their investment in time, money and love to their children will soon yield fruits.

Plan your life, pupils urged

By Joseph Eshanokpe

profession and implement them faithfully within the specified time limit.

There will be need for you to discipline yourself in order to stick to your plans."

He urged them to choose careers based on their talents, interest and abilities, adding that with the training they had received, they would excel.

"Do not choose a career based on

peer group influence so that you do not burn your fingers and run into difficulties half way. It may be too late to go back and start all over. Your mentors, parents and the school are relevant places from which you may source advice, but even at that rate your innate ability must be the basis of your decision making,' he added.

He warned them against life challenges, but urged them to preserve,

By Adegunle Olugbamila

In his address, the school's Director of Studies Ghalib Fahad, said education should not be seen involving only money but rather be viewed as a platform to produce future generations of leaders.

Fahad advised the graduating students to look forward to the future, hold their heads high, and make sure that they imbibe the values which they had acquired.

Director of Admissions and Marketing Mrs Josephine Peters, described the graduands as a crop of well-behaved gentlemen and ladies who will surely become future leaders.

At the event, Joy Alabi emerged the best graduating student, while Abel Initokonisobo, the best student in A'level. adding that with the right attitude, focus, self-belief and tenacity of purpose, they would overcome.

The school's Principal, Mr. Andrew O. Mekwunye advised the pupils to imbibe good virtues.

"In all your actions, remember others are watching; therefore, you must make justice and fairness your watchword. When it is your turn to lead, do not neglect the less privileged members of the society. Treat others the way you will like to be treated; and do not adopt the principle of win-win in all situations," he said.

Graduands ‘discharged’ with prayers

By Akinyemi Oluwayemisi

OTS of encouragement, sermons, prayers, and words of inspiration were served the graduating pupils of MD Nursery and Primary School, Oko Oba, a suburb in Lagos State as the school sent forth 39 pupils during its 23rd prize-giving and valedictory ceremony.

Director of the school, Mrs Omolara Adedugbe, urged them as potentials future leaders to cultivate the spirit of patriotism which, she said would help them achieve their goals in future.

"I can see among you senators, doctors, presidents and professionals. All you need to do is to be committed to your studies because education is the surest way to success."

"I am bold to call them my children because they are going to become leaders of tomorrow, and since education is the surest way to achieve this, l have to contribute my quota to see this happen. That is why we have lots of academic programmes that can enhance their studies."

L

• From top right, Mr Theodorou (middle) Mrs Peters (left) Dr Fahad with the graduating students

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

40

EDUCATION

Southsouth urged to embrace executive education

P

EOPLE from the Southsouth region have been urged to embrace executive education which is now available with the establishment of the Port Harcourt School of Management and Economics (PHSME) in Rivers State.

Speaking during the launch of the school, a board member of the school, Mr Adeleke Olufade explained that executive education is very important in the lives of everyone irrespective of cadre.

Olufade said through the PHSME, he and his team are set to change the culture of executive education.

He stressed the need for people to

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

support the school by registering with it.

"The school was registered in 2011 by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to provide opportunities for millions of young men and women who desire quality and globally-competitive higher education to actualise their dreams and aspirations on Nigerian soil," he said.

The school, which has also been approved by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), is affiliated to Regenesys

Business School in South Africa and will run programmes in oil and gas, management skills, political and social research, riggers, health and safety environment.

Others include consultancy and corporate redesign and competitiveness.

In his presentation, the Chief Operating Officer of Regenesys Business School, Mr Riaan Steenberg said his school has trained about 75,000 students across the globe in the last 15 years.

Steenberg also said that his school which is fully accredited has international recognition with “a knack for solving clients' needs."

• Mrs Rebecca Davis, Principal High School, (right) showing Mrs Ademolekun (second right) round the Homemakers Club

School challenges pupils to be creative

T

HE sports ground of the Supreme Education Foundation (SEF), Magodo, Lagos was transformed into an exhibition venue for the school’s co-curricular exhibition/trade fair last Monday.

Each of the canopies that housed the various clubs was busy as pupils, guided by their teachers, engaged in preparing, displaying products or participating in activities that characterised their clubs.

At the Chef Club, some pupils assisted in selling the chocolate and pineapple upside down cakes they prepared, while others peeled yam for the pounded yam that would accompany the mouthwatering efo riro, edikainkong, banga and other soups already on display.

Their Club coordinator, Mrs Modupe Somade, said all members of the club actively participated in the preparation of the meals on display. She said their membership in the club would enable them learn skills that would make them independent in future – skills that are not taught at home.

“The pupils all took part in the preparation of the food. You find that most parents don’t encourage their children to come into the

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

kitchen; they cannot boil water or egg. My passion is to help these children to be independent so that even when their parents are not there and they are in school, they can fend for themselves. They do not need to go back home all the time to ask their parents for money.

I learnt cooking from my stepmother and apart from being a teacher, I cater for parties. That is why I am passionate about teaching them,” she said.

Mrs Adenike Adamolekun, CEO of the school, went round all the clubs, learning of their activities. At the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Club, she was pleasantly surprised by a pupil who demonstrated his talents in using the computer to draw and paint pictures. At the Homemakers Club, she was presented with bracelets, necklaces, and beautiful flipflops (popularly called bathroom slippers) which had been transformed with glittering studs, laces and other decorations.

Mrs Adamolekun also visited the Scrabble, Chess, Barbing, Photography, Jets, Geography and Farmers clubs, giving a word of encour-

agement to the pupils and their teachers for their efforts.

She told The Nation that the aim of the event is to teach the pupils to use their hands.

“It is a very good beginning; a fantastic effort. It creates awareness and showcases what our children can do. This is the first time. In subsequent editions, it will be more challenging and technological inventions will be showcased. We are telling that your hands can never fail you. Your hands will always bail you out. If you are creative with your head and your hands, they will forever bail you out,” she said.

Addressing the pupils during the programme, Director of Studies, Mr Vincent Nkama urged them to henceforth begin to think what they can contribute to societal development through their inventions.

“It is an exhibition to harness their talents; it is their exhibition to help them project into the future and affect their world like Yousafzai Malala, the Pakistani teenager did,” he said.

Nkama added that the learning and fun will continue during the SEF Summer Funfair 2013 holding between July 29 and August 30.

Group awards five HR scholarships

T

HE Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), the world's largest Human Resource (HR) practitioner body, has announced plans to award five international certification scholarships of $800 each in 2013 to HR professionals in Nigeria.

The scholarship is targeted at those pursuing professional certification as a Human Resource Business Professional (HRBP) or Human Resource Management Profes-

sional (HRMP). The HRBP and HRMP are globally-relevant credentials for HR practitioners outside the United States.

Oliver Nnona, SHRM Nigeria's Country Leader, said in a statement that the scholarship is being sponsored by the SHRM Foundation.

On the scholarship eligibility, Nnona said: "Human resource professionals and HR educators located outside the United States including Nigeria who have taken an HRBP

or HRMP certification exam in the 2013 calendar year are eligible to apply. Also eligible are those preparing to sit for an exam within the next year."

The statement added that criteria such as work experience and commitment to a career in human resource management, volunteer and teaching experience, and financial need will play a part in the selection of recipients among those who apply for the scholarship.

EDUTALK

with

A muffled cry for help

E

GBE Community Nursery and Primary School, in Ikotun is just one of the many public primary and secondary schools across the country that has become the hideouts of no-do-gooders who perpetrate all kinds of evil there.

The miscreants instill such Kofoworola fears in the pupils and their teachers that they are afraid to Belo-Osagie cry out for help. They (the mischief makers) mess up Kofosagie@yahoo.com classrooms with faeces, deface 08054503077 (SMS only) their walls with graffiti and dirt, vandalise windows, doors, and classroom furniture, and leave the place littered with condoms, wraps of hard drugs and the like.

These criminals believe they have a right to share the schools with the pupils, and in the process disrupt meaningful teaching and learning activities.

Rather than get to school and settle down to academic work, pupils in schools overtaken by miscreants spend the first few hours cleaning up the mess created by these unwanted settlers.

I once interviewed a public primary school teacher in Port Harcourt, Rivers State who recounted a sad incidence that occurred before her school, State Primary School Elekahia, was rehabilitated by the Rivers State Government. Her school used to be like Egbe Community Nursery and Primary School. Women sold vegetables there during the day, while miscreants took over at night. They had put up with clearing their classrooms of human excrement everyday. But the situation came to a head when on a particular day, while marking scripts she put her hand into her desk to pick her pen and touched faeces instead. She said she was demoralized. It was one of the lowest days of her career.

Some teachers at Egbe Community Nursery and Primary School have experienced same. Their situation is even worse. It is said that the area boys have claimed particular classrooms as personal sleeping quarters which they maintain each night and do not share with others. During the day, the teachers and pupils live under the cloud of Indian hemp smoke, with its attendant health implications, not to mention the bad example to young children attending the school.

Apart from that, the teachers, especially, cannot feel secure staying back in school beyond certain times because of the constant threat of what the miscreants can do if they meet them there. We were told that the entire street where the school is located is not safe after dark because of the criminals the school harbours.

Schools where the incursion of miscreants is rampant normally do not have their perimeter fences in place. The absence of the fences leaves them vulnerable to 'visits' by touts and others.

Passersby can even use their premises as a thoroughfare. The miscreants that disturb at Egbe Community Nursery and Primary School have frustrated efforts to re-build the fence in the past destroying the work done by masons under the cover of darkness.

In the process of trying to rebuild the fence, the school (government) has spent tons of money to no avail.

Since the case is beyond the school, it has become necessary for the local and state governments to intervene at Egbe. The governments need to put an end to the trespass by the touts by urgently building the perimeter fence and providing police protection.

The host community also has a role to play in securing the school.

Some of the troublers of the school are from the community. Leaders and traditional rulers in the community should be involved in keeping the school and its pupils safe. As the situation is presently, the school is not an ideal environment to groom young children who are still very impressionable. Without good role models around them, we cannot expect those pupils to be the best in their fields or imbibe positive values. The probability of being negatively influenced is higher for them than if their schools were secure.

Other schools with problems like Egbe also deserve the prompt attention of the communities, local and state governments that own them. Children attending these public schools are also Nigerians and have a right to good quality education.

‘The absence of the fences leaves them vulnerable to 'visits' by touts and others.

Passersby can even use their premises as a thoroughfare. The miscreants that disturb at Egbe Community Nursery and Primary School have frustrated efforts to re-build the fence in the past destroying the work done by masons under the cover of darkness. In the process of trying to rebuild the fence, the school (government) has spent tons of money to no avail’

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

43

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Prominent Yoruba political leaders want President Goodluck Jonathan and Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi to embrace peace so that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crisis in the Southsouth state will not snowball into a national problem. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU reports.

How to resolve Rivers crisis, by Yoruba elders C

RISIS in any part of the country is an ill-wind that blows nobody any good.

Yoruba political leaders are in a vantage position to clearly appreciate this. Major crises, which erupted in the geo-political zone in the First and Second Republics, led to the derailment of democracy. The long interregnum between 1966 and 1979 and 1983 and 1999 attested to the suffering of the people under the military rule.

Former Military Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), who has reflected on the fate of democracy, which is being threatened by the protracted crisis in the Rivers State, urged the various parties to the dispute to reach a truce. He warned that popular rule is in danger, if the key actors refuse to learn from the lessons of history.

Second Republic House of Representatives member Prince Tajudeen Olusi observed that the retired General’s advice was timely. “I want to direct the attention of our leaders to the warning being given by the former military rulers that democracy is being threatened and that we should learn lessons from the events in Egypt. It is still topical”, he said.

Olusi, a former commissioner in Lagos State, chided the President for allowing the crisis to escalate.

“The crisis is a manifestation of the incompetence of our President to handle important national issues and to address the turbulent issue at its infancy before it escalates”, he fumed. Decrying the role of the police, he lamented that the Rivers State Commissioner of Police has consistently detested the office of the governor, which he said was established by the constitution.

“The tradition and the law is that the civil service and police must give loyalty to the constituted authority. It is a danger to democracy and an assault on democracy. Therefore, the answer, the solution lies squarely with the President of our country. He should call the police to order to ensure that the police performs its roles according to the constitution. The President and the PDP should stop misusing the police”, he added.

Senator James Kolawole from Ekiti State shared the same opinion. He pointed out that, though the beginning of any crisis can be known, the end cannot be predicted. “If we are not careful, it will derail democracy. Both sides should be careful. If it is not properly managed, it can lead to unpalatable incident we do not bargain for”, he warned.

The onus, said Kolawole, is on President Goodluck Jonathan to act as a statesman. Noting that the Rivers crisis is unfortunate, he warned that its elongation may produce negative implications for democracy. “If a solution is not found to the crisis, the consequence may be far-reaching for everybody”, he stressed.

To Afenifere chieftain Chief

• Adebanjo

• Fasoranti

• Fasanmi

• Olusi

• Koleoso

• Durojaye

Rueben Fasoranti, the President is facing a novel test of leadership.

If he fails in this turbulent period, the nation may suffer due to any wrong step taken by him. The elder statesman urged dialogue, saying that delay could be dangerous. “The President should call a round table conference. The governor should also make peace now. The crisis must end. Both the President and governor are from the same area. Nigeria is bigger than the two of them. They must make peace quickly”, he advised.

Second Republic Senator Ayo Fasanmi warned that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders were busy laying a foundation for anarchy, adding that the prospects of stable democracy is narrow. He warned against localising the Rivers crisis, pointing out that it has implications for the country. Describing the behaviour of the five legislators who attempted to impeach the Speaker as a tragedy, he chided the Presidency for taking sides.

Fasanmi, who is the Deputy Leader of Afenifere, the pan-

Yoruba socio-political group, observed that, though there are new dimensions to the crises, the genesis should not be forgotten. He pointed out that the governor has been exposed to ridicule by the police and other federal officials, who may have been acting the scripts of the President. He also blamed Dr. Jonathan for taking sides in a divisive issue, saying that it is wrong.

“The crisis is a national tragedy.

It is a mockery of the democratic principle. Somebody won an NGF election with a margin of three; you say no. If 36 governors cannot conduct a free and fair election among themselves, how can the PDP conduct a peaceful election in 2013? They are laying the foundation for anarchy. That is why I always appeal to the progressives not to sleep”, he said.

Urging the President to rise to the occasion, Fasanmi said that he should not support a faction, to the detriment of the other faction. “This crisis is a sign of what to expect in 2014 and 2015.

Progressives should be prepared

for a rescue mission. The crisis and tragedy in Rivers should not be localised. It is a national crisis. Amaechi needs moral and political support, This is a bad omen for the nation”, he added.

Another Afenifere chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, hinged the crisis on the neglect of the constitution, rule of law, equity and fair play. He said that, if there is justice, there will be peace in Rivers State. “There will always be problem, if the constitution is not followed”, he remarked. But Adebanjo also warned about the consequence of direct interference of the federal government in the state affairs. He said that this is inconsistent with the principle of federalism.

The Yoruba elder also pointed out that the politicians in Rivers State were swimming in moral crisis. “How can five legislators remove the Speaker? That was what Obasanjo was doing in Bayelsa, Oyo and Ekiti where the governors were removed. The problem in Rivers arose because powerful people were behind them. Amaechi has the majority

on his side. You cannot remove him unconstitutionally”, he said.

Former military governor of the defunct Western State, Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo (rtd) said the crisis is worrisome. But he declined to comment further, merely saying: “It is politics. I am not a politician. If they come to me, I will advise them on what to do. I won’t speak to them on the pages of newspapers”.

PDP chieftain and former Lagos State Deputy Governor Rafiu Jafojo submitted that the crisis has manifested the rot in the party. “There is no discipline in the PDP”, he said, advising the leaders to put their house in order. “They should instill discipline in the party. The Rivers problem can be resolved. You cannot solve it by removing the governor or fighting in the House of Assembly. It is undemocratic.

This did not happen in our time”, he added.

Jafojo urged the two divides in Rivers State to thread the path of law. Noting that the crisis is mainly between the President and the governor, he appealed to them to embrace truce in the interest of democracy.

For Senator Olabiyi Durojaye, it is lamentable to those who fought for democracy that those who sat on the sidelines were now trying to truncate it. “The tail is waxing at the dog. There is no parliamentary precedent for the minority to impeach the Speaker. They should not kill democracy. We don’t want democracy to fall in Nigeria”, he said.

Durojaye called for restraint and decorum on the part of the leaders to save Nigeria’s image. He recalled the United States President, Barack Obama, recently snubbed Nigeria during his visit to Africa because democracy was on the slide. “Obama excluded Nigeria from his visit because of the way we handle democracy in Nigeris. Everything we do is reported in other countries. I appeal for restraint by both leaders. The constitution makes provisions for impeachment, It can only be done by two-third majority”, he said.

Oke-Ogun, Oyo State leader Chief Michael Koleoso described the persistent crisis as a malady, warning that both the President and governor were playing with fire. “The earlier they resolve it, the better. It is very painful. The President should use his position to douse the tension. The way things are going now, we are nit safe in this country”, he stressed.

However, a Second Republic federal legislator, Hon. George Sadiku, said that the current development has confirmed the logic of politics and politicking.

“What is happening now is one of the requirements of democracy.

Conflicts and counter-conflicts will lead to the stability of democracy”, he pointed out. But he warned against allowing the crisis to impact negatively on the people’s welfare. “Crisis should lead to growth. That is the logic of politics”, he maintained.

44

THE NATION THURSDAY JULY 25, 2013

POLITICS Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party Chairman Chief Bayo Dayo says the reconciliation efforts of the leaders have strengthened the party to win the 2015 elections in the state. He spoke with LEKE SALAUDEEN.

‘NNPP ‘ll produce next governor in Anambra’

‘Ogun PDP ready for 2015’ Y OUR executive came into being through a court judgment that nullified the congress held by the Obasanjo group.

How has it been so far?

Let me correct the general impression that our executive emerged through a court judgment. The former executive led by Chief Dayo Soremi in March 2012 conducted the congresses at ward, local government and state levels in accordance with the constitution of our party -Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) - and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines. The congresses were supervised by the INEC observers and the representatives of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC).

But some powerful individuals who are in minority didn’t want the congresses to hold. They converged in a place other than the party secretariat and compiled the list of officers, which we objected to and we insisted on the congress proper. The power brokers in Abuja said the congress should not be upheld. The former national secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, was busy writing secret letters to the other group led by Chief Odujurin that didn’t hold congress. At the end of the day, we were vindicated. INEC wrote that the Soremi-led executive was recognised.

At a stage, the NWC said they didn’t believe in the congress held by our group. That was why the Dayo Soremi-led executive approached the court to determine whether or not the congresses were in order. The court ruled that it was valid, having abide with the party’s constitution and INEC guidelines.

We also prayed the court to declare the congress that presented Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola invalid. The court granted our prayer and declared his nomination improper.

Have you been reaching out to the Odujurin faction backed by exPresident Olusegun Obasanjo for reconciliation?

Once beaten twice shy. We have a kind of situation in 2011 where the party went into the election with different factions. We don’t want such experience to repeat itself.

Hence, we have been going round to talk with the aggrieved members so that the party can remain as one and solid. We beg them where necessary to bury the hatchet and join hands to move the party forward. There must be differences, but once the aggrieved parties made their grievances known, we should settle them amicably since all of us belong to the same family under one umbrella. Those that have held elective or party positions should have a rethink and forget about the differences so that the party can regain its position in the state.

Have you reconciled with the former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in particular?

Baba doesn’t belong to any faction or group. He’s the father to us (PDP members) in Ogun State and the nation at large. A father doesn’t take side amongst his children. It is only those who are looking for favour or seeking relevance that formulate false stories in order to cause disaffection within the party.

As children, we have been trying to book appointment to visit him and seek his words of advice. Baba Obasanjo is the overall boss of the party in Ogun state and at the national level.

The PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has suspended the special convention of

• Dayo

the Southwest scheduled for August 24. What informed this suspension?

I wouldn’t know the reason for the suspension. It is a decision taken at the national level. Later, we will be informed. Certainly, there must be reasons for that. Remember that the national convention was originally planned for July 20 before it was shifted to August 31. The reason for this change was that July 20 falls within Ramadan and that it will not be convenient for our Muslim brothers to attend the convention while fasting.

Ogun PDP has announced the suspension of ex-Governor Gbenga Daniel from PDP. What was his offence?

Otunba Gbenga Daniel was suspended by his ward. Then, the party chairman in his local government informed the senatorial chairman. It was the senatorial chairman that announced his suspension. The State Working Committee made a lot of consultations with the elders on his case. Gbenga Daniel is not honest with the PDP; his loyalty to the party is questionable. He made us lose 2011 general elections in Ogun state. Remember, that he floated Progressive Party of Nigeria (PPN) and asked his supporters to vote for the party. We would have won if the party (PDP) was intact.

As we are planning to reposition the party in the state, Gbenga Daniel’s loyalty cannot be ascertained. For him, it is one leg in PDP and another leg in PPN. Despite this, he has been negotiating with the Labour Party. He sent his wife

‘We don’t want such experience to repeat itself. Hence we have been going round to talk with aggrieved members so that the party can remain as one and solid. We beg them where necessary to bury the hatchet and join hands to move the party forward’

to represent him at the Labour Party’ fund raising programme. We have told him to publicly renounce his membership of PPN and to tell the whole world that he has gone back to the PDP with his supporters before we can reinstate him but he has failed to do that. Once he complies with the party’s directive, he will regain his position as a party leader. We have no alternative than to suspend him. He remains suspended, until he renounces his membership of PPN and his romance with Labour Party. I am sure the National Executive Committee (NEC) would not condone indiscipline as we have done in the case of Gbenga Daniel.

It was announced that the Southwest PDP has unanimously endorsed Professor Wale Oladipupo as the National Secretary. But a faction has kicked against his nomination. What is happening?

The zonal congress that produced Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola as the PDP National Secretary was nullified by the court. With the court ruling, the position of the National Secretary became vacant and we have to make a replacement. So, an extra ordinary zonal congress was held last week in Osogbo for this purpose. The position was zoned to Osun State chapter. Two candidates emerged, but the other candidate stepped down for Oladipupo. All the delegates unanimously voted for Prof. Oladipo as a replacement for Oyinlola.

How prepared is PDP for 2015 general elections in Ogun State?

We are fully prepared. We are battle ready to wrestle power from Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) .If the elections were to hold today our victory is sure. In Ogun East Senatorial District where there are nine local governments, ACN will not win one. In Ogun Central, ACN may win two out of the six local governments because Governor Ibikunle Amosun is from there. But in Ogun West, he won’t get a vote. It is then that Amosun would know whether PDP or ACN is dead. It is unexpected of Amosun to say PDP is dead in Ogun state. It was the PDP that brought him into political limelight. He won the senatorial election in 2003 on the platform of the PDP. Why should he be talking ill of the party that he benefitted from?

How would you assess the performance of the ACN administration in the state?

The ACN government is yet to make positive impact on the life of common people. Go and ask the students, teachers, market men and women , farmers and Okada riders; all of them are complaining.

Amosun’s government is interested in white elephant projects.

Instead of expanding the roads to six lanes that have led to demolition of houses and shops, why not concentrate on access roads development. The township roads are bad. For instance, the roads in Ijebu-Ode are bad. From Ijebu-ode to Okunowa, the roads are in a state of disrepair. There is no development in the rural areas.

What is the zoning arrangement of PDP in picking its governorship candidate for 2015?

The party stakeholders will always come together and decide what is good for the people. I can’t tell you where our governorship candidate will come from. At the appropriate time, the party leaders and elders would meet and take a decision. Meanwhile, the members are free to signify their interest for the office.

By Musa Odoshimokhe

• Aniebonam

T

HE chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, has said the party will produce the next governor of Anambra State.

He told The Nation that the party was not in rivalry with any political party, adding that it is platform to provide the leadership that would bring development.

He said: “We have always been ready to go to elections and of course, you must know that I am from Anambra State, where election is due very soon. Every structure has been put in place to be part of it. We have just concluded our state congresses and we are making efforts to ensure that we produce the next government.

“For now NNPP has a candidate that we will field for the election but then, we will ensure that if a better candidate that can win election in the state by 2014 comes up we will through our weight behind him.”

Aniebonam however, advised those who see politics as a do or die affairs to have a rethink. He said it was wrong to play the politics of bitterness because politicians who really want to serve do not visit unnecessary pains on the people.

Aniebonam said: “We don’t want to be part of politics with bitterness. I have listened to lots of people who have the intension of standing for election in Anambra but instead commending government for its effort so far, they try to bring them down as if they have done nothing.”

He added that there is always room for improvement with a new gov-

ernment continued from where the former stopped. “I think anybody coming into Anambra State after we serve would only be talking of building from where we stop.”

Assessing the Federal Government on its effort to fix the power sector, he said: “There is a concerted effort as far as energy is concerned to get the sector back on course, the little set back we might be having now has been explained away by the government that there are technical issues and in a short distance things will get better.

“I can say that from my own vantage position electricity has improved tremendously. I live around Surelere, Lagos and I can say that we have light for most times.

He enjoined to calling for the removal of every government that was facing administrative problem to review their stand.

Aniebonam added: “Some of us cannot even maintain their homes but it is easy for them to open their mouth and say what they like so what is sinking and what is not sinking? It is very irresponsible for someone to say that Nigeria is sinking, sinking to where?

Let us take from the issue of the security of the state, is it only in Nigeria that we have security challenges? Let us not talk as if we are coming from the moon. Insecurity is a global challenge as far as the whole world is concerned. What is important is the capacity of Nigeria to look at their own problem within their own peculiarity and see how they can solve the matter.

He further explained that NNPP will not merge with any party. “Our party is a national political party and was not created to merge with any party.

But that does not mean that we cannot enter into any agreement political association but for now we are not thinking of that and not in a hurry to do that.”

Groupbeginsmediacampaignfor 2015

By Adeola Ogunlade

T

HE Executive Director, “Enough is Enough,” a pro-democracy group, Yemi Adamolekun, has called on the civil society groups to explore the social media to improve governance, transparency and accountability in Nigeria.

Adamolekun made this known at a briefing organised by the Project and Campaign on the 2015 General Election in Lagos.

The project, which theme is on “Register, Select, Vote and Protect your Vote” is supported by the Kudirat Initiative For Democracy (KIND), Community Life Project, West Africa NGO Network (WAGONet), and Reclaim Nigeria.

According to the need to leverage on social media tool and information is to “enable more Nigerians to be aware of their rights and responsibilities as citizens to ensure that our elected and appointed officials are accountable to the people they serve”.

Adamolekun said “the electoral process is at the heart of our work and we have spent the last two years building social media tools and networks to deepen youth engagement in governance”.

She said that only constructive engagement on a platform of knowledge in an atmosphere of mutual respect can bring about enduring positive change and development in Nigeria. She asserted that the new media is a powerful tool for socio-economic and political change and government and other institutes responsible to the well being of its citizens cannot ignore. “There are approximately five million Nigerians on facebook.

If each person reaches and influences five people based on the information they are exposed to, that 25 million people will be mobilised,”she said.

Adamolekun said 2015 will be an important milestone in Nigeria’s history.

“As such, we are focused on organising the youth vote to be effective and transformational and also want to communicate numbers that the youth vote must count,” she said.

She added that the technology tools to be showcased include: Revoda, the election monitoring mobile app launched in 2011 as well as the crowd sourcing platform, shineyoureye.org and all activities that are anchored on its official election campaign: Register, Select, Vote and Protect Your Vote which was launched in 2010. “We will share experience and knowledge of tools used around the world and explores possibilities for adaptation, particularly pertaining to key governance issues such as budget tracking and security.

She opined that government cannot afford to ignore new media as it has made it easier for citizens to make their voices heard and force government official to response. In her words, The Executive Director of Kudirat Initiative for Democracy, Mrs. Amy Odekunle, whose participation is to mobilize women and the girl child for the campaign, said women must be part of the conversation as that would help further drive home their demand for a better world.

45

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

THE NATION

NATURAL HEALTH E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

Maize is in the season. OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA writes on its many health and nutritional benefits.

The wonders of maize

M

AIZE (Botanical Name-Zea manys; English Name- Indian corn) is in season. It is the most important cereal after wheat and rice. It is, unique among cereals.

According to a nutritionist, Yinka Fashipe, the grains of maize are borne in separate inflorescence, which are completely enclosed as modified leaf sheaths or husks, so that it is incapable of dispersing its sheets. The Maize, also called corn, is at its best when it is well filled but yet soft and tender. The tender maize is chiefly liked for its high sugar content.

It has more sugar than any other corn.

So the maize is called sweet corn.

Known by different names in Nigeria: Oka, Abado (Igbo); Masara (Hausa); Agbado, Igbado (Yoruba); Ibokpot (Efik) and Oka (Benin), it is an inexpensive fruit.

According to Fashipe, some of the health benefits of corn include controlling diabetes, prevention of heart ailments, lowering hypertension and prevention of neural-tube defects at birth.

“Corn or maize is one of the most popular cereals in the world and forms the staple food in many countries, including the United States and many African countries. Corn not only provides the necessary calories for healthy, daily metabolism, but is also a rich source of vitamins A, B, E and many minerals. Its high fibre content ensures that it plays a significant role in the prevention of digestive ailments like constipation and hemorrhoids as well as colorectal cancer. The antioxidants present in corn also act as anti-carcinogenic agents and prevent Alzheimer’s disease.”

The Nutritionist of Rodwell Healthcare Services said the health benefits of corn are numerable. As Corn provides many health benefits due to the presence of quality nutrients within. Besides being a delicious addition to any meal, it is also rich in phytochemicals, and it provides protection against a number of chronic diseases.

“Some of the well-researched and widespread health benefits of corn are that it is a rich source of calories. Corn is a rich source of calories and is a staple among dietary habits in many populations. The calorific content of corn is 342 calories per 100 grams, which is among the highest for cereals.

“The bread made from the maize flour is nutritious and palatable. It can be digested without difficulty. Taken at intervals, this bread helps to keep the colon clean. The dextrose produced from maize is used extensively in medicine. For constipation, popcorn, made by heating the small grains, is a wholesome cereal food and is easily digested. It has everything in the original grains of corn content. It is not fattening and practically starch free as in the process of popping, its starch is converted into dextrine and intermediate carbohydrates, a digestive product, which is easily assimilable. It is laxative and provides bulk to faeces. It also promotes peristalsis i.e. wave like movement by its tendency to absorb moisture. It is therefore, valuable food in constipation. “ It protects your heart”, he said.

According to researchers, corn oil has been shown to have an anti-atherogenic effect on cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of various cardiovascular diseases. Prevents anemia, as the vitamin B12 and folic acid present in corn

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Uses of maize Maize is prepared and consumed in various ways. It is usually ground and pounded. The meal may be boiled, baked or fried. The whole grain may be boiled or roasted and it may be fermented. Maize meal can be cooked with water to provide a thick mush or dough. It may be cooked with water to provide gruel, porridge or soup. Cornbread is made by mixing the meal with wheat flour.

Immature cobs preferably sweet corn, are boiled and eaten as corn on the cob or the grain may be removed and eaten as a vegetable, or it may be canned. More mature cobs are roasted.

Reduces risk of haemorrhoids and colorectal cancer: The fiber content of one cup of corn amounts to 18.4 per cent of the daily recommended amount. This aids in alleviating digestive problems such as constipation and hemorrhoids, as well as lowering the risk of colon cancer.

Rich source of vitamins: Corn is rich in vitamin B constituents, especially Thiamin and Niacin. Thiamin is essential for maintaining nerve health and cognitive function.

Niacin deficiency leads to Pellagra; a disease characterized by diarrhea, dementia and dermatitis that is commonly observed in malnourished individuals. Corn is also a good source of Pantothenic acid, which is an essential vitamin for carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism in the body. Deficiency of folic acid in pregnant women can lead to the birth of underweight infants

and may also result in neural tube defects in newborns. Corn provides a large percentage of the daily folate requirement, and yellow corn is a rich source of beta-carotene, which forms vitamin A in the body and is essential for the maintenance of good vision and skin.

The kernels of corn are rich in vitamin E, a natural antioxidant that is essential for growth and protection of the body from illness and disease.

Provides necessary minerals: Corn contains abundant phosphorous, along with magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron and copper. It also contains trace minerals like selenium, which are difficult to find in most normal diets. Phosphorous is essential for regulating normal growth, bone health and optimal kidney functioning. Magnesium is necessary for maintaining a normal heart rate and for increasing bone strength.

Antioxidant properties: According to studies carried out at Cornell University, corn is a rich source of antioxidants which fight cancer-causing free radicals. In fact, unlike many other foods, cooking actually increases the amount of usable antioxidants in sweet corn. Corn is a rich source of a phenolic compound called ferulic acid, an anti-carcinogenic agent that has been shown to be effective in fighting the tumors which lead to breast cancer as well as liver cancer. Anthocyanins, found in purple corn, also act as scavengers and eliminators of cancer-causing free radicals.

prevent anemia caused by a deficiency of these vitamins. It lowers LDL cholesterol. According to the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, consumption of corn husk oil lowers plasma LDL cholesterol by reducing cholesterol absorption in the body.

“It controls diabetes and hypertension; the consumption of corn kernels assists in the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and is effective against hypertension due to the presence of phenolic phytochemicals in whole corn. “ The cosmetic benefits: Corn starch is used in the manufacturing of many cos-

metic products and may also be applied topically to soothe skin rashes and irritation. Corn products can be used to replace carcinogenic petroleum Protecting Your Heart: According to researchers, corn oil has been shown to have an anti-atherogenic effect on cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of various cardiovascular diseases. Prevents anemia: The vitamin B12 and folic acid present in corn prevent anemia caused by a deficiency of these vitamins.

Lowers LDL cholesterol: According to the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, consumption of corn husk oil lowers plasma LDL cholesterol by reducing cholesterol absorption in the body.

•Source: http://www.organicfacts.net/

Briefly Onion, garlic, vegetables can prevent hypertension

By Wale Adepoju

A

TRADITIONAL medicine practitioner, Dr Leye Popoola, has recommended regular consumption of garlic, onions, fruits and vegetables for the prevention of hypertension or high blood pressure (HBP).

These plants, he said, have active ingredients to lower blood pressure and ensure longevity.

According to him, the bulk of food a hypertensive patient should eat are vegetables and fruits.

Regular exercise and consumption of water can also help regulate or lower blood pressure, Popoola added.

The human body, he said contains 60 per cent of water. “The muscles are about 75 per cent water; the brain 75 per cent water while human blood and bones are 82 and 25 per cent of water,” he added.

An average person, requires about three litres of water daily. Many hardly drink beyond two cups. “When people are dehydrated their blood pressure may shoot up,” Popoola said.

“An hypertensive patient should avoid salt, saturated fatty food, such as meat and dairy products, caffeine and smoking. Artificial sweetners, soft drinks and ice cream also trigger hypertension.”

According to Popoola, bad feeding pattern can be responsible for the condition.

People should plan their meals to ensure they don’t eat food that will affect their health, the expert said, adding: “Especially those above 50 years because at that age they have low immunity to fight the condition.”

He said hypertension can also be inherited if one’s parents have it, stressing that there is a 60 per cent chance of coming down with it. “If one of the parents has it, the child has 25 chances of having the condition,” he said.

Popoola said consumption of alcohol and stress can trigger the condition as well. “Alcohol is poisonous. As such, it can damage brain, liver, pancreas and the central nervous system. But this damage may take years before it occurs.

“Stress has the capacity to trigger HBP, especially chronic stress because it has been directly linked with many ailments including hypertension,” Popoola added.

Cancer retreat

T

HE Natural Integrative Medicine Practitioners Association (NIMPA), in conjunction with the College of Integrative Medicine, Lagos (an institution established to train members of NIMPA) is having a two-day wellness retreat on the integrative medicine approach to the prevention, treatment and management of cancer.

The date is August 1 to 2 at Water Parks Hotel, Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos.

Guest Speakers are an Integrative Medicine Consultant, Dr Emmanso Umobong, Mr Femi Kusa and Dr Godwin Ihesie of the Late Elizabeth Kafaru International Organisation.

Also expected as distinguished special guest of Honour to deliver a key note address, is Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, Chairman, Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB).

NIMPA said the retreat would afford participants the opportunity to grasp theintegrative medicine intervention measures for cancer prevention treatment and management and participants will also benefit from health counselling sessions.

H

46

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

NATURAL HEALTH

Coliform bacteria, UTI, PID, herbal solution I

T is Sunday, June 16, 2013. A dull pain in the middle of my right thigh diverts my attention. I think of the woman who a few days ago told me she had pains in her inner thighs that she thought were bone pains. I told her she may need to see her doctor and, maybe, an orthopaedic doctor as well. I'd said, also, the pains may be symptoms of osteoporosis or nerve irritation and inflammation. If she was close to menopause or was menopausal, she may be suffering from osteoporosis caused by loss of calcium in the bones. It may not matter that she is taking even more than adequate amounts of calcium in the diet or from food supplements.

These may be synthetic types of calcium which, often, are cheap brands of calcium which the organic-calcium seeking body hates to use and would readily ignore. It is even possible she is consuming the right kind of calcium and inadequate amounts but does not have enough magnesium in the diet to make the body absorb the calcium, and enough silica to make the absorbed calcium be deposited in the right place ... in the bones. I also thought of the possibility of every condition necessary for adequate calcium absorption and deposition in the right place being in place but the body, being too acidic that, its demand for calcium to neutralise acids in the blood gets much higher than calcium intake. In this case, calcium has to be pulled out of the bones to neutralise the acids for this "fire brigade" work. A lab test or a hair analysis test should oblige her doctor more information to properly sort out the knots.

Only two weeks ago, I had to run some tests myself. I encourage everyone to do so every quarter or every six months.

One of the women who helps this column with cutting-edge information, Mrs Sola Sowemimo, does not joke with yearly comprehensive exam. I am happy to inform her that the woman she introduced to me whose husband had stage 4 colon cancer which had spread to the lungs and the kidneys has reported to me from England that the cancer had shrink by 25 per cent; more of this on another day. I salute another avid reader of this column, Mr Oye Igbemo, a former general manager of the Federal Mortgage Bank. He runs the same tests in about three labs just to make assurance doubly sure!

The results of my lab test last week were much better than those of about six months earlier. At that time, it was suggested that I needed more oxygen in the brain, for which reason I began to take an Oxygen food supplement, and Yarrow tea and Cayenne to improve blood circulation and oxygen delivery. My Potassium blood level was a little below the floor mark, and Sodium was slightly above the ceiling mark. This may have accounted for blood sugar flunctuation to as low as 50mg/dl for fasting blood sugar (FBS). Last week, the FBS was 88mg/dl, cholesterol was 119 (normal 50-250), potassium was 3.8 (3.5-5.5), sodium 139 (133-146), chloride 90 (96-106) and Bicarbonate 20 (21-30).

In the first test, potassium depletion below lower mark and sodium elevation above the ceiling could indicate stress even at cellular level, with the possibility of acid build up which may encourage coliform growth and overload. That's the heart of the column today to which we shall soon return.

In such a condition, the body may be supported with antistress food supplements such as Panthotenic Acid (Vitamin B5) for the adrenal glands, which cushions the body against stress, Licorice DGL, Kyolic Anti stress and Anti-Aging, Kyolic Anti-inflammation, B Vitamins, Ginger, Ginseng and other adaptigens. Apple Cider Vinegar and lime juice drink helped to boost potassium level while Spectragreen , Kyolic Green, Fields of Greens, Liquid chlorophyll, Chlorella and Moringa helped with mineralis ation and alkalisation. Stinging nettle has joined the league for blood cleansing. Now, I need to add to this regime Sea salt to improve chloride presence. I am getting some from biochemic cell salt Natrum mur (Sodium chloride, not table salt please). But I'd have loved to get more from the biochemic call salt Kali mur (potassium chloride), which has been off the shelves for some time. Bicarbonate can come from sodium bicarbonate (Baking Soda) or from Calcium bicarbonate. My friend, Dotun Akintoye, is a sodium bicarbonate (Baking Soda) man. He drinks a solution of it on empty stomach. It is the medicinal ingredient in GRIPE WATER for treating colic in infants. It is used, as the name suggests, in breadmaking, in treating scalds, burns and bruises, even in cleaning the teeth, because the extra oxygen atoms kill bacteria. Intravenously, some doctors use it in cases of serious acidosis.

There is a doctor in Italy who, with remarkable success, injects it into breast cancer tissue after observing other protocols which he makes his trade secret. In serious respiratory problems impacting on the heart, sodium bicarbonate or bicarbonate has uses in cardiopulmonary resuscitation protocols of some hospitals when the blood pH is below 7.

For people whose bodies become acidic from the use of aspirin as blood thinners, as aspirin requires lots of acid to be absorbed and aspirin overdose is common, an alkaline environment offered by sodium bicarbonate decreases aspirin absorption. This is one reason aspirin therapy may not be good as the body requires alkalinity to be healthy and aspirin requires acid environment to work.

Therefore, aspirin therapy may be blocked in heart and stroke patients striving for alkaline bodies to improve their heart.

Despite this good testimonial, I am not a baking soda man.

I know an excess may cause edema due to sodium overload, and congestive heart failure may arise. I have thought of the possibility of making sodium bicarbonate from calcium carbonate supplement. But I am discouraged because this calcium brand is said not to be well absorbed, making it coat the lining of the intestine and thereby blocking the absorp-

tion of other nutrients. I have, therefore, left the riddle to my friend, Dr. Sam Asomugha, who has made nutrition his turf. I asked him, based on my school certificate knowledge of chemistry… Why can't I not make enough sodium bicarbonate if sodium bicarbonate is Sodium, Hydrogen, Carbon and Oxygen, and I get all these from my diet?

Afterall, Carbon dioxides (C02), reacting with Sodium Hydroxide (NAOH) produces Sodium Carbonate, which reacting high water (H2o)b produces Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) chemists define the equation as follows: C02 + 2NaOH Na2C03 + H20 Na2C03 + H20 2NaOH3 Sodium bicarbonate is needed by every muscle, joint and ligament in the body, among other parts, to neutralise the acids they produce in the course of work. It forms a protective layer beneath the mucus membrane lining of the stomach, to prevent hydrochloric acid on the mucus lining which may burn through this covering from reaching the skin below. When this protection fails, the acid burns or cooks the skin in what is known as stomach or peptic ulcer. I would recommend sodium bicarbonate in two of the enquiries I received last week. One was from a young woman who has suffered from frozen neck and shoulder muscles for many months. The other concerned a man in his 50s who had been diagnosed as overwhelmed by coliforms overgrowth. I guess it would also help the woman with pain in her inner thighs.

As I suggested earlier, this pain may come from soft tissue, nerves, bones or the bone marrow. I advised that she massage with Maria Treben bitters, which has proven helpful in inflammatory conditions. Alternatively, or in alternation, Magnesium oil or St. John's Wort oil massage may be considered as well. If the problem is with the bone, Osteocalm, taken with Natural Calm, may prove wonderful. As for the bone marrow, Yarrow and Stinging nettle should help. These suggestions are good for the case of frozen neck and pain in the shoulders. The nerves and muscles may have contracted, generating lactic acid, inflammation and pain. The contraction may be due to free calcium infiltration or deposition into the nerve and muscle cells. Free calcium is unbounded calcium. Calcium becomes unbounded when there is a deficiency of Magnesium as about two parts of calcium are required to bond with one of magnesium, and one calcium to one phosphorus. The problem may be solved quickly with Magnesium Oil Massage, which introduces magnesium to pick up unbounded calcium. That's why, in period pains, magnesium oil massage sometimes calms the spasmodic uterine muscles. Natural Calm is a highly absorbable Magnesium powder which may be added to drinks or taken with water. Both cases may profit from biochemic cell salt therapy.

In this case, biochemic calcium fluoride provides suppleness, biochemic Ferrum phosphate breaks congestion and oxygenates, biochemic Magnesium phosphate relaxes that muscles and nerves, stops nerve and muscle spasms, including palpitations of the heart, and their accompanying pain.

The Coliforms case requires a different approach.

Coliform bacteria When the doctor diagnosis coliforms overgrowth, it means there are too many debilitating bacteria in the system, especially in the intestines and the urinary tract from where they may cause kidney failure, for example: Coliform is a family name for a wide range of bacteria, of which Escherichia coli (E.coli) is a star figure because of its popularity.

Family types Coliform bacteria are grouped into two broad sub-families, depending on whether they: • Occur in underground water, such as wells, or • If they originate from the intestine of warm blooded animals, including the human body.

Coliforms in water are called TOTAL COLLIFORMS, those in the intestine FECAL COLLIFORMS. Many people do not treat their wells before they start to drink the water or use it for dishwashing or cooking. If coliforms are present in the

e-mail: femi.kusa@yahoo.com or olufemikusa@yahoo.com

wells, the dish may become infected. I know my friend, Sunday Danson, will ask me why villagers who drink exposed stream water don't get easily infected. Well, the truth is that the surface stream water is well oxygenated and ultraviolet radiation from sunlight kills majority of the bacteria. In any case, not all the colliforms are dangerous. Another point to note is that, in Nigeria, the public water works cannot meet the demands of a rapidly growing population for water. This has led to the growth of a private water industry that is not effectively policed by the National Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), because the workload appears heavier than its resources. Everyone who buys sachet water called "pure" water doesn't know the last time the borehole which produced the water was treated for colliforms. Many brands of sachet water are over chlorinated, exposing the consumer to varying degrees of chlorine poisoning. Bottled water brands fare no better. Colliforms infected water may cause food poisoning and sudden diarrhea, especially for travelers. This is why, when I am travelling and may have to eat out on the way, I add COLLOIDAL SILVER to my drinking water. It is a broad spectrum natural antibiotic. When it comes to FECAL CALLIFORM, the intestine of an animal, a delicacy of many Nigerians, which they fondly call "Round-About” is not my pot of tea. Sometimes, it is not well cooked, and the live eggs of flat worms, in particular, may still hang on somewhere in the pouches. Adult flat worms in the pancreas cause blood sugar imbalances. In the prostate gland, they may cause prostate enlargement or prostate cancer.

Coliform Symptoms In the urinary tract, coliforms cause Urinary Tract infections. The symptoms may include(a) pain during urination (b) bloody urine (c) frequent urination, especially when the weather is not cool or hot and when blood sugar level is normal (d) urinary urgency and urine leakage (e) bladder infection (f) kidney failure (g) pus in the urine (h) pain during sexual intercourse (i) foul smelling urine (j) lower abdominal pain. In the intestine, the signals of colliform overload may include stomach cramps, peptic ulcer, vomiting, diarrhea, pain, nausea, bloating, gassing, loss of appetite, inflammation of the colon (colitis), slimy or bloody stools, ulcers, ulcerated colitis, and even colon cancer. Vomiting and diarrhea cause dehydration which calls for oral rehydration therapy, especially coconut water. If vomiting and diarrhea critically deplete electrolyte levels light headedness and other far more serious problems may develop and lead to a medical emergency.

Immune Depletion Coliform overload suggests the body is acidic and toxic to the cells but friendly to microorganisms. Some Nature doctor's believe mycozyma a micro-organism in every cell, steps out of the cell and devolves to bacteria, fungi or mold to clear the mess or kill a toxic cell or the entire body. The trouble is that, in clearing the waste, their own wastes poison the body as well.... The lesson I have learned is that every meal has to be accompanied with herbs or food supplements which kill coliforms, enhance immune function, improve digestion, absorption and evacuation.

Alternative Medicine has a wide range solutions to coliform problems. The University of Maryland recommends about 100mg of Grape Seed Extract every day. It is anti-bacterial, antifungal and anti-viral. New Mexico State University suggests the following for urinary tract infection…. Agrimony, Couchgrass, Juniper, Hobetail, Lady's Mantle, Plaintain, Saw palmetto berries and Yarrow.

According to NATURAL NEWS, the following herbs are E. coliform specific ... Calendula (Marigold), Chamomile, Fennel, Ginger, Oregon grape root, St. John's Wort, Urva Ursi, and Yarrow. There are lots more on the Nigerian shelf ... natural garlic, Kyolic garlic, which is said to be about 50 times more powerful than the natural, Aloe vera, Golden Seal root, Calamus root, stinging Nettle,… name it. There are many proprietary blends as well, which include Nature's Way URINARY, FLP's Aloe Berry Nectar and Aloe Veragel, Parashield, Parcleanse, Bell's Kidney Cleanse and Function Tea, Maria Treben's Bitters. Helpful herbs among good old culinaries, which our women have abandoned for monosodium glutamate (MSG) are ... cumin, curcumin, Boldo, carry, ciramon, Oregano, Sage, Baril, Lavender, Peppermint, Spearmint, Onions. If the going gets tough, maybe the time has come for the heavier batteries. My choice is about three or four of these…Oregano Oil, Grape Seed Extract, Golden seal root, Edunacea, Bee propolis, Tee tree oil. It is necessary to add alkaline Vitamin C and Zinc for immune boosting and healing purposes. Of course, we cannot forget the BIG ONE, ...

PROBIOTIC, friendly bacteria which eats up the unfriendly bacteria.

Well, as for my thigh bone mumur this Sunday afternoon, it is a simple biological clock reminder that I fractured it on June 16, 1966 when a taxi knocked me down in Ibadan. The body never really forgets the anniversary of major events such as this, even if in the bread and butter hurly burly, we the inhabitants have. So, for sometime I will give my bone a treat, thankful for the healing of the fracture, grateful that they have held together despite many hard falls and prayerful that they are not arthritic and remain strong and healthy enough for many more years of active service. So, for them, I will roll out Oesteocalm and Natural Calm, biochemic silica, biochemic magnesium, phosphate and biochemic calcium fluoride, among many others.

This page is being rerun due to popular demand

Tel: 08116759749, 08034004247, 07025077303

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

47

e-Business E-mail:- lucajanaku02@yahoo.com

08111813065

Will this fresh initiative against cyber crime work?

The Federal Government has brought the idea of building a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) as mooted by the Nigerian Computer Society (NCS) and other stakeholders in the Information Technology (IT) sector. But without the enabling law, the project may remain wishful thinking, LUCAS AJANAKU reports.

P

ERHAPS, one of the legacies Prof Cleopas Angaye would love to leave behind as helmsman of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is the actualisation of the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) designed to secure the country’s cyber space.

Angaye said if the nation is to achieve its Vision 20:2020, it must embrace the PKI initiative. The project, he said, would be founded by the public and private sectors.

He added that PKI is the only framework that satisfies the privacy, authentication, integrity and non-repudiation (PAIN) principle of security.

“A PKI is a collection of security technologies, procedures and policies that collectively provide a framework for addressing, using cryptography, the fundamental security issues of privacy, authentication, integrity, non-repudiation and access control in data communication,” Angaye said.

He said PKI would lead to the creation of digital signatures, which provide evidence of “who did what to whom” that is critical to securing electronic transactions involving high legal risks or meeting compliance requirements. He added that when digital signatures are finally integrated into smartcards, the technology will be recognised as “the only practical solution to (eavesdropping and account hijacking) which is plaguing the country today.”

“Digital certificates can convey authority information like credentials, licenses and affiliations, among others, and digital signatures bind that authority information directly to messages to decentralise and greatly simplify transaction processing,” the former NITDA boss said.

He said digital signatures are persistent over both time and “distance” stressing that at any future time, a digitally signed transaction can be easily re-validated to prove where it originated from.

“The integrity of digitally signed data is not reduced by being copied or forwarded across systems or across borders.

“In contrast, other authentication technologies rely heavily upon audit logs to prove ‘who did what to whom’ therefore forwarding nonPKI transactions from one system to another complicates and dilutes the strength of the audit trail. So, KPI is uniquely suited to complex transaction environments where there might be multiple relying parties, structured data, formal authorisations and/or long lifetimes,” he explained.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said when the PKI initiative is finally implemented, it will add a new vigour to ongoing reforms of the CBN under Sanusi Lamido Sanusi to encourage electronic forms of payment in line

•PKI Application chart

•Aladekomo

•Angaye

with the apex bank’s cahsless and financial inclusion strategies.

An Assistant Director, Information Technology Department, CBN, Segun Osunaike, said the initiative would boost electronic payment platform being promoted by the apex bank.

He spoke on The Experience of the CBN on PKI in Lagos.

According to him, the apex bank had earlier

run a model framework on PKI which recorded huge success because it guarded against the perpetration of fraud.

He said with the initiative, there will be absolute safety of transaction data. “We are talking of fraud here. It will give authorisation and authentication (to transactions and all the data associated with such transactions). If you by-pass the security, the abil-

‘We are talking of fraud here. KPI will give authorisation and authentication to transactions and all the data associated with such transactions. If you by-pass the security, the ability to prove that you carrried out the transaction will be there. So, KPI will eliminate fraud in the financial sector too’

ity to prove that you did it will be there. So it will eliminate fraud,” he told The Nation.

President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Sir demola Aladekomo, said the response from Federal Government so far on deploying IT to address emerging challenges in the country has not been exciting.

But he said the group has being working with other agencies of government to chat a way out of the new challenges posed by the mebrace of technology.

“We have been working with other agencies of government towards implementing a PKI infrastucrture for the country and our memebers are putting a lot of time, efforts and resources. The PKI is a basic infrastructure. When it comes to fighting crimes that are committed through IT, especially cyber crimes and crimes that involve the use of IT infrastructure. One of these tools is obviously the telephone. There is no crime that is committed without telephony, that will not involve possibly, the use of the mobile phone, possibly sometime, a personal computer. So, using PKI, after its implementation, we are going to be able to reduce crimes that involve telephony and other IT infrastructure drastically. We must thank NITDA for the major role it played towards producing the PKI blueprint for the country.

“Another is working with the National Assembly towards instituting or legislating on particular Act that can empower the Federal Government and the practitioners in minimising damages that can be caused,” Aladekomo told The Nation.

According to the draft document titled Public Key Infrastructure (PIK) Blueprint for Nigeria, the widespread use of digital signatures underscores the need for some form of entity to serve as a trusted third party (TTP) to vouch for individual’s identities and their relationship to their public keys. This entity in PKI terminology is referred to as Certificate Authority (CA), which is a trusted third party that issues digital certificates to its subscribers, binding their identities to the key pairs they use to digitally sign electronic communications.

“Digital certificates contain the name of the of the subscriber, the subscriber’s public key, the digital signature of the issuing CA, the issuing CA’s public key and other pertinent information about the subscriber nad his organisation, such as his authority to conduct certain transactions. These certificates have a life cycle of betwenn one and two years and can be revoked upon private key compromise, separation from an organisation,” the document read.

The document added that digital signatures are critical to the electronic conversion of any presently paper-based process that requires strong authentification of both the sender and the contents of the message and/or non-repudiation. The number of such applications is virtually endless, ranging from purchase order systems, form filling with any government, form processing to contracts and remote financial transactions or inquiries. PKI enbales the basic security services for such varied systems such as document management system, online value added tax (VAT) retuns, company registration, e-procurment, online banking and other functions.

On the legal teeth to make all these happen, the NCS boss said the computer body and other stakeholders are working on three bills that will help give teeth to the various initiatives of the government that will boost cybersecurity.

“There are about three different security bills that we are looking at. If these bills are expeditiously passed by the National Assembly, this will go a long way in addressing some of the concerns of the stakeholders in the industry,” he said

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e-Business

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Govt criticised over wrong use of funds

HE Nigerian Internet Group (NIG) has criticised the Federal Government for using the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) to fund the now moribund rural telephony project.

The group also said it was wrong of the government to have contracted the surveillance of Nigeria’s security to a foreign firm when there were competent indigenous companies to do the job.

The group argued that such funds should have been applied to infor-

Stories by Lucas Ajanaku

mation communication technology (ICT) projects that were sustaininable and would address some of the basic infrastructural challenges confronting the telecoms industry.

President of NIG, Bayo Banjo, said the Fund which was mandatorily provided for in the Nigerian Communications Act ought to have been used to address the issue of infrastructure gap in theICT industry.

“USPF was used for what is not sustainable. The huge money wasted on

rural telephony that failed to see the light of day should have been used to provide physical infrastructure like ducts across the country,” Banjo said.

He canvassed for government intervention in the provision of ducts to facilitate last mile internet connectivity to homes and business areas, adding that it would also affect education, health and other social services and grwo standard of living.

According to him, what was technically expensive was not bandwidth but the associated cost of transport-

ing it to where it is needed. “Technically speaking, bandwidth is free.

What is paid for is transport cost. If the cost of bandwidth is too expensive, it is only the rich that would be able to afford it and companies waiting to invest on infrastructure would not have the incentive to do so,” he said.

Commenting on the farm-out of the nation’s internet surveillance to

10 firms get vehicle tracking licences

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NCE the beginning of this year, Federal Government has issued no fewer than 10 Public Mobile Communications Automated Vehicle Tracking Licences to operators in the country, according to information on the website of the regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The licences were issued between Januray and May 30, this year with varying expiration dates ranging between 2017 and 2018.

One of the newest licencees is Swift 24 Technologies Limited, a Lagosbased firm. It got its licence after paying the licence fee of N500,000 to the regulator.

Chief Executive Officer of Swift Technologies Limited, Yomi

A •Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (right) and Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Dr Eugene Juwah; when NCC’s management team visited the governor.

With them are Director, Compliance, Monitoring & Enforcement, Ubale Maska (left back row) and Personal Assistant to the EVC Deji Roberts.

Women to get more Internet access

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EDERAL Government has declared its commitment to making internet access and drive for technology adoption in the country more female genderfriendly.

According to a copy of a document titled: Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan 2013-1018 aproved by the Presidency, there will be greater inclusion of women in information communications technology (ICT). The document frowned at the 43 per cent gender gap estimated to be existing between male and female gender parity, arguing that it was unacceptable.

“It is acknowlegded that internationally, there is an increase in recognition and the drive for greater inclusion of women in technology.

The Nigerian government recognises the need for inclusion of

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women in ICT. “With global statistics estimating the gender gap in developing countries as 43 per cent, the Nigerian government is serious about reducing the gap between the number of women versus men with access to the internet, broadband and technology. A greater inclusion for women will mean growth in GDP, better home education and reduced cultural barriers to civic engagement from women, adding further impetus to the Nigerian adage that says “you train a woman, you train the pouplation.” Clasees of women who would normally not see the need for the use of ICT shall be of particular focus,” a copy of the plan made available to The Nation read in part.

According to the document, to pursue the adoption of broadband

adoption by women, the Federal Ministry of Communications Technology would monitor the number of women with access to the internet and provide the requisite incentive to give women more inclusion.

“To specifically address the adoption of broadband by women, the FMCT shall monitor specifically the number of women without access to the internet; provide incentives for private educational centres and civil society organisations to train more women in the use of the internet, and have dedicated centres at local government headquarters to serve as safe technology access centres for woemen. Courses on safe use of the internet for girls will also be delivered using ICT,” the six-year broadband policy document noted.

‘NCC can’t regulate technology’

HIEF Executive Officer of Swiftnetworks, Mr Charles Anundu, has said the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has no powers to regulate technology, adding that the firm has concluded plans to deploy long term evolution (LTE) or 4G to its opeartion in the country.

The NCC has promised to make the operational licence for operators on the LTE to be available in 2015 but Anundun insists that the regulator’s mandate does no cover the area of technology.

“NCC regulation does not cover technology. LTE is the migration path from the voice-centric to the data-centric (technology). The system we have on ground right now will allow us to do 4G,” he said. He spoke during the formal sealing of the merger agreement between the firm and Direct on PC (DoPC), in Lagos.

He added that the NCC knew what the firm was doing, arguing that it had already contracted a notable consortium of equipment vendors and service providers to get the technology ready within within the shortest possible time.

According to Wikipedia, a free online konwledge platform, LTE is a standard for wireless communication of high-speed data for mobile phones and data terminals based on the GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA network technologies, increasing the capacity and speed using a different radio interface together with core network improvements. The standard is developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and is specified in its Release 8 document series, with minor enhancements described in Release 9.

Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, NCC, Dr Eugene

Juwah, said already, people on 800 MegaHertz (MHz) are being upgraded to LTE. Juwah who disclosed this in Lagos, said the regulaor will also auction the 3.5 GigaHertz (GHz) and 2.6 GHz spectrums to operators.

According to him these spectrums are currently in the custody of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), adding that the broadcast sector regulator has agreed to let the spectrums go.

“We are about to auction LTE licences. We are upgrading people on 800MHZ to LTE. We are also going to auction our 3.5 GHz and 2.6 GHz. They are not in the custoday of the NCC but the NBC. They (NBC) have agreed to make it available in 2015. It took us five years to do this. We are a serious member of the International Telecommuincations Union (ITU),” the EVC had said.

a foreign company, he said it not a patriotic decision as there was no basis to contract the surveillance of the nation’s security to a foreign firm.

“There is no basis for government to do that. It is the greatest disservice to the nation. It is absolutely uncalled for because we have Nigerians who are qualified to do that. So, it is absolutely unnecessary,” he said.

Akinbode, who spoke in Lagos, said the firm will provide superior services to its customers when it rolls out its services soon.

He lamented that several billions of naira has been lost to car theft in the country while several persons have either lost their lives due either to physical confrontation with the car snatchers or as a result of psychological trauma occasioned by the loss of their cars.

“Losing cars to hoodlums will become a thing of the past when cars are tracked. We have partnered with reputable service providers to provide high quality services to our customers. Our services are vaialble to both individuals and corporate organisations,” he said.

Airtel lifts primary education

IRTEL Nigeria has made a bold intervention in the advancement of primary education in Cross River State with the adoption of Presbyterian Primary School 2, Ediba in Abi Local Government Area of the state.

The commissioning ceremony of a block of eight classrooms and staff offices at the Presbyterian Primary School 2 was done at the school premises. The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, and the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya, will led other guests to unveil the renovated school.

This is coming barely two months after a similar project was commissioned in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State with Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, wife of the state Governor unveiling the commissioning plaque with support from state Government officials, education authorities and the traditional institutions.

The Presbyterian Primary School 2 was adopted last year and reconstructed to wear a modern look while pupils and teachers of the school were provided a conducive learning environment equipped with modern facilities and teaching aids.

Britain supports Lagos science, technology

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HE British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Peter Carter, has pledged the support of the British government to Lagos State Sciece and Technology Minsitry.

Mr Carter gave the pledge when he paid a courtesy call on the Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr Adebiyi Mabadeje and his management team at the ministry’s ABAT Centre , Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, as part of the outreach initiatives of the embassy in Nigeria.

The envoy disclosed that the embassy has a full-time officer on ground for Science and Technology, adding that, ’’ since Lagos has been in the forefront of everything that is excellent in science and technology in Nigeria, it was natural to make the ministry the

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embassy’s first port of call.’’

The envoy noted that while direct funding of projects in the state by the British Government may not be immediately feasible, he assured that, on commercial basis, access to cost-effective basic operational computer tablets to meet the basic needs of schools in the state could be facilitated.

Mr Mabadeje had earlier briefed the envoy on the activities of the ministry which he said included, among others, catch-them-young early promotion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects in schools, stimulating innovation in the state and facilitating industry-academia collaboration through the promotion of new models for Public-Private Partnership.

Phase3, Main One seal pact

AIN One and Phase3 Telecom have created a unique connectivity edge that gives the education, banking, security, and government sectors as well as other organizations in Oyo state enhanced broadband access. Their Broadband Expansion Project officially commenced early this year and is stretching out to different parts of Nigeria. Both companies recently kicked off an awareness campaign in Ibadan where they both emphasized the importance of their unique Fibre Optic networks. Phase3 Telecom has in recent times been emphasising the Open Access Network as a model that would help enhance reliable and affordable high speed broadband connectivity and has taken steps under a private sector framework to support Main One in achieving this. “Fibre Optic Broadband helps small businesses

expand and thrive and it will help to create more jobs – directly and indirectly – and boost the nation’s economy as a whole. This awareness creation event aims at providing a better approach to business growth in the South-West. Through greater customer intimacy and insight, we find ways to better meet the unique needs of Nigerian businessmen. Phase3 Telecom’s Fibre Optic Network infrastructure enables a unique Open Access Model for improved broadband delivery in the country.” stated Otuya Okecha, who spoke at the Ibadan awareness creation event. As a major step towards making robust and reliable broadband capacities available to businesses in the SouthWest, Main One, in partnership with Phase3 Telecom, has commenced provision of Open Access Broadband Services in the SouthWest region of Nigeria.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

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NEWS

‘I'll take a break from school’ Before emerging the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN), Miss Anna Banner was an unknown teenager. Today, the world craves her attention. She speaks with Entertainment Editor VICTOR AKANDE.

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HAT is your educational status?

I am a student of the University of

Port Harcourt. I’m studying linguistics and communication, and I’m in my first year.

What part of Bayelsa State are you from?

I’m from Sangbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

How much of your state did you know before the competition’s tours?

Before then, I had only been to Yenagoa. But MBGN took me around and I was glad that it happened, because it made me more aware of happenings in my state, things that I didn’t know before.

What is your family background like?

We are two, my older brother and I. My mum and dad are business people, and my brother is into Marine plumbing.

What was your parents’ reaction when you entered for the competition and after you emerged winner?

First of all, there were rumours about pageantry not being healthy for young girls.

But despite that fact, I convinced them that it wasn’t going to be the same.

What gave you the conviction that pageantry could be healthy for a young girl?

I feel that almost all young girls would do anything to win a pageant; and that few will let things fall into place. And that I would not do any stupid thing just to get crowned, I will not sleep around either. But most people will go to any length. So, I feel it is healthy for me because I won’t do any of those stupid things.

What battles did you have to fight?

I didn’t have to fight any battle, because I discovered that there was nothing like that in the MBGN pageant. Some of the other girls were trying to get familiar with the guys around, but it wasn’t working for me because I felt that MBGN is a different type of competition.

You don’t have to sleep with someone in order to win the crown; you just need to work hard.

Don’t you think your legs are too small for the shoes you’re wearing at the moment?

I don’t think so. Though, I don’t know much about this because I’m still young, but I’m willing to learn from people.

Who are your role models and influences?

My role model is Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia. She’s not into pageantry, but I love her so much because she’s very courageous, zealous, fearless, a Christian and not someone to let go of her dream because of some kind of instability. During the presidential elections in Liberia, she didn’t win via violence, she won peacefully. She motivates me a lot.

How much of political history do you follow or did you have to read up for the contest?

I’m not a politics person. I’m not into it at all, and I feel it’s really boring. But I think I should start watching the news and become informed about what is happening around me. For the pageant, I didn’t have to open any book; I just had to go online to look for questions that I should expect and other things; hairstyles,

dresses, make-up and how to combine colours.

What was your beauty routine like before the pageant?

I’m not a make-up person. I prefer to go natural, the highest I could do is eye pencil, lipgloss and a little bit of eye-shadow. I was not even a powder person before MBGN. I started getting used to all that shortly before the competition so my face could look good for the camera, and I had to buy the makeup and everything. When it comes to dressing, I’m very good, combination of colours and all.

How do you intend to convince the public that pageantry is decent, despite the bikini and ‘see through’ parades?

I’m not a bikini person, so it was somehow new. For instance, during the auditions when I was told that I would have to wear a bikini, I was like ‘what? Are you kidding?’ And they told me it was one of the requirements, so I said okay. Apart from the bikini, I don’t wear short things. I wear it only when I’m going for dance rehearsals. On a normal day, I love to cover my body, because the way you dress is the way you’ll be addressed. Dressing indecently will attract unwanted glances. You can combine different clothes and colours. As far as it’s decent, it differentiates you from the crowd.

Do you feel that bikinis are necessary in pageantries?

Yes, to some extent. They want us to show our flat stomachs and curves. It is okay for some pageants, not all, because some local pageants would like to exploit that.

What is your definition of beauty?

My definition of beauty has nothing to do with the physical look, but the inner person. A girl might be pretty facially, but inside, which talks about her attitude, personality and every other thing, she might be ugly. When the inside is really good; it covers whatever ugliness there might be, and brings out the beauty from within.

When a person has a good attitude, relates well with people and humble, that’s what I call beauty.

What church do you attend?

I attend Winners City.

Did you ever believe that you would win?

I had some shaky confidence that I might win.

What lessons did you take away from your experience at the camp?

Punctuality, perseverance and humility are some of the things I learnt.

What are the packages associated with this crown?

Apart from the car and the cash prize, which amount I’m not certain of, I will also represent Nigeria in Miss World.

How do you hope to cope, especially with your studies?

I’m going to pause, because it’s easier now that I’m just starting. If I was already in my third year, that would have been a big hindrance. But for now, I can take a break and then go back as soon as everything is done. And I’m thinking of studying abroad, so I might just have to move everything over there.

What are your projects as MBGN? My projects are on both formal and informal

•Miss Banner

education, redefining the lives of youths in Nigeria. I’m not going to do this alone, as I will liaise with the runner-ups.

I want to make sure people understand that education is wealth and knowledge, and to also let them know that those who have proper qualifications are able to achieve better in life.

I want to encourage people to quit violence and any other form of abuse. We are all humans with different talents, but it’s left for us to find it and then build it.

Why are you focusing on education?

I see education as one of the most important things in life. I remember the ups and downs I went through before paying my school fees at a time, until God sent a helper.

You look like an ‘ajebutter’, no one would have believed you ever had problem paying your fees.

People always say that. But it’s not always the way it looks, because you can’t judge a book by its cover. Most successful people struggled, even our president, Goodluck Jonathan. I’m sure that if someone had told him that he’ll be a great man and president of Nigeria, he might not have believed.

Do you already have an agenda of becoming a Miss World?

When I become Miss World, I can then start thinking of the problems of the world and not just Nigeria. Like in Africa, one of the problems most countries have is lack of good water, good education and even quality medication. I want to also open a modeling agency that’ll help girls of different sizes achieve their modeling dreams.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies are writing, laughing and singing.

What is your favourite meal?

You might be expecting me to say spaghetti and all that. But my best food is actually pounded yam. But for now, I have to cut down on that because I don’t want to add too much weight.

What talents would you say you have?

I’m good at counseling. I’m also good at convincing people; and I can convince you that the red you see is not red. I’m good with business and I’m inspirational, because I get inspired by everything around me.

What does your boyfriend think about your new life?

I’m just eighteen, I don’t have a boyfriend.

That’s not really my priority right now.

What’s the most stupid thing you’ve done?

I haven’t done anything stupid except when I drove my friend’s car and bashed it. Busybody made me do that because I didn’t know how to drive, the car was in reverse gear; and I didn’t know. The gateman had to jump into the garden, while the car hit the gate and the bumper came off.

If you could change or make something happen, what would it be?

What I want is to be closer to God than I am now. I want to be a better Christian than I am now.

When was the last time you had shed tears?

When I won.

What was your father’s reaction after you won?

I didn’t call him that day. But when I did, he just shouted, told me he was proud of me, and that he knew I was going to be the best.

PHCN top official in ICPC net over N.1m ‘bribe’

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HE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) yesterday confirmed the arrest of a Principal Manager with the Power Holding Companies of Nigeria (PHCN), Omololu Olusesi Gabriel, an engineer, for allegedly demanding a bribe of N100,000 from a customer to install two transformers.

The commission has put in place five toll free lines for whistleblowers.

The ICPC, in a statement by its Head of Media, Mr. Folu Olamiti, said: “An ICPC sting

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

operation has landed a top official of the Power Holding Companies of Nigeria (PHCN), Omololu Olusesi Gabriel into trouble as he has been nabbed by operatives of ICPC for allegedly demanding a bribe of N100,000 to install two transformers from a PHCN customer.

“Omololu, a Principal Manager with PHCN Abuja Distribution Company in Zone 4, was arrested through a sting operation, following a petition filed against him.

“The petitioner had formally applied to purchase and instal two transformers: a 100 KVA/33/0.415 KV and a 50 KVA/33/0.415 KV, and had filed his application through the Principal Manager (PC and M) at the said PHCN office.

“It alleged that Omololu on receiving the application demanded a bribe of N100, 000 for the release of one of the transformers, and had subsequently taken the half payment of N50, 000 from the petitioner.

“Infuriated by Omololu’s

insistence on collecting the balance of N50,000 as a condition for releasing the second transformer, the petitioner then turned to ICPC for succour and the Commission arrested the suspect after a sting operation when he collected marked money as balance.

“Omololu’s schedule of duties as a public officer, include among others: protection of PHCN installations, testing of electrical equipment and preparation of permission letter for release of transformers, none of which

required him to demand a fee from customers.

“The ICPC operatives were able to establish that the petitioner, indeed, submitted two applications for permission to purchase and instal two specification of transformers 100 KVA/33/0.451 KV and 50 KVA/33/0.415 to PHCN, and that the petitioner collected one of the approvals upon payment of N50, 000 demanded by the suspect.

“And that the petitioner was denied the second approval for his inability to provide the balance of

N50,000.00.

“The PHCN official would be facing prosecution for allegedly contravenes section 8 and 10 of the ICPC Act 2000.”

ICPC released five toll-free lines for Nigerians with similar complaints and whistleblowers.

It said: “Members of the public that face similar situation should promptly call these free-toll lines: 0 8 0 3 1 2 0 2 8 0 , 08031230281,08031230282, 07056990190 and 07056990191 and you will get immediate support from our operatives.

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NEWS RAMADAN KAREEM

SOLAT TIME (Lagos) Fajr Zuhr Asr Magrib Ishai

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Religious education, key to national development, says Don

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N Islamic Scholar, Prof Dawud Noibi, has identified sound religious education as key to ensuring national development.

He spoke in Ibadan at the annual Ramadan lecture of the Oyo State House of Assembly Muslim Community.

Prof Noibi, a recipient of the Queen of England Order of the British Empire (OBE), said national development goes beyond the social and political aspects of life, stressing that religious education should be a core subject at all levels of education in the country.

The Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria (MUSWEN) noted that, only education based on sound spiritual values, could guarantee national development.

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

The Professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies enjoined Nigerians not to forget God in the pursuit of knowledge.

Chairman, Oyo State Universal and Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Dr Busari Adebisi, stressed the need for Nigerians to be spiritually conscious in everything.

Chief host and Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Monsurat Sunmonu urged Muslims to utilise the period of Ramadan to re-unite with Allah.

Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdul Azeez Arisekola-Alao, represented by the chairman, Muslim Community in the state, Alhaji Kunle Sanni, urged Muslims to adhere strictly to the tenets of Islam.

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

Functions of Mosque

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Mosque in Islam is like a bee hive around which all legitimate activities of the Muslims are built. It has both temporal and spiritual functions none of which can be taken for granted. The word Mosque is the corrupt English pronunciation of 'MASJID' (pronounced as ‘Masgid’ in Egyptian dialect) which means a place of prostration.

In Islam, Mosque is not meant for SALAT alone. It serves many other purposes each of which has a fundamental significance. For instance the very first Mosque established by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in Medina was a multipurpose one.

Named Masjidu Qubah (the 'Mosque of Qubah') that Mosque did not serve as a place of worship alone, it also served as a school, a library, a clinic, a court of law and even a parliament for the Muslim community. Ever since, Mosque in Islam has continued to serve all those purposes throughout the Islamic world except in Nigeria, where Mosques are grossly underutilized and limited to Salat alone.

It is for its multipurpose value that the very first University ever established in the world, the University of Cordoba in Spain, started as a Mosque. And, it will be recalled that even all the three oldest Universities in the world today: Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt; Qarawiyyin University in Fez, Morocco and Zaytuniyyah University in Tunis, Tunisia started with Mosques.

Using the above yardstick to judge what the Mosque is in our society as against what it ought to be, one will sincerely conclude that our Mosques are grossly underutilized. Hardly can a Mosque be found in our society today that is used as a court, a library, a parliament and a hospital. Whereas Islam is a dynamic religion and the Mosque is supposed to be a symbol of that dynamism, this is rarely considered when it comes to establishing Mosques in our society.

Today, we need Mosques more than ever before not only because of the geometric growth of Muslim population but also because of the need to adapt to the concatenations of the modern technological world to the benefit of Islam and the Ummah. We need Mosques for training and good orientation of our children just as we need it as a backup for our family homes and positive reformation of our society. That is why we must provide in every Mosque those amenities mentioned above if only to give our children the best education they deserve, as a contribution in our own little way to making our society a worthy place to live in.

In our Mosques, we need Computer training Centres; tutorial classes for our Imams and Mu’adhdhins as well as for coaching our primary and secondary school pupils just as we need good libraries for reading and researching; modest clinics and arbitration courts where civil and matrimonial conflicts can be settled without any recourse to the Western Courts in which Qur’an and Sunnah play no role in adjudication.

For Islam to continue to play its dynamic role as originally designed, enabling environments must be created for our Mosques so that Muslims can accentuate peaceful co-existence and thorough education.

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5:20am 12:53pm 4:16pm 7:06 pm 8:18pm

(Nasarrawa) Fajr Zuhr Asr Magrib Ishai

– 4:59am – 12:36pm – 3:58pm – 6:52pm – 8:04pm

(Abia) Fajr Zuhr Asr Magrib Ishai

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5:05am 12:37pm 4:00pm 6:48pm 8:00pm

Ramadan 15th, 1434AH

(Source: Islamicfinder.org)

Don cautions activists on child marriage

AGOS State University (LASU) Senior Lecturer Prof Ishaq Akintola, has cautioned some feminists and activists to stop heating the polity on the review of the Nigerian constitution concerning child marriage.

He accused the groups of exploiting their protection of the Muslim female child to lampoon Muslims and their institution of marriage.

According to him, age is not part of the conditions which must be met before marriage can be solemnised in Islam.

Where the bride is a ‘minor’, he said, Islam prescribes protective solemnisation of marriage without consummation.

“This means that the girl who is deemed to be of tender age, is left untouched by the man until she attains puberty.

Another major condition for child marriage is that the girl herself has the right to repudiate the marriage when she attains maturity if she does not like her ‘spouse’,” he said.

“MURIC believes that a honourable and dignifying child marriage is better than child prostitution, which is rampant in Nigerian cities and red light

...Says no age factor in Islamic marriage

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

zones. In comparison, globalisation and promotion of homosexualism, lesbianism and same-sex marriage is a direct challenge of God’s divine order. Whereas child marriage involves two proud and happy families, prostitution drives families of the two parties underground, embarrassed and emotionally-devastated,” he stated.

Akintola, director of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), appealed to lawmakers “not to allow self-acclaimed constitutional ideologues to railroad them into tampering with the Allah-given and fundamental rights of Muslims. Nigeria’s constitution must take into consideration the various ethnic and religious groups to create a symphony. Any constitution that does not take the people’s cultures and religions into consideration is not only draconian but designed to fail from the outset.

“For instance, the Nigerian matrimonial law, which stipulates marriage to only one

woman is designed to cater for Christians. Legislators must leave alone those clauses which cater for Muslim marriage, otherwise they will be unfair to Muslims. We must all remember that justice is the soul of peace.”

Akintola appealed to Nigerians to learn tolerance.

His words: “We must learn to live with one another without attempting to bend any particular group towards a particular mindset. Let us learn to respect our differences. There can be no social cohesion unless we learn to accept Muslims as Muslims and respect their way of life. In the interest of peaceful co-existence, we advise Nigerians to resist further attempt to stereotype and stigmatise Muslims.

“It is paradoxical that some feminists and activists now claim to be defending the rights of the Muslim girl-child.

Where were they when millions of Muslim women were disallowed from registering for votes in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and other states in

•Prof Akintola

the South on account of their wearing of hijab during the 2007 and 2011 general elections? Why have they remained silent since the Lagos female pupil was given 43 lashes of the cane by a heartless school headteacher? Is that not child abuse? Why did they leave the Muslims alone to clamour for redress?

“People should stop poking their nose in the affairs of Muslims. Who wants his own daughter to suffer? These people should stop shedding crocodile tears. Nobody can love our daughters, our wives and our mothers more than us.

Why are they crying more than the bereaved? We know that the rat should be careful when the cat starts performing ablution.”

We have been fasting in fear, says Plateau emir

E

MIR of Wase and Chairman Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI) in Plateau State chapter Alhaji Mohammed Sambo has lamented the effect of crises in southern Plateau, saying Muslims in the zone are observing the fasting season in fear.

The Muslim leader spoke when the Peace and Reconciliation Committee set up by the Governor Jonah Jang visited his palace yesterday.

He appealed to security agencies to give them adequate protection during and after the Ramadan.

Violent conflict in Wase ear-

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

ly this year claimed over hundreds of lives.

The emir said: “My people have been living in fear, we are observing this Ramadan season in fear, we cannot observe our regular prayers as expected because of fear of the unknown, in short our lives are not safe. We are not protected even in our own land.”

Alhaji Sambo informed the committee that life has no value in the zone anymore, as armed men launch attack on innocent citizens and killed

them without mercy.

He appealed to people of the Wase Emirate to sheath their swords and embrace peace, saying there can be no development without peace and love He said: “people should make conscious efforts to make peaceful co-existence a way of life. I want to use this opportunity to appeal to people of the zone to learn to forgive and live in peace.”

Chairman of the committee who is the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly Johnbull Sheakaru stressed that the

•Wife of Bauchi State Governor, Hajia Aisha Yuguda (left), presenting a gift to Hajia Hajara Mohammed, during distribution of foodstuffs and materials for Tafsir as Ramadan assistance in Bauchi on... yesterday.

people of the zone cannot afford another violence because they are yet to recover from the 2004 crisis.

He called on the people of the Southern Zone to forgive one another and learn to live in peace with their neighbours.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Yiljab Abraham, appealed to the people to embrace peace.

Muslim youths hold lecture

A

YOUTH group, Muslim Youth Forum, will hold a Ramadan lecture on Saturday.

A statement signed by the Chairman, Planning Committee Alhaji Saheed Adeoye, said the lecture entitled: Restoration of societal values, would takes place at Abule-Oja, Lagos.

The lecture will be delivered

by Sheikh Abdul Majeed Imran Eleha.

Adeoye said Ramadan is a period to move closer to Allah and worship Him more.

He urged Nigerians to shun sinful acts.

“Beyond this, it is a time to purify our souls, focus more on Allah, practise self-sacrifice and show compassion to people around us. We are to sincerely re-evaluate our lives, get closer to our maker, give alms to the needy and strengthen ties with family and friends,” he said.

RAMADAN DIET "Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a Garden (paradise) whose width is that of the heavens and of the earth, prepared for the righteous - Those who spend (freely), whether in prosperity or in adversity, who restrain (their) anger and pardon (all) men - for God loves those who do good."

- Qur'an Sponsored by HON. ABDULRASHEED ABIODUN & ALHAJA OYEDOYIN MAFE, Chairman, Mosan-Okunola LCDA, Lagos

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 24-07-13

Govt to sell power companies’ shares on Exchange

T

HE Federal Government will sell its remaining shares in the successor companies to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to the public through the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

Future public offer of shares will also come with the listing of the power companies.

Director General, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Ezra Dikki, disclosed this yesterday during a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

The PHCN had been unbundled into 11 power distribution companies (discos) and six power generation companies (gencos). The 11 discos and six gencos are currently being privatised.

However, the transmission business of PHCN is still vested under the government control through the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

The BPE boss said the remaining government’s shareholdings in the discos, which are currently being

•To list 11 discos, 6 gencos

By Taofik Salako

privatised through core-investor sale strategy, will be divested through the NSE. He said the gencos will come to the market through future public offers.

He noted that all the 17 power companies would in the future be listed on the NSE, highlighting the benefit of the divestiture and transfer of ownership to the private sector.

“We also expect many of them to come to the capital market to raise long-term finance,” Dikki said.

He pointed out that various reforms in the economy would throw up immense opportunities for the Nigerian capital market, noting that the privatisation of the Abuja Commodities and Stock Exchange (ASCE) and reforms in the housing and agricultural sectors hold great investment opportunities for the capital market.

“In the nearest future, com-

panies in the oil and gas sectors of the economy will be approaching the market after the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and the set up of an appropriate legal and regulatory framework,” Dikki said.

He said the government recognised the role of the capital market in providing long-term funding that will drive investments in the transport sector, which will result from the reforms initiatives in the sector. These he said, would provide enabling environment for the capital market to play catalytic roles in the sector.

According to him, the roads, railways, inland waterways and the ports harbour bills will be presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval and transmission to the National Assembly for enactment into law, following which relevant regulatory agencies will be set up.

He pointed out that the establishment of legal and regulatory frameworks for the transport sector would create enabling environment for private sector investments in concessions and public-private partnerships PPP.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 24-07-13

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

55

MONEY LINK

‘Fed Govt records N419b deficit’

T

HE Federal Government has recorded a deficit year to date of N419 billion, FBN Capital has said, quoting the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) latest monthly report.

The 2013 budget projects a fullyear deficit of N887 billion. The report also said that Nigeria has posted only three monthly surpluses since May 2012.

May recurrent items, including debt service and statutory transfers to bodies such as the National Assembly accounted for 76.2 per cent

T

Stories by Collins Nweze

of total Federal Government spending and capital items the balance of 23.8 per cent. The budget projects shares of 67.5 per cent and 32.5 per cent respectively.

The report noted that on the surface, the position may not appear sufficiently critical to warrant the aggressive move taken by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). It said that such a conclusion ignores the shortfall in oil revenues and the electoral calendar.

Naira hits four-week high

T

The communiqué from the MPC politely commended the Federal Government for its fiscal stance in 2012. More importantly, it called for the reversal of the loss of discipline this year, noting that the first casualty in this environment will always be capital expenditure.

It said the MPC’s imposition on the banks of a cash reserve requirement (CRR) of 50 per cent on public-sector deposits was taken against the background of this loose fiscal stance and the excess liquidity in the banking system.

•Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

‘Cash transactions 99% of customers’ activity’

HE Cashless Lagos implementation revealed that cash transaction represent about 99 per cent of customers’ activity in Nigerian banks.

This was disclosed yesterday by the Managing Director, Afrinvest West Africa during the launch of a ‘Special Report on Nigerian Banking Sector 2013’ in Lagos. He said the finding presents a major challenge of high cash management cost. he explained that cash has been

identified as an integral element that fuels several social vices and crimes in Nigeria.

He said the CBN has set a target of reducing the financial exclusion rate to 20 per cent by 2020.

Currently, 46.3 per cent or 39.2 million adults in Nigeria do not have access to financial services. This, he attributed to high unemployment rate, which was 23.9 per cent as at 2012 as well as low per capital income and poor level of general

awareness. Other factors include proximity and accessibility issues and the cumbersome account opening requirements and procedures.

“We believe the financial inclusion will broaden the range of service offerings, providing access to credit, insurance, mortgage and pension, as more deposits migrate from the informer to the formal sector.”

He noted the CBN introduced agent banking in 2012 to provide financial services to customers by a

third party, on behalf of a licenced deposit taking financial institutions or mobile money agents.”

Chioke explained that the agent banks categorised into super agents, sole agents, sub-agents, bank-led model, and non bank-led model are expected to provide facilities that enable customers deposit, withdraw and transfer funds, pay bills, inquire about account balances and receive government benefits or direct deposit from employers.

Banks’ stocks drop over rate retention

N

IGERIA’S banking index fell the most in a month after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) tightened monetary policy by increasing reserve requirements, damping the outlook for lenders’ margins.

Bloomberg said the Nigerian banking index, which tracks the West African nation’s 10 largest lenders by market value, declined 3.9 per

cent to 404.84, the steepest drop since June 28.

The Central Bank of Nigeria’s Monetary Policy Committee led by Governor Lamido Sanusi introduced a 50 per cent cash reserve requirement on public sector funds on Wednesday after warning about the risk of excess liquidity in the system.

Zenith Bank Plc, Nigeria’s secondlargest lender by market

capitalisation, tumbled 5.1 per cent to 20.1 naira, the most since June 25. Guaranty Trust Bank Plc , the biggest, dropped 3.5 per cent to N25.39.

“The CBN was concerned about the build-up in excess liquidity in the financial system and a vicious cycle where banks sourced large amounts of public sector funds and subsequently lent them to the gov-

ernment by purchasing T-bills and Open Market Operations,” Samir Gadio, emerging-markets strategist at Standard Bank Group Ltd., said.

The newly-introduced reserve requirements “could also result in a sharp increase in Nigeria’s interbank rates,” which may impact some lenders’ net interest margins negatively because of the higher cost of funding, the analysts at SGB said.

DATA BANK

FGN BONDS Tenor

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

NIDF NESF

OBB Rate Call Rate

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 23-07-13

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

FO CONOIL MRS CHAMPION EVANSMED UPL STANBIC NB UTC IKEJAHOTEL

36.00 30.61 27.55 9.39 4.26 4.52 15.45 167.00 0.79 0.88

39.60 33.67 30.30 10.32 4.68 4.85 16.00 171.99 0.81 0.90

3.60 3.06 2.75 0.93 0.42 0.33 0.55 4.99 0.02 0.02

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

Bureau de Change 152.0000 (S/N) Parallel Market 153.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N)

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%

INTENEGINS TRANSEXPR ROYALEX CCNN JOSBREW CORNERST COSTAIN DIAMONDBNK OKOMUOIL COURTVILLE

O/PRICE 2.50 1.62 0.62 9.47 0.99 0.58 1.40 6.75 46.00 0.64

C/PRICE 2.25 1.46 0.56 8.60 0.90 0.53 1.28 6.20 42.50 0.60

CHANGE 0.25 0.16 0.06 0.87 0.09 0.05 0.12 0.55 3.50 0.04

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 23-07-13

SYMBOL

THE naira firmed to a four week high against the dollar yesterday, a day after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) tightened liquidity in the banking system to support a currency which had fallen two percent since May. Reuters said the naira closed at N159.9 to the dollar, its strongest since June 19 and against Tuesday’s close of N161.9.

On Tuesday the naira fell 0.37 per cent to its lowest level in three weeks against the dollar on the interbank market, as dealers were anticipating that the CBN would lower its trading band on the currency, which did not happen. Dealers said local units of French oil firm Total and Italian oil company Eni sold a combined $80 million to the interbank market, helping support the naira.

The apex bank on Tuesday hiked the cash reserve requirement for public sector deposits — which accounts for 10 per cent of banking sector deposits — by a surprise 50 per cent to tighten liquidity and curb speculation on the currency.

“Banks are reducing their long position on the dollar as the market digests the CBN’s decisions,” one dealer said. The move also drove government bond yields higher on Wednesday, with yields rising more than 0.3 percentage points across maturities. The short-term most liquid three-year note rose 0.52 percentage points to 13.93 per cent.

Currency weakness has been a source of concern for a CBN worried about inflation, particularly damaging in a country of around 170 million people that imports around 80 per cent of what it consumes.

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 9.17 9.08 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE INVE 141.00 140.50 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 160.28 160.19 LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.80 0.78 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.16 1.16 BGL NUBIAN FUND 1.17 1.18 FBN MONEY MARKET FUND 100.00 100.00 FBN FIXED INCOME FUND 1,000.00 1,000.00 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,826.97 1,826.26 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 14.73 14.01 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 1.33 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 1.80 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 11.694.57 11,344.90 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUNDARM AGGRESSIVE • OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

56

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

NEWS

A

FACTION of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State has condemned the statement by the Felix Obuah-led faction which criticised the visit of some Northern governors to former Heads of State Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar.

It described the statement as unfortunate, improper and uncalled for.

The state PDP faction made its stance known in a statement by the Publicity Secretary of the Godspower Ake-led group, George Ukwuoma-Nwogba.

The statement said the unwarranted criticism of the governors’ action was solely the views of the Nyesom Wike-backed Obuah-led minority group and not a representation of the majority of Rivers PDP and its people.

“It is clear that the Obuah faction, which is mainly made up of opposition politicians and disgruntled returnees to the PDP, is bent on destroying the party as portended by

Corporal dismissed for UNIBEN student’s killing

Rivers crisis: Ake faction chides Obuah’s criticism of governors Obuah: governors’ visit fuelling crisis A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction in Rivers State yesterday condemned the visit of Northern governors to two Heads of State - Gen Ibrahim Babangida and Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar - in Minna, Niger State.

It faulted the actions of Governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Rabiu Kwakwanso (Kano), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto) and Babangida Aliyu (Niger), saying their visit was not born out of genuine interest to resolve the crisis in Rivers State.

In a statement in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, by the Special Adviser on Media to the PDP factional Chairman, Jerry Needam, the party wondered why the Northern governors, who were seen as “patriots” of democracy, could not remove the log in its actions and ill-advised statements.”

The statement queried the audacity of the Obuah group

their eyes before removing the speck in other people’s eyes.

The party noted that the Boko Haram menace, underdevelopment, hunger, disease, unemployment and deplorable state of education in the North were enough to engage the governors more than the internal crisis in Rivers PDP. We believe these governors have ulterior motives in their seeming concern in the Rivers matter.

The statement said: “It is most regrettable that these governors are abusing the sensibilities of Rivers people.

“While we hold the two former heads of state in high esteem, it is also our candid opinion that they should not allow themselves to be used.”

to linking the governors’ visit to Governor Rotimi Amaechi and Rivers State, describing the group as a busy body

commenting on issues of nonrelevance to it.

“What is wrong with the governors meeting with the

former heads of state? We all know that the PDP is currently bedeviled with many problems which, if left unresolved, could destroy the party.

These governors should be lauded for seeking a solution to the problems of the PDP and the country at this time.”

The statement dismissed the Obuah-led faction and its constant derailing statements as irrelevant and not worthy of the PDP. “They are the ones with an ulterior motive to destabilise and destroy the party, consistently feeding lies to the public, forgetting that the public is now more enlightened.

“How can any sane person attack visiting governors or criticise their attempt to find solutions to the troubles and issues affecting the party?”

“We again call on President Goodluck Jonathan, the PDP board of trustees and the national leadership to call these people to order as their actions would only foster division and destroy the party.”

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

A

POLICE corporal, Amadi Idahosa, has been reportedly dismissed from the Force for the killing of a final-year student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Ibrahim Momodu.

Amadi was said to have been dismissed after an orderly room trial.

He was an orderly to Chief Superintendent of Police, Mrs. Carol Afegbai, who was the Divisional Police Officer of Ogida Police Station.

Police sources said Amadi was found to have shot Momodu, despite earlier claims

by Mrs. Afegbai that she shot him in the leg.

Momodu was killed on May 27 and was hurriedly buried by the police at the 3rd cemetery.

His body was exhumed for post-mortem examination and it was discovered that he was shot three times in the back.

A legal advice from the Department of Public Prosecution was rejected by the Edo State Government because it lacked details that would warrant a murder prosecution.

Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Henry Idahagbon sent the case file back to the DPP for further investigation.

Police spokesman Moses Eguaveon said the police would not condone injustice.

“The matter is being investigated and justice must be done. Whoever is exonerated will be discharged. The public should watch out for justice.”

D

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

B

AYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson yesterday accused oil companies of double standard in the Niger Delta.

Dickson spoke in Yenagoa when the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Bert Ronhaar, visited him.

He said oil companies have refused to embrace international standards and best practices in their operations.

“The ecosystem and livelihood of people in the Niger Delta have been negatively impacted upon as a result of oil exploration and exploitation activities over the years.

“The environment has to be respected in the Niger Delta the same way it is protected and preserved in Europe and America.

“An oil spill is an oil spill wherever it occurs, whether it is in the Niger Delta or in the Gulf of Mexico,” he said.

He praised Ronhaar for deepening diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Netherlands.

But he urged him to prevail on oil companies, particularly Shell, to adhere to international operational standards.

No death warrant signed in Edo

T •Dickson flanked by his wife, Rachael and Ronhaar at the Banquet Hall in Yenagoa... yesterday.

T

Police arrest 13 kidnap suspects

HE police in Akwa Ibom State yesterday said they arrested 13 persons suspected to be kidnappers, robbers and child traffickers.

Police spokesman Etim Dickson broke the news to reporters at the State Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpan-Abia, Uyo. Dickson said the suspected traffickers- Marshall Gabriel Adam and six others described as accomplices- were arrested, following a tip-off on the abduction of a three-year-old child, Miss Favour Gabriel Adams.

He said the suspect, who is the victim’s brother, visited his family home at Ibesikpo vil-

•Five remanded in Edo

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo and Osagie Otabor, Benin

lage and took his sister away on the pretext that he was going to buy her biscuits.

The police spokesman said the victim was rescued from her buyer, Madam Grace Okon, in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

His words: “When the family waited the whole day without seeing Marshall and Favour, the matter was reported to the police at Eket.

“Investigations led to Marshall’s arrest with five other accomplices, including a wom-

an buyer. The little girl was rescued.”

Five persons have been remanded in prison custody by a Benin Magistrate’s Court for allegedly abducting two lovers.

The suspects- Monday Idubor (38), Osator Samson (31), Sunday Ugiagbe (33), Peter Thomas (29) and Efosa Okungbowa (36)-were arraigned on an eight-count charge of kidnapping, conspiracy to commit felony, robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms.

Police Prosecutor Samuel Ogah told the court that the two lovers were abducted on Sta-

dium road in Benin City.

He said the accused demanded and received N25,000 for the release of one of their victims.

They were alleged to have also stolen a Toyota Corolla, valued at N1.6million, belonging to their victim.

The Magistrate, Peter EdoAsemota, declined jurisdiction to entertain the matter and remanded the suspects in prison custody.

He also directed that the case files be forwarded to the Office of the State Director for Public Prosecution for legal advice.

The case was adjourned till September 13.

We’ll find solution to Warri crisis, says Uduaghan

ELTA State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has vowed to find a solution to the crisis in Warri North Local Government in which 13 persons were killed and eight Itsekiri communities destroyed.

He said the perpetrators would be punished.

Uduaghan made the promise on Tuesday when he visited Obaghoro, Eghoro, Tebu, Gbokoda and other communities razed by the rampaging gunmen who operated under the cover of the Egbema Radical Group (ERG).

The governor’s visit came

Oil firms accused of double standard

•Anger over ‘amnesty’ for killers From Shola O’Neil, S/South Regional Editor

against the backdrop of report that some politicians were working to provide a soft landing for ERG members, to the chagrin of some Itsekiri leaders and victims.

It was, however, gathered that some Itsekiri politicians were working with their Ijaw counterparts towards providing “amnesty” for the killers and those implicated in the discreet investigation by the

Joint Task Force (JTF).

The members of the gang, who are holed up around Ogbudugbudu, an Ijaw community, are said to have reached out to JTF officials in their desire for a soft landing, according to a report in a national daily.

A source said: “It is surprising that some persons are contemplating this nonsense even when dozens of persons have been thrown into mourning, poverty and hardship as a result of these attacks.

“Those behind the amnesty for these killers are hoping to use the incident to launch themselves into the good books of the armed gangs in the area as well as shore up support towards the forthcoming local government election.”

But Uduaghan said: “We will not pretend about what has happened; the incident is an unfortunate one; we never expected it to happen again after what we have been through a few years ago.

“But since it has happened, we are determined to look into the deeper issues, which led to it and address it properly for it

•Uduaghan

not to recur.

“Government will find out the extent of damage, but I want to implore all of us to remain peaceful...”

HE Edo State Government yesterday denied that Governor Adams Oshiomhole signed the death warrants of two prisoners on death row.

This was contained in a statement yesterday in Benin

by Oshiomhole’s Chief Press Secretary Peter Okhiria.

The statement described media reports on the issue as false and intended to cause disaffection in the state.

It advised the public to disregard the information, adding that the governor would not shy away from carrying out his constitutional duties when the need arises.

Bomb found in Ebonyi From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

T

HE Army yesterday said it has discovered an unexploded bomb at its 344 Artillery Regiment barracks being built in Ezillo, Ohaukwuo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

In a statement by Capt A. M. Saad for the Commander, 24 Support Engineer Regiment, Abakaliki, the army said the bomb would be detonated today at the place where it was discovered.

It reads: “An unexploded ordinance was discovered during the building of 344 Artillery Regiment Barracks, Ezillo, Ebonyi State.

“The disposal of the bomb has been scheduled to take place today at the place where it was discovered -Ezillo Army Barracks.

“We enjoin the public to go about their business as the disposal of the bomb is done for the safety of all.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

57

NEWS

‘New Enugu Secretariat, a masterpiece’

E

•From left: Mainstreet Bank’s Head Internal Control Group Segun Famoriyo; National President, Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institution (ASSBIFI) and First Deputy President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC)Sunday Olusoji Salako; Executive Director Operations &IT Anogwi Anyanwu and Executive Director, Lagos &West; Bolaji Shenjobi at the funeral of Deaconess Christiana Salako, Salako’s mother in Lagos.

Violence mars PDP primaries in Ebonyi

O

NE person was killed and many others injured in the fiasco of the councillorship primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in six local government areas in Ebonyi State on Tuesday.

A member of the House of Assembly reportedly escaped being attacked. Cars, houses and other valuables were torched in one local government.

The violence led to the cancellation of the results in Afikpo South and some wards in Onicha and Ohaukwu local governments.

Police spokesman Sylvester Igbo said a 38-year-old man, Kalu Ogbu Awu, was killed.

Another party faithful, Ibom Agwu Kama, was injured.

Igbo said initial reports showed that the violence in Afikpo South was due to a clash between supporters of two councillorship aspirants.

I

•One killed, many injured •Houses, cars destroyed From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

The spokesman gave the name of the suspects as Nnachi K.C. and Onyemachi Dick.

The police, according to Igbo, also foiled an attempt by a faction to burn down the house of Collinius Orji, the Development Centre Coordinator of Edda East Development Centre.

But the member representing Afikpo South West Constituency, Eni Uduma Chima, disagreed with the police report. He accused the police of trying to protect the real killers.

His words: “The police are conniving with the people, who have been terrorising our people to cover the truth behind the killing.

“One of the suspects, Nnachi KC, was with me when the incident happened in another ward; he never left his ward.”

In Ezza North Local Government Area, Igbo said a truck, which belonged to Sunday Ogbuagu, a Supervisory Councillor, and a house were set ablaze by a faction said to be unhappy with the outcome of the primaries.

In Ohaozara Local Government Area, it was gathered that the PDP Chairman in the local government, Okechukwu Mark, was accosted by thugs on his way to submit the result for Amichi Ward. He was allegedly beaten up and the result snatched from him.

The result was, however, recovered from the thugs after the Council Chairman, Enekwachi Akpa, ordered security

operatives to recover it.

But Akpa denied any knowledge of violence in the area, saying: “I don’t know of any violence. We had a successful election.”

At the council headquarters in Onicha Local Government Area, a councillor was beaten up and arrested by the police for allegedly bringing a dagger into the hall where electoral materials were being distributed.

In Izzi Local Government Area, a Sports Utility Van (SUV) belonging to the chairman of the council was vandalised. The driver, Godwin Obasi, was hospitalised with machete cuts all over his body.

A statement by the PDP state Chairman, Ugorji AmaOti, said the results of the primaries held in Obegu ward in Onicha Local Government Area, Effium wards 2 and 3 in Ohaukwu Local Government Area have been cancelled.

Okorocha to appoint Southeast indigenes as commissioners

NDIGENES of other Southeast states will be appointed as commissioners in Imo State, Governor Rochas Okorocha said yesterday as he prepared to name the newly constituted executive council.

He said the inclusion of people from other Southeast states would foster unity among Ndigbo.

“This is the surest way to promote unity among the people of the Southeast,” he said.

The governor spoke during a meeting with professionals at the Ahiajoku Convention Centre in Owerri, the state capital.

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•Says it will promote Igbo unity From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

He said everyone in the Southeast is from the same ethnic group and should work together to achieve a common purpose.

Okorocha urged his colleagues to include persons from other Southeast states in their council.

The governor said: “The former exco was made up of people from Abia, Enugu Anambra and Ebonyi states. They served well.

“All governors in the Southeast should take a general ap-

proach to the issue of Igbo unity by practical demonstration in their appointments.

“I wish to be an Igbo leader, not a sectional leader. States and geographical difference should not be an impediment to the national goals of Ndigbo.”

He described the issue of Igbo unity as imperative, especially during this political dispensation.

Okorocha attributed the political problem of Ndigbo to disunity among Igbo politicians.

“We used to be third; we

•Okorocha

used to be one of the tripods, which held this nation together. But now, we are seventh.

“No Igbo person occupies the office of the president, vice president, Senate president, Speaker of the House of Representatives, chief judge or the chairman of the ruling party.”

‘Why informants were killed in Anambra’

HE killing of two police informants about a month ago by suspected kidnappers at New Tarsan, Nkpor in Idemili Local Government Area of Anambra State has continued to create tension in the state.

It was alleged yesterday that the informants were former “kidnappers”, who were killed by their colleagues.

The victims, who allegedly retired from the business to become police informants, were named as Okechukwu Udezuka (aka Okey-rice) from

•Police: they’ll be given proper burial From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

Oraifite and Ebuka from Nnewi.

A source, who spoke in Awka, said the re-emergence of kidnappers in the state was as a result of the killing of the duo.

He said: “These people retired from kidnapping and voluntarily surrendered themselves and their arms to the appropriate authorities. They

pledged to serve as informants and since then kidnapping reduced but since their killing, see what Anambra has turned into.”

The Nation learnt that the victims released the identities and locations of their former colleagues, which yielded results.

When the information got to their former gang members, they were killed at new Tarsan junction in Nkpor near Onit-

sha.

Police spokesman Emeka Chukwuemeka declined to speak on the issue, but a senior police officer said the command would give them befitting funerals.

The officer said: “The command is preparing to give the deceased befitting funerals in their communities.

“Arrangements are on for Udezuka’s funeral in Orafite on August 2, while we wait for the funeral date for Ebuka from the family.”

NUGU State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure Goddy Madueke has said the new secretariat building in Enugu city will be a showpiece, when completed.

He debunked claims that the award of contract for the new secretariat did not follow due process.

Addressing reporters, who accompanied him to the site, the commissioner said all government projects underwent due process before they were awarded.

“How can any government, conscious of its reputation such as the one being run by Governor Sullivan Chime, award contract without following due process? “Even if other states do such, it cannot be done here. Before the secretariat project was awarded, it was first advertised, pre-qualified and companies submitted bids.

“It was opened to everybody, then other processes followed before the contract was signed, and this is how other contracts were awarded.”

Supporting his assertions, the General Manager of Arab Contractors, the firm that won the N14billion job, Mohammed El-Edaros, said to win a contract in Enugu State, “you will not only follow due process but your company must be a reputable company well known for its antecedents in terms of previous high-profile jobs done and financial capability, equipment etc.”

He said his company competed with others through proper bidding system but at the end, it got the job as it met all the requirements.

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NRC begins haulage freight from Lagos-Kano

HE Nigeria Railways Corporation (NRC), said it would begin the haulage of container freight from APM terminals from Apapa Port in Lagos, to Inland Container depots in Kaduna and Kano next month.

In a statement by the NRC’s Assistant Director of Public Relations, Mr David Ndakotsu, Corporation’s Managing Director Mr Seyi Sijuwade said the feat is made possible because of the level of rehabilitation that has gone into the corporation in recent times.

He said the move would signal the commencement of haulage freighting by the Corporation in its bold move to retake the haulage sector which it lost as a result of the rot in its operations.

By Yinka Aderibigbe

Sijuwade, an Engineer said move would be strengthened by the involvement of private sector involvement in the operations of the Corporation under the Public/Private Partnership (PPP) initiative.

He said the partnership will enhance the capacity of train services across the country.

The statement disclosed that the third weekly passenger train service from LagosKano would be flagged off today.

The new train service which would deepen the first phase of its Capacity Enhancement Programme. The train will depart Iddo (Lagos) at 11.00a.m and is scheduled to arrive Kano at 5.00p.m. on tomorrow.

Brown, Malala to visit Akwa Ibom

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From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

KWA Ibom State will today host the duo of former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and United Nations Special Envoy for Education, Malala Yousafzai.

Yousafzai is a 16-year-old Pakistani education and women rights activist. She was shot by the Taliban for going to school and promoting education for girls.

The duo are in Nigeria to find a solution to what is termed “the education emergency” and they are billed to address not less than 500 children rescued from stigmatisation, child labour and trafficking.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Aniekan Umanah, said the visit will be a major boost to the free, compulsory and qualitative education programme and the humanitarian activities of the Godswill Akpabio-led administration since 2007.

APGA releases election schedule

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From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

HE All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has released its programme for the November 16 governorship election in Anambra State.

The party pegged its expression of interest form for the coveted position at N2 million for prospective aspirants.

It fixed August 3 for the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting for the approval of guidelines for the election.

A statement by APGA’s National Secretary Sani Abdulahi Shinkafi yesterday in Abuja said the schedule of activities was approved by the National Working Committee (NWC) after its meeting on Tuesday.

He noted that prospective aspirants would pay a non-refundable fee of N2million.

The completed form should be returned to the National Secretariat in Abuja.

Shinkafi said: “The sale of interest forms begins from July 29 and will end on August 2. Sale and return of nomination forms begin on August 6 and ends on August 12.

“Screening of aspirants will hold on August 15 and 16. Screening appeals will hold on August 17; while ward congresses for the election of ad-hoc delegates to the state congress will take place on August 17.

“The primary election for the nomination of the party’s candidate will hold on August 26, while appeals arising from the state congress will take place on August 28.

The party, Shinkafi said, will submit the name of its candidate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on September 3.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

58

NEWS

Suswam lists conditions for return to NSGF B

ENUE State Governor Gabriel Suswam yesterday gave the conditions to be met before he can return to the Northern States’ Governors’ Forum (NSGF).

In the wake of the crisis that engulfed the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) following last May election, Suswam had renounced his membership of the NSGF. He said the NSGF leadership sold out in the NGF election, which led to Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi retaining his chairmanship seat with 19 votes against Plateau Governor Jonah Jang’s 16 votes.

Addressing State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Suswam said he would only return to the NSGF if it would abide by the members’ collective decision.

He said: “I won’t say that I

Ahmed commiserates with journalist’s family

•Nasarawa, Benue to punish troublemakers From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

vowed; I will better say that I have issues with the way things are going. I believe that as a northerner and as one of the present leaders, we should be able to have confidence and have integrity enough to take a decision and follow it through. Once that is absent, I have an issue with that.

“If I establish that we can now jointly and collectively take a decision on behalf of the North and on behalf of this country and stand by that decision, then I will have no problem. But for now, I have an issue. That issue, to me, is germane. As far as I am not satis-

fied that the issue has been addressed, I maintain my position.”

Suswan was at the Villa to brief President Goodluck Jonathan on the measures being taken to stop the killings among local farmers and Fulani herdsmen in Benue and Nasarawa states.

He said some committees have been set up in the 14 local governments of both states.

According to him, various forms of punishment have been prescribed for troublemakers caught in the two states.

Suswam said: “I just came to consult and brief him (President Jonathan) on the security

situation as regards the meeting between myself and Nasarawa State Governor Tanko al-Makura. The meeting was meant for us to address the incessant clashes between farmers and Fulani nomads. So, it’s just to update him on the resolutions and the actions that we have taken and solicited his support.

“Well, we resolved to set up committees among the local governments that share borders with one another both in Nasarawa and Benue. We set up committees of seven, seven.

That is, 14 in two local governments; seven in Nasarawa, seven in Benue. They are headed by the paramount rulers of the local governments. Also included in the committees are the Fulani herdsmen.

“The decision was that, if there is a missing cow, the Fulani should report to that com-

Police disperse protesting Abuja indigenes with tear gas From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

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•Suswam

mittee first, instead of taking the laws into their hands. And, if there is a destruction of crops, the farmers should report to the committee, instead of taking the laws into their hands.

“If there is a missing cow and the Fulani, whether he is in Nasarawa or Benue, takes the law into his hands, we will hold members of that committee responsible. The Fulani and the farmers were excited about that.”

•Belgore mourns NAN Kwara reporter From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

KWARA State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has described the death of a Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in the state, Mr Shola Owolabi, as shocking.

The late NAN reporter died last Sunday in an auto crash in Ilorin, the state capital.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, the governor said the death was particularly devastating because the late Owolabi died a young man and at a time he still had a lot to contribute to nation-building.

Ahmed noted that Owolabi’s death was also a huge loss to journalism because he was committed to the ideals of the profession and was profoundly industrious and humble.

The governor commiserated with the family of the the late journalist, his colleagues and friends. He prayed God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

Also, Kwara State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain, Mr Mohammed Dele Belgore (SAN), has commiserated with the family, friends and colleagues of the late Owolabi.

“Our condolences also go to the Kwara NUJ and the media community at large for the loss of Mr. Owolabi,” Belgore said in a statement by his media aide, Rafiu Ajakaye.

The ACN chieftain described the late reporter as a “thoroughbred professional”.

He prayed the Almighty to grant him eternal rest and his family the fortitude to bear the huge loss.

The statement added: “Shola’s death is shocking and sad not just because he was a young man who was full of life but because he was a thoroughbred professional who tried as much as he could to let the world see events in balanced, nonjudgmental ways.

“Shola will be sorely missed. We pray the Almighty to grant him rest and his young family the fortitude to bear this huge loss. Good night, Shola!”

HE police yesterday dispersed protesting Abuja indigenes with tear gas.

The protesters had converged on the entrance to the National Assembly complex to protest the Senate’s rejection of mayoral status for Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The incident occurred about 8am as the protesters were gathering.

A statement yesterday by the President of the Original Inhabitants Development Association of Abuja (OIDA), Danladi Jeji, accused the police of shooting tear gas at the protesters.

The statement said the action of the police forced the protesters to run towards the Eagle Square, near the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and down to the junction near the Federal Ministry of Finance.

Jeji said: “The police, in about eight Hilux vans with soldiers standing by, consistently used tear gas on our people. This made two old women to faint...” Despite the threat, the protesters addressed reporters on their grievances.

Building collapse: Dangote Cement educates block makers From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

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•Senate President David Mark (top right) with pupils of Quintessence Nursery and Primary School, Otukpo, Benue State, who visited him at the National Assembly in Abuja...yesterday

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Suntai’s ADC returns from overseas medical treatment

LIYA Dasat, the Aide de Camp (ADC) to ailing Taraba State Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai, has fully recovered and is back in the country.

Dasat, alongside Suntai; the Chief Detail, Joel Danladi and the Chief Security Officer (CSO) Tino Dangana, survived an air crash in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, last October.

They were flown to Ger-

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

many for the treatment of the injuries they sustained in the crash. The governor piloted the aircraft.

The Chief Detail and the CSO returned to Nigeria last November after successful treatment.

The ADC returned Tues-

day afternoon through the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, aboard a Lufthansa Airline, the state government said.

“Dasat is looking hale and hearty,” the Commissioner for Information, Emmanuel Bello, said in a statement.

The Nation gathered that the ADC was received by his

Group passes vote-of-confidence in Akume, ACN chair

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GROUP, The Forum of ACN Local Government Chairmanship Candidates in Benue State, has passed a vote-of-confidence in the party’s leadership.

The group, which comprises the chairmanship candidates of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the state, expressed confidence in Senate Minority Leader George Akume and the party’s State Chairman, Comrade Abba Yaro.

It declared its support during its maiden meeting at Idek-

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

pa, Ohimini Local Government Area.

A statement by the forum’s chairman, Kwaghgba Emmanuel, of Gboko Local Government Area, said Akume is a treasure and a rare gift to humanity.

The statement said this was evident in the way he built ACN in Benue State within 40 days and won a Senate seat and three in the House of Representatives.

The group expressed confidence in Yaro for working tirelessly for the party’s success during the 2011 general elections.

It noted that the merger of opposition parties is a sure steps to wrest power from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has caused more harm than good to Nigerians.

The group urged all wellmeaning lovers of democracy to support the ACN merger with other progressive parties to evolve into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

family and friends who also organised a gala for him at the airport.

Bello quoted Mr. Dasat as saying “the occupants of the ill-fated plane were recipients of God’s mercies”.

“God miraculously saved us,” he added, as he narrated his ordeal to the family.

Dasat was treated and discharged from a German hospital. But Suntai, who sustained more injuries, was evacuated to a United States (US) hospital, where he is also said to be recovering fast.

Dasat said he has been visiting Suntai in the US, adding that the governor would soon return home.

Like the governor, whose wife was delivered of a baby when his condition was critical, Dasat’s wife also gave birth to a baby boy while he was recuperating in the German hospital.

Dasat said he would spend some time with his family and then go to the US to return with the governor.

HE Dangote Cement Plc has begun a nationwide sensitisation programme to educate sand crete block makers on the need to ensure standard in their production.

The Regional Manager, Sales and Marketing, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr Johnson Olaniyi, spoke in Kano yesterday on the programme.

He said the initiative followed claims by experts that the production of sub-standard blocks was responsible for incessant building collapse across the country.

Olaniyi said: “The company found it as a responsibility to educate artisans in the field on the possible implication involved in the production of substandard blocks for building construction...”

Ekiti agency’s ex-director dead

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FORMER Director of Information Services in the Ekiti State Ministry of Information and Civic Orientation, Mr Ade Aribatise, is dead. He was 63.

Aribatise was also a one-time Director of News and Current affairs in the Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State before he was redeployed as the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in 2001.

The late Aribatise also served as the Director of Information Services in the Ministry of Information and Civic Orientation, a position he held till he voluntarily retired from the state civil service in 2009.

He is survived by a wife and children.

Burial arrangements will be announced later.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

59

NEWS Presidency attacks Aliyu, Lamido, Kwankwaso, Wamakko •Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (right), acknowledging cheers from the crowd when he visited some site of illegal structures being removed at Fakunle, Osogbo, the state capital as a result of the on-going urban renewal process in the state …yesterday

Igbo have nothing to show for voting Jonathan, says Nzeribe

S

ENATOR Arthur Nzeribe has insisted that the Igbo are yet to benefit from the Goodluck Jonathan’s Presidency.

He recalled that the Igbo, voted almost 100 per cent for Jonathan, saying that the Southeast has the right to know what the President had done to justify the huge votes given to him because the region still suffers from infrastructural deficit.

Speaking on Tuesday night in Abuja, Nzeribe said: “ This is not the case of Oliver Twist. It is a legitimate demand that should be met. The issue of Second Niger Bridge appears to have become an object of campaign for votes from the Igbos by successive Presidents . “ It should be understood that the Igbos will not wish to vote on infrastructural credit again.

We are now in the regime of developmental/ infrastructural

From Grace Obike, Abuja

cash and carry. For the avoidance of doubt, I am not talking of naira and kobo, but of real developmental structures, roads, other infrastructure etc.”

Nzeribe, who played a major role in the annulment of the 1993 Presidential election, pointed out that the emphasis now is not whether the President can contest in 2015 election but that of an honest assessment of his stewardship to Nigerians.

He said the insinuation that President Jonathan signed a one term pact with selected people in a closet should not be the business of Nigerians who are interested in seeing real dividends of democracy.

On insecurity, Nzeribe said the issues surrounding Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria is subject to varying interpreta-

tions, which will not do the fight against it any good.

He said the best way to fight the horror is for Nigeria to look beyond its shores for answers, citing the case of Philippines in the 1950’s when it faced a similar problem of insurgency According to him, the then Philippines President, Ramon Magsaysay had to invite an American, Maj Gen Edward Lansdale, an expert in counterinsurgencey.”; after studying the situation in the country, the Major advised that the only way to stamp out such terror, was to eradicate corruption.”

The senator said: “The situation whereby the government says that members of Boko Haram sect are ghosts on one hand and a committee was setup for granting amnesty to the same ghosts, portrays those advising the President on the issue

as confused and disorganied.”

He advised that intelligence gathering on Boko Haram insurgency must involve, knowing in details if the insurgents are Nigerians or foreigners or a mixture of both.

Nzeribe urged the Igbo to jettison that idea that it would produce the President in 2015 due to lack of unity in the Southeast.

He also said if the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must get it right and move away from its crises, National Chairman Bamanga Tukur and all members of the National Working Committee, NWC must go, adding, ‘’the PDP must clear the desk including Bamanga Tukur to get it right Admonishing his igbo kinsmen, he said: ‘‘Until we start speaking with one voice we cannot get the Presidency. We must first put our house in order.’’

idation programme.

“We wish to assure all our elected representatives elected on the platform of the party that we shall take proactive measures to protect their mandates with all the might at our disposal as a political party,” Madaki said.

“It is no pretence that Nyako has since instructed his loyalists to move to another party and maintaining that he is still in PDP,” Madaki added.

However, the secretary of the faction loyal to Nyako, Hon P.P Elisha, said the allegations of the Madaki group does not hold water and amounts to a nullity because the Madaki’s faction is not constitutionally recognised to embark on an illegal mission of revalidating party membership.

According to him, Section 29 of the PDP Constitution stipulates that the National Executive Council (NEC) and the National Working Committee (NWC) are the only organs vested with the responsibility of conducting membership revalidation.

Elisha said the Madaki faction was used to operating with im-

punity. “There is nowhere in the party Constitution that warrants someone to warn people and give them deadline to leave the party.”

He said it was wrong for anyone to allege that Nyako and his men were trying to leave the party. “The problem with them is that they cannot understand simple English.”

Elisha said what Nyako meant was that he would revive the party but if the National Secretariat insisted on doing illegality in the party he will help to bury the party. He maintained that Nyako and his teeming supporters are still in the PDP. The national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday took a swipe at Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako over what the chairman described as the governors insolence.

Nyako, through the Secretary to the Adamawa State Government had called to question the leadership capability of the party chairman, saying his continued stay in office would kill the party.

Adamawa PDP faction threatens to expel Nyako

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FACTION of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State yesterday threatened to expel Governor Murtala Nyako.

Nyako and PDP National Chairman Alhaji Bamanga Tukur are at daggers drawn.

There are two executives of the party in the state – one loyal to Tukur and the other to Nyako.

Nyako is also a member of PDP G-5 governors who are opposed to the running of the party by the current leadership. They are also unhappy about the way the PDP is handling the Rivers chapter crisis.

The governors visited Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

They also took the matter to former leaders Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar.

Yesterday, the Chairman of the Tukur faction of Admawa PDP, Chief Joel Madaki, gave Nyako and his loyalist 14 days to revalidate their membership of the party or be expelled.

Madaki, at a news conference in Yola, said register had been

From Barnabas Manyam, Yola and Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

opened at the ward; local and state levels for elected representatives to revalidate their membership. Failure to do so, he said, would lead to their membership being discarded.

Nyako’s supporters and members of his administration are believed to have headed for the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).

Madaki said: “Failure on the part of the elected representatives to sign the register within 14 days from the date of this announcement will leave the party with no alternative than declare their seats vacant,” he said.

According to him, the councillors are to revalidate their membership at their ward party offices. Council chairmen are to go to their local government Party offices and members of the House of Assembly and National Assembly are to revalidate their membership at the state party secretariat.

He warned elected representatives of the party to defend their mandate by abiding by the reval-

Continued from page 2

stability whatsoever.

Justifying his position, Okupe continued: “Since our return to democratic rule in 1999, it is on record that not less than 12 states have witnessed incidents of attempted impeachment of Speakers of Houses of Assembly in Nigeria and none has posed any threat to peace and security in the country even when our democracy was not this established.

“Developments in Rivers State do not pose any threat to our democracy. Our democracy remains robust, alive and well. In politics as in every sphere of human activity, different shades of opinion on issues are not uncommon within the polity but often get resolved either politically or through legal channels. “ It is therefore disingenuous for anyone to suggest that the political disagreement in Rivers State would imperil and ultimately derail our democracy.

“We recall that in Ogun State in 2010 after series of sustained fracas and attempts at impeachment and counter impeachment, the Inspector General of Police locked up the House of Assembly for several months.

“In all that time, nobody in the whole country suggested that the situation was a threat to our nascent democracy, and no state governor went on any solidarity visit.”

Okupe reminded the governors that rather than the Rivers crisis, the Boko Haram insurgency has posed the greatest threat to the nation’s corporate existence since independence, a situation which he said, had cost the Federal Government huge human and material resources to confont.

“Most reasonable Nigerians would have expected these governors to be deeply concerned and appreciative of the laudable effort of the Federal Government, which has brought reprieve from fear as well as comfort and solace not only to the people of the affected areas but also to the entire nation and international community.

“Surprisingly, they appear to be more interested in political maneuvering and grandstanding at the expense of the well-being of the people in their states and the stability of the nation at large”, the President’s aide stated.

Okupe however, commended the mode of intervention by five Action Congress of Nigeria

We were blackmailed, says Mark Continued from page 2

a girl, once married, automatically assumes full mental and intellectual capacity, we posit that there is certainly no unanimity of positions on such matters among Islamic jurists, which therefore allows the society to determine for itself what is in its best interest.

“We further posit that there should be no basis to compel a girl to deal with matters of such gravity as the renunciation of citizenship merely because she is married.

“Islam is certainly not pre-

sumptuous or harsh as to burden her with what she is mentally and physically incapable of bearing.”

The Senate Committee on Constitution review recommended deletion of Section 29 (4)(b), which deals with renunciation of citizenship to cater for child rights and gender protection from discrimination.

Section 29. (1) states “Any citizen of Nigeria of full age who wishes to renounce his Nigerian citizenship shall make a declaration in the prescribed manner for the renunciation”.

Southsouth is privileged by the blessings of God and Nigerians to provide leadership.”

The Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi expressed regret that elders, who should mediate in the political crisis, are “clearly” taking sides.

Amaechi also declared that external persons were involved in the political crisis in the state, without mentioning their names.

He described the statements

by Clark; and Okupe, as very unfortunate.

Amaechi, who is also the

Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), last night, spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, David Iyofor.

The Rivers governor said: “It is very unfortunate that elders, who should mediate in the political crisis in Rivers state, are clearly taking sides.

“How can Dr. Doyin Okupe describe the political crisis in Rivers state as a local issue, in spite of the intervention of the Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, governors across Nigeria and civil rights activists, among other eminent personalities?”

Amaechi: Clark’s group takes on Soyinka, four governors

Continued from page 2

Murtala Nyako that they will bury the PDP. “How else would Governor Nyako reportedly boast that they will bury the PDP if not through undemocratic means?

We make bold to say that their unholy romance with Amaechi and non-democratic forces over the crisis in Rivers State, which they have continually blown out of proportion, is an ominous threat to this democratic dispensation.”

On Soyinka’s attacks on the First Lady, the group accused

the writer of mute indifference and cold complicity when the Ogun Assembly was enmeshed in a crisis, where lawmakers brutalized one another and when former Oyo State Governor Rashidi Ladoja was impeached by minority members in the Oyo State House of Assembly.

“As democrats, we believe that power belongs to the people who are the custodians of sovereignty. Therefore, the emergence or otherwise of President Jonathan as president in 2015 should he decide to contest,

shall be the responsibility of Nigerians. It is not for a group of people to decide the fate of President Jonathan, no matter their unholy alliance and gang-up.

Our concern is premised on the fact these same governors have been vociferous in their agitation for power-shift to the North at all cost.

Clark said the intention of north’s governors who visited Amaechi was suspicious, given the fact that they did not begin their consultations with “doyens of democracy”, such as President Shehu Shagari but decid-

ed to embrace “former military dictators and supplanters of governments make their purpose and intention suspicious”.

“We therefore wish to caution that Nigerians, particularly those in authority, should guard their utterances and actions to avoid over-heating the polity.

“The Southsouth will hold any such persons wholly responsible, should their overheating vituperations serve as a conductor to derail our hardwon democracy, particularly at this time when a son of the

(ACN) governors and two other deputy governors who visited Amaeci.

He said: “We note with satisfaction and appreciation, the subsequent visit by five Governors and two deputy Governors, including Governor Fayemi, Governor Fashola, Governor Aregbesola, Governor Ajimobi and Governor Amosun, who demonstrated high and commendable sense of patriotism and genuine concern for the nation, with very conciliatory disposition and statesmanlike advice to Governor Amaechi towards finding a lasting solution to the political disagreements between the Governor and members of the State’s House of Assembly.

“We, therefore, admonish governors having serious issues with their party to take advantage of various channels within the party machinery to resolve it.

“Also, they may first of all try to show good example of their commitment to peace by working to put their own house in order through restoration of peace and consensus within the NGF. “While we note their current political moves, they should be mindful that in all they do as political leaders, they ought to put the interest of the nation and our democracy first. This indeed, is the hallmark of true patriotism.”

The President’s man refuted reports that Ameachi’s problem arose from his election as the chairman of the Nigeia Governors’s Forum (NGF) and its implication for President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2015 re-election bid.

According to him, the choice of who becomes leader of the NGF clearly has no significant ramification on the wider political calculation of who becomes President of the country, as events in our recent history bear out.

“We want to assure Nigerians that the Presidency is not involved in the dispute in Rivers State and will not deliberately engage in any act of destabilisation of Rivers State or any state in the country neither is it interested for whatever reason, in destabilisation of the NGF. “ In consonance with the dictates and practice of true federalism and the supremacy of the rule of law, it will be advisable that whatever political entanglements may still exist in Rivers State should be resolved politically or by employing due process of law, in the interest of peaceful co-existence and overall well-being of its citizens,” Okupe said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

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FOREIGN NEWS

UN chemical weapons’ experts in Syria

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SENIOR United Nations team tasked with investigating the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria’s civil war began a mission to Damascus yesterday, trying to hammer out with Syrian officials the terms for their investigation.

It is the first such trip by international experts, and the talks were expected to be thorny — focusing on about a dozen incidents in which chemical arms were allegedly used. The rebels, the U.S. and others have accused the government of us-

ing the weapons of mass destruction, while Damascus and its ally Russia have blamed the rebels.

The team was invited by the Syrian government to discuss the terms of a possible inquiry.

Damascus agreed that the U.N. investigate only one of the reported attacks — a March 19 incident in the northern village of Khan alAssal in which rebels and the government accuse each other of using chemicals weapons — but rejected inquiries into other alleged attack sites in the central city

of Homs, Damascus and elsewhere.

The U.S. and U.N. have called on President Bashar Assad’s regime to grant the United Nations team unfettered access to investigate all allegations of chemical weapon use.

Swedish chemical weapons expert Ake Sellstrom and U.N. disarmament chief Angela Kane arrived from neighboring Lebanon for a two-day visit, during which they are set to meet with senior Syrian officials, the U.N. said in a brief statement issued in the Syrian capital.

The Assad regime is said to have one of the world’s largest stockpiles of chemical weapons, including the mustard gas and the nerve agent sarin.

There are concerns that Assad might use them on a large scale, transfer some of them to the Lebanese militant Hezbollah group or that the chemical agents could fall into the hands of alQaida militants and other extremists among the rebels.

On Tuesday, U.N. Mideast envoy Robert Serry told the Security Council that the U.N. has received 13 reports

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•Pilgrims cheer as a Brazilian Navy ship patrols the coast ahead the World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro. Pope Francis is addressing more than a million gathering of young faithful PHOTO: REUTERS today at the event.

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of alleged chemical weapons use in Syria. He said Sellstrom’s team is studying this and other material.

Royal baby prince named George

HE Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have named their son George Alexander Louis, Kensington Palace has said.

George had been the bookmakers’ favourite for the first name of the prince, who is third in line to the throne.

He will be known as His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge.

They are currently at the duchess’s family home in Bucklebury, Berkshire, after spending a night at Kensington Palace.

The Duke and Duchess had been expected to pick a traditional royal name for their son, who was born at St Mary’s Hospital in London

on Monday at 16:24 BST, weighing 8lbs 6oz.

Royal infants usually have historical names which are passed down through the generations.

This is a relatively quick announcement of a name compared to previous royal babies.

It was seven days before the name of a newborn Prince William was announced in 1982, and there was a wait of a month following the Prince Charles’s birth in 1948.

All births in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, regardless of parentage, must be registered within 42 days at the hospital before leaving or a register office.

tracted by the many idols which take the place of God and appear to offer hope: money, success, power, pleasure,” he said. “Often a growing sense of loneliness and emptiness in the hearts of many people leads them to seek satisfaction in these

ephemeral idols.”

The church is struggling in Latin America to keep Catholics from straying to evangelical and Pentecostal churches that often promise help in finding material wealth, an alluring attraction in a povertywracked continent.

ments came after the lawyer met with Snowden in the transit zone of Moscow’s Sheremetyevo international airport amid Russian news reports that Snowden was about to receive documents that would allow him to leave the airport where he’s apparently been marooned for more than a month.

Some Russian news agencies cited unidentified sources as saying Kucherena would deliver the documents to Snowden, but the lawyer later said there was no such paperwork.

Snowden has applied for temporary asylum in Russia.

Pope: Resist ‘idols’ of money, power, pleasure

OPE Francis urged Catholics to resist the “ephemeral idols” of money, power and pleasure in celebrating the first public Mass of his initial international foreign journey as pontiff during an emotional visit to one of the most important shrines in Latin America.

Thousands packed into the cavernous Basilica of the Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida, tucked into an agricultural region of verdant fields halfway between Rio and Sao Paulo, and tens of thousands more braved a cold rain outside to catch a glimpse

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The U.S. and U.N. have called on President Bashar Assad’s regime to grant the United Nations team unfettered access to investigate all allegations of chemical weapon use.

of the first pope from the Americas returning to a shrine of great meaning to the continent and him personally.

Before the Mass, Francis stood in silent prayer before the 15-inch-tall image of the Virgin of Aparecida, the “Black Mary,” his eyes tearing up as he breathed heavily. It was a deeply personal moment for this pontiff, who has entrusted his papacy to the Virgin Mary and, like many Catholics in Latin America, places great importance in Marian devotion.

During his homily, Francis urged Catholics to keep their

South Sudan president sacks cabinet

OUTH Sudan’s president has sacked his entire cabinet, in an apparent power struggle with other senior leaders.

Salva Kiir issued a decree dismissing all ministers and deputy ministers, as well as Vice-President Riek Machar.

No clear reason was given for the sackings, but analysts say Mr Kiir and Mr Machar have been embroiled in a power struggle for months.

South Sudan has suffered from chronic economic problems since it split from Sudan in 2011.

There was tight security outside ministry buildings on Wednesday, while radio broadcasts urged people to remain calm, the AFP news agency reports.

Its stability has been hampered by lingering rows over territory and oil with its northern neighbour.

Recently some of Mr Kiir’s colleagues have hinted at discontent with his leadership.

Local reports say Mr Kiir

is battling to maintain control of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), the former rebel group that now runs the country.

Mr Machar, who had been stripped of some of his powers in April, had hinted that he may stand against Mr Kiir for leadership of the SPLM before the next presidential election in 2015.

There have been reports in recent weeks of strained relations within the governing SPLM and the relationship between the president and his deputy are said to be at an all-time low.

The BBC’s Nyambura Wambugu in the capital, Juba, says there is a real fear that the sacking could further divide the country along ethnic lines.

Mr Kiir is from the Dinka community, which is the largest in South Sudan, while Mr Machar is from the second-largest group, the Nuer, some of whom have complained about Dinka domination.

values of faith, generosity and fraternity, a message he was expected to repeat later in the day during a visit to a drug rehabilitation center in Rio de Janeiro.

“It is true that nowadays, to some extent, everyone including our young people feels at-

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FFICIALS from India and China were meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday to discuss ways to restore peace and tranquility on their shared Himalayan border, a source of longstanding tension between the Asian giants.

Top military and foreign ministry officials from the two sides were examining the workings of a group set up last year to deal with incidents on the border and defuse them before they escalate into major standoffs, said an Indian official speaking on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to the media.

During the two-day meeting, India is expected to raise its concerns about incursions by Chinese troops into Indian territory across the Line of Actual Control that serves as an informal border. Officials will also discuss ways to ensure better communication between the two sides should any incident take place near the border.

In April, the two countries were caught in a three-week stand-off when Chinese soldiers moved deep inside Indian boundary. Indian officials have reported several minor incursions since then, including three in the past week, when Chinese troops entered the Indian side in the Leh region of northern India adjacent to southwestern China.

Snowden to stay in Russia for now

DWARD Snowden may be settling in for a long stay in Russia, his lawyer indicated yesterday, saying the National Security Agency leaker plans to start studying the Russian language and culture and that, for the time being, Russia is his final destination.

Anatoly Kucherena’s com-

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India, China hold talks to resolve border dispute

Syrian authorities blocking access to needy in Homs: Red Cross

YRIAN authorities are blocking access to the old city of Homs, where trapped civilians are in dire need of food and medical supplies, the Red Cross said on Wednesday, warning of possible “tragic” consequences.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) revealed last Friday that it was negotiating a humanitarian pause to be able to enter Homs, where President Bashar al-Assad’s forces have been conducting a heavy offensive against rebels, with air and artillery strikes.

“We have been trying, for close to 20 days now, to bring medical supplies and other aid to the old city of Homs,” Magne Barth, head of the ICRC delegation in Syria, said in a statement issued in Geneva.

“Despite lengthy negotia-

tions with both sides, and three trips back and forth between Damascus and Homs, we have still not received the go-ahead from the Syrian authorities,” he said.

Homs, in central Syria, is the epicenter of the armed insurgency that grew from popular street protests against more than four de-

cades of Assad family rule.

Some 2,000 people are now believed to be trapped there, aid agencies say.

Reaching tens of thousands of people in areas encircled by government forces or armed opposition groups remains one of the toughest challenges the ICRC faces in Syria, the agency said.

Egypt: US delays delivery of F-16 jets

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HE United States says it is delaying the delivery of four F-16 fighter jets to Egypt amid unrest following the army’s overthrow of Mohammed Morsi as presi-

dent.

Pentagon spokesman George Little said the decision was made “given the current situation in Egypt”.

The US is examining whether Mr Morsi’s removal was a coup, which would trigger a legal requirement to cut off aid.

Earlier, Egypt’s army chief called for protests to give the military a mandate to confront “potential terrorism”.

But Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said he was not calling for public unrest and he urged national reconciliation.

•Biden

Biden calls for stronger US-India ties

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NITED States (U.S.) Vice President Joe Biden told Indian business leaders yesterday that commercial ties between their two countries should be strengthened and trade should expand exponentially.

Biden spoke to top business officials at the Bombay Stock Exchange in India’s financial hub of Mumbai during a four-day trip to India aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries.

Biden called for an ‘’open and fair” trade and investment policy, emphasizing a need for India to respect intellectual property rights, lift barriers to foreign investment and market access and end confusing and inconsistent tax rules. ‘’These are tough problems. But we all know they have to be negotiated and worked through in order to meet the potential of this relationship. Not just with us, but with other countries as well,” he said.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

'Will I die like this?'

Sanitation holds Saturday

THE Lagos State monthly environmental sanitation exercise will hold on Saturday between 7am and 10am, Commissioner for Environment, Mr Tunji Bello, has said.

He said there would be restriction of movements during the exercise, except those on official assignments, adding that top government functionaries, local government chairmen and security agencies will monitor the exercise.

He advised the public to observe the exercise in their domains, adding that markets will hold the exercise tomorrow.

•Victim of alleged assault, rights group seek justice

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ARY Sunday, 27, took a thoughtful look at her burnt body, shook her head pitiably and mumbled to herself: "So, justice is dead in this country … God, will I die like this?"

She was in the midst of reporters and members of the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Agency (WARDC), a non-governmental human rights organisation, led by its Executive Director, Dr Abiola Akiode-Afolabi. They had gathered over her plight.

She is a victim of "violence against women with bodily harm" which has, in recent times, become a cause for concern across the world. She had her share of the "madness" on August 24, last year allegedly at the hands of her fiancé, Isaac Gbanwuan, a police Corporal.

The police officer, according to Mary, bathed her with steamy hot soup during a misunderstanding. The incident, she said happened at the barracks of the Pedro Police Station, Shomolu, Lagos, where Gbanwuan was then attached to.

Following the assault, Mary lost her ears and had her neck and arms glued together as a result of the assault. She has since lived with the agony and

By Uyoatta Eshiet the burden of struggling to live. Today, she is crying out for justice through WARDC. Her outcry came through a media parley. And while it lasted at the WARDC's Ikeja Head Office, sobriety gripped all. Akiode-Afolabi came hard on perpetrators of gruesome assaults on women. Like her colleagues, she urged the Lagos State Government and the state House of Assembly to come to the victim's aid.

"This is another case of violence against women taken too far. It cannot just end like this," she fumed.

She recalled that the House of Assembly had, in 2007, shown its readiness to end violence against women and men in the state, by passing the Domestic Violence Prohibition Law. She said the law, among other things, provides for protection and redress for women and men in strained relationships, stressing that the state "is now under obligation to protect this current victim (Mary) from this form of aggression meted to her by a police officer."

She emphasised that the call for state government intervention became necessary be-

cause the state Police Command had already absolved the Corporal of the allegation and had closed investigations without giving the victim any chance to tell her story following the complaint lodged by her relatives.

The group expressed the urgent need for the state to intervene and save Mary's life, adding that she had suffered "unimaginable pains."

It expressed dissatisfaction over the strange conclusion of the police that Mary intentionally inflicted harm on herself.

Akiode-Afolabi said several attempts to get the police to re-open the case failed, adding: "At this point, we want the state government to get involved and cause a more independent inquiry into the matter." She said such an inquiry was necessary because her group suspected an attempt to kill the case because of some conflict of interests.

A source at the Pedro Police Station told The Nation that the case was never formally reported there; hence, "there is nothing we can do."

Gbanwuan told this reporter on phone that he had no answer to any question on the incident.

While her quest for justice lasts, Mary's poor relations are

Institute, drivers for road safety

By Adegunle Olugbamila

• Mary ... after the attack running from pillar to post, trying to raise the N5 million she needs for "urgent surgeries" in India to save her life.

To achieve her dream to live well again through kind-

Four die in fire

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• Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr Oladisun Holloway (middle) addressing reporters on the Supreme Court judgment on Control of Tourism and Hotel Regulation, at the state Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, yesterday. With him are: Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Aderemi Ibirogba (right) and Secretary, Hotel Licensing Authority, Ms. Aduke Gomez.

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

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Police chief Manko opens new offices

AGOS State Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, yesterday stepped up crime-fighting efforts in the state. He opened new offices for officers at the Pen-Cinema Police Station, Agege.

The structure houses the Anti-Robbery Squad (ARS), Divisional Crime Branch (DCB), Investigating Police Officers (IPOs), Human Rights (HR), Operations (Ops) and the Station Officer.

Manko, at the event, noted that when policemen operate in conducive offices, their efforts at effectively fighting crimes become easy.

Manko, who was represented by the Area Commander in charge of Area 'G', Ishola Abdullahi, an Assistant Commissioner (ACP), said: "I want you all the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) - to go back to your divisions and replicate

what you saw today. I am happy now that everyone has an office here. Many DPOs had been here with no indelible mark left behind and that is why all the DPOs were mandated to be here today."

The host DPO, Aniefiok Wilson Akpan, a Chief Superintendent (CSP), said he was motivated by what he observed at Area 'G' Headquarters, Ogba, in terms of structures that were put up

by ACP Abdullahi. He vowed to achieve same at the Pen Cinema despite space constraints.

Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Pen Cinema,Gbadamosi Abdulrasheed, an engineer, commended Abdullahi and Akpan for their efforts at mapping out good strategies for effective crime fighting

MID-NIGHT inferno at Kajola, a community in Atakumosa West Local Government Area of Osun State, has killed four members of a family.

Their home in the community, near Ilesa, caught fire on Monday morning, following a power surge allegedly caused by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). It was gathered that the fire consumed the father, wife and two of their four children.

Also, the family's valuable properties, including furniture, electronics, cooking utensils and other household materials were burnt to

• Manko in the area. He stressed that such efforts would compel the community, companies, factories, local government and others to love the police and think of ways of assisting them.

The project, The Nation learnt, cost N2.1million with its labour daily paid for; building materials provided by companies, while clarifications were carried out by the PCRC.

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo. ashes.

A source in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who preferred anonymity, said the two other children escaped the fire because they went for a vigil.

The NSCDC source said investigations revealed that there was no power supply before the family went to bed that fateful night.

The state deputy governor, Mrs Grace Titi LaoyeTomori, during a visit to the family, gave an undisclosed amount of money to the surviving children.

Couple 'impersonates' NAFDAC official

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By Ebele Boniface

hearted people, organisations and government, an account has been opened at Fidelity Bank, under the name: Mary Sunday, account number, 6014629663.

HE Ondo State Police Command has dragged Mr Fredrick Famiyesin and his wife, Ayobami, to an Akure Magistrate's Court, for allegedly impersonating an official of the National Agency for Food Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC).

They were accused of defrauding people, particularly in Okitipupa Local Government Area, of millions of naira under the guise of helping them secure employment with the agency.

They were granted N500,000 bail each, with sureties who must be civil servants not lower than Grade 12, with landed property in Akure.

The husband was alleged to have presented his wife as NAFDAC’s new Assistant Director in the state to Mr Anthony Oluwadamilola Ogungbemi, sometimes April last year, with an as-

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure surance to get him a job at the agency.

At their second appearance yesterday, the suspects were not present because they were “critically ill."

The police prosecutor, Isah Atanegbe and NAFDAC's lawyer, B. Simeon, asked the court to issue bench warrant against the couple to answer the charges.

Mrs Famiyesin's counsel, Jide Italoye, said his client was hospitalised at Okitipupa, while her husband's lawyer, Oladapo Ekundaisi, said he had an accident and was referred to the Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital (OATH), Ile-Ife, Osun State, for chest scanning.

The Presiding Magistrate, Mr Akin Akintoye, adjourned the case till August 21. He ordered the counsel to bring the suspects' medical reports.

THE Lagos State Drivers' Institute (LASDRI) has partnered drivers in the state for safe motoring and reduce accidents on Lagos roads.

The institute's Assistant Comptroller of Traffic and Head, Corporate Affairs Department, Mrs Bolanle Tiamiyu; members of the National Road Transport Workers Association (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Badagry chapter during the fifth edition of the campaign. Head of LASDRI, Mr Ayodeji Oyedokun; spokesperson, Lola Ogunbiyi and Principal Traffic Officer Kayode Olaosun, were there.

Mrs Tiamiyu said the training would expose drivers to decent manners of conducting themselves and new safe driving techniques. Ours is to educate drivers on things which they consider as little, but which matter in driving.

"At the training, we first conduct a free eye test because eyes are essential for driving. Then, we take the trainee through the rudiments of modern-day driving in the language they understand," she said, adding: "Participants will be presented with certificates and the Lagos State Drivers' Certification Cards which the government has mandated traffic-monitoring bodies to demand from drivers."

The training, which began three weeks ago, will be rounded off at Ikeja next week.

Award haul for alumnus

TRIPPLE awards have been bestowed on the Permanent Secretary/Auditor-General for Local Governments in Lagos State, Mr Muhammad Mubashiru Hassan, by a students' body of the Yaba College of Technology, Yaba.

It was at the Annual Award Dinner Night of the Professional Accounting Students' Society (PASS), which held at the school's premises.

Hassan got three awards, namely: Outstanding PASS Ambassador, Most Committed Alumnus, and Grand Patron of the Society.

The organisers said Hassan was honoured for his contribution to the development of education in the state.

Hassan, a chartered accountant, prolific author and accounting lecturer, responded: "It is always very heart-warming when one is honoured by one’s own. Besides, being an alumnus of this group, I'm very humbled by these awards. I express deep appreciation to the organisers of the award."

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

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SPORT EXTRA

Eagles need a play-maker, says Ekpo

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X-SUPER Eagles’ diminutive midfielder, Friday Ekpo has said that the missing link in the current squad is the absence of a play-maker that can dictate the pace of the team.

Speaking in Lagos on Tuesday, the former Leventis Football Club midfielder opined that since the exit of Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, the senior national team has had to struggle in the midfields, which he described as the key department in any team.

He said though Chelsea’s boy, Mikel Obi has been impressive of late, he will need to do more to exert himself in the Eagles’ midfield as link between the defence and attack.

“To be frank with you we need a play-maker in the Eagles. A player that has the ability to dictate team’s play.

He should be able to know where the strikers are and feed them with the ball properly. Mikel has the potential to be that kind of player but he needs to show that he can take responsibilities,” Ekpo explained.

On the return of Shola

•Expects more from Mikel

By Innocent Amomoh Ameobi of Newcastle and Emmanuel Emenike of Spartak Moscow, Ekpo said: “It is not really a problem of the strikers really, but it all depends on the service we have and how you will be able to convert them.

Emenike can have 20 chances in front of goal and may not be able to convert one and a defender has a chance and converts it. So it all depends on how you compose yourself in front of goal.

Their coming is no doubt a morale booster to the team

but at the same time if he still plays and he keeps losing goal’s, who will you ask for?.

Bearing his mind on the inclusion of the home based player in the national team

by Coach Stephen Keshi, he said: “Sometimes I get confused about the Nigerian media. Sometimes I praise them all a lot. What is the cry about the home based players? now if you look at the Brazilian team that won the Confederations Cup, they said we took so many home based players to the competition, if you look at

the Brazilian team, you have Neymar,Mmacello, Danny Alves,Thiago Silva, Oscar, and Gustavo were the foreign based players, the rest were home based players.

“If he had believed in the home based players because they tried to begin at home so if he had believed in the and then we really give them the rightful exposure to be there I think we would have done very much better than what we did in Brazil , but I still believe there is much time to do all that and keep bringing in the home based players to give them some good friendly, quality friendly matches.

NFF mourns Architect Abubakar

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HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Wednesday expressed deep shock and sadness at the death of Architect Abdullahi Shime Abubakar, a leading promoter of the game of football, especially beach soccer, in the country.

Architect Abubakar died in his home in Abuja on Wednesday, at the age of 55, only three days after returning from India where he had gone for medical attention. He was the one who designed and supervised the construction of the NFF’s FIFA Technical Centre which is situated at Package B of the National Stadium, Abuja.

Last year, the Chief Executive of Sports Solutions Limited, a Fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Architects (FNIA), organised a beach soccer clinic for kids and was already into partnership with some corporate organisations to stimulate the growth of the game of beach soccer in the country.

NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, was in a state of shock on Wednesday: “This is a huge blow to Nigeria football in general, and beach soccer in particular.

Architect Abubakar was a towering inspiration as he always had good advice to offer on a wide range of issues, and was a man of high integrity.

“The NFF was actually looking forward to him to lead the way in our enthusiasm to start a beach soccer league, and he had done tremendous work in that regard.

“The NFF and the entire Nigeria football family will miss him in a big way. Our prayer goes out to the family, for God to give them the fortitude to bear the loss.

He was a kind man.”

FEDERATION CUP

Heartland, Enyimba, Akwa United qualify for Q/final

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EARTLAND the d e f e n d i n g champions of the Federation Cup are through to the quarter final of the competition after they edged Sharks of Port Harcourt 5-4 on penalties at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.

The game ended 1-1 after 90 minutes before both sides resulted to the spot kick with Bright Ejike getting the curtain raiser for Heartland against his former club, while Tayo Fabiyi got the equaliser for the Blue Angels.

The Naze Millionaires proved to be more potent than their opponents as they scored 4 and Sharks converted only 3 during the penalty kick.

At U J Esuene Stadium, Akwa Starlets halted the aspirations of Abia Warriors as they defeated the Abia State reps 2-0 through goals from Utibe Achibong and Jelili Adebola. Both goals were scored in the first half.

Warri Wolves, Nasarawa United and Akwa United also progressed after beating Niger Tornadoes, Sunshine Stars and Enugu Rangers in that order.

Enyimba of Aba kept their bid to win a double this season intact with another commanding victory over 3SC at Abuja The Peoples Elephant confirmed their second stanza fine form with a 3I1

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri win over the Oluyole Warriors.

Sokari Sokari Kingsley 23rd,Andrew Abalogu 45th and Amanfor Chimezie 55th minutes put the Aba Millionaires at the driver's seat at 3-0 before Gbolahan Salami reduced the arrears in the 64th minute. He previously played for Enyimba last season.

The Rangers/Akwa United cracker took place at the Dan Anyiam Stadium,Owerri with Akwa United having the upper hand.

The boys from Uyo got the first goal through Stephen Adah in the 28th minute but the Flying Antelopes fought back gamely and scored the leveller through Pierre Coly whose header rested at the back of Akwa United net.

Akwa United did not allow the equaliser to weigh them down and at the restart of the second half, they were the better side and deservedly got the second goal which eventually decided the tie in the 60th minute through an own goal scored by Ousmane Sane.

The Senegalese national's desperate attempt to clear a goal bound ball ended diverting the ball into his own net.

Enyimba downs 3SC, 3-1 in Abuja

•Gambo Mohammed in action

CHAN QUALIFIERS

•Officiating was poor—3SC Coach

Gero to replace Gambo T S UPER Eagles’ quest to overrun the Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire on their home soil in Abidjan in the second leg of the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) has suffered a big blow as home-based Eagles’ dependable striker, Gambo Mohammed did not make the trip to Abidjan venue of the match as a result of injury he got during training at the Abuja National Stadium Goal Project’s synthetic pitch on Monday.

A visibly sad Eagles’ handler Stephen Keshi disclosed this to sports reporters during the Eagles’ medial parley in Abuja yesterday. He also doused the tension of losing such caliber of player to injury few days to important second leg qualifier of CHAN. “It’s a pity that Gambo Mohammed got injured two days ago (in Eagles training).

We want all our good players to be ready for the game in Cote d’Ivoire because it is not going to be easy. But it is nature and it has taken its course. There is nothing we can do. Any other player who is going to fill his shoes must do what he has to do and do his best for the team. So we will see what happen on Cote d’Ivoire on Saturday.

•Warri Wolves too

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja

“Gambo has a muscle tear and relying on what the Doctor told me last week Gambo will be out for six weeks. That is a big blow but I think Alhaji Gero (Enugu Rangers) and the rest of them can come to the game.

He, however, promised Nigerian soccer fans that he has capable replacement from the injured Kano Pillars striker. Keshi assured that the team is mentally and physically ready for the match.

“I think they are ready. I can feel it and see it on their

faces. They want to do something to make themselves proud (since Nigeria has never qualified for this competition before) and to make Nigeria proud.

I can also vouch for the players that they are ready for the task”, Keshi assured.

Eagles need to avoid losing to the host team 3-0 if Nigeria desires to sail through to the finals of the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN). But the team looks set and good to qualify for Nigeria’s first ever appearance in CHAN organised by Africa football ruling body CAF for players in Africa domestic leagues.

HE Peoples Elephant of Aba, Enyimba FC showed class on Wednesday as they drubbed 3SC of Ibadan 3-1 in the Round of 16 to reach the last eight.

The game, which was played at the Area 3 Astro Turf Pitch, saw Enyimba dominate from start to finish, there thrilling the crowd which was chanting the name all the name.

Sokari Bobby of Enyimba opened scoring in the 17th minute while minutes of the game while Andrew Oba found the net at the last minutes of the first half.

When the second half resumed, it was Enyimba all the way as they missed a lot of chances to put the Ibadan side under intense pressure.

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja Later on, Enyimba quickly capitalised on a defensive error of to make it three in the 55th minute of the game.

Gbolahan Salami later stole a consolation goal in the 75th minute to make it 3-1 but the game was far from over as his side were totally and completely outclassed by Enyimba who looked more and more deadly when they attacked.

A red card later on to one of the 3SC players, Moses Ogaga meant they were down to ten men against an Enyimba side who were determined to show superiority in the most prestigious Cup of the land.

Lobi edge ABS 5-4 on penalties in Minna

L

OBI Stars have booked a passage to the quarter final of the 2013 Federation Cup competition after edging out ABS of Ilorin 5-4 on penalties at a game played at the Bako Kotangora Stadium, Minna.

Both sides failed to establish clear cut chances and superiority in their early exchanges of fireworks but ABS goalkeeper wa the busier of the two goalies. He was called to duty twice when he came out twice to save two block buster shots off the boots of John Kollins.

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri The two soccer gladiators retired for the first half on a goalless draw and the second half did not witness much changes from the first as they were both cautious with their approach to the game as the time strolled to its end.

The game was decided by penalty kick lottery which was eventually won by Lobi Stars.

Lobi penalty kicks were

converted by Anthony Okpotu, Barnabas Imenger Jnr, Esosa Igbinoba, Emmanuel Ajia and Terkaa Melai who was adjudged the man of the match.

Melai, Lobi's goalkeeper was the hero of the match after he saved ABS final penalty kick just like the way he did during Lobi's Round of 64 clash against Crown of Ogbomosho at the same Minna some weeks back.

An elated Lobi's Vice Chairman,Dominic Iorfa gave God the glory and

warned his players not to over celebrate the feat since it is still a long journey to the final.

"I want to thank the players for their act of bravery and also commend the coaches for their role too. We give God the glory for this feat and it has wiped off our agonising lost to Akwa United in Uyo last Sunday. We must remain focused because it is still a long road to the final. Who says we can't make it back to back to the final again?"

Iorfa said to NationSport.

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

I

T was meant to be a private visit. But the President’s trip to Abeokuta, the exciting city that is the capital of Ogun State, to commiserate with his spokesman Dr Reuben Abati on the death of his mother has thrown up many issues. Not because it was out of place for Dr Goodluck Jonathan to be with the one he considers a member of his family on such an occasion. No. President Jonathan was with former President Olusegun Obasanjo same day. The popular thinking – “the popular is seldom correct”, don’t forget – is that the visit to Obasanjo was the main reason for the President’s presence in Abeokuta. That is neither here nor there. Also unclear is what transpired in the inner room of Obasanjo’s home where the two leaders – father and son, some will insist – poured out their hearts.

There has been no official statement. Dr Jonathan told reporters that it was a mere courtesy call. No more. Editorial Notebook fans and numerous others have been eager to find out details of the meeting. A usually reliable source, who pleaded for anonymity because of what he described as the security implications of the high profile talks, has given some snippets, which he was able to piece together after an encounter with his uncle’s friend who swore that a colleague of his was there. Here is his account, which remains unconfirmed as neither Dr Jonathan nor Chief Obasanjo would take questions: A flurry of activities proclaims the arrival of a big man. Soldiers are taking positions. A long row of policemen and Civil Defence officials backing the road and domestic staff running around the expansive compound. A convoy of vehicles rumbles up at the gate and Obasanjo comes out to receive his visitor.

Jonathan (embracing his host): Baba, good to see you again. You’re looking great sir.

Obasanjo (smiling and stretching out his arms): Thank you so much. Please, come inside. I trust all is well o. Because this kind of visit … I don’t know if I’m still qualified for it o.

Jonathan: Haba, baba! You remain my father, any time any day. You’re an elder statesman, the most respected of them all today. And we need to show you respect at all times; we need to consult you on matters of national importance, especially now that our country has some challenges and… . We need your experience to go through it all. And… Obasanjo cuts in: Thank you; thank you so much. Hmmm…huumm! (He clears his throat).

Mr President. You know I won’t deceive you. I will be frank and blunt; you know me for that.

It’s just that I’m a good man, I would have asked the guards to shut the gate. But, as a good Christian, I mustn’t do that. If I consider all the attempts made to humiliate me, with the connivance of your people, your party and so on.

Jonathan: I don’t want to waste time Baba.

You’re our father; the greatest Nigerian living today, ever patriotic. I should be consulting you everyday, but you know how this job is and you too, you’re a busy man; always moving. I beg you to forget the past and join us to strengthen the party and move it forward to 2015.

Obasanjo: Thank you, oga President. So, you think people like us are still relevant at home in Nigeria? Abi, is it because the 2015 elections are coming? You see, any papa wey no sabi the number of im pikin, na yeye man; I know my children and my children know me. Where were you when I resigned from the board, BOT or whatever you call it? Interestingly, somebody

RIPPLES POLICEMAN DRIVES AGAINST TRAFFIC, KNOCKS DOWN MOTHER, BABY–NEWS

Against traffic? FASHOLA please take note

TODAY IN THE NATION ‘I know that this can only be done with the permission of the state but some of the church leaders have influence with government and they should use that influence to persuade the government of the need for them to assume their civic responsibilities’

VOL. 8, NO. 2,557

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

GBENGA OMOTOSO

EDITORIAL NOTEBOOK

gbenga.omotoso@thenationonlineng.net

•Winner, DAME Award for Informed Commentary

Jonathan visits Obasanjo

• Jonathan

• Obasanjo

– I won’t mention his name – told me that you would collect the letter and never ask me why.

And you did immediately and never asked me why. That means you never wanted me in the first place.

Jonathan: But, baba (the President tries to stop him) you’re … .

Obasanjo (raising his left hand): Please…please; let me talk, oga President. With due respect, you people never wanted me in your party. The man you wanted is now there. So, I wish that my feeling should be respected. I should be allowed to just siddon look. No be so!

Jonathan: Baba, no vex. With due respect, sir, you got it all wrong. I didn’t know you were not happy. I thought you were having too many international engagements and it was getting difficult to cope with the demands of that position. Now, people are saying all sort of things.

Lies. Rumours. Nonsense. They say that em…emm…emmm …that I don’t have your support for 2015 and all that. And I tell them that the Baba Obasanjo that I know will always leave everything in the hands of God. I said, ‘no; these are dangerous rumours and I’ll come here to shame our common enemies and show the world that you remain my father.’

Obasanjo (a wry smile on his lips): 2015? I dey

laugh o! Who is talking about that? People have been telling me to intervene, that the road to 2015 is full of bumps, that we should save our democracy. Go and face your job o. All those telling you that they know what will happen in 2015, that they will fix it and all that jagbajantics, they’re deceiving you o. You don’t need such people around you. And note that I don’t have any problem with your party o.

Please.

Jonathan: Sir, you remain our leader, the head of the PDP family, a big family that is the envy of all others.

Obasanjo cuts in, his face betraying a frown.

Please, Mr President. Please, please and please.

Me; PDP family? That’s a joke taken too far.

Isn’t that strange? All my boys – Oyinlola, Oni and the others – have been pushed out of their positions by those who are bent on hijacking the party for their own selfish ends and with the connivance of your people. In Ogun here, the whole thing is scattered, like a tailor’s legs.

And I’m a leader of the party. Leader my foot!

Jonathan: Sir, that is why I’m here. I agree that we have problems in the PDP family. There are issues here in Ogun, Rivers, Adamawa, Ekiti and some other places. Minor issues. I intend to consult all the elders and I’m starting with you as our father.

Obasanjo: I salute your courage. God will help you, but if you want to hear the truth – you know I’ll always be frank with you – these are self-inflicted wounds. Take, for instance, that boy; the one in Port Harcourt.

Emmm…Amaechi. What’s his offence? What did he do? They said he refused to give them money. They contrived all manner of wuruwuru and suspended him. Is that a party looking for peace and reconciliation? They said your people dey shout say he must not be Governors’ Forum chairman. They held an elec-

HARDBALL

N

IGERIA bears the bold stamp of a rogue country because its leaders are unashamedly and bold-facedly roguish. Today we seem to pick up all international silverware in the most abhorrent and detestable conducts while we take the rare in most human development indices as measured by the United Nations. Consider this checklist: most corrupt country, we are in the top league; worst place to be born, we lead; infant and maternal mortality, we are in top bracket. We also lead among countries with the least school enrolment; countries with the most impoverished population and countries with the highest polio virus prevalence.

There are other more elegant but damning indicators like Nigeria being among the leading private jet owners; country with the highest importation of rice and wheat; country least conducive for setting up business and country with the highest crude oil theft to name just few. But the other day, we earned more laurels: Nigeria has been named as running the most expensive democracy in the world and our lawmakers stand out singularly as the highest paid globally.

This new ‘feat’ is coming from no mean quarters than The Economist of London, the supercilious 170-year old quality weekly. In a survey of 28 countries across the world drawing data from various sources like the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority; government websites, IMF and its in-house database, The Economist found that Nigerian law-

Treasury raiders makers are by a wide margin, the highest paid in the world. Nigeria tops the table with Kenya in a distant second and Ghana third.

The study found that Nigeria’s federal legislators earn a basic salary of $189,500 per annum which the magazine converts to be N30.6 million.

The survey matched the basic salary of legislators against each country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per person and found that a Nigerian lawmaker’s basic pay is 116 times the country’s GDP per person which stands as $1,600. The $189,500 basic pay of a Nigerian lawmaker is about 52 per cent higher than a Kenyan’s ($74,500) which came second. Of course, Nigeria beats legislators from even highly developed countries of the world like USA, Germany, Japan, Canada, Singapore, France, Britain, Israel, Italy, Spain, Australia, South Africa, etc. We beat even oil-rich countries like Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. While most other countries’ legislature pay is almost proportionate with the per capita income (PCI), especially the highly developed countries, the pay in Nigeria and by a lesser extent, Kenya and Ghana seem to have no relationship with PCI. The Economist has done nothing new. As Hardball can confirm, it has only added a global comparison to what we have been shouting about since 1999. Our National As-

JIDE OSUNTOKUN

tion and said 16 is bigger than 19. Haba! Even among thieves, there is honour. A thief knows when he has taken too much and he stops, but this your family, me I no understand o.

Jonathan: Thank you sir. That’s why I have come; so that we can resolve all these outstanding matters and forge ahead as a united, strong and purposeful family, the biggest party in Africa. Sir, you’re a man of foresight. Remember you warned in 2007 about featuring a candidate with k-leg. We’re seeing the result now.

Obasanjo: Really? That was then. The leg don straight now and I’m seeing some people with k-leg warming up for 2015. I won’t say more than that.

Jonathan: Thank you sir. All we want is peace.

We need peace. If the party is troubled, the whole country will feel it.

Obasanjo: You see, President. For there to be peace and reconciliation, there must be tolerance. The other day when I spoke about Boko Haram; that it was not something to be handled with kid gloves, your boys descended on me. They said I was talking from both sides of the mouth. I simply suggested a carrot-andstick approach. Is that not what you’re doing now? Nobody can gag me o; tell them that I, Aremu Okikiola Obasanjo Baba Iyabo, will never be gagged. I will continue to say my own.

Anybody who doesn’t like it, dat na im toro.

Jonathan: Thank you, Baba. I take it that all the issues are resolved and that I remain your son and that I can count on your support. I have to leave now.

Obasanjo: Thank you Jonna. You have done well. I need to get ready for some other visitors. Today is a day for visitors and I’m happy to have hosted you, even though you have refused to eat and drink. I know it’s Ramadan but you should have tried a little. All the best.

They shake hands and the President leaves .Some 10 minutes after, some governors drive in to see Obasanjo. There is no ambiguity about their mission. They say the country is adrift and will like Obasanjo to join other elders to pull the brakes on the slide.

Many opinions have been formed on these visits. One, it is said, is about mending fences to realise a personal goal. The other, said critics, is about altruism – stopping the ruckus in Rivers and saving democracy so that Nigeria can get to 2015 and not fulfill the doomsday prophecy of some self-acclaimed necromancers. The governors have since visited former military president Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar. Can you guess who Dr Jonathan’s next host will be?

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above sembly (NASS) has since the beginning of the current republic, continued to evolve as a conclave of such characters we are too dignified to mention on this page. They have relentlessly and remorselessly grown into a cabal of treasury raiders. The governor of the central bank once accused the NASS of cornering about 25 per cent of the GDP but they kicked and cried and almost ate him raw. They have renounced this survey but they never present counter figures. They live in denial and wish hypnotism upon the rest of us.

But the truth is that we, Nigerians do not know how much our legislators earn, even down to the state houses of assembly. Their emoluments are the best kept secrets in the world and beyond the basic pay as The Economist has shown, no system in the world can fathom their benefits, bonuses and ‘perks’ which are indeed the cause celebre. Beyond the out-of-the-world booty they award themselves, Nigerian lawmakers have perfected a method of stupendously enriching themselves through extortionate ‘over-sighting’ and the other contraption they call constituency fund.

Two consequences of the lawmakers’ misbehaviour are that Nigeria is perpetually embroiled in budget crises and the MDAs are never put through proper over-sight. Verdict: the NASS has managed to ‘legitimise’ a vastly corrupt system with viral consequences on the polity. Do we need further explanations why Nigeria is in a shambles?

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