The Nation July 29, 2011

Nigeria’s truly national newspaper

Sultan speaks on Boko Haram

•Aregbesola gets exco •Mimiko disbands team NEWS

Pages 5&7

NEWS

Page 3

•Who is who in Osun Executive Council

•‘Military force is no solution’

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Jonathan: I ‘ll go in 2015 When we got to know that people were ‘holding meetings, we said ‘no, no, no, clarify this’. Nobody should hold meetings about elongation of tenure; it has nothing to do with elongation of tenure. The tenure of Goodluck Jonathan and Namadi Sambo will end on 29th May, 2015. That is the constitution. So, it has nothing to do with that. But, the clarification that came out rather compounded the whole story.

’

Single term not to prolong my tenure, President tells PDP

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HE President fought back yesterday on the single tenure controversy, saying it is not his idea.

He said the idea came as a resolution of an inter party body, which was prepared for the Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Committee.

The proposal, announced by presidential spokesman Dr Reuben Abati, has been heavily criticised by opposition parties and rights groups.

But, speaking at the 56th National Executive Com-

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

mittee (NEC) meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja, President Goodluck Jonathan said the information on the proposal leaked to the press during consultation.

According to him, the single term idea emanated from the recommendations of the inter-party committee, excluding the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), constituted by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, which he chaired.

Besides, he said he had not

INSIDE

•ACN legislators to shun proposal •Labour will battle single term •‘Nigerians ‘ve final say on tenure PAGE 2 amendment’ consulted the PDP leadership or the National Assembly on the proposal.

He insisted that the idea would reduce acrimony and election cost.

“It (single tenure) has nothing to do with the four-year presidency that Nigerians have given to us. We just

wanted to clarify it and I think we need to mention that it was not my idea. It was the idea of the committee that I chaired. Majority of the members of the committee believe it is the best option,” Jonathan said.

He said the idea was not meant to elongate his tenure

as the opposition are wont to make Nigerians believe.

Jonathan said: “There is a brief comment I want to make on this so-called single tenure. I wouldn’t have loved to, but probably, it is becoming so topical in the newspapers.

Most of the newspapers carried (published) it today and when things happen, they do take them to different directions.

“Since we are meeting here as the NEC of the party, it is probably proper to clarify some of these issues so that it will not be misunderstood.

The rumour came in; it is me

that asked some few people whether a single tenure will be a better option than a double tenure.

“Before I take any decision, I ask people. But, that is not the end of consultation. It is a major chain. So, before I can even send such a bill to the National Assembly, I will consult with the governors because any constitutional amendment involves the states and if they are not on the same page with you, there is no way such an amendment can Continued on page 2

Fresh crisis as NJC sets up new panel B

•Justice Katsina-Alu

ARELY 24 hours after receiving a report on the crisis in the Judiciary, the National Judicial Council (NJC) may have ignited another fire.

A panel to review the findings of Justice Umaru Abdullahi’s FactFinding Panel, which examined the feud between the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloysius KatsinaAlu and the President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Isa Ayo Salami, has been set up.

The Abdullahi Panel cleared both the CJN and the PCA of all the alle-

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation, Abuja

gations against them.

But, some members of the NJC insisted that another panel, headed by the President of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, be asked to make specific recommendations on the findings of the panel.

Some members of the Council, it

Panel’s report on PAGES 58&59

was learnt, opposed the constitution of Auta’s Panel because it is “awkward” in the judiciary for a junior officer to decide the fate of his superiors.

It was also gathered that the fears over Auta’s Panel followed alleged lopsidedness in the composition of the NJC. A source in the Council said: “What Umaru Abdullahi’s Fact-Finding Panel wanted was a reconciliation of both the CJN and Salami so that the judiciary can move forward.

“But some members of the NJC wanted outright sanction against

Salami, which is an abuse of the reunification spirit of what Abdullahi’s Panel did. Their plot is to ensure that Salami is either removed or compulsorily retired along with Katsina-Alu. “They have raised Auta’s Panel when they know that in the judiciary a junior officer cannot decide the fate of his seniors. Why will the President of the Federal High Court now determine the fate of the CJN and the President of the Court of appeal?

“Politics and desperation have crept Continued on page 2

•POLITICS P17 •SPORTS P23 •SOCIETY P29 •AGRIC P36 •BRAND P49

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

NEWS ‘Labour will battle single term proposal’

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•From left: Mr. Akin Braithwaite, Customer Relations Executive; Mrs. Funmi Omogbenigun, General Manager Corporate Communications both of MTN Nigeria and Mr. Meka Olowola, Head Corporate Communications, Oando at the Launch of MTN Connect Point at Oando Filling Station, Alausa, Lagos … yesterday

A

Continued from page 1

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

opposition parties that believe in the need to scuttle the move to extend the tenure of the affected office holders.

He said he is not surprised at the proposal because it is typical of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which he described as a party that takes Nigerians as fools.

His words: “The most important problems of Nigerians today are poverty and unemployment. We expect the President to reduce these problems but we are surprised that they started with

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

undemocratic and represents a subversion of collective national will.

He said the President neither campaigned nor promised the electorate tenure elongation or hidden agenda.

“The new proposal is patronising and insulting to 150 million Nigerians and certainly it is not presidential on the part of the President to propose it,” he said.

The labour leader said the proposal had further overheated the polity. “What must be done is the promotion of issue-based healthy ‘tensions’ within the context of open and

transparent electoral process.”

According to him, the problem militating against institutionalisation of democracy is the absence of developmental ruling parties at both federal and state levels and sit-tight syndrome of political office holders, but not single tenure for President and governors.

The NLC vice-president said the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr. Nelson Mandela ruled for short periods and made the difference.

Aremu said Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda have been in power for more than two decades doing very little.

Fresh crisis as NJC sets up new panel

Akande: ACN legislators to shun single term bill CTION Congress of Nigeria (ACN) legislators will vote against the single term bill, Chairman Bisi Akande said yesterday.

Chief Akande spoke in Ibadan at the opening of the two-day retreat for National Working Committee (NWC) members.

Akande, who accused President Goodluck Jonathan of abandoning the major challenges facing ordinary Nigerians, such as poverty and unemployment, for a mere political adventure, said the ACN would work with other

HE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) vowed yesterday to resist the single term proposal.

NLC Vice-President Issa Aremu described the proposal as unpatriotic, selfserving and unacceptable to the labour movement.

He spoke in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at a workshop on trade union education and capacity building in the informal sector, organised by the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung.

To Aremu, the proposal is

•Chief Akande

this self-serving legislation.

Yet, we are not surprised because he (Jonathan) comes from the PDP. In the conclave of the PDP, they call Nigeria the republic of fools Continued on page 3

into our rank and it is just unfortunate.”

Another source said: “The NJC cannot sideline the peace brokered by Abdullahi’s Panel for another round of crisis.

“For instance, the same members that pressed for Auta’s Panel are very much aware that majority of those in NJC today were nominated by the CJN. Do you expect them to do otherwise?

Where is that sign of equity and justice for Salami?

“I think some people are out to destroy the judiciary for no just cause. And it is just unfortunate.”

The source said the NJC was divided on Wednesday over the report of the FactFinding Panel. When the report of Justice Abdullahi was to be presented, some members of the NJC, including a former President of the NBA, Chief Rotimi, challenged the propriety of Justice Dahiru Musdapher presiding over the Council meeting when he also appeared before Abdullahi’s Panel,” the source said, adding: “Another judge at the session also supported the observation. At a point, the NJC members decided to excuse ex-officio colleagues from the session.

As at press time, it was unclear how soon the Auta Panel will review the findings of the Abdullahi Panel.

Justice Salami told the FactFinding Panel that he has no relationship with former Governor of Lagos State Asiwaju Bola Tinubu or any leaders of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) – contrary to the allegations of the petitioners – former Ekiti Governor Segun Oni and his Ogun counterpart, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

It was also learnt that the panel discovered that there were no secret ties between Justice Salami and ACN leaders.

Sambo and I will go in 2015, Jonathan tells PDP executives Continued from page 1

easily sail through.

“So, I have not even discussed with the governors.

Though as individuals, probably I have mentioned it to one or two.

“Even the leadership of the party and the National Assembly, I might have mentioned it to one or two persons, but not in a formal group consultation. I have not done that level of consultation.

“But, why should the story come up? Of course, I asked one or two people about this and I felt that it was a good idea. So, it leaked to the press and instead of talking about whether the issue is a single tenure or we should continue with the tenure, people are rather pinning it to elongation of tenure.”

The President said efforts made to clarify the rumours aggravated the situation.

He said his tenure and that of Vice President Namadi Sambo would terminate on May 29, 2015 - as stipulated in the Constitution.

Jonathan added: “And people were holding meetings. When we got to know that people were holding meetings, we said ‘no, no, no, clarify this’. Nobody should hold meetings about elongation of tenure; it has nothing to do with elongation of tenure.

“The tenure of Goodluck Jonathan and Namadi Sambo will end on 29th May, 2015.

That is the constitution. So, it has nothing to do with that.

But, the clarification that came out rather compounded the whole story.”

On the origin of the single tenure idea, the President said: “And how did it even

‘Nigerians ‘ve final say on tenure amendment’

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RITICS of the single term proposal have been told to take it easy.

The Presidency yesterday advised Nigerians to wait till President Goodluck Jonathan’s bill is submitted to the National Assembly before reacting as they are doing.

Besides, it pleaded for some objectivity on the issue, which, it said, borders on national interest.

Presidential spokesman Rueben Abati said the Bill would be sent to the National Assembly next month.

He admonished the opposition on their choice of words in their reactions, saying the beauty of the opposition is to weigh what has been proposed and to come up with superior logic, if it has any.

Abati said the President has a right to express himself and also as a leader, put forward his vision and the direction he would want the country to go.

He said no amount of pressure would make the President contest in 2015 or benefit from the amendment if it eventually scales through.

The presidential aide told State House reporters that the reactions generated by the proposal only vindicate those who see the amendment as an attempt at tenure elongation.

Said Abati: “If you look at the reaction by the opposition, one thing that come about? Some of you will remember that in 2008/2009 when we came on board and at the end of the elections, the feeling that the election was poorly done was so dramatised both within and outside the country.

“People felt that elections were not properly conducted.

I feel personally insulted whenever I travel abroad to hold meetings and people come to make issues as if it was a stolen mandate. I used to tell people around me that

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

seems to come out of that is the impression that they seem to be giving that the President, as a Nigerian, does not have the right to free speech.

“The President, as an individual like every other individual under the constitution, has that right to the freedom of expression and I think that the proposal that he has made ought to be seen primarily in that context.

Secondly, as leader and as a citizen and as a man who is the leader of Nigeria at this moment, a leader has every right to express his vision to say ‘this is where I want the country to go this is what I think is in the best interest of Nigeria given our current level of political development’.

“The third point to note is that this is a democracy and the statement that has been made by Mr. President is not in anyway a military order, it is just a proposal. The fact that it is not a military order means the proposal does not have an immediate effect. The decision at the end of the day will be that of the Nigerian people. Everyone knows that such a proposal will have to go through due process and the President is a man who has said again and again that he will not do anything that is against the rule of law.

“What that means, therefore, is that

no Nigerian President or Vice-President will get out and get insulted.

“So, if I have the opportunity to oversee elections, elections must be credible so that people will accept us anywhere. Because of those challenges, the late President set up the Justice Uwais Committee to look into the Electoral Reform and so on.

“He also asked all the parties to come together and form a team so that all the parties will submit a common

this proposal will still first go through the executive council of the Federation; it will be debated at that level, it will be discussed; it will be examined and if the executive council feels that there is merit to it, then a bill will be prepared and forwarded to the National Assembly.

“And then the National Assembly will debate it, the Nigerian people will debate and the decision at the end of the day will be that of the Nigerian people.”

“What I find again in some of the reactions of the opposition is that some of the reactions have been patently abusive or if you like, insulting; it’s been suffused with a lot of name calling. I think that politicians have a right to be partisan because it is the nature of politicians to be partisan. However, where national interest is involved, a certain level of objectivity is important and people should subordinate their partisan interest to the national interest.

Abati went on: “I find it curious that people are commenting with so much rigour and passion on a bill that they have not yet seen. I think that the debate will be more useful, qualitative, when that bill is prepared and sent to the National Assembly and all of us have that document and we can see the details.”

position. And he asked me then, as Vice-President, to chair the inter-party committee to come up with a common memorandum to the Justice Uwais Committee.

“We i n vited a l l •Dr Abati ... yesterday t h e parties that formed government the ACN did not participate. and they participated. Only To be fair to them, the other

parties attended and we spent almost three weeks or a month. The report is there.

“One of the things raised, discussed and accepted was that a single tenure option may reduce acrimony. One is not saying that it is the ultimate, but if you look at the evolution of the political system, two-tenure is the ultimate. Because even countries which have single tenures, after some time, go for the double tenure.

“So, it is like an evolutionary process. But, the feeling is that because of a lot of agitation, and so on, probably, in another year, we can go to that, probably to make it more effective, we go to consultations and so on. There were a number of reasons given.

“It is not just an idea that was conceptualised by the President after winning the election. No! It has been there; it was a memo submitted by all the parties. The memo submitted by all the parties contained that.

“Indeed, I started asking some people some questions and so the information leaked to the press and they started to make issues out of it,” Jonathan said, adding: “But, I assure the party that major constitutional amendment can not go to the National Assembly, except Mr. President consults with the leaders of the party and consults with the National Assembly and consults with the governors.

The President urged members of the PDP not to take up issues with those opposed to the idea, “though some of the statements they are making are quite insulting because of the type of politics we play”.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

NEWS

Troops’ deployment won’t solve Boko Haram problem, say Sultan, ACN S ULTAN Sa’ad Abubakar, Head of the nation’s Muslim community, opened up in Kaduna yesterday on the twin issue of Boko Haram and Islamic banking.

Deployment of troops will not end the Boko Haram menace, he said.

The Sultan said Islamic banking has come to stay and advised those opposed to it to see reason with the idea.

The President-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA), chose the pre-Ramadam meeting with the Muslim leaders to speak on the issues for the first time.

He insisted that the Muslim community will not waver or succumb to intimidation or blackmail over Islamic banking.

The Sultan warned against violence in response to reactions against Islamic banking. “We don’t have to be violent in giving responses… and we don’t have to fight. That is why we should not talk of violence. Violence begets violence and once violence is meted out on people, so many innocent people suffer”.

He said: “On Islamic banking or non-interest banking, so many people have said so many things about Islamic or non-interest banking.

Why is it that whenever anything Islamic is mentioned, those who are not Muslim kick against it? That is what we need to ask ourselves here.

Is the word Islam bad? Why is it when anything Muslim is mentioned, it is equated with violence?

“We have to ask ourselves that question too and we have to come out with a solution because I have asked myself many times and I can’t get an answer because I know what Islam is. Islam is a religion of peace.

“Why is it that anybody who is not a Muslim is afraid of peace?

What is there to be afraid of in Islam? If Muslims want a particular way of life as Muslims, why should anybody try to stop them? But if it is the other way round it is good; but if it is for Muslims, it is bad. So these are challenges to us.

“We don’t have to be violent in giving responses. But if we have taken note, I have not said a single word on these two issues even though we have done much, much more than anybody else could have done to get the answers.

But we are on our way and noninterest banking has come to stay, so we don’t have to fight, that is why we should not talk of violence.

•Sultan Abubakar speaking at the pre-Ramadan meeting…yesterday.

With him are Secretary General, Jama’atu Nasril Islam Sheikh Khalid Aliyu and Emir of Katsina Alhaji Abdulmuminu Usman

•Party seeks political solution

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) also yesterday advised the Federal Government to adopt political solution to the menace of Boko Haram.

The opposition party decried the use of force. It cautioned against reliance on troops to solve the problem.

The ACN issued an 11-point declaration on the Boko Haram crisis yesterday after its National Working Committee (NWC) meeting in Ibadan.

“The declaration signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Mohammed reads: .That the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) is seriously concerned and alarmed at the inept and clueless handling of the Boko Haram crisis by the federal government, which has shown clearly that it is suffering not just from a failure of leadership, but also a failure of initiative in tackling the crisis.

“That the deployment of troops to tackle the crisis has instead stoked the fire, hence the need by the federal government to review the tactics so far employed to curtail the Boko Haram phenomenon.

“That if the Federal Government persists in its clueless and lack of creativity in handling the crisis, it will have grave consequences for the corporate existence of Nigeria, as unpatriotic and undemocratic elements have historically seized such moments to destabilize the polity “That the Federal Government must get a firm understanding of this phenomenon which, contrary to the position held by the government and many other uninformed or mischievous commentators, is more a social and political than a religious issue as it has been sadly portrayed.

“That indeed the Boko Haram phenomenon is an unfortunate reaction to the injustice, corruption and insensitivity of the governments at all levels to the plight of the masses in the affected areas.

“That the leaders of the Boko Haram sect are not illiterates or drop outs as being erroneously and mischievously portrayed, but rather educated and political elites.

“That the Boko Haram sect enjoys the massive support of civil servants, technocrats, students, the intelligentsia and the working class and that the sect draws its membership from these classes.

“That the Federal Government and the governments of Borno and Bauchi, as well as the security agencies, have hugely mismanaged the crisis, and that what we are witnessing today is the reaction of the sect to this gross mismanagement.

“That the Federal and state governments in the affected areas, by their pathetically inept handling of the crisis, have fallen into the trap of saboteurs who have now hijacked the crisis for their own nefarious and selfish end - which is to destroy the harmonious relationship between the various ethnic and religious groups in Nigeria. This is quite glaring in the inflammatory and incendiary statements being exchanged daily by southern militants and northern irredentists, or between religious bigots on both sides of the divide.

“That the Federal Government, by its inept management of the crisis, has allowed it to become a source of tension and conflict between the north and the south, as well as between Christians and Muslims, thus eclipsing the real issues involved.

“That the Federal Government’s knee jerk approach to resolving the crisis will simply not work, and that only a political solution can help to solve the problem, irrespective of the thinking in certain quarters that only a total annihilation of the sect will resolve the crisis.”

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

Violence begets violence and once violence is meted out on people, so many innocent people suffer and that is what happened in the 2011 elections and that is what has happened in the northeast”.

On Boko Haram, the royal father

said: “you have taken note of what I said about violence in the Northeast. I did not mention Boko Haram because most of the violence is not caused by boko haram.

“So we have to ask ourselves why there is violence in the northeast?

Those who cause the violence, who are they? The government must

fish them out and say look we know you are the cause of this thing from day one.

“This thing did not start today.

So, stop equating every violence with Boko Haram because who are the members of Boko Haram? They were extra judicially killed and what happened to those who killed them?

They were even asking for bail. And I know in criminal justice system, you don’t bail anybody who is charged with murder.

“So we have done the real talk with the authorities and we are getting a head way and I want to assure the Muslim Ummah that we will not relent until we get justice done on any issue affecting the Musims in this country. We will not waver and we will not succumb to any intimidation or blackmail from anybody.

“But as our religion teaches us we will take issues in a peaceful manner and as we are taking notes, whenever our brothers resort to harsh comments, we will… educate them on what this issue is and not to fight and say you are wrong or you are right. I was taught as a young officer in the army not to fight with somebody you believe is wrong.

“The issue of violence in the northeast or as people wrongly put it, the issue of Book Haram is something we really have to look into.

We have to ask ourselves questions on who are the members of the Boko Haram? What are they fighting for?

“If they are known, then we find out the best way to solve that problem because problems can never be solved by violence. That problem can never be solve by drafting soldiers into cities where there is problem and in the process innocent lives are lost.

“We cannot solve violence with violence. If we can solve violence with violence, ask Americans. They went into Iraq to remove Saddam Hussein and they have removed him, is there peace in Iraq up till now? Is there peace in Palestine up till now? With all the fight where Israelis have been killing Palestinians youths and children? Is there peace?

“So in whatever you do you must come back to the negotiating table and discuss issues and agree. So we don’t agree to violence, we don’t believe in violence I want to call on every Muslim here and outside, let us not take laws into our hands.

Policemen-turned robbers know fate today

By Jude Isiguzo

THE four policemen attached to the police mobile unit, (MOPOL 20) who were allegedly arrested for their participation in several robberies in Lagos would know their fate today. Sources close to the office of the InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP) Hafiz Ringim disclosed to The Nation that the police boss was yet to be briefed by Lagos State Police Commissioner Mr. Alkali Yakubu on the arrest of some of his men for robbery.

According to a source at the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) Ikeja where the suspected police robbers are being detained and undergoing interrogations, revealed that they had participated in no fewer than six bank robberies, including that of a new generation bank in Owutu, Ikorodu in the last two years.

The kingpin, a newly promoted police inspectors identified as Eboka Onyeka, is reported to ride in exotic cars.

Sources said, efforts were on to freeze their individual accounts before being charged.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olusola Amore said that the IGP had been busy visiting his foreign counterparts from the West African subregions; adding that he would react appropriately after the conference was over.

Amore said: “Honestly, the IGP has been so busy with the visiting police chiefs from within the sub-region so, he has not been able to comment on it.

But by tomorrow (today) the officers will know their fate,” he said.

Akande: ACN legislators to shun single term bill Continued from Page 2

and we in opposition are waiting to see what will be the reaction of this country to this fraudulent and self-serving approach to governance.

“ACN members at the National Assembly will not support the legislation. They belong to the opposition. We are going to work with members of other opposition parties.”

Welcoming participants to the retreat, Akande said the lectures lined up were aimed at helping Nigeria “find solutions to its intractable problems to enable our own governments to operate and manage our party’s ideals, visions and missions in the best interests of our people.”

ACN National Secretary Lawal Shuaibu said the retreat was necessary to harness the members’ wealth of experience of members.

He said: “The NWC is a veritable organ of our party with clearly defined powers and functions in the Party Constitution. Notwithstanding these powers, however, I notice that NWC has not been as proactive as it’s expected. As a result, the party has not been availed the wide wisdom and experience of its NWC members in charting a way forward. This retreat, therefore, would, among other things, seek to explore ways by which our party could be made stronger through the instrumentality of its vital organs, especially the NWC.”

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

NEWS

Nigeria is in trouble, says ANPP chair From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

THE National Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu yesterday described Nigeria as a ‘nation in trouble’ and vowed that his party will produce the President in 2015.

Speaking at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, which was held amidst tight security, Onu said: “The New ANPP must reconnect with Nigerians. This meeting of our National Executive Committee should think of what we should do to arm our great party for the important task of national renewal and rebirth. We are neither down nor are we out. “We need to recharge our batteries so that we can better illuminate the road for the happiness, progress and prosperity of all Nigerians.”

In this pursuit, he said ANPP shall put forth an Action Plan that will embody Reform Initiative for a better and stronger new ANPP that will meet the expectations of all Nigerians, before, during and after the next general elections in 2015.

He urged members to “rededicate yourselves to the noble dreams of our founding fathers. We were fashioned as a political Party that will win elections at all levels of Government and provide selfless and visionary service to Nigerians. We were not conceived as a perpetual opposition political Party. No. We must work harder, have faith in ourselves, believe in our Party and resolve to toil, night and day, until we form Government at all levels and produce the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2015.

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Labour vows to go on strike if…

HE labour movement yesterday vowed to resume its suspended three- day warning strike if government refuses to honour the agreement it reached with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) on July 19.

The Federal Government, according to organised labour, made a u-turn on a broad-based implementation of the minimum wage and restricted it to Grade Level 01 to 06.

According to the labour leadership, government has also threatened to even withhold the implementation for the junior staff, should the workers reject the offer.

Asked to confirm whether labour would embark on the warning strike, the TUC Secretary General, Comrade John Kolawole, at a joint press briefing by the leadership of the unions in Abuja,

•Urges NASS to caution Jonathan over looming job boycott From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

said: “If the agreement is reneged, we will begin the process that will eventually lead to the strike.”

Besides, the NLC Acting Secretary General, Comrade Owei Lakemfa urged Nigerians and the National Assembly to prevail on the government of President Goodluck Jonathan to respect the agreement reached with it on the implementation of the N18,000 National Minimum Wage to avert the looming industrial crisis.

He said: “We are calling on the National Assembly that begged us to suspend the strike to beg the government of President Goodluck Jonathan not to pull this country into an industrial crisis.”

He confirmed that the organized labour “will resume

the strike as at when we have mobilized.”

He acknowledged the solidarity of the citizenry on the matter and concerns over labour’s withdrawal of the warning strike, adding: “We understand the reason for the anger. We understand that Nigerians are very angry.”

But he urged Nigerians to calm their frayed nerves because “if you enter an agreement with government you have to obey it.”

According to the labour leaders, the briefing was to let Nigerians know that labour does not want to embark on the strike unless it becomes inevitable.

The NLC Deputy President, Comrade Kiri Mohammed recalled that in line with the agreement, the Federal Government team led by the Head of Service and the NLC,

The problem with Nigeria, by minister

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HE Minister of Information and Communication, Mr. Labaran Maku has blamed the crisis in the North on bad leadership.

Maku spoke at the launch of a book written by Professor Isaac Olawale Albert, of the University of Ibadan, with the title ‘Clash of identities: State, society and ethno- religious conflicts in Northern Nigerian’.

He said, “Recent crisis in the North has shown gradual degeneration which is the cause of the community conflicts. This conflicts started little and became larger issues that we see today. In the north today there is conflict in every community you go.

“Where I come from, there is no family that does not

Conduct Bureau warns against false declaration

From Franca Ochigbo

have the muslim, Christian and traditional worshipers, yet they co-exist and live happily. The greatest challenge we have is the problem of leadership, and from what we are seeing there is the issue of governance.

“Some people have blamed it on poverty which is very intense in the North but I will blame the problem on the collapse in value. There is gradual devaluation of what make people live in peace.

“Northern Nigeria is the most complex part of the country, because of the numerous ethnic groups. There are places that you go in the north that it is extremely difficult for people to understand each other’s languages.

Reps fail to name House Leader, Committee heads

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From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

THE Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Mr. Sam Saba, has said the organisation is ready for fight corruption among public servants.

He spoke during a retreat organised by the Bureau for its Board, Management and State Directors.

Saba told the CCB officials to see whatever challenges facing them as stepping stones and sacrifices for the nation..

He said, “You will recall that at its inauguration, the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, charged the Board to hit the ground running.

Following on the heels of this Presidential challenge is a tacit acknowledgment of the fact that the war against corruption in public service is far from being over.

“As a result, the Board and management of the CCB have embarked on the process of reinventing and refocusing the Bureau for effectiveness… I believe that the right choice for us in the Bureau is to choose to see challenges as stepping stones.”

“It is obvious that we shall continually face challenges in our operations given the nature of our mandate, how we view these challenges defines us. Do we choose to see the challenges as stepping stones or as obstacles?”

TUC met on July 25.

Kiri said the meeting decided to set up a technical committee to work out various scenarios and report back yesterday, July 28.

At the resumed meeting, said labour, “the Federal Government delegation refused to discuss or negotiate the three scenarios presented by the Joint Federal Government- Labour Technical Committee. “Rather, the Head of Servcie announced that the Federal Government will only implement the Minimum Wage for Grade levels 1-6 and that non- Civil Servants will not benefit from the implementation of the New National Minimum Wage.

“For good measure, the Government team threatened that unless labour accepted this, even Grade Level 1-6 in

civil service will not be paid the National Minimum Wage. Of course, labour refused to be intimidated.”

He said the Federal Government unilaterally repudiated the agreement it freely entered with the Labour Movement and chose to violate the country’s Minimum Wage Act, “and tears the collective agreement into shred.”

According to the unions, the implication is that “if the Federal Government decided not to be law abiding, it would have lost all moral authority to compel others including the private sector to obey the National Minimum Wage.”

Labour however said despite government’s action, the unions maintained that the July 31, 2011 date by which labour and government agree to reach an acceptable agreement on the implementation of the National Minimum Wage stands.

•Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Dapo Ashiru speaking at the third brainstorming session on Nigeria’s National Interest in Lagos…yesterday. With him are chairman of the occasion, Ambassador Dapo Fafowora (middle) and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Martin Uhomoibbi PHOTO: NAN

HERE were indications yesterday that the issues surrounding who the House of Representatives will choose as its Majority Leader remain foggy as lawmakers failed to name the Leader before it went on a six-week break.

The various heads of all the standing committees, numbering about 80 were also not mentioned.

The leadership of the House insisted that it will not succumb to the desire of the Presidency to choose Hon. Mulikat

PDP NEC okays Baraje as chairman

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HE National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday approved the appointment of former National Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje as Acting National Chairman.

Former deputy National Secretary Dr Musa Babayo becomes Acting National Secretary.

The National Publicity Secretary and the National Legal Adviser of the party, Prof Rufai Ahmed Alkali and Chief Olusola Oke told reporters at the end of the 56th NEC meeting in Abuja that the present National Working Committee (NWC) members would stay in of-

•Party gets guidelines for congresses From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

fice till March next year when their four-year tenure expires.

It was also learnt that NEC approved that Vice Chairman Southeast, Chief Olisa Metuh should henceforth represent the interest of the Southeast in the NWC. According to our source, the Deputy Senate President Senator Ike Ekweremadu was said to have drawn the attention of NEC to the plight of the South East in the party after the former chairman of the party, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo was forced to resign.

Besides, Ekweremadu was

said to have reminded the members that the matter had been discussed at the National Caucus and Board of Trustees (BOT) levels of the party and approved.

The Acting National Chairman of the party, Baraje was said to have informed the members that Metuh has been attending the meetings of the NWC since “three months ago” as a result of the vacuum created by the exit of Nwodo.

Following Baraje’s presentation, the NEC was said to have approved that Metuh should henceforth represent the South East in the NWC. While reading the resolutions of the NEC meeting, Al-

kali said guidelines for the party congresses and convention has been approved by NEC. He said the National Convention of the party would be held on February 25th 2012 to elect new national officers for the party, while the present NWC members would hand over in March 2012.

He also said a 21-member committee to be chaired by the National Legal Adviser of the party has been constituted by NEC to review the constitution of the party.

Alkali said: “The meeting considered various issues bordering on the smooth administration of the Party and arrived at the following resolutions:-

From Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

Akande-Adeola but would rather consider Hon. Muraina Ajibola.

Many had thought that the issues would be resolved before the House proceeded on vacation, but this did not happen before the close of legislative business yesterday.

The position has been a contentious one following disagreement among members over the speakership which was zoned to the Southwest by PDP but was disregarded by the lawmakers who chose Tambuwal from the Northwest over Mrs. Akande-Adeola Consequent to the choice of Tambuwal, the PDP leadership reserved the position of Leader for the Southwest with special interest in Mrs. Akande-Adeola.

However, the tussle between the House and the PDP leadership on the issue is believed to have been responsible for the delay in naming a candidate for the position.

The Acting Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Hon. Albert Sam-Tsokwa, who briefed reporters yesterday explained that the reason the House is yet to name committee heads is because it was reviewing its standing rules.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

NEWS

‘I can’t explain why I threw my daughter into a well’

‘ But I am regretting my action right now and I, therefore, appeal for pity to enable me take good care of my remaining children

Mothers are known for compassion, tenderness and endurance, particularly with their children. But a 23-year-old mother of three, who threw her youngest child into a well in Ibadan on Monday has a herculean task at hand –convince her surviving children and relations that she is still a mother in the true sense of the word, write BISI OLADELE and Tayo Johnson

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OOKING remorseful, Mrs Bose Lateef 23, sat haplessly on a wooden bench at the Sanyo Police Station, Ibadan, Oyo State yesterday, as she recounted the events surrounding the killing of her daughter, Aliyat, to our reporter. With tears dripping from her two heavy eyes following days of sobbing, the bereaved mother of three, drew pity from a few people around as she claimed that she could not explain what informed her decision to kill her daughter in a gruesome manner.

Mrs Lateef was arrested on Tuesday at her house in Olomi area of Ibadan after a neighbour informed the police that she had committed the crime.

According to her, she threw the baby into the well Monday evening after many neighbours had gone to bed. She recalled that she fed her late baby at about

10pm when she was crying, but that she could not explain what happened afterward.

She blamed the devil for the act.

Married to Mr Kamorudeen Lateef seven years ago, the couple has been blessed with three children with the late seven-monthold Aliyat as the last born. The surviving siblings are six and three years old respectively.

She told The Nation that she had been living happily with her husband in Lagos until three weeks ago when she relocated to her parents’ home at Ibadan after she had a quarrel with her husband. The bone of contention was her desire to learn sewing. She explained that her husband opposed the move but that she had to take the decision for the sake of her future.

She explained that her parents invited her husband to Ibadan last week to resolve the crisis but that Mr Lateef went back in annoyance

’

•Mrs Lateef...yesterday

on Friday over her insistence to stay back to learn the vocation.

Four days after, her travail began and she has since been a guest at the police custody when law enforcement agents have insisted to charge her for murder after interrogation.

Mrs Lateef, however, stated that

her husband promised to deal with her for going against his wish as he left Ibadan in annoyance.

She appealed to the government to set her free to enable her take care of her surviving two kids, having regretted her action.

Her words: “I have been married to my husband for over seven years now and we have been living peacefully until recently when we had a misunderstanding due to my intention to come down to Ibadan for an apprenticeship programme tailoring. But my husband objected to it and I left for Ibadan about three weeks ago without his permission. When I got to Ibadan, my family members invited him to come down here to settle our dispute but he left in annoyance and promised to deal with me. “ On Monday night, I can not really explain what got into me after feeding Aliyat, my sevenmonth-old baby before throwing her into the well in our compound around 10pm. But I am regretting my action right now and I, therefore, appeal for pity to enable me take good care of my remaining children”, she said.

Senators raise alarm over Lagos-Ibadan expressway

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HE raging controversy over the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway took another turn yesterday with Senators from the Southwest region expressing doubts over the capability of the concessionare-BiCourtney Highway Service- to handle the N89.533 billion road re-development project.

Raising the alarm over the continue deterioration of the 120kilometre highway, the senators said the dual carriage way has become a death trap and nightmare to its users.

They warned that unless urgent steps are taken to remedy the deplorable state of the road, the country would continue to count

•Bi-Courtney:We are ready to fix the road From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

its human casualties in dozens on a weekly basis with huge loss in property and man hours.

Led by Senator Femi Lanlehin (Oyo South), the lawmakers expressed doubts over the capability of the concessionaire to fix the road, even as they called on the Federal Government to directly engage a competent contractor to handle its reconstruction and rehabilitation within the shortest period.

Lanlehin and his colleagues described the 60-day ultimatum given to Bi-Courtney to carry out

the job as a mere palliative, stressing that a more comprehensive and holistic approach should be adopted.

He said: “We call on the Federal Government to review the concession arrangement in respect of the said road and the capacity of the concessionaire to carry out the assignment. The said review should be within a time frame and a decision taken in respect thereof”.

Describing the road as the busiest in black Africa, connecting the busiest port to all other parts of the country, Lanlehin added that the road has developed large

and gaping potholes in virtually all its span.

Present at the news conference addressed by the senators are: Senators Ayo Adeseun (Oyo Central), Ayo Akinyelure (Ondo Central) and Olugbenga Obadara (Ogun Central). The senators said they were reacting on behalf of all the senators elected to represent the six states in the geopolitical zone.

Reacting, Mr Dipo Kehinde, spokesman of the concessionaire, said the firm has what it takes to handle the job.

He said Bi-Courtney has secured a financial partner from South Africa and that the firm is read to begin work.

Assembly gets Aregbesola’s commissioners, special advisers list •Bola Ige’s son,Akande’s too nominated From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

•Aregbesola

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SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday sent the nomination list of 14 nominees to the House of Assembly for screening and approval as commissioners and special advisers.

The receipt of the list ended an

eight-month expectation from the people and members of the opposition party in State of the Living Spring. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had been critical of the governor for not forming the state executive council since he assumed office in November last year.

A statement signed by the Press Secretary to the Speaker, Mr. Goke Butika, confirmed the receipt of the list of the 14 nominees by the 26-member Assembly.

According to the statement,

those who made the list include: the first Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Wale Afolabi the state Director of Research and Strategy for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mr. Sunday Akere.

Also in the list are: Bashiru Ajibola, a member of the governor’s legal team at the tribunal trial, Mr Muyiwa Ige, son of the slain Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Bola Ige, Mr. Jayeoba Alagbada, Prof. Mrs. Olubukola Olawoye, Mofolake Adetoun Adegboyega, Ms. Mobolaji Akande, Mr. Richards Adewale

Adedoyin, Mr. Stephen Kola Balogun, Dr. Wale Bolorunduro, Sikiru Adetona Ayedun, Dr. Temitope Ilori and Mr. Kolapo Alimi.

Reacting to the list from the United Kingdom (UK), Speaker Nojeem Salam commended the governor for sending the list which he described as a slim cabinet, saying the assembly would scrutinised the particulars of all the nominees with a view to giving the state the best team.

Presiding over the plenary session, Deputy Speaker Akintunde Adegboye, promised the lawmakers would peruse the credential of the nominees, reiterating that there would be no ‘bow and go’.

Jonathan seeks Senate’s nod to appoint INEC RECS •Sends five names for ICPC From: Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday forwarded the names of eight new Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to the Senate for confirmation Also sent from the Presidency were the names of five members of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) to the upper legislative chamber for confirmation.

Senate President David Mark read the two letters dated July 27 during plenary session.

The new RECs are: Sylvester Okey Ezeani (Anambra), Prof Mohammed Tabi’u (Jigawa), Dr. Lawrence Azubuike (Imo), Sam Olugbadebo Olumekun (Ondo), Professor Istifanus Ishaku Dafwang (Plateau), Mrs. Gesila Khan (Bayelsa), Mr. Samuel Madaki (Taraba) and Dr. Gabriel Ada (Cross River).

The submission of the names for confirmation, the President said, is in line with Section 14(3)(a) of the Third schedule to the 1999 Constitution.

The five ICPC nominees are: Alhaji Abdullahi Ado Bayero (Northwest), Alhaji Isa Ozi Salami (North central), Ekpo Una Owo Nta (Southsouth), Professor Olu Aina (South est) and Dame Julie Onum-Nwariaku (Southeast).

According to the President, they are to fill the existing vacancies in the commission, in accordance with Section 3 (3) of the ICPC Act , which requires that in addition to the Chairman, the commission shall consist of 12 members made up of two representatives from each of the six geo political zones of the country.

Court to decide Musa, others fate From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

N Abuja High Court yesterday reserved ruling on the no-case-to-answer application of former DirectorGeneral of the National Gallery of Arts (NGA), Joe Musa and three others.

On trial with Musa are: Mr. Olusegun Ogunba (Director of Finance), Dr. Kweku Tandoh (Director, Research and Education) and Mrs. Oparagu Elizabeth (Deputy Director Administration) and Mr. Chinedu Obi (Special Assistant to Musa).

They are facing a 12-count charge of criminal misappropriation, dishonest conversion of monies, account falsification and false entries with intent to defraud slammed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The alleged offences are punishable under Section 309 of the penal Code Cap 532 of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

Justice Olukayode Adeniyi yesterday reserved ruling on their applications after counsel to the parties adopted their written addresses.

Counsel to Musa and Ogunba, Mr. Kolade Olowookere, had urged the court to discharge the accused on the grounds of inability of the prosecution to prove the allegations made.

He said that the charges brought against his clients were drafted out of the prosecution’s figment of imagination.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

NEWS Abia youths qualified for amnesty, says Orji THE resettlement palliatives enjoyed by youths in the Southsouth should be extended to their counterparts in Abia, Governor Theodore Orji has said.

The governor said Abia, a major oil producing state, has suffered equal amounts of environmental pollution, degradation and social viceroy.

“The Abia youths deserve no less because what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. Abia youths have also suffered from the overflow of the upheavals in the Southsouth,”Orji was quoted to have said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Public Communications, Ben Onyechere.

Orji said: “It is unimaginable that we should be side tracked in a scheme that is meant for people of the Niger Delta and oil-producing states of which Abia is one.”

25 hospitalised in Kwara cholera outbreak

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O fewer than 25 people have been hospitalised following the outbreak of cholera in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

At least, 10 people have in the past two days been admitted at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) and another five at the state Civil Service Clinic for cholera treatment.

Others were reported to be on admission at the state specialist hospital, the Civil Ser-

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

vice Clinic, among other private hospitals in Ilorin.

A resident doctor at the UITH, Dr Tunde Abdulkareem, attributed the outbreak to dirt, germs and unclean environment.

He urged the residents to use clean water or boil the water they suspect to be from questionable sources.

The doctor said the hospi-

tal had been giving the patients fluid to replace loss water from their system.

Abdulkareem said there was need for urgent education and enlightenment programme to prevent the spread of the disease.

He said some of the victims brought to the hospital had entered shock because they lost too much fluid.

According to him, anyone who contract the disease should report promptly to the

hospital and avoid self-medication to avoid loss of lives.

The Commissioner for Health, Mallam Abdul Kayode Iss, said the situation was under control.

He said that the Rapid Response Team of the Ministry had swung into action since Monday when the case was first reported at the UITH. Iss said the state government provided made drug available at the various Primary Health Care Centre in

Tribunal gives Doma August 4 date From Johnny Danjuma, Lafia

From Barnabas Manyam, Yola

Fed Govt to spend N2.6b on Sokoto dam repairs From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

THE Minister of Water Resources, Mrs Sarah Ibrahim, has said the Federal Government has earmarked N2.5 billion for the repairs of the damaged Goronyo Dam in Sokoto State.

She said President Goodluck Jonathan had directed that the repair work should begin immediately.

“The President has shown utmost concern over the condition of the dam, which he gave an express directive to the ministry to visit and ensure the commencement of work on it,” the minister said.

Mrs Ibrahim, who spoke in Sokoto when she visited Governor Aliyu Wamakko, said the repairs would last six months.

HE Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, will on August 4 decide whether or not it should dismiss the petition by former governor, Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma, against the election of Governor Umaru Tanko Almakura.

Doma contested the election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Almakura on the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).

Counsel to CPC, Alex Izinyom, had filed an application seeking the dismissal of the petition for noncompliance with the Electoral Act. Izinyom told the court that Doma’s petition did not comply with Paragraph 18 (1 and 2) and 47 (1) of the Electoral Act 2010, praying the tribunal to dismiss it.

He had moved a motion, urging the tribunal to dismiss Doma’s petition because its six-ground motion was supported by an eight-paragraph affidavit.

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Fed Govt to send street kids to school THE Minister of Women and Youth Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Maina, has said school age children who are not in school, would be educated or trained with skills before the end of the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

The minister spoke in Yola, Adamawa State, during her advocacy meeting with mothers, including the wife of the governor, Hajiya Zainab Murtala Nyako.

She said no mother would be happy seeing her children walking the streets or hawking when they should be in the classroom.

Mrs Maina said the government would return idle children to school or train them for employment.

Ilorin East and West local governments.

The commissioner added that the ministry had put measures in place to prevent its spread precisely from Adabata and Okelele areas.

He pointed out that the two local governments authorities where the cases were reported had been involved by the Rapid Response Team of the Ministry of Health with a view to ensure that the disease does not spread.

•From left: Hajia Wahirat Aliyu, Project Manager, IRI Nigeria; Chief Bisi Olateru-Olagbegi, Executive Director, Women Consortium Nigeria; Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Women Arise and Campaign for Democracy (CD); Ms Sarah Aldrich, Assistant Programme Officer, Africa Division, IRI; and Mrs Jumoke Anifowose, Chairman ACN, Ondo State.

‘Benue ACN not part of insecurity to tribunal judges’

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HE Benue State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has disassociated itself from the threats and intimidation of members of the state Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which led to their sudden adjournment and movement to Abuja.

Members of the tribunal had last Monday adjourned

and moved, under heavy security, to Abuja to consult with the President of the Court of Appeal over what they described as security challenges.

In a statement by its Chairman, Comrade Abba Yaro, the party accused Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members as the brains behind the threat, saying it was to delay and subvert

justice.

ACN restated its confidence in the Judiciary and the capacity of the tribunal to restore its stolen mandate.

The party said it could not be part of any threat and intimidation that would obstruct the cause of justice.

It urged the Federal Government to provide tight security for the tribunal to dis-

pose of its cases within the 180 days stipulated in the Electoral Act. The ACN recalled the circumstances surrounding the resignation of the first tribunal chairman, Justice Daisy Okocha, when unknown persons it said were suspected PDP members deflected the tyres of the tribunal chairman’s vehicle.

Police arrest four MASSOB members, injure 10

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ESTERDAY’S peaceful demonstration staged by members of the Movement for Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) in Onitsha, Anambra State ended in fiasco as police opened fire on them, injuring ten and arresting four.

The movement, led by the Regional Administrator for Onitsha Region IV, Chief Arinze Igbani had embarked on the demonstration yesterday afternoon in protest against what they termed as the continued detention of nine of its members in Kuje

From Adimike George, Onitsha

prisons since 2006.

But along the line, a police team escorting a bank bullion van fired warning shots on them along the Onitsha Old Motor Spare Parts junction of Onitsha/Owerri Road to scare them and they temporarily dispersed and regrouped later.

Its was gathered that when the protesters regrouped after the warning shots and surged ahead within the commercial city, about five police vans filled up with heavily armed po-

licemen trailed them up to Modebe by Iweka Road Junction and allegedly opened fire on them.

MASSOB alleged that it was while the shooting lasted that the ten of their members were injured, while four others were arrested on the spot and moved to a nearby police station.

However, it was gathered that even after the shooting and arrests, the protesters who had dispersed and scampered for safety, regrouped and continued with the protest that lasted till yesterday evening.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the incident, Igbani lamented that no amount of shooting or arrests would deter them from continued agitation for the actualization of Biafra.

Igbani noted that their protest was stemmed from the fact that the federal government of Nigeria had arrested and dumped some of their members into the prison custody, after being ferried from one police station to the other, even with the non-violence and unarmed posture for which MASSOB is noted for.

Kogi LP governorship candidate dead From Mohammed Bashir, Lokoja

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HE Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in the April election in Kogi State, Pastor Joesph Folorunsho Dada, is dead.

He died at the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja, the state capital.

The late Dada had promised free education and health care, if he was elected.

He was an area pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Lokoja, and was in his ‘40s.

The late politician hails from Iyara Ijumu Local Government of Kogi State.

Minimum wage: Kwara NLC to protest mode of payment

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HE Kwara State branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said it would not accept any salary structure that violates the rights of workers.

Its chairman Comrade Umar Akanbi, however, said labour would endorse the table of payment for minimum wage being proposed by the state government.

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

The Head of Service (HOS), Alhaji Mohammad Dabarako, had said the government would begin payment of the minimum wage on August 25, with a table of payment for different categories of workers.

Akanbi spoke in Ilorin at a workshop organised by the National Union of Textile

Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, with the theme: Trade Union Education and Capacity Building on Informal Sector.

He said the state NLC had not endorsed any table for the payment of the minimum wage, adding that labour could not ascertain the percentage of salary increase for the workers.

Akanbi said: “Those who

are saying we’ve signed an agreement, there’s nothing like that. I want to assure all workers to that effect. When politicians are appropriating their money, we do not have the kind of problem confrontation or kind of issues arising from minimum wage. On our part, we will do the best we can to get what is due to us.”

The Director-General of

the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, Ilorin, Dr John Olanrewaju, praised the organisers of the workshop, noting that the informal sector was the most veritable tool for employment generation.

He also praised the textile union for partnering professionals on education and capacity building for fashion designers.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

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NEWS I killed policeman in error, says suspect

Three killed in cults’ clash

By Titilayo Banjoko

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HREE persons were killed in a clash between two cult groups in Ikorodu, Lagos State, on Wednesday.

Eiye Confraternity and Black Axe were in a supremacy battle in Kokoro Abu, Ladega and Laketu, Garage areas.

It was gathered that the victims, Segun Banjoko (aka Omo 99), Bobo and an unidentified man, were members of Black Axe. Sources said Banjoko was trailed from Laketu/AP Petrol Station.

They said Bobo was in the Jaladugbo neighbourhood at Ladega bus stop, when he was killed.

The third victim was killed at the Kokoro Abu Area, by Ikorodu Grammar School.

Police spokesman Samuel Jinadu said the Divisional Police Officers in the area were yet to brief him.

NDLEA destroys cannabis farm From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

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WO farmlands used to grow cannabis sativa were on Wednesday destroyed by officials of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Oluyole Local Government, Oyo State.

Three suspects were arrested at Gambari and Games Reserve areas.

The drug grown on the farms was valued at N100 million.

The agency’s Assistant Commander (Intelligence and Operations), Inyamah Godwin said the suspects’ were 28, 25 and 50 years.

He said it took the agency three months to locate the farms based on intelligence report.

According to Godwin, one of the suspects was arrested inside a 50-hectare farm while the remaining were arrested in another 10-hectare farm.

3,000 acres for Osun farmers

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HE Osun State Government has ploughed and planted 3,000 acres of arable land for 67 farmers groups in the 30 local governments.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola, on March 31, disbursed N153.26 million loan facility to the groups.

The Quick Impact Intervention Programme (QIIP) model was initiated by the Osun Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Programme (O’REAP) to serve as a catalyst for the achievement of bumper food harvests.

OREAP Co-ordinator and Team Leader of the Planning Group on Agriculture Charles Akinola said the public should expect bumper harvests and increased assistance from the Aregbesola administration as the year’s second cropping season approaches.

Akinola said: “What we are doing is to scale up so that we can realise broader impact of O’REAP intervention as we move into the second cropping season and preparing for next year’s planting season”.

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

HE suspected leader of the robbery gang that killed a police constable in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, on July 20, Blessing Okworhisi, has said he killed Olusegun Olufowobi in error.

Okworhisi was arrested with Kolade Olajide, a 400 Level medical student of Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State and Ojo Ogundare, a vulcaniser from Ipole Iloro Ekiti for the robbery and murder of Olufowobi at his home.

“I will never even be a hunter if I come back to this world again, let alone becoming a robber. I know I have committed a grievous offence and I will say the truth, because the game is up.”

During his parade with others at the State Police Headquarters in Ado Ekiti, Okworhisi confessed that he had operated in five places with Olajide prior to the latest killing.

He said he never intended to kill the officer, saying it was the officer who first shot at him.

The suspect denied the allegation by Olajide that he was the one who bought the cut-to-size barrel gun that was used to kill the policeman.

His words: “It was Olajide who bought the gun at N40,000.

“He advised me to join him in robbery to be able to live a good life and complete my diploma course at the Kaduna Polytechnic.

“The female suspect, Sunkanmi Faleye, is not a member of our gang. She was my girlfriend and never knew I was into robbery.”

Police spokesman Jimoh Mohammed said the suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of the investigation.

He said Faleye would be released if it was discovered she had no hand in the deal.

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•SHARING A JOKE: From left Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi; his Osun State counterpart, Rauf Aregbesola and ViceChancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile- Ife, Prof Bamitale Omole at a Public Lecture organised by Ekiti Development Network at Oduduwa Hall, OAU...yesterday

Drama as man, 50, admits A violating daughter FEDERAL High Court sitting in Lagos was stunned yesterday when a 50-year-old man admitted violating his teenage daughter.

He said he was “sick” when he committed the offence, and that it was indeed “true” that he had carnal knowledge of her.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) charged Yesiru Onajobi with incest.

In the two-count charge, the agency alleged that Onajobi seduced and violated his daughter, 14, last January in Bogije area of Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

By Eric Ikhilae and Joseph Jibueze

The offence, NAPTIP said, is contrary to Sections 13 (1) and 18 (a) of the Trafficking in Persons Prohibition Law, Enforcement and Administration Act, 2003.

Onajobi, at his arraignment yesterday, caused a stir when he confessed to the crime and pleaded guilty.

Soon after the charge was read in Yoruba to Onajobi, who claimed he did not un-

derstand English language, he said: “I was sick when I committed the offence.”

The admission took Onajobi’s lawyer, ThankGod Chindum, by surprise.

The lawyer objected, saying the defendant never told him he would plead guilty during their pre-arraignment meeting.

He insisted his client must have misunderstood the charge.

Justice Pat Ajoku asked him to read the charge to

Onajobi in any language of his choice.

The lawyer then read the charge in Pidgin English.

It was at this point that the accused said: “I had sex with my daughter true, true.”

There was silence in the court.

Even the judge was baffled.

NAPTIP counsel O.G Ilori urged the court to allow him review the facts.

Justice Ajoku adjourned till October 14 and ordered that Onajobi be kept in NAPTIP’s custody.

Ondo dissolves excecutive council

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NDO State Governor Olusegun Mimiko yesterday dissolved the executive council.

The council is made up of 22 commissioners and four special advisers.

Mimiko, who summoned the appointees to an emergency meeting, thanked them for contributing their quota in the last two years.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kolawole Olabisi, quoted Mimiko as saying:“It is time for us to sit back, take stock and give

•Mimiko:I didn’t call ACN criminals an account of where we are and how to make progress.

“We need to take this decision which is a way of general audit and re-construction.

“This is an exercise that any organisation must do from time to time in order to re-energise and move forward.

“I want to assure you all that this exercise is not to scare anybody and very soon, we shall reconstitute the Executive Council.

The governor directed them to hand over to the permanent secretaries in their respective ministries.

Mimiko yesterday denied the allegation that he described the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) as a party of criminals.

Mimiko said he never made the statement ascribed to him.

According to the Governor, under no condition would he say such things about anybody, groups or

political parties either in the state or anywhere.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kolawole Olabisi, Mimiko said: “I want to state categorically that I never, at any stage, called the ACN a party of criminals as ascribed to me in a section of the media.

“By my upbringing and training, I have never disparaged anybody and would not start now.

“Yes, the ACN has of recent become unfriendly to us in Ondo State but I will never call anybody such names for any reason whatsoever.”

Why I ‘arrested’ cyclist on Third Mainland, by Fashola AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday condemned driving against traffic.

He was speaking to public school pupils.

The governor had ‘arrested’ a commercial motor cyclist, who drove against traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge.

Fashola, who spoke at the finals of the 2011 state school traffic safety advocacy competition, described the action as a sin against traffic rule.

He said: “We experienced serious traffic snarl on our

L

BY Miriam Ndikanwu

way to this place on the Third Mainland Bridge where we saw a cyclist driving against the traffic. We stopped and ‘arrested’ him.

“Certainly, that man will regret his action because we are going to prosecute him.”

He said the state has invested so much in transportation education and put in place relevant legislative instruments.

“It would be a total loss and off target to allow some individuals to act in oppo-

site direction to government plans and policies. This is my message to everyone who wants to do business in Lagos to please comply with our rules, regulations and laws.

“It not as if the man who flouted our traffic law on the bridge did not know that he was committing an offence, it is just that he didn’t care.

“Keeping Lagos traffic moving is a sheer miracle today, that is why I salute the efforts of men of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) State Traffic Management

Authority (LASTMA) and others in the related dispositions.

“It did not just work by miracle, it happened because of the zeal and efforts in the provision of vehicles and other incentives.”

The governor urged LASTMA officers to always see commuters and motorists as their constituents that should be respected and honoured .

He reminded the officers that the salaries they receive are drawn from taxes paid by the motorists they harass daily.

Oyo roads get facelift From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

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HE Oyo State Government has started rehabilitating dilapidated roads.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi spoke at the opening of a two-day retreat for members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ibadan yesterday.

He said the administration would sanitise and beautify urban centres.

He said: “The ACN is noted for landmark performance in government and this government will not be an exception. We are committed to improving the lot of our people through quality education, quality health service, infrastructural development and poverty alleviation.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

8

NEWS ‘Orubebe contributed to amnesty’

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HE Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, played a major role in persuading militants to accept amnesty, a group of Niger Delta activists said yesterday.

The Riverine Peace Initiative in the Niger Delta (RPIND) faulted claims by an activist, Frank Akiefa, that Orubebe did not bring amnesty to the militants.

In a statement jointly signed by its President, Comrade Ebiakpo Tubolayefa; Secretary, Cletus Arerebo and Public Relation Officer, Toluwa

Mulade, RPIND expressed dismay at the statement credited to Akeifa.

The statement reads: “It is indeed pertinent to let Frank Akiefa to note that the minister played a major role among others to bring an end to militancy and the eventual acceptance of the amnesty by the Niger Delta militants.”

The group also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to prosecute contractors who failed to deliver projects they were mobilised for.

N21b supplementary budget for Edo From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Tribunal strikes out Omehia’s petition From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

•Omehia

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HE Rivers State Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Port Harcourt yesterday struck out the petition filed by the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Sir Celestine

Omehia against the election of Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

The Justice Amina Wambai-led tribunal stated that Omehia’s petition was not properly filed.

The tribunal ruled that the petition was not filed as a motion, but as a letter written to the tribunal, through its Secretary.

It said the petition did not

get to the tribunal within the time stipulated by the Electoral Act. Wambai, in a unanimous ruling with Justices O. M. Anyachebelu and Abdulrasak Abdulkareem, asked Omehia and APGA to seek redress at the appellate court.

Omehia, in his reaction, expressed optimism of getting justice at the Court of Appeal, declaring that he would pursue the matter to a logical conclusion.

This is coming three weeks after the governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Dr. Abiye Sekibo, withdrew his petition.

Omehia and APGA filed the petition against Amaechi and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alleging that the election was marred by multiple thumb-printing; snatching of ballot boxes; intimidation of voters among other irregularities.

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DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has presented a proposal of N21 billion Supplementary Budget to the House of Assembly for approval.

This was contained in a letter by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Simon Imuekemhe, and read during plenary yesterday.

Oshiomhole said the proposed supplementary budget became necessary to fund unanticipated exigencies that require supplementary appropriation in the budget.

The governor had in February signed the N122.7 billion budget.

Speaker Uyi Igbe directed the Committee on Rules, Business and Government House to schedule the proposed Supplementary Budget 2011 for its second reading.

Igbe appealed to the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to call its on-going strike action over the new minimum wage.

The Speaker made the appeal when he met executives of NUT to dialogue on way out of the strike that has crippled academic activities in public schools across the state.

Igbe promised to discuss with government on the need to include the teachers in the implementation of the new minimum wage.

Lawmaker backs six-year tenure

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HE Senator representing Rivers Southeast, Senator Magnus Abe, has urged Nigerians to objectively examine the single six-year tenure proposal of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Speaking in a television programme monitored in Port Harcourt, Abe described the President’s position as a concrete move towards restructuring events positively.

The Senator said a six-year single term for the president and governors will enhance stabilitya and deepen democ-

racy.

He observed that the present four-year renewable tenure encourages desperate politicking, instability and wastage of funds, stressing that a sixyear single term will make election less expensive.

“If you put together the amount of money expended by contestants, especially incumbents in the April elections, you will know the enormity of waste. These monies could have been channeled to development,” he said.

Delta gets climate change team

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ELTA State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has said the nation cannot wait for the worst devastating effects occasioned by climate change to happen before action is taken.

Uduaghan spoke at the inauguration of the state Climate Change Team at Government House, Asaba, yesterday.

He said: “Even doubting Thomases that did not see any reason why I was championing the cause of addressing the issues connected with climate change are now aware of the consequences. The recent flood that swept through Lagos is a case in point.”

Members of the 14-man team include Mrs. Felicia Adun(Head); Ogirisen Felix (Secretary); Anaro Benedict; Egwunatum Anslem; Itejere Pius and Miss Edemaidide Laura.

Others are Ofuyekpone Sylvester; Egedi Stella; Akebofah Perekpo; Ofili C.C; Mrs. Ohwerho Rose; Ekakite Ufuoma; Orowovo C.E and Odiete A.R.

Onojie of Ekpoma disowns chief

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HE traditional ruler of Ekpoma in Edo State, Anthony Abemere II, has asked the commissioner of police to arrest and investigate Bako Dogwu, who he said has been parading as the ‘Ebiredelu of Emuhi’.

Abemere II said Dogwu is not a native of Ekpoma as his father hails from the North.

This was contained in a petition sent to the commissioner by the monarch‘s solicitors, G.E Oaikhena.

The petition said Dogwu has been using the status to deceive the public and social agencies.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

The petition said: “The constant criminal activities of Bako Dogwu as a traditional ruler of Ekpoma are causing embarrassment and disharmony to our client.

“Many subjects are calling our client as to why he should confer a chieftaincy title on Bako Dogwu.”

But Dogwu said the title was given to him by Abemere’s father.

He dismissed the allegations as mere talks to pull him down.

•Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko (second right) listening to the leader of the NEPA Market Association, Madam Beatrice Adebiyi (right) during the inspection of on-going projects in Akure…yesterday. With them are government officials

Police arrest pipeline vandals in Cross River

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IX suspected pipeline vandals operating within the Zone Six Police Command were yesterday paraded in Calabar, Cross River State by Assistant Inspector-General of Police(AIG) Mohammed Abubakar.

Abubakar told reporters that the suspects were arrested by the zone’s Anti- Pipeline Vandalism in collaboration with Joint Task Force (JTF) officials attached to Eleme in PortHarcourt.

He said that two truck

From Kunle Johnson, Calabar

loads of petroleum products, suspected to be crude oil, were recovered from two of the suspects, Festus Obi and Festus Ogungbele.

Other trucks recovered from the suspects include five Mack trucks with registration numbers XF321BGM; XL984KUT; XH724B23; YD845ENU and XZ367MUS. According to him, the remaining suspects were arrested for stealing a Solar Panel

installed on Shell Oil pipeline in Ahaoda, Rivers State.

The AIG, represented by the Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Tasiu, said the panel has been valued at N134 million.

He said one of the security guards at the pipeline, Mike Emejuru, was among the suspects.

Others were Lawrence Okaji; Morrison Nauzo and Ezekafor Chukwuemeka.

“Full investigation has commenced and upon conclusion they would be

charged to court.’’

Tasiu said the police are yet to recover the stolen solar panel from buyers in Ogbunabali area of Port Harcourt.

Some of the suspects said they were being framed by the police.

Nauzo, who claimed to be a graduate of electrical engineering from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUT), denied involvement in the operation, alleging that Okaji framed him.

Court restrains police from arresting ex-commissioner

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N Asaba Federal High Court has restrained the police from arresting a former commissioner in Delta State, Raymos Guanah, over alleged complicity in the death of brother to Deputy Speaker, Basil Ganagana Guanah was former Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Development.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Justice Ibrahim Buba said until the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for the enforcement of his rights, Guanah should remain a free man.

The judge held that from Guanah’s affidavit he was satisfied that unless restrained, the police will ar-

rest him without any fresh fact.

The Director of Public Persecutions wrote an opinion absolving the persons earlier charged with the offence.

The case has been adjourned till October 31.

Sixtus Ganagana, 31, was assassinated in Ughelli.

Last January, a top member of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and

former Transition Committee Chairman of Patani Local Council, Paul Atie, was killed by unidentified gunmen.

Atie, the former aide of Guanah, the Fresh Democratic Party House of Assembly candidate for Patani, was killed in Ughelli town by the suspected assassins, who also took his Toyota Avensis car.

‘Eyiboh is authentic PDP lawmaker’

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TAKEHOLDERS from Eket Federal Constituency have endorsed the swearing in of Eseme Eyiboh as the member representing Eket/Onna/Esit/Ibeno Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State.

The former chairman of the House Committee on Media and Publicity was sworn-in on June 30, following a court judgment which declared him the authentic candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the April National Assembly election and the consequent withdrawal of the

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

certificate of return earlier issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to Dan Abia.

The leader of Eket Federal Constituency Stakeholders, Chief Samuel Edoho Eket, faulted the position of Eket Senatorial Elders Forum, led by Senator Etang Umoyo, against Eyibo’s swearing in.

He also faulted the call for the resignation of the Speaker Aminu Tambuwal over the matter.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

9

NEWS N1.6b for abattoir in Anambra

10 die in Enugu as fire guts market

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

ANAMBRA State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Atamili Nigeria Limited for the provision of abattoirs in the state.

The project, according to the chairman of the firm, Nnamdi Ezeani, would cost 10 million dollars (about N1.6 billion).

The MoU was signed by Governor Peter Obi and Ezeani.

With the new development, the slaughtering of animals and processing of meat in unhygenic environment would soon become a thing of the past.

•Chime orders removal of illegal structures

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O fewer than 10 people were feared dead yesterday when a tanker carrying fuel caught fire and exploded at a roundabout a few metres from Enugu’s biggest market, Ogbete , and the Enugu Maximum Security Prisons.

An eye witness said the tanker fell on its side at about 6 am, exploded and later caught fire.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Steven Ekpei, contradicted the number of casualties which he put at three .

Among them is a polytechnic student who recently completed his Higher National Diploma programme.

He reportedly died while attempting to rescue his grandmother from their apartment. The grandmother was also roasted alive by the fire.

It was gathered that most of the victims died died while attempting to escape through the windows of their apartments.

The driver of the tanker raised the alarm when he noticed that the tanker was leaking.

He was also said to have rushed to the Central Police Station to seek for help, but a source said there was no swift response from the police.

It was also gathered that the leaked fuel flowed into the Enugu Central Police Station Barracks and some parts of Ogbete main market through a gutter located at Prison barracks .

A resident said: “ I was sleeping when I heard a loud noise and we started running. The driver was crying and shouting because he knew that the tanker will explode and catch

Abia Assembly moves for birth registration From Ugochukwu Eke, Umuahia

•The tanker...yesterday

•The burnt prisons barracks and cars...yesterday From Chris Oji, Enugu

fire. It started from the gutter inside this barrack before spreading to other places. It became worse when the tanker exploded.”

Fire fighters from the State Fire Service were still battling to extinguish the fire at the time of filing this report.

Enugu maximum security

prisons was cordoned off by security agents drawn from different security agencies to avert any jail break.

The fire destroyed poles and cables of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria,(PHCN), a development the Principal Manager, Public Affairs , Eseme Udo , said would prevent the Enugu Prisons from having electricity for some-

PHOTOS:OBI CLETUS

time.

Head of Operations of the Federal Road Safety Commission(FRSC)in Enugu, Linus Ojukwu, attributed the fire to recklessness of the driver.

He said his men had deposited two bodies in the mortuary.

Following the fire outbreak, Governor Sullivan

Chime ordered that all illegal structures in the state capital be pulled down and removed within two weeks.

The governor, who spoke through his Deputy, Sunday Onyebuchi, was reacting to reports that the State Fire Service could not put out the fire because of the illegal structures that blocked the access routes.

Addressing reporters shortly after inspecting the incident, Onyebuchi said the government would do everything possible to minimise the damage from such tragedies in future. He said destruction of illegal structures that hindered the movement of fire trucks was a major step in that direction.

He commiserated with the victims of the explosion and pledged that government would look into the matter and come to their aid. He also promised that government would alleviate the suffering of the victims.

He commended the fire service and other paramilitary agencies for their quick response to the incident and urged drivers of heavy duty vehicles to be more cautious.

Obi mourns as corps members return from Borno

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HE Anambra State Government has evacuated its corps members serving in troubled Borno State.

The returnees arrived on Wednesday night in 15 Anambra Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS) buses.

The vehicles which arrived Awka at exactly 7 pm were received by the Chairman of ANIDS transport, Benjamin Uba. The corps members hailed Governor Peter Obi for their evacuation.

One of them, Ngozi Okeke, who graduated from Abia State University, Uturu, decried the insecurity in some parts of the country.

She said “It is saddening that Nigeria, rather than accommodate everybody, is becoming a theatre of war.”

Some of the corps members were disappointed that Obi was not available to receive them, insisting that they

From Nwanosike onu, Awka

needed his consoling words having gone through what they called “shadow of death.” ‘’ We also need him to help us work out our reposting as we cannot go back to Borno

State again,”they said.

But speaking on phone, Obi said: “If Nigerians were evacuated from a war torn country, I would be elated to receive them. But in this case, where Nigerians have been forced to become refugees in their own

country, it did not call for any form of reception or celebration.

“What are we celebrating?

Celebrating Nigerians sliding back to the Hobbessian state of nature where man is a wolf to his follow man and life is

solitary, brutish and short?

“Last year Anambra lost a corps member, today it is Borno, where is the Nigerian brotherhood that the National Youth Corps programme is supposed to foster?”

Ojukwu stable, says hospital

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HE Royal Berkshire Hospital where Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu is currently receiving treatment has said he is in stable condition.

The hospital’s Public Relations Manager, Joe Wise (who gave his phone numbers as 01183226900 )on behalf of Ojukwu’s family reads: “We have been requested by the family of Dim OdumegwuOjukwu to clarify media reports regarding his stay as a patient at the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

“The Royal Berkshire Hospital is one of the largest acute

hospitals and is nationally and internationally renowned for its high standards of care, using the very latest treatments and clinical equipment available. “ Odumegwu-Ojukwu was admitted as an emergency patient from the Lynden Hill Clinic. He was suffering from a chest infection for which he received treatment. His condition is stable.

“Contrary to reports published in a number of newspapers: He has not suffered any further strokes; he is not on a life support machine and has not been on one at any time

while a patient in the Royal Berkshire Hospital; his treatment is being funded privately.

“Any further media enquiries should be directed to the Public Relations Department, but further statements will only be issued at the request of Ojukwu’s family.”

There was tension over the story carried by some on-line publications that Ojukwu had a relapse.

His Chief of Staff, Bob Onyema, had debunked the allegations. He described them as the handiwork of those who do not mean well for Igboland.

Contacted on the develop-

ABIA State House of Assembly has passed a resolution for the registration of births and deaths.

Speaking with reporters in Umuahia,the Deputy Speaker and Chairman of theHouse Committee on Information, Allwell Asiforo Okere, said the measure is expected to help the government in its development plan.

Okere said the state has not been registering births and deaths,adding that this development made the House to pass the resolution for the renewal of the registration order.

The House has also passed a resolution for the cleaning of the Abia Tower of Unity by the relevant authorities.

Three Anambra towns get waste tools From Nwanosike onu, Awka

IN its bid to ensure effective evacuation of waste, the Anambra State Government has provided compactors and receptacles in Awka, Nnewi and Onitsha.

Already, the newly introduced environment marshals have embarked on a road show to create awareness on the collection and evacuation of waste with the equipment provided by the Ministry of Environment.

Addressing reporters yesterday in Nnewi, the leader of the marshals and head of environment unit in the ministry, Ernest Ozue said the residents were required to put wastes into the receptacles for easy evacuation.

Journalist’s wife for burial •Ojukwu

ment, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Peter Obi on Media and Publicity, Valentine Obienyem, said Obi has directed his aides not to make any comments on Ezeigbos sickness. Obi urged the public to pray for him.

MRS Olayinka Monogbe, wife of The Nation’s Senior Sub-Editor, Bode Monogbe, is dead. She died on Sunday. Her remains will be buried today at the Igbogbo Cemetery, Ikorodu, Lagos. The late Mrs Monogbe is survived by her husband, three children, aged parents, brothers, sisters and other relations.

10

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

NEWS

Aliyu backs CBN on Islamic banking, others

Sokoto to spend N1.65b on four projects

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OKOTO State Government has approved N1.650 billion for water treatment chemicals.

Besides, the cash will go into electrification and road projects.

Addressing reporters in Sokoto, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Muhammadu Jabbi Kilgori and his Finance counterpart, Alhaji Farouk Malami Yabo, said N845.5 million would be spent on supply water treatment chemicals, including 1,700 tonnes of aluminium sulphate; 1,500 tonnes of Chlorine; and 506 tonnes of other chemicals.

Kilgori said the supply of three sewage trucks and two water tankers was contracted

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

to Messrs Covenant God Glory Limited for N75 million.

He said: “We have mobilised the contractors by releasing 30 per cent payment to them upon a certified bank guarantee.”

Kilgori said the sewage trucks would be used to dispose of waste from the metropolis.

Yabo said the contracts for the electrification of 38 towns and villages were awarded for N365 million to Messrs Shuayya Nigeria Limited.

He said the project, which is the first phase, would include the supply and installation of electrification

equipment in Gada, Gwadabawa, Isa, S/Birni and Wurno.

Yabo said the contract for the second phase was awarded to Messrs Puritano Limited for N281 million.

He said the contract was for the electrification of Kware, Rabah, Sokoto South, Silame and Wamakko.

The project would be completed in six months.

“All contractors have been mobilised based on a certified bank guarantee. The contracts will be carried out according to specifications within the earliest possible time,” Yabo said.

He said the state also donated N100 million to victims of the April fire at Kara Market.

Kwara to establish emergency corps HE Kwara State Government yesterday said it would establish an Emergency Corps to manage emergencies.

The agency, the government said, would coordinate emergency responses through prompt and proactive handling of emergencies.

Addressing reporters in Ilorin, the state capital, after the state’s maiden Executive Council (Exco) meeting, Commissioner for Information and Communications Prince Olatunji Moronfoye said the agency would comprise the Police, Fire Service officials and health personnel, who would be equipped to combat emergency situations that may lead to disasters.

He said the Exco agreed on re-branding

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From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

the state, adding that the project would not stop the programme of the last administration but would be used to attract more investors.

The commissioner said the government would embark on huge revenue drive, especially on tourism, through Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) to raise the economic development of the state.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Abdulwahab Oba, quoted Moronfoye as saying the Office of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice was working on a draft bill to give legal backing to the proposed agency.

From Nduka Chiejina Abuja

•Aliyu

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IGER State Governor Babangida Aliyu has praised the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lami-

do Sanusi, for the bank’s initiative on Islamic banking.

A statement by the Head, Corporate Communications, M.M. Abdullahi, said Aliyu spoke in Abuja when he visited Sanusi at the CBN headquarters.

The governor, who was accompanied by his commissioners, special advisers and other top officials, noted that Islamic banking would ensure that Nigeria was not left behind at a time the world was turn-

ing to financial products that would benefit the common man.

Aliyu praised the CBN for re-engineering the agricultural sector through commercial agricultural loans and the special initiative, called Nigerian Incentive Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL).

He praised Sanusi’s efforts at boosting the agricultural sector, noting that with the development of the value chain system in the sector, Nigerian farmers would enjoy the full benefits of their labour.

Eight trainees sue FRSC over ‘wrong dismissal’

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IGHT former trainees of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) have sued its Corps Marshal, Chidoka Osita, for alleged wrongful dismissal.

They are demanding their recall and the payment of exemplary damages of N2 million each.

The former trainees said they were dismissed from training unlawfully, a few days to their passing out, on the ground that they were not indigenes of Yobe State, even though they possess valid and subsisting certificates as indigenes.

They are Rejoice Katsala, Mullam Ngushinda, Naomi Ali, Barka Sule Vandi, John Tizhe, Rachael Kuru, Justine Mamza and Princess Adaobi Chima.

In a separate suit filed before an Abuja Federal High Court, their lawyer, A. A. Ejembi, prayed the court to declare that the dismissal of the plaintiffs from the FRSC Training Camp, Keffi, Nasarawa State, is unconstitutional, null and void.

He is seeking an order directing the defend-

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

ant to recall the plaintiffs and post them as Road Safety Marshalls and pay each of them exemplary damages of N2,000,000 and the cost of instituting the case.

In an affidavit, Katsala averred that she and other plaintiffs were called for training after passing the test and oral interviews held at Damaturu Command of the FRSC. “...I continued with my training until Friday, June 10, 2011, when the Camp Commandant called me and the eight other trainees from Yobe State and informed us that we had been decamped immediately on the basis of a letter with reference number FRSC/RSHQ/CS/GEN/ Vol.III/189 addressed to DSM TSC, RSHQ, Abuja and signed by the Ag. Corps Secretary.

“We asked for the letter decamping us but the Commandant asked us to go and get our things and that he would give us our letters later. When we got our things and reported, he did not give us any letter but asked that we be escorted out of the premises.

Jang urges revival of education •Plateau, UNICEF partner on sector

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LATEAU State Governor Jonah Jang yesterday urged the residents to join the government in reviving education.

He said his administration would revive the sector.

The governor spoke in Jos, the state capital, at the inauguration and launch of a 10year Strategy Education Sector Plan (SESP) and a threeyear Strategic Education sector Operational Plan (SESOP).

Represented by Deputy Governor Ignatius Longjan, the governor lamented the state of education in Plateau, noting that it had adverse implications on its future.

The plans, which are in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), will give the

From Marie-Therese Peter, Jos

education sector a facelift.

Jang solicited the cooperation of well meaning residents, saying: “Government alone cannot meet the education needs of the people.”

A UNICEF consultant, Prof Christiana Omoifor noted that to achieve the purpose of the plans, stakeholders must contribute their quota.

She said Plateau was among the 11 states benefitting from the UNICEF intervention on education development, urging members of the steering committee to accommodate the views of diverse members of the public to

improve the sector.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education Mrs. Martina Dakur said the ministry was grateful to the governor “for granting approval and releasing N34.2million for participation of the state in the UNICEF-assisted training and development of the plan”.

She said: “The steering and technical committees being inaugurated comprise 54 members, who are saddled with the responsibility of establishing goals and priority targets, set timebound realistic targets, identify the strength and weakness as well as the opportunities and threats (SWOT) to enhancing performances in the education sector.”

Lawmaker seeks special recognition for Lagos

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OUSE of Representatives’ member Dr Samuel Adejare has called for a special status for Lagos as the former Federal Capital Territory and commercial nerve centre of the country.

He told The Nation in Lagos that the metropolis, which is home to Nigerians, has been neglected by the Federal Government since the Olusegun Obasanjo era.

Adejare said: “There is pressure on the social infrastructure put in place by the state government. Lagos State is a mini country and the promise made to Lagos when the capital was located to Abuja has not been kept.

By Emmanuel Oladesu Deputy Political Editor

“Lagos is still a symbol of unity and economic progress and prosperity for the country. It deserves a special status and special funding by the Federal Government.”

The legislator, who represents Agege Constituency on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), noted that Lagos has consistently remained a factor in the national economic growth.

He recalled that when development experts were hosted by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, the dele-

gation raised eyebrow because Lagos State was not represented at the initial meeting.

Adejare said the huge amount of the Value Added Tax (VAT) the Federal Government makes from the state makes special treatment more compelling.

“Niger Delta is benefiting today as a special region because it has oil. Lagos generates the largest chunk of VAT. USA has not abandoned New York, its former capital. Why can’t Nigeria take a cue?

There is no known Nigerian politician businessman who does not have a stake in Lagos. The special status is long overdue”.

11

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

We have huge infrastructure deficit in many of our countries. I believe the solution is to continue to grow world class capital markets.

It is important because for us to deploy the wealth of our nation on investment, to realise our full potential, we can raise the funds we need for infrastructure from the capital market and transform our economy.

-Aruma Oteh, DG SEC

First Bank to acquire banks in three African countries

FCMB gets CBN approval on Finbank merger

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IRST City Monument Bank (FCMB) has re ceived approval in principle from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to proceed with its merger with Finbank , paving way for the rescued lender to be recapitalsed ahead of a September deadline, the bank’s chief executive, Ladi Balogun, said yesterday.

Balogun said the next step was to obtain approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and shareholders, which he expects to happen within the next 40 days. He said the bank will not need to raise capital to finance the deal.

“This will enable FCMB to grow its strategy,” he told reporters by telephone.

Finbank was one of the nine lenders rescued in a $4 billion bailout by the banking watchdog in 2009.

F

• From left: Chief Joseph Okeke representing the President/Chairman of the council and Dr Festus Oshoba, member of the institute at the 20 th induction ceremony of new members of Chartered Institute of Administration held at Centre for Management Development (CMD) Lagos…yesterday.

PHOTO: BADE DARAMOLA

Reps oppose CBN’s N50b contribution to AMCON

NERC to Siemens: Own, operate power plant From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

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HE Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commis sion (NERC) yesterday challenged German engineering company SIEMENS to transcend its engineering procurement contract business interests in Nigeria to become an active operator in the power sector.

The Chairman, Dr. Sam Amadi made this call in Abuja when he received a delegation of the engineering firm on a courtesy visit.

He said the country required the collaboration of multinational companies such as Siemens to overcome its power supply shortage.

“We are looking forward to Siemens to obtain a licence to operate not just as an engineering procurement contract handling company but own a power plant,” Amadi said.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$119.8/barrel Cocoa - $2,856/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢78.07.pound Gold -$1,161/troy ounce Rubber - ¢146.37/pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N7.82 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -10.2% Treasury Bills -2.64% Normal lending -24% Prime lending -18% Savings rate -3% 91-day NTB -6.99% Time Deposit - 6% MPR -8% Foreign Reserve -$34.4bn FOREX CFA 0.281 • 210 £ 241.00 $ 150.00 ¥ 1.5652 SDR 241.5 RIYAL 39.3

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HE House of Representatives yesterday suspended indefinitely further consideration of the controversial amendment Bill of the Asset Management Corporation (AMCON) Act. This followed stiff opposition to a provision in the amendment Bill, which sought to mandate the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to make annual contribution of N50 billion to the fund.

AMCON was set up to buy toxic assets from the banks after a debt crisis in 2008 and 2009 threatened the banking industry with collapse. The CBN had earlier fired the chief executives of eight banks for lax management and bailed out the industry with N620 billion ($3.96 billion).

Titled “A Bill for an Act, 2011’, it was sponsored by representative Ogbuefi Ozomgbachi (Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency Enugu). The bill specifically

From: Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

sought to give the CBN the legal backing to provide additional N500billion in 10 years at the rate of N50 billion per year to AMCON. But the lawmakers were categorical in their position that public funds should not be deployed to fund private ventures.

Representatives Olukolu Ganiyu (Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency, Lagos State) and Fort Ifeanyi Dike (Ihiala Federal Constituency, Anambra State) led the onslaught against the provision.

Ganiyu, who argued that the Bill was sailing into troubled waters, wondered why the CBN should put more funds into AMCON after the initial N620 billion it used to bailout the rescued banks.

Dike on his part noted that contribution to AMCON is

like insurance to a sinking fund meant to take care of banks that have problem. The sinking fund (N110billion), which is banking sector resolution cost fund is to be provided by all the 24 deposit money banks in the country, including the apex bank, which is suppose to contribute N50billion.

Dike noted that the right thing was for such funds to be contributed by the banks.

He said: “There is no need for CBN’s contribution, especially when it had already committed N620 billion in bailing out banks. The banks are in the private sector and there is no formal supervision of bank managers’ recklessness.

“In any case, it is absolutely wrong to use public funds to fund bank managers’ recklessness. The fact that the CBN has funds that it can lay hands on does not mean that it should always be so.”

The lawmaker said the way

out was for the banks to keep aside a percentage of their profit annually in the sinking fund to take care of banks that were in trouble.

Such arrangement, he said, should be done under the supervision of the CBN without using public funds.

He added that if any bank was in trouble and the contributory fund was not enough to bailout it out, the CBN could be approached to assist.

The proviso, however, he said, was that there must be a condition for CBN intervention to ensure that public funds were recovered as and when due.

Other members argued in like manner and insisted that the provision should not sail through.

Representative Ogbuefi Ozomgbachi, who was behind the Bill was forced to seek the leave of the House to stand down further consideration of the Bill when it became obvious that it was heading for the rocks.

Minister halts Bi- Courtney’s N2,500 passenger fee

A

VIATION Minister Mrs. Stella Oduah Ogiewmonyi has directed the operator of the Murtala Mohammed Airport Terminal 2, Bi-Courtney Limited to stop the collection of N2,500 as Passenger Service Charge (PSC) from air travellers.

The directive was contained in a letter addressed to the Managing Director of the company and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ms Anne N. Ene-Ita. The Special Adviser on Media to the Minister, Joe Obi, said the letter expressly stated that, the “Federal Ministry of Aviation has not given any approval to Bi-Courtney Limited to charge N2,500 as Passenger Service Charge.”

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

It said: “There is a procedure in the Concession Agreement which must be adhered to and until then, you are to desist from the collection of the Passenger Service Charge (PSC).”

But Head, Corporate Affairs of Bi - Courtney Group, Dipo Kehinde, said the company is yet to receive any written document to that effect from the Minister of Aviation or the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria( FAAN).

He, however affirmed that Bi- Courtney Aviation Services Limited has approval to collect the N2,500 passenger service charge, copies of which are with FAAN and the ministry, in Abuja.

Obi, said a copy of the minister’s directive on the PSC has been sent to the DirectorGeneral of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA) to ensure compliance.

Passengers on domestic routes across the country have continued to flay the increase of passenger service charge from N1,000 to N2,500 at the new domestic terminal. They described the arrangement between the airlines and terminal operator as untidy, stressing that the service charge has been factored into the air fares.

The passengers described the arrangement as unhealthy, argued that the airline operators have not sufficiently briefed them about any other payment after they purchased tickets .

Many passengers, who hold the electronic ticket, which has been sent to them via electronic mail with their travel details including the passenger reference number ( PNR), have always been in a fix upon getting to the checking-in point after obtaining their boarding passes as they are requested by officials of the terminal to pay N2,500 before they are allowed to fly.

The ensuing argument among the passengers and officials of the terminal have raised concerns on the need for the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority ( NCAA) to wade into the matter, as many passengers continue to complain that they do not undergo the same experience when they use the old domestic terminal.

IRST Bank Plc, the thirdbiggest lender by market value, plans to acquire banks in three African countries before the end of next year, Chief Financial Officer Bayo Adelabu said.

“We are about to close the deal on one of the target banks,” Adelabu said in an interview with Bloomberg yesterday in Lagos, without naming the banks or the countries. “We will buy majority or total stakes in medium-sized banks” in the chosen countries.

The lender is also planning to sell Eurobonds to refinance maturing debt, with the amount and date of issue yet to be determined, he said.

Under a new licensing rule introduced by regulators, First Bank adopted the holding company structure, aiming to expand across 10 sub-Saharan African countries while divesting its record-keeping business and non-core real estate assets, it said.

First Bank wasn’t seeking acquisitions in Nigeria after a failed attempt to buy Oceanic Bank International Plc, one of eight banks bailed out by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2009, Adelabu said.

Rivers Bond: ‘Approval strictly for infrastructure development’

By Tonia Osundolire

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HE Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assem bly, Hon Chidi Lloyd, said the approval of the first tranche of N100 billion bond from N250 billion issuance, was done strictly in the interest of the state.

The Speaker, who spoke at the three-day investors/issuer education programme organised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in collaboration with the state government, in Port Harcourt, praised the government for its infrastructure development.

He said the Assembly would not be part of any attempt to mortgage the future of the state. Government, he explained, wants to invest in massive infrastructural development, such as health, education, transport among others, with proceeds from the bond.

He said the government will soon begin work on a road with five bridges which, he maintained, cannot be funded from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), hence the need to set the stage for investors to come in.

Lloyd assured that SEC will guarantee Return On Investment (ROI) and urged everyone to bring in their money to invest in the bond.

12

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

BUSINESS NEWS Aliyu backs CBN’s policies Nduka Chiejina, Assistant Editor

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IGER State Governor, Alhaji Babangida Aliyu has praised the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, for pushing the course of Islamic Banking in Nigeria.

A statement from the CBN, signed by its Head of Corporate Communications, Mohammed Abdullahi, said Aliyu disclosed this during a working visit to CBN’s Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

Aliyu, who was said to have been accompanied by his Commissioners, Special Advisers and other top officials, told Sanusi that at a time when the world is turning to financial products beneficial to the common man, the latter has taken a bold and decisive step to ensure that Nigeria is not left behind.

He also commended the efforts of CBN towards re-engineering the agricultural sector, through commercial agricultural loans and the special initiative to de-risk agriculture called Nigerian Incentive Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL).

Aliyu said with the development of the value chain system in the agricultural sector, Nigerian farmers would enjoy the full benefits of their labour.

Why investors shun mining sector, by minister From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

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ROSPECTIVE foreign inves tors in the mining sector do not return to invest because they are not allowed to get the right information on the country’s geological data from the Nigerian investment agencies, such as Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC).

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Musa Sada disclosed this yesterday after a presentation of the Managing Director, Fugro Nigeria Limited, Mr Martins Frere, in Abuja.

He said the NIPC discussed mining with foreign investors like other sectors without allowing them to see the basic information data before leaving.

When such investors are misinformed, said the minister, they leave and never to return again.

He, however, admitted that there is a disconnection in information dissemination from the sector. “There are rules and information they need to have.

They don’t just come because they need coal for power generation,” he said.

He noted that there is also a disconnect between the ministry and investment organisations in the country because when the agencies are not fully informed, putting the information across could be frustrating.

Sada said :”Getting the information that the investor is not comfortable with is also frustrating. It means there is a disconnect; dissemination to people.

The whole idea now is to ensure that effective dissemination of idea starts.”

He said prospective mining investors ought not to have gone to the NIPC while seeking information on mining as “NIPC does not have the knowledge.”

The minister emphasised that the ministry is making frantic efforts to ensure that investment drive is directed towards the right director.

FIRS’ half-year collection hits N1.974tr T

HE Federal Inland Rev enue Service (FIRS) has raked in N1.974 in the first half of the year, the Coordinating Director, Tax Operations Group, Samuel Ogungbesan, has said. The amount, he explained, consists N1.3 trillion Oil revenue collection and N663.81 billion non-oil collection.

By this figure, FIRS has exceeded its takings for the half-year period, having set a target of N3. 492 trillion for itself in 2011.

Nevertheless, the Management has sent a wake-up call to its staff to brace up, as there is still a lot to be done to close the gaps in the nation’s revenue profile.

Nduka Chiejina, Assistant Editor

The Executive Chairman, Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru, told the institution’s Enlarged Management Meeting, (REMM), that FIRS is simplifying its processes to make its services easier and accessible to taxpayers.

Represented by Coordinating Director, Corporate Development Group, (CDG), Ossy Chuke, she said, though staff in the South east Region are trying their best

and government is striving to improve the security situation in that axis, the workers must roll up their sleeves to assist in closing the nation’s revenue gap.

While acknowledging the peculiar security challenges staff in the region face, Mrs. OmoiguiOkauru, said government is doing its best to contain the security situation and make the environment more conducive for living and business. She assured that the management, “will continue to do everything within its power and resources to ensure the safety of staff and assets of the Service.”

• National President, Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN), Dr. Tokunbo Coke (right) shaking hands with Public Relations Officer, Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN) Oyo State Chapter, Mrs. Ogochukwu Okoli while Secretary, Mr. Kunle Odesanya (2nd left) and Chairman, Mr Femi Odulaja both from Oyo State Chapter (PECAN) after their inauguration, during the launching of PECAN Magazine/2011 Convention held at Nigeria Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) Ikeja, Lagos.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH sAYODELE.

‘Nigeria spends $450m annually on foreign bandwidth’

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IGERIA spends $450 million annually on foreign band width from Europe and America to facilitate Internet access, telephony and broadcasting services.

Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Okon Ewa disclosed this at the Nigerian Communications Satellite pre-launch conference for NigComSat-1R. He decried the importation, saying that such revenue made from Nigeria by other countries, could be used for national economic development and reduction of the country’s sole dependence on oil.

NigComSat-1R, being built by the China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), is the replacement satellite for NigComSat-1, which failed in orbit in 2008 due to anomaly in its south solar array.

Ewa said dearth of bandwidth, which gave rise to importation from other countries, can only be addressed through massive de-

By Adline Atili

ployment of communications satellites to meet national bandwidth needs.

He said: “The African continent is experiencing huge demands for bandwidth as it attempts to make a shift towards an information society. In fact, sub-Saharan Africa alone contains 10 per cent of the world’s population, but only 0.2 per cent of the world’s one billion telephone lines.

“With the launch of Nigerianowned communications satellites, the revenue made from Nigeria on bandwidth from other countries will be retained in Nigeria and used for our development.

“This will reduce our over-dependence on oil and create additional revenue streams for the nation. This is the only viable solution as other solutions are vulnerable to theft, vandalism and national disaster.”

He urged investors to support the initiative of developing the Afri-

can continent through communications satellites by investing in the replacement satellite, NigComSat-1R and the backup satellites, the NigComSat 2 and 3.

“With the launch of the replacement satellite and the NigComSat 2 and 3, there will be opportunities for new business development and growth in Africa. One of the socioeconomic benefits will be youth empowerment through business outsourcing as obtains in Asian countries today.

“This will translate to new source of employment and wealth creation for Nigerians. Satellite technology affects every aspect of our lives through e-banking, e-governance, telecommunications, broadcasting, e-commerce and many more.

“Satellites also have great capacity for improving quality of life as a result of its applications in broadcasting, Internet services, telephony, remote monitoring, public security and safety.”

Fed Govt pays N49b delay penalties to contractors

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HE Federal Government has paid N49billion as penalty charges for delaying payment to contractors upon completion of projects, it was learnt yesterday.

Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) Mr Emeka Ezeh disclosed this at a one-day policy dialogue organised by the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) in Abuja.

He noted that just as the 2007 Procurement Act made it an offence for contractors to get mobilisation fees from the government and abandon the job, the contractors are to claim penalties from the government should their monies be delayed beyond the contract term.

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

But despite the enlightenment mounted by the BPP, Ezeh noted that Nigeria contractors hardly come for such claims.

He said despite the many gains that have been recorded in the past decade in government procurement processes to kick out corruption, much work still lay ahead given the huge challenges posed by corrupt politicians who came to power through dubious means and private interest who try to influence contracts in their favour without merit.

Some of the challenges he highlighted include, collusion by top civil servants with contractors to inflate contract, undue influence and interference by the

political class on the BPP especially the legislators among others.

He noted that the provision of the procurement act was a near foolproof of corruption in the system but that was only possible when the laws are obeyed and with particular “political support from the leaders.”

Ezeh explained that all over the world, those who drive development are the political powers and this is done based on the transparency of their ascendency to power.

Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr. Foluso Philips said the new reality globally was for nations to engage the international community to build their social and economic infrastructure.

Flight Schedule MONDAY - FRIDAY LAGOS – ABUJA Departure Arrival 1. Aero 06.50 08.10 2. Associated 07.00 09.30 3. Air Nigeria 07.00 08.20 4. IRS 07.00 08.20 5. Dana 07.02 08.22 6. Arik 07.15 08.15 7. Chanchangi 07.15 8. Air Nigeria 08.15 09.35 9. Dana 08.10 09.20 10. Aero 08.45 10.05 11. Arik 09.15 10.15 12. Chanchangi 10.00 11.00 13. IRS 11.15 12.35 14. Dana 12.06 12.26 15. Aero 12.20 13.30 16. Air Nigeria 13.25 14.45 17. Chanchangi 13.30 14.30 18. Arik 13.45 14.45 19. IRS 14.00 15.20 20. Aero 14.10 15.30 21. Air Nigeria 14.50 16.10 22. Dana 15.30 16.50 23. Chanchangi 15.30 16.30 24. Arik 15.50 16.50 25. Aero 16.00 17.20 26. IRS 16.30 17.50 27. Arik 16.50 17.50 28. Dana 17.10 18.30 29. Chanchangi 17.30 18.30 30. Air Nigeria 17.35 18.55 31. Air Nigeria (T/TH) 18.30 19.50 32. Arik 18.45 19.45 33. Aero 19.20 20.40 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

LAGOS – BENIN Arik 07.30 Associated 08.30 Aero 10.50 Arik 11.45 Associated 13.00 Aero 14.25 Arik 15.30 Associated 16.00

1.

2.

3.

4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

1. Arik 2. Aero 1.

2.

3.

4.

LAGOS – CALABAR 07.30 11.20 12.50 16.00 LAGOS – JOS 10.55 11.15

LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

08.30 09.10 11.50 12.45 13.40 15.20 16.30 16.40 08.50 12.40 14.10 17.20 12.15 12.45 09.10 11.00 11.10 16.20

LAGOS – PORT HARCOURT (CIVIL) 1. Aero 07.15 08.35 2. Arik 07.15 08.35 3. Arik 09.00 10.20 4. Dana 09.27 10.40 5. Aero 10.50 12.30 6. Arik 11.40 13.00 7. Air Nigeria 12.00 13.10 8. IRS 13.30 15.00 9. Arik 14.00 15.20 10. Dana 15.03 16.20 11. Air Nigeria 16.00 17.10 12. Arik 16.10 17.30 13. Aero 16.15 17.30 14. Arik 17.10 18.30 1.

2.

3.

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LAGOS – OWERRI Aero 07.30 Arik 07.30 Air Nigeria 13.40 Arik 14.00 16.30 Arik

08.40 08.40 14.55 15.10 17.40

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LAGOS – WARRI 08.15 11.50 11.55 14.55

09.1 12.50 12.55 15.55

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LAGOS – KANO Air Nigeria 07.10 IRS 08.00 Dana 08.10 Arik 12.20 IRS 14.00 IRS 18.15

08.50 09.45 09.40 14.00 15.45 19.55

LAGOS – OWERRI 07.20 14.00 16.30

08.30 15.10 17.40

LAGOS – UYO 10.35

11.35

1. Arik 2. Arik 3. Arik 1. Dana 1. IRS 2. Arik

LAGOS – MAIDUGURI 11.15 13.15 15.50 18.00

LAGOS – ILORIN 1. Overland 07.15 2. Arik (M/T/TH/F) 17.30

08.00 18.00

LAGOS – ABUJA SAT/SUN Arik 7.15; 10.20; 2.20; 5.20pm – 7.30; 9.15; 10.20; 2.20; 4.50; 6.45 Aero 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 – 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 Air Nigeria 08.15; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30 – 08.15; 13.30; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

13

INTERVIEW

‘We’ll reactivate Export Free Trade zones’ In an interactive session with a select business editors, Minister of Trade and Investments, Mr Olusegun Aganga, speaks of how the ministry will create jobs, grow the economy and provide a conducive environment for the flow of private sector capital to finance infrastructural deficits, among others. Group Business Editor, AYODELE AMINU was there.

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O much has been said about the new Trade and Investment Ministry. How is it different from the old Commerce and Industry Ministry?

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has been expanded, refocused and rebranded so that it can play its proper role in the economy, so that it can be the key driver of the economy. If you look at the economy and you want to talk about economic growth, it is all about industry. It is about trade; it is about investment. And when you look at the key drivers of any economy in terms of spending, there are only four of them. There is government spending, which finance takes care of; there is private sector spending; there is consumer spending and of course, there is export.

Those are the four main drivers of spending in any economy.

The last three obviously are areas this ministry is responsible for. That tells you how important Mr. President sees this ministry and that is why I have been assigned to come and cover it. There are going to be many changes; the expectations are quite high. But if we are going to achieve our transformation agenda, that is, economic transformation, it is critical that we all work together to make sure that this ministry succeeds. If you look at Mr. President’s transformation agenda, the country is targeting N35trillion investment in growth areas in the next four years. Of this, N10trillion is supposed to come from the Federal Government, N9trillion from state governments and N15trillion from the private sector (both local and international).

So, to start with, the private sector should account for the largest investment.

How does the government intend to pool such huge investments?

If you look at our budget today, you will see that the maximum amount we have there for capital budget is about N1trillion.

This means that we have to proactively make sure that we unlock capital, go out and make sure that we get investments into the country. And there is no reason we should not succeed. That shows you that this ministry will play a key role as regards how we grow our economy and create jobs for Nigerians, going forward.

Japan has the same model. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Investment of Japan is one of the most important arms of government there. Malaysia has done the same thing, Indonesia too. So, a lot of developing countries have adopted this model. In a country like Nigeria, where we have great potential, we have all the reasons investors should be in this country. Now, we have to proactively go out, leverage this and get investments into the country.

What will be your ministry’s main strategy of bringing in investment?

We are going to cover seven main areas, broadly. There will be about five priorities for us on the investment side. The first thing is to create a conducive environment for investment in the country, meaning that our laws and policies have to be investorfriendly. We have commenced a review of all the laws and policies. However, most of our laws are friendly, just that investors are not even aware of these laws and policies.

We want to make sure that we do not just review them but that we have them in a form that is easily accessible to both local and international investors.

The second one, and these are very quick wins, is to look at where the money is and where the money is coming from. There is a lot of capital even within Nigeria and also with Nigerians outside the country. One area we will be looking at is the Sovereign Wealth Fund. The ministry will operationalise it and market to investors because one of the areas it is targeting is investment. We will also be looking at pen-

sion funds. We are sitting on about N2trillion. Of course, you have to make sure that the assets are safe and that the money is available to pay back pensioners in the future, but one of the reasons they have such funds in other countries is to be able to put it back in the economy. In Nigeria, we have been very cautious about that in the past and that was the right thing to do.

But perhaps the time has come for us to say, how can we unlock it in a safe way, in a responsible way, such that it will still be available in the future to pay back pensioners. Pension funds all over the world are the biggest investors. If you go to the United States, the United Kingdom, most parts of the world, it is the same. And it is sticky money, long-term money. In this country, we’re looking for sticky, long-term money. Since we are looking at investing in infrastructure, it means we are looking for long-term money. And pension fund is sticky and long-term. So, we must find a way of unlocking that.

Apart from pension funds, are there other sources of funds?

Yes, we have so many Nigerians in the Diaspora. The economies of many countries were built based on investments from people living abroad. We are in the process of structuring a fund, which we hope to put in place sometime in September when all the approvals are in place. That fund will be targetting the Diaspora. They come in, bring their money and invest. According to the World Bank, in 2009, about $18.6billion was remitted to this country by Nigerians in the Diaspora. If we take half of that, and channel it the right way into the economy, we will have capital to invest in this country.

That is just focusing only on what you already have. The second area is foreign investment. We will make sure that investors have the information that they need to have on time and in an easy way.

We have significant advantages, which we have not exploited in the past. For instance, I once asked a Chinese investor, who has been in this country for long: why have you been here over the years? Why have you not gone to China? And he said, for any investor to succeed, there are only four ingredients you’re looking for. You are looking for capital, technology, raw materials and market. Capital and technology can come from anywhere in the world. The two most important things are the raw material and the market for it, and Nigeria has those two things in abundance.

But there are structural changes we need to put in place. We have to make sure that we have a strategy for growing the middle class; we must make sure that we don’t just develop the supply side of the market, that the demand is healthy as well.

What will you be doing in the area of trade?

In the area of trade, we are going to be focusing on trade imbalance between Nigeria and other countries. We will reactive our export and free trade zones. We have many of them but they are not working the way they should. We will also be developing a healthy, strong small and medium enterprise sector. We started the process already; I actually started it when I was in the Ministry of Finance. And that is why we are collaborating with the Lagos Business School. They have a very strong model for

• Aganga

helping entrepreneurs start and run their businesses. The idea is for the Lagos Business School to work with 23 enterprise centres in the country and help develop that sector. Already, we have signed an agreement with them and some funds have been made available to them. We have spoken to the banks to find out the exact reasons they are not lending to this sector; we have also spoken to some SMEs. There are three reasons; one is access to capital. We made available $500m at single-digit interest rate. I did that before I left the Ministry of Finance, so that is going to help. The second one has to do with having bankable projects and the third reason is high cost of operations.

What is the investment ministry planning to do to solve these problems?

We have to reduce their cost of operation.

That is where we are going to reactivate the clusters and make it easier for them to operate. We should make sure that they have power and all that they need to make them succeed. The industry is a main area of focus for us also. The whole objective is about increased, enhanced productivity.

Already, we have talked to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria; I did this when I was finance minister. We asked them to go and put together an industrial strategy, and they have been working on it. I understand that within a week or two, it will be ready for us. Once we have it, we will look at it and see what we need to do and what they also need to do.

We are also going to be looking at the import substitution programme. There are a lot of things we produce here, which we still import. We have the raw materials here, but we just export them and bring in the finished products. For instance, we have crude oil here and we are still importing petroleum products and it is making us spend a lot of money. We have rice here, there is no reason why we can’t be self-sufficient in rice production; still, we import rice. These are the areas we need to focus on and make sure that we reverse that trend.

‘In this country, we’re looking for sticky, long-term money. Since we are looking at investing in infrastructure, it means we are looking for long-term money. And pension fund is sticky and long-term.

So, we must find a way of unlocking that’

We will also be looking at the backward integration programme. We have had a success story with cement for example and we are going to leverage on that to improve other sub-sectors. We are going to be looking at skills development, to make sure that we have the right skills for development.

We also have to talk about the consumer.

This is where we have the difference between the Japanese economy and the US economy. It is important that we have a healthy demand strategy also. It’s not enough to produce, we need to talk about demand. So, one of the schemes we are looking at is the credit guarantee scheme that will make it easier for consumers to buy made-in-Nigeria products. So, these are the core areas we are going to focus on going forward.

How do you intend to sustain the confidence of investors in the Nigerian economy?

Investors, as I have said, know that Nigeria has the right kind of market that they need, so they should want to bring in their money. They, however, need to be assured of policy consistency, which is necessary for long-term planning, to be able to make investment decisions.

What are you going to be taking away from the finance ministry?

The finance minister is the chief finance officer of the country. That is the primary job of the minister, so I have nothing to do with that. I’m not taking that away. Of course, you also talk about budgeting, which also belongs to the finance territory.

One thing I would like to remind you of though, is that last year was an unusual year for virtually everyone. I was playing two major roles at that time. I was finance minister, and if you recall, I was the Chairman of the Economic Management Team. There were some things I did wearing the hat of the Chairman of the Economic Management Team and there were some things I did wearing the hat of the finance minister.

Going forward, however, this is where the work is now. For instance, if we are executing an industrial management plan, it has to be done by this ministry. If you’re talking about industrial processes, it is this ministry. If you’re talking about investments in the country across the board, it is the ministry. So, finance remains finance; trade and investment remains trade and investment. We just took the old commerce and industry, rebranded it, extended it and made it far more relevant to the economy than it was.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

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LABOUR Respect ILO laws, minister told

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• From left: Ag MD, NSITF, Abubakar; Aremu and Personnel Manager, NSITF, at the enlightenment programme in Lagos.

Labour to employers: obey compensation law P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has been given a pat on the back for signing into law the Employees Compensation and Minimum Wage Acts.

Vice President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Isa Aremu said Jonathan deserved praises for signing the laws which are of “tremendous benefit” to workers.

He however appealed to employers to comply with the Employees’ Compensation Ac t (ECA) 2010.

It was at the enlightenment forum organised by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) in conjunction with Unite Consult Limited.

Addressing trade union leaders, representatives of employers and workers, at the forum tagged: “NSITF interactive session with industrial unions on the new Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA),” Aremu said: “all employers of labour must give effect to the implementation of the ECA by promptly paying and remitting to NSITF the one per cent

Stories by Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu

employees’ monthly pay” stipulated by the Act. He also called on employees and their unions to ensure compliance by their respective employers.

Aremu, who doubles as General Secretary, National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN), said the new law was designed to deliver a platform for “guaranteed and adequate compensation for all employees or their dependants for any death, injury, disease or disability arising out of, or in the course of employment.”

He added that ECA is a bold attempt to bring back social protection for the working people.

Aremu praised the 6th National Assembly for passing the executive bill after extensive debates last year.

He praised the board and management of NSITF, for their efforts at defending the principle of social justice and for keeping faith with

the mission and vision o NSITF to provide social security and safety nets for all Nigerians.

Aremu urged NSITF to work harder to improve on it corporate governance to face up to the challenge of the new ECA. “NSITF needs to develop a new data capturing technique for effective management and supervision of the Employees Compensation Fund (ECF).” he said NSITF Ag. Managing Director, Munir Abubakar appealed to trade unions to ensure that employers in their sectors comply with implementation guidelines of ECA. Enlightening the workers, he said: “We at Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund are set to start implementing the scheme in its entirety.

It is meant for your own benefit and those of your dependants or survivors in case of death.

We need your cooperation for the Scheme to succeed. You therefore have a duty to ensure that this social benefit that has been approved for you is not in any way sabotaged.”

ENIOR bank workers have urged the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, to ensure compliance with the conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

The workers under the aegis of Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI), want the minister to build the capacity of labour inspectors to be alive to their responsibilities.

They spoke at the send forth organised by the union for its Chief Security Officer , Mallam Adamu Oseni, who retired after 28 years of service.

ASSBIFI President Comrade Sunday Salako said Wogu should frans on child labour, casualisation and intolerance of unionism by some employers.

On child labour, Salako, said: “One is the issue of modern day slavery that we are facing. Just go to Ikeja business district after closing hours, you would see an army of young children between 12 and 16 years, being engaged by some foreign firms as workers.

“They would lock them up from 6am to 6pm.

And they are paid highest wage of N8,000 per month. I don’t think that is in line with the core conventions of ILO on Decent Work Agenda.“ He urged the labour inspectors to be alive to their responsibilities. “The inspectors at the Ministry of Labour should be more alive to their responsibilities. How can we have people who come from other economies, unleashing terror on our people, and kind of destroying our own economy, and carting our resources back to develop their own economy.

‘Stop communal feud now’

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OLLOWING the protracted feud between the management of savannah Sugar Company, Yola and the host community, the National Union of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE) has urged the Federal and the Adamawa State to governments to mediate in the crisis so as to prevent a shutdown of the factory.

President, NUFBTE, Comrade Lateef Oyenekan, in a statement, said except there is urgent intervention, it may lead to over 2,000 job losses as the owner has threatened to close the factory.

Comrade Oyenekan, said the company has vowed not to acceed to the demand of the host community, which is allegedly demanding N480 million before the factory could continue operation.

The NUFBTE President said the call became necessary in view of the fact that over 2,000 workers may be shoved out of work and thrown into the labour market if the authorities fail to intervene.

“We are wooing foreign investors to come and invest in the Nigerian economy, yet even indigenous companies are faced with hostile attitude of host communities, where is the incentive for investors.

Adamawa promotes teachers

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• From left: Vice Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Abdullahi Mustapha; Deputy Governor Kaduna State, Dr Ramalan Yero; Former President of TUC, Dr Obiajulu and SSANU President, Comrade Promise Adewusi at SSANU delegates conference in Zaria.

PENGASSAN raises alarm over insecurity, PIB

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HE Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has expressed concern over what it calls the “rising insecurity,” saying the trend portends bad omen for the economy. It also warned of the dangers of the non-passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill.

In a statement by its Media and Information Officer, Babatunde Oke, the association decried the resurgence of kidnapping in the Niger Delta and the activities of the Boko Haram sect.

It said many people have been kidnapped in the Niger Delta, while others in the northern part of the country have been killed by the Boko Haram.

Nigerian are now living in “palpable fear”

because of the continous terror unleashed on them, it said.

The association noted that the police, till date, have not been able to arrest anyone for the killing of two of its members in Mosogar, Delta State in 2009, while three Chevron staff kidnapped in the state, are yet to be released.

PENGASSAN President, Comrade Babatunde Ogun, urged government to live up to its responsibility, saying, “the primary duty of any government is the security and welfare of its citizens. It is therefore unacceptable that government will shirk this responsibility and allow killings, maimings and deprivation of Nigerians’ right to life and liberty”.

The senior oil workers’ union advised the

government to invest more in intelligence gathering, which is more effective than attempting to use strong arm tactics on the generality of the citizens.

PENGASSAN reminded the government of a standing NUPENGASSAN National Executive Council (NEC) resolution to embark on industrial action without notice if the life or liberty of any of its members was imperiled.

The union also drew government’s attention to the fact that Nigeria was losing billions of dollars of investment in the oil and gas sector as a result of the non-passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

It charged President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Assembly to stop this hemorrhaging by urgently commencing the process to pass the bill into law.

HE Adamawa Universal Basic Education Board (ADSUBEB) has promoted 407 teachers in Mubi South Local Council Area of the state.

The council’s Education Secretary, Alhaji Salihu Umar, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)that the promotion cuts across various cadres of teachers between Grade Levels 07 and 14.

He said the beneficiaries included primary and post-basic school teachers, adding that more than 395 teachers were also trained under its teacher development initiative in the last three years.

Alhaji Umar, said the training was done in collaboration with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), National Teachers Institute (NTI) and the College of Education, Yola.

“Teachers are trained on core subjects such as Mathematics, English, Science, Social Studies, Home Economics and Physical and Health Education (PHE).

“The training is designed to enhance teachers’ capacity and expose them to modern teaching methods.”

He said that the board was also working in partnership with MDGs and UNICEF to enhance water and sanitation services in schools.

The secretary said the board had constructed Ventilated Improved Latrines (VILs) and hand pumps in various schools across the 10 wards in the area.

He listed the benefitting schools as Ngabahi, Kwacham, SabonPegi,Munduva, Mbula and Dirbishi.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

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POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

There have been arguments over possible deregistration of some political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following their poor performance in the April general elections. Deputy Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the ensuing controversy.

Can INEC deregister fragile parties?

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ESS than of the 63 political parties registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), featured on the political map after the last general elections. The proliferation of political parties in the country underscore the debate on their viability. Should the non-performing parties be struck out from the INEC register or merely allowed to exist without the potentials of making any electoral impact in the future? This question has polarised the polity into protagonists and antagonists of deregistration of parties.

The Prof. Attahiru Jega-led INEC has consistently maintained that the failed parties should fizzle out, adding that it has the backing of the law to proscribe them for nonperformance. The commission said that its bid to wipe the poor parties out of existence has its root in Section 75, Sub-Section 2 of the Electoral Act. But some lawyers and rights activists disagree, saying that the umpire is not sensitive to compelling reasons and explanations for the multiplicity of political parties in a plural society like Nigeria.

The commission has claimed that it has an axe to grind with the parties because it has been drawing funds periodically from its coffers without any result to show for it after fiercely contested elections. But at the congress of the National Conscience Party(NCP) at Ikeja, Lagos shortly before the polls, its national chairman, Femi Falana, described INEC’s intention as an empty threat. He said the functions of political parties are not restricted to fighting for power in elections.

Falana, a Lagos lawyer said: “There exists in other mature democracies local parties that exist to pursue local matters peculiar to the community, group or society and they may not be interested in fighting for national or federal power”.

The NCP leader reminded INEC of a subsisting judgment in a suit by the legal luminary, the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, against INEC and federal government. “The Supreme Court has ruled that political parties cannot be deregistered by INEC or federal government because it would imply a gross violation of the freedom of association”, Falana maintained.

The amended Electoral Act gives INEC the nod to delist fragile or failing parties. This clause has not been tested, apparently because of the lack of will or consciousness about possible conflict with the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees of the freedom of association in the country.

If the hammer is dangled, only 10 parties would escape the jinx. The 10 top flyers at the recent elections were the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Labour Party (LP), and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). Others are the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Accord, Kowa and Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) PDP has maintained its hold in 23 states by winning the governorship and majority in the state legislature and National Assembly.

Trailing it is the ACN, which retained Lagos State and bounced back in other four Southwest states - Oyo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti, and Edo in the Southsouth.. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won Anambra and Imo states. The CPC installed its lone governor in Nasarawa State. ANPP cleared Borno and Zamfara states. The LP’s influence is limited to Ondo State, where it installed a governor and many legislators.

In addition, PDP won a senatorial and few House of Representatives seats in Oyo State.

ACN made inroad into the North, winning a senatorial seat in Benue State, House of Representatives and Assembly slots.

Other parties are merely crawling, except perhaps, the Accord Party (A), which has

•From right: Jega and an INEC official at a parley with leaders of political parties before the April polls.

‘The Supreme Court has ruled that political parties cannot be deregistered by INEC or federal government because it would imply a gross violation of the freedom of association’

‘Many of them are just existing in name. Some of them don’t even have secretariats and members, except three or four of them who claim to be chairman, secretary and financial secretary. The address is not existing. So, how can they continue like that’

– Femi Falana

– Henry Ajomale

eight House of Assembly and four House of Representatives members in Oyo State. The Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN), which was supported by former Governor Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State, could only win one seat in the House of Assembly.

Other fledgling parties were like spectators on poll day. They include Action Alliance (AA), Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Alliance for Democracy (AD), African Democratic Congress (ADC), All Peoples Liberation Party (ALP), Action Party of Nigeria (APN), African Political System (APS), African Renaissance Party (ARP), Better Nigeria Progressive Party (BNPP), Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Community Party of Nigeria (CPN), Citizens Popular Party (CPP), Democratic Alternative (DA), Democratic Peoples Alliance (DPA), Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), Fresh Democratic Party (FRESH), Hope Democratic Party (HDP), Justice Party (JP), Liberal Democratic Party of Nigeria (LDPN), Movement for Democracy and Justice (MDJ), Masses Movement of Nigeria (MMN), Movement for the Restoration and Defense of Democracy (MRDD), National Action Council (NAC), Nigeria Party (NAP), Mega Progressive Peoples Party (MPPP), New Democrats (ND), National Democratic Party (NDP), Nigeria Elements Progressive Party (NEPP), National Majority Democratic Party (NMDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Nigeria Peoples Congress (NPC), National Reformation Party (NRP), National Solidarity Democratic Party (NSDP), National Unity Party (NUP), Progressive Action Congress (PAC), Peoples Mandate Party (PMP), Progressive People Alliance (PPA), Peoples Progressive Party (PPP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Peoples Salvation Party (PSP), Republican Party of Nigeria (RPN), United Democratic Party (UDP), United Nigeria Peoples Party (UNPP) and KOWA.

Many of the parties were established by their owners, following their perceived marginalisation in the major parties. The leaders of many of them left their original parties due to internal crises. Sources said that some were deliberately formed by money bags in bigger parties as ‘Plan B’.

Majority were born because their founders perceived politics as lucrative business and political parties’ articles of trade and political bargaining.

Many of the parties were established and registered by INEC under Obasanjo Administration. Mocking their arrowheads, the former President once alluded to a situation whereby households and a group of friends applied for registration as parties to earn a living, stressing that, in many of them, blood relations occupied the position of chairmen, secretaries, financial secretaries and treasurers.

It is an understatement. The scramble for power, which accentuated the transition of the mushroom organisations into paper weight parties, paled into an act of abuse by the elite locked in bitter competition for relevance.

Curiously, INEC also contributed into the breach of criteria for registration. Today, many of the parties are hardly visible across the states of the federation. Their secretariats are the living rooms of their founders.

They hardly field candidates for general and local government elections. Sometimes, the sharing of the election fund would lead to hot argument and party men drag themselves to court over the right of control.

Smaller parties are not insulated from the crisis tearing apart the bigger ones.

From 2003, the motley crowd of parties discovered new roles for themselves. Through networking, they approach the bigger parties with endorsement plans, hoping to reap benefits in imaginary government of unity.

Alternatively, they sell the slippery platforms to aggrieved politicians from bigger parties itching to contest elections after being edged out from their original platforms.

Indeed, many of them became appendages of the PDP, which penetrated the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), divided the fold and reduce the capacity of the many opposition parties to play the role of watchdogs.

This awful picture contrasts sharply with the previous multi-party arrangements of the First, Second Republics and early part of this Fourth Republic. Then, two features were distinguishable. The existing parties, which were rooted in ideology, were actually on ground in their strongholds. Besides, they have always proposed alliances along two parallel lines, which ultimately make the polity to become disposed, in principle, to two party system, which was eventually imposed on the country in the ill-fated Third Republic. In those earlier dispensations, analysts argue that party administration was comparatively superb and no party existed without a cardinal goal.

Lagos State ACN chairman Otunba Oladele Ajomale described the number of parties on the INEC register as embarrassment. He supported the deregistration because many of them are only faking existence.

He explained: “Many of them are just existing in name. Some of them don’t even have secretariats and members, except three or four of them who claim to be chairman, secretary and financial secretary. The address is not existing. So, how can they continue like that? If it is three or four parties are formidable, let us have them, instead of useless hundred.”

But CPC Vice Presidential candidate in the last election. Pastor Tunde Bakare does not share this line of thought. His argument is that Nigeria did not fare better when there were only two parties in place. Bakare said the moderators of the transition process were able to toss the two parties-Social Democratic Party (SDP) and National Republican Convention (NRC)-around by shifting the goal post at will.

Besides, the cleric said that “you cannot stop people from grouping”. Pastor Bakare drew attention to the United States where parties flourish without let and hinderance, pointing out that some parties are just interested in local elections.

Describing the deregistration as a non-issue, he also faulted the claim of poor performance, submitting that “no political parties have won hands down without the cooperation of other parties”.

NAC National Chairman Dr Olapade Agoro, who had harsh words for INEC, described the threat to reduce the number of parties as a thoughtless decision, saying that it is at variance with the rule of law.

He said performance is relative, adding that it is a function of the rigging capability of the so-called big parties.

“If they say that they want to deregister parties on performance, the question is what performance? They alleged that under-aged voted for some parties. INEC even acepted the flaws. Some of the results are still being challenged in court. But for Tinubu’s strong challenge, they would have rigged in all the regions”, he fumed.

He said: “They can deregister any party, but not NAC. We have always participated in elections. In the last elections, we participated and we are still challenging it in court because it did not conform with the rule of law. We will take them to court. It is an offence against commonsense to trample on the rule of law. You did not register a party to participate in an election. When we were registered, there was no rule that said that we should participate in an election we don’t believe in. It is about freedom of choice”.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

POLITICS

•(L-R) Senators Chris Ngige, Abu Ibrahim, Akume, Fashola; Mrs Tinubu, Solomon and Ashafa. Back row: Senators Akin Odunsi, Adegbenga Kaka, Bunmi Adetumobi, Omoworare, Obadara, and Ojudu after a visit to the Lagos governor ...on Monday.

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

Opposition Senators unite on special status for Lagos

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ITH a promise to push for a special status for Lagos, opposition senators on Monday concluded their fact-finding visit to the Centre of Excellence.

Their visit afforded them the opportunity of having an on-the-spot-assessment of the effects of the cent flooding on communities in Nigeria’s former capital.

At the forefront of the fresh battle are senators under the platforms of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and led by Senate Minority Leader George Akume of the .

Akume, who led some senators to Lagos, admitted that the state genuinely deserves a special status.

He spoke after his team had toured some flood-ravaged communities, after which they sympathised with the government over the human and material losses it suffered from the flood triggered by the rains on July 10.

The minority leader made the declaration when the bi-partisan delegationvisited Governor Babatunde Fashola at work.

Akume noted that some of the

By Bunmi Ogunmodede

drainage channels, built more than 15 years ago have been crying for attention.

Besides, he said that the Federal Government, being the owners of many roads and bridges in the nation’s industrial hub, should have been more alive to its responsibilities through regular maintenance.

According to him, Lagos ought to be accorded a special status whenever a thought is being given in terms of intervention in areas of critical importance. He assured that the concerned senators would look for ways of assisting the state.

Akume informed that many of his colleagues “are already signing up for the cause, which is on a moral and persuasive approach to supporting the people of Lagos particularly at this period and taking the document to Mr President.”

He said the magnitude of the flooding had shown that Lagos alone cannot handle the situation.

He, however, encouraged the governor to continue with the delivery of the democratic dividends to Lagosians.

Responding, Fashola told his guests that the drainages have been discharging their responsibilities clearly, even as he noted that they are not enough for the expanding frontiers of Lagos territory, where new estates are springing up.

He explained that 10 drainage channels are being built in the Lekki axis, noting that his government has been upgrading earth-channelled canals, a process which he said, required a lot of money.

His words: “We have given notices that there would be absolutely no tolerance for people who build drainage aligments, canals, wetlands and swampy areas which are the reservoirs where the flood water should naturally drain to.

Many of the devastating effects of the flood was more pronounced in areas where there should be no building. Some have built right on the drains.

“We know that there are people issues here. But we think that only the living can prosper and whose challenges we have to deal with. Our reaction is first, to save them from themselves and thereafter attend to the human issue of relocation and

resettlement. This is not an ideal environment in which to plan somthing like that. But we think that we should save lives first and come back to deal with properties and resettlement as a consequence.

“Another challenge is also that the terrain of Lagos makes structures very vulnerable. Therefore many buildings, especially during this raining season, are prone to collapse when there is a lot of water and lot of seismic movement that is affecting the foundations of the structures.

“And all of the buildings that we have identified as unstable are going to be evacuated and demolished, and then we would see what we can do as a government.”

The governor added that the commissioners in charge of for physical planning and urban development and the environment have been given the matching order to remove all such decrepit structures.

Noting that the last four weeks had not been favourable for governments across the world, Fashola said: “Lagos is just having its own share of the misfortune. We need help. We need funding, particularly

because we have plans to mitigate these problems. One cannot rule out the possibility of a recurrence and therefore requires a community of efforts at local and national level to put in strategies to mitigate them.”

He reiterated his personal delight at the response and interest shown by the bi-partisan delegation.

“I am encouraged by what I see these distinguished senators doing.

It shows that there is hope for Nigeria. I share your strong sentiments that an investment in Lagos State, the support of Lagos and the granting of a special status is not a grant for Lagos but for Nigeria”, Fashola said.

The delegation from Abuja also include: Senate Minority Whip Ganiyu Solomon (Lagos West), Mrs Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central), Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos East), Chris Ngige, Abu Ibrahim, Gbenga Obadara, Femi Lanlehin, Jide Omoworare, Femi Ojudu, all of the ACN and Abu Ibrahim of the CPC. They were received by Fashola ,assisted by the Environment Commissioner Tunji Bello and his Information and Strategy counterpart Mr Lateef Ibirogba.

‘What governance should be run in people’s interest’ As countdown to the next governorship poll in Edo State goes on, Hope Democratic Party (HDP) governorship aspirant, Mr Isidahomhen Idumonza, unveils his agenda for the state in an interview with WALE ADEPOJU.

• Idumonza

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HAT are your party’s cardinal objectives in its quest for control of affairs in Edo State?

Our main objective as a party is to put Edo State on the world map through service to the people. And it is through industrialisation that we can do that. There has to be a

rebirth and it will only come through industrialisation and creation of a productive economy. And we have a target to meet. We need to make the state move forward by running it like a business so that our people can truly reap the fruits of their mandate.

Tell me more about the platform under which you going to contest?

Ours is Hope Democratic Party.

The party contested the last presidential election. Even before then, it also contested in 2007 elections.

What makes you think you are qualified to be governor of Edo State?

I have what it takes to take over the government of Edo State. Governorship project is not for one person. Before somebody comes out to contest for governorship, he must have consulted widely. They must have sat and looked at what they would do. Also, a lot people

must have supported and contributed to the idea. These are what one can say about me.

Specifically, why should you be given the opportunity to govern Edo State?

I know what the people want and what is essentially lacking in the state. I know that for Edo State to move forward, it has to be industrialized. That is our cardinal objective. Our objective is to give the state a rebirth which is an industrial revolution. What we want to do is to create a productive sector and we have a target to meet. We want to create the productive economy, that is, productive companies in different areas where you have competitive advantage, with raw materials and others. We know very well that we are going to generate meaningful employment and the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the state will be enhanced.

It won’t be like the overtaxing of the people which is experienced presently due to lack of companies to pay tax in the state. For any state to think of moving forward, it must be run like a business. The people of Edo State should support me with their votes because they need to be happy. That will enable them to have their three square meals daily and sleep with their eyes closed at night. These are among what we want to provide.

Shed more light on your plans for the state.

Our policy is going to be carried out on a tripartite arrangement involving the organized private sector, the non-governmental organisation (NGOs) and the government.

We have already spoken with some companies, both locally and internationally, and they have promised that as soon as we take over, they would come and establish. What we

are trying to do is that most people that travel down to Lagos for businesses will no longer do so because whatever they will require for their businesses will be in the state.

What public or private sector experience do you have?

I think it is important but not a condition. To become the governor of a state, it is immaterial. We live in Nigeria and we see people who left the newsroom to become governor such as the former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba. And he did very well. Our plan is to solve the problems that have been bedeviling our state. We have done a lot of survey and we have seen Edo State. We know what to do to fix it and make people smile. Interestingly, I am a player in the country’s economy as an employer of labour. I have businesses in Edo and Lagos States. I also have in Abuja and overseas.

THE NATION FRIDAY,JULY 29, 2011

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EDITORIAL/OPINION Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

The House’s Farcical Self-Investigation

Wrong way •Police affairs minister didn’t quite get the right solutions to the problems of the force

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INISTER of Police Affairs, Navy Capt. Caleb Omoniyi Olubolade made the right observation when he said that the country’s policing system was defective; we are however unsure of how far the remedial measures he intends to take will go in giving us the police of our dream.

The minister gave an insight as to the direction he intends the police to go and said he would soon embark on recruitment of graduates of higher institutions for better policing system. He said emphasis would be placed on overseas training to make the policeman proud. Olubolade also plans to change police uniform as part of the restructuring of the force as well as ensure that its men keep to the tenets of best practices as obtained in advanced countries.

Our deduction from the report of his intention is that Navy Capt. Olubolade, like other Nigerians, knows that all is not well with our police force. We are however not convinced that he got the panacea right. Indeed, we are afraid he appears to be seen to be doing something, just like many new appointees in the country.

We cannot quickly recollect if there was any Inspector-General of Police who did not map out plans to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the police after his appointment. The same applies to Capt. Olubolade’s predecessors, whether in the police or in other ministries, departments or agencies.

Unfortunately, by the time they leave office, it is almost as if we are moving in circles because the new helmsman

would almost be repeating what his predecessor had said or planned to do.

However, we would need further clarifications from the minister to be able to comprehensively address the issues raised in the report.

Even then, there are some of the issues that we can comment on straightaway.

First is the recruitment of graduates.

Before now, the police force has been recruiting graduates that are trained and begin their career on higher ranks than the non-graduates. So, what is special about that this time? Will possession of certificates from a higher school now be the minimum requirement for entry into the police force? If that is it, what is the motive? Is it to take off some of the unemployed graduates from the unemployment queue?

Moreover, the idea of changing police uniform is not one of the priorities in improving its effectiveness. The problem is not with the uniform. Talking about the main challenges facing the police, there are many reports to turn to for solutions. They included the reports of the Jemibewon and Osayande panels, among others, that were set up to recommend ways to make our police force more relevant. What has happened to the reports?

Before the minister dusts up those reports however, if he is ever interested in them, he should, in the meantime withdraw many of the policemen who have been turned to errand boys for some citizens, particularly those protecting influential Nigerians with questionable character. Even under the present

arrangement, the country is underpoliced; so, we cannot afford the luxury of posting many policemen who should have been otherwise engaged for the collective good to a select, and most annoying, unworthy few.

Our policemen are poorly kitted, poorly motivated and undertrained.

This is why we have always had cause to send soldiers to hot spots which policemen should ordinarily have taken charge of. These are some of the main problems the force is facing.

Ultimately however, the main solution to the problems is the decentralisation of the force. It is obvious that the police as presently structured cannot adequately protect the country. We need state and or regional police forces that understand their terrains and can relate easily with the people because security is collective responsibility. That is the way to go in a federal system.

‘Ultimately however, the main solution to the problems is the decentralisation of the force. It is obvious that the police as presently structured cannot adequately protect the country.

We need state and or regional police forces that understand their terrains and can relate easily with the people because security is collective responsibility. That is the way to go in a federal system’

Haba! Okorocha •The sheer number and nature of appointments by Imo governor worrisome UST when Nigerians thought the N18,000 minimum wage palaver was enough trouble for state governors, Chief Rochas Okorocha, the man at the helm in Imo State Government House seems to have different ideas. In fairness to him, he has never said the new wage was a problem to him; in fact, he has said that his rather bloated fresh appointees would generate revenue rather than fill up overhead.

But the nation is shocked with the seeming queer method of the governor who came into power last May through a popular mandate and in repudiation of the former governor whom the people thought wasteful and under-achieving, among other shortcomings.

According to reports emanating from Government House, Owerri, Governor Okorocha has already appointed over 100 aides and he is not done yet. But if it were only the number, it may have been tolerable, but the nature of jobs. For instance, Okorocha has set up what he has uniquely termed mayoral committees for the three zones of the state. Each has a chairman and 20 members.

While it is not clear whether the law allows him to create this unit of government or not, what is clear immediately is that he may have to provide at least 60 cars, offices and other bureaucratic paraphernalia needed to run these new units, apart from salaries. There is also the procedural issue. Will local government (LG)

J

chairmen be subordinated to the zonal mayors who by the nature of their appointments are zonal coordinators?

Surely, a procedural crisis looms, especially with elected LG chairmen.

Apart from this, there is also a feverish move to introduce another novelty known as a “fourthtier” of government in the state. This, according to available information, is a body of town union president-generals and the traditional rulers.

How this will work vis-a-vis the local government councils and the Local Government Development Areas (LGDAs), is still fuzzy.

What has however, made tongues wagging across the land are what has been described as weird appointments by the governor. He has been criticised for such overlapping Senior Special Assistants (SSA) Religious Affairs and SSA Government House Chaplain; SSA Lagos Liaison Office and Special Assistant Lagos Affair and three SSAs for the office of the First Lady which is non-existent in the Constitution.

Taking the cake however, is the one termed Chief Comedian, Government House of Imo State. This governor must have a monarchical tendency because the last time the world had a joke like this was in the Shakespearean era when kings had court jesters, balladeers, palace poets and musicians to massage their royal ego.

The governor has responded that his

large and queer appointees will generate revenue. While we wait to see how an SSA Religious Affairs and the Government House comedian will ring the cash register, let us say the obvious that governance is a very serious business and it will get more difficult now with the enhanced workers’ pay across board. Every state must prefer a lean nimble team that can get quick results.

No state can work efficiently with a large crowd of jobbers and hangers- on.

The Imo State electorate braved so many odds to vote in Governor Okorocha. They deserve better. It is not too late to take another look at these appointments and quietly realign them.

‘What has however, made tongues wagging across the land are what has been described as weird appointments by the governor. He has been criticised for such overlapping Senior Special Assistants (SSA) Religious Affairs and SSA Government House Chaplain; SSA Lagos Liaison Office and Special Assistant Lagos Affair and three SSAs for the office of the First Lady which is nonexistent in the Constitution’

T

HE House Ethics Committee has now hired an outside

counsel to investigate its own bollixed investigation into the conduct of Representative Maxine Waters.

The Waters case involves allegations, denied by the lawmaker, that she helped arrange a federal bailout for a bank in which her husband was a stockholder. It has been rattling around the secretive committee for almost a year without resolution.

After Politico reported last week how the case has the panel riven by partisan intrigues and staff infighting — including claims that committee staff members leaked negative information to Republicans about the case — embarrassed members took the extraordinary step of hiring Billy Martin, a prominent Washington lawyer. His job will be to both figure out what’s gone wrong and direct the Waters inquiry.

This is only the most recent proof that the House’s process for selfinvestigation is unworkable. It took the panel two years before finally rebuking Representative Charles Rangel for multiple violations.

The solution should be obvious to all: bolster the powers of the Office of Congressional Ethics. This is the independent, nonpartisan House agency created three years ago by the then Democratic leadership in the wake of the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal.

The office has built an excellent record in performing preliminary investigations of allegations and making referrals to the Ethics Committee. But it needs subpoena power and should be able to make formal allegations. Then committee lawmakers would no longer sit ludicrously, and incompetently, as prosecutor, judge and jury of House integrity.

• The New York Times

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

20

EDITORIAL/OPINION

S

IR: It seems the prediction of a former United States Ambassador to Mr. John Campbell that Nigeria was going to break may not be a misplaced one. We have come along way for us to be divided along ethnic lines with some people regarded as northerners, southerners, indigenes, settlers and so on.

Many lives were lost as a result of our inability to become united as one people but yet we still have an ethnic and tribalistic outlook. It is often said that together we stand, divided we fall. Nigeria is no doubt dancing on the brink with the North-South divide as evident in the voting pattern during the presidential elections.

Many countries on the continent look up to us as the giant of Africa that we claim to be but we have failed to be a good example for these nations to follow. We have not been able to integrate the various ethnic groups and regions of the country.

Past and presented administrations have not been able to foster unity among over 150 million Nigerians that come from over 250 different cultures and ethnic groups. Many government laws, regulations, policies, programs and structure does not help to change the outlook of Nigerians but have further caused division among them.

Many have said we should abolish state of origin and give every Nigerian the right to live and own a land in any state of their choice.

That may be a part of the solution. But there is a need for governments to carefully consider our diversity, differing origins and opinions as well as beliefs and interests all of which are fast becoming an obstacle to our unity.

And now that the unity of our country demand urgent attention,

S

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

In search of a nation-state

leaders of government need to rise up to occasion and be alive to their responsibility of achieving national unity because tribalism, ethnicity, sectionalism, partisanship, religiosity, federal character, zoning etcetera are inflicting pains on the people.

We need to have a sovereign national conference as proposed by some nationalist where all Nigerians will decide on what basis they will continue to co-exist. Politicians can no longer run away from this.

Before now, there have been different calls by concerned citizens for true Federalism and national

unity. But insufficient attention has been paid by leaders of government to the major responsibility of achieving national unity through cohesion and integration.

It is high time leaders of government took seriously the assertion that terrorists now have a base in Nigeria. The United State may have looked the other way in order to safeguard the supply of oil from Nigeria but Nigeria may split if nothing drastic is done.

In the interim, governments must provide good governance and develop the northern part of the country in order to address the immedi-

ate grievances of the youths and Islamic sect who have vowed to make Nigeria ungovernable. We have allowed these agitations to continue without addressing them.

The deployment of military personnel and the use of force every time there is violence or attack by protesters in Nigeria has not helped to solve the cultural and ethnic crises that have been with us since independence.

All the reports of the seven judicial commissions of inquiry that were set-up to find out the immediate and remote cause of the Jos crises have not proffered a lasting

• Bolaji Samson Aregbeshola, Lagos, Lagos-State.

Are the youth corpers safe?

S

IR: After graduation, the first thing that comes to mind is to go for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.

Many prospective corps members that are connected usually get posted to their choice of state; not satisfied they also take further step by lobbying to stay in cities. Most corps members involve in this act because of the fear of fear of unknown, including at the moment that of communal violence.

The NYSC scheme involves posting of University and Polytechnic graduates for compulsory one year National Service in a state other than their state of origin. The scheme was initiated by Gen. Yakubu Gawon on 25 of May 1973, to help in promoting unity and

also to foster an atmosphere for greater integration among Nigerian youths. This is in view of the diverse heterogeneous nature of the nation. At a point, the NYSC scheme was beset with discrepancies including wrong implementation of the programme, influenced postings, inappropriate and epileptic academiccalendar, frequent riots and strikes in our higher institutions. It is lamentable that, some posting are still influenced to satisfy the whims and caprices of wellconnected serving corps members.

It is no news that majority of corps members never wanted to serve in villages but in the cities.

My argument here is that the government should abolish the NYSC programme and re-focus it to other

segment of the society, because of the rejection of corps members by some establishments today.

This call has started gaining momentum since the murder of some corpers during the last post elections violence in some part of Northern Nigeria, like Plateau, Borno, Bauchi and Niger States.

There have been argument that the NYSC scheme was established in the aftermath of civil war as a reconciliatory attempt by the ruling military dictatorship to solidify the official claim of “no victor no vanquished”.

Nigeria is no longer in a state of war, neither is the country still under military dictatorship. We Nigerians interact freely with one another at parties; through inter

Why fuel subsidy should be retained

IR: The call by the Governors Forum for the removal of fuel subsidy as a prerequisite to pay 18,000 naira minimum wage amounts to betrayal of those who elected them, the welfare of whom they promised to promote.

Fuel subsidy has been a contentious issue in the past. In a developing economy like Nigeria’s; after electricity, fuel is the next engine room for development.

solution to the over 17 years of maiming and killings in the once peaceful Plateau State. The escalation of violence in Jos over the past five years is a testament to the fact that our leaders have failed to ensure the protection of lives and property of the citizens. The spate of bomb attacks also shows that governments need to take decisive actions towards ending ethnic, religious and political violence in Nigeria.

The number of lives lost during these crises and the attempt to always downplay this number every time there is unfortunate. Nigerian political parties and politicians need to work towards ensuring the unity of our country so that the prediction of some people that “Nigeria will break or divide along its cultural/ethnic boundaries” will not come to fruition.

Power is epileptic already, if there is hike in prices of petroleum products, more industries will close shops, and unemployment would increase while social upheaval being witnessed in the country at present would escalate.

Deregulation of the downstream sector and removal of subsidy would not do the nation any good. The root of that crisis in the oil industry is the collapse of our

refineries. Nigeria is about the only country that produces crude oil for export and re-imports finished products for its domestic use. President Jonathan’s government should establish more refineries and repair grounded ones in the country to solve our energy crisis and safe the nation from self inflicted upheavals that may result from the proposed removal of fuel subsidy.

Instead of removal of subsidy on

petroleum products, Governors Forum should call for a true federalism where each state would control its affairs. In this wise, each state government would be able to negotiate the wages with its work force within the ambience of available resources.

• Adewuyi Adegbite wrote in from Apake, Ogbomoso

ethnic marriages, in public transport, in the market squares, at working places, in our schools and worship places.

Meanwhile, the recent deployment of corpers BATCH B set to some Northern part of Nigeria, most especially, to Bauchi, Borno and Plateau States is callous and uncalled for. As one of them, we are showing our fear that the BOKO HARAM sect members may likely attack us in our various camps in the country, so we are calling on the government to provide us with adequate security.

I am not denying the fact that NYSC scheme promote unity, but if government stops using huge amount of money on the NYSC scheme and should use such to revive the ailing public sector as this will provide job opportunity for the graduating students. More so, government should also provide room for training graduate on vocational jobs.

The government can prevent wastage of corps members lives that the scheme is fast turning to in the country.

• Ibrahim Muhammad Suleja 400 LEVEL Department of Mass Communication Bayero University, Kano state.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011 16

21

EDITORIAL/OPINION

Readers’ Parliament (7)

Reality Bites Y

(Expensive Folly (1) and (2)

Olatunji Ololade

OU have addressed a matter which bothered my heart greatly. Celebration of motivational speaking is founded mainly on the get-rich quick malady of our time. The lack of depth by most of them is reason why they cannot even tailor foreign opinion to meet present challenges. Motivation works for those who have found their bearing; it is not for the blind. How do you motivate a young man who has no vision but wants to be a millionaire? This is part of the decadence of our time. 08037128706.

Steve Aiyanyo. Abeokuta. Ogun State.

Mr. Olatunji Ololade, I have just finished reading your piece on motivational speakers. I enjoyed it for the bitter truth contained therein with regard to our misguided youth who are forever looking for shortcuts and props rather than face the realities of life and living. It’s a must read for my students next week.

08034027080. LKJEJE, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, Osun State.

Yes sir, most of the motivational speakers are shallow but no sir, they shouldn’t be done away. You are clearly not an entrepreneur so won’t be able to understand that a modicum sometimes will make the difference.

Please advocate instead for regulation of the trade. Ultimately, a five per cent success rate is okay.

08186054747. Funso Patrick. Abuja.

Expensive folly…just gone through your write-up. With people like you around, there is hope for Nigeria. Keep it up. 08037943652.

Sunday.

Olatunji, thanks for your article today. I have never trusted my faith in motivational speakers at home and abroad. They are worse than usedcar salesmen. Listening to an Aliko Dangote for instance can only encourage me better. There are too many unknowns in this world for mathematical deductions to be trusted. I tell my children: Workpray-work hard. 08033246068.

Engineer Tunde.

Very good write-up, many true facts but not sensitive to others’ views and religious inclination. You ended with describing favourite pastors’ literature as some retrogressive crutches, that’s not good enough. Read through some of the books and you will be shocked at the depth. Do better next time.

08033398515. Dr. Silvanus Owei.

Ololade, you spoke my mind in your column. I thought I was the only one that was concerned with the fraud that the so-called motivational

‘Olatunji, you forgot to add to your list of fraud: modern day “pastors” in various “churches” who preach prosperity daily as if that’s the sole reason for which Jesus came.

08023071877. VIC IBE’

Y

OUR Excellency, as I write this piece, a horrific awareness barks and charges at me like a rabid dog: the feeling that more than 90 per cent of those who willingly voted for you have either considered themselves failures in life or have been so considered by those with whom they share life. The one not giving what it should, the other not receiving it; non of them is in practical, real sense wrong.

Today, many in this land have failed as fathers, many more as mothers, not a few as husbands, wives, even as sons and daughters. They have failed in the roles which the society ascribes to positions they occupy consequent upon a castrating ambience which whole lot of Nigerians struggle to cope with but which is essentially overpowering.

Many an undergraduate female student of our institutions of learning have been attracted into prostitution for sheer survivalist imperative. Prostitution indeed is bad with its hordes of unsavoury ends but it offers immediate attraction over death and/or stagnation, options that may likely attend a refusal of the whoring fate.

The males take either to robbery or cultism supposedly ‘to keep the pace’. Of course, accepted social values constrain us to blame them, but on second thought, we have to admit that someone in straits, not particularly of physical insecurity but of actual material want concerning what to eat and where to shelter may not have or show readiness for any socially prescribed logic. Why has the society always looked the other way? Why cannot it provide a cushion for the serially disposed?

Your Excellency, we have read stories and encountered experiences of men who, upon being informed that their expectant wives have given birth to a set of triplets, took to their heels and raced off a blessing they considered calamitous! Their wrecked economies and ruined worth would not allow them to approach and welcome the hapless visitors. Will the unfortunate lot not have stories to tell in defence of their spontaneous ‘madness’?

We also have men who remain bachelors at fifty for material, not physiological, want and women who have been deserted by hubbies whose lives have wound to a fiasco. Some of such men and deserted women have later turned mental invalids. Dear country today inhabits whole legion of university graduates who have become examples of what education should not, but can make and has actually made, individuals in a nation where learning and knowledge have been perennially devalued. The graduates have been constituted into rejects and fallen returnees from the so-called ivory towers.

Now living a blighted after-school life, consigned to the fringes of existence, our learned sons and daughters have become what the younger ones now struggle not to be like or whose path they gleefully choose not to follow. The ‘new’ now flee school and shun the classroom consequent upon observed experiences of the ‘old’.

Your Excellency, particular statistics about the value of life of

speakers are committing in Nigeria.

All they do is regurgitate quotable quotes from foreign stars and they make money for this. I pity young Nigerians that fall for this cheap fraud. 08061198625. Suraj.

Hello mate! Quite a while! Very good outing…just going through.

Please keep it up. No disagreement on this. 08063521699. Dr. Omotoso SIB. Expensive Folly refers: simply put, you are gift to the nation by transcendental enlightenment and liberating courage. I only wish our drowning youth would ever read and accept your precept. I have written you before when you wrote about what should be the true honour our women should seek. Hope to meet you some day. 08131927550. Chris.

Auchi, Edo State.

I just read Expensive Folly (1) and I can’t help but agree with everything you said. It’s high time we youths stopped searching for relevance where there is none. 08064941239.

RE: Expensive Folly. You are not just a writer, you are an institution sir. Our main problem in Nigeria and Africa is not corruption, but “quality” ignorance across board.

08032070130. ART. You are ahead of this generation.

Your lingua and lexical gusto is immense. Just hope more people appreciate this talent. We need more of you in journalism. 08033385566.

Please my friend, your Expensive Folly (2) on the stable of Reality Bites is wonderful. Are you aware that those motivational speakers are also in churches as pastors? There, they deceive the congregation that prayer in tithe is the only ingredient to actualizing their earthly dreams. A girl who lacks those essential matrimonial qualities runs to a church with the belief that such pastors can command husbands from

the sky for her and pathetically, the pastor accepts the role knowing full well that it’s not possible. Don’t you think this is another religious fraud?

08037750540. Victor. Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Thanks for revealing the ultimate realities of life. As for the youth…those that have ears, let them hear. Keep up the good work. God bless you. 08036626976.

Olatunji, you forgot to add to your list of fraud: modern day “pastors” in various “churches” who preach prosperity daily as if that’s the sole reason for which Jesus came.

08023071877. VIC IBE. Your article, Expensive Folly is the best I have read in a while. You spoke the hard truth. I hope other Nigerians will get to read it. Keep up the good work. 08099666230. Nwachukwu.

Ibadan, Oyo State.

Great write up. I appreciate it.

08185808210.

Blame it on gullibility being a prominent aspect of the Nigerian culture. 08037285269. S.A. Alawode.

Dear Olatunji, your write-up is the gospel truth in the face of the reality we have on ground in our present day Nigeria. I believe every individual has a path in this life, it’s just for him to trace the path and pray for God’s guidance and protection every step of the way. Life has no manual. 08035744872.

Hello Olatunji, your article exposed a group of fraudsters and “foetal adults.” But I know that our young ones and even many mature adults suffer from “Hurried Life Syndrome” and this must be addressed. I think that Robert Frost calls on all who really want to make a contribution to humanity to choose to service and live with universal and timeless principles. I think there are genuine and authentic trainers who live their talk…It’s ridiculous to see

a young person talk about life when he hasn’t seen anything. Well, I guess we will always have the tares and the wheat growing together, and like you said, life itself is the greatest teacher. Keep up your good work until we meet. Yours for the best of humanity. 08033912712. Mrs. Ofovwe.

Re: Expensive Folly (2). Before now, I thought I was the only one that saw the danger in what these socalled motivational speakers are doing to the society. Thanks.

08032644356.

Olatunji, thanks for your rescue mission. I hope all the parties involved in the “Expensive Folly” could find time to read your piece.

Though I just read the second part of it, I think you did not go the full hug by noting that these “life coaches” have permeated the churches. You now hear “everything you want, He will give you” with no room for God shaping your life the way He wants.

08069394351. Pastor Chudi.

“Once you’ve solved your current problems, you will be rewarded with a whole new set of harder problems,” I have not read a crisper, more honest stuff in a long while. We have a youth population with a searing reality of intellectual poverty, folks reeking of pleasure inebriation and materialistic rum. Thus even hollow orations sound off as extraordinary, demanding the spectacle of mentally barren youths. You rock! 08035711153.

Olatunji, Expensive Folly is wonderful and thought –provoking.

Problems don’t have prototype solutions. I am sorry for we hapless unemployed (often tagged: unemployable) youths of this country that get ripped off those socalled motivational speakers.

08063656865. Dan. Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

For SMS only 08038551123

Open memo to President Jonathan

By Sulaiman Salawudeen. an average Nigerian is just as worrying. Life expectancy at birth is about 45 years, fare and square! The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) recently disclosed Nigeria occupies 20th position in the global hunger index with about 65 per cent of its citizens not having access to adequate food for a healthy and productive life. The true picture may be worse than the possibly computer contrived figures.

Our health institutions are, given the cost of care, now appear reserved for the affluent. The many who cannot afford the cost of hospital services and the cost of prescriptions simply resign to fate by resorting to other sources of care that summarily terminate dear lives. Transportation system is still in disarray and the roads network has collapsed.

The highways have become death traps not only for the terribly bad state of the often too tiny roads but also for the trucks and articulated vehicles driven mostly by sociopaths that carry valid license to steer wheels the way of death.

If a heavily-laden petrol tanker has not fallen off its path, spilling its explosive content and leaving hundreds roasted in its trails, it is another with brake failure ramming its lethal bulk into puny underdogs of cars and buses, leaving human carcasses mangled within ill-fated machines. Your Excellency, most of the roads across the country now celebrate widows, widowers, orphans and the invalid.

Agriculture, which should be a mainstay of the Nigerian economy with an untapped potential as major source of foreign earning is now lying prostrate given the traditional inattention for the sector over the years; electricity has remained a major barrier. Power generating machines have become the only choice for millions of Nigerians in such a situation with occasional attendant consequences of either loss of lives or property.

Your Excellency, the statistics of sorrow does not end here.

Lives that prove stubborn and were not lost to the combined conspiracy of poor nutrition, inadequate shelter, inappropriate healthcare, poor road network and sundry offshoots of misplaced values, get truncated either by the ‘maitatsines’ now renamed Boko Haram.

With all claims to commitments that ‘it will not be business as usual’, familiar faces have mounted the saddle again and old, un-working prescriptions given to old problems to sustain familiar malaise like the ever-spiralling inflation. Inflation has chosen to resident permanently in the space, leaving

the costs of staples eternally unfriendly.

Familiar faces familiarly purloin common treasury and claim to do all for the people, always telling sweet English that it is ‘because you know our democracy is young’. This asinine balderdash has typified many an executive defence of criminal laxity at every level of administration.

The tragedy of the ‘Bauchi 10’ and others who perished needlessly in the after-election mayhem, including those who have been slaughtered in like manner in the past uprisings in the Northern cities, is a metaphor on our collective tragedy of a fundamental miss in the grouping called Nigeria. Is it not true that after the Bauchi 10, there have been Enugu 20, Ibadan 15, Benin 30, Kano 5 and much more?

Who will give restitution to thousands that are lost to malnutrition, inadequate shelter, poor healthcare, ‘accidental’ discharges from the soldier-police camp, misguided insurgencies, misshapen roads and complementary influence of the articulated vehicles?

The agitation for a redrawing of the resource allocation formula to enable more freedom to meet basic obligations of governance at the level of the states which again brings the question of fiscal federalism is a roiling issue which cannot be wished away, Your Excellency.

Your Excellency, the SNC advocates, who are really not new, are again united and consistent on a need to examine the errors that have dogged our freedom and abbreviated our development ages.

It is a reality that has defied every rational explanation that a major oil producer in the world is placed among the 20 poorest economies and number 130 on a world poverty rating and ranks very high on transparency rating. These are ratings we have ignored and continue to ignore not only in the way politicians conduct the business of governance particularly at the federal but are ratings that challenge our very humanity.

The errors in the country have lived with us long enough.

Others before your coming were viscerally opposed to the SNC truth. Will Your Excellency still be opposed?

• Sulaiman Salawudeen, a public affairs analyst wrote in from Abuja.

‘The many who cannot afford the cost of hospital services and the cost of prescriptions simply resign to fate by resorting to other sources of care that summarily terminate dear lives. Transportation system is still in disarray and the roads network has collapsed’

22

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

EDITORIAL/OPINION ‘No evil deed will go unpunished. Any evil done by man to man will be redressed. If not now, then certainly later; if not by man then

by God, for the victory of evil over good is temporary.’

——Late Dele Giwa (Notable Nigerian journalist)

I

T is still implausible to envision that for whatever grouse against a nation, a man will vent his fury on innocent youthful souls that gathered at a summer camp on an island in Oslo, Norway, discussing how best to use their political beliefs/principles to propel their nation forward. This barbarity actually happened last Friday when Anders Behring Breivik went on a bombing and shooting rampage that left 76 people dead.

Breivik committed these acts that he voluntarily admitted were ‘atrocious’ but to him ‘necessary’ to ‘save Europe from Muslim takeover.’ Norway has traditionally been open to immigration, which has been criticised by the Progress Party, of which Breivik was a frontline short time member.

The Labour Party, whose youth camp Breivik attacked, has for long been favourably disposed to immigration population. The public concerns regarding the tripling of immigration population between 1995 and 2008 however led to the winning of 23 per cent of the votes cast in 2009 by the populist Progress Party.

Immigrants now represent roughly 10 per cent of Norway’s population of five million, and public grouse is not waning due to perceived welfare abuse as well as some highly-publicized alleged rapes. Breivik the murderer believed that he needed to carry out these acts according to him in order to send a powerful message to the ruling party and to save Norway and Western Europe from, among other things, cultural Marxism and Muslim takeover.”

As the world somberly shifted attention to the trial of this sadist whose diplomat father last saw fifteen years ago, the Norwegian authorities must realize the burden of hope placed on its shoulders by aggrieved citizens of the world that are enraged by the monstrosity of the crime against humanity committed by Breivik and as such must ensure

B

ORNO is one of the very few states in Nigeria I have never ventured into in my extended itinerary as a journalist.

Even when I strayed into neighbouring Bauchi, I never made it to Bornu, the vast Lake Chad country in the outermost Northeast fringes of Nigeria.

But I never thought Bornu any different from the typical northern state, say Sokoto for instance where I served over two decades ago.

Peace-loving and genial people who would bring us Corpers fresh fruits from their large orchards and help us fetch water from their restricted communal wells when the city taps dried up. It you were the withdrawing and reclusive specie, you will want to reside in a typical northern city or town.

But not until one fella, a big man perhaps reminds the ordinary people (most times through their Alfas) that those people they are pallying with are strangers and infidels to boot. And like remote-controlled zombies, the ‘friends’ who had shared with you , moonlighted with you and held you close to their bosom, would with equal zeal, put a shaft through you. It was a numbing paradox of extreme warmth and extreme coldbloodedness that would make an interesting study for psychologists.

Bornu therefore, had been for me, just another snake and ladder game of a northern state – very peaceful, enjoyable but could be dangerous. We lived with that. Ask my kith and kin of the east; itinerant traders, they endured the occasional flare ups. But Bornu has now matured from dangerous to hellish.

No thanks to that joker in the Maiduguri Government House for eight years. It was the most consolidated eight years of buffoonery ever known in this land. Ali Modu Sherrif was purported to be governing the state but he was laying an egg. Now we are all partaking in his evil omelette called Boko Haram which has grown from a rag-tag religious sect to a murderous, bomb-throwing terrorist mob.

Then again, there is a strong manifestation that this Boko has become a deadly haram in the hands of a few disgruntled elites of the north who have not only lost power, but have also lost the manipulative influences and privileges of power which they had enjoyed and deployed freely in the last three decades.

This Bornu boko has been hijacked by a few power merchants of the north who have come to the end of their reign but who will not let go easily. They wish to remain relevant but

Standing ovation against evil that justice is not only done but seen to have been done by reasonable men and women around the world.

Beyond the issues of hopes and justice are the twin challenges of religious stigmatization and insanity of ideological fundamentalism that have continued to create mournful barriers in the various continents of the world. Immediately the dastard event of last Friday happened, the global perception was that it was committed by the Al-Qaeda, a group of Islamic fundamentalists that has been inflicting violent acts on countries of the world especially the United States(US) through the unforgettable 9/11 attack of over eleven years ago. The world authorities erroneously assumed that bad occurrences are only traceable to Muslim jihadists whose condemnable acts have constituted a great torment to the world in recent time.

Alas! They were proved wrong as Breivik latter proved to be a Christian and an ideologue trying to halt his perceived hatred for the bourgeoning influx and influence of Muslims in Europe and particularly his home country, Norway. The aftermath revelation gotten from his confession has explicitly shown that evil has no religious, ideological, race or ethnic colouration.By this, one means that evil cuts across continents and peoples of the world. Afterall, we have seen reported in the global media, an incident where an American soldier who was not a Muslim

opened fire on fellow American soldiers in their camp. How can one describe this?

So, the fact that some disgruntled members of a particular religion have proclivity for violence does not make such their exclusive preserve. Before some will misconstrue my argument to mean a covert condoning of Islamic fundamentalists excesses, may I quickly add that as a Muslim, I despise and vehemently oppose Islamic acts by adherents that are inimical to good neighbourliness and global peace. But the truth of the matter is that most heinous acts have no regard for religion or race.

Thus the world should broaden their intelligence horizon by keeping tabs on all peoples irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliations. It is high time that we ensured the separation of evil from any religious inclination because neither Islam nor Christianity permits followership to be inflicting mindless agonies on fellow human beings no matter the circumstance or reason.

What happened in Norway can equally be attributed to failure of intelligence. This is because it was reported that months before Breivik broke loose, there were gathered intelligence that he illegally ordered the importation of chemicals from Poland. This is enough reason for that country’s highest intelligence command to keep ceaseless tab on him. But now that the killer had done his worse, it is too late in the day for anything to

EXPRESSO STEVE OSUJI

(SMS O8055001684 email: steve_osuji@yahoo.com

So there are elders in Bornu? they don’t know how any more. They are like expired drugs - potent in a negative way but about to become the bonfire of NAFDAC. They will insist we accommodate them on the shelf; that we swallow them even if they kill us. They will lob bombs at us; they will even ‘strap’ them on a few of our innocent gullible youths to make them look like the dreaded suicide bombers of Palestine.

Since they are in themselves, Haram, they will hide under Islam and give the faith a bad name. While they pretend that they are fighting the cause of Islam, they happen to be the worst specie of humanity with blood dripping from their hands (Surely they will come to judgment). They seek to make Nigeria ungovernable for the present leadership; they want to drag Nigeria to the precipice and a possible civil strive.

Now from an itinerant, semi-literate, Boko Haram, it has been morphed into a religious sect (a so-called movement) with terrorist tendencies. Since they discovered last October, the potency of explosives for causing social upheavals, they have not stopped lobbing them at the rest of us with so much relish. You had a rough day and you stopped by the nearest mammy to calm your frayed nerves with a cold bottle of something and some lunatic lobs an explosive at you. Why must you insist that what you forbid must be poison to the rest of us? Do we have to slaughter innocent people to make our point?

They have killed so much we have lost count.

They have maimed, they have damaged families, they have consigned many compatriots on the wheelchair for the rest of their lives; now they want to dialogue and they are setting tough conditions for us! They say we must withdraw the military first, we must hand them 12 states to run under Sharia

law (can anyone in Nigeria today live under strict sharia law?). And to poke a sharp object into our injury, a group known as Bornu Elders and Leaders of Thought (BELT) emerged from their ominous shadows last week to ask that the Joint Task Force (JTF) keeping the peace in Borno state be withdrawn as the major condition for peace. If this so-called leaders did not have the likes of Babagana kingibe, Muhammed Goni, Abba kyari, Maina Ma’aji Lawan, Ahmed Al-Ghazali and Ibrahim Burnu among other notables in their midst, one would have thought the group a masquerade.

But how come Bornu boasts of this calibre of elders and the state was literally turned to a wasteland in the past decade by Governor Sheriff and not one of these so-called elders made a whimper. None has as much as issued a press release to condemn the relentless killing and annihilation of our innocent compatriots by these so-called Boko Haram; especially the bombing of our police headquarters building? In Igbo land we call them snuff-nosed elders because they are full of guiles; they are manipulative. Give them a pinch of snuff and a dash of ‘sip and smile’ and they equivocate like crazy wiring confusion through an entire community. We must engage this BELT loosely.

These elders even compare Boko Haram to the Niger Delta militants and they forget that the JTF is still in the Niger Delta, in Jos, in Abia. These elders are Lucky it wasn’t Obasanjo, Abacha or even Buhari in power, they probably would be In detention now facing treason charges. Plateau state was clamped under state of emergency, Odi community in Bayelsa state and Zaki Ibiam in Benue were pulverized by soldiers all under Obasanjo’s reign. We don’t remember that

be done. This should be a lesson not only to Norway but other countries in Africa and other parts of the world to take intelligence gathering very seriously and to act on them promptly to avert catastrophe of the Norwegian magnitude.

Also, the world must forthwith start thinking of how to combat the menace that ideological fundamentalism is causing at the moment. Someone/country, under some weird influence will just wake up and start creating problems for his/its neighbours simply because he/she has chosen to carry as a burden certain extreme beliefs. At the religious, race, nation and intellectual levels, there are extremist people and countries holding views cum belief system that could not be said to have seriously contributed to the development of humanity in general.

Sadly, these two factors are increasingly developing to constitute serious threats to global peace and not much of serious attention is being paid to them.

While one enjoins the world to critical examine means through which these identified problems can be solved, it is important to commend the standing ovation against evil that happened in Norway last week. The standing global ovation is against Breivik and several others that are nursing further evil against fellow human beings.

That critical ovation should remind all evildoers that their days are numbered on planet earth.

‘At the religious, race, nation and intellectual levels, there are extremist people and countries holding views cum belief system that could not be said to have seriously contributed to the development of humanity in general’ these people bombed our police headquarters.

Well this is democracy and thank goodness we have a seemingly enlightened president now.

To Think that Kingibe once wanted to rule Nigeria, he probably will not mind ruling over 12 states. The last person who asked that a part of Nigeria be excised (Gideon Orkar) paid the ultimate price. If Kingibe and his Boko Haram zealots succeed with 12 sharia states then we shall be at liberty to run the remaining portion of Nigeria under Mosaic laws thus putting the constitution to death. Abi? Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger state hit the nail on the head when he said last week that “the social insecurity that has engulfed Nigeria is ‘planted and perpetrated’ by the elites against the larger majority of the population. We must remember that no social group can be bigger or larger than the Whole.”

Well said but Aliyu is surely addressing a few members of the northern elites here but but like his other colleagues who have spoken on this matter, he lacked the courage and conviction to say it as it is by naming and condemning evil. Yes, dialogue is good, amnesty is desired, but we must call a spade a spade first before we proceed to use it.

LAST MUG: Is NCC muscling GLO? News was abroad last week that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) forcibly locked up Glo’s Abuja office. When are we going to stop the use of brute force in settling civil matters. If Glo ran foul of the rules, the regulator’s first duty is to put all the facts in public domain for all to see and appreciate. It can then follow it up with sanctions. Any sanction but a show of muscle.

‘Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger state hit the nail on the head when he said last week that “the social insecurity that has engulfed Nigeria is ‘planted and perpetrated’ by the elites against the larger majority of the population. We must remember that no social group can be bigger or larger than the Whole.”’

2011 FEDERATION CUP GROUP STAGE

FALLOUT OF MATCH-FIXING PROBE

NFF sets Emenike in shock new date Russia switch Pg. 41

Pg. 41

Nation Friday, July 29, 2011

PAGE 23

NIGERIA/ARGENTINA FRIENDLY

Re-match will boost Eagles in big games —Siasia Pg. 41

•Siasia

2014 FIFA WORLD CUP PRELIMINARY DRAW

Visa stalls Siasia’s trip

Pg. 24

AFRICA IN MISSION TO RETAIN U-20 WORLD CUP TITLE

Pg. 24

Nigeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Mali fight to succeed Ghana Anichebe desperate to avoid injury

Pg. 24

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

24

NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

AFRICA IN MISSION TO RETAIN U-20 WORLD CUP TITLE

Nigeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Mali fight to succeed Ghana

F

OUR African sides have touched down in Colombia to contest the 2011 Under-20 World Cup, and they are all aiming to follow the example set

by Ghana in the 2009 edition of the competition held in Egypt, when the Black Meteors won the title against Brazil in a thrilling final which ended in a penalty shootout.

Cameroon, Egypt, Mali and Nigeria will have to rise above the best in the world if they are to defend the 'African' crown, with Ghana having failed to qualify for the event which begins this weekend in South America. A brief look at the four representatives from the African continent reveals that there is potential within this quartet.

CAMEROON With an early but elaborate preparation tour in Venezuela, Cameroon have shown how serious they consider the forth-coming U-20 World Cup to be, and as one of the titles still missing in their annals, they will be fully motivated to break new ground, especially after Ghana ended the jinx for African teams.

The Junior Indomitable Lions have a solid and compact outfit blessed with a robust fighting spirit that many teams seem to be lacking, but distractions, common mistakes and lack of experience have been the squad’s shortcomings of late.

South American giants Uruguay and Portugal are likely to be Cameroon’s major hurdles in Group B. However, New Zealand could offer a smooth ride for the central Africans.

The probable absence of the South Africa 2011 African Youth Championship's most valuable player, Edgar Salli, whose new club Monaco are reluctant to release him, may not be good news, but coach Martin Mpile Ndtoungou assures the team's fans that Metz player Yann Songo’o, the son of former Cameroon international goalkeeper Jacques, will be a worthwhile substitute.

EGYPT Egypt has won the African Youth Championship three times and once finished third in the U20 World Cup. They were also the third best team at South Africa 2011, and are capable of flying the continent’s colours in Colombia.

However, they are placed in Group E, which include four-time champions and three-time runners-up Brazil. Even Panama and aspiring Austria may not be easy-going for the Junior Pharaohs, who displayed weaknesses in their attacking armoury during the Youth Championship in South Africa.

Nevertheless, the possession of a well-laced and fluid midfield that blends with a steadfast defence appears to be the strength of the Egyptians.

MALI In the 1999 edition hosted by Nigeria, Mali became a sensation, reaching third place and growing into a force to reckon with in the junior category thereafter.

Of the four African teams at the tournament, the least is expected of Mali, but expectations are not always a good thing, and with nothing to lose the players can play above themselves and further cement their reputation as potent youth football developers.

Composed of many goalscorers, the junior Eagles hope to perform daring feats in a deadly Group A made up of hosts Colombia, France and South Korea.

NIGERIA With eight appearances at the U20 World Cup finals and a reputation as the most successful African team in the junior category with six titles, Nigeria are the biggest hope for the continent at Colombia 2011.

The current generation of the Flying Eagles proved their top form at the African Youth Championship last April in South Africa, where they ascended with sparkle to the final to outmatch bitter rivals Cameroon in a nerve-racking cracker.

It is also worth considering the fact that being matched up in Group D against teams like Croatia, Guatemala and Saudi Arabia statistically presents some advantage for Nigeria, who may face lesser hurdles in crossing the group stage into the knock-out phase, where their much-chided defence will be put to the test.

However, the presence of Enugu Rangers' Uche Nwofor, who was top scorer at South Africa 2011, as well as Asec Mimosas’ new wonderkid Olarenwaju Kayode, could make the Nigerian team as dreadful to play against as the big guns who now dominate the previews for the showpiece.

Mikel expecting tough year

C

HELSEA midfielder John Obi Mikel believes this season will be the toughest the club will have to win a trophy.

Although Carlo Ancelotti led the Blues to a league and cup double in his first term at Stamford Bridge, last season's trophyless campaign saw the Italian leave his post.

Portuguese tactician Andre Villas-

Boas is now at the helm, but with the likes of Manchester United and City both spending, Mikel is not expecting an easy fight.

"It will be tough to win a trophy this year, I think this will be the toughest season Chelsea will have," he told the Evening Standard.

"Everywhere teams are spending money or getting better. But Chelsea are tough, too.

"We know we need to improve but the most important thing is that we know we can improve. We should not be afraid."

Anichebe desperate to avoid injury E VERTON forward Victor Anichebe says he is desperate to get the chance to prove himself at the club without injuries getting in the way.

The 23-year-old missed much of last season after an ankle injury he picked up in pre-season and the Nigerian is chomping at the bit to play a full campaign.

“Last season I felt so good in preseason and I got injured right towards the end of pre-season,” Anichebe told the club’s official website.

“I think I took that one a lot harder that when I got injured off the tackle from Kevin Nolan.”

“I thought I was doing really well, I felt fit and strong and then I got injured.”

“It was a bitter blow to swallow but I had good friends, family and the manager who showed a lot of faith in me.

“Sometimes you need to take your mind away from football, it’s our job and we love it but there’s a lot more to think about.

“It puts things into perspective when you’re injured, it helps you learn.”

“I pray that the injuries are past me and that I can show what I’m capable of,” he added.

Anichebe, known primarily as a striker, has also been used in wide positions by David Moyes during pre-season games.

And the youngster says the experience of playing out wide is helping him develop as a footballer.

“I’ve taken playing wide in my stride, I had some good games there last year so I can’t really argue,” he said.

“Playing up front is good but the main thing is helping out the team,

O •Mikel

Visa hitch stalls Siasia's Brazil trip T

HE trip of Nigeria manager, Samson Siasia to Brazil for the preliminary draw of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying has suffered a setback, SuperSport.com has reported.

The Brazilian Embassy, it has been learnt, is yet to issue the Super Eagles

Babangida to allnigeriasoccer.com and adds: ''Kaita is talking with Beerschot on a regular basis about the situation of things.

If the club wants to terminate his contract, then it's going to be a law case. And FIFA must know about this. We are not disturbed as Kaita is not a small player.

He is an international player of repute, having played in the finals of the Olympic Games and the 2005 FIFA Under -20 World Cup. As I speak, other clubs are jostling for his signature.''

The 25-year-old central midfielder and his entourage could demand for a massive compensation from Beerschot if they fail to honor the terms of the contract signed in May.

draw is scheduled to take place this Saturday.

The African leg of the World Cup qualifying starts November 11, 2011 with a first round of 12 two-legged knock-out games.

However, Africa's five representatives will emerge in November of 2013 when the third round of five two-legged knockout matches will take place.

The world soccer governing body has announced that the 2014 Mundial will take place between June 12 and July 13 of same year.

G

RANADA FC attacker Odion Jude Ighalo says Nigerians all over the world must begin to embrace 1 GAME, the campaign against violence in football.

Ighalo told 1 GAME’s China Acheru that he had never experienced violence in football until the last league game in the Spanish second division a few months ago.

“I can’t remember any violence in football apart from the last away game in the League when we gained promotion.

“We won away from home and after the game, the Granada fans ran into the pitch in joy but fans of the home side Elche were not too happy and tried to fight me until the police came.

“It was not a big deal but I was scared at the time it was happening.

They were just angry they lost the promotion but I’m okay with that.

Its football for you,” Ighalo said.

“My name is Odion Jude Ighalo; I play for Granada CF of Spain. Let’s support 1 GAME. Let’s not be

Re-match will boost Eagles in big games –Siasia

S

UPEREAGLES coach, SamsonSiasia has declared that only matches against top nations like Argentina can help the technical crew see the players in big games and give the needed fillip for future engagements.

Confirming the encounter scheduled for September, Siasia said the team will be prosecuting the Nations Cup qualifiers fixtures against Madagascar, after which they will be expected to travel to Bangladesh for the high profile match. The Madagascar match will be coming two days earlier on September 4 and the thought of flying 17 hours to Asia for the game had troubled the team.

"We have taken a look at the game and we feel playing Argentina again will not hurt us. Also, we feel it is a chance for us to continue to see our players in big games.

At the same time we, the coaches and players, will learn from the game (against

O

RLANDO Pirates have agreed mutual termination of their contract with the Nigerian striker Ezenwa Otorogu.

The forward is now free to join any team of his choosing after a disappointing year with the Buccaneers where he failed to live up to his reputation.

A previous African Champions League competition with Enyimba, he moved to Club Africain in Tunisia before joining Pirates. He also played for Nigeria at the 2006 Beach Soccer World Cup in Rio de Janeiro.

The Buccaneers held out high hopes for him but even though they won the league and played in the cup finals, Otorogu’s impact was minimal.

The striker, who claimed an age of 24 but is older than based on previous registration in CAF competition, scored four goals in 11 League and Cup appearances last season. He featured in the MTN8 final against Moroka Swallows and also got a derby goal for Pirates.

But he failed to find the back of the net after his last goal against Swallows on December 18.

head coach, Siasia, a traveling visa to the South American country.

It is feared that the delay might scupper Siasia's plan to leave the shores of Nigeria to attend the World Cup draws expected to hold at the Marina da Gloria, Rio de Janeiro.

The 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying

Ighalo signs up for anti-violence campaign

NIGERIA/ARGENTINA FRIENDLY

Otorogu out of Pirates

Sani Kaita threatens Beerschot with FIFA NE of the biggest transfer dramas in the summer market is about to unfold, and it involves a Nigerian player, former Kano Pillars midfielder Sani Kaita. This is a story of intrigue. Beerschot representatives including Vanoppen Patrick, President of the club have reportedly said Kaita was no longer needed at the Jupiler League club.

Allnigeriasoccer.com contacted one of Kaita's representatives, Tijani Babangida to provide an update on the transfer situation of the Nigeria international . ''This is a surprise to me, I must confess.

Sani (Kaita) signed a contract with Beerschot in May, and the club officials know his passport is at the Belgium Embassy awaiting a work permit visa, '' says

I haven’t got a preference, playing wide is a lot harder than up front but I don’t mind.

“It’s really demanding playing wide, sometimes from the outside you see other people doing it and you think it’s not that hard but when you get put into that position it is.

“I played on the wing against Spurs and I was having to chase down Gareth Bale.

“It was crazy but it’s about breaking those boundaries.”

Injury restricted Anichebe to just eighteen appearances for the Toffees last year, and he has not scored for the club since the 2009-10 season.

2014 WORLD CUP PRELIMINARY DRAW

Argentina)."

"The plan is to leave Madagascar after our Nations Cup qualifier aboard a private plane for Bangladesh. So instead of taking a commercial flight that will mean traveling from one place to the other,” he said. Arising from the uncertainty which surrounded the first leg which ended 4-1 in Abuja, the September clash will however put to rest the resultant speculations as both sides will be fielding their best legs.

The South Americans were without star players Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez and Angel Di Maria when they were pummeled in the earlier game in June.

They, however, did their reputation no good when they failed to impress at the Copa America which they recently hosted, and will hope to use the game to restore their pride.

FALLOUT OF MATCH-FIXING PROBE

Emenike in shock Russia switch

T

URKISH champions Fenerbache have begun talks with Russian clubs Rubin Kazan and Spartak Moscow to offload Nigeria striker Emmanuel Emenike.

Fenerbache signed the big Nigeria international from another Turkish club Karabukspor in the summer for a fee believed to be around nine million Euros, but have now agreed to offload him abroad even before he has kicked a ball in a competitive game for them.

Emenike’s sudden switch to Russia may not be unconnected with the scandals surrounding him in Turkey lately.

The explosive 24-year-old striker was recently arrested in a match-fixing probe

of the Turkish league, but would later be freed for lack of evidence.

And before then, he was involved in an age row in which it was alleged he was much older than he claims he is.

According to Lig TV, Fenerbache have officially opened transfer negotiations with both Rubin Kazan and Spartak Moscow in respect of the Nigeria striker.

At Rubin Kazan he will be in good company as compatriot Obafemi Martins has returned to the Russian big spenders after he was sidelined by a shin injury that needed surgery.

While another Nigeria international forward, Obinna Nsofor is at Locomotiv Moscow.

NBIENE TO FEDERATIONS:

•Emenike

Utilise world class Port Harcourt facilities

A

member of the Presidential Committee on the Revival of Academical Sports in Nigeria, Godwin Nbiene has advised the various Sports Federations in the country to utilise the world class facilities provided for the just concluded National Sports Festival in Port Harcourt to train their athletes towards the All African games holding in Mozambique later in the year.

Speaking to Sports writers in Abuja on Thursday, the member who is the Swimming Sub Committee Chairman, said the swimming pool in the complex has all it takes to develop swimmers that will win laurels for the country in international events. According to him, " the highest medal wiinning event in any sporting competition in the world is swimming. Successes in any sporting event in the world is often decided by the

41

violent.”

Born on 16 June 1989, in Lagos, Nigeria, Ighalo made his debut for Lyn Oslo on 16 September 2007 against Viking having transferred from Julius Berger in Nigeria. After only 10 months in Norway he moved to Italy and signed a 5-year contract with Serie A side Udinese for a record fee of US$2, 8 million.

In July 2009, he was loaned out to Spanish side Granada CF. During the 2010-11 season, Ighalo helped Granada to gain promotion to La Liga as he scored in a 1-1 draw with Elche CF in the promotion playoffs which sent Granada to the first division on the away goals rule.

He played for Nigeria’s Flying Eagles at the FIFA U20 World Cup hosted by Egypt in 2009.

2011 FEDERATION CUP GROUP STAGE

NFF sets new date T HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has slated the group stage of this year’s Federation Cup competition for 4th – 9th August. The competition will hold in four centres of Uyo, Gombe, Enugu and Ilorin as previously designated and the draw remains unchanged.

Chief Sports Officer Umar Kontagora explained that the group phase competition had to be postponed from the earlier date of 20th -24th July as a result of the participation of Nigerian clubs in continental competitions.

Enyimba FC of Aba will take on Cotonsport Garoua in Cameroon in the CAF Champions League this weekend, just as Sunshine Stars play JS Kabylie in Algeria and Kaduna United are in Tunis to tackle Club Africain in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Now, the quarter final matches billed for the same four centres will now be played on 17th August with the semi finals in Kano and Abeokuta cities scheduled for 20th August. The third place and final matches are to take place at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos at a date to be confirmed.

For the group stage, Uyo is Group A to host Cup holders Kaduna United FC, Sharks FC of Port Harcourt, Sunshine Stars of Akure and Bayelsa United FC, while Enugu Rangers, Warri Wolves, UniCem Rovers of Calabar and Ocean Boys will play in Group B in Gombe.

Kwara United, Heartland of Owerri, Rising Stars of Akure, Spotlite of Katsina and Dekina Dragons of Kogi are in Group C with centre in Enugu while Ilorin is Group D to host Enyimba FC, Dolphin FC, Gombe United and Akwa United of Uyo.

CAF CONFEDERATION CUP

Sunshine Stars ready for JSK battle

N

IGERIA Premier League (NPL) side, Sunshine Stars, are ready to go up against Algeria's JS Kabylie at the Stade du 1er Novembre 1954 in Tizi-Ouzou on Friday.

The game in Algeria is one of the matchday two ties of the 2011 Orange CAF Confederation Cup. Gbenga Ogunbote's Sunshine Stars lead Group B by goals difference after beating DC Motema Pembe of DR Congo on day

From Patrick Ngwaogu and Andrew Abah, Abuja number of medals won by participating countries, and , take it or leave it swimming medals decide over all winners of world sporting competitions".

He said that the rebirth of the National Academicals Sports Competition for selected sports, swimming inclusive, is the greatest thing to happen to our sports development in the country since independence.

He was full of praises for President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan who initiator the programme and Segun Odegbami for the energy he is investing in the revival programme. He said that the Garden City facilities should be seen as a development centre for Nigerian youths.

•Ighalo

•Ogunbote

one in Ijebu-Ode by 2-0 on July 16.

On same day, their matchday two opponents, JS Kabylie grind out a lone goal win at Maghreb de Fes of Morocco.

Ogunbote, acknowledged to SuperSport.com before their trip to TiziOuzou that it will be a tough tie against the Algerian club.

The former Gateway FC manager added that his men will have to step up their game for Friday's clash with JS Kabylie.

"Of course we expect a tough game from them. They won their first game and away too. So that means we will have to be at our best in Algeria," Ogunbote said.

On the absence of suspended attacking midfielder, Ibrahim Ajani, the Sunshine Stars' trainer is confident that his side can ride on without the petite player's influence on the pitch.

"The team can cope without him. We have played in the league this year without him when he travelled out, and we did well. So this team isn't a one-man team," Ogunbote told SuperSport.com.

Ogunbote is optimistic that his side can upset the apple cart on Friday when they face their more illustrious opponents in Africa's second tier club competition.

"This is football. Anything can happen, and we can win in Algeria," the coach said.

Annnaul report

CRIME

Residents lament growing crime rate Lagos

SEMINAR

RETREAT

A workshop on water

First Lady and governors’ wives

38

Cross River 39

FRIDAY JULY 29 2011

Anambra

40

Page 25

Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

• The Agadagba receives his subjects and their presents

Community celebrates return of peace G

BARAMATU Kingdom, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, has celebrated three years of peace since its heavy bombardment by the Joint Task Force (JTF).

It also coincided with the third anniversary of the coronation of His Royal Highness Ogeh Gbaraun III, the Agadagba of Gbaramatu. The

Gbaramatu remembers end of JTF fire Monarch marks anniversary From Shola O’Neil, Warri

kingdom is one of the oldest Ijaw monarchies.

The king’s subjects rolled out the drums in weeklong festivities,

which featured series of dancing by troupes from the various communities and clans that make up the popular kingdom. They paid homage to the monarch.

The monarch had barely ascended the throne when the kingdom came under severe fire in 2009. It was the greatest calamity ever in the history of the people. The imposing edifice housing the king’s palace and his guest house were among the landmark buildings destroyed in the invasion. Virtually everyone suffered losses. Ijaw towns like Okerenkoko, Kuruntie, Kunukunuma were pul-

verized. Even more perplexing was the bombing of Oporoza, the historical and traditional headquarters of the kingdom. The king was forced to run for dear life, a development that traumatised the people of the oil-rich kingdom for several months while he stayed outside his throne.

•Continued on Page 26

'Corps members should not be discriminated against'

I

MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha has told employers of labour and everyone else to give members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posted to the state the best reception, and not to discriminate against them.

Okorocha who stated this during the end of the 2011 Batch 'B' orientation course for corps members deployed to the state at the NYSC orientation camp at Umudi, Nkwerre LGA, Imo state, also enjoined corps members to key into what he called the rescue mission of

From Emma Mgbeahuruike, Owerri

his administration by contributing positively to the development of the state.

The governor reminded the corps members of the need to imbibe discipline as their watchword in their place of assignment. He also urged them to shun any act capable of ruining their career, as they represent the future of the country.

He promised that his government will soon embark on the total rehabilitation of the state orientation camp or relocate it to a more befit-

ting site.

Okorocha further assured them of the usual warmth and hospitality of the people of Imo State.

Earlier in her address, the coordinator of NYSC in Imo state, Mrs. Chinwe Ojukwu expressed the readiness of scheme in the state to join the vanguard of the transformation train in any capacity deemed fit by the state government.

She urged the governor to rescue NYSC in Imo state by responding to the numerous

challenges faced over the years especially the deplorable state of the camp.

In his remarks, the chairman of NYSC Governing council and commissioner for Youths and Sports in the state, Comrade Keneth Emelu said that 2,122 corps members posted in the state participated actively in all the camp activities.

He urged corps members to be honest and show dedication in their places of primary assignment promising that the state government will do everything to ensure their safety.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

26

Chime hails firm on services

E

NUGU State Governor Sullivan Chime has praised telecoms firm Globacom for providing services that have improved people's lives in the state.

He also promised that his administration will provide the enabling environment for investors who will boost capacity in the state.

Chime made the promise when he received the management team of the company led by its Business Director, Dr. Bince Dimkpa, at the Government House.

The governor said the telecoms firm has touched positively people's lives, adding that the government and people of the state will continue to support and encourage

From Chris Oji, Enugu

it.

The leader of the team Dr. Dimkpa told the governor that Enugu, as the zonal headquarters of Globacom's Southeast operations, occupies a very strategic place in the company's business structure.

Enugu Dimkpa said one of the first cities where the company launched its services and that it had ever since then, continued to expand and improve on its effective and efficient services to all her subscribers.

"Since then, we have pursued with vigour the total coverage of the state and the entire region," he said. "We have continued to roll out services in areas seemingly too remote to be considered by competition especially distant villages and communities".

Dimkpa told the governor that the firm has commissioned optic fibre links across the Southeast states, adding that its 3G equipment will make for faster and reliable internet connectivity.

He also congratulated Chime on his inauguration for a second term in office and thanked him for the

•Chime (left) and Dimkpa at the meeting

giant strides taken in bringing development to the people of the state.

Jobs for youths as firm re-tools NEMPLOYED youths in Warri and neighbouring communities in Delta State stand to benefit from a local oil company which has just acquired a hightech drilling equipment.

FENOG Nigeria Limited, an indigenous oil servicing company based in the oil city, acquired the latest Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) rig valued at over $40 million.

Unemployment is as much a challenge in the state as it is in other parts of the country, but the locals believe the acquisition of the HDD rig will help thin down the population of jobless young people in the community.

The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Mr. Ernest Nwapa, who was on hand at the company's premises along with representatives of oil majors, said the move by the firm will put some pressure on other companies to comply with the Nigerian Local Content Act. The HDD was designed to bury pipes across the river and drill in addition to laying up to 5.5km per stretch of pipes to a depth of 100 metres.

Nwapa in his speech after inaugurating the newly acquired HDD

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•Nwapa (second left), and Tonlagha (secon right) and others at the inauguration of the new rig in Warri •Continued from page 25 But the trauma of the invasion and the destruction that followed was replaced by joy and thanksgiving as the people celebrated the return of peace, stability and growing prosperity once again on that beautiful Thursday.

Radiating joy, the Agadagba, said, “We are glad that we are alive to-

• Traditional chiefs at the event

Community celebrates return of peace day and that is why we celebrating.

This celebration is particularly unique to us because we have peace and we are united. Our peace and unity is our strength so I urge my people to remain calm and seek the peace of our kingdom.”

Also speaking, a prominent titleholder, Chief Alfred Bubor, who is the Fiowei, (Mouthpiece and spokesman of Gbaramatu Kingdom) described the recent celebration as a joyful one for his kinsmen and their monarch.

He said, “This anniversary is unique to us because when we gathered two years ago; the JTF attacked us and many lives were lost. Today we are happy, peace has returned; the reign of our king has taken us to a great height. We are united, we have gone through pains and now we are moving on. We call on the government to act and see to the completion of the rebuilding process; we are peace loving people but we hate oppression.”

Chief Jonathan Derigbaghan, Chief Alfred Bubor, Chief Thomas Ekpemupolo, Chief Dennis Otuaro, Chief (Mrs.) Vero Tangbowei, Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Ekpemupolo, Chief (Mrs.) Esther Ogoba, Chief (Mrs.) Ewo Ekpemupolo, Chief (Mrs.) Ogwa Bebenimibo and Chief (Mrs.) Margaret Derigboghan were among the chiefs who graced the occasion.

From Shola O'Neil, Warri

equipment which FENOG said is the first in Africa, said the government should protect indigenous investors in the oil industry.

He added, “What I simply want to do is to congratulate FENOG as a company and say that Nigerians should be proud that things like this are happening in the country. I know that 18 years ago it would not have been possible and attractive for a Nigerian to go out and say he wants to buy this kind of equipment because he would run out of business before he even started. But I thank God that with the new vision of the President, Nigerians can now be bold and we want to participate, not as agents, not as leasers and borrowers of equipment, but as owners of equipments.

“So what companies like FENOG want from us (Federal Government) now is to help drive the industry to begin to use this facility, and that is why we came here not only as the Nigerian Content Board but with people who are in facility and procurement from the oil companies.

Now we have seen and we can touch and feel it. We have also seen the design and what we need to do is to back and continue to work with you and see how we can demonstrate that with efforts from both sides that it can become a reality.”

A director in the company, Mr. Matthew Tonlagha said: “It is not just the PD 500 that the company had acquired,” adding that Fenog also aggressively moved into shallow and Deep Water operations by its acquisition of “Akpevweoghene Derrick Lay Barge” meant for the construction of platforms, heavy lifting and laying of pipelines in both shallow and deep waters.

The company’s Group General Manager, Mr. Bello Oboh urged government to enforce the implementation of the Local Content Act. “Local companies like FENOG Nigeria Limited should be encouraged to participate actively in the oil and gas industry. When we are encouraged, development will spread to all parts of the oil-rich Niger Delta region and our army of unemployed youths will be employed,” he said.

THE NATION

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

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Chime promises to promote sports

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•Chime

OVERNOR Sullivan Chime of Enugu State has promised to assist the Enugu Sports Club to promote sports in the state.

For the actualisation of this objective, the governor has assured the club of his administration’s continuous assistance.

Chime, who is the president of the club, spoke during the inauguration of Richard Agu as the new Executive Chairman of the club.

The governor said, at 82, the club’s impact on the development of sports had been tremendous.

He hailed the achievements of the past executive of the club, especially in maintaining the structures and keeping alive the aims and objectives of her founding fathers.

Lawmaker laments destruction of farm lands

member of the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Luck Chukwu has condemned the recent gas flaring that rocked Obitti, Awara, Umukanne, Ilile communities in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of the state .

Hon. Chukwu who represents Ohaji/ Egbema state constituency stated this while interacting with stakeholders from his constituency.

He stressed that gas flaring which resulted from burst pipes are responsible for the oil spillage within the locality which has affected farm lands in the area.

The lawmaker expressed his dissatisfaction over the destruction of lands, even as he lamented that crops and economic trees planted in the farms worth millions of Naira were destroyed. He noted that members of the communities are finding it difficult to have access to their other lands due to the intensity of heat emanating from the flare.

He further stated that gas flaring has been a reoccurring decimal which has affected the people drastically. He also revealed that in

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Imo From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

the past, some communities in his constituency were always being affected by one form of environmental hazard or the other. These he enumerated to include oil spillage, gas flaring, and water pollution, among others.

Hon. Chukwu recalled an incidence of oil spill that occurred in Opuoma Local Government Area last year which resulted from rust pipes.

He promised to summon the company responsible for the flare before the House.

The legislator expressed his regrets over the level of underdevelopment in the oilproducing communities of Ohaji/Egbema.

He blamed previous administrations for their nonchalance in addressing the challenges in the oil-rich area, adding that he would use his position to remedy the situation.

Publisher donates books to schools

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HE libraries of four primary and secondary schools in Benin-City received a boost with books worth over N1.2m donated to them by Literamed Publication Nigeria Limited, publishers of Lantern Books.

The donation is coming few weeks after books worth N300, 000 were donated to four schools in the state.

Chairman/Managing Director of Literamed Publication Otunba Lawal Solarin said the organisation aimed at stocking schools’ libraries with up-to-date books to help revive reading culture among pupils and students.

Otunba Solarin, who was represented by the Zonal Sales Manager for Edo, Delta, and Ondo states, said the gesture was part of the organisation’s efforts to collaborate with the Federal Government’s initiative at improving reading culture in schools.

He said: “When, in December last year, the Federal Government came up with the “Bring Back the Book Project” initiative which was launched by President Goodluck Jonathan, we at Lantern keyed into the project by collaborating with the Federal Government’s initiative. So far, we have donated copies of our learning books of the Primary to Secondary

Edo From Osagie Otabor, Benin

classes to different benefiting schools.

“We are committed to improving the use of libraries by students in both public and private schools beginning from the primary school level to the secondary.”

He explained that the books are in line with the approved curriculum for use in Nigeria schools for the child’s over all physical and mental development.

Heads of two of the benefitting schools in this phase, Elder Osayande Daniel of Jadirz Nursery/Primary School, and Mrs Adun Ifueko of Federal Staff Schools (F.S.S), both in Benin-City expressed thanks to the publishers of Lantern Books.

They maintained that through the donation of the learning books to the schools’ libraries, students will be encouraged to be visiting library facilities as well as making effective use of them. They added that the books will, in no little way, aid in the overall development of the child and by extension the larger society.

BIA State Commissioner for Education Mrs Monica Philips has said the state Ministry of Education would retrain its teachers to enhance their productivity.

She said some teachers were out of tune with the modern system of teaching, adding that she would equip them for the challenges ahead.

Addressing reporters in Umuahia, Mrs Philips said she would also introduce vocational teachers to prepare the pupils for tomorrow.

Philips, who harped on the significance of cleanliness, said: “Cleanliness is next to Godliness. We have to keep our working environment clean.”

She said the handing over of some schools to their original owners was aimed at improving the falling standard of education.

Enugu He said: “We are proud of your achievements in this club over the years. I am also proud to be part of this ceremony which provided relaxation for our members and their guests. As a government, we will continue to identify with the club to promote sports in the state.”

Agu thanked members for returning him to the office unopposed and promised to justify the confidence reposed in him.

He said: “We will continue in the finest tradition of our predecessors. We are, therefore, faced with the challenge of living up to expectations.”

Agu commended Governor Chime for his interest in the club and the development of the state.

He said his administration would partner with the Enugu State Sports Council, introduce new games and promote the existing ones in the club.

Agu urged the governor to help them check the encroachment on their golf course by land speculators.

Highlight of the ceremony was the inauguration of members of the club executive and sub-committees.

Vehicle owners warned Victoria Island Division Hq Lagos 1. Toyota Avanon FU 149 EKY 2. BMW Car AM 528 UYY 3. M/Benz Car 350 EJ 704 AAA 4. Honda Accord 86 AE 954 SBG 5. Ford Jeep Pickup unregistered 6. Hyundai Car AH 809 KTU 7. Nissan Car unregistered Okota/Isolo Division Lagos 8. M/Benz Car 9. Toyota Car LA 942 AY Alapere Division 1. Scrap 505 car Reg. BG 933 AAA 2. Scrap Nissan Sunny Car BH 566 KWL 3. Scrap Peugeot 306 car Accident 4. Mercedes Benz LA 5226 MT 5. Scrap Nissan Dasun BT 370 EKY Ikotun Division Mitsubushi Gallant Car BF 224 EKY Nissan Sunny CU 464 ABS Mercedez Benz EQ 56 AAA Maroko Division Toyota Camry BT 847 KRD Santana XA 701FUF Toyota Hilux AE 708 KJA Isuzu Pick-up AH 68 KAK Nissan Pick-up BY 388GGE

NSE advises Okorocha Imo •From left: Member, Mbaise People’s Congress, Mr. Andy Nke Nkemneme, Chairman, Mbaise People’s Congress, Mr. Charles Chukwu and Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha during the Mbaise People’s Congress courtesy visit on the Deputy Speaker at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja

US envoy advises Niger Delta youths

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HE Consular-General of the United States of America Mr. Joseph D. Stafford has advised youth groups under the auspices of Niger Delta Christian Movement and Global Network for Justice, Democracy and Good Governance to see dialogue as the only means to sustain the country’s democracy instead of taking to violence as means to solving disputes.

Stafford gave this advice at Ughelli North Local Government Area when he paid a courtesy visit on the group recently. He said as youths, they are the representatives of the Niger Delta region and the future leaders of Nigeria, saying it was in place if they could discourage all forms of anti-social vices.

“We congratulated Mr. President when he won as the president of this country and even those who lost, we still congratulated them because that is the beauty of democracy. We did this because United States of America was in support of the electoral process even while we were neutral. What we are saying is that Nigerians should learn how to adapt to dialogue if the country must move to the next level of development,” he said.

He said the only gateway for Nigeria to

Delta From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Ughelli

sustain her democracy is for the country to adapt dialogue in every circumstance instead of resorting to violence in trying to sort out differences, even as he added that leadership training, youth empowerment and dialogue are tools of good governance.

Earlier, the leader of the youth group Comrade Rex Anighoro who commended the US Consular-General for the courtesy visit said he appreciated the American envoy in his nomination to participate in the prestigious United States Department of International Visitors’ Leadership Programme of building friendship with youths across the world.

Anighoro said the group is committed to the pursuit of good governance and that democracy has been their major challenge.

He said for the 12 years of democracy in Nigeria, Delta State has suffered a major setback in the area of administration, even as it has been gripped by corruption.

T

T

• A maritime lawyer, Mrs Jean Chiazor Anishere and Chairman, Indigenous Shipowners Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Chief Isaac Jolapo, during her 50th birthday thanksgiving Service at Shalom International Christian Church, Gbagada, Lagos

Abia From Ugochukwu Eke, Umuahia

Philips said the measure was in response to request by the affected churches, (owners) adding that it was part of government’s efforts to improve the standard of education as well as ensure sound moral upbringing of pupils.

She assured that the five core subjects enshrined in the new education curriculum would be taught in schools every day.

Philips decried the bushy nature of the secretariat which houses the education ministry. She said she had embarked on aggressive sanitation of the environment.

•Governor Orji She further said she was championing the sanitation campaign because the education ministry teaches hygiene.

T

HE Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Imo State chapter has cautioned the populace to beware of fake Engineers, even as it called on Governor Rochas Okorocha to make use of the right professionals.

This admonition was given recently by the state chairman of NSE, Remy Uche while addressing journalists in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

The group urged Governor Okorocha to ensure the right caliber of professionals are given opportunities to man core ministries such as Ministry of Works, Petroleum and Public Utilities, in order to ensure the realisation of the Rescue Mission agenda of the governor.

The group further said that for the rescue mission to be successful within the period of Okorocha’s administration there is need for him to consider the views of the engineers in the state and put to work whatever piece of advice they proffer, since they are talking from professional viewpoint.

“We call on Governor Okorocha to place a square peg in a square hole. Let the governor know that there are key ministries that have strong bearing on engineering and engineering principles. No other professional will see it the way it is designed to function for the common good except engineers.

“Among those ministries are Ministry of Works, Ministry of Public Utilities and Rural Development and Ministry of Petroleum.

However, Ministry of Works is most critical and therefore should be superintended by a registered engineer.”

He described as unfortunate a situation in which the engineering profession is the one that has the highest number of quacks.

Uche regretted that these quacks are everywhere including government circles, adding that today, bicycle and watch repairers as well as motorcycle mechanics are regarded

Briefly

200 traffic marshals graduate in Anambra

•The Executive Chairman, Ikeja Local Government Hon. ‘Wale Odunlami (right) receiving an Award of Excellence from an official of the National Concerned Human Rights Group

Commission appeals to Okorocha over intending pilgrims HE Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission has appealed to Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha to sponsor the indigent who are willing to be part of this year’s pilgrimage to Israel. This request was made when the members of the commission visited the governor as part of their sensitisation tours to the state for 2011 Christian pilgrimage.

The delegation, which was led by the Director-General of the commission, Mr. John Kennedy Okpara stressed that this year’s pilgrimage has already commenced, and the pilgrims would be touring 30 Holy Lands including Rome.

Mr. Okpara, who urged Governor

Abia to retrain teachers

From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

Imo plans institute on political studies

O ensure that its citizens receive proper orientation in political and leadership matters, the Imo State Government is set to establish an institution for political understanding where citizens gunning for position of authority would acquire adequate orientation.

Governor Rochas Okorocha disclosed this while addressing Imo Stakeholders Forum in Owerri, Imo State capital. He condemned the lack of direction and good conduct among political office holders. He pointed out that leaders’ lack of commitment to the well-being of the people was as a result of lack of political education, even as he stressed that people hoping to hold political offices would undergo such training to get them acquainted with the rudiments of such office.

“At the local government areas, corruption was at its peak. There were many ghost workers brought in by past administrations and political godfathers who do not work but earn salaries even with the exit of their masters,” he said.

37

Okorocha to ensure that Imo pilgrims were registered at the peak days scheduled for the programme and also air-lifted alongside with their colleagues, stated that 600 pilgrim are expected from Imo State.

He recalled that Governor Okorocha has been part of the sponsorship of the Christian Pilgrim Commission. He therefore urged him to call on philanthropists and religious organisations in the state to assist in sponsoring pilgrims for the programme which he said has spiritual reward.

Mr. Okpara noted that the state requires prayers of pilgrims in Israel to assist in the Rescue Agenda, adding that the commission has appealed to the Federal Government for a considerable reduction of the exchange rate,

Imo From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

so as to enable them to have hitch-free travel.

Replying, Governor Okorocha expressed satisfaction with the operations of the commission.

He noted that pilgrimage has helped to strengthen the faith of Christians. He promised to dialogue with appropriate authorities to ensure prompt registration and sponsorship of Imo pilgrims, adding that opportunity would be given to the lessprivileged to make the trip.

THE Anambra State Government has graduated 200 traffic marshals to help in decongesting Onitsha and its environs.

The marshals received an intensive paramilitary training.

Commissioner for Special Duties and Transport, Robert Nwankwo, who represented Governor Peter Obi at the event, said 200 marshals are still receiving training.

He said the deployment of the marshals would mark a new era of civility in dealing with the public.

But the people fear the ability of the marshals to live above pecuniary interests and sanitise the chaotic traffic situation in Onitsha.

Coordinator of Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), Rev Martin Onukwuba, who witnessed the graduation, described it as a healthy development.

But Nwankwo, who oversees the agency, said:” This is a “re-branded” Anambra State Traffic Agency (ASTA). Nobody is expected to give gratifications to the marshals.”

The commissioner said the penalty for a major obstruction is N5, 000 which must be paid within two hours through the designated banks.

He urged the people to report violent groups to the police.

• From left: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, Chief Osaro Idah, Secretary, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Edo State and Chief Thomas Okosun, ACN leader at a rally to receive Mr Nosa Adams, State Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and others who decamped to the ACN in Benin-City

Rep calls for special status for Lagos

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member of the House of Representatives Deji Jakande has lamented the neglect of Lagos by the Federal Government, even as he said that the neglect was unjust and an affront on the metropolis.

Jakande said that Lagos as the former federal capital deserved a special status as the commercial nerve centre of the country. He urged the Federal Government to publicly declare its position on the clamour.

The lawmaker from Somolu Constituency spoke on the plight of Lagos and indisposition of the Federal Government to its welfare by successive administrations at a ceremony marking the 82nd birthday of his father and former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande.

He wondered why eminent Nigerians from across the federation who have private residence, property and businesses in the city have kept a sealed lip on the challenges confronting the city.

Jakande pointed out that the burden of governing Lagos State has increased because the city has continued to play host to representatives of all families in Nigeria.

He said: “Lagos is a mini-Nigeria. There is

By Emmanuel Oladesu

pressure on social infrastructure in this state.

Our state shoulders enormous national responsibilities. In our schools, children from all the ethnic nationalities are well represented. Niger Delta whether we accept it or not, has been given recognition because of oil. Lagos generates the highest Value Added Tax, accommodates all and sundry and serves as the economic capital, but it is denied a special recognition and status. This is not just.”

The lawmaker complained that the poor state of federal roads in Lagos State compounded the flooding that threatened the state during the recent heavy down pour.

He said successive Federal Governments have reneged on the promise to develop Lagos simultaneously along with Abuja when the national administrative headquarter was finally relocated by Babangida regime.

Jakande blamed the military administrations for stifling grassroots development in Lagos State by preventing attempts to create more local governments at a time when villages were upgraded into councils in other privileged parts of the country.

•From left: Chief Lawrence Ogunka , Globacom Territorial Head, South, Mr Charles Odiase, chairman of the occasion, the Mayor of Port Harcourt, Hon. Chimbiko Akarolo, a representative of the community and Mrs Ogunka

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

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PEOPLE THE NATION

A SIX-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

Friday, July 22, at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos were dignitaries from all walks of life who joined the legal luminary, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), in marking 20 years of being in the Inner Bar of the legal profession with the presentation of two volumes of his books: “The voice of law: thoughts and speeches of Wole Olanipekun (SAN).” SEYI ODEWALE was there

•Tambuwal (right) Chief Olanipekun and his wife, Omolara

When Olanipekun stood before kings I

T was a crowd only a great silk would have pulled. Frontline politicians, pro-

fessionals, including first class businessmen, exceptional lawyers and, of course, the royalty were in attendance. Wole Olanipekun, a chief and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), stood tall as they eulogised him. Beside him was his pretty wife, Princess Omolara.

It was all at the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Olanipekun’s being called to the Inner Bar- the front row to a courtroom reserved for Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

Two volumes of a book: “The Voice of Law: thoughts and speeches of Wole Olanipekun (SAN)”, were presented on the occasion. His lawyer colleagues came in solidarity, while the politicians were there in appreciation of the legal battles he waged on their behalf.

The Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos glowed that Friday afternoon as the guests strode in one after the other. Olanipekun, all smiles, welcomed the personalities in company of his wife, Princess Omolara.

There was time for speeches. And the

guests were effusive in their praises of Olanipekun.

The master of ceremonies, ace broadcaster Bisi Olatilo, set the tone for the day’s business. Olatilo, a polyglot, won the hearts of many with his handling of the event.

He invited the chairman of the occasion, a former Head of the Interim National Government (ING), Chief Ernest Shonekan, GCFR, to the high table to be with Olanipekun and his wife. Joining Shonekan was the books’ presenter and a former Minister of Health, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi.

Others called to the high table were the books’ chief launcher, Mr Greg Uanseru, President, GCA Energy and the Nigerian Bar Association President, Mr Joseph Daudu.

Shonekan acknowledged that the height reached by Olanipekun in legal profession was no doubt, made possible by his hard work, doggedness, sacrifices and, of course, devotion and commitment to excellence. He then recommended the virtues to young aspiring lawyers. “As it is widely said, no elevator to success, you just have to climb the stairs,” he said.

Just as Shonekan was starting his address, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Limidi Adeyemi,

walked into the hall with his royal entourage, accompanied by his trumpeter.

Shonekan stopped to acknowledge the royal presence of the monarch whom he described as his father-in-law, since he married an Oyo woman. The monarch, spotting his Abeti-Aja cap and flowing Aso Oke, with a horse tail in his hand, took his seat.

The former Head of State continued: “It is gratifying to know that the man we are celebrating today has offered himself for service at various levels of service. He has served as the President, Nigerian Bar Association, where he excelled.”

He quoted Proverbs, Chapter 22: 29 to drive home his assessment of Olanipekun’s industry. The books, he said, were apt as they show Olanipekun as a man who would never keep quiet in the face of evil.

Introducing the books’ reviewer, Prof Oyelowo Oyewo, Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Olatilo glanced through his citation and described him as someone better suited for the job.

Oyewo considered the review as a privilege. “I considered it a privilege to be given the opportunity to give some perspectives by way of reviewing the two volumes, a

compendium being presented in honour of Chief Olanipekun,” he said.

He, however, wondered why he was chosen to do it. But he quickly offered reasons for his choice. “Some of the reasons are my association with members of the editorial team and because I occupy the office of the Dean of Faculty of Law,” he explained.

The company of legal luminaries, which he has always kept, he said, would help him in doing justice to the books. “He who keeps the company of the wise would be taken to be wise. And I guess even though I do not have much grey hair by keeping the company of this people, but I think what I will be saying today would not disappoint the audience,” he said.

Dividing the two volumes into sections Prof Oyewo noted that the first volume covered 39 chapters, while the second has 18 with both volumes going for 1009 pages, covering a wide range of issues such as democracy, which has nine chapters; corruption, five; rule of law, four; law and society, four; legal profession, three; administration of justice and access to justice, four; acts of •Continued on Page 30

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

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SOCIETY

When Olanipekun stood before kings •Continued from page 29

government, two and other themes including charity, election petitions and a host of others.

There are nine speeches and addresses, according to Prof Oyewo, given on special occasions and other events by Chief Olanipekun as documented in the volumes.

“I must not attempt to go into the detailed portion of various chapters because it would appear as short-changing the audience who would be compelled to have a copy of the volumes,” he said.

He then recommended the books as a must read for all. “Suffice it to say that the books are a must read by our political leaders, executives legislatures, bureaucrats, judges, lawyers, law students, lawyers and professionals interested in the development and progress of this nation,” he concluded. As he was reviewing the books Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, made his entry and he was introduced to the audience as he took his seat.

Prince Adelusi-Adeluyi when

presenting the books attributed Olanipekun’s success to his hard work, doggedness; integrity; character and the grace of God. He urged members of the bar to uphold integrity in order to be in the best position to ensure law and order in the polity. He described the gathering as a galaxy of stars and personalities who had come to endorse the quality of the celebrator.

Olanipekun, according to Prince Adelusi-Adeluyi, is a gargantuan legal personality born in Ekiti State whose humility is enviable and enduring; a virtue that stands him out among his peers.While Adelusi-Adeluyi was speaking, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Tambuwal made its entry accompanied by Hon Opeyemi Bamidele.

Commenting on the books, Adelusi-Adeluyiquoted the English author and philosopher, Francis Bacon, as saying: “Some books are to be tasted, others are to be swallowed and some few others to be chewed and digested …, this must be chewed and digested,”

he said.

Just as he was about presenting the books, Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, breezed in and was recognised.

The books were, therefore, presented by all the dignitaries present including former and present governors who accompanied the chief presenter, Prince Adelusi-Adeluyi.

Dignitaries were later called upon one after the other to launch the books. Opening the floor was the chief launcher, Greg Uanseru, who did not disclose the amount involved. This style was later to be adopted by others, except the former ambassador to South Africa, Gen. Buba Marwa, who launched it with in kobo denomination, mentioning 25,000,000 Kobo.

While the launch was going on, Edo Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, made his entry and was immediately called upon to launch the books. Apologising for his lateness, the comrade-governor eulogised Olanipekun, whom he owed a debt of gratitude.

•From right : Governor Orji, Oba Adeyemi and Oba Elegushi

•Chief Shonekan (left) and Prince Adelusi-Adeluyi

•Ndi Onyiuke-Okereke

• Alayemore of Iddo-Osun, Oba Aderemi Adeniyi-Adedapo

Dignitaries at the event included Chief Ernest Shonekan, who chaired the occasion; Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Tambuwal; former Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Alfa Belgore; Governors Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State; Dr Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State; Dr Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State; Oshiomhole of Edo State; and Theodore Orji from Abia.

Others personalities were the former Governor of Lagos State and the National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; royal fathers such as the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Deji of Akure Oba Biyi Adesida and the Elegushi of Ikateland, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi.

There were other legal luminaries such as Justices Tokunbo Olopade; Bode Rhodes Vivour of the Supreme Court; Olasehinde Kumuyi (Oyo State Chief Judge); Mohammed Danjuma; Oguntade; Chief (Mrs) Folake Solanke(SAN) and M. O. AgudaTaiwo, among others.

Others personalities were Paul Usoro

(SAN); Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN); Prof Yemi Osinbajo (SAN); Prof Epiphany Azinge of National Institute of Advanced Legal Studies; Ladi RotimiWillliams; University of Ibadan Vice Chancellor, Prof Isaac Adewole; former VC Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Prof Wale Omole; former Inspector-General of Police, Mr Musliu Smith and Access Bank Managing Director, Aig Imoukhuede; Hon Eseme Eyiboh; Timi Alaibe; while Prof Dele Olowokudejo and Mr and Mrs Sola Adewumi, Chief Executive Officer CEO, Equitorial Energy were among Olanipekun’s kinsmen from IkereEkiti, who graced the occasion.

Chief Olanipekun in his remarks thanked everyone for coming and attributed his success to God. He donated an undisclosed amount to the two branches of the NBA (Lagos and Ilorin) and promised to continue every year in helping other branches that are in critical need of assistance. He appreciated his wife for her endurance and support over the years.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr Dapo Olanipekun, the chief’s first son, thanked everyone for honouring his father.

•From left: Fashola, Dr Fayemi and Asiwaju Tinubu

•NBA President, Daudu (left) and Uanseru

•Prof Adewole (left) and Justice Timothy Oyeyipo (rtd).

More pictures on page 31

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

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SOCIETY

•Continued from page 30

•From left: Senior Special Assistant to Anambra State Governor on Liaison matters, Ucheoma Chukwudu; MD of Ecobank Mr Jubril Aku and Governor Mimiko

•From left: Justice Belgore (rtd); Gen Marwa(rtd) and Mrs Solanke

•From left: FIDA President, Mrs Stella Ugboma; Hon Eyiboh and Justice Rhodes-Vivour.

•Prof Osinbajo

Love at first sight The Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos was the wedding venue of Olajumoke, the daughter of the Head of Test Administration Division, West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Chief Oluwole Olamousi, and Olutola, son of Dr Bayo Olufunwa, last Saturday. AMIDU ARIJE was there.

F

OR Olajumoke and Olutola, what became a union last Saturday started seven years ago at the University of Ibadan, when they both met on the campus. The meeting began a friendship that later developed into a deep love affair that saw them to the altar.

“I saw her on the street and I approached her and she consented. Since then, we have been friends,” said the groom.

“He met me on the street of the university and approached me. He told me he loved me; I looked at him; and seeing the seriousness on his face I consented,” said the bride.

When it was formalised last Saturday with their walking the aisle at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral, everyone saw a true love that grew over the years.

Family members and friends were full of joy and praises to God for making it possible for the couple’s journey of friendship transform into marriage.

They all gathered to patiently listen to the sermon delivered by the Rev Kayode Olubodun.

The cleric urged the couple to be God-fearing and prayerful just as he implored them to examine their lives and live in peace and harmony with one another.

“The solution to marital issues that can bring about separation

is the Bible; meditate upon it day and night. A prayer-less father or mother is a powerless person,” he said.

He urged the youth not to rush into marriage, saying once one gets into it, it’s often difficult to get out.

Other clerics at the church included Rev Chuks Elezie; Rev Stephen Adesoye; Rev Canon Okenille and Rev Alfred Oluwatunji.

Shortly after the service the bridal train moved to the Regency Hall, Alausa, Ikeja where guests were treated to a lavish reception. The occasion was chaired by Elder Folarin Adeyemi.

In his advice to the couple Elder Adeyemi urged them to be God-fearing and loving. He charged their parents and family members not to interfere in their affairs.

The bride’s father Chief Olamousi thanked God for the success of the day, urging the couple to be loving and caring.

“They should keep their home. They should not allow a third party. The union is going to be a new beginning in their lives,” Chief Olamousi said.

The groom’s father, Dr Olufunwa, could not hide his joy as he described the day as matching his expectation. He implored the couple to be friends of each other.

“Today is a very happy day in my life. It is the day I have longed for. I urge them to do their things together and not allow third party into their affairs.

They have to be their own friends,” Dr Olufunwa said.

The groom, Olutola, said Olajumoke was all he wanted in a lady and he promised to write a book on their marriage.

“She is a wonderful and loving lady; all that is needed in a lady. She has quality and character imbedded in her. I am going to write a book on the story of our journey to marriage,” he said.

The bride, Olajumoke, equally described the day as most exciting for her.

“Today is my happiest day. I am happy and excited. I feel on top of the world,” Olajumoke said.

The bride’s mother, Mrs Caroline Olamousi, also could not hide her joy as she moved around to welcome and attend to guests. She acknowledged cheers from guests, waving to those far from her and hugging those near to her.

The groom’s mother, Mrs Valentina Olufunwa, was also beside herself as she was visibly happy. Guests on the occasion included Head, National Office WAEC, Dr Iyi Uwadiae; Mr Godwin Uzoigwe and Mr Josiah Fagbemi, among others.

• The couple Olutola and Olajumoke

•Prof Williams PHOTOS: MOSES OMOSEHIN and GBENGA KUTELU

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

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SOCIETY

Toast to a watchdog at 20 It was a gathering of who-is-who in the media when Diamond Publications marked its 20th anniversary and launched three titles. EVELYN OSAGIE reports.

N

OT even the hectic traffic jam caused by the British Prime Minister, David Cameron and President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to Lagos Island could stop dignitaries from attending Diamond Publications book presentation in Lagos penultimate Tuesday.

Dignitaries such as seasoned broadcaster, Ambassador Olusegun Olusola; President, Guild of Editors, Gbenga Adefaye, defied the hold-up caused by the Presidential visit, to be part of the occasion.

The event was, indeed, a celebration of the heroes of the pen and they were there to felicitate with their own. Top journalists, jurists, diplomats, politicians, cultural enthusiasts, and civil right activists and many more gathered at the AGIP Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Diamond Publications, organisers of the annual Media Awards for Excellence (DAME), and that of its journal: Media Review.

As part of activities marking the anniversary, the outfit also launched three books: Watching the Watchdogs, Art, Master of His Age: The Story of Anthony Enahoro and Nigerian Columnists and Their Art. Aside, the event coincided with the birthday of the Chief Executive Officer and Editor of the three books, Mr Lanre Idowu.

Little wonder, the ‘birthday boy’ clad in a black suit, white shirt and a red tie wore a wide smile throughout the event. But the smile doubled in size when the President of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Mr Nduka Obaigbena, launched Watching the Watchdogs with N10 million. This, he said, was in appreciation of Idowu’s service while he edited the defunct Thisweek, a publication owned by Obaigbena.

“It is good that we are already taking the steps of Watching the Watchdogs with the historical, but groundbreaking efforts of Lanre Idowu and Diamond Publications.

He was Editor in Thisweek. And we shared alot of memorable moments then. So, because we did not have the resources then to pay him a very good gratuity, we would launch the book with N10 million,” he said.

The statement drew a loud applause from the audience.

Like Obaigbena, many praised Idowu and his team’s efforts for being an independent ombudsman of the media for two decades.

“Their accomplishments are glaring and seen by all,” they agreed.

One of them was the pioneer Chairman, Nigerian Press Council (NPC), Alhaji Alade Odunewu who asked journalists to stay true, to their responsibility in keeping the government accountable.

“I salute our own Lanre Idowu and the DAME stable for the enterprise for which they are famous.

I remind our colleagues of their responsibility in monitoring gover-

•Obaigbena •From left: Amuka-Pemu; Idowu and his wife Lawunmi; Odunewu and Kayode Ogunmekun

•Ambassador Olusola (left) and Bayo Atoyebi

•Victor Enahoro (lef) and Alfred Opubor

•Justice Morenikeji Onalaja (rtd)

•Mrs Funmi Oseni

• Eddie Aderinokun (right) and Deputy Editor-in-Chief TELL Magazine, Dele Omotunde PHOTOS: DAVID ADEJO

nance and accountability as enshrined in Section 21 of the Constitution fortified by Freedom of Information Law, but minus the recklessness, the ethical bankruptcy and criminality of the likes of the News of the World,” he said.

On his part, Idowu praised Odunewu’s dedication, saying Nigerian Columnists and Their Art was conceived in 2007 to honour him when he clocked 80.

“What we are celebrating today should have taken place four years ago. The book, Nigerian Columnists and Their Art, was conceived in 2007 to honour Hadj. Alade Odunewu, pioneer chairman of the Nigerian Press Council, on joining the octogenarian club. A limited edition was produced in 2009 to test the market. What we are presenting today does justice to the service that he and other columnists have performed as guardians and shapers of public opinion in our society. And we have the Nigerian Press Council to thank for partnering with us to produce this book,” Idowu said.

However, he said, ‘Watching the watchdogs’ for 20 years has not been an easy venture, but has been rewarding.

“What we do is geared towards enhancing professionalism in the

media and helping our colleagues to take a second look at what they do. When we started, people told us we would pack up within a year, but 20 years after, we are still standing. In celebrating 20 years of publishing, we are adding three new books to help us reflect on journalism training and practice, and its place in society.

“The first, Watching the Watchdogs: Media Review at 20 gives a good idea of the service we have been rendering in the past years to assist the Nigerian media perform its watchdog duty better to society.

The second, Nigerian Columnists and their Art is the first indigenous book that examines the craft of informed commentary; explaining what it is and identifying some of those who have made it such an important component of Nigerian journalism over the years. The third book, Master of His Age: The story of Anthony Enahoro, follows the trend of nurturing a culture of appreciation to which our organisation is committed.”

Prof Adigun Agbaje, who reviewed Nigerian Columnists and their Art, called it “a uniquely high-grade celebration of excellence in the ranks of public intellectuals in a country long noted for promoting and celebrating medi-

ocrity.”

He said: “My perception of this book is that it serves many purposes and, on each count, it is worth more than its weight in gold. It is the most comprehensive account so far (in my view) of Nigerian columnists of the 20th and 21st centuries. On the whole, this book is bound to evoke regret, anger and bewilderment among socially conscious Nigerians over our inability as a people to address the various challenges that our columnists have so beautifully and dutifully written about for almost an entire century.”

On Master of His Age, Ishaq Modibbo Kawu, who reviewed the book, described Enahoro as “a combative journalist with a very fearless pen.” He shared his perception of the late elder statesman saying: “I grew up in the Nigeria of the 1960s, but began to form a consciousness of life in a more socially definitive manner by the 1970s. In that period of my life, I had become aware of Chief Enahoro, as one of the leading lights of the anti-colonial movement; as a combative journalist with a very fearless pen; as a politician, who was active in parliament, as a member of the Action Group, led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo... So I have known Chief

Enahoro as a vital piece of the jigsaw of my being, as a Nigerian citizen, all of my life.”

Watching the Watchdogs was reviewed by Prof Ayo Adigun. While describing the journalist as an isolated prophet crying in the wilderness, he spoke on the role of the Media Review over the years. Speaking metaphorically, Adigun said the Media Review holds a mirror up to the journalist who in-turn is holding a mirror to the society with the purpose of changing public opinion.

The event was witnessed by Chairman, National Council for Legal Education, Justice Morenikeji Onalaja; Emeritus Prof Alfred Opubor; Moses Ihonde; Publisher, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr Sam Amuka-Pemu; Nduka Obaigbena, Lade Bonuola (Lad Bone); Ben Lawrence; Chief Kayode Ogunmekun; Jimi Disu; Tunde Thompson; Mobolaji Onajide; Olamide Ajomale; Prof Ranti Adepoju and Tam Fiofori.

Others included the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Press Council, Bayo Atoyebi; Victor Enahoro, who represented the Enahoro’s family; Mrs Funmi Useni and Mrs Lawunmi Idowu, wife, of the celebrator, among others.

THE

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

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SOCIETY

20 years after… lingering sweet memories It was a day of memories as families; friends and colleagues of a former Inspector of Taxes, Lagos State Board of Internal Revenue, the Late Mujeeb Adekunle Mumuni, converged on the Combo Hall of the Lagos Television (LTV), Agidingbi, Lagos for his 20 years Remembrance and Lecture. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO and ADEJO DAVID were there.

A

LL eyes were on them.

They were the toast of every student and teacher in their secondary school days at Ahmadiyya College, Agege.

If not for anything, the fact that the duo of the Late Mujeeb Adekunle Mumuni and his wife, Samiat Omolara were the only students to have performed the Holy Pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia made them envy of all, but loved by many.

Indeed, they were best of friends.

Their friendship blossomed into a conjugal bliss at the Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, United States of America where the duo bagged their first degree.

They were inseparable until July 11, 1991 when the unimaginable happened in far away Saudi Arabia.

The late Mumuni was returning from the Holy Land where he went to perform another pilgrimage before the plane crashed in Jeddah where it took off.

A great tragedy it was as none of the pilgrims on board survived.

Earlier on that fateful day, Mumuni had called from Jeddah to intimate his wife that the flight would soon take off.

The lovebirds exchanged sweet words before he hung the phone.

Samiat could not control her emotion when relatives of her husband informed her the following day that ‘Mujeeb is dead’.

She quickly recollected the hug and kiss she had with her husband at the Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos before he departed to Saudi Arabia.

“So, it was a farewell hug and kiss,” she soliloquised in tears.

Just like yesterday, relatives, friends and colleagues recounted the good times shared with the deceased 20 years ago.

It was at the 20 years Remembrance and Lecture commemorating the two decades anniversary of Mumuni, a former Inspector of Taxes, Lagos State Board of Internal Revenue.

The event featured prayers, reading of the deceased’s biography, lectures and goodwill messages.

A missioner of Nasrullahili-Fathi Society of Nigeria, (NASFAT), Apapa Branch, Lagos, Alhaji Nurudeen Salahudeen, delivered opening prayer followed by sermon from the former Special Adviser to Governor Babatunde Fashola on Religion (Islam), Alhaji AbdulHakeem Kosoko.

The trio of ace television broadcasters Alhaji Razak Gawat; Alhaji Waheed Tella and Obafemi Craig emceed the event.

One of the children of the deceased, Mumin Mumuni read his father’s biography

amidst an emotional laden voice.

Alhaji Kosoko said it is erroneous to say ‘untimely death’ whenever a loved one died.

He said no single soul will taste death unless it is his appointed time.

“Almighty Allah gives lives and takes it at the right time, but what will death meet us doing? Good or bad? he asked rhetorically.

Death, he said, met our brother Mumuni on his way from service of the Lord which was the single air mishap in the history of plane crash with Nigeria Pilgrimage to Makkah.

Kosoko urged the gathering to emulate the deceased for his philanthropic gesture, commitment to Islam and the betterment of Lagos State.

Chairman of event, Justice Ishola Olorunnimbe prayed Allah to grant the deceased AlJannah Firdaus.

Justice Olorunnimbe urged those present to be God-conscious in their activities.

Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mr Femi Pedro, a classmate of the deceased described the late Mumuni as an exceptional brilliant student in their school days.

Mumuni, Pedro recalled, is very humble, respectful, godly and has passion to help everyone around him.

“He was, indeed, a man worthy of emulation,” he said.

Widow of the deceased, Samiat, described her husband as “my confidant”.

She said the vacuum left by the deceased is too big to fill.

The eldest son, Muiz thanked the guests for honouring the family with their presence.

Guests at the event include Permanent Secretary, Local Government, Staff and Pension Office, Mrs Iyabo Obasa; Alhaji Ganiu Awelenje and his wife, Fausat; Dupe Adeleke; Modiu Sarumi; President, National Council of Women Societies NCWS, Princess Sidiquat Disu; Lateef Babalola; Kunle Oseni; Mrs Olarenwaju Olatunji; Mrs Omolara Akin-Aderibigbe; Alhaja Toyin Muse-Ariyo; Mr Nohim Sahid; Mrs Riskat Akesode; Mrs Morayo Adebanjo and Akeem Adetoro.

•Late Mumuni’s widow, Samiat

•Children of the deceased (from left) Mojeed; Mumin and Muiz

•From left: Senator Gbenga Ashafa; Justice and Mrs Olorunnimbe and Alhaji Kosoko

•Mr Sina Elegbede flanked by Mr Shina Bamgbose (left) Mr Tunde Olubando

•Mr Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) (left) and Alhaji Eshinlokun Masha

•Alhaja Muyinat Idris

•From left: Alhaja Tinu Feshitan; Alhaja Toyin Daranijo and Alhaja Kudirat Al-Ameen

•Mr Pedro

•Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment Dr Titi Anibaba (right) and Director, Conservation and Ecology, Mrs Adebola Afun

•Mr Abass Thompson and Alhaja Aramide Masha PHOTOS: ADEJO DAVID

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

SOCIETY

The Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos was agog when Kennedy Ejakpomewhe was installed the 2011-2012 District 9110 Governor of Rotary International Club. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

A

Rotary new helmsman

LTHOUGH the event was billed for 10am, guests had begun to troop in an hour earlier. Gorgeously dressed, they were ready to celebrate with Kennedy Ejakpomewhe, who added another feather to his cap as the new Rotary International Club, District 9110 Governor.

While they waited patiently for the event to start, cool soothing music played at the background with fellow Rotarians and old acquaintances discussing and exchanging pleasantries.

Then followed a lively procession of the governors of the club (past and present), into the hall to take their seats at the welldecorated high table.

The Chairman, installation Planning Committee, Bala Yesufu, welcomed everyone to a new Rotary year which began on July 1.

Yesufu spoke of how the committee in its wisdom split the installation into two parts, when on Friday, June 24, it held a preinstallation fund raising dinner, organised by ‘friends of Kennedy’ at Protea Hotel, Ikoyi.

“What we are witnessing now is the installation proper which was painstakingly crafted to ensure you have a fun-filled and memorable day.”

He also talked about the uniqueness of this year’s programme tagged the ‘distinguished service award,’ which was bagged by Chairman of Sahcol Limited and ViceChairman of Sifax group, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, a non-Rotarian, but one with the Rotary’s vision of a better world.

The immediate past district

governor, Deinde Shoga, who gave a valedictory speech, thanked all for their support and contributions during his tenure as governor. Their support, he said, had helped him to achieve what he sought to do when he was installed two years ago. He outlined some of the achievements during his tenure, as he acknowledged cheers from the guests.

Ejakpomewhe was introduced with his lovely wife, Merrytime Odiri and their four children, all of who are Paul Harris fellows.

The guest speaker and DirectorGeneral, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, gave an address entitled: Harnessing Nigerian Tourism for Economic Transformation.

He thanked Rotarians for being tourism friendly and stressed that for a country to successfully harness its rich tourism potential; all hands must be on deck for accelerated development.

Runsewe emphasised that while oil is exhaustible, tourism is sustainable and environmentfriendly. “Like Dubai, we must begin now to seriously consider tourism as a viable alternative to the oil industry. I share totally in the axiom that tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

The district governor gave his inaugural speech entitled: Reach Within to Embrace Humanity, after his installation.

There was a presentation of the distinguished service award to Mr Afolabi.

In their usual tradition, the special guest of honour led guests in raising funds for the projects of the New Rotary Year.

•Otunba Biodun Sanwo; Dr Olawale Cole and Prof Alaba Akinsete

•Ejakpomewhe (right) receiving the baton from Shoga

•Runsewe (right) and Dipo Bailey

•Inner Wheel President Cotonou, Republic of Benin, Fahimatou Salifou (right) and Lily Edide

REWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

•Former Chief Security Officer, Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI), Mallam Adamu Oseni flanked by his family

PHOTOS: RAHMAN SANUSI

CELESTIAL CHURCH OF CHRIST, AJEGUNLE 5TH JUVENILLE HARVEST AND THANKSGIVING

•From left: Prophetess Ogunlola Opeyemi; Adeola Ogunseye and Prophetess Olnrewaju Akinbami

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

COMMENTARY

H

ERE comes the sacred month again in which the revelation of the Qur’an began. It is called Ramadan. It was in this divine month that the last divine constitution with which to liberate humanity from the shackles of Satan was revealed. The real spiritual essence of Ramadan is to show mankind the right path to Paradise by guiding them through the transit called the world. The symbolic month is like a school in which Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was both the pioneer student and the pioneer teacher. All other students who went through this school or are still going through it are heirs to the forerunners.

The duty of those heirs is to serve as shepherd for the wondering flock of the universe. This duty confirms man as Allah’s vicegerent on earth. Anyone who is in a position to serve as a shepherd but does otherwise has surely kicked against the rules of his creator.

Ironically most of those we perceive as shepherd in our society are worse than the lost sheep they are supposed to guide. For those who know and appreciate it the opportunity of rebirth provided by this holy month has no duplicate. It is like a once in a while train which everyone should endeavour not to miss. Missing it is like missing a lifelong destiny. But will the recalcitrant ones heed the warning?

With the coming of Ramadan next Monday (August 1) in sha’Allah, ceteris paribus, a scene of jamboree will take over most radio and television stations especially in the Southwest of Nigeria as usual. Many pseudo Alfas will dust their gowns and turbans for the purpose of sharing from the annual largess which the sacred month comes with. Such pseudo Alfas who might have taken advantage of some ignorant Muslim money bags in the society by asking them to sponsor Ramadan preaching will begin to swarm on the airwaves like bees on a hive. With little or no knowledge at all, those pretenders will pose as learned scholars and start dishing out rubbish by arrogating to themselves the knowledge they do not possess.

One of the characteristics of such ‘Alfas’ is to spend the first 10 minutes or thereabout singing the praises of their sponsors and chanting some irrelevant slogans even as they tell primordial stories which have neither roots nor bearing with Islam. Their trade in stock is to seek relevance by showing their faces on television or by airing their voices on radio just to be recognised as Alfas. Such are people who have no knowledge and do not seek it. Rather than guiding ignorant Muslims, they further mislead them.

With this category of Alfas, all that matters is the money they want to make through deception as well as the cheap fame they want to gain. And, year in and out, this is their deed in the month of Ramadan. The impression they give is that Ramadan is an annual religion celebrated in the sacred month.

The most embarrassing aspect of their action is the faulty recitation of the Qur’an and the shameless misinterpretation they give it. This on its own is not just an abuse of Ramadan but also a flagrant abuse of the Qur’an.

Thus, they turn the sacred month into one of gross abuse of Islamic religion.

What they do not understand is that the Qur’an in its original form is not just any book which any charlatan can dust up once in a year in order to fetch money for self.

For the learned, reading any book at all has a purpose and a method. No good reader will ever read a book without taking note of its author, its publisher and its date of publication.

And to read any new book, the very first point of call is its contents which tell you the topics and the subjects you will read about in it. Then, to have a

FEMI ABBAS ON Femabbas@yahoo.com 08051101861

Abuse of Ramadan ‘The word Qur’an means continuous recitation and understanding. It is so called because of its inimitable origin which makes it a compelling daily reading throughout the world, across nations and ages’ •National Mosque, Abuja

pre-idea of the entire book in its summary form, before reading it, a good reader goes straight not only to the introduction to such a book but also to the foreword written on it. The combination of both will surely give the reader a pretty idea of what the book is all about. This is the shortest means of familiarising oneself with a new book before going through its chapters.

Most Muslims read the Qur’an in its original language (Arabic) without understanding what they are reading because they do not speak that language. Some read it as a means of solving their problems imaginarily thus taking the Qur’an for a charm which must yield result if manipulated towards their whims. The Qur’an is not meant for that purpose. It is rather the manual of life for man by which he lives his daily life and conducts his daily affairs.

The word Qur’an means continuous recitation and understanding. It is so called because of its inimitable origin which makes it a compelling daily reading throughout the world, across nations and ages. It is the unsurpassable word of Allah not only in the grandeur of its diction and splendour of its rendition but also in the depth of its meaning, substance

and profundity.

The revelation of this Book to mankind through an unlettered desert Arab, Muhammad son of Abdullah and Aminah, began in the month of Ramadan in year 610 CE. It lasted 23 years (10 years in Makkah and13 years in Madinah). The book contains 114 chapters and 6236 verses (not 6666 verses often announced by most Imams and Alfas). Any individual can verify this by checking the number of verses in each chapter and adding them together. It does not take more than one hour to do this.

Of the 114 chapters contained in the Qur’an, 86 were revealed in Makkah and 28 in Madinah. But the 28 chapters revealed in Madinah constitute two thirds of the Book. And this is because the Makkah chapters are short and rhythmic while those of Madinah are long and prose-like.

Although the Qur’an was revealed orally, its writing began almost immediately the revelations started.

The writing was however done on primitive materials like wood, animal hide, back of trees and others of the like which were then readily available. It was only much later, after the demise of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), that those writings were brought together

‘The manner of presenting the Qur’anic revelations is simple and direct. It employs neither artifice nor conventional poses. Its main appeal is to man’s intellect, feelings and imagination. It does not only touch the anecdotes of the past Prophets in different ages and nations as well as the accounts of earlier revelations, it also covers the period from the beginning of creation to the very last Day of Judgment and beyond’

and rendered into a book form. And one of the wonders of recording the Qur’an in writing is the classification of those revelations into chapters and verses by the Prophet himself despite his illiteracy.

The manner of presenting the Qur’anic revelations is simple and direct. It employs neither artifice nor conventional poses. Its main appeal is to man’s intellect, feelings and imagination. It does not only touch the anecdotes of the past Prophets in different ages and nations as well as the accounts of earlier revelations, it also covers the period from the beginning of creation to the very last Day of Judgment and beyond.

Not only that, Al-Qur’an also gives insight into some natural phenomena like sphericity and revolution of the earth (Q. 39:5) the formation of rain (Q. 30:48); the fertilization of the wind (Q. 15:22); the revolution of the sun, the moon and the planets in their fixed orbit (Q. 36:29-38); the aquatic origin of all creatures (Q. 21:30); the duality of the sex of plants and other creatures (Q. 36:35); the collective life of animals (Q.6:38); the mode of life of the bees (Q. 16:69) and the successive phases of the child in the mother’s womb (Q. 22:5 & 23:14). Yet, the purpose of this Book is not to teach history, astronomy, philosophy or sciences. The details of these will be spelt out fully after Ramadan under a theme to be called ‘ANATOMY OF THE QUR’AN’.

Meanwhile, there is a raging controversy among Muslim scholars over the first and last revelations in the Qur’an. Much as this controversy is unwarranted, it may be necessary to clear the coast here (without laying any claim to authority) if only for the purpose of authenticating history.

It is almost a consensus that the first revealed chapter in the Qur’an is Suratul ‘Alaq (Chapter of the Clot). But the very first revelation reaching Prophet Muhammad (SAW) through Angel Jubril ‘BASMALAH’ (In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful) which precedes every chapter in the Qur’an except one.

As a Messenger of Allah to another Messenger of Allah, Angel Jubril couldn’t have commanded Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to read anything without doing so in the name of Allah who sent him with the message. Thus, Suratul ‘Alaq, as preceded by ‘BASMALAH’, could only have been the first revealed chapter but not the first revelation. And that is logical.

As for the last revelation in the Qur’an, majority of Nigerian Muslim scholars believe that it is chapter 5, verse 3 of the Qur’an which says: ‘Today, I have perfected your religion for you and completed my favour on you. And, I am pleased with Islam as your religion.

That verse of the Qur’an that was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) at ‘Arafah while performing his farewell Hajj couldn’t have the last revelation. It came 81 days before the demise of the Prophet (SAW). And there was another revelation, thereafter, which came about nine days before the Prophet fell sick and died.

This can be found in Qur’an 2: 281 which says: ‘And fear the day when you shall all return to Allah; the day when every soul shall be requited according to its desert and none shall be wronged’.

The earlier verse was an accentuation of Hajj as the last pillar of Islam. And that was why it came on Arafah Day. The latter is a reminder of man’s final destiny and the account of his worldly activities. These and many more are what readers of the Qur’an know inside out. But the big question is this: who will teach them when the supposed teachers have sold out to money?

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

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AGRO-BUSINESS

Experts to Minister: transform agric

S

OME agricultural scientists have urged the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, to fashion policies to facilitate the sector’s development.

They noted that many farmers were not making it from their produce because of the parlous state of the sector.

The scientists spoke in seperate interviews with The Nation.

The Project Manager, Cassava: Adding Value for Africa (CAVA), Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Chatham Maritime, Kent, United Kingdom, Dr Kola Adebayo, blamed the farmers’ problem on what he called “significant effects of poor infrastructure, particularly, the power problem on farming companies.”

Adebayo said lack of infrastructure is a major constraint on food business, and is found to depress agricultural productivity significantly.

Praising the government for appointing a professional for the first time to head the ministry, Adebayo noted that Adesina has all it takes to drive the agricultural sector to achieve the goal of increased food security.

He advised the ministry to evolve strategies aimed at helping farmers become more productive.

According to him, the minister will need to increase investment in areas where there is high potential for agricultural growth.

He observed that well-targeted investments in areas such as rural infrastructure can help to trans-

Stories by Daniel Essiet, Agric Correspondent

form subsistence farmers into commercial producers.

A consultant to the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Prof Lateef Sanni, urged the minister to implement policies that will support farmers, and supply systems for seed and livestock breeds.

He said the sector requires development of rural infrastructure, and the implementation of better soil and water conservation practices.

He called on the minister to channel investments to rural infrastructure and agricultural services to help smallholder farmers become more productive and better linked to agricultural markets in these high potential areas.

The Group Managing Director of UAC Nigeria Plc, Mr Larry Ettah, said fixing infrastructure is an imperative to unlocking the huge potential of agriculture in the country.

Speaking at the inauguration of the new Grand Cereals fish feed plant in Jos, Ettah said infrastructure was critical to the growth of Nigeria envisaged in agriculture.

He, therefore, urged the Federal Government to urgently match pronouncements with delivery regarding the sorry state of the nation’s infrastructure.

“The current state is a tragedy borne of neglect as it leads to some farmers at one end of the country being ruined by glut.

“However, elsewhere in the same country, we have scarcity,” Ettah said.

He said to address poverty in the land, the citizens must grow more of the food that was consumed.

“Food is good for the poor as growing it accounts for a big part of employment and buying it accounts for a big part of expenditure.”

He lamented that Nigeria’s agricultural sector at the moment is primitive and still dependent largely on rainfall patterns.

Ettah also regretted that the huge resources devoted to fertiliser provision to farmers over the years had shown little sign of value-formoney.

He added that there was no evidence of a well-thought out strategy for agriculture and modernisation, adding that the government drew budgetary appropriations in agriculture with limited positive outcomes.

According to him, prospect for improvement in agriculture was dependent on provision of agricultural estates with laid-out farming plots and support services.

Another prospect, he said, was the accelerated grant of certificates of occupancy for small and mediumsized farmers and targeted provisions of financing support through agricultural credit agencies to the agricultural estates.

He called on the government to provide extension services, transport and water infrastructure and other support to the farmers.

‘Why we are reforming agric’

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AGOS State Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives said it is revamping the agriculture sector to boost employment, the job creation agenda of the state government.

Speaking at the Agricultural development Authority (ADA) at Agege during a familiarisation tour of the ministry’s formations in the state, Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, said he has set a three-key road- map to enhance agricultural development and it has strong job generation potential.

Lawal explained that the roadmap on which the Ministry will work will include establishing a functional work force, improving on the food production value- chain and formation of proper market-

ing strategy especially on chain of distribution.

He said all these are set to boost agricultural development.

Lawal disclosed that the Government intends to build farmer’s mart across certain locations in the state to enhance democratisation of market price of agricultural produce.

At the state Animal Hospital, Oko-Oba, the commissioner said the government will look into how to upgrade the standard of the clinic and the workforce. He said the clinic is supposed to be a good source of revenue for the government considering the facilities available in the hospital.

He also inspected the Oko-Oba Abbatoir and Lairage. He advised the Vet. Doctors to ensure proper

inspection of animals to be slaughtered for public consumption. He emphasised the need to use Mechanised lairage to improve good hygiene and provide wholesome meat for the citizenry.

Lawal later visited Oke Aro Piggery Farm, the biggest in West Africa with about 2,000 farmers and advised the farmers to improve hygiene of the farm and also the waste.

In an address delivered on behalf of other farmers, the President of the 31 societies, Deacon Olaleke Fasanya, commended FADAMA for its continuous support to the association and requested for provision of water, electricity.

He reminded the government of its promise to convert the waste generated from the farm to biogas.

World food digest

Farmers to earn more KENYAN farmers can benefit more from export of avocado to the growing demand in the European Union (EU) if they increase their current production, a new report released reveals.

Kenya and South Africa are the main African exporters of avocados, with South Africa being the second largest supplier to the EU across the world.

“The industry expects demand for avocados in Europe to continue its upward trend in the coming years,” said the report released in the capital Nairobi.

The avocado export market intelligence report was done by the Kenya Horticulture Competitiveness Project that is funded by United States Aid Agency (USAID), to increase smallholder farmer incomes through enhanced productivity, crop diversification and improved market access.

It said much of the demand in Europe is driven by increased awareness of the fruit and its potential uses and benefits.

Parliament approves agric framework THE Congolese parliament has approved the first framework law for the agricultural sector in Kinshasa. “A remarkable aspect is that farmers’ organisations have actively participated in the political debate which preceded the vote,” said Lode Delbare, the director of the Belgian NGO Trias.

Six Belgian NGOs supported the Congolese farmers’ organisations.

Seventy per cent of the Congolese population lives from agriculture; no other sector contributes as much to Congo’s GDP. “The absence of a coherent agricultural policy costs the country a lot of money, because it has to import 530,000 tonnes every year from abroad to feed its local population,” explains Lode Delbare.

The new law on agriculture, which went through parliamentary procedure, is supposed to turn the situation around. Next to a cadastre and a support fund, the law establishes consultation bodies for agricultural questions.

For the first time in Congo’s history, a lobby group made of farmers’ organisations established itself in Kinshasa to follow the process.

Agricongo, a platform of Congolese farmers organisations was supported by six Belgian NGOs (Trias, Vredeseilanden, SOS Faim, Solsoc, Oxfam Solidarité and Diobass).

Investors eye Benin palm oil A DELEGATION of Chinese agricultural engineers and entrepreneurs decided to invest at least one billion CFA Francs ($2.15 million) in Benin’s palm oil industry after a visit to the western African nation.

Benin has vast untapped lands that could be used to produce palm oil and increase the output of agricultural products, the state-owned Office de Radiodiffusion et Television reported, citing Geng Wenbing, Chinese ambassador to the African country and chief of the delegation.

The Chinese will invest in the industry over the next five years to increase production and mechanise the industry. Palm oil is highly sought after in China for the manufacture of various food and cosmetic products.

“The funding plan and the amount will be announced by Chinese entrepreneurs toward the end of the year,” Benin’s Minister of Agriculture, Sabai Kate, was cited as saying by the Cotonou-based broadcaster.

Cocoa farmers get e-info GHANAIAN cocoa farmers have begun receiving vital industry information through short messages to their mobile phones, the Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod) said in the latest innovation aimed at boosting output.

Cocobod said the programme known as ‘CocoaLink’ has been tested since March, with 1,500 farmers currently hooked up. It is due to cover some 100,000 farmers over the next three years.

“CocoaLink (Connecting Cocoa Communities) provides Ghanaian cocoa farmers with critical agricultural and social information that benefits farm families and their communities and enables farmers to ask specific cocoa-growing questions and share learning with other farmers,” Cocobod said.

The programme uses voice and SMS text messages delivered in local languages and in English to connect cocoa farmers with useful information such as improving farming practices, crop disease prevention and post-harvest management at no cost, it said.

“Farmers will also be able to share information and receive answers to specific questions relating to their cocoa-farming livelihoods,” Cocobod said.

AGRA greets minister ALLIANCE for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) President, Dr Namanga Ngongi, has congratulated its former Vice President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, on his appoint-

ment as Minister of Agriculture.

The Alliance noted that Adesina is a distinguished scholar of African agriculture, who will bring changes to the nation’s economy.

Ministry sets safety limit for food

• From left: Commissioner for Agricuilture and Cooperatives, Prince Gbolahan Lawal; Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olajide Basorun and Assistant Director, Agric Services Mr Jimoh Idowu, during an inspection of Oke-Aro piggery farm.

THE Vietnamese Ministry of Health has issued the decision to establish a safe limit for plasticiser Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) content that can be used in food products.

According to the Vietnam Food Administration (VFA), the decision, which does not include soft drinks, sets the safe levels of DEHP in solid and liquid products to 1.5mg/kg.

VFA chief Nguyen Cong Khan said the Health Ministry consulted top scientists and documents of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and FAO/WHO Food Standards to make the decision and that it is based on the food consumption of Vietnamese people.

In May, Taiwanese health authorities identified that some companies in Taiwan were using the chemical DEHP in manufacturing of various food and beverage products and last week the Health Ministry informed Vietnam that more DEHP-contaminated products had been exported to the country.

DEHP is a plasticiser used in the production of plastics to make them soft and pliable, and if consumed on a regular basis it can lead to cancer, kidney or testicular damage and fertility problems.

THE NATION

38

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

CRIME WATCH

Lagos residents lament growing crime rate

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AGOS residents have cried out for government’s intervention as a result of the alarming increase in crime rate and other criminal activities in the last six months.

Reports of car snatching, burglary, catchin-the-air robbery popularly known as one chance, killing of policemen and innocent residents and handbag-snatching have become a daily occurrence. Even some policemen have also been arrested for armed robbery and other offences.

At Ogunlana Drive Surulere, a policeman and a civilian were killed last week when hoodlums attacked a Bureau de change outfit and carted away millions of dollars.

In another incident at Meiran area, a 2005 Toyota Camry belonging to a staff of one of the national dailies was snatched at gunpoint a forth night ago. The owner of the car, a woman, was returning from lectures around 9:00 p.m. when the three robbers on a motorcycle double crossed her in front of her residence and collected the car.

Also on Tuesday this week, robbers shot a staff of Onward Stationery in front of The Nation Newspaper office and carted away almost N3m. The victim was said to be on his way to the bank to deposit the money. The hoodlums, who were 10 in number came on five motorcycles and were all armed.

In Abule-Egba, investigation revealed that withdrawing money from an ATM machine at any hour of the day is now a big risk as robbers hang around banks waiting for those who are withdrawing money. It was gathered that the moment the person draws the money he or she would be attacked some meters away from the bank.

A resident of Ikorodu who spoke under anonymity for security reasons said: “Lately, areas like Ayoporin, Aja, Solebo, Ojogbe and Igbogbo in Ikorodu are becoming notorious for crime. Cultists roam about in broad day light killing their rival cultists. This situation has caused serious problems in the area. These cultists go as far as raiding various shops at gunpoint.

“Two weeks ago, a man was shot dead at Gbasemo Street in Aja area of Ikorodu while he was challenging a cultist who collected his wife’s phone.

“There has been constant robbery at Igbe Road in Ikorodu due to the impassable nature of the road, which, of course resulted from the heavy downpour which took place some weeks ago.

“Despite that there are four police

•Mr Badru

• Mr Ayo

• Bukky

• Segun

By Jude Isiguzo and Titilayo Banjoko

divisional headquarters in Ikorodu situated at Owutu, Sagamu, Ebute and Igbogbo, crime is rife. The police seem to be helpless.

“We are also not feeling the presence of the local government chairmen. The traditional rulers are not helping matters.

They go to the extent of begging the police to release the criminals arrested by the police, saying omo wa ni won (they are our sons).”

“Ikorodu is no longer the Ikorodu we used to know. It used to be a very peaceful place to live. But now, it is being terrorised by

robbery gangs and cultists. People now close their shops at 8:00 in the evening for fear of the robbers.”

A lawyer, Mr Goke Badru who spoke with Newsextra attributed the uncomplimentary development to unemployment.

He said: “The issue of crime rate in Lagos is not a new development. There are a lot of youths coming into Lagos without any job to do. The unemployed youths have no option than to take to crime to survive.

“This is just one of the causes of the high crime rate in the state. There are other causes; some of these unemployed youths take to criminal acts to live the desired life they want

This is just one of the causes of the high crime rate in the state. There are other causes; some of these unemployed youths take to criminal acts to live the desired life they want to sustain…To solve the problem, the government needs to provide sustainable employment for youths to sustain.

“To solve the problem, the government needs to provide sustainable employment for youths or in the alternative, ensure that they are trained in entrepreneurial skills which could be adopted as part of the syllabuses in tertiary institutions. It should ensure that graduates are empowered to develop business ideas instead of seeking non-existing jobs.”

Another resident, who gave his name as Ayo, urged the government to improve power supply as this will reduce criminal activities that are mostly perpetrated in the night.

He also urged the government to increase the salary of men of the police force, even as he added that only graduates should be employed in the force.

Contributing, Mrs Bukky Araba said the government has not invested well in the police.

She said: “Government has not done enough to equip the police. This is why the police cannot withstand the pressure. We therefore call on the government to accord security of people and property prime priority. The government should also place larger premium on providing meaningful employment for the teeming unemployed Nigerians.

Another resident who identified himself as Segun urged the government to create an avenue for the youth to be self-reliant. This is because most of the people caught in robbery, or kidnap, are mainly youths. I will like the government to provide free education and create jobs for them.

Man seeks justice over son’s murder

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• Al-Kali, Lagos State Police Commissioner

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By Jude Isiguzo

58-year-old retired soldier and pastor, Sonaya Ayeni, is crying for justice over the killing of his 27-year-old son, Azeez, who was allegedly murdered by some suspected thugs working for land speculators, at Igbo Okuta, in Imota Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.

Azeez was allegedly shot and killed by the thugs when he went for inspection of his father’s plot of land in the area.

Ayeni who retired from the Nigerian Army in 1990 claimed he founded a church, The Holy Michael Cherubim and Seraphim Church, which he runs with his children in 1995.

The church is located in the middle of a ninehectare land which Ayeni reportedly inherited from his father.

However, it was gathered that some land speculators would not let him be as they continued to encroach on some parts of the property.

On how his son was killed, Ayeni explained that the incident that led to his death started early last year when the alleged thugs came into the community chasing everybody away from the land which they claimed belongs to their boss.

The incident was later reported to the state government, which immediately drafted antiriot policemen to the area.

He noted that the policemen stayed in the community for three months during which some measures aimed at restoring peace were taken.

No sooner had the law enforcement agents left the troubled spot than the thugs returned

‘How I was attacked’ by ANLCA chief

AMILY members and friends of Mr Tope Akindele are still thanking God for saving his life following an attack on him by unknown gunmen on his way to his house at Singer area in Sango, Ogun State.

Though he was wounded and his car stolen, his family is still glad that their breadwinner is alive.

Akindele, the Vice-Chairman, Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja chapter, said he left the office around 6:00 in the evening in order to meet up with some of his other appointments. However, as he got closer to his house, he noticed a Peugeot 504 car following him from behind. Akindele nevertheless became suspicious when the occupants of the Peugeot car snatched another

Honda Accord car at gun point, abandoning their former vehicle.

Akindele said: “I left office and drove towards Sango, passing through the Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway. On getting to Sona Breweries, I noticed a Peugeot 504 car driving behind me.

When I got to Singer bus stop, the car overtook mine and drove into the street through which I would have to drive to my house. But suddenly, the car stopped and the occupants, three in number, alighted and jumped into another car, this time a Honda Accord car. It was at that point that I became suspicious of the men.

“At that point, I could not do anything but had to keep driving emboldened by the fact that a beer parlour was nearby where there were still people relaxing. Their car suddenly overtook mine while three men wielding AK 47 rifles

emerged and shot sporadically into the air. All the people in the beer parlour fled in different directions, while one of them shot me in the leg.

They subsequently fled with my golden colour Infinity FX 35 2003 Jeep with a customised number plate marked Abuja Ijoba. The chassis number is JNRASO8u43x.”

According to him, his renewed 2011 Customs Licence, 2011 Customs Authority Card, tax clearance papers, three cell phones, a tablet phone, identity card and a bag containing valuables like membership certificate of Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Certificate of Incorporation of CPCN, plenty of shipping documents, photo copies of the vehicle particulars and Customs papers of the snatched jeep were taken away by the robbers.

with a more deadly approach.

They allegedly attacked innocent residents inflicting injuries on perceived opponents.

Narrating what happened, Ayeni further said: “On that fateful day, my son was reading the Bible in front of the church when the suspected thugs stormed the vast compound, demanding that everybody should leave the premises.

“They threatened to deal with my son if he attempts anything funny. At this point, heated arguments ensued and the young man insisted that the impostors should leave. When they realised that my son was not ready to allow them have their way, they shot him in his hand.

“When the thugs realised that my son had slumped, they hurriedly left. Confused, I cried for help while holding the lifeless body of my son in my hands. He was rushed to the hospital but he was cold dead (on arrival).

Continuing, he said: “Having retired from the Nigeria Army in June 1990, I worked with the Lagos State Environmental Enforcement Agency and left in 1995 when I received divine calling.

“Thereafter, I built a church in my ancestral land and started the work of God. But trouble started after some people stormed my church sometime in 2007 and attacked members of my church, inflicting injuries on some members.

They pulled down the building claiming that the land had been sold to someone else. I had to take cover and ran for my dear life. Days after, the same group of people came threatening again. They said if I do not back off and leave the nine acres of land which belong to my father, they would ensure that I do not live enough to inherit it.”

He urged the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Yakubu Alkali to step in and investigate the matter before the thugs would come back to kill him and other members of his family.

THE NATION

39

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

• Dame Patience Goodluck (second, left), Mrs Obioma Liyel-Imoke (second, right) and other dignitaries at Obudu

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IRST Lady Dame Patience Jonathan who met with wives of state governors at the tranquil Obudu Cattle Ranch in Cross River State, has given reasons for conference.

The meeting took place during her fiveday retreat. The women deliberated on the theme: “Protocol, Etiquette and Administration”.

The governors' wives were, however, not the only guests at the enchanting resort. The wife of the Vice President and those of the Senate President, Speaker House of Representatives were also there, as were spouses of Deputy Governors and Service Chiefs.

The retreat came barely four months after the Presidential vacation at the same venue.

In the earlier retreat, the First Lady accompanied President Goodluck Jonathan along with their aides. The state governor Liyel Imoke and his wife Obioma were the hosts.

The first retreat was not just an occasion to rest after the electioneering campaign which ended with the April elections; it was also an opportunity for Mr President to brainstorm the composition of the new Government, it was said.

Standing at 1567km above sea level, with temperature ranging from 12 to 22 degrees C', the ranch is cool and picturesque. It is believed that all these elements must have informed the decision of the President's wife to hold the First Lady’s Retreat there.

Dame Jonathan in her welcome address said the retreat was conceived to build the capacity of the women to enable them better support their spouses in the conduct of their official duties.

“We are here to learn new approaches that conform to international standards and best practices,” she said. “This retreat will provide us with knowledge that will not only expand our horizon but also boost confidence, and gain insight into the principles and practices of smooth, graceful, orderly, and efficient organisation and conduct of functions that involve both national and in-

Why First Lady met governor's wives at Obudu From Kunle Johnson, Calabar

ternational dignitaries.”

She further stated that the retreat would enable wives of senior government officials to boost their communication skills especially in public speaking and speech presentation.

The women deliberated on effective administration and time management, managing an NGO, etiquette, nutrition, keeping a state kitchen, stress management, table settings, amongst others.

The First Lady advised participants not to keep the knowledge and information acquired to themselves but rather disseminate it to others.

Mrs Imoke who hosted the event, brought her personal attention to bear on the retreat and added color and glamour to the occasion. It earned her accolades from Dame Jonathan.

Imoke thanked the First Lady for her choice of the Obudu Mountain Resort as the venue for the retreat, saying that it has considerably boosted the Cross River State tourism

profile.

The state is preparing for next month's celebration of the Leboku New Yam Festival in Ugep, Yakuur Local Government Area, which is about four hours away from the resort. Mrs Imoke also mentioned other activities like the popular Obudu Mountain Race which takes place every November, building momentum for the internationally acclaimed 32-day Calabar Festival, starting at the end of November.

“I must restate that the Ranch has never hosted such a large array of high profile and influential personalities. I say this with all amount of seriousness as I am aware that this group constitutes the highest number of would-be promoters of the Ranch Resort whose facilities naturally entitle it to full occupancy year round,” she said.

She advised the participants to take time off the retreat to visit some alluring tourist sites around the resort, as well as the Monoliths in Ikom, the Longest Canopy Walkway located in Boki and the Agbokim Waterfalls in Etung all in the state.

The retreat paraded experienced resource

Being the wife of a governor, you must have principles and set standards to be even better than you are now. When we get back home, we will know better, how to work with our protocol and security.

Obudu is a very nice place which I will like to visit again with my family

persons from within and outside the state.

Adebola Ogutuga, a senior director of Studies of the CONSIMA Protocol and Finishing School delivered an awareness lecture on the Order of Precedence and Symbols of National Unity. He frowned at the wrong use of national symbols especially the Nigerian flag and the Seal of the President.

A brilliant lecture on Functions of Security Personnel and Convoy Management was delivered by a retired military intelligence officer and Oando Plc security coordinator Richard Emuovhe.

Mrs Oluremi Oyo, Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) delivered a lecture on Image is Everything; Functions of the Media.

The governors' wives praised the First Lady for initiating the retreat which they said gave them the opportunity to learn proper protocol, etiquette, administration, art of public speaking, among other things.

The Wife of Kaduna State Governor, Amina Yakowa said the retreat was rewarding. “As wives of governors, we need to know protocol, administration and security.

It will go a long way to help us in carrying out our duties effectively."

"The lectures were a huge success," said Hajia Asmau Abdulaziz, wife of the Zamfara State governor. "Being the wife of a governor you must have principles and set standards to be even better than you are now.

When we get back home, we will know better, how to work with our protocol and security. Obudu is a very nice place which I will like to visit again with my family."

The newly appointed Minister for Tourism, High Chief Edem Duke was among the dignities who spoke at the event. He commended Dame Goodluck Jonathan for her initiative and urged that she continues to be a goodwill tourism ambassador for Nigeria. Tourism according to the Minister is an industry that properly harnessed can bring more revenue than oil, even as it is beneficial to women and youths especially.

Soni Neji and Julius Agu provided entertainment.

Ex-lawmaker hails Uduaghan’s victory

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ORMER councilor in Ward 8, Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State Hon. Joseph Asiaye Alubeze has hailed the state governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s victory at the Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Asaba, the state capital.

Alubeze said Uduaghan’s victory is for all Deltans, stressing that it will usher in another round of development in the state. He urged Chief Great Ogboru to shelve litigation and join hands with the governor to move the state forward.

He commended the tribunal Judge, Justice Doris Ogwurike over the judgment, saying the victory is a clear indication that Nigerian judiciary has come to stay.

He, however, urged the state governor to extend a hand of fellowship to the opposition and non-party members.

Hon. Alubeze also commended the governor for the appointment of Rt. Hon. Solo-

From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Ughelli

mon Funkekeme, former Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly as Commissioner for Works.

The ex-lawmaker described Funkekeme’s appointment as a welcome development for Burutu and the ljaw nation.

Alubeze said he has the confidence that Commissioner Funkekeme will use his years of experience as Deputy Speaker in the legislative house to take the Ministry of Works and Delta State to an enviable position.

He noted that in the period that Hon. Funkekeme was in State House of Assembly, he was instrumental to the citing of the Burutu Marine Technology School and also attracted development in other areas to the area. Of particular mention was giving jobs to youths of the area.

•Gov Rochas Okorocha flanked by Chief Obioha, Chairman, Manangement Committee, Imo Concorde Hotel, Owerri (right), and Senator Osita Izunaso during inspection of facilities at the hotel

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

40

Today, 1.1 billion people still do not have access to safe water, and more than 2 billion people are affected by water shortages in over 40 countries. Four out of 10 people around the world use sanitation facilities that do not meet basic requirements for health

•Resource persons at the event

Anambra tackles water scarcity

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HE multipurpose Auditorium of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State (UNIZIK) brimmed that morning with different faces from various institutions. Twenty-three professors, three Fellows of Academy of Sciences (FAS), 59 academic doctors and other distinguished personalities numbering over 300 gathered in the university for a capacity building workshop on the proper management of river basins.

The workshop was jointly organised by UNIZIK and the National Water Resources Institute, (NWRI) Kaduna to create a road map for the proper management of river basins in the Southeast geopolitical zone.

Practices at the River Basin in the zone were evaluated in accordance with global Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) best practices.

The Director, Nnamdi Azikiwe University and National Water Resources Capacity Building Network, Dr. Bernard Odoh, said the university and the institute entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to promote capacity building and human resources development in the water sector so as to plan, develop, conduct and manage specific trainings and applied research activities in the Southeast.

He said that Nigerians have had daunting challenges in the area of River Basin management which, according to him, requires urgent and strategic focus.

Quoting the United Nations report, Odoh said that access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation is essential for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals

From Emeka Attah, Onitsha

(MDGs).

“Today,” he said, “1.1 billion people still do not have access to safe water, and more than 2 billion people are affected by water shortages in over 40 countries. Four out of 10 people around the world use sanitation facilities that do not meet basic requirements for health. Two million tonnes per day are deposited in water courses. Each year, unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation kills at least 1.6 million children below the age of five, and half of the population of the developing world are exposed to polluted sources of water that increase the incidence of disease”.

The Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Boniface Egboka regretted that the mission of fostering opportunities for a well focused interdisciplinary research and education in water sector in Nigeria has been elusive and emphasized that researchers should be encouraged to talk on integrated water resources management with people and different experts.

“There is no doubt that water researchers and management at different tertiary institutions and water management organisations in the Southeast zone are engaged in multidisciplinary but integrated research on several areas of the most compelling water issues of the day. However, introducing a greater level of cooperation, coordination and appreciation for interdisciplinary research and established water communication channels remain significant challenges in a properly focused integrated water resources management strategy that

is of special interests in a fast track development economy such as ours Nigeria,” he said.

Egboka, a professor of Hydro-geology, also called on governments at various levels to utilise the services of various experts in the universities in Nigeria in handling alternative water resources instead of relying on expatriates.

“At UNIZIK, we have ample expertise in managing water resources at various levels. Since 1980 when this university started, we never had water; we relied on Oji River in Enugu State for water supply but using our expertise here after 30 years, we have struck water below ground surface at the depth of 800 feet and the water is artesian, which means it is free flowing and self-supplying. This has made us to hit three

Father of triplets absconds •Wife cries for help

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COMMERCIAL bus driver, Mr. Francis Ochaye has absconded after his wife, Janet Ochaye, 28, gave birth to a set of triplets at the Somolu General Hospital, Lagos.

The man was said to have gone to the hospital a few days after the delivery to take his wife and the new babies home.

But shortly after their taxi pulled out of the hospital, the man asked the driver to pull over. That was the last time he was seen, it was said.

Ochaye was said to have alighted under the pretext of buying to take home.

Efforts to get in touch with the man have

By Innocent Amomoh

proved abortive.

“I’m surprised he could do that to me, leaving me with kids to suffer after the trauma I went through during the pregnancy,” the wife lamented.

She continued: “The upkeep of Junior, 3, is not easy, not to talk of the triplets. I lost my job not quite long ago and I’m presently with nothing to take care of the children.

“I’m appealing to the governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) and wellmeaning Nigerians to please come to my aid as I cannot do it all alone,” she concluded.

•Mrs Ochaye and her three babies

boreholes and before the end of this year, water will flow everywhere in the campus."

Egboka said.

Topics treated at the workshop technical paper presentation included Water and Food Security by Engr. Gregory Ugwueze, Regional Water Governance and Source Water Protection by Dr. Olusayo Bamgboye and Water Ecological Disasters, Poverty and Public Health Hazard by Professor Mosto Nwankwo.

Discussing the topic, Regional Water Governance and Water Protection by Dr. Bamgboye, he identified challenges relating to regional water governance in Nigeria to include legal trademark, leadership and commitment, resources and capacity, legitimacy, accountability and actors roles and relationships.

He said the way forward for implementation of the concept of good water governance is to realise the importance of planning and implementing framework within specific, social economic, environmental and cultural conditions including processes and mechanism of interaction between “state and non-state actors looking for efficiency and mutual responsibilities.”

After the technical paper presentations, the participants at the workshops were divided into three discussion groups where the three topics were analyzed and discussed.

Professors Egboka, Luke Anike and Mosto Onuoha later led group discussions.

The workshop observed the absence of water resources department at various levels of government in the Southeast zone.

These is also the total lack of public awareness of government programmes and rights in the water sector as well as lack of coordinated efforts to solving water challenges.

Participants at the workshop also observed government policy inconsistency in the sector as well as lack of focus in overall water management.

The nonexistence of dams and irrigation schemes in the Southeast and the fact that ground water resources are being destroyed while existing boreholes are dilapidated and abandoned all over the Southeast, were also mentioned.

Onuoha, a former Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Nigeria Nsukka, the UNIZIK workshop.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University , Prof. Joe Ahaneku who was Master of Ceremony described the workshop as timely and in line with the federal government’s actualisation of the vision 2020.

SLIDING TACKLE

"Mourinho is a real winner and he does whatever it takes to get good results. People often think that his comments disturb us, but that's not the case.

His words are even motivating us and work to our advantage. Catalans are pretty quiet by nature and Mourinho's comments keep us on our toes."

Barcelona midfielder, Xavi Hernandez revealing the Catalan club was inspired by Real Madrid’s manager, Jose Mourinho, to win the Audi Cup recently.

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

42

BARCA’S AUDI CUP TRIUMPH

Torres: I've not forgotten how to score goals

Mourinho inspired B us—Xavi ARCELONA midfielder Xavi Hernandez has revealed that Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho's comments about the Catalan giants only inspired them to continue to dominate La Liga.

Mourinho publicly attacked Barca last term on more than one occasion, and the Portuguese tactician is determined to beat the Camp Nou side to the league title and Champions League trophy in 2011-12.

However, Xavi reckons that the former Chelsea and Inter tactician only serves to fire up him and his team-mates, stating to Suddeutsche Zeitung: "Mourinho is a real winner and he does whatever it takes to get good results. People often think that his comments disturb us, but that's not the case.

"His words are even moti-

CHELSEA striker Fernando Torres has vowed to be a hit next season after a limp start to life at Stamford Bridge.

He found the net only once in 18 appearances for his new club last term and he has failed to find the target in the opening two games of Chelsea's tour of Asia.

Critics have questioned whether the Spaniard has the ability to help Chelsea in their quest for trophies this year, but Torres has hit back at his doubters.

"I'm 27. Don't worry. I don't forget to score goals.

I will score," he told reporters.

"It's going to be a big sea-

vating us and work to our advantage. Catalans are pretty quiet by nature and Mourinho's comments keep us on our toes."

Xavi also discussed Madrid's squad and voiced his opinion that they have significantly strengthened in the summer, with Nuri Sahin in particular being a player that the Spaniard respects.

"Real Madrid are stronger than they were last year.

There's little doubt about that.

They have signed some great players with [Fabio] Coentrao, [Jose] Callejon and [Nuri] Sahin. The Turk is a superb player with a lot of quality."

Barcelona took part in the Audi Cup this week and beat Bayern Munich 2-0 in the final to win the friendly tournament.

• Blatter

•Sneijder's

• Mourinho

R

ond fiddle to their Clasico rivals, the Germany international believes it is time for change.

"Our objective is to win more titles," Ozil was quoted as saying by El Mundo Deportivo.

"The team is much more mature now and this year we will be fighting for all the titles."

Kaka recently claimed he was staying at the Bernabeu

playmaker but are holding out for a straight cash bid of •40 million.

If United follow up the interest that was outlined in talks involving senior officials of the two clubs in Milan a fortnight ago, Goal.com understands that Inter will move for Tevez.

The Italians cannot afford the Argentine without first offloading Sneijder, who is no longer considered indispensable at San Siro following the arrival of new coach Gian Piero Gasperini.

United chief executive David Gill raised the prospect of a renewed attempt to sign Sneijder by admitting on Wednesday that Sir Alex Ferguson wants to recruit a "world class" player before the summer window closes.

It is understood that United have indicated they are willing to meet Inter's •40m asking price but the main stumbling block is the player's personal demands.

Briefs...Briefs...Briefs...Briefs...Briefs...Briefs...Briefs...Briefs...Briefs...Briefs...Briefs...Briefs...

El Hadji Diouf handed 5-year ban THE Senegal FA has slapped former Teranga Lions skipper El Hadji Diouf with a five-year suspension for publicly discrediting the body’s officials and snubbing a summons.

As promised earlier this week, the Senegal Football Federation (FSF) disciplinary committee on Wednesday announced its decision concerning Blackburn Rovers player and former Senegal international El Hadji Diouf, after he failed to appear before the committee to defend a defamation of character accusation.

The committee pronounced a five-year ban on the 30-year-old two-time African Footballer of the Year based on articles 11 and 16 of the FSF code of discipline and articles 172 and 176 of the general regulations of the Federation.

“The Disciplinary Committee, after deliberation, inflicted on professional footballer El Hadj Diouf Ousseynou a five-year suspension from all football activities with effect from the date of notification of this decision,” read the statement published by Senegal Press Agency, APS.

Ozil: We want more titles this season EAL Madrid midfielder Mesut Ozil believes the club is good enough to challenge for all the major titles this season as he pleads with Kaka to stay at the club.

Jose Mourinho's men saw Barcelona win La Liga and the Champions League last term while Ozil and his colleagues settled for the Copa del Rey. However, after playing sec-

INTER are waiting for Manchester United to make a formal offer for Wesley Sneijder before upping their interest in Carlos Tevez, Goal.com can reveal.

The Serie A giants are demanding •40m for the Netherlands playmaker so they can fund a move for Manchester City's forward, who has expressed his desire to leave Inter is willing to negotiate the sale of their Dutch

despite reports linking him with a move back to AC Milan, and Ozil insists the Brazilian is an integral member of the squad.

"Kaka is a very important player for us. I have a very good relationship with him.

"He helps the team and has great potential."

Madrid meet Barcelona in the two-legged Spanish Supercopa next month.

• Diouf

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

F

It will be tried out in December, rubber-stamped in March and passed into law next July.

He said: “If it proves to be accurate, then it is likely the International Board will pass it.

“If that is the fact, other associations will have the right to use it.”

Meanwhile, Blatter rocked and reeled under public crossexamination here yesterday.

The most vilified man in football was battered with questions about his leadership of FIFA. Why should we believe a word you say? Why should Brazilian people trust you with our money?

“I am not a dictator,” he finally said.

“I do not work alone. I work with a lot of advisers and administrators.”

Blatter, 75, is here for Saturday’s 2014 World Cup draw and walked into new controversy over claims of corruption inside his organisation.

He is already ‘Public Enemy No.1’ at home for the way FIFA lied to England’s delegates over the 2018 bid which went to Russia.

His former colleague Mohammed Bin Hammam has been banned for life and yesterday Blatter was confronted by accusations from German legend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

• Torres

Sneijder's exit to determine bid for •50m Tevez—Inter

Blatter approves goaline technology IFA president,Sepp Blatter yesterday gave the all-clear for the Premier League to use goal-line technology next year.

Starsport reported last week how the league planned to use cameras in matches in the 2012-13 season but needed FIFA to sanction the rule change.

Now president Blatter has given his thumbs-up to the plan as well as approving its use in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

son. My form is okay, it's time to be fit and ready.

We're trying to get into the best form. We have got big expectations and I can see the winning mentality we have."

Bradley scared of me—Khan AMIR Khan feels a fight with Timothy Bradley to decide who is the undisputed lightwelterweight king will not happen because the American "knows that he will get beaten".

Khan last weekend added the IBF belt to the WBA title he already owned by overcoming Zab Judah in their unification fight in Las Vegas.

Now he wants one more bout in his current division before moving up to welterweight for a potential clash with Floyd Mayweather in 2012.

"There are still a few names in the 140-pound division and I think I have one more fight in the division before moving up to 147 pounds where the bigger challenges are."

Amir Khan Quotes of the week WBC and WBO champion Bradley is Khan's preferred choice but having already pulled out of a fight once before after verbally agreeing to a deal, the British boxer is not expecting much further co-

• khan operation.

"I don't think the fight against Bradley will happen because I think he is scared to take it on," Khan said.

"He knows that he will get beaten, and where does he go from there?

"There are other big fights out there for me. In the future we will look at Mayweather, but there is also Erik Morales, or the winner of Marcos Maidana against Robert Guerrero.

SHOPPING

43

THE NATION

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

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

e-mail: janicenkoli@yahoo.com 08033349992 sms only

email:- shopping@thenationonlineng.net

• Inside Adeniran Ogunsanya Shopping Mall.

Shopping mall with a difference The Adeniran Ogunsanya Shopping Mall, Surelere, Lagos, popularly called Shoprite, has caught the fancy of many shoppers. It is set to give Muslims a treat during the Ramadan and after. TONIA ‘DIYAN writes.

Star product of the week

My Shopping

Centre rug

Page 45

‘Buy things that stand the test of time’ Page 46

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

44

SHOPPING

T

HE Adeniran Ogunsanya Shopping Mall, Surulere, Lagos is probably one of the largest in the metropolis. It occupies 23000sq metres. It has an expansive car park of 7,000 sq. It is planning to raise cars up with lifts instead of ramps.

At the entrance of the mall, there are information desk officers who welcome customers. Here, you are provided with necessary information about the shopping complex.

What is more, answers are readily provided to all your questions. If you are not pleased with the information, you are referred to the management office where willing listeners are waiting to serve you.

The moribund mall was renovated between April 2008 and October 2010. Now the face lift has given it a new look.

It was designed and built by Top Services Limited owned by Tokunbo Omisore and Associates.

However, the rent is cheap. It is about $300 per square metres as compared to about $800$1,200 per square metres in comparable shops excluding service charges.

The designers adopted the system, which was already in place, thus recognising the need for stay-in-business strategy. Construction began even while some old shops were in place. This has brought about the need for

A shopping mall with a difference the use of steel for construction. The old businesses were given the opportunity to remain in the mall, to update and upgrade their strategy to international standards.The Mall has been used to regenerate Surulere.

Out of the 154 proposed shops, there are 85 per cent occupants already in operation.There are over 36 per cent international brands such as Shoprite, Nike, Swatch, KFC, Nandos, Debonnairs, Havilah, Heritage, Dehadza, Nireds’s and Oolocity, among others.

As part of plans for the celebration of the Ramadan, there will be Charity collection for the less privileged in line with Islamic injunctions and a festival will be available on the last day of the yearly event.

The management of the mall plans to invite manufacturing companies to give out free products such as tea/coffee and light food, to create awareness for their products in the mall, as well as boost goodwill among their consumers. This is in addition to the supply of Islamic music during the period.

Other services available in the mall are res-

taurants (sharwama, hotdog, Chinese, pizza, Africa, grills, cakes, ice cream, male/female clothing and accessories, children male/female clothing and accessories, furniture and home accessories, laundry services, perfumes, travel agency, toy shops, artist, photography, party shop, phone accessories, fabrics stores, cosmetics, under wears and sportswear, greeting cards, pharmacies, bookshop (general, Christian and professional books).

Shops having discount sale at present are the Bag Shop, Havilah, Nireds Place, Polo city, Heritage, Dehadza, Ouch, Mobos, Nike, Live Mechanics, Elizabeth Philips Bridal Consultancy, Riana Collections, Miki Joan, Alexis and Fresh Max. They have discounts of up to 50 per cent off on items.

The mall’s design took into consideration the challenge of making it affordable and obtainable, two factors crucial to the design process. It was simplified in that order and is being reflected in the rent and retail prices.

Sizes of shops ranges from small, medium to large. The smallest size is 10 square me-

• Front view.

• Shoppers walking through the mall’s corridor

• A section of the mall.

tres; the average size is 20 square metres.

But the largest size is 2,500 squre metres where Shoprite occupies. There are three banks in the Mall First Bank, Stanbic IBTC and Oceanic Bank and they are between 500 and 600 square metres each.

There is a space for exhibitions and events for corporate bodies or individuals, including birthdays, products, launching, video shoots, artists’ performances, shows, games and more.

Cost of energy supply is about 75 per cent of total income; income is about N16.5million per month and N12.5million goes to energy. This is a major challenge the mall is facing.

Top Services Limited, who constructed the Mall, is working at present on two new malls; Cocomall Apapa and Cocomall Ibadan.

Shoppers, who spoke to The Nation Shopping, expressed their joy over the face-lift given to the mall. They attested to its warm reception and products availability and affordability.

45

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

SHOPPING

STAR PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

Centre rug

Shopping Right with

keep your home safe this season

W

The perfect centre rug There is no limit to what can be done when decorating with centre rugs. The one a buyer chooses should beautify the home. It may, however, take some time before the perfect centre rug is found. The purpose of the centre rug is to highlight what is already in the home. TONIA ‘DIYAN writes.

W

HILE considering what shape of centre rug you want for your home, select a rug that complements the shape of the furniture and other rugs you already have in your home. Choose a centre rug that has the same shape as the furniture you place beside it, or give the home variety.

You can also play with contrasting shapes.

Buy a centre rug that has a different shape than the other rugs. A rectangular centre rug in the centre of the living room would offset circular furniture and other rugs and viceversa.

Choose a centre rug based on its size.

Consider the placement of the centre rug in the home and buy a moderate size rug if you intend to place the rug underneath a table or chair, buy a larger centre rug if you plan to place it on an open space.

Avoid buying an oversized centre rug that over laps others. Avoid placing it in the corner, put it at the middle to prevent one from tripping.

Choose a centre rug with a pattern that is complementary to the surrounding living room furnitures and wall accessories. The pattern and colour scheme of the rug should pick up the colours of the curtains or blinds.

Choose a solid centre rug if you have a variety of colours in your living room . A solid colour will create balance.

Choose a centre rug that highlights the exixsting floor , select a smaller center rug if you want to highlight the floor. Find a larger center rug if you want to downplay the floor It is probably best to pick a multi-toned rug for a floor that feature a consistent pattern, and a solid colour rug for a patterned floor.

ALE lives with his family somewhere in Coker village on the Lagos Mainland.

The torrential rains of the past week has rendered him homeless. He occupies a flat at the ground floor of a one story building that has other tenants including his land lord who lives upstairs.

Thanks to his benevolent land lord who accommodated him in his house upstairs while he tried to salvage his property.

Godwin, on the other hand, had been able to prevent the flood from entering his house, but the flood refuses to flee his compound. He must step into the flood if he must leave his house. Hakeem had his jeep stuck in the mood as a result of the flood in Surulere. This is the situation many find themselves whenever it rains heavily.

Given the high rate of flooding in the streets and many homes during this season, it is pertinent to see to the safety of your home so as to curtail repair costs.

The rainy season can damage properties and our homes. If a property isn’t properly prepared for the rainy season it can leave various damages that can be very costly and difficult to repair. Moisture in wall or penetrating rainwater in wall or building structure is common in rainy season.

Common strategies to remove excess moisture include creating vapor barriers, building waterproofing improving drainage.

Prepare your home for the season and prevent rainwater penetrating into wall or building structure.

Air conditioners and dehumidifiers are a good way to reduce the humidity levels inside a home.

The best way to protect upholstery and rugs is exposing them to sunlight; a good sunning prevents moisture-related problems.

A tumble dryer, a good investment In a country with such great rain, we should use tumble dryers.

The primary one is to ensure our clothes do not smell because of the moisture trapped in the fibres.

Drying clothes inside the house is one of the reasons why the moisture content is so high in so many homes.

While it is wet outside, you must think of every conceivable way to keep the inside of your home dry.

Cleaning rain gutter helps to avoid costly repairs and roof damage. Clean gutters weekly during the rainy season to ensure that they are free of debris and not backing up.

Take a look at your gutters to make sure that they drain well and do not cause water to back up.

Galvanized iron pipes joints often get cracked and cause leaks. It is advisable to solve this problem as early as possible. Using PVC pipes instead of Galvanized iron pipes will help you avoid this.

It is advisable to seek the assistance of a qualified engineer to evaluate, and fix the problem.

Air conditioner ducts can leave an unseemly trail of water streaming across the surface of exterior walls. Such streaks are breeding grounds for algae. You need to plan for this while you are solving the leakage problem.

Wet basement walls, the proliferation of mold and fungi, signs of rot, and pooling

JANICE NKOLI IFEME water inside a structure are some of common problems in rainy season.

Rainwater running across the roof of your home can damage exterior walls. Prevent this by channeling water away.

Neglecting rain gutter maintenance might result in damage and costly repairs.

The gutter system is your “roof drainage,” as it collects water, debris and other things nature would put down to your home. A house without gutters will have more problems than another that has one.

However, the gutter system is one of the neglected house components, as people get more focused on “simpler maintenance tasks” – gutters aren’t one of those.

Clear away the plant growth from the surface of the wall. Weeds tend to take root and widen minor cracks on the wall.

Cracks in walls are an outcome of old and weathered masonry. It is recommended to fix minor surface cracks with a high quality wall putty product.

Make sure that both doors and windows close and seal properly. Make any repairs or improvements as necessary.

Think about having your basement inspected.

Things to remember Clean gutters weekly during the rainy season to ensure that they are free of debris and not backing up.

If you are cleaning rain gutter yourself, choose the right ladder but safety is first.

If you are comfortable working from the rooftop this can be easier than working from a ladder.

Building waterproofing is recommended to prevent water from penetrating the building.

Property owners are also usually expected to routinely check to confirm that their structures are properly waterproofed.

It is advisable to solve the leaking problem as early as possible.

It is advisable to seek the assistance of a qualified engineer or experts to fix the problem.

‘The rainy season can damage properties and our homes. If a property isn’t properly prepared for the rainy season, it can leave various damages that can be very costly and difficult to repair’

• A classy centre rug to complement the decor.

• Rectangular centre rug.

Write to us, express your views, observations and experiences. Let’s have your comments about shopping. Your comments, questions and answers will be published first Friday of every month. With your full name and occupation, send e-mail to: janicenkoli@yahoo.com SMS - 08033349992

46

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

SHOPPING My Shopping

‘Buy things that stand the test of time’ HAT is your view about shopping?

I am not somebody who believes in shopping. I believe the shopping malls here are not conducive. They are either too far away from where you live or the traffic discourages you. So, I buy just what I need. I just don’t go out because I want to shop. I do not window-shop. When I need something, I know where to get it.

Where are some of the places you go to?

It depends on what I am buying. I shop for clothes, shoes, books, especially and a whole lot of things; you know, the normal women shopping.

Where do you go for clothing?

Without being immodest, I actually do not buy them here because I have the opportunity to travel. I usually buy my suit from either America, Milan or England. I buy lace fabrics here.

Where?

I go to places like Solutions at Opebi.

Does that mean that you have a shop in mind while going to America?

I just go to the big shops; probably they would be having sales. I am not addicted to a particular shop.

Any particular brand preference?

I am not into the designer stuff. I just buy

W

• Mrs Olufumilayo Ladele, Director, Centre for Black African Arts and Culture (CBAAC), Lagos

By Janice Nkoli Ifeme

things that will last; durable things that are not in fashion; that you can wear every time.

That is the kind of shopping that I do.

How would you assess the shopping malls in Nigeria?

There is a shopping mall in Maryland.

When it started, there were lot of shops there, but now, what you see are offices.

That is what you have in Maryland Shopping Complex.

Is that the only mall you know?

That is because it is situated in the part of Lagos where I live.

How do you see the development of malls in Nigeria?

I think what we have are still not enough, like if you go to West field Mall in London, you can find all the shops there. It could take you a day to go round it. We have not yet reached that standard. May be because the fare is exorbitant. May be because they always bring their stock from overseas. So, when you add up the shop, fare, and power, these make their products

exorbitant. When I hear what people who own shops pay as rent, I wonder what would be left to them.

So, how can our malls be more developed?

We need more malls in every area, cheaper rent and cheaper cost of power, then everybody can be given the opportunity to shop.

The average civil servant would not go to The Palms to shop, because it will be beyond their means.

Tell us about a nasty shopping experience Long ago, I went to Rome with a friend.

We did not understand the currency. My friend bought a blouse, while I bought a skirt suit. When we got home and translated the money into Pounds and Naira, we realised that they were too expensive and rushed back to the shop, but nothing could be done about it.

Summarise your shopping style.

I am not really crazy about anything. However, I could get carried away sometimes. I could buy four or five laces at a go.

One piece of shopping advice.

Shop sensibly; buy what you need and things that would stand the test of time.

• Mrs Ladele

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

47

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

48

N EWS

Focus on agric will transform economy, says IITA chief T

HE Federal Government’s focus on agriculture will ensure good governance, infrastructure and human development, Director-General of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Dr Peter Hartmann has said.

Efforts to develop the agricultural sector would translate to transformation of the economy, he said in Ibadan.

He said: “Agriculture appears to be getting the attention it merits, especially with the caliber of people appointed to drive the sector and other segments of government,” he said.

According to him, the Fed-

Stories by Daniel Essiet, Agric Correspondent

eral Executive Council’s focus on impact and its spotlight on investment-driven activities will attract investors.

On the growing youth population and the high unemployment rate, Hartmann said: “Nigeria is a young country, by the age of its population and like the youth anywhere, they can be a powerful motor for growth. But if they are not productively engaged they pose complex challenges.

“The rate of unemployment among the youth in Nigeria is high and millions more

will soon enter the labour market,” he said.

Hartmann said the Minister for Agriculture, Akin Adesina’s clear view of the link between agriculture and the youth, as expressed at the recently held Nigeria Economic Summit is most encouraging.

He expressed optimism that investment in the agricultural sector and infrastructure - energy and transport, in particular rail, rural roads and Internet bandwidth – that the government is now targeting a mix with which to start tackling this youth factor.

“The President and Minis-

Agro business opportunities in Cross River

By Daniel Essiet, Agric Correspondent

• Hartmann

ter of Agriculture’s pursuit of jobs via agriculture is to be celebrated. Everyone can find their place in this pursuit, the youth, financiers, farmers, traders, food processors, educators, advertisers, transporters, and all consumers, many of whom spend a large amount of their income on food,” he said.

According to the IITA head who will soon complete his term, “The stars are aligning up nicely for Nigeria.”

Scientist flays firms over food quality

A

FOOD scientist and Chief Executive Officer of Bio-Organics Nutrient Systems Limited, Dr Kenny Acholonu, has expressed concern over quality of products from the food industry.

Speaking with journalists in his office at Ibafon, Ogun State,Acholonu said many local food producers do not know the technology of combining ingredients to produce attractive, safe, and nutritious foods.

He called for an effective monitoring and surveillance system and efficient quality control system at the manufacturing level. According to

Acholonu, the concept of food regulation, safety and quality is important for all stakeholders starting from the farmers to the processors, to the retailers and to the consumers.

He noted that there is prevalence of micronutrient deficiency, as there is absence of consumption data for potential micronutrients, and the processing industry chain.

Acholonu said there was a need for local food producers to strive to meet international standards, failing they will see their products rejected at the international markets.

With the nation seeking to achieve self-sufficiency in food production, Acholonu noted that emphasis should be channeled towards opening up vast opportunities for value-addition, with high level of technological involvement.

He said his organisation is making efforts to produce micronutrients that offer value-added potential.

According to him, his organisation has acquired the technology to fortify foods and beverages with micronutrients for healthy diets.

Calling for patronage from government and the private

sector, Acholonu, said his firm has developed and produces tailor-made vitamin and mineral premixes for fortifying drinks, baked goods, dairy products and baby food.

According to him, the company’s high-tech facility consists of fully automatic blending lines for different quantities and products.

He said all the steps in production are accompanied by a sophisticated quality management system.

According to him, the extent of food processing in a country is a reliable indicator of its economic progress and prosperity.

• From left: Mr Chimere Joseph, Dr Agbato and Dr Tunde Ifemade at the event.

‘Adopt safe feed to boost animal production’

T

HE Chief Executive of Animal Care Konsult, Dr Olatunde Agbato, has called on livestock producers to adopt safe and balanced feed.

This, he stressed, is an essential prerequisite for the health and welfare of foodproducing animals.

At the launch of new products in his factory at Ogere, Ogun State, Agbato said feed is the most important single factor for the sustainable development of livestock and aquaculture production.

Agbato noted that making use of good feed is a way to explore the livestock to lift themselves out of poverty.

He said his company has launched several products to increase feed efficiencies among all actors in feed systems.

Agbato said there is increasing demand for milk, meat and eggs and urged the farmers to use his company’s products to intensify production to produce more animals or animal foods for the growing livestock markets.

He said one of the constraints farmers face in increasing their livestock production is lack of feed for their animals.

Agbato said his organisation is focused on optimising farmer combinations of traditional feeds and forage crops, with cost-effective strategic supplements of minerals, vitamins and other feed innovations.

The care consult boss said his organisation has built extensive food-feed crop research, adding that they de-

vise ways to manage diverse feed resources efficiently as well as intensively.

Agbato said compound feed plays a crucial role in exploiting the nutritional potential of co-products, provided they are safe for both animals.

He said his company is confident in increasing feed efficiency through improved knowledge of nutritional requirements and innovative technical solutions which help prevent and reduce nutrient losses.

C

ROSS River State has terrific agricultural potential; fertile land, sun and cheap labour.

The state’s potential to feed the nation’s growing population is not in doubt. The evidence is becoming increasingly visible.

The production of vegetables in and around the state is growing, in response to the urgent need to feed urban dwellers. The advantages of agriculture are recognised: it contributes to community development and local organisation, as well as to the production of a great diversity of food, in large quantities.

Cross River State is one of the most richly endowed agricultural lands in Nigeria. Rubber and oil palm plantations generate export commodities. Forestry accounts for about 22.4 per cent of the total land areas, hence forestry products rank next after agriculture.

The major cash and food crops include cassava, yams, rice, plantain, banana, cocoyam, maize, cocoa, rubber, groundnut and palm produce.

The government has focused on the development of the sector with a view to addressing issues of poverty by creating different types of employment and bringing about food security. The overall objective to: provide an enabling environment for agricultural development, deliver services that support sufficiency in food production and guarantee food security and promote efficient use and protection of natural resources.

In a bid to improve commercial agriculture, the commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr Sandy Onor, issued cheques worth N11,521,917.51 to beneficiaries of the Commercial Agriculture Development Project in the state.

The objective of the agricultural scheme is to improve the business of agriculture and make it successCross River State Governor ful by shifting from subsis- • Liyel Imoke tence to commercial agriculture.

The government is seeking investors to develop the agricultural sector.

It has strengthened its agriculture policy is to see the region become a major food producer and exporter.

The state has made a lot of effort to diversify the economy with a specific focus on agriculture.

It has invested in infrastructure and modern inputs such as fertiliser, seeds, tools and agro-chemicals to improve the quality and quantity of agricultural output.

Following steady and relatively high international cocoa price and potential, the opportunities are opened to local and foreign investors to improve productivity and make cocoa farming one of the attractive prospects.

The government wants more investment, especially in agric-processing industries. The shortfall in processing capacity is one of the key structural deficiencies in the agricultural economy. The government in a bid to stimulate investment in agricultural activities provides the following incentives: Companies in the agro-allied business do not have their capital allowance restricted.

The payments of minimum tax by companies that make small or no profits at all do not apply to agroallied businesses. Agro-allied plants and equipment enjoy enhanced capital allowances of up to 50 per cent. Processing of agricultural produce is a pioneer industry; consequently there is 100 per cent tax-free period for five years.

All agricultural and agro-industrial machines and equipment enjoy one per cent duty.

The Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (ACGSF), administered by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), guarantees up to 75 per cent for all loans granted by commercial banks for agricultural production and processing.

The Interest Drawback Programme Fund provides a 60 per cent repayment of interest paid by those who borrow from banks under the ACGS, for the purpose of cassava production and processing. To qualify for these repayments, borrowers need to repay their loans on schedule.

Cross River’s export promotion zones, port, and accessibility to Lagos and Abuja provides easy links to large markets, faster clearance of goods, and an opportunity to develop Cross River’s capital city, Calabar, into a central location for food processing.

The state government is working to provide adequate infrastructure to meet growing consumer and business demands.

49 FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

Vol 3 No. 140

Business leaders, marketers and researchers can play an important role in brand development. This is not only to make businesses and brands grow, but also to inspire more sustainable behaviour in customers. But value creation is a vital factor. This was the message from Millward Brown, chief global analyst, Nigel Hollis, in this keynote address. How Doing Good Builds Strong Brands at the 32nd annual SAMRA Conference in South Africa - in line with the conference theme, Dare to Care: Put the heart in the art of research.

‘How research can assist in brand development’ A

S market researchers, we have a role to play to develop and sustain strong brands and we also have an important role in helping to improve efficiency and reduce waste in the marketing process. Market researchers actually do have a personal interest in shaping consumers’ attitudes and behaviour. That is, assuming we - and our family - intend to continue living on this planet.

If the brand you are working with is not pursuing sustainability, you should lobby for it to do so. And if the brand you are working with is already pursuing a sustainability agenda, make sure you do everything you can to make it successful. Rather than being dispassionate observers and advisors, it is time we all dare to care,” Hollis urged delegates.

Seeking opportunities for change, not simply feeding back data on the status quo. Staying ahead of the general consumer mindset by talking to thought leaders and trendsetters. Helping ensure brands are a catalyst for positive change, not a reason for consumers to do nothing. These are just some of the pro-active ways market researchers could ‘do good’ and help build strong and sustainable brands, he suggested.”

Sustainability today, offers an opportunity to improve the bottom line through supply chain efficiency and reducing waste. Today most major marketers in the Fortune 1000 have signed up to the sustainability movement. For instance, UK retailer Marks & Spencer publicises its Plan A and has recently announced a goal to be ‘the world’s most sustainable retailer’ by 2015.”

Such commitment is undeniably positive for society and the bottom line, less waste means fewer resources are required to make the same amount of stuff. And less waste means bigger profits,” Hollis argued.

In the US, Walmart, not content with sustainability, is now seeking to improve the eating habits of its shoppers by providing healthier packaged goods and cheaper fresh fruit and vegetables. Proctor & Gamble, Unilever and Nestlé have publicly embraced the need to improve people’s lives beyond serving a functional need. Programmes like Tide’s Loads of Hope, Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty or Pepsi’s Refresh Project, which are designed to promote the brand while espousing societal beneficial causes, are becoming common place, Hollis pointed out.”

But laudable though these initiatives are, their ultimate objective is to grow sales. And unfettered sales growth is tough to reconcile with true sustainability. To be truly sustainable, growth should ‘meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs,” Hollis cautioned.

“If we are to live within our planet’s means, we need to recognise that sustainability is not just about reducing waste in the supply chain - it is also about preventing excessive consumption. And that could prove a much bigger challenge for business unless it changes its focus from sales growth to value growth.”

Hollis reckons businesses can have a vested interest in helping consumers develop more sustainable habits. “But for this to happen, we need to understand where greenness and sustainability fit in the consumer’s agenda. And,

•Brown

‘If we are to live within our planet’s means, we need to recognise that sustainability is not just about reducing waste in the supply chain - it is also about preventing excessive consumption.

And that could prove a much bigger challenge for business unless it changes its focus from sales growth to value growth’ unfortunately, consumers seem somewhat less concerned about the future than are business leaders.”

In a Yankelovich Monitor survey in the USA, respondents were asked a number of questions about what was important to them in terms of buying environmentally friendly, organic and locally grown products. When it came to environmentally friendly products, the majority of people stated that this was important to them, with only 16 per cent stating it was not. However, when asked whether they would be willing to pay a little more for environmentally friendly products, only one in three agreed they would do so, therefore most of them do not believe it is worth paying a little more for environmentally friendly products and the few who do, tend to be the ones who can best afford it.

Even then, I have to question whether or not, these people will follow through on their stated beliefs. Much of the data I see suggest that motivations of convenience, habit and saving money often overwhelm people’s desire to buy ‘green’ products or act more sustainably. The motivation to save the planet is at odds with age-old motivations that have helped humankind become the all-consuming force it is today.”

Of course, market researchers have long known that stated importance does not correlate with behaviour.

While pundits love to denigrate research because they assume we take people’s answers at face value, researchers know that we need to trade off for over-claiming. People want to believe well of themselves and they want us to think well of them too. It is not so much that they lie about socially sensitive issues; it is more that they tell us how they wish things were,” Hollis stressed.

Hollis pointed out that over the years, researchers have developed many techniques to adjust for effects like social desirability. “We use self-completion questionnaires when addressing sensitive issues. We provide context to our questions to frame the issue appropriately. We benchmark attitudinal responses against actual behaviour.

And we employ derived importance rather than stated importance by correlating attitudes against a metric we know relates to behaviour, such as brand bought last or purchase consideration.”

Unfortunately, while derived importance is quick and easy to apply, it does not necessarily help us make the case for sustainability or a green agenda. In category after category in Millward Brown’s BrandZ study, statements like “make an effort to be the most environmentally friendly brand” are found to be the least related to brand loyalty. In categories where environmental concern is further up the hierarchy of importance, it is because one or two brands have taken the lead and addressed that latent need.”Ultimately, I believe that many people do feel concerned for the future of the environment but they lack the motivation to act on that concern.

They want someone else to fix the problem. It is a latent need waiting to be met by the right brand.”

If a viable green brand does not exist, people have no alternative but to keep using the existing products. But if a company offers them a green alternative, they may switch. And therein lies the opportunity. If people believe that they are consuming the wrong things, but aren’t willing or able to expend the effort to remedy the situation, brands may be able to capitalise on this by doing the right thing on consumers’ behalf, thus helping them follow through on their good intentions.”

The question is how best to seize this opportunity. If brands are to turn sustainability into a competitive advantage and inspire their consumers to more sustainable behaviour, then they must find ways of inspiring consumers to action.”

Right now we stand at a tipping point where it is not clear whether we can turn things around and live within our planet’s means. What is clear is that, if we are to do so, we must take action quickly. And while it may seem perversely counter-intuitive, the brands that are best positioned to change consumer behaviour may not be the found among the plethora of new green alternatives, but rather among the most well-known brands produced by leading multinationals.”

As brand marketers well know, building a brand is a process that takes significant time and resources. On the other hand, if existing, strong brands were to adopt a true sustainability agenda, then the positive impact would not only be greater, but it would likely be far faster. To this end, market research can contribute significantly by guiding, inspiring and lobbying the brands they work with.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

Brandnews

Interswitch powers GTBank cardless ATM I

NTERSWITCH, Africa’s leading electronic payment transaction and switching firm, has implemented an innovative, Cardless ATM cash deposit solution for GTBank.

The project, the first of its kind in Nigeria, will enable cash deposits go through GTBank ATMs without inserting or using a debit card.

The Cardless ATM cash deposit solution from Interswitch can be accessed on certain GTBank Cardless ATMs by clicking the enter button on the machine; this prompts the customer to key in the account details of the beneficiary to be credited.

The ATM then requests for a

confirmation of the account number and name of the beneficiary. Once this is done, the customer insert the amount to be deposited, the machine counts the cash and credits the beneficiary’s account immediately.

The Cardless ATM cash deposit solution allows a GTBank customer to deposit a bundle of different Naira denominations and the ATM will sort through the different denominations.

Once sorted, the ATM displays the amount according to the different denominations and also the total amount deposited.

The Cardless ATM cash deposit solution has the ability to validate the account of the benefici-

ary, allowing the depositor to confirm or correct any error. The deposited amount reflects in the beneficiary account real-time, and can be withdrawn immediately.

With the Cardless ATM solution, GTBank customers, who wish to make cash deposits, no longer need to visit the banking hall. They can simply deposit their cash via the ATM into a beneficiary’s accounts at any time of the day, including weekends.

This provides customers the flexibility of depositing cash anytime; hence, they do not need to worry about carrying huge sums of money home.

According to the Director for Payment Processing and Infra-

structure at Interswitch, Mr Akeem Lawal, the GTBank Cardless ATM cash deposit solution represents a big step towards full branch automation where entire banking operations are automated and customers are guaranteed an improved and consistent standard of service delivery at all automated bank branches.

He added that banks are leveraging the use of ATMs to provide improved consumer banking experience by taking self-service to a new level.

On the benefits to the bank, he noted that the ‘’Cardless ATM cash deposit solution has reduced the number of customers who visit the GTBank branches’’

where the ATM solution for cash deposit transactions was first deployed.

Similarly, the General Manager, Head, Communication and External Affairs at GTBank, Mrs Lola Odedina, explained that the solution from Interswitch is bound to improve the banking sector by providing a ‘’secure, quicker and more effective channel’’ for making deposits without visiting a banking hall’ or using an ATM card.

She further stated that the solution had undergone a successful and extensive test-run at certain GTBank branches and the bank was set to roll out the service in more branches.

Promasidor chief lists key to good CSR

T

HE Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Keith Richards has listed five key areas for a successful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.

Richards, who made a presentation entitle Giving Back to Society: Issues & Challenges at the Annual Giving Back Conference, organised by Business Day Newspaper in Lagos, listed the key areas as consistency, sustainability, credibility, relevance and affordability.

He told the audience of corporate executives and senior officials of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that for a corporate organisation to achieve a successful CSR programme, it is imperative that it built also a consistent approach to it and stick to it.

The organisation should ensure that its programmes could be relied upon by its partners as well as

• Nnodi (middle), Kennedy Abang (left) and Dickson Abang, both dancers, during the STS Regional Audition in Lagos.

Zonal winners emerge in Sprite Triple Slam T HE Abuja regional auditions of the ongoing Sprite Triple Slam competition, which held at the A-Class Garden Wuse 2, has produced winners.

The competition, which took place in the various categories of Dance, Music and Basketball, had contestants from different northern states competing for the position to represent the region at the STS grand finale.

After two days of intense competition, Justin Williams, a 19-year-old student of Model Secondary School, Maitama emerged winner in the basketball category.

Obinna Eneh, a member of the group, Fantastic Two, and a 21-yearold 100 level Political Science student of the University of Abuja, came tops in the music category, while Michael and Samson Atuonwu, 21 and 23-year-old brothers studying for their diploma in Theatre and Cultural Studies and Geology and Mining at the Nassarawa State University emerged winners in the dance category.

The regional winners received gifts of Blackberry mobile phones from Sprite and an automatic ticket to represent Abuja at the Grand Finale in Lagos State, where they will battle with other regional winners from Enugu, Calabar and Lagos

State for the N6 million cash prize.

Brand Manager Flavors, CocaCola Nigeria, Toyin Nnodi: “It was really exciting being in the Northern region. We saw a lot of talents and it was really a challenge for the judges to pick the final four winners, but I am positive they have done their best and the winners will represent their region very well during the finals.”

One of the judges, the Chief Executive Officer of the popular dance company, Michael Igbelabo, said: “Abuja was really exciting and packed with different talents. For the dance, we had very energetic and creative dancers, who had worked hard to fill the position of representing the Northern region at the finals. Overall, I was impressed with the level of talents we saw and am confident that the young people are finding other means to keep busy and become independent.”

Chief Executive Officer, Mary Elika Foundation, Mrs Mary Manzo, commended Coca-Cola on the initiative and for creating an opportunity for youths to express themselves and be useful in the society. This is a good way for them to showcase their talents,

be recognised and move on to greater heights in the entertainment and sports industry.”

Mr Austin Ufomba, Marketing Director , Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, said the major motivation around STS is to connect with the core target - older teens aged between 16 and 24, with an urbane lifestyle, who are creative and disruptive in their thinking and who have certain passion points.

He said: “To get the attention of the consumers require that you have to meet them at the point of need and be part of their lifestyle. The Sprite targets are eager to take a bottle of Sprite to spark-up their creativity. So, we thought of how well to get this young urbane youths to spark up their creativity and do what they know how to do best. This motivation gave birth to the STS. It’s also an opportunity to inspire those who have an innate energy or skill to come and compete and be who they want to be. STS is out to inspire youths to aspire to greatness via their passion.”

Sprite Triple Slam is a yearly CocaCola activation that involves basketball, music and dance. Winners are picked from different states and a grand finale is held where an overall winner emerges from each category.

the need to create programmes that have long duration, Richards said, adding that the credibility of the chief executive officer, board, senior managers, programme champions and product quality of such a company were also important.

He said there was also the need to review the programmes to see if they were relevant to the stakeholders and affordable by the company because such programmes needed to be developed in line with budget availability, not just now, but in the future.

Richards listed some of Promasidor’s core CSR programmes to include the Cowbell National Secondary Schools Mathematics Competition (NASSMAC), Rewards for Excellence in Primary Schools, Partnership with Africa Leadership and Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), Orile-Iganmu Community and Mother & Child Support.

‘We’re using ASO Save & Grow Promo to encourage fiscal discipline’

T

HE Managing Director of ASO Savings and Loans Plc Mr Hassan Musa Usman has revealed reasons his organisation has for the past three years embarked on an annual six-month customer-centric marketing promotional campaign.

Speaking on the on-going ASO Save ‘n’ Grow Your Account promotion, at the corporate headquarters of his organisation in Abuja, the chartered accountant stated that the annual ‘Save ‘n’ Grow promo is a deliberate strategy to develop a saving culture and encouraging financial discipline among Nigerians.

“We are aware of the fact that sustaining customer investment through increased deposits is very vital for a business like ours. Therefore, the Save ‘n’ Grow promo is a great opportunity for My House account holders to maintain and increase their deposits from June 15 to December 15, 2011, and qualify for the My House Raffle Draw in January 2012. Customers stand the chance to win consolation prizes, such as Flat Screen TVs, Fridges, Deep Fryers, and Microwaves. The Grand prize is a three-bedroom bungalow in the Federal Capital, Abuja.

This is the third promo organised by ASO. The aim is principally to give Nigerians the chance to become proud house owners,” MusaUsman added.

Explaining further on how the

promo works, the bank chief said: “The My House Account requires a minimum savings period of six months to qualify for a mortgage.

That combined with our realisation that Nigerians are yet to imbibe the savings/investment culture, it is still a developing concept, hence the theme for the promo campaign, Save ‘N’ Grow. ”The implication is that if you save up to six months, you qualify for the raffle draw. Each month, pre-qualification raffle pulls of all eligible MYHOUSE customers are conducted, with 100 selected. The draw, in this process, is that customers can be selected several times within the six months cycle.

So, besides encouraging customers to participate in the promo, we are helping them build fiscal discipline. In other words, it’s a winwin situation for everybody.”

Nigerians from all walks of life can participate in the six months promotion. They can take part as new customers or as old ones through any of the firm branch network spread across seven states. It has 23 branches in Benin, Edo State, Ikeja and Victoria Island in Lagos State. Other branches are in Ondo, Port Harcourt in Rivers State, Kaduna, Kano and Minna in Niger States. Abuja serves as the hub of all its business activities and operations for the nation’s leading mortgage finance company. It has 13 branches and three cash centres.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

51

Intense whitening: Macleans leverages on Nollywood

I

N furtherance of its efforts to promote family values and harmony among couples, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria (GSK) Plc in conjunction with Nollywood have launched its new variant, Macleans Intense Whitening leveraging on the yet-to-be-released movie Mr and Mrs at a private screening early this week in Lagos.

Commenting on the partnership, Senior Brand Manager Macleans, Emeka Uchenna disclosed that, Nigerians are stylish people who desire some level of happiness and great atmosphere at home. He added that total oral health of an individual could be an indicator of how stylish, he or she may be. We see the relationship between Macleans Intense Whitening and Mr and Mrs movie as a marriage of two good factors focusing at achieving the same goal. Mr and Mrs is a compelling family story about love, betrayal and forgiveness which is to help couples manage their various challenges and also provide some level of tips on the importance of family bonding.

The partnership with Macleans Intense Whitening could be a perfect companion in a healthy relationship. White set of teeth plays a key role in the total look of everyone, but bad breath can be the undoing of any relationship. Struggling with bad tooth and breath in any relationship can lead to other problems eventually if not well managed.

Regular brushing with Macleans Intense Whitening is capable of effectively returning teeth to their natural whiteness and also efficacious in preventing the build- up of calculus. Sodium fluoride is included in the formulation to help protect against dental caries and so reduce cavities,” Uchenna said.

The introduction of Macleans Intense Whitening variant is in furtherance of the company’s commitment to offer credible healthcare solutions and products to help people feel better, do more and live longer.

The development is also in line with GlaxoSmithKline’s commitments to enhance and improve values for consumers.

For the producer of the movie, Chinwe Egwuagu, “There is a significant connection between Mr and Mrs and Macleans Intense Whitening; they both speak to the same target audience – young people and families who value quality lifestyle. While the movie x-rays and tries to correct the challenges faced by Nigerian couples in terms of quality lifestyle and relationship.

Macleans Intense Whitening is positioned to help people achieve and maintain quality oral health and whiter set of teeth, which is something we place premium on in this line of business.”

Susan Abba played by Nse Ikpe-Etim, is a lawyer who is holed up in a marriage that has been engulfed by the social stratum while Kenneth Abba, which is played by

Joseph Benjamin, is bent on not letting the world know of his wife’s background.

Thelma Okoduwa plays Linda, a busy wife in control of her marriage who is married to Charles played by Paul Apel, the perfect husband.

GlaxoSmithKline Consumers Nigeria Plc, makers of Macleans variants is one of the world leading research-based pharmaceutical and health care companies.

Speaking on the causes of bad breath in persons, Dr Seun Oladokun a medical practitioner listed them as follows, dental pathology,soft structure disease in oral cavity, disease in nasopharyngeal region digestive tract, bronchopulmonary disease and metabolic disorders.

Oladokun also disclosed that certain food items like garlic or tobacco could be responsible for bad breath. He said Macleans Intense Whitening is capable of effectively returning teeth to their natural whiteness and also to be efficacious in preventing the build up of calculus. Sodium fluoride is included in the formulation at a level of 1100 ppm to help protect against dental caries and so reduce cavities.

According to the medic, ”Plaque is the bacterial film that can build up on tooth surfaces, particularly along the gum margin, in the absence of good oral hygiene.

Theoretically, both food debris and plaque can be removed by brushing with water alone but extended brushing times are required. It is difficult to remove all plaque by brushing, particularly from those sites in the mouth which are less accessible.”

Macleans intense Whitening is designed to provide effective removal of stain, plaque and food debris and have a level of abrasivity within the limits defined by the International standards ISO 11609.

Dentists describe dental calculus or tartar as calcified plaque, a deposit that forms on the surfaces of teeth. There are two types of dental calculus, depending on the site of accumulation: supragingival calculus and subgingival calculus. Supragingival calculus occurs above the gum margin as a whiteyellow and moderately hard deposit. Subgingival calculus occurs below the gum margin, is dark brown/green-black and is very hard. Occurrence of dental calculus is widespread with various authors reporting incidences from 45 to 70 per cent with prevalence increasing with age.

Clinical studies according to dentists have shown that brushing with Macleans Intense Whitening toothpaste is significantly effective in reducing the build-up of dental calculus than brushing with regular toothpaste.

Mr & Mrs is a compelling family story about love, betrayal and forgiveness.

Mr and Mrs is written and produced by Chinwe Egwuagu while Ikechukwu Onyeka directed it. The movie is billed to hit the screen soon.

•From left: Senior Brand Manager, Macleans, Emeka Uchenna; producer of the movie Mr and Mrs, Chinwe Egwuagu and Head of Vaccines, GlaxoSmithKline, Victor Erukunakpor, at the introduction of Macleans Intense Whitening variant during the private screening of Mr and Mrs in Lagos.

Road to cashless society

C

ASH caresses your spirit. It is the spring in your trainers. It oils the wheels of your car. It lights your mood and puts you in the groove.

These are some of the reasons you prefer cash to card. Let’s check some other reasons: Cash gives you instant purchasing power, the ability to shop till you drop, allowing you to determine how the cash is spent, who you give and how much. This process of spending places you in the driver’s seat. Since you are a Cash Madam - your clutch bag is usually stuffed with wad of crisp currency as such everybody swims around you like ants over a cube of sugar.

Aside the power you have to buy anything, anywhere and at anytime, cash in your bag also confers on you prestige. You are the Cash Madam.

It is a matter of cash. What is the price tag of that imported attire?

Name it. Get cash. You would pay instantly, not accepting credit facility. You have your prestige to protect. To accept or request credit facility would tarnish your Cash Madam image, reduce you to a second class citizen, push you down the ladder of high-net-worth pedestal, and you would not consent to that.

To be seen as accepting credit, in the inner sanctum of your understanding, would cast a shadow of doubt over your liquidity power.

That is why you would rather buy it, pay cash and close the transaction pronto. Isn’t that why you are labelled Cash Madam? This alias was demonstrated to the hilt during the stock market boom when you sent one of your cronies to buy share value of over N100 million and you made cash deposit into the company’s account. Had a respected friend not prevailed on you, you were ready to physically bring the cash to the company’s accounts department. To you, cash is king. It is either cash or nothing.

When one of your more enlightened sidekick, who could not stomach your penchant for flaunting your cash power, mooted the idea of trying alternative means of payment, you waved it off. How about paying with a card? Do you mean card, as in, a pack of cards?

You queried. No, electronic payment card, or ATM card. “Oh, that plastic? It is for oyinbo like you, not me. Cash gives me confidence.

Cash puts me in charge. Cash gives me options in crisis time. Cash gives me the cushion effect, you know”. You said, counted wad of N1000 notes, and used the currency to fan your face.

This is your habit, particularly when you are in the midst of your “own” at your regular owambe party where live band sing your praises to high heavens. Once you are in the mood, you would turn the currency into an emergency hand fan and blow imaginary heat away. Then you would proceed to spray roll and roll of currency, sticking it on the forehead of the praise singer to the delight of admirers and friends, who would deliberately dance within your sphere of coverage, secretly hoping that you would plaster their foreheads with some of your largess.

And you usually throw some cash their way.

Some other times, you would fling the currency into the air, adults and children would then scamper after the notes, some injuring themselves in the process. That is why you are called Cash Madam. That is your name; spending cash is your game. This is a typical lifestyle of some Nigerians. These scenarios happen every day and every weekend in our society. Why? Nigeria is a cash-dependent, cash-loving, and cash-carrying society. Most

economic transactions in Nigeria happen through cash. Cash speaks. The difference between the English language and cash is that one speaks in currency; the other does it in words.

Cash opens some doors that would ordinarily remain closed. English language does not have such influence. That is why you like cash.

There is something it does to your touch, isn’t it?

Having N20,000 in your wallet and holding ATM card that contains N100,000 gives you completely different feelings. It is the psychology of money and, yes, Cash Madam understands the feelings carrying cash gives.

That is why she would rather hold cash than embrace alternative payment means such as a bank card. However, now that Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had made new banking policy statement that cash based transactions above N150,000 would soon attract some penalty, what would you do, Cash Madam?

Mind you, the CBN directive is expected to take off in Lagos in five months, precisely December 2011. No, do not panic. The policy is not an isolated one. It is a gradual step towards making Nigeria a cashless society by year 2015. The reason behind this shift in policy is not only to align the economy with the global trend, but a response to the aftermath of the recent global financial meltdown which by statistics was said to have had lesser impact on cashless economies around the world.

There was no ceiling before now on cash transactions. Yet, the average Nigerian businessman/woman prefers cash transaction.

However, for modern economic trends, it is risky to rely on cash transaction business.

Beyond the problems of armed robbery, the holder of cash has too much control over the transaction. This may sometimes be to the detriment of contract intent. But then, in Nigeria, despite the proliferation of banks, you still cannot get credit facility to prosecute legitimate, failsafe business.

Instead of financing your project the banks would rather finance the aspirations of a newly elected legislator or governor. That is why several Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are not flourishing the way they should. Therefore, how would the new banking policy favour SMEs and the informal sector that are peopled by artisans, pepper sellers, home-makers, boutique and many more?

This is the truth: Nigerian banks are not really out to finance business enterprises, with the thinking that the attendant risks accompanying these enterprises are high.

Okay, if the banks would not touch the informal sector, when the policy finally gets underway, the informal sector would also distance themselves from the banks. Meanwhile, the large pool of money in circulation is in the hands of the un-banked, meaning the informal sector, in Nigeria. As such, there is still some work to be done.

Nigeria would not get to the cashless land within five months or four years.

The road to a cashless society is a long and more than policy statement. To succeed, the CBN must embark on mass education. Using Lagos as a sample state is misleading.

Lagos is not a true representation of Nigeria.

Lagos is a highly sophisticated state.

Yes, it is multi-ethnic in nature. Yes, you cannot change the culture of a cash-carrying and cash-loving generation in a year.

‘The road to a cashless society is a long and more than policy statement. To succeed, the CBN must embark on mass education. Using Lagos as a sample state is misleading. Lagos is not a true representation of Nigeria. Lagos is a highly sophisticated state’

*Editor - Wale Alabi *Consulting Editors - Rarzack Olaegbe, Sola Fanawopo * Correspondent-Jimi David * Human Relations Executive - Owolabi Afolabi *Operations Executive - Isiaka Hassan *Creative - Oluwaseyi Sulaimon*Front Office Executive - Blessing Nkeanya * Business Development - Kenny Hussain * Legal Adviser - Olasupo Osewa & Co Brandweek is powered by Drumbeat Media and published every Friday in THE NATION newspaper. Corporate Suite: 20 Akinremi Street, off Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos.

All correspondence to the editor - 0808.247.7806, 0805.618.0040, , e-mail: korede2000@gmail.com © All rights reserved.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

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54

EQUITIES

Investors dump equities for fixed-income securities

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 28-07-11 2ND-TIER SECURITIES AGRICULTURE/AGRO-ALLIED Company Name LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC PRESCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 8 9

Company Name AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COM PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 3 48 51

Quotation(N) 0.50 7.50

Quantity Traded 30,000 144,300 174,300

Value of Shares (N) 15,000.00 1,082,250.00 1,097,250.00

Quantity Traded 8,200 421,664 429,864

Value of Shares (N) 21,484.00 2,996,700.52 3,018,184.52

Quantity Traded 216,416 39,764 256,180

Value of Shares (N) 108,208.00 74,126.64 182,334.64

Quantity Traded 10,004,995 1,746,614 2,404,873 1,396,593 1,361,703 4,359,583 8,755,871 3,458,300 20,015,486 11,132,618 15,797,898 4,447,903 1,184,724 7,068,177 5,333,182 8,001,151 1,563,349 1,053,300 1,321,666 25,105,639 135,513,625

Value of Shares (N) 64,022,152.90 1,332,975.06 12,001,757.74 3,871,258.07 8,753,164.45 9,408,606.70 106,041,633.16 1,729,150.00 293,721,028.63 102,969,978.73 13,129,202.72 4,492,602.03 727,947.44 48,452,800.16 7,801,037.46 43,502,583.29 3,704,103.50 817,933.00 1,179,271.18 372,108,876.29 1,099,768,062.51

Quantity Traded 140,243 61,900 843,295 1,045,438

Value of Shares (N) 32,274,599.05 371,419.00 76,096,847.78 108,742,865.83

Quantity Traded 156,721 173,419 388,296 265,827 984,263

Value of Shares (N) 3,391,771.95 1,420,504.70 46,594,688.78 12,250,659.53 63,657,624.96

Quantity Traded 152,193 23,346 175,539

Value of Shares (N) 1,295,075.08 677,894.50 1,972,969.58

Quantity Traded 2,000 1,622,810 1,624,810

Value of Shares (N) 1,000.00 5,839,834.10 5,840,834.10

Quantity Traded 33,800 33,800

Value of Shares (N) 16,900.00 16,900.00

Quantity Traded 445 369,449 517,330 2,073,980 346,051 3,307,255

Value of Shares (N) 885.55 14,545,047.90 532,849.90 81,722,803.33 9,700,700.83 106,502,287.51

AIR SERVICES Quotation(N) 2.50 7.22

AUTOMOBILE & TYRE Company Name DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC R. T. BRISCOE (NIGERIA) PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 7 11

Company Name ACCESS BANK PLC AFRIBANK NIGERIA PLC DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK NIGERIA PLC FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC FIDELITY BANK PLC FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA PLC FINBANK PLC GTBANK PLC STANBIC IBTC BANK PLC INTERCONTINENTAL BANK PLC. OCEANIC BANK INTERNATIONAL PLC BANK PHB PLC SKYE BANK PLC. STERLING BANK PLC UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC. UNION BANK OF NIGERIA PLC UNITYBANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC ZENITH BANK PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 89 23 43 24 42 80 489 23 640 53 82 48 16 144 20 231 87 7 27 351 2,519

Company Name GUINNESS NIGERIA PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC NIGERIAN BREWERIES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 49 5 115 169

Quotation(N) 0.50 1.95

BANKING Quotation(N) 6.41 0.76 5.00 2.77 6.39 2.18 12.16 0.50 14.65 9.25 0.90 1.01 0.61 6.65 1.48 5.40 2.40 0.77 0.89 14.82

BREWERIES Quotation(N) 230.85 6.25 90.30

BUILDING MATERIALS Company Name ASHAKA CEMENT PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTHERN NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 34 10 35 38 117

Quotation(N) 22.14 8.20 120.00 46.00

CHEMICAL & PAINTS Company Name BERGER PAINTS NIGERIA PLC CHEMICAL AND ALLIED PRODUCTS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 8 10 18

Quotation(N) 8.50 28.90

COMMERCIAL/SERVICES Company Name COURTVILLE INVESTMENTS PLC RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 30 32

Quotation(N) 0.50 3.67

COMPUTER & OFFICE EQUIPMENT Company Name OMATEK VENTURES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

Quotation(N) 0.50

CONGLOMERATES Company Name A. G. LEVENTIS (NIGERIA) PLC PZ CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC TRANSNATIONAL CORPN OF NIG PLC UAC OF NIGERIA PLC UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 31 70 71 41 214

Quotation(N) 2.09 40.00 1.03 39.11 28.00

CONSTRUCTION Company Name COSTAIN (WA) PLC JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 17 8 25

Quotation(N) 2.66 50.82

Quantity Traded 173,130 32,166 205,296

Value of Shares (N) 449,637.70 1,560,070.00 2,009,707.70

Quantity Traded 25,000 13,940 38,940

Value of Shares (N) 57,500.00 7,527.60 65,027.60

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Company Name CUTIX PLC NIGERIAN WIRE AND CABLE PLC. Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 2 3

Quotation(N) 2.30 0.54

FOOD/BEVERAGES & TOBACCO Company Name 7-UP BOTTLING CO. PLC CADBURY NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIGERIA PLC HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT COMPANY NIGERIA PLC NIGERIAN BOTTLING COMPANY PLC NESTLE NIGERIA PLC NORTHERN NIGERIA FLOUR MILLS PLC TANTALIZERS PLC UTC NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 15 51 14 57 32 6 9 16 40 3 1 2 246

Quotation(N) 45.00 19.00 16.00 11.40 85.00 4.00 5.10 43.25 402.00 24.70 0.50 0.68

Quantity Traded 50,629 1,072,000 53,501 1,311,856 847,777 43,001 27,844 207,328 123,773 3,414 3,000 45,000 3,789,123

Value of Shares (N) 2,389,980.25 20,400,240.22 856,016.00 15,029,916.53 72,099,468.67 171,909.89 137,886.85 8,534,148.37 49,758,423.79 81,156.09 1,500.00 29,250.00 169,489,896.66

HEALTHCARE FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXOSMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Sector Totals

7 16 12 1 36

1.81 23.90 3.88 1.54

55,861 79,734 447,302 1,920 584,817

98,544.75 1,899,424.94 1,722,631.76 2,822.40 3,723,423.85

HOTEL & TOURISM CAPITAL HOTEL PLC IKEJA HOTEL PLC Sector Totals

2 3 5

6.51 1.46

50,000 33,000 83,000

323,580.00 48,180.00 371,760.00

I

NVESTORS appeared to be restructuring their portfolios in favour of fixed-income securities as last Tuesday’s increase in the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) from 8.00 per cent to 8.75 per cent by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) improved prospective yields on fixedincome securities.

For the second consecutive day, the key indices at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) closed in the negative as investors continued to react to the 75 basis points adjustment in the MPR, which implied increases in interest rates and yields on money market instruments.

The All Share Index (ASI), which measures the changes in the prices of all quoted companies, had dropped from 24,057.90 on Tuesday to 24,011.99 on Wednesday and closed yesterday at 23,906.97 points.

Aggregate market capitalisation of all quoted companies dropped from N7.692 trillion on Tuesday to N7.680 trillion on Wednesday and dipped further to N7.647 trillion yesterday.

“It would appear that the Monetary Authority is inordinately focused on price stability at the expense of the wider economic growth objectives. Further increase in interest rate will negate the expected increase in credit to private sector. Correspond-

13 13

6.00

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 28-07-11 LAW UNION AND ROCK INSURANCE PLC. MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC N.E.M. INSURANCE CO. (NIG.) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. OASIS INSURANCE PLC PRESTIGE ASSURANCE PLC. SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC STACO INSURANCE PLC STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC INTERCONTINENTAL WAPIC INSUR PLC Sector Totals

5 3 16 8 1 3 7 4 1 2 1 116

1 13 14

0.50 0.64

1,068,823.72 1,068,823.72

348,000 197,875 545,875

174,000.00 120,703.75 294,703.75

INSURANCE AIICO INSURANCE PLC. 26 CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC 7 CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INSURANCE PLC 1 4 EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC 1 GREAT NIGERIA INSURANCE COMPANY PLC 2 GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC 6 GUARANTY TRUST ASSURANCE PLC 5 GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. 1 CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSUR PLC 1 INTL ENERGY INSURANCE COM PLC 1 LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. 1

0.69 1.05 2.90 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

0.51 0.50 0.53 0.55 0.50 1.67 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.53

Company Name C&I LEASING PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 8 8

JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Sector Totals

79 79

AFROMEDIA PLC Sector Totals

2 2

121,703 98,000 7,076,090 161,459 2,000 8,725 180,000 480,000 13,200 158,865 2,000 12,893,290

62,128.53 49,000.00 3,681,086.80 86,402.87 1,000.00 15,118.00 90,000.00 240,000.00 6,600.00 79,432.50 1,020.00 8,464,007.88

LEASING Quotation(N) 0.99

Quantity Traded 175,000 175,000

Value of Shares (N) 173,250.00 173,250.00

MARITIME 1.04

2,511,950 2,511,950

2,623,213.75 2,623,213.75

0.53

106,000 106,000

56,180.00 56,180.00

34,500 100,000 418,280 552,780

17,250.00 50,000.00 217,082.17 284,332.17

1,540,446 34,362 2,000 1,576,808

770,223.00 17,181.00 207,000.00 994,404.00

MEDIA

MORTGAGE COMPANIES ASO SAVINGS AND LOAND PLC RESORT SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC Sector Totals

1 1 13 15

0.50 0.50 0.52

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS CRUSADER NIGERIA PLC. ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC SIM CAPITAL ALLIANCE VALUED FUND Sector Totals

4 4 1 9

0.50 0.50 103.50 PACKAGING

Company Name No of Deals NIGERIAN BAG MANUFACTURING COM PLC 4 7 Sector Totals 47

Quotation(N) 2.32

Quantity Traded 1,392,088 1,392,088

Value of Shares (N) 3,258,561.12 3,258,561.12

PETROLEUM(MARKETING) BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC CONOIL PLC ETERNA OIL & GAS PLC. FORTE OIL PLC MOBIL OIL NIGERIA PLC. OANDO PLC TOTAL NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

3 3 13 39 5 14 103 15 195

0.50 67.22 36.01 4.08 19.28 157.50 41.00 195.50

653,000 300 30,900 2,319,883 3,764 22,580 591,553 15,359 3,637,339

326,500.00 19,185.00 1,105,527.00 8,616,747.51 72,569.92 3,456,363.74 24,241,331.85 2,858,756.07 40,696,981.09

PRINTING & PUBLISHING 178,000 178,000

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY CHAMS PLC STARCOMMS PLC Sector Totals

ing increase in Treasury Bills rates and FGN Bond yields will also worsen the crowding out effect,” economist and securities advisor at Sterling Capital, Sewa Wusu said.

According to him, the recent adjustment in MPR would further increase money market rates since the Standing Deposit Facility has been raised to 6.75% from 6%, thus setting a new floor for interest rates. Bond Yields are also expected to increase and this will lead to lower prices.

He pointed out that the increase in interest rates will further drive away liquidity from the equity market since money market rates will become more attractive.

He however noted that the reversal at the stock market might be short-lived given the increasingly attractive prices of equities, many of which have bottomed out and are trading below their fair prices.

“A lot depends on the response of foreign investors who are expected to show more interest in our bond market in view of the removal of the one year restriction on certificate of importation and the downgrade of sovereign bonds in mature markets. The point is that given the current limited capacity of our bond market, the equity market will increas-

ingly become more attractive as equity valuation improves,” Wusu said.

Turnover on the NSE stood at 175.4 million shares worth N1.68 billion in 4,009 deals.

Banking sector dominated the activity chart with a turnover of 135.51 million shares valued at N1.1 billion in 2,519 deals. Insurance sector staged a distant second with a turnover of 12.89 million shares worth N8.46 million in 116 deals.

On price movements, Flour Mills of Nigeria led the slackers with a drop of 100 kobo to close at N85.

UACN Property Development Company dropped by 84 kobo to close at N18.41.

Dangote Sugar Refinery lost 60 kobo to close at N11.40.

Lafarge Wapco Cement declined by 50 kobo to N46.

Unilever Nigeria lost 49 kobo to close at N28 while Berger Paints dropped 40 kobo to close at N8.50.

On the upside, PZ Cussons Nigeria gained 190 kobo to close at N40 per share as the board of the conglomerate declared a dividend of 86 kobo and bonus of one for four shares. Dangote Cement gained 49 kobo to close at N120. Cadbury Nigeria gathered 45 kobo to close at N19. Eterna increased by 19 kobo to N4.08 while Red Star Express gained 17 kobo to close at N3.67 per share.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

INDUSTRIAL/DOMESTIC PRODUCTS VITAFOAM NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

By Taofik Salako

508,868 236,230 637,980 2,000 2,100 3,095,000 101,070 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000

353,090.68 248,041.50 1,845,932.00 1,000.00 1,050.00 1,547,500.00 151,605.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00

Company Name LONGMAN NIGERIA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 7 9 16

UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. PLC Sector Totals

12 12

UNITED NIGERIA TEXTILES PLC Sector Totals

1 1

Quotation(N) 5.60 4.70

Quantity Traded 6,004 111,608 117,612

Value of Shares (N) 31,941.28 512,379.32 544,320.60

REAL ESTATE 18.41

395,677 395,677

7,527,609.53 7,527,609.53

TEXTILES 0.59

924 924

545.16 545.16

THE FOREIGN LISTINGS Company Name No of Deals ECOBNK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED 1 8 Sector Totals 18

Quotation(N) 15.00

Overall Totals

4,001

Quantity Traded 3,059,163 3,059,163 175,388,756

Value of Shares (N) 45,857,397.13 45,857,397.13 1,678,303,459.36

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

55

MONEY LINK

Round tripping: CBN raises forex sale to $500,000

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), yesterday increased by 100 per cent, forex sale to Bureau De Change (BDCs) from $250,000 per-week to $500,000. The Nation had hinted on the increase in a report yesterday.

The apex bank said the increase is meant to assist it achieve exchange rate stability and reduce scarcity of forex in the market. The increase is coming after over one month that the CBN mandated each authorised that each Dealer can only sell a maximum of $250,000 per week to BDCs. It equally allowed each buyer to purchase from only one dealer.

CBN Director, Trade & Exchange, Batari Musa, said: “In the

Stories by Collins Nweze

continuing effort to sustain the exchange rate stability, in the Foreign Exchange Market, Authorised Dealers are hereby informed that a maximum of N500,000 has been approved for each dealer to sell to BDC operators per week from autonomous dealers.”

Round tripping in banking parlance means buying foreign exchange at the official market where the price is low and selling at the parallel market, where the price is high.

He urged the authorised dealers and BDC operators to ensure compliance and render appropriate returns of the transactions to regula-

change sales to the BDCs. However, in view of the widening premium between the WDAS and BDC rates, the Committee encouraged the CBN to review the existing limit,” the Committee said.

Before the current review, the apex bank said, the plan is in line with provisions in the Monetary Credit, Foreign Trade and Exchange Policy Guidelines for fiscal year 2010/2011. Also, banks and other authorized dealers could sell autonomous funds to BDCs subject to compliance with the Antimoney Laundering Act , 2004.

Other adjustment in the forex policy had followed the current exercise. The apex bank had in January, issued new rules guiding the

tors.

The policy is coming after the Monetary Policy Committee recommended for increase in forex sale to BDCs, as premium between the rates at the Wholesale Dutch Auction System (WDAS) and interbank rate narrowed, even as that between WDAS and BDCs widened.

It linked the disparity with CBN’s measures taken to limit sales to BDCs. The MPC said while strengthening of currency is an important factor in mitigating inflationary pressures, the spread may lead to arbitrage by players and fueling unhealthy speculation.

“We commended the CBN for the limit placed on the foreign ex-

$500m Eurobond yields fall to record low

T

HE nation’s $500 million dol lar Eurobond yields, yester day fell two basis points, or 0.02 per cent to 5.87 per cent, thereby recording the lowest level since the debt was issued in January, 2011. The bond’s yield is 6.75 per cent, and is due in 2021. The $500 million bonds are Nigeria’s only international notes.

The Federal Government’s domestic debt rose to N5.21 trillion ($34 billion) at the end of June, from N4.87 trillion as of March, the Debt Management Office (DMO) said.

Head, Macroeconomic and Fixed Income Research at FBN Capital Limited, Gregory Kronsten, said the amount is equivalent to 15.3 per cent of 2011 gross domestic product

is the external balance sheet and public indebtedness and reserves.”

Nigeria’s foreign reserves increased 5.3 per cent this month to $33.5 billion as of July 26. This is down from $37.6 billion a year ago, according to Central Bank of Nigeria data. Nigeria is rated B+ by Standard & Poor’s and BB- with a “negative” outlook by Fitch Ratings.

(GDP) based on National Bureau of Statistic estimates.

The Eurozone’s average debt as a percentage of GDP, was 85.1 per cent by the end of 2010, according to Eurostat. “It’s still very, very low,” compared to European peers, Kronsten, said by phone from London yesterday. “It’s still pretty strong credit for Nigeria, the strength

Uri Geller hosts business executives

U

RI Geller, an Isreali and world’s most investigated and celebrated paranormalist, will arrive Nigeria in August to share his experience on how to engender the power of positive thinking in a normal business environment. This, in effort to develop a better business ethical practice across board, from the private sector to the public sector and vice versa.

Geller will deliver a lecture, organised by Ruyi Communica-

tions in Lagos and Abuja, where captains of industry, banking and finance, oil and gas, manufacturing, insurance, maritime, public office holders among others will learn from him.

He was studied by scientists who worked with Albert Einstein and the world’s most prestigious scientific magazine, nature, published a paper on Uri’s work at the Stanford Research Institute in the United States. His work with the Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

NIDF NESF

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

OBB Rate Call Rate

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

GAINERS AS AT 28-7-11

Symbol PZ DANGCEM CADBURY ETERNAOIL REDSTAREX UBN INTERCONT FIRSTBANK AFROMEDIA NIGERINS

O/Price 38.10 119.51 18.55 3.89 3.50 2.35 0.87 12.13 0.51 0.53

C/Price 40.00 120.00 19.00 4.08 3.67 2.40 0.90 12.16 0.53 0.55

Change +1.90 +0.49 +0.45 +0.19 +0.17 +0.05 +0.03 +0.03 +0.02 +0.02

LOSER AS AT 28-7-11

Symbol FLOURMILL UAC-PROP DANGSUGAR WAPCO UNILEVER BERGER UACN FCMB SKYEBANK GUARANTY

O/Price 86.00 19.25 12.00 46.50 28.49 8.90 39.50 6.72 6.98 14.90

C/Price 85.00 18.41 11.40 46.00 28.00 8.50 39.11 6.39 6.65 14.65

Change -1.00 -0.84 -0.60 -0.50 -0.49 -0.40 -0.39 -0.33 -0.33 -0.25

T

HE Standard Bank African In vestors Conference recently held in London, brought together African policymakers, institutional investors as well as senior representatives from leading African companies. The African Investors Conferences are hosted by Standard Bank three times every year in Lagos, London and New York each year, and it brings together many of the bank’s clients, policy makers and investors.

The purpose of these fora is to stimulate debate around the opportunities afforded by the African continent, by focusing on economic growth and the continent’s entrepreneurial outlook.

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount

Amount

Offered ($) Demanded ($)

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

Bank projects Nigeria at London conference

DATA BANK

FGN BONDS Tenor

Washington. For decades this aspect of his career was too confidential and controversial to discuss.

Recently, Geller has helped to negotiate an amicable agreement between the Red Cross, Palestine Red Crescent and Israel’s Magen David Adom: “Uri Geller did not just help break the ice with the skills that have made him famous - a considerable number of bent spoons line the road that led to this agreement,” said Swiss foreign minister Micheline Calmy-Rey.

and the Central Intelligence Agency has ranged from using mind power to erase KGB computer files and track serial killers, to attend nuclear disarmament negotiations to bombard and influence delegates with positive thought waves so that they would sign the Nuclear Arms Reduction Treaty.

Geller also spoke for a group of US Senators and National Security Executives in the high-security room in the Capitol Building in

•Sanusi

sales of foreign currency in the country. A statement from the bank noted that the funds purchased from it at the auctions must be used for eligible transactions only.

Amount

Exchange

Sold ($)

Rate (N)

Date

400m

467.7m

400m

153.59

400m

452.3m

400m

153.4

25-5-11 23-5-11

500m

499,8m

499.8m

153.45

16-5-11

EXHANGE RATE 30-05-11 Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD

147.6000

149.7100

150.7100

-2.11

NGN GBP

239.4810

244.0123

245.6422

-2.57

NGN EUR

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

Bureau de Change 152.0000 (S/N)

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

Parallel Market

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX

NSE CAP Index

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N)

Name

153.0000

DISCOUNT WINDOW January ’11

February ’11

May ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

8.00%

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% 11.3%

% Change 0.34% 0.34%

Rate (Previous) 04 MAR, 2011 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 24, MAY, 2011 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 117.62 1,586.00 0.81 0.98 1,586.00 9.47 1.39 1.87 8,827.74 193.00

9.08 1.00 117.16 1,576.75 0.78 0.98 1,576.75 9.01 1.33 1.80 8,557.73 191.08

ARM AGGRESSIVE KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND THE LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL NUBIAN FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY THE DISCOVERY FUND • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

NIBOR

7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

21-07-11 N7.606tr 23,787.31

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS

(S/N)

Tenor

21-07-11 N7.580tr 23,707.47

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous

Current

04 MAR, 2011

07, MAR, 2011

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

56

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

FOREIGN NEWS Jordan jails mentor of al-Qaeda in Iraq THE former mentor of Iraq’s slain al-Qaeda leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi has been sentenced to five years in prison in Jordan.

Abu Mohammed alMaqdessi was convicted of recruiting people in Jordan to join the Taliban in Afghanistan.

He faced a military court with three fellow Palestinian-born Jordanians.

As the ruling was handed down, he shouted at the judges: “Even if you sentence us to death, we will continue to be fighters until the day we die.”

Maqdessi - whose full name is Isam Mohammed Taher al-Barqawi - was often praised by al-Qaeda in Iraq leader Abu Musab alZarqawi, who was killed in a US air strike north-east of Baghdad in 2006.

In 1995, the two men were jailed in Jordan for five years for membership of an outlawed Islamist organisation, but freed as part of a general amnesty in 1999.

They later fell out over “ideological differences”, said aides quoted by the AFP news agency.

Three other men were tried alongside Maqdessi.

The military court sentenced two of them to two-and-ahalf years each, while a third was sentenced in absentia to five years in prison.

Lebanon frees singer alleged of slander LEBANON has freed singer Zeid Hamdan, detained on Wednesday over a song deemed insulting to President Michel Suleiman, a former army chief.

Slandering the president carries a maximum two-year sentence in Lebanon.

Officials reportedly took exception to the lyrics: ‘General go home’.

A Facebook campaign calling for his release has attracted 2,500 supporters.

Some reports say the presidency heard of the Facebook group and ordered his release but that was officially denied.

It was four years ago that Zeid Hamdan decided to write a song about President Suleiman, former commander-in-chief of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

He has performed the song ever since and last year an Italian director made a video of it and posted it on a DVD to a Lebanese advertising agency.

That is when the problems began. A vigilant customs officer watched it and there was one line he didn’t like.

“At the end of the song, I say ‘General go home’,” Hamdan told the BBC. “[The authorities said] it’s the worst thing you can tell him, you are asking him to leave power. So it’s worse than an insult,” he recalled.

Hamdan explained that it was not an insult - just a bit of advice. Unconvinced, the officials asked him to three interrogations, including one on Wednesday morning, when he was arrested.

As he was put into handcuffs, Hamdan managed to pass his mobile phone to his lawyer.

Sara Payne ‘on phone-hack list’

T

•President Alassane Ouattara (left) of Côte D'Ivoire with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, at UN headquarters in New York... on Wednesday.

Strauss-Kahn accuser’may file civil suit’

T

HE hotel maid who accuses ex-IMF head Dominique StraussKahn of attempted rape may file a civil suit if prosecutors do not press criminal charges, her lawyer says.

The Manhattan district attorney’s office has publicly announced they had doubts about the credibility of Nafissatou Diallo’s allegations.

Making her first public appearance, Ms Diallo spoke of the pain the case had caused her and her family.

Mr Strauss-Kahn has denied the charges.

“What she wants is justice and if the prosecutors are not

going to bring this case to trial then we have to look for justice and what I look forward to is putting this case before a jury,” Ms Diallo’s lawyer, Kenneth Thompson told a news conference.

When pressed by journalists when he might launch this case, he said: “Soon. Soon is soon.”

On Wednesday, Ms Diallo and Mr Thompson met prosecutors for eight hours.

It was their first meeting since the Manhattan district attorney’s office said it had doubts about her credibility because of false statements on her asylum application and a taped recording of a telephone

conversation between Ms Diallo and a friend in an Arizona jail.

Mr Thompson said a translated transcript revealed that the conversation, the day after the alleged attempted rape, focused on what had happened to Ms Diallo, and not on Mr Strauss-Kahn’s wealth.

Ms Diallo was reported to have discussed with the man how to obtain money from the French politician.

Mr Thompson was speaking after Ms Diallo made a emotional public appeal for people to believe her allegations.

“A lot of things people say

about me are not true,” she continued.

Her daughter, she said, had told her: “You have to remember this guy is a powerful man - everybody knows that. But for you, only the people who work with you, your neighbours, the people back home, know you.

“But those people say good things about you because they know you. Please mum, stop crying, be strong for me.”

She said she had promised her daughter she would be strong “for you and every other woman in the world”.

“What happened to me I don’t want to happen to any other woman,” she said.

US House set for key debt vote on Republican bill

A

REPUBLICAN bill to raise the US debt ceiling, cut spending and avert default on US debt is set for back-to-back votes in the House and Senate.

But House Speaker John Boehner’s bill faces a conservative revolt, unanimous opposition by Senate Democrats and a White House veto threat.

Ahead of the votes, Repub-

licans challenged Democrats to back the bill or take political blame for default.

Congress must raise the US debt limit by a deadline of next Tuesday.

The US Treasury has warned the government will run out of money to pay all its bills unless a $14.3tn (£8.7tn) borrowing limit is increased by next Tuesday.

Norway police end Utoeya island search

P

OLICE in Norway have called off the search for further victims of a killing spree on Utoeya island, but are still searching the water around it.

Anders Behring Breivik was arrested by police on the island and has admitted to shooting 68 people there and killing eight in a bombing in Oslo.

Police say they will interview him for a second time on Friday after getting new information on last week’s rampage.

They have released the names of another 24 people killed.

All but one of the names were of people killed at a governing Labour party youth camp on Utoeya island, about 40km (25 miles) from Oslo.

Most were teenagers, the youngest of them being 14year-old Johannes Buoe.

Seventeen names were released by police on previous days.

Two foreigners, one Georgian and one Danish citizen, are now known to have died.

The bomb in Oslo exploded in the capital’s centre, smashing government offices.

Mr Breivik has claimed he acted to stem what he called the Islamisation of western Europe, blaming the government for allowing it to happen.

The police announced that they had finished combing the island, although forensic scientists were still at work there and the surrounding lake was still being searched for the missing.

But the BBC’s Jon Brain in Oslo says that the police have admitted for the first time that they don’t know how many people are still missing.

Mr Breivik has been remanded in custody for eight weeks, the first four of which are to be in complete isolation apart from visits by his lawyers and investigators.

Police are to question him for a second time on Friday and focus on whether there is “any more danger”, said police attorney Paal-Fredrik Hjort Kraby.

HE mother of murder victim Sarah Payne has been told she may have been the victim of phone hacking, her charity has said.

Police told Sara Payne her details were in notes compiled by private detective Glenn Mulcaire, who was used by the News of the World, which championed her Sarah’s Law child protection campaign.

The Phoenix Chief Advocates charity says Ms Payne is “devastated”.

The paper’s owner News International has not yet responded to the claims.

According to a report in the Guardian, the evidence uncovered by police in Mulcaire’s notes is believed to relate to a phone given to Ms Payne by the NoW’s theneditor Rebekah Brooks “as a gift to help her stay in touch with her supporters”.

The BBC has not been able to confirm whether the evidence does relate to this particular mobile.

But Mrs Brooks, who left her role as News International chief executive in the wake of the hacking scandal but denies having had any knowledge of the practice while at the paper, says the phone “was not a personal gift”.

‘Signal design flaw caused China’s train crash’

S

ERIOUS flaws in a signalling system caused a fatal collision on China’s high-speed rail network, officials say.

Thirty-nine people died when a train ran into the back of another which had stalled on a viaduct near Wenzhou after lightning cut its power supply.

The system “failed to turn the green light into red”, said An Lusheng, head of the Shanghai Railway Bureau.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, who has been visiting the crash site, vowed to “severely punish” those responsible.

Wen Jiabao held the news conference under the viaduct where six of these carriages came off during Saturday’s collision. He stressed that safety would be the absolute priority as China built its huge high-speed network. It is already the second-largest in the world and is set to be expanded.

Wen Jiabao, often referred to as “Granpa Wen”, is the soft face of the party. When there is a crisis or an accident like this, Premier Wen is the man with the common touch who deals with the public.

Bomb attacks leave 22 dead in Afghanistan

I

NSURGENTS have carried out a gun and bomb attack in the south Afghan town of Tarin Kowt, Uruzgan province, leaving at least 22 dead, officials say.

They said the violence included three suicide bombings followed by fighting in a market, adding that all eight attackers had now been killed.

The dead include Ahmed Omed Khpulwak, a local BBC reporter.

The Taliban say they car-

ried out the attack, which comes amid renewed violence in Afghanistan.

Nato says it is providing air support to Afghan forces in Tarin Kowt.

Afghan intelligence officials said at least one bomb exploded near the governor’s office and one near the offices of a security firm owned by a local militia commander. It is not clear where the third bomb was detonated.

Most of the fighting took

place near these offices, which are close to the main market and a building which houses a local radio and TV station.

The BBC’s Bilal Sarwary says the market was attacked from four sides, but the siege was broken by elite forces.

Residents said heavy machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades and assault rifles were used by both sides.

Health officials said 22 people had been killed including three women and 40 injured,

most of them civilians.

Among the dead is Ahmed Omed Khpulwak, a reporter for the BBC Pashto radio service as well as the Pajhwok news agency.

Two soldiers were among the dead but no senior government officials have been harmed, officials said.

Eyewitness Mohammad Dadu, a butcher at the market, told the BBC: ‘’I didn’t have time to close my shop. I saw two dead bodies and four

injured people with blood on their clothes.

“It feels like doomsday.

Everyday people came to the market to shop. But today people are here collecting the dead and injured bodies of their relatives. There is blood, smoke from explosives and everyone has fled the area.”

Afghan militants have stepped up their attacks as Nato troops begin the handover of security to local forces in parts of the country.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

57

FOREIGN NEWS Libyan rebels capture town LIBYAN rebels say they have seized a strategically important town near the Tunisian border after heavy fighting with Col Muammar Gaddafi’s forces.

A rebel spokesman said they had attacked Ghazaya in Libya’s western mountains with rockets and tanks early in the morning.

Government troops had been using the town as a base from which to bombard rebel supply routes from Tunisia.

Libya’s civil war has remained largely deadlocked over the past few months.

The rebels control most of eastern Libya from their base in Benghazi and the western port city of Misrata, while Col Gaddafi retains much of the west, including the capital, Tripoli.

Libya condemns UK’s recognition of rebels

T

RIPOLI has condemned the United Kingdom for recognising the rebels as Libya’s “sole governmental authority” after similar moves by France and the United States.

Khaled Kaim, deputy foreign minister in Muammar Gaddafi’s government, told reporters the decision was unprecedented and irresponsible.

Libya would seek to reverse the decision through the courts, he said.

Britain has ordered the expulsion of all eight remaining Gaddafi diplomats in the UK. The rebel leadership, the National Transitional Council (NTC), has put forward

PUBLIC NOTICE The general public is hereby notified that the above named association has applied for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

Mr. Basil A. Nwandiko 2.

Mr. John C. Nwadiuko 3.

Mr. Gibson O. Nwaebo AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1) To teach and educate orphans and other needy children.

2) Psychological rehabilitation and social integration of the poor, homeless and needy.

3) Such other charitable purposes as the Trustees in their absolute discretion from time to time think fit.

Mahmud al-Naku, a writer and journalist, as the new Libyan ambassador in London.

He told the BBC he has been in exile for 33 years because of his opposition to the Gaddafi regime.

Foreign Secretary William Hague said the NTC had shown its commitment to a “more open and democratic Libya... in stark contrast to Gaddafi whose brutality against the Libyan people [had] stripped him of all legitimacy”.

The green flag of the Gaddafi government was still flying outside the Libyan embassy in Knightsbridge on Wednesday afternoon as protesters carrying the red, green and black flag of the rebels gathered outside.

Gaddafi’s Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Kaim: “This will be a stain on Britain’s forehead” Folllowing the US decision to recognise the NTC two weeks ago, the BBC has been told the US has now received an “official request” from the rebels to reopen the Libyan embassy in Washington.

US officials say they are “reviewing” the request.

Libyan rebels and pro-Gaddafi forces are still locked in battle, five months after an upris-

PUBLIC NOTICE This is to inform the general public that the Catholic Church and the entire Mmaku Ohuru Catholic Community are no longer under the Bishop of Agwu Diocese and has become Orthodox Catholic Parish since December 2010 the Bishop suspended St. Theresa’s Parish Mmaku. We are making this notice in order to avoid an ugly situation at Mmaku that may cause division and disaffection among our parishioners. The new Mmaku Ohuru has as a result of our leaving Awgu Diocese, the Catholic Church at Mmaku since December changed to Orthodox Church and is to be known, called and recognized as St. Theresa’s Orthodox Catholic Church Mmaku Ohuru.

All documents bearing the former name remain valid.

Signed FABIAN UDEORJI Secretary Parish Council

PUBLIC NOTICE OBJECTION RE:ASUDEB NOTICE NO. 2 OF 11TH JULY 2011, IN RESPECT OF AMANASAA NEW LAYOUT PLANNING SCHEME IGBARIAM Nando Community in Anambra East L.G.A of Anambra State objects to the above notice because the proposed layout encroaches into several hectares of land belonging to various Villages and Quarters in Nando including Isinyi, Agbudu, Akator Ikem Etc.

ing began against Muammar Gaddafi’s 42-year rule, as Nato continues to enforce a UNbacked no-fly zone over the country.

Mr Kaim said the British decision was “unprecedented in diplomatic history”.

“It’s illegal, it’s irresponsible and for us it was a surprise to happen from the British Government because, I mean, if other countries will [follow] Britain, then the international diplomacy will be chaos,” he told reporters in Tripoli.

It’s difficult to tell how damaging the expulsion of the Libyan diplomats in London will be to the authorities here in Tripoli.

It is in the nature of the government here not to admit to feeling any pressure.

Officials insist that Colonel Gaddafi and his supporters will win the conflict with Nato and the rebels - no matter how long the war may last.

“Of course it both violates national British laws and international law. Specifically the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations of 1961,” he said.

“I personally consider it a stain on the forehead of Britain,” he added. Libya, he added, would try to reverse the decision by taking legal action

•Gaddafi

in both British courts and the International Court of Justice.

The deputy foreign minister also condemned Britain and France for supporting the rebels in eastern Libya. They were, he said, “flogging a dead horse”.

Col Gaddafi’s charge d’affaires, Khaled Benshaban, is being given three days to leave while his colleagues’ fate will be decided on a “caseby-case basis”, the Foreign Office said.

Mr Hague told reporters in London that a recent meeting of the Libya contact group in Istanbul had decided to treat the NTC as the legitimate government authority in Libya - and he was outlining the UK’s response.

Amnesty urges action on Ivory Coast refugees

Any objection to the registration should be addressed to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Sign: A.N. ONUORAH ESQ. OBUZULU CHAMERS AWKA.

South Africa’s gold miners strike over wages

M

ORE than half a million refugees who fled their homes in Ivory Coast during the recent crisis fear to return, Amnesty International reports.

Militia loyal to new President Alassane Ouattara have not been disbanded and continue intimidating supporters of exPresident Laurent Gbagbo, it says.

Mr Gbagbo is under house arrest in the north of the country.

Amnesty urged the new government to establish a clear chain of command among pro-Ouattara forces.

Mr Gbagbo refused to accept defeat in last year’s presidential elections, which were certified as legitimate by the UN. It is nearly three months since the end of major fighting and members of ethnic groups seen as supportive of the former president continue to report intimidation.

The west of the country remains the most

tense after years of community tensions and the recent massacre of hundreds of civilians there during the fighting itself.

Much of the violence at the time was blamed on traditional hunters called the Dozos, whose continuing presence in the region, according to Amnesty, is preventing many people returning to their homes.

Around 150,000 people are sheltering just over the border in Liberia.

Nevertheless, the UN says at least 50,000 have returned from Liberia, while other families have started coming out of the forests where they went into hiding during the conflict.

Many, though, face the challenge of rebuilding homes that have been completely looted and destroyed.

In some parts of the west, the UN report up to three-quarters of the villages remain uninhabited.

Mubarak’s trial starts Aug 3 in Cairo

E

GYPT’S deposed President Hosni Mubarak will be put on trial next week in the capital, Cairo, state media say.

Mr Mubarak, 83, has been under arrest at a hospital in the coastal resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh since April.

Earlier on yesterday, Egypt’s health minister said Mr Mubarak was healthy enough to be moved to the capital.

Mr Mubarak, who ruled for three decades, is charged with corruption and ordering the killing of protesters before he was toppled in February.

Reports about the poor state of Mr Mubarak’s health had led to speculation that his trial would be postponed or held in Sharm el-Sheikh.

The trial is due to begin on 3 August.

Mr Mubarak will be tried alongside his two sons, Alaa and Gamal, and former Interior Minister Habib al-Adly, who are being detained in Cai-

ro, the official news agency cited a justice official as saying. Six senior police officials will also go on trial.

“It has been decided that the trial of ex-president Hosni Mubarak and his two sons Alaa and Gamal... will be held in the building of the General Authority for Investment and the free trade areas in the Cairo Expo grounds,” it quoted the official, Mohammed Manei, as saying.

Adly has already been sentenced to 12 years in jail for corruption.

Protesters, demanding reform, have been keeping up the pressure on authorities Mr Mubarak is accused of ordering his forces to shoot antigovernment demonstrators during the country’s uprising, abuse of office and embezzling funds.

Mr Manei, an assistant to the justice minister, said Mr Mubarak faced being executed if found guilty of the first

charge, according to AP news agency.

He said chairs were being fitted for the expected audience and an “unprecedented security plan” would be put in place.

A cage for the defendants will also be installed, Mr Manei told the news agency.

Health Minister Amr Helmy told reporters that Mr Mubarak’s health was “in an appropriate condition to be tried in Cairo”.

Earlier this week, doctors said Mr Mubarak’s condition was poor and that he had been refusing food.

The head of the hospital said Mr Mubarak was depressed, had lost weight and was not eating enough to keep him alive, Mena news agency reported.

But opposition supporters, who have been demanding his transfer to Cairo, have accused the authorities of using his illness as a ploy to delay the trial.

ALMOST 100,000 gold miners have begun an indefinite strike in South Africa calling for a 14% salary increase.

The stoppage could cost the gold mining sector $25m (£15m) a day in lost output, economists say.

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) told the BBC it would affect all the top gold producers who are only offering between 7% and 9% pay rises.

The coal and petrol sectors have also been hit by strikes leading to fuel shortages in the last three weeks.

The BBC’s Pumza Fihlani in the commercial capital, Johannesburg, says this time of the year is known as South Africa’s “strike season”.

Most unions are demanding salary increases twice that of inflation - which currently stands at 5%.

They argue that any reasonable increase in wages needs to be 11% to counteract price hikes in food, water, electricity and petrol over the past year.

Clash in Somalia over aid threat AFRICA UNION peacekeepers say they have seized key territory from Islamist insurgents in Somalia’s capital after they allegedly threatened aid camps.

The heavy fighting came a day after the UN World Food Programme airlifted in its first famine emergency aid.

An AU spokesman told the BBC the action would increase security and enable aid agencies to get food to people displaced by the severe drought.

Thousands have arrived in government-controlled suburbs in search of food.

The WFP delivery is the first airlift of food aid since the UN declared a famine in two southern areas of Somalia last week.

Al-Shabab, the al-Qaeda linked group which controls much of central and southern Somalia, has banned the WFP from its areas.

Zimbabwe seeks US coins for shops ZIMBABWE hopes to import US currency coins into the country where shops are often unable to give customers change, the finance minister says.

Zimbabwe allowed trade in the US currency in 2009 after hyperinflation made its money worthless.

US dollar notes are easily available, but there is an acute shortage of cents, the BBC’s Brian Hungwe in the capital, Harare, says.

Shops often barter sweets for change, he says.

Finance Minister Tendai Biti said Zimbabwe’s bankers were in talks with US authorities to “import” coins.

“Efforts to import small dollar coins to ease the small change problem are continuing,” Zimbabwe’s state-owned Herald newspaper quotes him as saying.

58

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

NEWS

Details of the NJC panel report on petitions against the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria, the President, Court of Appeal and some justices of the Court of Appeal 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.01 At the 5th Emergency Meeting of the National Judicial Council held on 9th March, 2011, a Five-Man Fact Finding Panel was set up to look into the petitions against the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria, and Chairman, National Judicial Council, Hon. Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu, GCON, the Hon. President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice I. A. Salami, OFR and some Justices of the Court of Appeal in respect of the Sokoto, Ekiti and Osun States Governorship Appeals, respectively.

1.02 The Panel was initially given two months to complete its assignment, but because of the numerous witnesses that appeared before it and requests by Parties for adjournments, the period was extended by another month.

1.03 The Panel consists of: i.) Hon. Justice Umaru Abdullahi, CON Chairman ii.) Hon. Justice E. O. Ayoola, CON Member iii.) Hon. Justice D. O. Edozie, CON Member iv.) Hon. Justice M. E. Akpiroroh, JCA (Rtd) Member v.) Mrs. Rakiya Sarki Ibrahim, MON Member 1.04 Mr. Eugene I. Odukwu, Director Administration and Alhaji Muhtari A. Tambawel, Director, Planning, Research and Statistics were assigned as Secretaries of the Panel.

1.05 Subsequently, the Panel sat on 23rd March, 11th and 12th April, 18th, 19th and May and further sat on the 8th, 9th and 21st June, 2011.

2.0 METHODOLOGY 2.01 The Panel at its inaugural Meeting agreed on the modalities to be adopted. Having regard to the sensitivity and the importance of the assignment, the member decided to consider arid focus on the essential issues that are germaine to the assignment. In the circumstance, the Panel decided to approach the work with all sense of fairness. It therefore becomes necessary that members have to study all the relevant documentsavailable to them and assess each one of them to determine its relevance to the Panel’s mandate.

2.02 Having studied all the complaints and petitions concerning the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and the Hon. President, Court of Appeal, (PCA), it became clear that the central issues concerned petitions and complaints in respect of Sokoto State governorship matter and Ekiti State and Osun State governorship matters.

2.03 All the Petitions were looked into and only those considered relevant to the Panel’s assignment were selected for further-consideration.

Some were left out because they were merely lifted from the Petitions of others and had nothing original to proffer. Other attempted to involve the Panel in a futile exercise of review of the judgment of the Court of Appeal.

2.04 In order to simplify the work, the Panel decided to sub-divide it into three sections, viz:1) The Sokoto State Governorship issue as Section I; 2) The Ekiti and Osun States Governorship issues as Section II; and 3) Other issues that do not strictly come within the mandate of the Panel as Section III. 2.05 Invitation letters were sent to the Parties concerned to come along with their Witnesses and Counsel if any with a view to giving each of them fair hearing in keeping with the Council’s policy.

2.06 The parties invited were:-

How Oyinlola, Oni lost at NJC panel ‘The Panel would like to mention that in some incidences, it was put to a great test of its patience.

Having appreciated their responsibility, members however were able to contain most of the provocations and moved on to the conclusion of the assignment ‘ •Justice Katsina Alu

•Justice Salami

i) Dr. Abubakar Mohammadu Sokoto; ii) Lt. Gen. J. T. Useni (Rtd); iii) Comrade Prince Collins Eselemo; iv) Yahaya Mahmood, Esq.; v) Senator Umaru Dahiru; vi) The Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria , Hon. Justice A. I. KatsinaAlu, GCON; vii): The Hon. President, Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice L A. Salami, OFR• viii) Hon. Justice Dahiru Musdapher, CFR; ix) Chief Segun Oni; and x) Otunba Sunday OjoWilliams.

2.07 On the request of the Parties, the following were also invited to appear before the Panel, viz:i) Hon. Justice B. O. Babalakin, CON; ii) Hon. Justice A. L Iguh, CON; iii) Hon. Justice M. M. A. Akanbi, CFR; iv) Hon. Justice M. Dattijo Mohammed; v) Hon. Justice Paul A. Galinje; vi) Hon. Justice John Inyang Okoro; vii) Senator Lawali Shuaibu; and viii) The Chief Executive Officer, MTN .

2.08 Although, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former Governor of Osun State was not invited, he nevertheless appeared before the Panel and his evidence was also taken.

2.09 The following persons also gave evidence before the Panel:i) General Bashir Magashi; ii) Alh. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi; iii) Theophilus Ndubuisi Onyia (NSA Representative); iv) Mr. Rotimi Odusola; v) Mr. Adeolu Oyinlola; vi) Mr. Sherif Usman; and vii) Mr. Tanimu Aminu Turaki, SAN. 2.10 The Panel informed the parties from the on set that its assignment was fact finding and Parties were free to call witnesses and to produce both oral and documentary evidence. The Panel left it open for Parties to decide what witness or witnesses they may wish to call and it facilitated sending out invitations to witnesses through the Secretariat.

2.11 Parties were allowed access to all documents filed and exchanged by either side. Needless to mention that all the Parties came with retinue of Legal Practitioners to present their side of the story, that in fact almost turned- the proceedings into something akin to a full blown trial with occasional objections to admission of documents which resulted into inviting of rulings as well as rigorous cross-examinations. The Panel in consultation with Parties, fixed dates for hearing and taking of evidence from witnesses who could either affirm before giving evidence or simply go ahead- and narrate their evidence.

2.12 The Panel would like to mention that in some incidences, it was put to a great test of its patience.

Having appreciated their responsibility, members however were able to contain most of the provocations and moved on to the conclusion of the assignment.

3.0 BACKGROUND FACTS TO THE ALLEGATIONS 3.01 The allegations we treated as mentioned earlier are primarily concerned with Sokoto State governorship issue and the Ekiti and Osun States governorship issues.

4.0 SECTION I - THE SOKOTO STATE GOVERNORSHIP ISSUE The Sokoto State issue has three parts. PART A relates to complaints against the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) by the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP). PART B relates to allegations against the Chief Justice of Nigeria by Hon. Justice LA. Salami the President of the-Court of Appeal (PCA). PART C relates to complaints by Mr. Yahaya Mahmood, Esq, Solicitor to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Mr. Alfred N. Agu, Esq, Solicitor to the Governor of Sokoto State-against the President, Court of Appeal.

4.01 PART A: COMPLAINT AGAINST THE HON. CJN BY THE DEMOCRATIC PEOPLES PARTY (PDP) 4.01.1 Arising from a complaint received by the Chief Justice of Nigeria from Mr. Yahaya Mahmood, Esq and Mr. Alfred N. Agu, Esq on 08/ 02/2010 or 15/02/2010, the Chief Justice of Nigeria invited the Hon. President of the Court of Appeal to his Chambers after some discussions with Hon. Justice Dahiru Musdapher on the matter. The discussion between -the three of them did not solve the problem. On the 18th February, 2010, the Chief Justice of Nigeria wrote a letter to the President, Court of Appeal intimating him of the complaints, attaching copies of the complaints .and at the same time, informing the President, Court of Appeal to ensure that further action on the appeal is put on hold pending the determination of the serious allegations against him and the Justices of the Panel. The Chief Justice of Nigeria requested the President, Court of Appeal to forward his comments to him the following day. The judgment in issue had been slated to be delivered on the 24th of February, 2010.

4.01.2 Another letter dated 19th February, 2010 was written by the Chief Justice of Nigeria to all Justices of the Court of Appeal on the Panel of the Sokoto Governorship Appeal, forwarding copies of the complaints to them. The Chief Justice of Nigeria requested them to forward their comments to him on 22/02/2010 and at the same time, informing them to ensure that further action on the appeal is put on hold, pending the determination of the serious allegations leveled against them and the President, Court of Appeal. However, on 24/02/2010, after hearing submissions of Counsel- for the parties as to whether or not to put the judgment on bold, the Justices ruled that they would in the interest of their reputa-

tion which was at stake put the judgment on hold pending the investigation of the allegations against them.

4.01.3 On account of these letters and the ruling of the Panel after taking) addresses of Counsel, the delivery of the judgment and other pending matters relating therewith were suspended.

4.01.4 On 22nd February 010, the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) through one Dr. Ademola Adebo, for the National Chairman of DPP, Lt. Gen J.T. Useni (Rtd), wrote a petition to the National Judicial Council against the Chief Justice of Nigeria alleging perverting and subverting the spirit of the Constitution, misconduct and- contravention of the Code of Conduct by ordering a stay and arrest .of judgment in Sokoto State Governorship Election Appeal.

4.01.5 On 28th February, 2010, another petition which is word for word the same as the one dated 22nd February, 2010; but this time signed by one Dr. Abubakar Muhammadu Sokoto for Lt Gen. J.T. Useni (Rtd) was sent to the National Judicial Council.

4.01.6 The gist and fulcrum of the two petitions is captured in a paragraph in each of the two petitions as follows:“The present .instance where the CJN in complete negation and violation of his powers under the constitution has written to the President of the Court of Appeal ordering him to stop the delivery of judgment of Sokoto State Governorship Election Appeal already slated for 24th February, 2010 is another blatant incident of selfish individual-or sectional interests being used to subvert the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, the fons et origo of our legal system”.

4.01.7 During the hearing, the new National Chairman, General Bashir Magashi and the Gubernatorial candidate of-DPP in Sokoto State gave evidence which will be considered later.

4.01.8 It may be helpful perhaps to give a brief historical background to what brought about the allegations.

4.01.9 It started in April 2007 when Alhaji Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi challenged the victory of Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko as elected governor of Sokoto State . Alhaji Dingyadi lost at the Election Tribunal. He appealed to the Court of Appeal, Kaduna Division. The appeal succeeded and the election was nullified. In allowing the appeal, the Court of Appeal made the following orders.

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED AS FOLLOWS: 1.

That judgment of the governorship and legislative houses election tribunal sitting in Sokoto delivered on the 29th day of October, 2007 in Election Petition No. SS/EPT/ GOVT/1/2007 is hereby set aside.

2.

The Sokoto State Governorship election held on the 14th day of April, 2007 is hereby annulled for substantial irregularities in the conduct of the election and on the ground that

the 1st Respondent was not qualified to contest the election as at the 14th day of April, 2007.

3.

The Independent National electoral Commission shall conduct fresh governorship election for Sokoto State within 90 days of the date hereof.

4.

The fresh election ordered shall be between the same parties and candidates as appear on Exhibit R8 5.

The Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly shall be sworn-in immediately, as the Acting Governor of Sokoto State pending the outcome of the fresh election herein ordered.

4.01.10 Another fresh election was conducted on 24th May, 2008 pursuant to the judgment of the Court of Appeal. Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko was again returned as having been duly elected as Governor of Sokoto State.

4.0-1.11 Alhaji Dingyadi again went back to the Election Tribunal in Sokoto State in June 2008 challenging the return of Alhaji Wamakko.

4.01.12 The Second Tribunal by a majority decision dismissed the petition. Alhaji Dingyadi again appealed to the Court of Appeal, this time at Sokoto Division, which was then created. At the same time, Alhaji Dingyadi came to Abuja and filed an action at the Federal High Court, Abuja asking the Court to interpret the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Kaduna Division. The Federal High Court declined jurisdiction. Alhaji Dingyadi again appealed to the Abuja Division of Court of Appeal. Consequently, two appeals were pending before the two Divisions of the Court of Appeal. One at Sokoto and the other at Abuja Division. An interlocutory appeal in the course of the appeal at Abuja Division eventually went to the Supreme Court. These appeals were pending when the petitions .relating to Sokoto Governorship matter and a dispute between the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the President, Court of Appeal arose.

4.01.13 Evidence For ease of reference, it may help if the evidence of the Chairman of DPP, Gen. Bashir Magashi and the Governorship candidate of the party, Alhaji Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi is set out here. i) General Bashir Magashi This witness is the new Chairman of the Party. He adopted the petition of his Party written for the former Chairman, Lt Gen. J.T. Useni.

In his evidence, he stated that the CJN wrote a letter to the Justices of the Court of Appeal to stop the delivery of judgment slated for 24/0211.

He stated that the letter was read in open Court on the day of the judgment and the Justices complied. He identified two letters - one written to the PCA and the other to the Justices, Exhibits D and-E. The witness continued- to say that when a person has expectations and those expectations were put on hold, without any constitutional backup, one would feel disappointed, particularly when the Court of Appeal is the final Court on election matters.

The witness confirmed under cross-examination that he did not know who read the letter in open Court, because he was not present He also confirmed that their letter of complaint was dated 22/02/10 but that they had no foreknowledge of the judgment. He added that the CJN has no power to act without going through the National Judicial Council. He however conceded that the CJN has a duty to send a copy of petition to any Judge when one is written against him. ii) Alhaji Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi His evidence is that he was very central to the issues raised in the petition. In his evidence, he mentioned the administrative delay of 11 months to establish a panel for Sokoto State Appeal.

He raised the issue of CJN’s involvement in the matter in ignoring Continued on Page 59

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

NEWS Continued from Page 58

the provision of the Constitution and putting on hold the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Sokoto that was ready for delivery by a letter he sent to the Justices pending the disposal of serious allegations against them.

He contended that there were no serious allegations to warrant the stay of the judgment, because no evidence of leakage was shown in Yahaya Mahmood’s and Agu’s petitions. That even if there was a leakage, it was not his fault. He asserted that there were occasions when judgment leaked but they were never buried.

He alluded the fact that any document that passed- through more than twenty hands would become public document. He stated that they came to know “some dates” about the case weeks before they wrote the complaint on 22/02/10 to pre-empt the CJN’s letters; That as politicians, they know themselves, they hear what one says about the other. He urged the Panel to look into their petition and do justice.

Under cross-examination, he conceded that there was a motion pending before the Court on 24/02/2010.

4.02 PART B: ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE HON. CJN BY HON. JUSTICE ISA A. SALAMI, PCA 4.02.1 As a result of petitions received from Yahaya Mahmood, Esq and Alfred N. Agu, Esq the Chief Justice of Nigeria held discussions with Hon. Justice Dahiru Musdapher, and that led to invitation to Hon. Justice Salami, the President, Court of Appeal to the Chief Justice of Nigeria’s Chambers. Further discussions were held about the petitions. The issue was not concluded. Eventually, the Chief Justice of Nigeria wrote a letter to the President, Court of Appeal on 18/02/ 2010 attaching the petitions and asking for comments on the allegations made and the President of the Court of Appeal was asked to ensure that further action on the judgment is put on hold.

4.02.2 Another letter dated 19102/ 2010 from the Chief Justice of Nigeria to the justices who heard the appeal with the petitions attached were forwarded to the Justices for their comments and they were asked to ensure putting on hold further action on the judgments pending the determination of the allegations leveled against them.

4.02.3 In his reply to the letter dated 22/02/2010, the President, Court of Appeal raised many weighty issues. For the purpose of clarity, some relevant portions of the President; Court of Appeal’s reply are reproduced below.“I have read the two petitions carefully but I cannot, regrettably, find any serious allegations contained therein. I am also unable to see the urgency in the matter to warrant Your Lordship intervening in a Court proceedings, which interference respectfully is contemptuous of the Court sitting in Sokoto. Yours appears to be a deliberate attempt to frustrate the hearing. It is the practice of the National Judicial Council on whose behalf Your Lordship is purportedly acting, not to interfere in matters that are subjudice.

The appeal in Sokoto arises from an election petition of 2007. We are in 2010. We all should realize the urgency attendant upon, mutters arising from election petitions. For anyone to consider fixture of such election petition for hearing in 2010 as premature and undesirable leaves much to be desired.

I do not know what motivated my predecessor to think that a pre- election matter take precedent over election appeal. But I am firmly the view that making an order to the effect that hearing in the matter should abide the determination of another matter in the Supreme Court on the letter of one of the parties without hearing the other side, is most inappropriate. It negates any principle of fair hearing.

So, when Mr. Yahaya Mahmood in company of Senator Dahir Tambawal approached me with a request that I should maintain status quo by continuing to bury the appeal, I told them that that approach would not be in the interest of justice. That they should appear in the Court and trash out the

How Oyinlola, Oni lost at NJC panel existence of the various suits in different Courts including the Supreme Court in the open court. This will afford all the parties the chance to vent their views. I equally make it clear to them that I was not prepared to meddle in the case. on personal relationship basis. This probably incensed them .

This takes me to the lynch pin of their petition. The second visit of both Yahaya and Senator Dahiru was after the appeal was heard. It was not to persuade me to change my decision on perpetual adjournment of the appeal. When they came, I took them in as friends, unknown to me that they were enemies within. They raised the issue of the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Kaduna Division, which after finding that the Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aliyu Magartakarda Wammakko was not properly nominated, it made consequential orders which included that of a re-run election, and that the candidate found to be unqualified, to participate in the rerun election. I agreed with them that the judgment was incongruous, but explained that they were made against the respective parties. While the order pronouncing Wammakko unqualified was in favour of the Appellant, the other one to the effect that he should participate in the re-run election was in favour of the Respondent. If there were to be a right of appeal, the parties would have to appeal against the order made against them, otherwise, the decision subsists against the party who failed to do so.

In the circumstance of this case, there is no right of appeal hence Governor Wammakko could participate in the re-run as he did, and the Appellant at the end of the day would be entitled to raise the. issue of his disqualification as a constitutional issue.

I told them that one is not subsumed in the other. The Senator apparently appreciated my explanation and thanked me for it, but requested me to persuade the Court to decide the appeal in favour of Wanmakko in the interest of peace. I told him that I would not go out of my way to order them to dismiss the appeal or; in fact will not interfere in the working of the five competent Justices on the panel, if in their opinion they found merit in it. It is my failure to grant their request that turned otherwise cordial relationship sour. It is most unfortunate.

In fact, having gone through the petitions over, happily nowhere is allegations of financial impropriety made against me or any of the respectable and honourable gentlemen who sat on the appeal unlike in Uba’s case where huge sums of money were alleged to have been given to the Justices. Nevertheless, your predecessor in office in his wisdom, allow the judgment to be delivered. He did not rush to conclusion in the manner you are doing. I will appeal to Your Lordship to make haste gently, otherwise Your Lordship may wittingly or unwittingly bring the Judiciary into gross disrepute.

•Oyinlola

Moreover, there is no scintilla of evidence that I met any member of the Appellants. Neither is there such evidence against the Justices. All we have is that the Respondents unconstitutionally breach or invaded our right to privacy and unlawfully recorded our discussions .

The piece of evidence violated our right of privacy in the Constitution.

They were also obtained without first administering caution on us. Are these admissible evidence? I thought this should have agitated the mind of Your Lordship before placing store on the evidence as the Chief Justice of Nigeria who is required to defend the Judiciary. Quo Bono. The question is what is the -locus standi of the Independent National Electoral Commission in this matter. The appellants are not challenging the conduct of the election. What is in issue here is that the appellants are contesting qualification or otherwise of Wammakko.

It is therefore incumbent on the candidate to establish his status, it is not INEC to plunge into the fray on the side of one of the candidates whom INEC itself agree was not qualified to contest the election.

Meanwhile, I wish to remind Your Lordship that you, on 8th February, 2010 invited me to Your Lordship’s Chambers to request me to instruct the Justices to dismiss the appeal.

Your Lordship told me that was what the Supreme Court did in Amechi’s case. Dahiru Musdapher JSC was there. I rejected Your Lordship’s entreaties.

Thereafter, petitions emerged in Your Lordship’s Chambers on 8th February, 2010. On 16th February, 2010, you invited me to your Chambers and gave me to read the petition written by Mr. Yahaya Mahmood.

After reading, you asked if I would not disband the panel. I told Your Lordship I would discuss it with the panel, a suggestion Your Lordship did not appreciate, and you made it clear, and asked me to just disband them and report back to you. I have not reported back to you to date. The carefully orchestrated pressure was intended to, make me falter but I thank Almighty Allah that I have not succumbed. If I had faltered you would not be there for me.

In view of all the above, I do not think that I am in a position to carry out Your Lordship’s order to stop the appeal pending the determination of the investigation of “serious allegation” made against me and the Justices in the two petitions. No responsible tribunal will consider the contents of the two documents to amount to serious indictment. In any case, Your Lordship in an unprecedented manner have taken over the running of the Court of Appeal. You have unilaterally made the order, which I respectfully consider unlawful to stop the judgment.

It would have caused me virtually nothing if I had surrendered to Your Lordship’s requests which constitute, in my respectful view, dangerous

•Oni

precedent for which I would have stood condemned before posterity.

We should not allow it to happen in our time”.

4.02.4 To have a complete picture, it will help if the Chief Justice of Nigeria’s response to the President, Court of Appeal’s allegations is also set out.

In a sworn. affidavit dated 07/03/2011, particularlly in paragraphs 6 and 7 of the affidavit, the Chief Justice of Nigeria deposed as follows:“6.

That all the aforementioned petitions written against me are in respect of the Sokoto State Gubernatorial Election Petition Appeal and my Date of Birth.

7.

That for record purposes and setting the facts right, I hereby state as follows:i) That I did not at any time whatsoever interfere in any form or manner with the Sokoto State Gubernatorial- Election Petition Appeal. ii) That at some stage, while the appeal was pending at the Court of Appeal, in my capacity as the Chairman of the National Judicial Council, I received written Petitions addressed to me pertaining the said appeal. iii) That one of the complaints in the -petitions was that the judgment about to be delivered by the Court of Appeal in respect of the Sokoto State Gubernatorial Election Petition Appeal had leaked. iv) That I called Honourable Justice Dahiru Musdapher, the next most senior Justice of the Supreme Court and Deputy Chairman, National Judicial Council to my Chambers and showed him the petitions and sought for his advice on how the matter could be handled. v) That Honourable Justice Dahiru Musdapher suggested that we call the Hon. President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Ayo Isa Salami to inform him of the petitions. vi) That I therefore, called the Hon. President of the Court of Appeal by telephone to come to my Chambers. vii) That when the Hon. President of the Court of Appeal came to my Chambers, in the presence of Hon. Justice Dahiru Musdapber, I told him I had received a complaint that the judgment to be delivered in respect of the Sokoto State Gubernatorial Election Petition Appeal had leaked. viii) That the Hon. President of the Court of Appeal, Justice I. A. Salami, OFR, admitted that the judgment had leaked. ix) That I showed him the petitions I had received in respect of the Sokoto State Gubernatorial Election Petition Appeal and told him that the only way to maintain the integrity of the Court was to reconstitute the panel, as that was the proper cause of action to take. x) That I even reminded him that his predecessor in office, Honourable Justice Umaru Abdullahi, CON, had a similar problem in the Court of Appeal, Kaduna Division and had to disband and re-constitute another Panel which was presided over by Hon. Justice Isa Ayo Salami, OFR, himself. xi) That after our advice to Hon. Justice Salami, he left us with the impression that he would disband the Panel, having admitted that the judgment had leaked. xii) That when Hon. Justice Salami did not revert to me on the matter, I decided to forward the petitions to him and other members of the Panel for their reaction. xiii) That I had at no time whatsoever met with the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Ayo Isa Salami alone, privately or officially to discuss the Sokoto State Gubernatorial Petition Appeal. xiv) That I was at all material times in the company of Hon. Justice Dahiru Musdapher. xv) That at no time whatsoever did I request the President of the Court of Appeal to instruct the Sokoto Gubernatorial Petition Appeal Panel to ‘dismiss’ the appeal. xvi) That .as a Judicial Officer of many years standing, I know as a fact and as a matter of law that .any such .instruction was not within the purview of my Constitutional powers.

xvii) That the only steps I took in my capacity as the Chairman, National Judicial Council, was to direct, vide letter No. NJCICAfDMlIV/48 of 19th February, 2010, that the judgment that was to be .delivered in the Sokoto Gubernatorial Election Petition Appeal ‘be put on hold’ pending the investigation of the petitions I had received.

That I did not, in the letter under reference, direct the Panel on the Sokoto Gubernatorial Election Petition Appeal not to deliver judgment. xviii)That as regards to the Sokoto Gubernatorial Election Petition Appeal that was before’ the Supreme Court of Nigeria , I was neither on the Panel nor did I direct the Panel on the judgment to give .. xix) That when Hon. Justice I.A. Salami sent his response to the Petitions and the allegations against him, the National Judicial Council could not deliberate on same because the matter was sub-judice.”

4.02.5 The President of the Court of Appeal responded to the Chief Justice of Nigeria’s affidavit by swearing to another affidavit dated 31/03/ 11. It is helpful to reproduce the relevant paragraphs of the President, Court of Appeal’s affidavit.

4) That with reference to paragraph 7i - xix of the said affidavit I state as follows: i) That it is true that Honourable Justice Dahiru Musdapher was present when the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria called me to his office on the 8th day of February, 2010 in respect of Sokoto State Gubernatorial Election petition Appeal; ii) That I was not a member of the panel of Honourable Justices of the Court of Appeal that heard the Sokoto State Gubernatorial Appeal; iii) That to my knowledge, there was no allegation of judgment leakage and no judgment, whether actual or leaked was shown to me by the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria; iv) That with particular reference to the deposition in- paragraph 7 (viii) of the aforesaid affidavit of Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, I did not admit (to the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria) that the judgment in the Sokoto State Gubernatorial appeal had leaked; v) The Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria actually instructed me to direct the panel of justices hearing the Sokoto State Gubernatorial Appeal panel to dismiss the Appeal which I told him I could not do; vi) That there was no advice given to me by Honourable Justice Dahiru Musdapher although instruction was given to me by the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria to disband the Sokoto State Gubernatorial appeal panel after the situation mentioned in paragraph 4( v) above; vii) The Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria instructed the justices of the Court of Appeal in the Sokoto State Gubernatorial Appeal panel not to deliver judgment which had been reserved; 5) That still on the issue of leakage of judgment, further state as follows: i) That it was on the 8th day of February, 2010 that the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria invited me to his office; ii) That the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, wrote me a query on the 18th day of February, 2010 in which he said that two people had complained to him’ in writing against me; iii) That the two people mentioned by the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria are: a) Yahaya Mahmood, Esq; and b) Alfred N. Agu, Esq. v) That paragraph 2 in annexure 1 is an admission of act of interference by the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria . vi) That each of the petitions Annexures 2 and 3 is dated 15th day of February; 2010, seven (7} days .after the _Hon. Chief Justice called me to his office in the presence of Hon. Justice Dahiru Musdapher;

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NATION SPORT

•Reaching for the top- Khan is likely to ramp up training in preparation for facing Flloyd Mayweather next year

King Khan keeps critics waiting for the knockout blow... and long may it continue A

MIR KHAN knows there are still folks back home hoping to see him get knocked out, and that no amount of performances as dazzling as the one with which he destroyed fivetime world champion Zab Judah here on Saturday night will change that negative mind-set.

Even as he gazed out of the windows of his penthouse suite at the big-fight city which he has sent into raptures for a second time, Khan accepted that some of his fellow Englishmen will be disappointed at not seeing him take a fall.

‘There’s no point denying it,’ he

says. 'There will always be a few people wanting to see me beaten up, I don’t mind. Sometimes I tweet them back when they have a go at me on twitter, for a laugh.

‘In a way it helps sell my fights on TV. They tune in because they don’t want to miss me being knocked out – so hopefully they’ll have to keep buying for many more fights to come.’

This smart 24-year-old also knows one of the reasons for the antipathy, albeit a mistaken one in the minds of his British doubters.

He says: ‘There seems to be a perception that I’m arrogant. It’s out there even though I don’t

•Painful memory- Only once in his professional career has Khan been knocked down, by Breidis Prescott

understand why. I never refuse a photograph, an autograph or time for chat. I never disrespect an opponent.

‘I never do any trash talking yet they seem to think I’m more conceited than Naz (Prince Naseem Hamed). Yet all the people I meet end up saying that in reality I’m totally different from what they expected.’

Those of us who spend time with this impressive and likeable young man while chronicling his exploits will vouch for that.

So will Freddie Roach, the American master trainer who is guiding Khan towards a fight next year with Floyd Mayweather Jnr from which he expects his protégée to emerge as Manny Pacquaio’s successor as the greatest poundfor-pound boxer in the world.

Roach says: ‘Amir is classy kid who has never once talked back to me. He has too much respect for others to do that. He has confidence and without that he wouldn’t be where he is today.

'But he’s not brash. He is a very nice person and that is unusual in a fighter. I guess it’s part of his DNA. For example, he landed a lot of big shots on Judah, broke him down mentally and made him give up – but Amir is far too polite to say that.’

What Khan did say was that he has no doubt whatsoever that the body shot from which Judah went down in the fifth round was perfectly legitimate, not low.

‘He was wearing his shorts hitched up well above his waist and the punch hit him higher than his belly button. You also know

yourself when you’ve landed fair because if you hit someone low you feel his protective cup.

‘He was getting beaten up and his corner might have pulled him out after another round. So I think he gambled the referee might disqualify me, with the fall-back position of finding a way of disguising a bad defeat.’

This admirable ambassador for Anglo-Islam relations will ‘chill out back in Bolton’ and then ‘make my pilgrimage to Mecca’ before going back to Roach’s Wild Card gym in Los Angeles to prepare for another Vegas spectacular in December.

Mexican legend Erik Morales and American prospect Robert Guerrero are possible opponents.

However, having added Judah’s

•Amir Khan (l) was the toast of Las Vegas with his stunning fifth-round KO of Zab Judah

IBF belt to his WBA lightwelterweight title he would prefer that fight to be against WBC and WBO champion Tim Bradley so that he could then move up to welterweight as an undisputed champion.

A British home-coming fight at 10st 7lbs in the spring would then prime him for the assault on Mayweather in the second half of 2012.

That ought to be enough to convert the majority of nay-sayers, Sky Sports among them, as they watch King Khan’s ratings climb on the fringe Primetime pay-TV cable network.

Mirror, mirror on the wall

Perhaps the biggest compliment paid to Khan after his crushing of Judah was the likening of him to a mirror image of Manny Pacquiao, his friend, sparring partner and the best pound for pound fighter on the planet.

US commentators who doubted Khan previously suddenly saw him as an orthodox comparison to the south-paw Pacquiao with his fast hands, fleet foot movement, rapier jab and varied combinations climaxed with fight-finishing power shots.

‘That’s nice to hear,’ says Khan, ‘But still got some improving to do to reach Manny’s level.’

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

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NATION SPORT

Five things Inter must do to win the Scudetto I

T is only 14 months since they were last crowned champions of Italy, but many in the peninsula consider Inter as little more than distant outsiders to win back the Serie A title in 2011-12.

Despite adding three more trophies to their memorable treble of 2010, last season was something of a blowout for a club who have set the bar high since the original Calciopoli investigations of 2006.

After an awful start under Rafael Benitez and a spirited but largely toothless run-in led by Leonardo, the Nerazzurri have been left to lick their wounds and rethink their immediate future this summer.

Additions have been made in the form of Jonathan, Luc Castaignos and Ricardo Alvarez, but other question marks remain, and new coach Gian Piero Gasperini has some convincing to do.

The rising average age in the squad has been identified as an issue to be resolved, with skipper Javier Zanetti – who will turn 38 next month – leading a pack of thirty-somethings into the new campaign, with many of the younger generation still to convince at the highest level.

With just a month to go until the new season kicks off, Goal.com

looks at the five biggest factors Inter will have to address if they are to challenge for a 19th Scudetto.

KEEP WESLEY SNEIJDER & FIND RIGHT SPOT FOR HIM There’s a lot of conjecture right now over the future of Sneijder, although it appears that Inter may have at least momentarily seen off the advances of Manchester United, whose manager Sir Alex Ferguson explained yesterday: "At this moment, I can't see another addition. The type of player we might have been looking for is not available.”

If the No. 10 is still an Inter player at the season’s start, the next step will be to ensure he’s being used to his full potential.

Gasperini’s insistence on a threeman front line has seen him trialled in midfield, but come crunch time his talents could be wasted further back.

DON'T RELY ON SAMUEL ETO'O FOR GOALS The Cameroonian bagged a magnificent 37 goals last term, scoring five in their three cup final wins, but his contribution was largely wasted in the league and Europe thanks to the lack of firepower elsewhere. Not until

•Sneijder

•Eto’o

•Gasperini •Walter-samuel Giampaolo Pazzini’s January introduction did another Inter player appear likely to even get close to double figures.

It is important now that Pazzini, who has previously suffered notable lean spells with both Italy and Fiorentina, continues where he left off in May. There must also be a concerted effort from the likes of Goran Pandev and Diego Milito, if they are kept on, after both suffered miserable campaigns in 2010-11.

FIX THE DEFENCE One of the main factors behind Inter’s downfall last term was their abysmal defensive record under both Benitez and Leonardo.

A total of 70 goals were conceded during 2010-11, which simply has to be improved upon.

New boss Gasperini will hope that his intended switch to a back three will benefit his side, with the returning Walter Samuel slotting in alongside Lucio and Andrea Ranocchia, who were unable to stem the flow after the Argentine’s cruciate knee ligament damage in November. But with an errorprone Ranocchia alongside two 33-year-olds, it may not be the most assured of defences and the former Genoa coach may need to have a back-up plan in mind.

SEEK ADAPTABILITY IN GASPERINI'S SYSTEM The new man on the bench comes with firm ideas on how he likes his football to be played. A committed and energetic - yet attractive - style of play at Genoa won many fans, and he will look to add those qualities at Pinetina.

However, there will be hurdles to overcome, and if he is to get the best out of Inter’s better players he will need to be able to send out his side in more than just a 3-4-3 or 4-3-3 during the course

of the season. Not only must he provide the platform for Sneijder and Eto’o to excel, but he also needs to ensure his defenders are well protected by the right kind of players when it comes to taking on the likes of AC Milan and Juventus.

GET THE BEST OUT OF RICARDO ALVAREZ He may still be wet behind the ears when it comes to Italian football, but already judgements are being made on the •9.2 million signing’s early performances. Though he’s

•Alvarez

bagged some neat goals and led many an Inter attack in his early preseason outings, he has also failed at times to show conviction in his ability to beat his marker.

Gasperini’s hopes of forming a successful three-man front line may largely depend on his ability to coax enough confidence out of the former Velez Sarsfield attacker for him to approach Juve, Milan and Napoli with more belief in his ability than he has so far shown against the likes of Mezzocorona.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

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SPORT EXTRA

N

IGERIAN referee, Ogunmuyiwa Jelili has revealed that he screamed at the top of his voice when it was revealed that he had been selected to fly Nigeria’s flag at the 2011 FIFA Beach World Cup in Ravenna, Italy.

Twenty four referees have been selected and Jelili joins Said Hachim from Madagascar and Louis David Adolphe from Mauritius as the three African referees at the tournament billed for 1st – 11th September, 2011.

The 32 year-old has now exclusively told SuperSport.com that he screamed for joy after he heard the news that he had been selected to officiate in the tournament.

“I screamed for joy when I heard the news because it’s a big honour,” Jelili said.

The hard working referee was in Dubai for the 2009 edition of the World Cup and is determined to go one better in Ravenna this time around.

“To be honest, I expected to be selected because I did brilliantly in Dubai in 2008. But you know how it is: I still entertained some doubts so when I got news of the confirmation, I could not contain my joy. I hope to do

FIFA BEACH WORLD CUP

Nigerian referee selected to officiate

better than I did in Dubai this time around,” he said.

Jelili has always dreamt of officiating in a beach soccer world cup final but he knows he will not achieve that feat in Ravenna if the Beach Eagles (Nigeria’s Beach soccer team) reaches the final in Italy.

“To be honest, I have always wanted to officiate in the final but if I were to make a choice, I will sacrifice personal glory and pray that the beach Eagles reach the final. “I will gain more respect from my colleagues in Italy if my country’s team do well in the competition,” he reasoned.

Ravenna will be Jelili’s second crack at the cherry following his previous appearance at the FIFA beach world cup in Dubai in 2009.

•Rabiu

C

T

he is on a Bosman transfer and will be available for free to any club that wishes to sign him.

With the prospect of hiring an experienced and proven defender, many sides have lodged interest in securing his services but SC Braga are reportedly close to sealing the deal for his signature.

Afolabi has been in Portugal,

particularly in the Braga area, which further fuelled the speculation that he will now put pen to paper on a deal at Estadio AXA. ‘Robo Cop’ is mainly a central defender but could be drafted at right back as well.The former NEPA Lagos man is also a great asset going forward as he gets to score goals off set-pieces.

Vietnam better than Europe —Ajala

F

ORMER Dolphins FC striker Gbenga Ajala believes player welfare in Vietnam is as good as what European football clubs put on the table for their personnel.

The young striker, currently on the books of V League (Vietnamese first division) club, Dong Tap FC says he is happy in Vietnam and would not swap places for a European club any time soon.

“Life in Vietnam is good. In my club alone, there are four

NPL suspends Osagie HE Nigeria Premier League (NPL) has suspended Monday Osagie, a registered player of Enyimba Int’l FC of Aba for attacking Rangers management and players in Benin for debt allegedly owed him by the Enugu side.

Osagie is suspended after he decided to take the laws into his hands, attacking Rangers during one of their training session in Benin before the week 34 game against Warri Wolves.

The NPL is disturbed about this barbaric act and the players’ disregard for due process when contracts are breached.

The NPL wishes to use this medium to appeal to clubs to respect players contracts and

B

Rabiu Afolabi close to Braga move

N

the players to follow due process in asking for what they are been owed.

League matches from Week 35 through 38 of the current 2010/2011 season are hereby put on hold till further notice.

Additionally, some outstanding matches will be played from the 17th of August, 2011 through Wednesday 24th August, 2011. This is to give room for Federation Cup matches to take place up to the Semi-final stage from 4th to 14th of August, 2011.

The only League match for this weekend therefore, is an outstanding match between Dolphin FC and Crown FC which takes place on Sunday 31st of July, 2011 in Port Harcourt.

will surely miss his services but it will not stop our resolve to win in Cameroon.

“We are not going there to try our luck rather to win. We have done our home work very well.”

Apart from Abwo, the former Rangers coach informed that there is no injury worry among the players.

“There is no injury worry, our medical team has done excellent work on the players and they are as fit as fiddle,” he said.

The two-time African champions will leave their Ota, Ogun state camp on Thursday with 20-man team to Cameroon.

The Peoples Elephant are in Group A alongside Al-Hilal, Raja and Coton Sport. All the teams have one point from game one.

Benin FA boss Moucharafou Anjorin in prison

“I must acknowledge the efforts of NPL this season, they are doing well and with this, I will continue to promote peace, maturity, and avoid violence.”

IGERIA defender Rabiu Afolabi is close to signing for Portuguese club Sporting Braga after his contract with Red Bull Salzburg ran out.

The 31-year-old international has featured for the likes of Sochaux, Napoli, Standard Liege and Austria Wien.His demand has grown given that

E

NYIMBA’s attacking midfielder, David Abwo will miss the team’s game two of the Orange Caf Champions League tie against Cameroonian giants, Coton Sport de Garoua.

The crucial encounter comes up on Saturday at the 35, 000 capacity Stade Omnisport Roumde-Adja, Garoau.

Abwo is serving a card suspension he picked in previous game.

Enyimba’s coach Okey Emordi who disclosed this to SuperSport.com averred that the services of the player would be sorely missed.

He however hinted that his absence would not deter the team from recording a resounding victory against the Cameroonian side.

“David Abwo is suspended from this weekend game. We

EMBEZZLEMENT

Coach Ogunmodede apologises to NPL ROWN FC assistant coach; Daniel Ogunmodede has apologised to the Nigeria Premeir League over his aggressive behaviour.

Ogunmodede was charged with two-match suspension for instigating and encouraging crowd violence shortly after the game against Ocean boys of yenogoa. The former Ogbomoso north LG head coach who was spotted among the spectators last weekend when crown played host to 3SC, said his reactions was misunderstood by the match commissioner but apologise to the NPL. "Am a young coach with years ahead of me in this job. My reactions was misunderstood by the match commissioner but whatever the case may be, I’m sorry and I hereby apologise to the Nigeria Premeir League for the misconduct. I never meant to be rude or promote indiscipline in the league. Football is all about passion and I think I've learnt lessons from the scenario."

Ogunmodede who tutored Young Eagles for eight years before moving to Crown FC in 2009, also promised to promote peace and portray good spirit of sportsmanship.

Abwo out of Coton Sport tie

Nigerian players. (Former NPL top scorer) Timothy Anjembe also played here in the past. “The reason for this is because life here is so good.

We receive as much as $5 000 as salaries and much more as transfer fees,” Ajala told SuperSport.com.

Ajala is in his second season at Dong Thap and has already plundered 8 strikes in 21 games this term.

“I would have scored more goals but I was out for a month because of an ankle injury.

I am fit now and I am sure I will score more goals before the end of the season,” he stated.

Tipped as one of the brightest prospects in the Nigeria Premier League (NPL), eyebrows were raised when Ajala moved abroad to

Asia.

“There are so many problems in the NPL. Clubs make it a habit to owe players.

Sign on fees, salaries even match bonuses never come. It’s sad and it makes many good players move for greener pastures,” he said.

Ajala also hinted that his time in the J-Legue may be coming to an end as “lots of clubs” have made enquiries about him.

“Lots of clubs are coming for me because I have been on fire banging in goals left and right.

But I am still under contract so we have to wait and see how things go,” the youngster said.

Ajala spent his final season in Nigeria at Sunshine Stars having endured difficult spells at Dolphins and Nasarawa United.

•Dolphin skipper Emmah Godwin (right) clears against Wale Bello of Crown FC

ENIN football president Anjorin Moucharafou Anjorin is in custody at the Cotonou Civil Prison Football in Benin is facing an uncertain future after the arrest of the president of the federation, Moucharafou Anjorin.

Moucharafou was arraigned before a court this week for misappropriation of the federation's funds.

He is accused of embezzling US$650,000 sponsorship money from a mobile phone company between 2008 and 2010.

Moucharafou was remanded in custody at the Cotonou Civil Prison, pending a trial.

No date has been set for the trial of the businessman, who also serves on the Africa Cup of Nations Organising Committee.

He is a very close ally of Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Issa Hayatou.

His arrest is causing some concern as it has left the Benin

Football Federation (BFF) without a leader.

"A lot of people are worried that the national teams and the local league have been affected by Mr Anjorin's absence from the running of the game," the BBC's Virgile Ahissou in Cotonou said.

"No knows when the trial will be held so the entire Benin federation set-up is in limbo."

Moucharaf was arrested and interrogated for hours before being taken to court over the allegations.

His arrest further heightens the tensions within the BFF as a rival group claims Moucharafou has no legitimacy.

The crisis started in January when 12 of the 15-member executive committee resigned, accusing Moucharafou of being a dictator.

FIFA intervened and settled the matter, leaving Moucharafou as the BFF president even if the rival body insists it does not recognise him.

Heartland should show gratitude – NFF

T

HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said on Thursday it was shocked that Premier League club, Heartland FC of Owerri could express dissatisfaction with the compensation of N500,000 for an ill-advised trip to Abuja.

Chairman of the NFF Disciplinary Committee and NFF Executive Committee member, Barrister Olaleye Adepoju explained: “Instead of appreciating the gesture from Ocean Boys FC, Heartland FC has surprisingly gone to town to say it has been shortchanged.

Who shortchanged the club?

“The issues involved here are unambiguous. The Nigeria Premier League took a decision to banish Ocean Boys FC from Yenagoa to Abuja after a troubled match.

Ocean Boys protested against this decision, and the Nigeria Premier League knew about the protest, and also knew the protest was to be heard before Ocean Boys’ next match.

“The NPL should have

informed Heartland FC, which happened to be the next opponents of Ocean Boys FC, about the protest, and the fact that the protest was to be heard by the NFF Disciplinary Committee before the match involving the two teams.

“Heartland FC claimed to have arrived Abuja for the match on Monday morning.

The match was scheduled for Wednesday, and by Monday evening, the Disciplinary Committee of the NFF had taken the decision that Ocean Boys return to Yenagoa immediately. From the bill sent to NPL and copied to the NFF, Heartland FC said its players and officials stayed in Abuja until Wednesday. What were they doing in Abuja until Wednesday after learning of the decision on Monday?

“It was never the business of NFF to communicate to Heartland FC that the protest

by Ocean Boys against its banishment by NPL was to be heard two days before the match”.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

63

SPORT EXTRA

COLOMBIA 2012

Globacom backs Flying Eagles for trophy T

ELECOMMUNICATION giant, Globacom, sponsors of the National teams including the U-20 has called on the Flying Eagles to surpass the silver medals won by the1989 and 2005 set of players in Saudi Arabia and Holland when the World youth championship kicks off this weekend.

Making this call in Lagos, the Group Chief Operating Officer of Globacom, Mohamed Jameel exhorted the team to work assiduously towards reaching the finals and winning the Cup for Nigeria for the first time.

He said, “Flying Eagles should concentrate and play as a team, tackle each match with determination to win with focus on the final berth”.

Jameel stressed that the team has the advantage of having in the squad about fifteen players who had been playing together from the last U-17 team that emerged runners up in the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Championship hosted by Nigeria.

He added that Globacom as the major partner and official sponsor of the National teams will continue to sponsor and encourage the national teams in

their quest to win laurels for Nigeria in world football.

The Globacom GCOO also recommended that the Technical crew of the team go for the fittest players in their selections, in order to ensure that the team win its first match which according to him will motivate them to go far in the competition.

The Flying Eagles will play in Group D along with Croatia, Guatemala and Saudi –Arabia in the 17th edition of U-20 World Cup holding in Colombia between 29th July and 20th August, 2011.

This is the eighth appearance

of Flying Eagles in the competition . The team has won two silver medals having played in the finals in 1989 in Saudi Arabia losing to Portugal and in 2005 in Holland where Argentina picked the cup. The team also picked bronze as second runners up in Soviet Union in 1985.

The star players in the John Obuh coached side includes Sanni Emmanuel of Lazio, Italy who won the best player award during the 2009 U-17 World Cup hosted by Nigeria, Ramon Azeez of Almeria, Spain and Ahmed Musa of VVV Venlo in Holland.

•Azeez

Imo State League kicks off in Owerri •Winner to represent the state in the National Amateur play-off

W

ITH the August 5 date fixed for the start of the National Amateur League Play-off around the corner, the 2011 Imo Football Association has kicked off its State League in order to get the team that will represent the State at the lowest cadre of the Nigerian league.

The league which commenced across the State on Wednesday July 27, has 18 teams that registered for the competition divided into four groups with Groups A and B having four teams, while Groups C and D are with five teams each.

In some of the matches decided on Day 1, D’Bynoe FC defeated Solid United FC 1-0, while Nekede United lost 0-1 to Heartland Comets. It was goaless situation between Chuson and Iwundu FC as Gunners FC got gunned 0-1 by Royal Force FC. In the remaining matches, Ansfed saw off Footprinters FC 3-0 as Campos FC brightened their chances of picking the sole ticket to the national playoff with a 2-1 win over Nnamoha Lions FC. Amacuff FC lost by the odd goal to YSFON FC and Achievers FC was beaten 0-1 by Golden Boys.

Matches are also slated for today at Orlu, Ehime, Nwarieubi and Mbaise Stadia across the state. Nekede United will like to recover from their initial setback with a match with D’Bynoe FC while Heartland Comets trade tackles with Solid United FC. In some of the other fixtures billed for today too, Campos will do battle with Patros FC, YSFON FC versus Police Machine FC and Amacuff play Achievers FC. Quarter and semi final matches are slated for 1st and 2nd August respectively while the competition rounds off a

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri day later in anticipation of the National Amateur play-off which starts on August 5 in designated centres across the

country.

The winner of the Imo State league will cart home N150,000 among other exciting gifts and freebies to second and third.

1ST LP35 FOOTBALL COMPETITION

Rufai, Nwosu, Ikpebe, Orume to set Campos agog

T

HE Grand Finale of the LP 35 Football competition organised by the Christ Church Parish Gbagada, Lagos will witness an array of Ex-internationals which include Peter Rufai, Henry Nwosu, Victor Ikpeba, Coach Emmanuel Iyoriobhe and sports, pundit, Dudu Orume. The Sports enthusiasts have given their assurance to boost the morale of the budding talents that will play at Campos Square mini stadium, Lagos on Saturday.

The Grand Finale will involve Team(Area 009, Chariot of Fire) and Team(010, Christ Church) who scaled through to the finals in a keenly contested competition by sixteen football teams selected from various Redeemed

•Aim to boost tourney

By Stella Bamawo Churches across Lagos State.

A total of forty-one matches were played in the tournament which kicked-off two months back. In the third place match, Team (Area008, International Harvest Centre) will square up with Team (Area 004, Trinity Tabernacle) to clinch the third place position.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Pastor of LP 35, Remi Morgan, stated that the competition will be an avenue to build its sports ministry which is all about evangelism through sports which many youths of today understand better. It will also provide the platform for raw talented youths on the streets to exhibit their God given gifts in the area of sports.

•Pastor Bayo Animashaun, Pastor in-charge RCCG LP35 sport and Ex-international Mr Emmanuel Ivorioble at the RCCG Lagos Province 35 (LP35) Football tournament Media briefing in lagos on Tuesday.

PHOTO: Bola Omilabu

TOMORROW IN THE NATION

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 6,

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

A curse on the continent?

•Map of Africa

such foreign goodwill depends on the pleasure of political leaders to accept or to reject food aid.

A current iteration of this last reality is the inspiration for my renewed interest in this subject. On Tuesday, July26, The Washington Post carried a sober headline: Somalis Flee Famine Along “Roads of Death”. Prior to this Post story, we have been presented with gory pictures and depressing tales as we relax on our couches to watch the evening news. “Can anything respectable and pleasing come out of Africa?” is a question constantly on the lips of many around the world.

Surely, every continent faces at one time of the other the wrath of nature or humancrafted tragedies. From the Japanese tsunami to the Indonesian earthquake or the Norwe-

RIPPLES CORRUPT POLITICIANS, OFFICERS MUST BE BAILED-Obasanjo

Yes!...begining from 1999!

NO. 1,836

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

T

WENTY years ago in a monograph on African philosophy, I described what occurred to me to be the realities of contemporary Africa. I draw on that analysis here to make the point that nothing has really changed and that indeed it is getting worse. It is as if there is a curse on the continent to the embarrassment of committed patriots, including millions of Africa’s innocent lives that are sacrificed on a daily basis sequel to the human-made disasters that compound the impact of some natural catastrophes.

By contemporary African realities, I do not mean philosophical theories and conceptions.

These realities belong to the class of experience. Philosophical conceptions take their cue from these by way of offering explanations or conjectures about what might have or could have been. Realities give meaning to conceptions.

While I group these realities into three— economic, social, and political-ideological — I recognise that these are artificial divisions and that there is no clear demarcation between them, especially as they affect or impact the lives of individuals. Still, for the purpose of analysis, it helps to classify them.

While poverty and hunger in the midst of wealth and natural abundance is the lot of a sizeable majority of our people, a small minority swims in inexplicable riches and enjoy ostentatious living. In an insightful observation back in 1972, David Attah remarked that “Africa is a paradox which typifies poverty in the midst of plenty. In terms of development potential and natural resources, Africa is about the richest continent in the world and yet in real terms the poorest and the most underdeveloped.” Four decades after that observation, it is business as usual. Many would responsibly suggest that retrogression has occurred in terms of the standard of living of the average African which has taken a plunge, no thanks to the externally imposed policies in respect of which domestic policymakers are co-conspirators.

The average person cannot feed his/her family on a balanced diet. Children are particularly worse hit by the phenomenon of hunger. The scourge of famine has been the curse of a greater part of the continent and food aid has become the only lease on life for millions. And in this, politics enters surreptitiously in the equation because beside the indignity of begging for food from aliens, whether afflicted individuals can access

‘No one has been able to justify why, after over 50 years as an independent nation, Nigeria continues to slide in infrastructural decay! All we do is to, with fervent prayer, hope that another bungler will not take over the mantle of leadership. Hope, that’s all that we cling unto in this season of hopelessness. Wither Nigeria?’

YOMI ODUNUGA

‘ ...We all are implicated in the current mess that is Africa.

How did we get here?

What can get us out?

The shame and embarrassment of human monsters in the garb of political leadership implicates us all. It is as if we are all morons or as Uncle Bola would say; mumus. ‘ gian terrorist attack, the world is living through the worst of times. But there is no doubt that Africa’s share of the burden of existence has been incommensurate with its size and proportion vis-à-vis the rest of the world.

Consider Somali. Since the overthrow of Siad Barre in 1991, the country has not known peace. It has been torn apart by a self-inflicted civil war just because some egotistic war-lords must have their way to the detriment of innocent people. And because they must have their way, they do not really care if they build their empire over the debris of lives and limbs. An offshoot of the crisis has been the growth of militant Islam that has dominated a huge chunk of the Somali landscape, extorting and exploiting the innocent.

HARDBALL

I

N what could be his most provocative and insensitive use of language so far, far exceeding the one he employed over the polio vaccination campaign in 2003, Dr Datti Ahmed, the Kano-based medical doctor and President of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, told a press conference at the weekend that Muslims would go to war to defend the implementation of Islamic banking. Hearing him rail against those he regarded as opponents of the new banking system now sanctioned by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), it would be hard to recognise him as the same person who was once a member of the group of 49 wise men who drafted the 1979 constitution. Who, on hearing his extreme views of today, could ever imagine he was also once Pro-Chancellor and chairman of the Obafemi Awolowo University’s governing council?

More importantly, who could ever believe he was once reported to have headed a faction of the Kaduna mafia that negotiated an alliance with Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1983 in order to install the late sage as Nigerian leader in place of the ineffective National Party of Nigeria (NPN)?

But by 2003, whatever altruism was left in his national campaigns, and whatever

Al Shabab has refused food aid in the territory it controls on the grounds that nothing from the West can be good. This is in the midst of the worst famine in decades, and without providing an alternative means to feed the women, children and the elderly.

In search of survival, tens of thousands of women carry their emaciated babies along the “roads of death”, trekking hundreds of miles, not minding the risk of death. Hundreds have died along the way, including innocent babies. Meanwhile, Al Shabab has denied that there is famine according to the Post report. Surely, the mass of emaciated babies and human walking sticks that we see on visual and print media must be ghosts. In Al Shabab’s pathological mindset, we have all been under a huge cloud of deception. Even the refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya that are collapsing under the weight of the human catastrophes are all shadows of our collective imagination. Pray how can one maintain a state of sanity?

Yet we all are implicated in the current mess that is Africa. How did we get here?

What can get us out? The shame and embarrassment of human monsters in the garb of political leadership implicates us all. It is as if we are all morons or as Uncle Bola would say; mumus.

African Union is an institution that is expected to chart a path of glory in political and economic ascendancy. But apart from one or two headways, in recent times, it has been a paper tiger. Why can’t the collective anger of a continent be unleashed on Al Shabab, Boko Haram and the rest of these types of terrorist cells? When does religion— a personal spiritual matter— become a political weapon?

If there was no civil war in the Horn of Africa, and if Al Shabab had not compounded the problem with its declaration of religious war, the suffering along the “roads of death” would not occur. Because our socalled leaders refuse to take full responsibility for the path of dishonor and abject poverty that they have charted for the continent since independence, Africa remains the poorest in the world, and its people, the dregs of the human race. Afrocentricists express innocent pride about classical African civilisation, a blissful paradise on earth, as Nyerere surmised. Clearly, we have travelled far away from that home on the roads of death. Does anyone care?

•For comments, send SMS to 08057634061

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Datti Ahmed’s hysterics progressive credentials he still had that escaped scrutiny, had been supplanted by a more rabid sectional and sectarian passion.

First, he astounded the world by his unsubstantiated conclusion that the polio vaccines sent to the northern part of the country had been corrupted by substances designed to sterilise the immunised children.

This, he claimed, was aimed at reducing the population of northerners and Muslims. He provided no proof how health workers were supposed to identify who a Muslim was and what a northerner looked like. As a medical practitioner, he ought to have recognised that his campaign against polio vaccine would open a window for the devastating disease to stage a comeback. Even more irresponsibly, he provided no alternative to the vaccine.

Compared with his rage against Christians whom he denounced for opposing Islamic banking, his campaign against polio vaccine was a mild interlude in his wildly fluctuating and sometimes unprincipled and irreverent interventions in national life. Much of what he said against opponents of Islamic banking is unfit for

print. He wanted war; he wanted dissolution of the union, and he insisted, among many other things, on distorting facts and inflicting his own statistics on the nation.

Given the trajectory Datti’s national work was heading in his early years of prominence, he ought to be one of the country’s leading statesmen – educated, passionate, courageous and reliable. Instead, he chose to narrow his worldview, become acutely intolerant, and preferred to provoke rather than conciliate.

It is perhaps too late to teach him the wise and mild-mannered way of uniting the country, making it safe for everyone, including his grandchildren, and healing it of its many wounds inflicted by sectarian and ethnic conflicts. He has chosen how he wishes to be remembered, and, who knows, maybe he couldn’t care less.

But every sensible patriot from the North to the South, whether Christian or Muslim, has a greater responsibility to lead the country away from the rhetoric of war, and from the sort of senseless sabre-rattling that impoverished and dismantled Somalia, and sundered Sudan.

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